The Deepest Magic

Foalumbus Fairgrounds
June 20, 5:40 AM – The Day of the Summer Sun Festival

If perfection could exist in the real world, Sky was convinced this was it.

He stood in the midst of a field that had been transformed into a bustling, radiant hub of activity, even at this early hour. It was the morning of the longest day of the year, and here, at the edge of the city he knew so well, every pony was anxiously awaiting the revealing of Princess Celestia and the Rising of the Sun.

It had been over two months since the showdown with the Chimera (which Spike had taken to calling the “Chimera’s Last Stand”), but Sky could see little evidence of the event. The railroad had been repaired within a few days, and the mayor had very graciously opened the inns of the city up to the refugees at no cost. And as for the ponies that the inns could not hold, the citizens of Foalumbus had risen to the challenge and accepted them into their own homes while they looked into ways to return to their own homes…or for a new place to call home.

And even now, Sky saw several ponies that he recognized from that fateful day, but he was convinced that they had merely returned for the sake of being witness to the annual Rising of the Sun at the festival. After the battle, Celestia (with the approval of the Council) had made the decision to hold the festival in Foalumbus this year, as a sign of gratitude to the citizenry for their kindness and hospitality to those that had lost so much.

“Enjoying yourself?”

Sky broke out into a wide, toothy grin as Lily’s question registered in his mind. She had been staying as a guest in the palace ever since the destruction of Polarmino, and Sky had spent a great deal of time with her since then (including several more dates). And when they discovered that the Summer Sun Festival was to be held in Foalumbus, they had both agreed that they should be there.

“Immensely,” he replied. “I don’t know that there are words to describe how good it feels to be a part of this.” He looked at her appraisingly for a moment. “Though I think Cuddles was a bit sour to be left behind in Canterlot.”

“She can get over it. She should be happy just to be alive.” She shook her head back and forth, causing her mane to flail wildly in the air. “But I know what you mean,” she replied, returning to the original topic. She wore a deep green and gold cape across her back that swayed in the light breeze. It had been a gift from Rarity that arrived not two weeks ago, with a note demanding that she wear it to the festival. “We went from tragedy to victory to celebration in just a few months. This really is special.”

Sky adjusted his own gift from Rarity, a bright blue and silver shoulder wrap that glimmered in the many lights of the fairgrounds. “Have you seen anypony from Polarmino here? I’ve been looking, but I haven’t recognized anyone.”

“They’re all here,” Lily replied. “Princess Celestia invited them all to come to a special ceremony following the sunrise. She wanted to meet each of the victims personally and tell them how proud she was of each of them for their courage and friendship that helped you defeat the Chimera.”

A sudden squeal behind them caused them both to turn around instinctively. “Oh, you’re both wearing the gifts I made for you!” Rarity exclaimed. “Oh, they just turned out marvelously!”

“Hiya, Rarity,” Sky said with a wave of his hoof. Behind her, he could see the rest of his friends from Ponyville, each wearing an accessory of some sort, presumably of similar origin to his own. He was most amused by the dapper-looking Spike, who was sporting a fancy black fedora, and Applejack, whose cowpony hat was adorned with white trim and threaded designs, giving it a more festive appearance. “Nice hats, you two.”

“Thanks!” Spike replied. “Rarity made it just for me, and it fits great!”

“Looks nice, too,” Lily added.

“I’m not much for fancy frills or nothin’ like that,” Applejack said, “but since it was for a special occasion an’ all, I figured it was the least I could do to wear it.” She tilted it a bit to the front before nodding in satisfaction. “At least it fits.”

“Good to see you two again,” Twilight said. “We really hadn’t seen each other since a few days after the battle.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow said from her perch on a cloud she had snagged from the air. “So what have you been doing since then?” She narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. “Going on lots of dates together?” she teased.

“Actually, we have been on a few,” Lily said, moving up against Sky. He blushed for a moment before turning his attention back to Rainbow Dash, who was still looking on with taunting eyes.

