Chapter 21: The Mane Attraction
It was a busy day at Sweet Apple Acres as the ponies of Ponyville were all hard at work setting up a rather large and elaborate stage for a big event. Applejack and Clay were working together to supervise the work. Rainbow and Cloudchaser were working together hanging some pennant streamers between some poles that had vertical flag banners on them.
Fluttershy and Rarity were working together to hang up some grape colored drapes along the bottom half of the stage while Sokka had been the one to hold the materials off the ground to keep it from getting dirty. The three ponies presented their completed work to Applejack and Clay, who both smiled in approval as the latter checked her clipboard, which had been organized by Amethyst Star since Applejack had Clay help her with other things.
"Alright, we're ahead of schedule, Amethyst," said Clay and Applejack nodded in agreement, "Keep up the good work."
Amethyst Star smiled and headed on her way as Twilight, Nyx, and Chase approached.
"Wow, Applejack!" said Twilight, "Are you sure you've never managed a concert before?" Applejack just smiled sheepishly.
"Good management skills just run in the Apple Family, Twilight," Clay told Twilight as Applejack gave her husband a grateful smile.
"Well, it turns out doin' up a concert's the same as settin' up a rodeo," Applejack replied.
"I must admit, setting up this concert must be a great honor to you two." Chase said with a smile as Clay and Applejack nodded in agreement.
"And thanks to Pinkie's connections organizing the Ponypalooza Rock Concert," said Twilight as she held a very long list, "we've got quite a lineup for the Helping Hooves Music Festival."
"And it's all thanks to you and Daddy, Mom." Nyx said as Twilight gave her daughter a smile.
"Twilight! Applejack! Chase! Clay! Nyx! Rainbow Dash! Rarity! Fluttershy! Sokka! Spike!" said Pinkie as she got into each pony's face that she had named, and Spike, who sitting on a longue chair reading a magazine, "Pinkie Pie!"
Pinkie then realized she was staring at herself from a glass pane that two ponies were holding and carrying to the stage.
"Oh wait, that's me," said Pinkie, "Everypony!" The rest of the Mane ten walked up to her.
"What is it, Pinkie?" Twilight asked curiously.
"What's got you even more hyper than normal?" Nyx asked.
"I have the most amazing news ever!" Pinkie announced excitedly, "It is totally gonna freak your frizz!"
"Great..." said Chase annoyingly, "Just brushed my wife's mane this morning."
"What's the big deal?" said Twilight, "if it frizzes, you get to brush it again and you love brushing my mane."
"Oh yeah...true," said Chase with a smile. Twilight smiled back but still rolled her eyes.
"Well, spill it, Pinkie!" said Rainbow anxiously since she wanted to hear what Pinkie's big announcement was.
"It wasn't easy," said Pinkie as she paced about in the foreground, "In fact, it was terribly difficult. But I have managed to book the biggest pony pop star in all of Equestria as the main attraction of the Helping Hooves Music Festival!"
She leaned into Applejack as she stood on her fore-legs excitedly with her hind legs raised in the air.
"Sapphire Shores?" Applejack asked.
"Sapphire Shores?! Please!" said Pinkie in disgust and then walked up to her in a snooty fashion, "Sapphire Shores is merely the second biggest pony pop star in Equestria."
"Rarity and I disagree with that," said Chase indignantly as Rarity had the same look on her face and nodded in agreement.
"I have booked the one, the only, Countess Coloratura!" Pinkie announced with a big smile on her face.
"Ahhh..." said Fluttershy, Sokka, Nyx, Rainbow, Rarity, and Twilight excitedly. Applejack, Clay, and Chase just had blank looks on their faces.
"Who in the hay is Countess Coloratura?" Applejack asked.
"I've never heard of her," Chase added.
"Who is she?" Clay added as well.
Bon Bon and Lyra gasped dramatically. Amethyst Star also gasped in the same fashion. Then Fluttershy, Sokka, Nyx, Noteworthy, Rainbow, Rarity, Royal Riff, Spike, Sprinkle Melody, and even Twilight gasped as well as they stared Applejack, Clay, and Chase down. The Earth Pony couple and the alicorn master looked very uncomfortable at all the stares.
"I've failed my husband," said Twilight as she covered her face with a fore-hoof in shame.
"Oh for crying out loud..." Chase said with an eye roll. It was then Pinkie's mane and tail frizzed into the air.
"My frizz has been freaked!" Pinkie said in shock as Nyx just face-hoofed herself.
*Main theme*
Once the rest of the ponies had calmed down, and Pinkie was busy fixing her frizzled mane, Applejack, Clay, and Chase walked up to her.
"Pinkie Pie, who is this Countess Coloratura pony?" Applejack asked again.
"Uh, I just told you that she's the biggest pony pop star in Equestria," Pinkie replied, "How-how-how-how-how have you not heard her?!" Pinkie knocked Applejack and Clay onto their backs and stood on them. She then glared at Chase, "And how-how-how-how-how do you not know about her when Twilight has every record she owns?!"
Pinkie then made Chase fall onto his back as the pink pony stared him down. Chase glared back at her sternly before he pushed Pinkie off him as she yelped.
"Just cause my wife listens to Countess Coloratura's music doesn't mean I listen to it," said Chase as he got back up again. "If it's anything related to Manehatten, it's just not my music. I don't follow the current pop stars in music. Just Sapphire Shores. What about you, AJ?"
"Don't know," said Applejack, "Though I did know a gal named Coloratura when I was just a filly." Applejack laughed and did a light pig snort as Twilight and Rarity stood behind her.
"Wouldn't it just be the funniest thing if that Coloratura and this Coloratura were the same Coloratura? Heh." Applejack remarked.
"Could be possible, sweetie," said Clay to his wife. "You remember all the familiar faces I've met since moving to Ponyville."
"Do you mean to tell me that you actually know Countess Coloratura?" Pinkie asked rather bitterly as she glared at the orange pony.
"Well, I don't think it's the same pony," said Applejack as she walked away from the glaring pink pony, "since my friend wasn't any sort of high-falutin' countess.
"Do you remember her cutie mark?" Pinkie asked sternly.
"Sure do," Applejack replied, "It had this super colorful bunch of musical notes that just shimmered in the light."
"You mean...like this?!" Pinkie asked as she showed a sticky note on her flank that had a picture of a cutie mark with the exact description Applejack had said.
"Well, fancy that!" said Applejack in surprise, "That there's the very same cutie mark!"
"Do you have any idea the number of hoops I had to jump through to get her to perform at the festival!?" Pinkie snapped before extending her neck to emphasize her point. Applejack just shook her head timidly, "A whole lot of hoops! That pony is very demanding!"
"Nah," said Applejack with dismissive wave of her fore-hoof.
