It took close to a month, but it finally happened. Dinky and Apple Bloom got tickets to one of Tender Taps's shows in Canterlot. It was an evening show, so the two would definitely have time to explore Canterlot a bit during the day, a nice day out in Canterlot for themselves, just like they wanted.
One morning the two dating fillies boarded a train enroute toward Canterlot. It was just the two of them, no Applejack, no Derpy, no friends, just them by themselves. At least that is their plan, just go to Canterlot and help spread the word on Tender Taps to help remind ponies that he's more than just Princess Twilight's fiancé.
The two arrived at Canterlot station, quickly making their way into town. Much as they've been there, especially Apple Bloom, they both loved the sights of the Crown City.
"So do you ever wonder what it's like to live in a city like this?" Dinky asked.
"No, ah mean, it isn't something ah think about, not like ah would fit in anyway.," Apple Bloom said.
"You'd totally fit in," Dinky reassured. "You have the style for it after all, and the know-how."
"It's still a bit much fer a simple country filly like me," Apple Bloom said.
"That sounds like something Applejack would say," Dinky pointed out. "You, Apple Bloom, can thrive here with no problem, you have what it takes to make it work."
"Maybe, but this place feels more like a fit fer Sweetie Belle rather than mahself," Apple Bloom said. "I guess ah ended up preferring a simpler life."
"Well I bet I could fit in well," Dinky said. "Think I can be a fancy type of pony?"
"Ah don't see why not," Apple Bloom said, noticing the building of their destination. "There it is, the hall here Tender Taps is doing his play."
"Let's get going then," DInky said as she trotted forward. "Say what's his play about anyway?"
"Ah have no idea," Apple Bloom admitted.
At the dress rehearsal, Tender Taps is seen going over his lines again, trying to make sure he has everything down. He peeked outside to the stage to see all of the ponies waiting outside, seemed to be nearly full, though there was still quite some time before the play started.
"Tappy!" Came Twilight's voice, the mare walking over to her fiancé.
"Hey Twilight, here for your usual moral support?" Tender Taps asked.
"Of course, what kind of marefriend would I be if I didn't give you my support any chance I could get," Twilight said.
"That's really kind of you, I hope it's not inconvenient," Tender Taps said.
"Tappy, you know I'll always put you first," Twilight said, giving her fiancé a kiss. "You're precious to me."
"Aw, thanks Twilight," Tender Taps said. Though this show of affection did garner some attention from some nearby ponies, some looking jealous.
"I'll be out there cheering you on like I always do, go put on a show Tappy," Twilight said.
"Of course," Tender Taps said as Twilight made her way out the room. Tender Taps took this moment to address those who had been glaring. "What do you all want!?"
Many of the ponies quickly backed off, going back to doing what they were, Tender Taps looking a bit frustrated, tired of putting up with everything.
Outside the room, Dinky and Apple Bloom went to work on doing what they came here to do.
"Alright, let's really rile these ponies up," Apple Bloom said. "Really put on a show Dinky."
"You don't gotta tell me twice," Dinky said.
The two began trotting around, talking loudly enough while trying to put on an act for the others.
"Boy ah can't wait to go see that play tonight!" Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah, especially the talented actors performing in that same play!" Dinky said.
"Which one is yer favorite!?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Oh that's easy, Tender Taps!" Apple Bloom said, keeping an eye out, hoping others heard her.
"Did you say Tender Taps!?" Dinky asked. "Why, he's my favorite too!"
"Been mah favorite fer years! Ah remember his first performance! For Madame Hoofer Step's dance school!" Apple Bloom said. "Ah always knew he'd go far!"
"Yeah, he's so amazing and talented, you'd have to be a fool not to see it!" Dinky said.
"Ahem..." the two girls were alerted to the presence of Canterlot resident, Fancy Pants.
"Sup big guy? You here for the show? That pony Tender Taps is pretty dang talented by the way," Dinky asked.
"Yes, you've mentioned that, many times," Fancy Pants said. "Quite frankly, it is becoming a bit of a burden to some ponies, having two enthusiastic fillies such as yourselves draw up this much attention."
"Well like we said, we're fans," Dinky said.
"That's good and all, I don't blame you either, he is a very talented fellow, but I must advise you to," Fancy Pants tapped his chin. "Er, how do you young people say it? Slow your wagon a bit."
"I've literally never heard anypony say that," Dinky said.
"Ah don't know, mah sister would say something similar," Apple Bloom said.
"No way, Applejack's too cool for that type of lingo," Dinky said. "It sounds more like a Big Mac saying though."
"You implying mah big brother ain't cool!?" A slightly offended Apple Bloom asked.
"Ladies..." Fancy Pants said, trying to dissolve the situation before it escalated. "My point is that you must be courteous to those around you. I understand you're both from Ponyville and it's used to such rowdiness, but such a behavior is not taken well in Canterlot, you should know that, you have been here many times."
"Yeah, ah know, we were just trying to help our friend," Apple Bloom said. "He's feeling down because he thinks ponies treat him differently fer being engaged to Twilight. Plus some even think that's why he got famous, but we want to show that he was always talented enough on his own."
"Tender Taps's engagement to Twilight has been the talk of the town, and even I've noticed the change in the atmosphere since the announcement, so I can understand your plight," Fancy Pants said. "However, this may only add to the troubles, you're bringing much more attention to the poor colt than he needs and it's just going to result in more talk."
"Well what can we do to help him then?" Apple Bloom asked.
"There may not be much you can do, the best thing is to continue your loyal yet not so loud support for your friend, and trust that in time this whole ordeal will fade away," Fancy Pants said.
