Hope, have you ever been to the fair?
>Hope gives you a puzzled look.
>"Fair? What's that?"
Every year, Equestria holds an annual event. This is known as the Equestrian Fair. It runs all through the whole month.
>Your daughter looks speechless.
>As in what?
>Lyra butts in.
>"Maybe your dad can explain in a more simpler way."
Er... it's when you walk around and enjoy everything, from food, games, and rides.
>"Wow! Will it be that fun!?
I guarantee it.
>Hope is ecstatic.
>Perhaps a little too ecstatic.
>Now she's restless.
>And she's very eager to learn more.
>"Dad? Can I ask you a question?"
>You look at the clock.
>12 A.M.
It's midnight, Hope. What is it?
>Hope crawls into the bed.
>She's between you and Lyra.
>"What kind of food is there?"
Tons. What would yo--
>"And the games? Are they fun?"
Yes, they'r--
>"What kind of rides are there? I bet... there's... so... many..."
>Hope's voice fades.
>Her eyes become heavy.
>And then silence.
>You sigh, but a small smile appears on your face.
>The excitement is infectious, for you are enthusiastic to spend the day with your family.
>It doesn't take long before you fall asleep.
 
>The Fair!
>Here you are with Hope and Lyra.
>You overslept a little, but there's the whole day to enjoy.
>Hope's eyes are wide with anticipation.
>"This place is huge!"
Hope! Stick close to us!
>Your daughter rushes back to your side.
Don't run off like that. If you get lost, we won't see each other anymore.
>Hope grabs your hand and grips it tightly.
>You wince.
>"Then I'll stay by you and mom forever!"
>You chuckle.
Just stay by us, Hope. If something interests you, just tell us, so we can keep watch.
>"OK!"
>Hope releases her strong firm but still remains close.
Anyway, Lyra, do you remember where the pig races are?
>Lyra pulls the map out with her magic.
>"You don't remember?"
Vaguely.
>"It's right here."
>Lyra points her hoof to the spot on the map.
>It says Pig Races.
Oh, I guess we just need to head northeast. Let's go!
>Lyra shakes her head and closes the map.
>She knows you're being daft.
>It doesn't take more than 10 minutes to reach your destination.
 
>The Pig Races!
>A large crowd is gathered here.
>Everyone is excited.
>Your daughter, on the other hand, feels lost.
>"Dad? What's going on?"
Just watch, Hope. You'll love it.
>A middle-aged stallion appears from behind the track fence and approaches the center area.
>He looks passionate as if he had done this a thousand times.
>"Welcome! Welcome everypony to this year's Equestrian fair! If this is your first time, then you're in for a real treat!"
>You've heard the announcer's speech before.
>Hope looks intrigued.
>"Before we begin, how about a little song? Some of you may know the lyrics, so sing along if you want! Just remember to stomp your hooves to the beat."
>The lyrics are completely unfamiliar to you.
>Instead, you stomp your feet while Hope and Lyra stomp their hooves.
>It feels a little awkward.
>The music fades.
>"Well now, are you ready?"
>Everyone shouts.
>"Alright! The group to my right shall be gate #1! The pig, wearing the red, represents love. Cheer for Princess Swinedance!"
>The red group cheers.
>And next to the red section is the orange group. Running out of gate #2, we have the stunning royal figure, Princess Piggylestia!"
>Cheers are heard again.
>"And in front of me is the blue group. Out of gate #3 is the beauty of the night, Princess Sowna!"
>Again, more cheers.
>"And finally..."
>You and your family are in this group.
>"Coming out of gate #4, wearing the green, we have a very special pig. Give it up for King Boarba!"
>Everyone, in a playful manner, is surprised.
>"Ooooo..."
That's right!
>Your pig is here to win.
>"Get ready to cheer them on! Here we go!"
>The bell rings.
>The gates open.
>And the pigs run.
>Each crowd roots for their respective colored pig.
>Boarba makes a cunning start.
>Trailed by Piggylestia and Sowna.
>Swinedance is dead last.
>At the curve, Boarba speeds up.
>Piggylestia and Sowna are battling for second.
>Swinedance is too far behind.
>In the end, the clear winner is Boarba with Sowna in second place.
>During that whole time, Hope shouted at the top of her lungs.
>She's loving every moment.
>But the fun doesn't stop.
>The next race is the duck race.
>Hope looks at you.
>"Ducks?"
It's not limited to only pigs.
>The announcer proceeds to introduce the ducks.
>This time the names are puns of the Wonderbolts.
>Hope giggles at them.
>"Oinkfire!"
>You wonder who came up with these silly names.
>And now for the race.
>Once the bell rings, the gates open.
>The ducks waddle their way forward.
>However, as they reach the middle, all four ducks turn around and shuffle their way back to the start.
>You burst out laughing.
>Hope is trying to egg them on.
>Lyra sits quietly, trying her hardest not to laugh.
>Eventually, the ducks make it to the end.
>The green group's duck, Pigin, is the winner.
>You're uncertain whether or not to consider that a victory.
>Regardless, it was entertaining.
>"And now folks, we have the final race! These pigs are from a faraway land, and we are honored to see them run. Let's welcome the pot-belly pigs!"
>Hope wishes to question you, but judging by the confused look on your face, she holds back.
>The pig puns are now famous celebrities.
>The bell rings for the final time.
>Hope looks astonished.
>"Whoa! They're huge!"
>The pot-belly pigs are indeed massive.
>They slowly run, bumping into one another.
>The pig wearing the orange makes it to the goal.
>"And orange is the winner! Thank you all for coming down to the pig races! Continue to enjoy your stay at the Equestrian Fair!"
>It feels like a disappointing end, but Hope enjoyed herself.
>That's all that matters.
 
