To The Heart Through the Stomach

It was now nine in the morning when Api, Pixel and Echo set up their quiche stall near Sugarcube Corner. Api puffed her chest and put on her most confident face after watching the performances of her mom and Auntie Applejack countless times selling apples in the town square. “Quiche squares!” announced Api. “Get your fresh quiche squares! Only five bits!”

“Are you sure anypony would even want we’re selling, Api?” asked Pixel. “Ponies would much rather have something cool to drink during hot summer.”

“Oh, Pixel,” said Api. “Of course everpony would usually buy lemonade. But if we started selling that then we would have unwanted competition. A Quiche square is what Ponyville isn’t used to eating. It only sells in fancy places like Canterlot.”

“I sure hope we start selling soon,” said Pixel. “I have to get back home at two this afternoon to help Mom and Dad with an interview Mom’s having with some magazine.”

“Well, it’ll probably help if you start getting everyone’s attention,” said Api. Pixel soon joined Api in promoting their quiche stars. Despite their efforts, all of Ponyville’s residents seem to be passing their stall straight. Api started making her announcements with greater intensity throwing her voice as far as it could go across the town square. The only one who did not seem to be making the effort to promote the rare treat was Echo. She leaned against the stall with one hoof under her chin displaying a look of sadness. Api suddenly took note of Echo’s demeanor, so too did Pixel. Echo then let out a sigh. “Okay, what’s the problem?” inquired Api.

“Oh, nothing,” said Echo straightening herself up.

“Come on, Echo,” said Pixel. “That’s not true and you know it.”

Another sigh escaped Echo’s mouth. “Well,” she began. “I ran into Quickstep while you and Pixel went over to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up the rest of stuff.”

“Really?” said Api beaming with excitement. “That’s so awesome!”

“Did you two kiss?” said Pixel with a wide grin.

“No!” Echo said with a blush on her face. There was then a pause. “But I did find out that he’s living a few blocks down the road,” Echo added.

“Cool!” said Api. “So now you can visit him anytime you want.”

“I don’t know,” said Echo with her face downcast. “He probably thinks I’m stuck up after ditching him.”

A look of horror appeared on Api’s face. She always saw herself as the top matchmaker in Ponyville despite evidence to the contrary. In her mind Echo was going to ruin Api’s good reputation in said field. “You ditched him?” said Api grabbing Echo by both shoulders. “What do you mean?”

“Well, he asked me to go down by the lake with him this afternoon,” Echo explained. “But I know you needed help selling these quiche squares…”

“Echo, you idiot!” exclaimed Api. “The colt of your dreams just asked you on a date and you toss him aside like a smelly sock?”

“I don’t think it was a date,” said Echo. “I think he just wants somepony to take site seeing since his parents are busy.”

“Echo, that lake is virtually in the middle of nowhere,” Api said firmly. “Of course it’s a date!” Api then spun the Pegasus filly around. “Get your flank down to that house and tell Quickstep that you’re going with him to that lake.” Api ordered.

“But don’t you guys need help?” said Echo.

“Pixel and I will handle this. Just go!”

Echo started running away from the stall on her way to Quickstep’s humble abode. “Hey, Echo, wait up!” Pixel called out running towards the young Pegasus. Pixel had a quiche square floating next to her. Soon she caught up with Echo. “You didn’t have any breakfast, so have a quiche to go,” Pixel said as she gave Echo the quiche.

“Thanks,” said Echo with a smile. She then shoved the entire quiche in her mouth and continued on her way to Quickstep’s.

“Make sure you give us all the juicy details,” Api called out.

“Okay!” said Echo with a full mouth. Soon Echo was out of sight and Pixel walked back to the stall.

“Do you think she has a chance with that kid?” said Pixel as she approached Api.

“Why wouldn’t she?” retorted Api. “They both love sports. They both have family members who are athletes. They’re made for each other.”

“I’m worried that she might start hanging out with Quickstep more than us.”

“Come on, Pixel. Our moms still visit each other after marrying our dads. I know Echo won’t forget about us if she marries Quickstep.”

“It’s a little too soon to be talking about marriage, don’t you think?”

“Hey, anything’s possible.”

Api and Pixel continued to announce the presence of their quiche squares. Thirty minutes eventually passed and no one seemed to show interest. Discouragement began to creep up on the two fillies, Api in particular. All of her hard work seemed to be going down the tubes. That was until a blue unicorn colt with a dark blue mane with a light blue streak approached their stand. “What are you doing here, Nightlight?” asked Api with a hint of annoyance. “We’re not selling books, you know.”

“I know,” said Nightlight. “But I always loved quiche squares.”

