//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: Game Ponies Play // Story: Light and Dark // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 9: Game Ponies Play One fine morning, at the Golden Oaks Library, Spike was making himself a jewel cake. He was currently mixing the bowl of batter for his jewel cake. If Midnight wasn't holding on to them for safekeeping, he would have jewels in his possession ready to add to his cake or rather in his belly in his case as every time he tries to add in the jewels into the cake batter he ends up eating them to the point Midnight had to go out and get another bag of jewels after Spike ate the first supply she provided him much to her annoyance. After finishing up the mixture he set the bowl down so he can ask Midnight for the jewels so he can put onto his cake. He walked into the room where Midnight is in and to his surprise her expression is happy, as if he never seen her happy before, not even since the day they met. "So what did you want to see me for?" Spike asked while questioning Midnight's happy mood. " It’s got to be very important because I don't think I've ever seen you happy before.” "You remember the Crystal Empire, do you?" Midnight asked Spike. "How could I forget? That place was amazing. Especially after you saved everypony there." Spike replied before questioning where she was going with this. "Well, I've got good news." Midnight explained as she showed him the letter. "Princess Cadence just sent me a message this morning. She says that the Crystal Empire is being considered for the Equestria Games, and she wants me and the other girls to help welcome the games inspector, the pony who gets to decide whether or not the empire gets host the games." "That's great, when do we leave?" Spike asked sounding very excited and thrilled at this great once in a lifetime opportunity. "Since this a last minute notice we need to catch the first train to the Crystal Empire tomorrow morning." Midnight answered leaving Spike suddenly surprised at the very short notice. "If I were you'd better start preparing Spike because we've got ta very important task to complete if we want the Crystal Empire to host the Equestria Games." Spike after recovering from his shock was delighted. "I'll go ahead and start packing." Spike immediately told Midnight as he prepared to set out to do so. But just as he was about to leave he stopped in his tracks as he remembered the question he was going to ask Midnight and then turned around. “Oh, uh, Midnight, could I possibly get the jewels you stashed away for my cake?” Spike kindly asked to which Midnight complied with his request without second thought by using her magic to summon the gems to give to Spike hidden under her desk. “Remember, they are to go straight into the batter this time or you’re going to be having a jewel less cake.” She warned in a tone making it perfectly clear to him that she is not going out to get more gems if he were to instantly eat them all again. Spike instantly dashes over to the bowl dumps all the gems with the batter and then dashes off to start packing his and Midnight belongings they are going to need for the trip. As soon as Spike leaves, Midnight warm smile turns into a devious smirk from knowing what she said was enough to ensure Spike doesn’t eat anymore gems before putting them into his cake but the fact of seeing the Equestria Games hosted at the Crystal Empire as the perfect opportunity to carry out her agenda as well since she secretly has the Crystal Empire under her control with no pony the wiser to what she has done to do so as her heart glows. By the next day, Midnight, Spike, and the others, were all on their way to the Crystal Empire. Every pony was excited at the opportunity, except for Midnight. She knew that the empire would be subjected to a very strict inspection. If even one thing was out of place or not to the inspector's liking, it could be enough to cause the games to go to another city or town. To her this is a task that must be done perfectly to ensure success. Rainbow Dash all knew too well what the feeling is having already experienced that when she told the story of how Cloudsdale was considering for hosting the games, but for reasons unknown Fillydelphia was chosen instead. “With that said, it gives us all more of the reason to ensure everything goes perfectly!” Midnight further explained to everypony using Rainbow’s story as an example of why everything needs to be perfect. “These Crystal Ponies lost a thousand years to an evil king's curse. They've had enough bad news. No way we're letting them experience the pain of losing out on these games.!" Rainbow Dash added. "Exactly. Even with King Sombra gone, he caused a lot of damage during his reign of terror. This is the empire's chance to show the rest of Equestria how far it's come in such a short amount of time." Midnight further explained adding onto Rainbow Dash's explanation. "Especially since Princess Cadance is counting on us to do our part to convince the Games Inspector to choose the Crystal Empire. And we are not gonna let her down. Are we?" She asked the others. "Don't worry Midnight, we won't let you down!" Pinkie Pie enthusiastically responded. "That's great, but just to be on the safe side, let's run through the welcome routine one more time." Midnight replied. The other mare groaned as they all got up from their seats as they all got in position ready to perform the routine again. As Midnight teleported over to join them, they began to chant as they formed a pyramid with Applejack and Pinkie Pie on the bottom holding up Midnight and Rarity who hold up Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash