Chapter 14: Made in Manehatten
One day at the Castle of Friendship, Twilight was inside the castle's personal library as she used her magic to pull a book off one of the shelves. She let the book float about in the air before setting it down on her desk. Nearby she had made a two dimensional pyramid out of some books and had two stacks of books at her sides on the desk. Spike was just sitting close by next to a box filled with comic books.
Nyx, meanwhile, was practicing her jiu jitsu skills from punches, front and back kicks as well as back flips.
Twilight opened the book and began to read it with a bored look on her face, she then grunted and closed the book as she put it onto a stack. She even blew a raspberry at the book and grabbed another book from the opposite stack and opened it. She huffed annoyingly and put the book back on the stack except it was fanned out. She then gave a loud sigh and slumped forward in annoyance.
"I'm bored," said Twilight. Spike glanced at her from his comic book.
"But you're reading," said Spike as a matter of fact as Nyx heard what was going on while practicing her katas.
"I've read all these books already," said Twilight as the view zoomed out to show hundreds of thousands of books behind her on shelves that were dozens of yards high.
Spike just rolled his eyes.
"And...?" Spike replied, "What about those dozens of traditional weaponry books Chase bought you this month?"
"Read them all...five times," Twilight replied and stamped her fore-hooves on the desk, "and I'm bored! I wanna do something! Ugh...once again, Chase makes me look like a fool..."
"What did Dad do this time, Mom?" Nyx asked.
"He was smart enough to invest his talents and skills in more than just one thing, sweetie." said Twilight to her daughter, "I spent my life just studying and learning magic, friendship included of course. Chase did all that and continues to practice his jiu jitsu skills while I'm not there with him! Let's not forget he's out shopping with his family and is nearly finding all the best traditional martial arts books! He's never bored! Why? Because he puts his time into other things! I didn't! Now I'm bored!"
Twilight then face-planted the table. Spike just gave her an unamused look.
"You could always ask Chase to help you find other things to do when he gets back from grocery shopping," Spike pointed out.
"Or I could ask if I can help him out for a change," said Twilight, "Chase is still in the process of helping me master the weapons!"
"Just don't use your magic to throw the weapons." Spike remarked.
"You're never going to let me forget Winter Wrap Up are you?" Twilight retorted annoyingly, "And as I remember, that was your idea!"
"I said I was sorry!" Spike retorted with an annoyed look before he went back to his reading. That's when he felt his head get bonked. "OW!"
He turned to see Nyx glaring at him sternly.
"Don't blame Mom for that, Spike." Nyx said sternly, making the baby dragon reel back in fear. "That mess was not her fault, you were still held responsible for it."
Spike sighed in regret.
"Okay, okay. I know. But at least nopony was hurt. Right?" Spike asked nervously before he went back to reading.
Twilight groaned in annoyance. It was then Chase arrived inside the library.
"Honey, I'm home!" Chase called out.
"What took you so long?!" Twilight complained.
Chase looked worried before he felt his hoof being touched. He looked down to see his daughter, Nyx, touching his hoof with her own.
"Mom's been really bored today, Daddy." Nyx said with a worried look.
"Again?" Chase asked with a sigh before he recomposed himself. "Well, I'll be right back after I'm done putting away the groceries."
Chase turned and was about to walk when Twilight felt worried of being alone.
"No, come back!" Twilight pleaded, "I need you right now!"
Chase noticed how upset Twilight looked and hovered over to her.
"What's up, honey?" Chase asked as he pulled her into a side hug. Twilight just whimpered as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I know we already had our routine date this week, but can we go on another?" Twilight asked, "Things have been so slow around here and I just-"
"Twilight! Chase! Twilight! Chase!" Called a voice.
Twilight and Chase zoomed out of the library and Nyx and Spike followed. They wasted no time rushing into the throne room where they saw Rarity standing near the cutie map.
"Ooh, Twilight, Chase, darlings!" Rarity called out, "Oh, thank goodness! It seems that my-" It was then Rarity was interrupted when Applejack and Clay then burst into the room.
"Whew!" Applejack panted as she wiped her brow, "Got here as fast we-"
Twilight, Spike, Chase, and Nyx then gasped when they saw that Applejack and Clay's cutie marks were glowing and then turned to see that Rarity's cutie mark was glowing as well.
"Wow, Clay!" Chase said in amazement. "I didn't know you were called."
"Huh, guess the map seems to know that I'm ready." Clay said modestly.
"Yes! Finally!" said Twilight excitedly, "We've been summoned! I wonder where the map wants us to-"
"Uh, Twilight?" Spike called out as he moved Twilight's wing to show that her cutie mark wasn't glowing.
Applejack, Clay, and Rarity just walked up with sheepish and apologetic looking smiles on their faces. Twilight felt a little disappointed until she blinked and turned to her husband, who was avoiding eye contact with her and had his wings opened to block his flank.
"Drop 'em, Chase!" Twilight snapped.
Chase just sighed as he lowered his wings, showing that his cutie mark was indeed glowing. Twilight shot him a dirty look.
"Heh-heh. Sorry, sweetie." Chase chuckled nervously and looked away.
Twilight then groaned loudly and slumped before the cutie map.
*Main theme*
Back in the throne room with the cutie map, Twilight put on a brave face as Applejack, Rarity, Chase, and Clay all looked at their glowing cutie marks before an image of their cutie marks floated into the air.
"Where do you think-" Applejack didn't have to finish her question as their cutie marks descended upon a familiar city.
Rarity squealed with excitement. Applejack and Clay just looked a little worried.
"Manehattan!" said Rarity, "We've been called to Manehattan! Oh, I've simply been dying to go back for a visit! And now I return...with a purpose!"
"Oh man, that's my second adventure there." Chase said with surprise.
