Off on a distant area of Equestria, there were three ponies on their way to a village that wasn't that known to many others, but it meant a lot to one, that pony being Starlight Glimmer.
She had been asked by Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle to go find some helpers for a big festival she was planning, though no real details had been given other than it's a big one that Twilight imagined. Starlight wasn't alone on this travel of course, as she was joined by two ponies who meant a lot to her.
The first was a magician pony, one of Starlight's best friends, Trixie Lulamoon, or as she likes to call herself, The Great and Powerful Trixie. Not too modest but still not a bad pony to be around, as Starlight's other best friend Sunburst would agree.
The second was a little dancing colt, one Starlight affectionately refers to as her little brother, Tender Taps. This colt is a close friend of the Cutie Mark Crusaders after they had helped him get his desired Cutie Mark, as well as helping him get over his stage fright.
The three were on their way to Starlight Glimmer's old village, which has been referred to as Our Town, Starlight hoping to find a few of her friends.
"Almost there, sorry it's such a long walk from the train," Starlight said.
"It can't be helped, besides it's not so bad...if you ignore the pain that comes to your hooves," Trixie said, somewhat complaining about the trot. She is never really one to enjoy physical activities much.
"It doesn't feel that far, though I'm on my hooves a lot since I like to dance," Tender Taps said, tap dancing a little. "Makes it easier."
"You do a great job too, you made for good entertainment for the ponies attending my last show," Trixie said.
"Aw, thanks Trixie, I'm glad I can help," Tender Taps said. "I just hope I didn't take all of your attention."
"Nonsense," Trixie said. "Even if there were a few who demanded that you come back and take over the rest of my show because I was 'boring' as one put it. But you're very adorable, and I can't be mad at that too long."
"Personally I liked your magic," Tender Taps said. "Do you think I can help you with one of your tricks someday?"
"Sure thing, once I think of the perfect trick," Trixie said, then turned to Starlight. "Anyway, how long before we get to your village?"
"Haven't you been there before?" Tender Taps asked.
"Yes, but not that often, I don't really remember the way," Trixie said.
"It's right over there," Starlight said, pointing to Our Town.
Tender Taps looked pretty curious, it's a bland town but it is cool for him to see the place Starlight Glimmer was once in charge of, even if she didn't run the town in an ideal way.
"Oh right, this boring place," Trixie said, much to Starlight's annoyance.
"It's not boring, it's just simple," Starlight said. "Anyway let's go find who we need to find. I'm sure you remember at least four ponies I was friends with."
"Um...yeah, I totally didn't forget any of the ponies in this town, I remember them all like if they were my own closest friends," Trixie said.
Starlight just glared slightly at Trixie, knowing full well she was making that up. It can't be helped, Trixie will be herself. She just led Trixie and Tender Taps into the village, greeting each pony they pass by.
"Such friendly ponies," Tender Taps said.
"They're all really nice, and forgiving too," Starlight said. "Very forgiving, made me a little nervous at one point."
"Well there is a difference between forgiving and forgetting," Trixie said, then got nudged slightly by Tender Taps.
"Be a little more supportive, she really needs it," Tender Taps said.
"Right, my apologies," Trixie said.
As they continued to walk through town, they were soon greeted by another familiar pony.
"Starlight! It's really great to see you!"
Starlight offered a friendly smile to the pony, "Double Diamond, how are you doing?"
"I'm great, so happy to see you again," Double Diamond said, then noticed the other two ponies. "Ah, that's Trixie right?"
"That's correct, The Great and Powerful Trixie to be precise," Trixie boasted.
Double Diamond chuckled a bit, not really minding Trixie's attitude. "It's nice to see you again." He turned his attention to Tender Taps, "And you're..."
"Tender Taps, I'm also a friend of Starlight," Tender Taps said.
"I consider him my little brother," Starlight said.
Double Diamond nodded, "Right, I think I remember him from before, Starlight speaks very fondly of you little guy," Double Diamond turned back to Starlight. "Anyway what brings you to this town?"
"I was kinda hoping you and the others could help me, see Twilight's planning this big party, which she does every so often to keep the Magic of Friendship strong, and she would like all of you to come help," Starlight said. "That being you, Night Glider, Sugar Belle and Party Favor."
"A big party? That does sound fun, I'd be happy to assist any way I can," Double Diamond said.
Starlight squeed in excitement, "That's great! Now we just need to let the others know."
"I think they're already coming," Trixie said, pointing to the oncoming ponies.
