> All The World's A Stage
>  by thunderhawk7865
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Ch.1: The End of the Line
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ah, the allure of the stage...the passion for the performance...

All very hard for ponies who revel in the entertainment of the masses to resist, indeed.

The thrill of live theatre is intoxicating to the experienced actor; one simply cannot get enough of the wonder and amazement of stepping into the role of somepony else night after night.

And the reactions of a charmed and excited audience make it all worth it.

The audience laughs with the actor; sometimes, the audience cries with the actor.

The audience watches with hushed anticipation at the fight scene that unfurls before them, delicately rehearsed every night before curtain.

And sometimes...

The audience takes in a hushed breath as two characters in love share their first kiss, despite the odds being stacked against them.

One very wise pony once said, "We do on stage things that are supposed to happen off. Which is a kind of integrity, if you look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else."

What doors will you open today in your life?

The wonderment and mystery of it beguiles you so. Because after all...


All The World's A Stage



Written by thunderhawk7865






You let out a long yawn as you gaze out the window of the carriage you are seated in. You watch the wasteland fly by as the train carrying you speeds you along to your mysterious destination.

Speed is in the eye of the beholder, and that yawn wasn't for nothing. You have been on this train for a very long time.

Never in your life have you had to ride a train so far.

You sigh to yourself, taking a moment to gaze around the empty carriage. All the other passengers that had boarded with you in Manehattan had all but disembarked at their various destinations along the route. Not that you minded, really...you enjoyed the peace and quiet whenever you could get it.

Being a well-known Bridleway actor, it was often hard to find alone time. Hay, you couldn't even go to the bathroom without getting swarmed by fanponies sometimes.

The train-ride today was no different. Upon boarding, a squeal from a mare upon seeing you was all it took for the carriage to break into a frenzy. A couple autographs, pictures, and very hesitant hugs later, you finally managed to squirm your way into your very own corner of the carriage, and the ponies with any liable sense left in their heads could see you wanted your space. You thanked Celestia for those ponies every day.

That did not stop a couple of mares from staring at you the whole way from Manehattan to Ponyville, where they got off.

"Ugh..." You mutter to yourself as you return your gaze to the wasteland outside, straightening your ruffled hoodie of any wrinkles you could see. "Spots really owes me for this one."

Spots, or rather, your best friend Follow Spot, was a Bridleway director/producer/script writer. You'd met in the Manehattan Royal School of Performing Arts, and since graduation, you'd been in constant business together. You were inseperable in the business, quite like Tim Burtrot and Johnny Sparrow. Despite you being in the acting program and him being in the production program, you'd often get together to spitball ideas.

The last show you had done for Follow Spot was a modern take on William Canterspeare's romantic-comedy classic Much Ado About Nothing, in the which you played the main role. It was a smash on Bridleway, yet Follow Spot seemed...unsatisfied with the success.

"Yes, I know we sold out again, but...something's missing in all this!" He'd say night after night.

It really started to bug you after a while.

Then, after the show closed, it came out:

"I'm writing my own musical!" He'd blurted out one day at your favorite corner cafe in Manehattan.

Of course, you congratulated your friend and offered your support.

"Is there anything I can do?" You'd ask.

Shouldna dun dat.

Next thing you know, you're on this Celestia-forsaken train in the middle of the moon-banished wastes outside Equestria's borders looking for a Kirin to play the female lead in his radical new musical he called My Fair Kirin.

What even was a Kirin?

A slight muffled bumping noise sounds as you gently rest your head against the window, closing your eyes.

It seemed that the world was getting bigger and bigger.

Ever since the Storm King took Canterlot, and the Elements of Harmony went on the globe-trotting journey to gather a force to defeat him, it appeared as if more and more interesting sentient creatures nopony knew to exist kept springing up.

The yaks, the hippogriffs...er, seaponies...whatever...

The Kirin...

Fascinating creatures to be sure...from what you knew about them, anyway...

Originally discovered by two of the Elements of Harmony, Applejack and Fluttershy, on one of their famous friendship quests, the previously lively and musical Kirin had taken a vow of silence. Evidently, Kirin have a hidden power inside of them that springs to the surface when they get angry. They become something called a Nirik and destroy everything in their path. When the dust cleared, their village was ash, and their leader, Rain Shine, had ordered the vow. From what the papers said, they had teamed up with a Kirin who had not taken the vow and been exiled from the village to fix the problem.

Now the Kirin were back to normal.

...well, as normal as weird dragon/pony things with magical horns and scales could be.

You are broken from your stupor by the train suddenly jerking to a slow halt. The conductor, well aware of your presence since the last station (they wouldn't have bothered to come out here otherwise) enters the carriage and calls you by name. "We're here." He nods. "Celestia knows why you're out here..."

"Hopefully..." You mutter as you jump to your hooves, stretching your wings out and, hearing a couple of satisfying cracks, folding them back up. "Finding Bridleway's next big star..."

The conductor's ears flatten and he cocks his head at you. "Are...you serious?"

"Deadly." You give him a smile as you place you saddlebags on your back. "Thank you for extending your trip out here for me."

"You did pay for your ticket to come out here..." The conductor shrugs as you shuffle by him towards the exit of the carriage. "Now that I mention it, the last ponies to come out here were those two mares from Ponyville..."

"I'm very aware of that." You say, sliding the door open and looking back at the conductor. "Regardless, I appreciate you making this stop." With that, you leap off the train and touch down on the ground, a little dust cloud appearing around your hooves.

The conductor pops his head out of the door and nods at you. "Hope you find what you're looking for."

"Me too." You give a smile and a wave at the conductor. The conductor returns the favor and disappears inside the carriage. The train lets out two short whistles, steam puffs out from the stack on top of the engine...

...and the train goes backwards.

You watch in amusement as the train you had been on for the past day backs away from you. The image is quite the sight to behold. You turn your head and see the reason. The tracks don't keep going on. They just...ended where you now stood.

You turn and face the Peaks of Peril. You flapped your wings casually; you thanked Celestia you were a Pegasus.

"Weeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllll...."

You jump and let out a yelp in alarm, your wings shooting out, as an incredibly rickety voice right behind you surprises you. You whip around and find yourself gazing right into the eyes of a pony that could have been as old as the moon. He wore a ragged railroad station employee outfit that was torn and...looked dated.

"Er, hello?" You cock your head to the side as you hovered there, recovering from your heart attack.

"Not many ponies come to...the end of the line..." He narrows one eye at you inquisitively. "What business ya got out here, sonny?"

You stare at this old stallion. Goddess, he looked horrifying. How long had he been stranded out here? Did he live here? Did he even still work for the railway?

Questions for later.

"I, uh..." You struggle to find your words. You were sure this crazy old coot had no idea who you were (you were also sure this crazy old coot probably didn't even know what year it was), so explaining who you were and your mission was out. "I'm...looking for somepony...er..." You catch your mistake. "Somekirin, I suppose..."

"Ah..." The pony gave a toothy grin. "Goin' to see the Kirin, are we? Well, good luck! Heeeeeeeeeheheheheheheeee!"

You float away from the old man, a look of confusion plastered on your face. "Er, what do you mean?"

"Don't make 'um mad, sonny!" The stallion screeches at you after he calms down from his demonic cackling. "It might be the last thing you ever do!" He bursts out into another fit of maniacal cackling.

You cock your head to the side and nod slowly, gulping nervously. "Riiiight...well, thanks for the warning."

"Hope you like it hot, sonny! Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha!!!!" The crazy old bastard cracks up again, this time slowly walking towards the beat-up wooden ticket booth/outhouse by the end of the tracks. You stare at the crazy stallion as he steps inside, closes the door, and (while still laughing) closes the blinds on the ticket counter.

The wind blows idly through the air as you contemplate life and the universe...and, above all else, what the buck had just happened.

You blink and shake your head. "Okay then..." 

Back to the mission at hoof.

You reach back into your saddlebags and withdraw the map Follow Spot had given you. In the research process of My Fair Kirin, he traveled to Ponyville to meet with Princess Twilight Sparkle, the leader of the Elements of Harmony and Headmare of the School of Friendship there. It was through Twilight Sparkle that he obtained this map (supposedly hoof-drawn by Applejack) that led from the train tracks to the Kirin village. You were surprised you could make heads or tails of thing, but it was clear where you had to go.

"Over a stream, through some trees..." You muttered as you slowly float towards the Peaks of Peril, absentmindedly brushing a strand of your mane out of your eyes. "And through a cave...behind some vines and a rock?" You hum to yourself as you fold up the map and put it away in your saddlebags. "Easy enough..."





The Peaks of Peril were more like the Peaks of No-Peril-At-All.

...well, you had a map. Perhaps the other ponies who first discovered and named this mountain range weren't so lucky.

You had navigated through the canopy of trees and across the small stream mentioned in the map with ease (you were a pegasus, after all). You noticed some beautiful blue flowers growing by the stream that you had never seen before, making a mental note to ask one of the Kirin later.

You now found yourself floating in front of a cave entrance against a rock wall. You hum in thought as you gaze at the entrance before holding up the map in your forehooves. This looked like the cave that led to the village, but it was missing the giant rock and vines.

