Tempest pulled the tie taut against her chest before ambling towards the mirror.
A small shard of fear dissuaded her as memories of the trek up the snowy mountain cycled through her mind; her foggy breath in the icy air, the brutal blizzard ravaging its heights and oppressing her body, the mouth of darkness, her descent despite traumatic fear, the fall, the encounter.
She steeled herself, her reflection coming into view.
The tuxedo hugged her form and complemented her appearance, exemplifying fierceness, and discipline, with a feminine flair.
She found herself turning to get a view from the side, and even some of the back. A smile formed before her eyes met her own in the reflection. She examined her facial features, and as quickly as the smile came, it vanished as she stared into her own cyan iris...
She jerked her head away, her brows knitted.
Her eyes traveled from the floor to the nightstand. Sauntering to it, she opened the drawer before gingerly reaching inside, pulling out a violet box with aureat highlights. With care, she opened it, revealing a cyan cone shaped crystal held by three bronze metal pieces that spiraled from its base. She lifted the cone shaped crystal out of the box, examining it in detail, noticing the silver embroidered etching in the bronze pieces, the perfect curvature that widened allowing it to grip the horn it was attached to, and the brilliant cyan color of the crystal itself.
She received the crystal from Twilight as a gift with some consultation from the princesses. She was deeply moved by her gift, but in the end, she refused it due her experiences on the trek with her formerly villainess friends. From that journey, she accepted certain parts of herself, and what persuaded her more was something Twilight said herself after the Storm King's defeat in Canterlot.
But there was a small part of her that still yearned for its attachment.
Her ears flicked to the sound of knocking at her door, causing her to swiftly but carefully put the crystal back in the box before shutting the drawer. "Come in."
The door opened revealing Twilight in a dress of her own.
The dress was cyan with a gold bow wrapped around her midsection and tied off at her back. There were circles surrounding the collar and at the end of her dress that had a flower shape with azure petals and a gold center, with the largest one being at the bottom of the U-neck. Her mane also appeared to have been done up but still maintained its straight cut but instead curled at her neck.
"Wow, it looks nice on you," Twilight complemented.
"Your dress looks good too," Tempest replied.
"Oh, this? I wore this last year but I like it a lot so I figured I'd just wear it again," she said, shrugging. "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Tempest replied, beginning toward the door.
She followed alongside Twilight as they made their way down the crystal halls, the sound of their hooves walking on the red carpet filling the comfortable silence between them.
It wasn't long before they arrived at the castle doors which they exited and entered into the purple starry night.
Looking at the bottom of the steps, Tempest noticed a golden chariot with golden wings on either side and two pegasi royal guards harnessed at the front. She supposed it answered her question on how they were going to get there.
Twilight proceeded down the steps, before entering the chariot from the back, Tempest following suit.
It was a tight fit, with both of them practically shoulder to shoulder and flank to flank.
"Quite the transportation," Tempest noted.
"The princess offered this year, so I acquiesced."
The pegasi guards galloped forward before flapping their wings, their hooves leaving the ground along with the chariot.
"Is Spike going?" Tempest asked.
"He left with the others already."
The chariot reached high in the sky just below clouds, and Tempest took the opportunity to look at the view, her mane rustling from the wind.
Memories flooded into her mind of her time flying her sky skiff. It was somewhat empowering to fly, since she could view things from high above. And if she was being honest, it probably fueled her arrogance and superiority in way. But after the events of Canterlot, she got rid of the skiff, since she refused to own something of or worship her fallen leader.
Part of her wondered what it'd be like to fly one again.
"I forgot to ask last night but how's the leg?" Twilight asked.
"I think it's fully healed," Tempest replied, making an effort to move her left leg and tense her muscles, feeling no pain.
"That's good. Do you plan on exercising more?"
"I wouldn't mind."
"Exercise is a great motivator, it can dispel negative thoughts and improve thoughts of self worth."
Tempest did enjoy exercising, she used to do it every once in a while, but she found it was eclipsed. Instead she found satisfaction in kinetic combat as an outlet, using her anger as kindle, her intellect, and displaying her power.
Now, she found it difficult to commit to exercising.
Twilight continued, "Rainbow Dash probably wouldn't mind exercising with you, though she can be a bit competitive."
"It seemed like it," Tempest replied, remembering their push up face off.
"She can also be a bit lazy most of the time, but when a challenge presents itself, she goes all in," Twilight praised.
The sound of the wind filled the comfortable silence between them.
