Always By Your Side

by joetrenholm

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Romance, Drama
Length: 6487

After the name "Countess Coloratura" has vanished completely, Coloratura gets a new manager who literally does everything for the best pop star of Equestria.

Contains spoilers for S05E24: "The Mane Attraction". If you haven't seen the episode before, go and check it; it's incredibly awesome!

After Coloratura performed her last song on the stage, she worries about her career. Applejack tries to encourage her and goes back to Sweet Apple Acres after that. A light brown colored stallion called Moonstone hears everything and feels sorry for Coloratura.
He wants to help her by being her new manager, but with a huge difference compared to Svengallop: he doesn't want to get paid by Coloratura. His only wish is to help her career grow again, and make Coloratura happy. Equestria's best pop singer can't accept the idea, to not pay him.
Moonstone becomes the manager of Coloratura, and he is doing everything for her, even something much more than what a manager would do. Of course, not by the pop star's order, but from his own heart.

Thanks to all my friends who support me to make this story!

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-01 00:50:02 UTC

Coloratura Meets Moonstone

After Coloratura had performed her last beautiful song on the stage, along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she went to Applejack and told her:

"Oh, Aj. Thanks so much for showing who I truly am! I feel like I’ve got back something I forget to bear: the real me." She said while she smiled at Applejack.

"Sure thing, Rara! I’m also happy we could’ve met again, ya know?" She replied and winked at Coloratura.

"Yes. It’s a pleasure that you are my friend, Aj." Coloratura said.

She looked at the sky. She kept thinking for a while. It was silence. You could've heard only the lovely voices of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. After some minutes, she turned to Applejack and said:

"Now that I don’t have a manager, it will be hard to continue my career. Everybody knows me as Countess Coloratura, and I don’t think that anypony will know me as Rara. But I finally know who I am. And I know that I am just a pony!" She looked quite worried.

"Don’t worry, sugarcube! I’m sure your career is not over yet, but it’s ‘bout to start." Applejack tried to calm her.

Coloratura was worried about her future. Everybody knew her as the Countess, and now she isn't anymore. Applejack was sure her fillyhood friend will have an even bigger career as the true herself.

Meanwhile, Moonstone was listening and heard everything. He was a light brown colored stallion, with dark brown stripes on his mane and tail. He felt sorry for Coloratura, and would’ve liked to help her somehow. He knew that her career would be even sparkling if she would have a manager, so he came up with an idea.

"I have to go back now to Sweet Apple Acres. I have a lot of things to do over there! See you later, Rara." Applejack said to Coloratura.

"Sure thing. Goodbye, Aj!" She replied with a kind and pretty voice.

After Applejack had gone back to Sweet Apple Acres, Coloratura sighed and walked away. While she was walking, Moonstone appeared in her way.

"Excuse me if I interrupted you, Ms. Coloratura. My name is Moonstone. Nice to meet you!" He said with a kind voice.

"It's my pleasure, Moonstone!" Coloratura replied.

"I heard many things about you. I love the way you sing. Your voice is indeed the best!"

"Oh, thanks so much!"

"Look, I know it’s hard for you now because you don’t have a manager who could help you with your career. " Moonstone said with a serious look.

"Well, I will try to do what my heart will tell me. I love singing, and I think, this is the only thing that matters right now."

"I would like to help you. I’m an experienced writer, but I’m doing much other stuff, too. Like advertising, organizing and whatever. So what do you think? Can I be your new manager?"

Coloratura was not sure what to do now.

"I believe, I have learned for a lifetime what means to have a manager. I don’t think I want to have more experiences like this." She replied.

Moonstone was thinking for a while. His only wish was to help Coloratura to have a great career with her new name. With her real name, actually. He knew that Coloratura is afraid to hire a new manager now. And he understood her. That's why he came up with an idea.

"You know what? I will be your manager. But I will never ask for money. That is yours. You are the singer." He said with much more determination.

"Don’t be silly. If I would ask you to be my manager, I’d surely pay you, don’t worry." Coloratura said.

"But I do not need money. I don’t want to do this for money. I want to do this for you! I can see your potential, and your name everywhere. I can see your popularity, and I want to see it! You deserve to be the most famous singer of all time!"

