Dawn's new day.

“What do you mean it’s not all ready?” Feather Duster asked one of the maids working under her. It was officially the morning before the 991st Summer Sun celebration and Feather was helping her Princess turned Mare friend get ready for her holiday. “We can’t go without enough cake for the celebration!”

Feather was stressed. Not only were preparations behind schedule but her children would soon be emerging from their cocoons and she needed to be there. She had debated bringing Celestia but it still wasn’t time for that conversation.

“Feather it’s all right. The bakers are doing their best and it’s not like one or two less cakes is a big deal.” Celestia put a soothing wing over her partners back. She’s so cute when flustered on our behalf.I do enjoy her fiery side but there better be enough cake.

Feather nuzzled her neck. “You’re right Celly. I just want your day to be perfect.”

Celestia Tittered. “Oh my sweet Feather, I have had so many of these things just having you and my students around is enough.” She then gave Feather a kiss on the cheek causing her to blush and feel full.

“So you must be Balanced Dawn.” Twilight’s Sire, Night Light, spoke up as he and his wife entered the castle waiting room. Twilight and I were already waiting around for Celestia before the celebration. “It’s finally nice to meet Princess Celestia’s second student. I know she hasn’t chosen a colt in decades so it’s impressive that you were picked.” Night Light gave me a hoof bump before sitting down on one of the cushions.

“That I am.” I nodded as he looked me over. “And I was surprised she picked me as well.” I was wondering when I would finally get a chance to meet them.

“Dad.” Spike ran over and gave me a big hug after jumping from Velvet’s back just before the mare sat down.

“Did he just call you dad?” Velvet’s eyes sparkled as Spike and I hugged, I hadn’t really heard her question but Night Light had and they shared a look.

“You just spoke.” I smiled at the baby dragon then looked towards Twilight. “Spike just spoke.”

“Yes, he has been doing that lately.” She smiled from behind a book she was reading about the holiday.

“And you didn’t tell me?” I threw my hooves up playfully as Spike said other random words like ‘book’. “I haven’t seen the little guy in weeks. How could you not tell me!?” I stuck my tongue out at her and Spike laughed.

Twilight shrugged as her parents watched our back and forth while smiling. I then heard them whisper to each other something about grand foals and meeting my parents later.

“So Spike are you excited for today?” I asked and he focused intently.

“Yep.” Was all he got out before he tried climbing onto my back. I helped him up with magic and he quickly got comfortable. Twilight’s parents gave me a look and ‘awwed’ just as the door opened.

“Excellent, I see that most of you are here. Dawn your family should be arriving shortly, correct?” Celestia asked as she and Feather Duster entered the room. Feather smiled when she spotted Spike resting on my back. I still wonder who this maid really is. I don’t remember Celestia ever having a love interest.

“Yep, they should be here anytime. I don’t know who all is coming though.” Just as I finished the door opened again and most of my family walked in.

“Brother.” Bloom ran over and pounced onto my back right behind Spike causing me to ‘oof’. “Who’s this?” Bloom poked spike who giggled and booped her back causing her to cross her eyes.

“That’s Spike, he’s a dragon. Twilight hatched him and I help watch over him sometimes.” I answered. “He’s a good dragon.”

Her eyes went wide. “Dragon? Wow.” She nuzzled spike. “He’s warm.”

As Bloom and I talked, my parents greeted Twilight’s parents and Applejack walked over to Twilight. “So you’re Twilight?” She narrowed her eyes.

“Um, yes.” Twilight replied nervously, she had set her book down a while ago so couldn’t hide behind it.

“My brother talked about you last time he was home.” AJ looked her over appraisingly. I didn’t think about them meeting early.

“He did?” Twilight looked my way with a smile and It was my turn to shrug.

“Eeyup.” She copied Mac, who had apparently wasn’t here, I noticed Unfettered wasn’t either.

Bloom had gotten off my back and was playing with Spike while running around the room. “Well, ya seem nice enough.” AJ relaxed and held out her hoof, which Twilight bumped.