"Yah!" Pinkie retorted, leaning into her face again.
"If you had to reduce yourself to doing something like that for her to show up," Chase said firmly, "I would've said forget it!" Pinkie gasped over-dramatically.
"I can't BELIEVE you just said that," said Pinkie sternly, "This is Countess Coloratura for pony's sake! That was so worth it!"
"Pinkie, everything about all of the stuff you bring to Ponyville is not worth it all of the time!" Nyx retorted with a stern glare.
Pinkie blinked before she smiled sheepishly in reply.
"I completely understand," said Rarity, "We artistes require certain necessities in order to do our best work."
"This was clearly some sort of misunderstandin'," said Applejack, "'cause Rara was just down home as me!"
"Rara!?" Fluttershy, Sokka, Pinkie, Rainbow, Royal Riff, Spike, Sprinkle Melody, Chase, Nyx, and Twilight said at once.
"What's the big deal?" Clay replied, "Rara is a nice nickname."
"Darn tootin' it was," said Applejack, "Even that big name was too fancy for her, so I shortened Coloratura to "Rara"!"
(Flashback)
A visual was shown of a campsite where many little colts and fillies were shouting and having a good time. They were all wearing an olive green girl/boy scout style shirt with a dark orange scarf around their necks and a green cap.
"We had the best time at Camp Friendship!" Applejack narrated as her younger self and a pale blue filly with navy blue mane and tail that had natural curls in it were doing tug of war against another team. However, the two fillies were soon pulled into the mud. They were both frazzled at first, but then filly Rara began to laugh and filly Applejack did as well.
"Rara was just so easygoin'!" Applejack continued as the two fillies raced for the lake, jumped in and started splashing at each other to clean off the mud, "We were like two apples from the same branch." Later the two fillies were seen standing on a wooden stage before some other campers.
"Rara and I prepared this song for the camp talent show," Applejack said as her filly self grabbed a guitar and filly Rara looked rather nervous, "When we performed, she belted it out, singin' in the most colorful, clear voice I'd ever heard!" Filly Applejack gave filly Rara a supportive smile as the pale blue filly started to sing.
[Young Rara - As she sang from her heart, filly Applejack played her guitar and smiled. The other campers were blown away by filly Rara's voice. Then her cutie mark began to glow, surprising filly Applejack as filly Rara's singing became more passionate.]
Equestria, the land I love
A land of harmony
Our flag does wave from high above
For ponykind to see
Equestria, a land of friends
Where ponykind do roam
They say true friendship never ends
Equestria, my home
Filly Rara finished with a long note and Applejack then gave a metal triangle a ting. The other campers were most impressed and cheered for filly Rara, who smiled happily with tears pricking the bottom of her eyes.
(End Flashback)
"After camp, we wrote to each other for a bit," said Applejack, "but...then we lost touch. But Rara always did want to go to Manehattan to try and make it big. But a demanin' diva? Just you wait, Pinkie. Once Rara gets here, you'll see she's just a plain old pony like you and me." Applejack gave Pinkie a funny look about Rara turning into a diva.
"Well, I just hope she hasn't been turned into one of those snobby posers, AJ." Chase said. "Because the last thing we need is to be insulted for all of the hard work we've done to prepare this concert."
Twilight nuzzled his cheek in agreement.
"Well, I'm pretty sure that couldn't have happened to Rara," said Applejack, "You wait and see, Chase."
"I don't have to wait - she's here!" Pinkie shrieked excitedly as a huge smile appeared on her face.
"Really?" said Applejack and Clay as they smiled.
It was then a large golden palanquin appeared being carried by four stallions all dressed up in punk rock style attires as some pop BGM music was played.
It was then the golden crystal-like structure opened and a cloud of smoke hissed from inside, which contained a throne as well as the silhouette of a pony reclining on it. Some sun-shaped pillars appeared in the background as Countess Coloratura appeared before them.
While Applejack recognized the cutie mark, her mane and tail were styled with long gene style ponytails and were now purplish white with some darker purple highlights. She was also wearing a dark purple jacket that had some stud along the button area with a darker purple top under it. She also had some black studded bracelets and necklace as well as a similar styled headband with a veil over her face. Lastly, she had on some very thick black top and bottom eyelashes.
Everypony smiled and Pinkie bounced on her hooves like a fangirl, except for Applejack and Mario who just looked at the pony in disbelief.
"Rara?" Applejack exclaimed.
"I'm really hoping the inside isn't as over the top as the outside," said Clay. Meanwhile, Pinkie was fangirling.
"Countess Coloratura!" Pinkie squealed excitedly and then fall onto her back and pretended to pass out.
Chase then blinked when he noticed a greyish-white stallion with pale orange mane and short tail, wearing a blue suit with yellow vest, white shirt and red tie and some glasses on his nose.
"Wait a minute, what's he doing here?" Chase demanded with an angry look.
"You know him?" Applejack asked.
"Yes," said Chase darkly, "His name is Svengallop. He's been trying to blackmail my family and take our place as his own since my grandfather disappeared."
"I thought Spoiled Rich had spread the rumors about your grandfather missing." Twilight, who had been standing nearby, asked curiously.
"She did start it first, honey." Chase said to her before he explained. "But she was also the one who hired Svengallop to destroy our place just for Spoiled Rich's own amusement. But Princess Celestia had ordered every royal guard to stop him."
Twilight just hummed in understanding.
"Clear the way! Stand back!" said Svengallop as Countess Coloratura, or Rara, followed right behind him with two stallions in front and behind her acting as bodyguards, "Keep your hooves and tail to yourselves."
As they walked past, several ponies didn't hesitate taking photographs of the pop star as Rara walked with a snooty persona. Applejack was still in disbelief.
"No...that can't be her," said Applejack.
"Shall we find out?" Clay asked Applejack as his wife nodded when Chase walked over to them.
"I'm coming with you guys too. I wanna give him a piece of my mind for trying to threaten my family." Chase said with a glare.
Clay and Applejack nodded in agreement as the Earth Pony couple walked up to the pop star followed by Chase.
Applejack cleared her throat before speaking.
"Um...hi," said Applejack as Rara seemed to ignore her, "Remember me? We met at Camp Friendship? I gave you the nickname "Rara"?" The nickname seemed to do the trick as the pop star's demeanor softened.
"AJ?" Rara asked in surprise.
"Yeah!" the orange pony replied as Clay stood beside her with Chase and smiled, "Heh. Howdy, Rara!"
It was then Svengallop appeared and whispered something to Rara. Applejack, Clay, and Chase looked at the interaction curiously before they were each splattered on the cheek with a horse stamp that was shaped like a red heart.
"Wuh?" said Clay in shock.