"You’re nice... But... Look... You can be my manager. But never think that I will not pay you."

"Hehe, we'll see," Moonstone said while he giggled.

A little moment of silence came upon our two ponies. They were both thinking about various things. Coloratura was thinking about her decision, Moonstone about his plans. After that, Moonstone's voice broke this silence.

"It’s sunset now. I’ll begin organizing the things tomorrow, as soon as the sun starts to shine!" He said with a happy voice.

"Thank you, Moonstone. I appreciate your contribution, and I’m sure you’ll do an excellent job. Have a great evening!" Coloratura said.

"You too!" The short reply came from Moonstone.

Moonstone started to go home, but after a few seconds of thinking, Coloratura stopped him.

"Wait!" She said with a louder, but a wonderful voice.

"Huh?" Moonstone was pleasantly surprised.

"Wouldn’t you like to join a dinner? I’m not sure where could we take it, though. Things have changed since my last visit!" She replied.

"Thanks for the opportunity, Rara! Of course, I will join a dinner. I think we could go to that restaurant." Moonstone said while he showed a good place where they could take the dinner.

"Let's go then!" She said.

They went to the restaurant recommended by Moonstone, to discuss more things about being a manager, and more about themselves, as well. The dinner was served, and they were ready to discuss everything.

"It’s a stunning place and the music is also good." Coloratura started the conversation.

"Indeed it is! I used to visit this restaurant very often." Moonstone confirmed.

"So, let’s talk more about this management thing. You’re now my new manager. I would kindly ask you to help me not to get blinded by fame, just like I did in the past."

"I’m sure you will not. I’m not going to tell you what to do like Svengallop did. I’ll just let you be yourself!"

"I’m so ashamed that I was who somepony else wanted from me to be," She said in a quieter voice.

"You shouldn’t be. Everypony makes mistakes. The fact you threw out the veil was a glorious moment, not one that you should be ashamed about." He said to encourage her. "One thing is sure. Now that I’m your new manager, you shouldn’t be worried about anything. And to prove you that I’m doing my job only for you and your career, and not for money, I’ll work for free."

"Don’t start this again. I will pay you, no matter what. You seem to be a great manager." She said with a serious voice and facial expression.

"I will organize everything, I will do advertisements, I will make your name be the most popular name all over Equestria! I want to see your success, and I don’t care about money. It’s you who should be famous."

Coloratura stopped from eating for a while. She seemed to wonder about what is Moonstone about to do.

"And I’ll buy for you whatever you need. Just ask!" He continued.

"Look, even if you do not accept any payment from me, I’ll not let you pay for me. You would have nothing to earn."

"Seeing you in your highest fame is pretty enough earning for me," He replied.

Coloratura went to Moonstone and hugged him while she started to shed tears because of what he told her. She was really emotioned.

"Nopony was so kind to me... Why do you keep wishing to do so many things for me?" She asked.

"Well..." Moonstone replied while she giggled. He wasn't sure what to say.

"I will need to go back to Manehattan tomorrow. Would you also like to come?" Coloratura proposed.

"What kind of a question is that? Of course that I will!" The answer came with the highest level of determination.

They looked at themselves and continued to eat.

"Maybe it's only me, but I think this salad needs a bit more salt," Moonstone said. "Also, would you like to eat something else? I will order anything."

"No, thanks. I'm entirely pleased with everything!" She replied. "So what about you? You already know many things about me, but I would like to know you better."

"Trust me, I don't have many things to say. I'm just an ordinary unicorn who loves to write and to help others," He replied.

"What kind of things have you used to write?"

"I usually write books and poems. Books about nature, life, adventure or even history. I write whatever floats my imagination. My poems have the same subject. History is an exception. I can't write any poem with this."

"That sounds great!"

"Yeah. I'm not a famous writer, but almost everypony from Ponyville knows me. My name hasn't gone so far to be known in Manehattan or Canterlot, too."

"I'm sure you're great at writing! I would like to read your works once."

"Thanks! I will share some works of mine with you. They aren't perfect, but I'm trying to do my best."

"I have no doubt they are splendid! I can hardly wait to read them all."

"You're kind."