"You really think ponies will treat him like they used to again?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Not quite, he may have a few naysayers still, but he should not allow that to affect him," Fancy Pants said. "In the end, he is still a very talented young stallion, he should not worry so much on little things like that. Ponies will always talk, especially given just how big of an event he will be part of, after all marrying the Princess of a nation is always going to be a big deal, he must take any negativity in stride."
"We hope he can, too bad he's pretty self conscious," Apple Bloom said. "Tender Taps has a bad habit of letting things get to him."
"Well perhaps there is a way to help, and one that won't involve disrupting the public of Canterlot," Fancy Pants said. "What say we go and check on the boy boy, see if we can give him a little pep talk."
"That sounds like a good idea," Apple Bloom said. "But would we be able to get back there?"
"I think I can work things out," Fancy Pants said, gesturing the fillies to follow. "This way."
Without question, the two followed the rich pony, hoping to find another way to fulfil their goal of being here.
Also in Canterlot were the engaged couple of Rumble and Sweetie Belle, both visiting for their own reasons. Rumble was about to meet up with Spitfire, the mare having a big announcement for him. The two were on their way to Canterlot Stadium, where the Wonderbolts were waiting.
"It's almost time, I'll finally see if I join The Wonderbolts or not," Rumble said. "All my training is about to pay off!"
"I'm so proud of you Rumble! You worked so hard and now you're gonna get the reward you deserve!" Sweetie Belle said.
"I just wish I could share this moment with Cozy Glow, too bad she couldn't come," Rumble said.
"It would be better if she weren't around much, I still think some ponies don't trust her, especially within The Wonderbolts," Sweetie Belle said.
"That's something I'll need to change, Cozy Glow has made an effort to get better, ponies should see that," Rumble said. "I mean she did help save Equestria in the end."
"Yeah, but some ponies took that as her fixing her own mess, and it's not enough to make up for what she did in the past," Sweetie Belle said.
Something about that caused immense frustration for Rumble, "Why can't ponies try to forgive Cozy Glow? I mean she did something bad but she was still a filly when it happened, why is it hard for them to let go?"
"I really can't tell you why unfortunately," Sweetie Belle said. "But it's not like she's the only one who went through this, Starlight and Discord had a rough transition to being accepted as well."
"Discord's barely changed though, ponies are right not to trust him," Rumble said.
"You really don't like Discord, huh Rumble?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"He's super sneaky! You want to trust a guy who thrives off of chaos?" Rumble asked. "Good thing Fluttershy keeps him in line, otherwise it'd be hell for all of us."
"Discord really isn't that bad though," Sweetie Belle said. "He's just super playful, like Pinkie Pie."
"Even Pinkie Pie barely trusts him, that's saying something," Rumble said.
"Rumble, if you want ponies to trust Cozy Glow, you have to set an example and try trusting Discord," Sweetie Belle said. "You don't have to like him, or be his friend, but try to show a little trust and respect. Like it or not, he's saved Equestria too."
Rumble groaned in frustration, "I'll do my best. But my point stands, Discord's been at this for like thousands of years and has been 'good' for like a fifth of that time. Cozy Glow was only a filly, she should have been first on Twilight's 'Reformation' list."
"That reminds me, do you still hate Twilight and the others?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Including my sister?"
"I never hated them, I was just disappointed, I really expected better from them," Rumble said. "But I'm not mad, Twilight told me she made a mistake and now she's trying to fix it, and I respect that. I could never stay mad at Fluttershy or Pinkie Pie, I would never hate your sister Rarity, plus I do admire and respect Applejack and Rainbow Dash, especially Rainbow Dash since she offered me personal training at the Academy."
"Well it's good that you do have respect for the Elements," Sweetie Belle said. "And I do agree, they should have done more to help Cozy Glow, but so should me and my friends. The moment we heard she did something bad, we focused more on stopping her and not trying to understand and help her."
"Still wish I was around, makes me wonder how things would have turned out," Rumble said.
"You think they would have been that different?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"It's possible," Rumble said, getting closer to the stadium. "Well here we are."
The two made their way inside, heading through the halls to find Spitfire's office. While there they noticed something rather unusual. They spotted Fluttershy talking with Soarin, friendly looking conversation between the two, mixed with some occasional giggling, mostly from Fluttershy.
"What's Fluttershy doing here?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Think it's to see Rainbow Dash?"
"Maybe, not the first time I've spotted her around The Wonderbolts, during my time at the Academy, she went there quite frequently," Rumble said. "Curiously enough, I did catch her talking with Soarin on occasion, at first I thought it was for directions or if he knew where Rainbow Dash was, now I'm not too sure."
During their questioning, Fluttershy spotted the two herself. "Rumble! Sweetie Belle!"
"Huh!?" Rumble was a bit surprised when his attention was called, as was Sweetie Belle. "Oh, hi Fluttershy. Hi Soarin."
"Hi," Sweetie Belle added.
"Hey dude, you're here, and you brought your filly, sweet," Soarin said. "Spitfire's waiting inside, better hurry before she gets impatient."
"Yeah, sure thing," Rumble said, gesturing to Sweetie Belle. "Let's hurry."
"Right," Sweetie Belle said, following after him.
The two passed by quickly, making their way toward the office where Spitfire was, leaving the other two Pegusai still chatting.
"Such cute ponies," Fluttershy said. "I'm so happy they're engaged to one another."
"Yeah, they seem to be happy together, not bad, especially for Rumble," Soarin said.
"Rumble? How so?" Fluttershy asked.
"Back at the Academy, I heard rumors about him being a mare's stallion, how he could get together with any mare he sets his sights on," Soarin said. "It showed too, a lot of the mares at the Academy started eyeing Rumble, especially one of our star flyers, Barley Barrel."
