//------------------------------// // Chapter 26: Masquerade Madness // Story: The Lost Shimmering Sun // by Pinkie Pie Sweets //------------------------------// After spending time in Las pegasus, Sun and her family have a very good time. They seen many things in the big city and it's been excited for them. Today they only have few days before they need to go back home to Canterlot. Sun and her family already get dressed and are going to have breakfast downstairs. When reach the lobby floor they can tell that something is going on. Some of the staff members are making sure that the hotel is ready for something special. Screwball asks, "I wonder what's going on?" "Maybe something special or important is going on," Sun suggests. Just then, Sun notice her aunt Eris instructing some of the employees to do things for today's mysterious event. Sun and her father and sister thinks it will be a good idea to ask her about what's going on today. They walk over to her after the employees leave to do their work in the hotel. Sun happily says, "Hi Eris." Eris turns to see Sun and the others walking towards her and is glad to see them. Eris happily says, "Good morning everyone how are you doing?" "We're doing fine sis, but we like to know what's going on here," Discord replies with a smile. Eris blinks at them and says, "Wait, so I didn't mention it to you." "Mention about what?" Sun asks. "We're going to have a masquerade ball here tonight for hotel guest," Eris answers. "A party!" Screwball screams with joy. "Yes." Eris says with a smile. She then starts to blush while scratching her head and says, "I guess I forgot to mention this to you when I was talking to my brother before you left." Discord laughs and says, "Oh sis, you would forget your own feet if they weren't attach to them." "Sorry about that," Eris apologizes with a smile. "Yay! A party!" Screwball cheers. "But we don't any costumes," Sun reminds the others. "Don't worry, I always carry spare costumes and there's a costume stone down the street from here," Eris replies. Then Eris happily says, "I'll take you to the costume room right now." With that, Eris escort Sun and her family at the costume room to get costumes for the part. In the costume room: Eris takes Son and her family to the room where all of the costumes are in. Sun is amazed to see so many different costume "Wow! There are so many costumes," Sun replies feeling amazed to see a lot of different costumes. "Glad you like it," Eris says with a smile. Then Eris says, "Go on pick one out." With that, Sun, Discord, and Screwball go around the room to find their costume. Sun is so amazed by the costume that she can't decided which one she wants to wear for the part. Just then Screwball jumps in front of Sun's way and happily screams, "I found my costume!" Sun see that Screwball's costume is a clown. She is wearing a suit that is purple with white polka dots with a pointy hat to match. She is also wearing a clown nose and has an umbrella, a bag full of clown props, a black box, and a unicycle. Sun laughs seeing screwball's costume and says, "You look funny" "Of course I do. I'm a clown and it comes with a makeup kit," Screwball replies, showing Sun the make up kit. Just then Screwball starts to ride the unicycle around Sun. Sun is laughing at her sister funny performance. After Sun finsihes laughing, she says, "That's interesting, so what is dad going as?" "I'm right here," Discord says. Sun and Screwball turn around to see their dad having an interesting costume. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a black cape. He is also wearing a white mask. Sun is amazed to see her dad wearing such an interesting costume while Screwball simply smile at the costume. Screwball laughs and says, "The Phantom of the Opera. I knew you're going to be that," "Of course I am. I think the mask is impressive," Discord says while adjusting the mask he is wearing. Sun and Screwball simply smile at Discord's costume and think it looks interesting. Screwball notice that that Sun isn't wearing a costume yet. Screwball asks, "Have problem deciding a costume?" "Yes. They all look so nice. I can't decide what to wear," Sun says while shrugging her shoulders. Just then Eris comes over to see how everyone is doing. Eris notice that Discord and Screwball has chosen and already wearing their costumes, but Sun hasn't choose a one yet. Eris comes over to Sun and says, "I see you're having trouble choosing a costume." "Yeah. I can't decide what I want to be for the party," Sun replies. Just then, Sun hears her phone ringing and decides to see who is calling her. Sun takes her phone out of her bag and the phone screen is showing her that Rarity is facetiming her. Sun press the answer button oner phone to answer Rarity's