"Maybe the Kirin cleaned it up?" You thought out-loud to yourself. You glance to your left, then to your right. You saw no other cave entrances other than this one, and you were sure you followed the map correctly. "Guess this is it." You muttered, taking care to tuck the map back into your saddlebags.

A sudden rustling of the bushes behind you makes you go frigid in the air for a nanosecond. You whirl around, praying to Celestia it wasn't a bear or something that would love to have a Pegasus pancake for brunch.

The bushes continue to rustle, and you continue to just float there like moron. Your brain tries to get you to run, but curiosity overcomes your rational thinking, so you stay.

Finally, the creature that made the noise decided to make it's grand entrance, revealing...!

You bring a forehoof up to your face and groan. "I'm an idiot..."

You slowly drag the forehoof down off your face as the squirrel that was making the noises scampers past you towards a tree and climbs up it's trunk.

"Glad nopony was around to see that..." You groan, touching down and folding up your wings. You ruffle your feathers a bit before turning around...

...and finding yourself face to face with a pair of golden orbs staring blandly at you, eyes half-lidded.

"GAHAHAH!" You scream, jumping up into the air for the second time that day.  Unable to flap your wings, you fall on your rump. You groan and sit up, eyeing the creature before you.

From the descriptions Follow Spot had given you, this thing had to be a Kirin. It had the body of a mare, yet it bore several features that made her glaringly different than a regular mare. First there was the odd-shaped red horn adorning the top of her head. Then there was her flowing, orange mane. It not only covered her head, but surrounded her neck as well. It was very similar to a lion's mane. Her ears were longer, and her hooves bore beige-ish tips. Her back had scales (at least, you thought they were scales) of a similar beige color. Her tail was long and swept and extended outwards much further than a pony's would, and little tufts of orange hair could seen seen sticking out from behind her hind legs.

Truly, she was a sight to behold.

...although, you assumed it was a she. Only one way to find out.

"Celestia above, you really scared me!" You chuckle nervously, standing up and brushing yourself off. You give a friendly smile and stick out a forehoof. You give the Kirin your name. "And you are?"

The Kirin eyes your hoof, her eyes still uninterested. A few awkward seconds go by, and she looks at you again.

She says nothing in return.

"Uhm..." You slowly lower your hoof and scratch the back of your head, eyes darting around nervously. "Well, I assume you are a Kirin, correct?"

She still says nothing. She stares blankly at you, blinking once.

"Y-yeah...you're right..." You take a step back, gulping. "Dumb question. Of course you're a Kirin." You struggle to make headway with this strange Kirin girl, wracking your brain for something to say. "Is...the village much farther out? I'm making my way there on..." You paused. "Business."

This time, she cocks her head curiously at you.

Victory! She moved!

...

But she still doesn't say anything.

"Are...you okay?" You ask, gingerly taking a step forward towards the creature. You're about to say something else when it hits you.

This must be a Kirin who hasn't renounced that Vow of Silence yet... You reason to yourself. You nod and address the Kirin. "I'm sorry...I thought you could speak. I'm just...gonna go now..." You start to make your way by her and nod. "A pleasure to meet you."

As you pass her, you start to hear something strange.

Is she...

Is she snickering? Is she laughing?

You whirl around to face the Kirin just in time to see the creature burst out laughing, a big grin on her face. "Gotcha!" She points a hoof, her golden eyes now wide with amusement. "Oh man, I love pulling that one! Well, sometimes the Kirin in the village don't appreciate it, but hey, good to remind them of their mistakes so they don't go back, amiright?"

Before you can say anything, she trots forward and grabs the hoof you offered her earlier and shakes it rapidly. "I'm Autumn Blaze, aaaand you've probably come a loooong way to get here! Haven't had any visitors in a whil. While. While." She stops shaking your hoof and spits her tongue out for a moment. "Hah! Sorry! Still getting used to all the talking stuff after my friends Applejack and Fluttershy helped me git rid of the Vow of Silence."

Your eyes widen. This must be the Kirin that helped the Elements of Harmony!

You shake your head, a smile on your face. "No worries, Autumn Blaze!" You give her your name once more. "It is a pleasure! I've heard a lot about you!"

Her smile widens. "Oh, you have? Are you friends with Applejack and Fluttershy, too? Oh, how fun!"

You laugh. This Kirin was a hoot and a half. "Well, no...Equestria is a pretty big place. They are quite famous, though...known throughout the whole country. They've saved the world a..." You paused for a moment, crunching the numbers. "Couple of times..." You shrug.

You were honestly glad you were alive after everything that's been going down lately.

"They told me that..." Autumn Blaze nods excitedly. "That must be so exciting!" She paused. "Oh! Silly me! I got so caught up introductions I forgot to introduce my shadow!"

You blink. The wind casually whips your mane to the side as you stare at the Kirin.

"Your...what?"

She gets a big grin again. "Her name is Silhouette Gloom of the Sundown Lands!" She then turns to the side and gestures with a forehoof to the shadow being cast on the ground behind her. 

You blink again. This Kirin has had way too much alone time.

You feel a bead of sweat travel down your forehead and you gulp nervously, waving at the shadow. "Um...nice to...meet you..."

She claps her forehooves excitedly and nods at you. "So, are you headed to the village?"

Right. The mission.

"Uhm, yes!" You blurt out, cursing yourself for forgetting again. "I...have business there."

"Oh, well I can take you there!" Autumn Blaze smiles again. She gestures behind her at the cave. "You were on the right track anyway! C'mon!" She gestures with her head and she turns trotting towards the cave.

You sigh and nod. "Thank you." You trot after her, electing to stay on the ground in case any more surprises caused you to freeze up.

What have you gotten yourself into?
> Ch. 2: Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So where are you from?" Your new friend, Autumn Blaze, asks you as you exit the cave on the other side. Surprisingly, the cave wasn't that long or dark. It was just a simple tunnel through the peak separating you from the village.

You look around the the canopy of trees as you step out of the cave behind her. "A big city called Manehattan...you've probably never heard of it."

She turns to look at you, cocking her head to the side. "How big are we talking? Like, what, a hundred?"

You can't help but give one short, loud laugh at that one.

"Hah!" You giggle. "Not even close."

Her eyes widen. "Two hundred?"

"Try more like eight million." You smile and wink.

Her jaw drops. "M-m-million? Eight? Eight million?"

"Yep!"

"How is it even possible to have so many creatures in one place?" She paws the ground.

"Years of development, I guess..." You shrug. Guess all she's known is her village in her life, and there probably aren't very many Kirin who live there.

She breathes in and out slowly for a moment (you faintly smell smoke, but it's probably just your imagination), sighing heavily after a while. "So...what do you do there?" She turns and again gestures with her head for you to follow her.

You nod and follow her, smiling. "I'm an actor, actually."

Suddenly, the wind gets knocked out of you and you find yourself on your back, staring into the golden orbs of Autumn Blaze's eyes yet again. You get hit with the scent of freshly fallen leaves as her mane dangles just below your muzzle.

...that smells nice...

You blush, drop-kicking that thought out of your head.

"You're...an actor!?" She gets the biggest smile you've seen her give before you can say anything. "Like...theatre? Musical theatre?"

"U-Uhm..." You gulp. "Yeah, actually."

"That is so cool!" She leaps off of you (much to your relief) and claps her forehooves. "I love musical theatre!"

You quickly flap your wings, getting back onto your hooves and brushing yourself off. "You...do?"

She nods excitedly. "Pfff, uh yeah! I mean, who doesn't, am I right?" She leaps forward and you wince, thinking she's going to tackle you again. You brace for impact, but instead find her skipping merrily around you. "Oh, this is so exciting! An honest-to-goodness thespian like moi!" She gestures dramatically to herself.

"Forgive me, I-" You pause. "I...didn't think there would be something like live theatre out here."

She laughs quite loudly. "We aren't lawless brutes, you know..." She cocks her head at you. "But wait...what's an actor like you doing all the way out here?"

"Funny you should ask..." You nod as the pair of you continue walking. "My friend, Follow Spot, sent me here. He's a famous director back in Manehattan. He wrote a new musical he wants to stage. The main character is a Kirin."

"No way!" Autumn Blaze leaps for joy as you walk. "So does that mean-"

You nod, giving Autumn Blaze a smile. "I'm here to cast a Kirin for the show."

This time she leaps, but does a little front-flip as she does so. Goddesses, this Kirin was a ball of energy! When she lands, she jumps back and forth on her hooves excitedly. "I am so there! This is amazing!"

You stop and laugh audibly. "I'd be insulted if you didn't come. You, my new friend, are bustling with energy! Perfect for the stage!" You pose dramatically, lifting a forehoof into the air for effect.

"You really think so!?" You gasp in surprise as Autumn Blaze once again violates your personal space, her golden orbs encompassing your entire field of vision.

You find yourself blushing awkwardly yet again, and back up, swallowing and chuckling nervously. "U-Uh, yeah! I do!"

You find yourself transfixed by her eyes again, swallowing nervously yet again, as she smiles and cocks her head in response to your compliment. "Well, aren't you sweet." She says. 

She really was quite exquisite. You again find your mind wandering along her flowing orange mane and red horn. Your eyes wander to her toned body. Despite the scales and longer, thinner tail, her body wasn't that different from a mare at all.

