//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Destiny // Story: Our Chaotic Tranquility // by Edensola //------------------------------// CHAPTER 2: DESTINY "The what now?" Spike asked in a curious manner; raising his brow at Twilight. Twilight was currently focused on a specific letter she had laid out on her desk. She to seemed quite puzzled as her eyes scrolled over the contents. Both her and Spike were currently at Golden Oaks Library, Twilight's all too familiar home; although she was indeed a Princess now, she still preferred the idea of staying close to her friends rather than taking a seat of power in any kingdom. But still; an alicorn living in Ponyville was no common happening, one could imagine Twilight got much more attention than usual these days. But that was an issue for a later time, for the moment, Twilight couldn't seem to remove that puzzled look from her face. She raised a brow as she slowly read the letter out loud. __________________________________________________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My dearest student, or better yet, Dear Princess Twilight. It has fallen to me to inform you of your personal invitation to the Crystal Empire Grand Festivities as the guest of honor alongside Princess Cadence herself. She has asked that I deliver this news to you with utmost urgency; seeing as the opening ceremony draws closer with every hour. She requests that you make your way there at your earliest possible convenience, and if it is no trouble, that you please bring your friends. Thank you for your time, Your faithful mentor always, Princess Celestia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __________________________________________________________ Twilight then sighed heavily; growing silent. So the Crystal Empire was having another get-together that required her presence? It's not that she was annoyed by the offer, actually she thought the idea sounded quite fun, it's just the mood of the letter irked her, and everything just felt so sudden, so rushed. And why was Princess Celestia the one sending the letter? Didn't Princess Cadence have plenty of spare time to inform her of this news weeks beforehand? Ultimately the letter left Twilight a little confused, and she didn't like that feeling, did anypony? Either way, she was going, but there was also something else that made her feel a little upset. Twilight spoke beneath her breath in a slightly irritated tone. "I sure wish the princess wouldn't feel so obliged to speak to me as if we're equals, it's not like I'm anywhere near her level yet. It just doesn't feel right Spike. And it just doesn't feel like anything's the same anymore." Spike rolled his eyes as he leaned back against a book shelf, threw a gem up in the air, then caught it in his mouth; munching on it. He then looked to Twilight with a dull expression "She's just showing you some respect Twilight, it's no big deal, still sounds like the same old Princess Celestia to me. But about this grand festival thing; so you're actually going to be the guest of honor huh?" Spike crossed his arms with an amused smile. "Looks like you're moving up in the world; again." Spike snickered softly to himself. Twilight groaned as she then stretched out her wings, sighing once more as she trotted towards the door. "Very funny Spike, but just because I'm an alicorn now shouldn't mean that I'm better than anypony else." Twilight opened her front door. "And I hope everypony understands tha-" "GOOD AFTERNOON PRINCESS TWILIGHT!" yelled a crowd in unison; outside Golden Oaks Library. Twilight's eyes snapped wide as her features distorted into a surprised; baffled, look. She then sighed heavily once again, but put on a smile for the crowd, waving at them all from outside her home. "Uhm...hello everypony, it's nice to see you're all here erhm.....just...watching me...." Twilight blinked a bit as the crowd just simply stared at her with fascinated eyes and wide creepy smiles. She then began trotting out her home with a embarrassed look. She then spoke out to the multitude of ponies. "Listen everypony, just because I'm an alicorn now doesn't mean you should treat me any differently than you did before. We're all equals here, and I still have so much to learn from all of you." The crowd then began muttering and looking at each other with confused expressions as if Twilight were speaking some alien language. They then looked back at their locale princess with smiles and then cheered at her once more. Twilight just shook her head and closed her eyes, then attempting to make her way through the crowd who watched her every move. But as she did so, when she eventually opened her eyes, she saw something that made her feel quite surprised, and not in a good way. There was one pony amongst the crowd who scowled at the mare some distance away, once pony who didn't care about her status, nor respected it. That one pony was Cheerilee. As Twilight looked at Cheerilee from afar, her expression saddened as Cheerilee then simply turned away from her, trotting back towards the town. Twilight raised a hoof "W-Wait, Cheeri-OOF!" The crowd then constantly bumped into their cherished princess, then erupting into a volley of affectionate squeals and cheers, touching Twilight and in some way relishing in the very feel of her. Twilight soon got fed up with it and did something she absolutely despised, she gave a direct order to all of them. "EVERYPONY! PLEASE!