call When she does, Rarity is one the video screen. Sun happily says, "Hello." "Hi Sun!" Rarity replies on the phone. "Hi girls, how are you all doing?" Sun asks with a smile. "We're doing fine, darling," Rarity says. Then, Rainbow Dash comes on the phone screen and says, "And we're having a little sleepover at Fluttershy's house." "And we're having pizza!" Pinkie cheers over the phone. "How is your vacation going?" Applejack asks. "It's fine," Sun answers The girls over the phone notice that Sun is in a room full off different clothes, costumes, and accessories. "Sun what are you doing with a lot of costumes?" Fluttershy asks noticing the background full of costumes. "Aunt Eris forgot to tell us there's going to be a costume party tonight and she's helping us find costumes. My dad and sister already found theirs, but I'm not sure what I want to be," Sun explains. "Sounds fun," Fluttershy replies. "Yeah. Eris throws great parties at her hotel," Pinkie adds cheerfully. "And I think I know just the costume for you," Rarity adds with a smile. Then Rarity politely asks, "Sun, be a dear and pass the phone to Eris?" Sun nods her head replying yes and pass the phone to her aunt. Eris takes the phone to see Sun's friends and looking like they really want to see her. "Hi Rarity, how are you and your friends?" Eris asks with a smile. "We're doing fine. Listen I know just the costume for Sun," Rarity answers. "That's a good one, which one do you have in mind?" Eris replies happily. Rarity show Eris a picture of the costume she has in mind for Sun. Eris smile at the costume thinking it will be perfect for Sun to wear. Eris says, "I believe I have a dress just like this one." "That's good because she will be the bell of the ball in your party," Rarity says with glee. "I agree," Eris says sounding excited. Sun is wondering what kind of costume that Rarity and Eris has in mind for her. The way they are talking, Sun believe that she will end up with a pretty costume or something. "Thank you Rarity and I'll see you guys on Thanksgiving," Eris says happily. "Good bye Eris and the girls and I will see you back after your vacation Sun," Rarity says with a smile. Sun wave her hand at the scene and happily says, "See you later girls." "Bye!" Her friends say cheerfully. Then they hang up the phone, ending the call. Then Eris gives Sun back her phone and Sun puts the phone back in her purse for safekeeping. Eris looks at Sun with an eager look on her face. Sun is kind of curious to see what Eris and Rarity's idea for the costume is. Eris happily says, "Come here Sun. You are going to love it." Before Sun can say anything, Eris grabs Sun by the wrist and takes her to one of the dressing rooms down the halls leaving Discord and Screwball behind. Discord and Screwball has end up waiting for like 30 minute. They are wondering what kind of costume is Eris getting for Sun and want to know what is Sun wearing for the part. After the waiting in front of the dressing room, Eris comes out with a smile on her face and seems pretty excited about the costume Sun is wearing. Eris happily says, "Okay guys we have a great costume for our sweet little Sun." "Finally!" Screwball replies. "So what is Sun wearing?" Discord asks. Eris turns to the fitting room and says, "Hey Sun, it's time for you to come out and show everyone your fabulous costume." "Okay," Sun answers shyly. Sun opens the door to the fitting room to come out and show everyone her costume. When Sun does, Discord and Screwball are surprised and amazed to see Sun in her costume. Sun is wearing a ocean blue dress, with white laces on it. On top of the dress is a white small sleeve that is under her shoulders. She is also wearing wrist length white gloves, black flats, and wearing a yellow tiara on her head. She is also wearing her hair in a bun. Discord surprisingly says, "Wow Sun, you look amazing." "Yeah. You look just like a princess," Screwball says with excitement. Sun blushes and says, "Thank you." "Aw don't be embarrassed, you look beautiful." Eris replies happily. Sun can't help but feel embarrassed about her wearing the costume. She looks like a princess in the outfit, but feels a bit shy about wearing it in public. Then again, everyone else thinks she looks great in hr costume and decides to wearing. Then Eris happily says, "Now that we have all of our costume's let's get ready to has a great costume ball." After the day of getting ready and getting dressed for their costume. The costume part has begin. Everyone is having a great time a the party with their families and friends. All the hotel guests are dressed in costumes while all the employees are dressed in formal clothes. Sun and her family are having a good time at the party. They see a lot of people in different