Everypony turned to him with confused looks.
"What do ya mean, partner?" Clay asked with a curious look.
"That's where me, Twilight, Jade, and Sunray went to take on the Blue Dragons a while back when they were planning to take over the city under Zhao's rule." Chase explained, which made Twilight feel surprised by this.
"You're right, honey." Twilight gasped in realization. "You don't think the Blue Dragons could be back, do you?"
"I don't know, but if they might, we better be careful." Chase said with a concerned look.
"Hmmm," Twilight pondered aloud as she showed a part of the city suburbs, "It looks like you've been summoned to this particular neighborhood here."
"We're off to solve a friendship problem in one of the busiest and most vibrant cities in all of Equestria!" Rarity said excitedly as she tightly held Applejack's head and stuck her face into the orange pony's, "Isn't this exciting?!"
Rarity then nearly choked Applejack when she wrapped a fore-leg around her neck. She then pushed her nose against the orange pony's nose so Applejack could get a close up of Rarity smiling and biting her lower lip to contain her excitement. Applejack and Clay just smiled nervously, but Chase could tell she looked very uncomfortable as the orange pony got Rarity to back off a bit.
"Seems a hair odd, though, don't it?" said Applejack, "Map callin' me and Clay to a big city like Manehattan?"
"You and Clay may be more of country ponies at heart, Applejack," Twilight pointed out, "but the map picked you three ponies..."
"Four ponies." Chase said, offended at being excluded.
"Zip it!" Twilight snapped, "...the map picked you four ponies because you're the best ponies to tackle this particular mission."
Spike just nodded in agreement while holding his comic book, but still winced at Twilight snapping at Chase. Nyx shook her head in annoyance.
"But how will we even know what our mission's supposed to be?" Clay asked and turned to Chase, "You've been on a few friendship missions, Chase. How do these friendship missions work?"
"This might be a bit vague, Clay." Chase explained. "But basically we explore around and usually the friendship problems will just happen to cross our paths. You'll just know from your heart when we've found the exact problem...most of the time."
"That...doesn't make me feel any better or confident, sugarcube," Applejack replied.
"Sorry, AJ," said Chase, "but that's the most accurate way of describing these kinds of missions."
"Cause you're the friendship mission expert!" Twilight remarked in a very sarcastic and demeaning tone.
Chase looked at her, feeling a little uncomfortable by his wife's attitude.
"Right." Chase said, awkwardly.
"Easy, Twilight." said Applejack, "I'm just saying that this friendship mission isn't going to be easy. That neighborhood probably has twice as many ponies as all of Ponyville."
"Pft. Kch. Ts!" Rarity spat, "More like three times! Why, it's not only home to the Haypacking District - it's also home to the Fashion District!"
"Umm, Rares," said Clay gently as he tilted his head to show that Twilight was feeling very sad and left out of all the excitement.
"Hmm. Shame you weren't called as well, though, darling," said Rarity as she and Applejack gave Twilight sympathetic smiles, "You did end up quite a fan of the hustle and bustle of Manehattan on our last visit. As well as your other last friendship adventure when you, Chase, and his siblings went to stop Draco."
"It's such an exciting city," said Twilight, "and there's still so much I'd like to do there. So many museums and historical landmarks to visit. Not to mention all the libraries!"
Twilight couldn't help but hover into the air as she spoke, her excitement growing especially after she mentioned the libraries.
"But this is your mission, heh-heh," Twilight chuckled as she came for a landing, "Don't worry about me. I've got plenty of...books...to keep me...busy."
Twilight then grabbed Spike comic book and started reading it. Spike just scoffed to himself and pouted indignantly. Applejack, Clay, and Rarity shared funny looks with each other.
"Mm-hmm," said Rarity, Clay, and Applejack together. Chase then hovered over to his wife.
"Honey..." Chase said gently.
"Just go!" Twilight yelled as she flew off, tossing the comic book at his face, but he dodged it, and slammed the door.
Chase still hovered in the air after avoiding his wife's outburst as well as the comic book. He now looked worried for Twilight.
"Looks like she's never gonna live this down again." Chase said with a concerned look.
The others just watched the scene as well.
"I better go make sure Twilight isn't wrecking the library," said Spike as he picked up his dropped comic book, "Can't tell you how many times she leaves a mess and I have to clean it up."
"Well, if you do, just leave them wherever she throws them, Spike." Chase said as he landed down before he added with a look of annoyance. "It really gets on my last nerve whenever she blames you for not picking up her mess."
Spike just sighed and left the throne room as Chase just sighed to himself. Nyx, Clay, Applejack, and Rarity just looked at Chase with concern. Rarity then gasped.
"I just remembered something!" said Rarity, "The Sisterhooves Social!"
Applejack slapped her forehead as Clay gasped.
"We'll have to miss it," said Applejack sadly, "No tellin' how long we'll be in Manehattan. I sure hope Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle aren't too upset."
"I can speak to Sokka to see if he'll spend some time with them," said Chase, "He's looking for a chance to build up his friendship with the two fillies."
"I think they would appreciate it," said Applejack. It was then Spike came back.
"Chase, please go settle things with Twilight," said Spike, "She's laying on the floor crying and I can't read my comic book with her crying so loudly!"
"Oh, I don't know." Chase said with an unsure look. "She's probably made it clear she just wants to be alone."
"Go to your wife, darling," said Rarity, "Applejack, Clay, and I will find Sokka and we'll rendezvous at the train station."
Chase smiled and nodded as he headed to the castle library. Rarity, Clay, and Applejack headed on their way, but the two country ponies couldn't help but look at the cutie map with a worried look on their faces as they left.
