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The Sun in Your Eyes

By CosmicButthole
Created: 2025-07-14 03:51:01
Updated: 2026-04-06 04:27:20
Expiry: Never
anonsafeanonstallion

  1. 1.
    >The sun rose earlier than usual today.
  2. 2.
    >For good reason: today is the summer solstice.
  3. 3.
    >The longest day of the year.
  4. 4.
    >The day when all of Equestria gets to truly enjoy the warmth and comfort that Princess Celestia provides to her faithful subjects.
  5. 5.
    >Her grace is received with gratitude, and that gratitude is expressed by the citizens of Ponyville with a festival that lasts as long as the sun is in the sky.
  6. 6.
    >Treats and candies are whipped up with a summer theme, games are held, and memories are made.
  7. 7.
    >All the pegasi in Ponyville ensure the weather schedule allows for a clear day without a cloud in the sky.
  8. 8.
    >It’s one of the happiest, most highly anticipated days of the year.
  9. 9.
    >Not so much for you.
  10. 10.
    >You’ve never been super sociable, although Pinkie Pie is determined to believe otherwise.
  11. 11.
    >You seldom show up for any of the dozens of birthday parties she constantly invites you to, and she keeps throwing you surprise birthday parties in spite of your repeated, increasingly firm requests that she not.
  12. 12.
    >So then why are you here this time?
  13. 13.
    >What motivated you to crawl out of bed, brush your teeth and your mane, and leave your humble home to join in on the summer festivities?
  14. 14.
    >...It’s the stories you’ve heard.
  15. 15.
    >When you venture into town to go grocery shopping, you often catch funny, nostalgic retellings of moments from events like the summer solstice festival.
  16. 16.
    >Stories about how Fluttershy hit the dunk tank target dead center and spent fifteen minutes apologizing to the pony in the dunk tank, or how Pinkie Pie broke the all-time apple bobbing record that Granny Smith had held for decades.
  17. 17.
    >You’d pretend you didn’t care, but when you’re sitting alone in your home at night, your heart aches, wishing it could have been there to witness those stories be written into the history of Ponyville.
  18. 18.
    >That’s why you’re here.
  19. 19.
    >You want to make memories.
  20. 20.
    >But as you stand just outside the perimeter of the festival grounds, you wonder how exactly it is you go about making these memories.
  21. 21.
    >They’re so spontaneous, it depends on being in the right place at the right time.
  22. 22.
    >This would be so much easier if you had friends…
  23. 23.
    >...But this is a good way to make friends, right?
  24. 24.
    >Everypony’s in a good mood, surely they’d be looking to make a new friend or two.
  25. 25.
    >And worst comes to worst, you can fall back on Pinkie.
  26. 26.
    >Maybe her high-energy everything is just a matter of getting used to her.
  27. 27.
    >Okay, here we go.
  28. 28.
    >Onward towards making friends and memories-
  29. 29.
    >”Excuse me?”
  30. 30.
    >You turn to face the source of the feminine voice to find somepony you’ve never seen before.
  31. 31.
    >She’s a pegasus with a cream colored body, ruby colored eyes, and a mane colored like the sunrise.
  32. 32.
    >”Would you happen to know where Sugarcube Corner’s stand is set up? I’ve been looking forward to their cakes all week!” She asks you.
  33. 33.
     
  34. 34.
    “Uh…”
  35. 35.
    >You glance at the festival grounds, then back at her.
  36. 36.
    “...No, this is actually kind of my… first time coming…” You sheepishly admit.
  37. 37.
    >”Oh, how exciting!” The mystery mare beams. “We can explore this festival together!”
  38. 38.
    >Looks like this ‘making friends’ thing is easier than you thought.
  39. 39.
    “Uh… sure!” You agree.
  40. 40.
    >The mystery mare smiles and claps her forehooves together.
  41. 41.
    >”Oh! Where are my manners? My name is, ah, Sunny Skies! And who might you be, if you don’t mind me asking?” She asks you.
  42. 42.
    >Weird, it kind of seems like she almost forgot what her own name was.
  43. 43.
    >You’re probably reading too much into it, you’ve spilled your fair share of spaghetti when introducing yourself in the past.
  44. 44.
    “Uh, my name’s Anonymous.” You introduce yourself, keeping your spaghetti in your pockets.
  45. 45.
    >”What a lovely name! It’s a pleasure to meet you, Anonymous!” Sunny Skies compliments you.
  46. 46.
    >You gently blush at the compliment, averting your eyes towards the ground.
  47. 47.
    “Y-You too…”
  48. 48.
    >There goes the spaghetti.
  49. 49.
    >Sunny giggles at your response.
  50. 50.
    >”Why, thank you! It’s so nice to see the citizens of Ponyville so welcoming.”
  51. 51.
    >Huh, looks like you didn’t completely ruin the moment.
  52. 52.
    >”But let’s not delay any further, let’s go find those cakes!”
  53. 53.
    >Sunny Skies skips ahead of you, prompting you to hastily make pace with her.
  54. 54.
    >As the two of you walk together, you’re quickly confronted by how big of a deal this festival is.
  55. 55.
    >It looks like the entirety of Ponyville has come out to enjoy the summer solstice festival.
  56. 56.
    >Little fillies and colts run about around your hooves, groups of ponies wait in one of the many lines for the delicious foods that tempt you to join the lines with their enchanting scent, and more than a few ponies looking just as confused as you, trying to find where they’re trying to go.
  57. 57.
    >It’s… overwhelming.
  58. 58.
    >It’s so crowded.
  59. 59.
    >You have to be careful with every step you take.
  60. 60.
    >Everypony’s talking so loudly, you can barely hear yourself think.
  61. 61.
    >You’re constantly bumping into somepony or stumbling over a small rock or somepony’s hoof.
  62. 62.
    >You try peering past them to see if you can find the stand Mr. and Mrs. Cake have set up, but you’re fighting an ocean of ponies.
  63. 63.
    >This isn’t swimming upstream, this is trying to keep your head above the water.
  64. 64.
    >”Anonymous? Are you alright?” You manage to hear Sunny Skies ask you.
  65. 65.
    >You would answer her, but with all the townsfolk all around you make that impossible.
  66. 66.
    >Sunny finds an opening in the crowd and drags you off to the side, in between two meager looking stands.
  67. 67.
    >Finally, you’re able to breathe.
  68. 68.
    “Thanks, Sunny. I guess I’m not as built for crowds as I thought I was.” You admit, your voice tinged with shame.
  69. 69.
    >”That’s alright! Socialization like that can take a lot of getting used to!” Sunny comforts you.
  70. 70.
    “Yeah, no kidding…”
  71. 71.
     
  72. 72.
    >”...Say, perhaps we could meet up with some other friends of yours! I’m sure that finding our way around will be much easier as a larger group!” Sunny tries to suggest.
  73. 73.
    >Other friends.
  74. 74.
    >Ha.
  75. 75.
    >Turns out it’s pretty hard to make new friends without making yourself look like a loser.
  76. 76.
    “Uh… I kinda don’t have… ‘other’ friends…” You admit.
  77. 77.
    >Sunny gasps in shock.
  78. 78.
    >”How could that be? You seem perfectly decent to me!” She asks you, rather intensely.
  79. 79.
    >You shrink back, feeling more embarrassed.
  80. 80.
    “I dunno, I just don’t really get out much!”
  81. 81.
    >”Well, that’s terrible! Everypony deserves friends, Anonymous!” Sunny proclaims.
  82. 82.
    “I know, I know! That’s kinda what I’m out here today!” You say defensively.
  83. 83.
    >Sunny face brightens up.
  84. 84.
    >”That’s delightful to hear! Taking that first step is often the hardest step of all, and I’m very proud of the effort you’ve put in thus far! You’ll have plenty of friends soon enough, I’m positive!” Sunny says, heaping praise onto you.
  85. 85.
    >Geez, this mare sure is intense when it comes to friends.
  86. 86.
    >”And it seems to me, you’ve already made one new friend.” She giggles.
  87. 87.
    >Her smile sure is infectious.
  88. 88.
    >A smile finds its way onto your face as well as you join in on her little giggle.
  89. 89.
    “Hehe, yeah, I guess so.” You admit.
  90. 90.
    >But lingering next to the moment with a bad case of hover-hoof is the fact that you don’t really know anything about her.
  91. 91.
    >You should do something about that.
  92. 92.
    “...Say, what’s your story, Sunny Skies? What brings you all the way to Ponyville?” You ask her.
  93. 93.
    >Her eyes widen a little at your question.
  94. 94.
    >Why, you have trouble deciphering.
  95. 95.
    >”Ah, yes! I’m visiting from Canterlot for the weekend. It’s lovely there, but I often find myself yearning for the quiet, simple life that a small town like Ponyville can offer. Canterlot types can be so… stuffy.” Sunny answers you, with a tone that sounds like she’s admitting a secret.
  96. 96.
    >You don’t know why, anypony in Ponyville would say that Canterlot folk are snobby rich jerks.
  97. 97.
    >”Ponyville just seems so full of… adventure, I suppose!”
  98. 98.
    “Between Nightmare Moon’s show-stopping return and the town being terrorized by a rampaging horde of Pinkie Pie clones, that’s certainly one word you could use.” You dryly remark.
  99. 99.
    >Sunny Skies bursts into a fit of laughter at your response, even needing to take a moment to catch her breath and collect herself.
  100. 100.
    >She laughs more than you’d expect anypony to at a little comment like the one you just made.
  101. 101.
    “Heh, calm down, Sunny, it wasn’t THAT funny.” You say to her with a small giggle.
  102. 102.
    >”Oh, I know, but it’s been far too long since I’ve gotten to enjoy a conversation like this.” She admits with small giggles peppered throughout.
  103. 103.
    >You can’t help but giggle along with her.
  104. 104.
    >It feels really nice to let your guard down like this.
  105. 105.
    >This whole “making friends” thing really is long overdue.
  106. 106.
    >And Sunny’s got such a pretty smile, too…
  107. 107.
     
  108. 108.
    >”Oh, Anonymous! I see Sugarcube Corner’s stand over there! Let’s get going before all the cakes are gone!” Sunny urges you, dragging you along before you can answer.
  109. 109.
    >The prospect of cake motivates her to almost shove through all the ponies in her way as she makes a beeline to the cake stand, with you in tow.
  110. 110.
    >You make for a pretty bumpy tag-along.
  111. 111.
    >While you love yourself a good slice of cake, this Sunny mare goes at it like the slice of cake in her future is the first thing she’s eaten in weeks.
  112. 112.
    >Yet she moves through the crowd with a certain grace.
  113. 113.
    >She doesn’t push through anypony, she effortlessly glides through the spaces in between them like a fish swimming in a pond.
  114. 114.
    >You can’t help but admire it, especially compared to your own attempts to squeeze through the crowd.
  115. 115.
    >But on the other side of the crowd, Sunny found herself separated from the array of cakes that the folks at Sugarcube Corner had prepared by a line of ponies looking to get some of the cake for themselves.
  116. 116.
    >”Oh, darn.” Sunny sulked. “Waiting’s always the worst part.”
  117. 117.
    “Yeah…”
  118. 118.
    >Judging by the line, you’re gonna be waiting a while.
  119. 119.
    “But, you know, we could use the time to get to know each other a little better.” You suggest.
  120. 120.
    >Sunny’s face lights up at the prospect as she turns to you.
  121. 121.
    >”That’s a very good point! Perhaps we could play a game of some kind!”
  122. 122.
    “A game, huh?” You ask her.
  123. 123.
    >”I don’t mean hoofball, we can just ask each other questions!” Sunny clarifies.
  124. 124.
    >It’ll pass the time better than anything you can think of.
  125. 125.
    “Alright then, you start.”
  126. 126.
    >”Hm…” Sunny thinks for a moment.
  127. 127.
    >”Which of the elements of harmony do you believe you best embody?”
  128. 128.
    >That’s certainly not what you were expecting her to ask you.
  129. 129.
    >What kind of answer do you give to something like that?
  130. 130.
    “Uh…”
  131. 131.
    >You scratch your chin with your hoof as you think.
  132. 132.
    >”Anonymous, it’s really not a difficult question. It should be the first thing that comes to your mind!” Sunny giggles.
  133. 133.
    “My mind’s a complex thing! I’m not impulsive like that!” You jokingly defend yourself.
  134. 134.
    >This prompts Sunny to laugh louder.
  135. 135.
    >”It appears to me that your element is laughter!” She deduces.
  136. 136.
    >You wave off her claim with your hoof.
  137. 137.
    “I dunno, compared to Pinkie Pie, I’m hardly fit for an open mic night.”
  138. 138.
    >”Pinkie Pie may bear the element in the defense of Equestria, but the elements of harmony exist within all of us, Anonymous. We all possess the ability to be kind, honest, loyal, generous, and to spread laughter; that’s what makes Equestria such a wonderful land.” She counters your humble assertion.
  139. 139.
    “Doesn’t that make it a little impossible for me to pin myself down to just ONE element? Like I said, I’m complex like that.” You remark, half-sarcastically.
  140. 140.
    >Sunny isn’t deterred.
  141. 141.
    >”It’s a hypothetical question, Anonymous. You could have chosen the element of loyalty for the sake of this matter.”
  142. 142.
     
  143. 143.
    “But that wouldn’t be very HONEST of me, now, would it?” You slyly rebut.
  144. 144.
    >Sunny’s a little caught off guard, but she smiles at you.
  145. 145.
    >”Well played, Anonymous. I believe it’s your turn to ask me a question now.”
  146. 146.
    “Okay, lemme think…”
  147. 147.
    >”You seem to do a lot of thinking.” Sunny notes with a sly grin.
  148. 148.
    >You playfully leer at her, but she speaks up before you can say anything to her.
  149. 149.
    >“And I’m aware of how complex you are.”
  150. 150.
    “Here’s a question for you, straight from my complex brain: between Queen Chrysalis, Discord, Nightmare Moon, and King Sombra, who would you most want to have as a roommate?”
  151. 151.
    >”Oh, that’s easy, Nightmare Moon!” Sunny quickly answers.
  152. 152.
    >You blink.
  153. 153.
    “Darn, I was really hoping that would stump you, at least a little.” You admit, earning another giggle from Sunny.
  154. 154.
    “What makes you so certain that Nightmare Moon would make a good roommate?”
  155. 155.
    >”It’s simple, really. Nightmare Moon rebelled against her sister because she felt as if her efforts to rule over the night went unappreciated. All she truly needed was an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.” Sunny answered matter-of-factly.
  156. 156.
    >There’s something else in her voice.
  157. 157.
    >Clarity, understanding.
  158. 158.
    >She’s thought about this before, it sounds like.
  159. 159.
    >Granted, everypony’s thought about Princess Luna’s brief stint as Nightmare Moon.
  160. 160.
    >Her turning a new leaf after threatening to plunge the world into an eternal night affected everypony, after all.
  161. 161.
    >But still…
  162. 162.
    >”I just couldn’t see myself getting along with the others. Queen Chrysalis would be so needy, her and her need to feed on love, to say nothing of that hive of hers. King Sombra is far too self absorbed to do something as low as basic chores, and… I think we needn’t say anything about Discord as a roommate.” Sunny continued.
  163. 163.
    >You chuckle a little.
  164. 164.
    “I dunno, I think Discord could be pretty handy when it comes to getting the dishes clean. He could just snap his fingers and make them all clean.”
  165. 165.
    >”Indeed, he COULD, but the Discord I know would sooner turn your entire house to dirty dishes than do one meager chore of his own volition.” Sunny remarked.
  166. 166.
    >Wait, what?
  167. 167.
    “The Discord YOU know?” You repeat back to her.
  168. 168.
    >Sunny freezes in place.
  169. 169.
    >”Uh… w-what I meant was, uh…”
  170. 170.
    >”Hey, I got a question for you two: do you wanna move up the line?” A stallion behind you and Sunny impatiently asks you.
  171. 171.
    >You glance ahead to find a sizeable gap between you and the ponies standing exchanging their bits for some cake.
  172. 172.
    “Uh, yeah, sorry.” You clumsily apologize as you and Sunny shuffle forward.
  173. 173.
    >This conversation’s gonna be continued later.
  174. 174.
    >If Sunny’s got some kind of history with Discord, she’s a more interesting character than you first pegged her as.
  175. 175.
    >”Thank you for your patronage, enjoy the summer solstice!” Mrs. Cake bids farewell to the couple in front of you, inviting you and Sunny forward.
  176. 176.
     
