//------------------------------// // Reunion // Story: Princess of Peace // by Day Shine //------------------------------// Chapter 2: Reunion Twilight, Cadence and the others walk down the hall to the ball room, as they approach closer they could hear strange noises from the room. Questioning what was going on was futile since they knew Pinkie was in there. Twilight smiled as she opened the door seeing Pinkie standing in the middle of the large room, but her smile instantly vanished at the sight of what was in front of Pinkie. “Is that a bomb!” Twilight cries out Pinkie runs over to her friends charging as she shoves Twilight out of the way and slams the door pressing against it. “TAKE COVER!” She screams. Every pony ducks covering their ears, Cadence holds Star Shine close as they prepare for the explosion. A loud BOOM is heard in the room. Slowly everypony looks up and sees that nothing has happened. Without a word Pinkie opens the ballroom door reviling it’s perfectly decorated. “What was that?” Twilight asked baffled. “That Twilight, was my new and improved designed party bomb. Instant party in 3,2,1, PARTY!” Twilight rubs her ear as she notices Star Shine still cowering beneath her mother. Twilight kneels down to Star Shine. “It’s okay, that was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie.” Twilight reassured Star Shine. Twilight stood up and her and Pinkie giggled. The four walked in looking at all the beautiful decorations. Rarity took the time to compliment the extraordinary work Pinkie did with preparing for the evening. “Alright, I’m off to finish the dresses for Cadence and Star.” Rarity stated as she walked off. As rarity walked away twilight helped Cadence calm Star Shine as she continues to cower by her mother. “oh hello, how is everyone?” a shy voice says just barely loud enough to hear. Twilight and rainbow dash rejoice as they reunite with their friend Twilight asks excitingly “How are you? It’s been so long.” “It has.” Fluttershy responds cheerfully "But I'm good." Cadence and Star look around at the decorations and admire the simple yet complex beauty of the room. Pinkie spends the time bouncing around the room in her typical fashion making sure everything is in order as so that tonight's celebration may go off without a hitch. “hey birthday girl. Ready to turn six in 3 hours 12 minutes and 40 seconds?” Pinkie asks, her face centimeters from Star Shines. “I’m ready, this is a big occasion for you, I mean you only turn six ONCE and well your also the daughter of a princess and soon you’ll be a princess your self and-” “Pinkie!” applejack called “Don’t go scaring her again, remember last year.” “oh yeah, I remember. Heh heh heh, that was funny.” Pinkie laughed as she flopped over on her back throwing confetti seemingly out of nowhere, everywhere. “Aunt Pinkie Pie your mean!” shouted an upset Star Shine as she runs over and ineffectively boops the laughing pink pony in the head. Cadence looks at her daughter with a motherly glare making her realize her actions were wrong. Pinkie laughs off the attack and hops back up onto her hooves. Fluttershy and Twilight come into view as they begin to hear a low chuckle from everywhere. “Yay!” Star Shine proclaims hearing the voices “It’s Mr. Discord” her hooves clapping exceptionally of the surprise guest. Twilight slacks in her stance “Discord, reveal yourself immediately.” “Oh Twilight, must you be this serious all the time? Today is a day for celebrating, cheer, happiness and well for lack of a better word friendship.” Discords omnipresent voice taunts in his typical joking manor. “Now discord!” Twilight demands stomping a hoof in frustration. Discord complies poofing into sight with Star Shine in his hands up in the air above his head as she giggles to the suprising sight of her favorite draconequus. He lets go as she continues to sit in the air above everyone Cadence looks up in concern at her daughter freely sitting in the air despite her lack of wings. Discord gives a quick look at the other ponies and turns his attention to star “How’s my favorite little princess?” “Fine, how are you Mr. Discord?” she asked smiling greatly. Discord lightly tosses her up and down as she giggles while Cadence watches closely so that Star Shine doesn’t get hurt. Twilight watches slightly disgruntled as Discord and Star Shine laugh and play. “Discord” she says patiently waiting “Discord” she repeats slightly irritated as the