SteelEagle

Sunset Shimmer listened attentively to Brandon's words, her eyes filled with empathy. She could sense the weight of his uncertainty and the deep longing to be reunited with his family. The realization that he might not be able to find them in his current circumstances hung heavily in the air. Her thoughts quickly turned to Lightning Star, who had been standing by, offering support and assistance. Sunset glanced at her friend, a silent exchange passing between them. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Lightning Star made a decision. "Brandon," Lightning Star spoke up, her voice gentle yet resolute. "You don't have to face this alone. We're here to help you. How about this? Why don't you come with me to my home? We can provide you with a safe and supportive environment while we explore different avenues to assist you in reconnecting with your family." Sunset Shimmer nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting sincerity and concern. "We'll do everything we can to support you in your search for your aunt and cousin. Even if they're not in a location you expect, we can explore various resources and use our connections to help you find them." Sunset Shimmer's gaze conveyed a genuine invitation, offering Brandon the opportunity to find solace and support in the company of Lightning Star. "Please, consider accepting our offer," Lightning Star added, her voice filled with compassion. "We want to be there for you and help you in any way we can. Together, we'll strive to bring you closer to your loved ones, wherever they may be." As Sunset Shimmer and Lightning Star stood before him, their resolve unwavering, they hoped that Brandon would see their sincere intentions and take comfort in the fact that he was no longer alone on this journey.

Pinkie Pie's eyes widened with delight as she heard Brandon's enthusiastic response. Her tail wagged in excitement, matching the speed of her thoughts. "Oh, you're in for a treat, Brandon!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy. "We'll satisfy your sweet tooth like you've never experienced before! But first, we can't have you baking on an empty stomach, can we?" With a quick spin, Pinkie Pie produced a tray filled with an assortment of freshly baked muffins, pastries, and pancakes. She placed it in front of Brandon, her smile warm and inviting. "Breakfast is served!" Pinkie Pie announced, her voice full of cheer. "Help yourself to some of our finest morning delights. Fuel up and get ready for the baking extravaganza that awaits!"

Applejack leaned back in her chair, back hooves on her desk as she looked out the window at the morning sun. Like most days in Ponyville it was beautiful and it brought her no small amount of joy to see the birds and pegasi arcing through the sky, and through the open window the hustle of bustle of ponies and animals alike told her that the joy was well-shared. She was a morning mare by all definitions and while she knew more than a few of her students sure as shine didn't share in her crisp morning bounty she could only hope her educational routine helped them cope. She arrived early and made sure her classroom was clean. The tree in the middle was used often for various object lessons but was mostly there because- well, because she liked, she thought it added to her room's aroma, and she could do something fun like grow apples with her spare time. Indeed, recently the class had helped buck the apples off, and today the fruits of their labor adorned their desk- a nice tasty apple for each and every student. It would hopefully help them with their early morning issues and help energize them for today's lesson, one she was excited to get into. As her students arrived, she would greet with them with a hearty howdy and ask them how they were doing. Maybe a bit much for the morning, but she couldn't help it. Two foals wasn't enough to stop her from being bright eyed and bushy tailed! One griffon was certainly not bright eyed and bushy tailed, and that was Gallus. He entered the classroom in flight, his wingbeats sluggish, and his eyes showing more than a few whisps of exhaustion in them, giving away his grogginess. It was evident that he had an early morning struggle to conquer. As he hovered into the room, his movements were languid, as if he was caught in a web of drowsiness. His disheveled feathers and wrinkled chest-fluff hinted at a rushed morning routine, possibly due to oversleeping or a late-night endeavor. The half-smile he couldn't hide entirely told at least half the story as to why this was. "Howdy!" Applejack said, her own smile evident as she looked him up and down. That was one tired but happy griffon. "Hey," Gallus replied as he found his seat and pulled himself in. "Looks like you didn't get enough sleep. Feeling alright, sugarcube?" Gallus smiled. "Oh, a lot better than alright..."

