> The Green Eyes of the Stage
>  by lyramei
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Stage Rehearsal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was that time of year again- Ponyville Middle School was putting on their annual staff-only theater production! Everypony at PMS enjoyed this event; in fact, it was the most exciting one of the year. It was not only open to just students, but to all of Equestria as well. Even Princess Cadance came to watch it every year. 

"How's it going, Island?" asked Caramel Math. 

Island Skies gave him a wink. "Just fine, Caramel." He waved his script in the air. "I just need to memorize the last few lines of The Life I Lead. You know that I tend to forget things easily, right?"

Caramel laughed. "Nopony cares! I'm sure everyone would love you as Mr. Flanks. Even the superintendent!" 

Island rolled his eyes. Just a few months ago, he had been sent from Canterlot to PMS by the superintendent to learn more about friendship. He didn't have the easiest time adjusting to his new life, but the Team 7C teachers made him a part of their family from the very beginning. "Yeah, right..."

This year's production was of the beloved Colt Disney musical, Mary Cloppins. Caramel was playing Bert, and Island was playing Mr. Flanks. Feather Inkwell, the team's English teacher, was playing his wife, Mrs. Flanks. And the iconic role of Mary Cloppins went to...

"Lilac! There you are!" gasped Sunset Mint, out of breath. "Where have you been? We have to get you fitted for your costume! NOW!" Sunset was the special education math teacher on 7C. She did not play a character in the play, but she was the one behind making all the dazzling costumes. Actually, she did audition for Mary Cloppins but was rejected. 

"Oh... right..." sighed Lilac. Lilac Wishes was the team's gentle and kind science teacher. She plucked a few feathers from her mane. "I wish I could have stayed with the songbirds longer," she said sadly. 

"NONSENSE! I need to get you fitted for your white gown now! We don't have time for hanging out with birds today, darling. Are you not aware that the show is today? You are Mary Cloppins, Lilac. What's Mary Cloppins without Mary Cloppins herself?" asked an exasperated Sunset. She used her horn to dress Lilac in Mary Cloppins' iconic Jolly Holiday gown. Lilac gave a half-smile. "There! Perfect! Darling, I was worried it wouldn't fit you," sighed Sunset. 

"Well, I'm glad it does too, Sunset. I love this dress! It's so intricate and stays true to the original," Lilac complimented. "Well, I need to rehearse a scene with Caramel-"

"Miss Cloppins!" a voice called. A draconequus began to materialize in front of Lilac. It was Discord, the Spirit of Chaos. After some begging by Lilac, the school finally agreed to let him be a director of the play. 

"Oh, hey, Discord! I was just going to do a last-minute Superponyfragilisticexponalidocious rehearsal with Caramel. You know that long words can be a hassle to pronounce, let alone sing..." explained Lilac. "You excited for the show tonight?"

Discord sipped on his lemon drink. "Of course, my sweet Lilac. Oh, forgot to tell you this... Lilac and Caramel sitting in a tree-" 

Lilac angrily glared at the draconequus. "DISCORD! STOP IT! You know I have a boyfriend already!"

"Oh, fine." Discord pouted and vanished with a snap of his claw. 

The science teacher headed into the PMS dance studio, where Caramel was waiting for her. "Hey, Lilac! Ready?"

Lilac smiled. "Ready." 

Caramel set up the music on his computer, and the two ponies waited for the cue. The sound of the pearly band's music filled the air as Lilac and Caramel began to do a tap dance with their umbrellas and canes. Halfway through the song, Lilac accidentally tripped over her umbrella. "Ahh! I'm sorry I'm such a klutz..." she began. Caramel shook his head. "Stop being sorry! The show must go on!" he whispered. Lilac winced. 

The two ponies kept dancing to the song. Lilac got better at her hoofwork, but she was still scared that she might mess up. 