"Hoofsies!" said Rara with a short laugh as Svengallop held the stamp pad before putting it away. Then the three ponies walked off. Rarity then approached the Earth Pony couple.
"Ooh, you got hoofsies from Countess Coloratura!" said Rarity, "Look! Ooh, she clearly thinks you're very special!" She showed the stamp to Applejack using a hoof-held mirror.
"You think so?" Chase asked as he used his magic to wipe the stamp off and pointed to Rara, who had a long line of ponies lined up before her. Applejack, Clay, and Rarity watched the scene before them.
"Hoofsies! Hoofsies! Hoofsies!" Rara repeated as she stamped several ponies on the cheek and gave a short laugh.
"Yeah...real special," said Applejack annoyingly as she rolled her eyes before she wiped her cheek clean and Clay wiped his cheek clean too.
"You can say that again," said Clay with an eye roll.
It was then another stallion got in front of Rara to say that the hoofsies sharing was over.
"Now that's how you make an entrance!" said Svengallop, "Big, bold, absolutely stunning! Though it was muddied a bit with your interaction with those dusty farmponies."
"Excuse me?! Don't you have any shame for who you're talking to?!" said Chase sternly, making Svengallop freeze and turn around to see the Alicorn Jiu Jitsu master standing before him with a stern look on his face. Svengallop flinched a bit but then gave Chase a glare of his own.
"Well, well, well," said Svengallop arrogantly, "If it isn't Chase Young, the unicorn martial artist."
"It's Alicorn Jiu Jitsu master now, Svengallop." Chase said, showing his wings, "I'd say it's nice to see you again...but I won't."
"Wait… that's the pony who you tried to destroy his family's home in Canterlot since Darius Hisomi disappeared?" Rara asked in surprise.
"I almost did try to destroy his home until Princess Celestia stopped me from doing it, especially since this pony gave me a black eye in the process." Svengallop said indignantly.
"And you deserved it for threatening my family as well as disrespecting my grandfather." Chase said angrily.
"Details, details," Svengallop said dismissively, "Care to explain why you're budding into the business of Countess Coloratura?"
"Because those "dusty farmponies" as you called them are my friends!" Chase said firmly. "And that stallion right over there is Clay, Applejack's husband."
"I didn't know Applejack was married." said Rara, surprised while Svengallop just looked disinterested.
"Do you actually know her?" Svengallop asked rather irritably as Clay gave him a discreet glare.
"Oh, yeah," said Rara, "that's my childhood fillyfriend AJ! She's the one who started calling me Rara."
"Oh, yes, how cute and...common," said Svengallop snootily as Chase gave him a glare of his own, "Of course, I was the one that started calling you Countess, and just look at how you've moved up in Equestria since then! Why, you've gotten everything you've ever wanted!"
Chase then made a funny face as he mimicked Svengallop behind his back. The manager pony then turned around but Chase was just smiling innocently. Rara covered her mouth with a fore-hoof to hide her snicker. The rest of the Mane Ten couldn't help but giggle silently yet uncontrollably in amusement as well.
"Do you mind?" Svengallop asked. Chase ignored him and took a step toward Rara.
"It was a pleasure meet you, Countess," said Chase formally with a light bow.
"Same to you, Master Chase," said Rara as she bowed back and Chase walked away.
"Now that he's out of the way," Svengallop muttered under his breath, "and speaking of which, where is the pony Pinkie Pie?"
"Ooh! I'm the pony Pinkie Pie, Mr. Manager, sir!" said the pink pony as she walked up pulling a cart loaded with various items.
"Do you have the water imported from Rainbow Falls that I requested for Countess Coloratura?" Svengallop asked.
"I have twenty glass containers full right here!" Pinkie replied as she held a case with glass bottles of the rainbow water.
"Did I not tell you to provide straws in all of Countess Coloratura's beverages?" Svengallop asked with a glare.
"Uh, I don't think so," Pinkie replied, "but lucky for you, I have the biggest straw collection in Equestria!" Pinkie then presented a straw for Svengallop.
"I call this straw Fernando," said Pinkie with smile as she wiggled her eyebrows and some flamenco music began to play. Svengallop just snubbed the pink pony and headed over to the other side of the wagon.
"Hm. Let us confirm that you acquired that rest of the items that Countess Coloratura requested before she performs her run-through, shall we?" Svengallop demanded.
"Ooh, we shall!" said Pinkie as she appeared from behind the wagon and stood beside the manager.
"Floral arrangements from the royal Canterlot gardens..." said Svengallop as he located the items from Pinkie's wagon, "Chocolate éclairs made by Gustave le Grand...A selection of crystals from the Crystal Empire...Freshly picked cherries from Cheery Jubilee's farm separated red from yellow..."
"Abso-toot-ly!" Pinkie replied in her usual demeanor as Svengallop snootily walked up to Countess Coloratura, who just kept a blank look on her face.
"Well, by some miracle, your requests have been reasonably met," said Svengallop snootily, "So let's move on...to rehearsal!" The two ponies walked away as Pinkie approached Applejack, Clay, and Chase, whom the latter had gone back to speak with after his little meeting with Svengallop.
"See, Applejack?" said Pinkie, "Demanding!" Applejack, Chase, Clay, and Rarity turned away from the pink pony to speak with each other.
"Pinkie's right, Rarity, Clay, and Chase!" said Applejack, "The Rara I knew didn't hide behind a veil givin' out fake stamp kisses, sippin' up imported water, and needin' her cherries separated." Applejack looked most upset as Clay held his wife close for comfort.
"Oh, I do understand," said Rarity, "Sometimes it's hard to see our friends change."
"She's become a whole other pony!" said Applejack.
"Take it from somepony who was once consumed by the glamour and prestige himself," said Clay, "It's easy to become captivated by the taste of imported waters and wanting your foods in a certain manner. Enjoying the finer things is one thing, but it's another when you lose yourself to those perks. And it's all your accept and nothing less..." Rarity, Chase, and Applejack looked at Clay in awe.
"You know, you sound so much older when you talk like that," said Applejack.
"What? You didn't think I would be actin' like a fool, would ya?" said Clay.
"We meant that you're very wise beyond your years, darling," said Rarity, "It's inspiring." Clay blushed as Applejack chuckled to herself, but then still felt rather down.
"Trust me," said Rarity to Applejack as she pointed at the stage, where Svengallop sternly got the back up dancers to stand by, "Once you see Countess Coloratura perform, you simply won't believe it."
"Alright, let's see what the fuss is all about," said Chase for Applejack as the stage went dark.
[Countess Coloratura/Rara - the lights flickered as she made her way down a rather twisted staircase. As she headed down, she was flicking her head and pony tail about to the beat of the music and flickering lights. She then gave a shout, which made some sparklers shoot out from the bottom of the stage and her voice was remixed as her mane and tail were blown upwards.]
