“Are you okay Sweetie Belle?” Applebloom asked.
The little unicorn had been hopping around in circles for the past ten minutes saying ‘Yes!yes!yes!yes!yes!yes!yes!’ over and over. She stopped jumping and looked at her friend, a huge grin on her face.
“YES!” she exclaimed, bringing her face really close to Applebloom’s.
“Well come on Scootaloo, tell us, what’s all the excitement for?” Scootaloo chimed in.
“Yeah come on, we wanna know” Applebloom added.
Sweetie Belle turned and pulled out an envelope from seemingly nowhere.
“I just got this letter from my cousin in Manetreal! She’s coming to visit me here in Ponyville!” she handed them the letter and resumed bouncing around excitedly. Grabbing up the letter, Scootaloo read it aloud.
Mes Cher Sweetie Belle et Rarity,
I Just thought you would like to know that I might be coming to visit soon. Ma mère et Mon père are visiting Canterlot to discuss some sort of big event with la princesse, Celestia. I asked if I could visit you in Ponyville since it is on the way. They have told me oui, so I will be arriving by train in a few days. I am so excited. I cannot wait to see you and meet all of your friends. Bientôt a.
—Fleur Joli
Scootaloo squinted her eyes and held the paper very close to her face as she tried to pronounce the funny words Sweetie Belle’s cousin had written. Applebloom shook her head in surprise.
“What in the hay did she just say?”
“Yeah Sweetie Belle what sort of foreign gibberish was that?” Scootaloo piped in. Sweetie Belle laughed
“That’s her native language silly, they speak just a tad differently where she’s from” she said giggling.
“Okay so what do these words mean?” Scootaloo asked frustratedly.
“Well, ‘mere’ and ‘pere’ is her mom and dad, ‘oui’ is just their way of saying okay, and Bientot… actually I don’t know that one. Let’s ask Rarity.”
Sweetie Belle and Applebloom ran off while Scootaloo just rolled her eyes. Her two friends stopped and turned back to see if she would follow.
“Aren’t you coming Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle asked. Scootaloo rolled her eyes again and submitted.
“Fine, let’s go see rarity.” She groaned. The three friends then hurried off toward rarity’s boutique.
As they arrived at the Carousel Boutique, they ran into Rainbow Dash, who had been hovering near the door when she noticed them.
“Oh hey girls, watcha up to?” she asked grinning.
“Oh just being dragged around by these two,” Scootaloo replied, “They need to see Rarity about something”
“Oh really?” She responded inquisitively “’Cause Rarity and I were just about to head over to Twilight’s, something about some big event happening in Canterlot, she’ll just be a minute.”
At that point Rarity walked out.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Rainbow Dash, but Opal can be very fastidious about her dinner sometimes. Oh, hello girls. Can I assist you?” she looked down at them, just noticing that they were there. Sweetie Belle pulled out the letter and handed it to Rarity before jumping up and down ecstatically.
“Look sis, cousin Fleur’s visiting! Cousin Fleur’s gonna be here.”
“Fleur?” Rarity asked, blinking in surprise. “She’s coming here?” She took the letter, levitating it with her magic, and examined it apprehensively, speaking aloud softly as she read it.
Upon finishing the letter, and pronouncing each of the funny words from earlier almost effortlessly, she set it down slowly. A mixture of shock and excitement adorned her features for a few moments before she burst out with joy.
“Oh this is just wonderful; Fleur Joli is coming here to Ponyville. Oh I just can’t believe it; I haven’t seen her in ages. And auntie and uncle too, I wonder what brings them this far from home.” She stopped her exuberant outburst and re-examined the letter with increased scrutiny.
“Some sort of big event. How peculiar, that’s the same reason Twilight asked us to come to the library today. Well, I certainly must go see what this is.” She furrowed her brow as she contemplated the mystery event. Handing the letter back to Sweetie Belle, she trotted off towards the tree in the center of town.
“Um, sis?” Sweetie Bell piped up as her sister was leaving. Rarity stopped short in surprise and looked back at her sister.
“What is it Sweetie Belle?” she asked coolly.
“Um, could you tell us what that last word was before her name? I couldn’t remember.” Rarity blinked, and then had the letter fly over to her with her horn. She looked at it for a second before suppressing a giggle and sending it back.
“Sweetie Belle, you should know this.” She said with a smile “It just means, see you soon”
“Ohhhhhh” Sweetie Belle laughed “I should have known that” She and Applebloom fell over laughing. With the girls’ request satisfied, Rarity cantered off toward the library with Rainbow Dash.
