The King's Son

The sun rose gently over Ponyville, casting a warm glow on the fortified town. The barriers stood firm, camouflaged perfectly by Rarity's designs and Applejack's sturdy trees. The shield created by Twilight and Solaris shimmered subtly, a protective dome ensuring the safety of everypony within.

Solaris was the first to awaken, stepping out into the crisp morning air. He took a moment to admire the fruits of their hard work, feeling a sense of accomplishment. As he walked through the town, he noticed the residents going about their morning routines with a newfound sense of security.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Big Mac were already up, checking on the newly restored orchard. The trees were vibrant and full of life, thanks to Solaris' magic. Apple Bloom joined them, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Look at this, Big Mac! The orchard's better than ever!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Eeyup," Big Mac agreed with a satisfied smile.

Applejack turned to Solaris as he approached. "Morning, Solaris. Looks like your magic did wonders for our farm. Thank you."

"No problem." Solaris replied. Just then, Applejack felt a tingly feeling on her flank. She looked at it and saw that it was glowing and producing more of the same cutie mark. "Now what could that possibly be?"

Solaris saw this with Spike and Shooting Star when they forgave him back in Appleoosa, so he already had an answer. "I think you're being summoned to the castle for something."

"It must be a friendship mission." Applejack deduced. "I must get over to the castle as soon as possible."

Applejack started running to the castle, but Solaris decided to teleport back because he wanted to. When he was back in the castle, he found himself in the Cutie Map room. He just decided to wait until Applejack arrived.

He waited for a few minutes until he heard the door open. He looked at who arrived, but saw that it wasn't Applejack. It was Rarity.

"Oh, good morning darling." Rarity greeted. "I take it you were also called by the cutie map."

"Nope." Solaris said. "But I know some creature else who did. Do you know where you're heading?"

No, but I can see that- *gasp*, TWILIGHT, TWILIGHT!!"

Not a few seconds later, Twilight came running into the room quickly, most likely thinking somepony was trying to kill Rarity.

"Ooh, Twilight darling, thank goodness. It seems that my-" She stopped when she heard another set of hoofsteps run into the room. Everyone turned around and saw that it was Applejack.

Applejack slowed down and said, "Woo wee, got here as fast as I co- *GASP*" Twilight interrupted her with a gasp. She saw that Applejack's Cutie mark was glowing. She looked at Rarity and saw that her cutie mark was glowing as well.

"YES!" Twilight yelled. "Finally, we been summoned. I wonder where the map wants up to-" Twilight was also interrupted when Solaris put a hoof to her muzzle.

"Twilight, you weren't summoned. Your cutie mark isn't glowing." he said while pointing at her cutie mark. Twilight looked at her flank and saw that her cutie mark indeed wasn't glowing. Twilight smiled before it faltered, and she fell to the ground, groaning.

"But Twilight, we've been called to MANEHATTEN! Oh, I've simply been dying to go back for a visit." Rarity fawned. "And now, I return. With a purpose."

Solaris then looked at the map and saw that they were summoned somewhere on the outskirts of the city. "It doesn't look like you're being summoned to the city itself. It looks like you're being summoned by the outskirts."

Rarity wasn't fazed however. "We're being summoned to one of the busiest, most vibrant cities in Equestria. Isn't this exciting?" Rarity asked Applejack.

Unlike Rarity, Applejack felt a little uncomfortable going to the big city. "Seems a hair odd though, don it? Map calling me to a big city like Manehatten?"

"You may be a country pony at heart Applejack, but the map picked you 2 specifically because it thinks you 2 are the best ponies for the job, kind of like when Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were sent to Griffinstone, or when Spike and Shooting Star were sent to Appleoosa."

Applejack still wasn't sure. "But how are we supposed to know what the mission's gonna be? That neighborhood might have twice as many ponies as all of Ponyville."

At that, Rarity blew a raspberry. "More like three times dear. It's not only home to the haypacking district, but it's also home to the fashion district." Rarity, Applejack and Solaris looked at Twilight who looked a little sad. "It's quite a shame you weren't called dear. You did become quite the fan of the hustle and bustle of the city on your last visit."