"I think those rumors are exaggerated, even if Rumble has had his share of dates, he's always looked for that one filly, his goal is not a herd of them," Fluttershy said.
"Guess it's just his own luck that he has so many fillies eyeing him," Soarin said. "Of course, in the end we all want that one somepony to spend our life with."
"Yes, and Rumble found that somepony in Sweetie Belle," Fluttershy said. "Those two are such a perfect fit."
"Hm...didn't he also date that Cozy Glow mare? The one who turned evil and tried taking over Equestria?" Soarin asked.
"Yes, but she's not evil anymore, I don't think at least," Fluttershy said. "She's been calm the last few months and even when she was by herself she hadn't gotten into trouble, so I think she's changed for the better."
"I hope so," Soarin said.
Rumble and Sweetie Belle made their way into the office, expecting to see Spitfire. To their surprise The Barrel Twins were present as well.
"Hey, it's Pickle and Barley!" Sweetie Belle pointed out.
"Hi Sweetie Belle," Barley said, before seductively eyeing the colt in the room. "Hey Rumble."
"Sup Barely," Rumble replied. "Hey Pickle."
"Rumble..." Pickle greeted, as per the norm. Rumble usually isn't sure how to reply each time Pickle addresses him in this tone.
"Thank you all for coming here," Spitfire said. "The reason I called this meeting is because the three of you have shown incredible strides in your path to becoming a Wonderbolt. You performed the best in all our tests and exersizes and you are just about ready to earn your Wonderbolt Suits."
"I'll tell you my clothing size right now," Pickle said.
"Hold on there, you're just about ready but I want to see a bit more from you three before I make a decision," Spitfire said.
"I'm always up for more, what do you have in mind Spitfire?" Rumble asked.
"A race between the three of you," Spitfire said. "Don't worry about winning or losing, just show me what you're capable of."
"A race, no problem, I'll blow these two out the water," Pickle boasted.
"Hey don't forget that I'm your sister!" Barley reminded.
"You're still my rival, I want to be better than everypony, even you sis," Pickle said.
"I like your competitive spirit!" Spitfire said. "Show me what you can do out on the track!"
"Gladly," Pickle said, then turned to Rumble and Barley. "You're both going down."
As Pickle flew off, Barley huffed in annoyance, "My brother can be such a pain in the flank."
"Yeah but it's a chance to be a Wonderbolt, we have to give it our all," Rumble said.
"You're not wrong," Barley said, then turned to Rumble. "I am going to try to outperform you as well, but regardless of what happens, I wish you the best."
"Same to you, hopefully we all get in," Rumble said.
"How nice," Spitfire said. "While competition is good, teamwork is also important to being a Wonderbolt. You three have a great style, probably because of how similar you are to Rainbow Dash."
"She is my role model," Barley said.
"I respect her as a flyer," Rumble said. "And a friend."
"I know it would mean a lot to her to see you all in The Wonderbolts, so go out there and do your best," Spitfire said.
"Yes ma'am!" Rumble and Barley said, flying toward the stadium as well, leaving Sweetie Belle behind.
"Uh, what should I do now?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"You look familiar, you're one of Scootaloo's friends right?" Spitfire asked.
"Yeah, I'm Sweetie Belle," the filly said. "Rarity's little sister and Rumble's fiancé."
"Oh yeah, you three were known as Ponyville's little trouble makers," Spitfire said.
"Wow, seriously?" Sweetie Belle said. "I'm a founding member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, I've helped ponies find or understand their Cutie Marks, I think my reputation for that takes higher precedence."
"Well regardless, it's nice that you're supporting your fiancé, how long have you two been engaged?" Spitfire asked.
"About four months," Sweetie Belle said. "We've been dating since childhood." Sweetie turned her head away to mutter, "Barring a small break."
"You've come a long way then," Spitfire said. "You're pretty lucky too, a lot of girls really seem to like Rumble, hope you don't get too jealous."
"On the contrary, I feel flattered, because I'm dating somepony they wish they were with," Sweetie Belle boasted.
"Like the attitude," Spitfire said. "Rumble's quite the looker, you should be proud you got somepony like him."
"It's more than his looks, he's really kind and sweet, knows how to make a girl feel like a Princess," Sweetie Belle said. "Not bad for my self-appointed knight."
"Well then Princess, why don't you go see your knight in action?" Spitfire said. "Come with me, I'll get you a nice seat."
"Thanks, I really appreciate that," Sweetie Belle said, following after Spitfire.
Back with Apple Bloom and Dinky, the two along with Fancy Pants had made their way backstage where all the play actors were preparing.
"There's Tender Taps," Dinky said, gesturing to the colt, who seemed to be doing a quick review of his lines.
"Is it a good idea to bother him now? It looks like he's trying to focus," Apple Bloom said.
As Tender Taps looked his lines over, he started trotting, unaware of where he was going and ended up knocking over a bunch of props, annoying the stage designers.
"I'm really sorry, I should have paid more attention," Tender Taps nervously stated. The stage designers grumbled in annoyance as they tried to fix everything, Tender Taps awkwardly backing away. "That was embarrassing."
"Tender Taps!" Dinky said, making her way over, getting the boy's attention.
"Dinky? Apple Bloom?" He noticed the third pony in their group. "Mr. Fancy Pants?"
"Just 'Fancy Pants' is fine lad," Fancy Pants said.
"Wow, it's great to see you, but what brings you back here?" Tender Taps asked.
"We figured you could use a bit of a pep talk," Apple Bloom said. "Ah mean, you mentioned to us how nervous you've been getting, since ponies know about you being engaged to Twilight."
"Is that accurate my boy?" Fancy Pants asked.
