//------------------------------// // The Story Begins: Harmony and Flurry // Story: The Power of Friends // by kurusagi16 //------------------------------// The Story Begins: Harmony and Flurry Once upon a time, in the land of Equestria, there lived six ponies, who shared a strong and powerful bond between each other. The Bond of Friendship. It was because of this bond, that they were able to wield the most powerful magic known to ponydom, the Elements of Harmony. Together they faced many a foe, using the elements to help retain the peace and tranquility of Equestria. And even when they had to relinquish the elements, their bond still remained, and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony were still able to nobly and valiantly protect the ponies, and ensured an era of peace in which all of Equestria could live in. However, that was then, and now a new story and a new adventure was about to unfold… Morning dawned upon the capital city of Canterlot in a flood of buttery sunshine that peaked out from over the horizon. Its brilliant rays hitting the towers and turrets that protruded out from the grand, white and gold-capped structures that were nestled on the tall mountainside, giving them a soft glow as they touched the light. One by one, the residents of Canterlot looked out of their homes and businesses and gazed up into the sky, watching as it lit up with shades of bright yellow and soft pink. It looked like the beginning of another bright and beautiful day for all of Equestria. However, not everypony stopped to notice what a nice morning it was, or to admire the sunrise. Especially one pony in particular. Harmony, a willowy cream-colored Pegasus with a long black mane, had been too preoccupied with cleaning up the Rose Cafe to pay much attention to anything else. The Rose Cafe was a quaint little establishment in the grand city of Canterlot, and as both its owner and only other employee, Harmony saw it as her responsibility to keep her business running smoothly and in order. And today, she'd arrived even earlier than usual to the cafe to give it a little spring cleaning before she had to open. By the time she was done, she stood up, and wiped her brow with the back of her hoof. “Phew! Finished.” said Harmony with a proud grin, as she surveyed her work. The wood-paneled floors were swept and mopped clean, to the point where you could see your reflection in them. The two large windows, and the glass cafe door had been washed so that they gleamed and sparkled as the sunlight shined through them. And the tables had been set with crisp tablecloths, and vases with fresh roses of different colors and shades. Everything looked and smelt as fresh as spring itself. Harmony glanced up at the wall clock to check the time, and saw that it was only 7:30, meaning she still had a half hour left before the cafe had to open. “Looks like I've still got some time to kill.” she said. “More than enough to enjoy some well-deserved breakfast.” Ducking behind the counter, Harmony turned on an old record player, and put on some nice, soothing music, as she got to work making herself breakfast. She hummed along with the song, while setting out a small plate of apple cinnamon muffin tops, and pouring herself a cup of warm Lady Grey tea. With her plate and cup in hoof, Harmony flew over to one of the many vacant tables, and took a seat. Just as she bit into her muffin top, Harmony heard a startling sound from behind her that drew her attention. She whirled around in her chair toward the cafe door to see who it was that had caused the noise. Harmony saw that it was none other than one of her best friends, Razzaroo, rapidly knocking on the door. Seeing that she had gotten Harmony's attention, Razzaroo grinned and waved animatedly at her and called out cheerfully, “Hey, Harmony!” Harmony couldn't help but smile and wave back. Razzaroo was an Earth Pony with an orchid pink coat, a present cutie mark, and a white, aquamarine, and pink streaked mane placed into two thick braids, and she was easily one of the most excitable and cheerful ponies that Harmony had ever known. Getting up from the table, Harmony trotted over to the door and let her friend inside. “Morning, Razz.” she said warmly. “What brings you here so early?” “Why, I came here to see you of course.” answered Razzaroo brightly. Razzaroo giddily skipped into the cafe, looking this way and that at the whole interior. “Wow! You really went all out on the place, didn't you?” Razzaroo froze, stopping in her tracks. “Is that...” She sniffed the air and couple of times, another smile appearing on her face. “...cinnamon rolls I smell?” Harmony laughed. “Yes, I made a fresh batch before I started cleaning. They should be cool about now.” “Um, do you think, I could maybe have one?” asked