on their backs: Two, four, six, eight! Name a place that's really great! At that moment the train began to lurch as it slowed down and pulled into the station. This sudden movement was enough to throw every pony off balance, and the pyramid they had just formed collapsed. "We have arrived in the Crystal Empire." the conductor called, as he made his way through the coaches "Watch your step as you get off the train." “Hey, practice makes perfect regardless of the situation. Especially, when something as important come up like this.” Midnight explained to the glaring farm pony justifying her reasons for wanting them to practice at every opportunity possible in order to emphasize her point. As the group left the station, everywhere they looked, they could see crystal ponies rushing around, doing their best to make the Crystal Empire look spotless. Their hard work was easy to notice, the buildings that had been cleaned and polished, sparkled in the sunshine. “Wow! The Crystal Empire looks crystallier than ever! “ Pinkie happily noted. “They must have everypony in the Empire out sprucing it up! “ Applejack added. “This must be why we were asked to handle the welcome committee routine.” Midnight also added emphasizing how important the situation is. “And it's probably also because we'll be awesome at it.” Rainbow Dash responded adding her input as well. “Princess Cadance was right. These ponies do look pretty darn excited.” Applejack noted as two fillies run around holding flags in their mouths as Rainbow Dash picks one of them up. “Yup, I remember that feeling.” Rainbow Dash said as he hugged the filly. “But not as much as I remember the crushing wave of disappointment that came when things didn't work out.” Rainbow Dash said as sadly recalled his disappointment over her hometown not being chosen for the games causing the young filly to look like he is going to cry. “That right there. That is the face I do not want to see.” At that moment, Midnight used her magic to drag the others except Spike with her so they can meet up with Cadance faster as she is expecting them. She also uses her magic to hand the filly his flag back with Midnight giving him a smile and a wink from her right eye as she walks away to reassure him the Crystal Empire will host the games before turning to Rainbow Dash. “You keep talking like that, then you might as well buy an umbrella for a potential non-stop rain storm surely you and the other Pegasus’s at Cloudsdale can help with that.” She sternly warned her not to go on crushing other ponies dreams causing Rainbow Dash to sigh and give Midnight an apologetic look. "So, where are we going exactly?" Spike asked. "Princess Cadence already told me where to meet up in the letter she sent yesterday." Midnight replied "Follow me." So everyone followed Midnight, and before long they came to a spa located just outside the center of the empire. When they got inside, Rarity was immediately overwhelmed with joy at the sheer beauty that she saw all around her as if the spa was the most gorgeous sight she had ever seen. In the distance, Midnight spotted Princess Cadance on the opposite side of the room. "Cadence!" she exclaimed happily, as she raced over to greet her. "Midnight! I'm so glad you could make it!" Cadence replied in the same tone, as the two hugged each other. “We’re just as glad you have invited us for this opportunity!” Midnight eagerly told her that they are ready to impress the games inspector. As the two were greeting each other, Rarity was busy taking in the sights of the crystal spa. Needless to say, she was amazed. "Oh, my. This is spectacular." she exclaimed "Please, everypony, stand back! I need air!" "Wow, calm down Rarity it's not like you're going to die of seeing things that are sightly stunning." Spike amusingly pointed out. "Go right ahead and help yourself to whatever you'd like. It's all complimentary for the welcome committee." Princess Cadence said to Rarity as she placed her arm around her as she looked around, until she locked her eyes on a interesting sight which is a small pool, filled with some sort of crystal like gelatin mixture. "What's that?" Rarity asked Cadance. "That over there is a crystal mud bath." Princess Cadence told Rarity as she continued pointing a hoof in it's direction as she continues to explain. "It relaxes your body and rejuvenates your coat. Now, I realize it can be kind of strange to climb into mud, but if you'll just give it a chance, I'm sure–" At that moment she was interrupted as Pinkie Pie let out a "Woo-hoo!" and dive bombed into the crystal mud bath. Midnight immediately rushed over not liking her behavior. "Pinkie!" She scolded. "Seriously?!" Pinkie Pie just giggled in response ignoring the lack of manners and tact she was showing which is something Midnight didn’t like as Pinkie Pie was embarrassing her in front of Princess Cadence. "Aw,come on lighten up." Pinkie responded. "Don't be such a hard head." She commented on Midnight's serious demeanor as Midnight angrily glares at her. "We are here to ensure the Crystal Empire gets to host one of the important events in Equestria.” Midnight spoke in an eerily calm tone. “And the first thing you do is to make me look bad in front of Princess Cadance with your lack of manners!” She continued while gritting her teeth. Seeing this causes the other ponies to register “Uh-oh!” looks on their faces as they could tell she is angry and ready to tear Pinkie apart despite the calm tone she is speaking in. "Uh-oh." Spike fearfully spoke wondering what Midnight is going to do her as Pinkie quickly jumps out of the pool and backs up to the nearby wall in fear after immediately realizing she