A few days later, Sakura and their friends, along with their families are on the train to Canterlot for the Hearth's Warming Pageant, and other kinds of fun before going their separate ways for their own holidays. Sakura also has her baby phoenix Fire Lily with her. Since she's too young to fly south, Sakura decides to make sure she stays warm and take her to Canterlot with her. Eden is sitting next to Sakura seeing the baby too, Ruby and her mom are double checking the costumes for the pageant. Everypony else are talking among themselves while the ride is going to Canterlot Station.
Ace groans with annoyance, and asks, "How long is this going to take?"
"Very soon Ace," Twilight answers.
"But that what you said twenty minutes ago," Ace whines.
"Who cares how long it will take, I just can't wait until we get to Canterlot!" Raspberry shouts in excitement.
"I'm so excited, I feel like shouting," Eden says with glee.
Then Eden quietly shouts, "Woo, whoo!"
Sakura looks at Eden with a skeptic look, and asks, "Was that a shout?!"
"That how I usually do it," Eden says, while blushing.
"And your mom," Ace remarks.
Hear that causes Sakura to laugh a bit. The others are confused and wonder why she's laughing, Eden starts to feel embarrassed.
Eden nervously asks, "Um Sakura, are you laughing because of me."
"Sorry Eden… but that shout of yours was adorable," Sakura says as her laugh changes to a little giggle.
Eden blushes hearing what Sakura says.
She makes a small smile with blushing cheeks, and says, "Um, thank you."
The others then start to giggle seeing the even that is going on. Ruby has finished making adjustments, and making sure her outfit is good. She's wearing a red coat with white fluffy trims on the collar, and the end, a black belt, and a red hat with a white trim and ball on opposite side.
Rudy asks herself as she looks in the mirror, "I do hope I have the right outfit for the occasion/"
"Ruby, you look like Santa Hooves wearing that," Baked Apple remarks.
Yuki look at Baked Apple, and asks, "You mean you have your own version of Santa Claus?"
"Yes, I guess you can say we do," Ruby answers adjusting her hat.
"Besides, some people wear clothes similar to his for the holidays, so I think it's great. Sometimes people like to wear red, green, white, and light blue for the season," Sakura adds with a smile.
"Sounds like good colors to wear for Hearth's Warming Eve too," Rarity agrees.
Raspberry goes to the window to see the view, and happily screams, "Look, we're here!"
Everyone look out of the window to see what Raspberry is seeing. They can see covered in snow, the city of Canterlot, and they're going to be at the station very soon.
"Canterlot!" Pinkie happily cheers.
Everyone are excited that they're going to be at Canterlot for the pageant and for the celebration. When they reach the station and get off the train, The large group start to make their way to Canterlot Castle to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They are very excited for the show, and are astonished to see the beauty the snow is kaming in the city.
Yuki looks around with a smile, as eh says, "Wow, even in Equestria the winter snow makes everything like a winter wonderland."
"You can say that again," Silver Dragon says with glee.
Raspberry raise up his hoof, and calls out, "I'd call for a game I spy!"
"I'm gamed," Ace agree.
All the kids can agree to play a little game of I spy while they head towards the castle.
Sakura sees something, and says, "I spied an eight foot candy cane, with two ponies have their tongues sticked to it."
Sakura can tell that the two ponies are in trouble and have their tongues stick on the giant candy can. Wanting to help, Sakura goes over to them to give them a hand.
Sakura says, "Here let me help."
Sakura then uses her magic to make the candy can a little warm, but not too hot. The two small ponies are able to feel their tongues coming off, and in no time, their tongues are free.
Then both look at Sakura, and says, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Sakura says with glee.
Sakura then head back to the others and are going to continue to play their games. Twilight can't be any proud of her daughter for her kind heart, and intelligence. Sakura and the other kids continue to play their game.
"I spy somepony making a snow pony," Gentle Wind says with a smile.
They all look to see a pegasus mare putting a top hat on a pony made of snow with a broom for a tail, and rocks for eyes.
Then Raspberry happily shouts, "I spy somepony buying and eating a gingerbread house!"
Raspberry then runs off to the closest store. After that he runs out holding a gingerbread house, and take a big bit out of it.
With food in his mouth, Raspberry muffles, "And that's me!"
Just then everyone start laughing seeing him with a mouth full of gingerbread and other sweets on the house. The adults can tell one thing for sure, Raspberry is definitely Pinkie's son because she has done the same thing a long time ago. After that, they continued to walk around Canterlot until they reach Canterlot Castle, where they'll be staying until the pageant is over. Right now, everyone are in the throne room and are greeted by Princess Celestia. They all bow to her in respect, and are glad to see her again.
"It's nice of you to let us stay in the castle for the pageant, princess," Twilight says with a smile.
