Chapters Songbird Serenade
The crowd of Ponies cheered as the last song of the festival came to a soothing end. Songbird Serenade bowed her head, looking at the sea of ponies who all came to the capital of Equestria celebrate friendship from all over. Her performing here was definitely a major plus on the attendance.
“Thanks Everypony!” She said into her microphone. “Goodnight and enjoy the festival!”
The crowd cheered even louder as she exited backstage. When she was out of everypony’s sight, she stood up straight and took a deep sigh of relief. The stress of the whole day almost got to her. Just the thought of all the chaos from the Storm King’s invasion from yesterday, and the repairs of the aftermath was starting to give her a migraine. She was just happy the Princess and her friends were able to save the day, but the wait for them was anything but nice.
“Kinda wish you guys were a bit faster on the rescue mission, but better late than never as they say. Wonder what they got in my trailer?”
Walking down the steps of the stage she immediately went for her trailer. She now had the entire rest of the night to just herself, a chance to forget about the troubles of yesterday and finally retire for the night. The walk was quite, save for the still cheering ponies in the front, and there weren’t any fans out her begging for an autograph. Not that she would mind signing a little something for her fans, but this was an exception she’ll gladly take.
“Songbird Serenade, please wait!”
Spoke too soon.
Songbird turned to see who called her name, only to see that it was none other than the princess of friendship herself. She was flapping her wings repeatedly like a hummingbird, gasping for breath. It seemed like she was really trying to get to her as fast as possible before she made her exit. Not like she had any reason to tire herself out like this.
It was a bit of a funny sight, one that put Songbird in a much better mood than before. “Hey there Princess Twilight, I’m guessing you came here for an autograph? You know there are easier ways of getting one.”
“What…no, no, no! I didn’t come here for an autograph!” Twilight quickly responded excitedly. “Not to imply that I didn’t enjoy your show or anything, because it was an amazing show and we all enjoyed it and…”
“Whoa there Princess, no need to get your tongue twisted. Even if you only just liked the show, I’m just glad I’m getting to talk to the one and only Princess of Friendship again.”
Twilight managed to compose herself with those last words. She smiled widely. “Oh, that’s great to hear! I don’t usually listen to pop music as much as the next pony, but the few songs you’ve made are some of my favorite. That’s why I was so persistent on having you perform, because I knew the crowd would love you.”
“Huh…thanks Princess Twilight.” Songbird glanced back at the trailer behind her. “Hey Princess, you got a minute? I would like for you to come visit my trailer if you have the time.”
“Oh...well a bit unexpected but I think I have a little time on my hooves. And you’re free to call me just Twilight, all of my friends do.”
Songbird nodded as she guided her Alicorn towards her personal trailer, where two of her personal bodyguards were standing at strict attention. After telling them to take five they left their posts allowing the two inside. In there, Twilight marveled at the luxurious interior that had a variable selection of memorabilia, photos, and gifts the singer seemingly collected over the years. There were also food and drinks straight from the festival just for her.
“So Twilight, what do you think of the pad?”
Twilight shifted her focus back to the Singer. “Well I can see why those two guards were a rather stubborn bunch when it came to this place. This is amazing!”
“Yeah, those two are definitely workaholics, but good hearts nonetheless. You want some water or something to snack on? Princess Celestia gave me some cake and it tastes awesome.”
“Oh sure.” The two sat down as Twilight used her magic to cut two pieces of delicious chocolate cake for them to eat. Minutes passed as they simply relaxed together in silence. Small cheers of the remaining crowd still reverberated from outside the trailer. Twilight thought about how long they were still out there as she heard a small sigh coming from the other mare. “Soo…the cake tastes great! Granted you shouldn’t have expected any less coming from the Royal chefs!”
Songbird responded with a low hum, which proceeded with an awkward silence between the two. Twilight was about to say something to break the silence right before Songbird did it for her.
I am here and I see your pain
Through the storms, through the clouds, the rain
I'm telling you you can not escape
Twilight instantly recognized the song she was singing as the one from earlier. The beautiful song once again reverberated in her ears, the lyrics now being much clearer now that they were alone together. Listening to the words without the background noise of others, she absorbed in all of it without missing a beat. And when she stopped singing, Twilight couldn’t help but shed a few tears.