laughter continues “Discord?!” “Yes?” he asks dropping Star Shine as he turns, a trampoline popping up catching her and making her bounce with a joyful grin. Twilight and Cadence breath a sigh of relief as she continues “Why are you here? “What, you think I’d miss dear little Star Shine's grand reveal birthday combo.” He answers Twilight scowled “Yesterday you said you were busy and wouldn’t be able to make it.” “I was, princess celestia had me busy all day yesterday, I meant I wouldn’t be able to help you pack up, but I would never miss little Star's party.” He explains turning toward twilight and the others. “Well at least you were able to make it” Fluttershy spoke up. Twilight released her scowl as discord tuned back to face star shine. Discord grins looking over to Cadence with his eyes than back to Star “I have a pre-party gift for you” with a snap of his fingers a long rectangular box with a bright velvet ribbon wrapped around it gently hugging the frost colored box. Stars eyes glowed with the sight of the gift “can I open it mommy! Huh, huh please, can I mommy please?” Cadence steps back slightly with her eyes toward the ground in thought “Oh- alright. Go ahead sweetie.” Star Shine grabs at the ribbon tail with her teeth holding the box steady pulling the bow undone, she lifts the lid off with her mussel to the sight of a small chartreuse cloth with a glittering chain neckless holding the end together at one side. Star and Cadence cocked their heads in unintentional sync as they wondered as to what it was. “Is that… a…… shoulder cape?” Cadence asked puzzled Discord picked up the cape showing it off “Oh, I do hope you like, I sewed it myself after a few lessons from rarity.” He pauses leaning down to fluttershy “That pony is like a drill sergeant when it comes to teaching.” he whispered to Fluttershy resulting in a small shared giggle as he stands back up. Star asks to try it on giving Discords heart a jolt of happiness as he draped the cloth over her shoulders and clicked the neckless ends together. Rarity walks over catching the sight of the gift. Holding back a mental vomit she critiques “Oh dear, why would you choose such a shade of green? Honestly I wish you’d told me of your gift, I could have helped. A better color would be appropriate as to off-set her mane or compliment her coat.” “Rarity; what in tarnation are ya whining 'bout this time?” The southern voice of a familiar friend vocalized. “Applejack!” the other elements declared together at the surprise. Rainbow darts over landing beside her longtime friend wrapping her for hoof around the apple farmers’ neck. Rainbow greeted her friend as the others gather around to reconnect with their old friend. “Aww shucks y'all it’s great to see you 'gain.” Applejack blushes a bit from the self-thought unneeded attention “Now what are you whining about Rarity?” “Me? Whining? ” she says with slightly exaggerated hoof motions “I’m not whining, I’m not even complaining. I simply am critiqued the color choice of the admittedly well designed gift Discord made.” “Right.” Applejack replied with a brow raised and slightly annoyed tone. “So – how’s living in the city now?” Fluttershy asked intently. “Oh, well I’m surviving. I wasn’t gonna just leave granny on her own in the big city.” Applejack explained. Rainbow chimed in concerning “How is Granny Smith?” “She’s doing better since yer last visit, but she just isn’t getting about so good anymore and I’ll be served up in an apple buffet ‘before I leave or on her own with no pony to help.” Applejack explains “And Applebloom?” Pinkie asked Applejack looks away a second “she’s doing fine. Her and Sweetie Belle are living together in an apartment while they go to school in Canterlot.” “Really?” Discord rebutted “Yes, it’s true after Sweetie Belle go a cantorlot scholarship for her singing, she moved here for school. Mom and dad were and still are very proud.” rarity explains Applejack speaks up “And then Applebloom wanted to move in with her so she’d have some familiar company. They only live ‘bout an hour away so it aren’t that bad.” “With her gone Spike's been helping Rarity more and more at her shop.” Twilight states with a smile “That reminds me; you said you needed to finish some of the dresses for tonight, are they ready?” Rarity jerks her head up a bit in realization “oh that’s right, I need Cadence and Star for the final fitting.” “Of course.” Cadence said with a chipper tone “Come along