The Kandy Kaleidoscope [Las Pegasus] (Open to Customers)

[SteelEagle]

"Haha, well, cults are known for brazeninity! And Cazook is pretty brazen, all things considered. No big deal though,  they're villains and villains lose, right?" She giggled excitedly before her eyes sparkling when the candymaker candymare candied up her history. "Oooh, an ancient family reciple handed down from generation to generation like the lost tomes of deliciousness, tempered by experience and training. I like it lots and lots!" She nodded, lots and lots. She started reaching into her saddlebag for the bits needed for the purchase.

 

She pulled out a used smoke bomb- "No,"- a torch, rope, and a singed tourniquet- "Nope!"- a half-dozen bloody arrowheads -"Not useful here!" - a glowing ceremonial dagger and two crystal eyes that snapped open to look around- "I didn't mean to bring you,"- a dented pith helmet and a clutch of explosives- "Not yet,"- seventy-five pages of an erotic self-insert fanfiction with Daring Do - "Not finished!"- and finally some bits. A number of bits more than was needed, but she wasn't sure which as she splayed it all on the counter. "There we are!" She said happily as she swept all the other items off into her saddlebag. After she did so she then tossed all the treats into the bag, too.

 

As she readied to leave, however, she had to address the musical pegasus in the room- due to the lack of elephants, primarily. "Awwww, thats super cute! Wait, your wedding bands, when they are linked together do you unlock a door or does something explode or do you gain super powers or do you see through each other's eyes or do you learn the secret code words or do you see the past or do you see the future or do you exchange the lies for truth or do you switch bodies or do you switch minds or do you gain access to the hidden vaults or is like a cult thing?"

[IceStorm]

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

 

The look of surprise that was on Candy's face was almost exactly what Wind Dancer was expecting. For a brief moment, it looked like Candy's everything shut down. Well, everything except her blush. Candy's face was about as red as the apples on her counter. It was clear that she neither heard Pathfinder or anticipated Wind to be so assertive. What Wind wasn't entirely expecting was for Candy to return her kiss. Sure it was on her cheek, but it was clear that she had ignited something in the mare. Hopefully not too much though. She was fairly certain that permission for a kiss was one thing. Everything else would take a lot of discussion if it was something that was even on the table to begin with. That, however, was definitely not a discussion for a candy shop... even if the candy mare running the shop was the focal point of that conversation.

 

Then Pathfinder answered about the brazenness of cults and villains. She said that it wasn't a big deal though, because they were always villains, and villains always lose. "Eventually, I suppose they do. However, that doesn't take into account the lives that are either taken or destroyed in the process. Innocents are always involved, and they always get hurt. They don't always recover though," Wind responded as she watched the mare sort through her belongings after Candy had bagged her order. She raised an eyebrow at some of the things that she pulled out. Especially the erotic fiction, and the bombs. Just what was this mare doing in her free time? She hoped the mare knew that all those things about explosive endings in those stories were just metaphors... right? She didn't want to read about a happy accident later in the paper, but again, not the place to bring that up.

 

She then heard Sky chime in and gave him a loving smile as he made the comment that one of the mares that had kissed was his wife. She indeed extended her wing to show the wedding band, as well as the large scar near the main joint of her wing. And then Pathfinder asked about the wedding bands and she knew that the mare had been in a few too many temples. "Nope! It doesn't unlock any secret doors, or secret passages... Well, maybe one secret passage... and they do the contain the single most important piece of treasure of my life," she said with a smile.

 

 

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

Well now. It wasn't every day that something new opened on the strip of Las Pegasus. New things opening on the outskirts, yes... but right next door to The Fire and Ice hotel and Casino and the Mareage? Not so much. Ice Storm had been keeping an eye on the recently funded and procurement of the property and watched as it was furnished into the candy store that was in front of them. The first thing that she did was look at every angle that she could find on Candy running her through star. Considering that the mare was a friend of Wind Dancer and Golden Bit, she didn't think there was anything to worry about, but looks can be deceiving. This, however, was not one of those moments. Candy was a mare from Bittsburgh, and was about as honest as Applejack. The only concern that she had for Candy was how she would acclimate to the Las Pegasus culture. The fast paced city could easily sweep a pony away if they weren't careful.

 

As it was, she had been waiting in line now, since before the doors were opened, and she kind of anticipated something like this happening. Grand Openings were a big thing in Las Pegasus, so she already had a security detail on call in case it attracted the attention that she expected. That means means with a quick buzz on her crystal she had ponies from her casino running monitor duty to make sure that the lines were not affecting the chariots and wagons. With any luck, things will be nice and orderly today, and the new business will be amazing! She could already smell the candy.

 

Aaaand then something caught her eye that made her incredibly nervous. A pony had completely bypassed the line, and said pony herself gave Ice pause. What is she doing here? she thought to herself. Sure, there were still plenty of EPIC members all over the place, and by technicality, Ice herself was still a member, even if she had moved on to her own organization. The bigger issue was who this was. It wasn't unheard of for Pathfinder to be in the Tenochtitlan Basin, or anywhere that could hold a relic of some sort. She was also a very experienced tracker, but she usually avoided big cities because they were traceable. Then again... This is Las Pegasus, if there was anything going on that you didn't want others to know about, you brought it here. 

 

Finally, the line was moving, and once it was, it didn't take long for Ice to make her way inside, giving a nod to Golden Bit in the process. She wasn't surprised to see her here helping with the opening either. It was her building after all. Las Pegasus's own resident superstars were present as well, along with their little one... who was absolutely precious. Wind and Sky would be amazing parents. She then say Pathfinder as she was rifling though her saddle bags in search of bits to pay the mare at the register. "Well, now there's a face that I haven't seen in a while," Ice started, looking to Pathfinder. She made her way over to her and extended a hoof. "Looks like you're taking care of yourself Path... Mostly," she said, looking to the arrowheads and the explosives. "Last time I saw you, you were in a bit of a tight spot," she smirked,

[Skycoaster]

Candy looked back to the crazy adventurer at the cash register. Beans was in shock with each item that Pathfinder pulled out of the bag. Candy on the other hoof seemed to cringe with each item. She'd have to take a few deep breaths to keep calm. When the bloody arrows where pulled, she mumbled under her breath just loud enough for Sky to hear. "Please do drip on anything. Please don't drip on anything..." When the dagger came out, the unicorn would go pale for a few moments. The last item that she saw however made her heart jump a beat as she looked to Glimmer and the caramel apple to keep her eyes off anything else that might shorten her life or time as a shopkeeper. "Are most of the ponies in this city this....um....crazy?" she'd say to Sky as Pathfinder finished her transaction. Beans behind the counter let out a huge sigh of relief. "Have a nice...um...safe day?" the older colt would say handing her the purchase.