-" Suddenly the crowd gasped and cowered as they backed away from Twilight, lowering their frames in the form of bows. Twilight then looked at all of them with a saddened expression as she sighed, then raising a hoof. "Please just give me some space for now, I have important business I must take care of. I'm sorry to be so direct; but my time is short and I must hurry, I hope you all understand." One of the anonymous ponies of the crowd rose, cheering her princess. "Of course Princess Twilight!" Everypony else then began nodding as they looked to one another as if this were much easier now that she gave the direct order. They began to disperse and go about their daily business as usual, although some still looked at Twilight every now and then. Twilight this time, sighed with relief as she placed a hoof on her chest, but she couldn't relish in the moment as she almost immediately afterwords put on a pleading expression; raising a hoof once more as she chased after the school teacher. "C-Cheerilee! Please; stop! I need to talk to you!" As Cheerilee continued to trot away from Twilight, her expression worsened the closer and closer the violet mare got. She could hear her hoofsteps rapidly closing in as Cheerilee soon just stopped in place. Twilight caught up with the mare then lowered her head, breathing heavily for a moment before looking at her. "Cheerilee; wait, please...c-can't we move past this already? Isn't there anything I can do to regain your acceptance? Your trust?" Twilight looked at Cheerilee with desperation in her eyes. Cheerilee then turned to regard the mare, still possessing that same scowl from earlier. She glared at Twilight, before speaking in a cold tone "I don't know 'Twilight Sparkle' that depends on you. Perhaps you're finally ready to talk about what happened that day? I've been waiting for quite a long time you know." Twilight's eyes widened as she opened her mouth; about to say something. But no words come out. Her expression then saddened once again as she avoided eye contact with the mare, looking to her lower right. Cheerilee looked back at Twilight as if she expected as much. She then began trotting forward once again as she simply said nothing, and the schoolmare closed her eyes with a sad look, lowering her head and trotting solemnly into the town, lost in her own thoughts. And Twilight's presence never made those thoughts any easier with her presence. As Twilight looked at Cheerilee trot off, she to lowered her head, and then simply made her way into the sky, although she still wasn't quite used to flying, she could still manage the task. She was now making her way to go get her friends and inform them about the invitation to the Crystal Empire Grand Festivities. They all already knew about it, but actually they'd all just planned to watch it on television, this would be a pretty big event, and they had just gotten back from witnessing the Equestria Games, to think Princess Cadence was now inviting them once again but instead as guests of honor, the others would most certainly be surprised. Or probably not. But either way, Princess Cadence asked her to bring them so she would, and she most definitely wasn't going to go alone. __________________________________________________________ Once Twilight was finished with that task, she returned with the mane six to Golden Oaks Library in order to get some of her things to bring along with her for the trip, books, pens, other study material, as well as Spike. Twilight made her way back into her home with a bored expression, trotting over to her shelves and looking over what novels in specific she'd be bringing with her on this little getaway of theirs. Rainbow Dash was practically bouncing as she raised a hoof in delight. "Haha! This is awesome! Guests of honor huh? That means we're probably going to get the best seats in the house!" Applejack raised a brow at Rainbow with a pretty confused look. "Shucks, I don't even know what the hay this whole Grand Festival thing is all about. Anypony mind filling me in here?" Rarity gasped at Applejack with a shocked look, then regarding her friend with a disappointed expression. "Applejack, you can't be serious? Haven't you been following it on TV? It's only one of the biggest events of the year! Apparently everypony is going to be there!" Rarity pressed her forehooves together