Our Chaotic Tranquility

by Edensola

Chapter 5: Oppurtunity

Discord; I trust you'll be able to pull this off without drawing too much attention.

Why of course Celestia; do have a little faith, these sorts of things are my forte.

I've noticed. The stakes are high Discord, but if done right, she can become a valuable asset. I don't want to let this opportunity slip away; it has been far too long since a draconequus has played such a 'different' role.

Why are you so insistent on this one Celestia?
What makes you think she'll go along with your desires?

Because she desires what she's been denied her entire life, she desires something that is not often seen in draconequus youth; and she chases after those desires relentlessly, even when she doesn't realize it herself. When she finds that her desires do exist; in the form of a pony no less, she'll be willing to stand for a greater purpose. She'll be willing to play her role for the greater good of Equestria. She cherishes the society I've created although she's rejected by it. She holds no ill will towards my subjects, although they have denied her time and again. She seeks to live the life of a normal filly, to find acceptance? Then she will do what she must to protect that lifestyle when it's threatened; all she needs, is a little guidance. Show a pure hearted draconequus her purpose Discord and you have; countless possibilities. Give her a title; and you have peace for all of Equestria.

Oho; seems you've done your research Celestia. I never imagined you'd find interest in something such as this.

Do have a little faith Discord, these sorts of things are my forte.

Hmhm; well played Celestia. But don't worry about me, I will do my part, just ensure that you do yours as well.

As Discord recalled that conversation, he could only grin. The time had come to make his contribution, and he would accomplish it flawlessly. He did have a particular enjoyment for these sorts of things; Discord was a good talker, and he loved flaunting it, even if it was just to himself. Either way he'd abuse the moment in full.

As he looked on from the shadows at the baby draconequus before him sniffle and cry, vulnerability always made way for a beautiful path to the emotions. The emotions were so easy to twist to your benefit, although he actually wasn't planning to use manipulation here; actually, honesty would probably work best in this situation. Discord then curled in his paw and claw as if preparing to cast a spell. And as he did this, a firework set off in the sky.

It was time to get this started.

Princess Celestia looked up towards the sky with interest, and as she saw the firework go off; a devious smirk creeped onto her graceful features. She truly was beautiful no matter the circumstances; Celestia was a master of her art, and she was meant to play the role of a god watching over her subjects. Her looks alone could accomplish wonders, and hide almost anything, her desires, her plans, her thoughts, it was impossible to read Celestia; and she found enjoyment in this fact.

Although she didn't consider herself manipulative, she certainly did find comfort in the idea this little talent of hers would keep her loved ones close and safe. For even now, she would use this talent to accomplish something that'd ensure her subjects safety. And her concern at the moment was her precious student, the element of magic & friendship. A shining beacon of righteousness; and Celestia would ensure Twilight would always have a guide; even if from the shadows. But there were also other desires behind Celestia's graceful mask; and she'd get what she wanted. The Princess of the sun then looked to her darling niece with a soft smile as she closed her eyes. "Cadence; I do believe it's time to start the first big event."

At this point even Twilight was standing beside the three Princesses, although the violet mare let her friends go and enjoy the festival without her, Twilight preferred to be beside her loving mentor. She simply looked up at Princess Celestia in puzzlement as she wondered why her teacher needed to be the one to point out the time it was to start an event for Cadence's festival. Eh; it was none of her business, and not really a big deal; but still, Twilight couldn't help but wonder. "What's the first big event anyway?" Twilight asked in a curious tone to follow up on her thoughts.

Princess Celestia looked down at her once student with a humored look, she tilted her head towards Twilight as she spoke. "The Coliseum Event Twilight; it will be quite interesting I believe. It is not often we look at the old tradition of dueling with positivity, it's time we were reminded that fighting doesn't always need to be about conflict, but more so friendly competition. Simple sport in some circumstances; it truly does make for some 'different' form of entertainment."