(Scene changes)
Once Twilight and Chase had made peace as well as Applejack and Clay had found Sokka and asked him to spend time with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, which he willingly agreed, Chase, Clay, Rarity, and Applejack headed to the big city of Manehattan. The big city was bustling with activity as the three ponies exited the train station. Applejack was carrying a large chest on her back, which belonged to Rarity. As usual, Clay had offered to carry it, but Applejack said to her husband that she didn't mind doing it.
"Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me!" said Rarity as she grabbed a streetlamp and leaned forward while holding onto it.
"Give yourself all the credit for this big city, why don't ya?" Clay remarked with an eye roll.
Applejack just rolled her eyes in agreement, but then blinked as she and Clay saw several taxi ponies zoom by in front of them. Applejack and Clay gulped nervously and suddenly felt very weak in the fore-knees, making them wobble.
Chase saw this as well as Rarity and the two went over to them.
"Guys?" Chase asked as he waved a foreleg in front of Clay's face.
"Darlings, are you all right?" Rarity asked with concern as she waved a fore-hoof in front of Applejack's face as well. Applejack shook her head to snap out of it as well as Clay.
"What's wrong, guys?" Chase asked with concern.
"This just isn't helpin' my mood right now, Chase." Clay responded back as he shook a bit from the ponies that were moving so fast.
"Ponies move so fast here," Applejack added, "Not at all like back home."
Applejack and Clay then moved forward and accidentally pushed between two ponies.
"Eyes peeled, ears open," Applejack told herself nervously.
"Eyes peeled, ears open." Clay told himself nervously as well.
"Guy's, it's okay." Chase said soothingly. "I'm here for you."
Applejack and Clay gave him a small smile. It was then the traffic pony, named Rivet, blew his police whistle. Applejack and Clay then tried to move forward, but were quickly overwhelmed as several ponies bumped them as they crossed the street in a hurry. Applejack then got bumped again as some ponies from the other side of the street arrived at her and Clay's side. Applejack couldn't help but feel a little flustered over what had happened. Clay pulled her in for a small hug.
"It's okay, sweetie." Clay said nervously. "We'll figure this out."
Applejack just whimpered as they pulled away.
"Remember, Applejack," said Rarity as she walked over to them, "you're in the big city now. No moseying. You've gotta walk with speed and confidence."
Rivet then blew his whistle again. Rarity then walked across the street, easily adjusting her path so she didn't bump into anypony and made it to the other side.
"Yoo-hoo!" Rarity called toward Applejack, Clay, and Chase. The two country ponies looked at Chase before snorting and made their way across the street.
"Move it!" a pony named Diamond Cutter shouted rudely.
"Sorry 'bout that," said Applejack as she and Clay moved out of the way, but right into the path of another pony.
"Ah, get outta my way!" A pony named Strawberry Ice shouted.
"Sorry!" Clay retorted as he and his wife moved again, but right into the path of two more ponies.
"Watch it!" the two ponies shouted angrily.
"Hey-Oh, dear," Applejack said wearily as she and Clay rushed to the other side of the street and dived for the curve and landed on her stomach.
Rarity then noticed that Chase had just been watching the scene unfold and hadn't crossed himself.
"Chase, it's rude to keep a lady waiting!" Rarity said.
"Coming!" Chase said as he hovered into the air and flew across the street to his friends before he landed down beside them.
"Butter my biscuits," said Applejack as she and Clay stood before they dusted themselves off, "I can barely cross the street in this town. How am I supposed to solve a-"
"GASP!" Rarity said loudly in horror, "There!"
Rarity then pointed to an earth pony mare about to buy a green hat and seemed to like it too despite the fact it covered her eyes. The pony's name was Pearmain Worchester.
"Yes, I think this is the one," said Pearmain Worcester as she went to give the stallion in charge of the hat stand, who was named Stinky Bottom.
"No!" Rarity screamed as she appeared, slapping the bit out of the mare's fore-hoof, "No."
"Excuse me?" Pearmain Worcester remarked, still wearing the green hat on her head.
"That hat clashes with your mane," Rarity explained as she removed the hat from the mare's head, "not to mention it's far too long and will undoubtedly obstruct your vision."
Rarity then headed over to the stand and started searching the stand for a new hat. Chase began to feel annoyed that Rarity is just being ridiculous.
"Oh, dear, you're right, none of these will do," said Rarity when she saw Applejack, Clay, and Chase had caught up to her, "Oh, Applejack! Clay! Chase! What good timing!"
Rarity used her magic to open the chest so quickly that the top of the chest bonked Applejack on top of her head. Clay closed the top and gave Rarity a glare.
Rarity hummed as she searched through her collection of hats. Then she found one that was just right.
"Here," said Rarity when she found a grape colored hat inside her chest, "This will do splendidly." Rarity then put the hat on Pearmain Worcester's head and held a mirror so the mare could see herself with it on.
"Oh, it's lovely!" said Pearmain Worcester, "How much would you like for it?"
"Oh, no-no, please, please, keep it," said Rarity, "I can always make another."
"Thank you!" said Pearmain Worcester and walked happily away.
"And you thought we wouldn't discover our purpose here!" Rarity boasted to Applejack, Clay, and Chase. "Pff. Kch. Ts!"
None of the four ponies had noticed that Stinky Bottom was giving them a glare.
"Oh really?" Chase remarked with an annoyed look.
"Ya don't say." Clay added with a glare.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that wasn't it," added Applejack bluntly.
"What?" Rarity exclaimed, "We just saved that poor pony from committing a terrible crime of fashion." Applejack, Clay, and Chase just gave the marshmallow mare a raised eyebrow and a blunt look.
"Well, she could've been meeting a friend who would've laughed at her new hat," Rarity explained, "and then the friendship could've been ruined forever! And...mmm...it's possible."
"Did your cutie mark glow signifyn' a job well done?" Clay asked plainly.