Celestia nodded as she sat down. She looked out towards a corridor. "Tea Time, time for tea," she said as a bubbly younger mare hovered in with a smile. "Rosin Ash for me. Storm, your preference?" Celestia asked as she got comfortable, the younger mare excited to take down Ice Storm's order. The former Princess smiled when it was all done, though her smile was wearied. "Twilight chose you to help her. I do not know what lies beyond the completion of the ritual for you, not wholly. I do know that when the ritual is completed, I will cease to exist. This reality- it will be gone," she said, waving dismissively at the world around her. "Twilight has broken. She is reaching her apotheosis but the part of her that is still more mare than Alicorn is unable to comprehend the nature of her existence. It is not fully understood by others what she now represents- what I used to represent. She is not simply the most powerful creature in her world or even reality. The ruling Alicorn is the focal point of all reality, all time and space. Unable to contain her true power, the real power of the ruling Alicorn. As a result, time and reality has become fractured," she said, illustrating what she was saying with her magic. One line suddenly broke off into an infinite number, growing until a pony could no longer even understand the visual. "There is only one reality. One timeline. Or there should be. It centers on the ruling Alicorn, and fractures only when she can no longer hold the binding of time and space together. It happens when she grows into her true role, and when she moves away from it. I once had that. When I grew less powerful, timelines and realities spiraled into their infinite forms. Now Twilight grows into that role, and when she is finished, all will cease to be but the one true reality and timeline," she said, with no small amount of resigned joy. "It isn't as if we will be dead, mind you. We never existed and never will. In any case- ahh, here it is. Thank you," she said as the younger mare came flying in with the tea, trying to comfort the protective mare as best she could. "She chose you to help her. I know what it will do to you, but I do not know what will come of you. We have seen you come here before. A hundred thousand times. Each time you are different in some way, but I think Twilight is having trouble finding the exact one. Where there should be one there is infinity, after all," she smiled. An Ice Storm was special, but was she THE Ice Storm- the real one? It was hard to say. "As for why you are here, exactly, in this reality, with this Celestia...? Well, I wish I could tell you in full. I think it has something to do with the Hearthfire that I plundered from the Finite Uvbaasch when I felt reality fracture under my control eons ago. I can only assume most of it was plundered by an infinite arrangement, but I was likely the first. After all, I was the first among the infinite. Or was I?" She pondered before smiling. "I suppose I cannot know. I remember reality breaking and my mind sundering into infinite pieces. Living with that knowledge is...difficult. How is your tea?" She asked off-hoofedly, clearly enjoying her own tea, "The ritual will be simple. You will walk into the Hearthfire that I keep at the center of the citadel. If you are strong enough and you are the right Ice Storm, you will find yourself where you need to be. If you are not, you will die, and this day shall repeat again for us. Do you consent, Ice Storm?"

She trusted Ambrosia's counting just fine, thank you. Even when she asked how many a dozen apples compared to a bushel, she knew that it was really just Ambrosia trying to the time-honored Apple Math that was the cornerstone of business. Normally, an Apple family apple bushel was about forty apples large, give or take a few, and the rough way of describing a dozen was a third of a bushel. Apple Math was among the first bits of math taught to an Apple pony. How many bushels fit into a cart? How many of any one type fit into a bushel? What about mixed bushels? When no one was looking, the Apple Baron took forty bushels. He took 40 bushels. That's as many as four small carts. And that's terrible. How many more carts do you need to fill now to fulfill the bi-weekly request from Shady Sands? You know, the easy stuff. Ambrosia had just started down that path, but Applejack was convinced she was going to do well. Assuming Niiv didn't accidentally eat her daughter. "Give'm one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve apples," she said as she pointed at each one, talking just slow enough for her daughter to join in." And be gentle with him. Isn't he such a handsome kitty?" Applejack said as she allowed her daughter to work. Confidence was high. Her confidence was less high when it came to understanding what exactly Nilaavin was saying. What in the wide wide world of Equestria was sissa-saa? LaudiPrrum? She couldn't' help it if she thought that sometimes it felt like a Sphinx was designed from the mind-up to confuse other creatures as it spoke. Still, he was pleasant enough to speak with. She didn't fully know if he was a bodyguard or a pet or a housemate? She didn't know, but she also couldn't say much except she liked him and all his fancy-speaking. "Well, Ah think gold looks goo on ya. Timeless is as timeless does and what not, but I think it does well ta showcase yer...splendor, Ah suppose?" She said with a laugh, before turning her focus to the harder questions. "Ahh, her. Well, Ah suppose if you've heard tha scuttle butt, then ya already know. She is just stayin' at tha farm toget herself reoriented. She's had a hard life an' Ah'm happy ta help her," Applejack said with no small sense of pride. She looked at herself as a good Equestrian and a good Equestrian helped those in need. Family, though, she could talk about. That and Apple Bloom hadn't been too quiet about it, even if...well, Applejack thought she should have been. "Yeah, heck of a thing. Can't say Ah expected Apple Bloom to be havin' pups, but she'll make a fine mama nonetheless," Applejack said as she picked out two beautiful Granny Smiths and put them in a tiny bag, hoofing them over to Spoiled Rich. She still maintained her haughtiness and air of superiority as before, but Applejack was nothing if not fair and honest and she would be the first to say she had benefitted greatly from Spoiled's time in office. Applerich Stadium was just one piece of evidence, but her coffers had rarely been as full...and never was it such when it was out of season. You didn't have to think somepony was a paragon of virtue to appreciate their good works and nopony could say that Spoiled had done anything yet to abuse her position. "How've you been, Mayor? I haven't seen yer daughter for a bit. Ah heard she was attendin' some sort of fancy school or somesuch now?" Applejack asked as she took the bits. "Thank ya kindly for tha business. How's tha town? Runnin' into anything weird lately?"