Twilight cocked a brow at Princess Celestia. "Wait! So the first event is a dueling tournament?"

Princess Celestia chuckled. "You could say that...."

Twilight suddenly seemed worried as she looked down over the balcony towards all the ponies and different races. "But; isn't that a little dangerous Princess Celestia? We'd be promoting violence in general, a-and somepony could get hurt."

Princess Cadence cut in. "Don't worry Twilight, Auntie Celestia and I have already discussed our concerns involving the coliseum event. It may seem like we're promoting violence, but in truth we're actually promoting the exact opposite. We want the dueling to be seen as a sport, it'll be friendly, there won't be any real danger of the sort, just simple duels to bring out the excitement in something everypony often looks down upon." Princess Cadence then nudged Twilight playfully. "Plus you can't deny you're a little excited to see a bunch of hunks get down and dirty in the field!"

Twilight gasped, a crimson blush appearing over her features as she immediately avoided eye contact with the fellow alicorn. "C-Cadence!"

Shining Armor laughed abruptly. "Ahahaha; no need to get upset Twiley, we're just playing with you! Just a little family fun is all. And try not to worry about the coliseum alright, the guides given at the gate give a detailed overview of the entire thing, everypony will know it's just plainly for sport, no different from a little intense wrestling. No need to get worked up about it, trust me, I worked on the rules myself, and you'll see it's all good when we get there."

Twilight looked to her brother worriedly before just sighing and closing her eyes; nodding simply. "Alright alright; I understand what you're all saying. So do we just head on over there right now?"

Princess Celestia nodded. "Yes; but first, Cadence?" She looked at Cadence with that familiar smile.

Princess Cadence nodded. "Of course Auntie." Cadence then clapped her hooves as her horn began to glow faintly. And as she did this, a siren started to ring out across the entire empire, baring with it a message.

VREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEM!

"Attention everypony; attention! If you happen to be interested in the first big event of the day, The Coliseum Event will be starting shortly. So I suggest that if you want to see some intense dueling go down; you make your way over to the south-eastern fields and head straight to the coliseum, you can't miss it! And I suggest you hurry, unless you want to miss your chance at getting the good seats hehe."

The message then continued to run on repeat for a few minutes afterwords.

Trixie was laying on her side, with her head buried in her forehooves as she groaned. She was at one of the staging area for later; close to Vinyl Scratch and some other celebrities as she couldn't help but find some peace in this place compared to the rest of the festival. Why did she feel so horrible? This is why she should've never gotten involved with stupid Twilight Sparkle's ideals. They just weren't meant for her; but she was also worried. She'd brought a baby draconequus into this highly populated area, who knows would could happen if she let it wander around alone. But Trixie also felt quite conflicted, Eve seemed so nice, to think she was a draconequus was so weird for the showmare. She just continued to lay there lost in her own thoughts, groaning in irritation and annoyance as she reflected on those thoughts.

"Hey; Trixie, what're you doing?"

Trixie lifted her head tiredly in order to regard the voice. And as she did, she found looming over her was the all too familiar Vinyl Scratch, famous DJ pony of Equestria. Although these two rarely saw each other, they were still acquaintances, running into one another at different times. They both were involved in the entertainment business in some way, so it was only natural. Standing beside Vinyl Scratch was Octavia; silent and regarding Trixie with a simple nod before looking away once again. Trixie just kept silent, looking up at Vinyl.

"Wanna come with us to the coliseum event? You aren't looking too hot haha." Vinyl exclaimed as she chuckled a little afterwords; lifting her shades to get a good look at the sickly Trixie.

Trixie thought about it for a moment, and found she was too tired to really dwell on it. Perhaps this event would take her mind off the whole Eve fiasco. "Sure; why not." She stated plainly in a depressing tone.

Vinyl smiled; happy to see Trixie decided to come along. "Radical, well let's head on over there to get some good seats."

With that the three ponies made their way way up and towards the coliseum, along with a fellow migrating crowd heading in the same direction.