Night Glider was the first to reach them, her speed giving her an advantage, "Hey, Starlight, you're here. Trixie too, and that little colt."
"Tender Taps, and great to see you again Night Glider," Tender Taps said.
Party Favor also trotted over, "It's nice to see such friendly ponies, especially if one of them is our good friend Starlight Glimmer."
"You're too nice Party Favor," Starlight said, blushing a little.
Sugar Belle trotted over with her own friendly smile, "Yeah, it's so great to see you all again." She turned her attention to Tender Taps, "Aw, you're such an adorable little colt."
Tender Taps blushed, bashfully kicking his hooves, "Um, thanks, you're really pretty too."
"Aw, how cute, I could hug you really tight," Sugar Belle said.
"Go for it, he's really cuddly to hug," Trixie said.
"Huh?" Tender Taps said. "Wait, I-"
"Ok!" Sugar Belle then pulled Tender Taps in for a hug, getting a blush from the colt. "He is cuddly to hug, so adorable too."
"Wow, thanks, um you smell nice, kinda like muffins," Tender Taps said.
"Well I am a baker, maybe I'll make you some cookies if you want some," Sugar Belle said.
"That's be neat," Tender Taps said.
Double Diamond chuckled, then turned to Starlight, "So how are things with Princess Twilight?"
"They're great, her new Friendship Pupil has really learned a lot about friendship, she's even asked me to help guide her," Starlight said.
"That sounds amazing," Double Diamond said. "You've come a long way Starlight, we're all very happy for you."
"Starlight's been so amazing lately," Tender Taps said, still in Sugar Belle's hug. "She's talented and really strong, a lot of foals look up to her."
Starlight chuckled nervously at the praise she was receiving, though it's nice to know these ponies look up to her without her having to make them. "Anyway we should get going, I told Twilight we wouldn't take too long."
"Sounds great, me and the others will start packing, how long will we be staying in Ponyville?" Double Diamond asked.
"Just a few days, nothing too long," Starlight said.
"We'll be there as long as we're needed," Double Diamond said. "Come on everypony, let's get ready."
Three of them trotted off, but Sugar Belle was still hugging Tender Taps, much to Starlight's confusion. "Shouldn't you be packing as well?"
"Huh?" Sugar Belle then realized that the others left, causing her to blush a little. "Oh, right, I should get going too." She let go of the hug for the moment, "I'll be back little colt, let's get to know each other more." Afterwards she began trotting off to pack her things.
Tender Taps sighed feeling a bit unsure. "She's friendly, but I feel like it's a bit much."
"She's just affectionate, she likes meeting new ponies," Starlight said.
"I can't blame her, you're a very adorable colt, even more adorable than Rumble," Trixie admitted.
"Really? Most ponies I know seem to like Rumble more, probably because he's much more cooler than I am," Tender Taps said.
"You really shouldn't compare yourself to Rumble, just be happy being who you are," Starlight said.
"Yes, you're at least more of a pleasure to be around," Trixie said.
Starlight sighed in disapproval, "Why must you say that? Rumble's a nice colt, granted he's gotten much more confident the past several months but it's a good thing."
Trixie shrugged it off, "Well I still like Tender Taps better, I'm sure that mare will like Tender Taps better as well."
Starlight shook her head, "Still Tender Taps, don't worry about such things. Rumble's your best friend isn't he? He's a good friend to you right?"
"He's a great friend," Tender Taps said. "I just envy the fact that he knows how to be a good coltfriend, something I seemed to fail at."
"It's not easy for everyone, Rumble's just lucky, you'll get there," Starlight said.
Tender Taps nodded, but still felt a bit sad, reflecting over the past several months.
After Chrysalis had attacked Ponyville and tried to take over Equestria again, Twilight had decided to teach Dinky and Sweetie Belle magic to use in battle. Twilight wasn't too thrilled about the idea, but she figured it would help if they knew how to protect themselves a little better.
They weren't the only ones preparing, Rumble himself was training so he could get stronger, wanting to make sure he would be able to protect his friends, and especially protect Sweetie Belle. He not only trained with his older brother Thunderlane, but also a bit with Twilight's new apprentice Lightning Dust. Despite how she originally felt about Rumble, she's grown to somewhat like him, admitting he has potential to be a great fighter, plus she figures this could be a way to shine over Rainbow Dash, who focused all of her time on Scootaloo.