Time for the spectacle
Time for the show
The lights are bright and the colors glow
I'm not just anypony
I think you know
The time is now, it's about to blow!
[Countess Coloratura/Rara - the back up dancers on the right side of the stage were shown, then the dancers on the left. Then Rara stood on her hind legs and smog from some off-sight machines shot in front of her.]
Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
[Countess Coloratura/Rara - She sang and danced as a laser light show went on behind the fog. She then walked up assertively to the fore-ground as her back up dancer posed]
Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
[Countess Coloratura/Rara - the six dancers continued to move in sync as Rara walked to the middle of the stage as the laser lights and smog continued to fill the area. Then one of the dancers fired a laser light from his horn against Rara's necklace, making it glow light blue as she vocalized and her voice was then monotoned.]
Give me more
Razzle dazzle
Glitter eyes, big surprise
Lights, cameras
[Countess Coloratura/Rara - As she sang, the left dancers were seen, then the right dancers. She then stood on her hind legs again.]
Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
[Countess Coloratura/Rara - She stepped forward a bit as her backup dancers moved to the front edges of the stage. She then walked toward the background before she turned around to make a very dramatic but very over the top pose.]
Hear the applause
Here to impress
Not just a pony, I am the Countess!
All the ponies except for Applejack, Clay, and Chase cheered excitedly.
The former looked a little stunned at what she had just seen.
"Rarity was right!" said Applejack, "I don't believe it!"
Back on stage, Svengallop approached the stage as the background ponies made their exit.
"Oh, my shining star!" said Svengallop excitedly as he walked up to Rara, "Thanks to the sparkling costumes, dazzling choreography, and brilliant vocal effects that I designed, your performance was spectacular, Countess Coloratura!"
"Oh," said Rara with a short laugh, "thank you, Svengallop."
The two ponies then walked off the stage as Applejack, Clay, and Chase just watched them do so. They had heard everything.
"Correct me if I'm wrong here," said Applejack to Rarity, "but that feller isn't actually complementin' Rara. He complementin' all the bells and whistles he's piled on to make her Countess Coloratura."
"Oh, no-no-no-no-no, you don't understand, Applejack," said Rarity, "Creating all those elements is alot of work, and Countess Coloratura's performance wouldn't exist without them."
"If you ask me," said Applejack as she started walking off, "that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing."
"I have to agree with Applejack," said Clay, "While the visual effects are impressive in their own right. They seem to take the focus away from Rara herself and she's supposed to be the focus of the show and this is why I'm not very fond of certain pop music. The visual effects outshine the performer."
"Oh how would you know?" Rarity asked annoyingly.
"Rares, remember your grand opening at the Canterlot Carousel?" said Clay, "All those visual effects Sassy added to your dress line up during our presentation?" Rarity flinched.
"Point made, darling," said Rarity, "but this is a completely different situation." Clay just hummed.
"Guess this music just isn't my cup of tea then," said Clay as he went to catch up with his wife as Chase just looked angry for what Svengallop was doing to Rara. Meanwhile, Rara was speaking to Svengallop.
"Oh, if we're all done here," said Rara, whining lightly, "I'd love to go back to my trailer and rest, Svengallop."
"Actually," said Pinkie as she appeared out of the blue, "right now you're scheduling for your meet and greet with the school ponies!"
"Ugh," said Svengallop indignantly before saying discreetly, "I can totally get you out of meeting with the school ponies, Countess." He didn't know that Applejack and Clay were behind him and had heard what he said. The two ponies gave him angry glares.
"Absolutely not," said Rara firmly, "My favorite part of any event is meeting with the school ponies!"
"The school ponies'll be so happy to hear that Rara," said Applejack.
"Allow my sister and I escort you to the schoolhouse personally," said Clay, "I'll led the way!"
"Thanks, honey." Applejack said to her husband gratefully.
"Anytime, honey." Clay said to his wife.
Clay led the way with Rara and Applejack close behind him. They headed on their way. Svengallop just watched them disappear with an indignant look on his face. Chase noticed as he gave him a death glare.
(Scene changes)
It wasn't long before Rara was standing on a small stage surrounded by the school ponies, which included Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Photo Finish took some photographs from the side of the mini-stage.
"Ponyville schoolponies!" Rara announced to the excited fillies and colts as she wrapped a fore-leg around a colt and Sweetie Belle, "As part of the Helping Hooves Music Festival, I'm holding a contest where some of you will get a chance to sing with me onstage at the concert tomorrow! Sound fun?" The little ponies all cheered excitedly.
"Alright! Now who wants more hoofsies?" Rara asked as the little ponies cheered again.
Applejack and Clay smiled as they watched everything from a short distance away.
"Guess she's down to earth after all," said Clay.
"Now that's more like the Rara I remember," said Applejack as she and her husband gave each other a loving nuzzle.
"But...I got everything you requested!" Pinkie Pie said from the background. Clay and Applejack both heard.
"Sounds like Pinkie's in trouble," said Clay, "Come on!" Applejack nodded in agreement as they found Pinkie with Svengallop as they listen from behind an archway to avoid being seen.
"That was for Countess Coloratura!" Svengallop snapped, "This is for me! And what I want is premium oats!"
"Oh! Well, we have lots of tasty oats right here in Ponyville!" said Pinkie as she held some oats for the manager on a plate.
"I would not feed those to a chicken!" Svengallop retorted as he flicked the plate away and spilt the oats all over Pinkie's mane and tail, "I want top-of-the-line Appleloosan oats. Next, it appears that we are surrounded by apple trees. Bring me five hundred pre-peeled, pre-cored apples, and I want those things in twenty-four hours! And don't let me take over Sugarcube corner as my own fast food restaurant!"
Pinkie gasped. Applejack and Clay glared at the stallion bitterly.
"Looks like Chase was right that he hated Svengallop for threatening his family a while back." Clay said bitterly.
"Guess he was like this when Chase said he neer appreciated snobby ponies for insulting his grandfather back in Canterlot." Applejack said.
"Eeyup." Clay replied with a nod.
"But that's impossible!" Pinkie protested.
"Do you want me to pull Countess Coloratura from your little podunk charity show?!" Svengallop threatened as he got into her face and then stomped off importantly. Pinkie looked very upset as Applejack and Clay walked up to her.
"Applejack! Clay!" said Pinkie, "Svengallop just made all of these new demands and he said-"
"We heard, Pinkie. We can't let him close down Sugarcube Corner just like how he almost did to Chase and his family." said Applejack, "But don't you fret. I'll talk to Rara and fix things right up."
"If she is willing to listen or believe us," said Clay worried.
