A Very Minty Summer Sun Celebration

It took two days for Twilight Sparkle to formulate a plan that she was confident in. In the wake of the holiday, calm had settled over Canterlot, and it was a cool, clear and still morning when ponies gathered upon the open field of the airport. All other air traffic had been suspended on the Princess’s orders, and the vintage balloon was brought out and prepared by the ground crew.

The eastern horizon glowed, and somewhere in the distance a rooster crowed. An almost electric sense of anticipation was felt among the gathered ponies: Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Star Catcher, Minty and both Pinkie Pies. A handful of others had been invited to observe, including Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor and a few other Royal Guards, as well as scholars and a photographer to record the event.

For the moment, Minty and Rainbow Dash were showing each other their scars. It was Rainbow’s turn, and she pointed to her belly as she explained, “This is where they had to take out part of my stomach. It was weeks before I was able to eat solid food again. And I got in the medical journals too. They said it was the first case on record where a pony swallowed liquid nitrogen.”

“Cooool!” exclaimed Minty.

“Very!” Rainbow nodded. Then she frowned. “But that was the end of my job at the weather factory.”

Nearby, Star Catcher was likewise engaged in conversation with the Princesses. To Celestia she said, “So, there’s a Ponyville in this time, but it’s not the same place?”

Celestia explained, “When Luna and I were growing up, Old Ponyville was the nearest settlement to our home, and we visited there often. I’m afraid it was abandoned some time after the Reign of Discord. When the Apple family came to me and proposed founding a new settlement in the area, I recalled those fond memories of my youth. I granted them land on the banks of Cayuse Creek, and I suggested the name.”

Twilight, who had been listening raptly, now interjected. “Cayuse Creek? But it’s Cow House Creek that runs through Ponyville.”

Celestia smiled gently and nodded. “In the beginning it was named for the tribe of Cayuse ponies who were native to the area. I supposed they’ve been forgotten to time, and the name was corrupted over the centuries until it became known as Cow House today.”

At the appointed time, Princess Luna lowered the moon and Princess Celestia raised the sun without the dramatic fanfare of the public ceremony a few days earlier. Even so, every other pony watched with rapt fascination. This was the authentic process that made each day happen, after all, and few ponies were privileged to witness it carried out in such a natural, almost intimate, setting.

Several ponies were looking upward, scanning the sky. “A perfect day for flying,” Star Catcher observed.

Twilight shook her head. “A perfect day for flying, maybe, but not a perfect day for casting this spell. It’s going to need another lightning bolt for enough power to send the entire balloon back through time. Didn’t we order some clouds for this morning?”

A ground crew pegasus spoke up, “The weather team are having difficulty finding anything suitable. The sky is clear as far as we can see in all directions.”

Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up as she overheard her friend’s concern about the lack of clouds. She trotted over, a confident grin on her face. “No problem, Twi! I’ve got this. Give me ten minutes, and I’ll have the perfect storm cloud rounded up for you.”

Twilight looked skeptical. “Are you sure, Rainbow Dash? We need a pretty big one to generate enough lightning.”

Rainbow puffed out her chest. “Have I ever let you down? Trust me, I know just where to look. You guys get ready to launch, and I’ll be back before you know it.” With that, she crouched down and then rocketed into the sky, leaving a rainbow trail in her wake.

As Rainbow Dash disappeared into the distance, Star Catcher, Minty, and Pinkie Pie approached the balloon basket. Star Catcher took a deep breath, her eyes misty as she looked around at the gathered ponies. “I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye already. This has been such an incredible adventure, meeting all of you.”

Minty nodded. “I know! I’m going to miss you all so much. Especially you, Pinkie Pie. Or should I say, Pinkie Pie's Evil Twin?” She giggled at her own joke.

The two Pinkie Pies looked at each other and then back at Minty, grinning widely. “We’ll miss you too, Minty!” they said in unison, then burst into laughter.

