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Literature Text
Morning. How dreadful.
Even my hair looks like somepony took a rats' nest, dyed it purple, and stuck it over my head… again. Oh, but what does it even matter? I've made some of the biggest mistakes of my life. How my hair looks should be the least of my worries.
-KNOCK- -KNOCK-
A customer? At this hour? Mmmmmm.
Normally, I'd be thrilled to take in anypony at this rate, but right now, I'm not even in the mood to touch that sewing machine.
-KNOCK- -KNOCK-
"Alright alright, I'm coming, darling! Just hold your… never mind."
"Rarity! Good, you're awake!"
"Roseluck? What are you doing here?"
She seems really excited about something. I wonder why she's come to see me. I thought everypony in Ponyville hated my guys by now…
"I just got some really exciting news! You know about The Drifting Cattails?"
"Isn't that the acoustic band that's going to perform at the park tonight?"
"Yup! And guess what? My cousin Pixie Petal, she's in the entertainment industry, so she's best friends with The Drifting Cattails' manager's personal assistant! And Pixie, she loves her stuff, well, I might have shown some of your fashions to her before, and GUESS. WHAT."
"What?"
"Pixie showed the Cattails' manager's PA your fashions, and she liked them so much that she recommended them to her boss, who discussed it with the band! So then they told him, to tell her, to tell Pixie, to tell me… get ready for this… THE DRIFTING CATTAILS WANT YOU TO DESIGN THEM SOME COSTUMES FOR THE CONCERT!"
"WHAT!?"
"I'm not kidding!"
"Oh my stars! To design such an ensemble for a band that's going to be watched by thousands, all of them seeing my outfits… that would bring me so much business, and put me in the spotlight of all the music and fashion-loving enthusiasts!"
"So, what do you say? Want me to tell them 'yes'?"
"Oh… um. Yes, just— just give me a second to think."
On the one hand, I'm totally confident that I could make some spectacular outfits. And it would indeed help my business immensely.
But… it could also ruin both my business and The Drifting Cattails' reputation if their fans found out they were using fashions designed by me, the pony being gossiped all over Equestria for what she did…
Speaking of what I did… Maybe I can't take this assignment on. I'm still so upset about Fluttershy… I'm not sure anymore.
WAIT!
What if I— Oh, but that— Oh! But what if… Maybe— Yes, that could— Oh, yes! But there's still… Hang on! I could… and then— and… and that would be like killing two birds with one stone!
YES, IT'S BRILLIANT!
"ROSELUCK!"
"AAH! Y-Yes?"
"Tell your cousin to tell her friend to tell her boss to tell that band… I'll do it."
"You will!?"
"Yes… but I'll need a small favor from The Drifting Cattails."
The sun glimmered into Sweetie Belle's room, stirring the young filly awake.
"Agh!"
She got out of bed and rubbed her eyes, and took a look out the window.
"Wow! What a beautiful day!" she exclaimed. Too bad that pink butterfly I was singing to last night is gone. I can't wait to— Oh, that's right. I can't go outside, because I got grounded for trying to make everypony happy…"
She sighed and drooped her head.
"Why is it that every time I try to help, I just make every… thing… worse?"
Her eyes drifted over to her nightstand, where a few peculiar objects had been placed.
A bouquet of blue roses, two tickets to the Drifting Cattails concert, and a letter marked with "Sweetums".
Curious, she wandered over and started reading the letter. As she did, her expression gradually became more and more excited, until finally she clenched the letter in a hoof with a happy gasp.
"YES!"
Maybe I— maybe I should go over now, and tell her I forgive her.
I've got nothing to lose… She said she's not mad at me anymore, and maybe she's still going to by my friend, even if she doesn't love me back.
Oh! But how can I be so sure of that? I'm on the verge of screwing everything up! If I end up saying the wrong thing, our friendship will be over forever!
That settles it. I'm just going to stay inside today… and tomorrow… and the day after that. And maybe the day after that…
-KNOCK- -KNOCK-
…or maybe I will come out today.
"Hi, Fluttershy! How's it sprouting?"
"Oh… hey, Golden Harvest!" I said, trying as hard as I could to mask my sadness. "This is certainly a surprise."
"Oh, yeah. We've never gotten the chance to talk much, have we? Anyway, I came here to ask a favor."
"W-What can I do for you?" Normally, I would've just said 'sure' without asking any further, but… since I've been feeling down, I figured I'd be far more trustworthy if I knew what the favor was first.
"Well, you see, I managed to swindle myself two tickets to that big Drifting Cattails concert playing at the park tonight. I was going to ask my girlfr— I mean, good friend, Berryshine. But she already has a ticket of her own.
