//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: Coronation Day (Part 1) // Story: Dancing With The Shadows // by Vocal Sweets //------------------------------// Later That Night…. Cadence wakes up in the middle of the night and yawns as she stretches out her wings, she rubs her eyes and looks to her grandfather clock, the time was it 1:34 in the morning, she groans in annoyance realizing she woke up early, as she was about to sleep she notices a feint red ray light shining through the window. "Whats this?" Cadence slowly approaches the red ray of light with caution, she looks at the window, the red source is blurry and distorted from the window's design, she looks to her balcony doors and notices a large amount of red rays shining through the windows of the door.  "Is this some kind of prank from Celestia and Luna? Because now's not the perfect time!" She exclaims to herself, Cadence approaches the door and looked at the door knob, she hesitantly pushed the door open with her magic for a bit, but mustered it up quickly, she fully opens the door, revealing a blood moon in the sky, and looking down at her own tower, was a battle scorned Crystal Empire.  "What in Equestria..." Cadence was unable to finish her sentence as she was shocked, it happened all too fast without her knowing that there would be an imminent attack, was this an inside job? Or was there war that Cadence knew nothing of? She looked down at the chaos that had unravel before her, seeing ponies run for the lives, families bunched up together from the dark creatures infesting the broken buildings and streets, the royal guard tried to fight back the darklings to no avail, the rest of the guards managed to evacuate the ponies to the gates, many ponies screamed in panic and terror as large shadowy tendrils dragged some ponies to the building ruins, this was no war, it was a nightmare.  "This can't be happening, we had a peace treaty! And everything was so fine earlier!" She tears up, seeing her empire fall bit by bit, she hears a scream from outside her room. "FLURRY HEART! SHINING!" She runs out of the balcony and heads to her bedroom door, as she is about to swing the door open, the door breaks and a body of the royal guard is thrown into the corner of the room, Cadence is shocked, unable to move. Her eyes widened as she saw a creature on her door, growling in a predatory way, a darkling with sharp teeth and tendrils coming out of it was slowly going in the room. "Get back..." Cadence tells the creature, but to no response, without hesitation the creature lunged for Cadence, she screams as she fires her magic at the darkling, as she slowly opens her eyes she sees the creature lying down on the ground, slowly disappearing, without any hesitation she rushes out of her room and she headed for the atrium of the castle, on her way there she sees a lot of bodies, which only increased Cadence's fear, her cheeks were streaming with tears as she sobs whilst rushing to the doors. As Cadence swings the large wooden doors open slowly she sees an alicorn with a longsword, and below her were two dead bodies that were once Flurry Heart and Shining. "NO!" she yells, tears streaming down faster now, she sobs as she rushes towards the figure and her two dead loved ones. "Don't worry, you'll join them too..." the figure spoke, as the atrium lights opened Cadence stopped rushing as she looked at the killer, it was no other than Twilight. "Twilight..." Cadence stops, fear passing through her veins, Twilight approaches slowly and Cadence backed away, the atrium doors were closed and locked by shadowy dark tendrils, tendrils come out of the ground and wrap Cadence in a cocoon form, leaving her head exposed. "Twilight stop..." She pleads, Twilight cant help but smile, she drags the blade on the ground, scaring Cadence. "PLEASE TWILIGHT!" She now yells at Twilight, Cadence struggles to escape as she looks at Twilight getting closer, her eyes widened as she sees the sword headed to her, the blade aimed for Cadence's horn, the blade chipped the tip off of Cadence's horn, she screams in pain.  "What's wrong Cadence, feeling a little powerless?" Twilight teases as she finally goes face to face with Cadence, Cadence can't help but cry, looking at her two loved ones. "You really raised me well, to become independent, to become stronger, and here I am now..." Twilight teases more, as she places the blade under Cadence's chin, forcing her to look at Twilight. "But you know, i like being bad." She says as she readies for a hard swing, Cadence's eyes widened. "It makes me happy.” And with that, Cadence screams, as Twilight swings her blade at Cadence's head, decapitating her fully. *** Cadence wakes up in a cold sweat, as she just stares at the darknesses of the room she and Shining were staying in at Canterlot with Celestia and Luna, she looks over to her husband who was sleeping peacefully.  She lets out a soft, but raggedy breath. She tries to control her breath as she looks over at the clock: 4:35 in the morning, Celestia’s sun has yet to rise.  She throws her head back onto the coolness of the pillow staring at the ceiling, before a second thought comes to mind, she eases out of bed, not to wake her husband.  She makes her way down the quiet peaceful hallway unable to sleep in fear that she was going to have that nightmare again, but what if it wasn’t a nightmare at all?  Candace opens the door to the room both Flurry Heart and Crystal were sharing within the castle.  She lets out another shallow breath, “Better get to bed, don’t want to be too tired for Harmonia‘s coordination tomorrow.” She thought. Cadence gives a light hearted smile to the girls before closing the door and returning to bed.  *** April 23rd…  “I’m so happy for you Harmony! You’re finally becoming crowned Princess today. You deserve it.” Flurry beams at her cousin.  “Thanks Flur. I’m just a little nervous.” Harmonia said, pushing a strand of hair out of her face.  “Oh, Harmony, don't worry. We're in this together, right?” Flurry asked, giving her cousin a small smile.  “You're right. I like that. Now, where is everypony? Shouldn’t they be here by now?” Harmonia asked.  “Maybe you should go check. I’ll meet with you in a few.” Flurry said, before leaving.  “Good idea!” Harmonia beams.  Harmonia walks out to her balcony, looking out noticing the plains before her, she smiled to herself knowing that in just a few hours she would be the newest crowned Princess of Equestria.  Something sharp pierced in Harmonia causing her pain she couldn’t shake. She groans in agony for a mere second. “Ah!”  HoneyCrisp, who heard the sound came galloping through. “Harmonia!” She asked, her tone laced with concern for her friend.  “I feel funny.” Harmonia thought.   “Are you okay? Let me help you.” HoneyCrisp said, kindly helping her friend with assistance.  “Thanks, Honey. I'm okay.” Harmonia said, smiling to her friend.  “You sure? Let's get you some water.” HoneyCrisp said.  *** “What have we missed?” Harmonia asked, as she looked around the room to be surrounded by all of her girl friends.  “You’re just in time. We are going dress shopping!” Ophelia beams.  “Well what are we waiting for! Let’s go!” Squeals Confetti.  “Hold up girls! I just received a letter from Celestia.” Spike said entering the room.  “What does it say?” HoneyCrisp wonders.  Spike glances at the letter then looks at his niece, Harmonia. “It says your coordination is postponed for a later date.”  “What do you mean my coordination is postponed?” Harmonia asks, looking at the scroll that Spike was holding.  Spike scanned over the letter. “It doesn’t say, kiddo.” He said, looking back over the letter once more.  “I have waited for my whole life, correction- make that 14 ½ years of my whole life for my coordination to happen and now it is getting postponed without any explanation as to why.” Harmonia rants.  Spike looked at her with a sad expression. “I’m sorry, Harmonia I know your day was supposed to be special today.” Sadness was hinted in the dragon’s voice.  “Oh there is no need to be sorry. Because we are going to have my coordination one way or another, all of Equestria is going to be there! And I am not letting all of Mom and Aunt Starlight’s hard work go to waste!” Harmonia said, her tone rather determined and bold.  “But Celestia said-” Spike said, trying his best to reason with the young draconequus, but sadly she wasn’t taking no for an answer.  “We are having my coordination today and that’s final!” Harmonia stomped her hoof to the ground, her voice rather stern.  Spike sighed, knowing that there was no way he could talk her out of this now. “You are your mother’s daughter, alright. You both can be stubborn as mules sometimes.”  Harmonia giggles. “Now we have less than ten hours before my coordination begins! And I need to find the perfect dress before my coordination.” “Why not ask Rarity to make you one? She is a fashion designer after all.” Spike said.  “Eh, I'll see what they have at one of the local shops. Maybe I can ask the girls if they would like to join.” Harmonia said, thinking out loud.  “Alright! Just be back before two fifteen.” Spike calls out.  Harmonia nods and poofs out of the room, with her friends in tow.  *** The door to the shop of the clothing store tingled as the girls entered the store. “Welcome to Thread & Mend! Clothes here are a trend!” A zebra of black and white stripes, comes out from around the corner.  “Ah! You must be the Harmonia, the daughter of the royal family, what brings you here my little peculiarity?.” Zecora asks, her tone rather pleased to see the young draconequus. “Zecora? My mother has told me about you, but if you do herbs and special treatments, then why are you running a clothing shop in Everfree Forest?” Harmonia asks.  “Yes, in a place where hardly anypony knows, or thus the saying goes.” Ophelia interjects with a rhyme, Zecora chuckles. “I think this little pink mare can put your jumbling questions at ease, now come and let us find your piece.” Zecora said walking over to the racks, she stops to give Confetti a soft smile, Confetti beams.  Everyone turned to look at the mare.  “How did you even know about this shop anyways, Confetti Pop?” Honey Crisp asks, the pink earth pony.  “I actually met her daughter, Zillia a few weeks back! They are the ones who told me about this shop and suggested that I visit.” Confetti Pop beams.  “Well where are they now?” Harmonia wonders.  “Oh! She is around here somewhere. I assure you, she is a feisty one too.” Zecora said, walking down an aisle of dresses.  The girls follow. “No wonder nopony isn't wearing anything.” Ophelia said, in a rather hushed tone.  “Sh! Ophelia, that's rude of you.” Honey Crisp said, her tone rather quiet.  “Well it's the truth, darling.” She mutters.  Harmonia and the girls eye the row of tribal printed dresses and skirts.  “Your style is very…. Unique, Mrs. Zecora.” Ophelia said, trying her best to stay positive.  “I see that you are busy, please just walk over to the register once you are ready.” Zecora said, with that she walked away. Harmonia sighs, quietly looking at her options. Ophelia notices the troublesome look held on the draconequus, and walks over to her.  She lays a sympathetic paw on her friend's shoulder. “Darling, are you okay?” She asks, her tone gentle.  “I'm fine…. I'm just thinking about my coordination that is in a few hours. I just feel like once I'm crowned, what if I am a terrible princess? I mean I may be The Princess of Friendship’s daughter, but I also belong to the Lord of Chaos. I mean what if I get nervous and freeze up during my speech?” Harmonia said, ranting to the feline.  Ophelia just smiles at her, her tone gentle. “You won't. I'm going to tell you something that my mother told me awhile back whenever I was feeling scared or nervous. I may be the Element of Generosity, but that doesn't mean I have to be generous to everyone and I may be the daughter of a con-cat, but that doesn't mean I flirt and con with everyone I see.”  “But you just conned me out of my bits three weeks ago.” Harmonia mutters, making a blunt statement. Her tone is rather small and innocent like.  Ophelia sighs and rolls her eyes. “That's not the point here. The point is you may have both parents genes within you, but that doesn't always mean you have to follow in either of their hooves steps. You can make your own path, but whatever path you choose is up to you.”  Harmonia then smiles at her friend. “Thanks for the advice, Lia.”  “Anytime.” Ophelia said.  Ophelia and Harmonia gazed at the display before them. “You know, my mother is a fashion designer. I'm sure she has something more in your style.” Ophelia said, her paws ran across the fabric and she looked back at Harmonia.   “Are you sure she wouldn't mind? I mean it being last minute and all.” Harmonia said, her tone bashful.  “I'm sure she wouldn't mind! She works well under pressure….. I think.” Ophelia said.  Zecora walks over to the draconequus and feline. “If you two have found something you like, go ahead, it wont bite.” she said, looking at the two.  Harmonia and Ophelia both look at each other, wondering how to tell the zebra that they weren't really impressed with what they saw all that much.  “Your dresses are very…” Ophelia said, trying to figure out the right word to say. “Distinctive!” Harmonia said, thinking of a word on the spot.  “Yes! Distinctive.” Ophelia said.  “But, what?” Zecora said, her brow arched.  The girls remained quiet. “If this isn't within your liking, child. You can always go to Rarity who is always in style.” Zecora said, giving them a small smile.  “Are you sure?” Harmonia asks, fearing that she may have hurt the zebra's feelings.  “Of course! Now go.” Zecora said.  *** “My mom is currently at her Boutique in Manehattan.” Ophelia said. “Well, we can teleport there!” Harmonia said she was about to snap her paw, when Honey Crisp stopped her.  “Wait. don’t you think we would end up in another place like for example: The Dragon Lands? Remember when you accidentally teleported Confetti Pop to Yakyakistan?” Honey Crisp said, slightly nervous by her friend’s magical capability.  “Yeah that was super fun!” Confetti Pop beams.  “And that was five years ago when that happened, I was trying to teleport her to Sugar Cube Corner. Besides, I've gotten better with my magic.” Harmonia explains. “Now come on we are burning daylight.”  “It’s only 11:30.” HoneyCrisp said.  “What are you? A clock?” Harmonia said, her tone was humorous. She snaps her paw, teleporting herself and the girls inside Rarity’s boutique.  A bright flash illuminates inside of Rarity’s store. “See I told you! You were worried for nothing.” Confetti said.  Rarity was taking orders from a customer. The girls watched as she greeted the customer goodbye. “Thank you for shopping at Rarity 4 You! Please come again.” she said.  She then turned back to attend to her business, she closed her eyes humming a tune to herself as she sewed a few details on a dress she was making.  Rarity was known for her daughter's sneak attacks, so she even knew when Ophelia was in the room- or as Rarity liked to call it “have eyes in the back of her head”.  “Hello, Ophelia dear.” She went back to humming, but stopped short after what she just said. She turned around and noticed that her daughter was not alone. “W-what are you girls doing here?” She asks, her tone in disbelief.  “Dress shopping!” Beams Confetti Pop. “Aunt Rarity, do you think you could make me a dress for my coordination?” Harmonia asks.  “We went to Zecora’s, a shop that she recently started and all of her dresses were too triable looking.” Ophelia explained.  “A dress? You came all the way to Manehattan for a dress.” Rarity said, her tone unamusing.  “Uh… yes?” Harmonia said, slightly confused by her aunt’s change in tone. Rarity’s face lit up with amusement. “Well why didn’t you come to me sooner, darling? But it’s funny that you just mentioned a dress, I actually have plenty here that you can choose from. Go find one that you like.”  Rarity ushers her niece off to a changing room, giving her various dresses to try on.  The first one was yellow with gold trim around the waistline and at the end of the dress, the sleeves were poofy and see through, the whole dress glittered and sparkled. Her mane was in an elegant bun.  “Too yellow.” Ophelia said.  “Plus you look like you belong in a fairytale called Beauty and The Beast.” Confetti Pop said. The girls look at her in confusion. “Confetti… whatever are you going on about?” Honey Crisp asked.  Confetti Pop blinked. “Whoops, wrong fairytale.” she said, her tone giggly.  Harmonia decided not to question her quirky friend's antics and went back into the changing room, only to reappear in another dress.  The second dress was an icy blue, a long train that was translucent and see through the dresses silky exterior and the sleeves were long and see through. Her mane was in a fishtail braid.  Confetti Pop giggled. “Are you ready to let it go at your coordination ceremony tonight? Or are you going to keep giving me the icy look?” Confetti Pop continues to giggle at her own joke.  Harmonia rolled her eyes. “You know if you weren't my best friend and if looks could kill you would be frozen by now.” Harmonia said, slightly playing on to Confetti Pop’s little game.  Confetti giggles. “Good one, Harmony.”  Harmonia sighs and goes back into the changing room trying on the third dress. “Uh… I don’t think this is a dress.” Harmonia said, carefully coming out of the dressing room.  She was in a pair of baggy baby blue genie-like pants and a top, its sleeves short and halfway off her shoulder. Her mane in a bubble braid, her mane held a headpiece at the top.  “Uhh….” Harmonia said, slightly speechless.  “Hey, at least you look like a genie.” Confetti Pop giggles.  “Are you going to do that everytime she tries on a new dress?” Ophelia asks, slightly annoyed.  “Well I can’t help it if the author/director is a Disney fan.” Confetti said, still giggling.  “You know what I’m just going to pretend what you just said made sense.” Ophelia said, her tone deadpanned.  Harmonia takes off the outfit, with a snap of her paw. “This is hopeless.” Harmonia mutters, slouching a bit.  Rarity walks over to the girls. “I can’t help, but see that you are having a bit of trouble finding the dress of your dreams, but I actually just finished this dress and I think you will like what you see.” Rarity hands over a black bag with the hanger sticking out of the top was a hanger.  Harmonia grabs the dress and goes back inside, she emerges once again. This time in a beautiful dress of silver, light grey, tone of sparkles creating an ombre effect. The dress was simply beautiful! Her mane remained straightened.  “Aunt Rarity! This dress is simply beautiful!” Harmonia said.  “Doesn’t Harmony look pretty Ophelia?” Confetti Pop questions.  The feline looks up from her magazine to gaze at the draconequus. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks held a slight tint of pink. “Harmonia, darling you look gorgeous!” She said, slightly baffled by her best friend’s appearance. “T-thank you.” The draconequus said, her tone slightly nervous.  “This dress was practically made for you!” Honey Crisp said.  “That's because I did make it for her.” Rarity said, giving a soft smile to the girls. Harmonia hugs her aunt's neck. “Thank you!” Harmonia said. “I will meet you all at the coordination! Now go!” Rarity said, her tone was filled with excitement.  The girls hurry out the door, but Rarity calls back for Harmonia.“Oh! And Harmonia!” she said.  Harmonia pops back in for a moment. “Yes Aunt Rarity?” She asks.  She envelopes her niece into a tight hug, sharing a moment of silence before Rarity softly whispers into her ear. “I am so proud of you.” She said, in a tone so motherly and sincere it made Harmonia tear up just a bit.  “Thank you.” She whispers.  *** Before the Coordination began it was a tradition that royals or upcoming royals must dance with the soon to be crowned Princess of Equestria.  And for Harmonia's case she had a choice between Tiberius, Amaris and Illusion who she had to dance with, however she secretly wished it was Ophelia, but she would take what she could get at the moment.  “Are you ready to show these snobby Canterlot royals how it’s done?” Illusion asked.  Harmonia gave Illusion a soft smile and nod, as they both took to the dance floor and glided gracefully across the floor, as elegant music played throughout the throne room.  “Equestria is very lucky to have a beautiful young heir to The Princess of Friendship and Chaos throne.” Said one of the subjects.  “Indeed! I can’t believe she is of age to finally be crowned.” Said another.  “This is all so romantic!” Flurry Heart swoons from afar.  “Psh! You like anything that involves romance.” Crystal gags.  Flurry lightly giggles at her sister’s light bantering.  From afar someone had their eyes on the royals.  Once the graceful music ended, the nobles and Harmonia’s family and friends clapped for her. “Way to go Harmony!” Squeal Confetti.  Harmonia gave a faint smile as Illusion began to talk. “Thank you everypony for coming to Crowned Princess Harmonia Coordination today!”  Harmonia then gasped and groaned in pain as soon as Illusion finished his speech. Everyone in the Canterlot ballroom gasped at what they had just witnessed. “Harmonia! Harmonia, are you okay?” Illusion asked.  Harmonia groaned in response.  “Oh, what a pity. Somepony is just not herself these days. Perfect.” Said a cunning voice.  ***  Flurry Heart was the next to walk over to her. “Harmonia? Harmonia, can you hear me? Everything's gonna be okay. I'm right here.” She soothes.  “Oh, Flur…” Harmonia groans.  “Flurry, what’s wrong with her?” Illusion questions.  Harmonia groans.  Flurry looks at Harmonia before returning her gaze to Illusion. “I’m not an expert on Harmonia’s kind… However Aunt Twilight and Discord may know what’s wrong with her.” Flurry explains.  “Illusion go find Discord or Aunt Twilight and let them- huh?” Flurry snaps her attention to the sound of a mare screaming.  “Somehow, I don't think they were on the guest list.” Ophelia said, charging her horn.  “What are they?” Honey Crisp questions.  “Shadow Eaters/ Shadow formations. They're part of an old Crystal Empire legend.” Flurry Heart explains.  “Stay away from her.” Illusion sneers, as he ignites his horn.  Flurry suddenly remembered her dream she had. “Illusion, hurry. You've got to get Harmonia out of here now! And don’t let them get near her!” She warned.  Illusion began to leave the throne room with Harmonia held in his magical grip.  *** “Stop!” yells an unfamiliar voice.    “Huh? Who are you? Mystic who is this?” Illusion questions.  “Where are you going?” Mystic questions.  “Let us go ahead Mystic!” Illusion said.  “The Shadows took the whole area of the north area of the palace. The Realm of Chaos is the only place where Harmonia can restore her power.” Mystic explains.  “I don’t believe you! How do you know the Realm of Chaos? You would never help Harmonia. Now get out of our way!” Illusion warns.  The Shadow Eater approaches Illusion, striking Illusion causing Illusion to hit the ground with a thud and making him go out cold.  The young mare beside Mystic smirks. “She’s all yours.” Mystic said.  *** “Some guests never get the hint where it is time to leave.” Rarity Said, firing her horn.  “Their extreme debility is legendary.” Shining warns, firing his horn at multiples.  “Oh great. Let's skip to the part where you tell us how to beat them.” Rainbow Dash said, dodging the black wisps.  “I don’t exactly remember the legends about it, just bits and pieces of it.” Shining said.  “I do! Legends said that only the power of the Realm of Chaos can defeat them. Which in turn is Chaos light… weird I know, but the only one who knows about that realm is Discord himself.” Flurry said, blasting the shadows.  “You ranged?” Discord asked, appearing.  “Whoa! What’s going on here?” Discord question, but before Flurry could answer, Illusion hurries through the destruction.  “Flurry Heart! Harmonia in danger.” Illusion shouts.  “What? Where is she?” She asked.  “I think Mystic and one of the visitors are taking Harmonia to the Realm right now.” Illusion explains.  “Historically, the Realm is a magical place to test Chaos magic!” Discord explains.  “Well Harmonia does love tests so that doesn't sound so bad.” Cotton Berry said.  “But after so many centuries the power of the Realm has grown uncontrollable. And even if you do have Chaos magic the Realm will block it out.” Discord said.  “And Harmonia is too weak to handle it.” Flurry Heart explains  “That can't be good!” Honey Crisp said.  “Illusion, we got these shadows. You and Discord go after Harmonia.” Flurry instructed.  Discord and Illusion go to find Harmonia.  *** “Here we are, isn't it breathtaking? Now, just place Harmonia right into the Realm of Chaos, the rest will take care of itself.” The visitor explains.  “In there? Are you sure?” Mystic questions.  “She's a magical being of chaos. Therefore chaos is good for her. Isn't that complicated?” Mystic’s friend stated.  Mystic look into the Realm.  “Huh?” Mystic said, maybe second guessing her decision.  “Well you want her to get her powers back, don't you?” Her friend asked.  ”Mystic, no!” Illusion yelled out.  “Huh!” Mystic said, she turned to see her brother and Discord, along with Flurry Heart.  “Don't do it, Mystic! Don't listen to her!” Flurry Heart warns.  “You are one wicked mare.” Discord said eyeing the small dark purple alicorn.  “This is me on a good day.” The alicorn said. She begins to attack Illusion and he falls along with Harmonia.  “No!” Discord yells.  “Daddy…!” Harmonia calls out her tone weak The mare uses another spell to carry Harmonia.  “What are you doing?!” Discord sneered.  The mare laughs, her laugh cunning and sinister.  “Don't you dare!” Illusion warns.  “Give it up, dear brother, you're too good for her anyway!” Mystic said.  “You give it up Mystic! Quit always thinking you're better than Harmonia! You know I love Harmonia.” Illusion confesses.  “Well, I hope you can deal with this then…” The young alicorn laughs as she dropped Harmonia.  “Harmonia!” Illusion said. He tries to catch Harmonia with his magic, but fails.  Without warning Discord reaches out a claw and grabs Illusion. “Got you!” He said.  “There is nothing you can do now!” The mare smirks.  “No!!!” Flurry yells, charging her horn.  “Uh oh, what shall I do?” The mare's tone leaked with sarcasm. Flurry attacks the mare and Mystic but both of them disappeared.  “Where did she go? Where did they go?” Flurry asked.  *** Mystic and her friend teleport right outside the castle, landing near the royal gardens, Mystic looks at the castle and back at her friend who was currently wiping off any dust off of her mane. "So, we did what we could, now what?" Mystic asks her friend who ignored her. Mystic raises an eyebrow in confusion to why her friend was ignoring her, she goes near but her friend starts to talk. "Now that i have that out of the way, i still have a lot of loose ends to tie up." Stormy said, fluffing her wings, Mystic backs up slowly, unsure of her friends intentions, her friend looks back at Mystic, with a smile. "Why are you looking at me like that..?" Mystic asks, but her friend ignores it once more and goes near her. "I think it's time I tied that first loose end." her friend states in a dark manner, Mystic's eyes widened from the statement she heard from her friend.  Her friend summons a sword with her alicorn magic and without hesitation her friend aims the blade towards Mystic whose eyes were welling with tears. "W-what's going on!" Mystic asks in a fearful tone, her friend laughs in a menacing way. "Can't you see magic for brains? I don't need you!" her friend laughs, Mystic sniffles.  "You, you used me?" Mystic chokes out tears falling fast, her friend tries to stop her laughter, but Mystic backs away slowly.  "What? You think you'll have friends who'll respect you the way you treat them?" Her friend asks, still chuckling, Mystic looks down full of guilt. "Oh, what's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" her friend laughs from her own sarcasm, Mystic begins to break down, covering her ears.  "Oh boo-hoo, so sad, no wonder your mother and your brother treat you that way, you good for nothing user, don't worry, once this is all over I can begin with the rest of my plans." Her friend states with confidence, she then brings the sword up to Mystic's head, Mystic looks infront of her only to be met by a blade, her friend smiles. "Thank you for helping me, but you do know that all pawns are to be killed off after right?" her friend states, Mystic's breathing becomes faster, sweat and tears going to the ground. "But don't worry." Without hesitation, Mystic's friend flips the sword backwards, bashing Mystic with the hilt of the sword, knocking her out in the process, Mystic lands on the grass, a bruise was starting to form on her forehead after the bash. "Now if you excuse me, I have a coordination to crash..." Mystic's friend states as she heads back to the castle, leaving Mystic out cold on the royal gardens. Mystic woken from her comatose state twenty minutes after the alicorn left. “Maybe Mom was right after all…” Mystic mutters to herself.  *** Starlight burst through the coordination doors. “Woah! What is going on here?! Where’s Harmony?” She wonders, avoiding the commotion that was happening before her.  “Oh hey Starlight! Yeah so Illusion took Harmonia to the Realm and- whoa!” Confetti said. “What Realm Confetti?” Starlight questions.  “The Realm of Chaos.” Prism states.  “.... but that only exists in Dad’s Realm! The only one that exists underground here is an Abyss.” Tiberius shouts from somewhere in the room.  Starlight’s eyes widened, before racing out of the room.  *** She made it to the Realm that Tiberius mentioned. “Maybe I’m not too late.” Starlight thought as she charged her horn.  “Starlight? What are you doing here?” Illusion asked. “That Realm is actually an Abyss.” Starlight explains.  “So that mare lied to Mystic.” Illusion said.  “What mare? Ugh! It doesn’t matter! Let’s just get Harmonia out there.” Starlight said as she focused on her spell.  With her spell in mind, Starlight manages to pull Harmonia out of the Abyss.  The young draqoncuss lay there unconscious. “Harmonia? Can you hear me?” Starlight asked, her tone worried. “Ugh! Is- is the Coordination over with?” She mumbles.  “Maybe we should postpone it. You’re not looking too good.” Starlight said. She puts a hoof on Harmonia's forehead.  “We are not postponing. I’m fine, see?” Harmonia said, she snapped her claws and a flower crown appeared on Starlight’s head.  Starlight however was still worried for her. “Are you sure?” Her tone remained skeptical and cautious.  Harmonia gave her a reassuring smile. “Besides, like Celestia said: Equestria needs it’s newest heir.”  Starlight sighs. “Okay then… let’s go and get you crowned.” Starlight said, helping her niece up.