Star Catcher turned to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, bowing her head respectfully. “Your Highnesses, I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality and for helping us find a way back home. I know it couldn’t have been easy, dealing with the chaos we unintentionally caused.”

Celestia smiled warmly, stepping forward to nuzzle Star Catcher affectionately. “It was our pleasure, Mother. And it was wonderful to see you again, even under these unusual circumstances. Safe travels, my dear.”

Luna nodded in agreement. “May the stars guide you home safely.”

Then Twilight levitated a slim messenger bag, offered it to Star Catcher and said, “This is for your eyes only. It contains all the notes you’ll need to ensure the time loop is closed. Obviously we can’t make you follow its instructions, but I hope you will. Princess Celestia and I have debated this, and we think it’s the safest way to ensure that the past, present and future are stable.”

Star Catcher took the folio and placed it in the balloon basket. Then she said, “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle! I’ll make my best effort.”

Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully and mused, “I’m still not sure how there are two Pinkie Pies. Is ours the great, great, ever-so-great grand daughter of the other?”

Celestia nuzzled her student and said, gently, “I have some ideas. However, like many things involving Pinkie Pie, I think this may be a mystery that’s better left unsolved really.”

Twilight Sparkle watched as the ground crew ponies finished their final checks on the old balloon. They assured Princess Celestia that everything was in order, the balloon was in good shape, and its propulsive enchantment was fully charged.

Star Catcher, Minty, and Pinkie Pie climbed into the balloon’s basket, their eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. They waved to the gathered ponies, calling out their goodbyes and promises to never forget their incredible adventure. The photographer snapped a final image, then guard ponies herded the other onlookers back to a safe distance.

Moments later, Rainbow Dash returned, pushing a massive, dark thundercloud into position above the balloon. She was huffing lightly from exertion, but grinned, clearly proud of her quick work. “One perfect storm cloud, as requested!” she called down.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, her face set in concentration as she gave her checklist one final review. Satisfied that everything was in order, she took a deep breath and began to cast the spell to enchant the balloon.

The air crackled with magic as Twilight’s horn glowed brightly. The balloon itself started to shimmer, a faint aura surrounding it as the enchantment took hold. Slowly, the balloon began to rise, lifting off from the ground and ascending into the sky.

All eyes were on the balloon as it gained altitude, the tension among the gathered ponies palpable. Twilight glanced up at Rainbow Dash, giving her a nod. Rainbow Dash grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she flew up to the thundercloud and gave it a mighty stomp.

A blinding flash of lightning erupted from the cloud, arcing through the air and striking the balloon with a resounding crack. The balloon glowed even brighter, pulsing with magical energy. Then, in a flash of light, it vanished.

The gathered ponies stared at the empty sky, a mix of awe and relief on their faces. Twilight Sparkle let out a long breath, her shoulders sagging as the tension drained from her body. She turned to Princess Celestia, a small smile on her face. “I think it worked, Princess. They’re on their way home.”

On the patio outside of her cafe, Cotton Candy paused mid-pour, teapot hanging over a customer’s mug as her eyes widened at the sight of a familiar balloon drifting in the distance. “Sweet sugar lumps, is that…?” She squinted, then gasped, nearly spilling the tea. “It is! That’s Minty’s balloon. Minty and Pinkie Pie are back.”

The customer, Sunny Daze, followed Cotton Candy’s gaze. “Well, I’ll be! Looks like our wayward fillies have found their way home.” She chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Cotton Candy grinned, setting the teapot down and untying her apron. “I’ve got to go tell the others! This calls for a celebration!” She dashed into the street, her hooves clattering on the cobblestones as she galloped towards the center of town.

At the Ponyville library, Storybelle was engrossed in a thick tome when a sudden commotion outside caught her attention. She trotted to the window, her jaw dropping as she spotted the approaching balloon. “Oh my goodness! They’re back!” She quickly marked her place in the book and hurried outside, eager to share the news.

As Storybelle cantered through the streets, she nearly collided with Kimono, who was carrying a basket of fresh herbs. “Kimono, look!” Storybelle pointed excitedly at the sky. “Minty and Pinkie Pie have returned!”