"Well yeah, everypony looks at me differently," Tender Taps said. "Even now those ponies there are gossiping just because you're here talking to me."
Fancy Pants turned to the ponies in question, "Would you mind giving us a bit of privacy!? If you want to see a show go into the audience!"
The ponies in question left in a huff, Dinky shaking her head in shame, "Must be annoying being the talk of the town like this."
"It is, so frustrating," Tender Taps said. "Not much I can do about it though, I am marrying Twilight. Still to have my integrity questioned."
"Ponies should know you've been practicing since you were a colt, and you were really good," Dinky said. "I mean, you even have a Cutie Mark on it, I think that should have solidified it."
"We came to Canterlot hoping to spread the good word about yer talents, but it didn't work," Apple Bloom said. "We just ended up annoying everypony."
"I appreciate the effort, but that plan was doomed from the start, for all we know the ponies would have thought you were just trying to hype the show," Tender Taps said. "Since all this started I have gotten the most attention when it came to promotion." Tender Taps stood on his hind legs as he did a mock presenter voice, "Come see Tender Taps, fiance to Princess Twilight, performing live!"
That got a giggle from the girls and a brief chuckle from Fancy Pants.
"Wow, yer good at promotion," Apple Bloom said. "Maybe you can help promote some of the Apple Family Apples."
"I think Applejack is popular enough by now that they'll sell themselves," Tender Taps said. "Ponies would love to purchase from an Equestrian Hero."
"I mean you're technically a hero as well," Dinky said. "During Grogar's Invasion, you beat up a fake Twilight."
"I punched the fake once, that's it," Tender Taps said. "It really wasn't all that impressive."
"You still did something, that alone should earn you more respect than a lot of the ponies here," Apple Bloom said.
"It really does say a lot for his character, not many would be brave enough to accomplish such a task," Fancy Pants said.
"Maybe that's what we need to focus on when it comes to you, showing yer true side, the side of you off the stage, one that isn't just being Twilight's fiancé," Apple Bloom said.
"How exactly?" Tender Taps asked. "Am I suppose to go out and beat up fake versions of ponies?"
"No, just be yerself, like really show off yer personality," Apple Bloom said.
"Uh, that's not gonna work," Tender Taps said. "I may be a performer but I'm not exactly a social pony, I get nervous talking to others."
"We're gonna have to help you on that one then," Apple Bloom said. "But we'll wait til after the show. Dinky and I are gonna be in the audience cheering you on."
"But not too loudly, we don't want to cause trouble," Dinky said.
"That would be appreciated," Tender Taps said. "I'll do my best tonight."
"Just like you do in every play lad," Fancy Pants said. "Come on ladies, let's leave our star to his preparations."
"Oh, and watch out for props," Dinky joked as she left.
"Hehe, right," Tender Taps nervously said, grabbing his notes again. He looked around to make sure nothing was around for him to trip over, and that nopony was around for him to bump into before resuming his review.
At the stadium, Rumble, Barley and Pickle were all gathered together and ready to start flying. Sweetie Belle sat by Spitfire, Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Fleetfoot, Thunderlane, Cloudchaser and the only non-Wonderbolt Pegusai, Flitter and Fluttershy.
"Hey, where's Cozy Glow?" Flitter asked.
"She's back home, she felt achy and couldn't make it," Sweetie Belle said. "Plus she feels weird being in Canterlot sometimes, she feels like ponies judge her."
"Poor dear, hopefully she gets passed all that," Fluttershy said.
"I always figured she didn't really care much what others thought of her," Rainbow Dash said.
"Normally she doesn't but she has been a bit hormonal lately and a bit more aware of certain things," Sweetie Belle said. "Luckily she's getting a nice massage back at home, I got Aloe to come over. Cozy really loves her hoof work so it should keep her nerves calm."
"Nothing like a nice massage from Lotus and Aloe to rid yourself of all your worries," Fluttershy said.
"Yeah, they're pretty good," Rainbow Dash said, before receiving looks of curiosity. "Or so I've heard."
"It's all good Rainbow Dash, everyone needs to be loosened up once in a while," Spitfire said. "But that Cozy Glow girl, is all good with her?"
"Good how?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"She isn't still evil, is she?" Spitfire asked.
"No, she's not evil, she's actually really nice," Sweetie Belle said. "She found a new purpose in life that doesn't revolve around villainous deeds."
"I can vouch, she's lived in Ponyville for a few months now and I haven't really heard a peep from her," Fluttershy said.
"Yeah, I guess she's fully mellowed out of her evil phase," Rainbow Dash said.
"Now she just wants a friend, and that's where me and Rumble come in," Sweetie Belle said. "Maybe Pickle and Barley can be our friends too."
"If they can move past that rivalry," Rainbow Dash said, gesturing down below.
Pickle kept glaring at Rumble, pure fire in his eyes as he readied himself, "Just wait til I mop the floor with you Rumble! I'm gonna make you look bad in front of your fiancé!"
"Uh huh, sure thing Pickle," Rumble replied, not sure how to really respond.
"I'm gonna be the best, the top Wonderbolt, soon all the girls that swoon over you will come to me," Pickle said. "Especially Scootaloo."
"Hey I wish you luck on getting Scootaloo, she's a really great girl," Rumble said. "Just make sure you treat her well."
"Me? You're worried whether I can treat her well?" Pickle asked.
"Well yeah, I mean if you're gonna spend your time being a playcolt, then don't even bother going for Scootaloo, last thing I want is for her to get hurt because her coltfriend started eyeing other fillies," Rumble said.
"Oh you would know all about that, I heard about you and Cozy Glow, in fact the reason you started dating my sister is because of your flirty ways," Pickle said.