Sunny couldn't help but be excited about the possibilities as she saw the bowl and kernels and the toppings make their creatively expanded way to her. She didn't know exactly what the possibilities were necessarily, but she did full well know that they were exciting and probably delicious. She was hungry enough to have decided she would go with the works, damn whatever it was that her stomach said in response. What she couldn't understand, however, was the machine that Izzy brought out. What the hay in the bay was it? She let her creative hooves get creating with the ponycorn, though her eyes didn't leave the machine. "Wow, that looks very exciting! And this ponycorn is gonna be so good," She said happily before her ears dropped and she cocked her head. "What is it, exactly?" She paused a second. "If it is karaoke machine, you should probably take a breather first!"

Sunny rolled her eyes happily at the pun, but didn't mind sharing a wink in reply as well. Zipp may try to hide it with her at times self-serious demeanor, especially when she was focused on something larger than herself, but she had a killer sense of humor. "Yeah, I guess we have quite the list. I didn't think we had had gone for as long as we have without going...I could swear Izzy went just last week for some of that. Huh. Anyway," she said as she trotted faster and faster. She kind of felt bad that she wasn't an alicorn full time who could allow Zipp to fly as fast as she knew Zipp wanted to, a limitation of her normal form that she was just happy Zipp wasn't pressing. "I don't know why we need a kit- OH! Zipp!" Sunny said as she pronked in place. "Do they sell spy goggles? Maybe I can be your...what do they call an assistant to the private detective in noir stories?"

Celestia looked over the wreck, her own horn glowing ever so slightly as she looked over the damage she had caused, and looked over Rarity's vessel as he tried saving as many as he could. Several of her pegasus guards had also shot out in an effort to save some. The former Princess herself looked somewhat...unconcerned. She also looked a bit different. Her mane was tied up conservatively and she wore a golden, sun emblazoned chest piece and a crown that became a helmet that covered half of her face. Her eyes seemed sharper, a bit more angular. She looked a few more seconds and then turned her back, walking through the curtain. "They will be saved. And in the much larger picture, none of us exist, nor will we once you succeed," she said, her words in equal measure determined yet resigned. "Come, follow. The cycle needs to end." Her castle was by no means as opulent as the one she lived in, though it still had a royal flair. The two wings consisted of a few rooms each while the central keep had the grand room, kitchen, dining room, entrance corridor, and a few studies and other rooms for random purposes. castle staff and the guards lived in other buildings on the ground- so far, all of them were pegasi. Rainbow Dash herself snapped a salute to Celestia as she entered the main corridor, though she returned to her position a moment later. "I am sure she is familiar to you. I am sure she was once familiar to me, too. I have a feeling, at least," Celestia said as she continued her canter. "Going from one reality to infinite realities is tremendously hard when you are the one competing with infinite memories in a form that can no longer compute it. Everyday I feel myself slipping. Not that I mind it, in the long run. I know that I don't exist; at least, I shouldn't," she sighed. "Apologies. My mind wanders whenever I meet a new Ice Storm. Would you like some tea or something to eat before we begin? I am sure my castle cook would love to serve you."