Kimono followed Storybelle’s gaze, a serene smile spreading across her face. “Ah, so they have. The winds of fate have guided them safely home.” She adjusted her basket and continued on her way, her step a bit lighter than before.

Word of the returning balloon spread quickly through Ponyville, and soon a crowd had gathered in the town square, their eyes fixed on the sky. Twinkle Twirl, still wearing her ballet slippers, pirouetted with excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait to hear all about their adventures! I bet they have some fantastic stories to share.”

Next to her, Toola Roola nodded, a relieved smile on her face. “I’m just glad they’re safe. When that storm front blew through, I feared the worst.” She shuddered at the memory, then shook her head. “But they’re Minty and Pinkie Pie. I should have known they’d find a way back.”

As the balloon drew closer, the ponies of Ponyville began to cheer, their voices rising in a joyous chorus. They waved their hooves, jumped up and down, and called out greetings to their returning friends. The air was electric with anticipation, and everypony was eager to welcome Minty and Pinkie Pie back home.

As the balloon gently touched down in the center of Ponyville, a cheer erupted from the gathered crowd. Minty and Pinkie Pie waved enthusiastically at their friends, their faces beaming with joy. Then Minty leapt out of the basket. “No, Minty!” Star Catcher yelled, but it was too late.

The balloon hadn’t yet been tied down, and the sudden change of weight sent it launching upward. Reacting quickly, Sunny Daze and Toola Roola jumped and caught the mooring lines in their jaws. The balloon’s momentum gave them a sharp jerk upward, making the two mares grunt, but their combined mass kept it from getting away, and they tied down the lines to hitching posts.

“Oh, uhh… Haha!” Minty laughed nervously. “Sorry! Sorry, I forgot. Again.” She glanced at Pinkie Pie, who had just hopped out of the basket beside her. “You could have reminded me. You always do, ever since I let that one balloon get away.”

Pinkie blinked and shrugged. “Wow, I guess I totally forgot about that!”

Star Catcher nosed under the strap of the messenger bag and got it settled across her withers, then finally hopped out of the basket as well.

Once the initial excitement had died down, Star Catcher cleared her throat and addressed the ponies of Ponyville. “My dear friends,” she began, her voice carrying a note of bittersweet pride, “it has been an honor and a privilege to ensure the safe return of Minty and Pinkie Pie to their beloved home.” She glanced at the two earth ponies, her eyes shining with affection.

“However,” Star Catcher continued, her tone growing more somber, “I’m afraid the time has come for me to bid you all farewell.” A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd, and Minty and Pinkie Pie exchanged a concerned glance.

Star Catcher held up a hoof to quiet the whispers. “You see, my own home, Butterfly Island, and my dear pegasus friends await my return. I can only imagine the worry they must feel in my absence.” She sighed, her wings fluttering slightly as she thought of her distant companions.

Minty stepped forward, her eyes wide with concern. “But Star Catcher, you’ve only just arrived! Surely you can stay a little longer?” She looked imploringly at the pegasus, her mint-green coat shimmering in the sunlight.

Star Catcher smiled gently and shook her head. “I’m afraid I must go, Minty. My duties as a prefect of Butterfly Island cannot be ignored, and my friends will be eager to hear of our adventures.” She reached out and gave Minty a reassuring nuzzle.

Pinkie Pie bounced up to Star Catcher, her pink curls bobbing with each hop. “We’ll miss you, Star Catcher! But we understand. Your friends need you, just like ours needed us.”

Star Catcher nodded, grateful for Pinkie Pie’s support. She turned to face the ponies of Ponyville once more, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. “Thank you all for your kindness and offers of hospitality. I cherish the friendship we’ve made together, and I’ll visit when circumstances allow.” She bowed her head, her colorful mane cascading over her shoulders. Then she leapt into the air, circled around the crowd and the colorful balloon a couple of times, and then soared away toward her home.