Made in Manehattan
Twilight Sparkle's violet eyes read a few words from the page of a book for two seconds before closing it again, "Ugh!"
She said before blowing a raspberry in annoyance and disinterest. She picked another book and also read a few words, quickly losing interest in this one as well. She sighed and groaned as she placed it back on the pile.
Draco and Spike along with Quintessa who was visiting were watching the scene and needless to say Quintessa was already getting annoyed as Draco would usually be.
"Spike, is Twilight always like this?" Quintessa asked.
"Only when she's really bored. And I mean 'really' really bored." he answered.
"Perhaps we should have sent her to these Xiaolin Monks I've been hearing about." Draco suggested.
"If she'll want to." Spike replied.
Before anyone else could say anything Rarity and Applejack showed up, "We're here." Rarity began.
"Saw the flanks and rushed right over." Applejack added.
"You know something, Rarity. With the way you act I'd think you were in the upper class." Draco noted.
"Well, thank you, Draco."
"Anyway let's go see the map and Twilight." Quintessa said.
They went to the map where Twilight was waiting. Twilight was already talking about the possible mission, "Oh, I can't to see what it is this time. I've been so bored here at the castle, I thought I was going to go crazy!"
"Uh, Twilight." Spike pointed to Twilight's cutie mark which was not shining unlike Applejack and Rarity's.
"Oh, I'm not chosen." she sighed.
"Your time will come, Twilight," Draco said, "That's just how the map works. It feels that Rarity and Applejack are better suited for this mission. Wherever it is."
As if on cue Applejack and Rarity's cutie marks began floating over the map, "Wonder where we're headed?" Applejack wondered.
The two cutie marks stopped above the city of Manehattan, "Manehattan?! Yes!" Rarity cheered.
Quintessa was curious, "What's so great about Manehattan?"
"Rarity's gotten a lot of publicity there for her outfit making." Applejack explained.
"And it's one of the biggest cities in all of Equestria." Rarity put in.
Quintessa sighed, "I really need to explore more of Equestria."
"Well, whatever the reason. You two better get going there." Twilight ordered.
"Strange the map would send me of all ponies to Manehattan." Applejack said in confusion.
Draco spoke, "Like I said the Map has a reason but there's more. We need Aang and Astral in here now. They could trigger the map to tell us the human help that is also needed."
They nodded in agreement. They had no need to do that for right on cue Aang and Astral were coming back from exploring the universe.
"So what did we miss?" Aang asked.
"The map has chosen Applejack and I to go to Manehattan to see about a problem." Rarity explained.
Astral sensed something else was going on with the map so she used her magic and on cue the symbol for the Fire Element was revealed along with some spirit energy, "Well, seems that Carol and Camille or in this case Aang or myself can see what human or dragon help is needed. Since Spirit Energy and the Fire Symbol are active you better take Mira, Maggie, and Wheeler with you. You'll need their help."
"Excellent!" Rarity clapped her hooves together.
Draco just looked annoyed, "Just go. Now!" Applejack and Rarity went at once.
Aang spoke, "You really started to sound like Ignitus for a second, Draco."
"I just wanted them to get out of here and do something about this problem before it becomes too late for them."
"In the meantime I better go take Twilight to Skylands for some fresh air. Come, Twilight." Astral showed her off. Twilight followed Astral to Skylands as Spike made a comment.
"That'll keep her busy for awhile hopefully."
"You and me both." Draco replied.
"Make that three." Aang added.
Meanwhile James was heading to Manehattan with the Friendship Express as Wheeler was giving him the gist of what was going on, "So let me see if I got this right. Rarity and Applejack are going to Manehattan on a friendship assignment?"
Wheeler answered, "That's basically it. They're actually going to an Area within Manhattan and if it's anything like Manhattan then I know where to go."
James pulled into the station, "This is it. Wheeler, do me one favor."
"Name it, James."
"Make sure Rarity does not get distracted. Maggie told me how she can get when she's in big cities like this."
Rarity, Applejack, Maggie, and Mira got off the train and heard that comment and the Fashion Unicorn had to say something, "Manehattan, I have returned!"
"See what I mean." The engine said.
"I understand."
James then left as the group headed outside the Station where Rarity was giving the group tips about the big city save for Wheeler who was used to being in the city.
"You're in the big city now. No moseying. You've gotta walk with speed and confidence!" Rarity told her friends.
"I get it." Mira answered.