Rumble did his best to not react in anger, taking a breath before responding, "I messed up, that much is true. But I grew and learned from my experiences. If you want happiness, then you need to grow up as well."
"I'll be happy once I destroy you in this race!" Pickle said.
Rumble groaned in annoyance, "Weren't we friends once!? Back at Rainbow Falls!? What happened!?"
"He grew jealous of just how talented you were," Barley said. "That and I made a big deal of you for the last few years, so he kind of got tired of hearing your name."
"I'm also tired of seeing your face!" Pickle said. "You're face that is pretty much less attractive looking than mine."
"Pfft, in your dreams," Rumble said.
"Don't worry Rumble, to me you'll always be more handsome," Barley said with a wink.
"Also stop flirting with my sister!" Pickle said.
"I'm the one doing the flirting dumbass," Barley said.
"Hey don't contradict me!" Pickle said.
"Can we please get this race started already!" Rumble called. "My wings are itching to start flying!"
"You got it!" Spitfire said. "Alright, give me two hundred laps!"
"Two Hundred!?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"They got the stamina," Spitfire said. "Now, ready...get set...GO!"
With that the three Pegusas Ponies began flying around in loops, all the spectators looking on in awe. The three were fast, too fast for Sweetie Belle to accurately follow, or Fluttershy. Even the other Wonderbolts had to stay focused to make sure they did not lose track.
"Who's winning?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Right now it's pretty much a tie," Spitfire said. "Those three are really putting out a close one."
"I am so proud of them!" Rainbow Dash said. "The future of The Wonderbolts is a promising one."
"You can say that again," Spitfire said. "I'm so genuinely amazed by how incredible their speed and agility are."
The trio really picked up speed, almost creating a tornado through their sheer intensity of flight.
"Go Rumble! Show them what you're made of!" Flitter cheered.
Rumble kept up his speed, almost losing track of his movements from how fast he was going but maintaining a steady pace. Pickle looked almost worried, he hates to admit it but Rumble was really giving it his all here. Barley was just trying to do her best, while hopin to look as good as Rumble and her twin brother.
"I won't let you beat me Rumble!" Pickle said, bumping against the boy.
"What the heck Pickle!?" Rumble shouted, pushing back. "Stick to your own path!"
"You're in my way!" Pickle said, trying to push again.
"Hey, will you two cut it out!?" Barley shouted as Rumble and her brother tried knocking each other off balance.
"Hey something's going on up there," Spitfire said, trying to get a better look. "Are they shoving each other!?"
Pickle continued his attempt at knocking Rumble off balance, causing the boy to bump into Barley. "Pickle! Cut that out!"
"Hey Rumble bumped into you!" Pickle said.
"Because you pushed him! Knock it off before I come after you!" Barley warned.
"Traitor! Siding with this boy because of some one-sided crush!" Pickle said. "We're siblings! We should be siding with each other!" Pickle pushed Rumble back into Barley, further infuriating the girl.
"Stop shoving!" Rumble started pushing back again.
"Show him Rumble!" Barley said.
"Hey what are you two doing up there!?" Spitfire questioned.
Pickle then rammed against Rumble, the two flying off course as they tried out muscling the other.
"Rumble! Pickle!" Barley said, flying after them.
"Oh shit, that's not good!" Spitfire said. "They're flying out of the stadium!"
"We gotta get them back!" Soarin said, taking off with his team, with only Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy and Flitter staying behind.
"That took a bad turn," Sweetie Belle said. "I hope they'll be alright!"
Pickle and Rumble had flown completely out of the stadium, the two boys attempting to out muscle one another.
"Get out of my way you punk!" Pickle shouted as he pushed Rumble away.
"You get out of mine!" Rumble said, pushing back.
Barley continued to fly after them, getting in close, "Come on guys! This fighting isn't necessary!"
"He started it!" Pickle said.
"I did not!" Rumble shouted in disbelief.
"Seriously Pickle, you did start it," Barley said.
"Stop siding with the enemy!" Pickle shouted.
"I'm siding with our friend!" Barley said.
"A friend you want to sleep with!" Pickle shouted, shoving Rumble again. "That's for flirting with my sister!"
"I haven't flirted since we dated!" Rumble said, shoving back as well.
In the back, The Wonderbolts are closing in, but the three were faster than they thought.
"Wow they're fast," Spitfire said. "Great Wonderbolt potential though."
Back at Canterlot theater, the play was underway, Tender Taps was doing his singing and dancing routine as Twilight, Fancy Pants, Dinky and Apple Bloom watched on from the audience. Also present were Starlight, Sunburst, Trixie and Lighting Dust, the latter looking a bit bored.
"This was not what I had in mind for a night in the town," Lighting Dust said.
"Hey be happy you even got a ticket to this place, most ponies would love a chance at a show like this," Trixie said.
"Well I guess I'm not Most Ponies," Lighting Dust said. "When does this show get good?"
"Are you implying Tender Taps's adorable dancing isn't good?" Trixie asked.
"He's not bad, I just wanted something a little more exciting," Lightning Dust explained.
Almost as if on cue, Lightning Dust was about to get her wish. Outside Rumble and Pickle were still fighting and starting to lose altitude.
"You'll never beat me! I'm superior to you in every way!" Pickle boasted.
"That's a load of baloney!" Rumble said, fighting back.
"Guys! You're gonna crash!" Barley warned.
Unfortunately it was too late, just before The Wonderbolts could get there, both colts crashed through the roof of the theatre, taking everypony inside by surprise. The ceiling fell as Pickle landed on top of the orchestra and Rumble collided into Tender Taps.
"What just happend!?" Trixie asked as debris filled the area and dust covered the stage.
