Blueblood's Day: For Equestria!

Prince Blueblood's Day
by Fizzy Orange

Prince Blueblood, Viscount at the Night Court of Luna considered himself a learned stallion, one that knew many verifiable facts. Three of those facts he held as absolute and immutable truths. One of those truths was that Princess Luna would always be there to rule over Equestria. The second was that Corona was a long gone mythical monster forever trapped into the Sun and being afraid of midday was for superstitious peasants. The third was that official parties can hardly be referred to as such on account of how tediously boring and uneventful they are.

As fate would want it, all three of those truths came to be shattered during the Longest Night Ball held by the Night Court. While the princess insisted on visiting a different plebian backwater town every year, the members of her Night Court would indulge in a boorish night of dancing and tepid conversations over hors d’oeuvre and champagne. The whole exercise was about doing political networking without actually mentioning any political issue during the whole evening. It was a tasteless dance the courtiers danced, to say nothing of the actual dancing when a few junior members got too heavy hoofed with the champagne. At least the food was decent.

Prince Blueblood, as Canterlot’s most eligible bachelor, had a new companion for the evening. A very good-looking unicorn mare he had met only recently. Miss Chantage Arnaque was a business heiress from Prance who had came to him to talk business, at least at first. The business deal hadn’t paned out but he took a liking to her. She had a very alluring lilac mane, deep eyes in sky blue color and a very fashionable midnight blue coat. She was so clever and just loved to listen to him go on and on about his clever plans.

Things had gone sour when, much to the general confusion of everypony present, the sun began to rise shortly after the clock had hit midnight. The ballroom had large windows oriented to the east and west made specifically to watch the heavenly dance of Moon and Sun. Shortly thereafter the present member of the Night Guard had all suddenly lost their signature bat wings and monochromatic colors. The Boon of Night woven into their armor by Princess Luna herself had suddenly disappeared!

Through the general ruckus of confusion the voice of Captain Shining Armor rose above the crowd “Something happened to the Princess! All unicorn guards to me! Initiate Aegis Formation Omega!”

As one the unicorn Royal Guards and those of the Night Guards rushed out into the castle’s courtyard. Blueblood couldn’t help notice that some of the waiters, musicians, and even a few guests followed as well. He briefly wondered why some of Luna’s guards had been undercover and if they were always there at official events.

The confused nobles went out to the edge of the courtyard, many just standing on the threshold of the large double doors that led into the ballroom. It was as if the Courtyard had become the battlefield of an unknown war, the tension visible in the unicorn guards’ eyes enough to make anypony afraid of stepping further.

“What are they doing?” asked his companion in her adorable accented voice.

“I’m not sure my dear,” said Prince, looking on as Shining Armor began casting his signature spell “the Aegis is Captain Shining Armor’s specialty. It is a magical force field that allows him to protect all of Canterlot against intrusions, but I’ve never heard of an Aegis Formation.”

It didn’t take long for the onlookers to understand the point of the gathering of guards. As the captain created his force field his fellow guardsponies fed magic from their own horns into his.

The true utility of that magical shield became apparent when the most frightening thing that Prince Blueblood had ever experienced in his life happened: Corona, the Tyrant Sun, appeared. Obviously nopony alive, aside from Luna herself, had ever laid eyes on the Tyrant Sun, but to Prince Blueblood there was no doubt who the large giant Alicorn with the flaming mane was. She was floating above Canterlot, contemplating the Aegis with curiosity. Panic spread to the nobles, many fleeing back into the ballroom, but Prince Blueblood remained on the threshold, looking up in awe.

The Tyrant Sun made a few prodding assault on the force field, each contact sending a ripple of energy throughout the pink bubble surrounding Canterlot. Every hint made Captain Shining Armor wince.

“We… we should step back, we should run away Prince,” said the unicorn mare by his side, apparently frightened.

“Mademoiselle Arnaque, do you know the History of House Blueblood? Specifically from the time of Corona?” asked Prince, without looking at her.

“I…I heard that your ancestor, Vizier Blueblood was loyal to Corona and that his son, Chamberlain Blueblood, had to kill him to gain control of the House and restore honor to the family,” she answered, unsure of the point.

“That is what the history books say, Chantage,” said Blueblood with a sigh. “The truth is far more complex. Vizier Blueblood held the prestigious title of Viceroy in the Day Court, back when the two courts existed and were nothing more than a small group of counselor, and not the formidable machine of governance that is the current Night Court.

“For years he was a loyal follower of Corona, and he helped her make Equestria a better place. But as the years went on, greed and paranoia seem to creep into his Princess’ heart, tainting it with darkness. She began to ignore the advice of her court, to make more and more outrageous decrees. Those that dared defy her were often punished in flames, and their families with them.

“Vizier was afraid of Corona’s erratic behavior. He knew she was becoming a tyrant but did not dare speak up. He wished to protect his family from her wrath, and remained by her side even as she descended into madness and hatred. When the Tyrant Sun was banished into the Sun, the lunar forces mercilessly attacked all those still loyal to her. In the final moment of the assault on his estate Vizier took the only brave decision of his cowardly life. He made his own son kill him, to make it appear that he was the only one to blame and not his family. His family was spared but they were ruined. Their estate was in ruin and the position Vizier held no longer existed with the dissolution of the Day Court.”

The Viscount took a moment to observe the Tyrant Sun as she assaulted the magical shield once more.

“For a millennia my family has endeavored to restore our name to its former glory. It was and still is a journey full of hardships and setbacks. I am the first Blueblood to reach the title of Viscount, all that thanks to the efforts of my predecessors who paved the way. I will, more than likely, never reach the title of Viceroy myself, but maybe my hard work will be the stepping stone the next Blueblood to reach the court will need.

“When I was a foolish youth I wanted to become a scout in the armed forces, exploring new lands and mapping enemy movements. I later realized, after my uncle was sent to rot in some backwater town, that my talent for always staying on track and finding my way would be better put to use in the wilds of the Night Court. While I might enjoy some of the fruits of my hard work, such as the companionship of beautiful mares like you, I take great pride in the fact that, ultimately, my struggles in the Night Court are all in the service of my noble heritage!” he continued, glaring at the Tyrant Sun.

“An heritage that began by serving her,” he said, taking a pause to look at the mare next to him. “You know…if Equestria is to have a change of ruler, that ruler will need nobles to run the country,” he said with a neutral tone.

The blue unicorn gasped in shock. “You can’t possibly…”

Prince Blueblood didn’t let her finish her sentence before he turned toward the cowering nobles and servants in the ballroom.

“Unicorns of Canterlot!”He shouted, addressing the crowd, “Let’s lend Captain Armor out magic! Canterlot must not fall!”

“Yes! It’s up to us unicorns to save Canterlot!” declared Archduke Fisher from a corner of the room.

“Good idea boy! All with Shining Armor!” declared famous socialite Fancy Pants.

“For Canterlot!” added a female courtier.

“For Equestria!”

Soon Blueblood was at the front of a large group of unicorns rushing to aid Captain Shining Armor. Words was being spread over the rest of the castle and the panic stricken city by speedy pegasi, requesting everypony with a horn to come help in the effort.

“A Blueblood will be Viceroy in the Night Court one day, I swear it,” said Prince to himself.

A midnight blue mare, smirking to herself, remained by the threshold at first.

“Looks like even you have hidden depths, Bluey,” stated the pony known as Zizanie, before she went to add her lilac magic to the Aegis formation.

Just in time to witness Captain Shining Armor facing off against a projection of the Tyrant Sun herself.

Octavia's Day: Not Her Usual Audience

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Octavia's Day
by GrassAndClouds2

Octavia smiled slightly at the ponies who trotted and danced before her. The Paganeighni Memorial Hall was a relatively prestigious venue, with room for a large audience and an upper-class clientele. While there were no nobles in attendance, she could see members from a few of the top families in attendance, as well as celebrities –Photo Finish had just arrived– and cultural trendsetters. This was her biggest and most prestigious audience yet.

But that was something to reflect on later – for now, her focus had to be on the music. This piece was ending, and the ending had to be just right. So she continued, playing the flurry of staccato notes, the two rapid, long melodies that traveled all over the cello, and then finally, the series of cadences to close out the piece.

When she finished, she allowed herself a small smile – she had played it perfectly. And her audience had noted this. She gracefully bowed at the applauding ponies. “Thank you,” she said, and meant it.

“Brava!” they said, and they meant it too.

Her set was over; she had a little time before she would be due to play again. She quickly put her cello in its case and stowed it in the storage area, then went out onto the dance floor. She wanted to get a quick bite to eat – the chickpea turnovers smelled amazing – and mingle with a few of the ponies. Photo Finish was unoccupied, for instance; she would be a good start.

Collecting a drink and some food, she approached the celebrity. “Hello,” she said, bowing a little.

“Octavia! So nice to finally meet you.” Photo Finish smiled broadly. “Truly, your music iz divine!”

“Yes, it’s wonderful indeed.” Octavia turned to see Hoity Toity, a popular fashion critic, approaching. “Remarkable.”

“Thank you both.”

Hoity Toity nodded. “You know, I’m going to be at fashion show in a couple of weeks; Upper Crust Fashions is going to be showing off some of their newest lines. I don’t think they have their musical accompaniment lined up quite yet. If you want, I could recommend your services.”

“I would be most grateful.”

Photo Finish paused, and then, as if not wanting to appear less supportive of the arts than Hoity, said, “And I’m hosting a fabulous soiree in two days. I certainly hope you could attend and make ze magics with your music!”

“I will be there.” Octavia smiled to herself. Photo Finish, despite her daffy demeanor, was quite intelligent and well-versed when it came to music. Playing for Hoity would be a boost to her career; playing for Photo would additionally be an honor.

The topic of the conversation turned towards music and the scene in Canterlot; what musical styles were gaining in popularity, which composers were the ones to watch, which musicians the best for which pieces. Lyre music came up at one point, and Octavia was able to recommend her best student, Lyra Heartstrings, for a small lyre recital. Cello music also came up a few times, and with it plenty of acknowledgements of Octavia’s skill, as well as mentions of a few other concert opportunities.

Then the time came. Octavia excused herself, retrieved her cello, and walked back to the stage. It was almost midnight, and she would play the famous Ballad of the Moonlit Sky. This was the most famous cello piece relating to the Longest Night ceremony, and while few musicians could master it, Octavia was up to the task. She brought up her bow, waited for the crowd to notice her, then swept it down towards her instrument—

A ray of sunlight fell across her face.

This was so bizarre and unexpected that even Octavia, who had occasionally joked that she would continue to perform even if the sun fell out of the sky, froze and glanced up.

The sun was rising.

Her first thought was that this was impossible; her sense of time was more accurate than most clocks and she would never have lost several hours. Her second was that she had gone crazy and was hallucinating. Her third, accompanied by a sharp order to herself to stop panicking like some idiot foal, was that this was obviously some stupid joke or prank. Some unicorn had cast a light spell on the windows, that was all. She brought her bow back up and began to lower it again.

“The sun!”

She didn’t know who in the crowd had gasped it, but she felt a stab of annoyance that somepony would rather pay attention to the joke rather than to her music. With a frown, she rose her bow for the third time.

But now the crowd was streaming away, hurrying towards the doors and the balconies. In seconds, nopony was before her. Octavia hesitated, then hurried after them. Was there more to this than she thought?

The crowd on the nearest balcony seemed to be stunned, looking blankly into the sky. Octavia made her way between them, and looked up…

To see the blazing sun.

“Don’t panic!” This was the voice of the host of the party, Celebratory. “I’m sure that… Luna just made a mistake, or something. Or she’s performing some kind of joke, or a special event. It’s been a thousand years since she defeated the Tyrant Sun, after all. Perhaps she wants to show us what her sister was like, or something…”

The crowd began murmuring to each other. Octavia frowned. That was possible, but then Princess Luna would have told ponies. She would have known how frightening the sudden appearance of the sun would be. Octavia couldn’t imagine Luna springing this on the populace as some sort of surprise.

“Why don’t we all go back inside? Octavia, could we perhaps have some music? Something bright and sunny?”

“Of course.” Octavia nodded briskly. “I—“

“Look!” cried somepony.

Octavia looked, just in time to see a large purple dot appear high above Canterlot Castle and begin to grow, quickly turning into a large dome. “What?” she managed. “What’s that?”

“The aegis shield!” a tan pegasus yelled. “It’s a big defensive wall – they must think something’s going to attack the city!”

There was a pause.

“It’s the Tyrant Sun!” screamed half a dozen ponies at once.

Octavia, sensing that a panic was coming, immediately began forcing her way out of the crowd. She wasn’t wrong. No sooner had she made it to the edge of the balcony than the crowd stopped screaming and began running for the exits.

“I’m getting out of here!”

“My foal! I have to get to Chomper!”

“Ladybug, come on – forget your purse!”

Octavia barely managed to get away from the rush before they would have trampled her and her cello, and she backed up against a wall to let the celebrities and high-society ponies rush by her. She realized, belatedly, that her mouth was dry and her coat fell clammy. How can Corona be here? What can we do?

She’d heard stories, of course. Her student, Lyra, loved telling stories with music. She knew all about the horrible things Corona had done and had tried to do. What she had vowed to do if she ever escaped her prison in the sun. The tales were many, and each one was frightening in its own way. The two consistent trends? That Corona was very powerful… and mean.

I have to get home.

There was no logical reason for this; home wasn’t any safer than anywhere else in the now-enclosed city, but Octavia still decided to make this her objective. “Besides, if I’m home I can… I can compose or practice, or do something productive…” It would help her take her mind off of the sun, and Corona, and being burned up. Besides, if there was a panic, she’d need to be home to make sure looters or vandals didn’t attack her house.

She looked around, realizing that she was the last one in the hall. Every other pony had fled by this point.

She followed.

The streets were in a chaos that the legendary Discord himself would have envied.

Carriages and carts were jammed up against each other in complete gridlock. Several carriages had crashed due to their owners’ zeal to get away from wherever they were, and traffic couldn’t progress. Nopony was trying to clear the streets; the repair crews were probably just as panicked as everypony else. There were a few harried Guards, but they were clearly being overwhelmed.

Octavia abandoned the idea of catching a carriage and began to hoof it towards her home. It was about an hour’s trot, but at this rate, it would take more than an hour just to get traffic moving again. The walk would be faster.

As she hurried down the streets, the chaos only grew worse and worse. It soon became apparent that the Guards were underpowered; Octavia couldn’t see any unicorns, so she guessed that they were helping with the Aegis shield. But it was all the remaining police could do to work with traffic and stop open panic; she knew they’d have no hope at all of stopping anything else or defending private property in the event of looting or more violent chaos. She gritted her teeth. She had to get home.

“Attention!” Octavia looked up just in time to see a pegasus wearing Night Guard Armor – but without the characteristic bat-like look, for some reason – flying into a nearby square. “Any unicorns who wish to assist Captain Armor with the defensive shield, please report to Canterlot Castle!”

“You need civilians for help?” cried out somepony. “We’re doomed!”

Octavia rolled her eyes and ran all the faster.

It took a while, and there were several close calls – not so much for her, but for her cello, which many of the panicking partygoers seemed to somehow overlook in their zeal to get home – but she finally began approaching her neighborhood. She waded across a small stream, not bothering with the clogged bridge. Fifteen minutes at most, now, and then she’d be home.

“It’s so bright,” she heard a pony mention to her companion, and she had to agree. The sun wasn’t usually this bright or this big. That confirmed it. Only Corona could grow the sun, or bring it closer to the world. She was really back.

When I joked about playing even with the sun falling, I didn’t think it’d really happen…

She could panic later. She could panic when she was safely home, with her cello secured in its safe and with herself sipping tea or sitting on her couch. (Or hiding under her bed, possibly). But she had to get home first, to protect her instrument, to save her home from any riots that might spring up, to…

She heard distant cries.

Foals? So many? What are they doing out now?

As she rounded a corner, she saw one of Canterlot’s elementary schools. Though it should have been night, she saw that there were panicking foals inside, most of them screaming and trying to escape out into the streets, and several calling out for parents. There were also a few teachers and chaperones in party garb, desperately trying to stop the foals from smashing through the gate or scaling the small playground walls and running out into the streets.

Octavia skidded to a halt, staring. The foals looked absolutely terrified. The teachers didn’t look much better off, and they were tiring. If the foals continued to panic, some of them would probably escape the school building in the next few minutes. Given the general chaos, they could be trampled and hurt.

For a moment, she was tempted to ignore this and hurry home. She bore no responsibility for the foals; it was the teachers and chaperones who had pledged to keep them safe, and it wasn’t her fault that they weren’t up to the task. Besides, in these circumstances, nopony could blame her for wanting to hurry home and get under the shelter of her familiar roof.

She shoved those thoughts aside. She had played for foals before; while she didn’t much enjoy it, as they could rarely follow or understand her music, they seemed to have fun with it. She had the power to distract the foals from the sun and the chaos outside, to calm them down so they wouldn’t get hurt. It was the right thing to do.

And, besides. She’d joked before that a good musician performed on schedule, even if the sun fell out of the sky. Well, now it was time to meet that standard.

The chaperones seemed more surprised than the foals when Octavia strode into the building, but both groups stopped panicking and turned to look at her.

“Can… can I help you?” asked one of the teachers.

“Musical entertainment,” said Octavia. She had guessed that this was some sort of party for foals whose parents were otherwise occupied that night. “I’m ready to start.”

The presence of a calm adult was already starting to calm the foals a little, who turned towards her. “Music now?” asked one. “But – but the sun’s up! It’s not supposed to be up yet!”

“That doesn’t matter.” Octavia set her cello case down and unpacked it. “Are all the foals here?”

“Yes, I think so,” began one teacher. “But—“

“Good.” Octavia drew her bow back, and then, without waiting for the teachers or anypony else, began to play.

It was not the sort of music Octavia usually performed. It was light-hearted, energetic, foolish music, with obvious beats and simple melodies. It was a medley of popular foal tunes, the sort found in carnivals and at grade-school recitals.

And it worked wonders on the foals.

They were desperate, of course, for some sense of normalcy to cling to. The teachers hadn’t been providing it; they had been fear-crazed themselves; but Octavia showed no fear. She just played her music, the way she always did, with sublime accuracy and perfect poise.

And they loved it.