"Well, Rara isn't that lost in the fame, honey." said Applejack to her husband confidently, "I'm sure she'll listen to me."
"I hope so," said Clay doubtfully before following his wife.
He had caught up to her by the time they had arrived back at the smaller stage. Apparently, Rara had already selected the Cutie Mark Crusaders as the winners of her personal contest. Apple Bloom excitedly ran up to both Applejack and Clay.
"Did'ja see, sis and Clay?! Did'ja see?!" Apple Bloom asked her sister and brother-in-law. Before either pony could reply, Rara approached with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle by her side.
"Is this the little sister you wrote to me about, AJ?" Rara asked.
"Hold on, Applejack," said Apple Bloom, "You wrote to Countess Coloratura about me?!"
"AJ said you were the best little sister ever, Apple Bloom!" Rara added.
Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom all looked dumbstruck as their jaw hung open. They couldn't believe that Applejack knew Countess Coloratura. Applejack waved a fore-hoof over Apple Bloom's shocked face, but the yellow filly didn't budge.
"And...we've lost her," said Clay with a chuckle.
"Alright now, you'd best get along, little ponies," said Applejack. The three fillies smiled as they left the stage, still looking at Rara.
Rara laughed at how cute they were. Applejack and Clay both remembered why they had come in the first place.
"Uh...Hey, Rara, you mind if I talk to you about your manager?" Applejack asked.
"Sure, what about him?" Rara replied.
"Well, while you were meetin' with the schoolponies," said Applejack, "he was demandin' all sorts of stuff from Pinkie Pie."
"Svengallop works very hard as my manager, AJ," Rara replied, "so if he needs some things when we're on the road, I don't see anything wrong with that."
"While needing a few comforts and necessities is fine," said Clay, "I'm afraid Svengallop is crossing the line."
"What do you mean?" Rara asked skeptically.
"Well, do you see somethin' wrong with him tellin' Pinkie Pie that if she doesn't get those things by tomorrow," Applejack explained firmly, "he'd pull you from our charity festival?"
"What?" Rara exclaimed, "But he knows how important charity is to me, and leaving the festival would completely ruin my image!"
"He seemed rather eager to cancel the contest with the school ponies," Clay reminded her.
"I'm afraid Svengallop doesn't give a pickled pippin about your charity work," said Applejack.
"That's not true!" Rara said, clearly offended, "Svengallop has always supported me in all my interests. You're both just saying those things because you're jealous!"
"Are you listening to yourself?" said Clay. "Chase met Svengallop once. The fact that we don't trust him is that he once threatened Chase's family and insulted his grandfather! But us? Jealous that he works with you?! Puh-lease!"
"Well, you're obviously jealous!" Rara accused as she pointed a fore-hoof at Applejack.
"Jealous of what?" Applejack retorted, "A pony who hides behind a wall a veil so thick she can't see when somepony's usin' her? No, I'm not jealous of that, Rara!"
"I'm not Rara! I am Countess Coloratura!" Rara said snootily, "And while we may have been friends when we were young, we have clearly gone in different directions!"
"Guess you're right," said Clay in a sad but stern tone, "Because you're going down a path neither of us are willing to follow. And you're too blind to see it."
Rara huffed and walked off importantly. Applejack was left feeling very hurt. Clay just put a fore-hoof on his wife's shoulder as she tucked her head under his chin.
"I don't want to see Rara go through all that heartache and regret, Clay." Applejack croaked as tears fell down from her eyes.
"I know, honey." Clay said gently. "but when you're that consumed with the fame. You don't want to be saved. And sometimes...the only way you're learn your lesson...is the hard way."
Applejack couldn't help but bury her face into her husband's chest and began to cry as Clay held her tightly. She didn't want to see Rara learn her lesson the hard way.
(Scene changes)
Once Clay and Applejack had recovered, they went to go help Pinkie with peeling and de-coring the five hundred apples Svengallop had requested. Poor Pinkie looked stressed out as her mane and tail, while still poofy, has lost alot of its cute curl and was covered in pieces of apple. Applejack worked quietly at first, but was soon too upset to continue de-coring any more apples.
"It just ain't right!" Applejack complained, "He's manipulatin' her, and she's just not seein' it!"
"Enough stwein', more peelin'!" Pinkie snapped, but Applejack had had enough.
"Sorry, Pinkie, but there is no way I'm lettin' that lousy Svengallop use my friend like that," said Applejack as she stomped away. Clay then went after her.
"We already tried to help Rara before, honey," said Clay, "but she clearly doesn't want to listen to us. I don't think she wants us helping her."
"Clay, you are the last pony I would think would even hesitate to stop a pony from taking advantage of somepony else," said Applejack. Clay flinched but then looked away.
"Because nopony was willing to keep trying to help me when I refuse to listen," said Clay.
"And that means I should give up on Rara?" Applejack asked rather defensively.
"Of course not," said Clay, "I just know that I refused to listen to reason no matter how many times ponies tried to help me. I'm just wondering if reasoning with her is worth the effort or if she'll just tune us out."
"Honey," said Applejack as she put a fore-hoof on her husband's shoulder, "I hardly ever listen to reason when Chase tried to help me see sense, but he's never given up on me. And neither have you, do you?"
"No," said Clay, "I mean, being completely honest, I did have doubts if speaking up was even worth it, but...I could never bring myself to turn my back on you."
"Then this case should be no different," said Applejack, "even if Rara ignores us one hundred times, we gotta help her. After all, you know as well as I do that Svengallop is taking advantage of her. He did the same to you and got away with it. Do you want Rara to suffer the same fate?" Clay listened and then a very determined look appeared on his face.
"Svengallop," said Clay as a smirk, "It's time you and Chase are gonna have one big showdown."
Applejack was just happy she got Clay motivated to help her out with Rara. Pinkie just groaned at being left behind as she tumbled into a pile of already pre-peeled and pre-cored apples.
(Scene changes)
Back at the main stage, Rara was talking to two of her background singers with Applejack and Clay approached with smiles on their faces.
"Countess Coloratura!" Applejack called out.
"Wow, AJ, you said my real name," said Rara, clearly impressed.
"I said your new name," said Applejack, "but I saw the real you hangin' out with those schoolponies yesterday. And I know somepony that'd perfer if you stop doin' those little events."
"Ugh, not this again," said Rara annoyingly as she looked away.
"Come on now," said Applejack, "You've just got to give me a chance to prove what I'm sayin' is true."
"AJ is only tryin' to look out for you, Rara," Clay added, "and while it seems like I'm carrying a grudge against Svengallop, I don't want him betraying and hurting you like he threatened Chase."
"And just how are you going to do that?" Rara asked, still feeling skeptical.