Eventually, they entered the royal city of Canterlot, passing various large towers and buildings below. The chariot wrapped around before descending down onto a road. It slowed down just before a plethora of ponies who were walking into the castle.
Twilight and Tempest exited the chariot, with Twilight thanking the guards for the transportation. They sauntered into the crowd, with some ponies clearly recognizing them.
It was no surprise Tempest didn't like social events or gatherings, not only because she didn't really like ponies, still mostly viewing them from a cynical perspective, but because she also viewed them as a waste of time and energy. The only time she remembered having an inkling of fun was the party at the Friendship Festival, which planted the seed of doubt in her previous perception.
She hoped this would be another exception but the still ever present cynical side of her told her otherwise.
Eventually they reached a few royal guards and a stallion unicorn in a suit asking for visual verification of the ticket. When it came to Twilight's turn, the stallion just waved for her to enter, with Tempest following just behind
Entering in the spacious lobby, there were already plenty of ponies talking on the red carpet or the checkered marble floor.
"It's good to see you, Tempest," a motherly voice said.
Turning to the voice, Tempest saw a pearl white Alicorn mare with an ethereal mane and magenta eyes.
"Same goes to you princess," Celestia said, nodding to Twilight.
"Do you think we could talk together before you go to your post?" Twilight asked.
"Of course," Celestia replied.
"Well," Twilight said, turning to Tempest, "I guess for now I'll see later or I'll come find you when I'm going to leave. Or you can come find me," Twilight noted, putting a hoof to her chest with a smile.
"If there is anything you need, Tempest, do not hesitate to ask me," Celestia said, with a sincere smile.
Tempest nodded.
"Starlight and the others are probably in that room," Twilight said, pointing a hoof to the giant threshold of open double doors.
Tempest turned and began toward the threshold.
"Have fun!" Twilight called.
Tempest passed a few ponies, who she briefly met eye contact with before entering the ballroom.
The atmosphere was lively and lavish, with many ponies in ritzy dresses and suits wandering and chatting idly or partaking in food at the various tables.
To Tempest, it reeked of elitism. She was half expecting most of the ponies to raise their chins in haughtiness while walking. The amount of misplaced pride made her internally scoff.
"Tempest!" A voice called.
Looking to the source, she noticed at one particular table in the corner of the room sat a certain lilac unicorn mare with persian blue iris and a dark purple mane with a turquoise stripe going through it. She wore a beautiful dress that towards the ends had colors that were reminiscent of the infamous aurora borealis. She was using the table to prop herself above other ponies, waving to get her attention with a nervous smile.
Tempest approached, wearing a small smile of her own.
"Didn't expect to see you here," Starlight commented.
"I'm surprised myself," Tempest replied, taking a seat.
"Nice suit," Starlight complimented.
"Nice dress," Tempest shot back.
Starlight smiled in response. "Is this your first Gala?"
"Yeah," Tempest sighed.
"It's not the greatest," Starlight admitted. "I never really went except for this year, and so far, I'd rather be home."
Tempest hadn't even been there for very long and she found herself agreeing. Except home wasn't much better.
"Not to be such a downer so early," Starlight clarified.
"Starlight!"
In the crowd, a familiar azure unicorn mare with violet iris was trotting toward the table. She was dressed in a lavender cape and wizard hat with white and yellow stars that covered part of her curled silver and pale cerulean streaked mane.
Starlight waved with enthusiasm back.
Trixie's horn lit up in a pink aura as she sauntered toward her friend.
"You would not believe the looks I've gotten so far," Trixie spoke as she sat on a chair, her magical aura disappearing from it.
"Because you're not wearing a dress?" Starlight asked.
"Is Trixie herself not enough for the royal-ness of this royal event?" She gestured to herself before the room with a hoof.
Starlight chuckled. "Probably not."
"I see you on the other hoof came with quite the dress."
"Oh, yeah," Starlight recollected, looking down at the dress. "Rarity made it for me."
"I never figured you'd be into dresses."
"I'm not," she smiled tilting her head in faux assertion. "But this dress is really nice and is the only exception. Plus Rarity would freak out if she found out I never wore it."
Trixie magically levitated three wine glasses from the tray of a stallion waiter passing by, placing them on the table.
Starlight's turquoise aura encapsulated hers before she levitated it in front of her. "Thanks," she said with a smile.
Trixie tilted the glass in her aura examining the liquid. She began swirling it in a circular motion creating a small whirlpool, meanwhile, Starlight tilted her glass to her lips drinking the silky light gold liquid.