Songbird was silent for the moment before she looked back at the Princess. “Sorry about that, I tend to sing some of my songs when I’m reminiscing.”
“No,” Twilight stated quickly. “that was beautiful. Your singing's even better up close.”
“Thank you Twilight. I have to admit hearing you say that you knew the crowd would love me means more than you think. Especially after all that’s happened yesterday.” She immediately spotted Twilight blushing and lowering her head. “If you're thinking about apologizing, I’ll have to stop you right there. You guys did all you could to save our lives, and I shouldn’t ask for any more than that. So be happy!”
Twilight managed to grin as she pulled yourself back up. “You’re right…sorry about that. I tend to dwell on past events, even though they ultimately don’t matter now.”
“Don’t we all do that though? I still remember how shocked and excited that I was chosen to perform in the Friendship Festival. To tell you the truth, it’s still unbelievable to me that you didn’t went for Countess Coloratura or Sapphire Shores.”
She glanced to the side towards her vanity mirror, where photos taken from many points from her singing career. From her first big performance to being with other performers on the red carpet in Manehatten. “They’re both great friends of mine, but I still think they’re more popular singers than I am.”
“You shouldn’t think that. Popular or not, you’re still one of Equestria’s greatest pop singers.” Twilight got up from her seat and came closer to Songbird, where for the first time, she was able to see the cerulean eyes she hid behind her mane. “Trust me when I say this, I could’ve chose any other big name to headline this festival, but I knew right from the get-go that you were the perfect one. And that’s coming straight from the Princess of Friendship.”
Songbird couldn’t help but smile at the compliment as she blindly hugged her guest. She didn’t mind in the slightest.
“You know Princess,” She said with a smirk. “I was thinking about doing some kind of Relief Tour when this Festival is all said and done. Something where we can help everyone who were affected by the Storm King, not just the ponies.”
Twilight wings fluttered at the idea. “That sounds amazing! No doubt there must be many more out there still recovering from any damages he’s done. This could be the perfect way to lift their spirits!”
“I’ve always made it my mission to use music to help out Equestria the best way I could. It’d be nice if I had somepony who could help us organize everything so we can perform everywhere without any hitches. Think you know anypony?”
Twilight almost flew up in the air in excitement, right as she took a deep breath and composed herself. “Well, I do know this one pony who would be utterly ecstatic to organize an entire Equestria wide tour. But I don't think she'll be available so, I guess you’ll be stuck with me.”
Songbird chuckled. “Thanks Twilight. I know I can count on you, because you have such an Elastic Heart!”
"...Did...you just make a pun off one of your songs?"
"Yes."
The two couldn't help but laugh at her attempt at her humor. Especially Twilight.
Capper
Capper Dapperpaws was always a cat of opportunity. Whenever he gets a chance to finally fix his problems, he’ll use every ounce of his cunning wits and suave personality to make it so. It usually works. So here comes these ponies, complete tourists from a far away and better place than Klugetown, and he had to perfect opportunity to fix his problems if he could pull this off.
Funny how things can easily change so quickly. After a whole string of events that came from meeting Rarity and her friends, he was able to help end the Storm King himself, practically becoming a savior if all of Equestria. All thanks to his newly made friends that he almost sold off. It was an opportunity he was glad he didn’t take.
“And…Perfection!” Rarity happily stated as she donned her newly made clothes onto her new friend.
“Appreciate the new threads Miss Rarity.” Capper stated as he flaunted his new black coat and hat. “Certainly hope no one back home thinks about putting a price on it.”
Rarity scoffed at the thought. “Well those thugs back home better not even attempt to take anything from you. Honestly, why would a gentleman such as you live in such a vile and unruly town?”
“Oh it ain’t all bad once you get used to…everything and everyone. It certainly helps when you know yourself around the place.” He took off his hat as he nervously scratched his hair. “Then again, sometimes you gotta do things you ain’t too proud of. I wasn’t lying when I said it wasn’t a nice place for little fillies.”
Rarity groaned as she lowered her head. “I hate to admit how right you are. I can only imagine what you had to do, because going through that city was an utter nightmare! All those horrid and downright dastardly creatures asking for a price of our horns and our manes. I never felt so out of place in ages.” Ranted Rarity, much to Capper’s minor annoyance.