pushed Midnight too far this time. Luckily, before Midnight could approach Pinkie, Princess Cadence calmed her down by placing a hoof on her chin. "It's okay, Midnight, calm down." Princess Cadance assured her Pinkie isn't doing anything wrong. "If it helps I have a little exercise that helps calm me down whenever I get stressed which I think might help you to." Cadance offered. "Okay." Midnight reluctantly complied as she still wants to scold Pinkie to make sure she doesn't do anything that would cost the Crystal Empire the games but sees that she needs to keep herself in check in order keep her friendship with Pinkie for the time being. “I’m all ears for what you have offer.” Princess Cadence instructed her as she took a deep breath placing a hoof to her chest. Midnight repeated after her as instructed. Cadence continued as she let the deep breath out. Midnight did the same, and just like that she was now much more calm and cool as Cadence's technique worked wonders for her. "Thanks! That actually did help a lot." Midnight thanked her. "You're welcome." Princess Cadance happily replied. "Go ahead and have a good time while have my ceremonial headdress done." Cadence added as she sat down on one of the spa chairs. Rarity was surprised at Cadence what had just said. "Ceremonial headdress?" she asked intrigued. “When meeting with important guests, it was tradition for rulers of the Crystal Empire to weave crystals into their manes in a very specific way. The Games Inspector is known for doing her homework. She'll certainly be expecting my look to reflect the importance of her visit." Cadence replied to Rarity's question. Just then, the spa door opened and a crystal pony with a sparkling blue coat came running in. She was out of breath, and seemed very concerned about something. “Princess, if I may have a word. I-I have two pieces of news for you. First, your mane stylist has the flu and won't be able to make it for fear of you catching it, too." "Oh. Well... I hope she gets better soon." Princess Cadence replied sweetly yet disappointed and surprised, then she turned to the other crystal ponies in the spa "Do any of the other stylists here know how to do the traditional royal ceremonial headdress?" Each of the stylists replied no with a shake of their heads. Needless to say, Princess Cadence wasn't pleased to hear the news but she performed her own deep breathing technique to keep her cool. "Just a... small detail. I'm sure the inspector will understand." Cadance kindly responded. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're trying to land the Equestria Games here. There is no such thing as a small detail!" Rainbow Dash responded not pleased to hear that. “Rainbow Dash!” Midnight crossly warned Rainbow Dash to watch his tone in front of Princess Cadance. "I suppose... I could give it a shot." Rarity volunteered after a brief hesitation of stepping up to the task earning a thumbs up from Spike. "Oh, Rarity, you would do that for me?" Cadance asked sounding pleased as Rarity nodded yes in response. Seeing that she has some pony she can count on unrolls a massive scroll with her magic for Rarity to read. "Fortunately, I have all the precise instructions right here." "Oh, my!" Rarity exclaimed nervously at the sight of so many instructions before her. "You sure you're up to this?" Princess Cadence asked Rarity giving her one last chance to change her mind not wanting to unload this if she is really not experienced enough to handle it. Rarity gulped, but plucked up courage as she answered. "Working on the hair of royalty on such an auspicious occasion is the opportunity of a lifetime! I will give it everything I've got!" The fashionable unicorn vowed her confidence that she can complete this no problem. "See? No worries! Everything is under control." Midnight reassured Rainbow Dash. "Can you blame me for thinking it wasn't?" Rainbow Dash replied as if she already knew it. "We're lucky Cadence had that instruction sheet. We won't get lucky a second time." "Don’t, worry! I’ve got this!” Rarity reassured Rainbow Dash. “Besides, the Games Inspector isn't expected for several hours. I'll have plenty of time to figure out exactly how to... do... this..." Rarity added nervously as she looks at the long list of instructions. "Oh, Rarity, that's wonderful!" Princess Cadence said with a smile while putting her hoof on Rarity’s shoulder as she turned back to the messenger. "You said you had a second bit of news for me?" "Yes, quite. The Games Inspector, Ms. Harshwhinny, will be arriving on the... next train." She nervously added. Everyone present in the spa gasped in horror hearing this last minute update. "What!? Why couldn't you have told her that news first!? That's fifteen minutes from now!" Rainbow Dash shouted angrily. “Oh, my goodness!” Fluttershy commented on the news as Applejack opened the front door to see if Ms. Harshwhinny was already on her way. At that moment, Midnight while surprised hearing this unexpected turn of events maintains her composure by performing the deep breathing technique Cadance just showed her before speaking to Rarity taking charge of the situation herself. “How long till Cadance is ready?” Midnight quickly asked. "Hmmmm... I'm sure I can find some shortcuts." Rarity replied, looking at the instruction sheet again "It might take a while, but I'll get it done." "Can you have her ready to meet us back at the castle by the time Ms. Harshwhinny arrives?" Midnight asked her. "Done!" Rarity replied confidently. “Spike, can you stick around with Rarity to help her out?” Midnight asked Spike. "Can do." Spike eagerly responded to her request. "Besides, I already had the feeling she's gonna need my help." He added to not so subtly imply his crush on Rarity as if he was doing it in the name of love. "Good!" Midnight nodded as she picked up a note from the messenger and reads it and instructs the other ponies to follow her out and head for the train station. “Everypony, just be on the lookout for the pony with the flower print luggage.” Midnight instructed the others. “Easy peasy, pudding in the freezy! “ Pinkie stated as she happily bounced. “We bring the Games Inspector back to the castle, put on our big welcome committee how-do-you-do and then...