“They were very romantic,” he said smugly. “Would you like me to tell you about them in great detail?”

Rarity’s eyes grew wide in anticipation, and Twilight and Fluttershy leaned forward. But Rainbow Dash sat up and stuck her tongue out in disgust. “No, thanks,” she muttered. “You take all the fun out of teasing.”

“It’s a big brother thing,” he replied.

“Speaking of which,” Lily said, suddenly looking around, “have you seen your family? I thought they were going to meet you here.”

“Hey, does that mean we’ll get to meet ‘em?” Applejack asked.

“Ooooh, more friends?! This calls for a PARTY!!!” Pinkie shouted as a shower of confetti flew into the air (apparently from nowhere).

“Well, we’re kinda already at a party,” Sky said, gesturing around. “But yeah, they should be here. And I’m sure they’d all be glad to meet you. Just, uh…” He hesitated and rubbed his leg nervously. “See, the thing is, they don’t know everything about what I’ve been doing over the past nine months. All they know is that I’ve been doing work in Canterlot. They know nothing about the Chimera, or my acceptance into the Service, or even my trip to Polarmino. And yes,” Sky said, raising a hoof before Rarity could utter a word, “that means that they don’t know anything about you guys. They know about Lily, but they don’t know where I met her.”

“Sheesh, Sky, how much have you been keeping from them?” Applejack asked, looking a little disappointed.

“I haven’t been keeping stuff from them. It’s just that this is my first time back here since my mission into Everfree. So I haven’t really had the opportunity to get them caught up on everything that’s been happening.”

“And you couldn’t send a letter?” Twilight asked.

“Well, before we defeated the Chimera, I didn’t want them to worry about me. I was still in that ‘I can do this myself’ mindset. But after that, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how difficult and outrageous it would sound if I just up and told them everything at once. So I figured that the best way to tell them would be when I had all my friends with me…I guess as witnesses to prove I wasn’t just making it all up.” He shrugged.

“Do they have a good reason to think you’d make everything up?” Applejack asked, looking a bit suspicious.

“What?” Sky looked up, surprised. Then, remembering Applejack’s Element, he chuckled. “Oh, no. But if I told you the entire story out of the blue when you had been assuming for nine months that I had been safely in Canterlot, working in the confines of the palace, wouldn’t you be a little skeptical?”

“I guess that’s true,” the orange mare admitted. “So how do you intend to tell them?”

A twinkle appeared in his eye as his familiar smug grin returned. “Slowly.”

They all broke out in a fit of laughter, lending their own voices to the din of joyful sounds throughout the town. And just as they began to quiet down, a voice called out to him. A voice that sounded just familiar enough to sting his eyes as the tears threatened to start rolling.

“Sky? Big brother, is that you?”

He whipped his head around and saw a teal green pony with violet eyes, complete with freckles and an auburn mane and tail to boot. Her mane was tied in a single braid along her neck, her tail was cut shorter than before, and she was decidedly taller than he remembered, but there could be no doubt.

“Heya sis. Miss me?” he called back to her.

She broke into a full gallop towards him in a flash. As she reached him, he stretched out his front legs and caught her in a tight hug. He closed his eyes, relishing this moment that had been so long in the making. His wings spread open behind him, slowly lifting both he and Cinnamint several feet into the air as he held onto her.

After several seconds, they descended back to the ground, where Sky looked his sister in the eyes. “You keep growing like this, and soon, I won’t be able to do that anymore.”

Cinnamint rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Sky saw a pair of pegasi emerge from behind a nearby festival tent. One was a light lavender mare with a mane and tail of a slightly darker hue, while the other was a deep blue stallion with a chalky-white mane and tail. Almost as soon as he saw them, he felt his legs take him bounding towards them.

“Mom! Dad!”

He felt himself become wrapped in their legs as he reached them. He had missed them so much. It meant the world to him that he could see them again. His mom was still so beautiful and sweet as he had remembered her. And his dad looked just as strong and confident as ever.