"It's superponyfragilisticexponalidocious..." sang Caramel and Lilac as the song ended. Caramel put his hoof on Lilac's. "You'll make a great Mary Cloppins. I promise! After all, you beat out all the mare teachers for the role. Even Sunset, whose audition was amazing! You didn't get the part for nothing," said Caramel. 

"But what if it was just luck?" asked Lilac. "I'm having fun being a part of this play. I really am. But I'm not really a stage person! You know, I'm just scared to mess up," she said sadly. 

"You've got this, Lilac. I know you'll do great." Caramel looked at his hoofwatch. "Oh man! I gotta go to Sugarcube Corner. Mr. and Mrs. Cake have baked us Mary Cloppins-themed treats in honor of today, and I promised them I would pick them up. See you, Lilac!" 

Lilac waved Caramel goodbye, then stared at her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing her white Mary Cloppins gown, and her long mane was pulled into a tight bun. She's practically perfect in every way. But who am I? Am I really worthy of playing her? There hasn't been a day where I didn't screw up during a rehearsal, Lilac thought. She walked out of the dance room and into the auditorium where everyone was continuing their preparations, and went to sit with Island and Inkwell. It was just nice to vent about frustrations right before the big show. 

"You ready, Cloppins?" asked Island. It was an hour before showtime, and everypony was already in their costumes. Island looked serious in his Mr. Flanks suit. 

Lilac forced a smile. "Yeah! Well, I'm enjoying being in this play, but screwing up is my biggest fear," she said as she put her black Mary Cloppins hat on. Island shook his head. "Lilac, what has everyone been telling you? The show must go on! Who cares if you mess up? The audience will still love you anyway," he assured her. 

With some help from Discord, Noteworthy, and Twinkleshine, everyone set up the last of the sets and made last minute adjustments. But little did everyone know that somepony in a black cloak was slinking around the auditorium in a sketchy manner. With their unicorn magic, the pony replaced Mary Cloppins' makeup compact and replaced it with an identical one. 

Who is this pony and what are they up to?
> Showtime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The auditorium lights dimmed. 

Everypony was already in their seats; Discord had been the usher, welcoming hundreds of ponies, including Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and their baby daughter Flurry Heart. 

"So I guess silly school plays is your thing, hmm?" Discord snickered. Cadance shot him a look. "I actually helped direct this one," he explained. Cadance raised an eyebrow. "Mmm. Excited to see it!" Discord smiled, then snapped his fingers and disappeared.

A spotlight illuminated, revealing Discord on the stage. There were a few gasps from ponies, who were still skeptical due to the time he committed a grave crime against Equestria the last time he was on stage. 

"Welcome, fellow ponies of Equestria! How have you all been? Well, today, I will be presenting to you Ponyville Middle School's staff theater production of Mary Cloppins, which I actually helped direct myself even though no one liked the humor I suggested. Oh well, woe is me. But put your hands together for Mary Cloppins, directed by Discord!" the draconequus announced. Noteworthy, the other director, booed him. The curtains came down, and came back up a few seconds later. 

The overture to Mary Cloppins began to play. As Octavia and the Ponyville Orchestra made the music swell, the chorus began to vocalize, revealing Lilac Wishes as Mary Cloppins on a cloud. The audience cheered. "YESSSS!!! THAT'S MY GIRLFRIEND!!" yelled Comet Chaser, Lilac's boyfriend. The ponies next to him shushed him for the disturbance. 

Lilac took out her compact and began to powder her face just like Mary Cloppins had done in the musical. Not long after she started doing so, the audience began to laugh at her. Her heart stopped. What did I do? she thought. Lilac tried her very best to act natural, but the audience kept laughing and laughing. She raised a quizzical eyebrow, then looked down at her compact brush, which was all black. No wonder why everyone was laughing- she was powdering soot on her face! 

"What? Why? This isn't supposed to be used until later!" she whispered through gritted teeth. When her introductory scene was over, Lilac ran backstage with tears filling her eyes. Island put his hoof on hers. "It's okay. At least ponies got a good laugh out of it! Did you check the makeup before going on stage, though?" 

