To The Hollow

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The spring has come to Magiville as many of the residents were out and about, some were shopping, others engaged in other business matters and some just chatting with one another. However, it wasn’t just spring that arrived, but also Princess Twilight Sparkle’s School of Friendship’s Spring Break. Which was very fortuitous as Pinkie Pie popped almost out of nowhere and in a sing-songy voice said “Road trip!” Everyone in the town just shrugged their shoulders and went about their day. “Okay, not technically a road trip, because we're taking that,” Pinkie added as she pointed to a small hot air balloon. She then started to skip in the direction of the balloon before she was almost knocked off her feet as Rainbow flew by. “Uh-huh. Whoa!” she exclaimed as she skipped to catch Rainbow.

Once the two were neck and neck, “Beat ya to the balloon!” Rainbow shouted.

Pinkie giggled, “Silly Dashie.” she said before she kissed Rainbow on the elementalist’s left check.

Rainbow blushed slightly as her ethereal wings stopped beating. “BUCK!” she screamed as she landed with a thud. “Is this some sick joke!”

“I'm gonna beat you!” Pinkie called back in a singsong as she skipped ahead. Rainbow got back to her feet and zipped to catch up. As the elementalist caught up with Pinkie and the two continued to run/fly. “I'm gonna beat you!” Pinkie declared as she continued to run.

“No, I'm gonna—” Rainbow challenged before she gasped at something and Pinkie gave an ‘eep!”

What the two saw was Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy already in the basket of the balloon. The paladin took off her hat, “Howdy.” she said as she tipped it and put it back on. Both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow then tripped over each other and rolled until the rest of the way. Once they got there, the two grunted as they got back to their feet.

Rainbow groaned, “Okay, I was fourth.” she said acknowledging that the three other beat her and Pinkie.

Pinkie smiled, “Yeah?” she asked before she skipped ahead, “Well, I was fifth!” she counted and giggled, happy with herself and her accomplishment. Rainbow raised her hand as her mouth hang open and was about to question when recalled that this was Pinkie. She gave a frustrated sigh and flew to join the rest.

However, there was someone to remind the two of the situation, “Y'all are both still late!” came Applejack’s voice scolding the two. Both froze like they were getting reprimanded by their own fathers, “Pinkie you’re the one to book the balloon, given Twilight’s skyboat in drydock for maintenance, yah should have been here first.”

“Sorry AJ,” the trickster said as she looked down to the ground in guilt.

Applejack then turned to Rainbow, “And you’re always boostin’ about how fast yah are and yah’re the one reason we’re goin’.”

“Sorry, AJ.” Rainbow apologized as she looked down just like Pinkie.

Applejack took a breath and let it go with a shake of her head as she stepped back into the basket to make sure the fuel for the burner was gonna last the trip there and back. She then looked at the time, “We’ve got to shove off soon, or we'll miss the tailwind.”

Fluttery opened the basket to let Pinkie and Rainbow in, “Don't worry. We wouldn't have left without you.”

Rarity nodded, “Well, that goes without saying, darling.” she commented before she turned Rainbow, “After all, Dashie is the guest of honor at this year’s Hope Hollow Rainbow Festival.” she pointed out. Rainbow smirked as she patted herself on her back. Everyone shook their heads at the elementalist’s ego.

Fluttershy looked around and noted the absence of a particular member of their group. “Where’s Twilight?” the druid asked. Everyone looked around noting the absence of the demigod. The druid then commented, “She’s usually never late for an adventure.”

Just then they all heard, “I'm coming, I'm coming!” They turned to see Twilight flying, panting all the while, with Flash and Spike in tow. Once the three arrived. “Sorry, but Flash and Spike wouldn’t let me take more than two books.” She said as she showed her backpack.

Flash and Spike gave bitter laughs, “Yeah, after you packed all the papers to grade and wanted to take half the library.” Spike snarked.

“And let’s not forget having to spend two hours to pry the grading key from you.” Flash anded and earned the groan from Spike. The girls nodded in understanding. Flash then turned to Twilight and kissed her. “Now, remember, you’re there for fun, which means following Pinkie’s example.”

Twilight sighed, “Fine.” she pouted.

Flash kissed her again, “Now, go and enjoy yourself.” He then looked to Rainbow and then back to Twilight, “Just try to get RD’s ego in check,” he asked.

Twilight nodded and kissed her fiance before she got into the basket, “Remember the order of what’s to be graded and keep an eye on things. Love, you.”

“Just make sure to tell us what happened,” Flash added. “Love you too,” Flash said back as he readied to undo the last anchor rope, “Ready when you are.” He called. Applejack then turned up the gas of the balloon and the heat of the flame and the balloon started to rise higher. Flash undid the line as he and Spike waved goodbye. From the balloon, the girls gave various goodbyes to the two.

As the hours passed the balloon floated from Magiville to the west. All the while everyone was watching the scenery change and the beauty of Mystica, even the Everfree, that could only be seen from the air. After a while, Rarity spoke, “If I recall there was a spa in…” she trailed off as she tried to remember the name of the city they were heading. “Say, where are we going again?” she asked.

Rainbow reached into her backpack and pulled out a letter that was sent to her, “Hope Hollow,” she read the return address, namely the town. As she handed it to Twilight, “Or what I’m gonna call-”

“Scootaloo lives in Magiville.” Applejack pointed out which made Rainbow shut her mouth. The paladin then turned to Rarity, “Say isn’t that your folks’ hometown?” she asked the enchantress.

Rarity thought for a second, “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” she answered before they all then turned to Twilight and nodded asking the demigod to read the actual letter.

Twilight unfolded the letter and started to read, “‘Dear Rainbow Dash, thank you for agreeing to be our guest at this year's famous Hope Hollow Rainbow Festival. The many members of your fan club are looking forward to your visit.” Twilight looked to Rainbow and then back to the letter, “‘You and your friends will be staying at our famous luxury Rainbow Resort and Spa, where your every whim will be catered to.’” she continued as she looked to Rarity as she finished the sentence.

Rarity giggled, “oh, ho, I accept their challenge.” she laughed, “I have so many whims.” she said with a massive smirk.

Everyone rolled their eyes as Twilight continued, “‘Feel free to walk in our butterfly garden.’” Twilight turned to Fluttershy as she finished the word ‘garden’. Fluttershy smiled at the prospect. Twilight then continued, “‘Also try our rainbow trout catch-and-release activity.’”

Applejack smirked, “Now that sounds right up my river. Ah hope we can take pictures because Dirk’s in for one mighty fine fishing tale and Ah ain’t giving him any wiggle room tah call me a liar.” The paladin laughed.

Twilight returned to the letter, “‘You can eat treats at the traditional Rainbow Bakery Booth and sing your favorite rainbow-themed songs at the karaoke competition.” she finished the main body of the letter.

Pinkie let out a small squeal of joy, “Bakery and karaoke?! It's like they see into my soul!” she said as tears of joy started to form in the corners of her eyes.

Everyone smiled with joy for a second. Twilight then turned back to the letter and had a thought, “Hmm.” she said as she rubbed her chin as she mused. “Y'know, it's strange that we never heard of this festival before, especially since everything in the town seems to be well-known.” she finished as she pointed out the lack of information they had on the town.

Everyone shrugged as they didn’t have an answer, sans Pinkie. “Who cares?” Pinkie asked. “We get to watch the mayor give Dashie an award!” the jester declared. She then reached into her hair pulled out her party cannon. “I call dibs on the cheering section!” she shouted before she squealed in delight before party cannon went off.

“But what for, exactly?” Rarity asked. Rainbow just gave a smug and shrugged her shoulders not really caring what the reward was for.

“Well, we're so glad you invited us along,” Twilight said as she placed a hand on the Rainbow’s shoulder in gratitude.

Everyone nodded before Pinkie spoke, “Yeah!” she cheered. “It's gonna be one long party, which starts... now!” she declared. Pinkie then started to bob her head before she started to sing, “A hundred bottles of pop on the wall
A hundred bottles of pop,”

The rest then joined in, “Take one down, pass it around
Ninety-nine bottles of pop on the wall
Ninety-nine bottles of pop on the wall
Ninety-nine bottles of pop…” the six sang as the balloon floated on.

Hours later as night had already enveloped the sky, everyone sans Pinkie was sitting in the basket tired. Pinkie, however, was still singing, “One bottle of pop on the wall
One bottle of pop
Take it down, pass it around
No bottles of pop on the wall.” She finished the song. However, she was far from done as she shouted, “And a-one more time!” she said in a singing like voice. “A hundred bottles of pop on the wall,” she started only to stop as everyone else gave a collected moan of exhaustion. She looked at her friends in their state, “Sorry, I guess we sang it six times too many.” she apologized before giving a weak laugh.

“It’s not Pinkie,” Rainbow groaned, “But we should’ve been there by now.” the Elementalist complained again.

“I thought so, too.” Applejack mused. “Maybe we should've turned left at that last mountain instead o' right.” the paladin contemplated not sure about where they were. “It’s pretty late as it is.” she added noting the starry sky and started to try to find a clue to where they were, as did everyone else, “Can’t see much.”

“I spy with my little eye…” Pinkie trailed before she pointed just ahead of them, “A rainbow!” she declared. Ever one turned around to what she was pointing at and they saw what looked like the very center of the arch of a rainbow that seemed to go all the way to the ground.

Everyone was transfixed in awe for a few seconds as they approached the rainbow. “Wow!” Twilight spoke for the group, “That's the biggest rainbow I've ever seen.”

As the got closer to the rainbow, Rainbow chuckled, “It’s a good thing rainbows aren't solid. We’ll pass right throu…” she trailed off as the balloon actually struck the rainbow with a clear thud. “What just happened?” Rainbow asked as the balloon bounced back off of the rainbow.

Twilight was the first to figure out what they just hit, “That’s not a rainbow, it’s a rainbow billboard!”

There was a loud creak as the rainbow started to sway slightly, granted away from them, “Ah got a bad feeling about this.” Applejack muttered. The billboard then started to sway towards the balloon.

“Oh, no!” Fluttershy cried as they all registered what was coming.

Twilight was the first to form a plan, “Hang on, everybody!” Twilight shouted before she took a breath and conjured a shielding bubble around herself, her friends and their luggage and teleported them to the ground. Once everyone was on the ground they all sighed in relief before the basket, balloon, and billboard came crashing to the ground. Thankfully the bubble shield held as the debris fell around them.

Once it looked like the last of it fell, “Phew! That was too close.” Applejack stated as Twilight lowered her shield.

Everyone looked around, “Where... are we?” Fluttershy asked with a shiver.

Pinkie spotted something which turned out to a ground-level town welcoming sign, “Uh-huh!” the jester said before she started to read. “‘Welcome to Hope Hollow: Home of the Famous…’” she stopped as there was a crash from the last of the billboard, which didn’t hit anyone. Pinkie then continued to read, “‘...Rainbow Festival’!” she shouted as she turned back to face her friends. “We’re here!” she cheered.

Rarity looked around, “The guest of honor arrived and no one’s here to greet us, even at this hour?” she asked.

“Ah don’t know about yah Sugarcube but given what just happened with the balloon and sign,” Applejack countered, “Ah think we’re blessed that no one else was here.” Rarity silently consented.

“So where is the hotel?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight pulled out the letter Rainbow gave her. “‘The center of town.’” Twilight read. She then rubbed her chin, “Hmm…” she trailed off in thought. “Doesn't really help much when you don't know where the middle is.” She pointed out. She then looked to the small path in the tree line that led to the actual town. “Let's start looking,” she said.

As the talked, the darkness while still revealed the basic outline of each structure of the town, much of it was still hidden from the sight of the group. “Funny. You'd think a big luxury resort would be sorta, well... easier to spot.” the paladin commented.

“Yeah!” Pinkie pointed out as she paused as she looked around, “It seems like the whole town's shut down.” she pointed out given how dark everything was.

“Oh, look.” Fluttershy said as she pointed to a building that had its front door opened showing the outline of a woman with two ponytails, one on each side of her head, “There's somebody.” the druid pointed out.

“Hello!” Twilight called as the six approached the woman.

The woman gasped at first as she turned to face the people who called her, with an ‘Oh.’ As the group approached they say that she had a … that had a stylized five-petaled flower on her right side. She was dressed not unlike Cheerilee with a rendering of two different flowers on her skirt as her aura mark. “Sorry for startling you, but we might be lost. We’re here for the Rainbow Festival.” Twilight started.

