//------------------------------//
// Celebrating the Summer Sun 
// Story: Friendship is Fate 
// by Maddiepink5 
//------------------------------//

Silence pervaded the late-morning kitchen of Uncanny Sketch's and Fantasy's home, though it was a comfortable silence. Uncanny was sketching in pencil via the sunlight streaming in through the open blinds, and Fantasy was focused on her daily breakfast choice, Vanilla Checks cereal. Nopony said anything until Fantasy looked up and tilted her head at her big "brother".

"Big bro, today's the Summer Sun Celebration. Whatcha planning on doing?"

Talk of one of the biggest holidays of the year could not so much as pry Sketch's eyes away from his drawing. "Staying here. Tomorrow's got the best drawing light of the year, so I'll be waking up early to capitalize on it." Silence answered him until he finally looked up to a quizzical stare from his sister. "What?"

"Nothing. Just that I've never heard more boring plans for the SSC in, let's say...ever!" Fantasy smirked at her brother and carefully focused on maneuvering the spoon between her two hooves so as to avoid her brother's glare.

"Says you! And what are you going to do? Hide in the corner of Pinkie Pie's big SSC celebration?"

Fantasy huffed. "Actually, yes! And don't you judge! I have some good friends in the corner, I'll have you know, so we form a little shy pony group and have a good time." She attempted to point the spoon in Sketch's direction, but it clattered into the bowl. "Much better than choosing to isolate yourself. As usual."

"I don't see the problem." Sketch set down the pencil held in his magical grasp. "Loud partying all night, forcing oneself to pull an all nighter, talking to ponies you don't remotely care about....being social is too much work." He returned to his work, but paused once again when he received no irritated retort from his sister. He looked up this time, and blinked in surprise at her worried frown. "...what?"

"You. You just...don't even try. Ponies need friends to live happily. I want you to be social for YOUR own good."

"I have you. Who else would I need?"

Fantasy smiled weakly. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I can't be your only friend. You'd be so happy with more friends!" She got up, bowl in mouth, and set it in the sink. Starting to wash the dishes, she said, "Not to mention how awesome of a friend you'd be for other ponies!"

Sketch blinked, staring at her. "...Huh?"

Fantasy stopped, whirling around to face him. "Whatcha mean, 'huh?'? Big bro, you're the awesomest pony I know!" Genuine delight filled her face as she trotted back and forth. "Just to name a few....for one thing, you're always helping me out with my writing. You're kind enough to always help me out and highlight my good points, but honest enough to give me good critiques." She propped her forelegs on the table, looking straight at her brother, who was already blushing under the praise. "Let's see, what else?... Oh, you're absolutely generous! You donate time and money ALL the time to those in need, and you've volunteered more times than I can count...not to mention how hilarious you are. You don't make jokes, but just say funny things at funny times, all the time..." Fantasy repressed a chuckle before smiling with real appreciation at her brother. "And most importantly, you're the most loyal pony I know. We're not real siblings, but I've never felt a stronger tie to somepony the way I feel with you. Through thick and thin, you've always been there for me. Which I think is my favorite thing about you."

"I...." Sketch finally looked away from Fantasy's appreciative gaze. "I'm not that great...I have a lot of flaws..."

Fantasy laughed. "Of course! Everypony else too. But if I would pick one pony who has the best combination of good qualities, it'd be you, no doubt." She walked over to and gently embraced her brother. "Love ya big bro." 

Sketch finally smiled. "Love ya too, sis." 

They remained like that for a few seconds before Fantasy pulled away with a determined smile that sent shivers down Sketch's spine. "And THAT is why we are going to make you some friends today!"

Sketch nodded in agreement. "Yes, that sounds good to m- wait what?!" 

He was too late. Fantasy, with her earth pony strength, pulled Uncanny Sketch away from his unfinished art and out the door, the stallion barely managing to pull his signature purple cap and scarf on as they pulled out the door. He sighed. Despite his sister's determination, he was certain the day was destined to be a bust.

********

"Good Celestia, sis, where are you taking me?"

Fantasy, under the influence of her occasional bursts of sheer excitement, had been briskly trotting the entire walk. It had taken awhile but Sketch had finally been worn down, and was now struggling to keep up. "Wouldn't we- ugh- make friends at a cafe or something?"

Fantasy chuckled, slowing down to walk alongside her brother. "We could, or we could go down to Main Street. I heard from my friend who heard from her cousin who heard from her older sister who heard from her boyfriend that there's a wedding planner opening up shop tomorrow!"

"...And what does that have to do with anything?"

"Because that boyfriend heard from his mom who heard from her sister that the reason a new shop is opening is because two ponies are moving here from Canterlot!"

"Canterlot?!" Suddenly, Sketch was the one advancing with a spring in his trot. "Let's hurry!"

Fantasy smirked knowingly. "Yep. Canterlot ponies to cater to your tastes, not to mention I imagine they could need some friends! If I hadn't gone against every instinct I've ever known when I moved here from Fillydelphia and made friends with you, I would probably be very lonely. Wouldn't want that to happen to new ponies!"

Sketch chuckled. "You don't usually go out of your way to be kind to everypony."

Fantasy shrugged, still smiling. "What can I say? I feel, like... A sense of loyalty to them. Moving from a big city to a small town not knowing anypony....I feel a duty to become their friend."

"Oh, c'mere, you great pink pony you!" Sketch grinned with pride and rubbed the top of Fantasy's head, ruffling the side swept bangs but leaving her ponytail untouched. Fantasy giggled with protests until she suddenly shoved him off, pointing at a previously run-down empty building, now receiving a new coat of paint from a couple of worksponies.

"Look! This is the place!"

They approached, and as they did, a knot suddenly formed in Sketch's stomach, though he didn't know why. What was nerve-wracking about meeting two new ponies, from Canterlot, who probably had a lot of culture and class and would view two country bumpkin ponies as pathetic and kick them to the curb?

Nothing nerve-wracking at all, as far as Uncanny Sketch could tell.

Fantasy knocked on the door, and within a short period of time a mare came to the door. Sketch blinked rapidly in surprise, the very image of Canterlot in front of him. A dark blue unicorn mare with a light pink, wavy-curly mane elegantly styled. Even minor details characterized Canterlot- large purple eyes slightly pointed at the tip, long eyelashes, and clearly expensive silver hooflets on each leg with purple jewels. His mind strived to absorb every Canterlotian detail. The mare smiled, and even her teeth were perfect. Sketch prepared for the curb-kicking of his far-less-elegant flank.

"Well hi! What can I do for you two?"

Huh?

Fantasy had apparently not expected curb-kicking, or she ignored the surprising politeness of the mare. However, right before Sketch's eyes, her enthusiasm curbed into her shy self in front of strangers. She smiled slightly. "Oh, um....hi. We were just wondering if we might introduce ourself to new neighbors?"

The mare's smile beamed. "Oh! That is so sweet of you. Come in, please, come in!"

They did so, and as Fantasy's shyness increased, Sketch's nervousness diminished. This was good. This was great! He was in the home of two former Canterlotians!

