I couldn’t have missed it!

As she approached the open plaza its entire image sank beneath the shadow of heavy clouds. The houses and stores, even the facade of Molasses Market, seemed to dolefully frown. There were no luxurious chariots or vehicles of any sort awaiting her. All Aria could see were a number of familiar figures, her closest Canterhollow friends, and a few others. While Aria bore a heavy heart reflected in her drooping and sorrowful face, her friends appeared as carefree as usual.

“Mornin', sugarcube!” said one, named Flax. She tipped her head up and squinted to clarify her friend's melancholic expression. “Why so glum, Ari?”

“Yeah!” another one of her friends, Blossom, added. “Aren't you excited about going your super-duper-special-decial magic academy? You’ve been talking about it all month!”

Aria lifted her neck painfully to look at each of the two as a sigh of lament emptied from her gaping mouth.

“I missed the chariot ride,” Aria pouted. “It must have just taken off! That or my clock must be behind or something-”

“You mean that chariot?” Blossom yelled as she pointed directly upward.

Sure enough, flying through the upper atmosphere was a white and golden chariot, its transporter a light blue pegasus with a rainbow-colored mane and tail. Trailing right behind was another pegasus, one much larger and slower, adorned in shining armor. His deep voice barked unpleasant hollers as he shook a hoof. Aria’s mouth dropped open when the pieces began to connect.

“Flit?” Aria gasped. “What's she doing?!”

Cosmo, breathing hard from catching up with his friend, spoke between short breaths. “I t-told her... if you were running late... that s-she would need... to buy us some time.”