Maggie spoke, "So do I. and Wheeler could just fly but I think Applejack might be a bit out of her element. I have no idea what the map was thinking when it chose her."
"That's what I'm wondering too." Applejack said.
"Well, I'm sure the answer will reveal itself." Wheeler assured.
The group was about to cross the street when Rarity saw something that disturbed her, "Look there!"
"What are we supposed to be looking at?" Mira asked.
"That!" She looked at a hat seller selling a pony a hat.
"Yes, I think this is the one." The shopper said.
"No! No." Rarity came over.
"Excuse me?"
"That hat clashes with your mane, not to mention it's far too large and will undoubtedly obstruct your vision. Oh, dear, none of these will do."
"Mira, is Rarity serious?" Maggie asked.
"You should see Michelle at the Dieselworks."
Rarity levitated one of her bags over and opened it up. She took a hat out and gave it to her.
"Oh, it's lovely! How much would you like for it?" The shopper asked.
"Oh, no-no, please, please, keep it. I can always make another."
"Thank you!" the shopper asked.
Rarity spoke to Applejack, "And you thought we wouldn't discover our purpose here! Pff. Kch. Ts!"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that wasn't it." She replied with sarcasm.
"What? We just saved that poor pony from committing a terrible crime of fashion," They gave her a dry look, "Well, she could've been meeting a friend who would've laughed at her new hat, and then their friendship could've been ruined forever! And... mmm... it's possible."
"If that's the case then shouldn't your cutie mark be glowing?" Wheeler asked.
"Ye— No. I suppose it didn't. Still, a disaster was averted!"
Stinky Bottom the sales pony spoke, "Averted? You just lost me a paying customer!"
Rarity suddenly felt sheepish, "Oh, my! Oh, I-I-I-I-I'm s-so sorry. I never meant to—"
"Beat it!"
"Uh, please accept my sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding, and might I add, what a lovely establishment you have here!" she laughed nervously before clearing her throat, "You're right, Applejack. The search continues." she sighed.
"Let's think for a moment. Wheeler said that Linka and Ma Ti's missions had something to do with restoring the community right?" Maggie asked.
"That's what Pinkie and Rainbow mentioned." Applejack recalled.
"So perhaps we're to help restore a community or at least pride in a community." Mira suggested.
Wheeler spoke, "And how are we supposed to do that? It's not like a flier is gonna land right in front of us telling us about a community that needs help."
As if on cue a Flyer did indeed land smackdab in Rarity's face. Rarity pulled it off and read it.
"Please help us restore our long-lost but beloved tradition, the Midsummer Theater Revival. There's a guest performance by a local theater troupe, the Method Mares, as well as games, food, and much, much more. This event promises to bring our Bronclyn neighbors together and restore our sense of community, but there's so much to do and we need your help." Huh. (gasps) Darlings, this is it! The contact on the flyer is Coco Pommel!"
"You know Bronclyn sounds a lot like this Brooklyn that Wheeler mentioned. Isn't that right, Wheeler?" Mira asked.
"Right. Though what's so special about this Coco Pommel?"
Applejack answered, "She's the pony Rarity got a job makin' costumes for a designer friend o' hers."
"And who is that?" Maggie asked, as Rarity spoke.
"That doesn't matter. What matters is we have found why we were sent here."
"Then let's go." Mira said as they hurried.
So the group went to find Coco Pommel. Soon enough they found their old friend, as the pony spoke, "I'm so glad you found my flyer. I mean what a coincidence."
"Actually, it landed right in front of us." Maggie corrected.
"Indeed this was fate." Rarity said.
"I thought it was part of the Mission that the Cutie Map gave us." Mira replied.
"So what's this Midsummer Theater?" Applejack inquired.
"Yeah I'm a bit lost on it myself." Wheeler said as Coco explained.
"An outdoor play held at the community park. Many moons ago, local theater troupes would perform, and ponies in the neighborhood would help make the costumes and design set pieces, prepare food to share during the performance."
"Sounds lovely." Maggie admitted.
"It was, up until several moons ago." Coco sighed.
"What happened?" Applejack wondered.
Coco showed them a picture of a pony, "That's Charity Kindheart. She was a well-known costume designer on Bridleway. She started the Midsummer Theater Revival as a way to share her passion for theater with the neighborhood. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for the Revival. But when she moved away to be closer to her grandfillies, the neighborhood lost the special tradition she had started, and worse, the sense of community it fostered."
