The streets of Ponyville buzzed with excitement as ponies of every color and type prepared for the grand Mighty Hoof Appreciation Day parade. Banners with “#1 Hero” hung across buildings, and young fillies wore capes with crudely drawn versions of Mighty Hoof’s cutie mark, their eyes sparkling with admiration. Deku trotted alongside the crowd, barely containing his own enthusiasm as he glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of his idol.

But even amid the excitement, tiny disruptions flickered at the edges of the festivities. One vendor’s cart toppled over with a loud crash, sending balloons spilling into the sky. Across the square, a group of colts accidentally triggered a small fireworks display, startling a crowd nearby. And high above, storm clouds began to gather, darkening the sky.

Deku’s heart sank as he glanced around at the small but growing mishaps. “Something’s wrong,” he murmured, feeling a strange, electric tension in the air.

Before he could act, a loud horn sounded, and the announcer’s voice echoed through the square. “Mares and gentlecolts, please welcome our guest of honor, the one and only Mighty Hoof!”

The crowd cheered, but Deku couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that this day wasn’t going to go as planned.

"Oh dear..." He huffed–his ears flattening on the back of his head with his head lowered in worry and paranoia.