"Ye-" Rarity then stopped when she realized her cutie mark wasn't glowing, "No. I suppose it didn't."
"Rarity. Usually a friendship problem is something much more unique," said Chase to Rarity, "That was just a routine "Fashion Disaster Prevention"."
"Point taken, darling," said Rarity, "but still, a disaster was averted!"
"Averted?" Stinky Bottom protested as he sternly approached the three ponies, "You just lost me a paying customer!" The four ponies winced.
"Oh, my!" Rarity exclaimed, "I-I-I-I-I'm s-so sorry. I never meant to-"
"Beat it!" Stinky Bottom yelled, shaking a fore-hoof at Rarity.
Rarity then yelped as Chase pulled her back with a forced smile as he faced Stinky Bottom.
"Hehe. Uh, sorry, sir. You'll have to excuse my friend here." Chase said before glaring at Rarity viciously with gritted teeth. "She just needs to learn her patience and reasons."
Rarity gulped in fear of the alicorn stallion's death glare.
"Uh, please accept my sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding," said Rarity, but Stinky Bottom was still giving the four ponies a death glare and shaking his fore-hoof at them, "and I might add, what a lovely establishment you have here!"
"Come on, Rarity!" Chase said annoyingly as he snatched Rarity away, making her yelp in surprise.
The four ponies continued on their way as Rarity then cleared her throat.
"You're right Applejack, Clay, and Chase." said Rarity. "The search continues!"
Rarity had a determined look on her face while Chase and Clay rolled their eyes as Applejack just looked rather annoyed.
(Scene changes)
Later on, Applejack was just walking about a very busy street corner.
"Uh, 'scuse me, I was just wonderin'..." Applejack tried to ask but nopony paid any attention to her and just kept walking past her, "Uh, friendship problem, anypony? See, we've been sent here to...A-A map summoned us and, uh...If you could just a take a moment to..." Applejack eventually stop talking and was left feeling rather discouraged. On the other side of the street, Rarity had set up an advice booth between two tall buildings along with a small stool to sit on.
"Friendship advice!" Rarity called out with a smile on her face, "Anypony looking for friendship advice!" Rarity looked about but then rubbed her sore cheeks from smiling so much.
"Good grief," said Rarity in exhaustion as she buried her face into her fore-hooves, "This isn't working." It was then Applejack approached her.
"I'm not sure what we're supposed to do," Applejack sighed, "To be honest, I'm not even sure what the map called me here for."
"Well, these Manehattan ponies could certainly use a healthy dose of country hospitality," Chase remarked as he and Clay slid down an escape ladder before they landed, "We got told off more times than we could count just for standing on the sidewalk."
"I guess your patrol with Chase of the area turned up empty, honey?" Applejack asked Clay as her husband nodded.
"Pretty much," said Clay to his wife, "even doin' a few acts of generosity of ma own didn't get us any leads or subtle clues either."
"I told you it wouldn't work, Clay." Chase said bluntly.
Clay looked at Chase with a flat look.
"Oh, try not to worry, Applejack and Clay." said Rarity, "The map picked us for a reason. Although how we're supposed to uncover that reason, I haven't a clue. We can't possibly approach every single pony in town until we find out what we're meant to d-ooh!"
It was then a flyer that had been floating about in the air suddenly smacked Rarity right in the face. Chase, Clay, and Applejack were startled by the flyer's sudden appearance as well. Rarity quickly pulled the flyer off and looked at it.
"Please help us restore our long-lost but beloved tradition, the Midsummer Theater Revival," Rarity read aloud, "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."
Rarity mumbled the rest of the flyer as Chase looked at it from the side. Applejack and Clay just listened carefully from where she was standing.
"Huh," said Rarity aloud and then gasped excitedly as she showed Applejack the flyer, "Darlings, this is it! The contact on this flyer is Coco Pummel!"
"Oh, right!" said Applejack once she recognized the name, "She's the one you got a job makin' costumes for the designer friend 'o yours."
"She's also the one who helped get Rarity her key to the crystal chest," Chase added.
"Don't you see?!" said Rarity, "This must be why the map called us here! Oh, and you were so worried!"
"Let's not jump the gun here, Rares," said Clay, "But I will admit that an event that brings the community together sounds like a good place to find a friendship problem."
"Well, I suppose it's at least worth lookin' into..." said Applejack before adding nervously, "that is, if we can ever get off the street corner." Clay wrapped a fore-leg around his wife.
"Don't worry, honey," said Clay, "I'll take care of you."
"You always know just when to keep me company, sugar." Applejack said with a smile she gave to her husband.
(Scene changes)
The sun was already setting once they found the building where Coco currently lived. The building was a tall apartment located in the heart of Bronclyn and just across the street from the public park. Coco was more than happy to see the four ponies as she welcomed them into her humble apartment home and served a kettle of tea and plate of mini jelly sandwiches on a table. The three ponies took a seat on a sofa across from the fashion mare.
"I can't believe you found my flyer," said Coco happily a she reclined slightly on a flat cushion, "Quite a coincidence, don't you think?"
"Applejack, Chase, Clay, and I were specifically summoned here to be of service," said Rarity as she grabbed a tea cup with her magic, "and you, my dear friend, are in need of help. It's no coincidence, darling. It's fate!" Rarity sipped her tea as Applejack, Clay, and Chase each grabbed a sandwich to eat.
"This Mid Summer Revival -," Applejack asked after she swallowed her sandwich, "what is it exactly?"
"An outdoor play held at the community park," said Coco as she opened a book filled with pictures, "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."
She showed them a picture of ponies watching somepony perform at a small outdoor theater, then another picture of ponies making the costumes, and a third picture showed Coco herself as a small filly as she painted the backdrop. She then turned to page to show some of the ponies preparing some food. Rarity, Chase, Clay, and Applejack smiled as they looked at the pictures.
