It was late at night of December 31st. As is tradition, there were celebrations about the inevitable new year. Across Earth, people were already celebrating by visiting their families, blowing up fireworks, and standing around the famous New Year's Celebration in Times Square, New York, which was being televised on ABC.

In Equestria however, the 'party' atmosphere was VERY evident. In Canterlot, ponies were standing in the castle courtyard; dancing, popping open champagne bottles, and enjoying the beautiful night views. In Ponyville, ponies were attending the annual New Year's Party, organized by none other than Pinkie Pie. Many ponies and couples were either dancing to Vinyl Scratch's music or sharing glasses of champagne. In Manehattan, the party was everywhere. But the main party was taking place in the park, where the Midsummer Theatre Revival took place. Among the crowd of dancing ponies were Mike and Rara, who were singing along to some of the song's lyrics.

'What's a song if you can't hear it too,' sang Mike.

'Can't imagine dancing without you,' sang Rara.

"Mmm." 'A shooting star ain't really nothin' to see,'

'If you're not right here standing next to me.'

"Oh, haha," Mike chuckled before Rara suddenly gave him a peck on the lips which caught him by surprise.

The two continued continued dancing with the sea of ponies as the song continued.

As the song continued, Mike suddenly stumbled and bumped into Rara. He managed to regain his footing and caught Rara in his arms before they could hit the ground.

"Hmm, for a human you've got some moves," said Rara with a half-lidded eyes.

"Oh, that wasn't a move. That was an accident, but I accept the compliment," said Mike.

"It's a shame that AJ and her friends can't be here to join us like they did on Hearth's Warming," said Rara.

"Yeah, guess that means you're stuck with me ALL night."

"You're my one and only, Mike."

"That's a good thing. Since I'm the only other one who signed that contract."

The two rubbed they're lips against each other before continuing they're dance.

After the song ended, everyone cheered as midnight drew nearer and nearer.

"Hey, you two. Happy New Year."

"Coco, where have you been?" asked Rara.

"Oh, Sapphire has been planning something for you two. Apparently, she was to dedicate something to the both of you before her singing goes off-key for good," Coco explained. "It's also going to be the last thing before the final countdown."

Mike and Rara looked at each other. "Well, what is it, exactly?" asked Rara.

"She told me not to tell you," said Coco.

"Great, another surprise," sighed Mike. "It's probably going to be another shocking revelation or something like that."

"I wouldn't say so," said Rara. "All of those 'shocking' revelations were in private locations. But this is a public area. If she reveals something out here to the public, it is GUARANTEED to get a mixed reaction."

Mike pondered for a moment. "Hmm, I suppose so."

Just then, the stage light on the Midsummer Theatre came on as Sapphire Shores came up on stage. To Rara's shock, a piano was also on the stage, being played by non other than Prance. "Don't worry, that's not your piano," reassured Coco. "Your piano is still in your room. That's just another piano Sapphire had in her old studio."

"Oh, phew," Rara sighed.

"C-Minor, put it in C-Minor," Sapphire gestured to Prance before taking the mic. "Ladies and gentleman, fillies and gentlecolts," she announced as the crowd roared to see her. "I like to dedicate this song to..." A spotlight then shone down on Mike and Rara. "...Countess Coloratura and Mike Rogers."

Mike and Rara looked at the crowd in stunned surprise as Sapphire began singing a song Mike knew very well. The crowd soon began chanting.

"Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance!"

Mike offered Rara a hand and Rara hesitantly accepted it. When she did, the crowd cheered and clapped.

"Listen, I know this song," said Mike. "Just follow my lead, okay?"

"O-okay," replied Rara.

"HIT IT!" Sapphire chuckled as the song began it's main verse.

The crowd cheered as the song and dance came to an end. Mike and Rara were surprised to see many ponies joining in. Rara then looked at Mike.

"You said you know this song?" asked Rara.

"Yes, it was originally from a movie called, 'Footloose'. But the version that Sapphire sung is what many consider the far superior version. Which is from another movie called, 'Shrek 2'," Mike explained.

"Well, I guess we're gonna have to thank Sapphire and Prance for that," said Rara. "Because that was great."

"Indeed it was," replied Mike.

"Well, I hope you two enjoyed that," said Coco. "Because I certainly did. Quite honestly, I didn't know what Sapphire was going to sing either. She just told me she was going to perform a song, but she never told me what it was going to be."

"Well, at least it wasn't anything shocking," said Mike. "But the fact that she dedicated something to us is still very surprising."

"And I'm glad you two were surprised."

The three of them looked to see Sapphire and Prance walking towards them.

"I'm glad I was able to sing that perfectly. I spent weeks trying to get what little remained of my singing to sound good," said Sapphire.

"Well, at least you put it to good use," said Mike.

"Thanks, Mike," said Sapphire. "But I think my singing has finally given up for good now."

Everyone looked at Sapphire and decided to cheer her up.

"Hey, at least you're still involved in the music industry," said Rara.

"Exactly, you helped me and my friends," said Prance.

"You're giving me more fashion design opportunities," said Coco.

"You're helping me get my career back on track," said Rara.

"And you've helped me finally accomplish my dreams," said Mike.

Sapphire looked at the four of them and smiled proudly at them. "Thanks, everyone. That means a lot." She then looked at her watch. "Oh, we've got 2 minutes left. Come on."

Sapphire, Prance, and Coco walked away to get a better view of the fireworks, but Mike and Rara stayed behind. The couple looked at each other's eyes.

"Well, this is it, a new year," said Mike.

"And it's going to be BIG," replied Rara.

The two wrapped they're arms around each other before sharing a kiss on they're lips. After breaking the kiss, they saw many ponies running over to get a better view as the final countdown began.

"Come on," said Mike as he and Rara made they're way toward a view of they're own. When they got there, the final countdown began.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

Fireworks lit up the night sky and a HUGE roar from the crowd erupted as the new year officially begun. From they're spot, Mike and Rara watched as fireworks exploded in many different colors. They then shared another look at each other before sharing another kiss.

"Happy New Year," whispered Mike.

"Happy New Year," Rara whispered back.

After sharing another look at the fireworks, Mike wrapped his left arm around Rara's waist and took hold of her left hand. Rara did the same, wrapping her right arm around Mike's waist and holding his right hand. The couple held each other close as the fireworks continued exploding.

"Well, it seems this year is off to a great start," said Mike.

Rara nodded in agreement as they both continued to watch the fireworks.

To Be Continued.

Author's Note

Happy New Year everyone.

Here's to 2024, let's make it a good one.

Next chapter is the first of many chapters many of you race fans have been waiting for. The Rolex 24. Since it will be a fictionalized version of the 2024 Rolex 24, it won't be out until after the Rolex 24 weekend, which is January 27-28.