“You love quiche squares?” said Api leaning over to him with wide eyes.

“Yeah, Mom always brought some over to the castle from Canterlot,” explained Nightlight. “It’s really convenient that I could finally buy them right here in Ponyville.” Night Light then took note of Pixel’s presence. He started slightly tremble. He always had a deep crush on the unicorn filly. Despite his best efforts to express himself to her, Pixel always seems to be unaware of Nightlight’s feelings. “Oh, hi Pixel,” said Nightlight with a nervous smile. He then cleared his throat and put on a confident smile. “Hey, I’m preparing for an interview with the dean from The Royal School for Gifted Unicorns later in the afternoon.”

“Is that the same school your mom got into when she was a filly?” said Pixel with her eyes widened.

“Yup, I’m gonna continue the legacy by applying for registration,” said Nightlight proudly. “Once they take me into consideration I could show up for their entrance exam. I know for a fact that I’m gonna blow that exam right out of the water!”

“Well, good luck with that,” said Pixel. “Let us know if you need any help with coming up with a name for the dragon you hatch.”

“No, I doubt it’s gonna be another dragon egg,” said Nightlight. He then leaned against the stand, cocked an eyebrow and smirked at Pixel. “So,” he began. “How about a kiss for good luck?”

“Tell you what,” Pixel started. She then levitated a box containing fresh quiche squares towards Nightlight. “Have a box of your favorite treats for good luck,” she said.

“That’ll be five bits,” interjected Api.

“Five bits?” said Nightlight with shock.

“It’s not like you can’t afford it, your highness,” said Api condescendingly.

Nightlight then displayed a scowl. Five shiny bits engulfed in his magical aura and levitated from his saddle bags to the top of the stand. “Anything to have me some quiche,” said Nightlight. “See you later, Pixel.” Nightlight then furrowed his eyebrows at the brown spotted filly. “ Api,” he said in a flat tone.

“Nighty,” responded Api in likewise manner. Nightlight made his way behind a building disappearing from the fillies’ sights. He started to make his way towards the Friendship Castle when a yellow Pegasus mare with large wings hovered over him. “Watcha got there?” asked the mare.

Nightlight looked up and recognized the mare to be his older sister. He scowled and started to quicken his pace. “Nothing,” he said.

“Well, if it’s nothing then I guess you wouldn’t mind if I take a look,”

Starburst grabbed the box he was levitating and flew a few feet away. “Hey, give it back!” Nightlight demanded as he ran towards Starburst. Starburst opened the box and she beamed when she discovered six large quiche squares. “Oooh, don’t mind if I do,” she said as she took out three squares. She then took a big bite from one of them. “They taste just like the ones Del makes,” she said with a full mouth.

“Those are mine, Starburst!” yelled Nightlight as he caught up with his older sister.

“Oh, quit whining,” said Starburst dropping the box that Nightlight caught with his magic. “There’s three more left,” Starburst continued. “You can’t eat all six for yourself.” With those words Starburst casually flew away devouring the last two quiche squares in her possession. Nightlight looked on and let out an angry growl. He then levitated the box containing the last three quiche squares and trotted down the path that led to the castle.

A sense of accomplishment washed over Api. She finally managed to sell her first box of quiche squares, to royalty no less. However, Api felt as though she should have charged higher given Nightlight’s title. “Alrighty!” said Pixel pumping her hoof. “We sold our first box.”

“That’s only one,” said Api. “We’ve got a long way to go.” Just then the fillies spotted a dark blue Pegasus stallion trotting across town square at a rather slow pace with his head down. It was a site that seemed out of place because the young colt that possessed a mane of multicolored hair had a reputation for being bombastic, full of confidence and always trotted or flew around with pride on his face. Nothing less was expected from the son of Wonderbolts Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ Skies. Speaking of the Wonderbolts, this colt tried and failed to make it into the organization, not without getting a gnarly scar above his nose while training. A scar that he hid with a Band-Aid. “Hey, Prism Bolt!” Api called out waving her hoof.

“Oh, hey girls,” said Prism trotting over to them. “What’s up?”

“Well, we were about to ask you the same thing,” said Api. “You look kinda down.”

“Yeah, that’s not like you at all,” said Pixel. “Are you still upset over breaking up with Whirlwind?”

Prism Bolt let out a sigh. “I honestly thought I’d be over her by now,” he said. “Usually Mom has a tall glass of cider to help her get over a bad day. But I’m not old enough to drink.”

“Well, instead of cider,” said Api as she reached over to one of the boxes. “how about a box of quiche squares to help brighten your day?”

