After an rather uneventful trip across the Exchange, other than a random bird bursting into “Ode to Joy”, the group reached their destination.
Almost immediately, Pinkie started rambling ”Wow, you guys took SO long! I could have walked here and back 10 times over!” She then proceeded to do so at a speed that Rainbow Dash just barely comprehended.
“We had to wait on the crowd to clear out, Pinkie.” Rarity stated as Pinkie finished her last lap.
“What crowd?” questioned the Pink Pony.
“You know, the one Discord turned into chickens” Rarity quipped.
“REALLY?!” Pinkie asked, astonished. “And I MISSED it?!”
“No, not really, Pinkie. He actually organized the crowd and got them ALL autographs.” Applejack still could not believe it herself.
“Chickens would have been fun” thought Princess Discord “Though short lived compared to what I have in store!” He grinned widely. Too widely for Applejack not to take notice.
“Discord, don't even think about it!” Applejack stated.
“Have I not proven myself already, Applejack. I was only wondering what we need a booth for!” Princess Discord stated rather abashed.
“Twilight was going to bring a few books to exchange instead of sitting in the royal box seats all day,” Fluttershy explained “We thought you could maybe trade them for something that would cheer her up!”
“By myself?” Princess Discord responded rather hopefully.
“Nope. Pinkie Pie has taken the honors to HELP you.” Rainbow smirked
Pinkie smiled and started hopping around Princess Discord ”Yep, it will be FUN. We can haggle with all the ponies and get the best trade for Twilight. I even have the official rule sheet and everything!! It will be just like baking a cake, which we should TOTALLY do when we get back!”
“I was going to go with Rainbow Dash and help her get a book she was after.” Fluttershy responded.
“And Applejack and I were going to go shopping together, maybe pull our resources for something really nice” Rarity stated.
“...And I get to sit here and auction off dusty books with Pinkie of Pie...” Discord recapped.
”It IS what Twilight would do...” Fluttershy stated, sounding slightly worried that Discord would not take to her idea.
“It would be easier to trick one pony instead of five...” Discord thought before replying.
“The idea is without flaw, Dearest Fluttershy” Princess Discord smiled.
“Thanks, Discord!” Fluttershy gave him a hug before she and Rainbow set off.
“We WILL be back to check on you in about an hour.” Rarity reminded Pinkie ”Do keep him in line until then.”
'Will do!” Pinkie saluted
Princess Discord and the Pink Party Pony watched as the two pegasus disappeared into the crowd, hearts set on attaining Rainbow Dash's goal. They then watched the farm pony and fashonista disappear in the opposite direction, both carrying bags full of useless bobbles to trade for an even bigger, though still useless, bobble.
“Perfect.” Princess Discord thought. He then smiled, turning to Pinkie “What do you think we can get for all these dusty old books, Pinkie?”
Pinkie was already WAY ahead of him ”OOOOooo! Any number of things! Maybe a treasure map leading to another treasure map that leads to a mountain made out of candy! Or maybe even a new tree house library for Twilight. Or maybe a castle! With my auctioneer skills I can make sure we get THE gift for Twilight!”
“Just for a pile of dusty old books? I`ll believe THAT when I see it!” Princess Discord challenged the Pink Pony.
“Are you questioning my skills, Discord?!” Pinkie had fallen prey almost too easily to his remark.
'All I am saying is that the proof is in the pudding!” jeered Princess Discord.
Pudding would have been good right about then, but so would putting Discord in his place. Pinkie puffed her chest up, threw on a flat top hat and mustache, and pulled out a cane.
“Don't say I didn't warn ya! Just stand back and watch the MASTER at work.” Pinkie shot back before launching into full on auctioneer overdrive mode.
The chaotic pieces to his plan were falling right into place, thought Princess Discord.