The day came and went so fast like a running roadrunner being chased by a coyote. The castle’s ballroom was being filled up with properly dressed and the upper-class ponies always dressing in style like they always are. Dozens of ponies were gathering of the Archmage Ceremony. The Unicorns especially were gathering in larger numbers than Earth ponies and Pegasus ponies.
Just on the outskirts of the city, Queen Chrysalis and the Changelings overlooked the festivities and the celebration going on.
“Yes, celebrate all you want, little ponies,” she said, mockingly. “Soon, everything you hold precious will be mine.” Chrysalis looks to two group of changelings. “You lot, follow me. As for the rest of you, you know what to do.”
A small group of Changelings their queen picked morphed into the forms of the Royal Guards. Queen Chrysalis flies off with them towards Canterlot Castle while the other group flies away from the city, for they have something special for tonight for the ponies and very chaotic.
The ballroom of Canterlot is bustling with activity. Ponies from all over Equestria are enjoying themselves and each other’s company. The six ponies: Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were dressed in their gorgeous dresses they wore at the Grand Galloping Gala.
In one spot, Applejack and Rarity are sampling fine beverages from the juice bar.
“Hoo-Wee!” said Applejack, after tasting a sip. “This sure is a fancy shin-dig, ain’t it, Rarity? I’m drinking juice from a champagne glass.”
“Of course, Applejack,” Rarity agreed. “I wouldn’t expect any less from the Princesses. Equestria’s brightest are all here in their finest apparel. Oh, this is simply marvelous!”
In one other spot, yards away from Applejack and Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are talking to each other just when Pinkie Pie appears to them, interrupting their conversation the Pegasi were having.
“Hey guys! Isn’t this awesome?” said Pinkie Pie, in a cranky, entotic tone. “This has gotta be the best party I’ve ever been to!”
“Pinkie, you say that about every party,” stated Fluttershy.
“Meh, it’s okay,” said Rainbow Dash, with an average thought. “I’ve been to way cooler parties back at flight school.”
“Hey, girls!” greeted Twilight, who was wearing her dress. “Everypony having a good time?”
“Oh, Twilight,” said Rarity, gleefully, “This party is simply smashing!”
Fanfare horns were suddenly blown by the Royal Guards, meaning Princess Celestia was entering.
“Hold on a second, Rarity,” said Twilight. “The Princess is about to speak!”
The fanfare horns continue playing as Princess Celestia enters.
“Welcome, everypony!” the Princess of the Light greeted all the ponies. “Thank you for coming to our celebration. As all of you are aware, this year marks the return of the Royal Archmage Coronation!”
The pony crowd erupts in applause.
“Every hundred years,” Celestia continued, “the Royal Family of Equestria holds a special test designed to select the most magically gifted unicorn. Only the wisest and sharpest ponies can have this honor bestowed upon them. However, this year, a candidate for the archmage position has already been selected.”
The ponies in the crowd mumble to themselves at this announcement.
Twilight looks over to her friends. “I wonder who could be so talented in magic to make the Princess decide so quickly,” she said, curiously. Her friends exchange glances with one another.
“Until then, I hope you all enjoy the celebration. Rest assured, my sister and I will make sure that everypony enjoys themselves without worry for in a few minutes, we will crown the new Archmage!” Celestia finished.
The crowd once again erupts in applause. Celestia walks off of the stage and towards Twilight and her friends.
“That was a great speech, Princess!” Twilight commented.
“Why, thank you, Twilight,” said Celestia. “Oh! That reminds me! If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I need to attend to something of great importance.” Celestia excused herself and walked away.
As the Princess walked away, a Unicorn pony sees Celestia walking out of the ballroom. She follows swiftly. As she walks out and away from the crowd, the pony turns herself into the form of Luna. She stalks Celestia intently and from a distinct so the changeling queen would get noticed by Celestia.
Celestia headed towards the archmage tower and enters an old study, lighting a single candle with her magic. Slowly, she walks to a dresser adorned with a mirror above it. Once again using her magic from her yellow glowing horn, she opens the top drawer and retrieves a small box in which she opens to reveal a locket. She looks at the locket for a brief moment before hearing a knock on the door and startles her. “Come in.”
The door opens and Luna, a fake Luna, enters.
“Oh, hello, Luna,” Celestia greeted her sister. “I’m sorry for leaving the ballroom so suddenly. I needed to retrieve this for the coronation.” Celestia paused and looks back at the locket. “Luna, can I ask you something?”
“Anything, sister,” said the Luna impostor.
“Do you think Twilight is ready?” asked Celestia.
“Oh, I think little Twilight will be more than ready,” said Luna, in a different, strange voice. “At least, you should hope she is.” The Luna impostor's horn begins charging a great deal of green magic.
Celestia gasped at the sight. She is quickly pinned down to the ground by the fake Luna’s forearm. Suddenly, before Celestia’s eyes, Luna’s arm begins changing to the Changeling queen: Chrysalis. Celestia’s eyes shrink in terror. Laughing evilly, Chrysalis releases her magic spell onto Celestia as she screams for help. The green light of Chrysalis makes a silhouette of the attack against the wall. After the light dimmed, Chrysalis takes on Celestia’s form and exits the room, leaving a heavily injured Princess in the dark room.
After dealing with the powerful Alicorn Princess, Chrysalis’ eyes glowed green, seeing a vision of the second group of Changelings. She saw them atop a tall mountain; the group stands outside the mouth of a cave. A heavy snoring was heard coming from the cold darkness of the cave.
“Quickly,” said an Elite Changeling.
The changelings rush into the cave. One Changeling stops to stare at a giant horde of gemstones. A deep growl of a big, red monster awakes in the darkness, echoing through the cave. The changelings flinch and each grab a gem in their mouths. In the pitch black, a pair of glowing yellow eyes opens; a dragon had awakened from its slumber.
This made the queen laugh; she had plans with a dragon.