The woman tilted her head slightly to the right in confusion, “Rainbow Festival?” she asked, sounding not too dissimilar from Rarity’s mother in how she spoke.

Rainbow then flew up, “Yeah, you know, the one where I'm the guest of honor?” she asked as she pointed to herself and laughed with a proud smirk on her face.

The woman covered her face with her left hand and shook it with a slight scowl on her face, “Oh, for cryin' in the mud, what's Sunny done now?” she asked in anger softly, as she thought that she wouldn’t be heard by the six.

“Excuse me?” Applejack asked the paladin made it clear that the woman was heard.

The woman turned back to the six, “I mean, um, you'd best go to city hall in the morning and talk with Mayor Skies about that tomorrow, don'tcha know?” she finished with a question. After a second, “Is there somethin' I can help ya with?” she asked the six.

“Hopefully,” Rarity started not sure if the woman could in fact help, “but could you direct us to the Hope Hollow Luxury Resort?”

The woman giggled at what Rarity said as if it was a joke. After a second of silence as the six looked at her in confusion. Once she realized that it wasn’t a joke, “Oh! Oh, you mean the hotel?” she asked. The six nodded in agreement. The woman then turned back to the door of the building they were in front of, “That's easy. There's only one in town and you found it on your first try.” she said as she opened the door and stepped in turning on the light. Something seemed odd as everything in the building and even the woman had no color save black, white and shades of gray.

As the woman guided the six to the front desk, “Hotel Hope,” she then pointed toward their right which was another desk with brooches, and other things that were ready sources of information “which also houses the Town Information Center and,” she then turned to what was behind her and showed large room that would house a “Library!” Everyone then turned back to the woman, “My name's Petunia Petals, by the way. Helloooo!” she waved her left hand greeting them and finally introducing herself. “I'm the town librarian, here and the information guide, town historian and the hotel’s manager, chef, portrait painter—” she started to list off her jobs as she pulled out and replaced various hats.

However, before she could continue, “Good to know,” Rainbow cut Petunia short, “I'm Rainbow Dash,” the elementalist started to introduce herself and her friends, “and this is Princess Twilight Sparkle, Applejack Apple, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity Crumbles-Flanks.” this was the first time she introduced her friends by their full names.

“Crumbles-Flank?” Petunia asked at Rarity’s legal surname.

“Yes,” Rarity groaned, “it’s a rather odd name, you see my father was…”

“Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles is your mother,” Petunia finished. Rarity nodded in surprise. “Well looks like I get to update the town records tomorrow. But right now, I’ll take ya to the room.” She then pulled out a key and started towards the stairs. This confused them, but before Rarity commented, Applejack shook her head and Rarity and Rarity kept her tongue. After they reached the top of the stairs Petunia opened the doors, “The Royal Suite!” she declared as turned on the lights to the room showing it.

The room had a noticeable amount of dust, with webs in the corners, and there were only three beds, all three looking in poor shape. Before Rarity could gasp, Applejack covered her mouth and shook her head. Rarity sighed and kept silent. Everyone else didn’t need the silent lecture, save Rainbow. “Um, I couldn't help noticing there are only three beds.” the elementalist said before one of the beds broke in two with a thud. “Okay, four.” she adjusted.

Petunia then walked over to one of the walls, “Oh, there's a pop-out, too!” she declared and tried to pop the bed out of the wall with a few grunts. “It can be a little tricky,” she added before Applejack came up the wall and was able to pull-down the pop-out bed with a thud. “Thank you,” Petunia said with a smile. She pointed to the bed, “Sleeps two.” she said. Petunia then started to leave the room, she gave Twilight the key to the room, “You'll be all fresh and ready to see the mayor in the mornin'.” Petunia then stepped out of the room, “Sleep tight.” she said and shut the door behind her.

With their host gone, the six got ready for bed. Yet Twilight couldn’t help but point out, “Did anybody notice anything strange about Petunia?” she asked.

Rarity was about to comment about what Petunia called the room, but elected to let it go. Applejack the one to speak up, “Ah don’t know if it’s the light or the dust, but she looked a little gray,”

Rainbow groaned, “Sorry, everyone.” she apologized to her friends, “I didn't know what I was getting you into.” as she dipped her head in shame.

“Aw, this room's not so bad.” Pinkie said as she patted Rainbow on the shoulder reassuringly, “All it needs is some…” she started before as got a bemused look from Applejack, “I’ll save them for the festival.” she said with a weak ‘teehee’.

Fluttershy the hover to one of the corner’s in the ceiling, “Huh? And look. It comes with a cute little spider.” she said as she pointed out a spider on one of the webs that looked more like a jumping spider than a webbing spider. “Hello, spider,” she said to the spider which squeaked happily. “Awww.” she cooed softly.

Rainbow shook her head still annoyed at it all, “Well, the most important thing is we're all together.” Twilight said as she tried to reassure her friend.

Applejack gave a tired sigh, “As long as we have beds to sleep in, we're set.” the paladin said as she sat down on one of the beds and then laid on the bed. Within a second she was snoring.

“And she wonders why I didn’t go camping with her and why I never wanted to be her tent mate back in our school days.” Rarity groaned before she too sat down and swiftly fell asleep.

The other four were just left in a stupified state as they noted that the enchantress and paladin were sharing the pop-out.

A Grayscale Town

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The next morning, the six had just exited Hotel Hope. Twilight yawned as she stretched her wings and arms, “Well...it wasn't the worst night of sleep ever.” She stated as Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow also yawned and stretched in an attempt to wake up. While both Applejack and Rarity both looked well-rested and ready to take on the world.

Rarity brushed her hair back, “While not the bed I was expecting, I can’t imagine last night being that bad.”

“Yah’ll need to spend more time camping.” Applejack added, “Getting used to sleeping on the ground makes sleeping anywhere a lot easier.” As she and Rarity stepped ahead, both were seemingly oblivious to their friends’ reactions or the fact that the sun’s light revealing the town was white, black and all the shades of gray.

“But not everyone here could spend the night in the same bed as their boyfriend,” Rainbow muttered to herself.

“You’re just sour that you lost the rock paper scissors to not sleep on the broken bed, Dashie,” Rarity countered with a giggle.

“Nah, she’s just jealous that her girlfriend wasn’t in the other half,” Applejack added with her own laugh.

“I AM NOT G-!!!” Rainbow desired so much to shout, but her mouth was covered by Twilight.

Twilight shook her head as pointed to the inhabitants of the town who were murmuring among themselves. “Will you calm down, you’re making a scene.” The princess requested. Rainbow pouted but held her tongue.

“Say, does anyone know why everyone is looking at us anyway?” Fluttershy asked as even though they had quieted down, the people hadn’t gone back to their normal business. Yet the residents of Hope Hollow still looked at them and muttered.

“Maybe they see an uncanny family resemblance between myself and my father, if Petunia is right, this is his hometown.” Rarity mused. She then looked to Rainbow and Twilight, “Then again, a demigod is rare sight so it could be Twilight.” She countered, “or Dashie as she is the guest of honor and there is a fan club of hers based here.” She continued to muse. However, something felt off and Rarity took out her red sowing glasses and started to look around. She then froze as something clicked.

She took off her glasses, “No.” she declared. “They're staring because we're the only part of this town that isn't…” she trailed off as she connected the dots, “gray.” The other five looked at her in confusion, “Look around. All the colors here are gone!” She pointed out.

Now that it was called to their attention, the other five could not notice the fact. As the reality sank in, “That's so strange.” Twilight mused as she held her chin and thought back to last night, “It's just like I noticed about Petunia last night. Everything's mostly gray.”

The group then spotted Petunia talking with another resident of the town. The latter then walked away before Petunia turned to the six visitors, “Oh!” she exclaimed and waved to them, “Hellooo!” she cheered greeting them yet again.

“This is so weird!” Rainbow pointed out as Petunia turned to go about her day as the group watched the town.

Rarity shook her head, “No, darling, for them this is the norm, we’re the ones that are weird.” The enchantress mused. “While this most certainly isn’t the norm in the whole of Mystica, we have to keep things in perspective.” She continued, “But what could have caused a city, the nearby area and the inhabitants to have every pigment shift to grayscale?” She mused as she held her chin.

“While Petunia might be willin’ to answer that question, we still need to talk to the mayor,” Applejack point out.

“So we’ll add that to the list,” Rarity said as she jotted that down, “Perhaps should make that the priority.” She added as she drew a star next to it and underlined it three times.

“Still we need to find him first,” the paladin countered. “To city hall.” Applejack declared before the group headed towards city hall.

While that occurred, two Skyborn children, a boy dressed in a hooded sweater and a girl dress in a tee shirt and cap were watching. The duo couldn’t have been a collective age of 21, flew literally right next to each other grunting as they seemed to shove and push the other to the side.

“Quit shoving!” The girl shouted.

“Shoving?” The boy asked as he stopped to hover for a second, “These are pro-level moves I'm doing, sis.” He retorted. “Yeah— Ohhh!” He shouted as he realized the girl was ahead of him. He then bolted ahead to catch up to her and end up once again neck and neck.

“C'mon! Let go!” The girl exclaimed before the two saw that they were about to crash into Twilight and Co. The siblings gasped as they landed and grunted as they skidded to a halt. Once they stopped they gasped at the sight of Rainbow Dash, before they backed away from the group ashamed of what Rainbow might have seen. They then zipped away to hide behind the corner of a building. This left the six, Rainbow, in particular, befuddled.

With the young siblings gone the group’s sight, the next sound they heard was the voice of a woman over fifty that was most likely from Manahatten. “Don't pout, dear. It'll wrinkle your withers.” The six turned their gaze to see two Magicborn, an old married couple, the woman dressed in a long gown, her hair done up like an upper-crest old-money resident of Manahattan with a rendering of two diamonds cut in the shapes of kites on her gown’s right shoulder. Around her neck was a necklace that looked like a string of pearls with a diamond.

The man next to her was also a Magicborn, he had a brush-like mustache and was dressed most noticeably in a long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled and top button unbuttoned with fancy looking neck scarf all under a sleeveless sweater vest, on the back was the render of three bows with streams. “I'm not pouting, sweetums,” he countered, confirming their marital status. “but I am hurt by your comment. I thought the pie I baked was quite tasty.” he said somewhat defeated as he looked to the ground as they walked.

“I didn't say it wasn't.” the woman pointed out, slightly irritated with her husband.

The man then turned back to his wife, “You didn't say it was.” he commented before the two bumped into another man, an Earthborn. The other man looked to be between five to ten years the couple’s senior and had a large scarf around his neck and a beret, on his shirt was a rendering of turnip root. “Oh!” the couple exclaimed upon impact.

The other man recovered first “Watch where you're goin'!” he exclaimed as the three stopped. He was the first to start walking and walked around them slightly, “You don't own the sidewalk, ya know?!” he punctuated seemly bitter.

After the older man was a short distance away, “Well, I never!” the Magicborn man declared as he shut his eyes in disgust. His wife groaned, “Ugh.” in agreement. The two then spotted the six just watching them. Feeling self-conscious the two left. Which in turn left Twilight et al more confused than before.

The six continued their and spotted a crane raising the actual balloon of the balloon, “Well, look at that. Somepony's fixin' up our balloon.” the paladin said before they trotted over.

There they spotted a Magicborn man, not too different from them in age dressed in a three-piece suit often worn by small-town politicians, at the base of the crane. As they approach they heard him speaking to a woman that was repairing the components that went into the basket of the balloon, dressed in overalls and a short-sleeve shirt, her face hidden under the metal masks often used to shield one’s face when using a blow torch and such. “Oh goodness. This is unfortunate. Bad with a side of terribly awful.” the man said as he paced back and forth. There they noticed on his right side was a rendering of a smiling sun. The man turned from the can and started to leave, looking down and not noticing the six, “Excuse me. Sorry.”... or rather who they were. After the six shouted “Hey” he turned to face them and then recognize the six. He smiled and laughed as he skipped to greet them, “Well, stuff me in an olive and call me a pimento! It's the Rainbow Dash! Ya made it!” He said as he took Rainbow’s hand. “Oh, thank Celestia, you’re alright! I saw the balloon, thought the worst, and…” he trailed off before he cleared his throat. “Well, you're here, all o' ya!” he cheered as he offered his hand to each of the six, “As Mayor of Hope Hollow, Let me formally welcome you to the Hope Hollow Annual Rainbow Festival!” he shouted.