Tempest had rarely drank and didn't like doing it very often but she figured if there was a time for it, it would be now. She brought her own glass to her lips. It passed smoothly over her tastebuds with an immediate sweet apple flavor present. But as soon as she swallowed a bitter burn coated her mouth and throat.
"I'm pretty sure this is from Applejack's farm," Starlight noted looking at the remaining liquid.
Trixie coughed and extended her tongue out gagging. Still recovering from the taste that lingered in her mouth, she spoke as if her mouth was as dry as a desert. "Yeah, well it sure tastes like it."
Starlight gave a slight laugh when she looked over at her friend. "Never drank?"
"No, Trixie drinks all the time!"
Starlight raised a conspiratorial brow that lasted a few moments. "Like what?"
"Water."
"So you've never had alcohol," Starlight asked.
"Psh, no," she denied with pseudo confidence, bringing the wine glass to her lips again.
"Howdy, y'all!"
Beside the table was a familiar gamboge earth pony mare with emerald eyes and a brown stetson covering her unusually combed blonde mane.
"Ya enjoying the refreshments, Trixie?"
Trixie levitated the drink onto the table and nodded with a brittle smile before swallowing.
Applejack chuckled and continued.
"So I came over here to ask y'all-" Applejack paused, leaning over to her left, her voice now muffled. "Vwhat yer onest upinion un this here pie is," she finished normally, a fully baked pie now placed on the table from mouth. Applebloom peaked up from the table next to where the pie came from.
"Oh, right. Ya probably need plates," Applejack realized
Starlight looked around for any extra plates and silverware to borrow, but saw none in the vicinity.
A sudden white starry flash appeared next to Applejack.
"Does somepony need some help from the benign Spirit of Chaos?"
The chimeric creature, also known as a draconequus, had his lion paw behind his back, his talons in front him in position to snap his fingers while wearing a snaggletooth grin.
His face deadpanned upon observing the situation. "Please don't tell me you're going to make me magically heat up this pie."
"Could ya get us some silverware?" Applejack asked, her tone now deflated upon seeing his appearance.
A white stary flash appeared in front of Trixie and Starlight revealing two white plates, embroidered silverware, a quadruple armed lit candle, and a glass pitcher with condensation on its surface full of the light gold drink. But before anything could be said, the quadruple neck candle began to walk away from the table.
"Oops."
Another snap and a flash revealed the candle was back to its normal inanimate state.
"Thanks Discord," Starlight said.
"Anything for my dearest friends' friends."
Applejack rolled her eyes.
Starlight's horn glowed in a turquoise aura, the knife next to her beginning to levitate over to the pie before it began to telekinetically slice into it. Once she cut two slices, a fork flew over to aid in lifting the pie with the knife. With grace, she slid the slice onto Trixies plate before she slid the other slice onto Tempest's plate then her own.
"I could've done that you know," Trixie playfully jabbed.
Starlight simply smiled as she began to cut a bite from the end of the pie.
"How's Fluttershy doin'?" Applejack asked.
"She's currently in the garden trying to reestablish connection with the woodland creatures," Discord replied. "Apparently my 'vibe' was scaring them. I haven't the faintest idea why," he shrugged, deciding to examine his talons.
Tempest placed a piece of pie on her fork, the goldish texture looking smooth with chunks of apple inside. She slid the pie into her mouth beginning to chew. The dough had little resistance as an instant explosion of apple and cinnamon flooded her taste buds.
"Wow," Starlight couldn't help but say while still finishing.
"Ya like it?" Applejack asked, smiling again.
Starlight swallowed. "Yeah, wow. What do you think, Trixie?"
Trixie's eyes were closed as she continued to chew but when she opened them she responded with bliss. "I don't think I've had a pie this good in years," she said while beginning to magically cut another piece.
"It must be good if she's not talking in third person," Discord said wryly.
"Third person?" Applebloom asked.
"What about you, Tempest?" Applejack inquired
"It's great," she replied.
"Aw, well I appreciate the kind words."
"Could we have more?" Trixie muffled, spewing a few crumbs.
"Of course!"
Starlight while chewing another bite began to magically levitate a few bits over to Applejack.
"It's alright, Starlight. It's on the house," Applejack reassured.
"Y'all take care now. Drink responsibly!" She chided as she sauntered away into the crowd.
Starlight scooped up another slice of pie with her magic. "Do you want some?" Starlight asked, sliding the slice off the knife and onto her plate.
