The sun was shining high in the sky, spreading light over all of Equestria. From Manehattan to Fillydelphia, Celestia's light could be seen, spreading joy and happiness as everypony was getting ready for one of the biggest and most anticipated events of the year, the summer sun celebration. Everypony was excited and full of glee, preparing their own parties for the auspicious occasion. Usually the main event was held in major cities, such as Los Pegasus. But this year the celebration was being held in the most unlikely of places. This year the celebrations were to be conducted in the small town of Ponyville. Meanwhile in the most glamorous city in all the land, Princess Celestia had her own preparations to complete.
Canterlot was a city of regality and it shone brightly with sophistication and etiquette, the ponies who lived there even more so. Many of its inhabitants were busy in the streets preparing for their own celebration, going from store to store collecting the necessities for a party. The entire city was buzzing with excitement, but in the Canterlot palace a young pony sat in her study reading, her book laying in front of her as she read, her eyes focused intently on the words before her. She had been sitting on the floor for hours pondering over the words she was reading, imagining the scenes from the book in her mind.
Suddenly the mare looked up from her book, her concentration disturbed, breaking her from her reverie as the door of the study opened. A golden aura surrounded the handle whilst at the same time a voice of pure kindness called to her. “I see you're still reading that book I gave you. It is nice to see that after all these years as my protégé, that you still care so much about your studies but you're going to have to continue your studies later. I have an important task for you.” The princess announced, a sense of urgency in the mare's voice.
“What is it you need me to do, princess? Is it a test!” The student replied as she marked her page and placed her book on the table near her. “You already know I'm gonna ace it. After all, I've already mastered the spells you taught me last week.” Her voice was full of confidence.
“I do not doubt your abilities my young student, which is why I am giving you a task with a bit more responsibility. You are aware that the summer sun celebration is tomorrow, yes?”
“Yes Princess Celestia, but what does this have to do with me? ” She asked her mentor, her voice carrying a hint of arrogance and at the same time, curiosity.
“You see, this year the festivities are to be held in the town of Ponyville and I wish you to oversee the preparations of the celebration.”
“Aww, but princess, can't you send a royal guard for that? Any one of them has more experience at organisation than me. Why not send Shining Armor? last time I saw him he was sleeping under a tree. Give him the job.” Annoyed at the prospect of leaving Canterlot, she tried to think of more excuses to be excluded from her assignment, but her mind was blank.
“Shining Armor has other important tasks to complete here in Canterlot, that my dear is why I am sending you.” The princess giggled. “And besides, not so long ago, weren't you complaining about having nothing to do. A smile played across her face. “It's no wonder everything seems so boring for you!” Celestia Looked around her students study which was devoid of any decoration, containing only books and scrolls. “All you've been doing for the last few weeks is study. You need to get out more, explore a bit. So during your visit to Ponyville I want you to socialise, make some friends.”
The ponies face hardened. “Fine! I'll go, but why is the celebration being held in... Ponyville. That place isn't important, I've never even heard of it before. Why not Los Pegasus or Clouds Dale.”
“I have my reasons my little pony, don't you worry about that, and I see you have been reading that book I gave to you to study.”
The smaller pony was confused by the sudden revisit to the topic but went with it anyway. “I have but I don't really understand why you would give me a storybook for fillies. I thought I was meant to be reading about potions and stuff?”
“Would you prefer to be studying?” The princess responded, already knowing the answer she would receive.
“Actually I would.” Her student responded, sounding aggravated.
“Well, you will just have to wait. Pack anything you'll need for your trip and head over to the courtyard. Now you'll have to excuse me. I have business to attend to.” Celestia said, heading for the door. “I'll tell the guards to prepare your chariot and to send a message to spike to get ready, he'll be coming with you. Oh and Sunset Shimmer, good luck!”
Sunset Shimmer watched as the princess left and waited until the door was closed. When she thought Celestia was out of earshot she spoke again. “Great! Just perfect!” She yelled at the door. Changing her tone a more mocking one she continued “Why yes, Princess. I would love to abandon my current projects and watch ignorant villagers hang streamers, sounds like such great fun.”
With that came a response she dreaded. “So good to hear you had such a quick change of heart. Maybe I should give you more responsibilities.” The princesses voice echoed down the hall. “You must remember that words echo, Sunset.” Celestia spoke, with a giggle accompanying the last word.
Sunset Shimmer walked towards the Chariot that was awaiting her arrival, its golden curves flaring in the sunlight. At the front of the chariot two pure white pegasus colts were harnessed, each a member of the royal guard. Their armour shone almost as brightly as the chariot they were to soon to pull. Waiting for her was her assistant, Spike, a small but rather chubby dragon with purple iridescent scales, with green scales along his spine. “Glad to see you finally arrived, I thought you weren't going to show up.”
“Let's just get this over with.” Sunset replied, sounding slightly more callous than she intended to. Together they got into the chariot, and within moments they were off. As they were about to reach the edge of the courtyard, the guard ponies unfurled their wings and began flapping them in unison, developing a rhythm, which soon had them off the ground and soaring through the air above Canterlot and heading to Ponyville.