“So, Rarity, what do you think this big event is Twilight was talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked as they walked
“I’m not sure Rainbow Dash, but if my aunt and uncle are coming to Canterlot all the way from Manetreal, then it’s got to be something of great significance. Uncle Sabot is the governor over there you know.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened at this.
“Wow really? That’s so awesome!” She pressed her hooves to her face in excitement.
They arrived at the library and walked inside to find Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie already there. Fluttershy was being her usual stand-to-the-side self, while Applejack was talking to Twilight, and Pinkie Pie was being, well Pinkie Pie; energetic as ever and jumping around the library, happy as a lark. Twilight turned and noticed them.
“Oh good you’re here Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. I was just discussing with Applejack the reason you’re all here.”
“And that reason is?” Rainbow Dash cut in. Twilight narrowed her eyes at Rainbow Dash,
“Be patient Rainbow Dash, I’m getting to that.”
She looked around to make sure everypony was paying attention.
“Now then, you may have heard that Celestia is holding a summit meeting with the political leaders of other regions from far across Equestria.” An outburst of surprise rang out from the lot of them.
“I didn’t know about that.” said Rainbow Dash
“So that’s why my aunt and uncle are visiting” Rarity concluded.
“What is it for?” mewed Fluttershy.
“I’m glad you asked Fluttershy” Twilight spoke up. “Celestia hasn’t told me what the summit is about but it’s got to be something pretty big if the leaders of all the different regions are meeting together. The reason I’ve called you all in here is because Celestia has decided to move the summit to Ponyville and she would like us to attend.”
“What?” Rarity exclaimed
“US?” Rainbow Dash asked
“Wow, such a big responsibility” Fluttershy cooed softly.
“Well tickle my horse feathers” Applejack declared. Pinkie Pie made to jump on her, but stopped halfway through.
“Um, you don’t have any” she said, pointing.
“I know that Pinkie, it’s a figure of speech. It means I'm plum flattered that Celestia would ask us to attend such an important meetin’” Applejack replied
“Oh” said Pinkie Pie. She put her hooves down, and lowered her gaze.
“So anyway” Twilight went on “A lot of very important Ponies are going to be here, including King Bradley the Beak of the griffons.”
“Wait a second, griffons are coming here?” piped Rainbow Dash. Twilight sighed.
“Ugh, yes Rainbow Dash, the griffons are coming here” She spoke through gritted teeth. “Now as I was saying, a lot of very important ponies will be here, and it’s up to us to make sure everything is ready for their arrival. Rainbow Dash, Clear the sky,”
“Got it.” She replied, saluting with her hoof
“Applejack, you’ve got refreshments,”
“I hear ya.” Applejack responded
“Rarity, organize the decor,”
“It will be my pleasure.” She answered, batting her eyelids
“Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, organize a welcoming party,”
“No problem” Pinkie Pie replied
“Um, okay.” Fluttershy mewed.
“And I’ll make sure our guests arrive without a hitch. Let’s go.” Twilight finished.
“Now wait just a moment, you mean right now?” Rarity piped up.
“Well, Princess Celestia is arriving today, the others should all get here within the next two days, but we don’t know exactly when, so it’s never too early.” They all ran out the door to oversee the task that Twilight had assigned them.
Over the next two days, Chief Thunderhooves of the buffalo herd arrived on foot wearing his headdress. A little while later a large black griffon wearing a golden diadem descended from over the mountain, flanked by two smaller griffons. The crown was encrusted with many different jewels, and was crafted to fit snugly yet comfortably on his head, without getting in the way or producing drag during flight. The front of it came to a curled point resembling a beak, and had two large emeralds just to the side. On the back were two long wing like protrusions extending slightly upward. He wore a bright red coat, embroidered with many seals and patches, and four gold buttons on the front. His talons were decorated with golden covers that masked them almost perfectly. His eyes were vivid green and his white wingtips extended back past his tail at rest.
When the train arrived Rarity’s Aunt and Uncle hopped off, as well as a light pink unicorn about rarity’s age. She had stunning blue eyes, and a flowing lavender mane with streaks of burgundy. Rarity and Sweetie Belle went rushing to meet them.
“Fleur Joli, you’re here!” Sweetie Belle chimed excitedly.
“Ah, salut Sweetie Belle, and Rarity too. It has been too long, yes?” she exclaimed, hugging them both. “Oui Joli, it has indeed been too long.” Rarity replied, before casting a sidelong glance at her aunt and uncle. “I wish I could stay and catch up but I really must be attending to the main hall’s decorations. Have fun with Sweetie Belle. Au revoir” She hurried off toward Town Hall, where the Summit would be taking place.