"How bad could it have gotten?" Mira asked.
They looked out seeing the city ponies walk right past each other and ignore one another. And the only times they interacted was when getting into fights over petty things.
The others were stunned but Maggie noticed Wheeler wasn't really surprised, "What's up, Wheeler?"
"Well, this doesn't surprise me. Since Manhattan is also filled with people like this."
Mira spoke, "So what are we supposed to do about it? I mean one of Wheeler's enemies could take full advantage of this."
Coco answered, "I've been trying to take over for Charity. But I've just gotten a last-minute request to alter costumes for the cast of My Fair Filly, and I'm afraid I haven't made much progress. Oh... There's just so much to do to bring back the Midsummer Revival, and my flyers haven't attracted a single volunteer!" she began panicking.
Maggie calmed her, "Perhaps we can help. As a Member of Team Avatar I'm sure I could do something."
Rarity smiled, "You finish up your work, and by this time tomorrow, you'll be up to your mane in ponies who want to lend a hoof. We will make sure of it!"
"You will?" Coco asked.
"You bet your boots we will!" Applejack confirmed.
"Oh, I don't wear boots. I find they chafe my calves when I walk."
"It's just an expression."
"Let's just get to work. I'm sure there are plenty of ponies that will help." Mira said.
"And I can go round up some Dragons to assist." Wheeler offered.
"Then let's get started!" Rarity announced.
Next day the group went to go round up some volunteers. Unfortunately for them every pony Rarity and Applejack went to round up turned them down. Wheeler had slightly better luck as he was able to get some of the Dragons from the Dragon Realms who resided in Manehattan to assist.
They met back up with Coco who looked worried, "This is all that were willing to help? How can we hope to put it together now?"
Wheeler spoke, "Well, at least Dragons are willing to put their claws forward to help. But we haven't heard from Maggie and Mira yet."
As if on cue the two returned, "Well, I was able to get a couple Arkeyans to help but none of them know anything about a play." Maggie explained.
Applejack sighed, "I just can't believe the ponies of this city are so caught up in their own lives they can't even take the time to help one another?"
Mira replied, "It's not like this on Sodor. Still we have to at least do something." They pondered.
"Applejack, didn't you say you know a thing or two about building stuff?" Maggie asked.
"Course I did."
"Which means all the help we have is right here." Mira said.
"Mira's right. Everything is going to be fine." Rarity assured.
"I hope so." Coco sighed.
Upon Arriving at the park the group was shocked at the state of it, "Rarity, I think you spoke too soon." Maggie said.
The whole park area was in shambles with the grass overgrown, the stage broken and falling apart. Needless to say everything was just about in ruins.
"Déjà vu anyone?" Mira asked.
"Oh, dear, you're right. Are you sure you can manage this by yourself, Applejack?" Coco asked.
"Well, there's a lot to do, but Rarity's right. The map wouldn't have called us here if we weren't up for the challenge. You two go on and take care of the costumes. I'll see you at the dress rehearsal." she gulped hoping she wasn't getting in over her head.
"Applejack, don't forget I rounded up some Dragons to help you out." Wheeler reminded her.
"Right, so let's get to it."
Rarity went to help Coco with the outfits while everyone else went to help restore the park. It wasn't easy with how much that had to be done. Applejack found herself getting some cuts, and bruises, and even her hat was practically shredded.
The Dragons were taking most of the weight off of her and doing what they could to help and progress was being made. Some of them were busy working on the Stage while others helped Applejack out.
"That's it fellas keep it coming." Applejack ordered.
One of the Dragons a Dragon of the Earth Element and a part time stone mason spoke, "We're doing what we can but remember even we dragons have our limits."
"I know. I know. Just a lot of pressure is on here."
A Dragon of the Fear Element Spoke next, "Just take a breather. Last thing we need you to do is to panic. Besides we almost got the stage ready but the rest of the park itself is not ready yet."
"And it'll time for the dress rehearsal." Applejack said.
Rarity and Coco came by to see how things were going.
"We're here." Rarity said, until they saw the park still needed work.
"Oh, dear." Coco gasped.
"Don't worry, we've still got plenty of time. Everything's going to be—" Rarity noticed a group of ponies arrived.
One pony named On Stage spoke up, "Um, excuse me? Is this where the Midsummer Theater Revival is supposed to be, perchance?"
Another named Raspberry Beret spoke, "We're here for the dress rehearsal."