As they released him, his father arched an eyebrow at him. “Looks like it wasn’t just a rumor. He’s alive after all.”

Oh, right. He’s sarcastic as ever, too.

“Very funny, Dad,” he replied with a sigh. “I’ve been very busy; otherwise, I would have sent you a letter of some sort.”

“That’s some kind of busy to keep you so occupied that you couldn’t send us anything for a full nine months,” his mother chimed in.

Should’ve expected this. “I’ll explain later. Right now,” he said, turning his body and gesturing to his waiting friends, “I have some ponies I’d like you to meet.”

As he led them back to the awaiting mares, Lily stepped forward. “Mom, Dad, sis…this is Lily Pond.”

Lily bowed her head to the family as Sky continued, gesturing to each member of his family in turn. “Lily, this is my sister, Cinnamint; my mom, Feather Wisp; and my dad, Midnight Sky.”

“It’s nice to meet you all,” Lily said, smiling sweetly.

“And it’s nice to finally meet you, dear,” Feather Wisp replied.

“Yeah, I didn’t think there was a mare in Equestria that could stand to be around Sky for very long,” Cinnamint quipped.

“Shush, you,” Sky muttered. He gestured to the remaining six mares (and one dragon). “And these are some of my other friends.”

“Wow, Sky,” Midnight said, looking impressed, but with a definite look of mischief in his eye. “Most stallions would be content with just one mare. You’ve brought seven back here.” He nudged his son playfully. “I’m so proud of you.”

“DAD!”

“Be nice, honey,” Feather chided her husband as Lily and Cinnamint giggled to each other. “Go ahead, sweetheart,” she said, turning back to Sky.

He took a deep breath. I guess your family never stops trying to embarrass you, even after nine months of being apart. Maybe especially after nine months. “Well, these are my friends that I met in Ponyville, actually.”

“Oh, I know this one!” his father suddenly piped up again. “Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and…Rainbow Dash.” He looked triumphantly at his son, whose ears flattened beside his head as a stunned look fell across his face. “I miss any?”

“Hey! You forgot about me!” Spike shouted from Twilight’s back.

“Oh, sorry, Spike,” Midnight apologized.

“Better,” the dragon said, satisfied.

“H-how…how did you know that?” Sky asked, struggling to speak through his shock. Around him, his friends all looked as surprised as he did.

“Son, you’re plenty sneaky, but you can’t fool everypony that easily,” Midnight said, displaying a smug grin that looked every bit like the one that Sky showed so often.

“Did you really think we would let nine months go by without any word from you?” Feather added.

Cinnamint was snickering to herself. “Hehe, your faces!” she said between giggles. “You should see yourselves!”

Sky felt a certain dread fall on him. “But…how? How did you know?”

Feather smiled compassionately. “Sky, you’ve had ponies looking out for you for longer than you know. Princess Celestia has been sending us letters about you every few weeks since last September.”

“Princess Celestia?!” Sky’s friends shouted in unison, causing him to jump.

He gulped nervously. “So…you know I haven’t been in Canterlot the whole time, then, huh?”

“Yes,” Midnight replied, suddenly solemn. “We know all about your quests in the Everfree Forest and Polarmino, and all about this ‘Chimera,’ and a lot of other things.”

Sky’s head fell. “I’m…I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” he began. “I just didn’t want you to worry about me. I wanted you to be happy and live in peace, without any concern for me and the danger I might have to face.”

“Well, not sending any letters for nine months wouldn’t have been a good way to go about that,” Midnight muttered.

His mother waved a dismissing hoof before continuing. “But we also heard how our courageous son faced down a monster in the Everfree Forest, and, with the help of his friends,” she looked appreciatively at the group of mares behind Sky, “he conquered his fear and drove off that monster. And then, he chased it to the frontier of Equestria, where he fought and beat it, with the help of a special new friend.”

Lily blushed as Feather Wisp continued. “And we heard about how he dared to fight the monster on his own to protect all of Canterlot. And we heard about how even after he was left for dead, he came back and fought the monster alongside his friends one last time, vanquishing it and saving all of Equestria.” She smiled at Sky with tears running down her face. “And he’s made us very, very proud.”