Sunset Shimmer's expression softened as Brandon revealed the absence of his parents and their considerable distance from his current location. Understanding his predicament, she nodded empathetically, her compassionate nature coming to the forefront. "I see," Sunset responded, her voice filled with understanding. "Sometimes life takes us far away from our loved ones, and it can be challenging. But we'll help you. Not sure how, but we will," she said as she offered him a hand and a smile. Sunset Shimmer's voice carried a genuine desire to offer aid and comfort. She understood the importance of having a support network, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Whether it was seeking assistance from relatives, friends, or even reaching out to local organizations, Sunset was determined to help Brandon find the support he needed. She contemplated the situation for a moment, considering the options available to assist Brandon in his current circumstance. Her gaze shifted to Lightning Star, who was standing nearby with her phone in hand, waiting for the contact information. "Do you have a place to stay, Brandon?" Lightning Star said, her maternal instincts kicking in. She continued, her words laced with warmth and encouragement, "if you don't have anyplace to go, I may be able to house you until we get you back to your parents, okay?"

As Brandon expressed his enthusiasm and eagerness to embrace his new life in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie's eyes gleamed with excitement. She clapped her hooves together and bounced in place. "That's the spirit, Brandon!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "With your positive attitude, I know we're going to have a blast together. Now, for your first challenge as the newest prospective member of the Sugarcube Corner team, we need to bake our famous Triple-Berry Pie!" Pinkie Pie led Brandon to a well-stocked baking station, where an array of colorful ingredients awaited them. She handed him an apron and a chef's hat, grinning mischievously. As she did so, Twilight waved at them. "I'll be back later. Don't be too rough on him!" Twilight waved back to Twilight, but her focus was purely on Brandon. "Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to master the art of making the flakiest pie crust known to Equestria...okay, fifth most, but still!" Pinkie Pie declared dramatically. "We'll fill it with luscious strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, creating a taste explosion that will make everypony's taste buds dance with joy!" With a wink and a supportive pat on the back, Pinkie Pie reassured Brandon, "don't worry, I'll be here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we'll conquer this berrylicious challenge and create a pie that will make your dreams come true!"

"Aww, no singing? And here I thought you were going to sweep my off my wings and force a song down my throat," Gallus said with an delightfully impish little laugh, hiding the fact that he knew well enough that she had some disappointment in him. Had he done something wrong? No, no he had not. She knew he wasn't a song and dance bird. Well, at least until the whole group started- he was a sucker for the saccharine despite all protests to the contrary. He took a perch when she started giving the history, mythological or not, about the heights. Seemed weird that a King would build a fortified island with love and harmony but then again hippogriffs were related to ponies in a few ways and they sure did fortify themselves with love and harmony, so why not the hippogriffs? made him wonder what songs were sung that best fortified the walls. Were they songs sung in the affections of the moment alone, or did they come in duets and ballads sung with others? He could think of some songs that could be sung with love and harmony that would be very, very strong material for the wall. But whether it would be safe for all ages as they were sung infinitely from everything in the Heights? Well, maybe that was best left to his imagination. "Ringing?..." he waited a few seconds. It took a few moments, but he started to hear what he felt was a small harmony, deeply sung but barely heard. No words, just a harmony. "Ahh, yeah. I can hear why somegriffs might not like it...but it is pretty soothing, isn't it?"

He wasn't necessarily prepared for her to raise the temperature. He more or less felt the same about that as he would about somegriff roasting him over a fire, though it helped if the griff turning the spit was cute as tartarus. He loosened his feathers to allow more air to filter through in preparation for Silverstream's latest attempt to murder him with kindness. "Pretty mild? Ha, well if you say so. Should I get you some dragonfire for your birthday?" He asked with a laugh, enjoying her company nonetheless. She was a murderer who took out her feathered marks with overheated saunas while she turned into a flopping fish. Sure this was true and she was a half-bird half-fish sauna temptress murderer, but she was his half-bird half-fish sauna temptress murderer. As the temptress spoke about her horrible potential future, filled with scenic waves, good food, and relaxation, he could only pity her. The horror of a royal life, the terror of such luxury. He visibly shivered playfully before looking at her. "That sounds horrible. I bet you'd be sleeping in beds with crisp white sheets and watching plays...or whatever else royals do! I'm glad we saved you from that life. Can't imagine abandoning somegriff to that fate..." he looked up at the ceiling as the steam started to overcome him. "Ahhh, there we go. Now this is hot. If I hadn't met any of you, I wouldn't have to worry about being roasted alive. Cold maybe, but not roasted. I should have brought a baster. Don't want to dry out too fast after I sweat all my water out," he said with a smile before closing his eyes and spreading his wings out fully. "Thanks. I needed this. I was stressed after that last test. I hate tests."