"No, you are!" Coloratura said while she smiled at Moonstone.

After a few minutes of talking, they noticed that it's quite late, and they should go to rest because they will have a rough day tomorrow.

"It’s late now. I think, we both should go to sleep," Coloratura said.

"Yes, that's right," Moonstone confirmed while he kept smiling at Coloratura. "It was a wonderful dinner, Rara."

"My pleasure, Moonstone! See you tomorrow!" Coloratura said.

They went to each other and gave a hug.

"Good night!" Moonstone said.

"Good night to you, too!" The singer mare replied.

They said goodbye and went home to get everything ready for the next day. Coloratura couldn't get out of her mind what happened in the last few days. Her entire life was changed completely in only one day.

A Rising Star

Next day in the morning, Coloratura woke up to say goodbye to Applejack. She was happy because she could meet Applejack again after such a long time. She found Applejack in front of a fountain.

"Hey, Aj!" She greeted Applejack. She was happy she can see her friend again.

"Howdy, sugarcube! How was your day going? I’m sorry you need to go already. I’d wished to spend more time with ya!" She replied and sighed.

"I’m sure we will meet more often from now on," Coloratura said. "Guess what! I’ve got a new manager."

"Really? Who's that?" Applejack was interested in the matter. She looked both surprised and worried.

"I’m not sure if you know him. His name is Moonstone, and he is such a sweetheart."

"I’m okay with him if he will not act like Svengallop." Applejack interrupted Coloratura.

"Oh, trust me. He will not. He keeps asking me not to pay him for his work."

"Wow. Then what is he working for?" Applejack was even more surprised now. She looked with huge eyes and was waiting for Coloratura's answer.

"He said, his only wish is to see my career growing," Coloratura replied. Her fillyhood friend couldn't believe what she hears. She found this very kind and sweet, yet unbelievable. "But I will pay him, for sure." Coloratura continued.

"Look! He's there," She noticed that Moonstone was coming to them.

"I think I've already seen this stallion before," Applejack said.

Moonstone has arrived at the fountain where the mares were talking to each other. He looked ready for going to Manehattan.

"Hi, Rara. Hello, Applejack! I’m Moonstone, the new manager of Rara. I'm honored to meet you!" He said.

"So you are that Moonstone we were talking about! Nice to meet you too! Rara told me many good things about you." Applejack continued the conversation.

"Really?" He said. When Coloratura started to smile, he looked surprised, and he was blushing. "O-o-kay, I’m going now to prepare everything we need to go to Manehattan. See you later, Applejack!" He said and walked away. Maybe he was a bit too shy.

"He is taking the thing very seriously," Applejack said to Coloratura.

"Yes, he does. Maybe a bit too seriously," Her reply came shortly.

"Well, he has ambition, at least. I still hope you’ve made a good decision by hiring a new manager. I just do not wish the history to repeat itself." She wasn't sure if the things will go right.

"Trust me. I’ve made the best decision," Coloratura replied with confidence. After a little moment of silence, in which you could've heard only the song of the birds, she continued to talk to Applejack. "Well, Aj... I think, it’s already the time to go. It was wonderful to meet you again! I will visit you again, soon!"

The two mares gave a friendly hug to each other.

"Goodbye, Rara! Have a great success in your career!" Applejack said.

"Thanks, Aj! Good luck at the farm," The mare with the gorgeous voice replied.

Coloratura went to her chariot. Moonstone already prepared everything for their long trip to Manehattan. He was very excited. They thought it was the time to go now. For some reason, Coloratura wouldn't have liked to leave Ponyville. Was it Applejack, her best friend since she was a filly? Or the lovely voices of the Cutie Mark Crusaders? Or just the place itself, along with all the ponies who live there? Maybe all of these? She loved this place. It was something she could relate to. That's where she was growing and reformed, too.

After they had started their trip, she looked back to the way they already passed and said:

"Farewell, Ponyville!"

The trip was long, and luckily, it was flawless. Our ponies have arrived at Manehattan successfully. When they entered the town, Moonstone said:

"Wow! Manehattan is such a wonderful place. I was never here so far."

"Really?" Coloratura replied. "Well, it is a bit agglomerated. You will need to get used of this."