At first, they forced themselves to listen, desperate for some distraction from the chaos outside. But then, after a few minutes, they didn’t need to force themselves anymore. They liked the music. Loved it, even. It was familiar, and it was the music they had been expecting to hear that night – after all, it was the Longest Night, and they’d come to the school for some sort of party. Now that it seemed to be resuming, now that an adult seemed to have everything in hoof, the foals were able to calm down somewhat.

And so Octavia played on, heedless to whatever news the outside world might bring. And the foals listened, enraptured.

Two hours passed.

Octavia had noticed, distantly, that her audience was decreasing in size. Every now and then, a pony would make it to the school, having fought their way through the traffic jams, the crowds, and everything else, to retrieve their foal. Normally, Octavia would have been furious at an audience dribbling away before she was done, but given the circumstances, she wasn’t going to complain.

Eventually, when she was down to ten foals, the door opened and an exhausted-looking Night Guard came in. She was tall, with a violet coat and unusually large wings.

“Hi.” She nodded to the chaperones, then to Octavia. “I’m here to get the children of the Guards.”

Ah. That would explain why some of the remaining foals were there – the others were probably at the school so their parents could go to parties without needing to find a foalsitter, but the foals of the Guards on duty that night would need to be watched too, of course.

Octavia stopped playing for a moment, and the teacher nodded. “Hippity Hop, Cutie Pie, Roller Derby, Silly Goose…” she quickly read off about eight names. “Please go with the nice Guard here.”

The Guard nodded. “I’m Evening Moondew. I’m taking home all the foals of the Guards, so you can see your families again.” Two foals raised hooves, as if to ask questions. The Guard looked at them and seemed to guess what they had to say. “For those foals with both parents in the Guards, we’ve set up a big suite at the Canterlot Royal Hotel. You’ll see your friends there, and we can protect you.”

The foals got up to go with her. A few paused and turned to look at Octavia. “Thanks for playing us music, Miss Philharmonica!” said one.

You are welcome.” She paused; she had not introduced herself. “How did you know my name?”

The foal smiled brightly. “My mom’s a really big fan of yours! She says you’re the best cellist in Canterlot!”

“And you’re really nice too,” said another. “Thank you so much for playing with us!”

Octavia couldn’t quite contain her smile that time.

The Guard looked amused too. “Alright. Stick close to me, foals, and I’ll get all of you home safe.”

Only two foals remained. The head teacher paused. “Ah… I know where both of them live. I can take them home.” She smiled at Octavia. “And… thank you. Thank you so much. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

“It was no trouble.” Octavia began packing up her cello. “Your students were a good audience.”

“Still… it meant a lot to us. Thank you again.”

Octavia bowed before leaving.

The sun was still high overhead. The streets were clogged with abandoned carriages and carts, though they were mostly deserted except for the occasional harried Guard on patrol. Octavia found that she was able to make much better time going home.

Well, that wasn’t my usual audience. But, as she got home – despite the situation, the sun, the Aegis shield which was the city’s one thin defense against a Tyrant – Octavia could not help but smile slightly. But it was a very rewarding show.

“Hey, Walls!”

The pony peeled herself off of the wall. A group of prisoners had tried taking advantage of the chaos and the disappearance of the Guards to affect their escape; she and a few of the Shadowbolts had been sent to stop them. They had done so, and had then been ordered to a Shadowbolt hideout to wait for further orders.

The pony called ‘Walls wasn’t really a Shadowbolt, though she often helped them with their missions and they treated her as one of the team. She’d been going to the hideout with them, when she’d heard, distantly, cello music. It had seemed so out of place in the chaotic and panicked city that she’d simply had to go investigate.

She’d caught the tail end of Octavia’s performance, but even after the mare had left, she’d remained hanging off the wall for a few moments.

I think I’ll keep my eye on her… She couldn’t help but smile. Octavia didn’t seem to think it was a huge deal, but she’d likely stopped some of those foals from running into traffic and getting injured. A mare like that was worth keeping an eye on.

“Walls!” The pony turned at hearing her codename called for the second time. “Jewelry store robbery in the downtown district. Guards can’t get there before us. You coming?”

Walls turned and began to follow the others. That could wait for later. They had work to do.

Scootaloo's Day: Remembrance

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Scootaloo's Day
by Blackbelt

"Mommy, do you have to go?"

"Don't worry, my little flier. I'll be back right after the Longest Night Festival. Than I'll have plenty of free time."

"...I know you have responsibilities and stuff, but I still wish you didn't have to go...."

"Tell you what; After I get back, we'll start your flying lessons, ok?"

"REALLY!? Oh, thank you Mommy, thankyouthankyouthankyou!"

__________________________________________

The Longest Night Festival was in full swing. Princess Luna had just raised the moon and dotted the sky with stars. Ponies were excited, talking amongst themselves about the beauty of the situation. And off in the distance, some pony was yelling about some magic show.

Scootaloo ignored all of it, walking away from the festivities of the night. She walked slowly, head hung low, wings drooping slightly. Guided by the light of the moon, she made her way through the streets of Ponyville, the ponies celebrating paying her no mind. Eventually, the streets lead to a foreboding barred gate, tall and menacing. She placed a hoof upon one of the doors, and pushed with all the strength she could muster, barely opening the gate enough to squeeze through.

The path gone now, the young filly walked through the grass, passing by the small gravestones that dotted the cemetery. She walked, until she came upon a hill at the the back of the cemetery. At the top of this hill, there was a grand statue, made of the finest marble. It was a statue of one of Luna's Night Guards. At it's base, read a simple description.

Nocturne Striker
Friend. Wife. Mother. Hero.

Scootaloo sat in front of the statue. She dared not look at it directly, keeping her gaze firmly at the ground. Eventually, she found the strength to speak.

"Hi Mom."

____________________________________________

Scootaloo eagerly looked out her window, scanning the skies. She knew that any minute now, her mommy would be returning from her super awesome hero duties. Eventually, she saw an armored pegasus in the distance. Scootaloo immediately smiled, thoughts of the flying lessons that would come filling her head.

She immediately began to worry, when she noticed it was not her mommy flying towards her house. When she heard a knock coming from the front door of her house, her worry only grew. She quickly ran downstairs to see what was happening. When she got there, she saw her dad speaking with a Night Guard Stallion, a grim look in his eyes.

The stallion saluted her father, before he spoke. "Mr. Roller sir.....I'm sorry, but......your wife.." The stallion went silent, before pulling out something that was tucked beneath his wing. Scootaloo recognized her mommy's helmet immediately. What she did not recognize was the giant dent that marred it.

"What happened to mommy?!" Scootaloo yelled before she could stop herself. Running on instinct, she ran right in front of the guard. "What happened to mommy!?" she repeated. "Is she ok!?"

_____________________________________________

Scootaloo pulled out a candy bar from beneath her wing, carefully unwrapping it. She broke it in half, holding one half of it in her hoof. She carefully put the other half in front of her mother's grave.

She ate her candy bar in silence, the only other sounds were the sound of the wind, and the sounds of the various creatures of the night that called the cemetery home. Once she finished her half of the candy, she worked up the courage to look at the statue once again. "I..." Scootaloo struggled to say. "I've been doing well mom. So has dad. I got a new teacher at school this year, and she's really nice. And everyone in Ponyville has been doing well too. Like earlier today, the nice lady who works at the candy store had a good friend visit her. She seemed really happy when she came into the candy store." Scootaloo thought for a moment. "OH! And Princess Luna is gonna visit Ponyville for the Longest Night Festival..."

Scootaloo continued to recount what had happened over the year to the statue, doing her best to not cry openly.

_____________________________________________

Scootaloo sat next to her father. Tears streamed down her face as she listened to various ponies stand, and talk about how wonderful her Mommy had been, and the impact she had had on their lives. Scootaloo made no effort to stop crying. No one had tried to stop her. No one knew what exactly to say to her.

Scootaloo had managed to at least stay quiet in her sorrow, letting the ponies who stood speak. At least until Princess Luna had stood, speaking of how all Night Guards, and indeed all ponies, could do well to live up to the example that her Mother had set.

Scootaloo didn't know why she chose that moment to make her sorrow known.

"WHY!?" Scootaloo yelled. "Why did my mommy have to go!? She....she was the best Mommy in the world....she didn't deserve this..." and than Scootaloo turned her attention upon the Princess of Equestria. "And why couldn't you do anything to save mommy!? You're a princess! Why did Mommy have to go!?"

Scootaloo yelled louder and louder, anger and sorrow mixing together, focused upon the alicorn that sat next to her mother's grave.

The only words the princess provided were "I'm sorry" And Scootaloo could tell, beyond any doubt, that Luna truly meant it. Scootaloo also knew that she really didn't care about any sort of forgiveness as she continued her tirade. No one, not her father, not her Princess, and not her mother's comrades did anything to stop her.

______________________________________________

"....and Sweetie Belle has the most beautiful voice. I wish you could hear it...and....." Scootaloo finally paused in her story. Her eyes began to water. ".....I wish you were here Mommy.....I miss you....."

_________________________________________

It had been a week since the funeral. Scootaloo and Heavy Roller sat at the table in the living room, eating their breakfast in silence. The same way the two of them had eaten breakfast every day since the news hit.

Heavy Roller quietly excused himself from the table and headed downstairs, to open the garage that made up the first floor of their house, just as he had the same way every day since the news hit.

Scootaloo finished eating, and walked back to her room, laying down in her bed. Just as she had every day ever since the news hit.

_________________________________________________

The tears flowed freely from the young filly. "..I love you Mommy...." was all she could say, sitting in the cemetery as the sun rose.

wait a minute......

Scootaloo looked up, and saw the sun rising into the sky really, really fast. And than she heard a voice, loud and clear, that did nothing to lessen her worries.

"RUN! Run, my little ponies! The sunrise is not my doing! Flee to the forests and hide! Co-" and then Scootaloo heard Luna scream in pain.

Deep down, Scootaloo knew that she could stay in the cemetery safely. She knew that anything that was happening in the town would take awhile to reach her, and she could run and hide like Luna said. But she also knew her dad was still in town. So she ran back to the town as fast as she could, cursing the fact that she didn't have her scooter with her.
____________________________________________________

Scootaloo was running across a large grassy field. Grass as far as the eyes could see. But Scootaloo wasn't looking at the grass. Her attention was solely focused on a pegasus that flew through the sky. "Mommy! Don't go!" She yelled."MOMMY!" But the pegasus payed the young filly no mind, flying faster, quickly flying to the horizon, until she was out of sight.

"MOMMY!" Scootaloo awoke with a start, cold sweat covering her body. She was still in her room. Having the same nightmare she's had every night since her mother died.

It had been three months.

______________________________________________________

She saw it as she was running through Ponyville. A wicked mare, looking like some kind of twisted phoenix, flying through the sky. In a yellow aura of magic there followed a group of ponies. Scootaloo recognized one of them immediately.

"DADDY!"

The young filly could only watch helplessly as her father was taken away by a monster bathed in fire and hatred. And she saw off in the distance where the monster was headed: Canterlot.

....I'm not losing him....I couldn't do anything for mommy, but I'm not gonna be some chicken..... Scootaloo ran home, a plan formulating in her head.

...Mom wouldn't be afraid....

_____________________________________________________

"Scootaloo?" Heavy Roller stood in the doorway of his daughter's room. The only response he had gotten was a quiet groan, which came from a small lump underneath the covers that sat upon Scootaloo's bed. He sighed, then breached the subject he had come to discuss. "....I was wondering if you were interested in starting flying lessons soon. I was looking into some schools, and-" he was silenced quickly when Scootaloo threw the covers off herself, the blankets landing with a light poof on the floor.

"Mommy said she'd teach me. I don't need a school." Scootaloo said simply, her voice devoid of emotion.

Heavy Roller winced under his daughter's gaze. "..Scootaloo..." He considered his words carefully. "...I know you always wanted your mother to teach you how to fly, but-" Scootaloo cut him off before he could say the truth neither of them wanted to hear.

"I don't care. Mommy said she'd teach me. And I promised I'd learn from her. I'm not gonna back down from a promise." Scootaloo grabbed the covers from the floor, and wrapped herself back in them, ceasing any further conversation.
______________________________________________________

Scootaloo gathered everything she thought would be helpful around her house, quickly tossing the items into a small red wagon which now found itself connected to her trademark scooter. Satisfied once the wagon was filled to the brim with various items, she mounted her scooter, flapping her wings as fast as she could, propelling her scooter forward.

______________________________________________________

Scootaloo sat at her window, looking amongst the starry night sky. She saw the moon, bright and full, bringing light onto the darkness. She saw the stars, dotting the sky, forming beautiful constellations. Every so often, she would see a pegasus fly across the sky.

She found herself dearly wishing one of those pegasi flying across the sky was her mommy, finally returning home, and that the last six months were just a horrid nightmare.

_________________________________________________________

The end of main street came into view, and the nicely kept streets gave way to an often traveled dirt path. Scootaloo saw a line of scorched earth, which seemed to stretch around all of Ponyville. She was about to cross this burnt border, when suddenly, she felt a pair of hooves grab her, pulling her into the air, leaving her scooter to crash into a nearby tree.

"HEY! LET ME GO!" Scootaloo yelled, trying to shake loose. She needn't struggle long, as she was just as quickly placed on the ground. Scootaloo quickly looked around, looking for her would be kidnapper. Until she saw who it was.

"Whoa there squirt! Where do you think you're off to in such a hurry? With everything that's just happened you should get home before you folks start worrying."

"But that monster took my dad!!" Scootaloo yelled, temporarily forgetting the fact she was talking to the second coolest pegasus she had ever met. Rainbow Dash was about to suggest that Scootaloo's mom was probably worried until Scootaloo muttered "...he's all I have left....."

Rainbow Dash was really glad Scootaloo had mentioned that before she had asked about her mom, and made a note to learn more about her biggest fan. "Look, kid, I know you're worried and all, but is rushing to Canterlot really the best idea right now? I mean.....you DO know who that monster is, right?" Scootaloo shook her head. "...that was Corona...."

"Doesn't matter. I-I'll still go to Canterlot." her voice shook as she spoke, the stories she had heard of the Mad Queen flashing through her head. "I need to save him.....I can't be alone.....Mom wouldn't be afraid......Mom wouldn't be afraid......" Scootaloo's muttering slowly became quiet as she began repeating her mantra to herself, trying to convince herself of her mission, rather than convincing her idol of it. She wasn't broken out of it until she felt a hoof gently pat her on top of her head.

....I'm sorry daddy......

"Your dad'll be fine squirt. Now come on. Let's get out of the sun."

"....Mom wouldn't be afraid...." Scootaloo muttered weakly one last time, before finally relenting and following Rainbow Dash back towards the town.

Big Macintosh's Day: Fancy Mathematics

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Big Macintosh's Day
by Zap Apple Smash

When Corona disappeared, Ponyville had disintegrated into chaos. The Night Court Representative had literally vanished and a mob of ponies was starting to form, ready to hunt her down.

Watching the spectacle were the four members of the Ponyville Apple Family.

“Why are they so angry?” Applebloom asked, hiding between her big brother’s legs.

“They’re scared,” Granny Smith replied. “Fear can make ponies do stupid things.”

Applejack, having enough of this, tilted her hat forward and put on her game face.

“Big Mac, take Applebloom and Granny Smith home. I’m gonna go talk some sense into those knuckle heads.”

Applejack found her path suddenly blocked by Big Mac.

“Look here, Big Macintosh, I don’t like that dumb blue waste o space one bit, but that there mob’s ready to tear her apart.”

“Won’t help.” Big Mac replied.

“Yer brother’s right.” Granny Smith said. “When a group of ponies are like this, ya can’t reason with ‘em. Trying to could very well make ‘em turn on ya.”

Applebloom hugged Applejack’s legs and looked up pleadingly at her big sister. “Please sis, come home with us.”

Any argument that Applejack may have had died almost instantly. She gave her sister a quick hug and lifted her on to Big Mac’s back. “Let’s go home.”

As they started to leave town, Applebloom spoke up again. “Where are all the Apples that came fer the family reunion?”

“Headed home no doubt,” Applejack answered, “with all this going on they’d probably wanna get back home as soon as possible to give their towns a heads up.”

Applebloom was silent for a moment but then asked in a hushed tone. “What’s gonna happen?”

The three grown ponies looked at each other, not sure what to say to her. Applejack was the first to speak.

“I don’t know.” She admitted.

She took off her hat and placed it on the young filly to help protect her from the harsh sun. “But whatever tomorrow brings, the four of us will face it together.”

“Eeyup,” her brother added.

Despite the constant reminder of the sun, the Apples managed to get home without incident. Along the way Applebloom had managed to doze off on Big Mac’s back.

Knowing the young filly needed the rest; he quietly carried her upstairs to her room. It was tricky but soon Applebloom was in her bed. He pulled the blanket over her and, as he was leaning in to give her a kiss on the forehead, his sister sat up and wrapped her forelegs around his neck.

“Y’all still gonna be here when I wake up?”

Big Mac nuzzled her and lowered her back down. In a soft voice he whispered “Eeyup.” and stayed there until she fell back to sleep.

When Big Mac finally made it downstairs, Applejack was waiting for him. “Applebloom got to sleep alright?” The stallion nodded. “Good. If Corona makes good on her promise we’re in for a long day. We’ll all need our rest.”

Applejack was about to head to bed as well but then Big Mac held out a hoof, stopping her. She looked back at her brother.

“You Okay?” Big Mac asked, concern written all over his usually stoic face.

Any other time the proud Applejack bravado would have come out at such a question, but after this night she just didn’t have any left.

“No, I’m not.” Applejack sighed as she looked down at the floor. “It’s so messed up! The Princess is gone, Corona is back, Ponyville’s in shambles...” Applejack let out a shallow breath as she looked up at her brother. “...And all I can think is ‘thank goodness it wasn’t you or Applebloom that was taken’. Does that make me a bad pony?”

The red stallion pulled Applejack in for a hug.

“Nope.”

The orange mare allowed herself a chance to lower the walls and let her brother comfort her.

“I’m scared.” She whispered.

Big Mac ran a comforting hoof through her mane.

“Me too.”

The sunlight streamed through the window as Big Mac sat at his desk. Despite having encouraged the rest of the family to go to bed, the red stallion had opted to stay up and keep watch in case something else happened. Looking out the window at regular intervals for signs of change, the farmer kept himself busy by running numbers.