Suddenly, a heavenly voice calls you by name and draws you out of your trance. "You...okay there, buddy?" She purses her lips and straightens her head up in curiosity.

"Oh...oh!" You step back and shake your head, rubbing the back of your neck. "Y-yeah! Just thinking about the...auditions!" 

"Oh! Right! Hah, doi!" Autumn Blaze laughed and crossed her eyes, sticking out her tongue. "You must be soooo stressed about that!"

You sigh and nod as the pair of you continue to walk. "Stressed isn't the word...more like..." You huff, pursing your lips. "So stressed I couldn't sleep on the train."

"Do you have a place to stay while you're visiting?" Autumn Blaze asked, raising an eyebrow.

You stop suddenly and gasp, your eyes wide in horror. "Aw, buck..." You bring a forehoof up to your forehead and sigh.

Autumn Blaze stops trotting and gazes at you curiously. "Buuuuck...hm. Haven't heard that one before..." She moves her lower jaw around, mulling the colorful word over in her mind.

"Don't go quoting me on that word if you ever end up in Equestria..." You groan, slowly dragging the forehoof off of your face. "But, to answer your question, no. No, I do not. Damn, should've thought of that before I left..."

It was true. In the hustle and bustle of carrying out Follow Spot's request, you had forgotten to see what kind of lodging the Kirin Village provided...

...though you suspected off-hoofedly that there probably wasn't an inn to be found in that village. Like, really? Who'd want to vacation at a place called The Peaks of Peril?

You. The answer to that question was your dumb ass.

"That's okay though!" Autumn Blaze hummed happily. "You can crash with me!"

Your jaw drops.

"S-say what?" You stammer. Damn, this Kirin was forward.

"It's not big deal! Got plenty of room in the ol' tree house!" She turns and skips merrily along, leaving you to use a forehoof to push your slack jaw back into position and follow her. "You'll be here for, what, two more days? No biggie."

"You're sure I wouldn't be imposing?" You say, trotting to catch up to her.

"Psh..." Autumn smiles and cocks her head at you. "The only other creature living with me is Silhouette."

You shake your head in confusion. "What? Silhouette?"

"My shadow! Remember?"

Another smack as your forehoof connects with your face.

She giggles as you both trot along through the canopy of trees. "You're funny! I like ya'! I get the feeling we'll be good friends while you're here."

You nod, a faux smile on your muzzle. "Well, I'm sure that...Silhouette and I will get along just fine. Don't you worry."

"You'd better! Or it's out on your flank!"





The remaining journey to the Kirin village wasn't that far or very eventful. Autumn Blaze led the way chattering about this thing or that tree or flower. She did mention to you that that blue flower you found by the stream at the base of the Peaks was called Foal's Breath, and it was that very flower that cured the Vow of Silence that afflicted her people not too long ago. You learned that if it weren't for Fluttershy talking to the squirrels that live down there, they would never have found it.

...what a way to save the day...

When you finally arrived at the village, you are greeted warmly by all the other Kirin. They were absolutely ecstatic to meet yet another pony in such a short amount of time, considering it had been two ponies that had saved their village from eternal silence. As Autumn Blaze led the way through the center of the village, you find your eyes wandering.

"You like it?" Autumn asks, looking at you over your shoulder.

"It's...outstanding!" You gape at the luscious trees that made up the canopy as well as housing for the Kirin. The various streams and pools that wove through the village, all connecting to a large, beautiful fountain towards the center, made the peaceful gurgling noise that reminded you of your cabin on the mountainside near Canterlot. It was beyond peaceful here, and you loved the pure artistry of whatever Deity formed this wondrous place. You had better be sure to take notes for Follow Spot. You knew at least one or two scenes in My Fair Kirin took place here in the village.

Peaks of Peril? More like the Peaks of Why-Hasn't-Anypony-Told-You-About-This-Place-Before?

Another thing that struck you as you trotted through the village were the other Kirin. Like ponies, they came in all colors, but for the most part, they all looked the same. In fact, upon further observation, it was extremely difficult to tell the mares from the stallions, if they even used those terms. The only difference between genders you could see were if they had long eyelashes or not...and even then you still weren't sure.

"Why Autumn Blaze...how good it is to see you today."

A soothing female voice demands the attention of your companion. You turn, and your jaw drops for what seems to you like the millionth time today. Before is a female Kirin taller than any of the others. Built like Celestia, this Kirin was clearly the village elder you had heard about named Rain Shine. She had a brilliant forest-green mane and tail (which was even more lengthy than any of the others) and eyes that were as red as the horns all the Kirin had. A crown of sorts adorned her head and sat in front of her horn.

Yep. She'd definitely lose a game of "Who's In Charge Here?" in a heartbeat.

"Rain Shine!" Autumn Blaze trots forward towards this godly Kirin, a happy-go-lucky grin on her face. "You're timing is impeccable. I want you to meet my new friend here..."

Rain Shine's eyes fall on you. "A pony? How wonderful." She smiles. "It gives me joy to know more of Applejack and Fluttershy's people have come to visit us. We welcome you to our village." She nods and smiles. "I am Rain Shine, the village elder. And you are?"

You give your name and bow your head by instinct. "It's truly a pleasure."

Rain Shine giggles and raises a hoof. "Please, don't be so formal. I am not a Princess, as your leaders are." She cocks her head to the side and winks. "I'm just old! So they put me in charge!"

Your eye twitches. You wanted to ask exactly how old Rain Shine was, but you were doing good so far, and wanted to keep it that way. If it's one thing you learned back home, it's that asking mares how old they are never went over well. Your actor status did nothing to protect you from that.

You laugh. "That's very interesting!" You blurt out.

"So..." Rain Shine smiles once more. "What brings you to our little village?"

Before you can answer, your fiery little companion hops in, bouncing excitedly yet again. "He's an actor, Rain Shine! From a big pony city called Manhattan-"

"Manehattan, Autumn..." You correct her. Jeez, what a silly way to say that name! Manhattan...what was she thinking?

"Right." Autumn waved a hoof. "Anyway, his friend is writing a musical that stars..." She stops. "Pause for dramatic effect..." She strikes a pose, one forehoof raised over her head. "A Kirin!" She twirls the hoof and smiles excitedly at Rain Shine. You stifle a chuckle; this Kirin was really growing on you.

"Really?" Rain Shine turns from Autumn to you. "A pony theatrical production starring one of our kind would greatly benefit both our peoples, I think."

Wow...that was easy. Village leader approval acquired!

You blink in surprise. "Y-yeah! My thoughts exactly!" You swallow, but then puff out your chest with confidence as you present your plan to the Kirin leader. "I'm here to hold auditions...with your permission, of course...to cast a female Kirin for the show. Is there a theatre or stage around here where we could potentially hold them?"

Autumn Blaze sidles up to you, a sly grin on her face. "Is there a theatre...you hear this guy?" She looks to Rain Shine, but drapes a forehoof around you. "Of course there's a theatre." She snorts. "Heck, I practically live there..."





"You weren't kidding..."

"Told ya!"

A couple minutes after your initial meeting with Rain Shine, you found yourself standing with her and Autumn Blaze in front of the Kirin theatre. It was a sight to behold; it was a huge, hollowed out tree. Big enough for a full-length proscenium stage. The theatre was complete with 5 rows of seats. It was one of the most breathtaking outdoor stages you'd ever seen.

And right next door...

"My house." Autumn Blaze nudges you and points a hoof at the smaller tree house. Another hollowed out tree, but with what appeared to be a front door and windows.

You sit on your flank and stare around at everything, trying to take everything in. So this was what culture shock feels like...

"This...this..." You struggle to speak.

"Use your wooooords~!" Autumn Blaze leans in close, a big smile on her face.

"Is magnificent!" You finish, clapping your forehooves together. "It's absolutely criminal that nopony has ever heard about this place before! It's..." You sigh, finally deciding to stand up. "Stunning." You turn to face Autumn Blaze and Rain Shine. "Are you sure this is no trouble?"

"Not at all." Rain Shine waves a hoof. "Feel free to hold your auditions here tomorrow."

"I'll let everykirin know!" Autumn Blaze jumped up and down. "Well, everykirin who's a girl anyway. Ha! Too bad, boys!" She gives a snarky grin to...

...well, whoever or whatever she was talking to...

...and turns to you, once again invading your personal space.

"This is so exciting!" She smiles warmly at you. "Thank you so much for bringing this opportunity to our village!"

You, still on your actor's high from seeing such a beautiful space to use, smile right back at her, not paying attention to how close you were getting to one another. "Of course, Autumn! Thank you for spreading the word."

You blink in shock as you are suddenly wrapped up in a hug. Autumn Blaze's forehooves are wrapped around your neck, her head to the right of yours, her mane draping over her shoulders...

...aaaaand there's that glorious fallen leaves smell again...

Pile-driving that thought into oblivion, you release yourself from the hug and nod graciously, doing your best to hide your embarrassment...and pink cheeks. "So, um...care to show me where I'll be staying? It's...getting kind of late."

"Is it?" Autumn looks up squinting up through the canopy. "Oh! So it is!" She turns back to you. "Let's go get you settled!"

As Autumn begins to lead you toward her house, you chance a look back at Rain Shine. She smiles and winks at you before turning around and starting back towards the village proper. You purse your lips and turn back around, following Autumn to her front door.

