//------------------------------// // Chapter four - Trial and error // Story: The Endless Summer Sun Celebration // by Mocha Star //------------------------------// Opening her eyes Fluttershy felt the bunny on her chest and moaned, “Mmugh. I don’t think this is a dream, Angel,” the little rabbit uncrossed his arms and looked at the mare quizzically, “Yes yes, breakfast, I know.” Getting up and making her bed Fluttershy went to the kitchen, went through the routines and prepared herself her sandwich and tea, this time though she closed the window before sitting down. Hearing a light ‘thump’ Fluttershy looked up from her prepared breakfast to see a red bird looking at her through the window. “Oh, don’t worry, I remember you. Here, I have a cracker ready for you, but you’re staying out there today little friend,” she said as she opened the window a crack and slid the cracker out to the excited bird. Sitting down Fluttershy finally had her breakfast and it was delicious, the tea was refreshing and gave her more energy than she had the past few mornings. Feeding her friends was fast and efficient as usual, she hummed a song while she did her morning duties and even laid out some extra food for later this time, “Okay friends, I’m off to town, to the summer sun celebration, again, I think.” Arriving in town by air Fluttershy decided that she was going to get chocolates this time so she flew straight to Sugarcube Corner and walked in. The line was long but not too bad, she was behind the same mare that had told her to go to the back of the line the first time. Waiting her turn she purchased her treats, on purpose this time, grabbed the bags in her mouth and tossed the box on her back, then left. Taking to the air she felt the box fall loose. Stopping as carefully to a hover as she could, “Oh no, I lost it again, where did it go?” she said aloud, trying to see where it had fallen, “Oh well, I guess some lucky filly will get a nice treat.” She continued to the library, landing softly outside with the chocolates and nuts clutched tightly in her mouth. Knocking loudly three times she opened the door, “Fluttershy you’re the first here,” screamed Pinkie as she ran towards Fluttershy. Seeing her energetic friend charging at her she opened her wings and dashed to the side quickly dodging the pink blur. Pinkie stopped a few feet outside the door and looked around confused then turned around and trotted back inside and sat by the doorway looking at Twilight who was welcoming Fluttershy, “Fluttershy, it’s so good to see you so early, and,” Twilight whispered, “great dodge, I didn’t think you could react that fast.” “Thank you Twilight, I just had a feeling I should jump,” Fluttershy said with a smile, “I brought some chocolates from Sugarcube Corner, and I want to share them with all my friends today. Say, Twilight, can I talk to you for a minute?” “Of course you can, did you want to talk alone?” asked Twilight. “Oh, yes please, just for a minute though.” Twilight led them into the kitchen. “So, Twilight, I know being a princess is very stressful and you travel a lot and I want you to know that I’m here for you if you ever need a rest or break or someone to talk to.” “I know that, Fluttershy, you’re a great friend and, yes, it is a lot of work being a princess. I have to travel across Equestria twice a day, sometimes more. Whenever a problem arises I have to be available, whenever a celebration is going on, I have to be available. Whenever I have a personal issue, I have to be available to aid the other princesses regardless of my personal needs,” Twilight sighed. “I know I’m a princess and all of Equestria needs me, but what about my needs? I really miss being here in Ponyville with all my friends like the old days. We spend all our time living our lives until a new threat or challenge needs us to unite, I just don’t feel like the friend I need to be,” Twilight was toeing the floor as she spoke. “Oh, Twilight, you are the friend you need to be and the friend we need you to be. It would be wonderful for you to spend more time here, and maybe in a few weeks everything will calm down so you can do more than sleep in town then have to fly or teleport to wherever twice a day.” “Really? I mean I know I am a good friend, I just don’t always feel like I am. I think I’m going to try to spend more time in Ponyville, Equestria can manage having me not be everywhere at once when everything happens. Thank you, Fluttershy, I needed this talk, it’s almost like you knew what I needed to hear.” Smiling Fluttershy went to her friend and gave her a big hug, “You’re