 

With all the talks of cults, Candy was getting an upset stomach. That's the last thing she needed...not just today, but any day. Thankfully Ice Storm was the next pony in the door, putting the mare's mind to ease...or at least as much as one could be on her grand opening. She'd levitate a few hard candies in to her mouth to settle herself down as she leaned against the piano. "Play something relaxing please. I need to calm my nerves for a moment." As Sky and Windy both showed the mare their wedding bands, Candy could only nod. Did she have feelings for Windy, yes...but it was sisterly love. Her return kiss was out of instinct and nothing more. When today was all over, she'd have to have Windy and Sky to dinner to explain her feelings.

 

[Blueblood]

As Pathfinder brought out each increasingly unlikely item in an attempt to locate legal tender in her saddlebag, Sky Sailing couldn't help himself from accompanying each of them with an appropriate little musical sting... though he did stumble on a couple of the notes when she brought out that fanfic.  It was just as well; 'Bow-chicka-bow-wow' did not sound good on an upright piano...

 

Blushing profusely, he nodded in agreement at Windy's characterization of the rings, "I've always admired adventure stories, but I hardly ever see myself in them... after all, what do I need to go through ancient dungeons for, when I have right now more than I could ever ask for?"  He gave the loving glance of a newlywed over at his wife, while his daughter just laughed at the silly pony. 

"Clown, clown!  Heehehehee!"  With all the candor of the extremely young, Glimmer did not mince words on how seriously most folks were taking Pathfinder's antics... aside from, you know, the bombs.  She was a little too young to understand that.

 

Sensing that the sugar rush his little filly was going through had just about peaked, Sky started into a slower-tempoed cover of his hit song 'Fireflies' to start winding her down, whispering to Candy, "I'm not the pony to ask; I'm just a blue-collar colt from a factory town that made it big.  The whole city's kinda crazy to me, you know?"

[SteelEagle]

Pathfinder was more than a little happy to see that the married cult couple cutely carried on their shared fiction together. It was important to all successful unions, even those clearly made to further the aims of an evil cult that used music to brainwash their enemies (Pathfinder knew she was safe! Her brain worked differently since the three hundred and eighty hospital visits!). All relationships had myths and stories to tell, laid out not in print but in looks and smiles, thoughts, feelings, and the small chuckles that escaped their lips. It was super cute! Almost as cute as the little filly that Pathfinder couldn't help but make funny faces at after she got the adventurer's attention by calling her a clown. "Aww, you all just such a cute little cult family! I could eat you all up- gobble gobble!- but not in the literal pony-eating way, like the tatzelwurm. In the friendly way, like the sazzlewurm," she said as she pulled the parents in for a nice wing hug before letting them go. For now.

 

She was about to leave when Ice Storm showed up! Yaaaaaay Ice Storm. She liked Ice Storm. Ice Storm was a lot of fun at parties and at adventures and at adventuring parties! Sometimes she forgot that she was in a pretty safe role and acted a twinge too seriously, but that was a fault shared by many in their field. And so she made sure to wing hug the EPIC Agent and more. "Good to see ya too, Big Ice! I thought I might bump or fly or knock into you while I was in town. Or below town, like really really below town. How's the redacted redacted comin' along?" She winked as she flapped her wings. "I'm doing good. I even have that rope, by the way. Not even enchanted! Scrubs. You get captured and tortured and they don't even put their all into it? A waste of my time, that was. Still got something of theirs, anyway," she winked. "Oh! And I got soooo much candy! Look at this candy!" She shoved the bag in Storm's direction. "Sooo much. I'm gonna sugar crash like nopony's business after I wreck some cultist plan in a few minutes. You should really really check it all out, totally good deals here. And less cult activity than I thought! Still some, but less. Score!" She said excitedly before switching out her pith helmet for a pith helmet with a spike on it. "Anyway, I gotta go, gotta fly, gotta do the deed," she said as she waved enthusiastically at all the great ponies of the shop before launching herself out of the window.

 

**************************
 

Muziki watched the very fast pegasus booming out of the shop with the same curious amusement that she held for pretty much everything for the half-cloud city she found herself in. She still didn't know enough about the Equestria and the pony-folks who lived there to know why some clouds were okay to step on and others were not, but she trusted the Equestrians well enough to just ask their older souls the question when needed. It was a good thing she was so trusting in a city she had never been in before because otherwise she would be in a lot of trouble!

 

Her parents had been asked to perform some traditional Unyasi songs and dances for one of the smaller casinos as part of a cultural showcase. It paid well enough and more importantly got the family a few days in a new city! Going from the smaller villages and savannas of Unyasi to Manehattan, Ponyville, and Las Pegasus was a lot to take in! Muziki was up to the challenge and tried to learn as best she could from every place she visited or lived. What was she trying to learn in Las Pegasus? Hard to say. There was too much to do and while her parents met with the casino owner to hash out some details, she was given some bits and some directions from casino workers on places to visit.

 

She had spent a lot of bits on what could gracefully be called tourist trap tchotchkies. A small bag of little souvenirs clanked and clacked on her flank as her eyes looked around for something else to do. There was a lot to do. In fact she was on her way to some sort of puppet show when she saw a candy shop! It was then she realized that she needed candy. Yep, she needed that. More than puppets, at least for now.
So she trotted in place, reversed, found the line, and then sat down on her haunches politely waiting for the line to move with her. Every time it moved, she would get up and move and then sit right back down politely. She held her bits bag with the string in her mouth and when she was the first in line she took a few moments before she reached up and knocked on the door, putting her bits bag on the ground. She opened the door gently. "May I, umm, may I enter here, please?" The filly asked excitedly, the loose green fabric and blue bardic hat tipping in before her.

[Skycoaster]

Candy would nod at Sky's remark though it didn't put the new shop owner's mind at ease. The thing that did however was when one Ice Storm entered the shop. If anypony knew how to deal with a situation, it was her. It was clear to anyone in the shop though she was trying to just keep busy. She'd bow to Sky and Windy to excuse herself to the backroom, two empty barrels in her aura. Returning a few minuets later with full replacements, she'd just be in time to see the crazy pegasus fly out one of her side windows...on that was already open thank goodness. Sighing, she'd fill the empty spots of the Bit candy.

 

With the craziness dying down, Candy would make her way over to Ice Storm and give her a one hoofed hug. "Glad you could make it," as she levitated a bag of candy corn to Ice. "So, you working or browsing?" she'd joke.

 

Candy's ear would twitch as she heard a young voice asking to enter the store. Candy would look over to her and smile. "Yes you may enter." Candy would walk over to the little zebra. "I think you won most polite customer of the year," she'd say as she would give the filly a small bag of candy corn. "This is on the house. It is my specialty. If you see anything you want from one of the cases, let one of my workers know and they'll get it for yinz. We also have popcorn as well."