What was that all about?





"Tada~!" Autumn Blaze sings as the front doors opens. "My digs!" She pauses and sidles up to you again. "You dig?"

You trot inside and look around the front room of Autumn's "digs." Overall, it looked just like a front room you'd see in a standard pony house or cottage. There was what looked like a kitchen towards the back of the tree, and stairs that went upward to where you assumed Autumn's bedroom was.

"I dig." You state simply, still looking around.

"You can take the couch!" She closes the door and leaps past you, jumping on the red piece of furniture. "When I was exiled from the village, I couldn't take this bad boy with me! I couldn't get it out the dang door, even with magic!" She giggled and hopped off, landing in front of you. "Sound good?"

"Sounds just fine to me." You nod. "Thank you, Autumn."

"Pfft. No worries." She waves a hoof as you walk by to the couch, depositing your saddlebags there and taking a seat.

You sigh. It was always nice to relax after a long day of traveling.

"While I've got some daylight left, I'm gonna head out and tell as many Kirin as I can about the auditions tomorrow!" She trotted to the door. "You make yourself at home, ok?"

"Again..." You sit up, eyes narrowed. "You sure this isn't any trouble?"

"Um, yeah?" She nods. "I wouldn't have invited you into my house otherwise." She grins. "I'll see you soon!"

Before you can say anything else to her, you fiery Kirin companion is out the door, the said door slamming shut behind her.

You sigh again, leaning back against the couch's fluffy cushions. It was good to be alone after all that attention from the various Kirin...especially Autumn. You chuckle as you think of your new friend. You really hoped she came through with her word and auditioned tomorrow. There was something about her that caused a spark within you; like you somehow already knew she was perfect for the role.

You reach your head into your saddlebag and pull out your journal you had brought for notes. You were planning on using this journal for notes during the auditions, but you decided to use a few pages to start detailing the village for Follow Spot...

...and also to contemplate the fiery Kirin who had befriended you so quickly.

You use your muzzle and a pencil to write the desired notes and ponderings down, but it isn't long until finally the fatigue of the train ride catches up to you and you fall into a blissful sleep.
> Ch. 3: Auditions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You awake to the steady stream of sunlight shining through the front window of the hollowed out tree. You crack your eyes open and stretch out your forehooves, stifling a yawn. You sit up and look around. No sign of your generous host.

It takes a minute for your body senses to start kicking in...

But then, it hits you...the smell food being prepared. You weren't sure what it was, but it smelled delicious.

You also hear a delicate humming coming from the kitchen behind your position on the couch. The humming stops when you turn around and crane your neck to see what's going on in the kitchen. You see Autumn at her stove, her horn alight with a blue aura. She was holding with her magic a frying pan, and something was sizzling within.

This was interesting. The Unicorns you knew, including Follow Spot, had a magical aura that resembled some color of the body, like their eyes or mane. There wasn't a trace of blue on this Kirin girl. Even more intriguing was the fact that only the lighter red highlights on her horn glowed instead of the whole appendage like when Unicorns used magic. Fascinating. The more you learned about the Kirin through observation, the more intrigued you became.

"Oh! You're up!" Autumn Blaze's voice suddenly makes your ears perk up. You can't help but return the smile she shoots you with your own tired one. "Breakfast is almost ready! Hope you like pancakes!"

You scoff, stretching out your wings and flapping them a couple times to get them warmed up. "Who doesn't like pancakes?"

Autumn purses her lips. "Silhouette, but she doesn't need to eat, so I guess it's okay." She smiles and winks at you.

There she goes, talking about her shadow again. It was less creepy now, and more cute. Regardless, you slap a forehoof to your face like the other times.

You trot into the kitchen and sigh, shaking your head. "You have been way, way too kind to me, Autumn. I mean, I just met you yesterday. Lodging and breakfast?" You sigh gratefully. "I can't thank you enough."

She scoffs. "Psh, it's really no big deal." She turns her attention back to the frying pan, flipping the current pancake she was cooking. You then notice that a couple of pancakes are ready to eat, and were placed on a plate to her right on the table. "I learned a lot about Kindness from Fluttershy while she was here. Doing nice things for creatures you don't know are a great way to get to know them better." She nods, flipping the pancake again. "Besides, doing nice things helps to-" She hesitates. "Curb certain emotions those not of our kind might deem...dangerous."

You blink, confused. "What do you mean?" Then the light-bulb goes on in your head. "Oh...the Nirik thing, right?"

She sighs. "You know about that, huh?"

"Kinda hard not to..." You reply, taking a seat nearby. "When Applejack and Fluttershy came back, the papers were all over it...like they usually are when the Elements come back from a quest or something." You place a forehoof on your chin and gaze at Autumn Blaze. "But hey, I get it. Don't be afraid to be yourself around me Autumn..."

Her magic falters, and she drops the frying pan for a moment. There is a slight CLANGing noise that sounds because of it, which causes both of you to jump slightly. She regains her composure and picks up the pan with her magic again, turning her head to face you, her golden orbs widened. "R-really?"

After you calm down from your sudden stroke, you sit back down and nod, giving her a smile. "Really."

"You've...never seen a Nirik, though..." Autumn turns back to the pan, dumping the finished pancake on the plate with the others. "It...can be kind of...well, scary."

Oh no...she's getting a little sad. You feel slightly guilty for prying into what she meant. Time to activate that ol' charm of yours.

"I'm sure I could handle it." You say confidently. "You're such a sweetie anyway...I'm sure Nirik you isn't even bad."

She turns and gives you a look like she's processing what you just said. After a moment, her trademark grin returns, an eyebrow raised. "I'm a sweetie, huh?"

Your eyes widen. Busted.

"I...I, uh..." You stammer. This was impossible. This never happened to you back in Equestria. The subliminal flirting that transpired always ended with the mares swooning. They were supposed to be the ones unable to speak. In a single 24-hour period, this fiery Kirin girl had played you at your own game. "W-well, yeah? Like I said, you've just been really nice to m-me, and-" Wait...why were you flirting with this Kirin again?

Your mind manages to push out that final thought before her heavenly voice draws you back to reality.

"You're adorable when you're flustered." Autumn Blaze's knowing smirk fades before she uses her magic to float the finished pancakes over to the table where you are sitting. "Eat up! You and I have got quite the day ahead of us!"

You sigh, utterly dejected in your defeat. At least she dropped it...

...for now.

"So..." She uses her magic to grab a pancake and place it on her own personal plate in front of her. "You're probably wondering how I did telling everykirin about the auditions today!"

You use a forehoof to grab a fork and reach for your own pancake. Damn, you were jealous of Unicorns sometimes...Kirin now, too. "Actually, yeah!" You respond. "How'd it go?"

"Everykirin knows." She states simply before using her magic to levitate a fork, stabbing the pancake and ripping some of it off.

You are about to do the same when her statement causes you to almost fall off of your chair, your wings splaying out behind you to steady yourself. "Say what!?"

"Everykirin knows." She responded again, this time followed by a mouthful of pancake.

"How!?"

"Ah herve mah werys." She says with pancake still in her mouth. She swallows and grins. "You're welcome, by the way."

You shake your head and stab your own pancake with your fork. "Every minute you do something that shocks and amazes me, Autumn..."

"It's what I do~!" She practically sings before taking another bite and swallowing. "It was easy...I'm kind of a big deal around here, you know."

You take a bite of your own pancake. It's delicious! "Right." You respond, swallowing your food. "You were the Kirin that helped Applejack and Fluttershy with the vow of silence. No wonder you're a big deal." You point your fork down at the pancake, not breaking eye contact with Autumn. "These are damn good, by the way."

She smiles, closing her eyes and cocking her head to the side. "Glad you like 'um! They're Silhouette's special recipe..."

...what...

You bite your lower lip for a moment, confused. This stuff with her moon-banished shadow was just getting better and better. "I...thought you said Silhouette didn't like pancakes?"

"She doesn't." Autumn shrugged, stabbing her pancake again. "But she knows I do! And as my best friend and roommate, she was obliged to share her family recipe with me!"

SLAP! There went your forehoof to your face again.

"Well..." You mutter, dragging your forehoof off of your face. "I'll have to get the recipe from her before I leave then..."

Autumn just giggles.





Autumn was right. Everykirin knew.

After breakfast and a little preparation, you and Autumn step outside her house to a crowd of Kirin surrounding the hollowed-out tree stage. It seemed every female Kirin in the village was present, warming up their voices, their pre-audition jitters showing through. Some male Kirin were there too, but they were standing off to the side or already in some seats. Probably there for moral support for friends, significant others, or family.

Before you could even say anything to Autumn or anykirin else, you are greeted by a cascade of cheers and stomping of hooves when the Kirin notice you. Guess Autumn really knew how to make somepony sound really good. You wave a forehoof at the crowd, a smile splashed across your muzzle. You waved at cheering crowds so wearily often; sometimes your smiles were fake. But not this time. Something about being in an exotic place casting an even more exotic creature just brought you joy.

Autumn Blaze sidles past you, her tail flicking your right wing as she does so, joining the crowd. She turns and smiles, joining in the stomping. She winks at you again.

You were starting to feel a little glad you offered to help Follow Spot at that cafe.

You shoulda dun dat! And you did!