Tender Taps admired Rumble's desire to protect his friends and his desire to be there for Sweetie Belle. He hoped to be that great coltfriend, especially when he began dating Apple Bloom. Unfortunately for the young colt, he hadn't been the coltfriend he wanted to be for Apple Bloom, soon their relationship started to feel a bit awkward. While he wants to make it work better, he just doesn't have that same charm Rumble has when it comes to Sweetie Belle, it kinda makes Tender Taps jealous, even if he shouldn't be since Rumble's a good friend to him.
He and Apple Bloom do get along still, and they care a lot about each other, it's just hard for them to transition that into actual romance. He's even wondering if he really did like Apple Bloom like Rumble likes Sweetie Belle, or if it's just a simple crush that will eventually pass.
Trixie continued to look around the village, tapping her chin a bit. "I feel like this place could really use more decoration."
"That sounds like something Rarity would say," Starlight pointed out.
"Maybe next time we'll bring her along," Trixie said, then turned to Tender Taps, noticing his somewhat saddened mood. "Huh? What's wrong Tender Taps?"
"Huh?" Tender Taps said, snapping out of it. "Oh, it’s nothing Trixie."
Trixie looked a little unsure and worried about Tender Taps, especially a moment ago where he admits his envy of Rumble. It's no secret that Tender Taps is her favorite foal compared to the others, so she pays more attention to him and can tell if he's not in the best mood. "Just remember Tender Taps, you're fine just the way you are, Starlight and I know that for sure."
Tender Taps faked a smile, despite genuinely feeling grateful for Trixie’s words, "Thanks Trixie, you're really kind."
Trixie felt a bit satisfied, "Looks like Fluttershy isn't the only one who can pull off kindness, I say I'm quite good at it myself."
"It's great to be kind, but you really shouldn't boast about it," Starlight said.
Trixie huffed, "Anyway I hope these friends of yours don't take too long, I don't care for waiting."
"They just need to grab their stuff and we're back to Ponyville," Starlight said, the began to wonder. "I hope Twilight's doing well in her preparations."
Back in Ponyville, Twilight is seen giving instructions to various ponies on where certain decorations should go, Spike carrying a list and assisting her any way he could. Lightning Dust is also seen helping as a favor for Twilight, assisting other Pegasus ponies in putting up higher decorations.
"Twi, is this good!?" Lightning Dust called down.
"Perfect! There's still some that need to go a few houses over! Get to them as quickly as you can!" Twilight called out.
"Sure thing, I'm on it!" Lightning Dust said, flying to the other part of town.
Rumble watched from nearby with Sweetie Belle, holding her close with his wing.
"Sometimes I feel like Twilight enjoys working so hard on things, like she gets some type of satisfaction from it," Sweetie Belle said.
"Yeah, I admire that about her," Rumble said. "She always does her best in whatever she does, even if it's something minor."
"Still, I feel like it's not that necessary, it's just a random festival isn't it?" Sweetie Belle said. "Nothing too major."
"I think Twilight said it's something important, at least to her," Rumble said. "She's really excited, she has that determined look in her eyes."
"Well I'm sure it'll be fun, I'm sure there's a lot of fun stuff we can do together too," Sweetie Belle said.
"Yeah," Rumble replied, nuzzling Sweetie Belle. "I'm excited for it."
"Me too," Sweetie Belle said, returning the nuzzle. The two really have grown to love each other very much over the past year, considering themselves very lucky that they ended up together despite what could have not been.
Meanwhile Twilight continued to make plans, excitedly checking off everything. "Everything's going well, Spike mind showing me the list?"
"Sure, here," Spike said, handing the list over. "You're really excited aren't you?"
"I have plenty of reasons to be, this is something I absolutely have to make sure goes well, it could shape the future of Equestria!" Twilight said.
Spike scratched his head. "How?"
"You'll see soon enough, if I tell you then you probably wouldn't believe it," Twilight said. "Anyway, there's somepony I need to speak with." She turned her attention to the foal couple nearby. As much as she really didn't want to break up their little moment, since she considers them adorable, she really needed Rumble a moment. "Rumble honey, mind coming over a moment?"
Rumble looked a little surprised when he heard Twilight call him, "Me? Oh sure thing Twilight." He quickly turned to Sweetie Belle. "I'll be back in a moment."
"Take the time you need, if Twilight's calling you then it must be important, I'll be right here when you get back," Sweetie Belle said, kissing Rumble on the cheek before he went to Twilight.
Rumble flew over and landed before the Princess, "What do you need Twilight?"
