Prologue: A Long Day
The sun beamed lightly into Manehattan, first light touching the buildings with a gentle splendor. One exposed window caught a ray, awaking the orange mare lying inside ever so peacefully. Jacqueline Apple stood up, stretched demurely, and greeted the day with a happy look over the city. All was quiet, just a few ponies making their appointed rounds, the day not about to pick up for another couple of hours. 'Old habits die hard,' she thought to herself, before returning gaze to her room. It was quite a mess, papers strewn about every which way, some important, some junk. Taking to the task of cleaning up after herself, she mused that this mess was a small price to pay for coming out ahead of schedule, even if her aunt would disagree. Still, it wasn't so much that she had to worry, and she put her files in order, one more look over the numbers.
Some time later, she headed out, once things got a bit busier. She bid a good morning to everypony who gave her the time of day, cheerfully accepting the attention and praise. Jacqueline was a rather popular figure around town, making her rounds in high society when she wasn't crunching numbers, even with a few potential suitors on her tail. She just had to turn them down for now. She just wasn't ready for such a commitment, even if Aunt Orange swore that she should marry in her prime. She pushed that as far from her mind as she could, for today, she would be meeting with a friend, and wouldn't be home all day.
A little cafe known for its quiet atmosphere, came into view, which she entered with a growing smile, giving an earth pony in red a soft wave, grabbing her "usual" apple tart and orange juice combination as she took a seat in the central part of the dining area. No sooner than she attempted to take her first bite was a high-pitched, biting voice from behind. "Tart for breakfast? I thought we were watching your figure!" Anypony else might mistake that for criticism, but she turned around to the source, motioning to a pink pony with an even pinker mane in fine curls, dressed in a black turtleneck and beret, to join her, offering a grin. "There's nothing wrong with a little sugar to start your morning. You should try it sometime," the back-and-forth began.
"Can you imagine me on a sugar rush, Jackie? Doesn't Manehattan have enough problems?" The pink earth pony quipped, taking of a simple white tea to start her day.
"This city could use a little shaking up, don't you think so, "Pink."?" She quipped back.
"Oh, honey, I wouldn't dream of it. This place is just boring enough, you can't help but get excited."
Jacqueline couldn't help but smile at that. She wasn't the only one who thought so, but it sounded a lot better coming from "Pink.". The pink pony rarely smiled, but she seemed to know how to make her smile, and never hesitated to try. Jacqueline often mused that "Pink." was happier than she seemed, it was just her way to not show it. They returned fire for a while, talking about nothing with the best of them, until the sun shone down high over Manehattan. That was about when "Pink." dropped a doozy of a topic.
"So, I heard you might be getting transferred," she began sipping at her sixth cup of tea. "Well," Jacqueline stammered, if only briefly, "Not exactly transferred... Uncle Orange was telling me that Sweet Apple Acres wasn't doing so well, they could use a keen eye." She wasn't doing a very good job of explaining it, the situation was complicated for her. She knew that her family back in Ponyville were all proud of her, but going back wouldn't be easy; what was she supposed to do on a farm? Who would she talk to? Surely all her old friends had forgotten her by now. Her head sank down just a little as the thoughts weighed heavily on her, until she received a sudden sting in her left foreleg. "Ow!" "Pink." had hit her, right out of the blue. "Don't get blue on me now... blue isn't your color. You're more of a green, and you know what has green? Apple trees; and apple trees are just what you need to get out of this funk," "Pink." stated, deadpan as usual despite the energy running. She was right, Jacqueline mused, there was nothing to be sad about. Maybe she could stand to go home again... that's what it was, after all: home. "Thank you, "Pink."," she spoke again, reaching over to embrace her dear, strange friend. "Don't mention it. Besides, it can't be all bad. I'll be down in Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration in just a few days. If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for you." Her ego came through a bit there, but it was all in good fun. Jacqueline 'hit' her back for earlier, still grinning brightly as she did so, before standing once again. "I should start packing... I think it will be... nice... to see my family again." "That's the spirit," "Pink." spoke up, a near-smile crossing the corner of her mouth, but not quite, "I'll see you there for the festival. Until then, work on your farm-girl look; I can't wait to see it."