“ Midnight added as Pinkie spoke up. “Put the pudding out to thaw before you eat it or you'll crack a tooth?" She added as she continued bouncing forward. “I’ll just ignore that.” Rainbow responded not going to even bother to comment. “Good idea.” Midnight said in response. “We need to remember that the Games Inspector arriving early is probably part of a plan to psych us out.” Rainbow Dash said as she warned the others. “What do you mean?” Midnight inquired. “You said it yourself. She's got a rep for trying to catch hosts off-guard, just to see if we can handle the kind of massive pressure that comes with hosting the Equestria Games." Rainbow Dash explained. “Oh, no... We're gonna blow it... “ Fluttershy reacted worriedly. “Not if we always stay one step ahead and don't fall for any of her mind games. Anything she throws at us, we just need to remember she's testing us and roll with it.” She emphasized by rolling in the air. “It will be okay, as long as you all follow my lead.” Midnight advised as the girls arrived at the train station. Upon arriving at the train station, the girls spread out and searched the platform for any pony that matched the description they had been given before finding one that did match. The mare had a yellow-green coat, a bright green mane and tail with a chicken cutie mark on her flank. This, combined with her plain light purple dress doesn't give the girls the impression that she seems professional. Regardless the girls approached her to make sure she is the pony they are looking for. "Excuse me, ma'am?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Yes, what is it?" the mare aggressively replied. "Are you Ms. Harshwhinny?" Midnight asked the mare. "Huh? Oh, yes I am. So kind of ya to notice." The mare replied. The girls except Midnight breathed a sigh of relief who seemed skeptical that they are looking at the right pony. They thought the mare had answered their question. "Well, I know you're not expecting us, but we're here to personally welcome you to the Crystal Empire." Midnight kindly told her nevertheless. The mare was surprised to hear this, but thought nothing of it. "Well, darn tootin', ain't that just the cat's meow! Y'all didn't really need to do that. Why, I hardly expected anythin' like this." The mare exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement. "Phew!" Applejack said in relief before continuing. "The Princess wouldn't have had it any other way.." Applejack happily added. "The Princess? Princess Cadance?" The mare asked sounding very surprised. "None other!" Midnight replied. "Well, tie me up and throw me down! This just keeps gettin' better and better!" The mare shouted in excitement as Fluttershy volunteered herself to carry her luggage. Unfortunately for Fluttershy she found out that the mare's bags were really heavy to the point that Fluttershy found it hard to lift them off the ground, despite her best efforts. "Ooh, I love flower print!" Fluttershy happily commented. "Our first stop is the castle, where we got a big razzamatazzy welcome planned for you!” Pinkie announced. “The castle? Are you kidding?! Hot-diggety-dawg!” The mare once again exclaimed in excitement. "So far so good." Rainbow Dash whispered to Midnight. "My thoughts exactly." Midnight replied. "We just gotta roll with it until the Princess gets there and we'll be just fine." "Easy peasy, pudding in the freezy!" Pinkie Pie commented. But as they made their way back to the Crystal Empire, Midnight couldn’t help but wonder that something was off about the pony they greeted thinking that they have the wrong pony but after some thinking Midnight decided to roll with it already having thought up a back-up plan in place in case her suspicions are correct as she and the others led the mare they thought was Ms. Harshwhinny to the outskirts of the crystal castle. "So far so good." Midnight thought to herself. “My golly, the crystal castle!" the mare gasped in further amazement. "Why, I've seen a few pictures of it, but I never expected to see it with my very own eyes! From the inside…" “Oh my gosh, she's so nice!” Fluttershy commented. "You're letting her lull you into a false sense of confidence." Rainbow Dash warned Fluttershy. "She's acting nice to catch us off guard! It's all part of the game. We've got to stay alert. Remember what's at stake here!" She reminded her of the severity of the situation as she placed a hoof on her nose causing Fluttershy to keep her thoughts to herself now. The mare followed Midnight and the others into the crystal castle who continues to show how greatly amazed she is at the sight of it. "This place is even better than I imagined." She happily exclaimed in further excitement. "I've never seen a castle like this before. I'm so excited!" "I'm sure you are." Midnight replied with a smile as she gestured the mare to sit down on one of the nearby benches "Please, have a seat, won't you?” “Do ya mind if I take a quick little run outside the castle first?" The mare tried to kindly ask as she trotted in place. "It was an awfully long train ride here, and my legs could use a