costume, eating different food, and dancing on the dance floor. Either way, they are having a wonderful time at the part. Right now, Sun, her sister, and her dad are at the table having something to eat. Eris is there with them since she wants to have some quality time with her brother and daughters. Eris happily says, "I'm glad you all are enjoying yourselves." "Yeah. We're having a great time at your party," Screwball smile. "I know it just too bad you guys can't stay longer," Eris replies. "Don't worry sis we'll come back and besides you're going to come see us in a few months," Discord says. As Discord, Eris, and Screwball talk about the exciting time at the party, Sun is too busy looking at the party. She see all the people dancing, having food, and talking to each other. Sun can't seem to help but think that this party is a bit overwhelming for her, but she is having a good time with her family. Just then one of the employees come up to Eris with a worried and serious look on her face. Sun can see that something is not right. "Eris," the employee calls out to her. Eris turns to see the employee and asks, "Yes, what is it?" "It's Chief Gold Star of the Las Pegasus Police Department. He wants to see you right away about an important matter," The employee whispers to Eris sounding very serious about the situation. "Really!" Eris asks sounding surprised. The employee nods her head replying yes about the police chief wants to see her and right away. Eris turns to Sun and the others and says, "Sorry guys, duty calls." Eris leave the table following the employee to see the police chief about the situation. "Did something happened?" Screwball asks curiously. Sun turns to Screwball and says, "I don't know, the employee said something about the police chief needing her for something." "Must be something serious," Discord adds. Discord and Screwball are trying to think of an idea on what could this situation can be. Sun on the other hand is starting to feel warm and feels a bit dizzy. Screwball noice her sister's behavior and asks, "Are you okay, Sun?" "I'm okay, just starting to feel warm in here." Sun answers. Sun gets up from her chair and says, "I'm going to go to the balcony okay." "Okay Sun, but don't stay there too long," Discord says. "Okay," Sun answers. Sun leaves the table and head towards the balcony which is just across the hall of the ballroom. Sun reaches the balcony and glad to get some fresh air. She is glad that she is having fun with her family and her adventures in Las Pegasus, but feels a bit tired after being in the party for a little while. She can't help but feel she been to a party as big as this one before, but she can't put her finger on that detail. Meanwhile: Discord and Screwball are still at the table waiting for Sun to come back after getting some fresh air. Just then they notice a man who is at a young age around his 20's. He is wearing black pants, a black shirt, a black jacket, wearing dark sunglasses, and wearing one silver hoop earring. He seems to have dark blue hair, and navy blue skin. From the looks of it see seems to be running away from someone. Discord and Screwball are kind of confused about the person. Screwball turns to her dad and asks, "What was that about?" "I don't know, Screwy. He looks like he was in a big hurry," Discord answers. Just then Eris comes back to the table with 5 police officers. From the looks of them the police officers are very real and something is very wrong going on here. "Discord we have a big problem…" Eris is about to explain about the situation going on here. Unit a woman screams in horrors, "Aaahhh!" "What was that?" Discord asks with a shock. "It's coming from over there," One of the officers confirms. With that, Eris, Discord, and Screwball, follow the police officers. When they reach for the scene they saw a woman who is dressed in a kimoto. She seems to be very upset about something and looks very scared. "What happened?" Eris asks in concern. In fear the woman answers, "A young man pushed me down and stole my purse." Eris somehow know that this is coming and wanted to do this without any problems in her hotel, but sadly, it isn't going as she hope it will. Eris sighs and says, "I was hoping to do this without any other incident. "What do you mean?" Discord asks. "She's talking about a wanted jewel thief. He just stole very valuable jewelry was last seen heading here." The police officer says holding up the thief's wanted poster. Discord and Screwball are shocked to see the poster and there is a good reason why. They remember seeing someone who looks like the man they see earlier. "Hey! I remember see that face," Screwball shockley says. "You have?" The police Chief asks looking surprised. "Yes. We just saw him just before