and looked up, seemingly lost in her own thoughts and fascination. "That means all the celebrities! Everypony that's somepony will be there! It's going to be a blast!" Fluttershy seemed a little confused as well, looking at Rarity with a curious look. "W-Wait...so uhm...d-does that mean it's sort of like the Grand Galloping Gala?..." Rarity closed her eyes, then possessing an explanatory demeanor. She raised one hoof. "No no no darling; well in the sense that you require a ticket, that's quite expensive may I add, then yes; but apparently this is just some sort of promotion event for the Crystal Empire. Seeing as it's only recently sprung up once again and they've only recently managed to finally get everything up and running smoothly, it only makes sense that not many ponies find themselves visiting the place!" Rainbow crossed her forehooves with a humored look. "Well aren't you the expert all of a sudden!" Rarity gasped, placing a hoof on her chest. "Why of course! I would never allow myself to be ignorant of such a renowned event!" Pinkie Pie then cheered, raising her forehooves to the air. "And that means there's probably going to be lots of sweets! And it's going to be like, the biggest, party, EVER!" Twilight then interrupted. "Let's just hope everything goes smoothly. We have a habit of running into bad luck with these sorts of things." Applejack nodded with a sigh. "Tell me about it. So Twi, ya ready ta go?" Twilight nodded as she levitated out a few more books. "Yea; just one sec." She then placed the books in her knapsack before raising a hoof beside her mouth, then calling out. "SPIIIIIIIIIIIIKE! COME ON! LET'S GO!" Spike then emerged from upstairs as he didn't seem to have anything packed, nor did he seem to be in any hurry to go anywhere, he simply stopped, looking at Twilight from the bottom of the stairs with a somewhat nervous expression. Twilight raised a brow at him, confused. "Spike, where're all your things?" Spike cringed a little before scratching the back of his own head. "Yeeeeea~ about that, uhm..." He looked at Twilight with a soft sigh. "See Twilight, I was thinking maybe I'd just stay here again, after hearing about what happened to you guys last time you went to that place; eeeeeh not really to my liking. Plus, I think I'd rather just relax here with the house all to myself. You know, big events, King Sombra, Queen of Changelings, over some nice gems and quiet relaxation." Rainbow gasped as she raised a hoof at Spike in a offended manner. "Why Spike! I outta!" Twilight giggled as she looked at Spike with a humored smile. "Haha; it's quite alright Spike, no worries, we'll head on down there alone then. You just make sure to take care of the house while I'm gone alright?" Twilight and the rest of the mane six then turned towards the door preparing to leave. Spike raised a sharp thumb at Twilight with a smirk. "Nooo problem. You can count on me Twilight." With that the rest of the mane six left, leaving Spike to enjoy the house all to himself. As they made their way to the station, Twilight couldn't help but notice Discord wasn't with Fluttershy; did she leave him at home? Twilight raised a brow at the pale yellow mare. "Hey Fluttershy, where's Discord? Isn't he coming?" Fluttershy then shook her head as she shrugged. "O-Oh...Discord actually left quite a few days ago, he said he had some important business he had to attend to...." Rainbow then snickered some. "And you just let him go without asking him anything?" Fluttershy glared at the rainbow maned mare, a little upset by her proclamation. "W-Well of course I asked him! But...he wouldn't say...I-I trust he won't do anything rash, Discord is my friend, he doesn't need a babysitter, he can take care of himself." Fluttershy then smiled softly to herself. Twilight was satisfied with Fluttershy's answer as they arrived at the station, and coincidentally the train was just about to leave. "Well either way, let's deal with this business first, but most importantly, let's try to have a good time." The mane six let off small cheers, saying in unison. "Yea!" Rarity chuckled. "You know I will darling." Pinkie cheered. "Biggest, Party, EVER!" Applejack just groaned, as if she'd rather stay like Spike. And they all got on the train that left for the Crystal Empire. __________________________________________________________ Eve was currently sleeping in a nice, soft bed. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept in something so comfortable. She seemed to be alone, in an eternal state of absolute peace. It was silent, and the room she was sleeping in was gorgeous, with elegant furniture and the likes, it was the definition of perfection. But what was she doing in such a place? Well it didn't really matter, she tossed and turned as she snuggled into her pillow and smiled softly to herself. The morning sun's rays pierced through the window, irritating the baby draconequus's face and causing her features to scrunch up some, it was like a dream come true. And absolutely nothing could disturb that pea-"EVE!" Eve's eyes eyes shot wide open as she rolled out of the soft comfy bed; and whimpered with a groan. "Mmmmmm..." Standing in the doorway to that room was a brilliant azure mare with a cape and pointy wizard's hat. So, it appears the draconequus was still sticking around with the showmare. As Eve noticed she was disturbed, she then quickly came to her senses, attempting to cover her appearance, but she was interrupted. "There is no need for that! Now hurry! Come; Trixie requires your assistance!" Trixie exclaimed in an impatient tone. Eve blinked a bit, keeping the blanket risen, and a little puzzled by the showmare as Trixie looked at her with a confused look. But she grabbed her cloak from atop the sheets and covered herself anyway, pulling down on her hood, by this point being concealed was what comforted the draconequus most. But still, Trixie wanted to make it clear that whatever Eve may be, she didn't seem to care; what was with this mare, and what was she trying to prove? Eve simply looked at Trixie as she stood to her feet, then nodding to the showmare. "O-Okay..." Trixie smiled happily. "Good!...Well now then, shall we-" Eve interrupted her as she kept her gaze focused on the ground. "Uhm...Trixie? Why is it that you brought us here? I don't have much to offer you...and I doubt keeping me around is very good for you in the long run.." She looked at Eve with wide eyes, and even though she was grateful for the mare's unfamiliar kindness, she couldn't help but find it suspicious. "So why?" Eve hated sounding so privy when it came to the mare's business, but already the baby draconequus was going against what Zecora taught her. And Trixie had already gone way beyond repaying her, taking them to this beautiful sanctum of a city, gaining them passage in this mysterious gathering of a multitude of different ponies and races. Although as Eve expected, no dracoenquus besides her seemed to be present. Trixie simply kept silent as she looked at the draconequus with a blank expression. "Trixie is simply doing what she thinks is best. There is no other reason." And as simple and unsatisfying as that answer was, Eve couldn't help but feel the need to take her word for it. Trixie obviously wasn't telling her everything, but Eve still didn't find her untrustworthy, and even if something were to happen, the baby draconequus still had some tricks up her own sleeve. Either way, it was probably best they moved on, so Eve simply nodded to the mare with a apologetic look before they both made their way out of that room, and Eve pulled down on her hood. As the two of them arrived in the living room of the decent sized place they were staying in; they found that Kel and Lema were already waiting for them and ready to go. The changeling was currently enjoying himself throwing the fluffy pony up in the air and catching her over and over again, as Lema was chuckling happily as he did so. Trixie smirked. "Okay! Enough play time! Now that we're all ready to go, let us go prepare!" Kel couldn't help but cock a brow at the mare with a smirk. "And what're we preparing for exactly?" Trixie looked at him as if amused. "Why! A grand show of course! This place will pull in revenue and status the likes of which we've never seen before! Now come, Trixie grows impatient with the questions." Kel and Lema then stopped as they made their way over to Eve and Trixie, and the four of them opened the door to the the rest of the inn and exited out into the hallway of the inn's second level. "WHAT, B-BUT THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" Trixie and the other's all cocked their brows as they turned around to regard that voice, and standing not too far from all of them was a big hulking minotaur, accompanied by two goats. He pointed at Trixie as his arm trembled. "I-Iron Will wrecked you! There's no way you could've made it here!" Trixie then placed a hoof on her chest, laughing hoarsely. "You think the Great and Powerful Trixie stopped so easily you big brainless behemoth!? Oh no; you're nothing compared to the Great and Powerful Trixie, and when showtime comes, you will realize just how outclassed you are! Best pack up your things now, cause you'll be hightailing it out of here soon!" Iron Will's nostrils flared as he flexed his arms. "You think your measly light show will impress an audience of class!? The mighty Iron Will will show you what they're all really looking for in a good show! You're gonna get stomped so hard, you'll want to leave show business after Iron Will's done with you!" The mare and the minotaur then had a lengthy staredown, before Iron Will eventually shoved his way past the lot of them, moving down the hall and going to prepare for his own plans for later on in the event. Trixie