stretch." "Oh, well... we were just about to start." Midnight politely told the mare as they were about ready to perform their welcome routine. "Oh! Never you mind." The mare kindly responded to Midnight's request as she immediately sat down on one of the crystal benches "You go on ahead and do your thing. I'm listenin'." "She was probably testing us to see if we could remain in control of a complex situation." Rainbow Dash commented to Fluttershyin a whisper. "Looks like we passed." “Bump-“Rainbow victoriously celebrated with Fluttershy with a hoof bump. “-cha!” Fluttershy finished. “We'd like to thank you for this opportunity to introduce you to this wonderful kingdom!” Midnight announced as the others joined her side. “Oh, why, the pleasure is all mine.” The mare kindly returned. “And since we're not even from here ourselves, who better than us to let you know just how welcoming this place can be!” Midnight continued as she looked at the girls motioning them to ready themselves for the performance they have practiced multiple times. “Ready?" Midnight asked the others. "Ready!" Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all answered at the same time. "Good." Midnight confidently smiled "1, 2, 3!" And with that, the five mares formed a pyramid with Pinkie Pie and Applejack holding up Midnight who has Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy on top of her head and began to chant: Two, four, six, eight! Name a place that's really great! One, two, three, four! They placed themselves on the ground. Keeps you coming back for more! Two, seven, nine, three! They began doing their own thing in an organized manner. The place that we all wanna be! Four, three, two, one! The Crystal Empire, that's the one! With a blast from Pinkie Pie's party cannon and some impressive aerial acrobatics from Rainbow Dash the five mares broke off the pyramid. “Oooh, yeah!” The mare cheered and whistled. The girls were on the floor painting heavily except for Midnight who wasn’t winded out unlike the others. “Ooh, I tell ya! I have traveled far and wide, but I have never, ever been welcomed anyplace in the fashion that y'all have done here today.” The mare happily replied. “That's fantastic to hear! If I could just get you to sit tight with the welcome committee I'll be right back with Princess Cadance in tow!” Midnight happily replied pleased to hear that. “Sweet!" The mare clapped her hooves in delight as Midngiht turns to the others. "Girls, keep an eye on her until I come back with Cadance, okay?" "You got it!" Rainbow Dash immediately replied with a salute as she trotted off ahead outside of the castle and towards the direction of the spa. A short time later, Midnight came walking back towards the spa where she would find Rarity alarmed by her sudden appearance after having arrived as she quickly responded by meeting face to face Midnight as she took a few hoof steps inside. "W-What are you doing here? What's going on?" Rarity nervously asked. "We finished the welcome committee song, and I came to check up on Princess Cadance so she can join us." Midnight explained as she looked around for Cadance "Is she ready?" "No, no! Princess Cadance isn't ready. Something's gone terribly wrong!" Rarity frantically replied. “Rarity I need to speak to Princess Cadance!" Midnight demanded and insisted to Rarity to stand down. "You can't! You mustn't!" Rarity still insistingly pleaded for her not to while standing her ground by not obeying to Midnight's demand. "As a result of my mistake the princess is in the middle of a delicate conditioning rinse that must go perfectly if there's to be any hope at all for her hair!" Rarity added still continuing to block Midnight's view of Princess Cadence. "And by perfectly she means she really needs to ensure everything goes perfectly down to the detail this time around." Spike commented from behind the curtain as she is washing Cadance's mane. "Come on, how bad could it possibly be?" Midnight asked wondering how badly she actually managed to mess up as if it is impossible to pull that off. "Imagine her mane turned into a porcupine." Rarity explained, using her magic to briefly style Midnight's mane to show what it that would look like. "Ew. I stand corrected." Midnight replied as Rarity returned her mane to normal as she turns back to the exit after giving up on further fighting Rarity. "Then I guess I'll go check up with Shining Armor and hope he can spare a few minutes to help with the tour." "Yes, please do, I insist!" Rarity agreed as Midnight walked out of the spa. "I assure you that I will bring her back from the brink of tragedy, but you have to buy me some time. There's no other way!" Rarity told her in an insisting tone as she escorts her out of the spa before shutting the spa door. "Sounds like Rarity tried to cut some corners in trying to rush Cadance’s mane.” Midnight correctly figured out herself why Rarity didn’t want any pony to see her at the moment. “Oh, well. At least I have some pony else I can talk about this mistake.” Midnight continued to speak to herself as she made her way to crystal stadium. It only took Midnight a few seconds to find Shining Armor. He was wearing a red sports cap, and had a whistle hanging around his neck. All the while, various crystal ponies were either running around the track, lifting weights, or participating in one of many different physical activities. “Midnight!" Shining Armor exclaimed happily upon seeing the dark-furred unicorn. “Long time no see.” "Hello there!” Midnight positively replied as walked up to him. “I gotta say it's been a while since we've last seen each other.” “Tell me about. It certainly gets lonely when it's just me and