The mare, with some difficulty, levitated a few boxes away to clear a path to a sofa and loveseat. Sketch helped with the rest, and the mare shot him an appreciative smile before plunking down on the sofa, exhaling loudly. "Please excuse the mess. We arrived only a few hours ago, you see."

Well, she certainly had the Canterlot accent, but her speech itself was only slightly more elegant than Ponyville speech. 

"Oh! It's no problem. We'll just stay only a little bit then? So you can unpack. Or maybe you could use some help?" Fantasy's cheeks burned as she stumbled over her words, but the mare simply laughed.

"It's alright, we're not unpacking till tomorrow. A hyperactive pink mare asked my brother and I to a Summer Sun Celebration party at the library. And I really love a party!" She clapped her hooves, but Fantasy and Uncanny Sketch only chuckled nervously.

"I...think a Pinkie Pie party may be far different than a Canterlot soirée," Fantasy suggested meekly. The mare simply smiled.

"All the better," she replied. "I love a dinner party, but a crazy dance floor and a solid beat are just the best. I'm Love Letter, by the by."

"It's been great meeting you," Sketch said honestly. "Though there is another pony living here, no? Perhaps a coltfriend or husband?"

An awkward silence stretched for a few seconds as Love Letter's face contorted into pain. Then she sighed. "Unfortunately, if we're being honest-which, if we are to be friends, we should always be-I had to leave my fiancé behind in Canterlot." She looked away.

"Why?" Fantasy piped up suddenly. Sketch sent her a glare, from which she immediately recoiled. Love said nothing.

"Don't worry. You don't need to tell us. We just met, after all." He smiled winningly at the mare. "Though I do hope we can become close friends in the future."

Love smiled. "I'd like that. Really I would." She thought for a second. "Oh, wait! I'll have you know that I'm ACTUALLY living with my younger brother." She got off the sofa and trotted to the staircase, shouting up in a surprisingly loud voice, "Skywriter! We have company, come introduce yourself!"

Fantasy and Sketch shared a look. Skywriter? Could her brother be a...?

A mustard yellow Pegasus swooped down the staircase, scattering some newspaper from unwrapped dishes across the room with a burst of speed. He attempted to smooth down his mud brown wind blown mane but it popped right back into place. He sauntered over to the loveseat nonchalantly, grinning at the two visitors. "'Sup."

Fantasy was the first to respond. Forgetting all shyness, she asked loudly, "YOU two are siblings?!" 

Love Letter grinned proudly. "Certainly are!" She slung a forearm around her brother's neck, who pushed her off but grinned. "We're very close. Two peas in a pod, as t'were." 

Sketch pushed his mahogany hair out of his face, mussed by Skywriter's dramatic entrance. "But..." Sketch pointed at Love. "You are a unicorn, and he-" Sketch pointed at Skywriter "is a Pegasus!" He squinted. "In fact, you two look as unlike each other as possible."

Love Letter shrugged. "You two are siblings, correct? One of you is an earth pony, the other unicorn. I don't see much of a difference."

Fantasy looked away. It bothered her that they weren't really siblings. But Love had been honest with them, so he would return the favor. "Unfortunately, we're not really siblings. We do live together though, and we view each other as siblings." He smiled at Love and Skywriter. "As you put it, we're peas in a pod, too."

"Then we'll get along great!" Skywriter beamed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go scope out the clouds. They're much better here, considering it's not a city full of snobby unicorns." This won a chuckle from them all, even Love Letter, who playfully bopped him on the leg. The Pegasus stood up and flew upstairs, but waited long enough for Sketch to catch a glimpse of his cutie mark, a pencil with a cloud. 

"He looks a bit old to have just gotten his cutie mark, no?"

Love nodded. "He's fifteen. Midway between my age and cutie-mark-getting age."

Fantasy grinned. "Oh! I'm about the same age as you!" Her smile soon turned mischievous. "Are you legal?"

Love returned the mischievous look, and Sketch suddenly felt very misplaced in a room with two mares giving each other such troublemaking looks. "A month ago, yeah."

"You'll love Pinkie's party then! She always has the best cider," Sketch quickly intervened, eager to move on from talk of alcohol. "Um...uh...oh, right! Why didn't your brother have a Canterlotian accent?"

Love rolled her eyes. "The kid's been taking off to Cloudsdale as often as possible whenever he could. He hates Canterlot." She tossed her hair, and her elegant heritage began to show through. "There may be snobs, but not all of us are such! Some of us just better appreciate the...finer things of life."

"Like fruit bars?" Sketch asked eagerly. 

"And boutiques!"

"Chocolate shops?"

"And grand theatres!"

The pair sighed dreamily in unison. Fantasy looked between the two, rolled her eyes, and got up.

"Thanks for inviting us in, Love, but we must get going."

"Huh?" They both woke from their trance, and Sketch glanced at his sister. "But why?"

Fantasy laughed. "You can't just have THREE friends! Come on, let's go meet one of my friends I actually know well!"

*********

The table was quiet as Sketch and Fantasy's table had been that morning at breakfast. Fantasy seemed far more content than she had at Love Letter's, in a familiar environment with a familiar friend. Sugarcube Corner was quiet with most ponies out preparing for the celebration, and Sketch was awkwardly watching the two ponies across from him sip vanilla milkshakes. The stallion, like his sister, had the quirky tendency to become intently focused on a meal and do little when eating other than eat.

Though the stallion had said little of anything to begin with. He had been waiting for Fantasy in front of the Corner, and with a quick hoof bump and hello they had went inside to already waiting milkshakes. It seemed to be a regular occurrence Uncanny Sketch was not remotely aware of until now, which honestly bothered him. Had he been so involved in his work that he hadn't noticed something that was evidently such a staple in his sister's life?

The stallion finished first and looked up, finally, at Sketch. Sketch waved an uncertain hello, until the stallion reached over and offered a hoof bump. So he wasn't shy, like his sister, just quiet. With a smile, the stallion said, "Starlight Vision, astronomer who observes everything around him."

Sketch looked him over for a split second. The fraying fur at his hoof meant he was at least a couple years older than Fantasy, but he felt from him a...youngness that put Starlight between the few years that separated him and Fantasy to make Sketch the older sibling.

With a grin Sketch bumped Starlight's powder blue hoof. "Uncanny Sketch, comic and manga artist who is being dragged to make new friends." Sketch took a swig of his watermelon milkshake- today Sugarcube Corner had become his favorite dining establishment for combining his favorite fruit with a milkshake- and shrugged. "It's not as bad as I thought it was."

"Really?!" They both turned their heads to the overexcited Fantasy, who as usual forsook any of her typical embarrassment or shyness during her excited bursts. She grabbed Starlight's hoof with both her hooves and shook it rapidly. "Hooray! He's finally getting used to having friends!" 

"Yes, but I'm going to have to ask you to remove your hoof from Starlight's."

Starlight sweated a bit, but Fantasy brushed him off. Removing her hoof, she replied, "There's nothing between us, big bro. Just two good friends who like vanilla milkshakes."