you got here," Discord clarifies. "That means he is definitely here in the hotel," Eris worriedly says. "Tell me miss, did you know where the thief is heading," The police chief asks. "Yes I think he is heading towards the balcony down the hall," The woman answers still feeling scared. "Looks like we have nothing much to worry about," Eris says sounding serious. "Why is that? Discord asks." "Because the only balcony is down the hall from the dance floor and we're on the fifth floor," Eris answers. "That means we can surround him before he gets away," The police office replies. "Exactly," Eris says. Everyone else thinks it will be a good time to head there before the thief can cause anymore trouble. Just then Screwball eyes widen with a fearful shock, but wants to make sure about her theory. Screwball scaredly asks, "Wait did you say the balcony on the 5th floor?!" "Yes. Why?" Eris replies questionably. "And why are you looking so pale, Screwy?" Discord asks. "Because Sun is there right now!" Screwball screams while freaking out. "What!" Eris and Discord screams with horror on their faces knowing that Sun is in terrible danger. With that, Discord runs as fast as he can leaving the others in the dust. The idea that Sun is in danger has him on over protective father mode. In this case, the robber might end up saying at Discord's mursy when he get his hands on him. Back on the balcony: Sun is sitting on the chair in the balcony feeling the air on her face and hearing the noises coming for the big city. Just then Sun hears the door opens from the balcony right behind her, Sun looks to see that the person is looking outside of the door for some reason and wonder what he is up to. Sun also since that this young man is here for some reason and it doesn't seem to be a good one. Sun nervously asks, "Um, excuse me." The young man turns around and is shock to see that someone else is on the balcony with him and it caused him to drop a bag and some of the jewlery falls out. In Desperation, the man hold Sun grabs one of Sun's arm with on hand and use his over hand to cover her mouth. He panicky says, "No! Who ever you are please just be quiet." Just then the doors burst open and they slam hard towards the wall. The next thing that happens, Discord runs through the door and grabs the burglar with brute force. Discord angrily screams, "Get away from my daughter!" Sun is very shocked to see what her dad is doing to that man, he is pinning the thief to the ground and giving him the headlock Sun is a bit shocked and paralyzed after the event she just encountered that she has have the courage to move an inch. Just then Eris, Screwball, and the police run to the balcony to see Discord pinning the thief down to the ground. Everyone can see that Discord is mad and in over protective father mode. Eris runs towards Sun and worriedly asks, "Are you alright Sun?" Sun is so speechless that she doesn't reply at first. She thin simply nods her head in reply with a shocked look on her face. Screwball nervously asks, "Uh dad, I think he has enough." "She's right bro, you should leave this to the police now, " Eris says. Discord let the thief go with an angry look in his eyes and decides to let the ponice handle the situation. Discord angrily says, "Gladly." Discord calms himself down and remember that her daughter was the one who is almost put in danger. After Discord leaves the thief alone, the police chief and his comrades move in. The chief and two go to the crook to arrest him while two other ones walk towards Sun and see if she's okay. Since she's almost been made a victim, she needs to be testify and checked on. The police chief and the two officers make sure that the thief is secure. Two of them make sure the thief is pin down while the police chief puts the handcuffs on hi, The chief says, "Alright buddy, you're on the charges of theft and attempted kidnapping." Then he put the handcuffs of the thief's wris that the two officers take him away. The thief walks a little wobbly since he has been tackled by Discord. Back where Sun and the others are, Sun is still a bit shocked of the event she almost encountered. Discord, Eris, and Screwball, and the two officers are with Sun and wanting to make sure she is alright. Sun hasn't say anything, all she does is goes up to her dad and hugs him with some strength. She then starts to shed tears and everyone starts to notice. The two officers suggest will be best to take Sun to her room until she can calm herself down. After taking the suggestion, Discord takes Sun to her room, while Eris and Screwball decides to see if they can bring Sun something that will help calm her down. One thing they do know, this part has turned into a problem and Sun seems to be more affected by this event.