"Y'all do look like you're enjoyin' each others' company," said Applejack, "Kinda reminds me of Ponyville."
"It sounds lovely, darling." Rarity added.
"It was," Coco replied until her smile turned into a sad frown, "up until several moons ago." The four ponies shared concerned looks.
"What happened?" Applejack asked. Coco then pointed to picture that had her filly self as well as some other fillies and an elderly mare with apricot fur and a two toned blue mane and tail. She was also wearing a purple sweater with a white feather boa, beaded necklace and large red glasses over her face.
"Hey, who's that mare?" Chase asked with an interested look.
"That's Charity Kindheart," Coco explained as she turned the page to show that it was Charity Kindheart who had given her the fabric floral hairpin she was always wearing, "She as a well-known costume designer on Bridleway. She started the Midsummer Theater Revival as a way to share her passion for theater in the neighborhood. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for the Revival." Coco then closed the book and headed over to her balcony, by now it was already nightfall and she could see some stars twinkling above the cityscape.
"But when she moved away to be closer to her grandfillies," Coco continued, "the neighborhood lost the special tradition she had started, and worse, the sense of community it fostered." It was then at the ground level an elderly mare was crossing the street when a taxi pony barely stopped in time to avoid running her over.
"Hey, I'm trotting here!" she yelled angrily. The taxi driver and its passenger just glared back at her before the driver took off behind the elderly mare. Applejack, Rarity, Clay, and Chase shared worried looks with each other.
"Nopony else stepped up to take over for Charity?" Applejack asked.
"I've been trying to," Coco answered, "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!"
"Say no more!" said Rarity as she walked up to the two ponies and spoke to Coco, "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. Applejack, Chase, Clay, and I will make sure of it!"
"You will?" Coco replied with a large and hopeful smile on her face.
"You bet your boots we will!" said Applejack.
"Oh, I don't wear boots," said Coco, "I find they chafe my calves when I walk." Rarity and Applejack just winced as Clay gave Coco a blunt look.
"It's just an expression," said Clay bluntly. Coco then gave the four ponies a very embarrassed blush and smile.
"Don't worry." Chase said. "Applejack and Clay's countryisms can catch a pony off guard if you're not used to hearing them."
Coco just giggled to herself and felt better.
(Scene changes)
The next morning, Applejack, Rarity, Clay, and Chase were at a local newspaper stand as Rarity explained the situation to the local vender, named Fine Print.
"So you see," said Rarity as she and the other three ponies smiled, "The Method Mares are only available on this one day, and we need all the help we can get with preparation."
"Yeah, not a good time right now," said Fine Print as a customer purchased a newspaper, "Heh. What am I saying? It's never a good time!"
"Alright." Chase conceded, reluctantly. "Come on, guys."
The four ponies walked away.
(Scene changes)
The group later appeared and Rarity explained the situation once more to a popcorn vender pony named Chock-full Carafe.
"Well?" Rarity asked as she finished her explanation and cleared her throat, "What do you think?"
"I got my own problems," Chock-full Carafe said rudely as the pony handed some popcorn to some other ponies standing in line, "You think I've got hours to dedicate to somepony else?"
Chase sighed in annoyance as he and the others continued on.
(Scene changes)
The group headed toward some park area as Rarity, once again, explained the situation to a stallion named Uptown Clover.
"Ah, yes," he replied, "Charity's Midsummer Theater Revival. Such wonderful memories. And the Prince of Friendship is helping out this year as well."
"So you'll help us?" Applejack asked.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Uptown Clover laughed, "I run a very important oat and hay import/export business. I can't spare even a moment for such things!"
Uptown Clover was then seen reclining lazily on a floatation sofa as some duck quacked nearby. Chase snorted.
"Yeah, you look so busy," Chase remarked bitterly.
(Scene changes)
Despite their best efforts, by mid-day, they had come up empty handed. Coco was very disappointed.
"This is a nightmare," Coco said sadly.
"Oh, not at all, darling," said Rarity as she picked up a hat with her magic, "It's quite lovely."
"I think she was talkin' about the Midsummer Theater Revival," said Clay.
"I finished the alterations for My Fair Filly, but I've barely started on the costumes for the Revival, and the Method Mares are coming to the park tomorrow for a costume fitting and rehearsal." Coco said, sadly.
"Well, I could help you with the costumes," said Rarity.
"But what are going to do about the rest?" Coco asked, "The park is in desperate need of repairs, and the sets still need to be built!"
Coco bit her fore-hoof nervously. Clay and Applejack looked at Coco before exchanging smiles with each other.
"Well I know a thing or two about buildin' and fixin' things," said Applejack, "it's kinda, well, my thing. Could be the reason the map called me and Clay here!"
"Possibly," said Clay as he walked up and stood beside his wife, "and I can build and fix things too. So I'm a mite good for whatever you need help with the most!"
"You see, dear?" said Rarity to Coco, "We went out looking for volunteers when all the help you need is right here."
"You're right, Rarity," said Chase, "if we want this Revival done right, we can do it ourselves. Four adult ponies should be able to do what three foals weren't able to."
"Uh-huh," said Applejack in agreement as the four ponies stood side by side of each other.
"The map wouldn't have chosen just Applejack, Chase, Clay, and I if it was more than we could handle," said Rarity as the four ponies smiled, "Everything is going to be just fine!"
(Scene changes)
However, when they reached the area of the park where the festival was going to take place, the five ponies were immediately left stunned and overwhelmed. The park was a complete mess. Weeds were growing everywhere, The Outdoor Theater was very run down and looked like it could collapse at any moment. The sitting benches were rusty and moldy. It looked like the area hadn't been touched in moons.
