//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Remembrance // Story: Ponyville Parents Day // by Black Kyurem //------------------------------// Now in Canterlot, Twilight brought Applejack to the office of her assigned psychotherapist, Gentle Soul, known for her exceptional therapy magic and her cheery devotion to helping others. The young therapist was waiting for Twilight. "Hello, Twilight!" she said, as the two ponies shared a quick hug. "It's good to see you again." "Same here," replied Twilight. "Look at you... You're a princess now! I'm so happy for you and I'm glad things have been working out lately. Your coronation speech was absolutely perfect!" "Thanks. Actually, do you think you can do a therapy session with my friend Applejack here?" "I'm only too happy! But let's not forget you, dear. Come on in." After Twilight's routine, it was Applejack's turn to pour her heart out to Gentle Soul about what she had to put with, including her sister's trouble with the rich bullies. And of course, Gentle Soul jotted everything down in notes. "Well, Applejack," said Gentle Soul. "As you know, it's my job to keep everything you've talked about as classified, so nopony else is gonna know... Well, except Twilight maybe, but she's told me she already knows what you've been going through. And based on Twilight's actions, hopefully your sister won't have to be dealing with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon ever again. The fact that they can cause trouble for even adults is definitely saying something about how bad they've been. So here's what I'd like you to do. Once your sister and friends fully recover, go enjoy the festivities that Twilight is putting together, and just have fun with your friends. And whenever you're working hard, don't forget to rest up every now and then. Nopony ever managed to go through with life by working nonstop. Oh, and I'm truly sorry about your parents, but you seem to be doing fine. And it is okay to grieve every now and then." "Ah, thank you kindly, Gentle Soul," said Applejack. "Ah already learned mah lesson from overdoin' work once, so ah think ah'll manage just fine. And thanks fer takin' me in. Ah needed this." "My pleasure." --- Back at Ponyville, the anticipated day soon arrived as parents gathered for the planned festivities that Princess Twilight and the mayor put together. But from the sidelines, Filthy Rich could only look on in disappointment. His daughter and her friend had ruined Ponyville Parents Day for themselves in an attempt to maintain their personal pride. But the Cutie Mark Crusaders had fully recovered along with Rainbow Dash just in time for the events. Rainbow's dad arrived and clapped Rainbow on the back and they both nuzzled each other affectionately. Rainbow also introduced Scootaloo to him as her surrogate sister. Fluttershy's mother and father came, nuzzling their daughter and when they visited her cottage, Fluttershy's animal friends took an instant liking to her parents. Pinkie Pie got into a group hug with her family. And Rarity was happy to be with her family as well. And Twilight got a very pleasant surprise when her parents came to Ponyville. Her brother, Shining Armor, came as well, and so did his wife, Cadance. "Twiley!" said Shining Armor. "Shining!" said Twilight, as the brother and sister embraced. "You came too!" "Of course I did. Cadance and I didn't want to miss this for the world! We're all one family, Twiley!" Twilight then came up to Cadance and they did their little dance from their foal-sitting days. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" And they both laughed afterwards, as usual, and the whole family shared a big group hug. The festivities carried on, with parents and their children both taking part in them. There was apple bobbing at Sweet Apple Acres, a party at Sugarcube Corner, music and dancing in the town square, and of course photo taking for memories. Each of the Mane 6 got their photos taken with their respective parents and other family members, and even though Applejack's parents were not present, she was satisfied with a group photo of her, Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, and Babs Seed. After the festivities, Twilight and the mayor gathered everypony at the town hall entrance for one final speech. "Attention, everypony!" announced Twilight. "It's been fun today, thanks to all of you. And now, I would like to have us all remember and honor any parents who were not able to be with us today. Some of us may not have parents... or even a family at all. But for those whose parents have left us, they will always be remembered in our hearts and memories and they continue to watch over us and be proud of us for what we do to make Equestria a wonderful place for us ponies to live. And now, I ask all of you... Let us have a moment of silence." Everypony hung their heads in silence for a full minute before Twilight broke the silence. "Dear Princess Celestia... Today has been a most joyous day in which we celebrated the importance of parents and family in our lives and what they do that makes us special. May those that are no longer with us continue to watch over us... always."