"Hey is this part of the show?" Lightning Dust asked. "Because it's pretty awesome."
"That wasn't suppose to happen!" Twilight said. "Tender Taps! Are you alright up there!?"
"Wait, who crashed down anyway?" Starlight asked.
Part of the smoke lifted, Pickle was seen rubbing his aches, "Ow, that hurt."
"Pickle Barrel!?" Dinky said. "You did this!?"
"Hey not by myself! Rumble crashed too!" Pickle said, as he gestured onto the stage with dust clearing up there, ponies surprised by what they saw. "He's right there with...holy fuckin' crap."
On stage, Rumble was on top of Tender Taps, the two oddly locked into a kiss, both of them immediately horrified the moment they realized what happened.
"AH!" Rumble quickly jumped off, freaking out. "Oh Sweet Celestia! What just happened!"
"I can ask you the same question! Where the heck did you even come from!?" Tender Taps asked.
"Tappy!" Twilight teleported on stage to check on her fiancé, "Are you alright Tappy?"
"I'm fine, physically at least," Tender Taps said.
Twilight turned her attention to Rumble, "What happened!?"
"I'm not even sure, one minute we were racing and the next, Pickle started a fight and now we're here," Rumble said.
"Your lack of decent character started that fight!" Pickle said.
"Dude, just stop talking!" Rumble pleaded. "You not only made me lose control and crash, I ended up kissing Tender Taps because of you!"
"Best part of the night!" Lightning Dust said, much to the annoyance of her friends.
"Sadly, she's not wrong," Dinky said. "That kiss was awesome."
"Hush," Apple Bloom warned.
"What were you even doing racing in Canterlot!?" Tender Taps asked.
"It was for The Wonderbolts," Barley explained, the young Pegasus flying down. "Spitfire had us race and one thing led to another and the two started fighting."
"Where is Spitfire?" Twilight asked.
"Right here," Spitfire nervously said as she and the others flew down toward the edge of the roof.
"Hey Twilight," Rainbow Dash nervously greeted.
Twilight sighed in annoyance and turned to the audience, "This theatre is closed for the time being, so I suggest everypony start heading home. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." The ponies began standing and leaving, feeling very disappointed. "Please relay this to the ticket booth, you may get a refund."
Tender Taps stood up to stretch his legs when he felt some pain, "Ow!"
"Tappy?" Twilight turned to the colt.
"My leg is hurting me!" Tender Taps tried standing on it, but it just brought more pain. "Dang it!"
"Oh no, I gotta get you to a doctor," Twilight used her magic to levitate her fiance onto her back. "You rest there, I'll get you patched up."
"Tender Taps, I'm really sorry," Rumble said.
"Talk later, I just need to get this checked out," Tender Taps said as Twilight flew up.
"Later I'd like to discuss this with The Wonderbolts," Twilight said, flying off with her fiance.
"Uh, is she gonna be mad?" Soarin asked.
"A little, but Twilight isn't going to send us to the dungeon or anything," Rainbow Dash said.
"I wouldn't blame her if she got mad, this happened under our watch," Spitfire said. "It's regretful that it came to this, and now her fiancé is hurt."
"As for Rumble and Pickle," Rainbow Dash said, getting their attention. "You two geniuses want to explain why you were fighting?"
"For dominance," Pickle said.
Spitfire looked dumbfounded by the answer, "Are you kidding me? You really messed up today kid, you have talent but part of being a Wonderbolt is respect for your team. I'm sorry but it's gonna be a while before you become a Wonderbolt, if at all."
"Aw..." Pickle lamented.
Spitfire turned to Rumble, "As for you, I know Pickle started the fight but the proper thing to have done was to pull back and try to avoid it, or come to me, I have no tolerance for that behavior."
"Sorry Spitfire, I just wasn't sure what to do at that point," Rumble said. "I'll remember next time, if there is a next time."
"Of course there is, I like you Rumble, I want you to have a spot, but maybe in the future," Spitfire said.
"Plus Rumble, I've been thinking, and you should wait on being a Wonderbolt," Rainbow Dash said. "You know, for reasons back in Ponyville?"
"What reasons?" Rumble asked.
"I'm just saying you should be nice and 'Cozy' for the time being, you're getting married and will have a 'family' soon," Rainbow Dash said. "Give it some time."
Rumble knew what she meant, with Cozy Glow still pregnant with his child, he did need to spend more time taking care of her, being a Wonderbolt might mean traveling and being away more. "Alright Rainbow Dash."
Barley flew down, landing next to Rumble, "I'm sorry my brother was being a jerk."
"It's fine, you don't need to apologize for him," Rumble said.
"He's right, what you should have done was come to us as well," Spitfire said. "And next time, don't chase after them, if you got too close, you could have gotten hurt too."
"Yes ma'am," Barley said.
"That was one epic crash though," Lightning Dust said. "If being a Wonderbolt doesn't work out, there's room for the three of you in The Washouts."
"Don't try taking our future members Lightning Dust!" Rainbow Dash warned.
"Hey, just leaving an offer on the table, it's up to them if they want to take it," Lightning Dust said.
"Oh Dusty, always the scout," Trixie said. "Shame about the play, I was really enjoying it."
"We'll come to the next one," Starlight said. "For now, we should check on Tender Taps, I'm worried about him."
"Same," Sunburst turned to Rumble. "But are you alright yourself?"
"I'm fine, little achy but I'm not injured this time," Rumble said. "Guess my body's toughened up over the years."
"Don't get too cocky little bro," Thunderlane warned. "It'll come back to bite you."
Time passed by, Twilight is in a doctor's office with Tender Taps, the boy needing bandages around his leg.