"Yeah… maybe this is gonna be tougher than we thought it would be." Chase said, worriedly.
"Perhaps I spoke too soon..." said Rarity wearily.
"Oh, dear, you're right," said Coco, "Are you sure you can manage this just you and Clay?" Clay shook his head a bit to snap out of his shock.
"Well, there's a lot to do, but Rarity's right," said Applejack, "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. Clay and I can handle this, right honey?"
"It's a tough task," said Clay, "But I'm sure we can handle this easily. I plowed some gardens and cut down some weeds my whole life. I can gun give it a shot. So let's do this!"
"Yee-haw," said Applejack, "Clay and I will see you at the dress rehearsal." Rarity, Chase, and Coco smiled and headed back the latter's apartment. Applejack just gulped and winced nervously.
"Honey," said Applejack timidly.
"Yeah?" Clay asked.
"I'm not even gonna try and be stubborn about this," said Applejack, "I don't think we can do this. I don't know why I said we could. I'm gonna let everypony down I just know it!"
Applejack buried her face into her fore-hooves. Clay grabbed her fore-hooves with his own.
"All we can do is try, Apple Pie," said Clay to his wife assertively, "and we Apples don't give up without a fight!"
"Darn tootin' we don't!" said Applejack, feeling much more confident.
"Now let's get started!" Clay said confidently.
"You betcha!" Applejack added as the two ponies got to work.
Applejack then pushed a wheelbarrow in front of herself as she and Clay got to work pulling some weeds. It was a good hour or so when they had filled their wheelbarrel with pulled up weeds. Applejack went to wipe her brow when she noticed that they had barely cleared maybe a couple of square yards of weeds and there was still alot of ground to cover that were covered in lots of weeds. Applejack just face-hooved herself as Clay groaned annoyingly.
A little later, Clay continued on the weeds as Applejack used a push-powered lawnmower to trim the grass. Clay took noticed that his wife was moving so quickly that she didn't notice that a low tree branch had knocked off her stenson hat. Clay tried to continue using both his fore-hooves and teeth to pull more weeds and made his way toward the hat when he saw Applejack coming back. Clay gasped when he saw that her hat was right in front in her path and she wasn't stopping.
"Uh, honey." Clay called, worriedly. "You might wanna stop!"
Applejack gave him a glare and was about to tell him to be quiet when...
WHIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Applejack drove the lawn mower right over her hat.
"I was trying to tell you that your hat was on the ground and you were gonna run over it," said Clay as Applejack picked up the now damaged hat and looked at it sadly.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," said Clay gently, "It was an accident. When this is all over, I'll try and fix it."
Applejack smiled, but she was still feeling sad that she had damaged her favorite hat.
Next, Applejack and Clay continued to try and clear out as many weeds as they could. Then Applejack found herself struggling to pull out a stubborn weed. Then the weed snapped, causing Applejack to roll backwards into a statue that began to wobble dangerously and started falling right at her.
"Honey!" Clay shouted as he snatched his wife out of the way just in time as the statue came crashing down on the floor.
The statue was damaged from the impact and while Clay had saved Applejack, her stenson hat had fallen off and was underneath the damaged statue. Applejack just looked more dejected. Clay looked at her sadly before he used his strength to lift the statue so he could salvage her hat and not damage it further.
"Sorry," said Clay sadly as he handed her the hat. Applejack saw how sad her husband looked and gave him a small smile.
"It's alright, sugarcube," said Applejack, "Now let's get back to work!"
Clay agreed as he gathered all the bags of weeds and grass clippings and sped away to deliver them to a compost bin. However, despite his speed, Clay took a long time to return and was still gone as Applejack found herself feeling exhausted. She went to sit down on a nearby dirty and moldy bench, but then it collapsed underneath her. Applejack was now feeling very depressed.
"I need my husband," She whimpered, wishing Clay would come back that very moment and give her a hug.
Once she had recovered, she got to work trying to give the theater a new coat of paint. She was also looking rather dirty and had spots of paint on herself. It was then Clay arrived.
"Where in tarnation have ya been, sweetie?!" Applejack snapped at her husband, "I could really use your help right now!"
Clay sighed in guilt as he sweated a bit.
"Sorry, honey." Clay said sincerely. "I had to go all the way to the Manehattan harbor to find a stupid compost bin. Plus I just had to hit every single red light!"
"Well, never mind that right now." Applejack said, sternly. "We're falling behind schedule and I need your help scoping the theater for the repairs!"
Clay nodded.
"Right." Clay said as he wiped the sweat from his head. "I'll get to work on those renovation blue prints so I can start the repairs."
"That's all I ask," said Applejack as she got back to painting and Clay started quickly zipping about and sketching the theater for some repair blue prints.
It was then Rarity, Chase, and Coco arrived with a rolling clothing rack that had the completed costumes on it.
"You guys alright?" Chase asked with concern. "What's going on here?"
"I know it looks bad, but we're movin' as fast as we can," said Applejack, "Even Clay's speed seems to have been affected by red traffic lights and far away compost bins."
Applejack then accidentally stepped into the can of paint and tried to shake the can off her fore-hoof. Clay then stepped over to Applejack and pulled the can off his wife as he started scanning his newly made blueprints and took notes on the materials he would need.
Chase groaned as he facehoofed himself in annoyance.
"We're so gonna blow it." Chase said with worry.
"Don't worry, we've still got plenty of time," said Rarity, "Everything's going to be-"
"Um, excuse me?" said a male voice.
It was then the three ponies noticed two stallions and two mares standing nearby. Their leader was a stallion named On Stage.
"Oh geez, the Method Mares are early!" said Chase.
"Is this where the Midsummer Theater Revival is supposed to be, perchance?" On Stage asked as he lowered his sunglasses.