As Kel was just finishing his relocation spell for the tome. He smiled, patting his hooves together in acknowledgment of his accomplishment. "Alright; good, the Queen should be receiving it any minute n-"

VREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEM

Kel, Silver Shade, and Lema looked up in regards to the sudden sound of the siren.

Kel cocked a brow. "What the heck is that?"

Silver Shade sighed closing her eyes. "Just the beginning of the first event. Guess that's my signal to get on out of here as well; before Princess Luna starts getting suspicious about what I'm doing." The disguised changeling then turned away as she made her way out of the chamber before turning back to regard Kel and Lema. "Hey; who are the others with you guys anyway, I forgot, you failed to mention them to me."

Kel's eyes widened as he laughed softly. "Ah; about that. Get this, one's a showmare, but the other....she's a draconequus!"

Silver Shade blinked, obviously surprised. "A draconequus? Really?"

Kel smirked. "Yep, an actual draconequus."

Silver Shade looked up for a moment. "Huh...weird...anyway; I have to go you two, Kel; stay safe you hear?"

Kel regarded her with a nod and smile. "You know I will."

Silver Shade smiled at him, closing her eyes a little forming an affectionate look.
She then looked ahead once more as she disappeared in a poof of black smoke.

Lema then buried her head into Kel. "C-Can we leave now?"

Kel laughed and leaned his head back a little to regard the fluffy pony. "Yea yea; let's get out of here, I think we're overstaying our welcome anyway. Let's go find the others; hopefully they haven't gotten into any trouble."

And so the two began making their way back down the path they came, and out of the castle.

VREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEM

Eve didn't acknowledge the sound of the siren, or the message. None of it mattered; because she was leaving right now. She just needed a moment to regain her composure. It was time to stop being stupid, she was tired, she didn't want to go through that again. It was time to get back on course and head north, hiding away in the crystal mountains alone was better than this, than dealing with this. What was the point of even trying; there was none. She just sniffled as she climbed to her feet and rubbed her eyes one more, preparing to lift off into the sky.

"Aaaaw; how tragic. Sniff sniff, that was almost as bad as my soaps."

Eve froze up as she felt a shiver run down her spine. Somepony was here the entire time? How did she not notice? But that was impossible; she was certain her and Trixie were the only ones present in this secluded area. Eve then turned to look at the eavesdropper as what she saw caused her to let off a small shriek of fear. "A-Ah!" She fell to her side, causing her hood to fall again as she scurried backwards hurriedly as she looked up at him.

A-Another draconequus?!

Eve pointed her claw at him as she trembled. "Y-You're a...you're a-"

"A draconequus, yes yes; what? You didn't think you were the only one did you?! Hah how funny!" Discord then snapped his claw as a throne appeared and he slithered atop of it, then crossing his legs with a smirk. "And not only that; but I'm a draconequus who's allowed to live with the ponies! Pretty cool huh? Oh; if only you had such a privilege!"

Eve stood as her expression then sunk. But wait.

What did he just say? As she thought about it; she reacted with disbelief. "W-Wait! You're...you're allowed to walk around?" Eve suddenly started to smile faintly, as if filled with a small sliver of hope once more. She wasn't thinking straight, and she actually looked like she was slowly being overcome with dementia. "Have you come to help me? M-Maybe you can...you can...get them to like me to? Please?...Please...I'll do anything you want! I don't care...all I want is for them to like me!" As she looked upon the older draconequus, she found it surprising that not even she was as curious about who he was, or what he was doing here, why he was watching her. All she heard was the fact he had the privilege to live amongst the ponies. It was as if at this point, that was all that she could hear, it seemed so unfathomably impossible to her that it was all she could focus on. Her whole life was built on the idea of expecting to be rejected, now there was one claiming he got what she'd wished for her whole life?