  177. 177.
    >”Now, what would you two like?” Mr. Cake asks you after placing the bits he received in the register.
  178. 178.
    >Behind the makeshift counter is an array of cakes protected with transparent covers, each a different flavor and each with a different amount left.
  179. 179.
    >”I would like a slice of red velvet, please.” Sunny politely requests, clearly having thought about her answer beforehand.
  180. 180.
    >Maybe that should’ve been a question you discussed together.
  181. 181.
    >”Alright then, now what would you like, sir?” Mr. Cake turns to you as Mrs. Cake retrieves one of the slices of red velvet cake for Sunny.
  182. 182.
    >So many colors, so many flavors.
  183. 183.
    >Darn it, you can never perform well under pressure.
  184. 184.
    >The line behind you gets more annoyed with each passing second, act fast!
  185. 185.
    “I’ll, uh, have what she’s having.” You answer as confidently as you can muster.
  186. 186.
    >”Well, I’m sorry to say, but she got the last slice.” Mr. Cake informs you, motioning to the empty display case.
  187. 187.
    >Of course.
  188. 188.
    >The line behind you gets a little more impatient.
  189. 189.
    “Oh, shoot, uh…”
  190. 190.
    >”Noooooo he didn’t!” A familiar voice interjects.
  191. 191.
    >Pinkie Pie soon reveals herself, carrying a display case holding a freshly baked red velvet cake.
  192. 192.
    >”He got here just in time!” Pinkie beams.
  193. 193.
    >”Ah, well, there we go.” Mr. Cake says before cutting a slice of the cake and presenting it to you.
  194. 194.
    “Thank you, Pinkie.” You say to her, relieved to have been spared any further social tension.
  195. 195.
    >”No problemo, Anonymo!” Pinkie giggles.
  196. 196.
    >”Your total comes to six bits.” Mrs. Cake informs you and Sunny as Pinkie rearranges the cake displays.
  197. 197.
    “I’ve got it right here…” You say to her, reaching into your bag and producing the bits for payment.
  198. 198.
    >”Are you sure, Anonymous? I wouldn’t mind paying.” Sunny tries to offer, but you shake your head.
  199. 199.
    “Nah, it’s fine.” You reply, passing the bits over to Mrs. Cake before Sunny can protest some more.
  200. 200.
    >”Saaaaaay…” Pinkie speaks up again, leering at Sunny.
  201. 201.
    >”Don’t I know you from somewhere?”
  202. 202.
    >Sunny takes a step backward and nervously laughs, avoiding eye contact.
  203. 203.
    >”Well, I can’t imagine so…” Sunny answers.
  204. 204.
    >”Hmmm… I’m sure I’ve seen you before somewhere!” Pinkie insists, leering even closer at Sunny.
  205. 205.
    >A moment of tense silence passes.
  206. 206.
    >”Oh, well! Must be just my imagination!” Pinkie disarms herself, backing off.
  207. 207.
    >Sunny breathes a sigh of relief and takes her slice of cake.
  208. 208.
    >”You two enjoy your sweets!” Pinkie wishes to you and Sunny before she bounces off, presumably to attend to more cake related matters.
  209. 209.
    >”Thank you, we will!” Sunny says to her before she disappears over the hills.
  210. 210.
    >You hastily move out of the way of the ponies behind you with your cake carefully held on the plate given to you.
  211. 211.
    >Sunny walks alongside you, but she’s having a little more trouble balancing the plate with her mouth.
  212. 212.
    >The crowds are still packing the festival.
  213. 213.
     
  214. 214.
    “Maybe we should step out of the way and eat the cake somewhere safer?” You suggest to Sunny after setting your plate of cake aside.
  215. 215.
    >”Yesh, that shounds like a good idea.” Sunny agrees through the plate being held in her mouth.
  216. 216.
    >But when Sunny tries to move through the crowd to join you, she stumbles over a small rock on the ground and falls forward, ending up on the ground with her face smashed into her slice of cake.
  217. 217.
    >A few of the ponies surrounding you two noticed this and laughed amongst themselves at Sunny’s expense.
  218. 218.
    >Sunny looks down at the ground with her face covered in bits of cake, visibly humiliated.
  219. 219.
    >”Forget how to use your hooves, feather-brain?” A snooty unicorn mare mockingly asks her.
  220. 220.
    “Hey, back off.” You immediately say to the unicorn, stepping forward.
  221. 221.
    >It’s difficult to say who was more surprised by this act: her, or you.
  222. 222.
    >You’ve never shown this kind of backbone when it came to standing up for yourself, but your defense of Sunny was so immediate.
  223. 223.
    >”Pfft, what, are you her boyfriend, or something?” She asks you.
  224. 224.
    “Why, you jealous?” You shoot back at her, inviting a few “Ooh”s from the small crowd surrounding the three of you.
  225. 225.
    >The unicorn takes a step back with a sour look on her face.
  226. 226.
    >”You wish, loser.” She retorts right before turning around and marching off before you could subject her to another one of your witty remarks.
  227. 227.
    >The crowd disperses soon after, leaving you alone with Sunny, still on the ground her face still a mess.
  228. 228.
    >Sunny gets back up and cleans the bits of cake off her face, but sadly looks down at the ruined plate that once held the cake she was looking forward to enjoying.
  229. 229.
    >The sight pulls at your heartstrings, enough to make you want to help.
  230. 230.
    “...You can have my cake, if you want.” You offer.
  231. 231.
    >Sunny shakes her head, forcing a weak smile.
  232. 232.
    >”Oh, thank you, but I couldn’t ask you for that…”
  233. 233.
    “Well, good thing you’re not asking.” You remind her with a small smile, pushing your slice of cake towards her.
  234. 234.
    >Sunny remains visibly conflicted.
  235. 235.
    >”But…”
  236. 236.
    “Sunny, I live here. If I want some red velvet cake, I can just go to Sugarcube Corner and get some. This is your vacation from Canterlot, you deserve to enjoy your time here.” You insist.
  237. 237.
    >Sunny looks up at you with a lot of emotion in her eyes before she lets herself look at the slice of cake you offered her.
  238. 238.
    >She gets back onto her hooves and carefully takes the cake, placing it safely beside her.
  239. 239.
    >Sunny looks at you with a wide smile and a faint blush on her cheeks.
  240. 240.
    >”...Thank you, Anonymous.” She softly says to you.
  241. 241.
     
  242. 242.
    “Of course, Sunny. What are friends for, right?” You say to her with a smile.
  243. 243.
    >You ignore the small rumbling in your stomach.
  244. 244.
    >You’ll get something to eat later.
  245. 245.
    >Sunny giggles lightly at your comment, delicately handling the plate with her wings.
  246. 246.
    >She leans down and takes a bite from the cake, invoking a very pleasant reaction from within her.
  247. 247.
    >Sunny’s entire body relaxes as she sighs contentedly, but this tranquility is quickly shown the door when she almost ravenously consumes the rest of the cake.
  248. 248.
    >In the blink of an eye, the disposable plate is completely free of any evidence that a slice of cake ever touched it.
  249. 249.
    >Sunny wipes the remaining crumbs off her face with one of her wings, but she freezes when she makes eye contact with you.
  250. 250.
    >”Eheh, sorry you had to see that…” She awkwardly laughs.
  251. 251.
    “Hey, don’t worry, I’m sure as heck not one to judge.” You assure her with a bit of a laugh.
  252. 252.
    >”I’ve just been missing a cake like this for so long that I…”
  253. 253.
    >Sunny’s smile vanishes from her face, replaced by an exhausted, sad look.
  254. 254.
    >”...I haven’t been fully honest with you, Anonymous. I…”
  255. 255.
    >She sighs.
  256. 256.
    >”...I, too, came here to make friends…”
  257. 257.
    >This admission really catches you off guard.
  258. 258.
    >How could a mare like Sunny have trouble making friends?
  259. 259.
    >She’s more familiar with the elements of harmony than anypony else you know, and she’s been nothing but friendly and outgoing since you met her earlier today.
  260. 260.
    “Really?” You ask her, trying to sum up your thoughts on the matter into one word.
  261. 261.
    >”Canterlot is so… life in Canterlot is a terribly isolating experience.” Sunny admits.
  262. 262.
    >”There’s always an expectation for you to maintain a certain image of yourself at all times. Even in casual situations, like after work, you’re always expected to stay dignified.”
  263. 263.
    >Sunny’s body sinks a little more.
  264. 264.
    >”Lately I’ve just been feeling so alone. Like there was nopony I could truly be myself with. Nopony I could… say any of this to.” She laughs weakly.
  265. 265.
    >”I- I hope I’m not troubling you with any of this-”
  266. 266.
    “No, no, you’re all good!” You’re quick to assure her.
  267. 267.
    >This comforts her a little, though Sunny’s still down in the dumps.
  268. 268.
    “...I hope what just happened with that unicorn didn’t sour you on Ponyville.”
  269. 269.
    >Sunny, again, gives you a sad laugh.
  270. 270.
    >”Don’t worry, it didn’t. To be truthful, I appreciated her openness, in a way. Canterlot citizens would behave the same if they weren’t so worried about their image…”
  271. 271.
    >”Besides, she was just one pony. I’ve already met some wonderful citizens of Ponyville, like Pinkie Pie, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and you.” Sunny smiles at you more brightly.
  272. 272.
    >You can’t help but smile back at her.
  273. 273.
    “Thank you, Sunny.” You graciously say to her.
  274. 274.
     
  275. 275.
    “And, yeah, I know what you mean. I’ve never liked how when somepony asks you ‘how are you today’, you’re just expected to say ‘I’m good’ or ‘I’m doing well’, you know?”
  276. 276.
    >”Oh, gosh, don’t get me started!” Sunny answers, you having gotten her started.
  277. 277.
    >”There’s nothing I want more than to say ‘My day’s been going horribly because of all these dignitaries I have to meet with, and they’re upset because of a mistake our translator made, and I had to spend the entire evening ensuring that war doesn’t break out because the Saddle Arabians thought we called them dogs, and then I wanted nothing more than to just have a nice slice of cake before bed, but then my sister got to it before me, and…ugh!”
  278. 278.
    >Then Sunny catches herself.
  279. 279.
    >She shakily exhales and laughs.
  280. 280.
    >”...So, in short terms, yes, I know exactly what you mean.”
  281. 281.
    >That’s a lot to take in.
  282. 282.
    >Sunny meets with ponies from the Saddle Arabian government?
  283. 283.
    >On top of having some personal experience dealing with Discord?
  284. 284.
    >...Who is she?
  285. 285.
    >Your thoughts must have been visible, because Sunny’s face turns remorseful.
  286. 286.
    >”I’m sorry, I’m rambling too much, aren’t I?”
  287. 287.
    “No, it’s not that.” You say to her.
  288. 288.
    “You just… surprise me, is all.”
  289. 289.
    >Sunny chuckles knowingly.
  290. 290.
    >”I wish I could just sit here and spill my whole life story to you, but… the nature of my work demands confidentiality, I’m sure you can understand.”
  291. 291.
    “Working with the Saddle Arabian government? I can only imagine…”
  292. 292.
    >Sunny takes a step closer to you.
  293. 293.
    >”But, if you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about work for now.”
  294. 294.
    >She makes a good point.
  295. 295.
    >If this is her time away from her life in Canterlot, you shouldn’t be bugging her for details about that.
  296. 296.
    “You’re right, I’m sorry.” You apologize.
  297. 297.
    >”It’s alright, Anonymous! No harm has been done, let’s focus on enjoying ourselves here today, okay?”
  298. 298.
    >You nod at her with a smile.
  299. 299.
    “Okay.”
  300. 300.
    >Sunny perks right back up.
  301. 301.
    >”Wonderful! Let’s go exploring!”
  302. 302.
    >With that, Sunny leads you back into the moving mass of ponies in search of something fun for you both to do.
  303. 303.
    >You find it remarkably easier to move through the crowd with Sunny in front of you.
  304. 304.
    >It’s like she’s parting the waters of an ocean to make a path for you.
  305. 305.
    >She moves with such grace and purpose.
  306. 306.
    >Her Canterlot life is good for one thing, it seems.
  307. 307.
    >As you walk alongside her, you see so many things you feel like you’re seeing for the first time.
  308. 308.
    >Who knew Ponyville had so many citizens?
  309. 309.
    >Everypony except you, it seems.
  310. 310.
    >There’s a stand for candy shaped like the sun, a stand selling sun-themed flower arrangements, a little stand for ponies to take photos sticking their heads through a wooden standee.
  311. 311.
    >”You there!” One particularly confident voice calls out.
  312. 312.
    >You and Sunny turn to the source of this voice, finding a stallion standing in front of a stack of cans pointing a cane directly at you.
  313. 313.
     
  314. 314.
    >”You look like a strong, young stallion! Care to give this game a shot? Five bits for three throws! Knock all the cans down and you’ll walk away with any of these fine prizes that you want!”
  315. 315.
    >The stallion motions above him to an array of massive plush animals in a variety of species.
  316. 316.
    >”I’m sure your lady friend here would fall head over hooves for you if you won her one of these!” The stallion egged you on with a sly wink.
  317. 317.
    >”Anonymous, you really don’t need to impress me with any extravagant gifts.” Sunny assures you, but your eyes linger on the prizes on display.
  318. 318.
    >You feel like you really want to win Sunny one of those plushes.
  319. 319.
    >Really give her something she can keep in her fancy home in Canterlot as a souvenir for the good time she had in Ponyville.
  320. 320.
    >Something she can remember you by.
  321. 321.
    “...Alright, I’m game.” You confidently say to the stallion, forking over the bits.
  322. 322.
    >”Excellent!” The stallion beamed, quickly taking the bits and placing three well-worn balls before you and stepping aside to give you a clean shot at the stack of six cans.
  323. 323.
    >It’s like five feet away from you, you’ve got this.
  324. 324.
    >Sunny watches anxiously as the stallion running the game continues to smile encouragingly at you.
  325. 325.
    >You take the first ball in your hoof.
  326. 326.
    >It feels weird in your hoof.
  327. 327.
    >Like it’s heavier on one end than the other.
  328. 328.
    >Whatever, it’s just a ball.
  329. 329.
    >You shut one eye, wind back, and throw the ball.
  330. 330.
    >A clean miss.
  331. 331.
    >”Ooh, tough luck! But you’ve still got two more!” The stallion said in a tone like a game show host’s.
  332. 332.
    >You gulp.
  333. 333.
    >You can’t look bad in front of Sunny, you’ve gotta win this for her.
  334. 334.
    >Ignore that, just throw the ball.
  335. 335.
    >Hit the cans dead center.
  336. 336.
    >You grab another ball.
  337. 337.
    >You close one eye and hold your breath.
  338. 338.
    >You wind back and throw the ball.
  339. 339.
    >The ball only grazes the top can.
  340. 340.
    >”So close! You’ve got one ball left, you better make it count!” The stallion running the game cheekily reminds you.
  341. 341.
    >Sunny watches you even more anxiously.
  342. 342.
    >You can feel your heart rate pick up.
  343. 343.
    >You’ve gotta win this.
  344. 344.
    >You gotta.
  345. 345.
    >For her.
  346. 346.
    >You take the last ball into your hoof.
  347. 347.
    >You inhale, then exhale.
  348. 348.
    >You tune out everything around you.
  349. 349.
    >All that exists is you and the stack of cans.
  350. 350.
    >You hold your breath.
  351. 351.
    >You wind up your throw.
  352. 352.
    >Then you throw the ball.
  353. 353.
    >The ball sails through the air.
  354. 354.
    >The ball hits the stack of cans dead center.
  355. 355.
    >...And the cans don’t budge.
  356. 356.
    “What!?” You exclaim in shock and frustration.
  357. 357.
    >”Tough luck, kid! That truly is a… tragic display. But hey, I bet you loosened them! Another five bits and any one of these wonderful prizes could be yours!” The stallion behind the stallion grins at you.
  358. 358.
    >You now see the venom in his smile.
  359. 359.
    >Those cans have weights in them keeping them from moving.
  360. 360.
    >And the balls you threw were intentionally weighted to make them harder to throw.
  361. 361.
    >You were ripped off.
  362. 362.
     