Applejack then immediately sat at my side and gave me a friendly nuzzle. “Good to see you.”

“You too AJ where’s Big Mac and Unfettered?” I double checked the room.

“They’re watching the farm with Cheerilee, Her and Unfettered have been getting along quite well, after a rough first meeting anyway.” Applejack laughed knowingly. Good for her, she needed some friends.

“Well, now that everypony is here we can go over the plan.” Celestia brought the attention back to herself. “Dawn, Twilight, both of you along with Cadence, Shining armor and Feather duster here will be up on stage with me during the raising of the sun. Parents and family you’re going to be in the front row of course and are more then welcome to join in the festivities tonight with us. If any of you need to sleep before the raising of the sun tomorrow then please feel free to use a guest room and the maids will wake you up on time.”

She smiled as she finished. “Sadly we must be getting back to the preparations so I’ll see you all at the party later.”

Celestia and Feather then both left as everypony gave her a polite bow and got back to excitedly talking once she left.

I was feeling overwhelmed, but luckily wasn’t the only one. Twilight and Applejack were both at my side keeping the other fillies away as we sat at a corner table during the party that was planned to go all night.

Our parents had all taken to it like fish in water and were mingling in the crowds leaving us to our own devices. Celestia was greeting the guests so that left the three of us on our own. Wonder where Shining and Cadence are. I know Bloom and Spike are in a guest room with a maid.

“I wish it was time already. I don’t really like parties.” Twilight huddled against my side, chin resting on the table. It’s cute how sometimes she’s so embarrassed to be around me then others has no problem getting close.

“I have to agree about this one, Pinkie, our friend back home, throws a way better party. Everypony is just standing around talking, there’s not even any games or dancing.” Applejack looked bored on my other side.

“Yeah It doesn’t help getting looked at like that either.” I motioned to a group of noble fillies about Rarity’s age that kept checking me out and mentioning my status as Celestia’s student. Applejack gave them the stink eye and they looked away with noses held high. “At least the food is good.”

“Just ignore um.” AJ huffed. “So Twilight, you go to the same school as my brother. You in his trial herd as well?”

I knew she probably heard about Starlight and Trixie from my letter but wasn’t expecting her to be so blunt. “AJ.” I swatted at her with my tail, Twilight was stunned by the random question and blushed.

“No!.” She choked on her drink. “Um, I mean not yet.” I almost didn’t hear that last part

“Wait, Twilight did you want to be?” I asked a bit hesitantly sitting up straighter.

She nodded and looked away. Oh that’s going to be a big change, hopefully things work out. Don’t worry, can’t control everything.

“Well, we can talk about that later with Starlight then, if you want.” I gave Twilight a nuzzle while Applejack just watched our exchange with a raised eyebrow.

As the three of us talked and moved around the room to stay awake Twilight and Applejack had started to get along. They both found out they had hard work and having a good older brother in common so we’re becoming fast friends. Better early than never.

“I understand those long hours all to well.” I listened to AJ talk. “Dam and our moms may do a lot of the work but I’m normally right out there doing work with them. I need to be If I plan to take over the farm one day.”

Twilight nodded. “My last paper took hours of research but the Princess really appreciated my detailed work. I didn’t exactly have to do all that research but I felt my paper wouldn’t be completely finished without it.”

Funny what people, or ponies, will bond over. I was focused more on watching the guests as the two talked. Our parents had been checking in on us throughout the night but kept returning to talking with their fellow adults.

I could tell my parents were getting along well with Twilight’s as they typically stuck together.

“Dawn, hey you listening?” AJ poked my side.

“Not really AJ I’m having trouble staying awake.” I yawned. “What’s up?”

“Twilight here was going to show me the gardens, they apparently have a golden apple tree out there. You coming?” Twilight smiled as AJ spoke.

“Sure sounds fun.” I stretched and followed behind the chatting fillies.

Looking around I wasn’t quite sure where I was. One moment I was in the garden the next I was, “This is a dream isn’t it?” I poked the ‘ground’ and a ripple emitted from the spot. “Neat.”