Razzaroo innocently, as she gave Harmony a wide-eyed look. Harmony rolled her eyes and smiled. “I don't see why not. But just one! The rest are for the customers.” “Okay.” Razzaroo gave Harmony a little salute that made her chuckle a little under her breath. Once again going back behind the counter, Harmony headed into the back room, which served as both a kitchen and a storage room, and returned after a few moments with a delectable-looking cinnamon roll for Razzaroo. She slid it over to the counter to her friend's eager hooves. “Here you go.” she said. Razzaroo closed her eyes and took a large bite out of the cinnamon roll, and made pleased sounds as she savored its flavor. “Mmm, this is soooo good!” moaned Razzaroo. “Thanks, Razz. That means a lot to me.” After she finished off the cinnamon roll, Razzaroo turned to Harmony and said, “Oh, I almost forgot, there's something I wanted to talk to you about.” “What is it?” asked Harmony. “Well, Kimono and I are going to have lunch over by the waterfall today, and I was wondering if you'd like to join us.” “I don't know. I might be a bit busy today.” “Come on, it'll be great! Kimono's already made the food and everything, and it wouldn't be the same without you there.” Harmony quickly thought about it. Lunch with her friends would be nice, especially after all the work she'd been doing around the cafe lately. Harmony grinned. “Alright, I don't see why not.” “Yes!” cried Razzaroo happily. She reached over the counter and wrapped her arms around Harmony, pulling her into a tight hug. “O-okay Razz, you can let go now.” Said Harmony. Razzaroo pulled away and gave an embarrassed smile. “Heh! Heh! Sorry, Harmony.” she said. "It's okay, I don't mind." Razzaroo craned her head toward the wall clock. “I should probably get going, I gotta a lot of things to do before lunch.” Turning on her hoof Razzaroo headed out the cafe door, waving goodbye to Harmony. “See you later Harmony, and thanks for the cinnamon roll!” “Bye, Razz.” said Harmony, waving back at Razzaroo as she disappeared out of sight to who knew where. Harmony went back to her table and finished eating her apple cinnamon muffin tops and drank the rest of her tea, then she cleared off the table. It was now 8:00, time to open up shop to the public. Harmony flew up to the window and flipped over the sign to show that she was officially open, and went behind the counter, ready to welcome the day's customers that she was about to receive. Sometime around mid-morning or so, a crystal train pulled into the Canterlot train station. And from the train, a young Alicorn with a light pink coat, sparkling blue eyes, and a long light purple and blue streaked mane, stepped onto the platform with a travel suitcase in tow. She was none other than Princess Flurry Heart, Princess of the Crystal Empire and heir to its throne, and she was very excited to be in Canterlot. "I'm so excited!" Flurry Heart exclaimed, practically jumping up and down. "I still can't believe I'm gonna be here for two whole weeks. This is going to be so much fun!" A Crystal Pony guard who had accompanied her on the way over stood in the train's doorway, and asked, "Shall I accompany you to the castle, your highness?" Flurry Heart shook her head. "No thank you, I can manage just fine on my own." "Very well, I shall return to the empire and inform the prince and princess of your safe arrival." The guard bowed to her and went back inside the Crystal Train, the door closing behind him. The train slowly started back up again, and began its journey back to the Crystal Empire. Flurry Heart waved and said her goodbyes to it, until it pulled out of sight. A light breeze then blew by Flurry Heart that ruffled her feathers and made her shiver. "Brr! It's still a little chilly out." Using her magic, Flurry Heart pulled out a comfortable and stylish cloak from her suitcase. "Good thing I brought my cloak with me." She folded her wings close to her sides as she draped the cloak over herself. "Ah! Much better. Now that that's taken care of." Flurry Heart turned on her hoof toward Canterlot and grinned with anticipation. "It's time for a little sightseeing." And with that, Flurry Heart headed down the cobblestone streets, eager to take in all that the great city had to offer before going to the castle. The princess had been to the castle plenty of times before, being flown there in a gleaming chariot pulled by two Pegasus stallions in royal armor, but she'd never really had much of a chance to explore the city itself, until now that is. Everywhere she looked, there were all sorts of new things that beckoned Flurry Heart to come near. From the dazzling storefronts and their eye-catching window displays, to the different smells that emanated out of the restaurants, there was so much to