  363. 363.
    >Your pouch stings at the five bits you wasted on this rigged carnie game.
  364. 364.
    >Worst of all, you made yourself look like a fool in front of Sunny.
  365. 365.
    >Your head sinks and your eyes fall to the ground in front of you, feeling clouds form above you.
  366. 366.
    >”I would like to try.” Sunny firmly stated to the stallion, placing five bits on the counter.
  367. 367.
    >The sight of him gleefully taking her bits makes you angrier at him.
  368. 368.
    >But you’ve made yourself look bad enough already, so you stand by and watch as Sunny steps up to throw the first of the three balls.
  369. 369.
    >There’s a real determination you see in her eyes as she prepares to throw the first ball.
  370. 370.
    >It’s a side of her you haven’t seen before.
  371. 371.
    >She looks like she’s determined to right a great wrong.
  372. 372.
    >”Careful now, young lady, and make sure to-”
  373. 373.
    >The stallion’s smug, sarcastic advice is cut short when Sunny winds up and flings the ball at the stack of cans, making the cans practically explode.
  374. 374.
    >The loud noise draws the attention of the crowd around you, who silently watch as Sunny breathes heavily at the sight of the destroyed cans while the stallion running the game cowers behind the counter.
  375. 375.
    >Of the scrap metal that remained of the cans, sand poured off the table and onto the ground, giving away the secret behind the game.
  376. 376.
    >The stallion running the “game” looked around and nervously laughs as he emerged from underneath the counter.
  377. 377.
    >”Ah... eheh… l-looks like you’ve won one of these fabulous prizes!” He tries to say confidently to Sunny, but he’s visibly intimidated by her surprising strength.
  378. 378.
    >Sunny looks over at the stallion, making the stallion flinch.
  379. 379.
    >”Or, you know, however many you want!” He corrects himself.
  380. 380.
    >Sunny places a hoof to her chin as she carefully looks over each one of the plushies available for her taking.
  381. 381.
    >One of them catches her eye: a massive plush phoenix.
  382. 382.
    >”That one, please!” She says to him.
  383. 383.
    >The stallion running the game notices her choice and shakily gets it down from the display and passes it over to her, but ready to retreat back into cover at the first sign of her personality turning again.
  384. 384.
    >Sunny gratefully takes hold of the phoenix plush that’s almost as big as she is, then she turns to you with a wide smile.
  385. 385.
    >You’re still stunned from her incredible display of strength, so it takes you a moment to actually say anything to her.
  386. 386.
     
  387. 387.
    “Wow, Sunny, that was… amazing!”
  388. 388.
    >Sunny laughs a little.
  389. 389.
    >”Oh, that? That was nothing, I just can’t stand dishonest business practices.” Sunny waves off your compliment.
  390. 390.
    >You can barely see her behind the massive phoenix plush.
  391. 391.
    >Then, she holds the plush toward you.
  392. 392.
    >Is she…?
  393. 393.
    >You laugh sheepishly and blush a little.
  394. 394.
    “Oh, Sunny, this-”
  395. 395.
    >”Don’t try to reject my generosity, Anonymous! I’m in your debt after you sacrificed your cake for me!” Sunny insists.
  396. 396.
    >There’s a lot of authority in her voice, enough to make your desire to humbly turn down the gift evaporate.
  397. 397.
    >So you open your arms and take hold of the gigantic phoenix plush.
  398. 398.
    >Sunny giggles as you try to keep a good grip on the plush.
  399. 399.
    >”You don’t have to try to impress me, Anonymous. You’ve already won me over with your kindness and your loyalty.” Sunny says to you sweetly.
  400. 400.
    >The way she smiles at you makes your heart flutter.
  401. 401.
    >What a mare…
  402. 402.
     
  403. 403.
    >”So what are you going to name her?” Sunny asks you.
  404. 404.
    >Your attention returns to the massive plush you were just gifted, painful though it is to have Sunny leave your field of vision.
  405. 405.
    >That’s a good question.
  406. 406.
    >You look over the mighty, magnificent plush as potential names fill your mind.
  407. 407.
    >What name could you come up with that could possibly fit such a magnificent creature?
  408. 408.
    “...I dunno, this is a lot of responsibility, it’s all so sudden!”
  409. 409.
    >Sunny lightly giggles.
  410. 410.
    >”A name isn’t something you should wrack your head about, Anonymous. When the time comes, I’m sure you’ll give her the perfect name!”
  411. 411.
    “Hey, what makes you so sure this phoenix is a ‘her’, anyway?” You ask Sunny.
  412. 412.
    >”The length of her tail.” Sunny answers matter-of-factly, pointing to the rather long tail on the plush phoenix.
  413. 413.
    >”Female phoenixes have longer tails than male phoenixes. They use it to attract mates.”
  414. 414.
    >You’re discovering all sorts of things today.
  415. 415.
    “Huh, I had no idea.”
  416. 416.
    >”Perhaps it’s that new slice of insight that will guide you to the perfect name for your new friend!” Sunny beams.
  417. 417.
    “New friend?” You repeat, looking at the plush uncertainly.
  418. 418.
    >”Why, sure! We could all use a friend like that in times of loneliness or despair!” Sunny insisted.
  419. 419.
    “But… but it’s just a plush.” You rebut, trying your best to not sound ungrateful for the imposing gift.
  420. 420.
    >”Ah, but a friend like that can always be there for you, Anonymous! A plush friend is always there to listen, won’t judge you, and is great for hugs!”
  421. 421.
    >It is true, this plush does seem very huggable.
  422. 422.
    >”And there’s nothing wrong with keeping a plush friend beyond your childhood years. It’s important that you never lose the ability to feel young, no matter how life may change you.” She adds.
  423. 423.
    >Better test her hypothesis.
  424. 424.
    >You glance over your shoulders to see if anyone was looking at you and Sunny to make sure the coast is clear.
  425. 425.
    >Then, you wrap both your forelegs around the mighty phoenix plush and give it a great, big hug.
  426. 426.
    >...It feels nice.
  427. 427.
    >Really nice.
  428. 428.
    >It feels as warm as an actual phoenix.
  429. 429.
    >Rather, as warm as you imagine a phoenix to feel.
  430. 430.
    >Phoenixes have feathers and not fur, but this doesn’t stop you from enjoying the comfort it provides.
  431. 431.
    >Your eyes slide shut and you gently smile, indulging yourself in the hug you’re sharing with the plush.
  432. 432.
    >Then your eyes snap open when you realize what you must look like.
  433. 433.
    >From your understanding, mares don’t really like overly-sappy guys.
  434. 434.
    >You blush sheepishly and relax your grip on the toy.
  435. 435.
    “Sorry…” You mutter.
  436. 436.
    >”No, don’t be!” Sunny insists with a smile. “What you just experienced was wonderful to see!”
  437. 437.
    >You gently laugh with a smile to match hers.
  438. 438.
    “Thank you again for this, Sunny. You really are incredible.” You softly say to her.
  439. 439.
     
  440. 440.
    >A blush crosses Sunny’s face as she uses her wing to cover her smile.
  441. 441.
    >Oh, shoot, there goes your spaghetti.
  442. 442.
    “I- I mean, THIS is incredible. You know, the… phoenix plush… yeah…” You clumsily attempt to walk back what you said.
  443. 443.
    >There’s a look that flashes in her eyes that you can’t quite decipher, but she still smiles.
  444. 444.
    >”Ah, yes, of course…” She chuckles, looking down at the ground.
  445. 445.
    >You two stand there, suffocated by the silencing power of awkwardness.
  446. 446.
    >A power you’re far too familiar with.
  447. 447.
    >You better do something.
  448. 448.
    “We could, uh, keep checking out the festival?” You suggest.
  449. 449.
    >”Hm? Oh, yes, splendid idea, Anonymous!” Sunny says, perking back up.
  450. 450.
    >But there’s still something weighing her down…
  451. 451.
    >Hopefully something the fair has to offer can fix that.
  452. 452.
    >And, looking around, you spot just the thing.
  453. 453.
    “Look, the line at Sweet Apple Acres’ stand is shorter now, and it looks like they’ve still got plenty of cider!” You point out to Sunny.
  454. 454.
    >There’s only a few ponies in line for some of the Apple family’s award-winning, all natural apple cider, and Big Macintosh has just lugged over another crate full of the bottled goodness.
  455. 455.
    >”How fortuitous! Good eye, Anonymous!” Sunny congratulates you.
  456. 456.
    >The two of you quickly make your way over to the line, which moves much quicker than the line for Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s baked goods.
  457. 457.
    >Which makes sense, you don’t have to worry about choosing what you want when they’re only selling one thing.
  458. 458.
    >Before you know it, you two are at the front of the line, facing a peppy but faintly tired Applejack behind the register and in front of the crate of cider bottles.
  459. 459.
    >”Howdy there, folks! Say, that’s one heck of a prize ya got there, Anon!” Applejack chuckles as she looks up at the plush you lug around.
  460. 460.
    >You adjust your grip on the thing to better address the farmer mare.
  461. 461.
    “Heh, thanks. Sunny here actually won it for me.” You admit.
  462. 462.
    >”I saw! That was some mighty fine work puttin’ that connivin’ jerk in his place!” Applejack compliments Sunny, who dismisses the praise with a wave of her wing.
  463. 463.
    >”That’s all in the past, we’re presently more interested in your wares.”
  464. 464.
    >”Well, you’re in luck, ‘cause we got a special deal goin’ on just for today: a bit for a bottle!” Applejack greets you and Sunny.
  465. 465.
    >Geez, with a price like that, it’s no wonder they’re selling like Pinkie’s hotcakes.
  466. 466.
    >”That sounds wonderful! We’d like two bottles, please!” Sunny says to Applejack.
  467. 467.
    >”Alrighty then, that’ll be two bits!” Applejack responds, getting two bottles of cider ready.
  468. 468.
    >You instinctively reach for your pouch to pay for the cider.
  469. 469.
    >So does Sunny.
  470. 470.
    >You two meet each other’s eyes, trapped in a well-intentioned stand-off.
  471. 471.
     
  472. 472.
    >With your eyes locked, you share a silent conversation.
  473. 473.
    >You covered the cost of the cake, but she won you the phoenix plush.
  474. 474.
    >You two have each gone the extra mile for each other today, the best thing to do would be to meet in the middle and both pay for your own bottle of cider.
  475. 475.
    >Or each other’s bottle of cider.
  476. 476.
    >It’s the thought that counts.
  477. 477.
    >Both you and Sunny draw a single bit from your satchels and place it on the counter for Applejack.
  478. 478.
    >You two maintain unbreaking eye contact with each other, both of you ready to protest if the other draws out two bits.
  479. 479.
    >”Well, ain’t you two paintin’ a picture.” Applejack remarks as she takes the bits and slides over the two bottles of cider.
  480. 480.
    >”Ah, my apologies, I should have introduced myself. My name is Sunny Skies, and I’ve decided to visit Ponyville for the festivities. Word of your farm’s spread all the way to Canterlot, you know.” Sunny politely introduced herself.
  481. 481.
    >Just then, Applejack leers at Sunny, in much the same way Pinkie did.
  482. 482.
    >”Sunny Skies… have we met before?” Applejack asks her.
  483. 483.
    >Sunny steps back and looks around nervously.
  484. 484.
    >”Uh… no, I don’t believe we have…”
  485. 485.
    >”...Were you ever at the Grand Galloping Gala?” Applejack interrogates her further.
  486. 486.
    >”No!” Sunny answers.
  487. 487.
    >”I- I mean, yes! Yes, I have! You see, that’s where I initially heard of your fine farm, because you and your family had a stand there, too!” Sunny recovers.
  488. 488.
    >Applejack leers at Sunny even more.
  489. 489.
    >”If that’s so, then how come I ain’t remember you actually buyin’ anythin’ from us back then?”
  490. 490.
    >”Uh…”
  491. 491.
    >Sunny takes another step back, more nervously.
  492. 492.
    >”I wanted to purchase one of your apple pies then, truly, but… being a Canterlot native means you often have to prioritize entertaining high-status individuals…”
  493. 493.
    >What in the world is going on with Applejack?
  494. 494.
    >Her and Pinkie, what’s gotten into them?
  495. 495.
    >You step in to save Sunny.
  496. 496.
    “Look, if she promised to get some apple pie the next time she sees you at the gala, would you let her off the hook?” You ask Applejack.
  497. 497.
    >Applejack takes a breath and nods, relaxing herself.
  498. 498.
    >”’Course… sorry ‘bout that, sugarcube. It’s just… you’re so dang familiar…” Applejack said to Sunny over your shoulder.
  499. 499.
    >Sunny gently laughs and shrugs.
  500. 500.
    >”Either way, I’m looking forward to becoming even more familiar, Applejack!”
  501. 501.
    >Both you and Sunny tuck your bottles of cider into your satchels.
  502. 502.
    >”You two enjoy those, now!” Applejack bids you and Sunny farewell as you and her step out of line to make room for those behind you.
  503. 503.
    >”We will! And I promise to purchase from your stand in the future!” Sunny promises Applejack as she makes her way off to the side with you.
  504. 504.
    >Seems like Sunny has one of those familiar faces that everypony seems to recognize without having met her.
  505. 505.
    >Except you, she wasn’t familiar to you.
  506. 506.
     
  507. 507.
    >You two find another secluded spot off to the side of the festival grounds to enjoy your bottles of cider.
  508. 508.
    >Sunny brings her bottle out of her satchel, using her wing to hold it up towards you.
  509. 509.
    >”To making new friends!” She offers as a toast.
  510. 510.
    >Friends.
  511. 511.
    >Something about that word stings.
  512. 512.
    >Of course, she is your friend.
  513. 513.
    >But, looking at her, you have to be honest with yourself.
  514. 514.
    >She’s so pretty.
  515. 515.
    >Her mane flows so beautifully, and her eyes are so hypnotic, and she has the prettiest smile you’ve ever seen.
  516. 516.
    >But that doesn’t compare to her relentlessly positive, upbeat demeanor.
  517. 517.
    >There’s such a beauty to her.
  518. 518.
    >...You like her.
  519. 519.
    >You want to be more than friends with her.
  520. 520.
    >She’s looking at you expectantly, a seed of worry beginning to grow within those incredible eyes of hers.
  521. 521.
    >You don’t want to keep Sunny hanging.
  522. 522.
    >Besides, friendship’s the first step to a strong relationship, right?
  523. 523.
    >You get your bottle of cider out of your bag and and raise it up to meet hers.
  524. 524.
    “To making new friends.” You say back to her.
  525. 525.
    >The two of you clink your bottles together, and take a good gulp of the apple beverage.
  526. 526.
    >It’s so crisp, it really hits the spot.
  527. 527.
    >You close your eyes and you can practically see the apple being bucked from the tree and squeezed into cider by the capable hooves of Big Macintosh.
  528. 528.
    >”Gosh, I’ve missed this.” Sunny sighs, coming up for air after her swig of the cider.
  529. 529.
    >You pause your drinking to give Sunny a suspicious look.
  530. 530.
    “What do you mean? Isn’t this your first time having their cider?”
  531. 531.
    >Sunny’s eyes widen in shock and she almost chokes on the residual cider in her mouth.
  532. 532.
    >”Ah, well, y-you see, that’s because… uh… an associate of mine brought over a bottle after a… uh… business meeting! Yes! So… I just… wanted to see the ‘real deal’, as you might say!” Sunny clumsily explained.
  533. 533.
    >Before you could say anything to her, Sunny points past you.
  534. 534.
    >”Look! Over there! That looks fun!”
  535. 535.
    >You turn around to see what she’s pointing to, to find the wooden standee for photo-ops.
  536. 536.
    >On the wood is an immaculately painted display of two proud and powerful ponies lifting the sun up into the sky with their hooves, with two holes cut where the heads would be.
  537. 537.
    >Rumble and Pipsqueak, two of the local school children, hopped out of the head holes and went off on their merry way, leaving the photo-op vacant for two lucky ponies.
  538. 538.
    >”Come on, let’s try it out!” Sunny commands you, grabbing the hoof you weren’t using to hold your unnamed phoenix plush and dragging you behind her.
  539. 539.
    >Sunny excitedly sticks her head through the head hole on the left, leaving the one on the right open for you.
  540. 540.
    >You get into position, sticking your head through the hole and truly unifying the two forces holding up the illustrated sun.
  541. 541.
    >Sorry phoenix plush, looks like you’re gonna have to sit this one out.
  542. 542.
     