The two mares parted ways earlier than expected, neither of them having need to procrastinate, knowing the other would be there. Jacqueline stared over her room that afternoon, packing what she considered essentials; abacus, files, pens, notebooks, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics, a dozen or so dresses and a necklace or two. Farm or no, she could still make herself presentable, she reasoned, and went down to catch her wagon. Her aunt and uncle were surprised, to say the least, thinking she would stay in Manehattan for a few more days, but she explained to them she was ready to go now and it would only get harder the longer she waited. They were quite understanding, and saw her off in person, the least they could do. She would miss them, and they her, but this was something she had to do. She wondered what life would be like in Ponyville, surely it wouldn't be all that different...
The town of Ponyville was in an uproar today, the princess would be coming the day after tomorrow for the Summer Sun Celebration, and there was still so much to do. The farm was lagging behind on provisions, word was the weather patrol would be running late, and no word whatsoever had come of decorations. The mayor stared in disbelief at the report thus far, trying to make sense of all these complications. She'd worked herself into a frenzy, making no sense whatsoever to anypony who would listen, and finally, her aide sent word out to the only pony who could help.
A white unicorn with a stern look arrived, her purple mane tied into a tight bun, eyes staring forward through small-framed glasses while a white coat draped over her dark blue vest; she had warned the Mayor previously of her stress, and to go unheeded was something she simply could not abide. She stormed past the reception desk without a word, immediately trudging right up to her quarry, slamming down a hoof in authority. "Miss Mayor," she began with a loud tone, bordering on yelling, "This simply must stop! You are only one pony, and I will not sit idly by while you work yourself to exhaustion-- again!" The Mayor turned her eyes to this intruder, actually quite intimidated past the initial shock; she may have been in charge, but when Dr. Rarity spoke, everypony listened. "I'm sorry," she choked out, covering her head with her hooves, "But everything is just... wrong. How can I host the Summer Sun Celebration when I can't make good on any of my duties? How can I face the Princess with this many complications? How will I ever--"
Rarity stopped her there. "There you go again, always 'I.' You are not Ponyville, and 'we' haven't failed yet!" A gleam in her eye warned the Mayor a plan was forming. "If I see to the decorations committee, and the food situation, will you just relax? You're starting to get bags under your eyes, darling, and you're not so far gone as to stop worrying about appearances yet." Mayor could never quite understand that string of vanity, and it slightly hurt to hear herself referred to as 'far gone' at all. Still, she had one last protest, "What about the weather team?" Rarity scoffed to that suggestion, turning aside with a flippant expression. "That is Cloudsdale's department, it's on their heads. I see no reason it should reflect on you... now, get some rest. We have a long day to come, and I would prefer my efforts have an element of surprise to them." Mayor finally calmed down a bit, swallowing a bit before giving a nod. Rarity was an unusual acquaintance, to say the least, but she did know what went on in town. Surely she was right, and maybe it would all look better after a nap... just a few hours...
The Mayor taken care of, Rarity stepped back into the morning sun, shielding her eyes as taking it all in. This widespread panic would have to stop, she mused to herself, or else every pony in Ponyville wouldn't even be awake for the celebration. She immediately began her path to town square, sidestepping a spilled melon cart without getting her hooves dirty. Her mission was the boutique on the east end, but would not benefit from tough love like before. She strode in the door with impugnity, walking past the disarray and chaos that dominated the showroom, leading herself to the back with practiced precision. There, she found a flustered yellow pegasus, her pink mane scattered all over her eyes sitting on an expensive couch in a state of despair. "Fluttershy?" There was no answer for just a second, the pegasus turning to Rarity, tears welling up in her eyes. "R-Rarity... I don't know what happened. It looked so simple, and then... and then...!" The poor pegasus began breathing shallowly, whimpering what sounded like they could be words, as Rarity strode to her side, rubbing her back gently. She worked a little rhythm in her efforts, to comfort her old friend and get her to breathe on her own. "There, there," she said in a softer tone. Let's just see what you have." Fluttershy nodded, slowly coming to her hooves and walking to her workshop.
She was right, the plans were simple. Too simple, Rarity surmised, her friend was better with fine detail than broad strokes. Standing firm, she looked back to Fluttershy, smiling to her genuinely. "We can fix this, sweetie. Here, I'll help you draw up some new plans, and you can follow those." Fluttershy brushed her mane out of her eyes then, tilting her head curiously, eyes still watery from her previous state. "Do... do we really have time for that?"