"Okay okay!" You stop waving, but can't wipe the grin off of your muzzle. "Settle down! I've got stuff to tell you before we can start!" The cheering quiets down steadily, and you clear your throat. "Thank you all so very much for coming out here today!" More cheering and stomping for a second. You introduce yourself, giving your name to the crowd in case they already didn't know. "Autumn Blaze has gathered you here today for one purpose..." You strike a dramatic pose and point your forehoof out at the crowd. "One of you will leave here today a star!"

Even louder cheering and stomping. Jeez, there were eating this up! Guess Autumn was right when she said the Kirin loved theatre.

"One of you ladies..." You continue. "Will accompany me back to Manehattan to star as the main character in the new musical, My Fair Kirin!"

More cheering and stomping. It is at this point you see Rain Shine towards the back of the theatre, eyeing the event. When your eyes meet her's, she nods knowingly. You smile and nod in return before turning back to the crowd, your eyes briefly meeting those of Autumn's one more time before extending your wings, and spinning into the air. "Let the auditions...begin!"





A little bit later, you sat with Rain Shine at a table hastily set up towards the front of the rows of seats. Yet, it was just far back enough that you could the Kirin auditioning. You had agreed to let Rain Shine participate in the process as a moderator. It was only fair, seeing as this was a big deal on relations between the Kirin and the ponies. The line of Kirin auditioning was so long you couldn't see the end of it from where you were sitting; in fact, it stretched all the way out of the entrance towards the back.

You settle in and stick your muzzle in your saddlebags, gripping your notebook with your teeth and placing it on the table, along with a pencil to write with. 

"You ready for the first audition?" Rain Shine draws your attention, smiling cheerfully. She was clearly excited about this.

You respond with a smile of your own, followed by an enthusiastic nod. Turning back to the stage, you notice a male Kirin, brown fur with a black mane, by the stairs up to the stage, looking to you for directions. You nod. "Send up the first auditioner!"

The stallion nods and waves the Kirin first in line on stage. She trots happily up the stairs and turns to face you and Rain Shine, a broad grin on her face. You observe this Kirin; her hide fur was a dark tan and her mane was a light chocolate color. Her eyes red like Rain Shine's.

"Hello!" You say cheerfully. "And what is your name?"

Before the Kirin could respond, a familiar voice rings out from behind you echoing around the theatre.

"WOO! GO FERN FLARE!" Autumn Blaze yells from...somewhere in the crowd of Kirin.

The Kirin sighs. Her confident smile fades to a nervous one. "F-Fern Flare, sir."

You turn for a moment and gaze around, trying to find Autumn (if nothing else but to give her the stink-eye for her outburst and to see her again). Finding no sign of her immediately in your field of vision, you turn back around and smile, placing your forehooves together. "Well, Fern Flare, it's a pleasure to meet you. The stage is yours."

Fern Flare nods, clears her throat, and begins to sing. You had found a Kirin stallion who could play the piano and had cajoled him into played for the auditioners if they needed it, and he began to play for Fern Flare as she began to sing. Your eyes widen as she belts out this power ballad. You fall into a little bit of a trance as she sings, her eyes closed and a forehoof raised. The song was excellent, and the way she delivered the vocals was incredible. What a way to start the audition process today!

When she was done, your stamp your forehooves on the table, shaking your head. She turning a slight shade of red as a bunch of other Kirin joined in. To your left, Rain Shine remained stoic, yet a small smile adorned her lips.

"Wow!" You say as the stamping quiets down. "Fern Flare, that was incredible! What an amazing song! And you delivered it so well! Thank you! We'll definitely be in touch!"

Fern Flare bows her head and, unable to contain her excitement at having done a good job, trots in place giddily. "Th-Thank you!"

As Fern Flare leaves the stage to rejoin her cheering friends, you take your pencil in your mouth and scribble down a few notes:

Fern Flare
Hide: Tan. Mane: Light brown. Eyes: Red.
Audition: Astounding! Gonna be hard to beat! Belted out a power ballad that rocked the house. Great range.

"Well?" Rain Shine asks as you put your pencil down. "What did you think of Fern Flare?"

"That was incredible!" You remark, shaking your head as the next Kirin comes on-stage. "That's gonna be hard to beat!"

Rain Shine hums in response. "She is one of our village's best vocalists, though..." She looks down at you. "If I'm being honest, Fern Flare falls on the lower spectrum."

If you had water, you'd be doing Equestria's most epic spit-take.

"Say what?" You gasp quite loudly, drawing everykirin's attention. You laugh awkwardly, wave a forehoof, then extend your wings to hide your hushed conversation with Rain Shine. "That was incredible! How can you say that was on the lower end of your spectrum?"

Rain Shine giggles. "You'll find most Kirin have the gift of singing...genetic, I would assume." She turns back to the stage. "Your friend was right to want a Kirin for his production. Let's hope you have a good ear, my friend. This could get long."

You sputter, unable to believe what she just said. How can an entire village of these creatures be so talented?

There's no way... You think to yourself, shaking your head clear of those thoughts and turning your attention to the next Kirin auditioning.





Never has your mind been blown away...nay, utterly wasted in such a manner.

The raw talent this species had, at least among the females, was astounding!

Audition after audition came and went, each female Kirin singing a powerful song that clearly meant a lot to them. None of them had terrible voices. None of them felt bland. Their performances were all spectacular.

The latest Kirin auditioner leaves the stage to more thunderous stomping. You stomp your hooves on the table as well, writing down more notes on the latest Kirin. You sit up straight, stretching your forehooves and wings. You run a forehoof through your mane, wincing at how disheveled it felt.

How long has it been?

You glance up at the canopy. It had to be the late afternoon based on how Celestia's sun had changed position.

You let out a yawn, smacking your lips, as you stare down at your notes.

How in the damn wide world of Equestria am I going to pick just one of them?! You think to yourself.

"Had enough?" Came Rain Shine's voice from your side.

You twitch and turn to face her. "Uh, just tired is all. Been a loooong day. But, wow, what a pool of talent. I don't know who to-" You paused, your eyes skimming through your notes. Your breath catches in your throat in a moment of panic.

No...no...that can't be right...

You use your forehooves to pick up your notes and flip through the pages. "But...but what about-"

"Autumn Blaze?" Rain Shine cocks an eye at you, not doing very well at hiding her smirk.

"Yeah!" You drop your notes, sighing disappointingly.  "She said she would-"

"Audition?"

You perk up, your ears flicking upward at the familiar sound of your new friend's voice. Your eyes meet golden orbs once again as you see Autumn Blaze standing on the stage. She isn't wearing her trademark silly grin; instead, she is smiling shyly at you.

"Here I am. I did promise you I would..." She rubs one forehoof with the other, her face flushed slightly red. "I, uh...wanted to go last..."

You nod in understanding. Autumn Blaze had been the first Kirin you had met and talked with. The first Kirin you befriended, you might even wager to guess. Her decision to go last made sense; she clearly didn't want the other Kirin to feel like you singled her out and make it even a little unfair.

You keep eye contact for a moment, the crowd of Kirin in the theatre quieting down as they noticed her under the spotlight.

Now there is only her, gazing at you from the stage, that shy smile on her muzzle.

Wordlessly, you gesture a forehoof forward, signalling for her to begin.

She nods, closing her eyes. Clearing her throat, she gestures to the Kirin by the piano. He nods and begins to play.

The pianist plays for a bit before Autumn Blaze, her eyes closing again, opens her mouth and...

...your ears perk up and your eyes widen.

What is that heavenly noise you hear?

She's quietly ooo'ing to the tune the piano is making. Her voices blends with the piano near perfectly.

Just when you thought you couldn't get any closer to the clouds, she begins to sing.

Your jaw drops slightly as you stare at Autumn. Her voice is absolutely heavenly. All the Kirin you had heard today were talented, but something was different about Autumn's performance. This song was slow, yet powerful; quiet, yet bold. And you feel that with every word Autumn sings. This was phenomenal in every way. 

Then she hits the chorus.

...and you are transported to another world...a parallel world where the only inhabitants are you and Autumn Blaze...and for the first time in a very long time...

Tears start to well in your eyes.

Never enough! She belts, again and again. Each time she hits that high note, you can't hold back on the waterworks. You try your best to contain the inevitable sniffles, but it is in vain. You stare in awestruck wonder as she belts out one final "For me!"

The music slows to a halt.

Autumn opens her eyes and looks right at you, her golden orbs shimmering in the light. You swear the very air around her sparkling as she utters one last line:

For me...

The pianist plays a couple more measures, Autumn ooo'ing along, and then...

Silence.

Not just any kind of silence. The kind of silence that hangs in the air. Kind of akin to a spiritual experience, your heart is swollen with emotion from the performance you just witnessed.

When the music stops, you struggle to keep yourself in the parallel world you and Autumn had been seemingly transported to. You sniff, your eyes still wide and brimming with tears. You didn't want to go back to reality. Part of wanted dearly to stay in that reality with Autumn forever.

"Autumn..." You manage, sniffing again. "I...wow..."

Autumn huffs shyly, using a forehoof to wipe some sweat from her brow and to brush some of her mane out of her eyes. Her cocky grin returns when the crowd bursts into a roar of stomping and applause. 