"Oh, yes! We've just put the finishing touches on the costumes." Coco explained. She wheeled out some costumes on a rack. Maggie: And the Stage is rebuilt as you can see but it's not painted yet.
Raspberry Beret spoke, "We'll do a dry run of the play first, and then the fitting."
"Then do it but please be careful." Mira warned them.
They got on the stage and were ready to start only for it to suddenly collapse, "I haven't gotten a chance to reinforce the stage." Applejack winced.
The Earth Dragon spoke "Fortunately we had the sense to get enough wood to make a new one from scratch. Turns out one of us is talented at making stuff out of wood in a very quick time."
Coco sighed, "I just wanted to live up to Charity's example, to bring my neighborhood together again. But the park is still a mess, we haven't even thought about what refreshments to serve during the performance, and even if we had, we don't have a stage for the Method Mares to perform on! It's hopeless... Just hopeless!"
Wheeler calmed her, "Not really. The Earth Dragon said that they're already working on a new one."
"And the other Dragons are busy working on the rest of the park." Mira added.
"And I'm a good Cook but I haven't gotten that part done yet." Maggie put in.
"But what if it doesn't even attract any pony. Then it really will be hopeless." Coco continued to fall into despair.
"And we'll be returning home as failures!" Rarity cried.
Wheeler decided to take the simplest approach and whack Rarity in the head with his tail to give Applejack the time to speak.
"I'm suggestin' we stop worryin' about what we can't do and start doing what we can. I think I've got a plan. It won't be anythin' big or fancy, but it'll be somethin'. And somethin's gotta be better than nothin', right?"
"I suppose so..." Coco admitted.
"That's the spirit! Sorta..." Applejack replied feeling she still didn't sound so sure.
"Alright well we have a new stage that's almost complete." The Earth Dragon promised.
"And I can get to work making some drinks," Maggie added, "They won't be fancy but like AJ said at least it's something."
"And if we're lucky the magic of the Rainbow Line can take care of the rest once our friendship Mission is complete." Mira put in.
So they all got to work and soon a new stage was remade, "Okay everyone we're ready." The Earth Dragon said.
"Are you sure this is the right place? I mean we risk obstructing traffic." Mira noted.
"It's our last shot at this." Rarity reminded her.
"Alright. I trust you, Rarity."
"Alright, y'all, it's ready!" Applejack announced.
On Stage spoke, "Should we go ahead and start?"
So the curtains opened up as the actors began performing.
Raspberry Beret spoke her lines, "Excuse me. I'm Charity Kindheart. I'm here about the open design position. I brought some samples of my work. I'm sorry I'm late. I had the hardest time finding my way here," she pretended to tear up, "I just moved here, and I keep getting mixed up by the street names! I had a map, but I dropped it in a puddle, which only made the street names harder to read!"
"I see." On Stage replied.
As they watched some ponies were passing by.
"What is that?" A filly asked.
"I dunno, sugar, looks like some kinda play." the filly's guardian answered.
"Well, can we stay and watch it please? Please, can we, can we?"
"Oh, alright, I suppose we could stay for a minute."
"Want some pie? It's Apple flavored." Maggie offered.
The two took some pie, as they watched the performance.
Late Show acted, "Excuse me, but your next appointment is here."
On Stage answered, "Alright. Send him in," he spoke Raspberry Beret "I'm sorry, but based on these samples, I just don't think this is the place for you."
Raspberry Beret gasped dramatically.
"Don't get me wrong. These clothes are all exquisite and well-made, but more theatrical than avant-garde. Have you considered costume design? I have a contact on Bridleway! If you're interested, I can put you in touch with him. ...And scene."
The curtain closed as the Ponies from Bronklyn watched and some even took some pie. Soon the curtain opened up again and the actors continued.
"Charity, dear, is that you?" Stardom spoke as Raspberry Beret spoke her next lines.
"Hello, Mrs. Pearblossom! I didn't see—oops!" she fell down with her costumes.
"Oh, let me help you, dear. Are these the costumes you've been working on?"
"Yes, I was supposed to be finished by now, but there's just so much to do, and I still have a few last-minute alterations to make before opening night! I'm sorry I couldn't get enough tickets for everypony in the neighborhood. I hope Mr. Pearblossom wasn't too disappointed. I know Trotter on the Roof is one of his favorites."
"Oh, my dear filly, don't worry about that. We're so proud of you. We shall be with you in spirit!"