dear.” Rarity, Cadence, and Star Shine walk out of the room as and down the left hall. When they were out of sight the others took the opportunity to finish up their own work. Applejack returned to the kitchen with pinkie to finish the catering preparations, Rainbow took the time to do some flight exercises and Twilight had nothing to do and decided to go to the library for some light reading. As she made her way down the halls she took in the sights of ponies preparing for the evening and marveled at the beautiful paintings and murals on the walls. Passing by the throne room she hears a voice she hasn’t heard in years and decides to investigate. She peeks through the slightly open door as to not disturb the room occupant. “Mares and gentle colts feast your eyes upon-” the distinctive mare starts than pauses “No. No.” she clears her throat and continues “welcome mares and gentle colts, prepare to be amazed- no, no, no. prepare to be dazzled by the magic of the GREAT and POWERFUL TRIXIE!” she stops again. “Ugh! NO! This introduction has to be perfect. It’s not ‘right’ something needs changed, but what?” Twilight giggles a bit and walks in to lend a hoof “Good evening mares, gentle colts, and fillies alike prepare your-selves to be dazzled at the amazing magical talents of the great and powerful Trixie.” “Cute.” Trixie states teasingly as she turns to face twilight “you’re here for the young princess grand reveal I suppose?” “Duh, what could be important enough to miss it?” she answers Trixie smirks “thought so, and just so you don’t have to waste your breath, I’m here as part of the entertainment lineup.” She declares proudly “Really? Well if it’s anything like the last time you were on a stage.” “Let’s not grudge up the past.” Trixie interrupts “Trixie has no time for the past; she’s far too busy looking toward the future.” she states with a cocky tone. “Well, great to see you’re doing so well for yourself. If you don’t mind, I’ll excuse myself as so you may finish your rehearsal un-interrupted.” Twilight says with a smile as she turns to leave Trixie turns her head biting her lip “Twilight” she calls stopping the princess in her tracks “That introduction you came up with, would you mind if I used it in my act?” “Of course, I’m happy to help.” “Really, I mean, well it was pretty good but, I’m far from done with preparation so don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t make it into the final product. However I promise to try and fit a piece or two of it in, if I can.” Trixie states with an overly exaggerated tone of coolness “Whatever.” Twilight says teasingly as she rolls her eyes “can’t wait to see your show.” Outside Rainbow is practicing for the Wonderbolts performance during tonight’s events. “Umm, excuse me!” a voice calls form the ground. Rainbows ears perk to the calling pony and she darts from the oncoming ring toward the ground landing quick and stylish in front of the waving pony. “Hey there, sorry no time for autographs right now, I’m in the middle of prep for our performance tonight.” Rainbow explains The oddly dressed stallion looked over Rainbow's Wonderbolt outfit “Where are the others than?” he asked “I got here early to see friends.” She answers. “Say, don’t I know you. You look…familiar?” she unsurely asks pulling back her mask. The stallion grins embarrassed “yea, you probably don’t but it-” “No, hold on a moment.” Rainbow sits back on her hunches and taps her forehead with a hoof a moment. “Hayer. No, hay- Hay Shot! You’re that clown pony Hay Shot” He perks up immediately to the long time recognition “yes, ma’am that’s me, in fact I actually remembered you as well given your distinct rainbow flight streak. I actually wanted to thank you for what happened all those years ago.” “Really!” she asked pleasantly surprised “Yes ma’am!” he nods “You see I did so well at that party you ‘dumped’ me into that the little foils mom recommended me to some of her friends, one recommendation lead to a few others and BOOM I’m swimming in request. I got so popular that I actually had to hire ponies to take gigs for me. Here” He pulls out a business card and hands it to her “We got jugglers, mimes, clowns, ventriloquists, and a singing bear.” “Come on boo, we have to be ready. Come on” the trainer encourages The bear gives a loud annoyed grown as the trainer keeps on. The bear stands on its hind legs with one paw raised “do-re-mi-fa-la-si-do”. Rainbow looks in slight