Though Big Mac crunched numbers a lot more than most farmers, he found that it helped things run smoother on the farm. While Applejack was the one in charge of the Sweet Apple Acres branch of the Trust, she trusted Big Mac to make sure the numbers were adding up, and to keep an eye out for anything she may have missed. Right now, however, he was trying to figure out how they were going to prepare for the days of non-stop sunlight that were to come.

The fact that it was winter meant that that nothing was growing so there weren’t any crops to worry about yet, but the extra sunlight was already starting to melt the snow, speeding up the transition from winter to spring. Factoring in the standard rate of snow melting in direct sunlight and the hours of sunlight they were expecting if Corona – a big if - kept her promise; they were looking at winter being at least six weeks shorter. This meant that they would have to speed up preparations for Winter Wrap Up.

What also needed to be considered were the horticultural effects: Winter or not, the apple trees and all other plant life still had the basic needs and requirements they always did. The melting snow would hopefully cover extra moisture needed to replace what would be lost in the extra heat. There was also the extra sunlight itself to factor in. While plants needed sunlight to live and theories existed about what extended sunlight did to plants, there was actually no precedent on how plant life would be affected by days of endless sunlight.

Big Mac shoved some papers off his desk in what was the closest to frustration he ever allowed himself to express. The world was being turned on his head and he was acting as if this was a mere inconvenience and he hadn’t watched at the Princess being banished by the Tyrant Sun of legend returned.

The sad but inescapable fact was that there was actually nothing else he could do, especially if Corona came back. He would do whatever it took to protect his family but what could he do?

Run? How could you outrun the Sun?

Hide? How long could you stay hidden from an immortal?

Fight? As a bounty hunter, Big Mac had taken down all three kinds of ponies, not to mention creatures like Griffins, but this was completely out of his weight class.

So Big Mac did the only thing he could do, run numbers and hope for the best.

“I thought ya’d still be up.” Big Mac turned and saw Granny Smith enter the room. The elderly mare glanced at the paperwork. “Tryin’ to wrap yer head around what’s happened?”

“Eeyup.”

Granny Smith smiled kindly. “Mind if I give ya some advice?” Big Mac shrugged. “Don’t bother. Yer one of the sharpest tools in the Apple family shed, but trust me when I say that this was a long time comin’, but well beyond what we’re meant to understand.”

Big Mac glanced at his desk briefly before giving a defeated sigh and turning back to the old mare.

“What will happen?”

“Whatever’s meant to,” Granny Smith replied. “Fate’s like a comedian who hasn’t realized that nopony else get’s the joke. All that we can do is wait for the punch line.” She tilted her head expectantly. “Understand?”

Big Mac for a moment and smiled kindly at his grandma.

“Nope.”

Granny Smith sighed. “Honestly, neither do I.” She then brightened up again. “But as my pappy used to say ‘Why worry when ya can drink?’. I’ve got a bottle o mah private brew downstairs with two glasses, and right now yer the only one awake strong enough to get the darn cork out.”

Despite everything that had happened, Big Mac let out a chuckle and left his desk. He gave Granny Smith a gentle nuzzle. “Love you.”

The green mare nuzzled back. “I love you too.” She then adopted a more commanding tone. “Now move that big red caboose of yers. I’ve already lost valuable drinkin’ time climbin’ those dang steps to come get ya.”

Filthy Rich's Day: Desperation

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Filthy Rich's Day
by HopeFox

“Hurry up, Daddy! We’re going to be late for the Longest Night Festival!”

Filthy Rich did his best not to pay attention to his daughter pounding on his bedroom door as he donned his very best collar and tie. The Longest Night Festival only came around once a year, and with the elite of Ponyville – the entire population of Ponyville, in fact – out and about, he was determined to impress everypony.

One pony above all others, of course.

He turned from the mirror to see his wife tightening the sashes of her favourite dress with her teeth, while their unicorn maid carefully styled her mane and tail. The soft pink earth pony mare was already bedecked in diamonds – her earrings, necklace and bracelets all sparkled in the gaslight.

“You look dazzling, my love,” crooned Filthy Rich, giving his wife a gentle kiss on the cheek. “As you always do.”

“And you look as fine as the day I married you,” replied Diamond Dazzle. She picked up a brooch on the dresser and stuck it through Filthy’s shirt, watching its own diamond shine. “This is going to be a magical night.”

“Daddy!” came the insistent hammering at the door. Dust Buster set aside her combs and opened the door with her magic, admitting Diamond Tiara into the room. “Finally! Are we ready to go yet? Mommy, you look amazing!”

“Thank you, dear,” her mother replied. “You look perfect as well.” Diamond Tiara was wearing her finest purple dress and matching frilly saddle, which complemented her coat and mane nicely while hiding her cutie mark, or the lack thereof.

Diamond Tiara preened at the compliment, then narrowed her eyes at Dust Buster. “Why is she all dressed up, Daddy?” she demanded. “She’s not coming with us, is she?”

“Diamond Dazzle Tiara!” chided Filthy Rich. “You mind your tone with your maid, if you don’t want to make your own bed for the next month.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” Diamond Tiara said, casting her gaze downwards and scuffing her purple-shod hoof on the floor in a perfect imitation of penitence. “But you make her look after me at the Longest Night Festival every year! I don’t need a foalsitter anymore! I’m not a baby!”

Filthy Rich leaned down to nuzzle his daughter gently. “I know, princess, but the Festival isn’t like other nights. There are ponies everywhere, especially from out of town, and I don’t want to risk anything happening to you.”

Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “But Daddy!”

“Actually, sir, I agree,” said Dust Buster. “She is growing up, and besides, Princess Luna will be in attendance tonight. I hardly think any ruffians or Night Court schemers are going to try to spirit her away under the Princess’s muzzle. Why not let her enjoy the festivities on her own for once?”

“See, Daddy?” said Diamond Tiara, trotting over to rub her head against the pony she had been sneering at not thirty seconds before. “I’ll be fine! And I’ll be with Silver Spoon the whole night, anyway. We can look after each other.”

Filthy Rich shared a glance with his wife, then with Dust Buster. They both nodded, and he shrugged. “Alright, princess. You can go and do your own thing. But we’ll meet up at midnight, at the town square... no, that’ll be far too crowded. We’ll meet outside the Carousel Boutique. Promise me you’ll be there at midnight, darling?”

“I promise, Daddy.”

The small party of ponies set out for the town square, a couple of hours before sundown. Ponyville was usually packed with ponies for the festival, as all of the ponies from the outlying farms crowded into the town. Tonight was even busier than most years, with the promised attraction of Princess Luna’s attendance. Filthy Rich bid a fond hello to many friends, customers and business associates as he and his family wound their way into town.

The booming voice of an exuberant stallion reached his ears. “Filthy! Over here, Filthy!”

Filthy Rich turned to meet the one stallion from whom he would tolerate that name. Partly because he had no desire to tell the wealthiest pony in Ponyville how he could and couldn’t address him, but mostly because that pony was his best friend, and had been so since they were both colts.

“Sterling!” he called back, trotting over to meet his friend. Sterling Silver was a tall earth pony stallion with a steel-grey coat and a rather incongruous green mane. He was flanked by his orange-coated wife and their lighter grey daughter, who immediately ran over to exchange some kind of complicated hoofshake with Diamond Tiara.

“Good to see you, Filthy!” Sterling Silver greeted him. “Glad you could make it out!”

“I wouldn’t miss tonight for the world, Sterling,” Filthy Rich replied. “Not with Princess Luna here, on top of everything else. I’ve heard great things about seeing her raise the moon in person. Aren’t you and the Princess old friends?”

“Never met her in my life,” admitted Sterling cheerfully. “You’re thinking of Grandma Shining. She was one of the Princess’s economic consultants in her day, back when your grandpa was getting the zap apple jam business off the ground. You did pretty well out of that, wouldn’t you say?”

“We did just fine, Sterling, that we did.”

Filthy Rich was interrupted by his daughter tugging on his tail. “Daddy? Can Silver Spoon and I go now?”

He patted his daughter’s mane gently. “Of course, princess. Go and have fun. And remember, the boutique at midnight!”

Filthy Rich watched his daughter disappear into the crowd, and then flicked his gaze over to Dust Buster, who gave him a reassuring nod. Satisfied, he turned back to Sterling Silver. “Now that I think about it, Princess Luna and your family go way back, don’t you?”

“All the way back to when we made our fortune, that’s right. You know, when there was the... unpleasantness.” Both stallions’ eyes involuntarily flicked over to the orb of the sun, as it slowly edged towards the western horizon. Sterling paused for a few moments in discomfort before speaking again. “As old as she is, she probably thinks of her dealings with the Silver family as just one long conversation with the same pony. I’m going to see if I can track her down before she’s fully booked out. I’ll see you around the party, Filthy!”

Filthy Rich waved as the Silver ponies trotted off, then turned to Dust Buster. “You should go and enjoy yourself, dear,” he told her. “Diamond Tiara will be fine, you’ve got the night off. Have fun! I don’t want to see you before sunrise, you understand me?”

Dust Buster chuckled, and gave Filthy Rich a quick bow, then nuzzled Diamond Dazzle. “I understand, sir. You two have a great time too.”

Filthy Rich and his wife trotted happily through the festival, marvelling at juggling acts, watching youngsters compete at games of skill, and taking in the food, the drink and the sheer festive air of the afternoon. They joined a small knot of ponies hovering around a large strength-testing machine, where a gaily dressed carnival hawker showed off a display of large stuffed animals, and challenged onlookers to try their strength.

“Is the Longest Night Festival always this crowded in Ponyville?” asked a dark blue earth pony mare standing next to Filthy Rich. “These are the kind of crowds I would have expected from Fillydelphia.”

“Everypony’s very excited about seeing Princess Luna,” replied Diamond Dazzle, giving the unfamiliar mare a warm, welcoming smile. “The raising of the moon is a spectacle most ponies never witness first-hoof. And, of course, the Princess herself is said to be the most beautiful mare in Equestria.”

“Oh, really?” said the dark blue mare, seeming to be a little taken aback. “Do you, um, think so yourself?”

“She must be,” said Diamond Dazzle, smiling brightly. “Look at Equestria’s fashion industry. Every fashion house and modelling agency points towards Princess Luna’s appearance as the archetype of equine beauty. She has the look that everypony aspires to. Don’t you agree, dear?”

“Ah, I’m afraid not, darling,” chuckled Filthy Rich, nuzzling his wife’s shoulder. “You see, I’ve already met the most beautiful mare in Equestria, and I married her.” He gave the dark blue mare a conspiratorial grin. “Don’t tell the Princess I said that, alright?”

“My lips are sealed,” the blue mare agreed. She seemed about to say something else when the crowd cleared between Filthy Rich and the strength tester, and the operator called to him. “Step right up, my little ponies, step right up! Win a stuffed dragon for the lovely lady?”

Diamond Dazzle arched a brow at her husband. “Go on, then, love,” she urged him. “Show all these ponies how strong you are.”

Filthy Rich swaggered up to the machine, projecting confidence with every step. He was a businesspony, after all, and producing confidence with nothing to back it up was a very important business skill. He flipped a mouthful of coins to the operator and planted his front hooves securely on the ground, bucking the machine with all his might.

The slider rose halfway up the machine, then fell down again with a sad sort of clunking noise.

“Aww, too bad, buddy,” chuckled the stall operator. “Have another try? Don’t want to disappoint your darling wife, do you?”

Filthy Rich chuckled and stepped away from the stall, gesturing to his wife. “Oh, she won’t be disappointed, I’m sure of it. Care to show them, dear?” He threw another bunch of coins to the operator and stood back to watch Diamond Dazzle at work.

The elegant pink mare struck a series of poses in front of the strength tester, drawing calls of admiration from the crowd as her diamond jewellery flashed in the setting sun. To the right of the carnival stall, the Mayor was making a speech, but most eyes were riveted on Diamond Dazzle as she commanded the attention of the small crowd near the game. She then drove her back hooves into the machine hard enough to dent the bell at the top.

The game operator stared at Diamond Dazzle in shock for a few moments, as the crowd cheered wildly. Diamond Dazzle picked up a large stuffed dragon from the operator’s stall and placed it on Filthy Rich’s back as he stood next to her.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, my wife, Diamond Dazzle,” he said proudly, bowing to the audience along with her. They trotted happily back down into the crowd, and Filthy Rich gave the dark blue mare a wink. “I’m sure Princess Luna has her charms, but I think you’ll agree that I backed the right horse.”

The mare perked up. “Oh, I’m supposed to be on stage! Do excuse me.” She bunched her legs and sprang directly onto the stage, whereupon she glowed with a soft blue light and merged with a pegasus and unicorn on the stage, forming into the unmistakable form of Princess Luna. “My little ponies,” she spoke, her voice soft yet powerful. “Your Princess of the Night has arrived.”

Oh, horseapples.

Husband and wife lay on a small hill overlooking Ponyville, enjoying the cool air just before midnight. It had been the magical evening that they were both expecting. There had been dancing to the accompaniment of phonographs, which had brought back fond memories of their courtship. There had been all manner of snacks to keep them going through the night. Diamond Dazzle had had to remind Filthy Rich that the festival was for relaxing, not work, so the mystery of Applejack losing her monopoly on the festival’s catering would have to wait for another day. There was a magic show in the town square, in front of the Night Court Representative’s house. They had spotted Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon watching the performer, enthralled, and had decided to leave them to their night of freedom and frivolity. Princess Luna had even apologised for her deception earlier in the night, and paid a deep and sincere compliment to Diamond Dazzle’s beauty.

Now, they watched the goings-on from a vantage point away from the noise and lights of the festival, leaning against each other companionably. “The crowd sure loved you tonight, dear,” murmured Filthy Rich. “Do you ever think about going back to the big time?”

“Modelling in Manehattan again?” mused Diamond Dazzle. “Only if I’m allowed to buck Photo Finish in the face if she ever comes near me again. Sure, modelling part-time for Rarity isn’t exactly the high life, and I do miss it. But I’d miss you more, you and our darling Tiara.”

“I would miss you too, my love.” Filthy Rich looked over the town, towards the eastern horizon. “Remember how we used to come here when we were dating? You’d take the train into town after a long stint of work in Manehattan, and I’d make sure I had the day cleared, and we’d sit together and watch the sun... come... up...”

Both ponies stared at the horizon, appalled, as the golden disc of the sun rose, in spite of the moon and stars overhead. They paused in shock for a few long moments, then looked at each other.

“Diamond Tiara!” they gasped, then galloped down the hill towards Ponyville. They heard Luna’s Royal Canterlot Voice urging her ponies to flee, and if Diamond Tiara had been with them, they would have done just that. Instead, they pushed themselves harder and raced into town, just before a wall of fire sprang up behind them, sealing them in and singeing Filthy Rich’s tail.

“We have to get to the Boutique,” gasped Diamond Dazzle, shielding her eyes from both the fire and the shockingly bright sun in the sky. “We have to find –”

She was rendered speechless as the sun flashed three times and silence descended upon the town like a heavy blanket of snow. Both ponies found themselves staring upwards in horror as a monster out of Equestria’s darkest legends descended from the sky.

Filthy Rich and Diamond Dazzle clung to each other in fright as Corona’s voice boomed across Ponyville. They knew they had to find Diamond Tiara – they had to get to the Carousel Boutique, and hope against hope that she was already there – but the Tyrant Sun’s voice was enough to leave them cowering on the ground, their heads and tails hanging in submission. Filthy Rich was pressing his head into his wife’s mane, weeping in abject terror, when that horrendous voice sounded over Ponyville again.

“Rejoice, my subjects! Your true queen hath returned! In celebration, there shall be an unbroken ten days of glorious sunshine! On the tenth day, if all has gone as I wish it – if I am obeyed – your foals shall be returned to you.”

“Our... foals?” stammered Diamond Dazzle, burying her head in her fetlocks.

Filthy Rich gritted his teeth and looked up into the sky, where the Tyrant Sun was winging her way north, towards Canterlot. A herd of perhaps fifty foals and a dozen adult ponies trailed behind her, glowing in the hot white aura of Corona’s magic. Filthy Rich stared until his eyes burned, but he could not say for certain whether the flashes of pink and purple in the crowd belonged to his daughter.

Slowly, on shaking legs, he helped his wife to her hooves. “I don’t know, love,” he said in response to her wordless question. “I couldn’t see.”

Diamond Dazzle struck out towards the Carousel Boutique, still speechless with shock. Filthy Rich turned back towards the town square briefly, but the sounds of an angry mob made him hurry along after his wife. They were running hard, almost galloping, but it felt like they were walking through knee-deep snow.

The yard around the Carousel Boutique was mostly clear of ponies. A husband and wife ran past in the direction of the town hall – probably more desperate parents. Diamond Dazzle collapsed in a heap underneath Rarity’s clothes line, and a moment later, a green unicorn mare galloped into view from the direction of the square.

“Mister Rich! Ma’am!” gasped Dust Buster, racing to the couple’s side. “You’re safe! Thank the Princess you’re both safe!”

“We’re fine, Dust Buster,” said Filthy Rich, giving his employee and friend a quick nuzzle. “What’s going on? Did Corona take Diamond Tiara?”

“I’m so sorry, sir... I couldn’t see. Corona... she sent Princess Luna away, said she was banished to the moon. Corona said she’d give our foals back if we obeyed her, but nopony believes that! The new Representative tried to sell us out to her, and there’s a mob about to attack her house. Ponyville isn’t safe anymore.”

“Can you find her, Dust Buster?” wailed Diamond Dazzle, tugging on the maid’s tail. “Can you find our little princess?”

“I will. If she’s here, I promise I’ll find her. If she’s been taken, then I’ll do whatever it takes to get her back. I promise.” Dust Buster nodded grimly and rested a fetlock against Diamond Dazzle’s shoulder for a moment, gazing into her eyes.

“I’ll come with you,” said Filthy Rich, shaking his head as if to cast off his fear. “I can’t just stand here.”

“No, sir, it’s too dangerous!” protested Dust Buster. “There’s no telling what these ponies will do. You need to stay here, in case Diamond Tiara finds her way here by herself. Just trust me, sir.”

The unicorn maid’s horn shone with an orange light, and her hooves glowed briefly. She lowered her head in determination and galloped back towards the town square at an unsettlingly quick pace, her horn pulsing in a slow, regular beat.

Filthy Rich sank down to lie on his stomach, exhaling deeply. “Luna bless that mare,” he said, laying his neck against his wife’s. “Worth every bit we pay her.”

“What if she’s not in Ponyville, my love?” said Diamond Dazzle, trying to force back her tears. “What if the Tyrant Sun took her?”