Twilight sighed. "There's still so much I want to do there. All the museums, the historical landmarks, and especially, all the libraries." Solaris swore he saw here eyes sparkle for a second. "But this is your mission. Don't worry about me, I have plenty of... books to keep me company."

Solaris saw that Twilight was getting more sad about not being invited to places. First, she wasn't invited to the Crystal Empire but Spike was, and now she wasn't invited to Manehatten.

"Aw Twilight, don't be like that." Solaris assured her. "You can spend that time with me. I heard that a tradition called the sisterhooves social is happening soon, and I want to see how it's like"

That made Applejack and Rarity frown. "Oh, I just remembered that." Rarity said.

"We'll have to miss it." Applejack added on. "No telling how long we'll be in Manehatten. I sure hope Applebloom and Sweetie Belle aren't too upset."

Then, Twilight became perplexed. "Wait a second, how will we get you girls to Manehatten with all the defenses around Ponyville?"

"The shield we put up can sense who is a threat and who isn't" Solaris explained, "And with no trees around the train station, they can get out and in with ease."

"Well, that is quite nice Solaris." Rarity said. "Now, let's head over to Manehatten, right now." she finished while rushing out the door. Applejack followed suit to catch up with her.

Twilight and Solaris were walking around Ponyville. "I heard Applebloom was pretty upset about Applejack leaving for Manehatten. I don't know about Sweetie Belle though." Twilight said.

"Yeah, she seems pretty content with watching the whole think like us, but I heard she really likes the Sisterhooves Social." Solaris added on. "Besides, Scootaloo gets to compete with Cyan even though they aren't truly sisters."

"That may be the case Solaris, but those 2 still share a special bond." Twilight explained. "There's a pretty loose definition of a sister after all, as long as you share a bond with somepony that even comes close to a sister, you're in."

"Hm, you seem to know a lot about the definition of sister, even though you don't even have one yourself." Solaris said to her, making her smile sheepishly. Then, he got an idea. "Wait, if you say if you come close to a sister, like a friend, then I think they might still be able to be in the competition.

That got Twilight intrigued. "Really, how?"

"Follow me." Solaris called out before he started walking somewhere. Since they were just walking, Twilight was able to catch up rather easily. They walked through town and to a certain building. "Here we are Twilight."

Twilight looked at the building and saw that it was rather familiar. "This is Derpy's and the Doctor's building, Solaris. What are we doing here?" she asked.

Solaris didn't answer her, but instead knocked on the door. After a few seconds, the door opened and revealed to be Shooting Star. She smiled with glee at him. "HI SOLARIS!!" she yelled before bringing him in for a tight bear hug. Solaris was caught off guard, but hugged her back anyway.

"Hi Shooting Star. I was wondering if you would like to be a sister for a day."

Shooting Star blinked in surprise, releasing Solaris from her bear hug. "A sister for a day? What do you mean, Solaris?"

Twilight, still standing at the door, chimed in, "I'm guessing Solaris was thinking you could participate in the Sisterhooves Social with Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle. They might need a partner since Applejack and Rarity are away on a friendship mission."

Shooting Star's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, that sounds like so much fun! I'd love to help out!"

"Great!" Solaris said with a smile. "Let's go find Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and see who needs a partner."

The group made it to the field where the social was taking place. Immediately, the sight of Scootaloo and Rainbow caught their eye.

"We sooo got this. I'm gonna go sign us in." they heard her say, and then she flew off to sign her and Scootaloo in.

They then saw Sweetie Belle come into the picture. "I guess I'm a little jealous that you get to compete but I don't. But at least I get to be here and cheer you on.

Twilight, Solaris and Shooting Star then walked up to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "Hey girls." Twilight said to them.

"Hi Twilight." Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle replied in unison.

Then Shooting Star walked up to Sweetie Belle with a smile. "Hey Sweetie Belle. I actually have a offer for you."

Sweetie Belle looked at Shooting Star. "Really, what is it?" she asked.

"Well, I know we technically aren't sisters, but I was thinking I could be your sister for the day. I know how much you like being in the competitions, so I was thinking I could be your quote on quote sister for the day."