"Do exactly what I say," said Applejack, "We'll see if that Svengallop truly has your best intentions at heart. And we know somepony else who might help as well."
While Rara rolled her eyes at the two ponies, she did concede to their idea.
(Scene changes)
Later that day, Applejack's idea was put into action as Rara stood in the middle of the stage as Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Twilight were busy setting up some lights above the stage.
"Svengallop? Svengallop!" Rara called out, "Where are you, Svengallop?"
"Here I am!" said Svengallop in a cheery tone and gave a bow, "Did you need something?"
"Yes, I was...considering..." said Rara sadly, "m-maybe cancelling the contest with the school ponies...?"
"Countess, this is wonderful!" said Svengallop happily, "I've been waiting forever for you to cancel that pointless school pony contest."
"You...have?" said Rara, clearly surprised.
"You do it at every charity event, and it does absolutely nothing to promote the Countess Coloratura image that I built! Consider it cancelled," said Svengallop before shouting, "Pinkie Pie!"
"Yes, Svengallop, sir!" Pinkie said, clearly out of breath as she coughed an apple core that had gotten stuck in her throat.
"We are making some adjustments to the show," said Svengallop, "Follow me..."
Svengallop walked off stage with Pinkie following him. Rara watched them walked off before giving Applejack and Clay a curious look since they had been watching the scene unfold. The two ponies just smiled and nodded before they gave Twilight and Nyx a signal. Twilight and Nyx then smiled before they flew off, making their horns glow as they saw Pinkie and Svengallop chatting behind the stage near Rara's trailer. Poor Pinkie nearly tripped but managed to recover as Svengallop started to speak.
"Cancel the contest for the fillies and schedule me a spa treatment," said Svengallop, "Now that I don't have to oversee a rehearsal with those brats, I have time for the works!" Pinkie just looked miserable and said nothing.
"You know that drill!" Svengallop threatened as he got into her face, "Deliver, or the diva ditches your dippy charity!" Svengallop then walked off, feeling very pleased with himself.
Svengallop then returned to the stage with his smug smile. Rara was waiting for him.
"Okay, Countess Coloratura, all taken care of!" said Svengallop.
It was then some audio was heard and he winced. There on a projection Twilight and Nyx had recorded was his conversation with Pinkie.
"You know the drill! Deliver, or the diva ditches your dippy charity!" the recording of Svengallop said aloud.
Rara and the Mane Ten all glared. The other surrounding ponies were shocked.
"So that's how you've been managing things?" Rara asked angrily.
"Yeah, so?" said Svengallop arrogantly, "What's the problem?"
"The problem is you've been using my name to intimidate ponies to get what you want!" said Rara as she walked up to him sternly.
"But I work incredibly hard for you!" Svengallop retorted in his defense, "I deserve everything I get!"
"But not because you scare ponies into thinking I won't perform for their charities otherwise!" Rara snapped angrily, "I would never do that to my fans! Which is why you should have known that I would never cancel the school ponies contest!"
"Hmph," said Svengallop, "All this charity and school pony contest nonsense is just remnants of that boring little Rara I met back in Manehattan! Especially that pathetic unicorn stallion's grandfather's legacy."
"You clearly don't understand the real me!" said Rara, "and don't you dare threaten one of my friend's family history ever again!"
"Ha, that's a joke!" said Svengallop haughtily, "I made you somepony! What can you even do without me? Good luck, Countess Coloratura! Good luck!"
Svengallop walked off the stage with his nose in the air, making it clear he was quitting on her. Rara looked most upset and Chase stomped in front of him.
"Where do you think you're going?" Chase asked sternly.
"It is clear that Countess Coloratura doesn't appreciate my help," said Svengallop snootily, "She can manage things herself!"
Chase laughed, but it wasn't a happy or funny laugh.
"You know, I've met many stupid, stubborn, and dense ponies in my day," said Chase with a hallow chuckle, "but you are one of the worst."
"Will you get out of my way?!" Svengallop threatened.
"NO!" Chase yelled angrily, startling Svengallop in the process. "You just dumped Rara just like you dumped me all those years ago. And why? Because you can't handle it when ponies don't want to do things your way! Which is bullying others and taking advantage of other ponies for your own benefits. All you care about is filling your pocket book and not their best interests. And if I let you just walk away, you're only going to do the same thing to some other pony. Not to mention you cross the line when you decided to bully my best friend!"
Chase pointed to Pinkie, who looked very drained and miserable, leaned against Twilight's shoulder and cried as the reality of the situation set in. The purple alicorn held her gently for comfort. Svengallop just looked apathetic.
"What's your point?" he asked huffily, "You can't do anything to me!" Chase smirked.
"I don't have to," said Chase, "That projection you just saw? It was aired not just here in Sweet Apple Acres, but also Ponyville, Canterlot, Manehattan, Appleloosa, Vanhoover, Baltimare, Fillydelphia, and every other major city in Equestria!"
Svengallop jaw dropped as Chase gave him a very angry look, that which no pony thought was more terrifying than they ever thought. Svengallop's henchponies were shaking with literal fear before they zipped away in fright.
"I've been waiting a very long time to do this to you, Svengallop. Since the day you threatened my family, you had this coming for a long time too." Chase said as he approached Svengallop, who looked very frightened by the alicorn master's eternal mad look.
"Uh… uh… hold on a sec, Chase. If you can just let me give you a moment of peace and respect your wishes to not harm me, I can give you a deal so that you won't be able to see me again after hurting your family as well as insulting your grandfather. Especially your friends. So you can skip the whole beating me up thing." Svengallop proposed with a nervous chuckle, only for Chase to grab him by the collar of his shirt as the alicorn stallion glared at him, angrily.
"Cool?" Svengallop asked meekly.
Then the scene changes to an apple tree when…
POW! BAM! SMACK! POW!
"GAAAAHH!" Svengallop screamed as he was flung into the apple tree with a loud smack before he fell on his stomach. His shirt was tattered, dirty, his glasses were broken, part of his mane was pulled off, and his right eye was black.
Svengallop groaned in pain as the rest of the Mane Ten cheered for Chase. Rara was happy to see Chase give Svengallop a peace of his mind.
"Way to go, Daddy!" Nyx shouted excitedly as she and Twilight clapped for Chase as he approached Svengallop struggled to stand up, only for a shadow to loom over him.
He gulped in fear as she looked fearfully at Chase as he stared him down angrily.
Then, pulling the tree down with his magic, Chase grabbed Svengallop and placed him on the top of the tree.
"Can't we just talk this over?" Svengallop whimpered.
"I'm through talking to you." Chase said darkly before he smirked. "But I never hold a grudge, I just let them go."
Once Chase stopped using his magic, the tree flung Svengallop into the air as he screamed his head off frightfully.
