//------------------------------//
// The Opening Score 
// Story: Reeltime Roadtrip 
// by Vis-a-Viscera 
//------------------------------//

“Remind Trixie again why she's hanging out with you two on her day off?”

Starlight Glimmer let out another mighty sigh. “Because I thought it’d be nice to get you out of the Friendship School for one day. Besides, Twilight and the others are too busy with the school to address this directly-”

“Wait-a-sec, that’s why Trixie came?” Popping out from the wagon’s door as well, Sunburst re-adjusted his glasses on his snout with a huff of air. “Thought there was a bigger reason you needed us both, Starlight. Especially since your note about this trip said murder was involved.” 

“On the legs, Sunburst. It’s murder on anypony’s legs; and teleporting all this stuff with us was a no-go.” Indeed, the wagon was stuffed with investigative knick-knacks.

“Don’t worry, Sunburst. Trixie was tricked with Starlight’s misleading messages, too.”

“Hope Hollow and Ponyville will cut off all trade if we don’t solve their mayors’ friendship problem, Trixie!” huffed Starlight. “Technically, you actually will be screwed in Ponyville soon! Unless you think your antics’ll fly when the lumber and plaster prices skyrocket!” 

“Well then, let’s get cracking!” Sunburst said. “This should all be over in a snap!”

Slinging one of the cameras around her neck, Starlight gulped. “Here’s hoping,” she uttered, with far more confidence than she felt.

As they entered the center of Hope Hollow, each of the three visiting unicorns found something to feast their eyes on. 

Starlight focused on the looks of the ponies around them. For once, she was both comforted and concerned by how she wasn’t the only anxious pony in this town. Considering how the muscles in Hope Hollow’s residents tensed as they moved through the streets, she had to wonder if it wasn't already too late. 

Sunburst’s gaze locked onto the minute print on the papers the ponies held in their hooves and magic, the whirling headlines making his brow furrow. Apparently, they had arrived in the nick of time - the papers were already talking about the impact of Ponyville’s embargo.

Speaking of arrivals, Trixie was hunting for a stage more suitable for her grand entrance. So many frowns and concerned faces - she had to do something! What kind of magician would she be if she couldn't dazzle them with her brilliance? 

Her gaze was focused, but her unruly nostrils twitched, her attention caught by the aroma of something delicious cooking. She shut her eyes and followed the scent, sniffing every now and then. Sunburst and Starlight exchanged glances but followed Trixie as she followed her nose. 

The scent led to the town hall, where checkered tables laden with grains, beets, and other crops had been laid out. And between two of those tables stood the pony they were here to see. 

"Mayor Sunny Skies!"