TS&F: S1, Ep5: A Sunset to Remember

"Here comes the big bear!" With a playfully ferocious roar, Twilight took to the skies in pursuit of her airborne niece. The rosy, Alicorn foal continued to shout and scream so laughingly, as both aunt and mother princesses playfully chased her across the town. Once Cadence rounded the corner behind little Flurry, knowing Twilight would continue to tail her daughter, she hastened to tilt her wings and glide, so as to intercept her.

She was more than anticipating the bewildered gasp from Flurry Heart the moment they were in sight of each other. She was about to wrap her winged filly into a tight hug with her forelegs. Zooming most rapidly from her innermost Pegasus nature, Cadence reached out with such speed, and so wide a smile, that she was unable to adjust and evade the next thing that happened. All of the sudden, Flurry popped out of her flight path, in a golden flash of light. In that very instant, Cadence found herself smack into Twilight's own trajectory.

Spiraling downward, the two mares were unable to counter their loss of flight. It seemed as though they were to skid onto the main road with an incredibly bad crash, but a bright crimson and light blue glow surrounding them prevented that. It placed them into a sudden halt mere breadths away from the solid ground, then gracefully allowed them to touch it with their hooves, once they separated.

"Wabv'wah-fee!" Looking up, they saw their small, laughing playmate descend towards them in a hover. Joining in Flurry's laughter, Cadence retrieved her with the blue aura of her horn, then used her hooves to embrace her daughter, as intended. After dimming her horn, Twilight followed suit, wrapping both forelegs and wings to enwrap the most recent additions to her family. "Eeh-eh'wey."

"Wow, Cadence," joyfully remarked the lavender Alicorn, "She's attained a better grasp of her magic more quickly than anticipated."

"I know," nodded the rosy mare in kind, "Took us and Sunburst by surprise, at first. But we were able to keep up with that more easily now."

After sharing a brief chuckle between themselves, Cadence then continued to hold Flurry tenderly, as she added, "Speaking of which, how's your newest Friendship student coming along?"

"Very well, all things considered," answered Twilight warmly, "He's been more than readily able to pick up on every lesson taught. So quickly in fact, we agreed to do more reviews and pace ourselves, just in case Spider Bite was excelling way too much." It was then Cadence gave her a turn in holding the little filly. "As for the Friendship lessons, he's been breaking almost every expectation. Unlike Starlight he's been more than eager to get engaged with others. Open to learn new things from others. Or, well, to a certain extent. Found several jobs to help out with the ponies in town. Always stopping to see how everypony's doing. He doesn't call himself 'Friendly Neighborhood' for nothing. Albeit in excess."

"All things considered," Cadence echoed with raised brow, "To a certain extent?"

"Well, you see, like Starlight, he's not entirely open about himself, which, of course we're well aware of. But there's also that keen sense of awareness he possesses that makes him seem all the more...more..."

"Paranoid?"

"I was actually going for apprehensive," she chuckled awkwardly, "But yeah, that works too, I guess. Always seems to be as careful as possible about telling us more of himself. Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy each made a point about that."

"That reminds me," Cadence frowned slightly, "Shining had to return to the Crystal Empire and make sure no further damage has been done. Hopefully the generals and Crystal Guard are both well intact, still. Also learning as much about the Changelings' infiltration as he can."

"Which is why we, ourselves, must depart also." The mares and filly turned to see their fellow regents approach them. After warmly greeting each other, Luna continued, "As much we would relish in partaking the rest of this Sunset Festival entirely, we should return to Canterlot, and investigate the means and method of Chrysalis' incursion."

"Also, like Shining Armor," Celestia said, "We must ensure no other rogue Changelings have remained there. Thorax also asked us to transport those still trapped in the castle ruins to him. It would allow him to reach out to them, and not Chrysalis."

She then turned to her former star pupil, now downtrodden, bringing a hoof under Twilight's chin. "Be sure not to place any blame upon yourself either, Twilight. Not just yet, at least. We will have the answers we seek, and find the truth of the matter. And even if such a notion were true for any of us, we must always learn from this, and not dwell on it. Such an act of fear is most disruptive towards the bonds of Friendship."

"Thank you, Celestia," she smiled back, "I won't let you down."

"Just be sure to enjoy as much of the festival possible, as well."

"Indeed," said Luna, "It is good to be vigilant, but also important not to spoil such merriment and fellowship with paranoia."

At that, the Royal Sisters of the Moon and Sun ignited their horns of night blue and gold, teleporting themselves back to their domain. Just then, the two mares noticed another shine of light from nearby. Turning to face the source, they noticed the shape and frame of a stallion, whose orange hide and wings made themselves visible from the fading flash. Princess Cadence approached the Pegasus, lowly saying, "All who seek love know well."

"To do so graciously, and peacefully," he responded in kind.

"Who was the last suitor of the Crystal Princess?"

