From a bird point of view, Sweet Apple Acres looked like a rainbow. And not just for the fruit bats on the loose.

There were so many ponies, ranging from family members to guests and political relatives, the numbers went over two dozens; all working hard to make this celebration one they wouldn´t forget any time soon.

The first one to see the carriage was a filly who waste no time shouting the Princess´ name. Always graceful, the alicorn descended from the vehicle and spread her wings, engulfing the ponies on her light. All the ponies bowed their heads, rejoicing in their regent presence.

One of the Apples approached the Princess, taking her hat down to salute her. "Princess Celestia, is such an honour to have you here today."

"Annie Smith, please. I´ve know you since you were a little filly, you have no need to be so formal."

Blushing a little, Annie Smith put her old Stetson back on her head. "Well then, then colour me pleased to see you!"

Celestia laughed. Of all her subjects, the Apples were certainly the better hosts, always making her welcome.

"It looks like this year celebration is going to be memorable," Celestia said.

"It better be! Now that I´m in charge I ain´t hiding any cards! I´m gonna make everypony have the time of their lives or my name stops being Annie Smith!"

Celestia kept smiling, the mare had certainly inherited her father positive attitude. She took a look around at all the tables, at all the food being served. A small selfish part of her wanted to grab a bite of that tempting apple pie...

"Excuse me Princess?" a stallion with a little ragged suit interrupted her thoughts.

"This here is Stinkin´Rich, he has been selling our Zap Apple Jam here in town," Annie explained.

"I´m sure it has been a productive alliance for both families," Celestia said.

"Very. But, I was thinking the business could use a little expansion, going into new territori-" Stinkin´said.

"Again with that? I told you we not need to sell our Jam to those pompous Canterlot ponies! Uh no offense your Majesty..." Annie apologized, ashamed the Apple Temper got the best of her.

"It´s only natural a businessman wants to expand his business. And actually I´ve heard wonders of your Jam from my own kitchen staff. I´m sure I can pull some strings and get you into Canterlot Market."

"Oh that would be just wonderful, your Highness! We can discuss all about it after the party, if you wish so of course!"

Celestia simply nodded, letting Annie take the word again. "I said that instead of bothering the Princess with this nonsense you better take a look at your own kind," and she pointed at a nearby table where a colt had his head stuck in a jar of jam.

Shaking his head in embarrassment, Stinkin went to take care of his grandson.

"Ha! I bet that´s why they named him Filthy!" Annie joked.

Celestia didn´t heard her, her attention was focused on a group of children playing behind the barn.

"I´m Nightmare Moon and I´m gonna gobble you up!"

"Oh no! Save me Princess Celestia!"

"You are forever banished to the moon, evil doer!"

"Nooooooooo!" and Nightmare Moon fell to the ground, defeated, her helmet falling off too.

"Ahh those children, Nightmare Night is not until next month and yet they are already playing," Annie said.

"..."

"Princess? Are you alright?"

"Oh yes, I´m fine. " Celestia took another look at the kids, who kept laughing and playing. "It´s nothing. I said Annie, the organization is splendid. You have really outdone yourself."

"Well to be perfectly honest, I didn´t do everything. I got a little help. Hey kid, come here!"

Answering to Annie´s call, a small mare, probably just out of school approached. She adjusted her glasses and moved her pink bright mane off her face.

"Your Highness," and she bowed to the Princess.

"This little pony made all of this?"

The mare adjusted her glasses agia, visibly embarrassed but Annie grab her by the neck in a affectionate hug. "She may be small but there´s no better pony in town when it comes to organizing and those fancy mathematics!"

"I guess is just my natural talented." the mare said, still blushing.

"A scroll for a Cutie Mark, uh? I believe that means your future will be full of responsibilities." the mare lowered her head, concerned. "But I also believe you will be up to the task," and now her face was beaming.

- Time Limit-

"Well Princess, ready to watch some fun activities?" Annie said.

"Mrs. Annie, you still haven´t checked the apple fritters." the mare reminded her.

"Oh pony feathers! Umh Princess, do you mind..."

"It´s okay Annie, I´m sure I´ll find something to do."

As Annie and her assistant leave, Celestia moved down the farm. Her guard tried to follow her but she order them to remain still with a gentle gesture. With a soft trot, Celestia interned into the trees and once she make sure she was far enough she teleported.

She reappeared in an old and abandoned chamber. The wind intruded through the broken windows and despite being a sunny day outside, inside the castle, hidden in the dark forest, the air was chilling. Celestia noticed how much the place had decayed, old painting crumbled, statues in pieces and silence on every chambers.

Celestia knew she only had a few minutes before her absence became a problem but she needed this moment of solitude. She approached the throne room and watched over six useless rocks.

"I´m sorry Luna but you have to wait a little more. Is still not time but it will be soon enough. I know so. We must wait for the one that can release you, the one that can do what I couldn´t. Could you wait just a little more, little sister?"

No response.

Like always.

Holding back a tear, she returned to the orchard. She was gone less than fifteen minutes but that was enough to worry everypony. Her guards were hysterical and a few ponies looked at their watches, wondering what was wrong. Celestia could simply smile and shake her head, she loved her subjects too much to make a scene. Using her magic she set the sun down, painting the sky with the orange of sunset.

She then moved to the family table where she was granted the front seat. Everypony was looking at her, not daring to touch their plates, waiting for a grand speech. Celestia levitated a cup of apple cider and simply said

"For new times, for better times."

And with that, the celebration began as the moon watched over them, waiting for the times to come.