You extend your wings and hover, clapping your forehooves together rapidly, shaking your head in awe, as you gaze at Autumn Blaze.

You didn't even know why you bothered holding auditions now. All the Kirin you had seen today were extremely talented, but Autumn...

That feeling you had? It was dead on the money.

You had already made up your mind. Autumn Blaze was born to be a star.

Autumn Blaze was going to play Ember Myst in My Fair Kirin.
> Ch. 4: Your Mind Is a Scary Place Sometimes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Astounding. Amazing. Stunning. Fantastic. Beautiful.

These are just a few of the words racing through your mind as you assist Rain Shine and a couple of Kirin stallions in closing up the stage. The Kirin mares, including Autumn Blaze, had left. You had promised them results tomorrow morning; the winner would then accompany you to Manehattan to begin rehearsals right away.

Dusk was falling on the Kirin village as you gripped a rope with your forehooves and pulled continuously on it, lowering the curtains back down to the floor. Your brain couldn't stop repeating over and over again the words Autumn Blaze sung a few hours earlier. The song was very much stuck in your head and, unlike when that usually happened, you reveled in it.

"Never enough..." You whisper to yourself, smiling as you trotted out from behind the curtains, where Rain Shine and the stallions stood chatting. "Thank you all so much for your help." You say to them all, and they turn to face you. "Like I said to the auditioners, I will reveal who got the role tomorrow morning in the center of town."

The stallions all started to file out, only leaving you and Rain Shine on the stage in just a matter of seconds.

You sigh wistfully, falling to your rump and yawning, holding a forehoof up to your mouth to cover it up. So much had happened today, and you definitely were suffering from sensory overload at the moment.

"You look exhausted." Rain Shine giggles, her head cocking to the side as she examines you.

"No kidding." You reply dryly. "I...I'd heard the Kirin were talented, but this?" You gesture with your forehooves offstage.  "I wasn't ready for this."

"Makes it hard to choose doesn't it?" Rain Shine gives you another lighthearted giggle. "Plays are always so hard to cast in the village..."

You are silent at that remark. As you look out at the empty auditorium, you feel Rain Shine's eyes boring a hole into the back of your head. You turn your head to look at the Kirin Elder, only to be greeted by narrowed eyes and knowing smile.

You laugh nervously. "What?"

"You and I both know..." Rain Shine lowered her voice to just above a whisper, keeping her knowing grin, "who you are going to cast for your musical..." She paused to look at your reaction for a moment. "Don't we?"

You huff. Damn, these Kirin were good at reading you...

Well, the two Kirin you'd met personally, anyway...

"Was I that obvious?" You mutter, lowering your head a little to hide your blush.

Rain Shine hums at that. "Hmmm...that was part of it, though I'd have cast Autumn Blaze in any role after an audition like that."

"She's...amazing." You rise to your hooves, stretching out your wings and turning to face the Kirin Elder. "I've never heard any mare in Equestria sing like that! I-" You pause and sigh, sheepishly looking up at the Kirin Elder. "Yes." He nod. "I am going to pick Autumn Blaze."

Rain Shine's smile softened. She took a step towards you and pursed her lips. "How...how ironic..."

You cock your head to the side, a bit confused at her response. "What...what do you mean?"

Rain Shine was silent for a moment. Then, the Kirin Elder sniffed, closing her eyes. She shook her head and opened her eyes again to look at you. A tear slides down her cheek.

"We...just got our dear Autumn Blaze back..." Rain Shine started, never breaking eye contact with you. "And now, we are going to lose her again."

You open your mouth, making a silent "ah" and nodding in understanding. "Well, I-" You hesitate. "I understand. She really is special." You sigh. You'd have to settle, it seemed. "I can cast somekirin else if that will-"

"No." Rain Shine cuts you off suddenly. "No, this...this is an important opportunity for the Kirin. This production your friend wishes to put on will do wonders for the integration of my people back into the world." Rain Shine's quirky smile finally returns. "It would be absolutely foolish of me to not let Autumn Blaze go. She is perfect for this. And..." She stops herself and chuckles. "Again, what a coincidence that the Kirin who saved us...will go and bring honor to us in Equestria."

You stared at the Kirin Elder with many thoughts racing through your brain. The feeling of guilt you were experiencing was quickly being replaced with that of pride...

Pride in the fact that you had the Kirin leader's support in that you were doing the right thing.





You bid goodbye to Rain Shine and took your leave of the tree-stage. As you step out into the evening air and peer towards the horizon and the setting sun, you sigh. What a day...

Then your stomach makes the unholy sound of hunger, rumbling quite loudly. Loudly enough that a passing Kirin couple giggle at you. You try to hide your embarrassment and sheepishly wave back with a forehoof. Have I really not eaten all day?

The swear you feel the ground shake with the rumble that follows.

No...no I haven't...

"Somepony sounds hungry!" A familiar voice chirps from nearby. You turn just in time to see your favorite Kirin exiting her house, using her magic to close the door behind her, her trademark smirk plastered on her face and an eyebrow raised. "I heard your tummy and thought you must be done inside the stage!"

"I don't know what you're talking about." You huff, hoping to save what shred of dignity you had left to spare in Autumn's mind.

"Uh huh...then that small earthquake I felt was your unnamed shadow then?" She quips.

"You heard that?"

"It was legendary." Autumn giggled, flicking her tail towards you happily as she trots by you. "C'mon, mister. Let's so grab a bite from the market. I was headed that way anyway."

Your mouth salivates as you turn to follow Autumn. You begin to daydream at what the Kirin must consider delectable. "That sounds great!"

You fall into step with your Kirin friend as you walk through the village. Silence reigns between the two of you, which you are okay with. Audition days are always long and loud, so it was good to enjoy silence sometimes. As a fellow theatre creature, you could tell the Kirin shared your sentiments on the subject. You try not to look at her in quick, sideways glances...

It was fleeting. You did it anyway.

The way her burning orange mane glowed in the light of the late evening was absolutely radiant. Her golden eyes were glowing as well, perfectly complementing the rest of her beautiful features.

And as you walk with her, the hunger you feel melts away...

...and you let your mind wander places you had obliterated rather quickly the past couple of days.

You thought back to when Autumn Blaze tackled you when you first arrived, only in the theatre of your mind, her eyes were half-lidded as she gazed down at you, her muzzle dangerously close to yours. You want to reach up and caress her cheek, but before you can, she leans down and-

"Hey! Did I lose you, friendo?"

You twitch, jumping slightly as the real Autumn drew you out of your daydream. "Huh? Uh, oh! Um..." You try to hide the heat that had risen in your cheeks from your quick fantasy. "Just...really tired. You know how it is..."

Autumn stops and turns, her golden orbs looking you up and down. You gulp nervously, hoping she wouldn't read you like the book she had made you out to be. If she did, you were certain you would have a rather angry Nirik on your hooves...

...or a kick to the breadbasket. That was also a very real possibility.

Or both.

You try not to shudder at that thought.

Before you can contemplate further, she finally nods, and you exhale in relief. "I definitely understand. Well, friendo!" She whirls around and gestures to the center of the Kirin village, where she had taken you. "Bon appetite~!"

The center of the Kirin village, which was scarcely populated when you arrived, was now bustling life. Stands that were abandoned earlier were now occupied by their purveyors as they prepared all manner of food that smelled delicious. One stall you passed had a Kirin using his magic to prepare what looked to be fried rice, a magical fire under a frying pan heating the food as he tossed it up and down. As the natural light of the sun faded, you noticed several strung up lights started to shine throughout the trees. It reminded you of Hearth's Warming Eve lights on the houses of Manehattan.

"I...really shouldn't be shocked anymore..." You say to Autumn Blaze as she turns to you as if to ask you what you think. "This happen every night?"

Autumn nodded with a big smile. "Isn't it great?! The market always opens up like this at dinnertime! It's been a Kirin tradition to gather at the market every night for a meal since...well, as long as I can remember! You know, until the whole 'vow of silence' thing..." She twirls a forehoof around to emphasize that, rolling her eyes. "But! Now that we can speak again, Rain Shine brought it back!" She leans in close, an eyebrow raised. "Ever try fried rice?"

You nod once. "Once...it's quite rare in Equestria."

"Well, good sir, you haven't lived until you've tried Kirin fried rice! Silhouette loves it!"

SMACK

"Haha! Does that hurt?"

"Not as much as you might think..." 





The rest of the night passes somewhat like a blur. When the sun finally set, sitting with Autumn and the other Kirin on the village green near the fountain seemed like a dream as you gaze upward at the stars and lights strung throughout the trees...

...and Autumn was right. The rice was to die for! You have never tasted anything like it! Well, with how hungry you were, anything might have tasted good. Either way, you put down three whole helpings of the dish, Autumn chanting your name as if she were at a sporting event as you downed the third bowl.

Aside from that, you thoroughly enjoyed your time at the market that night.

Why?

To the Kirin, you were an ordinary creature, just like them.

Sure, they knew you were a famous actor from Equestria, but unlike the ponies on the train here, they weren't wearing their "celebrity glasses" that clouded their minds to the fact that you, too, were a creature not very different from them. Autumn introduced you to several of her friends, many of whom you recognized from auditions, and joined with them in laughing your ass off to one of Autumn's stand-up comedy routines after socializing with them for a bit.