"The last one ever, or the last before the Crystal Prince?"

"The latter."

"Misty Glint."

"Hello, Captain Sentry," Cadence then warmly, but quietly greeted her most loyal guardspony, sent by her husband.

"Thank you, Princess," Flash Sentry nodded in whisper, "Or given my civilian outlook, would you prefer a more passive form of address?"

Catching the sarcasm in his question, she answered, "Just so long as you pass along as another bystander in the crowds, either is fine."

"It's great to meet another Princess visiting Our Town," said Sentry with a bow, as both then shook hooves cordially, as though this were their first meeting.

Then Cadence raised a hoof toward the calming Twilight that approached them, "And you've already been introduced to Princess Twilight Sparkle, of course."

"She came here before, not too long ago. Helped us out, back when Starlight Glimmer used to run things."

"Obfv-ghah!" Catching the squirming foal that flew out of her sister-in-law's hooves, she watched Twilight maintain an even demeanor, as she took his hoof to shake also. "It's nice to see you again, Mister Sentry, as with all your compatriots in Our Town."

"Maybe you'd like me to introduce you both to some of my own friends," said Flash.

"That would be very nice, thank you," said the rose-coated Princess, her baby now placed on her back.

"I'm guessing Party Favor's a riot, as usual," smirked the Pegasus.

"Why don't we go find out for ourselves," the lavender mare smiled back, then giggled, "I'm sure Pinkie Pie's already joining him."

The four ponies then left the vacant alleyway they had been in, and joined the rest of the ponies who have carried on the joy and mirth that prepared for the grand spectacle to come. Glad to know an additional, fresh set of eyes came by to watch the activities about them, Cadence felt much calmer about this entire endeavor than before. Although she would prefer to have Shining around to help with that greatly, as he always has done, she understood the gravity of the situation, as well as Shining's loving care to send somepony undercover in his stead.

As promised, he did so in providing them their most devoted and vigilant captain in the Crystal-Equestrian joint forces, after properly screening and debriefing him. Along with the personal sign and countersign she personally set up with him, he also got some background on the town and its inhabitants, to maintain his cover from any suspicious characters. When it came to what mattered most, the safety and happiness of his family, Cadence knew her husband would never let her down. It was as if he were still here. With her, and their baby.

"Now, lemme see if I got y'all straight." Starlight stood beside Applejack, and listened to her conversing with the townsponies, Sugar Belle, Night Glider, Double Diamond and Party Favor. "This here Sunset Celebration is meant to kick-off the first sunset in the falltime?"

"Oh, yes," warmly nodded the magenta Unicorn mare, "Every year, on the Autumnal Equinox, we celebrate the beginning of the season."

"When the days aren't too hot, and the breeze starts to cool everypony down," added the white Earth Pony stallion, emphasizing the word "cool". Understanding the environment they have settled in, AJ shook her head in understanding.

"The reason this town was founded here, supposedly in the middle of nowhere," the light purple Unicorn told her farmpony friend, "Was the fact that a deep pool of water lies further into the cave close by. It provides ponies with the best-tasting water that's also great for farming."

Starlight Glimmer continued on her extensive lecture on how the snowmelt from the mountains nearby flowed downward through the tunnel systems, and into the cave, catching the minerals that make it so refreshing. However, she was gradually being tuned out, as they all carried on with the baking contest they partook in. Applejack felt one such informative mare was enough for her ears to handle. It was at that time the orange Earth Pony turned to the light blue Unicorn stallion with familiar, puffy mane and tail to comment thus, "Recon yur the town's big party planner, ain'tcha?"

"You bet," exclaimed Party Favor. "We spend the whole, long week getting ready for autumn to start. And when it does, that's when all the harvesting can begin. The fact that we celebrate that with a party makes it a whole, lot more fun to look forward to."

"We got somethin' akin tah that, down in Ponyville," she said, "S'called the Runnin' o'the Leaves. We start fall ourselves, by runnin' through the glade o'trees to have their orange, yelluh and brown leaves come and fall on down."

"Sweet," Double Diamond remarked.

"And then comes the apple harvest," she continued, "When we start buckin' apples in our tree farm tah make our best pies, fritters, jams that ever been made in Equestria. But that ain't even the best part."

"And what's that," asked the dark blue Pegasus mare.

"We Apples make the best apple cider there is, anywhere."

"It sounds like those are great and amazing apples," Sugar Belle stated with engrossed excitement, "I would love to try some of those for my own recipes, if you don't mind sharing."

"Well, 'course not," she answered her plainly, "Shoot, wouldn't be callin' myself an Apple, if Ah ever said no in bringin' our best to new friends and acquaintances tah try. Ah'll have my brother Big Mac come up to deliver yah some, real soon here."

"That'd be nice. Thank you very much, Applejack."