 

Meanwhile, Salty had finished her first batch of the banana taffy. Proudly she'd call to Sky and Windy before tossing them each a piece to try. "It's Candy's recipe. What do you think?" At the same time, Beans would also call out. "Um...Miss Golden, can I get your assistance?" Coco Bean had kept up with all the sales and had a unique problem, one that he hopped the mare that Candy rented the building from could assist. "It seems we um...I'm out of room in the register. I don't think I've ever see so many bits in my life, and it's a miracle considering how everything isn't that expensive."

 

Seeing that Goldie was going to be needed, and Ice had everything under control, Candy would take the time to give the zebra a personal tour. "My name is Candy Corn, what's yours? Any kind of sweets in particular you’re looking for?"

 

 

[IceStorm]

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind raised a bit of an eyebrow as she felt the wing hug. It wasn't entirely unexpected at this point. The pegasi's antics were quite eccentric, and being the mother of a newborn foal gave her experience in eccentric! She couldn't help the giggle that came from her throat when she heard Glimmer call her a clown. Seeing Path's reaction was par for the course for her in the brief time they had met, but at the very least this was cute.

 

Wind Dancer was relieved a bit when she saw Ice Storm walk into the shop. There was little doubt in her mind now that the day would be returning to well... Las Pegasus Normal, very soon. She was a bit surprised that Ice Storm seemed to know who this mare was... but at the same time not. That mare had a lot of resources at her disposal. Wind was pretty sure that Ice could pick any pony that she could think of and find out exactly what they had for breakfast every day this week and at what time they had it. Thinking about it, if she wasn't already friends with the pony, Ice Storm could be a very scary pony if you didn't know here. And Luna help you if you were one of those posh style nobles that care only about their title and not who they step on to get it. Honestly, Wind felt a bit of the same way on that one, but she was more than happy to let Icy be the one to draw that ire. Having a family now she didn't want that kind of attention, or that kind of a target on her back, or the backs of her family.

 

Then, as quickly as the adventuring pegasus had arrived, she was gone. Wind Dancer let out a sigh of relief. She wasn't quite sure that Las Pegasus was the right fit for that mare. Now, she would never say that to anypony. It was her right to live where she wanted to, and if she enjoyed it here... actually as high energy this mare was she could legitimately see her getting in trouble here. Not from Ice Storm, but there are plenty of others here that can be just as scary as Ice, but no where near as nice. Especially in the lower levels of the ground district.

 

As it was, she looked around the room to see that Candy was now on edge, and looked like she could use a break. She heard Candy ask Sky to play something soothing so that she could calm her nerves a bit. It also looked like Glimmy was starting to get a bit tired. All that sugar that she had was started to take it's toll as the filly started to crash. She managed to lean against the piano and looked over at Sky. "Well... that was definitely something. Only thing I can say is that Las Pegasus is still full of surprises, even for me," she said with a small laugh. She then heard the mare by the taffy machine call over to them and offer them some of the fresh taffy. "Well, I suppose we have to go over there and give that a try. Fresh taffy sounds amazing, and I've never had it straight from the puller before," Wind smiled. She paused though as she heard a customer... knocking? She watched Candy answer to see a little Zebra filly standing at the door asking to be let in. Candy immediately started showing the filly around and gave her a bag of candy. Candy was going to do just fine here.

 

 

 

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

Ice listened as Pathfinder explained what she had been up to and how things had been. She told her that she still had the ropes from their little escapade in Neighpon, and complained about the fact that they weren't enchanted. Ice was actually thankful for that fact, given what they had to deal with to get in there to rescue the adventuring pony, but that was definitely not a story for here. After all, while Ice Storm herself had permission to come and go from Neighpon as she pleased now, that little was under the radar, and if it got out, it could have some rather unfortunate political implications. One thing was for sure, when she started STAR, politics was something that she would have never thought that she would end up getting a part of. As it turns out though, politics was where a lot of her current power came from. If she didn't know better, she would almost say that she felt like she was being prepared for something much, much more, but that was preposterous. In all reality, she was just an ice cream maker that figured out how to weaponize and fortify her magic. Had things not gone the way they did up north, she honestly had no idea what she'd be doing right now. She'd probably still be in Canterlot, or wherever Luna had moved to at this point.

 

And then just like that the mare was gone. She didn't even get a chance to reply, though it might have been for the better. True, STAR wasn't exactly a private entity anymore, but that didn't mean she needed to talk about it every second. She took a deep breath and then let out a sigh as she heard another mare approach her, this one being the owner of the shop. She was a sweet mare, figuratively at least. She was friends with Wind Dancer and Sky, and Golden seemed to take a liking to her as well. She'd met Candy a few times here and there while she was setting this place up, and even stopped by a few times to see if there was anything that she could help with. When she heard Candy ask if she was working or browsing, Ice smiled. "Yes... Apparently, the answer is yes. It's always interesting when old colleagues of mine show up. Especially that one. Don't let her erraticness fool you though, that mare is probably smarter than a good number in this room. She can navigate pretty much any jungle blindfolded. She's also really good at avoiding detection. If she didn't want you to know she was here, you wouldn't," Ice commented, taking some of the offered candy corn and popping it in her mouth. "Mmm!" she sounded. "But yeah, don't let her get under your coat. You literally could not be in a safer place," Ice smiled, watching Candy greet the filly that had so politely entered the store.