"I'm pleased to have you all here. I'm sure you all are excited to be taking part in the pageant this time around," Princess Celestia says with glee.
"We sure are," Sakura and her friends answer with a smile.
Princess Celestia and the parents giggle a bit at the kids reaction.
Then Applejack says, "Come on y'all, it's best if we get to our rooms before we have some grub."
"I believe the proper word is dinner, Applejack," Rarity corrects Applejack's sentence.
With that, everyone start to make their way to the rooms they'll be staying in so they can settle in before dinner.
However, Twilight hears Princess Celestia asking, "Twilight, may I speak to you in private."
Twilight turns to face the princess, and says, "Okay."
Twilight separates from the group and follow Princess Celestia to her bedchamber so they can talk in private. Twilight is amazed to see the room hasn't changed since the last time she's been there, but right now it's not the time to think of old memories. Princess Celestia has something to discuss with her about, and it might be very important.
Twilight asks, "So what is it you need to talk to me about?"
"Well…" Princess tries to begin her sentence, but is still having trouble finding the words.
Twilight shows a concern look, and asks, "Is there something wrong?"
Princess Celestia shows a calm and confident smile, as she say, "You see, last night I received a orb message from my parents, and they're going to be here for Hearth's Warming Eve."
"Really, the king and queen are coming here! You must be pretty excited, and I'll bet Princess Luna is too." Twilight says sounding excited about the news.
Then Princess Celestia adds, "Yes, we're both very excited to see them after their last visit. However, my parents are very interested on meeting you and your family on Hearth's Warming Day,"
Twilight gasps in shock about the news, she then exclaims, "The king and queen, wants to meet us!"
Princess Celestia nods her head, and says, "Yes, I'm rather shocked by it myself, but they are very pleased meet you, especially your children."
"Wow, but why?" Twilight asks, feeling shocked and yet honored at the same time.
"They just like to meet them and welcome them to Equestria. Plus they know about your troubles with the shadow creature and think they have a lead on who behind this," Princess Celestia answers.
Twilight gasps and asks with a scared look on her face, "They do?"
"Yes, but they're not sure about it completely, but what they do believe is that it might be an enemy that they knew from their travels. Right now, they suggested we wait for him to make his next move," Princess Celestia explains calm and yet a firm tone.
Twilight is starting to get very worried about what Princess Celestia is telling her. If her parents, the king and queen do know who is doing this, then she needs to know too. However, Princess Celestia is right, Twilight needs to wait to see if there any sign or magical trouble that the one responsible may cause. She agrees to Princess Celestia terms, but there is something that she's worried about.
"Do you think I should tell the others about this or my children?" Twilight asks, still feeling concern.
"I'm afraid you can't tell them about my parents arrival, especially about the situation with the enemy that might be among us. I want you to keep this to yourself until the time is right. However, you can tell them about you and your children meeting my parents after your meeting with them, but I think it's best to leave the part about the unknown enemy out of the conversation," Princess Celestia explains with a firm look.
"You're right, I don't want to worry to them about any of this right now," Twilight sadly agrees.
Princess Celestia nods her head in reply. After their discussion, Twilight goes back to her room so she can rest before dinner. Twilight lies down on the bed and see Sakura and the twins have already put their clothes and other things in the draws. Tsubasa is in his portable playpen/bed playing with his toys and stuffed animals. Ame is playing with his kendama, while Yuki is making origami ponies. Sakura is the only one who is not in the room, mostly because she's with her friends practicing for the pageant. Twilight sigh and know she can't tell any of her friends and her own family about what awaits them on Hearth's Warming Day.
Meanwhile at the castle ballroom, Sakura and her friends are having a break after their practice for the pageant, which is coming up very soon. Baked Apple brings some apple pie with vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce, and milk for a snack break. The six friends are very excited about the pageant and the holiday right after that.
Raspberry smiles after taking a bite of the pie, and says, "This is the best apple pie I've ever tasted."
"Thanks Raspberry. My mom and I decided to add some cinnamon in the pie, and it's Eden's idea to put some caramel sauce on the ice cream." Baked Apple says with glee.
"I'd say it'sa good combination to me," Sakura complements.
"I say, it taste exquisite. A good mixture of hot and cold," Ruby agrees.
"Yeah. I'd say you and Eden make quite a team," Ace adds eating his pie.
Eden blushes hearing the compliment, and says, "Thank you."
"Aw couse, there's no need to be bashful about it. You're as much a chef as I am, and you and I make a great team," Baked Apple replies with glee.
Eden blushes even more hearing the compliment she is receiving from her cousin. As they continue having their snack, Princess Celestia comes into the room to see how Sakura and the others are doing. Of course, she can see the six friends talking, laughing, and having fun.