Lilac shook her head. "No! I didn't know this would happen! I haven't even spoken a single line and everyone's already making fun of me and laughing so hard! Honestly, I'm really considering running away," she said tearfully. 

"Lilac, stop. It's only one mistake, and that wasn't your fault. You can't have Mary Cloppins  without Mary Cloppins," said Island. "Wish me luck!"

As the song "Sister Suffragette," performed by Inkwell and Flora Blossom, began to play, Lilac removed her makeup wipes from her purse and began to wipe the soot powder and tears off her face. How could I be so careless? I really should have checked it before the show!

When it was time for her next scene, Discord helped Lilac onto the high platform so she could fly down into the Flanks household. "Don't cause another scene, Cloppins," he laughed. Lilac rolled her eyes at him, opened her umbrella, and flew down in front of Island as Mr. Flanks. 

Daisy and Orange Wishes, Lilac's children, who played Jane and Michael Flanks, hid behind the stairs. "It's her! She's answered our advertisement," said Orange as he watched his mother make her grand entrance. 

"You are the father of Jane and Michael Flanks, yes?" asked Lilac. Island just stared into space, to which Lilac had to annoyedly repeat the question to him again. "Yes, of course," said Island crossly. "You brought your references?" 

"References are old fashioned. Let's have a look at this list, shall we?" asked Lilac as she pulled out the list prop. "Item one, a cheery disposition. I am never cross. Item two, "Rosy cheeks." Obviously. Item three, "Play games, all sorts." They'll find my games extremely diverting," explained Lilac in a posh British accent. 

Island looked quizzically at Lilac. "Where did you get this paper? I thought I tore it up!"

Without looking up, Lilac continued reading off her list. "Item four, "You must be kind." I am kind, but extremely firm."

Island scratched his head. "That paper... I thought I tore it up..."

Lilac gave Island a stern look. "You are George Flanks? And you did advertise for a nanny?"

"Yes..." said Island skeptically. 

"I require every second Tuesday off. Perhaps a trial period? I'll stay for a week, yes?" asked Lilac. Island nodded slowly. "Perfect. I will see the fillies now." Lilac began to walk up the stairs, and saw Orange's open mouth. 

"Close your mouth, Michael. We are not a codfish," scolded Lilac. "Don't just stand there! Best hoof forward. Spit spot!" 

As Discord and Noteworthy moved the sets around for the next scene, Lilac took a glance at the audience. Sure enough, Comet Chaser was holding a poster with Mary Cloppins that read "I LOVE LILAC." Lilac giggled.

After the fillies began to tidy up the nursery, everypony cheered as Lilac began to sing Mary Cloppins' signature song, A Teaspoon of Cider. When Lilac's reflection began to vocalize with her, it went a whole octave higher than planned. Lilac's insides froze. Huh? I thought we made it clear that the key was to be lowered for this part because I cannot hit super high notes!

After the musical number ended and the curtains came down for a scene transition, Lilac marched backstage and shook her head. "Noteworthy, you know I can't hit high notes! Did you forget?" asked Lilac anxiously. "No! I did not! I think there may be a shadow singer behind this, though. Someone probably sang when they were not supposed to. I'll go ask around. I'm so sorry," Noteworthy apologized. 

The next scene, where the Jolly Holiday sequence took place, went relatively well as Lilac, Caramel, and the children rode on their carousel horses. When Caramel sang "It's a jolly holiday with Mary," Lilac saw her boyfriend rolling his eyes. She knew how much he wanted to have that experience with her. 

Not long after, it was time for the Superponyfragilisticexponalidocious sequence. "Gentlemen, on the contrary, there's a very good word," explained Lilac. The pony pearly band looked at her. Lilac took a deep breath. "It's... superponyfragilistic-AHHHH!!" When Lilac got up from her seat, she had slipped on the stage floor and hit her head! The audience gasped. "Oh! Mary Cloppins! Are you all right?" asked Caramel. Lilac winced. She tried to stand up, but felt a sharp pain in her hoof; as a result, she had no choice but to start the song sitting down. "Yes, yes. Superponyfragilisticexponalidocious! Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious!" sang Lilac from her position on the floor. 