"Yeah. My friends told me a lot about Manehattan. I’m glad I can be part of it now," He was thinking a bit, and then continued. "Where exactly is the hotel I will live in?"

"You can choose any hotel you want. Although, you're more than welcomed to my house." She replied. She wouldn't have mind if Moonstone lived at her home.

"Thank you for the offer, but I don’t want to be a bother, so I will most probably search for a hotel," Moonstone said and smiled.

"Oh, come on! You're not a bother at all."

"I just don't want to enter in a more private sphere." Moonstone blushed.

"Well, it's up to you! I will help you to find a good hotel."

"Thanks, Rara!"

It was dawn already, and Moonstone has chosen a hotel. It was close to Coloratura's house, so they could've reached each other easier and quicker. He made many advertising campaigns in that evening. After he had finished doing this, he started to search for a team. Firstly, he searched for a recruitment manager, and he found Red Blossom, a mare with a vast experience in recruitment. She was a red colored earth pony with a long dark red mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a rose; similar to Roseluck's, but with a slight difference. He gave her 300 bits in advance.

Next day in the morning, Moonstone went to Coloratura, to tell her the news.

"Hi, Rara! How did you sleep?" He asked the former pop star.

"Hey, Moonstone! I was sleeping well. How about you?"

"Same here. But I've got some more important news now!" He was excited to tell her. "We will have a complete team. I just hired our recruitment manager, Red Blossom yesterday."

"Wow. That was fast. Thank you!"

"I think, you should make a song now while she will get more ponies to the team."

"Thanks for the idea! I already started to think of a song yesterday."

"I can hardly wait to see your great song!" He said and smiled. "I’m going to publish «The Magic Inside» now! If everything goes as I planned, in only two days, everypony from Manehattan will know about you. And maybe in a few weeks, the whole Equestria!"

"I'm amazed. Thank you so much, Moonstone. You're the best manager ever!" Coloratura said and hugged Moonstone.

Red Blossom came in their way. She wished to talk to Moonstone about some recruitment things.

"Hi, Moonstone. Sorry for interrupting. I’ve found some good artists for the banners and covers you planned." She said.

"Sounds amazing. Thanks!" Moonstone replied.

"Hi, Red Blossom! I’m Coloratura, but you can call me Rara." The most beautiful mare of all times has spoken.

"Hello, Coloratura! I’m honored I can work for you. Moonstone told me everything about you, and your previous manager."

"Yes, it's a long story. And I'm happy because it happened like this. Also, I'm sure you'll do a great job, just like Moonstone does."

"Okay, Rara. I'm going to make the first huge step now. See you later!" Moonstone said.

"Goodbye, Moonstone!" The mares replied.

Monstone went to his hotel and published the announcement of Countess Coloratura’s big change, along with the song performed by her in Ponyville. The media picked up the news very soon. It already got very popular in less than a day. Moonstone was both pleased and surprised with the results.

Later that evening, he got a message:

Hello, Mr. Moonstone.

My name is Star Shine, and I am a talent seeker. I’ve seen the announcement about the pop star Countess Coloratura. I’ve also seen the full recording from Ponyville you've attached. It was the best thing I’ve ever seen! I would be thrilled if you would accept my invitation to the Grand Voice Awards contest from Manehattan, this Saturday.

Be sure to contact me.

Regards.

Moonstone was quite shocked because Coloratura's career started to grow so quickly. She was super excited to tell her all these wonderful news next day. He couldn't sleep because of the excitement. He was already thinking of Coloratura's success. He knew she could win it.

Next morning, he went to Coloratura. You could've already read from his eyes what is he about to say.

"Hi, Moonstone. You seem to be jubilant today. What's up?" Coloratura said.

"Hi, Rara! I’ve got some very exciting news!" He replied with the same speed as Pinkie Pie usually talks. "Have you heard about the Grand Voice Awards contest?"

"Yes, I did. I was in the first place once."

"Well, you will be in the first place again! Yesterday evening, a talent seeker called Star Shine wrote me a message, where he invited us to the contest. He said, your performance was the best thing he has ever seen."

"Wow. Just wow. Moonstone, you’re really doing a wonderful job! I wrote my new song already. Red Blossom hired many team members, and the artists started to make the banners."