And the slightly psychotic look of the baby draconequus actually caused Discord to scurry and slither behind his floating throne, peeking over the top. He put out his paw in front of Eve as she approached. "Whoa whoa whoa! Now hold on a second!...Eheh; never said that they liked me, only that I had the privilege to live amongst them. Don't get your hopes up now." Discord then snapped once more as he appeared behind Eve; lowering himself and then running his sharp finger down the baby draconequus's cheek. "But, I knew you'd be interested in that little piece of information. Maybe you're also interested in becoming like me hm? Becoming one with the ponies you seem to love sooooo so much...." Discord then stood, poofing back atop his throne. "Which I personally don't understand! I mean? What makes them so special anyyyway?!" He shrugged as he popped a glass of chocolate milk in his paw and began sipping on it. "Either way, yes; I do know one who could help you; if...you're willing to return the favor."

Eve didn't even know how to really react to this entire scenario. She hated this, why did everything have to be so complicated for her? Did everypony just hate her? Who was this weird draconequus? Couldn't they just do it to be nice? No; of course not. This whole situation just popped up seemingly out of nowhere. And another draconequus who claimed to be able to live amongst the ponies, and offering her the same at a price? What was this, some cruel twisted joke? Or perhaps she was actually losing her mind and hallucinating. Wouldn't be surprising considering how demented she felt at the moment.

The baby draconequus was cursed by nightmares where a mysterious mare called her a monster and the only nice one constantly disappeared before her, not even in her sleep could she find peace majority of the time. She couldn't recall many of her memories; her past like a shattered puzzle with images that made no sense. Now Trixie left because of what she was, she was forced to hide from everypony. She was a monster; a shunned piece of society that they wanted to consider non-existent. Maybe anypony would slowly start to succumb to madness and lose their mind in such circumstances. But even so, Eve wasn't a complete fool; she didn't know this creepy draconequus, and Zecora taught her well, she just wasn't going to simply go along with this. "No offense mister, but why....should I believe anything you say?" The baby draconequus questioned in a cold emotionless tone. Although it was kind of funny considering how childish Eve's soft voice was.

Discord enjoyed this; oh, so the first sign of a change in her? How interesting, he certainly did enjoy a bit of character development here and there, and now he could only feel more intrigued by what Celestia was planning to do with this little version of him. Her fragile shell could be twisted in so many ways, her frail mind was ripe for the taking, and a perfect little toy to play with, and a surprisingly dangerous one as well. The draconequus just continued to sit in his throne; a devious grin creeping onto his face as he tapped his sharp claws and paw stubs rhythmically in recurrence. "Because; I also know about your memories."

Eve's eyes widened. W-What?....

Discord cackled as he raised his arms to the air with laughter. "Ahahahaha! Yeeeeees!" He pointed at her in delight. "Now that's the expression I wanted to see! Now you're really getting it. Well, let's talk business shall we?"

Eve was silent as she looked up at him wide eyed; nervously.

Discord cocked his head to the left. "You see Eve; this special somepony can also return your memories to you. There are many things that are possible in a world filled with magic and chaos! You just have to find them, and build a few connections along the way. Luckily for you, this special somepony has shown a great interest in your life. She's seen your struggles. She's seen your sob stories, and most importantly-" Discord cackled a little. "She's seen your potential. Draconequus are not often like you, in all honesty your personality is quite dull compared to what you should be like. Maybe if you had a better upbringing, eh! No matter. Anyway; she's willing to offer you a chance! If you're willing to take it."

Eve was still quite suspicious about the draconequus; but how he spoke with such confidence, such understanding, and such recollection of who she was; was ultimately intimidating, and horribly convincing. Eve gulped; and she wanted to deny him, to be able to say no and just walk away. This was far too sudden, and far too weird to be anything good. But; he was like her, and he was claiming that somepony actually gave him his acceptance. He was claiming that there was somepony out there that could actually turn her life around completely if they willed it so. In short; she was receiving the best offer she'd ever heard in her life, if she could accomplish whatever this somepony wanted, then she'd finally be able to escape.