"I have something important to ask of you, first thing though, do you remember my niece, Flurry Heart?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah, I've seen her a couple of times, she's really adorable," Rumble said.
"Good, you see my brother's coming tomorrow along with Princess Cadance. They're gonna be quite busy helping me prepare this festival, so they'll need somepony to help them watch over their daughter, and I figured that somepony could be you," Twilight said.
Rumble looked surprised, "Me? Why? I still have two ponies that watch over me."
"Cloudchaser says you're really growing up, you really don't need them anymore, even if Flitter won't admit it. She said that since dating Sweetie Belle you've gotten more and more mature, something I've noticed myself. You were also really brave when Equestria was in danger of being destroyed, plus I know you've gotten stronger from your training with Lightning Dust, I think you're ready for this task," Twilight said.
Rumble looked unsure about this, "But, watching over Princess Flurry Heart? That seems like a big deal."
"It is, but I'm confident you can do it Rumble, I believe in you," Twilight said, patting him on the head.
Rumble thought it over a moment, he does admit that Flurry Heart is very sweet and probably shouldn't be too hard to take care of as long as he knew how to keep her happy. Still it seemed like a big responsibility, she is a Princess after all, he isn't sure if he's worthy enough to watch her.
"Would Princess Cadance and your brother really be ok with me watching over her?" Rumble asked.
"Sure, it was actually her idea for one of you to watch over Flurry, she left the decision up to me, so I choose you, because I know you can do it, I know you would put effort into it. You have it in you to be a great guardian Rumble," Twilight reassured.
Rumble felt really honored that Twilight believed in him. If she could put that much faith in him, then maybe he could have a little faith in himself. He nodded his head and gave a determined smile, "Alright Princess Twilight, I'll do it."
Twilight looked excited to hear that answer, "That's so great to hear! I just know you can do it Rumble."
She then pulled Rumble in for a hug, which he gladly returned. "Thanks Twilight, I promise I'll do my best to watch over your niece."
Twilight nodded and let go of the hug, "I'm sure you will."
As she trotted off, Sweetie Belle had approached Rumble curiously, "So, what did Twilight need?"
"A big favor, one I might need your help for," Rumble said.
"Of course, me and the girls would be happy to help," Sweetie Belle said.
"I'm so happy to have such a caring marefriend," Rumble said, then leaned in to kiss Sweetie Belle, which she eagerly returned. Who knows, maybe watching over a baby would be great since he hopes to marry Sweetie Belle someday, so they'll be ready for their own babies. This actually made Rumble feel even more excited and more determined to do this right.
Unfortunately in Equestria, not everyone felt harmonious. Far in a cave area, Chrysalis, the former Queen of the Changelings is seen with a few or her still loyal Changelings using some dark magic on some stones and various crystals.
"I just need a little bit more, all those months of hard work will soon have it's benefits," Chrysalis said. "Once I'm done, I rule be able to rule Equestria as it's new Queen, with a very fitting King by my side."
"Don't forget us! The ones who helped you with this opportunity!" Chrysalis heard.
The Changeling Queen sighed as she turned to mare who called to her, who was joined by her two friends. "How could I not? You won't stop reminding me. You do seem to like attention though, don't you Adagio?"
Approaching Chrysalis was the leader of the Dazzlings, a siren called Adagio Dazzle, and her two friends, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.
"I'm just making sure you remember who helped you, I don't want you to forget your part of the deal. We're not helping you bring back this shadow king for fun," Adagio said.
"I realize that, don't worry you'll get all the power you desire yourself," Chrysalis said.
"Yeah, you better, don't try anything funny," Adagio warned and walked off.
Sonata approached Chrysalis with a glare, "Yeah, don't try anything funny...Unless we're bored and could use a good laugh."
Aria groaned as she shook her head, "That's not what Adagio meant."
"Huh? Then what did she mean?" Sonata asked.
"I'll explain later, let's just get going, I'm tired of being in this cave," Aria said.
"Really? Kinda suits your style, you know, dull and kinda boring," Sonata said.
"Haha, real funny," Aria said.
"Yeah, I am funny," Sonata said, then got worried. "Oh no, I tried something funny! I hope Adagio doesn't find out!"
Aria just stared blankly, as did Chrysalis, the two sharing a brief glance a moment.
"Let's just go," Aria said, leading Sonata away.
Chrysalis shook her head, "Perhaps I made a poor choice of allies." She continued to work her dark magic, hoping to bring her plans into action.