"Oh, yes!" said Coco as she walked over to the clothing rack, "We've just put the finishing touches on the costumes."
"At least those look professional," said a stallion named Late Show to another mare named Stardom.
"We'll do a dry run of the play first," Raspberry Beret told the fashion pony, "and then the fitting." Raspberry Beret then headed to the stage.
Clay and Applejack gasped.
"You can't!" Clay called out.
"No, wait," Applejack added, "We haven't gotten a chance to-"
It was then Raspberry Beret stepped onto the stage and suddenly the entire structure began to wobble. Applejack pushed her out of the way just as the entire stage collapsed.
"...reinforce the stage yet," Applejack finished wearily. Clay groaned as he tossed his blue prints aside. He wouldn't be needing them anymore.
(Scene changes)
Later that day, Coco was just observing the wreckage from her balcony window. With the whole stage collapsing, the Method Mares had decided to just rehearse elsewhere and that included the dress rehearsal. But nothing was near ready for the Revival.
"I just wanted to live up to Charity's example," Coco sighed, "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!"
Chase, Applejack, Rarity, and Clay just shared glum looks with each other.
"I can't believe it!" Chase exclaimed angrily. "We were so close!"
"So much for being helpful..." Clay said sadly, but also in a hushed tone.
"I don't understand," said Rarity in the same tone, "The map summoned us here to solve a friendship problem. We're clearly found it, but why did it send the three of us? Why not Twilight? I'm sure she could have used her magic to transform this park in an instant! Wait...Chase, why didn't you use your magic?" Chase snorted.
"Found out unicorns, or alicorns in my case, have to own a permit to perform large scale magic like that." said Chase, "And since we're on a time crunch, I doubt anypony would want me to deal with the Manehattan Bureaucracy." Applejack, Clay, and Rarity winced and shook their heads in reply.
"Anyway, I've been thinkin' the same thing," said Applejack, "I mean, I can at least see why you and Chase are here - Coco's your friend, Rarity, and you both have an eye for costumes and all - but me and Clay? We were never gonna be able to finish a project this big."
"We'll return to Ponyville as failures!" Rarity said dramatically as she leaned into Applejack's foreleg and started to cry, "Why must this be, Applejack? Why? Why? WH-" Rarity was then cut off when Applejack shoved a fore-hoof over her mouth.
"Now hold on there," said Applejack, "I'm not suggestin' we pack up and go home."
"Then what are you suggesting," said Rarity in a muffled tone before spitting out Applejack's fore-hoof from her mouth, "Then what are you suggesting?"
"Yeah, because sooner or later, the ponies will have the stage and the park condemned." Chase added.
"I'm suggestin' we stop worrin' about what we can't do and start doing what we can," Clay suggested, following his wife's advice, as they all walked up to a rather depressed Coco, "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..." said Coco in a half-hearted tone.
"That's the spirit!" said Applejack but then shared a worried look when she saw how depressed Coco looked, "Sorta..." Rarity gave a worried look while Chase looked interested and yet curious.
That's when the alicorn stallion smiled as he had an idea in his head.
"I think I have the perfect plan for our solution." Chase said with a confident smile.
The others turned to him.
(Scene changes)
By the time the sun was setting in the sky, Applejack and Clay had managed to quickly put together a small and simple stage for the Method Mares to perform on.
"Alright, y'all, it's ready!" said Applejack to Coco, Chase, and Rarity, who were sitting on the sidewalk.
Coco was rather impressed at the simple stage when On Stage peaked out of the curtain after Applejack and Clay jumped off the stage.
"Should we go ahead and start?" On Stage asked.
Coco gave a firm nod for them to begin. The curtain them opened as On Stage stood before a drawn prop desk and had a paper over his cutie mark as part of his costume. It was then Raspberry Beret appeared on stage dressed in her costume.
"Excuse me," said Raspberry Beret, "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."
As Raspberry Beret continued, a mare was walking down the street when they noticed the play and decided to sit down and watch.
"I just moved here, and I keep getting mixed by the street names!" Raspberry Beret continued as she began to cry, "I had a map, but I dropped it in a puddle, which only made the street names harder to read!"
"I see." On Stage said.
Then another mare was walking by with a little Pegasus colt. The colt, named Cloudy Daze, noticed the performance.
"What is that?" Cloudy Daze asked.
"I dunno, sugar," said the mare, who name was Blueberry Curls, "looks like some kinda play."
"Well, can we stay and watch it please? Please, can we, can we?" Cloudy Daze pleaded, even shaking Blueberry Curls as he got into her face.
"Oh, alright," Blueberry Curls conceded as she pushed him away from her face, "I suppose we could stay for a minute." Back on stage, Late Show came into the stage.
"Excuse me, but your next appointment is here," said Late Show.
"Alright. Send him in," On Stage replied before turning to 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," said On Stage, "These clothes are all exquisite and well-made, but more theatrical then avant-garde. Have you considered costume design? I have a contact on Bridleway! If you are interested, I can put you in touch with him...And scene."
The curtain closed. Chase, Clay, Applejack, Rarity, and Coco turned around to see that several ponies were not muttering and taking seats to watch the play. The three ponies exchanged smiles with each other as the curtain opened for the next act.
The curtain opened to show Raspberry Beret pushed a prop cart as she approached Stardom, who was playing an elderly mare that was supposed to be feeding some birds.
"Charity dear, is that you?" Stardom asked.
"Hello, Mrs. Pearblossom!" said Raspberry Beret, "I didn't see-oops!" She pretended to accidentally drop a garment on stage.
"Oh, let me help you, dear," said Stardom as she picked up the garment and handed it to Raspberry Beret, "Are these the costumes you've been working on?"
"Yes, I was supposed to be finished by now," said Raspberry Beret, "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," said Stardom, "We're so proud of you. We shall be with you in spirit!"