“Sunny Skies, I presume,” Twilight asked. Sunny nodded. “I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, and this is Applejack A, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy and of course you already know Rainbow,” she added as she introduced the six to the mayor and offered her own hand.

“And I’m pleased as a poplar tree to meetcha!” Sunny exclaimed at the two shook.

Fluttershy then hovered to be beside Twilight, in front of Sunny, “We're very sorry about your rainbow billboard, Mr. Mayor.” the druid apologize. “it was dark and—” she started to explain before Sunny cut her off.

“Oh, don't give it a second thought. That old thing needed repair anyway,” he said almost as if to dismiss her concerns. “I haven't used it since... uh…” he started to explain but stopped before he could clarify. “well, never mind.” he started to look for a new topic, “Uh, a-a-anyway, once your balloon's fixed up, Torque can take care of the billboard,” he said as he back to the woman that was in the middle of the repairs for the balloon. “Everybody, meet Torque Wrench, our town handyman,” he said as he introduced the woman at work. “She offered to repair your balloon for ya,” he added with a smile.

The recently identified Torque took a pause in the repairs as she shut off the welding torch and lifted her face guard to speak and be heard, “He volunteered me.” the bitter annoyance in her tone was not cushioned by her accent being as cheery sounding as Sunny’s, or Petunia’s for that matter.

“She'll have it fixed in a jiffy.” Mayor Skies added after he pulled on his shirt collar slightly nervous.

“If, by ‘jiffy’, ya mean ‘this will take all day.” Torque retorted before she lowered her faceguard back down and reignited the welding torch and returned to the task in her hands.

Sunny gave a nervous laugh before he turned back to the six “Sooo ya got in last night. I wish I'd known. I would've been here to greetcha.” he said cheerfully, glad that they were safe. “Uh, where'd y'all stay?” he asked wanting to know that the six guests were taken care of.

The six looked to each other, all of them bemused at the question. “At the ‘Luxury Hotel’.” Rarity answered as she gave air quotes while she said, ‘Luxury Hotel’ in no small part to point out the mislabeling.

Electing to take a fairer approach, “Petunia Petals let us in.” Applejack stated, making sure Sunny knew that there wasn’t any breaking and entering.

Sunny shut his eyes and smiled, “Oh, well, of course, she did.” he started before he opened his eyes. However there seemed to be a lack of focus on Twilight and Co as Sunny continued like he was in a dream, “She's somethin', I'll tell you what. I'd be lost without her.” as soon as Sunny finished that his pupils constricted in terror. “I mean, uh, th-the town would be.” he contradicted himself with an unmistakable blush on his face, even if all his colors were shades of gray.

There was a moment of silence as the six looked to each other for a second. Twilight was the first to speak up, “Mayor, I hope you don't mind my asking,” she started very diplomatically, “but is there a reason your town is…” she trailed for a second to find the most tactful word to use, “faded?” she asked with her selection made.

“Oh! Heh.” Sunny laughed “Ya spotted that, did ya?” he asked. He didn’t seem to be able to stay still, most likely out of nervousness. “Well, it's a... long story.” he said as he started to walk towards the main streets of the town, “Uh, why don't I show you the town highlights first?” he asked. Twilight et al looked at each other confused at the mayor’s antics, but elected to follow him towards what looked like a small fountain just off the center of the town’s street. “Here's our famous outdoor spa with the all-natural mud bath. Pretty, huh?” he asked as he pointed to the ground, which looked to be a small mud pond.

Rarity wanted to gag and faint, but part of being a lady was knowing when to endure things. Twilight noted her friend’s disgust, “Maybe we could see some of the Rainbow Festival activities from the brochure.” she suggested hoping to avoid a Dramaity moment.

“O' course!” Sunny exclaimed happily as he pointed to an open spot of land, “The bakery booth is there…” he stated before he trailed off as he recalled that there was nothing there. “Or... will be. We're... still settin' up, but we gotta lotta great things planned,” he said as he turned back to the six with a nervous smile.

Fluttershy looked around “And... the butterfly garden?” the druid asked, seeking something else that was offered.

Sunny smiled and pointed to set of bushes, “Oh, that's right over here.” as the six turned to spied the bushes they saw that they were covered with pieces of paper with butterflies drawn on them. One of the papers fell off one of the bushes, “Oh, uh, lemme fix that.” Sunny said as he walked over and put the piece of paper back on.

Fluttershy walked over to the bushes and took a second to look over them and the pieces of paper, “So none of the butterflies are actually…” she trailed off

“Real?” Sunny finished the question for the druid. “Oh, no.” he answered as he shook his head, “Uh, what with the flowers not havin' color and all,” he said as he pointed to the flowers on the bushes and pointed out the gray of the flowers, “the butterflies don't really come around much anymore,” he added.

Applejack sighed as she thought back on the brochure if the butterfly garden was fake, what else was, “I'm almost afraid to ask,” she started, assuming that the rainbow trout fishing was also a bust, “but the brochure mentioned fishin'?” she finished electing to bit that bullet.

Sunny scratched his head as he squinted at the paladin in confusion, “Fishin'? Oh, I'm not sure whatcha mean.

“‘Our famous rainbow trout’?” The paladin asked quoting the brochure.

Sunny’s eyes widen in realization, “Oh, yah, sure!” he exclaimed. He looked around and seemed to be dodging something, “Uh, well, uh, you don't fish for him exactly. You just kinda, uh, talk to him.” the mayor informed. “Uh, he's right over, uh…” he trailed off as he pointed to what seemed to a large ‘kiddie’ pool that was set up to look like a pond. Sunny walked up to the pool and sighed before he started to look around, “That's funny. Where'd our trout go?” he asked as he couldn’t find hide or head of him.

“Oh, Mr. Mayor!” came the voice of a man. They all turned to see a man sitting on a bench dressed in a trout costume with an open metal lunch box to his side. “Uh, just, uh, taking my lunch now, okay?” he said before he pulled out his juice box. Sunny waved at the man and smiled as he gave a nervous laugh.

Applejack hung her head and shook it, “Should’ve know yah meant ‘catch and release’ literally.” she muttered.

While the other five gave Sunny bemused glances, Pinkie then popped to right next to the mayor, “Um, so no big deal – well, actually, okay, yes, kind of a big deal – but the brochure also mentioned a karaoke contest?” she asked the most important question, blinking her eyes a couple of time.

Sunny then point to a stage not far from them, the back of it had a sign with various song notes. “Right here!” he exclaimed. The sign fell with a thud. From the microphone on stage, there was the sound of feedback as it too fell over. Everyone turned to look at the mayor. “The trout doubles on harmonica,” he said, everyone then turned to the man in the trout costume picked up a harmonica and played a few notes on it.

Fluttershy was the first to speak of the group, “How…” the druid trailed as she tried to find the right word, “multitalented of him.”

Pinkie shrugged her shoulders, “Good thing I bring my own karaoke party!” she exclaimed as she reached into her pockets and pulled out a portable karaoke machine
“With me wherever I go
Whoa, whoa-oh!” she sang into its microphone.

Sunny froze for a second as he tried to phantom where Pinkie got the device, but in the end decided not to ask, “Well, uh... that's the big tour.” he said as he hummed nervously and started to leave.

However before he got far, “Mayor Skies.” Twilight said making him stop and turn around. “I don't understand. Your Rainbow Festival isn't quite as you described.” she elected to get to the very heart of the subject.

Rainbow then moved to hover next to Twilight, “And the resort hotel wasn't what it was cracked up to be either,” the elementalist added

“'Cept for all the cracks,” Applejack added as she and Rarity joined Twilight and Rainbow.

“Getting to the brass tacks,” Rarity stated as Pinkie and Fluttershy joined the four, “None of these things are as pictured in your brochure.”

Sunny’s eyes darted for a moment, “Well, maybe I exaggerated a little, but I-I'd intend on havin' everythin' ready.” he attempted to explain. “It's just kinda hard gettin' anybody excited about anythin' in this town anymore!” he exclaimed frustrated with his town. When he realized what he just said, “Ugh.” he corrected himself as he saw that the six visitors were unmoved. He looked down ashamed of himself, “I didn't think ya'd come if ya knew the truth.” he confessed. Before any could ask he took a breath, “There is no Rainbow Festival.” he finally admitted.

The girls gasped at the announcement, “No Rainbow Festival?!” Applejack shouted in turn.

“No fan club?!” Rainbow added as she flew up into Sunny’s face.

The mayor gulped, “Believe me, I didn't mean to—” he started but was cut off.

The elementalist was the one to cut him off with her accusation, “Bring us here for nothing?!”

“If ya just let me—” Mayor Skies started but was again cut short.

This time it was Rarity that spoke up, “We should just leave this very moment!” the enchantress declared as she raised her nose.

Before Rarity went anywhere, “1) the balloon's not fixed yet.” Applejack pointed out “and 2) we’d get a better idea of what's this is about if the mayor explained.”

The six turned to face the mayor and waited. Mayor Skies then cleared his throat, “Guess I should start at the beginnin'.” he said as he shut eyes before he stepped so that everyone could get a view of the town, “A long time ago, when my Grandpa Skies was mayor, Hope Hollow was different. They used to call this town "The End of the Rainbow", 'cause everything you'd ever want, you could find right here.” he said before his focus gem started to glow. Soon everything was a washed in their natural colors. “Next door neighbors chatting over white-wood fences
Stoppin' on the street to say hello
When friends did well, we sang their praises
Brought soup to comfort them when they felt low
That was our town at the end of the rainbow.” he started to sing, and as he sang the projected residents of the town engaged in the various activities he described.

“No pots of gold or buried treasure
Just everybody looking after each other
The truest riches cannot be measured
It was a lesson that had kept us together
In our town at the end of the rainbow” As Sunny sang a projection of himself a couple of years younger and dressed in more casual clothes was seen walking, he stopped not far off from a projection of Petunia as she was looking at a small taw of flowers. He used his magic to place one of the flowers behind her ear. Elsewhere the old man with the root aura mark was helping another man fix his cart, as the couple was giving away their goods.

“To honor our fine town, my Grandpa Skies decided
To throw a party each and every year
They planned for weeks, cooked for days, celebrated fifty ways
So everybody would gather here
In our town at the end of the rainbow
Grandpa made a gizmo called the Rainbow Generator
To paint the sky with lots of colors shining bold and bright
To remind us all together we are greater
And darkness never wins against the coming of the light
Grandpa passed it on to Dad, then it was my turn
To make the pretty rainbows in the sky
It filled my heart with pride to see our whole town gathered gratefully
Where we were sure there would never be
An end to the rainbow.” As Sunny continued he showed a picture of a much older man that seemed to be his grandfather announced that the town would throw a communal party, the Rainbow Festival, and bits and pieces of the first Rainbow Festival were shown before the identified grandpa Skies revealed a metal device that looked egg-like in shape. He activated it and it produces a beam of light that looked like a rainbow and caused an aurora-like effect just above the town as everyone was left agape in awe. As Sunny continued to sing, the years passed in a few scenes as Granda Skies passed the device and position on to Sunny’s father, and then on to Sunny likely a few years ago.

“Then fences went up, we lost track of our neighbors
Each year passing, dimming spirits all around
The happy days came to an end
Nobody had time to spend together in the town
I thought I knew exactly what the festival needed
A bigger, better rainbow would surely make them see it
But the extra magic was too much for the Rainbow Generator
And I'm the one who brought the rainbow to an end.” The song then went dour, as the projections showed that bit by bit, day by day, the town seemed to disconnect from each other to the point that almost no one was there for what seemed to be Sunny’s third Rainbow Festival as mayor. Desperate to reignite the community, Sunny began to tinker with the device and on the next Rainbow Festival, the generator seemed to backfire and drained all the color out of the town.

“That's how our town, our little town
That's how our town saw the end of the rainbow.” As Sunny finished the projected showed the drain of color.

With the song over, the project that Sunny conjured faded and everything was gray again. Pinkie then started to whale and sob, “That is the saddest story-song I've ever heard!” she said as he tried to wipe her tears.