Filthy Rich stroked Diamond Dazzle’s mane gently, trying to think of the best possible scenario. Several of the worst had already crossed his mind. “If anypony can live through this, it’s Diamond Tiara, dear. She’s smart, resourceful and tough. And we’ve trained her for this, remember? Every year, we make her tell us what she has to do if she’s kidnapped.”

“By Night Court operatives or Manehattan crime bosses, maybe. Not... not the Tyrant Sun...”

“Do you remember the time Diamond Tiara said she’d been kidnapped at school?” asked Filthy Rich. The distraction attempt was obvious, but it still did the trick. “We were so horrified until she said that Silver Spoon had paid Snips and Snails to kidnap her. Kids have such great imaginations.”

Diamond Dazzle wiped away a few of her tears, smiling despite the day’s horrors. “She was so proud that she’d done everything right. Didn’t argue with her captors, found out what they wanted, sat tight and waited for a ransom or for a competent escape attempt that she could cooperate with. Everything we expected from our princess.”

“And she did get rescued, too, she said. One of the nice pegasus fillies at school, I think? I do wish she’d make more friends. I worry about her sometimes,” said Filthy Rich, as if his daughter’s social aloofness were a greater problem than her potential kidnapping by the Tyrant Sun. “We’ll try to get her to socialise more once we’re all home.”

“We will,” agreed Diamond Dazzle. “When we’re all home together.”

An eternity passed, as the sun hung motionless above them.

Filthy Rich was jolted from his reverie by the cadence of rapid hoofbeats approaching the Boutique. He looked up from his wife’s side, and saw Dust Buster limping into the yard, with a whimpering pink form clinging to her mane.

“Daddy!” wailed Diamond Tiara, springing from Dust Buster’s back and galloping into her father’s embrace.

“Diamond Tiara!” gasped Filthy Rich, pressing his muzzle against his daughter’s shoulder. “I was so worried! I thought the Tyrant Sun had taken my little pony away forever!”

“Daddy, she –”

“Are you alright? Did Corona see you? Did anypony hurt you in the riot? Give your mother a hug, she was so worried too!”

“Daddy, listen, the –”

“I’ve never going to let you go again, princess! I’m not going to let you out of my sight until I know that everything’s safe and –”

“Daddy! The Queen took Silver Spoon!”

Filthy Rich felt his jaw fall open, his immense relief suddenly replaced by a new terror clutching at his heart. Silver Spoon, his best friend’s daughter, and possibly his daughter’s only true friend. Taken as hostage by a mad mare without compassion or reason.

He forced himself to remain calm, drawing his face into a semblance of composure. “Take a deep breath, darling. Tell me everything that happened.”

Diamond Tiara fought to steady her breath as her mother lipped at her mane, calming her beloved daughter like a newborn foal. Her voice was still shaky, but coherent as she related the evening’s events. “We were watching the Great and Powerful Trixie putting on a magic show, and it was really good, and then she disappeared at the end, but we figured we’d stick around and have some snacks, and everypony was talking about the show... and then the sun came up and Princess Luna was shouting at us to run...”

The filly buried her face in her mother’s mane, as another fit of crying overwhelmed her. Dust Buster saw her charge’s continued distress, and summoned her grooming kit, which appeared from a glowing orange sphere. She held a brush in her telekinetic grip and started brushing Diamond Tiara’s tail with slow, soothing strokes. Between the brushing and her mother’s embrace, she was able to compose herself enough to speak again. “We went and hid in Trixie’s house, but the Queen pulled Silver Spoon out with her magic, and I tried to hold her back but I wasn’t strong enough. The Queen said she was going to take the foals to make sure we obeyed her, but I don’t think she’s going to give them back!

“But it’s okay, right, Daddy?” Diamond Tiara continued, gazing up at Filthy Rich, her eyes wide and full of tears. “You’ll pay somepony to fix this and it’ll all be okay! Daddy’s money can fix anything!”

Not this, princess. Not this.

Filthy Rich realised that his wife, his daughter and his maid were all looking to him for direction. He sighed inwardly and put on his business face, the one that made him look like he knew precisely what he was doing.

“Alright. Here’s what we’re going to do. Dust Buster and I will go to the Silver house and help Mister and Mrs Silver deal with this. Diamond Tiara, you go home with your mother.”

“No, Daddy!” cried Diamond Tiara, breaking free of her mother’s embrace and clinging to her father’s leg. “I’m not going anywhere without you!”

Filthy Rich exchanged a glance with his wife, then nodded. “Alright. We’ll all go and visit the Silvers. It’s probably best that we stay together.”

The Silver mansion, Filthy Rich had to admit, was a lot more tasteful than the Rich mansion. When Stinking Rich made his fortune distributing zap apple jam, he had made sure that all of Ponyville knew of his success. As such, the Rich mansion was built with no expense spared to demonstrate its owner’s wealth, with expensive wood panelling inlaid with silver, and marble floors in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The home of the Silver family was, likewise, built to resemble its owner’s wealth – a legacy that had lasted a thousand years and would live for another thousand unless the world crumbled around it. The structure was granite, not marble, built as soon as the Silvers moved to Ponyville, with the apparent intention of outlasting the rest of the town. Many of the furnishings were old wooden pieces which predated their owners, bearing the warm glow of well-used and well-loved chairs and tables. The house had not been fitted with gas heating, but a carefully constructed set of pipes in the basement allowed heat from coal fires to spread evenly throughout the house.

Sterling Silver and his wife were sitting in their library, stunned, when the Rich family found them. Diamond Dazzle and Diamond Tiara had managed to coax some life out of Mrs Silver, persuading her to drink some tea and talk about inconsequential matters. Dust Buster helped the Silver’s butler prepare a light meal while Filthy Rich tried to bring Sterling Silver out of his shock.

“We’ll get her back,” Filthy Rich said to his friend for the fifth time. “Silver Spoon is a smart girl. She’s done the drills, just like Diamond Tiara. She won’t do anything foalish. Corona wouldn’t take hostages if she simply meant to kill them. We just have to be patient.”

“I don’t think she’s ever going to give them back, Filthy,” said Sterling Silver. “She’s mad, you know that. She’ll come up with a reason to keep them no matter what. It’s all about her power and greed. She won’t give anything up.”

Filthy Rich frowned thoughtfully, giving Sterling a careful nudge with his head. “We can still hope. But there might be something we can do. Diamond Tiara always believes that I can solve anything with money... maybe this is no exception. We could hire mercenaries?”

“To fight the Tyrant Sun? What good would that do? The Royal Guard are probably already arraying against her. I suppose we could help the Guard financially. I imagine Canterlot is throwing all of their resources behind them. What’s happening in Canterlot, anyway? Has Captain Shining Armor declared martial law? Probably...”

“I’ll see if I can find somepony to travel to Canterlot and investigate. If anypony is willing to leave Ponyville, that is.” Filthy Rich got to his hooves and started pacing around the library. “If anypony else were behind this, I’d say we could ransom Silver Spoon back. Corona doesn’t want money, though. She wants... she wants all of Equestria to fall under her rule. We can’t give her that.”

A thought occurred to Filthy Rich as he looked at Sterling Silver. It was a distasteful, disgraceful thought, but one which he couldn’t set aside. He walked past his wife and daughter, who had started a game of bridge with Mrs Silver and Dust Buster, and nuzzled them both lovingly. He then browed the shelves until he found a certain book, and stepped into Sterling Silver’s private office, gesturing for his friend to follow him.

Once the door was closed behind them, Filthy Rich addressed Sterling Silver in a low voice. “There is one thing Corona wants that we can give her.”

He laid the copy of Mineral Trading: Equestria and Neighbours on Sterling’s desk, and nosed it open to a very particular page.

“Gold.”

Sterling Silver flinched and backed away from his friend, shying in trepidation. “That’s insane,” he said softly, his voice laced with horror.

“Gold is hardly traded in Equestria anymore, but we can buy it for thirty bits per ounce in Caballeria. You know the stories, Sterling. When Corona went mad, she commanded that the streets of Canterlot be paved in gold to reflect the glory of the Sun. She’s greedy. She wants everything. Surely the amount of gold we can acquire together will be enough to buy the life of one foal.”

Sterling breathed shallowly, his nostrils flaring. “This is treason.”

“I know.”

“It’s worse than treason. It’s... it’s blasphemy.”

“I know.”

“I remember the stories too, Filthy. My family was there. After Princess Luna cast Corona into the sun, the economy was ruined. Not only did Corona beggar the nation with her demands, the ponies of Canterlot refused to use gold for their currency after her betrayal, and the rest of Equestria followed suit. We were trapped in a barter system for decades. Barter, Filthy. Like animals. It was my ancestor, Silver Standard, who used her family’s silver mines to forge a new currency out of the ashes. She struck Equestria’s first silver coin with her own hooves. Ever since that day, the Silvers have safeguarded Equestria’s currency. And you’re asking me to turn my back on that.”

“I know.”

Sterling stamped his hooves nervously, pacing around his office. “Turn my back on a thousand years of tradition. A thousand years of loyal service to Princess Luna.”

Filthy Rich nodded silently.

“You would have me betray my own family. Forty generations of Silver ponies...”

“Each of whom would do exactly the same thing in your situation.”

Sterling Silver hung his head. “I know. I’ll do it. It’s the best plan we have. It just feels so wrong.”

He opened a concealed compartment in his desk and drew out a polished oaken seal, heavy with age. “Filthy... old friend... can you make this happen? You know all the right traders and shipping companies. I can’t even think straight, with Silver Spoon taken hostage and this... this... gold...”

Filthy Rich took the seal between his teeth and slipped it carefully into his saddlebags. “Of course, Sterling. I’ll make sure nopony knows what we’re doing. And I won’t spare my own funds, either. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my best friend’s daughter, or my daughter’s best friend.”

He nosed open the door and stepped out into the library, to find Diamond Tiara’s face gazing up at him pleadingly. “What’s going on, Daddy?” she asked, her voice trembling, but filled with faith in her father. “Are you going to get Silver Spoon back?”

Filthy Rich bent down and kissed his daughter’s forehead. “Don’t worry, princess,” he said. “Daddy’s money is going to fix everything.”

Rainbow Dash's Day: Big Sister Duty

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Rainbow Dash's Day
by Fizzy Orange

“Don’t do it boss!” said Cloud Kicker through clenched teeth as she held on to Rainbow Dash's tail.

Rainbow Dash’s wings were beating, slowly draging Cloud Kicker through the snow. Luckily for the assistant weather manager, Thunderlane showed up and grabbed hold of Rainbow Dash by wrapping his front hooves around her neck and pushing against her chest. Dash kept struggling despite this added block but she couldn’t move forward anymore.

“Let me at her! Let me at her! She banished Princess Luna!” said the multi-hued pegasus, still struggling.

“That’s Corona! Do you want to be reduced to ashes?” asked Blossomforth as she leapt on top of Rainbow, pinning her wings down.

As the trio of pegasus endeavored to keep Rainbow Dash from charging to the rescue, and to her death, the weather manager became suddenly aware of screams of terror emerging from the crowd. She stopped fighting and looked around, realizing that colts, fillies and adults were being lifted by white telekinesis and sent floating toward the crazed alicorn who had appeared in the town square.

“Big brother!” came a familiar voice as the weight around her neck disappeared.

“Rumble!” cried Thunderlane, reaching a hoof toward his little brother, only to be pushed away by the brilliant magic force.

Rainbow shook off the two mares still clinging to her and flew off toward the form of Rumble. She was vaguely aware of other familiar ponies being lifted from the crowd, including Rarity clutching her little sister, but right now her weather team needed her. An invisible wall repelled her with surprising force, just as she was about to grab the little colt. It sent her flying backward into the trunk of a tree and she slumped in a pile of snow at its base.

When Rainbow Dash managed to chase away the Rumbles spinning around her head, she realized that the monster she wanted to assault was gone, and half the crowd as well. Those that remained seemed to be crying in despair. Dash flew up to where Blossomforth was holding a crying Thunderlane. The blue pegasus looked around, nervously hovering above her employee and his date.

“Where is she?” she asked.

“Gone!” said Thunderlane between sobs. “She took my little brother and a bunch of others and…”

Seeing how Thunderlane was being too emotional to continue, Blossomforth finished for him. “She vanished! I think she went to Canterlot!”

A despondent Flitter walked up to the trio “It’s all because of that new Representative! She tried to buddy up to Corona. Corona decided to take hostages so we would obey! She took my sister!” she managed to say before she too collapsed into Blossomforth’s hooves.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth in anger. “That traitor! She’s that jerk who tried to force Fluttershy out of her house! Where is she?”

“She fled after Corona disappeared. Boxy Brown gathered everypony he could and went to find her. I think they’re headed for her house,” said Blossomforth, patting Flitter on the back.

“I’ll go help ‘em out!” said Dash, flying off in a rainbow-colored blur.

“Wait…A little help? Please? Anypony?” squeaked Blossomforth, unable to move because of her two friends holding her.

Rainbow Dash flew toward the residency, she quickly over took the small sized mob lead by Boxy Brown. She could see that somepony had already gone through one of the front window of the Residency.

She decided to follow through, plunging through the glass. She flew across the house and exited at the back through another window. With a sharp U-turn she smashed through glass once again before emerging out of the living room window onto the front lawn. She continued this pattern with the second floor of the building and didn’t stop until she had destroyed every window, and searched every room. Just in time for the mob to catch up to her and break down the door. Rainbow went to hover by the group.

“Hey slowpokes! She’s not in here,” she said, only to be ignored. “Guys? Hello?”

Pinkie Pie bounced by past Rainbow in her way into the house “Weee! Party!”

“Pinkie Pie, you’re so random!” grumbled Dash.

She flew up into the now sunny sky and shot glances all over town, hoping to catch a sight of the blue-coated unicorn mare and her gaudy cape. What she did see were frightened ponies rushing home. Her ears flattened against her head, thinking of how terrified her friend must be. She was about to give up the chase and head for Fluttershy’s place when she spotted something. A familiar orange speck was rushing toward the edge of town. Rushing toward the road to Canterlot.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t about to let her number one fan do something foalish. She sped toward the pegasus filly as she was about to pass the scorch mark surrounding the town. She grabbed her around the shoulder, pulling her into the air, and left her scooter to crash into a nearby tree.

"HEY! LET ME GO!" Scootaloo yelled, trying to shake loose.

Rainbow Dash let the kid down and she turned around with a determined gleam in her eye. That gleam turned to surprise as she realized she was in Dash’s prescence. The familiar spark of excitement and admiration that always appeared in Scootaloo’s eyes while around Rainbow Dash was painfully absent though.

Rainbow Dash hovered before the kid and put on her most serious adult face. "Whoa there squirt! Where do you think you're off to in such a hurry? With everything that's just happened you should get home before you folks start worrying."

"But that monster took my dad!" Scootaloo yelled, surprising Dash.

Rainbow Dash was about to say something about her mother when Scootaloo muttered "...he's all I have left..."

Dash swallowed and her ears flattened. She had been this close to putting her hoof in her mouth, but thankfully Scootaloo had managed to defuse the awkward situation before it even came up. She realized that she didn’t know much about her number one fan. Maybe that was something she should fix in the future.

"Look, kid, I know you're worried and all, but is rushing to Canterlot really the best idea right now? I mean...you DO know who that monster is, right?" the filly shook her head. "...That was Corona...."

"Doesn't matter. I-I'll still go to Canterlot." her voice shook as she spoke. "I need to save him...I can't be alone...Mom wouldn't be afraid...Mom wouldn't be afraid..." Scootaloo's muttering slowly became quiet as she began repeating her mantra to herself.

Dash couldn’t help but feel bad for the kid. She was planning on heading to Fluttershy’s place as quickly as possible, but Fluttershy probably didn’t know Corona had escaped the sun. Rainbow Dash figured she could spare some time to help out Scootaloo. She turned to the filly and realized she was still repeating herself softly. She wasn't broken out of it until she felt a hoof gently pat her on top of her head.

"Your dad'll be fine squirt. Now come on. Let's get out of the sun,” said the adult softly, giving her a small smile.

"...Mom wouldn't be afraid...." Scootaloo muttered weakly one last time, before finally relenting and following Rainbow Dash back towards the town.

Rainbow Dash realized she didn’t know where Scootaloo lived, but, without telling her that, she managed to trick her into leading the way. Turned out that Scootaloo’s father was the wagon repair shop owner. Everypony in town had heard what had happened to Heavy Roller’s wife, but somehow Dash had missed any mentions that Nocturne was a mother. She felt even lousier to have been unaware of that dramatic event in the squirt’s life.

Now she stood in the small living room above the wagon shop and she couldn’t help but feel like that portrait of Nocturne on the shelf was judging her. Night Guards were creepy. Scootaloo had lain down on the sofa, resting her head on her front hooves and looking downright depressed.

A long minute of awkward silence stretched between the two. Rainbow Dash looked at anything in the room but Scootaloo as she scratched the back of her head with her hoof. She had no idea what to do now that the kid was back home.

“So…” began Rainbow Dash, catching Scootaloo’s attention.

There was another moment of silence before Dash finally continued. “So I’ll come back to check on you later, I need to see how my friend Fluttershy is doing.”

“You’re leaving me alone?” Asked Scootaloo with a shaking voice.

The look she gave Rainbow Dash seemed to pierce her heart like a hot-white poker. There was no way she could leave the kid behind now! She gave a sigh and hung her head. There was only one solution. As long as she kept Scootaloo away from Fluttershy things shouldn’t be too bad.

“Fine, you can come along squirt. I’ll introduce you to Angel, maybe he can teach you some bun fu moves,” finally said Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo lifted her head and gave her idol a confused look. “I thought you were going to see your friend Fluttershy? Who’s this Angel fella?”

Rainbow smiled at the question. “Fluttershy doesn’t like meeting new ponies, Angel is…well you’ll see.”

“Why do you hang out with her anyway?” asked the orange filly, jumping off the couch.

“Fluttershy is the nicest pony in all of Equestria! She doesn’t have a single mean bone in her body. She’s pretty awesome in her own way, and I’m like her big sister so I have to protect her,” explained Dash. “Now you go grab a few things to keep you busy, we’ll probably stay there for a while.”

“Allright Rainbow Dash!”

While Scootaloo ran off to her room, Dash located a piece of parchment and a pen. She quickly left a message, in the off-chance anypony came looking for Scootaloo, and slid one of its corner under the portrait of Nocturne.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her. I’m used to playing big sister,” she whispered, looking into the eyes of the Night Guard.