shock at the singing bear before ending her conversation with the clown pony. He thanks her for her time and they both continue to get ready for the evenings event. Celestia and Sunset stand in middle of a large room with a desk toward the right of the room with a large globe sitting gloriously at the far left of the room. The tile was patterned with a sun shape in the circular ceiling of the room as a light toned white decorative tile covered the floor under a magenta rug with teal trim on its boarder. Celestia giggles softly at the amusing story sunset regales her with “well, these humans you speak of do come across as humorous as they do intriguing.” Sunset blushes sheepishly “I…I would have thought Twilight had told you everything from her visits to the world opposite the mirror.” “She has, however I do believe you are far more experienced with such subjects than she is given your extended time in the world beyond the mirror.” Celestia complements. “Alright, what would you like to know about first?” Sunset asked Celestia smiles at her former student “how about we start with you. How have you been since entering this new world?” “It’s been- better since I accepted the others friendship, they gave me- they gave me friendship without condition, after I had been so…mean.” Celestia chuckles happily once again “it seems my faithful student twilight has a knack for making friends where ever she goes.” The two continue their conversation on as Celestia becomes increasingly engaged by the stories of her former students’ time in the other world, she started to see just how much she’d grown and couldn’t help a small proud smile crawling over her mouth. Sunset looked to her former teacher with a sheepish look before turning her eyes away “what’s that?” she asked as she catches the sight of something, walking over to investigate “is that a mirror?” “Yes” Celestia answered calmly. “It’s damaged. Why in all of equestria would you keep a damaged mirror?” Sunset inquired Celestia lowered her head in remorse “as a reminder.” Sunset asked what she meant by that remark and Celestia took a deep breath before answering “It is a reminder of my own thoughtlessness toward my sister Princess Luna. You see on that fateful night that she became Nightmare Moon I and a good friend of ours were trying to calm her from one of her rages, however when he went to soothe her she turned on him using her magic to throw him back and crashing into this mirror. Shortly after she performed a ritual turning her into Nightmare Moon and forcing me to banish her for a thousand years” Celestia gazed into the multiple reflections of herself and Sunset Shimmer. Sunset looked to the mirror than to the princess “who was the pony she threw into mirror?” Before celestia could answer, the door to her study opened as a guard walked in saluting and standing to attention. “Princess; your special guest was seen entering cantorlot a short moment ago” he informed with un-phased posture “would you like an escort prepared?” the guard asked unmoving. Celestia gave the guard ease and signaled for Sunset to walk with her “No, I recall he prefers to make his own way. He’ll arrive at the castle shortly before the event begins I’m sure. Besides I would much like to be there when he arrives.” “As you say ma’am” The guard salutes turning toward the door Celestia clears her throat causing the guard to whip back around into position “please inform captain armor he is relived for the rest of the evening.” The guard salutes the Princess once more as she gestures him to go on before leaving with Sunset through the same door. Sunset looks about the walls and their regale décor as well as the occasional window each with a gold colored seal and matching breakers dividing the window into seven sections, one on the top and three downward in a line on the left and right sides. Her gazes were brought to an immediate halt by the presence of the princess of the night. “Greetings thy sister” The dark blue princess exclaimed in her very well kept regale manor. “Good evening, Luna.” Celestia greets with a smile Sunset bows as she greets the lunar princess “hello, Princess Luna. It is a pleasure to meet you this evening.” Luna nods in appreciation of Sunset's greeting before asking her sister if she were aware of the time, Celestia informs her she is aware of the impending time and invites her sister to walk with them to the ball room so as the festivities can begin.