"You don't have to dress up or anything if you don't want to. Like I said, we should be good for most of the restaurants in the area. I usually just wear a hat or something if it is a bit sunny, but there isn't much use in dressing up. There aren't enough ponies around to blend in so if the papparazi wanna get you, they'll get you. And if you wanna dress to impress...well, rest assured, you're plenty impressive enough," Rara said, allowing that last sentence to escape even as she grasped at the trailing edge of the words to stuff it back down into a deep, dark hole. She was too late, and decided to just not comment any further on it rather than dig herself a freshly marked grave. Keeping her expression the same and allowing the awkward comments to die, she trotted into one of the bathrooms. "If you did want to dress up, the first closet in my room has some outfits you may like. So, uhh, if you want. No pressure, I'm just gonna freshen up" she said with a smile as she trotted into the bathroom. Once the door was locked she collapsed onto the floor like a total fool. She considered diving into the toilet or shower drain and hiding out of sheer embarassment or even launching herself out of the narrow window heading outside, glass or no. She wanted to run, hide, die. Her stupid, stupid, stupid mouth saying stupid things was going to lead her to stupid places doing stupid...she took a deep breath and calmed herself down, going through the motions of freshening up. It was going to be okay. friends complimented other friends all the time, right? Applejack probably didn't even notice it. And if she did notice it, she probably thought, "wow what a nice friend being so flattering" not, "oh wow is Rara hitting on me for land's sakes". So, yeah. Everything was going to be fine, just fine. She freshened up, cleaning herself up well and giving herself a nice confidence boosting wink in the mirror before trotting back out, ready and raring to go.

Ambrosia's sweetness was well received by High Bar. She may be a little deceitful and a bit of a bully, but nopony could take too much advantage of a sweet little unicorn like Ambrosia too much. And for now, why would she want to? "Aww, thanks. Yeah, one time I chipped it back home and my dad got sooo mad that he spent, like, ten thousand bits making sure it was fixed and polished right. I even got this cool little engraving it, some sort of runic thing for protection," she said, leaning in to show off her horn with a little showmareship. She liked the sister. "I think it's pretty neat that our horns are so pretty and capable, don't you?" Besides, it helped distract her from the stinky colt. "My mom's back home. I'm here with my bodyguard," she said, pointing at the large stallion who was now laughing at the comic strips in the paper. "Cause I'm super important, pretty cool right?" She said as she gandered at the floundering Zap Apple. "As if I'm mean. I'm super nice. You're just being a dramacolt," she said as she picked up another ball and dropped it on him. "I thought colts liked to play?"

Ponyville had changed a great deal over the years, even as the core concepts that made it the greatest town in all the land remained as bolted and centered as ever to its firm and lasting foundation. New types of critters had come in all manner of sizes and shapes and like all of Equestria she had learned to grow and learn about all of the great creatures that made her world as rich as it was, in ways she had never known or suspected in her youth. For all that and much more however, she had to admit some sight and sounds still pulled on parts of her that had otherwise long ago been left behind. Nilaavin was one of those creatures that should by all rights have brought out the fear in her. He was a sphinx, a creature so near mythical and considered ahistorical that his mere presence made the world feel less and less real. His height was majestic, his gaze unnerving, and he looked like he was wearing the entire town's treasury. Which considering who his...rasha, was it?...was, well, it was not wholly out of the realm of possibility. He was gaudy and majestic and powerful and scary, made all the more unnerving by his rather personable way that seemed to shake all your conceptions of him. Of course, it was hard to take him too seriously when you imagined he'd like to play with a ball of yarn. Which, despite all of his majesty, Applejack was very certain he would do. "Howdy there, Nilayveen! How've ya been? Yer claws lookin' extra fancy today. Got somepony to paint'm for ya? How's Spoiled? Please ta be seein' ya today in any case. Well, Ah guess Ah've been seein' ya for a while. Ya know, cause yer big an' all. Anyway," she said after realizing she had probably failed. She looked down at Amby, who had been such an adorable little helper so far. Why and how this stand hadn't been swamped by ten thousand customers dying with heart attacks at how adorable she was, Applejack would never know. It was hard enough living with her and not wanting to cry because of how much she found Ambrosia to be essentially perfect. She was going to be spoiled for a very long time, especially because she always seemed so eager to help her mom...help her mom sell some apples, especially so. And it saved Applejack from a booth babe situation; who the hay would want that? "Ambrosia, think you can help the big cat?" She asked with a smile. Speaking of cats, it took her a few seconds to realize what Nilaavin meant by kittens. She meant young of any kind- oh, he was referring to Tempest and her calves! Or Apple Bloom and her pups? Her farm was becoming a zoo, wasn't it? "Oh, uhh- who exactly do you mean, sugarcube?" She asked, not sure if it was right or not to be discussing the affairs of a family guest.