The two managed to perform the whole musical number, with Caramel performing the tap dance and Lilac on the ground waving her umbrella in the air. Despite it not being what they wanted originally, the duo still sang the musical's theme song with the enthusiasm and energy the original was known for. When the audience applauded, Comet Chaser kept yelling "I LOVE LILAC" over and over again. 

After Lilac gave the fillies their candy medicine, the curtains lowered again as she was wheeled backstage in a wheelchair. "Man... why in Equestria is all this happening to me?" she wailed. Caramel was beaming. "But they loved it! Did you not hear how loud the applause for Superponyfragilistic was?" Lilac grimaced. "Mary Cloppins is supposed to be practically perfect in every way, and I'm over here klutzing things up! How did the floor get so slippery, anyway?" Caramel thought for a moment. "Now that I think about it, it did smell like soap. I wonder how it got there, though." 

First aid ponies came to check on Lilac. Her doctor, Dr. Horse, also came as well. "All right then, let's just have a look see, shall we? Who's the bwave wittle filly? Is it you?" he asked in a childish tone while examining her. Lilac forced a smile and tried not to roll her eyes as Island and Inkwell started laughing. Dr. Horse always spoke to her (and all of his patients) like that at all her appointments. Perhaps it is time I found a new primary care physician... she thought. 

A few minutes later, she was diagnosed with a sprained hoof and would need to be in a wheelchair for the remainder of the show. "Awww... Lilac... don't worry! I have a flower bed on wheels. It will be perfect for Feed the Birds! You're just gonna have to do it sitting down instead of standing up like in the original musical," said Inkwell. Lilac smiled. "Ah, thanks, Inkwell. You're the best. This has been the worst play in the history of Equestria." 

When the Uncle Albert scene rolled around, Lilac had to deliver her lines in her wheelchair. Thank Celestia that Mary Cloppins isn't required to float up to the ceiling! But that did not stop Lilac from exhibiting the character of Mary Cloppins perfectly. "Some people laugh through their noses, sounding something like this. Mmm-hmm hmm hmm! Dreadful," she sang with a pinch of attitude. 

The scenes after that were quite entertaining. Island could not stop laughing when he had to scold Lilac in a wheelchair. Despite this, Lilac never broke character. In fact, her acting was so good that her boyfriend had to be shushed every five seconds.

It was time for her most iconic scene: the Feed the Birds song. The moment she had been waiting for, and the only reason why she auditioned for the part. Inkwell carried Lilac onto her flower bed, and wheeled it to the center of the stage between the fillies' beds. 

"Sometimes a little thing is quite important," began Lilac. 

"Oh, look! The cathedral!" exclaimed Orange. 

"Father passes by that every day," added Daisy. 

"Early each day, to the steps of St. Pony's..." sang Lilac. She had been waiting forever to sing this song. It was a song about showing kindness to others, and she knew that she would put all her heart into it. And now that she was singing it from a state reminiscent of being paralyzed, her audience cried more than they should; including Comet, who was bawling his eyes out. Lilac tried not to cringe. "Feed the birds, two bits a bag. Two bits, two bits, two bits a bag..."

But little did Lilac know, the mysterious black-cloaked unicorn was skulking near the ceiling! They had a bucket of paint, and they were going to dump it on Lilac. The unicorn's horn let out a soft glow that began to tip the bucket. 

"Two bits, two bits, two bits..." Lilac continued singing. Just then, bright pink paint came splashing on top of her! The audience gasped. "What... how..." asked Lilac. The curtains came closing down once more.

