This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. It was supposed to be something filled with joy, something that anypony would pine for. She remembered, when she traversed the paths of youth, that her fellow fillies always dreamed of becoming royalty. Some sought the frilly dresses, endless riches, and pursuits of ostensibly “hunky” stallions. Others wanted the fame, the glory, and the boundless passions that came with such titles. Still a third group were somewhat bloodthirsty and wanted to use positions of power to (mind you, this was before the reunification of Equestria) make other pony kinds pay for crimes of the young ponies’ own invention.
But for Sunny, she’d never sought such acts. No, all she wanted was to use any position she had for the betterment of ponies everywhere. Now, as she sat having her dress fitted and mane done by Pipp at Mane Melody, she felt the immense pressure of that very promise. She was preparing to ascend the throne of Canterlot, once held by Twilight Sparkle herself. Though there had never been proof of an ancestral connection, Sunny felt that Twilight was her relative. She was also intensely questioning whether or not she was worthy of following in her great Alicorn predecessors’ shadow.
“Ow!” She suddenly barked as Pipp’s brush hit a knot.
“Hold still!” Her friend barked back.
“Sorry,” Sunny said. “I’m just-“
“-nervous?” Pipp finished. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ve all been nervous before. I’ve been nervous to go on stage, Zipp’s been nervous before performing stunts…I even hear that Quarter Note has a bit of the ol’ stage fright bug. So…in other words, Sunny, you’re a pony.”
“But after today, I’ll be THE pony,” Sunny said, “I mean, I’ll be the one everyone comes to with their problems, their hopes, their dreams, their fears…how can I hope to help all of them? I mean, I’m not a deity! I’m just one quadruped.”
Pipp smiled and continued gently brushing Sunny’s purple and rainbow mane. “I feel like there’s something else bothering you besides that.”
Sunny stopped short, aqua gaze peering around to where her friend sat. “How…how did you know?”
“I’m a professional mane dresser, hon,” Pipp said, sporting her best ‘buckball mom’ accent, “I’m supposed to know my clientele inside and out. How else do you think I survive 10-hour days around here?”
Sunny giggled a bit. “I thought you liked working here.”
“Oh, I do, I do,” Pipp said, “but, if it weren’t for the gossip and prattle that goes on around here, I’d probably go stir crazy!”
Both mares laughed before Sunny spoke again. “But, yes…there is something else bothering me. It…well…it…”
Pipp stopped brushing and turned to get some styling agents. “You don’t have to say anything, Sun. I know exactly what it is.”
“You do?”
“Again, professional mane dresser,” Pipp said. “I know you’re missing your mother. As somepony who’s never met my own father, I know what it’s like to have a parent shaped hole in your heart. I know the nights…the days…spent wondering, hoping, wishing that, by some miracle, they might come back.”
“I don’t know if I believe in miracles anymore,” Sunny said as the painful memory of Hitch telling her of Astral’s body flooded her mind once more.
Pipp finished Sunny’s mane and hopped off her stool. “Done!” She chirped before showing Sunny herself in the mirror. “I think Hitch is gonna drool over you…”
Sunny rolled her eyes. Pipp’s joyful demeanor was just what she needed at this trying time. She stood tall and examined herself. Pipp had truly outdone all expectations. Sunny wore a full length purple gown that matched her mane. Surrounding a shoulder was a sash with her cutie mark on it. Sequins dotted the gown ever so slightly, giving the whole thing a terrific look without being overbearing. To top it all off, four glass shoes adorned Sunny’s hooves. Her mane shone with the beauty of the day and the fierceness of night. Suddenly, she realized that her responsibilities covered both parts of that divide…and she shattered internally all over again.
“Oh, Pipp,” she said, “the dress is marvelous, my mane looks stunning…but…I…”
Pipp stepped forward and offered a hug, which Sunny accepted. “Listen, Sun. You’re a sister to me…one of my best friends in the whole world. I know things have been rough here lately…and I know of Scarlet Wing’s ever present threat. BUT…I also know you. Sunny Starscout, you are about to ascend to become Equestria’s first princess since Twilight. It’s a historic, momentous day, but it’s also one that you were made for. Sunny, for a really long time, you’ve been a history maker. It’s just time to do it all over again. Also, remember…nopony ever made history alone.”
Sunny smiled again as she felt tears of joy burning the corners of her eyes. “Thank you, Pipp,” she said, in a voice choked with emotion.
“Eh, don’t mention it,” Pipp responded. “It’s what us professional mane dressers do. Now, go. You don’t want to miss that train!”
“Right!” Sunny said as she ran out the door full of hope and confidence.
Sunny’s train was one that she, herself, rode. Her friends would meet her in Canterlot a bit later. But she needed to be there first to ensure everything was going well. She did not go totally alone, however, as the large company of Pegasi guards spoke to her protection. Truth be told, she was rather happy at having them there, though she did miss the constant joy her friends brought. Nevertheless, she also knew of the legions’ necessity, especially considering Scarlet Wing’s threats.
They’ve been quiet here lately, she thought as the train pulled into Canterlot’s station, much too quiet. True, Luster did a heck of a job weaving together that entire group in secrecy. But, with Meadow at the helm now…I figured they’d be all aflutter at the opportunity to slaughter either me, my friends, or…perhaps even members of Armored Hoof.
Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by one of the guards. “PRINCESS SUNNY! PRINCESS SUNNY!” He called.
“You know you don’t have to call me that yet,” she reminded him.
“Terribly sorry, my mare,” he said, “but I’ve just received urgent news from back in Maretime Bay!”
Sunny’s eyes grew wide and her fear instantly rose. “Wha…what kind of news?”
“It’s about Armored Hoof!” The guard exclaimed. “We’ve received word that a great battle has ensued between them…and an agent of Scarlet Wing!”