“I’m ready!” shouted Scootaloo from the bottom of the stairs.

Rainbow Dash gave a clumsy salute to the picture before heading toward the stairs.

“Let’s jet squirt! I’ll give you a lift!”

Kindle's Day: Voice of the Sun

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Kindle's Day
by Lev the Lurker

The audience stared in rapt attention as the two royal sisters dispatched the final monster, casting its evil back into the shadows, never to threaten ponykind or Equestria ever again. But even as the threat vanished, the last enemy vanquished and cast aside, peace still did not come. As the ponies heaped adoration upon their saviors, the eldest of the sisters still worried for her subject’s safety. She began to argue with her sister, urge for more stringent protection at the cost of freedom and practicality, until at least the younger sister put her hoof down. The two began to quarrel, and as the white alicorn spoke, and her words filled with more fire and fury, her flowing mane burst into flames with a mighty roar that punctuated her rise to pure magnificence, Celestia forever transformed into Corona, the Tyrant Sun.

The audience gasped in amazement as the wave of heat washed over them, and the actor playing Corona smiled underneath the disguising glamor. The theatre’s illusionist could make any coat white, mask eyes with golden radiance, and even make the most plump, pudgy body look sleek and toned like a statuesque image of equine perfection, but illusionary flames would have been a travesty. If the audience couldn’t feel the warmth of the billowing flames, or hear the crackle of the embers as they flared with his every word, then how could they even hope to understand Corona’s greatness? It would be just another act, some sideshow displaying an empty effigy destined to be cast into the oblivion of obscurity and old mares tales. But here, now, watching him and his passion, his zeal, his fervent belief in the symbol of order and righteousness that was the blazing Sun, maybe a few would see it, that faint glimpse of radiant glory, and the small ember of faith would be kindled in a heart smothered by the despair of night.

As the play reached its climax, with both princesses battling for the right to protect their subjects from the other’s rule whilst turning the sky into a brilliant display of purple and red streaks of light, Luna finally revealed her trump card: The Elements of Harmony.

The false Corona hated this part, when their beloved Queen was cast into the sun by the cunning treachery of her sister, but at least they’d be backstage as the usurper was praised as a false savior. On cue, a shining ray of brilliant white light burst forth from the Elements, driving Corona up high above the stage as she roared at the injustice of defeat, her screams slowly smothered like the dying embers of a once great fire as she disappeared behind the model of the sun and into the rafters. Once safely out of sight of the audience, the Tyrant Sun let out a mournful sigh as she gently glided down to the floor backstage, where she was met by a dull grey unicorn mare with a beaming smile of adoration.

“Great work out there as always, Kindle,” said Smoke as she began removing the glamors that made the simple pegasus stallion appear to be the tyrant sun. “The crowd loved you! You always capture Corona’s character so perfectly.”

“And yet I can never be more than just a pale imitation of her true boundless glory,” said Kindle with a sigh as his coat returned to its natural bright red, and the the flickering bonfire that had encircled his head and tail for the performance dissipating to reveal a flowing mane of still fiery orange beneath a crown adorned with enchanted runes.

“Your devotion to your craft never fails to impress me,” said Smoke with a chuckle as she reverted his body to the proportions of a stallion instead of an immortal mare. “I would dare say that you’re the best actor on Broadneigh.”

“More like the biggest nutcase in Manehattan,” scoffed Luna as she emerged from the stage, a near deafening roar of applause at her back. “And you almost burnt me with those stupid flames of your again, Kindle! Show some restraint for once, would you?”

“Corona’s glory cannot be contained,” answered the stallion with a wry grin as he removed the enchanted crown, his most prized possession that allowed the magicless pegasus to play the role of his beloved Queen to the fullest. The Princess of the Night seethed.

“Hey, don’t be that way, Mirrors,” said Smoke, trying to calm her sister. “You’ll throw off your glamor, and I don’t have time to fix it before the Proclamation to the Night Court.”

Mirrors grumbled as she walked off to prepare for her next scene, and Kindle couldn’t help but take a small amount of pleasure in seeing the Princess of the Night act like the spoiled brat she was.

“So…” asked Smoke as her sister stalked off. “What were you doing after the show, Kindle? Any plans for your Longest Night Celebration?”

“Not really,” said Kindle with a shrug. “This isn’t exactly my…favorite holiday, you know. I usually just sit at the club house and read.”

“Oh…” said Smoke, her ears drooping momentarily before perking up again. “Well, hey, why don’t we do something together, then? I heard of this great new restaurant that opened with this fantastic Prench chef, and I’m sure that a big Broadneigh star like yourself wouldn’t have any trouble getting a table even tonight. What do you say?”

“I don’t know, Smoke,” said Kindle as he walked towards the back door. “Truthfully, I don’t even want to stay here for the ovation. I’d rather just forget about tonight entirely. I hope you understand.”

“Oh…right,” said Smoke dejectedly as she pawed the floor with a hoof. “Sure…if that’s what you want, I guess.”

“Thank you,” said Kindle with a warm smile as he pushed open the door and had to shield his eyes from the sudden brightness of the sun. “I knew you’d understand, maybe next…time…” The words died in his mouth as he looked up through the small stretch of sky visible above the alley, and the bright, golden orb hovering high in the sky. “Smoke…wasn’t this supposed to be the pre-midnight showing?”

“Yes, it was,” said Smoke as she, too, gazed at the sun in puzzled wonder. “What does this mean? Did Luna do this as some sort of…”

“No,” said Kindle simply, a raging inferno of fervor slowly building in his chest, his eyes wide with awe and anticipation. “Luna would never do this. Never. This could only mean one thing.”

“What?” asked Smoke nervously as she watched small sparks of fire dance in the stallion’s eyes.

“The Sun has risen anew,” Kindle declared, his voice a hushed whisper that rattled Smoke to her bones. “Corona has returned.” Before she could say anything else, Kindle flapped his wings took off flying down the alley, leaving Smoke alone beneath the light of the new dawn.

* * *

Kindle threw open the door, his beaming grin of anticipation almost as bright as the sun outside. The room was relatively small, a cheap flat on the top floor of a building in one of the less well-off neighborhoods of Manehatten, but years of continued renovation and devotion had turned it into something more resembling a shrine than an apartment. An eclectically decadent collection of chairs and couches were assembled around plush rugs and statuettes, with almost everything gilded in gold or colored with patterns of white, red and bright yellow. Paintings of suns adorned the walls, and the ceiling was a circular skylight tinted just enough to obscure prying pegasus eyes while letting the warm, natural light of the sun pour into the room. Shelves full of books on history, philosophy, and stories chronicling the plight of outcasts lined the entire far wall, a collection that Kindle had lovingly and painstakingly assembled since his years in college that no one else in the club had seemed to have taken much of an interest in.

A small collection of young ponies were lounging on the various upholsteries. They were all wearing bulky golden jewelry, and some with their manes dyed blonde while others wore gaudy clothes colored white and trimmed with a garish amount of gold. Most of them were listlessly wasting the night away, sipping bubbling yellow champagne or making out in a corner, but they all turned at Kindle’s sudden appearance and stared curiously at the excited gleam in his eyes.

“What’s up, Kindle?” asked one of them, a young mare with a bleached blonde mane and a spiraling sun tiara adorning her forehead. “Something happen?” Kindle’s smile faded, and he looked at her in puzzlement.

“Can’t you see it?” he asked, and the mare shook her head.

“See what?” piqued another, the glass of cheap boxed champagne tilting slightly in his hoof and dribbling onto the imitation satin couch.

“Up there, look!” shouted Kindle in frustration as he pointed a hoof at the glowing skylight. “Can’t you all see that?”

“Oh, wow,” said another mare as she rubbed her eyes. “Is it morning already? Dude, where did the time go?”

“No, it’s not,” shouted Kindle impatiently as he gestured at a nearby grand clock with a wing, its golden hands still pointing at barely a quarter hour past midnight. “The Longest Night has been cut short by the rising of the sun. Don’t you know what that means?”

“Luna done goofed up?” offered one particularly handsome earth pony stallion, and the two mares who had been leaning on his flanks started giggling until the severity of Kindle glare silenced them.

“It means that Corona has returned,” Kindle announced in a voice filled with a cloying mixture of elation and agitation. The rest of the room just stared at him blankly.

“What?” was all one mare could mutter, her glass falling from her hoof unnoticed.

“Our Queen has come again,” repeated Kindle, the fire finally returning to his voice now that his audience was sufficiently entranced. “The dawn we have been waiting for has finally arrived. Rejoice, for the Radiant Sun has risen again!” Two more wine glasses shattered against the floor, small white bubbles slowly sinking into the carpet.

“What?” asked the handsome stallion as the two mare sat up straight, eyes widening in horror.

“Didn’t you hear me?” asked Kindle as he began to pace the room, flourishing his wings with excitement. “Corona has risen anew! She had banished the night, thrown the glorious sun back into the sky to shatter the stars and bring radiant light to this dismal country! With any luck, Luna has already been banished into the moon, and even as we speak those miserable parasites of the Night Court are being rounded up and set ablaze to purify Canterlot of their foul corruption!”

“But…my dad works for one of the Night Court…” muttered a unicorn mare, her voice trembling with fear.

“But isn’t that what you’ve been wanting all this time, Sungazer?” asked Kindle, his voice soft and reassuring. “For your father to be freed from those ignorant oafs who treat him like a dog? For you to finally be able to be together as a family, instead of all of his time and energy wasted as nothing more than a tool for those counts and dukes to use and abuse at their whims?”

“But…if Canterlot burns…” quivered Sungazer, tears starting to form in her eyes. “Corona will… I don’t want my dad to get hurt…”

“And if he repents, then she shall be spared,” said Kindle comfortingly. “And you, as one of the faithful during Luna’s reign of darkness shall be rewarded, held up as an example for the rest of the country to follow under our Queen’s rule. Your family will not only be freed, but elevated, risen like a new dawn. Isn’t that what you wanted, Sungazer?”

“N…no…” she said, tumbling off the couch as she backed away from the frowning red stallion. “I don’t want that at all.”

“But…you…” stammered Kindle, bewildered. “That’s what you came here for. Why you sought us out. To join the Sun Cult, to be bathed in the radiant glory of—!”

“I just wanted to get away from my boring family!” she screamed. “I didn’t think Corona was real! My father…what will happen to my father?! Dear Luna, I…oh no…dear LUNA?!”

“Sungazer, please,” pleaded Kindle as he saw the others start to panic and head for the door. “Calm down, dear, please. Everything will be fine! Your family will be safe, I swear! Corona will rewards the faithful, and you, Sungazer, have—!”

“My name is Stargazer, you maniac!” shouted the mare as she ran for the door, tearing the cluster of golden chains off his neck and tossing them to the ground. The others followed her out, casting off their jewelry and white clothes as though they had caught fire, leaving Kindle staring at a disheveled pile of false finery strewn across the ground.

“Wait…no…” he muttered to himself as he picked a large blazing sun pendant up off the ground. “This isn’t…why…” His eyes filled with rage, his wings flaring as he began to stomp on the abandoned clothes. “Charlatans! Heretics! You are worse than the ignorant cattle who clog the streets, blinding following their corrupt masters! The only thing more powerful that Corona’s generosity is her wrath, and I will see you all punished for this blasphemous transgression! Do you hear me?!” He turned from the growing bonfire in the still open doorway to see that, to his surprise, he was not alone.

A young earth pony colt was standing in front of him, trembling. The colt’s white coat and blonde mane were, as far as Kindle could tell, completely natural, pure and unblemished, even down to his blank flank.

“Oh…well, hello there…um…”

“It’s Sundrop…” said the younger stallion as he tried to look the still seething stallion in the eyes, but instead focused his eyes on the floor.

“Oh, yes, of course,” said Kindle hurriedly as put on a smile for the young pony. Kindle had seen him around the clubhouse the last couple of months being fawned over by the group’s mares as a precious wonder, but had never paid the young cult much attention before now. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Sundrop. I guess I just lost my temper there… wretched feeling, being betrayed by ponies who you thought were your comrades. But don’t fret over it too much; you have been blessed by Corona’s colors. As long as you display them proudly, you shall be fine, no matter where in Equestria you go.”

“Actually, sir…” said Sundrop as he pawed the ground nervously. “I was…hoping I could stay…” Kindle tilted his head at the statement.

“Really?”

“Well, didn’t you say that Corona would need support from her loyal followers?” asked Sundrop, finally looking up. “I’d like to help… if I can. I mean, you’re still going to try to help the Queen, right?”

“Why, yes, of course,” said Kindle, puffing up his chest and beating his wings. “But…I was hoping for a lot more help in doing so. I’ve been to other Sun Cults across Equestria, but if all of them react like this group did… it’s going to be a lot of hard work, supporting our Queen when the rest of the country has been turned against her by centuries of Luna’s lies. I don’t really think that’s a job fitting for someone who’s barely past being a foal. You should just go home, and enjoy your life under the warmth of a new dawn.”

“But…I hate my life!” shouted the young pony suddenly, startling Kindle. “My life was miserable… the other fillies always teasing me… calling me names and pushing me around… all because of my coat and mane. This was the only place I felt safe, or even welcomed, and I just… if this is going to be gone now, then… I don’t want to go back to that world. And if Corona is going to stop that, and make it so that no one gets bullied like I was again, then I want to help! I want to do whatever I can to make that world come true as quickly as possible!” Sundrop stopped and gasped for breath, panting with exertion at the sudden burst of fervor.

Kindle smiled at him warmly. “Then who am I to reject your faith and refuse your devotion?” The younger pony looked up at him in awe.

“Really?” he asked. “You mean it?”

“Of course,” said Kindle as he wrapped a wing around the young disciple. “I would be glad to have you along. The honest conviction of one true believer burns brighter than a thousand candle flames from those…those… posers who so graciously removed themselves from our presence.”

“Alright!” shouted Sundrop joyously. “So, when do we start? Are we leaving now? What will I need to bring?”

“Whoa there, hold yourself,” said Kindle with a chuckle. “First things first. We will need to—”

“Kindle?” The two stallions turned to see a grey unicorn mare standing in the still open doorway, her eyes flickering between Kindle, the golden room, and the pile of rumpled clothing and broken gold.

“Smoke?” asked Kindle worriedly. “What are you doing here?”

“I followed you from the theatre,” said the mare as she inside the clubhouse. “What is this place?”

“This is…I mean was…” he glanced at Sundrop, whose nod bolstered his own confidence. “This is the headquarters of the Manehatten Sun Cult, dedicated to the worship of Corona, true Queen of Equestria, who has at least risen again!”

“Sun Cult?” parroted Smoke as she gazed at the golden images and icons that covered nearly every inch of the room. “You mean you… you actually want Corona to come back?”

“Of course,” said Kindle, Sundrop standing straight and puffing out his chest with pride. “We are the ones who have not been blinded by the shroud of darkness that Luna’s Night Court has smothered this country with. We have seen the greed, the corruption, the waste and then abuse that Equestria and its ponies have been subject to under the cruel hoof of its false nobility. With Corona’s rise, we have a chance to at last purify this nation, to stamp out those who would abuse their unjustly gained positions of power and authority!”

“Just you two?” asked Smoke skeptically, Kindle and Sundrop sharing a wry grin.

“Well… we used to have more members, but unfortunately we seem to have been rife with cowards and pretenders… However, our faith is as pure and bright as the Sun, and I know that there are still hundreds, if not thousands of ponies who will flock to Corona’s side once they behold the radiant majesty of their true Queen! All we have to do is find them, spread the message, light the embers of hope and faith within their hearts until a great, purifying inferno sweeps across this country, burning away the filth that have for too long blighted our society!”

“Yeah!” shouted Sundrop in agreement, rearing up on both legs before stomping the ground in excitement.

“And as you can see, what we lack in numbers, we make up for in enthusiasm,” said Kindle with a chuckle.

“I see…” said Smoke, her brow furrowed in thought. “Well, in that case… I’d like to help.”

“And that is completely understandable, so if you’d just…” The words died in Kindle’s mouth as he stared at the mare. “What was that?”

“I said I’d like to help,” said Smoke sheepishly, rubbing one foreleg against another. “It’s just… your devotion to your craft has always been kind of an… inspiration to me, and if what you’re saying is true and we can spread that onto others, or even the rest of the country, then… well, that’s something I’d really like to be a part of.” She smiled at him hopefully, and Kindle couldn’t help but grin back.

“Then who am I to refuse your will?” he said with a smile, realizing now that these were the kind of ponies he needed: the devoted, the hopeful, the inspired. Ponies who saw that the old world was filled with darkness and corruption, and who wanted to fill a new one with hope and light.

“Well then, my friends, my fellow loyal servants of Corona, True Queen of Equestria! Let us be off,” said Kindle as he stepped out of the room and into the hallway, with Smoke and Sundrop following closely behind him.

“Where are we going?” asked Smoke curiously.

“With the Sun newly risen, we must strike while the embers are hot,” explained Kindle with a zealous grin. “And with your help, I know just the place to start. Forwards, towards a new and glorious dawn!”

* * *

“Um…” asked Sundrop nervously as the trio of sun worshippers approached an abandoned warehouse in Manehatten’s harbor district. “Are you sure that this is the best place to start helping Corona?”

“No place better,” Kindle assured him with a grin as he slid open the door to the dilapidated building and beckoned his companions inside with a wing. “I actually come here every few weeks to preach.”

“Oh, so this is another clubhouse?” asked Smoke curiously as she and Sundrop stepped inside.

“Well…to be frank, I haven’t had much success with my prior visits,” admitted Kindle as he shut the door behind him with a groaning creak that echoed through the large, nearly empty space. “But with the Sun at my back and you two by my side, I feel as though there is nothing I cannot accomplish.”

“If you say so,” said Sundrop as he peered around the old warehouse. All of the building’s windows were blocked by either rusty shutters or boards of wood, making casting everything in a dim darkness despite the noon sun outside. Old and forgotten boxes and equipment were strewn across the ground, casting odd shadows along the floor. The only light came from a small bonfire burning in a garbage can near the center of a small clearing, and about a dozen or so scruffy, grizzled ponies bundled in tattered rags were clustered around steel drum, absently gazing into the flickering flames.

“Now, I’m going to go say hello to our friends and bring them our gift,” said Kindle as he patted one of two full saddlebags slung across his flanks. “When I give the cue, you both know what to do, correct?”