  543. 543.
    >The old stallion stationed behind the camera smiles at you and Sunny as he gets the bulb ready.
  544. 544.
    >”Alright now, big smiles!” He instructs you two.
  545. 545.
    >You and Sunny oblige him, smiling from ear to ear through the dopey display.
  546. 546.
    >”Saaaaay ‘sunny’!” He instructs you further.
  547. 547.
    “Sunnyyyyy!”
  548. 548.
    >”Sunnyyyy!”
  549. 549.
    >The camera bulb flashes, blinding you for a split second.
  550. 550.
    >The light fades, and two black photographs print out from the front of the old stallion’s camera setup.
  551. 551.
    >He waves them a bit, and like magic, the photo appears and the moment of you and Sunny smiling as wide as a rainbow while miming the act of supporting the sun in the sky is immortalized within the frame of the photo.
  552. 552.
    >”That’ll be two bits, now! One for each photo!” The old stallion says to you as you and Sunny step out of the wooden standee.
  553. 553.
    >Acting quickly, you tug along your phoenix plush and retrieve two bits from your satchel, giving them over to the kind old pony.
  554. 554.
    >He fulfills his part of the deal and gives you the two photos.
  555. 555.
    >With the photos in your hoof, you really admire how nicely the moment was immortalized.
  556. 556.
    >Both you and your new friend Sunny, happy as can be, on the longest, most perfect day of the year.
  557. 557.
    >Physical proof of the benefits of going out and being more social.
  558. 558.
    >For once, you actually like how you look in a photo.
  559. 559.
    >But you especially like how Sunny looks.
  560. 560.
    >She’s so happy.
  561. 561.
    >To think, you helped make her that happy.
  562. 562.
    >You were the friend she came to Ponyville looking for.
  563. 563.
    >...Friend…
  564. 564.
    “Thank you, sir.” You say to the old stallion managing the camera.
  565. 565.
    >”You’re most welcome, young feller! Be sure to share with your lady-friend, now!” He chuckles while loading more film into the camera.
  566. 566.
    “Heh, good idea.” You respond, turning around to face Sunny.
  567. 567.
    “Here’s your photo!” You smile at her, giving her the second photo.
  568. 568.
    >”Thank you, Anonymous.” Sunny smiles, but when she looks at the photo, her smile fades.
  569. 569.
    >You see the side of her you last saw when she admitted she didn’t have many friends.
  570. 570.
    >Vulnerability.
  571. 571.
    >Sadness, touching a nerve that runs deep within her.
  572. 572.
    >It’s like this one photo is putting her at risk of having her entire day ruined.
  573. 573.
    >Something about the photo upset her, but what?
  574. 574.
    >It came out looking great.
  575. 575.
    >Should you ask her about it?
  576. 576.
    >You don’t want to pry, if something like this is a big deal.
  577. 577.
    >...You should ask.
  578. 578.
    >It’s not prying to be concerned about a friend.
  579. 579.
     
  580. 580.
    “...Hey, Sunny?” You gently say to her.
  581. 581.
    >Sunny looks back up at you, her eyes barely containing the emotions welling up within her.
  582. 582.
    “It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about whatever’s bothering you, but I’m here for you if you do.”
  583. 583.
    >A single tear trails down Sunny’s cheek as she smiles at your offer.
  584. 584.
    >She sniffles, and looks around, finding an empty swingset by a playground that’ll give you and her some private space.
  585. 585.
    >”...Let’s talk over there.” She says to you.
  586. 586.
    “Okay, Sunny.” You gently respond.
  587. 587.
    >The two of you (and the phoenix plush) walk over to the swing set and sit down on the old playground equipment.
  588. 588.
    >Sunny gazes down at the ground, but you keep looking at Sunny.
  589. 589.
    >Your heart aches seeing her like this.
  590. 590.
    >You really want to help her, but it’s clear as day that there’s something she’s not telling you.
  591. 591.
     
  592. 592.
    >The festival sounds so far away from you two.
  593. 593.
    >Ponies could still be heard talking and laughing and playing games, but only faintly.
  594. 594.
    >Like they’re a mile away.
  595. 595.
    >This playground, too.
  596. 596.
    >It feels like another world entirely separate from the fun and festivities held by Ponyville.
  597. 597.
    >A world occupied by only you and Sunny.
  598. 598.
    >Surrounded by the faint echoes of normal civilization, alien to the both of you for different reasons.
  599. 599.
    >This train of thought is more dramatic than what usually rolls through your mind, but it’s all you can think about as you and Sunny sit in silence together on the swing set.
  600. 600.
    >The only other thing you notice is the slight groaning of the swings you and Sunny are sitting on.
  601. 601.
    >Each creek tells the story of the years since its construction.
  602. 602.
    >All the happy and sad days they’ve seen.
  603. 603.
    >”...Today’s been wonderful.” Sunny says after a prolonged moment of silence between you two.
  604. 604.
    >Her voice says the opposite.
  605. 605.
    >”I’ve had so much fun with you today, Anonymous. I’ve done so many things for the first time, and so many things that felt like I’ve really done them for the first time.”
  606. 606.
    >Sunny looks down at the ground while speaking to you, sadly rocking in the swing.
  607. 607.
    >”...But…”
  608. 608.
    >That word makes your blood run colder.
  609. 609.
    >But what?
  610. 610.
    >Was it something you did?
  611. 611.
    >Was it the photo?
  612. 612.
    >That was her idea, that can’t be your fault.
  613. 613.
    >Sunny looks back up at you, her eyes glistening gently.
  614. 614.
    >”...But what about after today?”
  615. 615.
    >Your expression shifts to a more confused one.
  616. 616.
    “What do you mean? What about after today?” You ask her.
  617. 617.
    >Sunny sighs and returns her gaze to the ground.
  618. 618.
    >”I can’t stay in Ponyville, I have to return to Canterlot in the morning. I was barely able to escape my responsibilities for one day, and even then I had to promise my sister a lot of favors.”
  619. 619.
    “Wait, one day? Out of the entire year?” You ask her in disbelief.
  620. 620.
    >Sunny sadly nods.
  621. 621.
    “No holidays or anything?”
  622. 622.
    >”I’m afraid not.” Sunny sadly answers.
  623. 623.
    >Geez.
  624. 624.
    >Better stop prodding this sore spot, then.
  625. 625.
    >”I came to Ponyville just… seeking respite from my work, hoping to find some relaxation and merriment away from Canterlot and everything that place brings with it. Perhaps even make some new friends, too.”
  626. 626.
    >Sunny looks back at you.
  627. 627.
    >”...But… having found somepony like you, getting to know you better, having so much fun together… it made me realize that saying goodbye is going to be harder than I thought it would be.”
  628. 628.
    >She looks down at her copy of the photo as her eyes glisten subtly more.
  629. 629.
    >”I don’t know when I’m going to be able to return to Ponyville like this. I don’t know if… you’ll see me the same when I’m able to return…”
  630. 630.
    “Sunny, that’s-”
  631. 631.
    >”And… and I don’t know if…”
  632. 632.
    >Sunny takes a deep breath to try to calm her nerves.
  633. 633.
    >But her lips tremble in spite of her attempts to calm herself.
  634. 634.
    >A single tear drips from her eye.
  635. 635.
     
  636. 636.
    >”...I’m afraid that you won’t be here when I return.”
  637. 637.
    >What?
  638. 638.
    >What could she be talking about?
  639. 639.
    >You weakly chuckle, trying to lighten the mood a bit.
  640. 640.
    “Believe me, Sunny. I’m not going anywhere.” You try to assure her.
  641. 641.
    >She isn’t comforted by your assertion.
  642. 642.
    >She just looks down at the photo in her hoof.
  643. 643.
    >”It may be easy to make such a claim, to claim control over your destiny, but there are forces greater than you or I, greater than any of us that could intervene and guide our lives onto drastically different paths.”
  644. 644.
    >”Ponyville could be attacked by Lord Tirek again, and I may only have this photo as proof outside of my memories that we shared our time here together…”
  645. 645.
    “Sunny, Tirek’s not gonna come back and destroy us all.” You try to convince her, but this earns you little ground in this ideological battle.
  646. 646.
    >”Perhaps not, but the matter at hand remains unchanged: I don’t know when I’ll be able to return here…”
  647. 647.
    >”...And if I do… I fear that what we have will have withered away…”
  648. 648.
    >Sunny’s on the verge of tears now, you need to intervene.
  649. 649.
    >You turn to face her.
  650. 650.
    >You take a bold leap and take her hooves in yours, drawing her attention away from the dirt and to your eyes.
  651. 651.
    >For a moment, the moment when you two lock eyes, the world freezes.
  652. 652.
    >Everything falls silent.
  653. 653.
    >It’s just you and Sunny.
  654. 654.
    >Don’t think about how perfectly her hooves fit yours.
  655. 655.
    >Help her.
  656. 656.
    “I’ve never met anypony like you, Sunny. I’ve never met anypony as kind or optimistic or… so emblematic of the elements of harmony as you. I don’t care if I have to wait years for you to find time to return to Ponyville, I’ll always be waiting for you. Because you’re worth the wait.”
  657. 657.
    >Sunny sits motionless, staring into your eyes.
  658. 658.
    >The tears that had been welling up in her eyes have frozen in place, as if deciding whether they should fall or not.
  659. 659.
    >She’s even paused her breathing.
  660. 660.
    >...Did you overstep her boundaries?
  661. 661.
    >Maybe she didn’t want to be touched right now.
  662. 662.
    >Is she gonna think…?
  663. 663.
    >...She’d be right.
  664. 664.
    >But would that hurt what you have?
  665. 665.
    >You’re blocked from descending this spiraling train of thought any further when, the next thing you know, Sunny leans forward and hugs you.
  666. 666.
     
  667. 667.
    >She clings onto you so tight, like some greater force is threatening to take you away from her.
  668. 668.
    >Sunny’s buried her face in the crook of your neck.
  669. 669.
    >The occasional tremble tells you that she’s gently crying.
  670. 670.
    >This is so far beyond what you expected to have happen today.
  671. 671.
    >To make such a wonderful friend, and for her to trust you so deeply.
  672. 672.
    >You return the gesture.
  673. 673.
    >Carefully, you wrap your forelegs around her and return the hug.
  674. 674.
    >It’s so nice.
  675. 675.
    >Her body absolutely radiates heavenly warmth.
  676. 676.
    >And her mane smells lovely.
  677. 677.
    >All of this, every bit of her, glows a little brighter with how much she trusts you.
  678. 678.
    >You sort of lose track of time.
  679. 679.
    >You two sit there together, eyes shut, tightly wrapped in each other’s embrace.
  680. 680.
    >The festival might as well have been erased from existence.
  681. 681.
    >You…
  682. 682.
    >You like Sunny.
  683. 683.
    >A lot.
  684. 684.
    >More than you’ve ever liked a mare before.
  685. 685.
    >...
  686. 686.
    >...But she will have to leave tomorrow.
  687. 687.
    >Go back to Canterlot, and not return until who-knows-when.
  688. 688.
    >Your heart stings when this reality really sinks in.
  689. 689.
    >...But you have to be strong.
  690. 690.
    >Listen to your own advice.
  691. 691.
    >If Sunny feels as strong for you as you do for her, your hearts will keep you united across space and time.
  692. 692.
    >If she feels as strong for you.
  693. 693.
    >How can you be sure about this?
  694. 694.
    >You inhale through your nose.
  695. 695.
    >Sunny’s essence blesses your consciousness once again, washing away your concerns.
  696. 696.
    >Blessing you with the feeling that somehow, in some way, everything’s gonna be alright.
  697. 697.
    >And, in some strange way, you get the feeling that Sunny’s getting the same feeling from you.
  698. 698.
    >After however long it’s been since you two started hugging, the two of you pull away from each other at the same time.
  699. 699.
    >It’s only when you blink your eyes that you realize your eyes had been filling with tears as well.
  700. 700.
    >The both of you weakly laugh and wipe away the accumulating wetness in your eyes, feeling liberated by this expression of vulnerability.
  701. 701.
    >”I have to admit something rather embarrassing…” Sunny chuckled, piquing your interest.
  702. 702.
    >She idly kicks the dirt below her before continuing.
  703. 703.
    >”...I’ve never swung on a swing set before.”
  704. 704.
     
  705. 705.
    >Your eyes shoot open in surprise.
  706. 706.
    “Really?”
  707. 707.
    >Sunny giggles softly at your response, but nods.
  708. 708.
    “But… how?”
  709. 709.
    >”My childhood was… rather formal.” She sheepishly explains.
  710. 710.
    >She gently rocks in the swing, giving you an idea.
  711. 711.
    >You get up from the swing.
  712. 712.
    “Well, then, we should do something about that, huh?”
  713. 713.
    >”Hm?” Sunny asks you.
  714. 714.
    >You elaborate by getting behind Sunny, placing your hooves on her back, and gently pushing her forward on the swing.
  715. 715.
    >The swing brings Sunny upward on its arc, bringing the pegasus a little closer to the sky.
  716. 716.
    >”Anon, this is hardly necessary!” Sunny laughs as the swing brings her back toward you.
  717. 717.
    >You catch her with your hooves and gently push her again.
  718. 718.
    “I disagree! Little Miss High Society’s long overdue for some fun like this!”
  719. 719.
    >You push Sunny on the swing again, pushing her slightly higher.
  720. 720.
    >Sunny tries to protest for the sake of her dignity, but her laughs overtake her.
  721. 721.
    >She’s having too much fun on the swing to care about things like dignity.
  722. 722.
    >Sunny comes back down, but you don’t really catch her this time.
  723. 723.
    >You let the swing do its thing and allow the counter force of the swing coming back down bring her up the back.
  724. 724.
    >But looking at her, you can really tell she’s never been on a swing before.
  725. 725.
    >Her hind legs stay locked in front of her through the whole ride up and down, leaning forward and backward as she descends and ascends.
  726. 726.
    >It’s a very endearing sight.
  727. 727.
    “Tuck your legs on the way down! You’ll preserve more momentum that way!” You advise Sunny.
  728. 728.
    >Sunny is quick to adjust to your instruction, and becomes a natural at swinging in no time.
  729. 729.
    >You can’t help but smile at the sight.
  730. 730.
    >She laughs so freely as she swings, with the sun glistening in her mane.
  731. 731.
    >”Join me, Anonymous! A pleasure shared is a pleasure doubled!” Sunny calls out to you.
  732. 732.
    >Who would you be to let your lady friend swing by herself?
  733. 733.
    >You pull back the swing you were sitting on and run forward, hopping on just as it begins its upward movement.
  734. 734.
    >You show off your years of expertise with the swing set as you quickly match Sunny’s pace.
  735. 735.
    >Her joyful laughter infects you, making you laugh with her.
  736. 736.
    >You two make an incredible duet.
  737. 737.
    >Laughing together, swinging together, without a care in the world.
  738. 738.
    >You look over at Sunny at the crest of the swing, and Sunny looks over at you in the same moment.
  739. 739.
    >There’s a sparkle in her eyes that shines brilliantly with her smile.
  740. 740.
    >And a blossoming blush to her cheeks.
  741. 741.
    >Your heart flutters when you see her like this.
  742. 742.
    >And you get the feeling her heart fluttered, too.
  743. 743.
     
  744. 744.
    >”Pri- ! Uh, S-Sunny!”
  745. 745.
    >A familiar, somewhat regal voice slices through the lovely moment you were sharing with your new friend.
  746. 746.
    >The two of you slow your pace on the swings to fully see who made a surprise appearance: Twilight Sparkle.
  747. 747.
    >Equestria’s latest and greatest princess.
  748. 748.
    >She’s standing frozen in place, looking at Sunny like she’s a polar bear in the jungle.
  749. 749.
    >You look over at Sunny, and Sunny looks… faintly guilty.
  750. 750.
    >Like she was just caught with her hoof in the cookie jar.
  751. 751.
    >There must be one heck of a story behind these two.
  752. 752.
    >A tense silence separates the two, surely one strengthened by whatever history Sunny has with the young princess.
  753. 753.
    >The moment ends when Sunny awkwardly clears her throat and forces a pleasant smile onto her pretty face.
  754. 754.
    >”Ah… hello, Twilight. Er, Princess Twilight, rather.” Sunny greets Twilight, clumsily recovering with the formal title that she’s earned.
  755. 755.
    >Silence returns to separate the two mares as neither of them seem like they know what to say to each other.
  756. 756.
    >Should you say something?
  757. 757.
    >...No, probably not.
  758. 758.
    >Definitely not.
  759. 759.
    >Third-wheeling through whatever confrontation this is definitely isn’t going to help either of them.
  760. 760.
    >All you can hear is the blood rushing through your ears, and the faint sound of the swing set creaking faintly.
  761. 761.
    >So you just sit there, on the swing set.
  762. 762.
    >Keeping your head lowered, trying to not make this any more awkward.
  763. 763.
    >”It’s… a real surprise to see you here!” Twilight said to Sunny, in that nervously upbeat tone that’s almost exclusive to her.
  764. 764.
    >”Y-Yes, indeed! It’s very much a surprise to see you here, as well!” Sunny hastily agreed.
  765. 765.
    >”In that, I would imagine that you’d be dreadfully busy overseeing the festivities to spare more than a moment to chit-chat.” Sunny then clarified, knowing that it can’t have been unexpected to run into Twilight Sparkle in her home town.
  766. 766.
    >”Hehe, yeah, well, Spike’s been managing a lot of the events. It’s, uh, given me a bit of time to just enjoy things.” Twilight responded a little sheepishly.
  767. 767.
    >Twilight’s eyes flit over to you before quickly returning to Sunny.
  768. 768.
    >”...Who’s your friend?” Twilight asks Sunny, referring to you.
  769. 769.
    >The word “friend” makes your heart sting.
  770. 770.
    >You could be making progress to becoming more than friends with Sunny.
  771. 771.
    >You were making progress, until Twilight showed up.
  772. 772.
    >Sunny looks over at you, with an emotion you can’t quite decipher in her eyes, then looks back at Twilight with a smile.
  773. 773.
    >”Oh, this is Anonymous!” Sunny happily says to Twilight.
  774. 774.
    >”Anonymous, you’ve likely heard of Twilight Sparkle!” Sunny then introduces you to her.
  775. 775.
     
