//------------------------------// // Prologue - Summer Break // Story: Glimmer & Glow // by Yosh-E-O //------------------------------// Summer break was about to start at the School Of Friendship. This meant every pony would get a well-deserved few months to take on projects that would better further their personal goals. Rarity was excited to spend more time with Sassy Saddles and Coco Pommel to update her boutiques while also doing some planning for the seasons she’d be spending more frequently as an instructor instead of a fashion designer. Applejack was elated to be a bigger part in supporting the family farm. Her teaching and adventures had put more work on Big Macintosh and the stallion was really hoping to spend more time with his very special some pony, Sugar Belle. Rainbow Dash was thrilled at the prospect of the extra time for perfecting tricks while ensuring The Wonderbolts were never outshone by The Wash Outs while Pinkie Pie just wanted to plan more parties and start her party planning for the forthcoming semester so she could still do it without taking time away from her educational endeavors. Fluttershy’s plans were to spend more time in her animal sanctuary along with attending a few conventions with her friend, Tree Hugger. Tree Hugger also planned to come by to help Fluttershy with her gardens so she could make far more appealing herbs, fruits, berries, and nuts for all the critters she cared for. All who really remained at the school now were Twilight, Starlight, and Spike. *** “Any plans for your summer?” asked Twilight as she went about sorting student files. Starlight lowered her head. “Not really,” she replied somberly. “Not much need for a guidance counselor means I pretty much have my office already in top shape for the fall semester.” “Why don’t you take a vacation?” suggested Spike as he hefted a number of folders onto Twilight’s desk. “Yeah,” the Princess Of Friendship added. “Perhaps return to your village and have a little fun catching up with every pony.” The periwinkle-colored Unicorn put a hoof to her chin and thought on it. This was a good idea but it actually gave her another one. “I’m going to visit the Dragon Lands with Smolder and Ember,” the purple-scaled dragon stated with pride. “They are going to help me become more ‘Dragonish’. “It’ll be lonely without you, Spike,” added Twilight. “However I know you are in good hooves, uh, claws.” Spike gave a piercing look that made Twilight flinch. However he soon followed this by making a goofy face and snuggling into his best friend. “Oh, Twi,” he said. “Hooves. Claws. They both mean the same thing.” The purple Alicorn sighed with relief. “You’ve always been such a good sport about things, Spike,” she stated. “And that is why you are more than just my ‘Number One Assistant’.” Spike beamed. “Does this mean I can teach my class on friendship through tabletop gaming?” he asked as he winked his eyes. “Uhhh…,” trailed Twilight. “I’ll get back to you on that one.” “YES!” he cheered. “Anything beyond a ‘No’ is still a possibility!” “Didn’t you have plans with Sweetie Belle and the crusaders today?” inquired Starlight. “Oh!” he gasped. “I best be off if I want to join them in extreme rock climbing! Later!” “What?” panicked twilight as Spike went out of view. “He’ll be fine,” assured Starlight. “I’d honestly be more worried about you spending all summer on lesson plans.” “But it’s so much fun!” Twilight cheered. “Getting to see all our students will learn over the next semester gives me goose bumps just thinking about it!” Starlight rolled her eyes while trying to not say anything against Twilight’s idea of ‘fun’. “Well, then,” she said anxiously. “I suppose I’ll just leave you to it.” “Have fun!” waved Twilight as she forced a wide smile. “I’m sure you and Trixie have all sorts of great magic shows planned.” “Yeah,” laughed Starlight as she left the office. “Thinking about giving the ol’ ‘Road To Friendship’ another go.” Twilight blinked as she thought on how Starlight described the previous attempt to travel a great distance with the blue-coated illusionist. “Second time’s the charm!” she called back. “Can’t wait to here how it all goes!”