So I asked Rarity, but she was busy with other plans." Sigh… I wish she hadn't reminded me of Rarity. "And finally, I asked my other good friend Roseluck, but she and Daisy Wishes and Lily Valley already got tickets too. So… well, I know this was going to sound sort of out of the orange, but… Fluttershy, would you like to go see The Drifting Cattails with me?"
"What? Gee Golden, that's really nice of you, but, I'm not really sure I'd like to go…"
"Oh, well that's okay if you're not interested," she said, starting to walk away. "I guess I'll just keep looking. Hmm, I wonder if Derpy would be interested—"
"Wait! Don't go! It's not that I'm not interested…" In fact, The Drifting Cattails are my favorite band. But… with the whole situation of Rarity, I completely forgot to buy a ticket for myself before they sold out. "It's just, well… I haven't been in a very good mood lately."
"Really? Why, what's happened?"
"Not much, really. Rarity and I… sort of had a fight. Don't you remember? I saw you there in the crowd. You were cheering my name."
"I was? I don't even remember. I must've been drunk or something. Anyway, are you really sure you don't want to go?"
"I don't know…"
"You know, Fluttershy…" She put her hoof on my shoulder. "I definitely totally don't know what happened between you and Rarity… totally. But I do know one thing. You're never going to feel any better just staying cooped up in your house all day. This might be just the thing you need…"
She had a point. "That's true… Okay. I'll go."
"Great! Now come on, let's get there early so we can get a view!"
"Alright."
So I started walking down towards the park with Golden Harvest.
"Yes! I did it!" She suddenly said, clenching her hoof.
"Huh? Did what?"
"Oh… nothing, nothing. Don't worry about it…"
Hmm…
The sun had almost set all the way by the time Golden Harvest and I made it to the park. There were a lot of ponies there already. Most of them were getting refreshments and setting up camp in the huge space in front of the stage.
Some pegasi were perched up high in the overlooking clouds. I saw Roseluck, Lily Valley, and Daisy Wishes sitting on top of the hill where Sweetie Belle and Spike kissed.
And up on the stage, there was a gray mare running some mic tests. She had a wild black manestyle, with white highlights in it. She had a spiky black mane, thick eyebrows, and was wearing eyeshadow. Her Cutie Mark was a green-colored sun, with clouds and a large music note around it.
I saw some of the members of The Drifting Cattails come out every once in a while to check the other equipment, along with another pony, who judging by his clipboard must be their manager. I could also hear somepony doing scales on an electric guitar backstage.
"This is going to be so exciting!" Golden said to me as we were walking. "I've never been to a real concert before!"
"I know… you said that four times on the way over here."
"Really? Sorry. I'm just… oh, I'm so excited! Ooh! Hey, Berryshine!"
I looked over. Berryshine, a purple pony I sort of know who likes to drink punch and wine a lot, was waving over to her. She looked she was manning a punch table for other ponies to drink. At least, I think it's punch. There's a sign on it that says, "Completely non-alcoholic! I swear!"
"Hey there, pudding! How's it -HIC- hanging, my fine lime wine?"
"Berryshine, I told you, not in public! …Oh! Hey Fluttershy, you don't mind if I go mingle with Berryshine for a little while, do you?"
"I, guess not."
"Okay!" With that, she ran over to her. I was walking away, when I heard her say, "Yup, I did what she asked me to do. Everything's going according to her plan so far…"
They both looked at me for a second, and then giggled to each other. I wonder what they were talking about. It didn't make me feel very comfortable…
So, I was just left to wander around the venue alone, as I got my own stuff to eat and drink, while I was waiting for the concert to start. I'm… well, kind of shy, so I don't like talking to other ponies as much as others. And besides, a lot of the ponies here have spotted me, and I've seen them whispering to each other and looking really sad.
Mm… I've almost wondered if I should just forget about this concert and go back home.
"I think it's a really sweet thing she's doing," I heard a familiar voice say. "This is all going to be so much fun! Thank you for so much for coming with me, Spikey Wikey! Mmwah!"
I whipped my head around to see Sweetie Belle and Spike walking into the park, having just given their tickets to the bouncer out front. Spike was holding a bouquet of blue roses, and they were both talking and laughing.
"So, is she here yet?" Spike asked.
Sweetie Belle started looking around everywhere. Then she saw me and went, "Oh!" And… then she whispered something to Spike, and Spike saw me too and waved.
I was about to wave back, but for some reason, Sweetie forced his hand down and hurried him away… almost as if she didn't want me to see them.