Sunny sat down on the ground and looked down, ashamed with and of himself, “I tried for a long time to get everybody interested in the Festival again. To remember what it's like to come together as a community and share the fun.” As they noted two residents just walk by not caring what was going on, “But nobody even bothered listenin'.” Sunny added before he got up and turned to face the six guests, “That's why I wrote to you, Rainbow Dash.” his focus mostly on the elementalist, “You were my last hope. I figured if a person of your stature came to town, it would get everybody excited about puttin' on the Festival again. I mean, "Rainbow"'s even part o' your name!” as he spoke there was some hope hinted to in his voice. Rainbow couldn’t help but have a smug little grin at that.

However, before she could say anything, “Mayor Skies,” Twilight addressed Sunny, “what kind of magic did you use on the Rainbow Generator?” she asked, as magic was for forte, it would make sense to her to solve the problem by knowing what magic was used.

The mayor scratched his head, “Oh, I'm not sure. I didn't know what I was dealin' with.” he admitted, albeit riddled with guilt, “I only wanted to help. But instead, I sucked all the color outta the town.” he said as kicked the ground as a proxy for himself. He looked towards the entrance of the town and the remains of the rainbow billboard. “That billboard's one o' the only things that didn't change. To me, it's a reminder of what we can be. Keeps the "Hope" in "Hope Hollow".

Twilight held her chin for a second and “Hmm-ed” in thought. “If I could find out the type of magic you used, I might be able to reverse the spell.” she mused.

“And since we did break the sign, we might want to help fix it.” Applejack commented.
“I came here for my fans and if words got out I ditched them, even if it was because of their mayor tricking me in the first place, that would really bring my awesomeness down a few levels.”

“Ya mean, you're gonna stay?” The mayor asked utterly shocked that they might be willing to help him. The six turned to each other and nodded. “Heh,” he laughed as if joy was rekindled in his heart, “You don't know how clam-happy this all makes me!” he exclaimed as he couldn't help but jump into the air with joy. “Thank you kindly!”

“We'll do whatever we can to bring back your Rainbow Festival.” Twilight said as she placed a hand on his shoulder, silently telling him to calm down and reassure him of their commitment, “We know it won’t be easy. Given what we’ve seen, but we have a little experience of bringing people together.”

“Reuniting Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Saving Princess Cadance and Shining’s wedding, Restoring Krystalopolices, Bring the Pillars of Virtue, Reconciling the Pillars and Stygian, just to list a few.” Pinkie said as she showed a small book with newspaper clippings of the accomplishments of the six. “Besides, this is exactly like planning a party! Only bigger, 'cause it's a festival!” the jester shouted and giggled, “Which means more cupcakes! Whoo-hoo! Ooh. Ah! I've got a date with the Bakery Booth! Ha-ha!” the jester went back and forth before skipping to the town’s bakeshop giggling rhythmically.

Fluttershy then started to float after Pinkie, “Um... I'd better go with her.” she said nervously.

Rarity looked around the town, her focus on where the festival would be set up, “Hmmm, an overall stylistic look to unify the sentiment of the celebration. That's what this festival needs.” the enchantress declared. As Mayor Skies raised his hand as if to ask a question, “Yes, darling, yes, yes, it needs an actual rainbow, but more complex, more thematic, something like—” she trailed off until she spotted the town clothing store and the shopkeeper, a Skyborn woman about her age with a metal leg that started above what would have been her knee, dressed in a short-skirted dress and a fur-like vest, “Ooh! something like that!” she exclaimed and started to walk over, “Formidable!”

Twilight then walked to Sunny, “The biggest challenge is getting your town interested in a Rainbow Festival when everything's so... gray. I think if we can bring the color back, it'll solve everything.” Twilight surmised what she thought would solve the problem. Sunny nodded in agreement. Twilight then turned to Rainbow, “Rainbow Dash, I need your help” she said before she flew off.

Before the elementalist followed the demigod, “Mr. Mayor, seriously, is there a fan club?” she asked.

Mayor Skies nodded, “Oh, you betcha!” he declared. He started to look around, “The Barrel twins are around…” he trailed off as he failed to spot the duo. “Somewhere.” he finished and gave Rainbow a nervous smile. Rainbow groaned and followed after Twilight.

The last of the group, Applejack, then walked up to the mayor, “Any tools I can borrow, your Honor?” the paladin asked. “I'm gonna spruce up that billboard to let everybody know this here Rainbow Festival's back in business!” the farm girl declared with a smile.

“Oh, that's music to my ears!” the mayor cheered at the prospect. He then spotted Torque, who was in the process of collecting the fallen pieces of the billboard. “Torque Wrench, let's get our guest tooled up, whadaya say?” he asked as he called to her. “She's gonna put our rainbow back up.”

Torque placed the last piece into her cart, “Oh, yippee.” the sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable even to the most gullible of people. Torque then started to move the cart back to her shop.

As she left, Petunia was walking down the street. She stopped and waved at Applejack and Sunny with a ‘heh-heh.’ Sunny then blushed and started to leave, “Oh! Uh, if ya don't mind, I, uh, I have a speech to work on. See ya 'round.” he said sheepishly to the paladin. Applejack was confused for a second but elected to not press the matter.

Reaching to Neighbors

View Online

Just outside of town on one of the ridges looking over it, Twilight and Rainbow sat, “So... what's your plan?” Rainbow asked as she wanted to know what was going on in Twilight’s head.

Twilight was jotting something in her spellbook, “If magic caused this, maybe magic can solve it.” she declared with confidence. “Perhaps this…” she took a breath. “DIES IST VERBOTEN!” she shouted as her focus gem and wings glowed before a beam was sent into the town. The town for a couple of seconds looked as it was projected in Sunny’s spell, however, it didn’t last. Twilight sighed, “Oh, I was afraid of that. A dispel magic spell isn’t gonna work. I've never seen any magic like this before.” she said as she looked to Rainbow.

Rainbow smirked, “Looks like magic can’t solve everything.” the enchantress pointed out. “Heh.” she laughed. “Let me try. I mean, "Rainbow"'s part of my name, right?” she asked before she shot up into the air and started to build up speed. After a few seconds, she came down from the sky and performed her signature Sonic Rainboom. Much like with Twilight’s attempt, the town’s color returned, however, it too was only temporary, granted it did last about three seconds longer. Rainbow groaned as she flew and landed next to Twilight. “That's all I got.” the elementalist sighed.

Twilight held her chin for a second, “Looks like more research is needed.”

About the same time, the boy and girl from earlier were flying again, and again shoving each other in flight. “Look out!” the girl shouted to her brother. “No, you look out!” her brother shouted back. However, the two realized too late they were about to have a rough landing as their ethereal wings gave out. The two screamed as they plummeted. They barely managed to land on a nearby hill with an old windmill, safely, grunting and groaning as Rainbow flew up to them, the girl landing on her brother.

“Are you okay?” she asked as she offered her and to help the two to their feet.

“Oh!” the two exclaimed as they jumped to their feet. “Why did you zig in front of me like that?” the girl asked her brother. “I didn't zig! You zigged! I zagged!” the boy countered as the two were about to shout at each other. “That's no excuse for—!” the girl started only to be cut off by the adult present.

“Woah, Woah, guys, guys, hold on!” Rainbow said as she literally stepped in between the two. “It was just an accident.” she offered in an attempt to mitigate things.

The two turned and looked down to the ground ashamed and embarrassed, “An accident that happened in front of you.” the boy said. His sister then groaned with an ‘ugh,’ before she spoke. “I'm so embarrassed. All of our lives, we've been wanting to meet you, and—” she said before she was cut off again.

“Wait. So you're the fan club?” Rainbow asked as she was starting to put the pieces she had together and make a few assumptions.

The two perked up and turned to face Rainbow, “You've heard of us?” the girl asked before they hovered in front of Rainbow, “Barley's the present.” the boy declared as he pointed to his sister. “And Pickle’s the assistant president.” the recently identified Barely said as she introduced her brother.

“I take it your surname’s Barrel?” Rainbow asked. The two nodded. Rainbow had a silent laugh, “Well, what do you know? The mayor was telling the truth about something!” she smirked, finally getting some ‘good’ news.

“You’re our favorite Wonderbolt!” Barley exclaimed.

“We know all your best moves!” Pickle added, the two fanboying and fangirling over the elementalist.

“We practice all of 'em, every day!” Barley declared before the two started to fly in an attempt to perform some of Rainbow’s moves. Yet that ended poorly as they fell to the ground grunting.

Pickle was the first to speak as the two speak, “But we really can't do them.” The two looked at each other and started to mutter among themselves.

After a barely heard debate, Barley spoke up as she took off her hat and pulled at it in her hands, “Do you think maybe... you could give us a lesson? Just a tiny one? Show us some of your moves?” she asked before the two gave Rainbow massively dilated pleading eyes.

Rainbow laughed at first, “Well,” she started, “you promise to listen and work hard and practice?” the elementalist asked with her own smile.

The siblings gasped, “Yes! Absolutely, practice!” they both exclaimed in delight at the prospect of learning under Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow laughed again at the thought of teaching these two, “Tell you what.” she said to the two. “If I like what I see, the three of us will put on a show at the Rainbow Festival,” she stated. “Oh!” the two exclaimed in excitement.

Barley and Pickle turned to face each other then back to Rainbow, “There's still a Rainbow Festival?” Barley asked confused.

Pickle had a different question, “And we're gonna perform at it?”

Rainbow smiled as she patted the two on their heads, “I think the whole town should know there's a couple of future Wonderbolts living here.” she then started to hover, “C'mon! We got work to do!” she shouted before she flew off. The twins were left in awe at what Rainbow just said. However, their dumbfounded state only lasted a few seconds before they flew after the elementalist. As they left one of the mill’s blades glittered and took on its original blue color.

Back in town, inside Torque’s shop, Applejack was examining the remains of the billboard, “I think some o' this can be saved, but we'll need some fresh lumber.” the paladin gave her prognosis. She then noted that Torque seemed to be … disinterested at best, “Uh, Torque, the mayor said maybe you could lend a hand.” the paladin said trying to be diplomatic.

Torque groaned as she rolled her eyes, “Him and his crazy schemes.” she bemoaned. “What's your business in this anyhoo? Hmm?” she asked the paladin not believing the latter’s intent.

Apple took off her hat in an attempt to show she wasn’t intending to be a problem, “Well, for one thing, we're helpin' the mayor.” she stated at first, addressing that she and her friends intend to help. “And for another, Granny Smith always says, ‘You break somethin', you fix it’.” the paladin added as she tapped on the board she just examined. She then saw Torque getting back to work with sorting some unpainted planks, “And any job you do, you should be proud of."

Torque turned back and laughed at the sentiment, “Proud of bein' the repairman?” she asked before laughing again at the notation.

Applejack shook her head for a second, “Well, absolutely!” the paladin declared. “It's a pretty rare talent to have.” she pointed out. Which was true, most people don’t have the raw talent to fix and repair, even with years of honed skills. Applejack then to the basket of the balloon, “Nice work on that balloon basket, can’t tell it was damaged at all.” Applejack praised the craftmanship. “Reweavin' all that straw is no joke.” she finished as she pointed out how hard it is to actually fix it.

Torque smiled and started to laugh happily, “Oh. Yah, well, thanks for, well, noticin'.” she blushed as she felt acknowledged for her talents and skills. The two then turned to hammer together two pieces. As they hammered the blanks that Torque had gathered turned yellow.

At the same time at the town’s clothes shop, Rarity was humming to herself before she spotted something in the window, “Hmm?” she asked as she took a closer look in the window, “That's one of my designs!” she exclaimed in shock. She then went to the door and opened it, “Hello?” she asked as she called out to the Skyborn woman she saw earlier who was at the shop’s booth.

The woman gasped in shock before she turned to face Rarity. It was then that Rarity saw that the woman had hairpin that looked like pins and needles in a pincushion, and have a pincushion with needles and pins in it as her aura mark. “Whoa, no way!” she shouted in shock and awe. “Stack my pancakes!” she shouted in joy and cheer. “Are you really the Rarity?!” she asked in disbelief and at the same time joy.

Rarity smiled, “Please, just "Rarity".” the enchantress stopped as she looked around and saw a lot of clothes based on her designs, “I couldn't help but notice that you've got—” she started as she wanted to be tactful on how to address the fact that so much seemed overly based on her work.