welcome, Twilight, Applejack and the others are here, let’s go say hi.” “What? How can you know that, I didn’t hear anyone come in.” Walking into the other room the mares had formed into groups with Pinkie juggling cupcakes Rainbow Dash was hinting for Applejack to get some cider and Rarity was doing her best to placate a love struck dragon. “Oh, Spikey-Wikey, can you be a dear and get me some punch, and some of the delicious chocolates?” Rarity asked Spike, doing her best to get some personal space, “I’ve been here two minutes and that dragon is already pestering me,” Rarity said under her breath. “Twilight, Fluttershy, it’s great to see you! I’ve been so busy designing a new clothing line in Manehattan that I nearly forgot how great simple town life can be. And I see Applejack is doing well, not kicking trees has done a lot for your hooves,” Rarity mocked. ‘Oh my, I don’t remember her talking like that last time,’ thought Fluttershy. “Oh, really Miss Big in the Britches, I’m surprised you could find the time to even get in the door with your head that big,” Applejack joked. Dash landed with a thud on the wooden floor holding her sides laughing. “Oh AJ, that was a good one. Hey Rarity, nice hair, I bet you spent a weeks worth of bits getting that done just so you can have a bird land on it today during the fair, right?” Rainbow Dash giggled as she rolled over laughing. “Yeah, I, didn’t really get that one Rainbow Dash, but as long as you’re happy. So, Rarity, it’s so good to see you again. I hear your business is doing great,” Twilight asked. Spike was handing Rarity her punch when she sneered at him, “I have no need for punch, silly dragon, I am on a diet. I have to set a standard for my models and protégés. But, I will take a chocolate, I can’t say no to a chocolate. Thank you Spikey. And Twilight, yes, I am doing very well, my business is the best in Equestria. I see the locals are still full of pep,” Rarity pointed at the laughing mares, which now included Pinkie. “Oh yeah, we got pep all right. Something you ain’t had in a blue moon,” laughed Apple Jack. “Okay, okay guys, lets remember why we’re here and just have fun, like we used to,” Twilight asked, almost pleading. “Yeah, let’s PARTAY,” shouted Pinkie pulling out confetti from nowhere. The others looked at Pinkie blankly for a moment, then they all began to laugh. Later that evening after they had set up their blanket and began to talk and to Fluttershys surprise after Applejack began complaining Twilight Sparkle chimed in and began to praise Applejack for her hard work. Rainbow Dash used the chance to try to complain about having to leave Kalida but Fluttershy took the initiative, “Rainbow, how old is Kalida? He’s gotta be about four now, right? Is he flying yet?” “Wha-? Uh, yeah! He’s almost as great as I was at his age,” Rainbow beamed, “Why, I would be surprised if he learned the sonic rainboom next week.” “What’s that dear? I couldn’t hear you over all that manure I hear falling,” Rarity chirped. “What was that, ya fancy galoot. Rainbow has every right to be proud of her kin, what’ve you done with yer kinfolk since you made it all rich and famous with your shiny clothes? Given them some fancy clothes to wear around town, lookin’ like some trotting fools so the have to vacation every week to get away from the stares?” Applejack interjected. ‘Oh no, Rarity seems to be the most unhappy pony tonight. I guess I’ll try to work on her tomorrow, and Twilight.’ Thought Fluttershy. “Oh, dear, if you had any real idea of what fashion meant then you wouldn’t wear such drab clothing outside the mud pit, I've seen you wearing that same two piece brown suit every day.” “Mud pit? I’ll show you a mud pit, thems my father's clothes you hemmed up for me,” Applejack shouted as she tossed a hoof full of dirt and grass as Rarity, hitting Rarity on her side. “Agh! My couture! L-l-look at what you’ve done? This is one of a kind I made for tonight,” complained Rarity as she stared at the marred dress. “Serves you right, big mouth, thanks Applejack,” Rainbow said, giving a hoof bump. “Now, guys, lets stay calm, we’re here as friends, lets remember that and,” Twilight was cut short as a lump of dirt smacked her in the chest. “Oh, sorry dear, I was aiming for the Blue bird and apple head,” apologized Rarity. “Oh, oh, me too,” Pinkie said as she threw an armful of dirt in the air, raining it upon herself. They all began arguing as Spike called to them, trying to have them look at the rising sun. ‘Oh my, this went bad fast,’ thought Fluttershy as the sun blinded her through her closed eyes.