 

~~~Golden Bit~~~

 

 

Golden Bit was a little bit confused on how to handle the situation that was unfolding in front of her. She'd dealt with plenty of rowdy ponies in her time, but this one just felt different. Most of your ruffians didn't carry around bloodied arrows, bombs, erotica, and various knick knacks for traversing jungles. She couldn't help but giggle a bit when she made Windy and Candy kiss. The pegasus wasn't wrong there. They would have made a cute couple! If of course, the lilac pegasus wasn't already spoken for. Though she knew there were some ponies that went for more of a herd style relationship, the owner of her neighboring casino being one of them, She didn't really see Windy as that kind of mare. IF, and that was a big if, Wind every even considered anything like that, she would have to have incredibly strong emotions for somepony else, and Golden wasn't even sure if Windy swung that direction or not. She also knew she'd never do anything to upset Sky so the entire thought line was a moot point.

 

And then speak of... or rather, think of the devil, Ice Storm came into the candy store. Golden was quite thankful because she stepped in and handled the sitation with the other mare. She apparently knew her, and from what she gathered from Icy's description, a rather potent ally, or a very dangerous enemy depending on what side of the coin you fall on. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow though. IF the mare could navigate jungles with ease, why was she in the city? Sure she's heard of big cities being referred to as jungles before, but they were very much not the same. She was about to respond when she heard the pony at the register call for her help, saying that no more bits would fit in the register. Well, now there was a good problem to have! "Alrighty then," Golden said, trotting over to Beans. "Let's see what we have here..." she commented, looking at the register. It was indeed full to the point where it would close. "Candy, you got that account set up at the bank down the road right? You might have to make a drop deposit here. Also Miss Storm, would you mind if I employ one of your officers for the assistance with the task? I wouldn't want to travel with this in Las Pegasus without an armed escort." Golden asked, getting a nod from the icy blue unicorn.

 

 

[Blueblood]

Sufficiently relieved that Pathfinder had departed the store with no greater incident than bringing in his whole family for a group hug, a thing which pegasi did fairly well, Sky was able to hand off Glimmer to Windy.  Their daughter was starting to get to a point where they should move her to a quieter place for a nap.  For himself, the stallion played his quieter songs on the upright piano, not one to revel in loud noise himself.  

 

"It's good to see Candy's store is doing so well for the opening."  Sky smiled, accepting the offer of taffy alongside Windy, as he nodded towards Golden helping out at the register.  "Here's hoping its a good sign, though having every day like be like this in a store I worked at would make me shed feathers!"  Indeed, without Icy helping with crowd control and Golden at the register, things could easily spiral out of control.  Thankfully, nothing but an adorable little zebra filly was taking up Candy's attention for now...

 

 

The next customer through the door would be an exceptionally well-dressed young stallion, suited well to a Canterlot club, even in the hot tourist sun of Los Pegasus.  For all that, the monocled lavender unicorn kept a cool disposition as he breezed through the door like a smoke ring.  "Ah, capital place this!  The cry goes round the castle walls, the candies of old, of our ancestor's sweet memories, come alive again like the King of Ravens in our hour of need!  The bastion of sweet teeth are relieved of siege...."

His appearance and casual loquaciousness would be somewhat familiar to Ice Storm, if she had ever met Prince Blueblood's personal secretary before, as this was he.  Wordsworth Psmith, a young noble of not too high nor too rich a birth to be above earning his keep with a little labor in service to a public official in a private capacity.  But what was he doing here?

[SteelEagle]

Muziki was delighted at hearing she was going to win a prize! Wow, her! A winner! She didn't think she would be a winner when she walked into the shop, but now she was a winner! What did she win? Were there prizes for being the mostest politest customer? What did the Equestrians give as prizes? She hoped it was delicious candies or a song and dance or maybe even a popcorn. She didn't know why they called it popcorn. Did the popcorns grow in popcorn fields? She did not know. But she knew it tasted good with the butter! And maybe she could get some today. Why, if she got a prize today she would be a very happy filly and she would have to tell everycreature about her excellent fortunes!

 

And then, as she contemplated this, she seemingly won her prize. Her delicious prize, the candy corn! For free! For her, the winner!
"Mimi ndiye mshindi! Muziki mshindi!" She said excitedly, beaming and jumping up and down in excitement as she took the candied corn. She'd have to share it with her momma and poppa later, so they could also win with her by having their tastes exploded with the joy of candied corn. She didn't know where they grew the candied corn but it had to have been a magicalplace full of joy because of how it made her feel. It made her feel special, like a winner, because she had won the candy corn!

 

She got ahold of herself after a few moments, trying to remember just what treats she had come in here for. She put the candy corn with a hungry lick of her lips in her open tiny cloth saddlebag and re-arranged her hat just a tiny bit so it didn't fall off. She then pulled out her small bits bag. it had once been a bigger bits bag, but as her saddlebag could tell from the various chotschkies in it, Las Pegasus businessponies had found a good mark in Muziki. She turned to the shop-mare with a trusting smile. "I'm Muziki. I'm here with momma and poppa doing a performance at one of your casinos! This city is very bright," she said with a giggle. "I want good treats, and umm, I have this much!" She said, revealing her last twelve bits.

[Skycoaster]

Candy Corn smiled at the little zebra. "Well, today is my grand opening. You picked a good day to come to Las Pegasus." Quickly in her mind Candy would run a quick rundown of everything in the store that could be purchased in the store for that amount or less. Looking at her saddle bag it was clear that she must have stopped at every store she saw along the way before a light went off in her head. Perhaps Candy saw some of her youngest sister in her or something else, but she planned to make Muziki's day even better. "I'll tell ya what, pick one thing from each case and I'll take care of the math, ok?"

 

Candy would look up to Beans, Goldie and Ice Storm and nod. "Yep. Account is good to go. Just make sure you get a deposit slip so I put it with my paperwork tonight."

 

As she was about to return her attention to the filly, another pony entered the store, this time a pony she was not expecting. One who seemed to talk in the say way those literature books from her schooling often did. The only thing that could pop into her mind was this pony must be ether from one of the theaters of Las Pegasus or from Canterlot. Probably Canterlot...yep. "I'll be right with yinz," Candy would say not wanting to be impolite to little filly. There where five main cases that dotted the perimeter of the store as Candy guided Muziki to the first one.

 

Salty had watched the stallion enter and stifle a chuckle. "Don't worry boss, I got it," Saltwater Taffy would say trotting over to the newcomer. "Welcome to the Kandy Kaleidoscope. I'm Saltwater Taffy and the mare helping the little filly over there is my boss and store owner, Candy Corn. What can we...I help you with? We're stocked on lots of different sweets that she made herself. Oh we also have the famous Corn Family popping corn. Grown on her family's farm in Bittsburgh."

As Candy and the little zebra neared the case closest to Sky, Windy, and Glimmer, Candy would smile. "If the little one is getting tuckered out, you can take her up to my apartment. It's the third floor. That couch up there is pretty comfy." 