The woman gasped, “I love ya!” she exclaimed in excitement, “I love ya so much!” the woman paused for a second, “Your work, I mean! Your designs, your taste, your eye for beauty!” she clarified, but she was still bubbling with excitement over meeting Rarity. Before Rarity could get another word, “They're the perfect canvas for me to fancy up!” the woman added.

“Yes, about that.” Rarity started before she spotted some of the works that were well-conceived and crafted that had to be the woman’s unique style. “The— the hat, the— the boa, the scarf, the—” she started to list as she pointed out the items.

“Do ya like 'em?” the woman asked with a massive smile.

Rarity smiled, “Very charming.” she stated.

The woman gasped as she hugged Rarity, “Thank ya!” she declared before she ended the hug and started to giggle as she turned her focus to the items in question, “Those are Kerfuffle originals!” she stated. “I'm Kerfuffle!” Kerfuffle identified herself. “Spelled like it sounds, with a double "ffff"” she said as she stuck out her tongue as she tried to emphasize the f’s. “for the "fuff"!” she finished before she gasped in embarrassment, “I should really stop talking now,” she said as she gave a nervous smile.

Rarity placed a hand of understanding on Kerfuffle’s shoulder, “I do hope you don't mind my asking.” the enchantress started to asked before she turned to look at each of the items that Kerfuffle designed herself, “But with all this talent, why don't you simply display your own work instead of adding to others?” she asked electing to get to the brass tacks.

Kerfuffle laughed dismissively, “Oh. Oh, no, I-I couldn't.” Kerfuffle denied, “It's... not good enough by itself.” she said as she rubbed her left arm with her right hand as she blushed slightly.

Rarity brushed the self-doubt Kerfuffle expressed, “Hmph, au contraire.” she started before she picked up a shawl. “Take this shawl.” she presented the shawl, “Hand-dyed, nicely woven, a piece of art by itself.” she described the shawl, based solely on what she can feel, “Imagine if you could work in color,” she said as she wrapped it over her shoulders.

Kerfuffle smiled, “Oh, I do imagine.” she started to explain as she walked in the shop to another collection of her works, “I mean, that's how I design things. I feel in my heart what the colors are.” she then picked up a scarf she knitted, “Like this scarf.” she then pointed to one of the stripes. “This stripe is red, then orange, yellow…” she listed off only to trail off.

Rarity seemed to catch on quickly, “Like a rainbow.” she informed. “How would you like to work with me as the official assistant designer of the Rainbow Festival?” she asked as she offered her hand.

Kerfuffle gasped in shock, “Really? Work with you?!” she asked in disbelief and at the same time excitement. “I can't believe it!” she continued before she started to laugh gleefully. She then stopped as she recalled the last thing Rarity said, “Wait, there's still a Rainbow Festival?” she asked.

Rarity smiled, “Darling, if we have anything to do with it, not only will there be a festival, it will be the most stylish anybody in this town has ever seen!” the enchantress announced as she looked over the things Kerfuffle made, “Now let's get started!” she declared and the two left for the back of the house. As they left a hat changed from its shade of gray to a bright purple.

After Rainbow left her to deal with the Barrel twins, Twilight returned to town and went to the library. As she opened the door to the Town’s library. As the princess saw the books she could only give a ‘Wow…” at first before she gasped in delight. As Twilight looked at the books, Petunia walked up to her, “Ya like it?” she asked the demigod. Twilight nodded as her gaze was still on the books for a second. She then turned to Petunia about to ask but Petunia already started to answer, “Yah thought that a teeny town like Hope Hollow would have a library this grand?” she asked. Twilight nodded. Petunia turned back to the collection of books, “We may be small, but we're well-read. I make sure of it.” Petunia said as the two stepped into the library.

Twilight smiled, “Mayor Sunny was right.” she exclaimed, “You are something!”

Petunia started to blush at that, “Did he really say that?” she asked before she giggled in delight, like a schoolgirl being told that her crush likes her. “Oh, that silly man.” she tried to dismiss the praise but before she truly committed to it, “Did he say anythin' else?” she asked as she leaned into Twilight. She then blinked and leaned back, “I mean, uh, anyhoo, what can I do you for?” she asked as she tried to collect herself.

Twilight rubbed the back of her head for a second, “I don't suppose you have a magic section?” she asked.

Petunia laughed before she pointed to a collection of bookshelves. "Arcane,”, "Elemental", or "Theory of"?” she asked as she pointed to three series of bookshelves. Twilight squealed in delight as she grinned and her eyes dilated.

Meanwhile, as the others were interacting with the townsfolk, Pinkie and Fluttershy were walking through the town to the bakery. Pinkie had an abacus which she pulled out of one of her pockets and was calculating something. “Let's see.” she said before she truly started to do the math, “If fifty cupcakes makes a party, that means for the festival, we need…” she trailed off as she was moving the beads from side to side, “divide by two, carry the one…” she continued to discover the tally.

Fluttershy knew that it would take an hour if she let Pinkie continue to do the math long hand so she decided to think like Pinkie for a second, “We need help to bake the super more cupcakes we’ll need.” the druid guessed as the two neared to the bakeshop. Pinkie put the abacus back into her pocket and smiled at her druidic companion. Fluttershy smiled in turn, the two knew each other so well. At the bakery, the two noted that it was run down from disrepair and disuse. As Pinkie opened the door the sign creaked and the how build seemed to crack. Pinkie’s eyes started to water at the sight. Fluttershy placed a hand on the jester’s shoulder and pulled her into a hug so that Pinkie could cry into her shoulders. After Pinkie had her cry the two heard something in the distance.

The two turned to the couple from earlier with the man holding a pie, “We can only use the ones from our yard, lovey.” the man said as they walked. Fluttershy and Pinkie elected to walk over towards them.

“Oh, darling, stop it.” The woman requested.

As the two walked around the fountain in the center of town, Pinkie shot over and started to join them, “Excuse me. I see you're taking your pie for a walk, and I was wondering—”

However the woman cut Pinkie short, “We're not interested.” she declared assuming that Pinkie was trying to sell the two something, “Ugh,” she groaned, “it's getting so a person can't even walk down the street without being terrorized.” she bemoaned as they walked.

Pinkie hopped to be in front of them as she laughed, “That's not terrorizing.” she contrasted. “This…” she trailed before babbling in their faces. The two cried out with an ‘Aah!’. Once the two were startled. Pinkie stopped and started to speak again, “ ...is terrorize.” the jester finished. The man then sighed in frustration. Pinkie then looked at the pie, “So, how would you like to be a part of the official baking team of the Rainbow Festival?” she asked electing to get to the brass tacks of the matter.

“There's still a Rainbow Festival?” the woman asked with a raised eyebrow.

Pinkie nodded, “Uh-huh.” she stated, “We'll have a booth with cupcakes and pastries and fun, and we're gonna start with this pie!” she said as she listed off what she was planning and ending her list as she looked at the pie, “Let the taste test begin! “ she said as she took the pie and chomped down into it. After a few bites, Pinkie started to gag and spit out the pie. “Blech! Bleghhht!” she gagged as she tried to brush the taste off of her tongue to no avail. After a second, “What kind of pie did you say this was s'upposed to be?” she asked as her eyes teared up.

The couple looked at each other for a second, “Apricot.” the husband answered the jester.

Pinkie, still with teary eyes looked at the pie and what she gagged up, “Are you sure?” she asked. She then thought about how it tasted, “It's kinda... crunchy.” she elected to describe the pie’s taste.

Fluttershy had by this point, joined the three, and flew to be in between the couple and Pinkie, “Not that there's anything wrong with that.” she said as she tried to defuse a potentially explosive situation.

The couple looked at each other for a second before the wife replied awhile annoyed, there was a bit of understanding her voice “Well, the apricots are from our very own tree, in our very own yard, behind our very own house.” she informed.

Pinkie finally got the taste out of her mouth and sighed with relief. Yet this was short-lived as there something that had to be addressed, “Maybe we should get a look at this tree.” she suggested. The couple again shared a look, shrug and started to lead the two out of towners to their home.

Back outside of town, Rainbow was watching the Barrel twins performed some basic stretches. After a few seconds, “All right, rookies. Show me what you got.” she ordered the two.

Barley turned to Pickle and whispered, “She sounds just like we always imagined she'd sound!” she exclaimed in delight.

“Only twenty percent cooler!” Pickle replied in his own whisper, as he too was excited about it.

After noticing the two were stuck fanning over her, “Well?” Rainbow asked getting their attention, “Aren't you gonna fly or something?” she asked waiting for them to start.

Pickle then saluted, “Yes, sir!” he shouted before he recalled Rainbow’s sex and wasn’t sure if that was the right turn, “I mean, ma'am. Uh…” he stuttered. He and Barley then looked at each other and chuckled nervously before they took to the sky.

After the two were airborne, Barley turned to Pickle and asked, “Okay?” she asked. Pickle nodded, “Break!” she ordered and the two broke and started to perform some of Rainbow’s moves, however, the two had no real coordination and as they were about to bump into each other their wings gave out and they started to fall.

Before they made contact with the ground, Rainbow caught the two and brought them safely to the ground. As the three straighten up, “Fancy flying is something you have to work up to.” she said with a smile. She hovered in front of them, “Even I didn't become "Rainbow Dash" in one day.” she informed.

“Two days?” Barley asked, hoping, childlike, that it was not long for her and Pickle to be like Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow laughed for a second, “Everybody's got to learn the basics before they can show off.” Rainbow said as she took to flight and started to perform a series of loops with a rainbow trailing her. This left the two siblings to “Whoa!” in awe. Once Rainbow finished she landed in front of the two, “You'll get there.” she said with a smile, “But first, let's start with a single flip.” she said as she flew to demonstrate the move. The twins gasped before they flew to follow Rainbow. As they left a patch of grass took on the normal green.

Back in the Hollow, as the couple escorted Fluttershy and Pinkie into their yard, Fluttershy flew up to the man, “Sorry for the lack of introduction beforehand, I’m Fluttershy and my friend’s name is Pinkie Pie.” she said as she finally introduced herself and Pinkie to the couple. “If you don't mind my asking, you don't sound like the other people here in town.”

The couple stopped, “Oh, we weren't born here.” the husband started, “We're originally from Manahattan,” the man informed, “oh we’re the Hamingtons by the way.” he finally introduced himself and his wife.

“Yes,” the recently identified Mrs. Hamington concurred with her husband, “But Manahattan was so big. All those people crammed together, never talking to each other.” she explained why the two moved from their old home.

Mr. Hamington then spoke as he looked to the town, or rather the part of the town visible from his yard, “We heard Hope Hollow was just the opposite, so we moved here.” he said

Mrs. Hamington then smiled as she thought back to what the town was like then they arrived, “And it was wonderful…” but she trailed off as she recalled the slow slip into the town’s current state of collective apathy, “uh, for a while.”

Fluttershy flew to be next to Mrs. Hamington, “What happened?” the druid asked.

Mrs. Hamington sighed again, “Things changed.” she informed, or rather didn’t but Fluttershy, as a druid, understood that time changes all things, that nothing lasts. Mrs. Hamington then looked up and recalled why she and Mr. Hamington were showing Fluttershy and Pinkie their yard, “Oh! Here. This is the tree.” she said as she pointed to a small, just barely fruit-bearing apricot tree.

Mr. Hamington walked right up to the tree, “This is where the apricots in my pie came from.” he informed. Just then an apricot fell from the tree and landed on the ground.

Pinkie took out a magnifying glass, picked up the fruit and examined it. “Well, I'm no expert in fruit, that’s our friend AJ,” the party planner informed. “but I don't think these are very ripe.” she said as she finished her examination, “Apricots are supposed to be orange.” she pointed out.

As Mr. Hamington took the fruit and looked to the tree and the other fruits on the tree, “Well, that's the problem, isn't it?” he asked, more rhetorically than anything else. “With hardly any colors in this town, one apricot looks like another.” he pointed out before he sighed in both sorrow and frustration.

Fluttershy, however, had taken the time to look around the yard and spotted a large apricot tree that grew over one of the fences from a neighbor’s property that hang over the Hamington’s. “What about that tree?” she asked as she pointed out the tree she spied, “Its apricots are big and juicy,” she informed contrasting the two identified apricot trees.