Prism Bolt looked at the white box with wide eyes. He then opened the box to find six fresh quiche squares. “Is this the stuff Del usually makes?” said Prism “I didn’t know you could make them.”

“Baking runs in the Apple Family,” said Api displaying a proud smile and a puffed chest. “Is it such a surprise?”

“Great, I’ll take it.”

“That’ll be five bits,” said Pixel.

“You got yourself a deal,” said Prism with a wide smile. He reached into his saddle bags and pulled out five shiny bits and dropped them in front of the two fillies. He took the box and turned the other direction. Before he could fly off Api held up a hoof and said “Hey, Prism, I got an idea.” She trotted over to the other boxes and placed one in front of the blue Pegasus. “Maybe you could give this one to Whirlwind,” said Api. “You know, as a way to patch things up with her.”

“That’s a great idea!” said Prism excitedly. He then turned around to fly off.

“Five bits, please!” said Api stopping Prism in his tracks. Prism turned around with a sheepish smile etched on his face. “Oh, right,” he said. He then dropped five more bits on the stall. “Maybe I could let Icy try some while I’m at it,” said Prism. “Catch you later!” With those words Prism flew off. Minutes after the Pegasus took his leave ponies and other creatures started to slowly surround Api and Pixel’s stall, each requesting their own box of quiche squares. As timed dragged on Api and Pixel found themselves passing box after box to huge crowds.

***

Nidra soared across the skies in her Jet Stream disguise. Noticeably absent were Illusion and Valiant Heart who chose to stay behind in Ponyville. Nidra had to put aside food for other plans. In three days’ time the Wonderbolts were touring in The Crystal Empire to display their acrobatic feats. Nidra was always quite fond of the Wonderbolts particularly of its male members. In her mind this tour was not one she should enjoy on her own. When she sought to buy a ticket for the tour she bought an extra one. This extra ticket was to be reserved for a certain half pony/half dragon. Turquoise’s father was still quite popular in the Crystal Empire for helping save the empire from King Sombra and for being the first to help build a bridge between changelings and ponies namely through a certain changeling named Thorax. Turquoise along with Claire was sure to be just as famous. Nidra had the Carousel Boutique in her sights about couple of meters away. “‘Greetings and salutations, Turquoise’,” she said to herself as she tried rehearsing how to go about proposing her planned date. “No,” she said shaking her head. “That sounds too regal.” Nidra then cleared her throat. “‘What’s up, you tall and handsome hunk of love’,” she said trying to sound casual. “Come on, Nidra,” she said scolding herself. “Now you’re making yourself sound too desperate. No need to go overboard imitating the filthy commoners.” Nidra neared closer and closer to the Boutique. “‘Hi, Turquoise,”” she said to herself. She nodded her head in approval. She had finally hit the right note. “‘Oh, these?’” she continued. “‘Just two tickets to the most spectacular acrobatic team in Equestria. The Wonderbolts have a tour in The Crystal Empire. Wanna come? Anthena? Oh, I’m sure she’ll be too busy with her magic studies at The Friendship Castle. Besides, doesn’t she hate flying? Your father’s pretty famous in The Crystal Empire. I’m sure you’d like to experience having adoring fans love you too.” Nidra pumped her hoof in victory. “Yes!” she said. “Nailed it.”

Nidra landed softly on the ground right before the pathway that led to The Carousel Boutique. She let out a sigh and composed herself as she started to make her way to Turquoise’s home. She was about twenty feet away from the entrance when she noticed a lot of activity going. There were ponies dressed in Avant Garde clothing sorting out other types of clothing and building up a small stage surrounded by artificial plants and trees. Out of the front door came an elderly earth pony mare belting out instructions to the ponies. Nidra’s eyes went wide and her jaw slackened when she instantly recognized the elderly mare as Photo Finish. Nidra always loved Photo Finish’s magazines and her keen eye for fashion. Nidra also had the honor of attending one of Photo Finish’s fashion shows. However, actually meeting Photo Finish face to face always seemed to elude the princess. Though Nidra was on a mission to win the heart of Turquoise, she knew that she would never have another opportunity to meet up with one of the most famous figures in fashion. Nidra determined that if she was to present herself to Photo Finish she would not shake hooves with Photo Finish as Jet Stream. Nidra quickly disabled the magic that kept her Jet Stream disguise intact.

“Alright, just place zose palm trees right over there,” instructed Photo Finish. “No, on ze right and make sure zose dresses are extra pressed!” At those words a male member of Photo Finish’s entourage frantically started steaming some dresses on a clothes rack. “Rarity,” barked Photo Finish. “is our star ready?”