"I dunno. I've been thinking of switching to chocolate myself..." Starlight mused, throwing an exaggerated thoughtful look towards to ceiling.

"Oh, shut up," Fantasy said with a laugh, lightly bopping him on the leg. It would hurt a bit to most other ponies, but Starlight had the same earth pony strength, likely stronger based on his thicker build. Ignoring the bop, Starlight leaned down into his saddlebags and procured a wallet. 

"Could we have the check, please?" he called to the front counter. A plump blue mare with three cupcakes for a cutie mark dropped it off at the table, but Fantasy was frowning.

"Don't tell me you're planning on fronting the bill AGAIN," groaned Fantasy. Patting a lock of black hair into his combed-back shaggy mane, Starlight Vision nodded.

"You don't have any money, do you? And it's really no problem. I've got it."

Immediately Sketch intervened, "But I do. Let me get it, I insist." He levitated his cap off his head and pulled out the wallet inside.

"I always get the bill. Besides, it's not much. If you come next time, you can get the bill."

Fantasy rolled her eyes. "I've heard THAT one before." A semi-playful jab from Starlight didn't change her dubious expression.

"Well, I'll make sure he holds up to it." Sketch placed the wallet in his cap, and his cap on his head. "But when his turn comes back around, I'm getting two shakes," he added with a smirk.

"Deal," Starlight Vision replied, sealing the deal with another hoof bump. With that, Fantasy jumped up. 

"We're going to go meet new ponies. Wanna come?"

Fantasy ignored Sketch's exasperated eye roll-which was far less exasperated than it was that morning- and focused on Starlight, who shook his head. "I'm going to scout out a good pony-watching spot at the library for tonight's party."

"Dude. You're dedicated." Fantasy laughed and clapped him on the back, flicking her light brown tail behind her, its end tied with a small purple bow. "I'll tell Selune and we can rate some, too!" She grinned mischievously. They walked out, laughing, before parting ways- the blue stallion towards the library and the pair towards the marketplace.

But Sketch's mind was far from the path they currently walked. Starlight, and this Selune pony...Fantasy had a whole life he didn't know about, simply because he hadn't bothered to get involved in her life as he should. What else had he been too distant to know?

The unicorn was jolted out of his thoughts by a hoof on his back, and looked up into Fantasy's worried eyes. Fantasy, knowing her brother too well, read the guilt in his amethyst colored eyes, and her subsequent gentle smile was reflected in her own green ones.

"Don't feel bad, big bro," she said comfortingly. "This is why I dragged you out today. And besides, you're still my best friend."

Sketch gently nuzzled his sister with a smile on his face. "And that's why you're the best sister ever."

Fantasy looked away, a bit of guilt painting her face. Uncanny was well aware of her guilt about her unsuccessful stories and never being able to support the two-pony family, but she still smiled. "I try."

"By the by...is that Vision always so generous?"

Fantasy shook her head. "No. He just usually likes to take care of me. Take care of others. Whatever we do. It's very chivalrous." She smirked. "I really mean it when I say don't worry, though. When he's around his crush, you'll be able to tell."

They didn't talk the rest of the two-minute walk, which was just as well- as they approached the marketplace, the place was too loud for any conversations. Decorations covered the square, and ponies vended last-minute goods for private parties. Fantasy dipped her head a bit naturally. She muttered something about the number of ponies that Sketch couldn't quite pick up on, and headed for a nearby vendor, where Sketch knew just on sight he would end up buying for her one of the various treats being sold.

Fantasy and a large olive green stallion asked the vendor at the same time, "One cotton candy, please!" They looked at each other and giggled until the vendor procured only one cotton candy.

"Last one," said the vendor, he himself unsure how to deal with the situation. Before the vendor or Fantasy could react, the stallion hoofed over the money and grabbed the cotton candy. Fantasy turned away dejectedly, until she found the cotton candy in front of her face.

"Here!" boomed the stallion with a smile. He didn't budge, and Fantasy had no choice but to take the treat. 

"Thank you..." she said quietly, and the stallion nodded, reading her lips without hearing her over the crowd. Sketch, watching from afar, beckoned to Fantasy. When she caught sight of him beckoning, he also beckoned to the stallion, who approached without a second thought, leaving Fantasy to follow.

When they reached him, Sketch lead them to a slightly quieter area of the marketplace. He looked up at the stallion. "I saw everything sir, did my sister cause you trouble? Would you like us to repay you or buy you a replacement treat?"

The stallion laughed, waving the idea away. "When it comes to situations like these, I love to give what I've got. I may not be the nicest pony around but I'll give away my last bit, so no need to worry."

Sketch laughed, hesitant to accuse him of tooting his own horn, and continued to respectfully address the older stallion. "We're very grateful. Your name, sir?"

The stallion laughed and clapped Sketch a bit too hard on the back. This earth pony was built for the hardest work, though a bit of a pudge in his belly indicated he didn't use the strength to his full potential. "I'm Mikey Phone, though you can call me Big Mouth. And can you guess why they gave me that name?" He laughed, the sound a bellow above the background noise, even causing a few passersby to glance in their direction. Sketch chuckled, knowing that Fantasy was likely intimidated by Big Mouth's loudness, so he would have to keep the conversation going. Luckily, the brown-eyed stallion seemed easy to talk to.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Uncanny Sketch, and this is my sister Fantasy." Sketch waited a moment before forcefully nudging Fantasy, who looked up from her typical absorption with her food.

"...Hi."

Surprisingly, Big Mouth's next smile was gentler, and his voice as well. "Pleased to meet you, Fantasy."

She nodded, turning back to her cotton candy.

Sketch shook his head. "She's eager to meet new friends, but once she does...."

Big Mouth chuckled. "Not a problem. I used to be that way when I was a colt." He looked around. "Say, do you know where the sun-raising ceremony is taking place?"

"I'm afraid I don't, sorry. Why do you ask?"

"I've been sent here to write a report. This year's the 1000th annual SSC since Celestia took power. From whom, I have no idea." Big Mouth shrugged. "I'm typically a sports announcer and journalist-" -here he showed off his cutie mark, a microphone over a football and hoofball- "-but everyone took off for the holiday and I was the only one left for this assignment." He slipped a pen from behind his ear, his large hoof mussing his black mane and choppy bangs. "Though I have been invited to a party later, that should be good."

Fantasy chuckled as she tossed an empty cotton candy stick into a nearby trash can. "Seems like everypony in Ponyville is coming. Except my big bro." She had finally closed the distance between her and the large stallion, put at ease by his friendly disposition. "And he's made so many friends today too!"

Sketch looked between the expectant gazes of Big Mouth and Fantasy. Finally, he smiled, bowing his head in defeat. "I give up." He looked up and smiled wider at his sister. "You were completely right. Having friends makes everything a lot more fun. And I am so happy to go to the party and meet up with the friends I've made today."

"Hooray!" cheered the two, even though Big Mouth didn't really know the details.

Big Mouth reached over and shook Uncanny Sketch's hoof with a forceful grip. "I'll be glad to see you there then son. But I've gotta gallop!" And with that he was gone.