Sunset Shimmer's attention shifted towards the voice that emerged, now accompanied by a name—Brandon. She offered a warm smile, trying to ease his evident nervousness. She could sense his unease and discomfort in this unfamiliar place, and her compassionate nature urged her to lend a listening ear and offer guidance. "It's nice to meet you, Brandon," Sunset replied, her voice gentle and soothing. "Don't worry; I'm here to help. You're not from here? That's alright. Sometimes finding yourself in a new location can be overwhelming," Sunset said with a dry chuckle. She had a little more experience with that then she would like to admit. Lightning Star took out her phone. "What's your parents phone number, honey?"

"Oh, silly me!" Pinkie Pie giggled, covering her mouth with a hoof. "I must have gotten a little carried away with my introduction. Humans are super cool too! especially when they come through portals from other worlds. It just means we get to have even more fun and make even more amazing treats together!" She hopped up and down, her enthusiasm undeterred. "So, human or not, you're still very much welcome here at Sugarcube Corner! We're a place for everyone to enjoy scrumptious delights and create fantastic memories. We'll whip up some extra special treats that humans love! How about that?" Pinkie Pie's genuine excitement and acceptance shone through, reassuring Brandon that his differences were not a problem but an opportunity to bring unique experiences to the bakery. With her lightheartedness and inclusive spirit, she was determined to make sure Brandon felt right at home in the sweet world of Sugarcube Corner.

The sun had just begun to rise over Ponyville, casting a warm, golden glow across the sleepy town. Applejack, the ever hardworking farmer and former element of honesty, stood outside her newly expanded apple stand at the bustling Ponyville marketplace. With determination in her emerald eyes, she took a deep breath, ready to embark on a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey. The apple stand had undergone quite the transformation over the past few weeks, thanks to the help of her friends and family. The structure had been enlarged and reinforced to accommodate the increasing demand for Applejack's delicious apples. It now stood tall and proud, adorned with vibrant banners that proudly displayed the Apple family crest. It was twice, maybe three times bigger, and it had a nice covered cart attached to it for cooking for fresh pies and other goodies. In front of the apple stand was an outside cafeteria setup- tables with umbrellas for cover. Apples, pies, all sorts of treats and goodies, but also some warm foods and apple bread. As Applejack surveyed her domain, a sense of anticipation bubbled within her. She knew that today would be a busy day. The whole family had chipped in. Some had worked on the construction, others (okay, it was all RD) paid for it, and most of them went ahead and offered their help on the first day. They had already offloaded crates of freshly picked apples, others had helped arrange it onto the display shelves, arranging them meticulously to entice the customers. Applejack admired their dedication and work ethic, grateful for her supportive family. With a bandana tied snugly around her neck, Applejack busily arranged jars of apple butter, bottles of apple cider, and various apple-themed products on a nearby table. The scent of cinnamon and fresh apples permeated the air, creating an irresistible aroma that promised a delightful culinary experience. Applejack glanced at her reflection in the polished apple-shaped mirror that adorned the stand. Her freckled face was framed by her signature blonde mane, neatly braided to keep it out of her way. She was more aged than the last time she had opened a new stand, and she could still feel a cold breeze along her spine bringing more than shivers. Still, no matter what today was going to be amazing. She adjusted her stetson and let out a contented sigh, ready to face the day head-on. As the marketplace began to stir with activity, ponies of all kinds started to trickle in, curious about the buzz surrounding Applejack's newly expanded stand. Excitement danced in Applejack's eyes as she wiped her hooves clean on a nearby cloth, a gesture of pride and determination, an eye on a clock behind the counter. She opened not a minute early nor a minute late, same with closing. Not because she didn't want to work as long and hard as possible for her ponyfolk. No, instead she felt that routine and ritual was as important in business as it was in farm work, and hopefully ponyfolk would appreciate her consistency. With a final nod of approval, Applejack stepped back, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had worked tirelessly to build her business and provide the best apples in Equestria, and today marked the newest culmination of her efforts. It was time to open her stand to the world, to share the fruits of her labor and the love of her family with everypony who walked by once more. A confident smile broad and proud on her face, Applejack extended a hoof and swung open the doors of her newly enlarged apple stand, revealing row upon row of gleaming apples, glistening in the morning sunlight. The sight drew gasps of delight and admiration from the onlookers, who quickly formed a line, eager to get their hooves on the succulent fruits. "Welcome, everypony!" Applejack called out with genuine enthusiasm, her voice carrying across the marketplace. "Come on in and taste tha finest apples in Equestria! We've got 'em sweet, tangy, crisp, and everything in between!" As the customers flocked to her stand, their eager expressions and joyful chatter filled Applejack's heart with warmth. She knew that her hard work had paid off, and she was ready to serve them the best apples they had ever tasted. With her trusted hat shading her eyes, Applejack stood tall, ready to make this day a success. The marketplace echoed with the sounds of laughter, conversations, and the delightful crunch of apples being enjoyed.