“He certainly has,” Twilight said. “We’re all very privileged to know him and call him our friend.”

“You guys…you know that you were as much a part of this as I was,” Sky said sheepishly.

“Oh, just be the hero, just this once,” Rainbow Dash said, sounding exasperated. “It won’t kill you.”

Suddenly, there was the chiming of a bell, followed by the tremendous roar of a nearby crowd. “Celestia must be about ready to come out and raise the sun!” Twilight exclaimed.

Midnight Sky crouched down and spread his wings. “Think you can keep up with your old horse?” he said to his son.

Sky Streak merely rolled his eyes as he spread his own wings. “Pssh. You couldn’t keep up with me before I left. And now, I’ve got skills that would just blow your mind.”

“How about we all go on hoof?” Feather Wisp suggested, somewhat forcefully.

Midnight straightened up and cleared his throat as Sky lowered his wings. “Oh, uh, yeah, we can do that, too,” the younger said.

They all trotted through the fairgrounds, taking in the sights and sounds of the annual celebration. Pinkie Pie had to stop numerous times on the way to play a particular game in hopes of winning a prize. By the time the bell chimed again, she was carrying several new stuffed dolls, a new confetti launcher, and some strange contraption that appeared to be a small wheel tied to a string, which Pinkie referred to as a “yo-yo.”

On their way, Sky found himself waving to friends and acquaintances he had almost forgotten. They smiled as they waved back, though he was often uncertain if they recognized him at all. In the end, though, it didn’t matter to him. He was merely happy to be here among friends.

They at last arrived at the central stage, where Mayor Redtape stood at the podium. A huge crowd had gathered around the stage. Apparently, no pony for miles around wanted to miss this opportunity.

“What a crowd,” Rarity observed. “This is quite the event, isn’t it?”

“I’m just glad I’m not the one on that stage,” Fluttershy said softly.

“Foalumbus doesn’t have a lot of big venues throughout the year,” Feather said as the group found a spot they could all fit in. “So whenever something big does come, it draws a big crowd.”

As they all took their seats, Mayor Redtape tapped his hoof against the microphone a few times before clearing his throat. “Fillies and gentlecolts,” he began, “as mayor of Foalumbus, I welcome you to the annual Rising of the Sun here at the Summer Sun Celebration!”

A raucous cheer rose from the crowd, accompanied by the thunder of hundreds of hooves, all stamping their approval. The mayor seemed to be enjoying every bit of the attention. “We’ve all had a wonderful time so far, but I think we’re all ready for the main event! May I present her royal majesty, Princess Celestia!”

Out from behind a curtain, the Princess of the Sun emerged, shining like her namesake and standing regally upon the platform. Once again, a huge cheer rose from the audience which lasted for a full minute before finally dying down. As the last stamping ceased, the princess smiled and began to speak.

“The celebration of the Rising of the Sun has long been a tradition within Equestria. For countless generations, it has symbolized the ever-present hope of a new day, and the ability to move beyond the darkness into the light. It is the promise of hope beyond the horizon. And this year, it is my belief that such a message is perfectly appropriate here in Foalumbus.

“A little more than two months ago, Equestria was in great danger. A ferocious enemy had been terrorizing our homes and citizens, and there seemed to be little we could do to stop it. However, just when the darkness seemed to be unstoppable, hope came in the form of several young ponies who stood up to the darkness. Together, they ignited a light that defeated their enemy and shattered the night.” Sky looked around at each of his friends, who were already looking at each other. Lily scooted up against him, causing Cinnamint to giggle softly. And, Sky noticed, his parents were constantly raising their hooves to their eyes to catch their falling tears of pride.