She could escape the persecution and ridicule, well maybe not entirely, but she had a place to start. And she could finally regain her memories and find out who that caring pony was, maybe....they could be together? It was all so fleeting; and so random for the baby draconequus, but how could she turn it down? This sounded too good to be true, but she didn't want to just throw it away. And she wasn't the one controlling the way the game was played; she was just one receiving an offer, and if she refused, who knows if she would ever get it again. She couldn't overthink this, so Eve looked up at him and simply nodded; gulping once more as she looked at him wide eyed with determination, speaking softly. "U-Uhuh! Okay! I'll..I'll do it! I want to meet this special somepony! I'll...I'll do whatever she wants,...I...I just want to be normal...I just want a chance....to earn their acceptance as me! A real chance. And..I want my memories to make sense!" She bit her lower lip nervously.

Discord smirked at Eve, crossing his arms. "Good! She knew you'd see things her way. A little demanding but, you can make up for it. Well....let's get started then shall we?"

Discord then snapped his claws, transporting the both of them to another location, a very unfamiliar one.

Eve looked around, and it was like the place they were just at; in the sense it was dark and recluse but, other than that it was pretty strange. They were obviously in a vast empty room of some sort, and the only way out was a massive locked door at the opposite end of the room and a smaller one behind them. There was also the sound of; cheering? Eve looked up as she definitely could hear the sound of cheering above her. Where were they, and what was this task she needed to accomplish?Her expression sunk; psh, whatever it was it likely wasn't going to be good, or easy. Was anything ever easy? She couldn't help but smirk humorously at the thought, maybe she should adopt the name 'Unlucky Thirteen'.

Discord sighed. "The first task is quite simple really, and pretty self explanatory, as you'll find out in a moment."

Eve looked up at him curiously. "Erhm....will I be able to meet the special somepony?"

Discord smirked then nodding. "Why of course; well, if you succeed that is." He then snapped his claw again as Eve's clothes suddenly changed.

The baby draconequus was suddenly decked in crimson robes with a more elegant design. And her hood was more reliable, being much more thick and able to hang over her head to conceal her appearance easier. They were absolutely beautiful pieces of clothing. Eve looked over herself in awe as she bounced, levitating with a happy and delighted smile. She went up to Discord chuckling playfully. "W-Wow! Thanks mister!"

Discord closed his eyes with a smile. "Bah; don't thank me yet! That's just to help you put on more of a show for your audience. You see Eve; this task will place you in dire circumstances, and you will be faced with impossible odds. But it will prove you're capable of handling yourself, and your magic. To everypony else they'll simply be watching a performance, nothing will be at stake, but for you....hmhmhm; not so much."

Eve was confused, she cocked a brow at him. "Huh? T-Then what do I do?"

Discord simply stated. "Make it to the end of course. Ahahahaha!"

Eve's eyes widened as suddenly the massive door to this once sealed room opened. And a blinding light covered the opening. Eve couldn't even see what was outside as the sounds of the cheering only got louder. She sighed as she shaded her eyes with her paw looking at the open space. She then glanced back at Discord. "Mister I dont under-...."

Discord was already gone.

Eve repeated "Mister?...."

"Miss Cherilee! We're watching a movie!?" Asked an excited Applebloom as she leaned up on her desk.

Diamond Tiara scoffed; followed by a chuckle. "Hah! I didn't even know farm ponies knew what movies were. Seeing as you're all more rural and all..."

Silver Spoon gave Diamond Tiara a highhoof.

Applebloom snapped at Diamond Tiara. "H-Hey! We do to watch movies and stuff! We don't live under rocks or nothin!"

Diamond Tiara leaned back in her seat, shooing in Applebloom's direction with a hoof. "Beneath rocks, on farms, same thing."

Applebloom gritted her teeth at Diamond Tiara. "Why I outta!"