see and to do that Flurry Heart felt like she could just burst from all the excitement that bounced around inside her. And she'd have two weeks to enjoy it all. The trip to Canterlot had been arranged a month or so ago by Flurry Heart's parents, to have her stay at the castle and visit her great-aunts Celestia and Luna, as a special treat for the big event that was happening at the end of the two weeks. And that event was her sixteenth birthday party, set to be held in the castle ballroom, it seemed like the perfect birthday gift to Flurry Heart. Down the street she trotted, smiling and waving to all the posh ponies she passed by. "This is place is even better than I imagined!" she gushed. "Where do I even start?" As if answering her question, Flurry Heart's stomach let out a soft grumble. Flurry Heart stopped and let out a little chuckle. "Guess that answers my question." Flurry Heart quickly scanned either side of the street til she spotted a cute little cafe with a sign that read: The Rose Cafe. Flurry Heart smiled. "Perfect!" She wasted no time in making her way toward the cafe and stepping through its gleaming glass door. Upon entering, Flurry Heart was met with the mixed scent of coffee, baked goods, and fresh roses that hung in the air. Flurry inhaled this scent deeply as she approached the counter, where a lovey cream-colored Pegasus stood on the other side with a bright, welcoming smile. "Hello, and welcome to the Rose Cafe. How can I help you?" said the Pegasus. Flurry Heart eyed the menu that sat on the counter, purveying its large list of goodies, each one sounding more delicious than the last. "Let's see," she mused. "The scones sound pretty tasty, but then again, chocolate croissants sound even better." "Take your time." said the Pegasus. "There's no need to rush." She looked over the menu once more. "I just can't decide." sighed Flurry Heart. She looked to the Pegasus and asked, "What do you suggest?" The Pegasus blinked in surprise. "M-me?" Flurry Heart nodded. The Pegasus tapped her chin as she thought it over, "Well..." Her silver eyes then lit up as she got an idea. "How about some cranola cookies?" Flurry Heart gave her a befuddled look and tilted her head to the side. "What are cranola cookies?" she asked. "Oh, they're just a little thing a friend of mine helped me whip up a while back," said the Pegasus modestly. "They're made with dried cranberries, granola, cinnamon, and the usual farm grown ingredients I use. So they're both delicious and nutritious." "Then in that case, I'll have some cranola cookies, please." "Coming right up." The Pegasus bent down and pulled out a little, white paper bag, and proceeded to fill it with some of the cookies. "So, is this your first time in Canterlot?" she asked. Flurry Heart cracked an embarrassed smile. "Is it that obvious?" "Well, the suitcase was a big clue." said the Pegasus with a slight smile, pointing a hoof toward the suitcase that sat at Flurry Heart's side. Flurry Heart let out a laugh. "Yes, well, I guess you could say it's my first time. I heard all sorts of great things about this city from my aunt and her friends, so I can't wait to enjoy it for myself." "I hope your trip goes well." "Thanks, I hope so too." The Pegasus rolled up the top of the bag and slid it across the counter to Flurry Heart. "Here you go, some cranola cookies, as ordered. Is there anything else I can get you?" "No thanks, I'm good." said Flurry Heart. "Then that'll be five bits, please." said the Pegasus. Flurry Heart pulled out her coin purse from her suitcase and put the amount of bits onto the counter's surface and turned to leave. "Thanks." she said. "You're welcome, have a good day." said the Pegasus. "I will." replied Flurry Heart, going back through the door and into the streets. "What a nice pony." she said to herself. "I'm gonna have to stop by that place again sometime." Flurry Heart lifted the paper bag in front of her with her magic, and pulled out one of the cookies. It looked not unlike an oatmeal raisin cookie, except it was a light brown with pieces of dried cranberry and granola poking through. She took a bite from it to see if it was as good as the Pegasus had made it out to be. To her surprise, it was even better. Flurry Heart placed the whole cookie into her mouth and munched on it happily. After swallowing it, she popped in another cookie, and another, and another, until she went through the entire bag. She turned it upside down and shook out the crumbs. She then let out another little chuckle and said, "Looks like I might need to go back sooner than I thought." Flurry Heart looked up from the paper bag, toward Canterlot Castle, which loomed just up ahead of her. "But first, I should probably go to the castle now." she said. "Or else great-aunt Celestia will