That made Sweetie Belle smile, "You mean, I still get to be in the competition?" Shooting Star nodded at her.

"Oh my gosh I would love for you to join me." Sweetie Belle said with glee. "Come on Shooting Star, let's go get signed in." She said while running to the sign in stands, with Shooting Star following suit.

"I'm guessing Applebloom isn't coming. I guess she changed her mind." Scootaloo said. Just then, they saw Applebloom walking around and Scootaloo smiled. "There you are Applebloom. Are you ready to cheer on me and Rainbow Dash to victory?"

Apple bloom smiled nervously. "I'm actually going to be able to compete in the competition after all. My long lost cousin... Orchard Blossom was able to be here last minute." she said before laughing nervously.

"Well, I do declare that today is hotter than the business end of a corn cob?" Every creature heard somepony say. She had big blonde hair with a flower in it, with a sky blue dress with a tissue in the dress.

Solaris leaned into Twilight's ear. "What does she mean by business end of a corn cob?" he asked.

"I don't know." Twilight said.

'Orchard Blossom' walked up to Applebloom and Scootaloo, and said, "Oh my, I am so delighted to meet your little friends Applebloom. Would these be your beloved Cutie Mark Crusaders?"

"Well, only one of them. I don't know where the other one's at. But since we're here, let me introduce you guys." Applebloom said more nervously. "Scootaloo and others, this is Orchard Blossom. Orchard Blossom, these are my friends."

"It is my extraordinary pleasure to make your aquaintence." 'Orchard Blossom' said.

Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom with an unimpressed look. "That's Big Mac in a dress."

Solaris knew it was him all along but decided to keep it a secret. "OOOOO, kinky." he said. After he said that, he could sense Twilight about to hit him on his head for that remark, so he intercepted the hoof and put it down gently. "Don't even try it, Twilight."

"Then don't say things like that." Twilight said in embarrassment with a blush and a look of anger on her face.

"Big Mac? While I'm astonished that you see me as good as that... fine and noble stallion of the apple clan, I'm equally astonished in equal measure." Big mac said in his orchard blossom voice. "However I will take this starkling observation under advisement, given as it was from an observant and perceptive filly as yourself."

"That's nice to say cousin Orchard Blossom. However I think you should get yourself and Applebloom signed in." Scootaloo said.

"Oh that's right. Let's go get signed in Applebloom." he sad as he went over to the sign in table.

Solaris then looked at Twilight. "Well then, shall we take our seats on the stands?"

Twilight nodded and the 2 of them went over to the stands.

The first contest of the day was the singing contest. A pair of sisters finished singing their song, the crowd along with Solaris and Twilight were cheering for them.

"I still couldn't believe Big Mac was able to be in this competition." Twilight said.

"As you said, whoever shares a special bond can be here. It looks like they do." Solaris countered. "And speaking of the devil, here they come onto the stage now." They saw Big Mac and Applebloom go onto the stage and Big Mac pulled a song out of her wig.

"Excellent choice... ma'am." the judge said.

"What song do you think it is?" Solaris asked."

"I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine." Twilight answered

The song started playing while Big Mac rocked side to side to the beat of the song. Then they started singing and they were quite good.

"Who knew Big Mac had an amazing singing voice?" Twilight said.

Solaris just nodded. As the song went on, they continued singing, but at the end of the song, Big Mac accidentally went back to his normal voice.

Solaris cringed hard at that. "Dang it Big Mac, you were so close." They saw Apple Bloom and Big Mac leave the stage and they saw Sweetie Belle and Shooting Star go onto the stage. That was when he decided to make a bet with Twilight. "Hey, wanna bet that those 2 will win the singing contest?"

Twilight smirked. "25 bits. You're on."

The day went by smoothly for Solaris. He was currently holding a bag of 25 bits with a slightly irritated Twilight. "See, I told you they have amazing singing voices."

Twilight rolled her eyes playfully. "I guess you're right. Although I don't think Apple Bloom's day is going well, she didn't win a ribbon in anything yet."