“Just give us about five minutes,” said Rarity peering from behind the door. Meanwhile Claire was helping Anthena get into a yellow jersey dress. After putting on her dress Claire directed Anthena to a nearby mirror. A smile came across Claire’s face. “You look so gorgeous, Annie,” said Claire. “I could barely recognize you.”

“You really think so?” Anthena said with slight apprehension. “Did Uncle Zephyr do a good job with my hair?”

“Of course he did. It was nice of Mr. Zephyr Breeze to take a little time off from his salon to help with hair styling.”

“Is the dress really that beautiful? I can’t really tell because all I could see is one big yellow blur.”

“It is beautiful. Plus, it has the youth vibe Mrs. Photo Finish is looking for. Now come on, time to make some magic.” Claire led Anthea through the door and out in the hallway that led to downstairs. Waiting in the hallway were Cotton Candy and Turquoise. “Ooohh! You look so cute, Annie,” said Cotton Candy holding both of her cheeks and suppressing a squeal.

“Yeah, Annie,” said Turquoise with a nod. “You were definitely made for the camera,”

“Humph! An hour ago you were worried that I was too good for the camera,” said Anthea snidely. Claire led Anthea downstairs where they were met by Rarity. “Oh, you’re ready, darling,” said Rarity approaching Anthea. Using her magic Rarity fixed the neckline of Anthea’s dress. “Just remember to listen to Photo Finish’s instructions carefully”, said Rarity. “Try not to be too spontaneous.” Anthea put on her best smile and lifted up her chin as Claire led her to through the front door.

Anthea and Claire arrived outside and an array of blotched colors met Anthea’s line of vision. She heard Photo Finish’s voice and turned her head to her left. Anthea spotted the blur that represented the fashion photographer and to her surprise, there was another blur standing right in front of Photo Finish; a blur that Anthena recognized all too well. “Claire, is that Nidra with Photo Finish?” said Anthea.

“It sure is,” answered Claire with a look of confusion on her face. “But what is she doing here?” Anthea and Claire walked a little closer towards the Princess and the fashion photographer. Photo Finish was more audible than Nidra but both Anthea and Claire could not make out the discussion that Photo Finish and Nidra were having. Photo Finish took note of Anthea and Claire’s presence and she immediately stopped talking to Nidra. Photo Finish then turned to Anthea and said “Oh, Anthea! I vas just having a discussion vith Princess Nidra. I understand you two have quite a history.”

“Uh…yeah,” said Anthea with slight discomfort. “She usually comes around when I’m dating Turquoise.” Nidra glared at the blind unicorn mare. A look of sorrow then appeared on Bat Alicorn’s face. “Oh, is that all you have to say of me, fair Anthea?” said Nidra dramatically. “I go out of my way to show you kindness. I even bought these two tickets to the Wonderbolts tour of the Crystal Empire for you and Turquoise to go to. Turquoise could even describe the beauty of the Crystal Empire to you and you would find a new appreciation as to why Mr. Spike is such a legend to the crystal ponies.” Two tickets wrapped in Nidra’s magic floated right in front of Anthea’s face. Anthea stared at the two blurs floating before her. It was certainly uncommon for a Princess with a reputation of being rude and mean-spirited to virtually everyone around to give away tickets to the most famous group in probably all Equestria. However, a part of Anthea thought that maybe Nidra was turning over a new leaf in order to be a better princess in the future. Anthea’s horn began to emit magic as she proceeded to take the tickets. Suddenly Claire stepped in between Anthea and the tickets. Claire then turned to Nidra’s direction. “You know, I find it hard to believe that you would leave the comfort of Canterlot just to come all the way to, according to you, “a backwater hick town” to give Annie some tickets, Nidra,” said Claire with a suspicious look on her face. “What are you really doing here?”

“I’ve told you, I came to bestow these tickets to Annie for the Wonderbolts show in the Crystal Empire,”

“But zen I realized Princess Nidra vould be perfect for dis photo shoot,” interjected Photo Finish.

Claire and Annie’s eyes went wide. “What?” said Claire dumbfounded. “I thought you wanted Anthea?”

“Oh, I did,” said Photo Finish. “But I have always vanted a member of royalty for one of my photo shoots. Dey alvays seemed to be unavailable. However, Nidra came at ze right moment so I could not let dis opportunity pass.”