watched him leave before regarding Eve, Kel, and Lema once more. "Come! We mustn't dally here in longer!" They all then made their way outside the inn as the beautiful Crystal Empire was finally revealed to them once more. The community itself was vibrant and booming with life, all around were concession stands, even large tents and singing stages for performances later on down the line in the festival. The Princess must've really planned everything out, there were even many other diverse races, such as gryphons, ox, ponies, minotaurs, hay; even a few younger dragons. Eve couldn't help but look down solemnly, noticing once again, that she was the only draconequus present at such a vibrant event, well, at least she could be mistaken for one of the other races as long as she wore her hood and shroud. Either way, there were actually also many more celebrities here, such as Photo Finish, Hoity Toity, Sapphire Shores, and even the Wonderbolts. It all seemed pretty amazing; and while Eve, Kel, and Lema seemed to be distracted by other things, Trixie wasn't wasting time. "Alright; let us hurry and prepare for la-" Kel then interrupted the mare. "Forgive me Trixie, there is something I must do first. I know you understand. Come Lema." Kel then picked up the little fluffy pony, placing her on his back as he made his way down a path leading further into the city, and closer to the castle in particular. Trixie was pretty much speechless, seeing as two of her loyal assistants just trotted away from her. "W-WHAT!? T-Trixie will not accept this! Eve go after the-" Trixie then looked to the spot Eve was just in to find that the draconequus had vanished now all of a sudden as well. The showmare's eyes widened as she suddenly looked psychotic, rising to her hind legs as she raised her forehooves to the sky, screaming in irritation. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" __________________________________________________________ Kel seemed quite serious all of a sudden as he slowly made his way to the castle, keeping Lema close by as he did so. The changeling's gaze shifted around the area as he noticed there were a multitude of different guards, Lunar, Celestial, and Crystal, so it was safe to assume that somewhere around here, Princess Celestia and Luna were also present, and that somewhere was likely in the castle no less. But why did it even matter? What was he up to? He then made his way into a dark alley between two larger buildings. He placed the fluffy pony on the ground, placing a hoof over his mouth. "Shhhhh...Lema; we're going to be playing a little game real quick okay?" Lema blinked at him curiously. "A game? Oh oh, I like games!" Kel spoke softly. "Yes; so do I, it's a fun game, one you can easily help me with." As Two guards were on their patrol nearby the castle, they stopped as they noticed a third of their ranks approaching from afar. He was alone, and he carried on his back.......a fluffy pony? One of the guards cocked a brow at their fellow. "What's that?" The guard with the fluffy pony sighed then smiled. "She's a part of some act apparently, bringing her in to go see if we can keep her in the barracks until we get a track of her owner." The other guard laughed a little. "Aaaah haha, alright, well, make sure you don't lose the thing!" The guard with the fluffy pony laughed as he made his way further into the castle grounds. "Haha, trust me, I wouldn't let it happen in a thousand years." With that the two other guards went back on their patrol. The guard with the fluffy pony then washed away his smile as his eyes alit a bright green color and he continued to make his way further into the castle, with Lema of course. __________________________________________________________ Meanwhile in the castle, standing at one of the highest points together on a porch that overlooked the entire city were all three Princesses. Princess Cadence, Princess Celestia, as well as Princess Luna. Princess Celestia looked over the beautiful city with a delighted smile. "Why it's just perfect Cadence, you and Shining Armor did a wonderful job with setting everything up." Celestia glanced over the city in delight, then at a strange coliseum shaped structure in specific, lying in the middle of an open field area not far from the city. Princess Cadence smiled softly at Princess Celestia. "Oh thank you Auntie Celestia, of course it was your idea we host this little promotion for the Crystal Empire, and it turned out excellent. I'm so happy you both were able to come." Cadence then wrapped her hooves around her aunt with a smile, closing her eyes as she did so. Princess Celestia chuckled as she patted her adopted niece. "We wouldn't have missed it for the world." Princess Cadence then looked at Celestia worriedly. "Auntie Celestia, were you able to inform Twilight and her friends about what I had planned for them? Are they on their way?" Princess