“Neat indeed.” I recognized the voice but it sounded a bit different.

“Moon I thought you…” when I turned around it wasn’t Nightmare Moon but Luna.

“Hello Balanced Dawn, it’s nice to finally meet you.” She lowered herself to eye level. “I am…”

“Luna!” I rushed over and hugged her. “Did you break free of the nightmare already? I didn’t think you could without the elements.”

There was a pause, “you know of us and the elements?”

I tilted my head. “Course I do. Princess Luna ruler of the night, dreams, and the moon. Sadly corrupted by darkness into Nightmare Moon, through no fault of her own, and banished.”

“Well then we can at least get to the point.” She blinked a few times. “You have been tasked to find my Thestrals correct?”

I nodded.

“When you find them I need you to warn them that I will still be corrupted upon my return. You were right that only the elements could cleanse me.” She bowed her head sadly. “We’re just about out of time so have a good day young prince.”

She kissed my forehead and the dream wobbled.

“See you again Luna.”

I woke up to Applejack poking my side as we laid beneath a golden apple tree. “Come on Dawn wake up we wouldn’t want to be late.”

I yawned and stretched. “Thanks AJ I needed that nap. Where’s Twilight?” I looked around the garden’s clearing.

“She rushed on ahead saying something about making a list.” She laughed as we got moving. “She may be a unicorn but I can appreciate her work ethic.”

Once the two of us were back in the castle we were rushed off to get ready. I was dressed in a suit and lead toward the stage constructed in the castle’s plaza where guests from around the city gathered to watch the ceremony.

“Dawn there you are. Did you have a good nap.” Celestia gave me a friendly nuzzle.

“Yep all rested up.” I glanced at Twilight who looked to be running on purely her nerves. “Looks like Twilight should have joined me instead of lecturing AJ about the garden.”

“Yes well after the ceremony you two can run off.” She smiled just as music began to play. “It’s time.”

I stood up straighter as Shining Armor and Cadence walked out first on either side of the stage. Next Twilight and I stepped out. I nervously scanned the crowd as they waited for the main show.

Finally Celestia stepped out with Feather at her side. The crowd looked a bit confused but were easily distracted by Celestia lighting her horn and slowly raising the sun.

The amount of magic emitting from her would have been overwhelming for any normal pony and was why she had to raise and lower the sun from within the castle or at a safe distance. If it wasn’t for the special stage most ponies would pass out from witnessing the sight.

When she finished the crowd erupted into cheers and praised the start of a new day.

Twilight looked at her teacher with a renewed sense of awe while Shining was looking a bit magically overwhelmed so Cadence was helping him off stage. As an alicorn I was feeling fine but it did make me wonder. How could Feather stand so close and be fine?

“Come on ponies let’s party.” Pinkie yelled from her spot on stage. She had helped prepare Ponyville for the biggest Summer Sun Celebration ever. Ponies were already learning about her position as the town’s unofficial party planner however after today the title was official.

Pinkie joined the crowd and began to party with all her friends.

Imago returned to her home in a rush just after the sun was raised. She hated to leave her Cely behind but her children needed her.

When she arrived she could see the four little cocoons shaking upon the ceiling. “Come on little ones you can do it.”

She watched with baited breath as the young nymphs broke through their cocoons with their horns. One by one they glided down on buzzing wings into the goo she had prepared below for a soft landing.

The young princess, Alicia, floated down first to greet her mother followed by the Den Mother drone, Ceres, and the two worker drones, Digit and Ditto, all female.

“Welcome back my children, congratulations on becoming nymphs.” She gave each of them a nuzzle. “In a few years you’ll all molt and become fully adult Changelings. For now though let’s get you connected to the hive.”

She lit her horn and touched it to each of her children in turn.

-“can you hear me”- she broadcast through the newly established hive mind.

-“Mother.”- All her children responded and tackled her. She laughed at her success of establishing her first hive, now she would just need to lay more eggs.