"Sounds great! May I ask you to sing the song, please?"

"Of course you can!" She said and started to sing.

The sunshine is way brighter now,

And the clouds keep singing aloud.

They showed me - it’s never enough

To be loved and share the love.

You know how much I feel for you,

The land where I was born into.

And no matter what, you’ll still remain,

I’ll never leave you again!

When I was blinded by fame

And forgot who I truly am

You showed me that I am wrong

And you made me feel strong!

Now that I am here again

You lead me to the brightest way

Equestria, ‘cause I love you much

You’ll always be in my heart.

You know how much I feel for you,

The land I was born into.

And no matter what, you’ll still remain,

I’ll never leave you again!

Moonstone started to shed tears. It was the most beautiful song he has ever heard.

"It was so amazing and touching! I’m sure we will win." He said.

"I still have to work on it a little bit." She grinned.

"I can admit - it’s already perfect!"

"Thank you, dear."

"Now I’m going to find Octavia and more instrumentalists to help out with the instrumentation."

"No. Don’t. Just take a nap. You’ve already done many things for me, and I don’t even know how to thank you all of them. You deserve a break now." Coloratura stopped him.

"You’re kind, but I’m not tired. I don’t want a break now when the things are about to go to the highest level."

"Okay. I just don't want you to be overloaded."

"Me?" Moonstone laughed. "You’re funny. Trust me, I’m not."

Coloratura went closer to Moonstone and gave him a hug.

"Thank you so much for everything!"

"It's my pleasure, Rara!" He said and held her more between his arms.

Later that day, Moonstone got in touch with Octavia Melody and many other instrumentalists to have an orchestra for Coloratura's song. They made the song sound much better. They practiced the song daily. Moonstone was happy. It was the greatest realization from his life.

It was Saturday already. They were ready for the biggest contest of their life. After the performances of many other musical ponies and bands, it was Coloratura's turn to do her best. She walked to the stage and looked to the public.

"Hello, fellow ponies. As many of you already knew, I had a manager who didn’t care about me and made Countess Coloratura from me only to acquire more fame and reputation. However, this broke the reputation of the true myself, Rara. Happily, I’ve found the best manager in whole Equestria who is also a very talented writer, and he helped me to restart my career. Thank you again, Moonstone." Coloratura said.

The public was clapping, and Moonstone was blushing.

"This song is something I made for Equestria, the place that will always stay strong in my heart and the one who thought me many things in my life." She continued.

Moonstone smiled and couldn’t resist without shedding tears of joy.

"You will do it, Rara. I’m sure you will." He said.

Coloratura started to sing the song she wrote. The public was amazed, and after she had finished singing, they clapped for minutes.

"Wow. It was a great song. Rara did her best. Thank you so much for participation!" The presenter pony said.

The contest has finished, and it was the voting time. After the jury had voted, the results were going to be finally announced.

"It was a great evening. We’ve heard many wonderful and touching songs! Now, it’s time to announce the winner of this year’s Grand Voice Awards." The presenter said.

The level of excitement was getting higher and higher both from the public's side and the contestants'.

"And the winner is..."

Everypony was looking with huge eyes at the presenter.

"Coloratura!" He finally said it!

Coloratura was happier than ever. She won the biggest singing contest as the true herself.

"Come here, Coloratura. Here’s your award." The presenter pony said and gave Coloratura the award.

"I’m so happy because I did it. It’s the first time I win a contest by my real name and the real myself. Thank you all! And most importantly - thank you, Equestria!" She said while she cried from happiness.

Star Shine went to Moonstone and said:

"I was more than sure she will have a great success."

"Me too. Her voice is the kindest to my ears," Moonstone replied. "I’m so glad I can work for her. She is amazing!" Star Shine smiled.

"Well, I guess it’s the time to make more songs, sell albums, have more concerts and so on." Star Shine said.

"I know. All of these are in my plans!" Moonstone stated and started to talk again after a few seconds. "Thank you, Star Shine. You also had an important role here."

"It was actually you who had the most important role."

"I doubt that. Rara had. Without her, I would be still in Ponyville, writing my stuff."

"That’s true, but without you, she wouldn’t have a manager and such a great success now."