Celestia nodded simply. "Mhm; actually, I wouldn't be surprised if they arrived here any minute." Princess Cadence sighed with relief. "Oh thank goodness; alright, please excuse me you two, I must go find Shining Armor real quick and tell him of the news." Princess Celestia smiled at her departing niece. "Take your time." And once Cadence was out of earshot, Celestia looked to her little sister with a soft smile and a curious look. "Sister?" Princess Luna looked over the city in a blank demeanor, devoid of any emotion, and it looked as if she were scanning over the city with her constantly shifting eyes, and then she stopped for a moment. "Yes dear sister; all is set for later. I do wish you would tell me more about why you're doing this, it really is quite strange." Princess Luna cocked a brow at Celestia. Princess Celestia chuckled. "All in due time dear sister, all in due time..." __________________________________________________________ Now Eve; where she'd run off to, wasn't quite as dramatic or mysterious; well as Kel. She was actually doing something surprisingly simplistic. She was staring wide eyed through a glass window at a wide assortment of different sweets. She seemed fascinated by them, as she was actually drooling a little. It was a candy shop; and probably the best one she'd ever seen, there were so many sugary delicacies she'd never even seen before collected in there. She couldn't help but stare at them as if she were hypnotized, and she even muttered to herself absently "Soooo...many...sweets...." The baby draconequus's gaze then shifted left and right as she began twiddling her paw and claw from beneath her shroud, and then made her way into the candy shop hurriedly. Trixie would probably be mad, well...Trixie could wait! This was a matter of life and death! __________________________________________________________ "This is absolutely awesome!" Exclaimed a horribly excited Rainbow Dash. The mane six were currently trotting through the streets of the Crystal Empire as they couldn't help but gaze around in awe. Well the trip in itself was simple, as usual, and now that they took the time to come here, they didn't regret it, not one bit. And even Twilight found this place very relaxing, even with so many visitors, due to the utter diversity of everypony, she wasn't even the center of attention, even being an alicorn. Everypony was far too busy with their own business to notice she had both a horn and wings, and she didn't mind that, not one bit. Actually she kind of preferred it. "Calm down darling, there'll be plenty of time for screaming and all those things later." Stated Rarity calmly. Applejack couldn't help but look a little overwhelmed. "Wow ya'll, this is pretty amazin. I never expected this whole festival thing to be this big, they're really goin all out with this huh?" Rarity replied with a smirk. "Why of course! Why wouldn't they?" Twilight chuckled "Well either way guys, let's first make our way to the castle, I'm sure Cadence is probably freaking out right now and-......" Twilight's eyes widened as she cocked a brow looking around. "Where's Pinkie?" __________________________________________________________ As Eve was still currently drooling over sweets in this magnificent candy shop; there were so many things she wanted. She sighed heavily as she realized she didn't have any money, there was really no need for it considering the fact she could just manifest her own food and drink if she needed to; but still, she never expected to find anything really she wanted to buy. How could she forget about her undying love for sweets? This complicated things. "CANDY!?" Eve cocked a brow as she regarded the customer who seemed just as excited as her when she'd first seen this place. And this customer definitely did seem like a strange one, a pink pony with a puffy erratic mane. "Hm?" "Oh my gosh! So much candy! I must have it all!" Exclaimed Pinkie Pie as she bounced happily all over the shop. She then bounced on over to the cashier and threw a bunch of gems all over the countertop. Everypony in the shop was completely shocked as was the cashier as he nodded to the pink mare. The cashier cocked a brow. "U-Uhm...w-what do you want?" Pinkie raised her forehooves to the air yelling. "As much as all this can get me!" The stallion cashier nodded with a smirk. "You got it little lady." And in a few moments he had many bags filled with stacks of candy as he handed it to Pinkie Pie with a smile. Pinkie snatched the bags from the stallion's hooves as she then didn't hesitate to dig in to her sweets. Eve stared at her a little dumbfounded; and shocked by just how much candy she bought and her need to munch on them all in the moment. Then Pinkie suddenly regarded the little hooded draconequus at the counter with her with a smile while munching on her sweets. "Would you like some sweets to!?" Eve's eyes widened as she then