You honestly can't remember the last time you had this much fun! It made you quite sad that you had to leave tomorrow. You would have to make a note to visit this place more often after the whole My Fair Kirin thing was over.

And, if your friendship with Autumn continued, you would have a reason to visit!

...did it have to be just a friendship?

This is the thought plaguing your mind as you sit on the infamous couch of Autumn Blaze in your host's tree house. Autumn had since retired to her room upstairs for a moment, telling you she'd be right back. This left you alone with your thoughts for a moment, which you were grateful for.

You'd only known this Kirin girl for two days, and you were starting to think that maybe you wanted a little more than a friendship with Autumn Blaze. Maybe you had a crush on her. Maybe she had a crush on you?

Ugh...she's a Kirin, and I'm a pony. It would never work.

Sure, inter-species relationships were becoming more common in Equestria with more and more races being reconnected with because of the Elements of Harmony and their various quests.

And what of your reputation as an actor and a celebrity that you had carefully crafted over the last couple of years? What would happen to that? As much as you longed to be treated like a normal pony, like the Kirin treated you here tonight, you knew that would never be possible back in Equestria.

Plus, it would mess up Follow Spot's plans for My Fair Kirin... You rationalize to yourself. I couldn't do that to my best friend...

You decided then and there that that was that. You shouldn't pursue Autumn Blaze. There were just too many things working against it...

It's the right thing to do...

But if it is, why do you feel more butterflies and find yourself smiling when Autumn reenters the living room from the stairs?

"Hey, mister three-bowls of rice McFattyson!" Autumn says cheerfully, skipping up to you and plopping herself down next to you on the couch. "You digest your food baby yet?"

You snort, patting your slightly bulging torso. "Hah! I wish...I pray to Celestia that a good night's sleep will take care of it!"

You both share in a laugh before falling into silence. You glance to Autumn, who is no longer smiling. In fact, she seems quite...nervous. She lifts a forehoof and uses the tip to trace small circles on the couch cushion. "Soooo..." She turns to look at you. "Have you decided who you're going to take with you tomorrow?"

You froze, unable to break eye contact with her. This was it. You knew in the back of your mind you'd have to tell her tonight. You were partially ecstatic that she would come with you, and deathly nervous at the same time.

"I have." You nod, pursing your lips, looking down at your hooves.

"...um...and?" Autumn presses you.

"It...was really quite an easy choice, honestly." You lift your head and gaze back into her golden orbs. "If it's okay, Autumn...I'd like for you to come with me and play Ember Myst in My Fair Kirin on Bridleway."

You barely have time to register the force of the impact Autumn causes as she launches herself at you, tackling you and using her forehooves to squeeze you tighter than you've ever been squeezed before.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~!" She practically squees. Gods, that was adorable. "Oh. My. GOSH!" She sits up, the biggest smile you've seen her give. "REALLY!?"

You laugh as you gaze up at her. "Well, yeah!" You nod. "I mean, everykirin could tell your audition was the best! It won't come as a surprise to anykirin...or anypony, for that matter...that I picked you! Congratulations, Autumn!"

"OHHHHHHHHH~!" She squees again, hugging you tightly once more. "Thaaaaaaaaaaaank you! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyo-"

"Urgh...okay!" You gasp, your lungs being restricted by the Kirin hugging you as she straddles you. "Air, Autumn! Air!"

"Oh!" Autumn releases her death-grip on you and sits up. "Heh! Haha! S-sorry..." She rubs the back of her head with a forehoof. "I just...get really excited when I get a role."

"I know the feeling." You admit. "Now, we need to discuss your...your..."

You pause, an intense blush dusting your cheeks.

"Contract..."

It is at this point you notice the compromising position you are in, and given Autumn's widened eyes, it is clear she noticed it too. She was bucking straddling you. And you were doing it on her couch.

"Um..." Autumn slowly nods, but for some reason refuses to move. "Y-yeah...that...that sounds important..."

"We should..." You gulp. "Probably get up now."

"Haha yeah! M-maybe..."

She doesn't move.

Silence.

"Unless...unless maybe you don't want to get up..." She sheepishly says, rubbing one forehoof with the other.

"I..." You start, staring up at her.

She's into you, dummy! Do something about it!

No! No, I can't! It wouldn't be right on so many levels!

Bro, she's straddling you and wants to keep doing it! Take it farther! Start something!

Ever fiber of your being wanted to say yes.

But you didn't. Your rational thoughts from earlier come rushing back into your mind. And you act.

"I can't." You shudder and manage to say, wriggling your way out from under her and sitting up. "I-I mean...I shouldn't..."

"Oh..." Autumn scooted back, her eyes falling in embarrassment. "I...I'm so sorry..."

"Don't take it the wrong way!" You reach a hoof forward. "Just...need to keep things professional...heh...you know?"

"Oh...oh!" Autumn looks up, a small smile of relief on her lips. "R-right. Ha! Of course. Wouldn't be right!"

"Exactly!" You nod. "It definitely wouldn't be right!"

You both share a nervous laugh before you clear your throat.

"So, you should pack up some essentials and be ready to leave bright and early!" You stand and stretch your wings. "The train back to Manehattan will be back to pick us up a couple hours after sunrise."

"Oh, I get to ride the train!?" She leaps of the couch and smiles brightly. There she is. She hyperactive Kirin you had grown to lo-....appreciate. "So fun! I can't wait!"

"It's not everything it's cracked up to be..." You say dryly, rolling your eyes. You recall the crazy, outhouse-dwelling ticket-master and the hard time you had sleeping on the ride here. "In any case, try to get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow! Before we leave, I have to announce that you got the part in the town square!"

She feigns a serious face and also feigns a military salute. "Aye aye, mon capitan! I'll make sure Private Silhouette packs her things too!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...where's the slap?"

"You're doing this on purpose now, aren't you?"

"Haha! Guilty!"

SMACK 





You lay on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. Autumn Blaze had gone to bed, and the lights were turned out, and you were really comfortable. Everything had gone really well over the last couple of days. You groan and adjust yourself on the couch, stretching your forehooves behind your head in a relaxing position and let your mind wander along your mission.

Get to Kirin village alive? Check.

Find place to stay? Check.

Hold auditions? Check.

Get blown away by raw Kirin talent? Double check.

Get even more blown away by Autumn Blaze's voice? And beautiful mane? And breathtaking eyes? And smoking bod-

You purse your lips in frustration and roll over to face the back-rest of the couch, trying to get comfortable and nestle in for the night.

You haven't had it this bad for somepony since you played opposite Scarlet Marehanson in that one movie. To make things worse, she seemed to have it bad for you.

You sigh wistfully. This was going to be a long night.
> Ch. 5: You Should've Seen This Coming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You didn't have a good night's sleep. 

As comfortable as Autumn's infamous couch was the night before, the comfiest bed in the royal palace wouldn't have put you to sleep on this particular night.

Thoughts of the Kirin you were hesitantly smitten with flooded your mind as you tossed and turned on the couch. At one point, you almost fell asleep...

...but a rather risque dream about your generous host prevented that.

You groaned, rolled over, and grabbed a nearby pillow, jamming it on top of your head.

Can I really not act on my feelings here? You thought to yourself. I mean...she's clearly into me...right?

It was thoughts like this that plagued you into the night. You longed for the sweet embrace of sleep, but it never came...

You groan again, rolling over once more, and staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow is going to be a looooong day... You thought to yourself.





"C'MON, FEATHER-HEAD!!! WE GOTTA GO!"

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO TELL ME TWICE!"

An explosion sounded behind you, followed by several angered shouts. Fire rained down on your head as a tree collapsed next to you as you galloped.

You wanted to smack yourself as you gallop. You honestly should've seen this coming, dumbass.

Despite your lack of sleep, you wearily got up, ate more of Autumn's lovingly made pancakes, and packed your stuff. Autumn packed as well, loading a saddle-bag with essentials for her and Silhouette. You facehoofed again. She bid an emotional farewell to her couch, and off you went.

Of course, this meant you'd have to announce the selection you'd made as to whole would accompany you back to Manehattan to the rest of the Kirin. As expected, the Kirin were gathered in the village square, eagerly awaiting your announcement.

There were a couple Kirin, including Fern Flare, who didn't take your announcement very well.

Fern Flare was the first to explode. Despite being good friends with Autumn, upon your announcement Fern Flare shouted several fowl words, including "buck you!" quite loudly (you gave Autumn a narrowed, sideways glance, to which she responded with a nervous chuckle).

Fern Flare had transformed into a fiery Nirik shortly after, and it was your first time seeing the transformation. You hated to admit you gave quite the un-stallionly scream as more Kirin began to transform. You hastily looked around, your eyes finally falling on Rain Shine, who screamed: "RUN!!!!"

So you ran.

So did Autumn Blaze.

You both ran for your bucking lives.

"I thought you guys had control over your bucking tempers!!!" You bark, breathing heavily as you ran through the forest towards the entry cave.

"They're still learning! WHOA!" She ducked as a fireball, launched by a pursuing Nirik, singed her horn and exploded on the rock wall in front of you before you both galloped into the cave. "I really hope they don't burn down the village this time!"

"WHAT!?" You bark. "They burned down the village before!?"

