The cutie mark crusaders exchanged a glance, and a smile, all three ponies grinning from ear to ear as the crowd roared with excitement. Before them lay what felt like the entirety of Ponyville, each pony waving a colored glow stick or pounding their hooves in a thunderous applause. Behind them, the lights dimmed, and the spotlights focused on a different one of the girls, illuminating their bright red and white dresses masterfully. The top half of the dress had a unique almost plaid appearance to it, with a frilled end that turned became white near the end near their flanks.

Each cutie mark crusader wore a different accessory around their neck, from the simple small blue bow that hung around Sweetie Belle’s to the large red one that was tied around Apple bloom’s. Only Scootaloo didn't wear something around her neck, preferring to have her collar popped, and open for all to see. As the lights dimmed, the sounds of a piano could be heard rising in the distance. After sensing what was coming, the three friends exchanged a small nod, and readied themselves for their final song of the night.

It had been a long, and emotional set, but it was nearly over, a realization that felt bittersweet to the three girls. Undeterred, Sweetie Belle strode forward, and took center stage, her voice amplified by the spell placed on the collar of her shirt.

“I must now set out for some place far away.” She sang, her enchanting voice carrying over the crowd, and rendering them silent.

Stepping up to Sweetie Belle’s left and right, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom quickly joined the song, each pony adding their own considerable talent to the mix. “When I close my eyes I’m overwhelmed with memories.” All three sang.

As they continued to sing, they extended a right hoof high into the air. “An encounter. Then a parting. I feel it in my heart. A smile blooms. Tears sparkle. I will never forget those days.”

The piano dulled and the ponies swept their hoof from right to left, looking out over the crowd. “I give thanks for the beauty and ephemeralness of life. And the kindness of creatures. In order to softly close the notebook, let us begin walking toward the light.”

Together the three girls stepped ever closer to the crowd, until they were on the very edge of the stage. “Goodbye, till we meet again. Goodbye, warm memories.”

The piano grew, and the warm chords of the instrument filled the silence left by the three stars. Who stepped back slightly, and began to trot to the right of the stage. “I go toward a new place that the sky is calling out to. Ascending a staircase whose height I can not know.”

They then turned and began to slowly trot back across the stage, the next words of their song already on their lips. “Let's get together with our friends and celebrate the day which we gallantly set out on our journey. It is the adolescence we dreamed, forever!”

Each pony raised a hoof high into the air, and swept it out over the crowd, before the lights dimmed, and the girls disappeared. Reappearing a second later, now in the center of the stage once more, smiling sadly at the silent crowd. “Goodbye, everyone, goodbye, dear diary.”

With that, the lights fell, and all three ponies took a bow as the piano finished a few seconds later. When finally there was silence, the girls breathed a sigh of relief, and waited for the crowd’s reaction. They didn't have to wait long though, as a second later thunderous stomping could be heard, applause powerful enough to make the stage rattle.

The cutie mark crusaders exchanged an excited smile, silently reveling in the standing ovation they were receiving. Ponies could be heard hooting and yelling compliments over the thunder of their hooves, though the actual words were lost in a sea of noise. Together, they hazarded a glance over to the side of the stage, where their manager stood, grinning from ear to ear and hopping around. The stallion waved a hoof in the air and shouted his congratulations to the trio, further boosting their spirits.

“Well girls, we better get out of here.” Sweetie Belle whispered.

Scootaloo sighed. “I suppose so.”

“See you soon Ponyville! We love you!” Apple Bloom shouted suddenly, the young mare blowing the crowd a kiss, and making the stage rattle even more as the stomping reached a fever pitch.

Shaking her head, Sweetie Belle grabbed her friend and turned toward the edge of the stage, trotting toward their manager and the safety of the curtain. “Come on, before you make them think we have any more songs left.” Sweetie Belle whispered.

Apple Bloom sighed, and waved to the crowd the entire time they walked. “I know we don't, but you must admit Ponyville is a very special place.”

Scootaloo snorted, and raised her nose proudly as the curtains began to shut, and the crowd disappeared. “Of course they love us, were basically hometown heroes by now.”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah, don't let it get to your head, there Rainbow Dash.”

Scootaloo smirked, and bumped her shoulder against her friend’s. “You say that like an insult, but I take it as a compliment.”

“Take it however you want, just don't let it go to your head.” Added Apple Bloom.

“Fine, but you must admit we kind of are like heroes to these ponies.” Scootaloo replied as she took a glass of water waiting nearby and chugged the entire thing.

Sweetie Belle nodded, and grabbed a towel, which she used to wipe down her face, and dry her mane. “I guess we have been touring for a while so I guess we are pretty famous.”

“At least at home anyway.” Apple Bloom pointed out before biting into an apple, and sighing in bliss. “Thish ish exatly what I needed.”

“Didn't your mother ever tell you not to talk with your mouth full.” Their manager interrupted, stepping up to the group, and grinning. “Apple Bloom’s poor manners aside, that was a great show you girls did. I could really tell you were excited to be back in town.”

“You bet!” Apple Bloom shouted. “Ending this tour in Ponyville was a great idea. I can't wait to get back to the farm.”

Scootaloo nodded, and slow a hoof over her friend’s shoulder. “And I’ll be happy to fly in skies not choked with pollution or traffic.”