  776. 776.
    >Whatever awkwardness you felt before is intensified tenfold when your eyes meet Twilight’s.
  777. 777.
    >Never before have you had to suffer through the uneasiness of meeting a mutual friend before now.
  778. 778.
    >That would require socializing with more than one pony at a time.
  779. 779.
    >Something unprecedented for you.
  780. 780.
    >Especially when you’re introduced to a princess.
  781. 781.
    >Shoot, what do you say to her?
  782. 782.
    >Do you bow, or something?
  783. 783.
    >You want to glance over at Sunny to silently ask for some way to proceed, but your neck stiffens on its own.
  784. 784.
    >You shouldn’t just retreat to Sunny to ask for help whenever you need it, you should be able to introduce yourself to someone new.
  785. 785.
    >Sunny already believes in you, maybe you just need to believe in you.
  786. 786.
    >So you return your focus to Twilight.
  787. 787.
    “It- it’s a pleasure to meet you, your majesty.” You formally greet the young princess.
  788. 788.
    >Twilight giggles sheepishly and offers a dismissive wave of her wing.
  789. 789.
    >”You don’t have to be so formal with me, Anonymous. You can just call me Twilight, if you’d like.” Twilight offers to you.
  790. 790.
    >Just hearing that makes the tension melt off your body like ice cubes on a stove.
  791. 791.
    >You involuntarily let out a shakily exhale shaped like a laugh, feeling silly for how much pressure you were putting on yourself just for introducing yourself.
  792. 792.
    >Past her title, Twilight is still a pony, just like you.
  793. 793.
    “Okay, uh, Twilight. It’s… nice to meet you!” You re-greet the alicorn.
  794. 794.
    >The informal way you addressed her feels more natural, like you’re actually making a friend, rather than meeting a celebrity or royalty.
  795. 795.
    >”It’s very nice to meet you, too!” Twilight smiles at you.
  796. 796.
    “So, how do you two know each other?” You ask Twilight, referring to her and Sunny.
  797. 797.
    >Twilight and Sunny both freeze up a little, doing that thing where they look at each other uneasily.
  798. 798.
    >Did you overstep a boundary of some kind?
  799. 799.
    >Maybe it’s none of your business, poking your snout into personal matters.
  800. 800.
    >You gulp, regret growing within you.
  801. 801.
    “...I-I’m sorry if I-”
  802. 802.
    >”No, no! It’s quite alright, Anonymous!” Sunny quickly reassures you.
  803. 803.
    >”Truthfully, we’ve known each other for quite a long time. We, ah…”
  804. 804.
    >Sunny pauses for a moment to find the right words.
  805. 805.
    >”...We frequently shared classrooms, back in Canterlot!”
  806. 806.
    >Why phrase it like that?
  807. 807.
    >Why not just say “We went to school together”?
  808. 808.
    >You shouldn’t pry, it’s their business.
  809. 809.
    “Ooh, that sounds cool! Getting taught by Princess Celestia’s gotta be really something, I bet!” You say to her.
  810. 810.
    >Twilight makes a strange sound that’s somewhere between a gag and a hiccup, making you and Sunny jump a little.
  811. 811.
    >When you look over at her, Twilight hastily recovers from whatever she just experienced.
  812. 812.
    >”Uh… w-well… we didn’t actually, know each other that well. I wasn’t really… uh…” Twilight trailed off.
  813. 813.
     
  814. 814.
    >”Twilight was far more interested in the worlds of her books than the world around her.” Sunny wryly remarked, making Twilight react like she was just struck by lightning.
  815. 815.
    >She opens her mouth to exclaim something, but the words get caught in her throat, becoming vocalized as something that only resembles the name “Sunny!”.
  816. 816.
    >Sunny just giggles at the young princesses’ reaction.
  817. 817.
    >She’s rather bold, poking at a princesses’ soft spot like that.
  818. 818.
    >You sure couldn’t see yourself doing anything like that.
  819. 819.
    >”But I only tease with good intentions. Twilight’s come a long way since I knew her as only a student. Beyond just ascending to royalty, she’s grown in so many ways, and made so many wonderful friends, that now, whenever I see her, I feel nothing but pride in the mare she’s become.” Sunny goes on to compliment her, her teasing tone having been replaced by a much more genuine, heartfelt one.
  820. 820.
    >Twilight smiles wide and wipes away a tear welling up in her eye with her wing.
  821. 821.
    >”Thank you, S-Sunny. That really means a lot.” She graciously says to your friend.
  822. 822.
    >Then Twilight glances over at you, and reacts like she just remembered something.
  823. 823.
    >”That’s a lovely plush you have there!” She compliments you and your new companion.
  824. 824.
    >You glance back over at the phoenix plush seated on the swing set next to you.
  825. 825.
    “Oh, thank you.” You chuckle, a little sheepishly.
  826. 826.
    “Sunny won it for me at one of the fair games. You should’ve seen her knock down those cans, she’s got a cannon for a foreleg!”
  827. 827.
    >Twilight turns back to Sunny, leering at her a little.
  828. 828.
    >”Is that so?”
  829. 829.
    >Sunny shrugs with a faintly mischievous smile.
  830. 830.
    >”I played the game as was intended by the host. If his facilities weren’t up to standard for contestants such as I, then that’s his own fault.” Sunny replied.
  831. 831.
    >Twilight sputtered a little bit before she quickly collected herself.
  832. 832.
    >Something about Sunny has Twilight acting funny.
  833. 833.
    >Like there’s a lot she wants to say, but she can’t bring herself to say it.
  834. 834.
    >But why?
  835. 835.
    >You wouldn’t expect Twilight Sparkle, newly crowned Princess of Friendship, to have to bite her tongue around one of her old school friends.
  836. 836.
    >This is all getting really weird.
  837. 837.
    >Sunny has some secrets, this you’re almost sure of.
  838. 838.
    >”A-Anyway, I was actually going around making sure all the couples got their raffle tickets.” Twilight explains to you.
  839. 839.
    >Your heart flutters again when the young princess refers to you and Sunny as a couple.
  840. 840.
    >Your cheeks heat up at the accusation, instinctively casting your gaze down.
  841. 841.
    >”A- a couple?” Sunny asks Twilight, with a voice you can’t really decipher.
  842. 842.
    >Was she flustered too?
  843. 843.
    >Flustered good, or flustered bad?
  844. 844.
    >Twilight awkwardly chuckles.
  845. 845.
    >”Couples don’t have to be romantic, you know? Like… a *couple* of friends!” She recovered.
  846. 846.
    >There it is, a *couple* of friends.
  847. 847.
     
  848. 848.
    >You force your eyes back up to Twilight, who’s offering you and Sunny two identical raffle tickets with her magic.
  849. 849.
    >You carefully take one of the tickets, and Sunny takes the other.
  850. 850.
    >Both have the same numbers written on them: 4 8 15 16 23 42.
  851. 851.
    “So what do we win if our number’s pulled?” You ask Twilight.
  852. 852.
    >”Well, at the end of the festival, just before Princess Celestia lowers the sun, the winning couple will win a… uh… solo dance… serenaded by the live band…”
  853. 853.
    >...Today’s just full of exciting new emotions, isn’t it?
  854. 854.
    >You can’t bring yourself to look at Sunny, you can barely handle your own emotions right now.
  855. 855.
    >”Uh… eheh…” Twilight nervously chuckles.
  856. 856.
    “...Sounds like a real prize for a *couple* of friends.” You say to Twilight with a weak laugh of your own.
  857. 857.
    >”I- I mean, the band’s REALLY good! They don’t have to play a romantic song or anything! They could play, like, a rock song, or something!” Twilight hastily tries to assure you and Sunny.
  858. 858.
    >That just seems even more awkward.
  859. 859.
    >Just you and Sunny, jamming out alone in the middle of a group of the townsfolk?
  860. 860.
    >That’d just make you feel like you two are being weird.
  861. 861.
    >You look back down at the raffle ticket.
  862. 862.
    >Your gaze lingers on the numbers written on it.
  863. 863.
    >...You probably won’t win, anyway,
  864. 864.
    >You might as well hang onto it.
  865. 865.
    >You don’t want to hurt Sunny’s feelings, either.
  866. 866.
    >If you saw Sunny reject the ticket after learning the prize is a dance with you, you wouldn’t be able to recover from that.
  867. 867.
    >Or even leave your house.
  868. 868.
    >How is Sunny doing, anyway?
  869. 869.
    >It’s been a minute since you last looked at her.
  870. 870.
    >You finally get your head to turn toward Sunny, where you find her holding the ticket very carefully.
  871. 871.
    >Almost cradling the sliver of paper in her hooves.
  872. 872.
    >Her eyes are so filled with emotions, you can’t get a read on what she’s feeling.
  873. 873.
    >All you can see in her eyes is a mixture of hope and dread.
  874. 874.
    >The sight makes your mouth dry up.
  875. 875.
    >You want to go help her, but how?
  876. 876.
    >Twilight awkwardly shuffles her hooves and steps back.
  877. 877.
    >”Uh…”
  878. 878.
     
  879. 879.
    >”Wait!” Sunny calls out to her, before Twilight could even suggest leaving.
  880. 880.
    >Twilight halts and looks at Sunny with great concern.
  881. 881.
    >”Is something wrong?”
  882. 882.
    >”No, I… I don’t know… can we talk? Privately?”
  883. 883.
    >Sunny looks over at you apologetically, making your stomach sink.
  884. 884.
    >But what else can you do, but nod to let her know you’re okay with her having her private talk with the young princess.
  885. 885.
    >Sunny’s smile warms up a little as she gets off the swing set.
  886. 886.
    >”Don’t worry about me, it’ll only be a moment.” She promises you.
  887. 887.
    >The two mares go talk somewhere private, leaving you alone swinging gently on the swingset.
  888. 888.
    >Brings back some memories of your school days.
  889. 889.
    >Lonely memories.
  890. 890.
    >The sounds of the fun festival behind you fade out of your mind as your head droops down.
  891. 891.
    >You idly kick some dirt on the ground beneath you, but you can’t stop thinking about Sunny.
  892. 892.
    >You think about what Sunny could be talking about with Twilight.
  893. 893.
    >You think about your time spent so far with Sunny.
  894. 894.
    >You think about the sound of Sunny’s laugh.
  895. 895.
    >You think about how her smile shines in the sunlight.
  896. 896.
    >You think about how special Sunny made you feel.
  897. 897.
    >You pore over everything you’ve said and done to and with her.
  898. 898.
    >That photo was such a bad idea, in retrospect.
  899. 899.
    >It’ll just remind her of the friend she made that she’ll rarely get to spend time with.
  900. 900.
    >A feeling you’re quickly growing familiar with.
  901. 901.
    >At least you have your phoenix plush.
  902. 902.
    >You can cuddle the plush on lonely nights and…
  903. 903.
    >...pretend it’s her.
  904. 904.
    >Maybe you’ll keep the raffle ticket, too.
  905. 905.
    >You’ll keep it on a shelf, right next to the photo.
  906. 906.
    >You’ll look at it every day, wondering what could have been if you had won that dance with her.
  907. 907.
    >It’ll hurt.
  908. 908.
    >It’ll always hurt.
  909. 909.
    >But it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, right?
  910. 910.
    >You came to this festival to make memories.
  911. 911.
    >You should’ve expected they wouldn’t all be good ones.
  912. 912.
     
  913. 913.
    >You would have kept drowning in the swirling vortex of anxiety and despair if Sunny hadn’t made her way back to you, which she did.
  914. 914.
    >When you get a look at her, she’s back to looking as upbeat and enthusiastic as she’s spent most of the day.
  915. 915.
    >Although it looks faintly strained now.
  916. 916.
    >Something about the corners of her mouth seems like it’s being subtly pulled into a smile by tiny, invisible strings.
  917. 917.
    >”I’m terribly sorry about that interruption, Anonymous. Twilight was just…”
  918. 918.
    >Sunny looks back at Twilight, who’s already heading back off to attend whatever princess-ly duties await her, along with that baby dragon assistant-sibling-son of hers.
  919. 919.
    >”...Just confiding in me in some personal matters.”
  920. 920.
    >Sunny’s smile weakens when she sees your emotions painted across your face.
  921. 921.
    >Silence descends upon the two of you.
  922. 922.
    >You barely hear the sounds of the summer solstice festival behind you.
  923. 923.
    >The sand in the great cosmic hourglass is rapidly collecting at the bottom, dragging you, Sunny, Ponyville, and all of Equestria inevitably beneath the quicksand, the darkness beneath the surface ending the day.
  924. 924.
    >In place of the laughter and games occurring nearby, you hear the ticking of every clock in Equestria.
  925. 925.
    >Tick, tock, tick, tock.
  926. 926.
    >Despite all this, the sun remains high in the sky, just where it has been all day.
  927. 927.
    >It’s almost like the sun itself was trying to keep the day from ending.
  928. 928.
    >The warmth and light of the sun battles the cold, unfeeling march of time, and caught in the center of this great battle is you and Sunny.
  929. 929.
    >Sunny…
  930. 930.
    >She’s beautiful.
  931. 931.
    >She’s the most beautiful mare you’ve ever met.
  932. 932.
    >What’s left of today is all you’ll have left to spend time with her.
  933. 933.
    >You can’t let today end with sadness and regret.
  934. 934.
    >You have to try.
  935. 935.
    >You force a smile back onto your face and nudge Sunny’s shoulder.
  936. 936.
    “You know, I’ve been thinking of something.” You say to her, raising some intrigue in the mare.
  937. 937.
    “After you knocked over those cans back there, I bet you could ring the bell on those strength testing games!” You suggest.
  938. 938.
    >Sunny looks like she felt physically impacted by your suggestion, bringing an awkward laugh out of her.
  939. 939.
    >”Oh, I’m not sure, Anonymous. What happened then was more of a spur-of-the-moment reaction.” Sunny tried to downplay her incredible accomplishment.
  940. 940.
    “Come on, you could do that again!” You encourage her, feeling emboldened by this change in subject.
  941. 941.
    >Sunny tries to protest some more, but she can’t stop herself from smiling at the prospect.
  942. 942.
    “I bet the line’s gotten shorter now, whaddya say?”
  943. 943.
    >Sunny smiles at you again, but it’s far more natural now.
  944. 944.
    >So much more at ease, so lovely.
  945. 945.
    >And her eyes…
  946. 946.
    >So deep…
  947. 947.
    >As vast and entrancing as the ocean of stars in the night sky.
  948. 948.
    >It takes you a moment to realize she’s staring into your eyes in much the same way.
  949. 949.
     
  950. 950.
    >The realization makes the both of you step back with warmer cheeks and awkward chuckles.
  951. 951.
    >”Sh-shall we head off then?” Sunny asks you, sheepishly kicking the dirt in front of her.
  952. 952.
    “Yeah, let’s!”
  953. 953.
    >With that, the two of you trot triumphantly back into the fray of the festival, side by side.
  954. 954.
    >The crowd is beginning to thin out at this point.
  955. 955.
    >Most everypony’s already played all the games they want to play, and are resting up before Princess Celestia lowers the sun and officially ends the summer solstice.
  956. 956.
    >Wherever she may be.
  957. 957.
    >Sunny spots the attraction before you: a tall pylon adorned with blinking lights and a bell at the top, dubbed the “Test-Your-Might-o-Matic”.
  958. 958.
    >Presently wielding the hammer and standing before the striking pad is Big Macintosh, being goaded on by his little sister Apple Bloom and her two friends.
  959. 959.
    >”Come on, Big Mac! You can do it!” Apple Bloom cheered him on.
  960. 960.
    >”Ring the bell! Ring the bell!” the small, white unicorn chanted.
  961. 961.
    >”Break the bell! Break the bell!” The small, orange pegasus amended the chant.
  962. 962.
    >Wordlessly, Big Macintosh brought the hammer down upon the striking pad with all his farm-grown might.
  963. 963.
    >An unobservant bystander would have thought a payload of TNT was set off, with how loud the impact was when Big Macintosh hit the striking pad.
  964. 964.
    >The force of his swing sent the dinger straight up the pole like a rocket, hitting the bell so hard a few new cracks formed in the brass.
  965. 965.
    >The three fillies cheered for Big Macintosh, who humbly placed the hammer back in place.
  966. 966.
    >There really is nothing like watching Big Macintosh go to work that makes a stallion feel inadequate.
  967. 967.
    >Big Macintosh left with the fillies, who you could overhear excitedly talking about him potentially winning the big dance that he’ll share with Cheerilee.
  968. 968.
    >Sunny trots right up to bat (or, in this case, hammer) and grabs the instrument by which the test of strength will be administered.
  969. 969.
    >She raises it up into the air, then looks over her shoulder back at you.
  970. 970.
    >You smile at her encouragingly, offering a silent but understood “I believe in you”.
  971. 971.
    >Sunny smiles back at you, then returns her focus to the striking pad before her.
  972. 972.
    >She tenses her body, takes a deep breath, and slams the hammer down onto the striking pad.
  973. 973.
    >The dinger goes up, and up, and…
  974. 974.
    >...only goes halfway up.
  975. 975.
     