An hour later, her work was finally done; the main building for Town Hall was completely dressed up with various ribbons and cloth banners. There were twelve seats at the table, which was perfectly round and about twenty feet across. Behind Celestia’s chair, Rarity had hung a large white banner with an emblem of the sun on it matching the mark on Celestia’s Flank. Across from Celestia’s chair was King Bradley. Behind his chair was a large scarlet banner, with a white eagle’s head in the center. On either side of this symbol, was a royal blue silhouette of a griffon on its hind legs, and talons extended toward the center emblem. Adjacent to Celestia’s seat on the right, would sit Chief Thunder Hooves. Behind his chair hung a large brown banner with a white circle outlined in red at the top. In the center of this circle was a blue star, while a white feather hung down from behind the main circle. Adjacent to Celestia on her left, would sit Uncle Sabot. Behind his chair she had hung up a green banner with a big Fleur-de-lis on it in three colors; red, white, and blue.
She had also labeled each of the twelve seats with a glittering name tag, indicating the seating arrangement Celestia had requested. The mayor would sit on Celestia’s right side and Twilight would sit on her left. Aunt Cheval would be on Uncle Sabot’s right side while she, Rarity, took the left. On the right of King Brad and right next to her, would be Fluttershy, while Rainbow Dash accompanied his left side. Apple jack would be next on Chief Thunderhooves’s right, leaving Pinkie Pie to sit between the chief and the mayor.
Rarity only got a minute to admire her handiwork before they began filing in. Celestia was seated first, followed by Chief Thunderhooves, then King Brad, and finally Uncle Sabot. Aunt Cheval and the Mayor came next, and then Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all filed in and took their seats. Rarity trotted over to her chair as Applejack ran around placing an apple tart in front of everypony before taking her seat as well.
“Thank you applejack, they look delicious.” Celestia called to the orange earth pony before addressing the company as a whole. “Good we’re all here; King Bradley, The Beak, from Griffon Village over the mountains, Chief Thunderhooves from the plains, Governor Sabot and his wife Cheval from Manetreal, and our Host, the Mayor of Ponyville.” She inclined her head to each of them as they were named, introducing them to each other.
“Beak, I assume the flight wasn’t too strenuous?” she asked in a polite and inviting tone. He responded with a deep bellowing voice.
“I’ve seen far worse in my younger days. There was a storm cloud here or there on the way, but it was all sunny skies once I got over the mountains near here. I’m told I have this fine young gel to thank for that delightful surprise.” He indicated Rainbow Dash. She nodded excitedly, a huge grin on her face. “Top job miss, splendid I say!” he finished.
“Thanks,” she replied, ears dropping. A slight blush arose across her cheeks for a moment, before she regained her composure. “It was no sweat. I am Ponyville’s number one flyer after all.” She bragged.
“Oh-ho! Number one Flyer you say? Well we’ll just see about that. You’ve got a sporty one here Celestia old gel.” He chuckled, clapping Rainbow Dash on the back with one of his talons, who blushed yet again.
They all joined in laughing and began to talk amongst themselves. Twilight turned to Celestia.
“What’s going on, I thought we were here to discuss some big important event.” She asked.
“Oh Twilight, we are, but it’s been a long time since everypony has seen each other. They’re just catching up on old things, the meeting will commence soon. This is why I asked you to have Applejack prepare snacks. Try chatting with them, King Brad always has another amusing tale to tell.” Twilight looked around and noticed Rainbow Dash and Applejack listening intently while the griffon spoke, occasionally bursting into laughter at one of his jokes. While Pinkie Pie was chatting away to Chief Thunderhooves, who looked slightly entertained by her antics but otherwise bemused. She opted to sit and wait patiently for the storytelling to be over; it was not of great importance for her to mingle with the others in the room.
After nearly a half hour, Celestia called out.
“Alright everyone, I believe you all know why we’re here.” The talking slowly quieted down as all eyes turned to Celestia. “As I’m sure you will all agree, it has been far too long since we were all collected together like this.” Several murmurs of agreement rang out among the company. “We have grown apart; our cultures know little of each other. I propose we instigate some great event that will bring everyone together in one place to allow our different cultures to mingle with each other, strengthening the bond of friendship between them.”
Hear Hear” Called out Chief Thunderhooves.
“Splendid I say.” sang The Beak.
“C’est magnifique!” cried Governor Sabot.
“Wonderful!” said Celestia, “Now does anypony have any ideas as to what this event should be?” The room fell silent. They all began scratching their heads or rubbing the backs of their necks. Finally Governor Sabot was the first to speak.
“We could 'old a grand festival, for everypony to come and share the artwork of their land.” he suggested. He got a nod from Chief Thunderhooves. King Bradley added on to his idea.
“Yes, and we could all gather to tell stories to one another about our adventures since the last festival.”