“You said it girls.” Sweetie Belle declared.

“Yes it certainly has been quite the ride since that talent show all those years ago.” Remarked their manager, who coughed unexpectedly. “But I wouldn't get settled in quite yet, as theirs one last thing to do.”

“Oh, like what?” Scootaloo asked, before chucking a hoof full of candy into her mouth and flopping into a nearby couch.

“Yeah, whats up? I thought we did all the meet and greet stuff already.” Apple Bloom added, flopping down next to Scootaloo with a second apple already in hoof.

“You did, but this is a special occasion.” He declared. “A local label has taken a liking to you, and decided to give you a shot at signing up with them. All you gotta do is go to this private party, and do a little schmoozing.”

Sweetie Belle sighed. “Thanks, but I’m not sure if we even want that. I mean, it's great being able to fulfill our destiny and help ponies everywhere with their cutie mark problems but we were never in it to make it big.”

“Exactly! Plus I’m tired, and just want to eat pizza and pass out.” Scootaloo added.

The manager rolled his eyes. “Look, its really great that you girls are staying on brand here, but think about the bigger picture for once. With their backing you could take your act international, record another album, and live life in luxury.” He smirked, and leaned towards Sweetie Belle. “Maybe even headline a certain festival.”

“I did have some ideas for another album.” Apple Bloom murmured.

“And I do like the sound of going international.” Scootaloo added.

“Are you seriously considering this? I thought you girls were okay with the bits we were making already.” Sweetie Belle pressed, turning to Apple Bloom. “Didn't you say you were fine with how things were, and Scootaloo, didn't you say you were okay with gaining fans naturally, rather than through advertising?”

Apple Bloom shrugged. “I guess, but that doesn't mean more bits wouldn't be nice. Think about it Sweetie Belle, we could set up that camp cutie mark we always dreamt about.”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo added. “Our fans may be great, but more fans, more bits, and a bigger tour would be great for us.”

“It seems like your band mates are in.” Added their manager. “What do you say Sweetie Belle? It's just a party, some schmoozing, and meeting with the heads of the company.”

“I don't know…” Muttered Sweetie Belle. “You haven't even told us who we are going to talk to yet anyway.”

“They wanted it to be a surprise, but suffice it to say they are very wealthy, very influential, and have settled down near Ponyville.” The manager replied, the stallion leaning in and flashing the girl a smile. “So it wouldn't even take that much time, plus they sent a limo.”

“Oooh, I’ve never ridden in a limo before.” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

“I wonder if they got a mini fridge in there.” Scootaloo wondered out loud.

“I think they do, and a good selection of snacks too!” Added their manager, who gestured toward the back of the stage, where they knew the exit was. “So, what do you say Sweetie Belle? Ready to take your career to the next level?”

The girl bit her lip, and looked from the slate grey stallion who had served them well for the past several years, to her friends whom had been with her since childhood. Their eager looks, and nodding heads told them everything Sweetie Belle wanted to know, and with a reluctant sigh, she caved. “Fine, but Scootaloo is not allowed to drink.”

“What the heck Sweetie? We are old enough to drink now!” Exclaimed Scootaloo.

“Yeah, barely. Plus you always end up throwing up whenever you drink.” Apple Bloom added, the pony faking a gag. “Like every time.”

Scootaloo sighed, and kicked the floor. “Fine, but I’m eating all the candy I want.”

“Deal. Now, let's get this over with.” Muttered Sweetie Belle.

Their manager grinned from ear to ear. “That's what I like to hear. Now then, we had better get moving, we don't want to make them wait.”

“Just, one question.” Sweetie Belle interrupted, stopping the group just as they turned toward the exit. “When you say shmooze, what do you mean. Exactly?”

The stallion shrugged. “Just hang out, act cool, maybe have a few drinks and talk up the producers. You know, celebrity stuff.”

“Wait, I got a question too.” Added Scootaloo.

The stallion sighed, rolled his eyes. “Yes Scootaloo, what is it?”

“Do we have to keep wearing these outfits?” She asked, the pegasus tugging at her collar. “Cus they may be nice, but I do not want to spend all night in this thing.”

“Keep it on, there's no time. Plus it looks good on you, really sells the whole idol vibe you girls got going on.” Replied the stallion.

“Augh, lame.” Groaned Scootaloo. “I am so wiping off this make up at least.”

“Whatever, can we just go already?” Whined Apple Bloom, who already stood by the door.

“Yeah yeah. Were coming.” Murmured Sweetie Belle, who joined her other band mates, and manager as they made their way out of the building and toward a nearby limo.

As they walked, Sweetie Belle couldn't help but watch their manager closely, eyeing him as he settled into a seat across from them before pulling out that phone of his. The stallion was usually reserved in the extreme, barely showing any emotion, yet here he was, visibly excited to go see these producers and gleeful that their show had ended. What was he hiding? What did he have to gain from them seeing so much success, since he would likely be canned for someone else, someone chosen by these mystery producers.

Sweetie Belle didn't like it, but she had to admit, the limo was the picture of class and luxury. As they began to roll away, the car turning towards the Ponyville hills Sweetie Belle began to feel her worries subside a little.

For now anyway.

Author's Note

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