"Tell me about it. Big Mac didn't even try with the jump rope and the cheer was a complete disaster. Not to mention the bowling pins."

"Well, the last part is the obstacle course. Let's hope they at least win that." Twilight said as he and Solaris sat on the stands.

"But you have to admit, Sweetie Belle and Shooting Star were doing amazing." Solaris said. "It's like they're in sync."

They stopped talking when Granny Smith walked up to the microphone. "Alright racers, take you positions." Everypony racing took positions. "On your marks, get set, GO!!"

The racers raced down the track. Rainbow dash and Scootaloo were the first to jump the giant mud puddle and the first to get to the bucket walk. However, when Big Mac got to the mud puddle, he couldn't jump and he slipped into the mud, making him fly into the air and onto the bucket walk. That was where he destroyed the buckets to continue. Next was the box hops, where Apple Bloom successfully jumped over them, but Big Mac just plowed through them. They made it to the pie eating part where the two of them chowed down of pie, but big mac kept belching for all of Ponyville to hear. He took off his bow, and continued eating and belching. They caught up with Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo and officially surpassed them when Big Mac used his super strength to push the hay bale to the finish, but throwing it in the air and making it land on another pair of sisters. They got to the wine making part of the course and Applebloom got into the bucket and squeezed grapes. However, Rainbow and Scootaloo got there too and both of them jumped into the bucket, making Big Mac jump into the bucket too, almost squishing Apple Bloom in the process. After that, they got to the chicken coop. Rainbow and Scootaloo surpassed Apple Bloom and got to the coop first. Thy picked up their eggs and brought them to baskets on their noses. After the pair put their eggs in the coop, Big Mac picked up Apple Bloom and literally plowed through the last part of the course, the hurdles and pushed a ton of ponies in the process. In the end, Big Mac also pushed Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo aside and crossed the finish line first.

Twilight and Solaris had their jaws gaping at the sight. What did they even witness? Then they saw Big Mac's dress fall off.

"Uh oh indeed." they heard the judge say. They went over to the pair and told them about sportsmanship and ultimately disqualified them.

"Looks like they win." Solaris said, pointing at Rainbow and Scootaloo. They cheered and picked them up and went to Celestia knows where. Solaris teleported himself and Twilight over to the pair where Apple Bloom was quite disappointed.

"Apple Bloom, are you ok?" Twilight asked.

"I should have waited until next year to compete with Applejack." Applebloom said before walking off. Big Mac followed with a sad look on his face.

Twilight and Solaris were about to follow until they heard another pony walk up to them with flowers. "Excuse me you 2, do you know where Orchard Blossom is?"

Solaris cringed and said, "You're creepy." and teleported himself and Twilight out of the premises.

Later that evening, Twilight and Solaris were walking to Sweet Apple Acres to check if they were ok. On the way, Sweetie Belle and Shooting Star caught up to them and Shooting Star tacked Solaris in a giant bear hug.

Solaris laughed as Shooting Star tackled him. "You sure are strong for your size, Shooting Star!"

Sweetie Belle giggled. "Shooting Star and I had the best time! We even got a ribbon for the singing contest!"

Twilight smiled warmly at the pair. "That's wonderful! Congratulations, you two. It's great to see that you had such a fun time together."

Shooting Star beamed with pride, still hugging Solaris. "Thanks, Twilight! I never thought I'd get to be in the Sisterhooves Social, and now I have this amazing ribbon to show for it!" They continued walking towards Sweet Apple Acres, but on the way, he picked up a sound. He looked over and saw Diamond Tiara yelling at another colt for bumping into her.

He glared. "You want to be an ass, I'll let you be an ass." he thought to himself before snapping his claws and turning Diamond Tiara into a donkey. When she found out that she was indeed a donkey, she ran off crying. Solaris, knowing his work there was done, caught up with the rest.

When they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, they knocked on the door and the door opened to find Applejack.

"Woah, hi App-SHHH!" Applejack shushed Twilight and pointed out the window. When they looked out the window, they saw Big Mac and Apple Bloom spending quality time with each other, looking out towards the sunset.

Everyone smiled, while Shooting Star whispered, "That really is a nice sight."