It was very odd…
Shortly after that, a blue pony with a musical note for a Cutie Mark came up to me with a canned drink. For a split second, I could swear there was something weird about his face…
"Hi! You probably don't know me, but my name's Noteworthy. I, uh… I saw what happened between you and that other pretty-looking mare the other day and I felt kind of sorry, so… I thought I'd buy a lemonade for you."
"Oh… thanks."
"No problem! I just hope you're feeling better. Well, see you around!"
"Bye…"
I was feeling better… until I had to be reminded of her again…
Oh, Rarity.
"Places, everyone! The opening act starts in five minutes!"
"Hey, your name was Rarity, right?"
"Oh, yes. Yes, it is. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Hoofstrong."
"Oh, actually, it's Mrs. Hoofstrong."
"Really!?"
"I know, I don't look like a married mare, do I?"
"Indeed. I never would've guessed."
"Anyway, I just wanted to really thank you for these costumes you made for me and the boys back there. How did you even know green was my favorite color?"
"Oh… lucky guess." That, and the fact that she always likes to wear green accessories and has a green sun for a Cutie Mark. Plus, most of the furniture in her house that she's showed off to magazines is green too.
"Well, it is super cool! Y'know, I think I'll keep you in mind, in case I'd ever like you to design something for any of my other upcoming gigs. What do you say?"
"Darling, I'd love to!" This is working out fantastically. First a one-in-a-million offer from The Drifting Cattails, and now even the acclaimed punk rocker Billie Jo Hoofstrong has shown an interest in my work. Ooh! Perhaps rebuilding my career won't be as difficult as I thought!
"Hey, Rarity!"
"Twilight! Oh, I'm so glad you made it, dear! Is everything ready?"
"I think so. It took me a long night of studying, but… I think I can pull this off."
"Oh, that's wonderful to hear."
"Oh, and Rarity?" I turned around as Billie Jo approached me again.
"Yes?"
"I hope you get her tonight." She raised her right hoof, and on it was a red, purple, and blue band, with the word "PRIDE" inscribed on it. "I really do."
"Me too, Billie Jo. Me too."
Hey X-Foal, bombs away!
Here goes nothing,
The shining's over!
Hey X-Foal, bombs away!
Here goes nothing
The shining's over and out,
Over and out,
Over and over and out!
I've never really liked punk rock. It's just much too loud for me. The loud clapping and cheering of the audience doesn't help, either. I hope I don't go deaf by the time The Drifting Cattails come on.
Of course, I probably shouldn't be in the front row; not like I wanted to be. I was content to watch from the back, but everypony kept insisting I cut in front of them. They probably felt sorry for me too. I really wish they wouldn't…
"Hello, Ponyvillians! Boy, have we got a beautiful crowd out here today!"
As it turns out, the gray mare I saw warming up earlier is the band's opening act. Apparently, she's a touring punk rock musician named Billie Jo Hoofstrong. She both sings and plays guitar, accompanied by another pony with spiky, blonde hair who plays the drums.
Billie Jo was wearing a very fashionable green dress now. She still hadn't combed her mane or anything, though. In fact, it almost looked like it was even spikier.
"Now, I hope you liked that performance. But I think it's time we got to see the real meat! Who do you wanna hear?"
"The Drifting Cattails!"
"When do you wanna hear them?"
"Now!"
"OKAY! Then, let's all give a warm, welcoming hoof to… The Drifting Cattails!"
Finally, the real attraction I'd been hoping for is coming out.
Oh, wow.
The guitarist of the group, brown with a yellow mane, has a shiny red jacket, and yellow-tinted glasses. The keyboardist is wearing his signature turtleneck sweater, which always goes really well with his blue coat, somehow it looks… better. I can't put my hoof on it. I never did manage to memorize their names.
Oh! But that's the lead singer, Trots Cool, following them in. His outfit looks really cool. It's a brown leather jacket with faux fur cuffs, a fluffy collar, and shiny white buttons. Maybe it's just me, but something about all three of their outfits looks familiar. I wonder if they were designed by… no, probably not.
"Hey there, everypo— Yikes! How loud did she turn this thing up anyway… There we go. Hey there, everypony." Ahh, so much better. "How are you all doing tonight? Before we start our first song, how about one last round of applause for our opening act tonight, Billie Jo Hoofstrong and her drummer Mic?"
"Okay. Well, let's get started right away. Our first song today to a very special mare in the audience tonight."
I wonder who that is.
"Or rather… two very special mares."
Hmm?
Here we stand
You and I
Thick and through
We've made it
-POOF-
W-what was that? I thought I just saw something from behind the curtain. A magic burst?