As the other three turned to see the tree Fluttershy was calling attention to, Mrs. Hamington was the first to speak, “Oh. We can't use the apricots from that tree.” she said with a degree of disgust and anger in her voice.

Pinkie skipped over to the tree, “Sure ya can!” she cheered and reached out her right hand to pluck an apricot. “All you gotta do is—” she started but was cut off by the voice of an angry old man.

“Hey!” came the voice of the man that bumped into the couple earlier, “Stay away from my tree!” he barked as he looked from an eye size hole in his fence.

Before Fluttershy or Pinkie could ask, “That was just old Moody Root.” Mr. Hamington informed as he shook his head.

Mrs. Hamington then spoke, “He's made it quite clear he won't share his apricots.” she informed as to the reason why the couple used their… unripened fruit in their pies “He hasn't even said "hello" in ages.” she added, pointing out the lack of neighborly behavior.

Fluttershy knew that it took two to tango and even if Mr. Root hasn’t said ‘hi’, the Hamingtons are not likely guiltless, “Have you tried saying "hello" to him?” she asked getting to the heart of the matter. Mr. and Mrs. Hamington looked to each other and then down to the ground feeling guilt and shame, thus answering Fluttershy’s question without a word. Fluttershy turned to the gate and called out to Moody, “Mr. Moody Root, are you there?”.

From behind the gate, “Who wants to know?” Moody asked slightly annoyed.

Fluttershy then hovered to be above the gate and look upon Moody, “I'm Fluttershy.” she introduced herself to the old gentleman. She turned her gaze to the tree, “Your apricot tree is beautiful.” she declared, “So healthy.” she added before she turned back to Moody, “You must take very good care of it.” she surmised and praised his gardening at the same time.

Moody rubbed the back of his head feeling humble, no one had complimented him about the care for his trees in so long, “Well, I try to.” he said as he started to smile, “Plant food. A good water now and then.” he listed as he walked up to the tree, “Keeps my apricots happy.” he finished as he placed his right hand on the trunk and smiled as he seemed to pet the tree like it was a cat.

Fluttershy took a second to see the whole yard and saw several trees, while not all were apricot trees, they were all in comparative states of health. She turned back to the tree they were talking about, “I bet that's why you have so many of them.” she concluded. A decent answer, healthy fruit-bearing plants bear a lot of fruit. Fluttershy then took a gamble as to why Moody would want such a fruit-bearing tree, “You must always be busy making things. Jam, cobbler, pie…” she guest as she trailed off so that Moody could answer.

Moody shook his head with a small smile, “Nope, I just eat 'em.” he informed. He then opened his eyes and held his chin in thought, “Although, pie does sound pretty good.” he said.

While Fluttershy and Moody were talking, Mrs. Hamington turned to her husband, “What in Mystica is she doing?” she asked confused at Fluttershy’s want to interact with Moody.

Mr. Hamington turned to his wife, with equal degrees of confusion, “I haven't the foggiest, dear.”

Pinkie popped to be right next to the couple, “Doing what she does best.” Pinkie explained and yet not explained.

Back between Fluttershy and Moody, the druid flew back a little which prompted Moody to lean over his fence, “Your neighbors were just about to bake some pies.” the druid said as she floated so that Moody and the Hamingtons could see each other, “You know them, right?” she asked. “Mr. and Mrs. Hamington, Mr. Moody Root,” she said reintroducing the three to each other.

The three looked at each other rather nervously as it’s been a while since they have been neighborly towards one another. Moody was the first to speak, “Um…” he trailed before he trailed off for a second. He cleared his throat as he got on track, “H-H-Hello,” he said after what felt like an eternity as he gave a nervous wave of his hand towards the couple.

The Hamingtons waved back in turn, with uneasy smiles, “Yes. Hello.” Mr. Hamington said before he lowered his hand.

“Hello, Mr…” Mrs. Hamington trailed slightly before she lowered her hand, “Root.” After a second of awkward silence, Moody cleared his throat.

After there was no response from the Hamingtons, Fluttershy spoke up picking up right where she left off, “But they're a little short on apricots.” she finished describing the situation.

Pinkie was the next to speak as she looked to the sky and tapped her chin, “If only there was some apricots we can use…” she trailed off. After a second of neither of the Hamingtons getting the hint, Pinkie cleared her throat. After another second and neither still seemed to get the hint she cleared her throat loader and more sounded more irritated.

Mrs. Hamington was the first of the couple to get the message, “Oh, yes, of course!” she exclaimed. “We'd be happy to bake you a pie.” she offered in exchange for the use of the apricots.

Mr. Hamington then spoke up, “Two or... three pies even.” he added to the offer as he too started to get what was going on.

Moody looked down and held his chin in thought, “So ya mean if I give ya my apricots…” he trailed off in thought.

Pinkie gasped, “What a great idea!” she exclaimed in cheer at the idea.

“Then everybody can share,” Fluttershy added, show what can be accomplished if the three gave to each other. “What do you think, Mr. Moody Root?” she asked Moody, as in the end since the apricots came from his tree, it was his call.

After Moody slipped behind the gate and there was no sign of him for a few seconds, “Ugh. Oh, well.” Mrs. Hamington sighed as she looked down defeated.

Fluttershy smiled, “Wait for it…” she trailed off before the gate of Moody’s fence started to open.

As Moody entered the Hamington’s lawn from the gate in the fence from his property to their, “Got a ladder?” he asked cheerfully, “We can just pick 'em from your side of the fence!” he exclaimed as he looked at the apricot tree next to the fence.

“Um, yes, of course!” Mr. Hamington exclaimed as he went to get the ladder they owned. “Uh, this way!” he continued as the rest followed. Unbeknownst to them one of the apricots changed to be bright orange.

Back inside the library, Twilight was reading through several of the town’s library on magic. All the while jotting down what seemed to match what she saw of the town. Currently, she was looking at a list of spells and their effects. As she turned to her notes, “A prism curse? An erasure spell?” she asked to no one. “None of these are big enough to make a whole town lose its color on their own!” she shouted in frustration, “Even if they were combined!” she shouted. “Ugh!” she groaned. She took a second to look to another book, “Unless…” she trailed off.

Twilight paused as she heard the muffled voice of Mayor Skies, “Oh, for the love o' cheddar!” exclaim. Twilight got up from the table she was at and walked over to another part of the library, where she heard the voice coming from. She spotted a set of ajar doors. She opened it and saw Sunny pacing back and forth scribbling on a piece of paper and muttering to himself.

Twilight walked towards the mayor, “Mayor Skies.” she said getting his attention.

Sunny was startled for a second, “Oh, Princess Twilight, didn’t know you were there.” he stated as he recovered from the surprise. Twilight looked around the room and saw several trophies, ribbons, banners, and several pictures that had their normal color. Her mouth opened slightly in awe, Sunny pocketed the piece of paper he was writing on, “Welcome to our town's Rainbow Room.” The mayor said as he stepped to show the room to the demigod. “Anything you want ta know about each year's festival from the very beginnin',” he informed. As Twilight flew over to large picture that showed Sunny as a boy next to his grandfather, “Yep, they sure are.” he said guessing Twilight’s shock that they were in color.

He dipped his head as Twilight landed, “Those are from happier times. Back when there still was a festival.” he said dejectedly as Twilight landed and walked beside him. “Seems even though we faded, the memory never did.” he continued as he looked at a reflection of himself. He slowly turned to face Twilight as he pulled out the piece of paper he was writing on, “I come here sometimes for inspiration.” he then tapped on the paper, “I need plenty for this speech I'm writin'. Biggest one of my life,” he said. As he spoke Petunia entered the room. This startled the mayor, “Oh! Didn't see ya there!” he exclaimed as he pocketed the piece of paper.

Petunia also seemed to be surprised that Sunny was also there, but while the mayor seemed to be scared about something, Petunia was happy, “Sunny! I-I didn' know you were here.” she said with joy and a smile.

“Uh, Uh, j-just leavin',” Sunny said as he walked around Petunia, trying to hide what he was working on as he chuckled nervously. “I-I gotta finish this,” he said as he had to take out the paper he was writing on. “W-Well, uh, s-see ya later!” he stammered before he left the room.

As Petunia frown slightly at Sunny’s departure, “Whoa.” she heard Twilight said as the demigod was looking at everything she could see. As the princess turned to Petunia, “The festival was really something, wasn't it?” she asked.

Petunia gave a sad smile as she walked over to a podium in the corner of the room, “Used to be wonderful. It brought the whole town together for a long time,” she said before she pointed to a set of three pictures, “and these pictures are from the last festival.” she said as Twilight looked at the picture, one was of Sunny on the stage waving as he prepared to press the button to engage the Rainbow Generator. The next photo showed the mayor pressing the button to start the generator and everything turned gray. The final showed the mayor’s hand on the device and everything was in grayscale. “You can see it didn't go well.” Petunia commented.

“Right,” Twilight replied as she picked up the third picture to get a closer look. “The mayor's magic in the generator caused the colors to go.” she surmised as she recalled Sunny’s song and conjuring to show why he asked Rainbow Dash to come, a conclusion which seemed to be supported by the photos.

“That's what Sunny thinks.” Petunia protested, not unlike a school girl defending her crush’s reputation. She dipped her head for a second, “He blames himself for it,” she acknowledged before a confident smile grew on her face. “but I'm still not convinced it was anythin' other than an accident!” she declared.

Twilight turned her focus back to the photo in her hand. She then picked up the other two and looked at them, “There's something strange about this.” she said as she seemed to have noticed something was off, “I just can't put my hand on it.” she added as she put the photos back and looked up to a picture of Sunny’s father activating the Rainbow Generator, “If only the Generator hadn't been destroyed…” she trailed off in wishful thinking.

“Not all of it was.” came Petunia’s voice. Twilight gasped as she turned to see Petunia move a board from the wall and pull out the remains of the Rainbow Generator. She grunted as she lifted it and placed it on an empty spot of the table, “I don't keep it out because I know it hurts th' mayor to see it.” she said as if the pain the mayor felt from the memory was also felt by her.

Twilight took a couple of seconds to look at the broken device, “Mind if I borrow this?” she asked.

Return of The Rainbow

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It was a little before noon, as Mayor Skies spotted the fully repaired Rainbow billboard that marked the entrance of the town. Sunny couldn’t help but laugh cheerfully at the sight of the reconstructed billboard. “Great job!” he said as he walked up to Applejack and Torque as the two looked at their work. “It's even better than it was before, don'tcha know?” he declared. With the billboard back up in much more defined colors, the residents of the town started to chatter among themselves in awe of the sight.

One of the men, who seemed to be walking a woman, most likely his wife, and a girl, most likely their daughter, asked “Rainbow Festival?” well more accurately that was what Sunny, Applejack and Torque actually heard him ask. The woman next to the man answered, “Didn't know it was still goin' on.”

Sunny then leaped over to be in between the two parents, “Sure is!” the mayor declared, “Bigger and better than ever!” he added convinced that this year this would work out. “Tell all your friends!” he shouted as he walked to interact with more of the townsfolk.

As the mayor left, the daughter turned to her parents, “Can we go, Mama?” she asked as she jumped with joy. Both parents smiled, “I suppose so.” the mother answered before she asked “Why not?” to her husband. He nodded and the trio headed home to prepare themselves for the festival. As they started to leave, the girl’s hair started to glow and then turned to a bright golden yellow. She gasped at the changed and laughed as she ran up to her parents to show them the change.

Meanwhile as Sunny was walking, “Mr. Mayor.” he heard. He turned to see Twilight with the luggage she brought with her to Hope Hollow, fly towards him, “I hope you don't mind, but—” she started to explain as Sunny spotted the Rainbow Generator.

“Where'd ya find that?” the mayor asked as he pointed the generator, in shock that the device existed and anger that anyone would use it.

As he looked like he was about to grab the device from Twilight, Petunia caught up with the princess and stepped in between the two, “I gave it to her, Sunny.” the town historian told the mayor. She turned back to Twilight, “She has an idea.” Petunia added with a hopeful smile.

Sunny snorted at the notion, “Best idea would just be to throw that thing in the trash heap.” he retorted wanting nothing more to do with the generator.

Twilight held the generator, “My theory is that the Generator magnifies whatever magic it uses, makes it stronger.” she said as she pointed to the gems in the device. “So if we could rebuild it and use one of the many reversal spells I know,” she said with a slight smile of self-praise, “it could work to bring color back to the town!” Twilight cheered in her pitch to Sunny.