"No," Rarity shook her head. "But we will finish it all the same." Her horn sparked to life, taking of a pen that sat idle to a piece of paper as she started with a floor plan, and gently, she brought her pegasus friend to her side, to add her own little touches. This back-and-forth took only the better part of an hour, before Fluttershy was doing everything on her own again. Velvet flowers, silk butterflies, green ribbon everywhere, it all seemed so simple, when put into perspective. "The Princess is the sun... so Ponyville is the meadow she shines upon!" Fluttershy spoke gently. Rarity could only giggle at the metaphor, parting with just a light embrace to keep her oldest friend going. She still had another stop to make, after all, and not much time to do it.
Sweet Apple Acres came into view, the unicorn absolute in her resolve. She knew the orchard well, Granny Smith having not been in the best health for as long as Rarity could remember. She would often make house calls to the farm, something or another needing her attention, and though they warned her they couldn't pay for her services, she always offered the Apple family a gentle nod and went on her way. She couldn't believe how hard it could be to understand the concept of a free clinic, but maybe that was just their way of flattering her skills. No matter, she thought, today wasn't about her job, it was the joy of assistance. She looked about the orchards, seeing only a lone red stallion gathering apples.
"Big Macintosh! How can you be the only pony working the farm, today of all days!" She couldn't help but chastise him, it was no wonder they were behind. "Well, Rarity, ma'am," he stammered, "because of the Apple family reunion."
"Family reunion?"
"Eeyup."
"Well, then... WHERE ARE THEY?!"
Mac had never heard her raise her voice like that. Sure, he heard stories of when Rarity would lose her temper, but never thought he'd see it himself. He backed away slowly, turning his head away in shame. "They're... all 'round back." Rarity was about to chastise him again, but thought better; Macintosh never meant to be short with anyone, he just wasn't very good with words. She let out an exasperated sigh, before making her way back there herself. All these farm-hooves around, and they couldn't be bothered to offer some help? She'd have to give them a piece of her mind. It was then she saw what the fuss was about: in the middle of all these farmers was one who stood out, an orange mare with a blond mane kept in a stylish updo, clad in a fine green dress which brought out her eyes. Rarity was somewhat enamored, but no... she couldn't let herself be distracted. She strode up with focus on the task at hand.
"Excuse me, but what is the meaning of this?" She spoke out harshly amidst the many ponies gathered, illiciting many stares. She was used to a little attention, but it was the mare that had everypony's attention that caught her offguard. "No, excuse me. Who are you to disrupt an event among family in such an uncouth manner?" She quipped with a cold stare. Rarity was honestly aghast. She'd never been called uncouth by anypony before, and she wasn't going to stand for it. She met this pony head-on, eye-to-eye, inches from her face with a forceful stare of her own. "I am the pony who's been appointed to see everypony else is doing their job! And you are?" It was the city mare's turn to be flabbergasted this time. Her cheeks turned noticeably red, shrinking back from this confrontation only a moment before her composure returned to her, remembering who she was. "I am Jacqueline Apple, of Manehattan. And I will not be addressed like a filly caught in a spill."
"And I will not be brushed off by some spoiled 'lady' who can't be bothered to pay attention to the world around her. The Summer Sun Celebration is in two days, this is no time to be fauning over a new arrival, the supplies from Sweet Apple Acres are due tomorrow!"
Jacqueline couldn't believe it... in all the confusion, she forgot one of the most important celebrations of the year. Defeated, she hung her head in shame, letting out a remorseful sigh. "You're right, of course... everypony, I shall have to make time for all of you later, right now, we have work to do." The city mare buckled down, standing proudly again as she sought to get her family organized in their efforts. That was all it took, a little nudge in the right direction, and the apples were well on their way. Jacqueline and Rarity took a moment to stare one another down, sizing the other up; Jacqueline thought Rarity a control freak, and Rarity considered Jacqueline spoiled. Wordlessly, they agreed to disagree, and went about their separate ways, hoping they would never see each other again...