I'd never make it... without you
And I know that you... feel the same
This is our final chapter
This is our final chance
"Ooh! Sorry! Excuse me! Pardon me! Sorry!"
That's Golden Harvest… why is she here, trying to scoot around us?
"Pardon me, sorry! Hey Fluttershy, what's up? Excuse me!"
Okay…
But I'm afraid I must confess
Now is not the time to second guess
I have something to tell you
Please oh please, let's see this through
What is going on here? I keep hearing noises from around the crowd, and look only to see other ponies dashing away. Golden Harvest… Bon-Bon and Lyra… Twilight… Wait, Twilight? I didn't know Twilight was here.
Oh, pony
You are my everything
Without you
I would be nothing
Please
Please be my something
'Cause I'm
Not messing up a darn thing
That's strange.
I've listened to this song before. I could've sworn the instrumental solo came after the second verse and chorus. Hmm, maybe they change it up for their live performances.
I don't know… something weird is going on here.
As we take
These next steps
Tough as blood
We've made it
"Aah!"
"Hey!"
"What the—?"
"Huh?" What's all that commotion going on behind here?
…What?
What's going on? Why did an embroidered green carpet just roll out through the crowd? It cut right through the middle, and just happened to stop right in front of me.
"What's happening?"
I am so glad I got... to know you
And I know you're just... as happy
I don't know how those guys can just keep on singing so calmly, as if nothing out of the ordinary's going on.
This is our final chapter
This is our final dance
Aah! What's that!? It's coming right towards me! It's… it's…
A butterfly? Oh, a pink butterfly, too. How cute! It kind of looks like the butterflies on my Cutie Mark. It also looks like…
A gemmed satyr? Sort of like the one I saw the other day. But… I didn't know gemmed satyrs could be pink.
Huh? What are you trying to show me, little guy?
Wait a minute… I know this embroidering…
It can't be.
I am so glad I got... to know you
And I know you're just... as happy
This is our final chapter
This is our final dance
"Wait, come back! Where are you going?"
Now it's flying back away from me. It seems to be flying towards… wait…
Is that a pony walking down the carpet? Oh, now I get it. A noble pony must be attending this concert, and decided to make a prestigious entrance. …Did I use that word right?
No… that's no noble pony.
Is that… no, it-it couldn't be… She wouldn't—
Oh, my. Oh, my, it is!
It's her!
"R-R-Rarity!?"
But I'm afraid that truth be told
It's my time to stand up, be bold
There's something I need to say
Please oh please, let's not say neigh
There she is.
As I walk closer to her, I just keep thinking to myself…
She is so pretty. Her mane, a pink river flowing through the wilderness. Her turquoise eyes shine brighter than any gem. Her face, beaming like the face of… of… she is just the most adorable thing ever!
The most beautiful mare in all of Equestria.
Fluttershy.
Oh, pony
You are my everything
Without you
I would be nothing
What is she doing?
She's walking right towards me, isn't she?
Please
Please be my something
'Cause I'm
Not messing up a darn thing
Is she— Oh my, she is!
She is!
SHE IS!
Rarity and Fluttershy's kiss felt magical to both of them immediately. As they both touched lip, tears instantly began streaming down both of their faces.
For Fluttershy, this was something she had yearned for for a very long time, and she had convinced herself that it was never going to happen. For Rarity, she had only just realized how intimately she cared for Fluttershy. But she had convinced herself that after everything she had done to Fluttershy in the past couple of days, she was never going to accept this.
But that wasn't the only magic happening. To the awe of everyone in the crowd, including The Drifting Cattails themselves, Rarity's horn became to secrete a magical light blue aura that engulfed both of the lovers and started to carry them above the ground.
Over their heads, the aura continued to build up, creating a larger and larger mass… until finally, it exploded into a mystifying array of glowing light blue butterfly shapes, which flew out into all directions. They were accompanied by several strings of pink and yellow magic.
"Ooooh! Aaaah!"
Eventually, their necks tilted as they both moved in to touch tongue. This caused the butterflies to all gather above the park and blow out into an impressive display of fireworks, lighting up the night sky above the park.
It was purely magical… Whoa, déjà vu.
"Boys…" said Trots Cool. "We have done something really good tonight."
"Mm-hm," they both agreed. The three of them turned to each other with a smile, as the pink gemmed satyr fell over, and perched as the two mares touched noses and snuggled each other.
Oh, pony
You are my everything
Without you
I would be nothing
"I love you, Rarity."
Please
Please be my something
'Cause I'm
Not messing up…
"I love you too, Fluttershy."
A darn thing.