Discord didn't respond for a few moments.
"Why not?"
He snapped his fingers conjuring another plate and seemingly a chair as he lowered himself down. He lifted his paw, levitating a whole slice of pie into his mouth.
"I suppose this is delicious," he concluded, levitating another sliced pie and examining it.
"Do you have any more napkins?" A mare asked next to their table.
"Of course! I'll be back shortly."
As the waiter left, Discord while still chewing snapped his fingers creating royal napkins in front himself. The napkins however began to fly and he briskly pointed his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the table, the napkins obeying the command flying past him.
"What on earth?" The mare said.
"What's got you in a good mood?" Trixie prodded.
"I'm in no better mood than normal. I'm just fulfilling a deal I made." he stated, his expression unchanging as he looked down at the pie while taking a bite.
"Reeeeally?" Trixie asked with a raised brow.
"Is it that hard to believe that I'd be so caring?"
"For the millionth time, yes," Trixie deadpanned.
"Well, I'd be willing to vouch that I do indeed," he hesitated as if the word tasted bad on his tongue but he couldn't find a better one," care.. about certain things."
Starlight spoke up, "Oh, I can guess exactly why you're doing this."
"Oh, please, spare me the commentary."
"I'm guessing it's a deal with Fluttershy and you have to help around the Gala this year because of last year. What's her end of the bargain?"
"Bold of you to assume that. But what if I simply do want to help other ponies and the deal gives me the excuse to do so? Or perhaps do you believe I'm destined to be evil?"
"I don't think you're destined to be evil," Starlight chided.
"I do," came Trixies blunt reply.
"At least I'll be remembered in the history books," he sneered.
Trixie scowled at him, her horn glowing in a pink aura. She never broke eye contact as the wine glass levitated to her lips.
"So, Tempest," Discord started, "if I may ask, what's the worst threat you've made against a pony? I presume there's a lot to choose from," he said with a grin, magically manipulating a clock and warping its dials.
"There was a time I threatened to tear out a guard's spine. Or when I threatened to break their legs. Rip out their mane from their skull," Tempest listed.
"Did you do any of those things?"
"No."
"What's the worst thing you've done?" He asked.
"You know, if I didn't know any better, it's starting to sound like you're preying upon my guilt to indoctrinate me into a cult."
Starlight gave a nervous laugh.
"I imagine that thought must've run through your mind when around Twilight and her friends," Discord speculated.
"Maybe for you," Tempest replied.
"Guilt in a way is a gift."
Beside the table, a dark blue Alicorn with deep blue iris and a majestic flowing sapphire mane approached.
It wasn't the first time Tempest heard that statement or similar.
"Forgive me for eavesdropping. I approached to ask how you are all doing."
"We're doing okay. You?" Starlight asked.
"I'm doing quite well," Luna replied. "If I may ask, how has your evening at the Gala been so far?"
"It's alright," Starlight replied.
"I understand the sentiment," she agreed with a chuckle. "Even my sister finds her enjoyment mostly lacking at the Gala."
"Do you at least have the night off?" Starlight inquired.
"Despite the occasion, my duty is still too important to neglect. I won't be enjoying the party for long."
"When you do go to perform your utmost important duty," Discord said, with a smirk, "could you at least stop by in my dreams?"
"Unless you have a nightmare, then I'm afraid not."
"Do you even have nightmares?" Trixie asked.
"Why would I answer when you wouldn't believe either answer I give?"
"He does," Luna admitted.
"I don't condone you to share," Discord replied.
"I've seen all of your dreams," Luna continued, glancing between all them. "Even some of your nightmares."
"I don't really have that many nightmares," Trixie shrugged.
"That says a lot," Discord noted, with a grin.
"In the meantime," Luna said, "I must continue my inquiry with ponies. It was nice speaking with you all even if it was for just a moment. And as I've said to one of you before, things do indeed get better. And don't worry, I have my eye on you all," she assured, winking with her left eye.
Starlight waved as she departed.
The commotion of the Gala filled the silence between them, with the added introduction of a graceful piano and harmonious cello.
"So," a high pitched voice began, "have you thought about poker night?" Pinkie asked, beside Tempest. "I feel like you'd be the master of the poker face. Maybe even better than Maud!"
"That'd be hard to beat," Starlight replied.
"Give me a little more time," Tempest answered in kind.
"No problemo," Pinkie replied, with a dismissive wave. "I'm gonna go hit the dance floor," she said, falling down below the table disappearing.