“I mean the nerve of that fish-person! Two storm-bucks for my luxurious mane. I may not know the exchange rate, but I’m sure it’s worth far more than anything they could ever offer. Not to mention just how gaudy the city décor was, absolutely no sense of care for their own homes.”
“Eh, beauty ain’t exactly they’re main concern ya feel me? It’s all about…”
“And then there’s you!” Rarity angrily interrupted jabbing a hoof at Capper’s chest, startling the Cat. “Don’t think for a moment I have forgotten about your little attempt to sell us to that fiend Verko! That was without a doubt the most undignified way to ever treat a lady you…you troglodyte!”
Capper defensively raised his paws. “Okay…I ain’t arguing with that but those last words ya said were a bit uncalled for…”
“I still can NOT believe you would even dare think of selling us to some back water sideshow. To think that you were the only one in that vile city we could trust. And you sold us out just so you can pay off some debt that was no doubt caused by YOUR backstabbing tendencies. Must I go on, or did I hit the nail perfectly?!”
Capper found himself sighing as he took off his hat and rubbed the back of his head. “Listen Miss Rarity, I ain’t gonna lie, when I saw you seven strangers in town all I thought was that I finally found a way to fix all my problems. Completely forgetting that trying to fix them this way just makes more problems along the way for me. And when you fixed up my coat and all that, really opened my eyes up ya know?”
“Hmph, still doesn’t excuse the idea of selling us. I mean, surely performing for someone like him would be considered slavery. Not that he seems like the type to care about such morale choices.”
Capper gave a somewhat sarcastic grin. “Not like I’m friends with the guy, but I heard his shows are pretty entertaining for the most part. He’s got this one guy who can eat a whole watermelon in five seconds without breaking a sweat, and this other guy who can burp the alphabet. The crowd goes nuts every time…unfortunately.”
“Eugh…how utterly uncouth! Only an utter oaf would find entertainment in something like that.”
“Hey there, don’t knock it till you try it right ya ’know? Of course you ponies are just full of class and grace that we folks just can’t comprehend.”
Rarity made a somewhat sly grin. “Sure, then again I don’t have enough utter grace to plaster my face over a painting!”
“H…hey, it’s called taking creative liberties and its still art!”
Rarity just laughed in Capper’s response, prompting him to give a chuckle as well. The two happily enjoyed their time together far from prying ears, but then Rarity sighed as she looked back at the cat. “You must’ve lived such a harsh life to resort to such illegal actions.”
Capper groaned. “More like I’ve had harsh luck. Once were friends with another cat like me long before I came to Klugetown. Long story short, got backstabbed and abandoned, and now I owe the mole a small grand. It was just a string of bad news for me if I say so myself, one I’ve been trying to fix ever since.”
Rarity despite the thoughts from before, still felt sympathy for the cat, and given how he did save their lives, she knew that beneath the con-artist exterior lied a heart of gold. She grinned at the very thought. “Well then Capper, I was hoping to save this for later, but I guess now is the best moment to present to you your reward.”
“Reward?” Capper silently wondered.
Rarity giggled and used her magic to conjure up a small brown chest. She then opened it to reveal a small collection of treasures, prompting Capper to stand there wordlessly stunned at the sight. “I asked Captain Celaeno if they could spare some of their wealth for your efforts in helping us save the day and all. They were happy to oblige after how you helped them.”
Capper was completely mesmerized by the collection of gold and jewels that lied in front of him. A colorful collection of treasures most likely from around the world. His smile couldn’t be any wider. “This is incredible! This is enough to pay off my debt and then some! Miss Rarity I…I can’t even think of way to make for this even if I tried.”
“Think nothing of it darling. All I ask is that you pay off that debt immediately when you get back home, and then you’re free to live out your life like you always wanted. Responsibly, if you would.” Rarity stepped closer to the cat. “Although if I were you, I would use the extra funds to move somewhere more civilized. Canterlot would work wonders I can tell.”
Capper grinned as he took a knee bringing himself to Rarity’s height. He grabbed one of her hooves, making the Unicorn blush. “I’ve always dreamed of leaving the life of a thief for something more lavish and practical, maybe even settle down with another fine feline. Just ya’ll wait, you’ll be seeing ma name all over when I’m done. I’ll even take up on that offer of yours…and I’ll make up for everything you’ve done for me. I was thinking a nice expensive dinner in celebration.”