be wondering what's kept me." Crumpling up the bag and tossing it into a nearby bin, Flurry Heart trotted toward the castle, all the while she giddily thought of all the fun things she couldn't wait to do in Canterlot. This is going to be the best trip ever! At about noon, just outside the drawbridge of city walls, on the bank of the nearby lake, there sat two Earth Ponies, sitting on a checkered picnic blanket, awaiting for their friend to arrive. One of the ponies, Razzaroo, pointed a hoof up at the sky. "There she is." she said. Flying in the sky above them, was Harmony, who descended down to the picnic blanket with incredible speed. “I'm here!” gasped Harmony, a touch out of breath. She'd been attending to another customer and had almost lost track of the time, and so she'd flown as fast as she could in order to get to the lake without being late another minute. “Sorry I'm a little late, I hope I haven't kept you girls waiting long.” Razzaroo shook her head and batted a hoof. “Not at all, we're just glad you managed to show up at all.” “Yes,” agreed Kimono, “Otherwise Razzaroo here would've helped herself to your lunch and end up stuffing herself full.” “Hey!” cried Razzaroo. Kimono gave a light laugh, “I'm just teasing.” she said. Kimono was a Neighponese Earth Pony, with a purple coat, two round, paper lanterns for her cutie mark, and a straight, indigo mane that fell to her shoulders with straight bangs that framed her face. She, and the other two girls, had been the best of friends ever since they were fillies, and they were still just as close now as they were then. “Anyhoo,” said Razzaroo, rubbing her hooves and licking her lips. “Now that Harmony's here, how about we dig into some of that lunch that Kimono made.” “Good to know you still like my cooking.” giggled Kimono, as she reached over from her side and pulled out three bento boxes. She passed each one out among them. “I made sure to take good care in preparing these lunches for us.” Harmony pulled off the box's lid, inside there was a rice ball with a pickled plum in its center, some cherry tomatoes, two triangle cut sandwiches, strips of dried seaweed, and strawberry daifuku. “Wow, you did a pretty good job, Kimono.” complemented Harmony, as she pulled out one of the sandwiches and took a bite from it. Kimono smiled proudly and bowed her head lightly in Harmony's direction and said, “Thank you, Harmony.” Razzaroo took a large bite out of her rice ball, causing her cheeks to bulge and some of the bits of rice to fall and stick to her cheeks. “Mmm! It's great to be friends with two great cooks.” She took another large bite from the rice ball. Kimono giggled while Harmony rolled her eyes playfully. “So, how are things?” Harmony asked Kimono. Kimono looked like she was about to say something, when Razzaroo jumped in and said, “Glad you asked. You two won't believe what happened earlier today.” She then began to recount her story to the girls. “You see, as I was walking around looking for word on any interesting events that might be coming up, I happened to be passing by the castle, and I happened to have some cake with me that happened to be the exact favorite of one of the guards who happened to be out on post at the time.” Harmony and Kimono gave each other a look as Razzaroo continued. “So anyway, I let him have some of the cake, and in exchange, he told me an awesome bit of news about a special event that's going to be happening in the castle.” The girls' curiosity was piqued, and they leaned in with anticipation to hear what Razzaroo had to say about this event. “In two weeks, there's going to be a birthday party for Princess Flurry Heart!” “How wonderful.” cooed Kimono. “I know, right?” Razzaroo was brimming with enthusiasm. “This isn't just any birthday party, it's the sweet sixteenth birthday of a princess. Sigh! Just think of how awesome it would be to go to a party like that, or to plan it even?” Razzaroo was one of Canterlot's top event planners, and loved to help organize any and all parties, shindigs, weddings, auctions, festivals, celebrations, you name it. She'd do everything she could, putting lots of time and effort into making the events she planned as memorable as possible for the ponies who sought her help. And if there was one thing she loved more than planning an event, it was attending it. “Too bad we can't go.” said Harmony, not meaning to burst her friend's bubble. “Yeah, I know, but still. It's fun to imagine what it'd be like to be part of it.” Harmony arched a skeptic eyebrow. “I guess so.” “What do you suppose she's like, Princess Flurry Heart?” wondered Kimono aloud. Harmony shrugged her shoulders. “Dunno, I've never really met her, so I can't really say.” she said. “I heard she's a very beautiful mare.” added Razzaroo. “And if