Inkwell, whose next scene did not happen until twenty minutes later, wheeled Lilac backstage. "I'm so sorry, Lilac. I know that you just wanted to have a good performance," she comforted her. Lilac was wiping the hot-pink paint from her face. It had also gotten on her costume as well. "It's just... I hoped for a perfect run of the show! But these unfortunate mishaps keep happening to me! It feels like the universe is targeting me!" she cried. "What if something else happens during my next scene? I'm seriously considering leaving the show!"

Just then, director Noteworthy burst in. "Lilac! I have something important to tell you!" 

Lilac turned to face him. "Oh no! What happened?" 

"There really was a shadow singer behind your Teaspoon of Cider song! I heard them rehearsing in a classroom. But when I opened the door, they were gone! I also found drops of the same paint around the door of that classroom. When I turned around, I saw a flash of black zip before my eyes. Lilac, I think someone is sabotaging you!" exclaimed Noteworthy. 

Lilac's eyes widened. "Someone's targeting me? But who? Why?" 

Noteworthy shrugged. "I really don't know! And I'm sorry that you have to perform the rest of the show in a wheelchair. Your performance of Feed the Birds was lovely, though. I couldn't resist the tears! But the show must go on. I'll go and track whoever that is down," he said. Lilac nodded. " Thank you, Noteworthy. I really appreciate it."

As she listened to the music from Caramel performing Chim Chim Cher-ee, Lilac continued to ponder about what she had just been told. Sabotage me? Who would do such a thing? She couldn't think of anyone who had acted negatively towards her recently. What did I ever do for someone to ruin this? Lilac sighed as she entered for the chimney sweeps scene. 

Lilac, Caramel, and the children took a lovely stroll across the chimney tops, with Caramel pushing Lilac in her wheelchair. It ruined the beauty of the moment slightly, but still had a sense of beauty nonetheless. 

"What did I tell you? The world's at your feet, and who sees it but the birds, the stars, and the chimney sweeps?" asked Caramel. 

"Quite nice. But we've had enough night air. Follow me, please," instructed Lilac. She and Caramel began to sing a sweet reprise of Chim Chim Cher-ee, to which Comet rolled his eyes. Shortly after, all the chimney sweeps entered and performed the hoof-clicking dance number, "Step In Time." The chimney sweep parade traveled back to the Flanks household set, getting the house staff involved. 

A chimney sweep hit Flora with a frying pan. "Ow!" she yelled. The chimney sweeps then proceeded to sing, "Ow! Step in time!" Discord, who was watching from the side backstage, could not resist laughing. In fact, he laughed so hard that Noteworthy had to pinch him and give the evil eye. "Shh! Don't you dare cause a distraction..." began Noteworthy. Discord rolled his eyes. "Oh, fine. I'm not the one who created that line, though."

Inkwell entered and began to hang her coat on the rack. "Oh, Ellen, when you do have a second..."

The chimney sweeps gathered around her, lifted her up, and began to chant, "Votes for the mares, step in time!"

"Oh, not really, not at the moment," Inkwell laughed. 

"Votes for the mares!" chanted the sweeps. A smile lit up Inkwell's face as she cheerfully repeated the line and started dancing around the house. 

Not long after, Island came home. His jaw dropped in shock at the sight of his house being the stage for a chaotic chimney sweep dance party. Flora's eyes widened. "It's the master!" she screamed. The chimney sweeps circled around Flora. "It's the master, step in time! It's the master, step in time!" they chanted. 

"What's all this? What's all this?" he shouted as he kicked all the chimney sweeps out. "One moment, Mary Cloppins. What's the meaning of this? Care to explain all this?" 

"First of all, I would like to make one thing clear," said Lilac. 

Island raised an eyebrow. "Yes?" 

"I never explain anything." The audience laughed out loud as Lilac took her children's hooves to get them back to the nursery, and off the stage. Lilac thought about that last line she said. Nothing had gone as planned during the show, but she thought about how perfectly that matched with the character of Mary Cloppins, who was able to turn even the worst of situations into the best ones. 