  976. 976.
    “What?” You involuntarily say aloud as the dinger returns meekly to the bottom of the pole, guided by gravity.
  977. 977.
    >Sunny turns to you and offers a shrug and a smile.
  978. 978.
    >”It appears I’ve used all my strength earlier today! If only we had come here sooner.” Sunny says to you with a smile that’s half apologetic and half teasing.
  979. 979.
    >You see right through her.
  980. 980.
    >You know, you just know that she intentionally held back to not show up Big Macintosh in front of the pony running the strength tester.
  981. 981.
    >”Come on, Anonymous! Let us see how strong you are!” Sunny goaded you, making room for you to test your own might.
  982. 982.
    >Who are you to turn down a request like hers?
  983. 983.
    >You give Sunny a grin to match hers as you saunter forward.
  984. 984.
    >Okay, Anonymous.
  985. 985.
    >It’s showtime.
  986. 986.
    >Time to put Big Macintosh to shame, wherever he is.
  987. 987.
    >You grab that hammer like it was your destiny to.
  988. 988.
    >You raise it high into the air.
  989. 989.
    >The sun gleams against the edge of the hammer.
  990. 990.
    >”Show that bell who’s boss, Anonymous!” Sunny cheers you on.
  991. 991.
    >Your muscles feel like they grow three times.
  992. 992.
    >Sunny’s words strengthen you.
  993. 993.
    >You take a deep breath, and summoning all the strength you’ve ever had in your life, you swing the hammer down.
  994. 994.
    >The dinger…
  995. 995.
    >...makes it halfway up.
  996. 996.
    >Your muscles deflate as rapidly as the dinger falls back to the bottom of the pole, taking all your pride with it.
  997. 997.
    >The pole has officially deemed you a Lightweight.
  998. 998.
    >It was dumb of you to think you could measure up to Big Macintosh, anyway.
  999. 999.
    >Sunny walks up to you with an apologetic smile as you place the hammer back in place.
  1000. 1000.
    >”...You know, Anonymous-”
  1001. 1001.
    >Whatever she was gonna say, it was interrupted by the sound of a musical cue being played in the distance.
  1002. 1002.
    >The musical cue catches the attention of everypony surrounding you, who spare half a moment to look at each other excitedly before rushing off to the source of the sound.
  1003. 1003.
    >Sunny’s face wavers again.
  1004. 1004.
    >The summer solstice festival must be coming to a close.
  1005. 1005.
    >You two share an uncertain, hesitant look as you both realize what this means.
  1006. 1006.
     
  1007. 1007.
    >Silence returns to you two as the crowd quickly vanishes from the festival grounds.
  1008. 1008.
    >Suffocating silence.
  1009. 1009.
    >Your mouth is dry.
  1010. 1010.
    >There’s so many things you want to say, but you just can’t.
  1011. 1011.
    >But all you can manage is:
  1012. 1012.
    “...We oughta get moving, huh?”
  1013. 1013.
    >Sunny manages a weak smile and nods.
  1014. 1014.
    >”Yes, we should.”
  1015. 1015.
    >So the two of you walk in silence together, towards the main stage of the festival.
  1016. 1016.
    >It feels like you’re being walked to your execution.
  1017. 1017.
    >What’s the point of all this, anyway?
  1018. 1018.
    >You should’ve known all this was asking for trouble.
  1019. 1019.
    >Whenever anything good happens, it never lasts.
  1020. 1020.
    >Everything becomes a memory eventually.
  1021. 1021.
    >It’s just your luck, anyway.
  1022. 1022.
    >The one friend you manage to make on the one day you actively try to be social with, it’s somepony you’ll likely never see again after today.
  1023. 1023.
    >Somepony you wish you could be more than friends with.
  1024. 1024.
    >What good would it be to confess now?
  1025. 1025.
    >Even if, by some miracle, she doesn’t reject you, it’ll only make saying goodbye harder.
  1026. 1026.
    >Oh, well.
  1027. 1027.
    >That’s life
  1028. 1028.
    >But soon enough, you and Sunny find yourselves in the crowd before a stage, very finely decorated in summer themed decals.
  1029. 1029.
    >Somehow you two end up pretty close to the stage.
  1030. 1030.
    >Look at you, victim to yet another force beyond your comprehension.
  1031. 1031.
    >Upon the stage stands Twilight Sparkle, alongside Mayor Mare and… a well-groomed stallion you feel you should recognize.
  1032. 1032.
    >”Welcome, everypony, and thank you all for attending this year’s summer solstice festival!” Twilight greets the crowd, which is met by a round of cheering and applause.
  1033. 1033.
    >Where in the world is Princess Celestia?
  1034. 1034.
    >The summer solstice festival’s wrapping up and she’s nowhere to be seen.
  1035. 1035.
    >The sun hasn’t moved at all today.
  1036. 1036.
    >”I think it’s safe to say this year’s has been our most successful summer solstice festival yet!” Mayor Mare says to the crowd.
  1037. 1037.
    >”And it’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication the citizens of our fine town have put in to really make this celebration of the summer season shine!”
  1038. 1038.
    >”Yes, well, and also thanks to a VERY generous donation from Spruce Lane.” Twilight adds, motioning to the stallion beside her.
  1039. 1039.
    >Wait, Spruce Lane?
  1040. 1040.
    >He came here all the way from Trotham City to support Ponyville’s festival?
  1041. 1041.
    >Spruce Lane offers a good-hearted chuckle and dismissively waves off his contribution to the day’s festivities.
  1042. 1042.
    >”Please, your majesty. I just elevated what this fine little town already has to offer. The heart of the summer solstice festival is the fine folk of Ponyville.” Spruce assured Twilight.
  1043. 1043.
    >It’s only now that you notice Rarity actively swooning at the sight of the impeccably rich orphan.
  1044. 1044.
     
  1045. 1045.
    >Both Twilight and Mayor Mare smile appreciatively at Spruce’s words before returning their attention to the crowd.
  1046. 1046.
    >”But before we can officially conclude the summer solstice, there’s one last matter to resolve…” Twilight stated as her baby dragon assistant wheeled in a large box with a hole at the top.
  1047. 1047.
    >The raffle for the dance.
  1048. 1048.
    >”Now, Spruce, if you’ll do the honors?” Twilight offered to Spruce.
  1049. 1049.
    >Spruce approached the box, but was interrupted when a much older stallion, presumably his butler, rushed on stage and whispered something in his ear.
  1050. 1050.
    >For the briefest moment, you could swear Spruce had the most serious look on his face you’ve probably seen in your entire life.
  1051. 1051.
    >That look vanished an instant later as he offered Twilight and Mayor Mare a chuckle.
  1052. 1052.
    >”I’m terribly sorry, but there’s a phone call waiting for me. Ol’ baldy up in Maretropolis doesn’t take kindly to being put on hold.” Spruce excused himself right before he and his butler made their way off stage and vanished.
  1053. 1053.
    >You, along with Sunny, Twilight, Mayor Mare, and essentially all of Ponyville are left in a momentary puzzled, awkward pause.
  1054. 1054.
    >Except for Rarity, she’s especially heartbroken that Spruce Lane managed to slip away from her before she could introduce herself.
  1055. 1055.
    >”Ooh! Ooh!” Pinkie Pie’s voice pipes up, bouncing up and down from within the crowd.
  1056. 1056.
    >Twilight suppresses her annoyance as she turns her attention to Pinkie.
  1057. 1057.
    >”Can I be the one to pull the lucky winning numbers? Pretty please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?”
  1058. 1058.
    >Twilight looks around, then, without any better ideas, she answers “Sure, go for it.”
  1059. 1059.
    >Pinkie giddily bounces on stage and stuffs her hoof deep inside the box, rooting around vigorously with her tongue sticking out of her mouth.
  1060. 1060.
    >”Almost…” Pinkie mutters.
  1061. 1061.
    >It feels so tense, for some reason.
  1062. 1062.
    >You're holding your breath, and you can tell Sunny is, too.
  1063. 1063.
    >Then, Pinkie holds her slip of choice high up in the air.
  1064. 1064.
    >"I got it!"
  1065. 1065.
    >"What are the winning numbers?" Twilight asks her.
  1066. 1066.
    >Pinkie brings the slip down and closely inspects it with a magnifying glass she seemingly pulled out of thin air.
  1067. 1067.
    >”Four…”
  1068. 1068.
    >Huh, that’s your first number.
  1069. 1069.
    >”Eight…”
  1070. 1070.
    >Second number, too.
  1071. 1071.
    >”Fifteen…”
  1072. 1072.
    >Huh, third number…
  1073. 1073.
    >”Sixteen…”
  1074. 1074.
    >The fourth number, too?
  1075. 1075.
    >”Twenty-three…”
  1076. 1076.
    >Oh goodness, that’s almost your number.
  1077. 1077.
    >You could be the winner.
  1078. 1078.
    >”Aaaaaaand…”
  1079. 1079.
    >The suspense is killing you.
  1080. 1080.
    >And it’s killing Sunny, too.
  1081. 1081.
    >”...Twenty-four!”
  1082. 1082.
    >Oh.
  1083. 1083.
    >It’s not your number.
  1084. 1084.
    >You won’t get to share that special dance with Sunny anyway.
  1085. 1085.
    >Even though you knew it would only make saying goodbye harder, you can’t deny you-
  1086. 1086.
     
  1087. 1087.
    >”Uh, Pinkie? You read that backwards.” Twilight corrected her, looking over Pinkie’s shoulder at the slip of paper.
  1088. 1088.
    >Pinkie took a second look at the slip of paper and giggled.
  1089. 1089.
    >”Oh, whoopsie, you’re right! The last number is fourty-two!”
  1090. 1090.
    >Time freezes.
  1091. 1091.
    >You look at Sunny.
  1092. 1092.
    >Sunny looks at you.
  1093. 1093.
    >You’re both so filled with so many emotions.
  1094. 1094.
    >You won.
  1095. 1095.
    >She won.
  1096. 1096.
    >You two get to share the special solo dance.
  1097. 1097.
     
  1098. 1098.
    >There’s applause surrounding you and Sunny, applause of varying intensities.
  1099. 1099.
    >Some ponies are clapping to congratulate you and your partner, others are giving you noticeably more forced applause to mask their inner bitterness at not having won the solo dance themselves.
  1100. 1100.
    >You barely register any of it.
  1101. 1101.
    >You could be in the center of a barrage of booing by the sore losers that populate Ponyville and it would mean just as much to you.
  1102. 1102.
    >Through all the noise, all you really hear is, somehow, Sunny’s heartbeat.
  1103. 1103.
    >Probably because her heart rate mirrors yours so closely.
  1104. 1104.
    >Your eyes find hers, just as her eyes find yours.
  1105. 1105.
    >Silence, all around you.
  1106. 1106.
    >All noise you could possibly perceive drowned out by the raging maelstrom of emotions wreaking havoc within her being.
  1107. 1107.
    >When eye contact is made, it was like two hurricanes merging into one nightmarish storm that threatened to destroy all of Equestria.
  1108. 1108.
    >Were it as simple as her being reluctant to dance with you, that would be easier to manage.
  1109. 1109.
    >It would hurt, a lot, but it would be simple to deal with.
  1110. 1110.
    >But in those deep, beautiful eyes of hers, you don’t see a lot of reluctance.
  1111. 1111.
    >You see… restrained enthusiasm.
  1112. 1112.
    >Like she really wants to dance with you, but she’s afraid of getting in some kind of trouble if she does.
  1113. 1113.
    >You feel similar.
  1114. 1114.
    >You want to dance with her, to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with her.
  1115. 1115.
    >But you’re afraid if you come on too strong or pressure her into it, you’ll drive her away.
  1116. 1116.
    >Back to Canterlot, where you’ll never see her again.
  1117. 1117.
    >There’s a faint murmuring to your side.
  1118. 1118.
    >It’s almost inaudible, but it’s enough to snap you out of the troubled trance you’re sharing with Sunny.
  1119. 1119.
    >You turn to face the source of the murmuring to see Twilight, whose visage brings the rest of the world back into focus.
  1120. 1120.
    >Behind her is Pinkie, leering at Sunny like she’s a suspect in the greatest heist in Equestrian history.
  1121. 1121.
     
  1122. 1122.
    >”Uh… are you two alright?” Twilight awkwardly asks you and Sunny.
  1123. 1123.
    >Stealing a quick glance at your surroundings, you find the rest of Ponyville standing around awkwardly, staring down at you and Sunny.
  1124. 1124.
    >A couple of whom, you can tell, are weighing up the over/under on suggesting a redraw to Twilight.
  1125. 1125.
    >”Y-Yes, we’re quite alright!” Sunny breaks the silence, giving Twilight the best smile she could muster.
  1126. 1126.
    “Yeah, we just, uh, weren’t expecting to win, is all! So many contestants, you know…” You finally speak, using the tone of a schoolcolt improvising a lie with his friend to get out of being held after class for a stern talking-to.
  1127. 1127.
    >Twilight’s awkward smile is beginning to strain at the corners of her mouth, judging by the subtle twitching.
  1128. 1128.
    >”...Uh, you know, you don’t HAVE to do the dance if you don’t want to.” Twilight offered.
  1129. 1129.
    >What?
  1130. 1130.
    >”Because believe me, I totally get it if you two feel put on the spot-”
  1131. 1131.
    “No!”
  1132. 1132.
    >”No!”
  1133. 1133.
    >Both you and Sunny interjected with the same word at the same time, making Twilight step back in surprise.
  1134. 1134.
    >Well, that’s some relief.
  1135. 1135.
    >Sunny does want to dance with you.
  1136. 1136.
    >”We-”
  1137. 1137.
    “We-”
  1138. 1138.
    >You and Sunny try to elaborate, but end up speaking at the same time again.
  1139. 1139.
    “Uh, you go first.” You offer to Sunny.
  1140. 1140.
    >”No, no, it’s quite alright, you can speak first.” Sunny humbly turned down your offer.
  1141. 1141.
    >Your mouth dries up at the mere thought of pushing back on this any further, lest you raise the pressure of this whole summer solstice festival any higher.
  1142. 1142.
    “Okay, um… yeah, Sunny and I would…”
  1143. 1143.
    >You glance at Sunny, then back at Twilight.
  1144. 1144.
    “...we would be honored to share the dance.”
  1145. 1145.
    >Twilight’s smile relaxes as her body perks back up.
  1146. 1146.
    >”Great! You two are in for a very special dance, too!” Twilight beamed at you.
  1147. 1147.
     