"How does she do that?" Trixie asked.
Starlight shrugged. "Pinkie Pie."
"It's quite the vanishing act," Discord said.
"I'm about to perform one," Starlight muttered, resting her chin on the table.
Tempest found herself examining the Gala, her eyes wandering around trying to find anything out of the ordinary. She saw a circle of noble ponies, some pegasi in stylish jumpsuits, a possible husband and wife sharing a heart to heart.
But her eyes stopped on something that made her heart flutter and her entire attention hone in. In the crowd stood a stallion in a suit, his coat cyan, his hair dark as it split off from his horn, his eyes cerise.
Visions entered her mind of when she was a filly, as she threw a ball with her magic, the recipient of the throw being a certain stallion.
"Who are you looking at?" Starlight asked.
Broken from her trance, Tempest tore her gaze away before it fell to the table.
"I've never seen you so nervous. What's wrong?"
"... I think I see.. a friend I used to have as a filly."
"Really?"
Tempest didn't respond as she attempted to deal with the bottomless pit in her stomach.
"Do you want to go talk to them?"
The question seemed simple enough, but to her, it was complex as the emotions collided. There was a deep part of Tempest that wanted to rekindle what was lost.
"I know it can be difficult," Starlight assured. "When I first encountered my fillyhood friend, I was a ball of nerves. But I managed to get through it and we're friends again."
Tempest leisurely stood up, before gingerly turning to face where he was. She sauntered forward into the crowd.
Everyone around her became a blur as she focused on the one thing that mattered.
The stallion was talking with a few others who appeared to have careers in wizardry, or magical affairs but one of them noticed Tempest approaching.
The butterflies in Tempest's stomach soon bordered a churning before she spoke. "Spring Rain?"
The stallion's ears flicked before he turned to face her, his brow arched. "Fizzlepop?"
"Hey," Tempest responded.
"Hi," the stallion greeted back, his brow still arched in uncertainty. "Is there something you need?"
"Well, I-I just wanted to talk with you. Maybe catch up?"
"I'm currently busy talking with these gentlecolts," he said, gesturing to them with a hoof before turning back around.
"Well, what are you talking about?" Tempest tried.
"Something you would know nothing about," he grumbled.
Tempest grew anxious as she stood behind, searching for a way to start again.
The other stallions stared between them before saying some departing words and walking away.
Spring Rain extended a hoof toward them for a moment before standing still. He whipped back around. "What were you hoping to achieve?"
"I just want to talk," she reiterated. "Maybe fix what happened."
"Fix? You can't fix what happened. What's in the past can't be undone," he dismissed firmly. "Now leave me alone," he growled, pivoting and beginning to trot away.
Desperate, Tempest swiftly caught up and reached forward, putting her hoof on his shoulder. "Wait, I-"
Her head jerked to the left as she winced, pain stinging her right cheek over her scar.
The ambiance ceased as all ponies went quiet and began to stare.
Spring Rain's eyes widened as the gravity of what he'd done dawned on him.
Tempest's eyes were closed. Slowly, she lifted her head, before opening her eyes, her expression remorseless and callaced as they pierced into his soul.
Cyan magical electricity sparked from her horn, filling small gaps of the serrated and heavy silence that lengthened.
She tilted her head down, getting a better look into his eyes as he kept his locked onto hers, paralyzed.
The only thing he could see was wrath and that he was at her mercy…
Tempest broke eye contact turning around, her hoofsteps echoing as she walked away.
The cool night breeze curled and passed Tempest as she stood in the courtyard, staring into the dark area of the garden as the lights from the Gala emanated from behind. She felt a presence standing not far behind.
"Fizzlepop?" The stallion asked.
"I came to apologize… I know it's not a good excuse but I was just.. upset and you got the brunt of it."
"It's in the past," Tempest replied coldly.
He sighed. "Look, I regret-"
"Don't apologize to me again, or I'll rip one of your eyes out and make sure you can't walk again."
Silence hung in the air for a while before she could hear hoofsteps walking away.
She exhaled through her nose, her gaze falling.
"So," Discord started. "Amending fences gone bad, huh? You made quite the display."
"If you want," he continued, "I could make his day a little worse. With a small series of unfortunate events."
"Could you do something else for me?" She turned to face the draconequus. "Send me to Twilight's Castle."
Discord extended his talons out pressing his index and thumb together. Tempest didn't get to see the full motion before she felt a pull inward and a burst outward.