Cheerilee then cut in as she dimmed the lights of the classroom with a chuckle. "Now now, calm down you two. This isn't a movie anyway; we're watching something a little special today."

Twist then clapped her hooves in delight. "Oh oh! Shpeshal? That shounds very informative!"

Diamond Tiara smacked Twist upside the head. "Quiet nerd!"

Scootaloo then smacked Diamond Tiara upside the head. "Quiet loudmouth!"

Diamond Tiara's eyes then widened as she whined. "Miss Cheerileeeeeee~ the blank flank hit meeee!"

The class then erupted into discussion; talking and arguing with one another.

Cheerilee sighed as she moved the TV to the front of the classroom, then turning it on. "Quiet everypony, I want you all to pay attention to this. Coliseum bouts have been an outdated tradition since the last of the swordsmares; I want you all to know you'll be witnessing history in the making here."

Diamond Tiara groaned heavily, face-planting her desk.

Rumble moaned in complaint. "Miss Cheerilee! That sounds so boring, can't we just draw or something?"

Cheerilee shook her head. "No, this is your assignment today. Just try to bare with it, you'll be happy you watched it when you're older and you can talk about it." Cheerilee however was quite interested in the Coliseum event seeing as she'd been following the festival's progress through other means. So in a way, she was just sneaking in a free day not to miss this, and also educate her students a little. "Also there'll be a test on this everypony, so pay attention."

Of course; the dreaded movie test announcement, as always.

The class whined and groaned, half of them face planting their desks like Diamond Tiara, who still had her head lowered.

Cheerilee then made her way back to her desk as she sat, looking at the TV with a smile.

Suddenly appearing on the screen was a pony dressed in a fancy business suit, or basically like a news reporter as her mane was fashioned into a ponytail. She had a caramel colored coat and her mane was dark brown, she even wore glasses. She held the mic in her hoof, being an ordinary earth pony. "Good afternoon everypony! Nancy News here bringing you live coverage of the amazing sporting events at the Grand Festival of the Crystal Empire! It's an absolute riot here at the coliseum seeing as this will be one of the first arena style dueling events since ancient times! A little more modern for our own enjoyment of course!" Nancy News was currently standing in the highest row of the coliseum, able to overlook everything from atop as all the seats were packed with ponies and other races alike. The bouting area in itself was absolutely marvelous, being made of crystal tiles, even with built in barriers, pillars, and other small structures that could be used at the contestants convenience. Standing in a tall box shaped tower as if private seating were the mane six as well as all the Princesses, overlooking the coliseum with smiles.

Applebloom shouted with excitement. "L-Look it's Applejack!"

Then Sweetie Belle. "And Rarity!"

Then Scootaloo with a cheer. "And Rainbow Dash! Haha awesome! Of course they'd get the best seats!"

The cutie mark crusaders suddenly had fascinated expressions as they looked at the TV in awe.

This caused Cheerilee to smile, but she couldn't help but groan a little at the sight of Princess Twilight.

Nancy News chuckled. "So without further adue, we present to you, The Coliseum Event!"

And so the class and Cheerilee looked at the TV, witnessing history in the making.

Trixie was currently sitting with Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. Although Trixie seemed to be enjoying herself, she still seemed a little distracted by something which irritated her. Why couldn't she just forget about it? She sighed heavily as she just continued to attempt to block the thoughts out of her mind.

Lema and Kel were actually in one of the top rows, attempting to catch sight of Trixie.

Rainbow was sitting in her seat with a giant foam finger, a whistle, and a cup hat as she cheered and raised her forehooves to the air. "Alright; let's get it started! Wooooooooo! Haha this is so awesome!" She exclaimed with a eager grin as she looked to Applejack who also seemed pretty pumped.

Applejack cheered out as well, spinning a hoof in a rotative motion. "Haha! Give it your best shot ya'll! Woooooo!" She then looked to Rainbow as they smiled at one another. Applejack actually had some face paint on, obviously they'd been enjoying themselves partaking in the different things at the festival. "Shucks, can't believe I almost missed out on this whole thing."