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Svengallop screamed like a little filly as he went flying into the air and then disappeared into the blue sky with a twinkle.
Chase smiled as Svengallop disappeared.
"See ya round, Svengallop!" Chase called out as the rest of the Mane Ten cheered. That is until they noticed that Rara was still looking very upset. Applejack was the first to understand why as she walked up to the dejected pop star.
"Oh, Rara, I'm so sorry," said Applejack, "Are you gonna be okay for the concert tonight?"
"Of course," said Rara bravely, "After all, the show must go on!" Clay then walked up to her.
"I know you don't want to disappoint your fans," said Clay, "but there's nothin' wrong if you need time to yourself, especially after all this."
"I'll be fine," said Rara firmly.
(Scene changes)
But by the time the sun was setting, Rara was anything but fine. She had changed her look so she was wearing a purple top with blue gems, a gem studded pin on her tail, some purple gem studded boots on all four hooves, and her mane and tail were down with gems tied into them. Plus she had some gem studded fake eye-lashes.
"Oh, my gosh, Rarity, Svengallop's right!" Rara panicked as she paced about and looked at herself in the mirror, "This is gonna be a disaster! I'm gonna be terrible!"
Whether Rarity was even listening was debatable since she was trying to get Rara's headset on and the pop stars pacing was making the job impossible. Rarity could feel her patience slipping when Applejack and Clay arrived.
"Can you give us a minute, Rarity?" Applejack asked the white unicorn.
"Certainly," said Rarity, but still felt a little annoyed as she took the headpiece with her.
"Now, why's it gonna be so terrible?" Applejack asked.
"Because Svengallop was in charge of everything!" Rara explained worriedly, "The lights, the visuals, the sound! Without Svengallop, I have nothing!"
"Now, now, don't go gettin' yourself into a tizzy there, Rara," said Applejack. Clay gave the pop star a warm smile.
"Yeah, if there's anything we've learned that having somepony like Svengallop to help you, it's that he only made him look good for himself." Clay added.
"Clay's right," said Applejack, "Svengallop turned you into Countess Coloratura and acted like your friend so he could enjoy the perks that came with bein' a star. But the real perk of friendship is gettin' to see your friend bein' true to their self."
"AJ's right." Clay nodded.
"And Rara," Applejack continued on behalf of her older brother, "when you're simply yourself, you're the brightest star I've ever seen shine." Rara just looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.
"By the way, Sweetie Belle wanted to give you something else." Clay said as he handed Rara a music script.
Rara took it as she looked at it before she smiled excitedly. She then turned to Clay.
"Clay, can you do me a favor?" Rara asked.
"What's up?" Clay asked as Rara leaned into his ear and whispered her idea. Clay listened attentively and then gave her a smile.
"You got it!" said Clay excitedly as he zoomed away. Rara watched him disappear and then went to get ready for the concert.
(Scene changes)
By the time the sun had set completely and the stars were now dancing about the night sky, the area surrounding the stage was now filled with ponies as they cheered excitedly for the concert to start. Twilight and Chase, the hosts of tonight's show, took to the front part of the stage.
"Good evening, everypony!" said Twilight, "Welcome to opening night of the Helping Hooves Music Festival! Now it is our great honor to introduce you to our headlining act - Countess Coloratura!"
The ponies cheered as the curtains opened to reveal the pop star standing near a baby grand piano she had asked Clay to get for her. She had also changed her outfit. Her mane and tail now had their natural swirls along the edges. She had on a black top that had some gray lacing along the neck. Since, as a reminder to all that most ponies don't wear clothes, she had on a see-through black mini skirt.
"This song may be familiar, but yet, it's totally different," said Rara, "Kind of like, me, Rara." The other ponies were left stunned and confused at the nickname. Rara just shook off their puzzled murmurs and began to play the piano.
[Rara - She did a mini-piano solo before she sang. The view then zoomed out to show the audience listening attentively as the spotlight shinned above her.]
I'm here to show you who I am
Throw off the veil, it's finally time
There's more to me than glitz and glam, oh-whoa
And now I feel my stars align
[Rara - As she continued her singing and piano playing, several unicorns lit up their horns in the audience to make little balls of light.]
For I had believed what I was sold
I did all the things that I was told
But all that has changed. and now I'm bold
'Cause I know
[Rara - A silhouette of a mini orchestra could be seen behind a screen in the background of the stage.]
That I'm just a pony
I made mistakes from time to time
But now I know the real me
And put my heart out on the line
[Rara - The audience was now watching with smiles on their faces, clearly captivated by her voice. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were smiling and holding each other. Sweetie Belle raised a fore-hoof in the air.]
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Just like the magic inside of you
[Rara]
And now I see those colors
Right before my eyes
I hear my voice so clearly
And I know that it is right
[Rara - her voice began to echo as she continued the song.]
They thought I was weak, but I am strong
They sold me the world, but they were wrong
And now that I'm back, I still belong
'Cause I know
[Rara - As she reached the chorus again, her cutie mark started glowing and the audience cheered loudly and excitedly. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were still smiling happily as Apple Bloom was trying to mouth the words. The Mane Ten were also smiling as well, especially Applejack and Clay. Applejack could feel her eye filling with happy tears. Clay was already crying as he put a fore-leg around his wife and kissed the side of her head as they exchanged smiles with each other.]
That I am just a pony
I make mistakes from time to time
But now I know the real me
And put my heart out on the line
[Rara - She was now crying happily as she poured her heart and soul into her singing. Then raised a fore-hoof in the air as she sang the final note.]
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Just like the magic inside of you
Just like the magic inside of you...
The audience roared with delight as Rara finished her song and walked up to the front of the stage.
"Thank you, everypony!" said Rara, her voice amplified from what could have been a hidden mic, "When I arrived at the Helping Hooves Music Festival, I had forgotten who I really was! But then an old friend, with additional help from her husband, reminded me what real friendship is about, and she told me that if I was true to myself, I couldn't go wrong!"
The Mane Ten knew who that friend and husband were as they all looked at Applejack and Clay. The two ponies blinked at being called out and felt a bit embarassed, especially when Rara smiled at them.
"So I have a very special surprise for her," Rara continued, "Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, come on up!" The three fillies smiled as they made their way to the stage and smiled excitedly as they stood around the pop star. Then the spotlight shined on them as they began to sing.
[Rara and the Cutie Mark Crusaders - as they sang, a giant flag of Equestria appeared behind them and raised a fore-hoof to it.]
Equestria, the land I love
A land of harmony
Our flag does wave from high above
For ponykind to see
[Rara and the Cutie Mark Crusaders - Rara extended a fore-hoof to pull Applejack onto the stage and held her close as they finished the song.]