"I love you so much…"
Even my hair looks like somepony took a rats' nest, dyed it purple, and stuck it over my head… again. Oh, but what does it even matter? I've made some of the biggest mistakes of my life. How my hair looks should be the least of my worries.
-KNOCK- -KNOCK-
A customer? At this hour? Mmmmmm.
Normally, I'd be thrilled to take in anypony at this rate, but right now, I'm not even in the mood to touch that sewing machine.
-KNOCK- -KNOCK-
"Alright alright, I'm coming, darling! Just hold your… never mind."
"Rarity! Good, you're awake!"
"Roseluck? What are you doing here?"
She seems really excited about something. I wonder why she's come to see me. I thought everypony in Ponyville hated my guys by now…
"I just got some really exciting news! You know about The Drifting Cattails?"
"Isn't that the acoustic band that's going to perform at the park tonight?"
"Yup! And guess what? My cousin Pixie Petal, she's in the entertainment industry, so she's best friends with The Drifting Cattails' manager's personal assistant! And Pixie, she loves her stuff, well, I might have shown some of your fashions to her before, and GUESS. WHAT."
"What?"
"Pixie showed the Cattails' manager's PA your fashions, and she liked them so much that she recommended them to her boss, who discussed it with the band! So then they told him, to tell her, to tell Pixie, to tell me… get ready for this… THE DRIFTING CATTAILS WANT YOU TO DESIGN THEM SOME COSTUMES FOR THE CONCERT!"
"WHAT!?"
"I'm not kidding!"
"Oh my stars! To design such an ensemble for a band that's going to be watched by thousands, all of them seeing my outfits… that would bring me so much business, and put me in the spotlight of all the music and fashion-loving enthusiasts!"
"So, what do you say? Want me to tell them 'yes'?"
"Oh… um. Yes, just— just give me a second to think."
On the one hand, I'm totally confident that I could make some spectacular outfits. And it would indeed help my business immensely.
But… it could also ruin both my business and The Drifting Cattails' reputation if their fans found out they were using fashions designed by me, the pony being gossiped all over Equestria for what she did…
Speaking of what I did… Maybe I can't take this assignment on. I'm still so upset about Fluttershy… I'm not sure anymore.
WAIT!
What if I— Oh, but that— Oh! But what if… Maybe— Yes, that could— Oh, yes! But there's still… Hang on! I could… and then— and… and that would be like killing two birds with one stone!
YES, IT'S BRILLIANT!
"ROSELUCK!"
"AAH! Y-Yes?"
"Tell your cousin to tell her friend to tell her boss to tell that band… I'll do it."
"You will!?"
"Yes… but I'll need a small favor from The Drifting Cattails."
The sun glimmered into Sweetie Belle's room, stirring the young filly awake.
"Agh!"
She got out of bed and rubbed her eyes, and took a look out the window.
"Wow! What a beautiful day!" she exclaimed. Too bad that pink butterfly I was singing to last night is gone. I can't wait to— Oh, that's right. I can't go outside, because I got grounded for trying to make everypony happy…"
She sighed and drooped her head.
"Why is it that every time I try to help, I just make every… thing… worse?"
Her eyes drifted over to her nightstand, where a few peculiar objects had been placed.
A bouquet of blue roses, two tickets to the Drifting Cattails concert, and a letter marked with "Sweetums".
Curious, she wandered over and started reading the letter. As she did, her expression gradually became more and more excited, until finally she clenched the letter in a hoof with a happy gasp.
"YES!"
Maybe I— maybe I should go over now, and tell her I forgive her.
I've got nothing to lose… She said she's not mad at me anymore, and maybe she's still going to by my friend, even if she doesn't love me back.
Oh! But how can I be so sure of that? I'm on the verge of screwing everything up! If I end up saying the wrong thing, our friendship will be over forever!
That settles it. I'm just going to stay inside today… and tomorrow… and the day after that. And maybe the day after that…
-KNOCK- -KNOCK-
…or maybe I will come out today.
"Hi, Fluttershy! How's it sprouting?"
"Oh… hey, Golden Harvest!" I said, trying as hard as I could to mask my sadness. "This is certainly a surprise."
"Oh, yeah. We've never gotten the chance to talk much, have we? Anyway, I came here to ask a favor."
"W-What can I do for you?" Normally, I would've just said 'sure' without asking any further, but… since I've been feeling down, I figured I'd be far more trustworthy if I knew what the favor was first.
"Well, you see, I managed to swindle myself two tickets to that big Drifting Cattails concert playing at the park tonight. I was going to ask my girlfr— I mean, good friend, Berryshine. But she already has a ticket of her own.