  1148. 1148.
    >Behind her, you see the dance area set up.
  1149. 1149.
    >It’s a large circular clearing bordered by summer themed fencing with lush, green vines decorating the white, wooden fences.
  1150. 1150.
    >At the far end of the circle is a large stage set up, where on the stage is a large group of ponies brandishing all kinds of instruments.
  1151. 1151.
    >They all look very professional, carefully setting up their sheet music stands and inspecting their instruments for proper tuning.
  1152. 1152.
    >”We have the Stalliongrad Philharmonic Orchestra here to perform live music!” Twilight pridefully informs you and everypony else.
  1153. 1153.
    >Your eyes bulge open slightly at this revelation.
  1154. 1154.
    >The Stalliongrad Philharmonic Orchestra?
  1155. 1155.
    >How in the world did they find a window in their cycle of rigorous practicing and world touring to perform in Ponyville’s summer solstice festival?
  1156. 1156.
    >Spruce Lane had something to do with that, surely.
  1157. 1157.
    >”The Stalliongrad Philharmonic Orchestra? My, this truly is an honor!” Sunny gasped in pleasant surprise.
  1158. 1158.
    >Pinkie continued to leer at Sunny, leaning even further forward on the stage.
  1159. 1159.
    >Should you say something to her?
  1160. 1160.
    >Should she say something to Sunny?
  1161. 1161.
    >Or Twilight?
  1162. 1162.
    >Pinkie’s one of the elements of harmony, surely she’s a good judge of character.
  1163. 1163.
    >Twilight turned around and used her magic to signal to the orchestra, who immediately turned to attention and ready their instruments.
  1164. 1164.
    “Looks like that’s our signal.” You say to Sunny, who giggles lightly.
  1165. 1165.
    >”Yes, I suppose it is.”
  1166. 1166.
    >Twilight escorts you and Sunny out to the center of the dance area.
  1167. 1167.
    >It all feels very regal.
  1168. 1168.
    >Like this is the greatest honor ever to be bestowed upon meek and meager you.
  1169. 1169.
    >Then, as Twilight walks ahead to speak to the conductor of the orchestra, a realization hits you.
  1170. 1170.
    >A detail that could lead to the total collapse of this entire day.
  1171. 1171.
    >You look to Sunny worriedly.
  1172. 1172.
    “Hey, uh…”
  1173. 1173.
    >Sunny looks at you, puzzled and faintly worried.
  1174. 1174.
    “I… don’t really know how to slow dance…” You admit, your head hanging lower with each syllable.
  1175. 1175.
     
  1176. 1176.
    >Sunny smiles and chuckles in relief.
  1177. 1177.
    >”Oh, that’s no worry at all, Anonymous. I was taught proper ballroom dancing, I could lead!”
  1178. 1178.
    >You shakily laugh and some stress escapes you.
  1179. 1179.
    “You’re a miracle, Sunny.”
  1180. 1180.
    >Sunny blushes lightly and looks away, failing to hide her smile.
  1181. 1181.
    >”Anonymous, you flatter me far too much.”
  1182. 1182.
    “Oh, come on, if anything I don’t flatter you enough!”
  1183. 1183.
    >Sunny succumbs to a small fit of giggles, which comes to infect you.
  1184. 1184.
    >”Alright, everything’s all ready when you two are ready!” Twilight happily informs you and Sunny.
  1185. 1185.
    >Out of the corner of your eye, you can see the populace of Ponyville gathered around the rim of the circle, watching you, Sunny, and the orchestra.
  1186. 1186.
    >Everypony in the orchestra looks like they’re about to go to war, with how determined they look and how rigid they stand.
  1187. 1187.
    >They hold their instruments, from the trombones to the bows of their cellos, like they were lances.
  1188. 1188.
    >Finally, your eyes descend back upon what really matters most.
  1189. 1189.
    >The catalyst of everything you experienced today.
  1190. 1190.
    >The seed that from which grew so many emotions.
  1191. 1191.
    >Sunny Skies.
  1192. 1192.
    >”...Are you ready?” Sunny asks you, equally eager and apprehensive.
  1193. 1193.
    >You hear it again.
  1194. 1194.
    >Tick, tock, tick, tock.
  1195. 1195.
    >Each second ticking away, each grain of sand falling in the hourglass, bringing you unstoppably closer to the end of the day and the moment you and Sunny part ways.
  1196. 1196.
    >No.
  1197. 1197.
    >You’re not going to let the cosmic powers of time weigh on you like this.
  1198. 1198.
    >Looking at Sunny, you realize that neither the past or the future matters.
  1199. 1199.
    >All that matters is the now.
  1200. 1200.
    >Live for the now.
  1201. 1201.
    >You stiffen your jaw and smile at Sunny.
  1202. 1202.
    “I’m ready.”
  1203. 1203.
    >With that, the song began.
  1204. 1204.
    >The conductor waved her baton with surgical precision, carefully but gracefully guiding her dozens of musicians through the song.
  1205. 1205.
    >It’s an older song they’re playing.
  1206. 1206.
    >Slow, romantic, very regal.
  1207. 1207.
    >You and Sunny get on your hind legs and approach each other, getting closer than you’ve ever been before.
  1208. 1208.
    >”Place your left hoof on my waist and hold my right hoof.” Sunny instructs you as she rests one hoof on your shoulder and holding the other high for you to hold.
  1209. 1209.
    >You do as she tells you, delicately holding the mare’s body close to yours.
  1210. 1210.
    >”Exactly, just like that. Now, just… sway along with me.” Sunny instructs you.
  1211. 1211.
    >You do as she tells you.
  1212. 1212.
    >It doesn’t take long to get into the swing of things.
  1213. 1213.
    >With the expertly-orchestrated music enveloping the two of you, it’s like you’re possessed by the spirit of ballroom dancing.
  1214. 1214.
    >It’s all so… ethereal.
  1215. 1215.
    >You, and this mystery mare you met only today, being serenaded by some of the finest musicians in all of Equestria.
  1216. 1216.
    >It’s so new, but it’s also so… right.
  1217. 1217.
    >It feels natural.
  1218. 1218.
    >So you dance with Sunny.
  1219. 1219.
     
  1220. 1220.
    >You get lost in her eyes as you two step and sway in tune with the classical, romantic music.
  1221. 1221.
    >Your hooves feel lighter on the grassy ground.
  1222. 1222.
    >Sunny’s body feels so warm, she’s practically glowing.
  1223. 1223.
    >And her eyes, oceans of emotion.
  1224. 1224.
    >Windows to her beautiful soul.
  1225. 1225.
    >A soul that reached out to yours.
  1226. 1226.
    >The music swells as you continue to dance with Sunny, heightening the emotions.
  1227. 1227.
    >But in Sunny’s eyes, you see a fracture of sorts.
  1228. 1228.
    >Pain welling up in the joy of the moment.
  1229. 1229.
    >Something is clearly troubling her more and more with each passing moment.
  1230. 1230.
    “Sunny…” You quietly say while dancing with her.
  1231. 1231.
    >You saying her name startles her a little, pulling her out of her own headspace.
  1232. 1232.
    “Are you okay?”
  1233. 1233.
    >Sunny gulped down her emotions and nodded.
  1234. 1234.
    >”Yes, let’s just enjoy this.”
  1235. 1235.
    >Her hold on you became more rigid.
  1236. 1236.
    >She speeds up her movement slightly, forcing you to adjust to her speed.
  1237. 1237.
    >Whatever’s troubling her, it’s getting worse.
  1238. 1238.
    “Hey, Sunny-”
  1239. 1239.
    >”Anonymous, please.” She whispers to you.
  1240. 1240.
    “Please what?”
  1241. 1241.
    >The music being performed grows louder.
  1242. 1242.
    >”Can we please just enjoy this while it lasts?”
  1243. 1243.
    >Her voice quivers noticeably.
  1244. 1244.
    >It feels like she’s physically holding herself together, like if she lets up even a little, she’ll completely fall apart.
  1245. 1245.
    >She can hear the ticking.
  1246. 1246.
    >She can see the sand trickling down the hourglass.
  1247. 1247.
    >You have to help her.
  1248. 1248.
    “Sunny…” You whisper to her as you dance together.
  1249. 1249.
    >Sunny leans forward, her eyes staring deep into yours.
  1250. 1250.
    “...We have right now.”
  1251. 1251.
    >Something changes in her.
  1252. 1252.
    >Something clicks in her mind.
  1253. 1253.
    >Sunny leans closer to you.
  1254. 1254.
    >Her lips begin to purse.
  1255. 1255.
    >Woah, this is really happening.
  1256. 1256.
    >You’re gonna get to kiss Sunny.
  1257. 1257.
    >You seize the moment.
  1258. 1258.
    >You lean forward.
  1259. 1259.
    >You purse your lips.
  1260. 1260.
    >And… Sunny pulls away.
  1261. 1261.
    >”I’m sorry, Anonymous.”
  1262. 1262.
    >With that, she turns and runs out of the dance circle and towards the edge of the summer solstice festival.
  1263. 1263.
    >In the instant she turns away, you get just enough of a view to see tears streaming down her face.
  1264. 1264.
     
  1265. 1265.
    >The music stops, and everything feels cold.
  1266. 1266.
    >You stand there and watch Sunny run off.
  1267. 1267.
    >The entire population of Ponyville watches the ordeal from outside the dance circle in an uncomfortable silence.
  1268. 1268.
    >What just happened?
  1269. 1269.
    >What’s gotten into Sunny?
  1270. 1270.
    >How could she have shifted from wanting to kiss you to running away from a kiss?
  1271. 1271.
    >You can’t let today end like this.
  1272. 1272.
    >You can’t let Sunny’s day off end in tears.
  1273. 1273.
    >Throwing caution to the wind, you run from the dance circle to find Sunny.
  1274. 1274.
    >Some of the Ponyville citizens ask you some questions as you run by, but you don’t register any of them.
  1275. 1275.
    >All that matters right now is Sunny.
  1276. 1276.
    >After a few moments of frantic searching, you find Sunny sitting on a tree stump with her face buried in her hooves, trying desperately to avoid looking like she’s crying.
  1277. 1277.
    >This place is much closer to nature, with birds and butterflies fluttering about in place of the ponies attending the summer solstice festival.
  1278. 1278.
    >All there is to hear is the birds chirping and the tree branches rustling.
  1279. 1279.
    >You slow your pace as you approach her in order to not startle or frighten her.
  1280. 1280.
    >What do you say to her?
  1281. 1281.
    >How do you ask her what just happened?
  1282. 1282.
    >Guess the only way to ask her is to just… ask.
  1283. 1283.
    “...Hey, Sunny?”
  1284. 1284.
    >Sunny hunches over and tries to hide her face from you, but a sob escapes her lips.
  1285. 1285.
    “What’s going on? Did something happen?”
  1286. 1286.
    >Sunny wordlessly shakes her head.
  1287. 1287.
    “If… if you want to talk about something, anything, then I’m here for you, one hundred percent.”
  1288. 1288.
    >Sunny takes a moment to collect herself as best as she can before she turns to face you, revealing how red and puffy her eyes have become.
  1289. 1289.
    >”Anonymous, I haven’t been honest with you.” She weakly admits.
  1290. 1290.
    “What? What are you talking about?” You ask her.
  1291. 1291.
    >”I… all of this, everything today… it was all built on…a lie.”
  1292. 1292.
    “What lie?”
  1293. 1293.
    >”I…”
  1294. 1294.
    >Sunny struggles to find the words as her eyes dart around.
  1295. 1295.
    >”...I’m not who you think I am. I’m not… who I said I was.”
  1296. 1296.
    “So?”
  1297. 1297.
     
  1298. 1298.
    >Sunny blinks in surprise, not expecting that to be your response.
  1299. 1299.
    >”I’m sorry?”
  1300. 1300.
    “So what? It doesn’t matter to me if you’re not actually Canterlot high society or something. All that matters to me is you, the pony you really are.” You insist.
  1301. 1301.
    “You could be a pony, a changeling, a dragon, a… I dunno, a minotaur.”
  1302. 1302.
    >You step closer to Sunny.
  1303. 1303.
    “It’s YOU, Sunny. It’s your soul that I…”
  1304. 1304.
    >You take a deep breath.
  1305. 1305.
    “...It’s your soul that I developed such a strong attraction to.”
  1306. 1306.
    >Sunny’s eyes stay wide as you speak, your words reaching the depths of her being.
  1307. 1307.
    “I’ve never met anypony like you, Sunny. Whoever you are, whatever you are, none of that will change how I feel about you. I promise.”
  1308. 1308.
    >Sunny doesn’t move.
  1309. 1309.
    >She looks at you, racing through thoughts.
  1310. 1310.
    >Until she appears to reach a decision.
  1311. 1311.
    >She takes a deep breath and collects herself.
  1312. 1312.
    >”...Do you promise? Do you promise to not see me differently when I reveal my true self to you?”
  1313. 1313.
    >You solemnly nod.
  1314. 1314.
    “I promise.”
  1315. 1315.
    >Sunny steps off the log and stands firm.
  1316. 1316.
    >”Very well, then. You deserve the truth about me, Anonymous. And the truth, you shall have.”
  1317. 1317.
    >Then a bright light envelopes Sunny’s body.
  1318. 1318.
    >A light as brilliant as the sun itself.
  1319. 1319.
    >You shield your eyes from the light, but you never take your eyes off of her.
  1320. 1320.
    >The light grows in size, growing twice or three times as big as Sunny originally was.
  1321. 1321.
    >The air swirls around you, leaves float up in the air.
  1322. 1322.
    >A form starts to become visible within the light.
  1323. 1323.
    >Tall, powerful, regal.
  1324. 1324.
    >A form that’s strangely familiar.
  1325. 1325.
    >The body extends her wings, the same wings that Sunny had.
  1326. 1326.
    >Then you notice a horn on top of her head.
  1327. 1327.
    >Sunny, an alicorn?
  1328. 1328.
    >Then the light begins to fade.
  1329. 1329.
    >You begin to see the body much more clearly.
  1330. 1330.
    >You see a tall, white body.
  1331. 1331.
    >You see a massive, flowing mane composed of multiple colors.
  1332. 1332.
    >You see a magnificent wingspan and an impressive unicorn horn.
  1333. 1333.
    >You see golden hoof covers and crest.
  1334. 1334.
    >You see…
  1335. 1335.
    >...
  1336. 1336.
    >Your eyes widen in shock.
  1337. 1337.
    >Your mouth falls open.
  1338. 1338.
    >Before you, you see not Sunny Skies.
  1339. 1339.
    >You see Princess Celestia.
  1340. 1340.
     
  1341. 1341.
    >Seeing Princess Celestia standing before you, wearing the same demeanor that Sunny Skies wore mere moments ago, it fills you with a strange feeling.
  1342. 1342.
    >On one hoof, you feel, of course, surprised.
  1343. 1343.
    >Of all the ponies you expected to run into today, let alone see at all, the princess of the sun and the ruler of Equestria was probably at the bottom of that list.
  1344. 1344.
    >Yesterday you would’ve expected to meet the gnashing maw of a timberwolf before Princess Celestia herself.
  1345. 1345.
    >You should be more surprised.
  1346. 1346.
    >But you’re really not.
  1347. 1347.
    >Here, now, in retrospect, learning that Sunny Skies was actually Princess Celestia in disguise the whole time was the one puzzle piece that completed this mysterious, beautiful picture.
  1348. 1348.
    >Her repressively regal upbringing in Canterlot, her affinity for cake, her history with significant individuals like Princess Luna and Discord, and her inability to get her story straight on her history with Pinkie Pie or Applejack.
  1349. 1349.
    >As well as her familiarity with phoenixes.
  1350. 1350.
    >Not to mention how strict her schedule is, only allowing her one day off out of the year.
  1351. 1351.
    >And how the sun hasn’t moved at all despite how long the day has gone on.
  1352. 1352.
    >Darn, maybe you should’ve noticed sooner.
  1353. 1353.
    >You return your focus to Princess Celestia.
  1354. 1354.
    >Even though she’s easily twice your size, right now she seems so small.
  1355. 1355.
    >Her head is hanging in faint shame, like she just got done being scolded by her parents.
  1356. 1356.
    >Her eyes try to avoid yours amidst the thoughts and emotions racing through her mind.
  1357. 1357.
    >She must be expecting you to react with some kind of big emotion.
  1358. 1358.
    >At first you suspect that she’s expecting you to be upset with her about keeping such a big secret from you, that all your time today was built on false pretenses.
  1359. 1359.
    >But then you wonder if she’s expecting you to react more positively.
  1360. 1360.
    >Maybe she’s bracing herself for you to throw yourself at her hooves and shower her with honors, gushing endlessly about what an honor it is to be sharing the same patch of dirt with the ruler of Equestria.
  1361. 1361.
    >She could be expecting you to straighten up and present yourself as professionally as possible, or expecting you to ask her for an autograph or something.
  1362. 1362.
    >It makes sense what she’s feeling now.
  1363. 1363.
    >Princess Celestia is expecting you to prove she was right to hide herself.
  1364. 1364.
    >She’s waiting for you to prove that you only cared about the version of her she presented herself as, and that you couldn’t see her true self the same way.
  1365. 1365.
    >Princess Celestia-
  1366. 1366.
    >No.
  1367. 1367.
    >You’re gonna prove her wrong.
  1368. 1368.
    >She’s not Princess Celestia to you.
  1369. 1369.
    >She’s not the princess of the sun or the ruler of Equestria.
  1370. 1370.
    >She’s Celestia.
  1371. 1371.
    >The mare you met at the summer solstice festival and fell in love with.
  1372. 1372.
     