Equestria, a land of friends
Where ponykind do roam
They say true friendship never ends
Equestria, my home
The audience cheered as Sweetie Belle used her magic to raise a metal triangle next to Applejack. The orange pony gave it a light tap before she and Rara shared a warm hug with each other on stage. Once the cheering had died down, Rara let go of Applejack and stepped forward.
"And now, fillies and gentlecolts," said Rara, "I have one more surprise for you. Recently, I have had the pleasure of meeting Sweetie Belle, who gave me a new script of a very special song she wrote!"
The ponies cheered as Sweetie Belle nervously stepped forward as a spotlight shined on her.
"And now, for the first time ever," said Rara, "We shall sing her newest single, Harmony Light." The audience cheered as Sweetie Belle felt sweat dripping down her brow. Rara gave her a comforting smile as they took a deep breath together. The orchestra began to initial melody and Sweetie Belle began to opening part of the song.
[Sweetie Belle - She started singing shakily as first but then her voice grew louder and more passionate as she sang.]
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Search your soul and reawaken the undying light!
[Rara - She gave Sweetie Belle smile before putting her vocals to full use. But as Rara mentioned the world coming to an end, Chase's horn and eyes glowed blue. There before him was Equestria in what looked like a devastated landscape.]
On that day, when the sky fell away
Our world came to an end
In our eyes, did a fading sun rise
In the dark glimmering shadows
[Sweetie Belle - Chase then saw Ponyville looking a bit deserted and the Carousel Boutique was boarded up and empty. He then saw a familiar unicorn overlooking the devastation with a sinister smile on her face. Then he saw what looked like a horrible future of Zhao ruling Equestria with a huge army of his Quinkan forces. Then he saw himself taking on Zhao in Cloudsdale again, only this time in the past. Soon he saw himself and his family facing off a group of Dragonquins as well as Kai, but he wasn't alone. Kai was also joined by a strange anthropomorphic snow leopard by the yak's side as Chase and the snow leopard fought off.]
Silence grows in the spaces between
Stretching out beyond time
Rising up as a chorus of souls
Find a voice
Flickering through the void
[Rara - Next what Chase saw was the specks of a small group before what appeared to be a strange but dark looking kingdom. And saw everypony else being overwhelmed by the changelings before a heart made of flames expanded at the changelings.]
These little sparks, cling on to life
Everyone caught in the struggle
And then the storms of change
They fan the flames
Scattering ashes to the wind!
[Sweetie Belle - Chase then saw before him a small pony trapped in a mass of darkness by what looked like a giant pony made out of shadows.]
Every soul contains a whisper of light
Gleaming faintly as it dwindles from sight
No escape, no greater fate to be made
In the end, the chains of time will not break
[Rara and Sweetie Belle - Chase then saw six silhouettes, each of them standing on a pillar as their bodies began to glow. They stood before the shadow pony and shot their beams of light at it before the light consumed his view. Then he saw himself fighting Zhao in Limbo until the battle ended with Chase stabbing the Sword of The Shadows into the Quinkan leader's chest as Zhao roared in pain.]
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Search your soul and reawaken the undying light!
[Rara - Chase then saw several airships he had never seen before, each them sending large menacing creatures that started to conquer and invade the land. It was then one creature looked to be holding an ancient staff of some sort that held within it some familiar magic as it smiled deviously. And with the creature was a figure of an alicorn stallion with a sword he had never seen before.]
As fate spins,
A thread without end
New life draws it's first breath
Blossoming in a soil reclaimed from the past
Where destiny holds fast
[Sweetie Belle - Chase then saw several ponies as well as different creatures, joined hands/hooves/etc as they rallied together to fight off the creature with the staff and his army. Then what looked like six pony shadows charged the creature with the staff as he aimed it at them to attack before a burst of light blocked Chase's view of the result.]
Here where we stand
Hoof clenched in Hoof
Everypony caught in the struggle
This is the day we finally find our way
Stepping into our tomorrow!
[Rara - Chase was now in the middle of a crystal cave, before him were six more shadows, only one was a pony, another was a griffon, another a yak, followed by a dragon, a creature he didn't recognize, and a changeling. Some coals beneath them suddenly erupted into flames, causing some light to sketch a drawing into the wall behind the shadows.]
Every soul contains a whisper of light
Growing louder as it calls to unite
From the distance sings a chorus of souls
Rising slowly, stirring heat from the coals
[Rara and Sweetie Belle - Just then, the six creatures began to glow, each of them a color from the Elements of Harmony minus one. It was then a Pink glow appeared in the middle but the light made it too difficult for Chase to see who or what it was.]
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Light will guide you on your way to the ultimate fight!
[Rara and Sweetie Belle - Chase had just snapped back into reality as some electric guitar fanfare was played. Twilight looked at him worriedly, but Chase just mouthed that he was fine and went to watch Sweetie Belle and Rara re-sing the chorus. Twilight let it go, but she still looked rather concerned at what had happened to her husband. He noticed that Sweetie Belle was looking very comfortable on stage now.]
Every soul contains a whisper of light
Growing louder as it calls to unite
From the distance sings a chorus of souls
Rising slowly, stirring heat from the coals
[Rara and Sweetie Belle - The two ponies smiled at each other as they put a fore-hoof over each other shoulder and waved their free fore-leg about as they sang. As they sang the final word, the held a long note as they slowly lifted their free fore-leg high into the air.]
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Light will guide you on your way to the ultimate fight!
With a short fanfare from the orchestria, their duet was complete and the ponies in the audience raised their fore-hooves into the air as they cheered and roared with excitement! Rara and Sweetie Belle gave each other wide smiles before they exchanged a heartfelt hug with each other. The Mane Ten were cheering loudly as well, with Chase, Clay and Sokka whistling loudly. Applejack, however, didn't cheer, but had a warm and teary smile on her face.
She knew that no matter how far apart life took them. She and Rara would be friends forever.
(Scene changes)
Unknown to all of them, Zhao was watching everything from his orb with an evil smirk on his face. It would seem that he was seeing Chase's views.
"The time has now come for me to stop the friendship Chase and his friends had started long ago since they were foals." Zhao said sinisterly before he turned his attention to Starlight. "Prepare your journey, Starlight Glimmer. For your time to end Chase will wipe our honor clean."
"Yes, master Zhao." Starlight said as she bowed in respect to Zhao before she walked off screen with an evil smirk.
Once Starlight was gone, Zhao smirked evilly.
"Very soon, Chase will be done once and for all." Zhao said as he looked at the orb, now showing the anthropomorphic snow leopard figure frozen in his icy prison as Protoquin began to dig out the big frozen block. "And you will be free from your prison in no time, my student."
Zhao chuckled deviously.