Fantasy, for her part, had stars in her eyes. "Everything went so perfectly," she mused, grin touching the sides of her face. "You've really opened up to friends! And we're going to party all night, and we're gonna see Princess Celestia, and we're gonna see the sunrise, of course done by Princess Celestia..."

Sketch watched his sister prance ahead of him, babbling about the night's events to come. Fantasy was shy most of the time, getting excited bursts on occasion, but mostly all around adorkable, her bubbly personality towards those she knew well winning their hearts. What would he do without her?

No, that wasn't right. What would they do without each other?

********
Sketch had to admit, he hadn't expected Pinkie Pie to be able to install a disco ball and strobe lights in the library on such short notice. But that was Pinkie for you- never, ever to be underestimated.

The mare that ran the apple farm on the outskirts had provided the alcoholic refreshments, primarily cider which Sketch wouldn't complain about. Levitating a wooden mug of it in his magic, he scoped out the scene. No Love Letter, nor Skywriter, nor Big Mouth, he hadn't even seen his sister with Starlight or that Selune pony since they walked in. 

A thought crossed Sketch's mind that made his stomach knot as soon as it did, but he knew his would pride would not let him brush the thought away. Could he make a new friend here, all on his own? How proud his sister would be if he did! He began to scope out the area. Pinkie Pie could be seen bouncing above the crowd, but she didn't count, as they were already acquaintances. Perhaps he could meet that designer mare- what was her name, Elusive?- but he quickly brushed the thought away, knowing he would be too scared to talk to such a fashionista. He wasn't sure if his purple cap and scarf were in season now, and he kind of didn't want to know. What about the green mare...Lyra? He turned to her only to quickly look away as he saw her favorite foam "finger" on one of her hooves. He shuddered. Creepy.

Finally his eyes landed on a purple unicorn mare walking towards the staircase. Oh, and she looked interesting! A studious manecut almost disguised her Canterlotian heritage, though he could see it in the shape of her eyes. And boy, was she purple! Sketch loved purple. It had to be a sign.

"Excuse me!" Sketch called, trotting to catch up with her, she being halfway up the stairs already. She couldn't hear him over the noise, and when she got to the top of the stairs, she slammed a large door behind her. Sketch stopped midway on the stairs. Now he was nervous, certain the mare was angry about something. Perhaps now wasn't the best time...

Uncanny Sketch turned around to walk down the stairs, only to spot a certain brunette earth pony in the corner with two other ponies. Fantasy was standing next to Starlight Vision and a dark unicorn mare, talking and laughing. Sketch took and deep breath and turned back up the stairs. If his introverted sister could go out of her way to make friends, than so could he.

Gently knocking on the door, and hearing no response, he gently opened it. The mare, laying on the bed but clearly not sleeping, looked up at him. 

"Excuse me, I'm trying to get some alone time." Despite the politeness in her voice, Sketch detected a hint of irritation. He took a deep breath and walk a bit closer.

"I'm...very sorry, but I couldn't help but notice how upset you are. Are you alright?"

"Am I alright?" she replied with a chuckle, though not a happy chuckle. "Not really. Not when all the ponies in this town are crazy!" She groaned and dropped her face onto a book in front of her Sketch hadn't noticed before. 

Uncanny moved forward curiously, hesitantly. "...What do you mean by that?"

With a drawn out sigh, the mare began, "Today I learned that this is the 1000th year after the banishment of the mare in the moon, and she's going to come back to bring everlasting night. I tried to tell Princess Celestia- I'm her personal student- but she wouldn't listen, and instead sent me here to supervise the festival and 'make some friends.' Well, when I first got here, Pinkie Pie gasped in my face and ran off. Turns out she was planning this stupid surprise party all that time. I met Applejack and her crazy family, Rainbow Dash and her cocky attitude, Fluttershy and her social anxiety, and Rarity and her fashion freakiness."

Somewhere inside himself, Sketch found the courage to immediately respond, "None of that's really all that bad. I've met ponies with far worse traits."

The mare paused for a moment. "I....I guess that's true," she admitted. "But that's not my mane problem." She turned the book towards Sketch. "Like I said, a thousand years ago the Mare in the Moon was trapped, well, in the moon. But nopony will believe me! I know that something bad is going to happen, I just know it. Look, right here. 'Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night.'"

Sketch didn't believe her himself. He wasn't sure that she was even Celestia's student. The only confirmation of that possibility was that he could feel her very strong magical aura- and she wasn't even using magic! But regardless, the mare clearly needed to be set at ease.

"If Princess Celestia told you not to worry, don't you think you should believe her?" Sketch finally approached her, and laid a comforting hoof on her back. "She would have been around a thousand years ago, right? So wouldn't she know best?"

The mare looked away and sighed. "Normally I would faithfully follow whatever the Princess says, but....I can't. I just KNOW something bad is going to happen."

"What's your name?" 

"Huh?" The mare looked up at the sudden question.

Sketch's distraction had worked. "I asked, what's your name?"

"Oh." She smiled. "Twilight Sparkle. And yours?"

"Uncanny Sketch. Now, miss Twilight, I'd like to ask for a dance. Because if something does happen, sitting here worrying about it won't help anything." He threw her a winning smile.

Twilight considered the proposition for a moment before nodding with a slight smile. "Alright, then. Are you a good dancer?"

Sketch smirked, "Terrible."

"That makes two of us. Come on!" 

Sketch barely withheld his cry of joy. Yes! He had made a friend on his own! A slightly crazy friend, maybe, but he had done it. Almost immediately after beginning to dance with Twilight, Sketch caught a glimpse of Fantasy's approving grin.

*******

"Oooh...my stomach is in knots."

Uncanny Sketch was walking alongside all the friends he had made today, including Twilight Sparkle, who was to his left. Fantasy and Love Letter were attempting to find common ground to his right, and Skywriter was telling an apparently hilarious story behind him, judging by Big Mouth's and Starlight Vision's laughs. 

"Relax. We'll deal with it as it comes."

"I hope you're right." A call of "Twilight!" suddenly sounded to their left, and both unicorns turned their head to see all five mares Twilight had mentioned earlier. The purple mare gave Sketch a hesitant look.

"Go," he said with a demure smile. "I think those ponies deserve another chance, don't you?"

Twilight smiled. "I do." With a quick wave goodbye, she galloped away to meet up with the five. Immediately afterwards, the crowd stopped, and their posse did as well, for the bird choir overhead had stopped and Mayor Mare was speaking overhead.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!"

Ponies throughout the town hall cheered.

"In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, he wise, the bringer of Harmony to all of Equestria..."

"...Princess Celestia!"

With a gust the curtains were withdrawn, but the balcony was empty.

Uncanny Sketch's stomach turned to knots just as Twilight's had. Oh no.

The mayor tried to shout above the murmuring, but little could be heard, except for a white unicorn's voice calling out from the balcony, "She's GONE!"

Sketch nearly threw up when he saw what happened next. A cloud of dark blue magic formed into a jet black Alicorn mare.

The Mare in the Moon.

"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces."

The alicorn's voice had a slippery feel that snaked across Sketch's skin, and an icy touch that froze him in place.