Rarity was currently dying of heat exhaustion as she fanned herself in the back of the nice tower they were sitting in. She was laying on a couch as her tongue lapped out like a dog. "Uuuuugh...but this heat is absolutely dreadful.....huff huff..." She then motioned to Fluttershy. "Could you flap a little harder darling?"

Fluttershy was currently flapping Rarity with a fan at her opposite end.

Pinkie hung over the edge of their little private seating area with a smile. Cheering as she looked at the crowd sitting in the multiple rows below. "Wooooooooo! Are you all ready to par-tay!?"

Twilight groaned as she snapped. "Pinkie!" She then used her powerful magic to poof the mare back over into a safer location. Twilight then looked up at Princess Celestia with a soft smile.

Princess Celestia regarded her student with a simple nod & smiled back as they both looked over the entire bouting area waiting for the event to begin.

Princess Luna was silent, her mind being focused on other things; when suddenly a bat pony appeared at her side, saluting her with military baring. Princess Luna cocked a brow at the pony. "Silver Shade....where've you been?"

"Forgive me Princess! I was doing a quick patrol checkup throughout the castle grounds; to ensure no suspicious activity was going on within our perimeters." Silver Shade exclaimed.

Princess Luna still seemed a little skeptical as she sighed; nodding afterwords. "Very well; but inform me next time."

Silver Shade bowed. "As you wish Princess. I will continue with my patrols on the outer gates now; if i may."

Princess Luna nodded once more. "Of course; you may proceed."

Silver Shade then disappeared once again.

Princess Celestia chuckled, looking down at her little sister. "She is quite dedicated hm?"

Princess Luna smiled back at Celestia. "Why of course dear sister, Silver Shade's loyalty is unfaltering."

Princess Celestia smiled then looked to Twilight for a moment.
"Twilight, would you excuse Princess Luna and I for a moment?"

Twilight's eyes widened as she then laughed softly. "Of course Princess."

Rainbow and Applejack were now sharing a bucket of popcorn as Twilight let the two sisters discuss things in private. She then made her way over to her two friends, standing close beside them as they began to discuss their theories about the event about to occur.

Princess Luna peered down at the bouting grounds as she glanced up at Celestia. "Sister; do you think he succeeded?"

Princess Celestia smiled. "I have no doubt."

At that moment, exiting out into the middle of the bouting area were the rulers of the Crystal Empire themselves. Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. As they appeared, the whole crowd erupted into cheers from the stands.

Princess Cadence chuckled as she waved at all of them. "So I'm sure you're all quite eager to get this thing started; so without further adue! Let the games begin!" And she raised her forehooves to the air in excitement. Then flapping her wings and flying up to the stand where Twilight and the others were; her wings emitting of a beautiful pink dust that in some form, signaled the beginning of the event.

Shining Armor stayed down in the bouting area as he made his way to a sealed off sector, safe from the fighting and a perfect place to act as a referee of sorts. Shining armor then raised & swung down a hoof; blowing on his whistle as a multitude of doors outlining the grand arena all fell.

And as all the doors fell, the contestants one by one made their way out.

There was a gryphon as he waved at the crowd in determination and they erupted into cheers at him.

Then there was a minotaur; as he flexed his muscles at the crowd, smirking. They erupted into cheers at him as well.

Then a unicorn pony, who bore violet eyes, a pink mane and a white coat. The one who possessed the beauty of a princess as she now surprisingly wielded a sword attached to her side. The crowd cheered just as much.

And then there was the final contestant; who was quite peculiar. She was small; really really small. Maybe even a kid? This caused the crowd to regard her with awkward looks before slowly erupting into cheers.

Eve pulled down on her hood with a horrified expression; she hated hated hated being stared at like this, and there were so many eyes this time. But she kind of liked the cheers; those were pretty nice to have. "Hehe.." She gave a cheesy smile to herself.