Cadence." Shining Armor seriously said. "If there wasn't still a lot of damage to repair, and mental wounds to heal, life here would be a lot smoother." "It is because of what happened to Twilight." Midnight asked Shining Armor who sadly nodded yes. “I see.” Midnight spoke in an understanding tone knowing why. “Ever since the fallout of what was supposed to be our wedding, Cadance hasn’t been too happy towards me for the way I treated Twilight. Even though we live together and it seems we want to forgive each other and get along. I haven’t had the courage to pop the question to her again because of how much of a factor Twilight had played into getting us together.” Shining Armor said in a solemn tone. “A day I could have gained a wife was instead a day I lost a sister only this time around it is for good.” As he looked in the direction of the Crystal Castle he thinks back to the time of him and Cadance shortly after Twilight's death before the funeral. "How could you Shining. How could you say that her." Cadance asked in him in shock and disgust at him after just learning of what he had happened at the wedding rehearsal. "I honestly thought that imposter was you, honest." Shining Armor desperately and honestly explained himself. "She fooled us all!" Cadance simply cries and turns away still disgusted since it contributed to Twilight's heartbreak and eventual death. "Cadance, please I-" Shining Armor tried to call out to her. "Please don't." Cadance softly cut him off as she briefly stops to address him one more time before leaving. "I just can't talk to you right now." She added as she walked off ahead and away from him not even looking at the Mane Five or Princess Celestia as she passes by them who could only silently watch on as she leaves knowing that nothing they can say will make things better especially since they too are responsible for what they have done to Twilight that lead to all of this happening as they watch Shining Armor turn and walk away in the opposite direction with his head hanging down in shame. “If it’s any comfort, while certain mistakes cannot be fixed after all is said and done, I think you should try to seek out her forgiveness and pop the question because from what I’ve heard about Twilight she would have wanted every pony to happy and move on.” Midnight sympathetically advised the stallion. “You really think she would willing to marry me after everything that had happened?” Shining Armor asked in surprise to hear this advice from her. “I know for a fact, Twilight would have wanted you two together, and that you two secretly know that as well.” Midnight reassured with a smile. "Thanks, I’ll take your thoughts into consideration." Shining Armor replied before moving on to the subject Midnight wanted to talk about him about first "So, everything all good with the inspector?" "That's actually what I came here to talk to you about." Midnight sighed as she began to explain. "The tour is going good so far but Princess Cadance still isn't ready to greet her because apparently Rarity messed up her mane in the process of trying to rush the job." She explained the colt as alternates between listening to her and observing the athletes training. "Just a second." Shining Armor politely told Midnight as he began barking out orders to the crystal athletes. "Come on, gang! Are we gonna gallop, or are we gonna trot?!" Then he turned back to Midnight as he takes a calming breath as he lets this all sink in. "So you need me know to spare some time to help with the tour until Cadance can show up?" He figured out the question Midnight was going to ask her. "Yes." Midnight honestly replied. "If you can." Shining Armor continued shouted out more orders to the athletes. "Let's move, move, move!" he told them, before turning his attention back to Midnight again. "Everything's gonna be okay." He reassured her. "Just give me a minute to make sure everything's in order here, and then we can greet Ms. Harshwhinny together. Sound like a deal?" “Sounds good to me." Midnight agreed with him seeing they don’t have any other options. Just then, Ms. Peachbottom cried out. "I'm outside! Feels so good to stretch the old legs!" In the blink of an eye, Ms. Peachbottom appeared. Shining Armor was surprised to see this. "Uh, what the–" he began in bewilderment. "Turns out the crystal castle doesn't have a gymnasium after all." Rainbow Dash nervously explained to him. “Watch out!" Shining Armor shouted, just before Ms. Peachbottom crashed through one of the hurdles on the track. "Woo-hoo!" Ms. Peachbottom shouted happily, she was having the time of her life. “Make her stop!" Shining Armor called out to Rainbow Dash wanting to stop her before she breaks something in her panic crazed run. Just seconds later, when there was another crash, another sound had occurred which sounded like skidding. Ms. Peachbottom had been so caught up in running that she'd forgotten to pay attention to her surroundings. She now had a vase stuck to her forehead, and she was starting to freak out. "Oh! Oh, get me outside for a run!" she shouted, the vase muffling her voice. A second later, there was another crash. Seeing this Rainbow Dash took action and pursed her. By the time Rainbow Dash got close, Ms. Peachbottom was frantic. She was yelping something, but the vase prevented any pony else from hearing what she was trying to say. "Where's she's going in such a hurry?" Fluttershy asked as she is a little clueless on why she running acting completely crazy. "It’s because of vase on her head.” Midnight explained to her as she watches the scene. “She can't get it off, and it's driving her crazy." "I think we got her." Rainbow Dash said as she