Twilight laughed. "This isn't my first time with an admirer, Brandon. Let's leave it at that," Twilight said as she looked towards Pinkie, who just then took note of them. "Pinkie Pie at your service!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! I'm the resident party pony, cupcake connoisseur, and all-around super-duper friend-maker extraordinaire!" She twirled in the air, showcasing her energetic personality, and then gestured to the colorful array of treats surrounding them. "We've got cakes, pies, muffins, cookies, and so much more! If you have any questions, just ask! I'm here to make your time at Sugarcube Corner the sweetest, most fun-filled experience ever!" She said as she looked at Brandon. "Hey, you're the strangest minotaur I've ever seen!"

The words hit her like a barrage of arrows, each one piercing deeper into her soul. Her breathing became heavy and labored, her chest rising and falling rapidly with the force of her emotions. Her brows furrowed, and a fire ignited in her eyes, blazing with a fury that could not be contained. She struggled to maintain her composure, her trembling hands betraying her anger. Her teeth clenched together, grinding with the weight of her frustration. She had tried to find solace in this world, tried to make a difference, but her efforts were being dismissed and criticized. This dimensional traveler knew nothing of what had happened, who she was helping and why. She was an idiot, but a powerful one, and therefore a useful idiot to the true cruel masters of this world. Every accusation flung at her only fueled the fire within her. The accusation of being a monster, a tormentor of others, stung like a venomous bite. WHo was this other Storm to judge her? She, who came from any number of better realities, nicer realities, realities where Celestia and Twilight were heroines and not villains? The air crackled with tension as the interloper delivered her ultimatum, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade as she spoke from the mare's own ships. Her words were a warning, a promise of consequences for the path the other Ice Storm had chosen. And as she stood there, poised and resolute, it was clear that she would not back down. "Your words are as awfully misplaced as the trust Luna placed in her sister and that bitch Twilight. Again and again, again and again, but fine, you want to make threats, let's keep on repeating this!" The mare said, teleporting above the ship and launching an attack. Her ice powers took a decidedly darker and more menacing turn, the power they drew on being from beyond herself and a reflection of her broken world. When she fired, she fired with all the cold fury that was the right of somepony so denied and offended, a blizzard of razor ice that seemed to cut more than flesh- dimensions, emotions, mental acuity itself in the absolute zero that this poor form felt. However, when the attack struck, it seemed to fade in power greatly. Maybe it was the sheer power of Ice Storm's own defenses or a counter-spell, though no matter what there was something in addition. The heat of the sun seemed to come from above and below, enveloping the field. In a few moments, the combined magical might saw this other form of Ice Storm overwhelmed. As she failed, her ship started to break apart, her crew members flying off or teleporting somewhere...while a few unlucky ones managed to start falling down, down, down. Mostly into the waiting vessel of Rarity's own design, as if he had more than enough practice with it. Ice Storm herself felt her tears freezing and then burning off as she was overwhelmed, her very essence extinguished. "AGAIN! AGAIN Again! again! again! aga-" and then there was no more, as the mare seemed to vanish into nothingness but burned, frozen flanks, the clouds parting below to reveal the Sol Guards looking nonplused, and the mare herself at the balcony of her estate, her expression unreadable at such a distance, though the friendlier Ice Storm would find a small golden floor- extremely hot as it was- beneath her, preventing a fall. Celestia then turned and walked back in, through a red and purple curtain.