A blue mare with a rainbow mane screamed something at the Alicorn, only to be held back by the apple farmer.

"Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"

One pony had, and she stepped up to meet the Mare in the Moon's gaze.

"I did. And I know who you are." The place was hushed with tense silence. "You're the mare in the moon- Nightmare Moon!"

"Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here."

Sketch could barely breathe.

"You're here to...to.." 

An intimidating chuckle left the dark mare's lips. "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last FOREVER!"

"Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!"

The hall launched into chaos, screaming and yelling, but Sketch could do nothing but stare at the dark Alicorn. He watched her disappear into a blue cloud of magic and leave through the window. He continued to stare until Fantasy shook him.

"Big bro, we have to leave! Now!"

As Sketch turned to glance at her, he saw Twilight Sparkle disappear out the door. He turned with a determined look towards his sister. "Make sure everyone's following. I know where we need to go."

*******

"-the last known location of the five elements are in-"

"Twilight!" Sketch burst through the library door, startling the six ponies inside, and five more ponies filed in behind him. Ignoring the startled looks, Sketch ran up to Twilight. He panted before his face became set in stone hard determination. "I have never wanted to hurt anypony so bad before in my entire life. How do we attack Nightmare Moon."

"As I was just explaining to everypony," Twilight said, trying to remain calm but with a hint of nervousness, "Nightmare Moon can only be defeated by the Elements of Harmony. Which are located in..." She turned to the book, then gulped with sudden fear. "...The Everfree Forest!"

Everypony in the room gasped or drew in a sharp breath. Nopony in their right mind went into the Everfree. Even ponies as far away as Canterlot knew of its dangers. But Sketch simply nodded resolutely.

"Alright, fine. I'm going to go get them." He turned towards the door.

"Wait!" Twilight demanded sharply ply behind him. He turned with a sigh.

"What?"

Twilight glanced to her friends. "We sort of decided to go get them already. We want to defeat Nightmare Moon as well."

"You don't understand!" Sketch asserted immediately. "That utter hatred I felt when I looked at her...the fact that she's planning to end the day forever, and who knows what she did with Princess Celestia... Rage is BOILING inside me!" He tensed all his muscles, trying to desperately to prevent from kicking out in anger. "I HAVE to go stop her! No matter the cost!"

Twilight glanced down at her book. "....Well..." She looked towards her own group of friends. "...I suppose I could give you my place."

"No way!" the five responded immediately. Twilight recoiled in surprise. 

"We're going to stick together, no matter the cost!" Rainbow Dash said. "We're all a team now. It's either all of us or none of us."

"I agree," Fluttershy suggested meekly. "Besides, I don't think I would've been too helpful in the E-Everfree."

"Twilight darling, we made friends with you for a reason. We're not going to separate from you now, in such a desperate time of need."

Applejack looked amongst all the ponies. "...Ah dunno, y'all. I wanna stay as a team too, but what can we do here?"

"I think you would be great to help calm and regulate the population." Love Letter stepped up next to Sketch. "You're all pretty well known in Ponyville, from what I've seen. Applejack is famous for providing the town with all its apple needs. Pinkie Pie is friends with literally every pony in Ponyville. Rarity has male and female admirers alike. Rainbow Dash is captain of the weather team and a symbol amongst the Pegasi. And even Fluttershy is known for caring for any of the town's animals at any time, wild or domesticated. "

All the ponies stared at her. She shrugged.

"I'm observant."

"What about me?" Twilight asked, before blushing at the somewhat selfish statement. Love laughed.

"You have the most influence of all! You're Celestia's student AND you predicted all of tonight's events. They all saw you confront Nightmare Moon."

Twilight blushed, then nodded, closing the book. "Uncanny Sketch, I assume you'll be taking your group of friends?"

Sketch blinked in surprise. "I hadn't even considered it..."

"Well, don't consider it! We all want to come! These ponies insisted on keeping their team together, and we will keep ours. We're coming with you to Everfree!" Skywriter grinned, and the others mirrored his expression.

Twilight grinned. "Got it. You guys are looking for the ruins of an old castle..."

After a short debriefing session, Sketch and his group bid goodbye to the others. He could see varying degrees of confidence on their faces, but all shared an unshakable determination.

*******

The Everfree Forest at night was almost pitch black. Much to their disgust, Skywriter had suggested holding each other's tails in their mouths to keep together, though they all ended up deciding that the joke would actually be a useful tactic. They paraded forward in silence.

"Now would be a great time for one of you unicorns to use a fancy light spell," Skywriter mumbled, mouth full of Big Mouth's tail.

"Shut up," replied the two unicorns. Both were too involved in their daily work to learn any spells that did not benefit drawing for Sketch, or love for... Love.

"Mmf, fine whatever..." 

A rustle sounded from a nearby bush. Love Letter blanched. "What was that?"

A clicking sound came from the trees above. Starlight trembled. "What was THAT?"

No one could see a blue cloud of magic forming ahead of them...

"Please tell me-"

ROOOOOAR!

Screeches filled the air as a large, blood-dripping manticore jumped in their faces. All bets were off as they all let go of one another's tails and fled in different directions.

Love Letter panted as she ran, ignoring the branches scratching her and mussing her mane, desperate to get away from the pony-eating terror. Why had she come here? Perhaps eternal night wouldn't be so bad-

"Skywriter? Big bro? Big Mouth?"

Love screeched to a halt. Who was that?

"Starlight? Love Letter?"

Fantasy! 

"Fantasy! Is that you?"

"Love Letter?" Fantasy emerged from nearby brush and brushed leaves off her head. "Oh, thank Celestia! As soon as I realized we had split up, I began to search for everypony."

"Wow." Love smiled in pleasant surprise. "That's great. I was so busy worrying about myself I didn't even think about anypony else."

Fantasy shrugged with a grin. "It's what I do. My friends come before me, always and forever."

Before Love could respond, a voice called out, "Hey! Is that you talking, sis?"

Skywriter emerged from the trees with Uncanny Sketch in tow. "We were running and we smashed into each other...oh, hey, Fantasy. Same for you guys?"

"No, Fantasy came looking for all of us," Love replied with a grin. Fantasy blushed.

"That's my lil' sis!" Sketch announced with a grin. "Now let's find those two other ponies, shall we?"

******
When they finally found Big Mouth and Starlight Vision- who was still running and who had tired out and sat down to wait, respectively- a full moon's light streaming through the now thinned overhead canopy revealed a dirt path. They followed it now, with no better alternative, especially now that they didn't have told hold each other's tails in their mouths.

"I...yknow...don't blame you all for keeping on running. That manticore WAS pretty scary.."

Mumbled assents to the statement followed, but no one spoke for a few seconds.

"I wonder what else fills this forest..." Big Mouth loudly gulped. "D-do you think there could be...dragons?"

Skywriter shook his head. "I wish. Not in a forest like this. But there could be...." He hardly whispered, "Cockatrices."

"What are those?" Sketch asked as a knot began to form in his stomach.

"They say if you look in their eyes...they'll turn you to stone."