So I asked Rarity, but she was busy with other plans." Sigh… I wish she hadn't reminded me of Rarity. "And finally, I asked my other good friend Roseluck, but she and Daisy Wishes and Lily Valley already got tickets too. So… well, I know this was going to sound sort of out of the orange, but… Fluttershy, would you like to go see The Drifting Cattails with me?"
"What? Gee Golden, that's really nice of you, but, I'm not really sure I'd like to go…"
"Oh, well that's okay if you're not interested," she said, starting to walk away. "I guess I'll just keep looking. Hmm, I wonder if Derpy would be interested—"
"Wait! Don't go! It's not that I'm not interested…" In fact, The Drifting Cattails are my favorite band. But… with the whole situation of Rarity, I completely forgot to buy a ticket for myself before they sold out. "It's just, well… I haven't been in a very good mood lately."
"Really? Why, what's happened?"
"Not much, really. Rarity and I… sort of had a fight. Don't you remember? I saw you there in the crowd. You were cheering my name."
"I was? I don't even remember. I must've been drunk or something. Anyway, are you really sure you don't want to go?"
"I don't know…"
"You know, Fluttershy…" She put her hoof on my shoulder. "I definitely totally don't know what happened between you and Rarity… totally. But I do know one thing. You're never going to feel any better just staying cooped up in your house all day. This might be just the thing you need…"
She had a point. "That's true… Okay. I'll go."
"Great! Now come on, let's get there early so we can get a view!"
"Alright."
So I started walking down towards the park with Golden Harvest.
"Yes! I did it!" She suddenly said, clenching her hoof.
"Huh? Did what?"
"Oh… nothing, nothing. Don't worry about it…"
Hmm…
The sun had almost set all the way by the time Golden Harvest and I made it to the park. There were a lot of ponies there already. Most of them were getting refreshments and setting up camp in the huge space in front of the stage.
Some pegasi were perched up high in the overlooking clouds. I saw Roseluck, Lily Valley, and Daisy Wishes sitting on top of the hill where Sweetie Belle and Spike kissed.
And up on the stage, there was a gray mare running some mic tests. She had a wild black manestyle, with white highlights in it. She had a spiky black mane, thick eyebrows, and was wearing eyeshadow. Her Cutie Mark was a green-colored sun, with clouds and a large music note around it.
I saw some of the members of The Drifting Cattails come out every once in a while to check the other equipment, along with another pony, who judging by his clipboard must be their manager. I could also hear somepony doing scales on an electric guitar backstage.
"This is going to be so exciting!" Golden said to me as we were walking. "I've never been to a real concert before!"
"I know… you said that four times on the way over here."
"Really? Sorry. I'm just… oh, I'm so excited! Ooh! Hey, Berryshine!"
I looked over. Berryshine, a purple pony I sort of know who likes to drink punch and wine a lot, was waving over to her. She looked she was manning a punch table for other ponies to drink. At least, I think it's punch. There's a sign on it that says, "Completely non-alcoholic! I swear!"
"Hey there, pudding! How's it -HIC- hanging, my fine lime wine?"
"Berryshine, I told you, not in public! …Oh! Hey Fluttershy, you don't mind if I go mingle with Berryshine for a little while, do you?"
"I, guess not."
"Okay!" With that, she ran over to her. I was walking away, when I heard her say, "Yup, I did what she asked me to do. Everything's going according to her plan so far…"
They both looked at me for a second, and then giggled to each other. I wonder what they were talking about. It didn't make me feel very comfortable…
So, I was just left to wander around the venue alone, as I got my own stuff to eat and drink, while I was waiting for the concert to start. I'm… well, kind of shy, so I don't like talking to other ponies as much as others. And besides, a lot of the ponies here have spotted me, and I've seen them whispering to each other and looking really sad.
Mm… I've almost wondered if I should just forget about this concert and go back home.
"I think it's a really sweet thing she's doing," I heard a familiar voice say. "This is all going to be so much fun! Thank you for so much for coming with me, Spikey Wikey! Mmwah!"
I whipped my head around to see Sweetie Belle and Spike walking into the park, having just given their tickets to the bouncer out front. Spike was holding a bouquet of blue roses, and they were both talking and laughing.
"So, is she here yet?" Spike asked.
Sweetie Belle started looking around everywhere. Then she saw me and went, "Oh!" And… then she whispered something to Spike, and Spike saw me too and waved.
I was about to wave back, but for some reason, Sweetie forced his hand down and hurried him away… almost as if she didn't want me to see them.