"Well, Brandon, it sounds like a mighty fine plan! Ah'm glad you're open to trying something different. Sugarcube Corner is a lively place, and Ah reckon Pinkie Pie will be thrilled to have ya lend a hoof in the kitchen," Applejack said as she tipped her hat to the both of them. "Pardon, but Ah gotta get mah shop opened up. Already a bit late. Brandon, nice ta meet ya. Twi, see ya soon," she said as she trotted on by. Twilight smiled at her friend. "I'll stop by later, Applejack," she said as she turned back to Brandon. "That's great to hear, Brandon! I'm sure you'll enjoy working with Pinkie Pie and the rest of the team. And don't you worry about lunch; it's really kind of you to want to treat me, but there's no need to feel like you have to impress me. We're friends, after all," she said as she started to trot towards Sugarcube corner, the most delightful bakery in Ponyville, her human in tow. The sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air as we entered, and the sight of Pinkie Pie bouncing behind the counter brought a cheerful atmosphere to the place.

Sunset seemed to hesitate for a moment, her gaze searching the young man's face. She was a vibrant, fiery-haired girl who could only look him up and down. Sunset Shimmer's gaze flickered toward the source of the feeble voice, her attention immediately drawn to a figure lying on the ground. Curiosity mingled with concern as she assessed the situation, her mind working quickly to piece together the fragments of the scene before her. She took a step closer, her expression a mix of empathy and determination. It was evident that the individual before her was in need of assistance, a fact that resonated deeply within her compassionate nature. Without hesitation, Sunset crouched down beside the person, her voice laced with genuine concern as she addressed them. "Are you alright? What happened to you? Let's get you out of the rain first." Her tone was warm and soothing, as if she sought to offer solace and reassurance to the weary soul in distress she thought as she extended a hand. Lightning Star was a busy woman. She had two adopted daughters to take care of and a few other tasks on her mind. A lot of charity work, a lot of work-work, a lot of family-work, a lot of yard-work, a lot of -work, and finally, a lot of interpersonal-work. Always more work to do, and so it was her luck that as she walked up to the boy and Sunset Shimmer that her mind immediately wentr to what she needed to do to work on him and get him healthy again. "Sunset, what's happening?" She asked, her voice deeper than expected but full of warmth as Sunset turned towards her and shrugged. "I just got here, myself." "What's your name, sweetie?" Star asked as she bent down.

Rainbow couldn't believe what was happening even as it was happening. Well, she could believe it. The two had expressed- affection, love, all of that before. But there was always some great manner of issue between them. Awkwardness dominated and pervaded them alongside their intimacy, and any thought of one destroyed the other. Maybe Rainbow had unintentionally and subconsciously caused a thunderstorm in the area. Maybe Twilight had ordered the pegasi crews to manipulate weather just so. Either one could have been responsible for forcing them into a cave while on their journey. Whoever it was, however it was done, was a genius. Rainbow returned the Princess' affections eagerly, a small nickering escaping her unintentionally as she started kissing Twilight. On the lips, yes, but quicker. The lips, the neck, Twilight was too large for her to explore too much. Rainbow's wings started fluttering around Twilight's flanks, brushing up against the Princess' cutie marks, feathermarking the Princess as she found her body heat rise. Her tail flicked against Twilight longingly, searchingly. Rainbow positioned herself, her lower legs wrapped up along the upper-lower legs of Twilight due to the height difference. "Are we...crazy?" She asked, knowing the answer even as she pulled herself usimng Twilight as an anchor into where she knew she needed to be. "I...don't care if we are."

There was never a time like the first time you saw a new place but that rule never did seem to stick with izzy, who entertained Sunny with her flash and flair as she re-introduced Sunny to the most happening place in sll of Bridlewood. Izzy's home was eye-catchingly sporadic at first glance, though in time anypony who took care to pay attention would find all the ways that it perectly illustrated the bustling mare who called it home. Erratic, even sloppy? Perhaps. Wonderfully creative and expressive? Absolutely. But there was also a rhyme behind every placement, a reason behind every piece. It was presentable and easier to see that it was as normal as Izzy- which is to say not at all, in all and only the very best of ways. "Okay. To the share room I go," Sunny said with no hint of even the barest irony as she chewed on the idea that any room could be the share room, especially when you considered how easily Izzy seemed to be willing to share with pony kind. She did her best and chose the front room where most of her Izzy creations were, especially that all-in-one teaset had made its first appearance. She sat down near it and took a look at it, marveling at just how creative and yet how intricate it looked. Delicate even- she was pretty sure if anypony else other than Izzy touched it, tea cups would come flying out. Hot tea would pour and drown Sunny, and little tea cakes would float around her as she tried to swim. She decided it best not to destroy it, and laughed at her imagination as she waited for Izzy.

None of you are ever, or were ever, wastes to me.