"He'll make a nice recovery," Nurse Redheart said. "But he won't be dancing for a while."
"Great, so much for my next few shows," Tender Taps said.
"It's fine Tappy, you could use a break," Twilight insisted. "Thank you Nurse Redheart."
"It's no trouble Princess," Redheart said.
"Hey is there any reason you're here?" Tender Taps asked. "Don't you normally work in Ponyville?"
"I come here on occasion, especially when The Wonderbolts are in town," Redheart explained. "It's nice to have a familiar face from Ponyville checking up on you at least, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is," Tender Taps said, slowly standing. "Ow..."
"Keep the pressure off that leg, I'm gonna get you something to help you move better," Redheart said, making her way out of the room.
"This sucks, I can't believe Rumble and Pickle crashed my performance like that, literally," Tender Taps said.
"You'll be fine Tappy," Twilight insisted. "I'll take good care of you."
"I'd like that," Tender Taps said, kissing his fiancé.
"So, am I a better kisser than Rumble?" Twilight teased.
"Ugh, don't remind me of that," Tender Taps said. "It was so awkward."
"I'm sorry but it was kind of funny," Twilight said. "Cute too, I never imagined Rumble kissing another colt."
"Me neither, Rumble was way too into fillies for me to consider that," Tender Taps said.
"Well some ponies do like to experiment, I have, a little," Twilight said.
"This about Azure Velour?" Tender Taps asked. "You really don't seem to like talking about that, was it really that bad?"
"More embarrassing than bad," Twilight said. "She's pretty and not a pony I would have minded kissing but I took it a step beyond that. My point is that some ponies do get curious, I mean have you ever been curious about another colt?"
"Once in a while, never got to experiment," Tender Taps said. "I have no interest in doing so now obviously, maybe a few years ago though."
"Like when Rumble and Sweetie Belle were apart?" Twilight asked.
"I couldn't imagine myself with Rumble during that time, I was too disappointed, plus I just dated his ex-marefriend, so that would have been awkward," Tender Taps said.
"Shame, I would have liked to hear stories of you kissing another cute colt, but at least I have that image," Twilight said.
"Does it, excite you?" Tender Taps asked.
"A little, just like how two girls kissing excites a colt," Twilight said. "Like if I told you about my night with Azure, you'd get excited. Of course I barely remember anything but I do remember some things, like how she rubbed herself against my private areas, the taste of her nectar, using that spell to please her."
"What spell?" Tender Taps asked.
"I'll show you when we get home," Twilight said, winking at her fiancé. "You'll like it."
Tender Taps began to blush, he didn't know what Twilight had planned, but he was really curious.
Later on after being given a wheelie assist, the two made their way out of the hospital room where waiting in the lobby were Rumble, Sweetie Belle, Barley, Flitter, Apple Bloom, Dinky, Fluttershy, Fancy Pants, Starlight and Sunburst.
"Oh good, yer back," Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah, but I won't be dancing for a while," Tender Taps said. "Plus I have to be on this machine to help me walk."
"I'm really sorry about what happened, I hope I can make it up to you," Rumble said.
"I'll let you know, but for now, don't worry about it," Tender Taps said.
"I'd like to apologize on behalf of my brother," Barley said. "Who isn't here right now, because he's a dumbass."
"It's all good Barley," Tender Taps insisted. "Maybe Pickle can do something for me another time if he wants to make up for it."
"Don't hold your breath," Barley said.
"Trixie wanted to be here but she had to leave with Lightning Dust," Starlight said, then presented him a couple of gifts, "So they asked me to give these to you. Flowers from Trixie, and chocolate from Lightning Dust."
"That's sweet of them," Tender Taps said, Twilight grabbing them on his behalf. "Thanks all of you. I'll be fine, the doctor said it wasn't that bad."
"Good, it would suck if we lost out on you," Dinky said.
"But the bright side is that the time away will probably be good fer you, since you won't have to be around ponies who think differently of you because of yer engagement to Twilight," Apple Bloom said.
"I could use the break," Tender Taps said.
"Your presence will be missed on stage, that I can guarantee," Fancy Pants said. "I wish you a speedy recovery."
"Thank you Fancy Pants, sir," Tender Taps said.
"I appreciate you all coming, but I do need to get Tender Taps back to the castle, he needs his rest," Twilight said.
"Of course," Fancy Pants said, allowing Twilight and Tender Taps to pass on through.
"Glad he's gonna be fine," Apple Bloom said. "That was quite a crash."
"Yeah Rumble, looks like you got yourself a rival now," Dinky said.
"Really didn't want one," Rumble said.
"Comes with the territory of being a competitive flyer," Barley said.
"Yeah, sometimes it's good to have a rival, you always have somepony you want to be better than," Flitter said.
"We'll worry about this later, let's head home," Sweetie Belle said.
"Yeah, boy is Cozy Glow going to have a story," Rumble said.
"Oh would I be able to come? I kind of want to see Cozy Glow myself," Barley said.
"Sounds good to me," Sweetie Belle said. "Wonder how she's doing now actually? I hope she's enjoying whatever Aloe had planned for her."
Back at the Boutique, Cozy is laying stomach first on a soft mat, one Aloe brought over with Cozy's pregnant belly in mind. The mare did have her flank raised up slightly as Aloe gently massaged her lower back to glutes area.
"You really are soft my dear, I don't think I've had this much of a good time massaging somepony," Aloe said.
"Happy to hear, your hooves are amazing," Cozy Glow said. "Especially near my tushie."
"You mean this one?" Aloe said, gently stroking Cozy's rear end, getting a light gasp from the filly. "It is a lovely backside."