grabbed the vase after having closed in on Ms.Peachbottom. Unfortunately, the vase proved to be difficult to lift. So difficult to the point that when Rainbow Dash finally managed to yank it off, the force flung her through the air. "Yaaaaaaah!" she screamed. A few seconds later, she hit the roof of the crystal spa with a thud. The glass gave off an audible squeak, as Rainbow Dash slowly slid down to the ground. Ms. Peachbottom was now relieved after having the vase removed from her head. "Hoo-eee! Oh, that felt good! Nothin' like a great run to shake the cobwebs off these old bones." she eagerly said in excitement still full of energy. Rainbow Dash said nothing as she was still recovering from her unexpected flight across the empire. "Hey there, speedy.” Ms. Peachbottom kindly told her as she approached. "I tell ya these wide open spaces y'all got here remind me of home." "Oh! So you're enjoying your visit? Well, I'm so glad for you!" Rainbow Dash said in between pants while still very dizzy. "Oh, good golly, yes. I just love to travel and see new places. Such a beautiful spot you got here, too!" Ms. Peachbottom excitably added. “Just what was that all about?" Midnight asked Rainbow Dash. “Well, Ms. Peachbottom kept insisting she needed a place to stretch her legs. We were trying to see if we could find a place for her do so in the castle. Only for her to go crazy and run off outside." Rainbow Dash explained with her hooves up as she didn't know the castle didn't have what they were looking for. "Sorry about the chaos she just caused." She added with an apologetic look. "Oh, good golly, yes. I just love to travel and see new places. Such a beautiful spot you got here, too!" The mare said after getting all of that excess energy out of her system as she turned to the suprised stallion. "Why... thank you so much! I'm Shining Armor." He greeted with her with a hoof-shake. "The Prince!" She exclaimed happily as she got into his personal space to which creeped him as he politely backed away from her to keep a hoof exteneded to keep her from getting any closer to her. "Yes." Shining Armor replied uncomfortably. "My, oh, my... I never met a Prince before..." She further marveled at his majestic apperance earning herself a chuckle from said pony. "I'm surprised. I'd think in your line of work you'd meet princes all the time." He greeted her with surprised confusion. "Hardly." The mare honestly said much to everyone minus Midnight's confusion as the latter's suspicions are proving to be more and more correct by the ever growing second. "Just an ordinary wild mustang from Mustangia here to enjoy a little vay-cay. Never thought I'd also be meeting royalty to boot." "You...are Ms. Harshwhinny, the Equestria Games Inspector, aren't you?" Midnight calmly asked as she correctly figures where this is going to go. "Inspector what-now?" The mare asked in confusion as everyone gasps in alarm as the Mane Five realize they have made a huge mistake. "We got the wrong pony?!" Rainbow exclaimed in panicked frustration. "Okay, okay. Everypony calm down." Midnight raised her hooves up. "Just you five go on back to the train station and search the Crystal Empire by splitting up so you can all cover the area more quickly while Shining Armor and I continue greeting the tourist." The Mane Five all quickly did as they were told as they all ran off ahead towards the train station leaving Midnight and Shining Armor alone with the tourist as they still strike up a conversation with her as they pass the time while waiting for a resolution to pop up until the five ponies all regrouped with them back at the center of the empire. "Well?" Midnight asked them as she pretended to sound like she is keeping herself from losing it. "I'm sorry Midnight." Applejack regretfully spoke first. "We searched the entire empire but we couldn't find her. "She was already gone by the time we all got back to the train station." “Well, she has to be here somewhere!" Midnight spoke up now sounding furious at what she is hearing as if she is now about to lose it as well. "Are there any places any of you didn't check?!" "Well, except for the spa, but there's no point in checking there. That's where Cadance is. If Ms. Harshwhinny is there, well, then, game over, right?" Pinkie Pie spoke and brought up. Just seconds after those words had left Pinkie Pie's mouth, the realization dawned on Midnight of where Ms Harshwhinny really is. "Well come on!" Midnight quickly instructed the others to follow her back to the spa as she ran off ahead as Ms. Peachbottom immediately raced off ahead at full speed. "Oooh!" The tourist exclaimed in excitement. "Just what I need after a nice thrilling workout!" Shortly afterwards, all five ponies arrived at the crystal spa. Upon walking in, they saw what they feared the most. Both Ms. Harshwhinny, and Princess Cadence, were in the spa. But then Rainbow Dash noticed something. “Oh, there she is!" Rainbow Dash said with great relief "We're in luck! I don't think either of them knows yet that the other one's here!" "Wonderful news, look! Princess Cadance, better than new!" Rarity happily exclaimed. A second later, Princess Cadence emerged. The traditional royal ceremonial headdress looked incredible on her. Everyone was impressed except for Midnight as her reaction is more focused on the two mares seeing they are both in the same place thinking “it's over now that Ms. Harshwhinny knows Cadance is here. "Princess Cadance? So, this is where you've been all this time!" Ms. Harshwhinny questioned her with hints of anger in her voice. "I was wondering why nopony was there to welcome me!" "And now it's game over." Midnight commented with a