He hustled down the street, as quickly as his clawed feet could carry him. Striving to do his best in keeping up, Spike rushed past the numerous ponies celebrating the festival with one pony in particular in sight. The white Unicorn mare was trotting elegantly with such graceful enthusiasm, as he watched her heading to the wooden stand she intended to reach.

"Hurry along, wouldn't you, Spike," she called back to him, "No time to doddle. I must see the local seamstress in providing my input in the decorations, as well as arranged some of my designs to reach here for display. Always know when an opportunity arises to expand business."

"Absolutely, Rarity," Spike beamed in reply, "I can't wait to see what you do for the decorations here. As always."

"Thank you, dear Spike," Rarity said, "Although I mustn't worry about that too much. I know this celebration is definitely enjoyable, regardless. The various games and activities are quite entertaining and thrilling, I'm sure. This settlement does have such a natural resonance and feel on its own, also."

The young Dragon could not help himself in thinking how amazing she proves herself to be the perfect mare, time and time again. However many times he offered his appraisal of her, it would seem that while Rarity did relish in it, the next instant she strove to be even more gracious and thoughtful to others around her. All the little youth could do in exchange for such a charismatic effect on him was to do all that he can to aid in her endeavors, whether it be carrying things for her, or even bringing to her the simplest gem that might fascinate her for designing some dress. The gleam in her eyes. So full of passion, conviction and excitement in everything she does, especially in receiving his small gestures of kindness. They were brighter and far more enchanting than any appetizing diamond and jewel in Equestria, and beyond.

"Rarity! Spike!" The lively announcement of their chaotic friend interrupted Spike's grand, yet distracting trail of thought, as well as Rarity's chance to converse with the local shopkeepers she planned on meeting.

"Discord," said the white mare flatly, "As usual, your antics and unexpected surprises continue to baffle me."

"I knew I can always count on you for such praise, Miss Rarity. Thank you," the single-fanged malady responded with a full bow, "I have just made a pact with Miss Trixie in my assistance in her act for the festival, today."

"Trixie said she'll take it into consideration!" The blue Unicorn, still sky-bound, called down from her flying pig. Shrugging off the unruly shout from above, he continued to the eyeing pair before him.

"Anyway, as I was saying. Trixie was too modest to ask for any help in setting the stage and props and decorations for her debut in…Our Town, as it's so quaintly called. Frankly, I think 'Starlight's old village' is more preferable." He said this, as quotation marks began to float in the air.

"Just what do you have in mind, darling," Rarity cordially tried to keep the topic in focus.

"Well," he beamed in reply, vanishing then reappearing in a top hat, cane and stage suit, "Given your designing prowess, Rarity, alongside Princess Twilight's quote-unquote Number One Assistant, I think we can definitely get this show as high off the ground as the star, herself!"

"Just no more flying pigs, PLEASE! Ah!" Upon hearing her scream, they looked up once more to see the winged swine vanish at the snap of Discord's digits. Before she could even get near to the ground in her descent, the mare found herself landing into the very hat removed from Discord's head. With a flick of the wrist, and twirl of the spinning paw, the draconic multi-bred pulled out an even larger hat, from which erupted an entire flock of soaring pigs. The last one to fly out having Trixie clutching onto it for dear life. "AAAAHHHHH!"

"As I said," he stated brightly, "Your wish is my command." Snap.

No more winged pigs. No longer airborne. No more rambunctious shenanigans. Just a quivering Trixie cuddled into a ball, waiting for whatever may come next.

"Why don't you simply have everything set up in a flash," asked Rarity, "And where's Fluttershy?"

"I believe she decided to meander with Pinkie Pie today," he answered her, "That is, that was her plan, as soon as she could find her. As for the 'setting up', I'm afraid I don't know the first thing about show business. Bit of a shock to hear, I know. Believe me. So I thought your area of expertise, and Trixie's slightly above average vision would prove to be most helpful."

"And with your wild imagination," muttered Spike, "What could possibly go wrong?"

"Exactly," he exclaimed, ignorant of the sarcasm, "And it would make for the perfect opportunity to show off your stuff to the ponies here, Rarity!"

Gliding ever so swiftly past them, Rainbow Dash zipped by, from one activity to the next, looking around to find something new and exciting for her to try out. As much as she found the entire experience a great time, so full of laughs and treats, she had yet to find the very thing that could be as totally awesome as her to completely show enthusiasm. It seemed that nothing could get her mind off of the very reason they came here to relax and have fun.

It was not so much the small pang of guilt she had earlier, for she heard Princesses Celestia and Luna mention to Twilight not to dwell on that. No, there was something else. Something that could not quite evade her heightened, Pegasus awareness. Scanning her surroundings another time, she came upon the sight of an orange, winged stallion. His blue mane and eyes, along with the blue-checkered shield and yellow bolt for a mark seemed oddly familiar to her. It was almost as though she had seen that pony someplace else than Our Town. So, she decided to dive down toward the edge of the crowds where he was, and hang out with him.