Aloe gently moved her hooves around Cozy''s flanks, softly massaging them, to the delight of the filly. "Aloe...I don't suppose you're seeing anypony."
"Sorry dear, I don't date my clients, even if they are cute. It's bad for business," Aloe teased. "Little surprised, does this mean your baby's father isn't with you? I remember you said no marriage, but I thought there was something still."
"We're just friends now, and that's fine, I can move on," Cozy Glow said. "But I do want to be with somepony."
"You'll find somepony, even if it is not me," Aloe said. "But I do like you, so perhaps I can treat you to a special massage, but only for today, and it will be our little secret."
"I'm good at keeping secrets," Cozy Glow said. "And if it means you'll stay as my massage pony, I'll do as you ask."
"Excellent," Aloe said. "Truthfully, I have wanted to do this for some time, your body is so lovely."
Aloe gently positioned herself over Cozy Glow, her pelvic area near Cozy's butt, then carefully lowered down, trying to mind Cozy's pregnant belly. By this point, she looked like she was fully mounting Cozy. She raised her flank a bit more so she could have access to Cozy Glow's private area, quickly rubbing it.
"Golly!" Cozy whimpered. "Careful, I'm really sensitive down there."
"Of course dear," Aloe reassured and gently rubbed Cozy's private spot.
"Th-that's better..." Cozy said. "Golly, this feels kind of nice."
"I should hope so," Aloe said. "Just relax your body while I do all the work."
"Y-yes," Cozy Glow said, panting a bit and allowing Aloe to rub her. Cozy hadn't felt this nice since the four-way she had with Rumble, Sweetie Belle and Barley. Aloe's soft hooves were really fulfilling her mind with sensations, the girl occasionally squeaking in pleasure.
"You make the cutest noises," Aloe said, gently against Cozy Glow's ear as she rubbed herself against Cozy's rear. "It makes me enjoy this just as much as you are."
"Glad to hear," Cozy said, eeping again. "I weally love this."
"Aw, your baby talk is cute," Aloe said, rubbing a bit faster. "I just love it."
Aloe gently bit Cozy's ear, the girl gasping in satisfaction, "Oh Golly! Aloe, you're so good!" Cozy huffed in pleasure as Aloe moved faster while continuing to nibble her ears. Within seconds, Cozy felt her stomach spring. "Oh Golly! I'm gonna cum!"
Within seconds, Cozy felt a gush of her cum spilling across the bed, panting in relief of the pleasure she felt. Aloe propped herself up on her knees and rubbed herself in her private area until she too began to cum, spraying it all over Cozy Glow's back.
"This should moisturize your skin really well," Aloe said, rubbing her vaginal fluid into Cozy's back. "You might want to bathe soon though, after it sinks in a bit. You'll get an aroma much nicer than perfume."
"Of course..." Cozy Glow said. "Thank you Aloe. Uh, do I owe you for that?"
"Oh no, Sweetie Belle just hired me to massage you, that little treatment was on me," Aloe said, giving one final pat to Cozy's butt. "Plus the pleasure was all mine."
"Thank you," Cozy said. "I feel tired now."
"Rest up then, it's good for your body," Aloe said. "I still have a little more massaging to do for you, so really get comfortable and leave your cute and delicate body to my care."
Time passed, Aloe had fully finished and went home, Cozy bathing at agreed upon waking up. The girl felt fully refreshed, it was the best she's felt in weeks.
"Cozy Glow, we're home!" Rumble said.
"And we brought Barley!" Sweetie Belle said.
"You around Cozy Glow!?" Barley asked.
"Here I am!" Cozy Glow said, trotting over. "Hi Rumbly." Cozy kissed him on the cheek. "Hi Sweetie Belle," Cozy gave her a quick hug. "And hi Barley."
"Hey Cozy Glow, how's pregnant life?" Barley asked.
"Coming along great, just seven more months," Cozy Glow said, then turned to Rumble. "How was your Wonderbolts meeting? Did you get your suit?"
"No, things went downhill fast," Rumble said.
"Aw, what happened?" Cozy Glow asked.
"Sit back, I'll explain everything," Rumble said.
Back at Canterlot castle, Twilight was tending to her fiancé the way she promised. The boy was currently engaged in sexual intimacy with his princess, both hugging and kissing while Tender Taps pumped into Twilight.
"I could have taken the lead," Twilight said, in between their kissing.
"I know but I just wanted to do this," Tender Taps said, also between kisses. "Besides I'm just moving my hips, wanna stay ready to dance and not get too stiff."
"Well, your rhythm is still good," Twilight said, admiring just how well Tender Taps thrusted into her like if he was following a beat. "Guess it's a good thing, I can show you that spell I did for Azure much easier like this."
"Oh really? How did it...ahh..." Tender Taps felt a weird sensation in his backside. "What's happening."
"I'm using my magic to pleasure you," Twilight said. "With Azure Velor, I used it on her girlhood area, you I have you use your cute little rump."
"It...feels...kind of weird," Tender Taps said, squirming a bit.
"You'll get used to it," Twilight said, kissing him again. "If you had been with a colt, like say Rumble, this is how it would feel for you."
"Yeah, guess so," Tender Taps said, trying to move through the pleasure and continue on his fiance. "Hey, Twilight..."
"Yeah?" the Princess asked.
"When can we start having kids?" Tender Taps said.
Twilight was so surprised she actually stopped her spell a moment, "Uh...I'm not sure."
"That's fine, I just hope it's on the table," Tender Taps said.
Twilight nodded in confirmation, "Of course, I would love to have your kids, my sweet Tappy."
"And I would love for you to be their mother," Tender Taps said, kissing Twilight once more before continuing his sexual intimacy with his fiancé, the two once again enjoying their time together.