“Of course,” said Smoke as Sundrop nodded eagerly.

“Splendid,” grinned Kindle. “Then let’s put on a show worthy of Her Majesty.” As the other two took off into the shadows to begin their roles, Kindle trotted towards the small fire, and the faint clinking of his saddlebags drew the attention of the transients.

“Whos’at?” said one with a slur, his ears perked at he peered around at the surrounding shadows.

“Jus’ young Kindle,” said another as the red pegagus stepped into the circle of firelight. “Did’in think we’d see you out’n’about for the Longest Night.”

“Yeah, figur’d you’d be off fretting about your ruddy Queen or watnot,” said a third, spitting into the fire.

“And abandon you all on this, the most glorious of occasions?” asked Kindle with a wounded expression as he withdrew a few bottles of wine and some loaves of bread from his saddlebags and began passing them around. “I would hardly be a faithful servant of Corona if I allowed myself to forget those who need her light and warmth the most, now would I?”

“Your words are weird, boy,” said one as she uncorked the bottle with her teeth and took a long pull. “But least your booze is good.”

“I am pleased that you enjoyed it, Branloaf,” said Kindle with a smile as he shrugged off the empty bags and flapped his wings, lifting himself into the air. “However, I bring more than just beverage with me.”

“Ya always do,” said another mare, pointedly ignoring the circling pegasus as she tore a hunk off of the loaf. “Words, words, words, always words. I prefer some quiet with my drink.”

“Oh, but I bring something far more glorious than mere words this time, my dear Banananut,” Kindle assured her with a knowing grin as he landed atop a high stack of crates.

“Oh yeah?” she scoffed around a mouthful of bread. “Well, what did you bring with you this time, the sun?”

“Precisely,” said Kindle as he flapped his wings twice, giving the signal for Sundrop to open some of the shutters, bathing the red pegasus in a shaft of bright, golden light. Kindle grinned at the expressions of shock gazing up at him, and when he spoke, his voice range with a deep, musical timber.

I see that your current situation

Has left you all cold and deprived.

But meek though you are, stand at attention!

I come now to restore your pride.

The group watched him as he leapt off the crates, landing on the floor as he began to circle them, making sure to meet their eyes each in turn.

I can tell from your dour expression

That you hate those who run things upstairs.

So I speak of a new dawn’s ascension,

That shall bring ruin to the Night Court’s affairs!

So prepare for the end to your suffering!

Be prepared for hope sprung anew!

I now give you forewarning

Of a shining new morning.

“And how do we feature?” asked Branloaf, and Kindle raised her chin with a hoof.

“Just listen to preacher,” he said before leaping onto the top of the crates again.

I know it sounds dated,

But you’ll be elated

To see the sun risen anew.

For when justice is no longer impaired

Be prepared!

“Yeah, Be prepared!” shouted Banananut excitedly. “We'll be prepared! Um... prepared for what?”

“ For the fall of Luna,” shouted Kindle with all the force he could muster, wings spread wide.

“ Why? Is she gonna trip?” asked Banananut.

“ No, we’re going to depose her,” said Kindle, his lips curling into an eager grin. “And her Night Court, too. “

“ That’s great!” shouted Branloaf. “Who needs a government?”

“Anarchy!” the other ponies began to chant as they pranced around the fire. “Anarchy! La-la-la-la-laa-laa!”

“No, my fellows!” roared Kindle. “We shall have a ruler!”

“Hey, but you said, uh...” started Banananut, but Kindle cut her off.

Corona will be Queen, announced Kindle, his voice a rumbling, fervent growl. Kneel before the Tyrant Sun, and you shall never dwell in darkness again!

“Yeah!” shouted Branloaf excitedly as another set of shutters opened, bathing her in light. “Alright! Hail to the Sun!”

“Hail to the Sun!” added Banananut as a shaft of sunlight descended upon her.

“Hail to the Sun!” shouted all the other ponies excitedly, the warehouse suddenly aglow with the light from a conjured sun hovering just below the ceiling.

It’s great that we’ll soon be protected

By a Queen who we’ll love and adore.

Of course, as her servants, you’re expected

To obey she who others abhor.

What the Nobles do not realize is

That their rule shall yet come undone.

And their fate that I now prophesize is

That Canterlot shall burn like the sun!

As Kindle roared his proclamation, he activated the enchanted helmet that Smoke had hidden with her glamor, and the pegagus’s mane and tail burst into flame.

So prepare for this nation’s new destiny!

(Oooh!)

Be prepared for Corona’s new reign!

(Oooh... La! La! La!)

Let’s start a motion

(We'll have food!)

Of unwavering devotion.

(Lots of food)

Centuries of oppression

(We repeat)

Has taught us a lesson:

(Endless wheat)

A Queen will protect us

(Aaaaaaah...)

Will care for, respect us

(...aaaaaaah...)

And bring us all prosperity!

(...aaaaaaah!)

Let no corruption or evil be spared!
Be prepared!

Let no corruption or evil be spared!

Be prepared!

Echoes of zealous laugher rang through the warehouse beneath an illusionary sun, the world outside was bathed in the light and panic from the longest day in Equestria’s history.

Mounty Max's Day: Doing Something

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Mounty Max's Day

by Talon and Thorn

“I’m sure there’s no reason to be alarmed,” called Mounty Max trying to make himself heard over the general hubbub. The grey pony wished he sounded more believable and less scared as he tried to reassure the crowd around him.

“It’s the end times,” cried a purple pegasus as she launched herself into the air apparently trying to outfly the apocalypse.

On the ground an earth pony mare rushed past clutching her bawling infant tightly her eyes wide swivelling from side to side looking for a place to hide.

“It just ain’t natural,” muttered another pony staring upwards his mouth hanging open in shock. There in the sky the sun sat burning brightly. This wouldn’t normally be a cause for alarm except that it was the middle of the night and only a few minutes ago it had been pitch black.

Max, as the mayor of the town of Sadlzburg had been in charge of hosting the town’s annual Longest Night festival. As this year was the one thousandth anniversary of the banishment of Corona he had been determined to make it the best one ever and he’d thought he’d succeed. He’d managed to arrange for old Honeybun to donate almost her whole year’s supply of mead for the festivities, there had been games for the foals and the musically talented townsfolk had been formed into a band so those who felt like it could dance the night away. It had proved popular and ponies had come from all the neighbouring villages and even a few from farther afield.

Overall he’d been quite proud of his work and had been looking forward to letting his mane down for the night. Then the sun had quite unexpectedly appeared in the sky, for a moment he had felt quite put out as if the event had been designed purely to ruin his night. Then the same panic that was now affecting most of the population had threatened to grip him too, struggling for a few seconds he fought against his reactions. He was in charge damn it, he had to act like it.

Vaulting onto a nearby table he slammed a hoof down with a crashing sound. “Listen!” he yelled. For a moment there was silence and all faces turned to him, he opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t think of what to say. The moment broken the ponies returned to milling around in chaos.

Max slumped for a second, feeling defeated. Suddenly a loud bleat broke over the cloud and once again the mob froze where they stood eyes turning to face the elderly nanny goat who had caused the sound. “Now I’d be much obliged if you all stopped running about like headless chickens and listed to the mayor over there,” she said in a quiet but commanding voice nodding a Max.

All heads turned to face the mayor again. “Thank you Mrs G,” mumbled Max to his assistant before continuing in a more assured tone, “Now if you just all calm down, we can sort things out. I’m sure this is just a temporary thing, maybe the Princess is sick.”

“Celebrating the holiday a bit hard you think?” asked one brown unicorn stallion. A few nervous chuckles could be heard.

“It’s the end I tell you, Corona has returned to burn us all!” cried one panicky pony.

“Yes and I’m sure she’s brought Tirek with her, the Headless Horse too I wager,” replied Max with a smile, “How much of your mead have you had tonight Honeybun?”

“Well a few,” mumbled the mare shame face. That seemed to release some of the tension in the air and another round of laughter could be heard.

“Besides even if something has happened to the Princess, all the good ponies in the Night Court will be working on a solution right?” there was a mumble of agreement in the crowd. “Now this is all very odd,” started Max again, “But nothing actually harmful has happened has it? No one’s been struck down, no one injured?” The crowd looked among themselves for a moment, then agreed with their leader. “Then it’s not so bad.” Max felt proud of his people, they were practical almost to a fault, the midnight sun hadn’t caused any problems yet so it wasn’t anything to worry about. “Now, I’ll tell you all if I hear anything about this... strangeness. It’s been a long night so I suggest that everybody gets to bed, see if you can get any sleep, things will probably seem.. better in the morning.” He’d wanted to say brighter, but the sun hovering over their heads made that unlikely.

Muttering to themselves for a bit the crowd started to disperse and Max gave a sigh of relief.

Max sighed, completely unable to follow his own suggestion. It had been several hours since the sun had risen and nothing had changed. On the positive side no legendary evil had swooped down to smite him but on the other hoof the sun still sat there not moving an inch like it was glaring down at him.

He had returned to his house come office and after ensuring his mother was alright had lacked anything else to do so he had started to tidy up. Mrs Gobhar had joined him and had taken up her normal place in the outer office, the clacking of her knitting needles the only sound she had made and after a while even that had stopped suggesting the old goat had fallen asleep.

Max wished he could do that to but he couldn’t, he was buzzing with nervous energy and needed to be able to do something, anything. He picked up a pile of half completed paperwork and carried it over to the filing cabinet near the window. He stopped for a second to admire the small collection of framed certificates and pictures that made up the town’s history. Off to one side was the document which appointed him Lord Mayor of Sadlzburg and technically a member of the gentry, above it was the same document appointing his father and before him his grandfather to the same role. Beneath them was the yellowing document which marked the incorporation of the town. Around them were a collection of newspaper cuttings making reference to the town and its area. Pride of place was occupied by a full page of text announcing the completion of the first stage of the local road network, a grainy photograph showed a large collection of workers, including Max himself smiling proudly. An equally proud pony was shown pulling a cart down the newly constructed road linking Sadlzburg to the village of Splitzhoof a few miles away. The text noted plans to extend the road to Saddleback. He still remembered the day fondly. Another cutting showed Max and a mare kissing, the headline noted the success of the hearts and hooves dance. He wondered if he should take that one down, he hardly considered it to be on the same level as the other news, which had been part of the problem.

Max was awoken from his thoughts by a quiet tap on the door. He rushed over to open it, maybe it was some news about the sun. Beyond stood a pony Max didn’t think he’d met before, she was a dark blue pegasus mare with a long pink mane and a large box strapped around her neck. “Hello?” he asked cautiously, “How can I help you?”

“Hi, I’m Happy Snapper, I’m a journalist from Canterlot, I hoped I could get an interview with you.”

Max frowned, “Canterlot? You’re a long way from home.”

“Well I was here on a working holiday, I hoped to get some pictures of the views around here, and well when this all happened I had to do something so I thought I’d come to the person in charge. I had to do something or I’d go mad,” she admitted.

“I know the feeling. Ok, I haven't got anything else to do, come in.” There was a soft bleating sound from the corner. Max turned to see Mrs Gobhar slumped over her desk. “Excuse me a second,” he said. Pushing past the pegasus Max gently pulled the glasses off of the elderly goat’s muzzle and laid them by her side before collecting a large knitted blanket from a basket near the desk and laying it over her making sure she was kept warm.

There was a flash of light and a click which caused Max to jump. Happy lowered her camera. “Don’t worry it’s just a camera, it’s used to record pictures,” she explained.

Max gently shoed her into his office and away from the sleeping goat, “I know what a camera is, we might be a bit out of the way here but we’re not stupid.”

“Sorry,” she took a notepad out of her bags and lifted a pencil in her wing.

Max sat at his desk, “Now what do you want to talk to me about?”

“What are you planning to do about this crisis? How will you reassure the other villages?”

“I’m not sure why you are asking me this, other settlements have their own leaders many of whom are probably much better at that than me.”

“Yes, but as far as I am aware none of them are being considered for a position in the Night Court.”

Max sighed, this again! “I have heard certain rumours, apparently this town and the surrounding area wasn’t fully recorded when the last full census of Equestria was carried out. Some sort of clerical error. When the situation was recognised the Night Court investigated to produce a report for the Princess and yes, I believe one of the suggestions was to form a new province, but I have not been informed of who might run it. Of course whoever it is will have my full cooperation.”

“Even if it’s somepony from outside of the area?”

“Well we have no local nobility so that’s likely. I’m sure the court will weigh up all the possible contenders and choose whoever is best suited.” Happy smirked at this for some reason Max didn’t understand.

“It seems to me that there is..” she was suddenly interrupted by a hammering from the front of the building. Max was up and across the room in a second rushing into the outer office where Mrs G was awake and searching for her glasses. The front door swung open to reveal a battered brown earth pony stallion with a white mane, he had a thick winter coat wrapped around him but it was torn in several places, skies were strapped to all four of his legs. Max recognised him as his friend and deputy mayor Off Piste. The stallion collapsed forwards in a faint and Max rushed forwards to catch him before he hit the ground.

“Piste, Piste!” he called, “Are you alright, Piste?”

One of the stallions eyes cracked open, “I haven't touched a drop, I’m just a little tired,” he mumbled.

Max sighed in relief as he helped the injured pony to a seat, “Will you ever get tired of that joke?” he asked.

“I haven't so far.” The stallion blinked a few times. “Max it’s Innsbuck!”

“What about it?” Innsbuck was Off’s home village about half a day’s travel away.

“Avalanche, it’s buried half the place, we need to get help!”

“When did it happen?” asked Max considering what to do.

“Two maybe three hours ago.”

“You made it here in three hours?” asked Max is disbelief.

“Made it right over the peak, I told you I could do it,” he winced, “Well almost, I took a bit of a tumble near the bottom.”

Max straightened, plans running through his head, “Mrs G,” he started. The nanny leaned over and passed Piste a steaming drink, which from the smell of it was about half brandy, which he accepted thankfully.

“I’ll get my boys,” she said.

Max nodded, “Good. You,” he indicated Happy, “Can help me tell the rest of town.” Not waiting for a reply, and happy to have something to do, Max ran off into the town.

In less than half an hour Max had managed to assemble fifty or sixty volunteers to help him. He had hoped for more but given the situation most of the town’s population wanted to stay and protect their own families, and he couldn’t really blame them.

He was glad that all three of Mrs G’s sons were in town. They were the closest that the area had to a professional mountain rescue team, he’d even managed to get them paid as such. Not quite a living wage, they still had to take on a few odd jobs to make ends meet. Maybe he should look into seeing if he could get them more? He put the thought aside for the moment. “Ok, everyone. There's been a bad avalanche at Innsbuck. There are people buried and some of the buildings have collapsed. They need our help and we need to get there as soon as we can. Now the pegasus can just fly over there,” he nodded to the winged section of the crowd, ”But the rest of us are going to follow quickest ground route, the road to Saddleback followed by scaling Widows peak.” There was some mumbling from the crowd. “I know it’s a hard route but the people Innsbuck are in trouble and every minute could be precious.”

“Is this all to do with sun?” asked a random pony, “Could it have caused the avalanche?”

“That’s rather unlikely,” said Conn, one of Mrs Gobhar’s sons and the closest the town had to a librarian as he lived in the rather ramshackle building containing the hundred or so books the town had cobbled together to lend to each other. “It’s not been up long enough to melt the snow.” The word yet hung unspoken, Max knew that if the current situation continued then they would have more problems than a single avalanche but there was no need to dwell on that yet.

“Ok everybody, get what you need and we’ll all gather here in about ten minutes, remember shovels, warm clothes, food and drink. Anybody we dig out is going to be cold.” The crowd dispersed leaving only a few people still standing around.

Sealbhach, Mrs G’s youngest son sidled up to Max, his coat immaculate. His good looks made him a favourite with the local nannies and, at least to hear him talk, a few mares as well. “Are you sure about the route? They don’t call it Widow Makers Peak for nothing.”

“Piste made it through and if we take the normal route it’ll be all day until we get there.”

“Piste is an expert. Now I know you can make it, so can me and the boys. But some of the others aren't strong climbers.”

“Those who can climb can help the others, I’m sure we can make it.”

Sealbhach stared at Max for a second, “Ok, you’re the boss.”

Max stood there for a minute running over his options in his mind, he couldn’t see any other way to do this. Then somepony caught his eye, “Happy?” he asked, “Why are you still here?”

“Well, I thought I should help. It’ll make a good story, a heroic high altitude rescue. I’m sure my readers will lap it up,” she said tightening her winter coat and making sure her camera was in place.

“Well be careful, follow Arctic Breeze’s instructions,” he gestured at another pegasus, “She used to be in the guard so she knows her way around a disaster, she’ll show you where to go and what to do. Just remember this isn’t just a story lives are at risk.”

“Don’t worry,” she said giving a sloppy salute.

Off Piste limped up to his friend, “I’ll lead you to the route I took.”

“Piste, no. You’re still hurt. You need to rest,” argued Max.

“Come off it, I’m fine, plus you’ve got a better chance with me,” said the brown stallion incredulously.

“I’ve got another job for you. When you’re rested I want you to take the road to Praris, they’ve got the rail head there and telegraph, they should know what’s going on. Take my official medallion, its propping up one of the table legs, if anyone gives you any trouble you’re acting Lord Mayor.”

“You could send anypony to do that, let me come with you.”

“I trust you most and I need you to keep a level head. Plus you’ll probably make it in half the time of anypony else”

“Fine, I’ll set off right away.”

“No, wait until you’ve had a chance to rest and had someone look at your wounds.”

“And how are you going to stop me?”

“I won't,” said Max with a smile, “Mrs G,” he called.

The nanny shuffled over, “Yes?” she asked.

“Make sure Piste doesn’t leave until he’s had some rest, and something to eat.”

Off Piste glared rebelliously at the goat for a second but wilted under her gentle gaze. “You win,” he mumbled.

“Come on dearly,” said the nanny, “Let’s get you looked at.” She led her charge back to the town hall.

Savouring his small victory Max turned back to crowd to his surprise it had grown a little. He saw half a dozen goats and a pair of donkeys among the group of ponies, even Whitefeather, the town’s only hippogriff was there pawing the ground in impatience.

Max nodded to Arctic Breeze and the pegasus mare took command of the flying part of the party leading them up into the sky and after circling the town a few times headed off in the direction of the stricken village. Max hoped they would be able to do some good before the land based contingent with their heavier equipment could arrive.

