by Anjou
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Resolution: noun, a firm decision to do something.
Twilight recited the dictionary definition in her head as she slaved over fireworks, and one rocket in particular. It was tradition to make a resolution for the New Year, and the princesses of Equestria held deep respect for tradition.
The four alicorns were gathered in Canterlot Castle to celebrate the New Year. It was an equally old tradition, begun by Celestia and Luna, which held no less respect. The elder pair stood opposite the younger, and watched as they prepared the pyrotechnics for the coming display. After all, now was a time for the old guard to rest and let the new shine, if only for a moment.
Cadence checked over her wiring one last time before stepping back to admire her work. They were using new electronic fuses, and this display promised to be the best Equestria had ever seen. This was also, in no small part, due to Twilight’s efforts. The moment after Celestia had enlisted the two of them to arrange the fireworks this year, Twilight gathered every book ever written about the subject. And as was her standard mode of operation, she had read over half of them before Cadence could finish one.
A quick flash of magic intruded upon Cadence’s reflections. She looked toward its source, expecting her companion to be checking over the timing and sequence for the fourth time. Instead, she found Twilight working on just a single firework.
“Are you sure triple-checking is enough?” Cadence asked as she walked closer.
“What? Hmm… there’s just enough time to go over everything again. I’ll start immed—“
Before Twilight could leap toward the fireworks controller, Cadence imposed herself in between and giggled.
“Don’t worry, I’m certain everything is perfect.”
Sensing that the Twilight would protest for a fifth check, Cadence instead tried to divert her attention.
“So what were you working on over there?”
“Oh, it’s just a special something for the grand finale. I hope you’ll like it.” Twilight said as she blushed gently.
“I’m sure everyone will love it.” Cadence said with absolute certainty.
She looked at Twilight with some admiration and awe. Great in all things that mattered, the flaws only helped accentuate her better traits. Cadence saw perfection in that union of good and bad. As the countdown started, she resolved to be a better pony.
TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN!
The two teleported to a safe location to watch the fireworks and joined in the countdown.
SIX! FIVE! FOUR!
They glanced at each other and nodded. They approached the console and prepared to usher in the New Year.
THREE! TWO! ONE!
Click.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
On cue, the first of the fireworks shot into the sky with a great whistle. The bang gave way to a flash of light, and the procession quickly filled the night with brocades, like glittering lace strung across the stars. The sky erupted into a roiling sea of color as patterns of peonies and dahlias were spread over all of Canterlot.
A flare was sent up as the sky was painted red and orange with fireworks. As the flare reached its peak, the night was filled with daytime blues and whites, which gave way even more brilliant golds as the flare fell back down. Before disappointment over the end of the display could set in, another flare was sent up. This time it was accompanied by deep blues and purples. As the second flare also faded, vividly colored suns and moons burst into existence. These grew into stars and hearts which seemed to dance across the sky.
Images of ponies, laughing and smiling, filled the night sky. As the display finally began to die down, Twilight repeated the definition of a resolution to herself:
Noun, a firm decision to do something.
She stared intently as one final rocket was sent up. It exploded into a beautiful pink and purple heart, which could be seen from the farthest reaches of Equestria. But, instead of falling back down, the pyrotechnic stars ascended ever higher. They settled into place among the stars of the night sky.
Twilight also had a resolution.