Rarity chuckled. “Well I do love it when a gentleman treats me properly.” Only for her to turn completely around and flick her tail at Capper’s face. “But you have a lot of responsibilities to attend to before you can ever consider treating me Cat! Pay off that debt and then take me to dinner.”
Capper rubbed his cheek. “Yeesh, talk about harsh…”
“What can I say, I'm just being the friend you need darling.”
Captain Celaeno
“A toast to Rainbow Dash and her amazing friends!”
“TO RAINBOW DASH AND HER FRIENDS!”
Captain Celaeno and her crew cheerfully drank their mugs of apple cider as they toasted to their newfound freedom from the Storm King’s reign. Slamming their mugs to the table they all gave a collective sigh as they enjoyed the taste of their fresh drink.
“This stuff is amazing!” Celaeno exclaimed wiping the excess cider from her beak. “Never took anything like this before. We gotta get more of this stuff.”
“Well there still plenty more where that came from.” Applejack called out as she pulled in with another cart of apple cider. Rainbow Dash was flying beside her as she casually eyed the large barrel. “Turns out we made far more than any of us thought we needed. So there’s plenty more cider for each of ya. Well, that is if Rainbow here don’t take it all for herself.”
Rainbow shrugged as she landed next to her friend. “As much as I want more of your delicious cider, and I mean I’d really would want more, I’m going to try and resist. I think these guys deserve it more.”
“Well look at you RD.” Applejack responded coyly as she refilled their mugs. “Looks like this whole adventure here taught you a little lesson or two about restraint. You wanna celebrate this occasion by showing us another Sonic Rainboom?”
“Heh…heh…um I think I’m fine not doing any of those for a while. Or ever.”
“Aww don’t you worry about it lass.” The hook-handed Boyle said slamming his mug on the table. “We all owe it to you and yer friends that we’re all still in one piece after all this nonsense.”
“And now that the Storm King’s out of the picture,” The much leaner Mullet continued, “we’re done delivering merchandise and hauling cargo. Now we can finally go back to doing what we do best.”
Rainbow stared back at the Parrot. “Back to being swashbuckling treasure hunters right?”
“SQUAK!” Squabble loudly confirmed.
Applejack looked among the group with a confused stare. “That’s a yes right? Sorry to say this but I never quite understood his way of speaking.”
The pudgy chef Lix Spittle shrugged her shoulders. “He said that ‘he owes you and your friends his eternal gratitude for your efforts, and that we will continue our swashbuckling escapades in your glorious honor.’” She looked at the two ponies who gave her a confused look. “What? He can be very articulate when he wants to be.”
“SQUAK!”
The two ponies looked at each other in confusion before they turn their attention back to the Captain. “Meh, that’s just the kind of crew I have.”
Applejack tipped her hat as she chuckled at the response. “Well Captain, I say that it’s been a mighty fine pleasure helpin’ ya git yer spirits back. Heck, I might as well go ahead and say that ya’ll are welcomed back here anytime you come around.” Applejack looked at her with glare. “Providin’ you don’t go around and plunder the whole place.”
“Oh relax Applejack. We got a pretty good look at this place while attacking the troops, and I can tell just by looking that there’s nothing worth looting around here, no offense. Besides we already fine with what we got today, so we’ll be on our way pretty soon.” Right as she said that she glanced back at her crew and winked as they nodded back.
“Well I’m guessin’ I can sleep well after hearing that.” In the distance almost out of reach, Applejack heard the familiar shrill voice of Applebloom calling out her name. “Sounds like ma family needs me, how ‘bout you go on and send them off for Dash?”
“Aye aye AJ!” Rainbow stated as she saluted her friend away.
Celaeno watched as the cowpony galloped out of her sight. She gave a devious grin as she waved goodbye. “Which reminds me…” She turned back to the others with the same vigor and confidence she always exuded when she lead her own crew. “Alright you scallywags, the party's been fun but it’s time to shove off. So let’s pack our haul, get the ship up and let’s head out!”