Lilac sat down with Inkwell and Noteworthy, as their next scenes would not come until Island's bank scene was done. Inkwell gave Lilac a hug. "Sugar, I'm so sorry. I heard the news from Noteworthy. Such a sweet and kind pony doesn't deserve to be sabotaged like this! I'll help with the matter of hunting them down. I'll also get Island and the rest of our team to help too. I can't let you suffer from this." Tears began to well up in Lilac's eyes. "Actually, Inkwell, I'm not that disappointed anymore. As Mary Cloppins says, 'I never explain anything.' Based on the reactions of the audience and what you all have been telling me, everyone enjoyed the improvisations I had to make! Inkwell, I've just realized that nothing is meant to be 100% perfect. I've had fun working around the obstacles thrown at me. I thought that performing the  Superponyfragilistic song  from the floor was kind of interesting," she admitted. 

Noteworthy smiled. "Awww, Lilac, I'm glad you're starting to see the light in the situation! However, the behavior caused by whoever had done this is still unacceptable. I will still have to track them down," he explained. Lilac nodded. "I know. I'm just saying that I have had fun playing Mary Cloppins in different ways." When she heard Banana Strudel, the pony who played Mr. Dandy, laugh so hard that he floated to the ceiling, Lilac signaled for Inkwell to push her onto the stage. It was time for her last scene. 

"She doesn't care what happens to us," said Orange. 

"She only promised to stay till the wind changed, right?" asked Daisy. 

Lilac began packing all her belongings into her carpet bag. "Bring my hat stand, please," she instructed the children. 

Orange grabbed the hem of her dress. "Mary Cloppins, don't you love us?"

Lilac turned around to face him. "What would happen to me if I loved all the children I said goodbye to?" she asked. As she turned back to her packing, she shed a single tear. That line got Lilac almost every single time. 

Just then, Island Skies, as the now-cheerful Mr. Flanks, came trotting happily into the house. "Just a teaspoon of cider makes the medicine go down, the medicine go down..." he sang. 

Inkwell saw him and gave him a bear hug. "George! What on earth were you doing in the cellar?"

Island smiled. "First, where are the children?" he asked. "Jane! Michael!" 

"Your father's calling," said Lilac, who was still packing.

"It sure doesn't sound like Father," said Daisy. 

"Jane! Michael!" Island called again. 

"Run along. Spit spot," instructed Lilac before she left the stage. As the happy Flanks family happily trotted off singing "Let's Go Fly A Kite," Lilac smiled. What a sweet ending, she thought as she watched Island fly a kite with the children. It sure was a rare treat to see the stern and serious Island Skies grin happily like that. 

Not long after, Lilac was wheeled over to the stage for her very last scene. Discord had agreed to play the parrot-head of her talking umbrella. "That's gratitude for you. Didn't even say goodbye," he said with a bitter tone. 

Lilac smiled. "Oh, no, they didn't." 

Discord rolled his eyes. "Look at them. They think more of their father than of you."

"Well, that's as it should be," said Lilac. Discord's parrot beak dropped open. "What? Don't you care?"

In her best posh British accent, Lilac explained, "Practically perfect people never permit sentiment to muddle their thinking."

"Is that so? Well, I'll tell you one thing, Mary Cloppins, you don't fool me a bit." laughed Discord. 

"Oh, really?" asked Lilac in a sarcastic tone. 

"Yes, really. I know exactly how you feel about these children," teased Discord. And if you think I'm gonna keep my mouth shut any longer, I-"

Lilac clamped his beak shut with a smile and icy glare at the same time. "That will be quite enough, thank you." She tried her best not to laugh. Doing this scene with Discord was another part she enjoyed about the play. 

Caramel looked up from selling kites to bid his final farewell to Mary Cloppins. "Good-bye, Mary Cloppins. Don't stay away too long," he said with a warm smile. Lilac's eyes filled with tears as she smiled back at him. "Awww..." went the audience. 

Lilac held her umbrella in one hand and waved at Caramel with the other as the stageponies wheeled her off the stage. She didn't get to fly off, but she didn't care about that loss anymore. 