As Trixie looked from her seat, she seemed a little speechless. That;....that couldn't be? She was wearing different robes and they were just talking not too long ago. But who else would hide their appearance like that and happen to be the same height and size. It had to be her, but, what the buck was she doing down in the coliseum grounds!?

Vinyl cocked a brow from her seat with a puzzled look. "Whoa; a kid huh? She must be pretty talented to earn a spot in this coliseum thing."

Octavia's expression sunk. "But a child is a child; she shouldn't be down there, it's far too dangerous."

Vinyl laughed a little. "Guess you're right. What is she anyway? Trixie...what do you think?" After there was no reply; Vinyl looked over at Trixie with a cocked brow. "Hey Trixie? Trixie you with me? Helloooooo~" Vinyl began waving her hoof in front of the showmare; who seemed hypnotized by the little contestant.

As Twilight and the others regarded the contestants they all seemed pretty interested in the choices.

Twilight looked at the mysterious hooded child with a smile. "Oh wow; a...erhm...baby gryphon? Dragon? Upright filly? Either way; that's different. She must be really good at magic then."

Princess Cadence to seemed a little baffled by the little one; how did she get through approval? Hm; well as Twilight said, she must be quite exceptional at something in order to have done so. Princess Cadence raised her brow, lost in the thought.

Rainbow moaned in complaint. "Aaaaaw what!? If that little kid is down there participating I should be in there to! Dangit!"

Applejack crossed her forehooves in disappointment. "Shucks; tell me about it."

Fluttershy however grew extremely nervous as she looked at that mysterious cowled participant.
Not only was she young but her figure was;....horribly familiar. The shy mare started to tremble as the thoughts creeped into her head, that couldn't really be her could it? No; she was just paranoid, overthinking things, that was absurd. But still it was kind of sad to see such a little one involved in this supposed fighting tournament.

As Cheerilee watched the event play out on the TV she couldn't help but cock a brow at the little contestant smaller than the rest. She seemed so tiny, and it caused the mare to worry for her safety. Cheerilee also had a sense of nostalgia wash over her as she regarded that little figure, she looked a little like Eve when her hoody was raised. It was nice to be reminded of the little draconequus; even if by such a horrifying prospect and thought. She couldn't imagine how she'd feel if Eve actually participated in something like this, that'd be horrible.

Scootaloo rose from her seat. "W-What! That one looks like our age!"

Applebloom blinked. "Wow;...that's pretty amazin..."

Cheerilee then focused a little as she looked back at the TV. Hm; well she'd show off her stuff pretty soon anyway.

As Eve stood in the arena; she gulped as she recalled Discord's words. Make it to the end of course!.......

Then suddenly emerging from a gate of its own, bursting forth at the call of Princess Cadence's clapping hooves, was a nearly full grown muzzled dragon. It made its way to the center of the arena, letting off a mighty roar.

Eve cringed. Uh-oooh....t-this isn't good..... She sighed heavily as she twiddled her paw and claw. Of course they weren't going to make this enjoyable for her; but surprisingly she was more scared of being revealed to this crowd rather than the event in itself. She was confident in her magic, and of course she'd be gaining the assistance of these three others for this portion obviously. And it was muffled so it was fine; well......she hoped so...and she actually started to consider how stupidly confident she sounded. But Eve recalled what was at stake here, her future; her life, if she succeeded in this 'task', then she might just be able to be live like everypony else, she could gain so much from this.

She had to pull this off; she just had to. No matter how absurd the circumstances; failure wasn't an option for her.

So she put on a brave expression as she looked up at the Princesses and the mane six from her position. Pulling down on her hood; then nodding to them as she looked at the dragon with determination.

Princess Celestia didn't fail to notice that nod as she smiled. Her piece of interest had finally arrived.
Good Eve; I'm curious to see how you perform under a little pressure.