resigned expression on her face now knowing that it's all over. "What do you mean?! I sent a welcoming committee specifically to greet you." Princess Cadence asked in confusion. "Oh really, then why was it that not one of these ponies was at the train station when I arrived?" Ms. Harshwhinny pointed out and demanded. "What is going on?" Princess Cadence demanded with hints of anger in her voice as well as Spike watches the scene wondering the same question in his mind. Before Midnight could ashamedly respond as she stepped forward, Rainbow Dash placed a hoof on Midnight to stop her. “Princess, we gave our welcome to the wrong pony, left the right one waiting at the station, and completely ruined everything.” Rainbow Dash regretfully explained their mistake to the princess. Hearing this caused Cadance to gasp hearing this. The other girls lowered their heads in shame except for Midnight who watches with a look on her face that's thinking as if she planned on Rainbow stepping forward to take the heat. “Cinnamon Bun?" Pinkie Pie nervously offered to lighten the mood as she held up the pastry with an uneasy smile on her face to which is met with a "Seriously?!" glare from the dark-furred unicorn. “I am so, so, sorry I screwed things up for you." Rainbow Dash apologized to the alicorn princess. "When I was a little filly, I wanted so badly for Cloudsdale to win the Equestria Games. But it didn't happen. So I thought I could make up for that disappointment by helping the Crystal Empire win the chance to host the Games. But it looks like I ruined your chances instead." “I wouldn't say that." Miss. Harshwhinny spoke up. Hearing this causes the other ponies to give her surprised looks. "Because it's my fault too." Ms. Harshwhinny explained. "I didn't explain myself very well, which lead to you all mistaking somepony who matched the information I gave you. But from what that she has told me, even after what has happened, you still treated her very well and saw to it that her time in the Crystal Empire was just about what any pony wanted a well-deserved welcome could ask for." "So, what are you saying?" Midnight asked wondering what her response is leading up to. "Despite what has just happened, I'm willing to overlook all of this." Ms. Harshwhinny explained. "Which can only mean one thing..." “You mean…” Midnight asked as Ms. Harshwhinny nodded yes with a rare smile on her face. "The next host of the Equestria Games is... the Crystal Empire!" Princess Cadence announced, holding a microphone with her magic to deliver the announcement to all the crystal ponies. Standing beside her was Shining Armor, Spike, Midnight, and their friends. Everyone was excited. "We did it!" Rainbow Dash cheered as she hugged a young filly in the air. "Congratulations, Crystal Ponies!” Cadance announced. As Midnight watches as Princess Cadance delivers the good news, Shining Armor walked up to Cadance and took her aside for a quick word back inside the castle out of the ponies sight. “Listen, Cadance” He began as he sighed. “I know nothing I can do know can make up for my mistakes. But I sure Twilight would have wanted us to be happy together that is of course if you want to marry me” He said as he got on one knee as he opened a ring case holding a ring made of crystal causing Cadance to gasp in shock at this gesture. “Well, what you do say? Would you be willing to give me another chance? I’ll understand if you say no because deep down I truly deserve it.” Shining Armor asked her as he is giving her the choice of whether or not she will try to marry him again. After a moment of recovering from her shock, Princess Cadance produced tears in her eyes as she went in and happily kissed Shining Armor pleasantly surprising him who returns it as he kissed her back to confirm yes she accepts his marriage proposal. Once they broke apart from their kiss, Shining Armor placed the ring onto her hoof still smiling at each other. “So?” Midnight chimed in seeing this, “I take it you forgive each other and are ready to try the wedding again? “Yes, Midnight!” Shining Armor happily replied. “I can’t thank you enough!” “Oh it’s pretty clear you two still wanted to marry each other and after everything that has happened. All you needed was a little push in the right direction. Twilight would have wanted you two to be together.” Midnight humbly and kindly responded as she thought nothing of it. “She sure would have.” Princess Cadance happily said sounding not upset by hearing her name being mentioned for once. “I know this all so sudden but Midnight will you be my Best Mare at the wedding?” Shining Armor asked. "I think it's very fitting and well-deserving that I offer you this as thanks for helping us get our relationship back on track." “I’d be honored.” Midnight said as she bowed respectfully as she accepted his offer while secretly smirking to herself as she is thinking of another plan in anticipation for the wedding. As the five ponies and young dragon make their way to the train station as they head back to Ponyville, Midnight would release another devious smirk seeing that her plans were successful. Even when it turns out they welcomed the wrong pony she managed angle her emotions to convince Rainbow Dash to step forward and take responsibility for the mess which would secure the Equestria Games at the Crystal Empire. Not only that, her talk with Shining Armor managed to convince him and Princess Cadance to marry each other have their wedding again with Midnight herself as the best mare. For Midnight herself, aside from one setback by giving the welcome to the wrong pony to which she was able to quickly readjust to, everything went exactly as she planned.