"Vow of Silence, remember!? Kinda a big deal!" Autumn barked as you exited the other side of the tunnel. You both skid to a halt, panting heavily. The angry shouts and glimmer of fiery orange light in the tunnel meant your pursuers hadn't given up yet.

You trot up to Autumn and tug nervously on her foreleg. "Autumn, we gotta go! Now!" You turn and try to drag her with you, but you are tugged back, almost falling on your rump. "Autumn?!" You looked back at her. She is un-moving, staring at the cave entrance with narrowed eyes, glaring daggers at the Nirik that were beginning to appear.

Why were her eyes turning a pure white? Why were green flames starting to flick from her eyes?

Buck.

You barely manage to scramble back, away from Autumn, before a fiery transformation vortex of green and purple fire surrounded her, signalling her transformation to Nirik form as well. Your eyes widened as she screams, her sweet voice being distorted by a lower tone mixing with it. When the flames dispersed, you gazed in equal parts horror and awe at Autumn's Nirik form. 



The sleek, black coat...

The purple and green fire...

By Celestia, those teeth!

The other pursuing Nirik skidded to a halt, their eyes wide at the sight of Autumn. Autumn stomped a hoof, causing a small shockwave of green fire to explode around her, almost singing you. Then, she yelled at them, shaking the very air around you.

"I GOT THIS ROLE FAIR AND SQUARE! LEAVE MY FRIEND ALONE! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ATTACK HIM LIKE THIS! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!!! 

Silence. Only distant birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves in the trees above as Nirik Autumn stared down your pursuers. Then, after a moment, one by one, the pursuing Nirik began to transform back into their Kirin forms, looking down, their ears splayed out in shame.

Your eyes dart from them, to Autumn, and then back to them. You catch Fern Flare at the head of the group, gingerly stepping forward, looking very, very guilty.

She literally scared the hellfire out of them!

"We are so sorry, Autumn..." She rubs one foreleg with the other. "We honestly should've known better...we're still learning how to control our tempers...like you."

Your eyes fall on Nirik Autumn to see how she'd respond. Fire? Anger? Rage! DEATH?

Nirik Autumn closes her mouth and hides the sharp teeth she was bearing threateningly. She nods, and the fiery vortex returns, only briefly, before she transforms back to the Kirin you know.

What. The. Buck. Did you just witness.

You watch, unable to move, your jaw slack, as Autumn trots for towards her fellow Kirin. She stands before them for a moment that, in your mind, seems to go on forever. Then, she approaches Fern Flare, and wraps her forehooves around her in a tender hug.

"Make us proud, Blazey..." Fern Flare says through her tears, rubbing Autumn's back. They release their hug and give each other sad smiles. "Promise?"

Autumn winked, wiping away her own single tear. "You got it, Fern Flare."

She gives her friends, the Kirin, one last look. Towards the back stood Rain Shine, nodding knowingly...first at Autumn Blaze...

..then you.

When Autumn finally makes it back to you, your jaw is still slack. This really did not play out how you assumed it would...considering the great escape you and Autumn just had to make.

Autumn gives you a sad chuckle and uses a forehoof to press your lower jaw back into place, closing your mouth. "Shall we, featherhead?"

"Uh..." You stammer, finally standing up from your haunches. "Uh, yes...we, uh, have a train to catch."

Autumn nods and trots by you, making her way down into the woods.

You give the Kirin villagers one last look. You notice them staring after Autumn Blaze, some of them sobbing softly. For a moment, you are torn once more about taking Autumn Blaze with you. You recall your conversation with Rain Shine after auditions. You recall the joyous moments you shared with the other Kirin in the village center the night before. She brought so much joy to the village. She was even a moon-banished hero to her people for saving them from the Vow.

And here you were, taking her away from them all.

You turn to look at Autumn, who was already down the hill. She clearly had no doubt about what she wanted to do.

You turn again to the Kirin, and give them parting words that you hope will make them feel better...

"Thank you...I promise I will keep her safe."

A couple of the Kirin, particularly Rain Shine and Fern Flare, gave you large smiles.





The next hour was a blur to you, honestly. No words were spoken between the two of you as you descended the Peaks of Peril, crossed the river that bore the Foal's Breath flowers, and traversed the desert to finally reach the train tracks and the outhouse/train station/ticket booth/hobo shack.

Thankfully, your crazy friend from before who made the said porta-potty his home was nowhere to be found. Silence still prevailed between you as you waited for the train the train to arrive (though some sideways glances at your traveling companion revealed she was very eager to see a train for the first time, let alone ride one).

You had arranged with the train conductor to arrive at the same time you were dropped off two days prior to pick you up (presumably with a plus-one). True to their word, the train arrived on time. Autumn tried to hide her giddiness, hopping up and down, as the train approached.

Next thing you know, you are on the train, sitting across from Autumn Blaze, as the train lurches and starts on its way...

...backwards.

Autumn grins like a giddy child as she stares out the window. You can't help but smile as you watch her. She's leaving the only home she's ever known, and being on a train is helping her cope.

Ah, who are you kidding. You like trains. Always have.

"Sooo..." You finally decide to break the silence between the two of you. "How...how about all that Nirik stuff, huh?"

Autumn pauses from her reverie for a moment, a small frown suddenly adorning her face. She sits down on her haunches, her long tail curling up on the seat, and turns to face you. "What about it...?" She asks quietly.

"I mean..." You sigh, gulping nervously. "Not what I expected at all! Heh, like...wow, amiright?" You give a nervous chuckle. "Heh...I could've died! That would've been it! Finito! Heh..." You pause, looking towards Autumn, hoping you elicited some sort of positive response. "R-right?"

Autumn's frown deepens a bit, cocking her head to the side. After a moment, she closes her eyes, exhales, and opens them again, her golden orbs drilling into your soul.

Uh oh...

"You said that Nirik me wouldn't bother you." She says flatly.

"Eh, what?"

"Back at my treehouse...during breakfast." Autumn presses. "You told me Nirik me wouldn't bother you." She leaned forward, narrowing a single eye at you. "Does it?"

Your eyes widen. You gulp.

Use your words! You think to yourself. Use your words in such a way that doesn't cause the train-car to explode from evil Nirik fire!

You think back to your narrow escape from the Kirin village. You recall the utter terror as the angry villagers nearly incinerated you with angry fireballs that, to you, burned with the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns as they flew past you.

But then, you think of Autumn's transformation...

Of how purposeful it was. How she did it to contain the temper of the others.

And how not scared you were. Rather, you were in awe.

By Celestia...you didn't know why you didn't see this sooner...

"You can control it." You say simply, looking down with a hoof on your chin. 

"What?" She looks confused.

You look up, your eyes staring right back into hers. "You can control your Nirik form...can't you?"

Autumn's eyes widen and her golden orbs dilate for a moment, surprised at your sleuthing skills. "You...how'd you-?"

"You were just...so direct...so full of purpose when you turned around to transform!" You exclaim suddenly, your theatre-trained voice echoing around the car. "The passion! The intensity! The b-"

Beauty.

You pause, a blush dusting your cheeks, as you stop yourself from saying the last word you were thinking of saying.

Autumn, meanwhile, has her trademark grin back on her muzzle. She leans forward, coaxing you. "The...? What?"

"The...the bombastic...ness...of it?" You offer.

Autumn suddenly spits, bursting out laughing. "What in the Worlds did you just say? Bombasticness? WHAT!? HA!"

She doubles over laughing, and you sigh (half in defeat, half in relief). You were lucky Autumn had a good sense of humor.

When she finally recovers from her laughing fit, she shakes her head, a serious look returning to her muzzle. "But...in all seriousness...how'd you know I can control my Nirik form?"

"Well..." You place a hoof to your chin in thought again. "I guess I'm trained to notice those sorts of things."

"What do you mean?" Autumn leans back, clearly relaxed around you again. You were glad the old Autumn was back.

"The school I went to for acting...in Manehattan?" You offer, and she nods in understanding. "I was trained in...expression."

"Like...facial cues?" Autumn offers.

"Right." You point at her. "Basically, to succeed in the world of live performance, facial cues are everything. The eyes, the muzzle, the way the ears are tilted..." You fold your forehooves and nod, eyes closed. "Without saying anything, those kind of things can tell any audience member who looks close enough exactly what a character is feeling during a scene. As a professional, you have to be trained to recognize these things in ponies." You open your eyes, looking at Autumn, who seems fascinated by your explanation. "Or, in this case, Kirin."

"Woooow..." She smiles. "You really know your stuff."

"Why thank you." You wave a forehoof in a mock bow, earning yourself another delightful chuckle from Autumn. "Maybe when we have some free time between rehearsals, I can take you there for a visit."

"I. Would. LOVE. That!" Autumn claps her forehooves together giddily. "I really need to learn how to read Silhouette's facial cues better!"

She leans forward expectantly, as if to ready herself for your facehoof.

No... You think. Not this time.

Instead, you smirk, winking at her. "You're right. I noticed that about her, too. What, with her being a shadow n' all."

She reels back, shock on her face. You keep up your smirk, eyeing her until she lowers her eyes to half-lidded status and smiles at you. "You really are a cheeky one, aren't ya?"

"You're gonna have to try harder than that from now on, sweetheart." You shoot back.

She laughs. "Oh, it's so on."