Sakura waves her hand, and says, "Hello Princess Celestia."
"Hell Sakura and friends, how are you all doing?" Princess Celestia asks.
"We're doing fine princess," Eden answers with a quiet smile.
"We're just taking a snack break," Raspberry adds.
"I can see, and how is your practice for the pageant?" Princess Celestia asks.
"We're doing very well," Ruby answers.
"But Eden is still feeling a little nervous about going on stage," Ace adds.
Sakura glares at Ace, and asks, "Why you have to mention that?"
"It's true," Ace complains.
"That doesn't mean you have to say it. Eden is working hard to not feel scared about being on stage," Baked Apple firmly adds.
Eden calmly says, "Oh, you don't have to worry about me, I'm still a bit nervous, but I'm glad you all are going to be on stage with me."
"I'm happy that you all are doing fine, and that you all are going to be in the pageant," Princess Celestia replies with a smile.
"Thank you Princess Celestia," Sakura and her friends reply.
With that, Princess Celestia decide to leave to see how everything for the pageant, and checking on Princess Luna, her little sister.
Before Princess Celestia leaves, she turns to Sakura, and says, "By the way Sakura, we're going to have a few guests joining us on the holidays."
"Really, and who will that be?" Sakura asks.
"Let's just say you hadn't seen him or his parents since the royal summit," Princess Celestia replies with a grin on her face.
Sakura blushes knowing the answer, and asks, "Wait, you mean, Alain is coming?
"Yes, and his parents will be here as well, so I hope can make them feel right at home," Princess Celestia replies.
"Um sure," Sakura agrees, with blushing cheeks.
Princess Celestia giggle a bit at Sakura reaction, and decide to leave to check on her sister. When Princess Celestia is gone, Ruby and the others can see the look on Sakura's face. They also remember Sakura telling them about Alain being a prince she has met, and how they talk for a long time at the summit. They all start to giggle with smiles on their faces.
Sakura turns to her friends, hearing them giggle, and asks with a confused look, "What?"
"Ooh, looks like somepony has a crush on the prince," Baked Apple remarks.
Sakura blushes like crazy, and exclaims, "No, no I don't!"
Ruby sees the blushes, and happily says, "Oh, she does! She absolutely does!"
"Don't be ridiculous, I don't even know him too well. I mean, he's a nice boy to talk with, but um…" Sakura says trying to protest, and still blushing.
Can't take it anymore, Sakura turns to her friends, and admits, "Okay, so I've developed a crush on Alain."
"I knew it!" Raspberry shouts with a big smile on his face.
"Yeah, yeah." Sakura bluntly replies.
"So what with the secrecy?" Ace asks.
"Yes, I lady do ask about why you want to keep this a secret from us?" Ruby adds.
Sakura blushes a bit as she explains, "Well to be honest, I never really have much on a crush on any boys back at my old school, and sometimes too focus on my studies to go out with anyone. Let's not forget about me being an A+ student, a bit athletic, and always too helpful, some of the kids at school kind of made fun of me, as well as get jealous about some of the boys who do have a crush on me for being pretty, smart, and athletic. Why would anyone want to fall in love with me for just being me?"
Ruby comes over to Sakura with sparkles in her eyes as she explains, "Sakura, you're practically a girl any other would be dream on being. Smart athletic, beautiful, and kind hearted. There's always somepony for you out there as long as you're true to yourself, and not to act very picky."
"Picky?" Sakura questionably replies.
"Ruby, I don't think Sakura is picky about anything," Baked Apple replies.
"But still, I'm sure Sakura would find her very special somepony someday," Eden replies with a smile.
Then Ruby says, "And who knows, maybe Alain will be your very special somepony."
"I don't know about that," Sakura says, looking skeptic about it.
"Don't worry darling, I'm sure you and Alain will have some time to talk as soon as he gets here," Rarity says with a smile.
Sakura smiles and says, "Okay."
After their talk, Sakura and their friends finish their snack, and continue to practice their parts for another two hours, and Sakura is also practicing her magic for the big flaming pink heart scene. Sometime later, Sakura, and their friends are at the large table with their family and the princesses. They all talk and chat about the holidays and about the activities from the past, including from when Twilight and her friends' past.
Long after they have dinner it's late at night and close to midnight. Everyone are sleeping and can't wait to have some more excitement for the holiday. That is, everyone, except Sakura. She's out on the balcony think about what she and her friends has talked about. She wonder if she really does like Alain and wonder if he is the one. Mostly, she wonders if Alain likes her. After clearing the thoughts from her head, she goes back to bed, not knowing that her mom also has something in her mind as well. For tonight, both the mother and daughter have some situation in their minds.