[IceStorm]

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind Dancer watched as Golden Bit nodded to Candy about the account and the deposits before she and a dark blue pegasus with a white and light blue mane and tail left the building. It looked like one of Icy's hostesses for the hotel. At first she was surprised, but then remembered every employee there was part of Ice Storm's secret, but now not-so-secret organization thing, so it made sense. Plus Equestria seemed better off for it, so it mattered little to her. If anything, it made her feel safer. The previous though she had before came back to mind. Ice was a very scary pony if you didn't know her, simply because she doesn't look the part of anything other than a normal unicorn mare. 

 

The one thing that caught her attention though, was how Candy was helping the little filly that had come into the store. The little zebra was very polite, and the way her saddlebag looked, and the way she spoke, Las Pegasus had not been kind to her and her family. Just as she saw the lightbulb go off in Candy's head, one went off in her own. She carefully walked up behind the filly and set a wing over her, not to startle her and smiled. "Save your bits little one, you won't be needing them today," she smiled looking back to Candy. "Let her have as much as she wants and bill it to me. Once we're done here, I might go and pay them a little visit to give them a little more stability," she added with a smile. She always had a soft spot for fillies and colts. It was the reason why she never let tickets get any higher than they were. She wasn't in anything for the money, it just came with it. She did what she did so that she could do the one thing she always loved doing, and that's making ponies smile. It was also why that outside of what her family needed to survive, she gave away most of the bits she earned. She wasn't going to use them, so those bits going to a pony that needs them is the best thing that she could do with it. 

 

At this point though she could see that Glimmer was starting to lose energy, and was starting to get a bit cranky from all of the commotion. When Candy mentioned the apartment upstairs, Wind nodded and withdrew from the other filly. "I think I might have to take you up on that offer. She's starting to get a bit cranky, so she likely needs a change and a nap. Then she'll be good as new," she replied looking over to Sky. "You wanna stay here with Candy or come upstairs? I'm okay either way," she smiled. Once she got Sky's answer, she looked back to Candy. Don't let that filly leave without finding out where she lives! I want to pay her and her family a special visit later!" she smiled, before scooping up a Squirmy Glimmer. "Come'er you," she spoke. "It's nap time for you, little missy," she said, rubbing Glimmer, nose to nose.

 

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

Watching the scene that unfolded in front of her melted Icy's heart, and was a shining example of what Nobility was supposed to be like. A pony who is better off, helping those who might be in need. She always knew that Wind Dancer was an amazing, kind hearted pony, but seeing it in action just about every day, said a lot about how things could be if everypony could be just a little less selfish, and more like Wind Dancer. She was also happy to know that at least one more filly was about to be taken care of by what many in Las Pegasus have come to call, The Wind Dancer Foundation. She then watched as the owner continued working with the filly that had come in with Wind went up a flight of stairs with her own filly on her back, likely to take care of her and let her rest. This was starting to get to the point where it was a bit of a hectic environment. Not dangerous in anyway, but a lot of ponies moving in and out at once is a lot for ponies that young.

 

She then heard a voice that spoke... in a way that she'd only ever heard one other pony speak like and she hadn't used the ye'old ponish in a while, and that was Luna. The pony that was speaking though, was most definitely not Luna. She did recognize him slightly though, from some of her visits to Blueblood, though she was usually Bluebelle when she was meeting with her. She didn't remember a name, but she believed that he was a secretary of sorts to her. She moved over to him and gave him a nod and a smile. "Hey! I remember you! You work for Blueblood! Considering that you're here I reckon he's somewhere close by?" she asked him. 

[Blueblood]

Sky thought about it for a moment, then waved Windy and Glimmer up the stairs with a wing.  "I'll stay and play one more set, but after that I'll probably need a break myself from the crowd.  I'll be up in a bit."  As much as the stallion enjoyed playing for an audience, he sometimes found it a little tiring to deal with crowds.  Still, he didn't quite feel that he'd done a suitable enough finale, so he put the last piece of the set up to the crowd.  "Any requests?"  He was most interested to see if Mizuki would ask for any songs he knew.  Perhaps she might even teach him one or two!  That'd be a nice way to finish up this little show.

 

Psmith, meanwhile, was elaborately doffing his hat to Salty and Ice.  "A not unreasonable surmise, Comrade Ice Storm, but an erroneous one nonetheless.  His Highness, or Her Highness as the case might well be today, is currently attempting to maximize the amount of time spent with family, given that they have just welcomed the newest member of the Platinum family into the world.  But, having gone through the admittedly arduous task giving birth to little Pax, Lady Dunnie has Requested and Required Recompense in chocolate.  Hence, reason primus for my visit."  Turning to Salty, he produced a list.  "These are by no means all required, I simply drafted all manners of chocolates that Her Ladyship enjoys.  What is critical is that whatever selection is available be delivered promptly, and in bulk.  One full packing crate of bonbons or bars at the minimum.  Ah, and a bag of peppermint humbugs, for myself.  Charge to the accounts of Platinum Manor."

 

Once the list was handed over, he'd beckon Ice over and speak in a lower tone.  "There is a second reason I came to this city to discuss with you, but that is best handled out of the public eye."  STAR might have moved into public knowledge, but details of their work were not always good to have out in the open.  Particularly when it intersected with other lines of politics...

[PineapplePoni]

                      •River wisp•
 

River Wisp was an almost-mute kirin from the Kirin village. He had travelled here for an adventure and a change of pace from the simple village of the Kirins. However, he had been struggling making friends, as he had to write with magic instead of speaking, which the busy city ponies didn’t have time for.

River wisp was wandering down the street, in look of a pick-me-up after his last failed attempt at friendship, when he came across a quaint little candy shop. He looked it up and down, and decided that it looked like a good place to try some equestrian sweets and cheer up a little. He walked through the door of the ‘Kandy Kaleidoscope ’  ,  and was hit with the scent of all things sweet. River looked up at the various mares and stallions in there, and felt like he was intruding on something private. He considered leaving, but the smell of sugar was too good to resist. He wrote: “hello!” And waited for them to notice him.

[SteelEagle]

Muziki's propensity for being a real big winner continued in ways and for causes she couldn't really understand, but she was 'plum tickled' as a friend's momma would say for it to continue! She didn't know what lucky rock she had stepped on lately to be granted such winnerdom but it was certainly something that made her a happy little zebra. First off, the Candied Pony offered to give her one of everything, which was a lot and enough all at once. Too much were not words that came easily to no filly. And that was all good and great, but then the Wind Dancer pony offered to pay for it all. Wow! She really HAD been the winner! She would tell all of her new friends in Ponyville that the candy here was free. The ponies of Las Pegasus were so nice and trustworthy, always willing to help you with your bit currencies! Her eyes sparkled wide and big as she brought her hooves first to her mouth and then hugged the front leg of the rich pony Wind and the wonderful Shopkeep Candy. "Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Thank you for being the nicest! I won big!"

 