The Teaspoon of Cider orchestra arrangement began to play to the applause of the audience as everyone came up to the stage one last time for a final bow. First came the chimney sweeps, then the pearly band, followed by Discord, Banana Strudel, Flora, Inkwell, Island, Orange, and Daisy. 

"Now, let's give a hand for the crew who worked hard to run everything! Especially me," announced Discord. He and Noteworthy took a bow together. "And we can't forget Sunset Mint, who made all these amazing costumes!" Sunset had already told Inkwell that she could not stay for the whole play due to having to watch her baby niece.

"And last, but not least... the one and only Mary Cloppins herself! She may not have been perfect in every way, but she was practically perfect in her own way, bringing laughter and tears to all of you sitting in this theater tonight. Please give it up for Lilac Wishes!" 

The audience began to cheer loudly as Inkwell and Island wheeled Lilac onto the stage. Ponies began to throw flowers at her. Comet screamed so loud that his voice cracked and became hoarse. "Oh my Celestia! Thank you, everypony! This sure means a lot to me," she laughed. 

"I remember when our school was holding auditions for the role of Mary Cloppins. I know that most of my fellow ponies wanted to have the experience of playing an iconic star, but all I wanted to do was to sing Feed the Birds. Kindness is very important to me, and I wanted to get that message across through that song. I know that no one expected to see me sing the song from a wheelchair, but I think that adds on to the meaning of the song. We all must be kind to everyone, no matter how weak or strong; beautiful or ugly. Also, this whole show was a great experience. You've all saw me mess up multiple times. Someone was trying to sabotage me throughout the show," Lilac explained. The audience gasped. 

"I was upset at first, but then I realized that I actually found joy in improvising and making the best out of my current situation. Who knew that I would have so much fun singing Superponyfragilistic from the floor? But anyway, from this, I want you to remember to always be kind and turn a negative moment into a positive moment. It will help you become a better and happier pony overall! Thank you so much, everypony. I'm glad you have all enjoyed this show as much as I have!" said Lilac. The audience cheered. "YAY, LILAC!!!" Comet tried to yell as the curtains came down.
> The Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

All the teachers congratulated each other backstage. "Great job, everypony!" said Inkwell. She turned to Island. "You know, this role of Mrs. Flanks is getting me into the history of mares' right to vote. Well done, Sister Suffragette!" Island smiled. "I'm glad. On the other hoof, I am glad to be able to change out of this itchy suit!"

Caramel Math walked over to Lilac. "Everypony did amazing! I think Lilac was the best, though. She rocks the stage with the art of improvisation!" Everypony backstage cheered. Lilac blushed. "Ah! Stop! Thank you so much! I'm going to go run to the bathroom real quick. Be right back!" 

Lilac left the backstage room and began walking to the bathroom by herself. She then saw a unicorn completely shrouded in a black cloak hiding in an open classroom. Lilac's heart started to pound in her ears. "H-hello?" The unicorn saw her and dashed out of the classroom and into the hallway. "Hey! No! Stop! Come back here!" yelled Lilac. "Island! Inkwell! Somepony help!" 

Within seconds, Island, Inkwell, and Noteworthy were by her side. "What happened?" 

Lilac was still out of breath. "That unicorn in black! I think they're up to something! They ran away. I think it was the pony who sabotaged me!" 

Island cracked his hooves. "We got you, Lilac. Everypony, split up and look for that unicorn!" he shouted. Inkwell and Lilac went in one direction, while Noteworthy went in the other. 

Everypony frantically ran around Ponyville Middle School, trying to locate the mysterious unicorn. The unicorn hid behind desks in open classrooms, sneakily laughing to themself. 

After a few intense minutes of searching, Island switched on the light to one of the classrooms and found the unicorn hiding under a desk. "Gotchu! You're uni-cornered now," he said as Inkwell, Lilac, and Noteworthy joined him. "Put your hooves up and surrender!" 