Claire eyes furrowed. Princess Luna’s only daughter always got what she wanted for the most part whether it was by bribing, bullying, manipulation and blackmail. Nidra promising Photo Finish a fancy handout in exchange for being Photo Finish’s face of summer was a huge possibility. “That’s why you came down here, did you?” Claire said pointing an accusatory claw at Nidra. “You came down here just to charm yourself to Photo Finish so she could make you a model on the spot.” The Princess gasped and displayed a look of feigned shock. “I didn’t even know Photo Finish would be here, Claire,” Nidra insisted. Just then Rarity, Cotton Candy and Turquoise walked out of the front door. “Are we all ready, Mrs. Photo Finish?” said Rarity as she approached the fashion photographer

“There have been a change of plans of plans, Rarity,” said Photo Finish. “Princess Nidra shall be ze face of dis year’s summer theme.”

Rarity, her son and Pinkie’s daughter stared at Photo Finish in shock. They then turned to Nidra who flipped her mane and put on a proud, arrogant smile. “But I thought Annie was gonna be the model for this year’s theme?” said Cotton Candy.

“Yeah,” interjected Turquoise “You said that she could be an inspiration to a lot of disabled ponies.”

“Dat iz true,” said Photo Finish bowing her head and rubbing her chin in thought.

“But I could send a clear message to my young subjects how great summer is,” Nidra said pushing her way between Photo Finish and Turquoise. Nidra then started to bat her eyes towards Turquoise in a flirting manner. “After all, I do enjoy daytime more than nighttime,” she added with a smile.

“But with all due respect, Nidra, you’re a bat alicorn,” said Claire. “Surely someone like Nidra would more fit with a theme of night. Like you said, Mrs. Photo Finish, summer is about fun in the sun.”

“You do have a point,” said Photo Finish nodding her head slightly.

“But summer is just as fun at night since no kids would have to worry about school in the morning,” said Nidra with slight desperation in her voice.

“So true, your highness,” said Photo Finish turning to Nidra.

“Mrs. Photo Finish, please don’t do this to Annie,” pleaded Claire.

“Mrs. Photo Finish, surely you would agree that I’m the best choice to be the face of summer,” said Nidra turning the fashion photographer around so that they both would be facing each other. Rarity, Claire, Turquoise, Cotton Candy and Nidra slowly started to close in around Photo Finish drawing closer and closer. Photo Finish started to tremble. It seemed as if the weight of the decision she had to make was crushing her. Beads of sweat started to form on her forehead. Suddenly her eyes lit up when she came to a realization. “I’ve got it!” she exclaimed in Germane. She then trotted from the small crowd that crammed her. “Dis decision shall be decided by competition,” said the fashion photographer.

“By what now?” said Anthea with a cocked eyebrow.

“Get yourselves ready girls,” Photo Finish said facing Anthea. “Whoever can display grace, poise, confidence and attitude shall be ze face of dis year’s summer theme. Do you accept my challenge, child?”

“I…think so,” said Anthea with apprehension.

“You must be sure!”

“I’m positive!” said Anthea puffing her chest.

“What say you, your highness?” said Photo Finish turning to the princess.

“I was born for this,” said Nidra with bravado. “I’m totally up for the challenge!”

“Augezeichet!” said Photo Finish throwing up her fore hooves in triumph. “Come, it iz time for us to make ze magics. Ve go!”

Photo Finish made her way back into the Carousel Botique. Rarity and her children together with Cotton Candy and Anthea simply stood in the yard with blank stares. What Photo Finish requested was definitely a tall order to fulfill. Nidra meanwhile brimmed with overconfidence. “Don’t worry, Annie,” said Claire turning to the blind unicorn. “I’ll help you pick out your dresses and jewelry for this. I’ll teach you some things from what I’ve seen from the fashion shows mom took me to.”

“Oh please,” Nidra said scornfully as she walked towards Claire and Anthea. “No matter what you teach her, her blindness will only hold her back.”

“Aren’t you forgetting that she was the one who put a manticore to sleep?” said Claire.

“Fashion business is different from putting slobbering beasts to sleep. How could she possibly show poise and grace when she can’t even see her own hoof in front of her face?”

“Well, I best help get things organized,” said Rarity walking away towards the boutique.

“You’re just trying to one up Annie again by taking this thing away from her, aren’t you?” said Cotton Candy stomping towards Nidra with a stern face.

“Now, that’s not a nice thing to suggest,” said Nidra innocently. “It’s true, but not very nice coming from the daughter of the Element of Laughter. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a competition to win.” The Princess walked away from the group not before slowly passing her tail across Turquoise’s chin. A blush appeared on the pony hybrid’s face as he watched Nidra walking towards the boutique swinging her flank left to right. Nidra looked backed at Turquoise and winked before walking through the front door. Turquoise then looked towards Anthea who had a look of worry on her face. “Don’t worry, Annie,” he said resting his wing on her shoulder. “You’re gonna win this.”

Annie swallowed hard. “If you say so,” she said.