Mayor Skies raised his right eyebrow as he partially squirted his left in disbelief, “Even if we could get it workin' again,” the doubt in his voice was unmistakable, “which is quite a tall order…” he trailed off.

While the mayor and Twilight seemed to be at an impasse, Applejack and Torque joined the other three, “Not for a gifted repair-person who I just happen to know.” the paladin said as she nodded her head towards Torque.

“Let me take a look-see.” Torque said as she held out her hand for the generator. Twilight handed it to her with some struggle on the demigod’s part, but it was fairly light in Torque’s hand. As the repairperson looked over the device for about a second, “Yah, I could give 'er a go,'' she said as she placed it under her left arm.

“Huh.” Sunny mused as a smile started to form on his face, “I don't wanna get my hope up, but... “ he trailed as the smile and happiness grew. “Yahoo!” he shouted as he jumped into the air glitter then a child on Hearth’s Warming Eve.

Torque shook her head with a smile, “Don't worry. I'll get to work.” she then headed to her shop.

Once Torque was just out of earshot, Petunia slipped to be right next to Sunny, her eyes wide and a smile on her face. “Um, how's your speech comin', Sunny?” she asked, if she didn’t notice that the mayor was blushing nervously, she didn’t seem to care. “I'd be happy to help you with it if you'd like.” she offered her assistance to the mayor.

Sunny pulled at his shirt’s collar “Uh, oh, no, you couldn't. Uh, t-thanks, but, uh,” he stammered and stuttered as he started to leave, “I have to do a little mayor-type business, don'tcha know?” he said as she started to leave. “But I'll check back in a little bit to see how everythin's goin',” he said and zipped away faster than greased lightning.

Petunia’s eyes narrowed in surprise as the actions of Sunny, “Hmmm. He's actin' so peculiar.” she stated as Applejack and Twilight stepped to be closer to her while the three watched the mayor vanish.

“From what I've seen of the mayor, how can ya tell exactly when "peculiar" kicks in?” Applejack asked as she pointed out that the behavior of the mayor was… far from normal. Petunia started to answer but then shut her mouth as she saw the paladin’s point.

Back in the Hamington’s back yard, at a picket table Moody, the Hamingtons, Pinkie, and Fluttershy sat. On the table was a wide assortment of baked goods, namely, cakes, pies. Moody was devouring one of the apricot pies that were made for him, “Mm-mm-mm-mm!” he hummed when he stopped. “If I'd have known your pie was this good,” he started as he loosened his belt, “I'd have given you those apricots ages ago!” he declared.

Mrs. Hamingto was the first to answer, “Mr. Hamington did all the baking.” she said as she turned to her husband and smiled.

“Mmm, inspired by you, Snookums.” Mr. Hamington retorted as he kissed his wife’s cheek. The two blushed happily.

“Say, the whole town should know about this here pie.” Moody declared as he turned his attention from the couple to the cart pull of pies that were baked and other baked goods.

Pinkie leaned against the side of the cart with her arms crossed in front of her, “Oh, don't worry.” she said with a slightly sinister tone, like some street hoodlum ready to knife unattentive passerby, “They will.” Her tone changed as she jumped to be right in front of the cart, “We're gonna give it away at the Rainbow Festival!” she shouted happily and full of excitement.

Moody blinked twice, “Wait, what?” he asked having been caught off guard, “There's still a Rainbow Festival?” he asked as he and the Hamingtons turned from the trickster mage to her druidic associate. Fluttershy nodded. Moody gave a hearty laugh as the five prepared to take the goods to the town square. As they prepared to leave, all the apricots on the Hamington’s tree turned yellow and light green, with a couple turning yellow-orange.

As the clock had just struck noon, inside Torque’s shop, the repair person showed the fully repaired and restored Rainbow Generator to Petunia, Twilight, and Applejack. “Well, here it is.” Torque said as she placed her right hand on the device. “Had to hand-build some of the parts myself,” she informed reminding the group of its state before she was given it, “but it's as good as new.” she finished.

“Hoo-wee!” Applejack cheered as before she whistled in praise at the craftsmanship, as the three walked up to get a closer look of the device. As the paladin turned to face Torque, “This looks amazin', Torque.” she placed a hand on Torque’s shoulder. “Nobody else could have pulled this off,” she added.

Twilight turned to Torque, “Thank you so much for your help.” the princess offered gratitude to the town’s mechanic.

Torque smiled at the praise and gratitude shown to her. “It was a real challenge,” she confessed “but turns out that was part of the fun!” she chuckled full of satisfaction of a job well done.

Twilight picked up the generator and started to leave, with Torque and Petunia following her. As the three left, a few of the flowers in Torque’s window box changed from their shades of gray to their normal colors. “Whoa!” Applejack exclaimed in awe and disbelief. With her eyes still on the flowers, “D-Did y'all see that?” she started to ask before she turned to look over her shoulder to spy the other three.

If Twilight heard Applejack, she showed no signs as her focus was on the recently reconstructed generator. “Now we need to test it.” Twilight declared as she placed it down on a crate.

“Should we call the mayor?” Petunia asked wanting to show the progress to Sunny, to show him the fruits of the labors.

Twilight shook her head, “Might be best to make sure it works first.” the demigod countered, knowing that if the device didn’t work and showing it to him now, well there’s just some harsh news better left told after verifying, “I'd hate to disappoint him.” she added.

Applejack joined the three and tried to get the three to see the change in the colors of the flowers by pointing to the window box, “Uh, Twilight, I think I saw—” the paladin started but was cut off before she was able to get anyone to see the change.

Twilight was the one to cut her off, “In a moment, Applejack.” the princess declared. “This is important,” she added as everyone’s attention was on the device.

“Yeah,” Applejack acknowledged Twilight’s point, but she still tried to get everyone to see that maybe the generator isn’t needed. “ but—” and again she was cut off.

“Turn on the Generator,” Twilight ordered. Applejack shut her eyes, shook her head and pressed the on-button on the generator. The device clicked and started to whir before it opened and a rainbow started to be generated. Everyone gasped in awe at the sight as a small aurora seemed to form inside the shop.

Petunia was the first to speak as she wiped a tear of joy from her eyes, “Oh, isn't it beautiful?” she asked. Twilight and Applejack nodded in silence. “That's what the Generator has always done for years and years,” Petunia added as they all watched the aurora grow.

Twilight smiled as her focus gem started to glow, “Now we just add magic, and…” she then started to trail as she began to cast her reversion spell. After a few seconds as the spell was cast there was a boom and the aurora died. The group stepped outside and saw that there was no change. The four sighed in defeat. “I'm sorry.” Twilight apologized to Torque and Petunia, “I thought for sure it would work.” she added as she looked at the device and shook her head in shame.

Petunia walked to the device and placed a hand on it, “Let's not tell the mayor.” she suggested to the group. She placed her left hand on her heart as a tear formed in the corner of her eyes, “It would break his heart.” she added as the thought made it her own heart ache.

Twilight shook her head, as bitter as the news was it had to be shared. “No. We have to tell him we failed,” she stated as she looked at the device. “We can't bring the color back.”

That being said, Applejack was looking at the plants in the window box, “Hmm... Twilight!” she tried to get everyone’s attention as she went to get them, “I really think you should see this. You betcha—” she tried to direct the three, but like before she was cut off.

“We did it!” shouted Pinkie Pie. Twilight, Petunia and Torque dashed out of the shop. This left the paladin to sigh in frustration. The three found Pinkie and Fluttershy walking next to Moody and the Hamingtons as they pushed the cart. Pinkie was humming as they stopped the cart, “Everything you need for the Rainbow Festival bake sale!” Pinkie shouted as she opened up the cart to show the goods.

“Courtesy of the Hamingtons,” Fluttershy added as she hovered over the couple.

“And Mr. Moody Root!” Mr. Hamington corrected as he placed a hand on Moody’s shoulder. Moody chuckled with a smile.

As Twilight approached the cart, while there were no real colors, she could still see the goods beyond the color. “Ooh!” she exclaimed. “Everything looks delicious!” she added as looked over the baked products.

Petunia’s attention was drawn more to Moody, “Mr. Moody Root!” she shouted in joy as she went to the old man and greeted him with a hug him, “Why I haven't see ya in the library in ages.” she added after the two ended the hug.

Moody nodded with a smile, “High time I came back.” he said. He then looked beyond Petunia towards the town library, “Hey, you got any of them there cookbooks?” he asked. Just then the Barrel twins flew by and started to perform slightly upon novice level airshow tricks, all the while the two laughed.

Torgue gave a joyful chuckle at the sight, “They're pretty good.” the repairperson commented impressed by the duo.

Rainbow arrived on scene and hover next to her friends and the two locals, “They've been practicing their tails off for the big show.” the elementalist informed the group.

After they watched the twins continue to perform trick after trick, “What big show?” Torque asked confused.
Rainbow smirked, “The Rainbow Festival.” the elementalist replied, “They're the official entertainment.” she declared. Barley’s and Pickle’s wings started to give out and the two crashed into each other. Rainbow swiftly dashed to catch them and bring them to the ground safely. “Uh, landing still needs a little work,” she added with a nervous laugh.

“You're all here!” came Rarity’s voice as she and Kerfuffle with a cart full of accessories. “Wonderful!” the enchantress declared, as everyone noticed the new kerchief around her neck. “You can help us set up our cart. Kerfuffle's official Rainbow Festival accessories,” she said as she pointed to the cart.

“Ta-da!” Kerfuffle shouted as she stepped to the side to show the items.

“Heh,” Rainbow laughed as she looked at items, “whoa-ho-ho! Nice stuff.” the typically non-fashion savvy elementalist declared.

“And I designed color-matched assessories for each of ya!” Kerfuffle shouted as she went to the cart to grab a few specific items for the five other guests. “I know there’s no color,” she said cutting anyone from pointing out that everything was one shade of gray or another, “but I know where and what the colors are supposed to be.” she handed a scarf to Applejack, “An orange scarf for Applejack,” The paladin accepted the scarf and nodded in gratitude. Kerfuffle then grabbed four detached sleeves, “red arming and leggings fer Fluttershy,” the Skyborn artisan then gave the sleeves to the druid. Fluttershy smiled as she put them on. Kerfuffle then pulled out a lei and held it to Pinkie. “The pink flower lei is for, well, you-know-who,” she said. Pinkie stretched out her neck and dipped her head so that Kerfuffle could place the lei on without touching Pinkie’s head. Pinkie giggled as she raised her head.

Rarity placed her right hand on her new kerchief, “And look at my purple kerchief.” she said getting everyone to look at it, “Isn't it divine?” she asked as she turned to Kerfuffle and smiled at her.

Kerfuffle blushed at the praise and then grabbed a set of goggles and handed them to Rainbow Dash. “The blue goggles are fer Rainbow Dash.” she said. The elementalist chuckled as she donned the goggles. Kerfuffle then turned to the Barrel twins, “And I think I have some that might match for you two.” she said and pulled out a couple of goggles to the twins. The twins gave excited and grateful ‘Whoa!’s as the donned the googles.

Kerfuffle then turned to Twilight, “And somethin' very special for Princess Twilight.” she said before she turned back to her mobile stand and pulled out what looked like something that would slide over Twilight’s wings, “Wing bling!” Kerfuffle dubbed them as he handed them to Twilight, “In every shade of the rainbow, don'tcha know?” she finished calling attention to the seven different shades of gray as Twilight slide the ‘wing bling’ onto her wings.

Twilight flapped her wings three times to make sure that they wouldn’t slide off. Once it was clear that it was secure, Twilight gasped in awe and gratitude, “Kerfuffle, this is amazing!” she cheered the gift she was given. Twilight then turned to her friends and the handful of the town’s residents that to a small extent help them. “Everybody, you've done great work,” she said to them, not noticing the absence of a particular paladin. Twilight then sighed as she looked to the ground in guilty, “I just wish I could've done my part.” she said as she raised her head and looked to the rest, “I hate to admit it, but I'm stuck.” she admitted. “I don't know how to make the town's color come back.”