blushed, avoiding eye contact with the mare. "O-Oh no...no it's fine...thank you though..." Of course she wasn't going to be rude and get somepony else to buy it for her. Pinkie insisted however as she simply held out one of her bags, shoving it into the baby draconequus. "Here ya go! Sweets to go around! Hehe!" As Eve grabbed the bag of sweets she couldn't help but stare at it for a little while, still shocked by the random appearance of this mare as she smiled happily at her afterwords, chuckling some with a smile as she hugged the bag. "Thank you very much for the bag of sweets..." Pinkie saluted the hooded draconequus with a smile. "No problemo! Hehe..eh-" Pinkie's eyes then widened as she cocked a brow, due to the fact she recognized that voice, but she couldn't remember from where. She then looked to the little draconequus curiously "Hey, have I met you before?" The pink mare asked curiously. Eve shook her head, a little puzzled by the question. "N-No...uhm..I don't think so..." Pinkie then looked up pondering the idea for a bit, before giving up then shrugging and taking the rest of her sweets and bouncing over to the door. "Hmmm well, maybe nothin! Bye everypony!" She waved at them all then made her way back outside with a smile. As Pinkie was outside once again, Twilight and the others were already approaching the shop with worried looks. Twilight sighed heavily at her friend. "Pinkie! We've been looking for you, there you are; where'd you g-....oh..." She eyed the sweets with a somewhat annoyed look as she placed a hoof over her face then shaking her head. She simply turned back towards the direction of the castle as she groaned. "Alright, let's just hurry and get to the castle already." Rainbow fluttered over and smacked the Pink mare upside the head softly. Then the mane six departed to the castle once again. __________________________________________________________ Meanwhile in the castle of the Crystal Empire, there were two guards talking discretely, standing in fixed positions as if these were their posts. Not far from them; a little fluffy pony trotted around curiously, looking up at pictures and the sorts. One of the guards spoke softly to the other. "Is everything going alright?" The other nodded simply. "Yes; I've think I've found a few that would make her quite pleased." The first guard smirked. "Hah; she'll be happy to hear it I'm sure." The other laughed a bit before nodding and trotting off. "Well, keep yourself in the clear." And he made his way back over to the fluffy pony, picking her up and placing her on his back once more. Then heading further into the castle. __________________________________________________________ And Eve was now making her way out of the candy shop herself. That was a nice surprise to have, to have some random mare pop in; show a similar love for sweets then even offer her some out of the kindness of her heart, ponies were so random sometimes. Eve took a moment to relish in the bag of sweets; seems everything was going quite nicely today, she just had to stay alert, and keep doing what she was doing, simple; easy. Now would probably be a good time to go find Trixie again, considering the fact she was probably furious. But little did Eve know, she was being watched from afar, by a most shocking figure. Overlooking the entire Crystal Empire from his floating throne with an intrigued smirk was Discord himself. The older draconequus looked down at the hooded figure from the skies as he tapped his armrest with a sharp claw. What was he doing here? And what business did he have that required him to be at the Crystal Empire. As Discord sat there in the sky he cocked a brow leaning his head back for a moment, as if bored as he reflected on his thoughts. The older draconequus was thinking back on that time when Princess Celestia had asked him to stay in the castle; while Twilight and her friends went to go deal with Eve the first time around. Princess Celestia trotted over to Discord with a spiteful gleam in her eyes. "You knew how dangerous the situation could be full well, yet you let my student, her friends, the new elements of harmony, risk themselves instead of revealing this information. You recall the last time we let something like this spiral out of control?" Discord squinted at her somewhat. "Of course Celestia; hmhm,...how could I forget?" Princess Luna's nose wrinkled in disgust at Discord's smug persona. Princess Celestia continued. "I will not have another you on my doorstep Discord, I would prefer not to risk it and simply go deal with this myself but, my student is capable. She knows what needs to be done, but you, I cannot trust you with this task." Discord shrugged. "Hah; that's understandable, I get it. But to think, the kind hearted Celestia is finally being the realist. I haven't seen this side of you for quite awhile." Celestia glared at him before trotting past him