"I’m doing this because I see she is worthy of success," Moonstone said and smiled.

In only a few days, Coloratura - or Rara, how she used to sign her albums - became the most famous singer in Equestria. She wrote many songs, had many albums and concerts, and won many prizes. She was very thankful to Moonstone. She felt like she had a way better career than when she had Svengallop as her manager.

Nothing is More Important Than You

After her tremendous success, Coloratura came up with the idea to visit Applejack and tell her everything about her career. She started to write a letter to her friend.

Dear Applejack,

I'm glad to tell you that Moonstone did it, and now I am the most famous singer of Equestria. Don't take this wrong. I know that I am just a pony, and I'm nothing more or less than anypony else. I'm not letting myself be blinded by my fame again, and Moonstone is supporting this idea.

How are the things going at Ponyville? What about Sweet Apple Acres? How are the Cutie Mark Crusaders? I'm sure I will get the answers to my question when I take a visit to Ponyville! Yes, I will visit you again, and it will be very soon!

I can hardly wait to meet you and Ponyville again!

Rara.

She had sent her letter and started to write another song. A song about dreams. But what are dreams? Well... They are something coming from the soul and the brain. Powers that leads somepony wanting to realize something. Each dream can come true. Determination, self-confidence and passion are the keys that can ensure this.

Next day morning, they started their trip to Ponyville. They felt like the way was shorter then when they went to Manehattan. Maybe because both of them were thrilled to arrive at their beloved home.

Applejack saw them coming and was very excited. She ran to her chariot as soon as our ponies got out of it and hugged Coloratura while she was shedding tears from happiness.

"I’m so proud of you, sugarcube!" She said.

"Thank you, Aj, but all the thanks should go to Moonstone, who made everything possible in such a short time," Coloratura replied, and Moonstone was smiling at them.

"Moonstone, you’ve got my appreciation!" Applejack said.

"Thanks, Applejack!" He replied.

In the meantime, Coloratura went to her chariot and took out a bag. She walked to Moonstone and gave it to him.

"What is this?" He asked while he was looking at her very confused.

"Something you deserve."

He opened the bag and looked in.

"But this is money."

"I know what it is."

"I’ve told you already; I don’t expect money from you. I’m doing this with pleasure, for your career, not for money."

"It’s still your part, and I would be pleased if you would accept it. You have already proven that you do this only for me. Now I trust you more than anypony else."

Moonstone went to Coloratura and hugged her.

"Thank you, Rara!" He said.

"It's me who should be thankful!" Coloratura replied.

Coloratura and Applejack went to discuss many things. Things about Sweet Apple Acres, about Coloratura's career, new songs she has written and so on. Coloratura was about to stay longer in Ponyville for this time.

Meanwhile, three bodyguard-like stallions came to Moonstone. One with a dark blue fur, one with a light green one and another with a yellow one.

"Hello, Mr. Moonstone. We’re three professional bodyguards, and we would like to make your job easier by being Coloratura’s bodyguards. Do you like the idea?" The one with the light green fur said.

What Moonstone didn't know was that the bodyguards were working for Svengallop, and they were part of his plan.

"Hello, fellows. Sure! How much do you want to be paid?" He replied.

"We will decide this while we work." The bodyguard with the blue fur stated.

"Okay. Thank you for your interest." Moonstone said and hired them.

He continued to write some articles. He was overworking.

"Just look at him. He is working too much. He skipped sleeping last night just to finish some projects for me. He needs to rest." Coloratura said to Applejack.

"I have an idea!" Applejack exclaimed. "Let’s invite him to Sweet Apple Acres. We all could take a nap with fresh air, and we could enjoy this wonderful sunny day."

"It's a brilliant idea!" The singer mare replied. They went to Moonstone, to tell him the idea.

"You’re working too much. That’s why Applejack and I have planned to spend some time at Sweet Apple Acres. We will be relaxing and enjoying the sun." Coloratura said to Moonstone.

"I'll be actually not relaxing because I have some things to do at the farm," Applejack said.

"Okay, but you will also join!"

"Sure thing."

"It's a splendid idea, but I'm afraid, I can't join," Moonstone replied. "I have a lot to do."