The unicorn stood frozen for a while, then pulled off their hood. To everyone's shock and surprise, it was Sunset Mint! Lilac's mouth was in a perfect O. 

"Sunset? That was YOU all along?" yelled Island. "WHY on earth did you sabotage Lilac? Explain yourself!" 

Sunset Mint sighed and hung her head. "I'm sorry," she began. "I- I was just jealous of her! You know how badly I wanted the role of Mary Cloppins. The judges thought my audition was exquisite but they picked Lilac instead! I still have no idea why, since theater isn't really her thing. So I was so mad and jealous that I was bent on ruining her performance. But now I deeply regret it now." She turned to Lilac. "I'm sorry, Lilac. I'm sorry that I let my jealousy get the best of me. It's just that I was so into your role that I felt like I needed to have it. I lied that i had to take care of my niece so that I could sabotage you behind the scenes. I didn't mean for it to go as far as spraining your hoof! What I did was unacceptable, and I will not hide the fact that I have committed a grave crime against you. I really should have never done that, especially since you have shown me kindness ever since I arrived at Ponyville Middle. You don't have to forgive me, but I hope you can see how sorry I am," said Sunset, tears streaming down her face. 

Lilac began to cry as well. "Oh, Sunset. I actually thought that you would make the perfect Mary Cloppins because of your talents. But I actually have to thank you," she explained. 

Sunset looked surprised. "Thank me? For what?"

"By sabotaging me, you've created opportunities for me to improvise and change things in a new way for the better! I loved the new way of performing Superponyfragilistic. I didn't let the messes take away how I portrayed the character of Mary Cloppins. Yes, I may have been upset at first, but then I came to realize that unfortunate mishaps can be turned into enjoyable experiences," explained Lilac as she gave Sunset a hug. "Thank you for that." 

Island, Inkwell, and Noteworthy still bore looks of shock. "That still doesn't reverse the messes you made," Noteworthy said sternly. Lilac laughed. "Noteworthy, chill. I'm okay with it, and that's all that matters," she said with a smile. "Who's ready for donuts at Joe's? My treat! I'll get Comet to come with us too." Sunset smiled. "Oh, yes! Thank you for your kindness despite my crime," she said as she embraced Lilac again. 

At Joe's, Team 7C, the rest of the cast, and Comet ordered and ate way too many boxes of donuts. "One more dozen!" said Caramel. Joe stared at him. "Haven't you already had enough?"

Comet was still rambling on and on about his girlfriend's performance. "You were phenomenal!" he gushed every five minutes. Lilac laughed. "I only need to hear that once," she laughed. "I still can't believe that I made it into the Bridlewood magazine for my performance of Feed the Birds!" Comet grabbed Lilac's hoof and kissed it. "When Lilac holds your hoof, you find the bright truth. Your heart starts beating just over the roof," he sang as everypony laughed. 

With a snap of his claw, Discord appeared at the party. "Good job, Lilac! You were the best Mary Cloppins ever. And thank you for convincing the school to let me help direct and play a role. I still do think that you and Caramel should be a couple, though." Caramel froze. "HEY!" Comet yelled angrily. Lilac rolled her eyes and gave Discord a bear hug.

Sunset was still apologizing for her actions. "As long as Lilac forgives you, we do too," said Island. 

"Hey! Ready for karaoke?" shouted Caramel. Everypony cheered. "It's... superponyfragilisticexponalidocious!" he and Lilac sang as the rest of the ponies joined in. 

Everyone laughed and had a great time. No one could wait for the next school play.

When Lilac got home, she opened Team 7C's friendship journal and began to write:

Dear Superintendent, 
You have probably seen me star as Mary Cloppins in our school play and make quite the show. I had to admit that I was upset at first, since this was not how I had planned for things to go. However, I never expected that I would love the art of improvisation! Learning to work under limited circumstances is surprisingly fun. When a pony makes the most of their current situation, they have the ability to turn a horrible experience into a positive one! It makes them a happier pony overall :)
XOXO Lilac Wishes