“And run together through the fields.” Added Chief Thunderhooves.
“All wonderful Ideas.” Celestia said.
Rainbow Dash chose this moment to this moment to throw her two cents in.
“Not bad, not bad, but I’ve got a better idea. How about a competition.” She stared directly at King Brad when she said competition, eyes narrowed in a smile. He held her gaze for a moment, then his eyes widened in realization and he smiled.
“What Ho I say, is this a challenge young miss?” he joked, holding out his talon. She took it in her hoof and shook it.
“Yes!” she said, turning to the entire fellowship as she spoke her next piece. “I propose, the Ponyville Games! Earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi, griffons and bison would come from all around, sending their best athletes to compete in the ultimate series of extreme challenges. It will be the most awesome event anypony has ever seen.” She spoke with finesse, placing her hoof on the table as she finished for added effect.
Celestia eyed her quizzically.
“Now Rainbow Dash, do you fully understand what is entailed for what you’re suggesting?”
“Hold on just a minute Princess Celestia.” Applejack spoke up. “What Rainbow Dash is suggesting isn’t as bad as you think. Friendly competition can be healthy in the right atmosphere. I mean what she’s proposed is basically just one big rodeo. I go to them all the time; it’s a fun way to showcase your skills and talents, and the competition part of it pushes you to become better at what you’re doin’. Not to mention all the nice ponies you can meet and friends you can make that come from all different places.” Rarity spoke up next.
“As well as the business it would bring to Ponyville. Ponies not partaking in the competition would flock for miles around to watch, and while they’re here they’ll be looking at the shops as well. I could show off my dresses to all of Equestria.”
“And I could sell cupcakes!” Pinkie Pie piped up.
“It would be a great way to get to meet everypony from all across Equestria, and everypony would have the chance to display their native styles and traditions, and also share and learn about each other’s culture.” Twilight noted.
Celestia stared out at them all.
“Well, since you all seem in agreement on this, I see no reason why we can’t try it out.” She said, smiling “But I think only having it here in Ponyville would be a bit selfish, let’s make it an annual event, and hold it in a different location every year. The Equestria Games; all in favor, raise your hoof.” She declared. Everypony’s hoof was in the air.
“I think I’ll let that one slide for now Celestia.” King Brad chuckled, raising his talon. Everypony laughed. When everyone had settled down, Celestia addressed the group once again.
“Well, now that we’re all in agreement, let’s get down to business; setting the rules for this competition.”
When Rarity got outside, Sweetie Belle and Fleur Joli were waiting for her.
“How’d the meeting go Rarity?” Sweetie Belle piped up.
“Indeed, do tell what events took place dear cousin.” Fleur spoke.
“Oh, fine, just fine.” Rarity answered.
“Aw come on sis, we wanna know what the big event was all about.” Rarity suddenly noticed that Scootaloo and Applebloom were also with Fleur and were suddenly all three wide-eyed with wonder. She looked as them hesitantly for a second, before finally giving in.
“Oh all right fine,” she replied, feigning exasperation. “I was assigned the task of arranging the lovely décor on the interior of the main hall.” She continued to relate to them in full drama how she had set up the meeting room, and then on to the meeting itself.
“But Rainbow Dash insisted the pegasi would be able to outfly any of the griffons. Of course flying isn’t just flapping your wings, as I should know having spent a day with wings. It was decided that there would be several flying events based on speed, agility, strength, stamina, and accuracy. There would be team events as well, but I wasn’t really listening at that point. I'm not all into those athletic indulgences, but too each their own I suppose. ” Rarity finished.
“Wow, that’s so cool,” Scootaloo exclaimed.
“So even though the Bison are much stronger than we are, we’re just gonna take 'em head on for strength?” Applebloom asked.
“Well it would seem that while they have more strength and endurance than most ponies, they are far less agile or light on their feet as somepony such as Applejack, so it balances out.” Rarity replied.
“So what you’re saying is, everypony is good at something, but might not be so good at something else?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Well Sweetie Belle” Fleur chimed in, “That is a tres magnifique lesson to be learned. You should take it to heart.”
“So, how was your day with these three little… angels” Rarity inquired to Fleur.
“Oh, well let’s just say, housekeeping and florist are no longer on their to-do list.” She laughed.
“I’m terribly sorry we weren’t able to spend the day together Fleur Joli, but I’ve just been so busy.”
“Oh it is quite alright Rarity. We still have a few hours before the train departs. Why don’t you show me to your Boutique, I would love to see what you have done with the place.”
“Now that sounds just darling. Do let’s.” Rarity replied, and the two unicorns headed off toward the Carousel Boutique.