>The Farm!
>Next to the pig races is the farm.
>Many animals are kept inside fences.
>"WHOA!"
>Hope runs to the railing.
>"Look at that pig! It's way larger than the ones from the race!"
>You crack a smile.
Its had a good life.
>"It's laying around, too. Just like you, Dad."
Huh?
>"Ha ha! See! You do the same while you're napping!"
I don't think I d--
>"Wow! She's right!"
>Lyra cuts you off.
>"So much resemblance! It's definitely like your Dad!"
Ugh.
>Hope and Lyra are tag teaming.
>There's only one thing to do.
>Escape!
>Unfortunately, the two follow behind.
>"Hehe! Dad, we're just joking!"
>Suddenly, something catches Hope's eye.
>She rushes off to the next enclosure, forgetting about teasing you.
>Lyra speaks to you.
>"Hope loves the way you sleep. She'll cuddle against you occasionally."
I know. She always scurries away when I wake up though.
>"Mmm."
What about you? What do you do?
>"Uh..."
>You look at Lyra.
>Her eyes avoid contact.
Should I be worried? Wait, is that why my neck and fingers are always wet?
>"Mom! Dad!"
>Hope calls for your and Lyra's attention, dropping the conversation.
Oh. It looks like she found it.
>You and Lyra head to where Hope is excitingly standing.
>"Look! The sheep has four horns!"
Yep. Amazing, huh?
>"Why was it born like that?"
It's special.
>"Special? Like me?"
Of course.
>"And Mom?"
Uh huh. You two mean the world to me.
>Hope giggles.
>She instantly grabs your hand.
>"Let's go! There's chickens over there!"
>Lyra smiles as your daughter pulls you to the next area.
 
>Lunch!
>You hear your stomach grumble.
>It wants food.
>Lyra looks a little loopy.
Hope, are you hungry?
>"No."
>Hope, watching the cows, turns around.
>"I'm starving!"
Why didn't you say anything?
>Hope ponders at your question before giving a simple answer.
>"Cows first!"
Fair enough.
>You can't argue against that.
Come on. Let's go clean up.
>After washing the germs away, you and your family search for a place to eat.
>Food stands are in every corner.
>It makes your mouth water.
>"Apples!"
>Hope heads to the large area, dragging you along.
>Even though the main ingredient are apples, many ponies flock there, knowing how delicious it is.
>Might as well order.
>Hope won't go for anything else.
>She insists that you get the 12-piece fritters and the bowl of cross-cut potato fries.
>The order comes quickly.
>And the three of you eat.
>Lyra munches on two fritters.
>You consume three.
>Hope gobbles three and a half.
>The bowl of fries is half empty.
Ooohh... too much...
>You, Hope, and Lyra can't move.
>The fritters and the fries have invaded the depths of your intestines.
>But it was so tasty not to stop.
>One more bite wouldn't hurt.
>Your brain, however, halts your progress and decides to speak for you.
Should we take the leftovers?
>"I don't see why not, Anon. We could always eat them as a snack."
>You stand up.
Oof.
>That felt odd.
>Hope giggles.
>She finds your full belly amusing.
>You take a breath and head to the front, asking for a bag.
>They have plenty.
>The leftovers are stored for later.
>The day continues.
>Only after a short break of letting your stomach settle.
 