“Ok, everybody,” called Max, “The people of Innsbuck need us, let’s go!” and with that he led his people out of the town.

The first leg of the journey went well, the newly completed road to Saddleback did its job and Max felt a swell of pride. This was what the project was supposed to have done, link the area together to make it easier for help and goods to pass from village to village, to make the area a community rather than just a collection of settlements. At Saddleback he was met with another barrage of questions about the sun but he managed to dodge them by mentioning the avalanche. To the natives that disaster was a more reasonable thing than the sun being up at the wrong time, something they could understand and do something about. Their party picked up a few more volunteers and unpacked the supplies that they had brought before setting out on the second and much more difficult leg of the journey.

The distance between Saddleback and Innsbuck was probably less than ten miles as the pegasus flies, however, between the two sat the forbidding Widow Makers Peak. It was certainly not the largest of mountains in the area but it was steep and there was no real track over it. Max had climbed it several times before but never with such a large group and certainly not at speed. But there was no real choice, to go round would increase the length of the journey by at least a factor of five.

“Now put your other hoof there,” instructed Max, “And pull yourself up. Good, now the next bits easier, it flattens out.” His pupil followed his instructions and made her way up to a ledge before wiping her brow and carefully scuttling along the next section of cliff. As per his plan the better climbers were helping the weaker members of the party where possible but it was still slow going. There was a cry from lower down the slope and Max’s head snapped round to see an unfortunate stallion start to slip as he missed his hoofing. Lucky Brian, Mrs Grobnar’s eldest son grabbed the rope attaching him to the next pony in line with his teeth and look the strain arresting the stallion’s fall before he could pull any others after him. The muscular goat, although far from the sharpest tool in the box was well known for his strength, and planting his hooves lifted the grateful stallion back onto the path.

“'s math a fhuaras tu!” complimented Max, Brian sometimes had difficulty with Equestrian. But most of the locals could manage at least a simple conversation in Goat and some in Donkey as well.

The other climbers stopped in place looking at the near disaster, “We have to keep moving,” insisted Max trying to rally his team. “We’re past half way up now, almost there. The people of Innsbuck need us.”

Sealbhach hopped from rock to rock up to Max, as surefooted as all his species. “I think we should take a break at that ledge,” he suggested, pointing a short distance up the slope.

“The more we stop the more people could die at Innsbuck,” argued Max.

“They’re getting tired,” hissed the goat, pointing at the other climbers, “Which means they’re getting sloppy, and up here that means they’ll get dead.”

Max considered the truth of this for a moment, “Ok, everybody, when you get up here we can stop for ten minutes, get your breath back. I’ll scout ahead and see if I can find an easier path.” There was a mumble of appreciation from other climbers as one by one they dragged themselves onto the ledge.

Once his people were safe Max scrambled further up the mountain trying to judge how difficult the different slopes would be. After a few minutes he stopped and to his surprise was joined by Conn and Sealbhach.

“So do you think the east face would be easier, or the west?” he asked, “East isn’t as steep but those rocks look loose to me, west is steeper but there are quite a few ledges to stop on.”

“Max, you know you always ask us to tell you when you’re being an idiot?” asked Conn.

“Well, you’re being an idiot,” said Sealbhach bluntly.

“What?”

“They can’t make this climb, Max.”

“Look it’s not that hard, I climbed worse when I was still a foal.”

“Most of the team aren't you,” pointed out Conn, “You can probably do this, we probably can as well, same with some of the others but not all of them. Some of them will die.”

“The thing is, that if you ask them to they’ll try it anyway, they trust you Max,” said Sealbhach.

“But we have to make it, the people of Innsbruck need our help!”

“And we won’t help them by dying. What’s made you like this Max? You’re normally stubborn but why all this?”

“I need to do something!” cried Max, “The sun is out in the middle of the night! As far as I know the world is ending, Corona might have returned, the rest of Equestria could be in flames for all I know, but I can’t do anything about that. But I can save Innsbuck!”

The two goats looked at each other after the outburst. “You have done something, you’ve kept the whole town calm,” noted Conn. “You sent Off Piste off to find out more, there isn’t anything else you can do. Getting ponies killed isn’t going to help.”

Max rubbed his face with a hoof, “You’re right,” he admitted, “Of course you’re right. Thanks.” He thought for a moment, “Ok, how about this. I’ll take most of our best climbers over the top, Conn you take the rest back down to that pass we saw about half a mile back, it looks like it went round the mountain, it’ll still take a few hours but it’ll be quicker than going all the way back to Saddleback and round.”

Conn chewed for a moment, “Yes, I think that’d work.” Sealbhach nodded his agreement too.

“Good, let’s get back to the rest, and guys? Thanks, I needed that, you’re some of the best friends a pony could have.”

“I’m always happy to call you an idiot Max,” said Sealbhach with a grin.

The trio made their way back to the rest of the party in silence. “Ok, gather round we’ve had a change of plan,” announced Max as the rest of the team looked up at him.

Despite being made up of the best climbers Max’s smaller party still found traversing the peak difficult and he saw the wisdom in his friends words, if the whole team had tried to pass this way there would have been fatalities. As it was it took an hour to find a point they could get to the other side of the mountain and as long again to get to the bottom. From the peak Max could just about make out where Innsbuck was, or rather where it should have been. It looked bad, from this distance only a few building could be seen barely sticking out of the snow where the village had once stood. Max cursed himself for not being born a pegasus, being able to fly would be very useful right now.

Arctic Breeze flew up as Max and his team finally cantered into the village and started to unload the supplies they had managed to lug over the mountain them. She gave a salute, “Where are the rest of you?” asked the ex-guardsmare.

“They had to take a longer route, they won’t be here for a while.” Max looked around. “Where’s Tomato Chutney?” he asked looking for the pony who was the closest thing to a leader the village had.

Breeze pointed at a chimney just sticking out of the snow, “That’s his house.”

“Oh.”

“He’s actually alright, he and his family are stuck inside but they're safe until we can dig them out.”

Giving a sigh of relief Max surveyed the village, it appeared that the majority of the village’s population were alright, many of them were huddled next to the few remaining buildings looking shocked and often somewhat battered but generally whole. Several others were helping the pegasus he had sent ahead to dig into the snow looking for others trapped beneath it. The village itself was in a poor way though, as he had seen from above most of its buildings had been covered in snow and several had been demolished entirely it would take a long time to rebuild, he hoped that the rumours of a new province being formed were true the village could really use the disaster funding that would create.

Gazing up at the slope where the avalanche had come from Max could make out a thick layer of rubble and boulders which had been dragged down with the snow. “Someone should keep an eye on that,” he said pointing, “It’s still loose, could come down at any time.”

“I’ll get some of the walking wounded on it.”

Max nodded, “Ok, how are the rest of the villagers?”

“We’re still missing about a third of them, we don’t know where most of them could be. We’ve already dug up a few bodies I’m afraid.”

Max stamped the ground angrily, “We should have got here quicker!”

“They were dead as soon as the avalanche hit, there was nothing you could do,” said the pegasus extending a wing around Max’s shoulder.

“I suppose so. What can I do now?”

“There are a lot of foals unaccounted for, apparently they were having a Longest Night party run by one of the villagers called Tender Heart. Her place was somewhere over there,” the pegasus indicated a general area in the village now under a large mound of snow.

Max knew Tender Heart, she was a unicorn who worked as a nurse for several of the smaller villages. “Then we start there,” stated Max picking up a spade and gesturing to his team, “and we don’t stop until we find those foals.”

The next hour blurred into spade after spade of snow being forced aside, slowly the area was revealed from its white blanket but there was no sign of the missing foals, alive or dead.

“Come on Max take a break,” said Sealbhach bringing the Mayor back to his senses. He was suddenly aware that his legs felt rubbery with exhaustion. “You’ll help no one if you drop.” The goat held up a flask to Max, “Have some of this, Mum’s special soup.”

“Just a few minutes,” said Max throwing the spade into the compacted snow beneath him and gratefully taking a mouthful of the warm spicy (and probably somewhat alcoholic) beverage. Glancing around the village little seemed to have changed since he and his party had arrived. Snarling in frustration he looked back down at the spade watching the pink light reflect off of it. Wait a minute pink light? Throwing aside the drink he started to scramble at the ground with his bare hooves scraping away the snow, more pink light broke through the covering. Beneath was a transparent pink dome inside which Max could make out a unicorn mare her horn glowing weakly and sparking, gathered around her and shivering were about a dozen small forms. Grasped in the mare’s forearms was an older colt his horn glowing a bright purple.

Giving a cry Max summoned the other workers and they began to excavate the bubble.

“Are you alright in there?” Max cried trying to gently tap on the energy field. There was no response, neither the mare nor the foals seemed to be able to hear or see him although he could just about make out movement.

It took longer than Max would have liked to clear the area around the dome but everyone worked as fast as they could. Once they were finished Max approached it again and placed his muzzle on the surface as near to the mare as he could.

“Can you hear me?” he called, “You’re safe now, please let us in.”

For a moment nothing happened then the mare’s eyes snapped open, her pupils were huge. “Sa.. Safe?” she muttered, around her the foals also seemed to perk up, “Foals safe?”

“Yes, they’re safe, you saved them.”

“Safe,” she sighed and the dome faded away. Max was suddenly struck by a wave of heat given off by the unicorn’s horn, it burned brighter for a moment and then went out. With a sigh the mare collapsed forwards onto the ground.

“She’s over channelled!” cried another unicorn in the crowd.

“Momma,” cried the colt, prodding at the mare, “Wake up.”

Suddenly ponies were running all around Max scooping up foals and carrying them away. The mare was gently lifted by a pair of unicorns and carried away from the loose snow. “Momma,” cried the colt again, struggling to get to his hooves and trying to follow his mother.

Max stepped forwards and almost stumbled, his legs feeling like jelly. He ignored them and grasped the colt, “Your mother’s going to be fine,” he said hoping he wasn’t lying.

“I helped her, I did all I could,” sobbed the young pony attaching himself to Max’s leg hugging him tightly. “She said I always made her feel stronger so I did what I could to help her.” There was a flash and a symbol of a plus sign inside a heart materialised on the colts flank. The new cutie mark went entirely unnoticed by its owner, “I was so scared,” he continued, “But momma told me to be brave for the younger foals, I tried to help her,” he looked up at Max with tears in his eyes.

“You did help her,” he reassured, returning the hug “You helped her keep all the other foals safe until we could get you out. What’s your name?”

The colt detached himself and sniffed, “Strong Heart, sir.”

“Well Strong Heart, I’m Mounty Max. I’m a Lord Mayor and that means I can give out medals to very special ponies if they’re very brave like you, so you can show all your friends that you were very very brave and helped your mother, you’d like that right?”

The colt nodded, “Yes, sir.”

“Good,” said Max. He’d find some way to make good his promise even if he had to take the matter all the way to the Princess herself. “Now let’s see how your mother is.”

He led the colt over to where the injured ponies were being looked after by anypony who had medical skills. Tender Heart had been laid out in a sleeping bag to keep her warm, she seemed to be in a deep sleep, another unicorn was standing next to her.

“This is Strong Heart, Tender Heart’s son,” said Max.

“Your mothers going to be alright,” said the unicorn kneeling down by the colt, “But she was very tired after keeping that shield up for so long so she might sleep for a long time.”

“Can I stay with her?” asked Strong Heart in a quiet voice.

“Of course, I’m sure she’ll feel better if you're nearby,” said the unicorn gently, “You just stay here for a minute and talk to your mother, she can probably hear you. I need to talk to the Mayor here and then I’ll see about getting you something to eat, you’re probably hungry.”

Strong nodded and knelt down in an empty space leaning against his mother, his horn glowing slightly.

The unicorn looked on with pity and then gestured for Max to step aside.

“So how is she?” asked the Mayor quietly.

The unicorn looked down and sighed, “I don’t know much about this sort of thing but..”

Suddenly there was a crack and a rumbling sound. Max’s ears pricked up and he turned towards the sound. To his horror the rocks on the slope he had noted earlier were moving, rolling faster and faster down the slope towards the village. “Rock fall!” screamed Max.

Suddenly there was movement all around as ponies, goats and donkeys were running in panic from the approaching wall of rocks. Looking around Max estimated his current position to be far enough away to be safe from the landslide and he yelled for people to run towards him. Then he saw them, a trio of foals scared by the sound and cowering next to the remains of a stone wall straight in the path of the falling rocks. No one else seemed to have noticed them.

Without consciously being aware of it Max was galloping as fast as he could against the tide of panicking ungulates towards the approaching wall of rocks. He ignored the weakness in his legs, the lightness of his head, his whole awareness shrunk to just the foals, he didn’t even notice the falling rocks anymore. As if in slow motion he leapt towards his target, he was vaguely aware of something striking him on the flank and knocking him aside but he corrected his path and kept going. Grabbing one of the young ponies in his mouth he swung her onto his back, she locked her tiny hooves tightly around his neck and grasped his mane in her teeth, he grabbed the other two by their tails, prompting them to start screaming, but he couldn’t hear them. He skidded into the wall and kicked off against it just as it was demolished by a bolder twice his size. There was a flash of light from somewhere above him but Max ignored it, his legs pumping as fast as they could. He just had to keep going, keep going, keep ahead of the rocks. One of his legs caught on something and he stumbled and fell. He tried to stand again, his legs felt like lead but he had to keep going, keep going. He staggered back to his hooves and pushed on forwards again. He was aware of somepony shouting something at him and then something grasped him from behind and pulled him to the ground again, he struggled to get back up.

“MAX!” cried Arctic Breeze clutching at the grey pony, “You can stop, you made it, stop!”

“Got to keep going, keep going!” muttered Max, his mouth still full of the foal’s tails.

“Max you’re safe!” she insisted, “Stop!”

Coming back to his senses Max looked around, somehow he was several hundred feet from the village far away from the rock slide. He dropped the screaming foals in his mouth and felt the third drop off his back.

“I didn’t know you could move that fast Max.”

“Neither did I. I guess I just needed to be motivated,” he panted. Suddenly his heart and lungs seemed to be running a mile a minute, he felt faint. “Is everybody..” he didn’t have enough breath to finish the sentence.

“There’s a few bumps and bruises, I think, but nothing worse.”

Max tried to stand but couldn’t seem to get all his legs working, “We need to get back to work, there could be more like that.”

“You need to have somepony look you over first, you took a few hits.”

Max looked himself over, there was a gash over one of his hind legs, “I’ll be fine,” he tried to stand and almost managed it before falling again.

By now a small herd of ponies had arrived and scooped up the foals as well as helping Max to stand and led him limping back to the village. Once there Sealbhach started to bandage his wound, somewhat to Max’s consternation the goat still looked immaculate despite working hard for several hours while Max was covered in dust and his own blood.

“That was amazing,” effused Happy Snapper dropping from the air clutching her camera, “I got pictures of it all, you’re going to be famous, a hero.”

Max looked up his face a picture of astonishment, “A hero? There’s a mare over there who kept a dome up over a dozen foals for six hours, she might not ever wake up. Did you get a picture of her?”

“Well, a magic dome doesn’t look good on film.”

“Everypony around here is a hero, they’ve all worked together to help each other, did you get pictures of them to?”

“Well not all of them, I’ve only got limited film,” she mumbled looking embarrassed.

“Everypony and everyone else here are working together to save other, apart from you. You’re apparently flying around taking pictures. For all I know the sun may never set again and there might not be anypony to ever see your pictures. So what good are you?”

“Well I..”

“Just put down the camera and do something actually useful, pick up a spade, help with a bandage, something useful,” he roared.

“Sorry, I’ll..” the shamed pegasus dropped to the ground and ran off towards the village

“You were a bit hard on her,” noted Sealbhach tying off the bandage.

Max closed his eyes and sighed, “I’m just tired, it’s been a long night, day, whatever, but I meant what I said. We all need to work together, every one of us.” He struggled to his hooves, they were shaky but he managed to stand. “What can I do now?”

“You can sit there and rest for a while, you’re no good to us in your current state,” the goat gave Max and gentle prod and he toppled back down. “When did you last eat? I’ll get you something and you should get a few hours sleep.”

Unable to argue Max mutely accepted a simple meal. Looking up he saw the sun still staring back at him before closing his eyes for a few minutes.

When he opened them again the sun had not moved but when he looked around he saw that the rest of the rescue party had arrived with the supplies. He stood up, his rear leg still felt wobbly but he could manage to walk and he hobbled over to a group of ponies and goats nearby. “How long was I out? How are things?” he asked.

“You were asleep for about three hours, and things could be a lot worse,” noted Conn. “We've got almost a hundred ponies accounted for, most of them are bruised and battered but only a few have worse injuries. There are eight fatalities and about a dozen still unaccounted for. We finally got Tomato Chutney out.”

“Good he can take over here.”

“Where are you going? Back to Sadlzburg?”

“No,” he considered for a moment, “There are a lot of other settlements around, they’re going to be full of frightened ponies. They need somepony to tell them that they’re not alone. I figure that comes under my job description.”

“Max! How long do you think you can keep that up?”

“Not long,” said Max, turning and trotting away. “Just until sunset.”

Author's Notes:

I am merely the host of these works so I want to take few lines to thank Talon and Thorn for providing this excellent story about Mounty Max for all of us to enjoy. It's always a pleasure to get a new chapter for this collection. If you have comments on this chapter, be sure to use the reply feature on Talon's comment (which will surely be one of the first on this chapter) so he knows you're talking about his work! This time around Talon and Thorn has a few words for you guys:

"I would like to thank everbody who suggested improvements to this story and particularly Fizzy Orange for coming up with the Everyponies day idea in the first place. Max should hopefully be appearing more in future, you should hear more in the next chapter due in a few days.

As always comments are much appreciated."

Fragrant Posey's Day: Cloudsdale Will Soar!

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Fragrant's Day

by Talon and Thorn

Fragrant Posey looked up at the sky and felt at peace. Standing alone on the roof of her manor in the cloud city of Cloudsdale floating high above Equestria she felt that she could finally let the stresses and strains of public life fall away. She wished she had more time to spend in such meditation but her public role meant that such moments were fleeting at best, there were always inquisitive ponies trying to invade her privacy. Even now at the time of the Longest Night festival tradition meant that she should be spending her time ‘snowed in’ at Canterlot probably attending some formal ball or another, playing the court’s games of one upmanship, vying for position. It was so very tedious.