Coloratura started to think and came up with an idea. She began to sing a lullaby to Moonstone, so they could take him to Sweet Apple Acres.

"Hush-a-bye now, kind little foal,

Silence to come, and shone over you.

Rest now my foal, count the sheep..."

"No, please," Moonstone said while Coloratura was singing. "Don’t... I will..." He was closing his eyes softly and started to sleep.

"He’s so cute when he sleeps," Coloratura said, and Applejack looked at her with an odd looking. "Let’s bring him to Sweet Apple Acres now!"

The mares have been taking him to Sweet Apple Acres, where they started to spend their time. Coloratura was going to visit Rarity while Applejack and the sleepy Moonstone remained at the farm.

Suddenly, Moonstone woke up.

"Oh no! I was sleeping too much. Wait. Why am I at Sweet Apple Acres?" He was worrying and started to remember. "Oh, yeah. Rara's lullaby that always makes me sleep."

"Hey! What’s up? Are you awake already?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, I was sleeping too much," He replied.

"Really, sugarcube? You slept only an hour. Don’t take the work so seriously, okay? Just rest a bit."

"I can’t. I’m not sleepy. Where is Rara?"

"She went to visit Rarity."

"How could I leave her alone?"

"She’s not alone. She’s with her bodyguards."

"Oh, right. But what can I do now? I can’t sleep."

"If you really can't sleep, you could help me with farming, maybe. But only if it’s up to you."

"I don’t know many things about farming. I could buck apples, at least," Moonstone said and smiled.

"Sure, you can try!"

They went to the apple trees. It was the first time when Moonstone did this.

"Here ya go!" Applejack said.

Moonstone started to buck a tree. Applejack began to buck another.

"This is not hard, but you forgot to give me a basket." He said, but no answer was coming. It was a great silence. "Applejack?" She said again, but still no response. He was worried and stressed. "Applejack, where are you?"

He looked over the place and noticed that some ponies have kidnapped Applejack in a chariot. He started to follow them.

"Hey, stop!" He shouted.

The chariot went much faster than Moonstone, but he kept following it. He noticed that the bodyguards he has hired were those who were in the chariot and kidnapped Applejack.

Meanwhile in a cave, Svengallop was there, along with some other ponies. He planned revenge on Coloratura, Applejack and Pinkie Pie for what they did. Coloratura and Pinkie were kidnapped already, so only Applejack was missing.

"You all ruined my life and my reputation." Svengallop said and had an evil laugh. "And now, you will pay your debt! But let’s wait for your pretty orange friend, too. You will suffer together."

The mares couldn't speak because their mouth was tied up. They couldn't move, either.

After a few minutes, the guards have arrived with Applejack.

"Who are you and what do you want from me?" She yelled. "Leave me alone, I'm an element of harmony," She noticed Coloratura and Pinkie Pie. "And Pinkie is also an element of harmony. You can't harm us! I’ll kick you in your face if you do not leave us alone!"

"I don't care... and you are actually unable to do anything." Svengallop said and asked a unicorn to perform a spell on her. She did, and Applejack started to sleep. They tied up Applejack, too.

A few minutes passed, and Applejack woke up. She couldn't speak or escape.

"Now that all of you are here, the suffering can begin!" Svengallop said and laughed viciously.

"But Moonstone is not here, and he was following us," A bodyguard pony said.

"Moonstone will suffer the more when he sees the last moments of the life of his friends. Though I don’t think he will find us," The evil former manager of Coloratura replied.

He went to Coloratura and said:

"You are the only reason of why I am a nopony. Everypony hates me now. Do you think it’s fair? You are responsible now for what have you done!"

Meanwhile, Moonstone finally found the cave where the chariot went, and he ran inside.

"Perform the mortal spell on her!" Svengallop asked a unicorn.

The unicorn started to perform the spell. Moonstone noticed this and jumped in the same fraction of the second when the ray of the unicorn’s spell would've hit Coloratura, and hit Moonstone instead of her. With his last unicorn powers, Moonstone performed a shrinking spell on Svengallop and all his accomplices.

Everypony ran out of the cave, including those who held the mares, to not escape. Applejack has escaped, and freed Coloratura and Pinkie Pie.