>Games!
>"Wow!"
>Hope's eyes begin to spark.
>She cannot contain her excitement.
>"Can I, Dad?!"
>Your heart melts at the sight of her thrilled behavior.
Sure. Which one would you like to play?
>Hope points her finger to a booth.
>Balloon Pop.
>Shoot water from the machine to fill up the balloon and pop it.
>Mainly competitive.
>That's the basics of it.
>Hope sits down on one of the seats and urges you to follow.
>Lyra watches in silence as you park yourself next to your daughter
>A pony appears before you.
>"Two?"
Yes.
>"It's 5 bits per play. Total is 10 bits."
>You give 10 bits to the pony.
>He gladly accepts them.
>Hope readies herself.
>She places her fingers are on the trigger buttons.
>You do the same.
>Something bugs you though.
>How do ponies grip the machine let alone fire?
>Thinking about it makes your head hurt.
>You focus.
>Hope's determined to win.
>Should you give her a chance?
>The alarm rings.
>Both you and Hope fire at the target, filling the balloons up.
>They're neck and neck.
>It's close!
>*POP*
>Hope's balloon bursts.
>The loud popping sound makes you jump.
>Your reflexes always get the best of you.
>"Congratulations, little lady! Pick a prize!"
>Your daughter chooses the blue stuffed dog.
>She then gives you a smug look.
>"Dad's sloooooow!"
>Your face turns sour.
>Something stirs deep down in your body.
>You need to give Hope a little taste.
>OF REVENGE.
Another round?
>"Huh? Really?"
>You nod to Hope and hand another 10 bits to the pony.
>"I won't go easy, Dad!"
>Neither will you.
>You concentrate.
>And blast away when the alarm rings.
>*POP*
>You stare straight ahead.
>The pony comes to congratulate the winner.
>"Uhh... what would you like, sir?"
The lion.
>You receive the stuffed lion.
>Hope peers at you.
>"Again!"
Oh? Can you handle it? Dad won't go easy!
>"Pay the pony!"
>Another 10 bits down the drain.
>*POP*
>Your balloon and Hope's balloon are still intact.
>Someone else won.
>You stand up.
Lyra, is that you?
>Lyra's magic fades from her horn as she sets the female stuffed tiger next to herself.
Did you use magic?
>"What? Me? Don't be silly! I wouldn't do such a thing!"
>You sit back down and pull out 15 bits.
>Magic cannot stop you!
Again, including her!
>*POP*
Again!
>*POP*
Again!
>*POP*
Not yet!
>*POP*
Once more!
>*POP*
>*POP*
>*POP*
>*POP*
>*POP*
>*POP*
>*POP*
 
Lyra?
>"Hm?"
>Your wife looks at you.
>She has a small grin on her face.
Do you think Hope would've kept winning if that pony hadn't kicked us out?
>Up ahead, Hope is holding a dozen of stuffed animals in her arms.
>She drops one of them.
>As she picks it up, another falls out.
>Lyra expresses her honest feelings.
>"She would have continued to destroy us and ran that booth out of business."
Run it out of business? I doubt--
>You stop yourself.
>That could be a possibility.
>No. It has to be a joke.
>"Dad!"
>Hope runs to you and Lyra, dropping an animal on the ground.
>She collects it.
>"Could we go on that?"
>Hope points to the huge ferris wheel.
>You don't see why not, but would all the stuffed animals fit inside?
Of course, Hope. Do you need to help with carrying those? You seem to be fumbling them.
>"Uh uh. I got it!"
Alright. Just watch where you're going.
>At the ferris wheel, Hope enters first.
>Followed by Lyra.
>Then you.
>It feels very cramped.
>Luckily, the windows aren't covered by the stuffed animals.
>The ferris wheel begins to move.
>Hope presses her head against the glass.
>"Wow! I can see everything!"
So can I, Hope. So can I.
>Lyra nuzzles your neck.
>You rub behind her ears.
>She loves that.
>Words cannot express the happiness you feel.
>All you can do is smile.
 
 
>Enjoy life to the fullest.