Down below, they could see the patient and fearful faces of Ponyville gazing up at them. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo with many other fillies and colts, still so young but forced to live through a crisis such as the one they now faced together, whether they wanted to or not. Cheerilee, along with her students, as well as Diamond Tiara and the Rich family. Big McIntosh and Sugar Belle, with Granny Smith struggling to stand well in the rain. And through it all, through the many faces and lights and shadows, she somehow managed to spot the pale blue mane and brilliant azure coat.
Trixie melded within the crowd almost seamlessly, being pushed and shoved and pushing and shoving right on back. Having followed the crowd, listened to the hushed voices, they all led her to that moment. Where Trixie stared up expectantly at Starlight, eyes wide with worry, confusion, and concern. A daring and horrifying mixture of all three. Starlight gulped softly, knowing full well the many lives that rested within her hooves. Knowing the safety and security of an entire town was at risk lest she did nothing.
And resting assured when she felt the soft hoof grace her shoulder.
Meeting the hoof with her eyes, Starlight lifted her gaze and couldn’t help but smile, relief flooding her veins the second her vision was filled with her fillyhood friend. She found comfort knowing she was never alone. Sunburst was still with her. Never backing down. Never leaving her side. Ensuring they would achieve this together.
And together, conjoining their magic, they fired a pair of magical beams into the darkness of the night sky. Dual beacons shimmered brightly in the heart of Ponyville, exploding once they reached the peak of their reach. The crowds gasped, stood in awe, with eyes illuminated by the turquoise and yellow lights from the magical eruption.
The eruption spread like a comforting blanket, washing from one end of the town to the other, to every corner and every last inch of land that Ponyville had claimed. Then and only then did the shower of lights finally cease, and the beacons died. The magic, however, remained. The blanket was still there, hovering over every head and showering every life with light and protection and hope.
Because that was the goal all along. That was all Starlight and Sunburst sought to achieve.
And lowering their smoking horns, dipping their gazes just slightly, Starlight and Sunburst stared to the flow of yellow and turquoise encompassing every last space surrounding the town. They stared to their work and managed a pair of soft sighs. Gentle, accomplished, knowing what they had done would ensure Ponyville’s protection ten times over.
For a dome of pure, raw magic was no easy feat. But together, nothing was too difficult for the two of them. And it wouldn’t be forever, either. It would be Ponyville’s shield for now. It would keep every life safe for now. From the storm and whatever beast wielded its strength.
All that was required of them now was to simply wait. Wait for Twilight, the armies of T.I.T.A.N., or a miracle. Preferably all three.
Starlight & Sunburst © Hasbro