Instead she had chosen to fly in the face of expectation and spend her holiday with her family. Even then it was saddening how few of her relatives could make it this year, she supposed it was understandable, if she was the age of most of her nieces and nephews she would probably prefer to spend time with her friends rather than her old aunt. Still her brother had promised to spend at least some of the night with her, she hoped he would manage to get away in time for the highlight of the night although she knew how difficult that could be. The cost of power always seemed to be a loss of freedom.

“Bit for your thoughts, Smelly,” came a voice by her head causing her to jump.

She turned to look up at her younger brother, Thunderous. Fragrant was a tall mare but her brother still towered over her, she must have been totally oblivious for him to have snuck up on her. “You know I’m not fond of that nickname, Boom Boom,” she chided her brother using his equally disliked childhood monica. “Still,” she smiled broadly, “I’m glad you could make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world, still why don’t you come down stairs? I’m sure the guests would love to see you. Rising Star in particular has been asking after you.” He gave a wink.

“You know most brothers don’t try to set their sisters up on dates.”

“Most brothers don’t need to,” he joked. Then continued in a quieter tone, “It’s been over twenty years Fragrant, you deserve to have somepony special.”

She looked pained, “I don’t want to talk about it now, please.”

He sighed, “Of course, but do try to make the party.”

“Maybe later, you know I don’t like crowds.”

“Says the mare who regularly gives speeches to the entire Night court, including her royal highness herself.”

“That is different, that is court. I am obliged to do the best for my people then. However, for the holiday I would rather spend the night up here with you rather than being pestered by hangers on and sycophants all night. Can Edelweiss not join us?” she asked.

“I’m afraid somepony has to run the party without me.”

“It’s not too long until moonrise, then you can go back to the party. I’ll apologize to her later.” She shivered slightly, it was a cold night and her formal dress did not provide much insulation. Like all pegasus she was somewhat resistant to the cold but as she grew older the nights tended to bite a little more.

“Nonsense, you know she loves it really and I’ll spend all night up here with you if you want,” he said nuzzling his sister and throwing a warming wing over her.

“Thanks.” She leaned into her brother as the silver light of the moon broke the horizon and the stars in all their majesty whorled around the sky. She couldn’t help but gasp at the spectacle, Princess Luna seemed to have outdone herself this year. “You know Luna is in Ponyville this year,” she said when she could bring herself to speak again. “Maybe Fluttering is attending the festival there.”

Thunderous sighed, “You know that’s not likely.”

“No, it’s not. But I can hope.”

“She will get better eventually you know, she just needs time and some encouragement. Cloudia’s daughter is looking after her, she even suggested Fluttering play for the Princess.”

“With her birds?” said the Duchess with a smile. “That would be wonderful, she’s so good with them.” Then her mood darkened, “But she won’t will she?”

Thunderous sadly shook his head, “No, I doubt she will.”

“Why was I so blind? Why couldn’t I see what I was doing to her?”

“It wasn’t your fault Fragrant, I was putting too much pressure on her, expecting her to run the factory and be your heir. One or the other could have broken anypony, both together, she didn’t have a chance. Still we can’t change the past, however much we might want to, we just have to do the best for her future.”

“True.”

The two ponies stood there for a while longer lost in their own thoughts and enjoying the night’s sky.

“I have to get back to the party,” said Thunderous eventually. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

“I suppose I should put in an appearance, shake some hooves. There are some ponies I need to discuss court business with while I have the chance. It is almost dawn.” She gestured towards the horizon where the golden light of the sun was starting to seep out.

“Yes,” Thunderous nodded and then blinked, “Wait that can’t be right! It’s far too early!”

Before the astonished ponies eyes the sun suddenly rocketed into the sky taking its noonday position in only a few seconds. Both stood fixed to the spot in shock.

“That’s.... What....” stuttered Thunderous staring at the sky.

“Luna! Something must be wrong with her, it might be a signal of an attack,” said Fragrant her voice cracking.

“An attack! Who would attack the Princess in the heart of Equestria?”

“Ponyville!” cried Fragrant, “Luna’s in Ponyville, Fluttering could be in trouble.” Her first instinct was to fly straight to her niece’s aid, her wings flexed somewhat restrained by her formal dress, then she took control of herself. If there’s something in Ponyville powerful enough to threaten Luna then there would be nothing she could do by herself. “We need to know what is going on. We should send out guards to Ponyville and Canterlot, its closer at the moment and any news will be sent there first.”

“I’ll send my fastest,” agreed Thunderous trying to pull himself together.

She thought for a moment, “There was a Wonderbolt show due for tonight wasn’t there?” Thunderous nodded. “Good, then there should be a squadron here in Cloudsdale, they will be able to get there and back faster than anypony else.” She turned and headed towards the inside of the mansion. From below sounds of panic could be heard. “And we’ll both need to calm the populace, we can’t let this get out of hoof.” Suddenly the symbol of icy calm Fragrant strode towards the ball room the twitching of her tail the only sign of her unease. Similarly composing himself her brother followed.

It took far too long to pacify the party guests and they were only a small part of the problem. Fragrant was responsible for the whole of Cloudsdale as soon as the immediate panic was calmed she ordered her guards and the police to patrol the city, the people needed to be reminded that they were protected even if their ruler didn’t know what she was protecting them from. She personally toured the city as quickly as she could to show the populace that she was unafraid, even if that wasn’t true, appearance was very important.

The sun had glared down from the sky for several hours by the time the city had calmed down. Fragrant found herself without anything to occupy her and her thoughts were drawn back to her niece. She would never forgive herself if something happened to Fluttering, although she knew it would be at least another few hours before any of the scouts sent to Ponyville would return, she couldn’t help but wish she knew what was going on.

She was shaken out of her thoughts by her secretary Notebook, “One of the Wonderbolts has returned,” he announced. His normally unfazable public persona looked shaken.

“There is word of Ponyville?”

“No, Lieutenant Fleetfoot has returned from Canterlot and... I think she should tell you herself,” he sounded scared and his normally deep red coat seemed paler than normal.

A white maned mare staggered into the office, she had obviously been flying hard her blue uniform was drenched in sweat and she was panting lightly. She reared up and gave a wobbly salute her wings and tail twitching in panic. Fragrant couldn’t think what could have affected the normally stoic pony so badly.

“Canterlot... Canterlot is under siege,” stuttered Fleetfoot

“Siege? By what force?” the Duchess couldn’t believe her ears.

“By a white mare with a mane of fire,” Fleetfoot shuddered, “It was Corona herself.”

“WHAT!” cried Fragrant.

“I swear it’s true my lady, I didn’t get too close but I saw her clear as day.”

“But.. She’s,” Fragrant tried to pull herself together. “What of Canterlot itself?”

“The city still stands, it is surrounded by a magic shield. The tyrant sun did not seem to be attempting to gain entry.”

Fragrant felt like slumping to the ground in despair but managed to stop herself, this was worse than she could possibly imagine, her head was swimming. Fleetfoot seemed to be waiting on her expectantly. “Thank you Lieutenant,” she managed to spit out, “My assistant will see to your needs. Notebook, look after the Lieutenant and summon my brother, I will need to discuss this matter with him.”

Fleetfoot once again saluted and turned to the door, before she could leave she turned, “What are we going to do Duchess?” she asked in a small voice.

“We are going to do whatever we have to to defeat Corona. Remember Cloudsdale has never fallen to an attacker.” She said with bravo she did not feel.

Fleetfoot straightened a bit and left the room followed by Notebook.

“Corona!” gasped Thunderous after Fragrant finished telling him of Fleetfoot’s report, “Surely it’s a joke!”

“No, not a joke. A nightmare come to life.”

“Luna must be doing something about this. She must have some plan for this occasion.” He was clutching at straws and he knew it.

“I have seen no report of Luna, we have to assume she is,” she chose her words carefully, “Indisposed. If she had a plan to deal with her sister then she didn’t tell me, any other pony who might know is almost certainly trapped in Canterlot right now. Although that might be for the best I’m sure some of the Court would help Corona if it meant their survival,” she sneered.

“Almost the entire Night court would be trapped in the city, damn tradition.” A thought struck him and his eye bulged, he turned to his sister. “Fragrant, you might be the highest ranking noble still free.”

“Possibly, a few others might be away from court. But what of it?” Her brow furrowed.

“Look,” he commanded gesturing out of the window into the streets of Cloudsdale, “What do you see?”

“I see my city,” she said not sure where this was going.

“And the people?”

“They are frightened, but calm for the moment.”

“Calm only because somepony took charge, because you took charge. They were one step away from total panic.”

“And?”

“The whole of Equestria is like this, panicked, unsure, easy prey for Corona to return to power. If you think some of the court might support Corona what do you think the common ponies might do?”

“I would trust the common ponies much more than the vipers of the court.” Then her eyes widened as his meaning dawned on her, “You mean for me to take over Equestria, that would be treason!”

“Not take over, organise. Be the rallying point in the fight against Corona. The rest of the court are trapped in Canterlot. You have to step up and organise a resistance.”

“I doubt the rest of the court would see it that way, they would see it as me setting myself up as a Princess. We could both hang for this and even if we didn’t Corona may well choose to make an example of Cloudsdale.” She looked down.

“Then I would rather hang than see the land fall under Corona’s iron hoof again, if she wants us, let her come I will not go meekly into her slavery,” he stood tall.

She looked up again with a smile, “Smelly and Boom Boom, together to the end?”

“So it seems,” he grinned as well.

“Very well. Send out the word to all the towns and cities nearby. Tell them what has happened and that Duchess Fragrant Posey will be searching for the Princess and organising a counter attack against Corona. Tell them we will prevail.” It could take days if not weeks to get a reply from the whole of Equestria but nearby settlements should respond soon. “If we do find a higher ranking noble free then I will be happy to hand the responsibility off to them, more than happy,” she added.

She looked out over her city again and then up into the sky, “Still Corona has a weapon we will not easily overcome. The sun will eventually make all of Equestria uninhabitable unless we can do something about it, we will be forced to surrender or face total destruction.”

“Would even Corona do that? Destroy all of Equestria, and beyond?” asked Thunderous crossing the room.

“I do not know, but can we risk our continued existence on the tyrant’s sanity?”

Thunderous walked up behind her, “It’s just as well I happen to own the largest weather factories in Equestria then, isn’t it?”

“It’s all about the clouds you see,” said Crimson Cloudmunger, she was a stick thin mare peering at Fragrant through thick glasses. The two of them were meeting in a small laboratory set near the top of the main Cloudsdale weather factory. “While they may all seen to be similar in the most rudimentary level, all being composed of water vapour, their effects can actually vary quite considerable depending on their location and structure,” her voice became stronger as she started to lecture on her specialist subject.

“Dr Cloudmunger,” interrupted Fragrant, “I think you forget who you are talking to. My family has run Cloudsdale for eight generations and its weather factories. I hold a degree in weather management. My understanding of weather control is a little more advance than that of a foal!”

Cloudmunger gaped for a moment, “I’m sorr.. sorry my Lady, I...”

Fragrant sighed and glanced at her brother who shrugged, “No harm done. Now perhaps you could explain your plan to me? I should be able to keep up.”

“Well you see it all comes down to clouds, I have calculated that a cloud layer reflects about twenty percent of the heat from the sun, but also retains heat closer to the ground, umm, about five percent. In addition clouds can soak up heat and can be used to move it from one place to another and specialised clouds can be used to provide localised cooling, snow I believe ground dwelling ponies call it.”

Fragrant rolled her eyes, everypony who wasn’t an ivory tower dwelling intellectual called it snow. “So what is it that you are actually proposing?”

“Well I believe that with a carefully controlled plan of cloud construction, placement and movement we will be able to minimise the effect of the constant sunlight for a limited period of time.”

“How limited?”

“Maybe as long as three months, although my projections become hazy after the first few weeks, there would certainly be an increase in average temperature and localised flooding, drought and the like.”

Fragrant considered, this was all just too big for her to comprehend, “Three months? At most three months before Equestria becomes uninhabitable? What would your solution require?”

“Oh it will truly be a mammoth undertaking, it will require all of Equestria’s weather factories running at full output, as for pony power well,” Cloudmunger passed Fragrant a sheet of paper, she looked at it and her eyes widened.

Thunderous looked over her shoulder, “This must be wrong. Are there even this many pegasus in Equestria?”

“That is approximately eighty five percent of the working population based on the last population census.”

“It can’t be done,” announced Thunderous, “Nothing that big has ever been attempted before, the organisation alone...”

“We have to do what we can,” announced Fragrant. “Draft as many ponies as we can, bring in all the part timers, offer bonuses, anything. If we can keep Equestria safe for even a few more days, it gives us time to try and find Luna, to find some way to defeat Corona, to do something. Thunderous, we must start with the factories here, review Dr Cloudmunger’s plans and implement them as best you can. Eventually we will need to draft the citizens of Cloudsdale if her calculations are correct.”

“Much of my staff will be on holiday today,” he complained.

“Bring them in anyway, the work will keep their minds off of Corona and create a feeling of stability.”

“But the cost.. it could bankrupt us.”

“Thunderous, I am the Duchess of Cloudsdale,” She stood tall and regal. “I am ordering you to do this,” she said with finality.

Thunderous looked rebellious for a moment, then bowed. “Of course my lady.”

She stepped forwards and gave him the briefest of nuzzles. “We have to do whatever we can Boom Boom,” she whispered. “Please I can’t do this alone.”

“Of course my lady,” he announced again with more force, “All of my resources will be made available to you.”

“Good, now arrange the assembly of your workers and the important ponies of the city, I will address them in person. They will need to know what is going on.”

It was an hour later and the first replies to her missives were returning, settlement after settlement were replying to her communication agreeing to join, asking what they could do. Their response was unexpected, she had feared that many would attempt to ignore the crisis or even worse swear loyalty to Corona but so far only a few had even responded guardedly. It seemed that almost all of Equestria was willing to unite to try and deal with the Solar Tyrant. It was.. buoying. However, her messages were yet to reach the larger cities and Corona had not made a move yet, things might change if the Alicorn tried to exert her influence.

Shaking herself Fragrant prepared to face the people of Cloudsdale, she was situated high up in the weather factory in her brother’s office, only a short distance away was a balcony which overlooked the vast main factory floor where the largest weather systems were constructed. Below the area was almost full to capacity with pegasus, thousands of them, the workers and the great and good of Cloudsdale alike, all waiting for her to tell them what to do. To her surprise she felt quite calm, she supposed this was what she had been born and trained to do.

She was just going over her speech in her head when a red coated mare interrupted her. “Excuse me madam.”

Fragrant recognised the mare as her estates seneschal, Cloudia. “What is it?” she asked somewhat abruptly.

“I wondered if there had been any word from Ponyville ma’am, any word of my daughter,” her face trembled slightly, as if she was trying to hold her emotions in check.

The Duchess frowned, she had almost forgotten that Cloudia’s daughter was the one looking after Fluttering. “No, I’m afraid not,” she replied gently, “But I’m sure Dash and Fluttering are alright, it seems as if Corona is only interested in Canterlot.”

“It’s just that Rainbow is... she’s so fearless, she might do something stupid,” she broke down, “My baby’s just so very brave,” she sobbed.

In a few steps Fragrant was next to Cloudia and had her wing around the distraught mother ignoring the tears staining her dress. “I’m sure Dash is alright and Fluttering as well. We both have to be brave, to be brave for those depending on us.” The larger pegasus felt her own resolve start to give, she had to hold herself together for as long as Equestria needed her. “We both have to be strong.”

Cloudia pulled herself together, “Yes ma’am.” She dried her eyes, “You’re right. I should make sure the house’s servants are all alright.”

“Good, and as soon as I hear anything from Ponyville I’ll make sure you know right away.”

Cloudia gave a curtsy as she left the room, “Thank you ma’am. Thank you and good luck.”

Fragrant took a moment to compose herself again. She was starting to get worried, the scout sent to Ponyville should have returned by now, maybe she should... no she had to put her own personal fears behind her now.

She strode out onto the balcony. Below her the chamber stretched out almost as far as she could see, ponies stood on and flew above various cloud platforms filling the space. A hubbub of frightened voices filled the air. Above, the roof was open revealing the sun.

“Citizens of Cloudsdale,” she called, her voice amplified by an enchantment so that it filled the area, still the noise did not die down.

There was a rumble as Thunderous, standing on the centre of the factory floor, slammed his wings together, the shockwave silenced the area.

“Citizens of Cloudsdale,” repeated Fragrant, “My ponies, my friends.”

The crowd remained silent looking up at their Duchess.

“As you are all aware the Solar Tyrant, Corona, has returned from her prison in the sun. At present she is besieging Canterlot, and although the city holds the majority of the Night Court are trapped inside. But we will not stand by and let this happen, the blood of ancient heroes such as Hurricane and Pansy runs in the veins of all the people of this city, you are not afraid to fight for your freedoms. We will not stand alone in this, support has been pledged from the nearby cities, and given time, I believe that the whole of Equestria will unite behind us. However, we will not defeat Corona with strength of arms alone, instead we will fight with the skills that are our birth right. Corona’s sun, held over our head like a threat may do as much harm as the mare herself, but we are not defenceless. Do not the clouds and winds follow our commands?”

Below there were a few cries to the positive. Fragrant knew she had them now, they were behind her.

“Are we not the masters of the snow and the thunder and the lightning?”

There was a roar of agreement below.

“Corona’s burning eye may sit in the sky above us, but can we not blind that eye with the fruits of our industry?” She gestured to the sun still sitting high in the sky, on cue a team of hoof picked weather workers pushed a thick blanket of cloud into place blocking the light and throwing the factory into shadow.

The crowd below went crazy yelling and screaming. She waited for a moment and held out a hoof for silence. The noise quickly died down.

“I will not lie to you, our work will not be easy, everypony will have to give their all in our endeavours. Everything you have, every iota of strength, but in the end we will overcome.” She leapt into the air and with a few beats of her wings hovered at the top of the factory “Equestria will stand! Cloudsdale will soar! Corona will fall!” she cried.

Below the chant was taken up and magnified, “Equestria will stand! Cloudsdale will soar! Corona will fall!” Fragrant closed her eyes and bathed in the sound, her people were united, for the moment.

As planned supervisor ponies started to shout orders to the work crews who still cheering headed off to various parts of the factory to begin their labours.

Fragrant Posey looked up at the sky and noticed the blanket of cloud was already starting to be dispelled by the blazing heat of the sun and wondered if she and Equestria would ever know peace again.