  1373. 1373.
    >”Anonymous?” Celestia asks you apprehensively.
  1374. 1374.
    >You tilt your head upward to look into her eyes.
  1375. 1375.
    >They’re the same eyes you gazed into today.
  1376. 1376.
    “...You’re taller than I thought you’d be.” You gently remark.
  1377. 1377.
    >Your comment catches Celestia off guard, ensnaring her in a giggle fit for a moment.
  1378. 1378.
    >”I do sincerely apologize, Anonymous. You deserved honesty from the start.” She said to you in a more serious voice once she finished giggling.
  1379. 1379.
    >You wave off her concern with a hoof.
  1380. 1380.
    “Don’t worry, I totally get it.” You assure her.
  1381. 1381.
    >Celestia’s faint smile fades.
  1382. 1382.
    >”I know, but…”
  1383. 1383.
    >She gazes off into the distance, at the ever-blue horizon beyond the trees.
  1384. 1384.
    >”...I just wanted a day off. I wanted a day to escape from my endless royal duties and enjoy the simple pleasures Ponyville has to offer. I anticipated making a new friend or two, but I never expected…”
  1385. 1385.
    >Celestia turns to face you.
  1386. 1386.
    >”...developing such strong feelings for somepony I only met today.”
  1387. 1387.
    >Again, that feeling.
  1388. 1388.
    >You should feel that this is a more momentous occasion.
  1389. 1389.
    >Princess Celestia confessing her deep attraction to you.
  1390. 1390.
    >But all you hear is Celestia.
  1391. 1391.
    >”And I was having such a wonderful day with you, Anonymous. We shared in our triumphs and follies, we indulged in treats and games together, and we truly got to know each other like true friends.
  1392. 1392.
    >Celestia starts to blink faster.
  1393. 1393.
    >”I… I was having such a good time, and I didn’t even realize how impermanent all of this was until…”
  1394. 1394.
    >Her horn glowed as the photo taken of you and Sunny in the cutout floated before her, allowing a tear to escape Celestia’s eye.
  1395. 1395.
    >”...Until the moment was immortalized with me wearing my mask.”
  1396. 1396.
     
  1397. 1397.
    >Celestia sniffles.
  1398. 1398.
    >”And- and then, when we were having such a fun time on the swing set, I happened to run into my faithful student Twilight Sparkle again, who dragged me back into reality.”
  1399. 1399.
    >You nod understandingly.
  1400. 1400.
    >No wonder why that conversation wasn’t fun.
  1401. 1401.
    >If anypony is familiar with Princess Celestia disguising herself as an ordinary pony, it would be Equestria’s number one teacher’s pet.
  1402. 1402.
    >”...And now, the day has almost ended, and all that’s left for me is to set the sun, and… return to Canterlot…”
  1403. 1403.
    >The thought makes your heart ache along with hers.
  1404. 1404.
    >Just your luck, you fall in love with the most amazing mare in the world, only for her to be the least readily available mare ever.
  1405. 1405.
    >Celestia turns to face you with her eyes well up with tears.
  1406. 1406.
    >”...I’m sorry, Anonymous.” She says as her voice cracks.
  1407. 1407.
    >”...I’m… I’m sorry for…”
  1408. 1408.
    >Celestia shakily inhales.
  1409. 1409.
    >”...Everything.”
  1410. 1410.
    >Celestia buries her face in her hooves and begins to cry.
  1411. 1411.
    >Hearing this mare you care about so deeply in such distress pains you in a way you’ve never felt before.
  1412. 1412.
    >The hurt you were feeling before doesn’t compare to what you feel seeing her so hurt.
  1413. 1413.
    >You reach out to rub her back, but you hesitate only slightly, choosing instead to move in closer and bring her in for a big hug.
  1414. 1414.
    >Celestia quickly captures you in an even tighter hug as she sobs into the crook of your neck.
  1415. 1415.
    >She’s so warm.
  1416. 1416.
    >As warm as a roaring fireplace on the coldest winter night.
  1417. 1417.
    >The teardrops that drip down from her cheeks onto you are like tiny drops of liquid fire descending from the sun itself.
  1418. 1418.
     
  1419. 1419.
    >The way her body heaves with each sob hits you so hard that soon enough you’re allowing yourself to cry, too.
  1420. 1420.
    >You should know better, you should be better emotional support for Celestia.
  1421. 1421.
    >But you can’t help feeling what you feel.
  1422. 1422.
    >You two spend a good few moments in each other’s physically tight but emotionally delicate embrace.
  1423. 1423.
    >You cling onto each other like you’re afraid the other is going to vanish into thin air.
  1424. 1424.
    >You cling onto each other in the vain hope that the effort could somehow stop or even reverse the flow of time, saving you and Celestia from the heartbreak of parting ways in the wake of the setting sun.
  1425. 1425.
    >You can’t let today end like this.
  1426. 1426.
    >You can’t let today end with heartbreak.
  1427. 1427.
    >That can’t be the memory that you form today.
  1428. 1428.
    >You pull away from the hug gently as Celestia still clings onto you.
  1429. 1429.
    “You…” You try to start.
  1430. 1430.
    “...You know, we could always see each other again in the future, sometime.” You remind Celestia.
  1431. 1431.
    >She nods gently, but doesn’t appear to be comforted by this thought.
  1432. 1432.
    >”Oh, I know, but if only I knew exactly when. Perhaps the next summer solstice could work, but I can’t say for certain how able I’ll be to escape my duties then. I could also send you a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala, but I wouldn’t be able to sneak off to enjoy private time with you like some sort of school filly…”
  1433. 1433.
    “But there WILL be opportunities in the future.” You try to insist.
  1434. 1434.
    “I mean, come on, if anypony could invoke the law of ‘because I said so’, it would be you!”
  1435. 1435.
    >Celestia laughs at your joke suggestion.
  1436. 1436.
    >”I’m afraid it’s not that simple, Anonymous.”
  1437. 1437.
     
  1438. 1438.
    “Regardless of that, I am positive you’ll find another opportunity for us to meet again in the future.”
  1439. 1439.
    >”I know, but what about between now and then?” Celestia asks you.
  1440. 1440.
    “What ABOUT between now and then? It’s not like I’ll forget you, I could never forget you!”
  1441. 1441.
    >Celestia’s gaze falls to the ground, but she still holds onto you.
  1442. 1442.
    “I mean, I’ll always have the phoenix plush you won me!”
  1443. 1443.
    >Celestia can’t help but gently laugh at your reminder of the plush phoenix.
  1444. 1444.
    >”You may have a point there, Anonymous.”
  1445. 1445.
    “So… what’s the real problem?”
  1446. 1446.
    >Celestia sighs.
  1447. 1447.
    >”Those I know… change faster than you may realize. I’ve lived for a very long time, and I’ll continue to live for a very long time. As such, entire years can go by in the blink of an eye if I’m not careful.”
  1448. 1448.
    >”Poor Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia reminisces.
  1449. 1449.
    >”It feels as if it were only yesterday that she hatched that dragon egg and earned her cutie mark. Yet here she is today, a full-fledged alicorn and the princess of friendship, carrying the burden of incredible responsibility.”
  1450. 1450.
    >”I’m afraid…”
  1451. 1451.
    >Celestia fights back another sob.
  1452. 1452.
    >”I’m afraid that I’ll blink twice and… the Twilight Sparkle I know will be gone… and so will you.”
  1453. 1453.
    >”In spite of all my years… I’m still rather terrible at goodbyes…”
  1454. 1454.
    >You can only imagine how she feels.
  1455. 1455.
    >She’s lived lifetimes upon lifetimes, you’re just a grain of sand in the desert held entirely within her hourglass.
  1456. 1456.
     
  1457. 1457.
    “But… Why me?” You ask Celestia.
  1458. 1458.
    “What is it about me specifically that makes you feel so strong? You had to have met hundreds of stallions over the years, I can’t be THAT special.” You ask her.
  1459. 1459.
    >Celestia sniffles and shrugs.
  1460. 1460.
    >”Because you were so kind and fun and charming, without even knowing who I truly was. You always were so kind to me, without trying to impress me or put on an image.” She answers, like the answer should be obvious.
  1461. 1461.
    >”Not just anypony would stand up for a stranger in the face of public humiliation.” She reminds you, referring to the cake incident from earlier today.
  1462. 1462.
    >”Not just anypony would fight so hard to help a stranger as you have.”
  1463. 1463.
    >”And… surely somepony as charming as you wouldn’t have much trouble finding love in one… more available…”
  1464. 1464.
    “But they wouldn’t be you.” You remind her.
  1465. 1465.
    >You take hold of Celestia’s forehooves and look deep into her eyes.
  1466. 1466.
    “Listen, I get it. Completely.” You solemnly say to Celestia.
  1467. 1467.
    “I get being afraid. I spent almost all of today being afraid of the day ending and having to say goodbye to you. I was afraid of our time together being… just a memory.”
  1468. 1468.
    >You take a deep breath.
  1469. 1469.
    “But, everything ends, you know? The sun sets, ink fades, even the seams on that phoenix plush will tear and fray eventually. But over today, I kind of realized that… this is what this whole life thing is about. In the end, all we’ll really have left are memories. That’s actually why I came out to the festival today, to make some memories.”
  1470. 1470.
    >You bring Celestia closer to you.
  1471. 1471.
    “Even if our paths never cross again, I’ll never forget you, Celestia. I’ll always remember the day we shared together. I’ll always remember the lovely mare I spent the summer solstice festival with.” You promise her.
  1472. 1472.
     
  1473. 1473.
    >Celestia, overwhelmed with emotion, leapt forward and captured your lips in a kiss.
  1474. 1474.
    >The sensation is immediate and overwhelming.
  1475. 1475.
    >Celestia pours every ounce of her warmth and love into the conduit formed by the unit of your lips.
  1476. 1476.
    >She drapes her magnificent wings over your body as her forelegs hold your body against hers.
  1477. 1477.
    >You feel your heart melt.
  1478. 1478.
    >You’ve never felt such love in your entire life.
  1479. 1479.
    >So you do the only thing you can do.
  1480. 1480.
    >You kiss Celestia back.
  1481. 1481.
    >It’s a perfect union.
  1482. 1482.
    >It’s like your lips were made for her.
  1483. 1483.
    >Her breathing slows, and grows heavier.
  1484. 1484.
    >Your mouth opens in perfect time with hers, coming for air in perfect sync.
  1485. 1485.
    >This moment could go on forever.
  1486. 1486.
    >If you could freeze a moment in time, this would be it.
  1487. 1487.
    >You could die right now and die a very happy stallion.
  1488. 1488.
    >Through the kiss, you can feel Celestia smile.
  1489. 1489.
    >You feel her entire body relax against yours.
  1490. 1490.
    >It’s perfect.
  1491. 1491.
    >Everything about it is so perfect.
  1492. 1492.
    >”I’ll come back for you, Anonymous.” Celestia whispers to you once parted from the kiss, pressing her forehead against yours.
  1493. 1493.
    >”I don’t care what kind of arrangements I have to make or how many deals I have to make with my sister, I will find my way back to you, Anonymous. This, I swear.”
  1494. 1494.
    “I’ll be there for you.” You whisper back, then stealing another quick kiss from Celestia.
  1495. 1495.
    “I’ll come to you, from near or far.”
  1496. 1496.
    >You and Celestia go in for more kissing.
  1497. 1497.
    >Long, loving kissing.
  1498. 1498.
    >Coming up for air comes bundled with promises made.
  1499. 1499.
    >Promises to always find each other, no matter what.
  1500. 1500.
    >Next time, you’ll have photos taken without any magical disguises.
  1501. 1501.
    >Next time, you’ll win even more extravagant prizes for each other.
  1502. 1502.
    >Next time, you’ll find time sooner to sneak off for more kissing.
  1503. 1503.
     
  1504. 1504.
    >Both you and Celestia notice a shift in the atmosphere nearby, and look up from the kiss to find Twilight Sparkle standing by awkwardly, with a much-less awkward looking Pinkie Pie accompanying her.
  1505. 1505.
    >”Ohhh, it was Princess Celestia the whole time! I thought Sunny was secretly Discord!” Pinkie realized with a gasp.
  1506. 1506.
    >Celestia giggles sheepishly and fixes her mane, standing up to address the two elements of harmony while still holding you close.
  1507. 1507.
    >”Yes, it is indeed I, apologies for the subterfuge.” Celestia apologizes to her.
  1508. 1508.
    >”N-No, no, it’s fine!” Twilight hastily apologizes as she tries to hide her blush.
  1509. 1509.
    >”It’s just, that, you kinda left in a hurry, and Anon went after you, and it’s been a while and you two haven’t come back, so Pinkie and I wanted to come and see what all the… yeah…” Twilight sheepishly trailed off.
  1510. 1510.
    >”Ah, yes! Twilight, I would like to properly introduce you to my dear suitor- no, coltfriend! Anonymous!” Celestia proudly introduced you to Twilight.
  1511. 1511.
    >You semi-awkwardly smile and wave at the two.
  1512. 1512.
    >Twilight gives you an awkward wave, Pinkie gives you a very enthusiastic wave.
  1513. 1513.
    >”It’s, uh, very nice to meet you, Anonymous.” Twilight politely says to you.
  1514. 1514.
    >”It sure is!” Pinkie eagerly agrees.
  1515. 1515.
    >”He’s quite the catch, wouldn’t you say?” Princess Celestia asks the two while holding you pridefully close, making you more than a little flustered.
  1516. 1516.
    >Pinkie giggles.
  1517. 1517.
    >”Nonny and Princess Celestia, sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G-”
  1518. 1518.
    >”ANYWAY!” Twilight interrupts with her cheeks coated in a fresh blush.
  1519. 1519.
    >”Princess Celestia, the citizens of Ponyville are ready for you to lower the sun, if you’ll do the honors.” Twilight says to Celestia.
  1520. 1520.
    >It’s really ending now.
  1521. 1521.
    >The longest day of the year is coming to an end.
  1522. 1522.
    >But you feel ready.
  1523. 1523.
    >You hold Celestia, and Celestia holds you.
  1524. 1524.
    >Celestia stands up, sheds her joking demeanor, and uses her magic to make herself more presentable.
  1525. 1525.
    >”Very well, then. But there’s one last matter that needs to be settled before the sun can be set.” Celestia says before turning to you.
  1526. 1526.
    >”I owe my coltfriend a dance.”
  1527. 1527.
     
  1528. 1528.
    >You smile and allow a joyful tear or two to form in your eyes.
  1529. 1529.
    >Twilight smiles understandingly and Pinkie bounces in place, and the two lead you back to the dance circle.
  1530. 1530.
    >There are collected gasps and bows when they see their princess return to the celebration with you as her companion, but you don’t break stride.
  1531. 1531.
    >You stand proud alongside Celestia.
  1532. 1532.
    >The Stalliongrad Philharmonic Orchestra plays their music from where they left off, and you and Celestia share a proper dance.
  1533. 1533.
    >Slow and romantic and perfect.
  1534. 1534.
    >At the crescendo of the orchestra’s most triumphant and romantic song, you and Celestia share one last, loving kiss, inviting gasps and “aww”s from the crowd surrounding you two.
  1535. 1535.
    >Only now you’re less worried about trying to freeze the moment in time.
  1536. 1536.
    >It’s a truly magical experience.
  1537. 1537.
    >A memory you’ll happily carry with you for the rest of your life.
  1538. 1538.
    >But the song ends, as the day ends.
  1539. 1539.
    >Celestia’s horn glows, and colors the sky a beautiful array of colors as the sun is lowered from the sky and down beneath the horizon, officially ending the summer solstice.
  1540. 1540.
    >With one final farewell kiss and one final promise to reunite someday, you and Celestia finally part ways.
  1541. 1541.
    >She returns to her carriage and guards (who are no doubt displeased at the princess having given them the slip) and she vanishes back into the safety and security that her royal life offers.
  1542. 1542.
    >Although you could have sworn you noticed Celestia using her magic to trip the unicorn that mocked her earlier and make her faceplant into a patch of mud before Celestia fully got into the carriage.
  1543. 1543.
    >Just before the door is shut on her carriage, her eyes stay on you, silently longing to stay with you.
  1544. 1544.
    >You’ll always remember how her eyes looked in that moment.
  1545. 1545.
    >You know you were giving her the same look.
  1546. 1546.
    >Worlds away.
  1547. 1547.
    >You made the trek home alone, just as you made the trek to the festival earlier that day.
  1548. 1548.
    >In the night, among the stars and fireflies, carrying your satchel and your plush, you feel…
  1549. 1549.
    >Happy.
  1550. 1550.
    >No mix of emotions, no worries, no regrets, just happy.
  1551. 1551.
    >Once you reach your home and climb into bed with the phoenix plush, you think of the perfect name for the plush.
  1552. 1552.
    >Memento Mori.
  1553. 1553.
     
  1554. 1554.
    THE END

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