Starlight screwed his eyes shut. "I'm gonna be sick..."

"That'd be as bad as death!"

"And what if there's SERPENTS? Or big spiders?"

"Not to mention, where did Nightmare Moon actually go?"

"ENOUGH!"

The voices silenced, to turn and look at Love Letter, who stomped her hoof with a stern look. "You all are worrying yourselves sick. If you keep this up, not only will you cause yourselves undue stress, but how will you deal if we actually encounter these things? I know you're all better than sitting here and driving yourselves crazy, so toughen up or we'll never be able to face a millennia old dark Alicorn." She took a breath, then sighed. "Sorry if that was too aggressive. But you all needed to hear it."

Uncanny Sketch was the first to respond. "No need to apologize. You're absolutely right."

"Totally," Skywriter said with an appreciative smile. "I would have yelled and stuff. You handled it perfect."

"And...well, I think we have nothing to worry about. Just look at us."

Sketch looked around. He saw an overexcitable pink pony, a very loud green pony, a girly blue pony, a quiet light blue pony, and a smooth yellow pony.

"...I'm not sure what we're looking at."

"Oh, come on, Sketch," said Starlight Vision. "We have Big Mouth, who is the epitome of earth pony strength. We have Love Letter, is experienced with making decisions on the fly when working for big weddings. We have Skywriter, whose air agility means he could dodge most anything. We have Fantasy, who passionately fights for what she believes in. And we have you, Sketch, who motivated us all to come out here."

Fantasy smiled, as they all did, putting a foreleg around her buddy's shoulders. "And we have you, who can brings smiles with your sincere compliments and support."

Sketch nodded, then furrowed his brow. "Though how did you know all that about us?"

He shared a smile with Love Letter. "I guess I'm observant too."

"And how'd you know that about Fantasy?"

Starlight shot a mischievous grin at Fantasy. "Have you ever seen her in a ship war with Selune?"

"Something tells me I don't want to."

*****
The road seemed to always be leading deeper in to the forest, but with no visible end. Quiet settling upon the group, Sketch got absorbed in his own thoughts.

How could he have been so airheaded so as to let unfounded fears get to him? He would think he'd be better than having to get woken up to his stupidity. Going to save Equestria from eternal night, and he's thinking about Cockatrices or dragons...

"Oh, enough already!" Heads turned to look up at Skywriter, who launched into the air above the group. "You all look so dang miserable! You all are feeling stupid for driving yourselves crazy, and you-" he pointed at Love Letter "-are feeling guilty for being aggressive. I know you always overthink your actions after all is said and done, but I didn't expect all of you to do the same." He cleared his throat. "Why was the tomato in the fridge embarrassed?"

They all shared confused glances at the sudden remark.

"It saw the salad dressing!"

The punch line caused several boos from the group, but all were now smiling, despite that his joke was so obviously meant to cheer them up.

Skywriter pretended to be embarrassed. "Oh, no need to applaud so loudly. But if you want another joke, I will oblige." He thought for a moment then grinned. "Isn't it strange that pizza boxes are square, pizzas circles, and their slices triangles?"

"Woahhh!" Fantasy stared up at Skywriter in genuine amazement. The ponies began to laugh at the mare's reaction, even Skywriter covering some chuckles.

"Did you know that if a tree falls in a forest, it does make a sound?" He perched on a tree limb and fell backwards, wings flapping to keep him in a dramatic slow motion, his limbs flailing as fast as possible despite the slow-mo. "Nuuuu! Nuu, I'm falling! Sometree help meeee!" he whined in a squeaky, high pitched voice. He landed in the most awkward position possible, closed his eyes and even let his tongue hang out of his mouth in exaggerated death.

By that time the ponies were cracking up, each part of his act making another pony hysterical. He stood up and gave an exaggerated bow, to which the ponies stomped in applause and whistled through their laughter. Sketch grabbed the end of his tail with a bit of magic and tugged him out of repeated bows as the ponies began to move again. 

"Come on, Mr. Comedian," he said. "We've got a country to save. No time for jokes." But he smiled at him.

******

"I didn't expect to see THIS in a forest."

In a random forest clearing, maybe 50 feet long, the entire path was filled with jagged rocks and stones that looked like one foot set on them would cause a cut. However, it was extremely wide, and looked as though going around was not an option.

The group stared at the path in silence. 

"I can fly over," said Skywriter plainly. "I dunno about the rest of you all."

The quiet extended for another moment before Big Mouth stepped up. "I'll carry everypony across. My hooves can take it."

The heads flew towards him. "Are you crazy?" Love Letter asked.

Big Mouth nodded with a grin. "Probably, yeah, but I can also take this better than any of the rest of you. My hooves are strong, and if I can use that to help others, you bet your horseshoes I will."

The ponies hesitated, unwilling to let him sacrifice himself in such a manner. Finally, Fantasy climbed on his back. "None of us will be able to go across except Skywriter or Big Mouth without getting hurt."

Big Mouth smiled up at Fantasy. "Hold on tight, then."

He began to trek across the rocky land. For the most part, he simply walked slowly to carefully plan his steps, but he would occasionally grimace a bit on a sharp rock. Within a couple of minutes he deposited Fantasy at the end. 

"Let's see your hooves," said Fantasy immediately. Big Mouth obliged. They were scratched up, and in one place bleeding shallowly. Fantasy sighed.

"If only we had some sort of shoes. This'll get worse the more you walk..." 

Big Mouth brushed her off. "I'll be fine, but I've gotta-"

"Wait!"

Fantasy ran to a nearby tree, plucking two huge leaves off it, then filling the leaves with moss scraped from the ground. She ran back and tied the leaves around the stallion's hooves.

"It's not very strong. We can change it each time you get back here." She giggled. "I've been reading too many Daring Do novels. Never thought survival skills would actually help me."

******

When all was said and done, the ponies took a short break to let Big Mouth's aching hooves rest. He had protested at first, but silenced with a look of relief when he finally sat down and took the weight off his hooves. Fantasy busied herself patting the several shallow bleeding cuts on his hooves with leaves, though really it was just a way of passing time until Big was ready to move on.

"I can't believe we're almost through the Everfree Forest. The Everfree itself!"

Love turned to Sketch. "What makes you think we're almost through?"

"Look." All the ponies followed his outstretched hoof to see ancient-looking spires peeking out a little ways ahead. 

"The ancient castle!" Fantasy squealed with glee, before turning away with a blush at a few looks. 

Sketch grimaced. "I hope finding these Elements are not too difficult. I want to crush that Alicorn as soon as possible for doing this to Equestria."

The powerful statement welcomed silence for a few minutes until Big Mouth rose to his hooves. "We can't wait any longer."

Nopony questioned the stallion, and they all rose to their feet, reflecting on the horrors Nightmare Moon had brought. 

*******

"Am I the only one who's wondering what The Nightmare's been doing?"

They stood in front of the castle, looking up at its gates.

"You think she'd have tried to stop us by now. But here we are, at the place where her demise lies."

"Don't get cocky," Uncanny Sketch reprimanded his sister. "This isn't over yet. Come on."