It was very odd…
Shortly after that, a blue pony with a musical note for a Cutie Mark came up to me with a canned drink. For a split second, I could swear there was something weird about his face…
"Hi! You probably don't know me, but my name's Noteworthy. I, uh… I saw what happened between you and that other pretty-looking mare the other day and I felt kind of sorry, so… I thought I'd buy a lemonade for you."
"Oh… thanks."
"No problem! I just hope you're feeling better. Well, see you around!"
"Bye…"
I was feeling better… until I had to be reminded of her again…
Oh, Rarity.
"Places, everyone! The opening act starts in five minutes!"
"Hey, your name was Rarity, right?"
"Oh, yes. Yes, it is. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Hoofstrong."
"Oh, actually, it's Mrs. Hoofstrong."
"Really!?"
"I know, I don't look like a married mare, do I?"
"Indeed. I never would've guessed."
"Anyway, I just wanted to really thank you for these costumes you made for me and the boys back there. How did you even know green was my favorite color?"
"Oh… lucky guess." That, and the fact that she always likes to wear green accessories and has a green sun for a Cutie Mark. Plus, most of the furniture in her house that she's showed off to magazines is green too.
"Well, it is super cool! Y'know, I think I'll keep you in mind, in case I'd ever like you to design something for any of my other upcoming gigs. What do you say?"
"Darling, I'd love to!" This is working out fantastically. First a one-in-a-million offer from The Drifting Cattails, and now even the acclaimed punk rocker Billie Jo Hoofstrong has shown an interest in my work. Ooh! Perhaps rebuilding my career won't be as difficult as I thought!
"Hey, Rarity!"
"Twilight! Oh, I'm so glad you made it, dear! Is everything ready?"
"I think so. It took me a long night of studying, but… I think I can pull this off."
"Oh, that's wonderful to hear."
"Oh, and Rarity?" I turned around as Billie Jo approached me again.
"Yes?"
"I hope you get her tonight." She raised her right hoof, and on it was a red, purple, and blue band, with the word "PRIDE" inscribed on it. "I really do."
"Me too, Billie Jo. Me too."
Hey X-Foal, bombs away!
Here goes nothing,
The shining's over!
Hey X-Foal, bombs away!
Here goes nothing
The shining's over and out,
Over and out,
Over and over and out!
I've never really liked punk rock. It's just much too loud for me. The loud clapping and cheering of the audience doesn't help, either. I hope I don't go deaf by the time The Drifting Cattails come on.
Of course, I probably shouldn't be in the front row; not like I wanted to be. I was content to watch from the back, but everypony kept insisting I cut in front of them. They probably felt sorry for me too. I really wish they wouldn't…
"Hello, Ponyvillians! Boy, have we got a beautiful crowd out here today!"
As it turns out, the gray mare I saw warming up earlier is the band's opening act. Apparently, she's a touring punk rock musician named Billie Jo Hoofstrong. She both sings and plays guitar, accompanied by another pony with spiky, blonde hair who plays the drums.
Billie Jo was wearing a very fashionable green dress now. She still hadn't combed her mane or anything, though. In fact, it almost looked like it was even spikier.
"Now, I hope you liked that performance. But I think it's time we got to see the real meat! Who do you wanna hear?"
"The Drifting Cattails!"
"When do you wanna hear them?"
"Now!"
"OKAY! Then, let's all give a warm, welcoming hoof to… The Drifting Cattails!"
Finally, the real attraction I'd been hoping for is coming out.
Oh, wow.
The guitarist of the group, brown with a yellow mane, has a shiny red jacket, and yellow-tinted glasses. The keyboardist is wearing his signature turtleneck sweater, which always goes really well with his blue coat, somehow it looks… better. I can't put my hoof on it. I never did manage to memorize their names.
Oh! But that's the lead singer, Trots Cool, following them in. His outfit looks really cool. It's a brown leather jacket with faux fur cuffs, a fluffy collar, and shiny white buttons. Maybe it's just me, but something about all three of their outfits looks familiar. I wonder if they were designed by… no, probably not.
"Hey there, everypo— Yikes! How loud did she turn this thing up anyway… There we go. Hey there, everypony." Ahh, so much better. "How are you all doing tonight? Before we start our first song, how about one last round of applause for our opening act tonight, Billie Jo Hoofstrong and her drummer Mic?"
"Okay. Well, let's get started right away. Our first song today to a very special mare in the audience tonight."
I wonder who that is.
"Or rather… two very special mares."
Hmm?
Here we stand
You and I
Thick and through
We've made it
-POOF-
W-what was that? I thought I just saw something from behind the curtain. A magic burst?