Inside a cluttered, disorganized study in Canterlot, a purple baby dragon with green spines rushed in through the door, holding a letter with an excited look on his face. "Twilight," he shouted, "You're never going to believe this!" The purple unicorn pulled away with an annoyed look on her face from a rather thick book, staring in some disbelief to her assistant. "And just what could be so amazing that even I would be in disbelief?" She was short with him, but he took this as a good sign; if she were in a bad mood, as usual, she would have sent him away, but today he had her ear. He had to make the most of this, so he puffed up his chest before settling, taking in a deep breath as he began. "Rainbow Dash is going to Ponyville to attend the Summer Sun Celebration by Princess Celestia's side!" Twilight tilted her head, growing a bit more annoyed as she closed the book she had at ready. "And what's so amazing about that?" "I wasn't finished," Spike huffed with an indignant look of his own. "What's amazing is that she's going to arrive BEFORE the princess to oversee the preparations..."
"Cut to the chase!"
"...and she said we had to come!"
Twilight's head dropped to the desk she sat before with a groan. "Spike! Ponyville is a tiny speck on Equestria's map! It has no outstanding history, hardly any notable commerce, and no, I repeat, no magical significance whatsoever! I can't believe you interrupted my research into amniomorphic magic for that!" Spike approached her side a bit forlornly, leaving the note on her desk as he prodded his claws together. "Well, I've never been anywhere but Canterlot. I thought this would be a nice vacation, and..." A slam of one hoof on the floor made Spike cringe as she approached him more directly, visibly angry. "Vacation?! Genius doesn't take vacations, I've got too much to do to worry about some little festival! If that's everything, you can just--" "...and it wasn't a request." There was a noticable crack in her expression as she heard those last words. For once, Twilight was speechless; she attempted to form the words, in any number of faces, all culminating in a long moan lamenting her fate, her forehead finding the floor. "When do we leave?" She finally said, muffled by the state of her face. "Uh... in an hour."
"An hour! We don't even have time to pack, why didn't you tell me sooner?!" She just as soon began running about the study, her horn flashing to life as books flew into a hefty pile on the floor in front of Spike. He raised a claw in objection to this display. "She said she knew you didn't like to wait... and it's just a day or two, she said to travel light." "Light..." Twilight stopped in her tracks, her eyes staring off into nowhere. "I can do light. Light is good, nice and radiant, bright flashes..."
"Don't lose it, Twi! Everything's ready, all we have to do is make it to the chariot!"
"Everything? But everything's right here!"
"Exactly," Spike quipped, crossing his arms with an annoyed look of his own. "We're not going to study or experiment, we're preparing a celebration. Now get your rump out that door and to the chariot." Twilight scowled at her assistant's choice of words, but she had already been defeated once today, and with a heavy heart, she trudged to the door, grumbling things nopony should ever say in any company. Spike couldn't be more thrilled, but he needed a minute to breathe. He'd never traveled before, and could hardly wait.
A rainbow-maned pegasus stood by two gray ones mounted to a gold-plated chariot, attempting to engage them. "So, what can you tell me about Ponyville?" She asked. The two could only stammer a few disjointed words, looking between each other in an uncomfortable stare. Rainbow Dash was honestly tired of this treatment, like speaking to her was some sort of taboo outside the upper class. Still, she knew what they were waiting to hear, so she sighed and tried a different approach. "Skiff, Rider, brief me on our destination, post-haste." Immediately they sprang to attention, eyes forward with a nervous, prompt report. They gave specifications of the town itself, and a current population as per the previous census, but she wasn't satisfied with that. With a heavy sigh, she stepped onto the craft and sat herself down, a forlorn expression on her face.
She had everything she ever asked for here in Canterlot: new frontiers, endless contests and other opportunities to push herself, but she couldn't just speak with anypony except the princess. The working class avoided contact if they could help it, which was disconcerting, but high society sought her out only for ulterior motives, which was maddening. They would prod and implore for her to help them make connections, but they didn't really have anything to say to her. She was glad to go someplace she had only scarcely been heard of, even if only for a few days; now if only her traveling companion were here...
As if on cue, Twilight Sparkle ran as fast as she could to the chariot, Spike perched on her back with his arms wrapped around her neck, and hopped in unbidden, motioning forward with one hoof. "Alright, let's go! The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave, am I right?" She cried out. Perking up a bit, Rainbow Dash had a slight laugh at her expense, which was greeted with a confused stare from Twilight, but Spike did his best to hold it back. "Twi," Rainbow said informally, "It's an all-night, all-day festival. We're staying the whole time. But you're right about one thing. Full speed ahead!" Giving the order, the two stallions took off with the mares in tow, promptly so as not to 'anger' their charge...