And with that, she started trotting around the shop throwing this, and that, and this, and also that in there. She almost didn't pay attention but she did pay attention just enough to know what to add way more of, like these little chocolate balls wrapped up really nicely, and then more chocolates that weren't as nicely wrapped, but she didn't really know the difference. And popcorn! Her bag was almost overflowing. Almost,m if only because it had this stretchy nature made out of Unyasan fabric meant to survive the wilds of that land and more than capable of keeping candy in place. And bits, but who needed bits when you were a winner?! Soon she had picked up what she considered enough candy. Well, almost enough. No amount of candy would ever be truly enough, but this would get her through the trip. Night. Hour. Minute? She put the bag on the counter. She wanted to make sure it was okay! "Umm, is this too much?" She asked peppily, her tail flitting about excitedly as she hoped that she would be told it would be fine.

 

When Sky asked if anypony had any requests, Muziki turned her head towards him. As she did so her little bardic hat almost fell off- "ooof-"- which she caught and put back on, "oh, umm, please do you play Mvua Juu ya Kusini?" She said as she struggled, tongue out, to put it back in place before she was pleased and lit up. "Oh, oh! Uwanda na Mawe?"

[Skycoaster]

Candy Corn smiled at the little zebra's reaction before hearing Wind Dancer chime in. Her face showed a bit of shock before returning to a smile. "Tell ya what Muziki, we'll deliver it to where your staying, sound like a plan?"

 

Salty would receive the list Psmith had produced. Her eyes went wide almost in shock as she had never seen an order so large in her young life...and the fact that it was going to royalty made it that much more daunting of a task. While Candy was letting Muziki pick her items, Salty would walk over to Candy and give her the list. "Here ya go boss," she'd say, waiting to see her boss's reaction. Candy's reaction was not of what the pegasus was expecting though. She'd close her eyes and take a deep breath. Looking around the shop, she'd take a quick mental inventory. Luckily, chocolate wasn't as big of a seller as she thought it would be. She'd circle a few of the chocolate items. "If you'll excuse me Muziki, I have a few things to attend to. Saltwater Taffy here will help you pick out your things."

Salty was amazed at just how much candy the zebra filly had fit into her saddle bag. She would hover around and catch any stray candy that missed its mark. Noticing how full the zebra’s bag was getting, she would retrieve the smallest empty shipping crate from the back room. “We can use this to deliver it, and then you won’t have to lug it around the city all day. Maybe just keep enough to snack on with ya?”

 

Candy Corn would make sure to walk over to the royal advisor still in her grand opening outfit . "We should have yinz good to go here. I just need your address and...." Candy froze for a moment. First Windy and now this. How exactly dose one charge an account and still get payed. "Um..." Looking to Ice Storm. "You'll have to excuse me. It's our first day and I've never thought we'd do business with a royal account. Oh...Here's your complementary bag of my custom candy corn." she'd giggle nervously. "Ice Storm...could you help please?"

 

The way Candy was facing, she would notice another young pony...er Kirin to be precise. He didn't seem to want to inject himself into any conversation, however Candy would still levitate him a complementary bag of candy corn his way, writing on it with a sharpy. 'Welcome to the Kandy Kaleidoscope. I will be with you in a few moments.' Coco Bean had just finished ringing up a fairly large order of root beer barrels when he noticed the Kirin. Seeing that Candy and Salty where both busy with more pressing matters, the chocolate colored unicorn would walk over to greet the newcomer. "Welcome to the Kaleidoscope. I'm Coco Bean, but everypony around her calls me Beans. What's your name and can I help you find anything?" 

 

 

 

 

[IceStorm]

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind Dancer smiled and gave the filly a pat on the head, she then gave everypony in the lobby of the store a soft smile, moreso at her husband, before she started taking little Glimmy upstairs. Wind found a comfy spot in the corner before she started laying down and wrapping herself around glimmer and draping a wing over her. She was content to lay there and let glimmer nap, feeling her eyes get a bit heavy herself as she wrapped protectively around her foal and joined her in her nap.

 

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

Ice was a bit surprised to see Psmith here without Blue, but she was surprised when he said that there was a second reason that he had come here, and that it was something that he needed to discuss with her personally, in a more secure location than this. She kind of raised an eyebrow. "You came to speak with me? Well then, once we've concluded here, we should go speak in my office. It would be more secure there. It is my HQ after all," she said, watching the events unfold in rapid succession now. Windy had moved upstairs, the and the filly that her and Candy were helping had moved over Sky after he asked for requests and was requesting what she figured were native songs.

 

There was another pony that seemed to be coming in as well, and thankfully one of the other workers had moved over to assist them. Things were quickly starting to get very busy for the mare running the shop, and that would be both a good thing and a bad thing. She needed help, and Ice nodded when the mare asked it of her. She began to help gather everything for Psmith, and deposit them in the way that she knew Blueblood would like. Knowing the royal made it a bit easer to work with. "Trust me, you'll get paid. Blue isn't that kind of pony. Plus, they know that wouldn't fly here anyway," she said, looking to Psmith. "Where would you like me to place these for transit?" Ice asked.

[PineapplePoni]

                      •River wisp•
 

River was enjoying watching a small zebra filly getting candy; she seemed so happy! He had never seen a zebra before, but if they were all like that, it was a welcome change to the griffins he met a few days ago. ‘I know I shouldn’t judge an entire race by the first encounter I make’, he thought, but DAMN were those griffins rude.  As he looked at the zebra (he heard the others call her ‘Mizuki’) he got to wondering what would happen if the zebras and the ponies ever had a disagreement and went to war. Surely nothing too bad...right? He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn’t notice a candy bag levitate in front of him. It hit his face, making him jump back in shock. Oh, he realised, telekinetically grabbing the bag, it’s just some sweets. He smiled as he read the writing on the front;“Welcome to the Kandy Kaleidoscope. I will be with you in a few moments”. The place looked busy, so he wasn’t annoyed at the lack of service, more a little bored. So the complimentary candies were a nice surprise. As he was munching on them, a brown unicorn trotted over and greeted him. "Welcome to the Kaleidoscope. I'm Coco Bean, but everypony around her calls me Beans. What's your name and can I help you find anything?"  she said in a cheerful tone. He smiled at Coco Bean and began to write, “hello Beans! My name’s River Wisp. I’m new around here and I’m looking to try some traditional equestrian candy, though I’m not sure what they are. Forgive the writing, my vocal chords didn’t develop as a filly so I struggle to speak.“ Just then, an icy-looking pony started to speak, saying some…strange stuff to say the least. “and..if you don’t mind me asking”, he wrote,“what’s all this about an HQ?”

[Blueblood]

Sky supposed he should have expected Mizuki to hit him with a few titles he was completely unfamiliar with.  A professional musician he might be, but his development as one had been isolated for years, so there was a lot of music in Equestria that he was unfamiliar with, let alone from Zebra lands.  He didn't let that stop his smile, though!  "Mmm, I don't think I do know either of those.  Would you like to teach me?  If you start humming the tune, I can play it, then you can teach us all the words!"  A sing-along with a little filly was *just* the adorable thing to close out a good set!

 