Walking side by side, the group slowly entered the building. It was quiet and deserted, moonlight streaming in through broken windows. Dirt covered the floor, and ruined tapestries covered the walls.

"This hallway seems to go on forever..." Sketch said. "...Let's keep going."

After a few minutes of walking, the group encountered a large pedestal with 5 large stones on it.

"Do you think....these are..."

"The Elements?" asked Big Mouth. "But there's only 5 of 'em."

"Twilight said the last Element is unknown. Maybe we gotta do something with the other five to..." Sketch blinked. "Wait. Didn't she say something about a spark?"

"She did! Yeah, I remember!"

"I guess it means a unicorn's magic?" Love Letter and Uncanny Sketch shared a glance before Love Letter smiled and respectfully took a step back.

"You're the one who wants this most. So you should do the honors." 

"A-alright." Sketch picked up the Elements with his magic and set them around him. "I guess it would be...unadulterated magic. How do I do that again..."

After a few seconds, Sketch's horn lit up with magic not formed to perform a certain spell. But in a blink of an eye, he disappeared, causing the group to gasp, and Fantasy to scream. 

"Where'd he go?! Where's my big bro?!"

Before anypony could respond, dark and maniacal laughter was heard nearby.

"Nightmare Moon."

Nopony had to say anything. They all rushed to the tower they heard the bellowing laughter echoing from. When they got there, they screeched to a halt, finding Sketch lying on the ground in front of Nightmare Moon herself, he still trying desperately to light the Elements with a spark.

"Big bro!" Fantasy wailed.

"I....have to....get the spark!" Finally, the Elements glowed for a moment. Nightmare Moon's laughing turned to a cry of horror, but after glowing, the Elements fell to the stone floor, unresponsive. Sketch's horn stopped glowing, and he lay there, panting with effort.

"Mwahahaha!" The ponies recoiled at the echo of the dark mare's voice, and gasped with fear when her dark magic gripped the Elements and crushed them into rocks and dust. "I was watching the whole time, little Uncanny Sketch. Nopony has ever felt such a strong resentment and justice against me as you! I was hoping you would come to see me. I can feel the lovely feeling of CRUSHING you under my hoof!"

"N-no...big bro..." Fantasy began to sob. Uncanny Sketch slowly turned to the sound, feeling his heart thump in his chest at the sight of his friends. A single spark of magic flew from his horn, and the shards of the Elements began to rise into the air.

"Wh-what?!" Nightmare Moon's laughter stopped once again. 

Sketch looked up in amazement, as did the rest of the ponies as they slowly approached. He smiled, standing up tall. "You tried to destroy the Elements, but in fact, they're still here! Stronger than ever!

"What?" Nightmare Moon gulped in hesitant fear.

Shards began to glow different colors and warp over to the five ponies standing behind Sketch, who stared at the shards as the began to circle them, in quiet shock. 

"Fantasy, who worried about and helped her fellow ponies when no other pony did, represents the Element of Loyalty!"

The shards surrounding Fantasy started glowing the same light blue color of her quill cutie mark.

"Love Letter, who gave us genuine criticism when we were worrying ourselves, represents the Element of Honesty!"

The shards surrounding Love Letter began to glow pink, like the pink of her hearts cutie mark.

"Starlight Vision, who reassured us and encouraged us, represents the Element of Kindness!"

The shards surrounding Starlight Vision began to glow like the yellow of the star in his cutie mark.

"Skywriter, who pushed away depressing thoughts with fun and cheer, represents the Element of Laughter!"

The shards surrounding Skywriter began to glow an orange similar to the orange in the pencil on Skywriter's flank.

"And Big Mouth, who put himself in danger so his friends didn't have to, represents the Element of Generosity!"

The shards surrounding Big Mouth began to glow grey, just like the microphone in his cutie mark. 

"We all doubted ourselves. I even saw my life flash before my eyes. But the spirits of these ponies helped us through all sorts of challenges. If you want to kill me, you'll have to face us first!"

"Foolish mortal!" Nightmare Moon's eyes glowed red with rage, and she stomped her hoof, creating a small crater. "I will DESTROY YOU! You cannot do anything without the sixth element! The spark DID NOT WORK!"

"Because it took me realizing that today, I made five real friends, to light the spark. The trust and friendship we share after just one day is a miracle, and that's why our bond forms....the Element of MAGIC!"

A golden crown with a purple marker-shaped gem settled on Uncanny Sketch's head. The shards surrounding the five ponies flew to each pony's chest, forming golden necklaces on each pony's neck. Slowly, they all lifted into the air, streams of glowing air and magic connecting each necklace and the crown. Sketch closed his eyes as they were lifted, and when he opened them at the peak of their lift, they glowed a bright white.

"This....ends....now." His voice was deep and echoed across the room. Nightmare Moon was no more than a sniveling filly, curled up into a ball.

"No...don't do it! I beg of you, please-!"

Nightmare Moon's bloodcurdling scream filled the air as a huge wave of rainbow magic swarmed her. The ponies blinked, and now they lay on the ground. They slowly climbed to their hooves, and looked down at beautifully shining necklaces, Sketch looking up at a practically glowing crown.

"Wow. To be honest, I thought you were just pulling that stuff out of nowhere, but I think we really are the elements of friendship!" Love Letter gently stroked the pink gem heart inset in her necklace.

"I would say so."

The six ponies turned to see a large white Alicorn standing before them. 

"Princess Celestia!"

They all bowed as soon as they could, acknowledging the power of their benevolent ruler, especially so close to them.

"Rise, my little ponies." They did so obediently. Princess Celestia paused. "...I am going to be honest. I had thought that my student Twilight Sparkle would come here to unleash the Elements. I...suppose she didn't make any friends."

"O-on the contrary, your highness," Uncanny Sketch stuttered, trying not to panic. He had to force himself to continue when Celestia's amethyst eyes met his own. "Your student, Twilight, made five very good friends. But I...I was so mad at Nightmare Moon for what she had done that I asked her to let me go. She relented, but her friends insisted they stay with her, so my friends came with me instead." He shared a quick smile with his group.

"That's wonderful news." She smiled broadly. All the other ponies returned in kind, but at such a close proximity, Sketch could not help but notice that her smile seemed a bit forced. "I just hope I can help another to make such good friends." She turned to where Nightmare Moon formerly stood, and the ponies gasped to see a pony lying there amongst the broken armor. "Princess Luna!"

The dark blue mare looked up with a gasp. She was an Alicorn, with a starry mane more solid and beautiful than Nightmare Moon. Sketch clenched his teeth. She wasn't dead yet?

Princess Celestia approached Luna with a different emotion, however. Sketch gasped in shock to see tears running down her face as she lay down in front of her sister. "Princess Luna..." Celestia began to speak in a choked voice. "It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. We must put our differences aside. We were meant to rule together, little sister."

"Sister?!" resounded the room in bewilderment. 

The pair didn't notice. "Will you accept my friendship?" asked Celestia, almost too quiet and choked to be heard.