“Yes captain!” The crew yelled out as they ran out to wherever they were supposed to go.
Celaeno sighed as she turned back to the Pegasus. “Well Dash, it’s been great and all, but it’s time we hit the sky. We gotta get up pretty early if we want to start decorating our new ship.”
“Oh yeah that’s right! Still can’t believe how easy it was to hijack that Storm Ship with just us alone. It was such a blast taking down all those goons with a bunch of pirates.”
“Those guys were obviously a bunch of understudies. I just can’t believe how lucky we were that another one of those ships were passing by around the time your Princess got taken. But now that all that’s all taken care of, we can go back to doing what we do best, and it was all thanks to all of you guys.”
Rainbow took a rather prideful stance as she puffed out her chest. “It was no big deal, just doing our jobs as the saviors of Equestria.”
“If that’s your jobs then I think you guys deserve a raise.” Captain Celaeno looked into the night sky, remembering all the adventures she’d have with her crew, and the events that all lead to their defeat at the hands of the Storm King. “Getting beaten by that walking fur coat was the biggest blow to my ego in years. Saying he’ll make my peg leg the least of my problems was one thing, but when he threatened my crew, I had no choice but to submit and work for him.”
Rainbow felt a twinge of anger at how low someone like him could go.
“But…" She said as she got cheered up her new friend, "now there’s nothing left for us to worry about, no more Storm King to put us down. We’re free to soar the skies like the birds we are, going on all the heart-pounding adventures we want.” The Captain lifted her talons and formed a fist. “So if you ever need help from a bunch of scallywags like us, feel free to look for us in the skies. I’m sure you’ll find us somewhere up there.”
Rainbow gave a toothy grin as she hoof-bumped Celaeno. “Will do Captain!” She yelled as the Pirate sprinted away to the direction of the ship. Rainbow Dash breathed a sigh of relief, happy that she was able to get those pirate back on their talons. She was even more excited that now she can consider herself friends with genuine pirates. “Those guys are so awesome, I can’t wait to see them again.”
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY’RE ALL GONE!?”
Rainbow’s fur stood on all ends as she heard the distressed call of Applejack. She then turned to see her barreling through the crowd, breathing heavily as she came to Rainbow. “Dash you gotta help, all the ciders gone! Someone must’ve stole it all!”
“What?” The asked utterly stunned. “But…how, and more importantly, what kind of jerk would steal cider at a celebration like this?”
“Ain’t got a clue, but I plan finding out who it was and givin’ them a harsh lickin’. We’re just lucky that we had more cider than we needed, it’d be a travesty if we needed all them to support the farm.”
“Still, we gotta find this thief and bring them to justice. Now where would they be…?”
Suddenly the two heard a choir of gruff laughter as the Celaeno’s ship slowly travel across the mountainside, their new ship cruising into the night sky away from Canterlot. The two glanced at each other right, then immediately ran towards it as fast as they could. When they caught up they could see, not only the Pirates making they’re exit, but the many barrels of cider that were stolen.
“Sorry Applejack!” Celaeno shouted to the two when she saw them. “Hope you two don’t mind if we…’embezzle’ these barrels of cider for services. Don’t worry about the bits, we’ll be sure to pay you back next time we meet up, ‘kay? See you ponies later!”
“…Huh…” Rainbow just stood there as the ship moved farther and farther away until it eventually disappeared into the night clouds. “Well they are pirates so we should’ve expected this right Applejack?”
“WHY THOSE NO-GOOD, LOUSY, SNAKE-EYED, CHEATIN’, TWO-TIMING, VARMITS!” Applejack yelled furiously yelled, shaking her hoof at their direction. “I gave em’ the benefit of the doubt and this is how they repay me?! They ain’t getting away with this! I ought to bring each and every one of em’ down with ma rope and tie them to a tree! Next time I see them they’re I’ll…”
“Applejack.” Rainbow calmly said as she placed a hoof around the enraged farmer. “Let them have this one. I think after all we put them through, we can let this one slide.”
“You serious Dash? Those thieves are making off with OUR Apple Family Cider. I’d expect you to be chargin’ in head first and taking all that cider back.”
“Well Like you said before, I learned a lesson about restraint.”
Applejack just huffed in response. “This’ll be the last time we make friends with pirates.”