Psmith gestured to reassure the well-dressed young mare, producing a shipping slip from a pocket.  "I have been entrusted with bank notes judged sufficient for the purpose; redeemable at any major branch.  If there is any change, you may keep it as a personal tip."  He gave a little wink at Candy Corn, before pointing out the train car number to Icy.  "A refrigerated hold on the Northcolt and Western airship line has space reserved, as long as it is delivered by 4pm this afternoon.  I trust the arrangements for dropoff should be little issue, Comrade Icy?  And then, yes, I shall most certainly join you in your office."

[SteelEagle]

Muziki started to think about it, tongue out. "Hmmm...hmmm...okay! I, I am lugging big sacks over Unyasi all the time, travelling, but we can always send it to the hotel we are at for the show! Oh, maybe- umm-?" She thought about it some more, "maybe just a little, so I can share with the others on the way home," she said with a bright smile at Saltwater. This was a very helpful employee! She was constantly amazed by the helpfulness of the ponies of the town. They all had great ideas and she was always happy to lend a friendly ear to friendly words. It had cost her a lot of the bits in town but now this time it was coming free! Because she had won just by entering! She'd have to win every time she came to town. Las Pegasus was for winners like Muziki!

 

As she started to imagine going fat on all the candy and having to be rolled down the street, it was revealed that the local bard didn't know some old Unyasi classics. Well, not a huge shock. Not everycreature could know the classics of Unyasi, let alone the colorful south and its oral traditions. She was shocked that some legends and sons were known in Manehattan and could be found in their libraries, but even then Southern Unyasi was less represented. 'Uwanda na Mawe' was a tale of the first Great Chief of the South, whose generosity and love helped form the first real state in Southern Unyasi out in the savannah of plains and stones. 'Mvua Juu ya Kusini' was more of a take on a traditional old lullaby about how a mother and father protected their youngest during the heavy storms that could lash the coasts. 

 

Neither was too hard to do, but she didn't know whether she had the time or ability to teach him it all. Could he even speak the language? She needed to get the right sheets for him though. Oh, then he could be playing the best songs ever! As Salktwater worked to get the candy ready for transport, Muziki ran up to the Sky and took a seat on the piano chair. Or whatever Equestrians called it, she was used to watching the piano played on legs. "Oh, I can, I can get you the, umm, musical sheets! Do you speak Zebrican? Oh, oh, you would like Kwa Hugara, it is top piano! I don't play piano. My mama does, she can play many of the instruments!" She said as she partially leaned against him while resting her hooves on the piano keys, then started to play them in a soothing tone. Not part of a song, just nice! "Umm, do you- umm, do you know that folk song from Most-tangia, Mustey-tang-ia, about the fastest lap between mother and son? 'Uwanda na Mawe' has a very similar melody," she said as she imitated it. "Usually, umm usually I handle the spoken parts and, depending on part the reed pipe, but my reed pipe is back with my family. But yes, yes you start like that Moust-tange folk tale. And then joined by the wind section, and then the singing!" 

[Skycoaster]

Candy Corn would help Ice pack the items, taking an inventory of everything in the box. She'd grab a few ingredient labels, as well as a 'handle with care,' and 'keep refrigerated' just to be safe. Looking to Ice Storm she'd smile. "Thanks. I was kinda hoping that one of your...um...agents...um I mean entourage would be willing to help deliver it. I advertised the the shop closing at 5 p.m., and wouldn't want to have to close early on today of all days. Perhaps when Goldie gets back I can send Salty or Beans, but I'd still want somepony to go with them."

 

Looking to Psmith as he explained the notes, Candy would smile and nod before returning her own wink. "Oh, before I forget, here are your peppermint humbugs and a bag of my namesake candy corn." Levitating the candies to him, she'd dismiss herself. "I'll leave you two to finish your business," before she walked over to the register to fill in for Beans.

 

Beans would smile at River. "Well, as you saw with your welcome bag from my boss, Candy Corn is her specialty, though she made everything in here. From the candy apples to the bit candy in these barrels. Today's best seller has been the Root Beer Barrels, and if I remember correctly, when Candy has more time, she's going to make her first batch of peanut butter cups. Oh..." the chocolate colored colt would say as he remembered, "Miss Candy's parents farm in Bittsburgh grows popping corn. we have some of that too if you want to try some?" As beans read River's comment about an HQ, he'd look to Ice Storm and then back to the young Kirin and shrug before whispering to him. "I don't know. I'm from Manehatten. I'm only here because Miss Candy Corn was assigned myself and Salty over there," as he pointed to the pale yellow pegasus helping the zebra, "as her apprentices. Salty is from Baltimare so I don't know what Miss Ice Storm would be talking about."

 

Salty has been filling up a few bags for Muziki to be delivered once she found out the name of the hotel, when she heard the request for a travel bag. Salty tapped her chin for a few moments. "Hang on a second," as she darted past Candy and into the back storeroom, only to emerge with a burlap bag that had contained sugar before it was used to make all the candy in the shop. "This should work. Not to heavy and I can put a lot of the little candy you picked out in it so you can share," she's say with a smile before looking back to see Candy giving her a nod of permission. "So for the big stuff...what's the name of the hotel again? Or maybe the name of your parents show...I think Candy or Windy could figure it out from there?" As the young Zebra focused her attention on Sky's piano, Salty would finish with her order and let out a sigh. Looking over to Candy again, she'd see a glimmer in the unicorn mare's eye. What was Candy planning now for her and Beans...

[IceStorm]

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

It has often been said, and many times has it been confirmed, that ponies with a disability in one of the main senses, had one that was extreme to the other end to make up for it. She wasn't sure if the Kirin was mute by choice, or if they had a disability of their own. Ice wasn't here to judge either way, and the words that tey wrote later confirmed disability.  What she did notice, however, was how easily he picked up on her conversation through a crowded room of ponies, and was able to identify everything that was brought up. She saw the kirin ask about what she meant by an HQ. It definitely reiterated the fact that this was not the place to discuss sensitive politics or inner workings of Equestria. However, it did make her interested in the pony. That kind of hearing and eavesdropping ability could prove useful at some point, but with him being a mute, that could put him in considerably more danger than he would already be in during a subterfuge mission. Granted, the most dangerous thing they've done stake outs on so far were corrupt nobles, and nothing violent, but that could change at a moment's notice. Plus there was always a chance that a noble is more dangerous than they let on to be.

 

She wrote down the destinations on the packages and the time frame that they needed to be there by. When Candy asked if she could have some of her agents help with delivery, she nodded. "I have plenty that are on standby right now, I can get a couple of them to help out, so these arrangement shouldn't be any problem at all," she said, giving a scroll to another and sending her back to The Fire and Ice, offering triple-time for anypony that helps with the deliveries. "We will continue our other conversation in my office," she finished.

 