Princess Luna did not hesitate before launching herself into her big sister's hooves. "We are so sorry! We missed thee so much, beloved sister!!" Celestia wrapped his forelegs and big white wings around the younger mare as they shared a tearful reunion.

*******

Ponyville's panic had long been dispelled after light had once again returned to the land. The Summer Sun Celebration Festival was now in full swing, with games and carnival rides all throughout the town. They had welcomed Princess Luna with love and rejoicing, draping floral necklaces around the necks of both princesses. Princess Luna had then been escorted to Ponyville Library so as to recover from sheer exhaustion after being hit with the Elements of Harmony. 

Though Uncanny Sketch refused to share in the fun. He stood at the sidelines, watching everypony act with a grim frown.

His sourpuss face did not disappear even when he bowed to Princess Celestia as she approached him. The Princess herself had a serious look on her face.

"Uncanny Sketch. May I speak to you for a moment?" 

"Of course, my Princess," Sketch replied respectfully, though his heart began to beat rapidly. 

The Town Hall was right nearby the two and that was where Princess Celestia led him. The gorgeous decorations of the previous night remained on the walls and ceiling, but there was no pony to be seen.

Princess Celestia took a deep breath and turned to face Sketch. Without hesitating, she said, "Why are you not enjoying the celebration?"

Sketch blinked rapidly, then turned his head away. There was no doubting his reason for not enjoying the celebration would infuriate Celestia.

"I've been living for over a thousand years now. If you lie to me, I'll be able to tell."

Sketch finally sighed and decided to come clean. "Everyone welcomed back Princess Luna without any hesitation. But I'm furious. She was about to ruin the lives of everypony in Equestria! She wanted to bring eternal night! How do you just completely overlook that?!" Rage filled him for a moment until he looked up at Celestia for fear of her reaction.

Surprisingly, the white mare was unaffected. She even smiled. "I understand completely. I would be lying if I said I wasn't surprised my little ponies welcomed her back so readily." She looked away, and Sketch was surprised that they held a bit of resentment. "But I have come to accept, however difficult it may be, that Nightmare Moon and my sister are two different entities."

Sketch frowned. "How so?"

Celestia sighed. Her usual serene looked was laced with sadness, and Sketch was feeling more and more like he was talking with a friend than the nation's leader. "My sister isn't that cruel. It's that simple. It may be that she loves her fellow pony even more than I do. That's why I think the Nightmare festered inside her. She wanted her subjects to love her, but in those days, most ponies would hardly give her the time of day..." A vacant look formed in Celestia's eyes as she dreamed of days gone past, but she shook that away. "The Nightmare was a parasite, waiting and waiting until Luna was weak enough to let it become the dominant personality. It was a manifestation of her feelings gone wrong, not her true feelings." She finally met eyes with Uncanny Sketch again. "Though that is a simplified explanation."

Sketch smiled a bit. "It works. I feel a lot better about all this. But why would you go to the effort of helping me?"

Celestia glanced around, as though ponies could hear when there clearly were none. Finally, she turned back to Sketch. "I need your help, Uncanny Sketch."

Sketch blanched. "M-my help? What could I possibly help you with?"

Celestia gestured towards the door. "You've been excluding yourself too much to notice, but everypony is singing your praises, and to a lesser extent, your friends' praises." She bit her lip. "But...this is not how it was supposed to be."

"Wh....what do you mean?"

Celestia turned to him with a firm expression. "This is not what fate dictates. Fate dictates Twilight Sparkle to be the bearer of the a Element of Magic. For her to defeat many foes, learn the power of friendship, and eventually ascend to Princess- and Alicorn-hood."

Sketch's jaw dropped. "I-I'm sorry, I was just...I didn't know, I mean-"

"It is not your fault. Nor is it bad. But with the Elements or not, Equestria needs her to become a Princess." She hesitated, then closed her eyes. "I need her to become a Princess."

"What do you mean?" Sketch barely breathed the words.

"Twilight is my closest friend. She is a unicorn that has raw power far greater than any I've ever seen before. And...Admittedly, I am too attached. I cannot let myself let another good friend go. Especially my closest friend, who has pulled me through the last few years before my sister's return."

Was this...weakness? Could the great Princess Celestia possibly be so...pony? A real, normal pony? Sketch would have assumed that all along, but having her confess this to him alone in a huge empty hall made it seem so unreal.

Sketch found courage within him to speak. "What do you need me to do, Princess?"

Celestia smiled slightly. "I need you to use your popularity. Get Twilight out there, get her known, and do not solve any issues with the Elements she may be able to solve on her own count.

"And most importantly, do not tell anypony. Understand?"

Sketch smiled and nodded. "Only because I know that Twilight would make a great Princess."

"We're in agreement there," Celestia said with a wink. And with that, she straightened up and left the Town Hall.

Was it a little manipulative? Perhaps so. But Uncanny Sketch could see the value in what Celestia was asking of him. He walked out and almost jumped at seeing his friends waiting by the door. 

In the background, Sketch could see Celestia announcing something, Twilight by her side. At her announcement, the crowd cheered.

Fantasy greeted him with a grin. "Twilight Sparkle is staying here in Ponyville! Isn't that great?"

Sketch nodded with a huge grin. He had, of course, already assumed she would be staying here based off his conversation with Celestia. "That is great news. But...." His eyes strayed to Big Mouth, who was abnormally quiet. "...I think there's another pony who I'd really like to stay."

They all turned to Big Mouth, who shuffled his hooves awkwardly. "....I can't."

They all remained quiet for awhile, before Big Mouth grinned widely. "Unless I just got hired as the Ponyville Prancers' home announcer!"

Cheers went through the small group as they swarmed Big Mouth.

********

"You know, this picture was supposed to be inked and colored yesterday."

Fantasy laid on her back on her brother's bed. How she held a book between her hooves in such a manner was beyond his comprehension. The skills one could develop when not a unicorn....

Fantasy giggled. "I know you're teasing. Tell me, was making friends not the best thing you've ever done?"

"Second only to having the right to defeat the mare who wanted to shroud Equestria in eternal darkness."

"Hey, I had a part in that too!" Fantasy stuck out her tongue, then looked thoughtful for a few moments. "You know, you were desperate to be the one to attack Nightmare Moon. ...Why?" She looked over to him as she asked for an explanation.

His explanation was quickly forthcoming, with no hesitation. "Because she wanted to hurt ponies. And I don't want ponies to suffer. It's like....a really strong sense of justice." He paused, biting his lip and blushing  though it went unseen under his red coat. "And...maybe I was thinking of my new friends. I had just made a bunch of friends and was ridiculously happy about it. Yknow, 'how dare she intrude on my happiness' type of thing." He chuckled. "I'm pretty selfish, huh?"

Fantasy shook her head and returned to her book. "No, you just know what's right."

She continued to read, not noticing the effect her words had on her big brother. Sketch chewed the cap of his copic marker, deep in thought.

"I try my best."

"You do it well," Fantasy replied absentmindedly. It was no use; she was absorbed in her reading. 

"What's right is friendship," he whispered under his breath as he began to sketch five necklaces and a golden crown. "Nothing could ever feel more right."