"Thank you!" Raspberry Beret replied, "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 play continued, the crowd watching the show was continuing to grow as passerbys took notice and took a seat in the middle of the street.
"Eh, what's going on?" a pony named Rivet asked a mare named Luckette.
"It's the Midsummer Theater Revival," said Luckette, "The Method Mares are performing!"
"The Revival," Rivet replied with a content sigh, "Mhm, yeah. My pop used to bring me." He put his hat over his chest as he took a seat to watch the show. By the time the sun was setting, the play was coming to an end. The street was now filled with a large crowd of ponies watching the play. On stage, Raspberry Beret was pretending to sew as Stardom was with her.
"So nice of you to put on this play for the neighborhood," said Stardom.
"I couldn't have done it without everypony's help!" said Raspberry, "I know it's not Bridleway, but-"
"Oh, pish-tosh!" said Stardom, "It's perfect, dear!" On the audience, a pony named Strawberry Ice was eating some popcorn as she watched the play. A small filly ran about as she held onto a balloon. Then an elderly mare named Pearly Stitch appeared looking for a place to watch the play. A young stallion scooted over so she could have a place to sit.
"Oh, you're such a dear, thank you!" Pearly Stitch replied, "This is so nice. Haven't seen the neighborhood this friendly since Charity moved away!"
Coco, who had heard the remark, blushed shyly to herself as Applejack, Chase, Clay, and Rarity gave her some supportive smiles. Applejack, Clay, Chase, and Rarity then exchanged a hoof bump as the play ended and the crowd cheered and applauded. The four Method Mares ponies stood on stage and bowed for the audience.
"Thank you fillies and gentlecolts," said On Stage, "Please give a warm welcome to the one who made this entire event possible - our neighbor Coco Pommel!"
Coco gasped as she was surrounded by ponies cheering and applauding her. She then found herself lifted into the air and carried gently over to the stage. Once Coco was back on all four hooves, she turned to face the crowd.
"Thank you all so much for coming," Coco said to the crowd, "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, Applejack, Clay, and Prince Chase Young helped me ever so much."
It was then Chase, Rarity, Clay, and Applejack walked up on stage. The alicorn stallion and unicorn mare were able to keep their composure while the Earth Pony couple felt a little shy and just blushed and waved at the audience.
"Oh, darling, please, It was just a few costumes," said Rarity modestly.
"It was just a small scene in the play," Chase added.
"Aw, shucks, I just happen to be good with a hammer is all," said Applejack, "To be honest, we had much bigger plans to start. When those fell through, we decided to simplify. This here was the result."
"Oh, don't be so modest," said Rarity, "Coco and I were lost while Chase helped us through!"
"You bet your boots we were!" said Coco, giving the orange pony a wink.
Applejack just smiled and winked back before she and Clay shared a loving nuzzle with each other.
Soon everypony was just chatting with each other and having a good time. Rarity, Clay, Chase, and Applejack, were just watching all the friendly chatter.
It was then a mare named Viola and Uptown Clover appeared.
"We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Midsummer Theater Revival and how much it inspired us!" said Viola.
"Oh, yeah?" said Applejack.
"I used to think that to help my community I had to do something big," said Uptown Clover, "Heh-heh. And let's face it - in this day in 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," said Viola, "Now I wish I'd offered to help, even if it was just pulling a few weeds or planting a few flowers." Applejack, Chase, Clay, and Rarity smirked.
"Not sure if you noticed," said Applejack as she looked at the still existing wreckage of the park, "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."
"Yeah, and I'm sure ya'll have the time to take good care of it." Clay added.
"And I will!" said Viola.
"And I don't think we'll be alone!" Uptown Clover added as he and Viola walked away. The four ponies then flinched when they looked to see that their cutie marks were now ringing.
"Yee-hoo!" Applejack cheered as she, Chase, Clay, and Rarity shared a group hug together. "We did it!"
Rarity then gasped.
"I understand now!" said Rarity as she walked off a bit, "It all makes perfect sense!"
"Huh?" Applejack asked.
"What does Rares?" Clay asked.
Applejack was then taken aback when Rarity used her magic to grab Applejack's tattered stenson hat and dumped it into a nearby waste basket.
Rarity then found Stinky Bottom and gave him a bit for an exact copy of Applejack's hat, but now brand new, and put it on the orange pony's head.
"I know why the map called you and Clay here," said Rarity to Applejack.
"You do?" Applejack remarked.
"How so?" Clay added.
"If Twilight had used her magic to fix the park, it wouldn't have fixed the real problem," Rarity explained, "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 two showed them that just by doing something small, you can make a big difference!"
"That's true," said Chase, "Even a little effort can have a huge impact. All you two gotta do is at least try." Applejack was most impressed as Clay was in agreement.
"Well, I'll be!" said Applejack.
"Darn tootin'!" Clay said.
"Seems you have more in common with the Manehattan ponies then you thought!" Rarity pointed out as Chase chuckled.
"Heh-heh," Applejack chuckled, "But all the same, I'd sure like to head back to Ponyville on the next train. I want to check in with Apple Bloom and find out how the Sisterhooves Social turned out, especially since Sokka said he was going to be lookin' out for both my sister and Sweetie Belle."
"My thoughts exactly, honey." Clay said as he and Applejack kissed on the lips.
"Oh, absolutely, my dear," said Rarity as the three ponies headed to the street corner and then got a panicked look on her face, "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!"
"Oh no, not this again!" Chase remarked as he facehoofed himself in annoyance.
Applejack just sighed and smirked with Clay as they and Chase watched Rarity run off. It had been a long and busy day. Despite the fact the Earth Pony couple agreed with what Rarity had told her.
She was always going to be a country pony at heart.