From there, she looked through the store and saw that one of the other clerks had started helping the Kirin, and the other was finishing up with the Zebra's order. Which was another delivery order more likely. Hopefully she would get a good number of volunteers to help from STAR to help out. Then again, more pay was always good incentive, especially when she paid well to begin with. Better than any other branch, that was for sure. After that the Zebra went to where Sky was next to the piano and was sittng with him, hoping for a song. She smiled as she tried to find a way to play anything with him. She seemed super excited, and she knew Sky would do what he could to helpher out. It would depend on if he knew the music or not. Speaking of though, she did not see Wind Dancer anywhere now, and presumed that she had taken her little one someplace private for motherly activities.

[PineapplePoni]

River was still tuned into the mysterious conversion going on at the back when he heard beans start to answer his questions. It was so impressive for one pony to make all of this candy! He couldn’t help but wonder how she had time to make all of this and still run a business! A new wave of appreciation washed over him as he realised that no kirin in his village would’ve been even remotely up for the task. Ponies are definitely hard workers! 
River then became a little confused however, when Beans explained that she had no idea what the business was with the ‘HQ’ and all that malarkey. It was… interesting to say the least. He contemplated that for a moment then wrote;  I would love to try some popping corn, how much is it? And sorry for being nosy, but that mare, ice storm I believe her name is, keeps looking at me strangely…

 

He glanced over to see Ice storm writing something on a piece of paper, what was she doing?

 

 

[Blueblood]

"Oh, you mean 'Run for the Roses'?"  Sky's face lit up at recognition, at least of what he thought Mizuki was referring to.  While the little zebra wasn't trying to play a melody on the keys, she did have an instinctual ear for harmony rather that discordant note series, something he knew came only from practice.  Spreading his wings out, gently enough to not push her hooves off, he began to tickle the ivories into the first few bars of the song.  "Whenever you're ready, you can start singing!"

 

Just as Psmith was seeing to the final arrangements for delivery and leaving the shop, he looked out the door with a mild expression of surprise.  "Speak of royalty, and they multiply their presence.  Candy and Corns of all description, prepare to receive cavalry!"

 

That grandiloquent introduction would receive just a throaty chuckle and headshake from the stallion just entering the shop, with his little filly in tow, for it was the other Pony Prince, Shining Armor, down on vacation from the Crystal Empire along with little Flurry Heart.  The city of Los Pegasus had many things to offer for a dad and his daughter (Cadence was planning a trip herself with Flurry to Manehatten later), but to imagine that he could possibly bypass a candy shop with an excitable alicorn filly in tow was ludicrous.  "Well, here we are in any case.  I was *hoping* we could go the entire trip without a herald, but I suppose you can't help yourself, Psmith.  Do say hi to Bluey for me."

[SteelEagle]

Questions about candy, her favorite questions, came up. Where did she want the candy sent? Her stomach, mostly. "Oh! We are staying at the, umm, Jackpot Cahsino and Hotel. Room, umm, room 3-3-6. Oh! And code is, umm, 6-5-6-4, on that magical lock. So you can go right in!" She said with a trusting smile. She knew that anypony who offered or sold candy was instantly trustworthy and she was also sure her parents would love a visit from the candymares and stallions of this shop!

 

Her ear caught that Sky was on track. She liked this musical pegasus! She heard that pegasi wings made music, whistles in the sky. She'd have to find out! "Yes, it is like the running roses! Not same, but similar yes! You have good ear!" She said as she reached up and tapped his ear playfully before hurrying into the wing as the music began. It wasn't perfect but she didn't need it to perfectly match. She allowed him to play before she started singing. She normally backed vocals for her parents, but her voice was well-trained and experienced. 

"Uwanda na mawe, mahali pa kale,
Hakuna kitu, hakuna kitu kulala,
Hakuna nafsi, hakuna moyo,
Kila mtu, kila mtu yuko peke yake," she started, her voice slow but powerful, tinted with a somber tone. Then she perked up, as did her voice. 

 

"And this is, umm, the chorus!
Lakini kwa upendo na ufahamu,
Mkuu mkubwa, mkuu mkubwa,
Uwanda na mawe, ilibadilika,
Kutoka utupu, kuwa taifa lenye nguvu," she said, the chorus nearly matching "Run for the Roses" in tempo before it slowed again.

 

"Alileta pamoja, tofauti zote,
Kwa moyo wake, na ujasiri wake,
Akaweka mawe, kama nguzo,
Kwenye uwanda, kama ishara ya umoja," she continued, her voice's rising hopefulness and happiness telling the story that the words themselves may not in Equestrian. 

 

She looked at Sky. "Okay, now you join in on the chorus with!" She took a breath.
Lakini kwa upendo..."

[Skycoaster]

Saltwater Taffy stood there in amazement as Muziki gave her all the information she would have needed....and then some. She tried to hid her expression of concern, but could only force a faint smile. "I got it," Salty would say with a wink, "But you have to be careful what information you give out, especially in a big city like Las Pegasus. If I gave that much out in Baltimare, I'd come home to an empty house," she'd say just loud enough for only Muziki to hear before she continued with Sky. She'd finish packaging the candy and label it to just the hotel and room. The staff at the Jackpot could take it from there. "OK boss, I got the register covered till Beans is done with his new friend." Candy would look over and nod before heading back on the floor to check her stock.

 

Coco Bean would nod to the River and lead him towards the popcorn machine and away from where Ice Storm and Psmith where finishing their business. "Five Bits for the regular bag and Ten Bits for the Jumbo one," he'd say pointing to the machine as it was popping a fresh batch. "You know, sometimes between Candy's family and the Apple's of Equestria, I think they may just have a monopoly on farming. As for Ice Storm, I think she's a private pony and we've kinda been eavesdropping. I know she owns a hotel and casino called the Fire and Ice. Maybe that HQ you heard about is just her office there." Beans would say just loud enough for only River Wisp to hear.

 

Little Flurry was flying just in her father's shadow as she took in all the sights, sounds, and smells of Las Pegasus. This was the the trip she had been looking forward to for weeks now. It's not that she wasn't the trip with her mother in a month or two, but she was a daddy's filly after all. There was so many different things to draw her attention, however when her father heard someone call his name, she'd find herself in front of a shop that said it was new but looked old. This was something new for her. From the smell of candy and fudge to the sound of music coming from the piano, she just had to stick her head in behind Shining Armor.

 

Candy had just returned from her storeroom with another two barrels of bit candy in her levitation placing them down, she'd just about have a heart attack as she saw who Psmith was talking about. She'd turn and quickly face the Prince of the Crystal Empire. "It.....it...its an honor your highness that you'd choose to pick my little shop on our first day. Our Grand opening just go grander." To say that Candy was nervous was an understatement. She'd curtsy as she introduced herself, and stare at each member of her staff to do the same. "I'm Candy Corn. I'm the one who made all this...except the taffy, Salty..I mean Saltwater Taffy did with my recipe. What can I get for yinz? We also got my family's popping corn as well..."

 

Flurry Heart would poke around her father as she walked into the store. Before Candy could start another round of greetings, Flurry would stop her. "We're on vacation. I'm just Flurry Heart this week. No curtsy or your highness required, right Dad?"