Just then Applejack returned with one of the flowers in Torque’s window box that changed from gray to its true color. “That's what I've been tryin' to tell ya!” the paladin shouted as she more or less shoved the flower into Twilight’s face she lowered it and point to the town et large, “It is comin' back!” the paladin declared. And with those words, parts of the town (most notable Kerfuffle and the Hamington’s stands and the items on them) took on their normal colors.

“Whoa!” Pickel said in awe as his and Barley’s goggles turned red

“What's happening?” Fluttershy asked as the question on everyone’s mind as they witness what happened.

“Something wonderful!” Rarity answered as she could only answer in awe.

Twilight looked at the ground somewhat confused “But how?” she asked. She then started to pace slightly as she mused, “It wasn't the Generator.” she mused in thought. She then started to smile as something dawned on her like the rising sun. “Which means something else must have drained the town's color in the first place!” She declared before she turned towards Hotel Hope. “I have to get back to the library!”

Inside the library, specifically the Rainbow room, Twilight, and Petunia were looking at the three pictures again. Twilight smiled “I thought so!” she announced. She then held out a magnifying glass for Petunia to look at the pictures, “Look.” she requested. Petunia took the glass and looked through the lens as Twilight held placed the second photo under it, “In the second photo, when the Generator goes off, this man is walking away.” she said while she pointed to the man that was turning away. Petunia nodded as she noted what Twilight was calling attention to. Twilight then moved the second photo and placed the third photo there, “But on the third photo, when all the color is gone, he's back where he was.” she stated. Twilight then stepped to the side, “Which means…” she trailed off.

Petunia gasped as she seemed to make the same realization that Twilight made. “We have to tell the mayor!” the librarian declared as the two turned from the photos.

“Tell me what?” asked the voice of Mayor Skies.

The two then saw him enter the room and put on a tall hat, “Sunny!” Petunia shouted as she rushed over towards him, “Have you seen what's happenin' outside?” she asked him wondering if he was aware of the town’s current situation.

Sunny shook his head, “Sorry, Petunia, I haven’t.” he answered, “Been in here fer a while workin' on my speech.” he explained as he tied his bow tie.

Before Petunia could explain, Twilight took the mayor’s hand and flew him to the the main door, Petunia following close behind. Once out the door, they spied the townsfolk interacting. The Hamingtons had set up a table and were selling their goods, mostly pies, “Who wants apricot pies?” Mr. Hamington asked as he held aloft one of the pies, “Best pies in Hope Hollow!” he added, clearly marketing but it seemed to work.

“Pies for sale!” Mrs. Hamington added, “Yummylicious!” she declared as a few townsfolk exchanged their bits for pie. Most notable. the younger couple whose daughter wanted to go to the recently announced faire, “Hello there, Mr. Hamington, Mrs. Hamington.” the woman greeted the couple, “Been a while.” she said noting how long since they interacted.

“How lovely to see you.” Mrs. Hamington greeted the customers in turn with a sincere smile. Just then the colors returned to the Hamingtons. Mrs. Hamington’s hair became mint green, as her gown took on a lighter shade of mint green, as her eyes took on a darker shade. Her necklace turned to gold in color with the gem in the center turned pink. Mr. Hamington’s hair and mustache became light yellow, his neck scarf became pink, as his shirt became light pink and his vest became purple as his pants became a mid-blue in color. All the while their stand took on their normal color as did the pies they baked. Mr. Hamington gasped in shock as Mrs. Hamington gave an “Oh!” in excitement.

Not far from them at the cart that Moody owned with more of the pies, stood Moody and Pinkie. The pink-clad jester started to juggle several of the pies, “What's better than one pie?” she asked the crowd rhetorically, “Lots of pies!” she answered her question, “Official Rainbow Festival goodness right here now!” she added as she successfully placed the pies back on the cart. As that happened the colors returned to the rest of the pies. This caused Moody to gasp before he chuckled.

At the mobile stand for Kerfuffle’s goods, “Over here, darlings!” Rarity announced as she tried to market the wears. “Just look what Kerfuffle has come up with!” she continued to pitch as one of the other town’s residents put on a set of glasses Kerfuffle made. “I never knew you did such great work. I have to visit your shop.” the woman that put on the glasses said as she turned to Kerfuffle. Before Kerfuffle could reply, the man in the trout costume asked, “Hey, ya got anythin' waterproof?” Kerfuffle nodded. Just then the colors of the costume became the colors of an actual rainbow trout as did several others of the town.

From the library/hotel entrance, Sunny gasped at the sight that bit by bit, person by person, article of cloths by…point having been made. Sunny turned to Twilight in awe. Before he asked, “It wasn’t the Generator.” Twilight explained as she levitated to Sunny the three photos. “Take a good look, you’ll see that the last two photos are out of order.” Twilight explained as Sunny examined the two more closely then he had in the past. His eyes widen as he saw that indeed the two photos were out of order. He lifted his head and was about to ask, “I’ve should have recognized this magic, I saw it among the Crystalborn in Krystalopolies, whenever they lost hope their skin dulled. The Rainbow Festival is based on a similar type of magic as the Crystal Faire, it reflects and amplifies the emotions present. Your grandfather didn’t make the generator to make a rainbow but to reflect the emotions of the town. As people became apathetic, the colors began to fade, it was subtle at first, one small shade here, another there, but it wasn’t until just before you started the generator that everything came crashing down.” Twilight explained.

Sunny wanted to smile, but something held him back, “You mean this wasn’t my fault?” the mayor asked.

“No, ya big doofus!” Petunia replied slightly scolding him, “How many times have I tried to tell ya that?” she asked rhetorically as she finished the scolding, “All this time, ya blamed yerself for nuthin'.” she finished as she placed her right hand on Sunny’s shoulder and left on her heart.

Mayor Skies smiled in relief, “If anything all you’ve done to try to keep the community together slowed the process down.” Twilight added, as she spoke more and more of the town’s colors returned. “But right now, if there is going to be a Rainbow Festival, it’s time to give everyone your big speech, Mayor, the town’s waited long enough,” Twilight said as she pointed to the stage. There on the podium was the repaired Rainbow Generator.

Sunny nodded and took the stage while everyone turned to face it. “Thank you, everyone, for coming out today for this year’s Hope Hollow’s Annual Rainbow Festival. To say I’m as proud as a two-tailed peacock to see you all here today to once again celebrate our little town at the end of the rainbow, would be an understatement.” Sunny paused as the town cheered. After the cheers died down, the mayor continued. “And I can't give enough thanks to our guests, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Sunny gestured to Twilight. The princess chuckled and nodded. “Pinkamena Diane Pie,” he continued. The jester giggled as she waved. “Rarity Crumbles-Flanks” the mayor continued as he gestured the enchantress who waved. “Applejack Apple,” the mayor then pointed to the paladin, who tipped her hat. “Fluttershy,” Sunny began to round the bend as he called attention to the druid. Fluttershy waved and giggled. “and of course our guest of honor for this year’s festival Rainbow Dash,” he finished listing off the six as Rainbow flew by and landed next to her friends.

After the crowd cheered for a couple of seconds, Sunny continued his speech, “My grandpa started this festival to celebrate us, well you, I should say, the people of Hope Hollow. It's you who brought friendship back to our town, and all the bright colors that come with it.” As he spoke more and more of the town, bit by bit, regained their color. “We just have to always remember to reach a hand out to our neighbors, to respect and listen and talk to each other. You never know what just sayin' "hello" to somebody can do.” once again Sunny paused as he lifted his hand and prepared to press the generator’s on-button. “So, without further ado…” he trailed off as he pressed the button. The generator whirred to life and for the first time in a while, it launched a beam into the sky and for the first time in a while, it made its rainbow-ish aurora. Everyone gasped and soon, for the most part, all of the town’s colors returned.

Torque’s hair returned to it’s true red, as her eyes became light blue, her overall became blue, her shirt a lighter shade of blue and her handkerchief on her head became green. This left her with just in awe. Next to her stood Applejack’s who’s new scarf turned orange.

Twilight’s ‘wing-bling’ also changed color, with red closest to the base and blue shifting to violet along the edge. Twilight could only gasp in awe.

Rarity’s handkerchief turned purple, “It's exactly as I imagined it!” Kerfuffle cheered before she too regained her lost colors. Her hair was mostly pink, with a white streak in front. Her eyes purple. She dressed turned a light blue, with the vest turning yellow, with her metallic leg looking an earthy brown. Everyone cheered at the massive restoration of color.

As Sunny stepped down from the stage he was greeted by Petunia. “That was a beautiful speech, Sunny,” she said with a smile.

Sunny gave a nervous laugh, “Well that wasn't the speech I’ve been working on.” he confessed. Petunia looked at him confused at that confession. Sunny rubbed the back of his head for a second before he sighed. “I was plannin’ this for later, but…” he trailed off as he took off his hat and took a knee. He took Petunia’s left hand with his right and took a breath to calm his nerves, “Petunia, you've never given up on me or the town. You always had hope when we had none, and I can't imagine a day without you.” he started. He took another breath, “You're the person who brings color into my life.” he said as he looked right into Petunia’s eyes. “Petunia Petals, will you marry me?” he asked as he pulled out a small box from his pants pocket.

Petunia took her hand back, “Of course, ya silly goose!” she said as she took the ring and slide it on her left ring finger. As they kissed their color returned, Sunny’s suit was a light blue, his top hat and bowtie a greenish-blue with a yellow stripe on the hat. His hair became two shapes of cloud-like white and his eyes amber. Petunia’s eye became bright blue, her hair two shades of purple and her dress a moderate pink. All the while everyone cheered for the newly engaged couple. Looking on with smiles, were Torque, Kerfuffle, Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, Pinkie (who’s lei was now pink) and Fluttershy (who’s sleeves were now red).

Up in the sky, Rainbow (who’s goggles were now blue) hovered with the Barrel Twins, with Pickle on her left and Barley on her right. “Attention, everyone!” she shouted, getting everyone’s attention. “Introducing Hope Hollow's very own Junior Wonderbolts; Barley and Pickle Barrel!” she said as she called attention to the twins. Everyone cheered.

“Did you hear what she called us?!” The two asked each other in disbelief, like a child finding the one gift they always wanted but figured they would never get. “Junior Wonderbolts!” they answered before they laughed as their colors returned. Their hair was mint green with a streak of a darker shade and their eyes were blue. Pickle’s hoodie was red, much like his goggles and his pants were yellow. Barley’s hat and the sleeves of her t-shirt were also red, with the main part being white. She too wore yellow pants.

Rainbow and the two flew up into the air, above the clouds. Rainbow squinted in determination as she was focused on what they were about to do. “Okay, guys,” she said and then turned her focus to the flight plan. “Showtime!” The twins chuckled as they followed her while the elementalist went higher into the sky. After she achieved her desired altitude she started her full speed decent and performed her signature Sonic Rainboom with the twins following her. As the trio completed their decent and the flyby of and through the town, the three waved in flight with the twins at the crest of their wave while Rainbow was in the trough of hers. This continued until the trio landed gracefully right in front of the stage. The crowd cheered the three for the show. Rainbow smirked, “Now this is something I'm proud to be a guest of honor for!” The elementalist declared before she gasped a kaleidoscope of butterflies started to float into town.

Fluttershy smiled at the sight, “And it looks like there's a butterfly garden after all.” the druid declared

“Only one more thing could make this Rainbow Festival better,” Pinkie announced as she pulled her five friends into a partial group hug. Before anyone could answer, “A trout DJ! Hit Trout!” she shouted as she pointed to the man in the trout costume. He then started to play his harmonica. Everyone cheered and applauded. “Now that's a party!” Pinkie declared as she laughed as did her friends.

The next day, the six were floating home in their balloon. “That was fun, we should go back next year!” Pinkie declared.

“And I think I’ll take my parents and Sweetie.” Rarity said as she was looking at a brochure that was about the town’s small exhibit to their favorite rugby playing son. “I think they would love to show us their past.”

“I’m sure Scootaloo and Apple Bloom would also love to go too.” Applejack pointed out. Rainbow nodded. “And maybe Flash and any other special somebodies we might have then.” Every silently nodded as well.

After a second Twilight spoke, “You know back home, there’s” she took a breath, A hundred bottles of pop on the wall
A hundred bottles of pop,” she started to sing.

My Little Mages: End of the Rainbow

by Foxhelm

To The Hollow

A Grayscale Town

Reaching to Neighbors

Return of The Rainbow