Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Starlight Glimmer were gathered at the Castle of Friendship enjoying some down time. From saving the past to allow friendship to thrive in the future to saving the Crystal Empire and celebrating Flurry Heart's Crystalling, "enjoying some down time" may just be an understatement.
Sitting around the crystal table in the throne room, the six ponies and one dragon were immersed in lively conversation, discussing their plans and activities.
"This is great, Starlight!" Twilight began with excitement. "You've reunited with Sunburst and now you two are friends again! I'm so proud of you."
"It felt really good to talk to him again," replied Starlight. "It was kind of hard. I wasn't sure that I could do it."
"But you did it and you completed your first friendship lesson." Twilight leaned close to Starlight. "Sometimes you'll be faced with things that are hard or scary, but always know that you have friends by your side to help you through them."
Starlight smiled. She was still a little nervous about making new friends. She took comfort in knowing that around her were six ponies and a dragon who called themselves her friends.
"Thank you, Twilight," Starlight said with watering eyes. They embraced each other. "It feels good to have friends again."
Across the table from them, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were making plans of their own.
"Sassy Saddles is doing such a wonderful job making Canterlot Carousel a success, I'm planning on opening another boutique in Manehattan," said Rarity. "In just a few days' time, I'll take the Friendship Express there to seek out the perfect location."
Pinkie Pie gave a big gasp. "You're going to Manehattan?!"
"I am indeed, darling."
"This is so-o-o crazy. I'm going to Manehattan, too! I'm meeting Maud there for our Pie Sisters' Surprise Swap Day." An idea suddenly popped into Pinkie Pie's head. "Wait. A. Minute! I just had the greatest, most fun-tastic idea ever! Why don't we all go to Manehattan together?"
"What a splendid idea, Pinkie Pie."
Just then, Applejack happily trotted in.
"Hey, y'all!" she greeted.
"There you are, Applejack," said Fluttershy. "We were wondering where you were."
"Now don't y'all go worryin' your pretty little heads. Ya might wanna stand up for this, 'cause I've got some great news."
"What is it?" asked Rainbow Dash, eager to know what's going on.
Applejack began, "I just got a letter from Rara."
"Rara?" questioned Starlight.
"She's Applejack's foalhood friend," Twilight clarified.
"You know? Coloratura," Pinkie Pie jumped in.
"Uh, sorry. I don't," Starlight replied.
"You don't know who Coloratura is?!" Pinkie Pie was flabbergasted. "She's only the biggest pony pop star in all of Equestria."
"Well, in my old village, we really didn't listen to music." Starlight turned to Applejack, "Don't let me spoil your good news."
"No worries," said Applejack. She continued, "Rara's gonna be puttin' on a new show and wants us all to go to the premier in Canterlot!"
Excitement filled the air as everypony gathered around Applejack to see the letter, which was written on official Canterlot stationary. Everypony, that is, but Starlight.
"Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun," Starlight tried to sound happy for her friends. "I'm sure you'll have a great time."
"What are y'all taking about?" asked Applejack. "You're comin', too!"
"Do you really mean that? I mean, it would be fun. I like music as much as the next pony."
"Sure, I mean it, sugar cube. You're our friend."
"Thank you, everypony. I really do appreciate it."
A few mornings later, Coloratura woke up in her room at the Canterlot Suites where she was staying. She washed up, brushed her mane, and was about ready to go down to the diner to meet Show Biz, DJ Pon-3, and Octavia Melody for breakfast when there was a knock on her door.
Knock, knock, knock!
Coloratura answered the door.
"Good morning, ma'am," the bellhop greeted. "I have a letter for you."
"Thank you, sir." Coloratura took her letter and tipped the bellhop.
"Thank you, ma'am. Have a nice day."
Coloratura sat down for a moment to open her letter. It read:
Howdy Rara,
Mighty fine hearing from you. I'm sure glad everything's working out for you with your new show and all. You can bet your boots we'll be there! Can't wait to see you. Thanks a million!
Your friend,
AJ
Thinking of her friend, Coloratura held the letter close to her. She looked admiringly upon it, as if Applejack was really there. She placed the letter gently on the bed. As she started for the door, there came another knocking.
Knock, knock, knock!
She opened the door to find Show Biz standing on the other side.
"Good morning, Miss Coloratura," he said. "I just came by to see if you were coming down for breakfast. They've got a nice buffet."
"I was just on my way down," Coloratura replied. "I was reading a letter my best friend in all of Equestria sent me."
"That wouldn't happen to be, uh, Apple...Apple..." Show Biz thought for a second. "Applejack?"
"Yes!"
"Don't think for a single moment that ol' Show Biz don't listen to your stories, Miss Coloratura. I think they're wonderful."
"It's nice to know somepony thinks so."
"Now just what kind of talk is that?"
"Svengallop never took the time to listen to me. He never even tried to be my friend. All he ever thought about was himself. He never cared about me."
A tear rolled down Coloratura's cheek.
Show Biz put a comforting hoof on her shoulder. "There, there. So maybe Svengallop isn't the nicest pony around."
"I can't believe I let him use me. How could I be so blind?"
"It was that veil he put in front of your eyes. He didn't want you to know what he was doing. Remind me, Miss Coloratura, who was it you told me helped you to see it?"
"My friends." Coloratura's eyes brightened.
"Your friends exactly! That's all part of the Magic of Friendship. Friends helping each other to see what may not be visible. You've got friends looking out for you, Miss Coloratura."
Coloratura sniffled. "Thanks, Show Biz."
"I couldn't call myself a good manager if I wasn't a good mentor." Show Biz pulled a handkerchief from his vest pocket. "Now dry those eyes of yours and let's go dig into those pancakes!"
Coloratura dried her eyes and smiled. What a joy Show Biz was! They went down to the diner and had breakfast with DJ Pon-3 and Octavia Melody before they began rehearsing for Coloratura's new concert.