I'd never make it... without you
And I know that you... feel the same
This is our final chapter
This is our final chance
"Ooh! Sorry! Excuse me! Pardon me! Sorry!"
That's Golden Harvest… why is she here, trying to scoot around us?
"Pardon me, sorry! Hey Fluttershy, what's up? Excuse me!"
Okay…
But I'm afraid I must confess
Now is not the time to second guess
I have something to tell you
Please oh please, let's see this through
What is going on here? I keep hearing noises from around the crowd, and look only to see other ponies dashing away. Golden Harvest… Bon-Bon and Lyra… Twilight… Wait, Twilight? I didn't know Twilight was here.
Oh, pony
You are my everything
Without you
I would be nothing
Please
Please be my something
'Cause I'm
Not messing up a darn thing
That's strange.
I've listened to this song before. I could've sworn the instrumental solo came after the second verse and chorus. Hmm, maybe they change it up for their live performances.
I don't know… something weird is going on here.
As we take
These next steps
Tough as blood
We've made it
"Aah!"
"Hey!"
"What the—?"
"Huh?" What's all that commotion going on behind here?
…What?
What's going on? Why did an embroidered green carpet just roll out through the crowd? It cut right through the middle, and just happened to stop right in front of me.
"What's happening?"
I am so glad I got... to know you
And I know you're just... as happy
I don't know how those guys can just keep on singing so calmly, as if nothing out of the ordinary's going on.
This is our final chapter
This is our final dance
Aah! What's that!? It's coming right towards me! It's… it's…
A butterfly? Oh, a pink butterfly, too. How cute! It kind of looks like the butterflies on my Cutie Mark. It also looks like…
A gemmed satyr? Sort of like the one I saw the other day. But… I didn't know gemmed satyrs could be pink.
Huh? What are you trying to show me, little guy?
Wait a minute… I know this embroidering…
It can't be.
I am so glad I got... to know you
And I know you're just... as happy
This is our final chapter
This is our final dance
"Wait, come back! Where are you going?"
Now it's flying back away from me. It seems to be flying towards… wait…
Is that a pony walking down the carpet? Oh, now I get it. A noble pony must be attending this concert, and decided to make a prestigious entrance. …Did I use that word right?
No… that's no noble pony.
Is that… no, it-it couldn't be… She wouldn't—
Oh, my. Oh, my, it is!
It's her!
"R-R-Rarity!?"
But I'm afraid that truth be told
It's my time to stand up, be bold
There's something I need to say
Please oh please, let's not say neigh
There she is.
As I walk closer to her, I just keep thinking to myself…
She is so pretty. Her mane, a pink river flowing through the wilderness. Her turquoise eyes shine brighter than any gem. Her face, beaming like the face of… of… she is just the most adorable thing ever!
The most beautiful mare in all of Equestria.
Fluttershy.
Oh, pony
You are my everything
Without you
I would be nothing
What is she doing?
She's walking right towards me, isn't she?
Please
Please be my something
'Cause I'm
Not messing up a darn thing
Is she— Oh my, she is!
She is!
SHE IS!
Rarity and Fluttershy's kiss felt magical to both of them immediately. As they both touched lip, tears instantly began streaming down both of their faces.
For Fluttershy, this was something she had yearned for for a very long time, and she had convinced herself that it was never going to happen. For Rarity, she had only just realized how intimately she cared for Fluttershy. But she had convinced herself that after everything she had done to Fluttershy in the past couple of days, she was never going to accept this.
But that wasn't the only magic happening. To the awe of everyone in the crowd, including The Drifting Cattails themselves, Rarity's horn became to secrete a magical light blue aura that engulfed both of the lovers and started to carry them above the ground.
Over their heads, the aura continued to build up, creating a larger and larger mass… until finally, it exploded into a mystifying array of glowing light blue butterfly shapes, which flew out into all directions. They were accompanied by several strings of pink and yellow magic.
"Ooooh! Aaaah!"
Eventually, their necks tilted as they both moved in to touch tongue. This caused the butterflies to all gather above the park and blow out into an impressive display of fireworks, lighting up the night sky above the park.
It was purely magical… Whoa, déjà vu.
"Boys…" said Trots Cool. "We have done something really good tonight."
"Mm-hm," they both agreed. The three of them turned to each other with a smile, as the pink gemmed satyr fell over, and perched as the two mares touched noses and snuggled each other.
Oh, pony
You are my everything
Without you
I would be nothing
"I love you, Rarity."
Please
Please be my something
'Cause I'm
Not messing up…
"I love you too, Fluttershy."
A darn thing.
"I love you so much…"
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