"Thank you! You've all made me feel so welcome here and have become like family to me! I just wish I could share this experience with you and the others!"
As the show went on a Stallion Pony arrived, "Eh, what's goin' on?"
A pony explained, "It's the Midsummer Theater Revival. The Method Mares are performing!"
"The Revival. Mhm, yeah. My pop used to bring me." The stallion recalled in nostalgia.
The Play continued on as Maggie was serving various kinds of fruit flavored pie and some of the Dragons even served up some ice cream and drinks.
"So nice of you to put on this play for the neighborhood." Stardom spoke.
Raspberry Beret answered, "I couldn't have done it without everypony's help! I know it's not Bridleway, but—"
"Oh, pish-tosh! It's perfect, dear!"
Pearly Stitch spoke, "Oh, you're such a dear, thank you! This is so nice. Haven't seen the neighborhood this friendly since Charity moved away!"
Coco blushed while Rarity and Applejack shook hooves knowing that things were going as planned. Wheeler and the Dragons sat in silence while watching the play and they brought their own snacks.
On Stage spoke to the crowd, "Thank you, fillies and gentlecolts. Please give a warm welcome to the one who made this entire event possible – our neighbor Coco Pommel!"
The audience applauded and cheered, as Coco took the stage.
"Thank you all so much for coming. The Midsummer Theater Revival was always something that meant so much to me, and it seems it means quite a lot to all of you as well. I really can't take all the credit, though. My dear friends Rarity and Applejack helped me ever so much."
"Oh, darling, please, it was just a few costumes." Rarity brushed it off.
"Aw, shucks, I just happen to be good with a hammer is all. To be honest, we had much bigger plans to start. When those fell through, we decided to simplify. This here was the result." Applejack presented.
"Oh, don't be so modest. Coco and I were lost." Rarity noted.
"You bet your boots we were!" Coco agreed.
"And Mira, Wheeler, and I helped too." Maggie reminded them.
A pony spoke up, "We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Midsummer Theater Revival and how much it inspired us!"
"Oh, yeah?" Applejack asked, as another pony answered.
"I used to think that to help my community I had to do something big. Heh-heh. And let's face it – in this day and age, who has the time for such a commitment? But here, you did something as simple as building a stage and putting on a play and, heh, look at how it's brought everypony together."
"I saw Coco's flyers for volunteers but didn't think anything I'd have time to do would be that useful. Now I wish I'd offered to help, even if it was just pulling a few weeds or planting a few flowers."
"Not sure if you noticed, but the park is far from bein' fixed up. I imagine if you look around, you'll find there's lots of little ways for you to get involved in changin' this place for the better." Applejack explained.
"And I will!"
"And I don't think we'll be alone!"
"I don't think so either. Seems the whole community is coming to see this." Wheeler smiled.
Suddenly Rarity and Applejack saw their cutie marks were glowing.
"I'd say that this mission is accomplished." Maggie noted.
"And we didn't even need Twilight or Camille to use their magic to fix the park." Mira added.
Rarity gasped, "I understand now! It all makes perfect sense!"
"Huh?" Applejack wondered.
"I know why the map called you here."
"You do?"
"If Twilight or Camille had used their magic to fix the park, it wouldn't have fixed the real problem, which is that these Manehattan ponies didn't think they had time to do something for their community! But by building that stage and making sure the play went on, you showed them that just by doing something small, you can make a big difference!"
"Well, I'll be!" Applejack smiled at her logic.
"Yep. Seems that a country pony did make a big difference after all." Wheeler nudged her.
And true to Wheeler's word the power of the Rainbow Line restored the Park to it's former Glory.
"Seems you have more in common with the Manehattan ponies than you thought!" Rarity told her friend.
"Heh-heh. But all the same, I'd sure like to head back to Ponyville on the next train."
Wheeler spoke, "Actually, I can fly us back if you want. And besides the Local Dragons are gonna stay here to make sure that the park is kept up to its pristine condition."
Rarity nodded, "Oh, absolutely. Just as soon as I stop that pony in the shop over there from purchasing that dreadfully hideous scarf! Stop! You're making a terrible mistake!" she ran over.
Mira rolled her eyes, "I see somethings never change. Still we may as well stick around for a while. I mean it's not like there's any real danger and if there is I'm sure the others can handle it."
Little did Mira know that Trouble had been brewing in the two days that they'd been gone.