and continuing. "I do what is best for my subjects, I won't let any harm come to them, you know this full well Discord." And there was a lasting stare between the two deities; as if they were both thinking the same thing. And their thoughts on that matter that day were never revealed in full detail. What was Celestia referring to? Discord cackled somewhat from his throne in the sky. "Why isn't this interesting Celestia, just how involved are you? I must admit that even to me, this is quite the shocker. Hmhm; this will turn out to be quite fun indeed." The draconequus then grinned simply leaning his head on his paw and sipping chocolate milk from a wine glass as if waiting for something. __________________________________________________________ As Princess Celestia continued to overlook the Crystal Empire festivities; she couldn't help but smile with that graceful, wise, insightful nature she'd always possessed. She simply looked down over everything from above, like a god watching over its world, and Celestia was waiting for something or somepony in particular. And soon those figures emerged from the crowds below, causing the Princess of the sun to raise her head in delight. Twilight and her friends were close, this was good. Princess Luna suddenly looked quite surprised. "Ah; so they're here. What now sister?" Luna looked to Celestia with honest curiosity as she cocked a brow. Princess Celestia chuckled as she raised and spread her forehooves in a unfamiliar manner, as if expecting a welcoming embrace as she simply stated. "We let events play out dearest sister, everypony has a role to play; all they require is a little assistance, and perhaps a helpful reminder." Princess Luna regarded her sister with a smile as Princess Celestia looked back at her with a humble nod. __________________________________________________________ A grumpy showmare sitting on a bench with her forehooves crossed looking absolutely irritated. A young baby draconequus munching on sweets happily as she made her way through the crowds. A fluffy pony and a changeling making their way through the castle of the Crystal Empire. The mane six attending another major event as they made their way into the castle happily; discussing the happenings with each other and what they'd be doing for the next few days during all the numerous events that'd be playing out. A wise cunning draconequus overlooking the empire from the skies. And the Princesses of the day and night overlooking the empire from one of the highest points in the castle. All of their ultimate goals; were still a haze to most, but were they different? And what were each of them planning to do with their time at the Grand Festivities? And what were their reasons for being present here in the first place. And what roles did each of them have to play in the future to come? Perhaps it was destiny that brought them all together here on this day at such convenient times; or perhaps it was a set plan from the beginning.....nothing was for certain... __________________________________________________________ As Princess Cadence rejoined Princess Celestia and Luna; accompanied by Shining Armor, she looked to her aunt with a paranoid look as if asking something that she knew required no words. Princess Celestia simply nodded to the ruling princess of the empire with a smile, then chuckled. "Yes yes Cadence, they're here, they are on their way up as we speak." Princess Cadence's expression brightened up as she clapped her hooves together in excitement. "Oh good good! Then let's get started then!" Shining Armor made his way beside his wife, but didn't fail to regard both princesses of the night and day with a courteous nod & bow as he did so. Princess Cadence chuckled as she looked down over her kingdom with a smile. "Attention everypony! May I have your attention please!" Everypony from below attending the festivities then turned to regard the ruling Princess all with curious looks. All of them feeling compelled to look in her direction. The gryphons of the eastlands crossed their talons as one cocked a brow to his fellows. "So that's the pony princess of this place huh? Pretty hard to imagine one so pretty and young looking is the ruler of this place." Vinyl Scratch was even present alongside a group of other fellow performers, the DJ Pony crossed her forehooves as she lifted her shades; revealing her alluring eyes. "Wow, she's looking pretty stellar." Eve simply looked up at the princess, taste testing her sweets as she was surrounded by a bunch of anonymous ponies and oxes all looking up at the crystal princess as well. Trixie regarded the Princess with a bored expression as she still seemed quite grumpy. Princess Cadence chuckled once more as she spoke out to the vast crowd. "I'd like to discuss the events we'll be hosting first and the schedule for the day! I hope you're all ready!.....It's time to get started!"