"No!" Coloratura shouted while she ran to Moonstone. "What have you done?"

"It’s okay, Rara. I did what was right. Now you are safe." He replied and caught.

"But why? Why did you do this? You’ve paid your life for me."

"Nothing is more important than you, Rara!" He said and looked deeply in Coloratura's eyes fulfilled with tears. She couldn't stop crying, and cried more and more.

"I don’t want to lose you!" She said.

"Don’t worry. Just tell Red Blossom to help you find another manager. Maybe a better one."

"I don’t want any other manager. Also, you are the best!"

"No, I’m not. It was me who hired those bodyguards who kidnapped you all. I’ve put your life in danger."

"You couldn’t know that they work for Svengallop!"

"I’m still guilty for this," He said and continued after a few moments: "But please, stop crying. I don’t want to see you like that!"

"How could I not cry if I'm suffering?"

"I don’t want to live my last moments while I see you crying," Moonstone said, and started to be weaker and weaker.

"No. No, it’s not over yet!" Coloratura said.

"Right. It isn't over for you. Just keep following your dreams and do what your heart says!" He said with his last powers, and closed his eyes.

"No! Please, don’t go! I don’t want you to die... Moonstone! Don’t leave us..." Coloratura said. "I love you!" She continued after a few moments, cried even more and shed a tear on his face.

She has turned to Applejack and Pinkie Pie.

"Somepony, please! Call Princess Celestia!" She shouted.

They’ve put him on their back and went out of the cave. Pinkie Pie went to Twilight, to send the urgent letter to Princess Celestia. Luckily, the Princess of Friendship was in Ponyville. She sent the letter and followed Pinkie Pie back to the cave. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have arrived quickly.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for coming so quickly!" Coloratura said and bent down. "Please, if there's any way to save him, do it. I don’t want him to die!"

"I will try to do my best to save him," Princess Celestia said.

She has checked the situation. It seemed to be a spell that only an alicorn or an element of harmony would've survived. It was more complicated than she thought. She was wondering about which unicorn was so powerful to perform such a strong and forbidden spell. After many minutes of thinking and trying, she came to Coloratura with a reply. She didn't look happy.

"I’m afraid, we can’t do anything. The spell was too rough, thus resulting in a very deep wound," She stated.

"No!" Coloratura shouted and cuddled Moonstone. She started to cry even more. "You was more than a manager for me, Moonstone. Even more than a best friend."

Twilight Sparkle was thinking a bit and turned to Princess Celestia.

"Maybe if we all will try to save him with our powers?" She asked.

"We could try," Celestia replied.

The three princesses united their powers and performed an immense spell on Moonstone.

"Please, work!" Coloratura said.

They stopped performing the spell, and Moonstone was falling from the air. Huge silence. The princesses looked sad. Then suddenly, a cough broke the silence. It was Moonstone's cough! Coloratura raised her head and looked at him. He was moving! She ran to him and took him between her arms. She was happier than any time.

"You really scared me. I’m so happy to see you alive again!" She said. "Thank you so much for saving my life, but trust me, it’s not worth to sacrifice yourself for me."

"I’m also happy to see you!" Moonstone exclaimed. "Again, I would do anything for you, Rara. Wait. How did you...?" He looked over and saw the princesses. He went to them and bent down. "Thank you so much for saving my life, Your Highnesses. I haven't expected it, though."

"Thank you for your support. I can’t imagine what I would’ve done if I would have lost him forever." Coloratura said to the princesses. "I love him!"

"Wait. What? Sorry, I haven't heard it right," Moonstone was looking confused.

Coloratura went to Moonstone and kissed him on his lips.

"I'm sure you did," She replied.

"Well... Umm... The truth is that... that... I also love you!" Moonstone said and started to blush. "I just don’t know, why me?" He continued.

"That’s a silly question!" Coloratura answered and started to sing.

When everything became dark

You were here for me

When the sun just couldn’t shine

You didn’t leave me

When the trouble followed me

You took my hoof and helped.

I want to thank you for everything!

Obstacles don't matter,

We remain one forever!

‘Cause my love is yours now

It cannot break anyhow.

I love you with all my heart!

Hoofsies!