Celestia continued. “And now, on this day, this morning, we celebrate not only their victory, but also the coming of the day for the refugees that found themselves far removed from their homes. The good ponies of Foalumbus united together to lend a hoof to their fellow citizens that had suffered so much. So, as Princess of Equestria, allow me to express my gratitude to each of you for your generosity and kindness. You have all proven yourselves to be an example for the rest of Equestria.” Again, the cheer erupted from the crowd, though perhaps slightly more enthusiastic this time around.

Celestia raised her hoof to bring a stop to the cheer. “But let us not forget that while the rising of the sun brings the promise of another chance to some ponies, there are others to whom the sun brings not another chance, but a new opportunity.” Suddenly, it seemed to Sky that Celestia’s words echoed in his mind. As he stared at the alicorn, she seemed to focus in on him, as though her words were meant specifically for him. “For some ponies, their tasks do not require another chance, because they have been completed. But now, they will need a new task, or mission, to perform. To them, the sunrise is not the coming of a new chance, but the symbol of a new stage in their life. Yesterday has passed; the dawn brings something new and fresh. But the hope of the sunrise comes to them, as well. It is a hope and belief that whatever life brings their way, they will meet it with purpose and determination.”

In a flash, she spread her wings and gently floated into the air. “So, whether you seek the coming of another chance, or the start of a new mission, or if you merely enjoy the beauty of the dawn, then behold, my ponies! The sun rises on Equestria!” And as her wings carried her higher and higher, she lifted her head dramatically, and the dazzling light of the sun broke across the eastern horizon, igniting the sky and bathing the land in its warm golden glow.

There were many ooo’s and aahh’s that filled the air before they transformed into a deafening cheer as Celestia descended once again on the platform. Above the cheer, Sky could hear Twilight’s voice calling out. “The last time we were at this event, things turned out a little differently!”

Sky leaned towards her and shouted, “Glad we could make it up to you!”

Several hours later, the crowds were finally beginning to thin as ponies began to head home for some rest after an entire night of celebrating. Sky, with his family and friends, were slowly walking back towards the town from the fairgrounds.

“Mare, do I feel sleepy,” Rainbow said as she walked.

“You must be tired to not be in the air,” Twilight observed.

Midnight Sky yawned absently from the front of the group. “So, what are you girls going to do now? Got an inn you’re staying at?”

“Oh, yes sir,” replied Fluttershy (who was surprisingly still alert). “I guess we’ll probably just head back there and rest.”

“You most certainly will not!” Feather Wisp protested. “You’re welcome to come over to the house and take a siesta there. No sense in spending bits on a hotel when you can relax for free.”

Twilight stifled a yawn as she tried to speak up. “Oh, thank you, but we’d hate to impose.”

“Sweetheart, it isn’t imposing if you’re invited,” Feather replied with a smile.

“Oh, good!” Cinnamint cheered. “Now I can finally hear all the embarrassing stories about Sky from the last year!”

“Not quite yet,” Sky corrected. “I think we’ll all want to take a little nap. Yes, even you,” he added, seeing the face she made.

“Well, that’s certainly kind o’ ya’ll to do that fer us,” Applejack said. “We’re mighty grateful.”

“You are perhaps the best friends our son has ever had, and you’ve done so much for him, it’s our privilege to have you stay with us, at least, for a little while,” Midnight replied.

“Pardon me, but may I interrupt this conversation?”

The group of ponies turned simultaneously to the source of the voice to see none other than Princess Celestia smiling down at them. In one synchronized motion, they all bowed low to the ground.

“O-of course, Your Majesty!” Midnight exclaimed. “How can we be of service?”

“First, there is no need to continue bowing,” she said with smirk. As they rose, she lifted her head and arched her eyebrows slightly to give her the appearance of being apologetic. “I’m afraid I must ask you to postpone your arrival at your home. My guards here,” she said, gesturing towards the gold-armored pegasi at her sides, “will accompany you to a suitable location where you can rest.”

Sky sensed that there was more. “And what else, Princess?”

She turned her gaze onto the light blue pegasus with the same eyes that he had felt during her speech just a few hours earlier. “Sky Streak, my faithful servant, I need you to come with me.”