she's anything like the other princesses, then I'm sure she's just as nice.” Harmony was still not too sure. “Maybe.” she said. She then decided to change the subject and turned to Kimono and said, “So, how about you Kimono? How have you been?” “Oh, just fine, thank you.” Kimono nibbled on a strip of dried seaweed as she gently spoke. “I've been helping out mama and papa out in the shop, and my big sister Katana has been practicing really hard on her sword skills.” “That sounds great.” said Harmony. Kimono nodded. “There's a big match she's preparing for that'll take place next month, and I'm thinking about doing something extra special for her for afterward. To congratulate her on all her hard work.” “Ooh, do you need any help?” Razzaroo scooted closer to Kimono, eager to be of some help. “I can come up with a cool victory party if you want.” “That's kind of you to offer Razzaroo, but no.” said Kimono politely. “I want to do it by myself, if that's alright. That way, it'll be even more special for when I present my gift to big sis.” Harmony nodded in agreement. “I'm sure that Katana will love whatever you decide to do for her.” “I hope she will.” said Kimono nervously. The rest of the picnic lunch continued peacefully, with the girls talking, eating, and cracking jokes with one another, it was almost a shame that they had leave when it was over. But each of them helped clean up, said their good byes, and headed off on their separate ways. Harmony took to the sky, enjoying the leisurely flight, and the feeling of the wind beneath her wings, as she went back to the cafe to finish up her work. She'd enjoyed herself very much, being with her friends. She made a mental note to do something fun like that again real soon. But for now, it was time to get back to work. Harmony smiled fondly to herself, feeling quite happy about how the day had turned out. Inside of Canterlot Castle, in the throne room, Princess Celestia was sitting upon her throne, filling out some important documents and discussing the details of the next royal summit. One of the large, double doors of the throne room opened, and in stepped one of the royal guards. He bowed to Princess Celestia and said, "Your highness, Princess Flurry Heart has arrived and is waiting just outside." "Send her in." said Celestia with a kind smile. The guard gave a nod and went back outside the throne room. A moment later, both the double doors opened to reveal Princess Flurry Heart, who gleefully rushed toward Princess Celestia and gave her a big hug. "Great-aunt Celestia!" she cried happily. "It's good to see you again." Princess Celestia quickly recovered from the momentary surprise of the sudden hug and replied sweetly, "It's good to see you too, Flurry Heart. How was your journey here?" Flurry Heart pulled out of the hug and stood at the foot of the throne. "It was great! I'd never been on a train before, so it was very exciting. Oh, and also loved the part when we rode up the mountainside. I couldn't believe how high up we were going when I looked out the window." Celestia smiled. "It sounds like you really enjoyed yourself." she said. Flurry Heart nodded. "I did, and the best part is, there's still tons of more stuff to do, and I can't wait to get started." "I'm glad." said Celestia. "Just don't forget to be careful when you're out in town." "I know." said Flurry Heart, rolling her eyes and waving a hoof. "I'll be careful. You don't have to worry about me." "Your highness," piped up the Unicorn Celestia had been talking to before Flurry Heart came in. "Not to be rude, but you still have more forms to go through." Celestia gave a nod to the Unicorn. "I understand." She then motioned for a guard to come closer to the throne. "Would you please show Princess Flurry Heart to her room?" The guard bowed. "Of course, princess." Princess Celestia then turned to Flurry Heart and said, "I'm afraid we'll have to our conversation short for now. Perhaps we can continue it later." "Okay." said Flurry Heart, turning on her hoof and leaving with the guard. She gave a little wave to her great-aunt and said, "I'll see you later." Celestia waved back, when something made her freeze. The Unicorn beside her took notice of this and asked, "Princess, is everything alright?" The princess put a hoof to her forehead and gave the Unicorn a weak smile. "Yes, I'm fine." "Are you sure?" "It's nothing. Why don't we continue with the paperwork?" "As you wish, princess." Princess Celestia resumed her royal duties, trying to act like nothing was wrong, but, when she froze, she could feel something. Sense something. But she couldn't quite place her hoof on what it was. It's probably nothing. I'm sure it was all just in my imagination. Celestia told herself. And did her best to focus more on the task at hoof.