Our Chaotic Tranquility

by Edensola

Chapter 14: Recovery

CHAPTER 14: RECOVERY

"Where've you run off to?...."

Twilight sat near her study focusing on a laid out map of Equestria; she levitated a steaming mug of hot coco, sipping it with delight. Based on her appearance, the alicorn was still recovering from the attack on Canterlot; but thankfully fine. She was only covered in a hefty amount of bandages; still able to move about freely.

The light's of Golden Oaks Library were tinted, bringing about a mellow atmosphere in the place. It was an ultimately relaxing setting; satisfying. Generating the perfect mood for one to just sit back and go about their business.

As Twilight's eyes continued to scroll over the map, the door soon busted open; revealing a shivering baby dragon as he'd clapped his claws together, then rubbing them as if attempting to generate heat for his obviously cold body, ironically.

He looked at Twilight in concern before sighing heavily rolling his eyes; approaching her as if he wasn't surprised to see her acting in such a manner. "Twilight, are you still obsessing over this? It's been months; just let it go."

To this Twilight's eyes widened exponentially as she glared at her asssistant, obviously offended by his opinion of the matter. "Let it go? What about the families that'll never get justice Spike? Should they just let it go to? Should they just get over the fact that their loved ones are now gone and the one responsible is still out there, free to do it again?"

Spike stomped over to the mare; snatching up the map from her desk and then crumpling it up and tossing it behind him before crossing his arms.

Twilight gasped. "HEY! Spike what do you think you're doing!?"

Spike then made his way back over to the door. "It's Hearths Warming Eve Twilight. All I'm saying is instead of sulking inside here all alone, dwelling on things you obviously have no idea how to fix; how about you come outside and enjoy yourself instead? Everypony else is." He clenched his claws as his expression worsened and he grew silent for a moment. "And I'm not saying that whatever happened back then was for the best, but you almost died! Don't you get what that means for me Twilight? You all told me you were just going to hang out at some festival, then next time I see you, you're basically a trotting corpse. Princess Celestia told us she'd handle it; let her-"

SMASH!

Spike cringed as Twilight's mug slammed against the wall right next to him; shattering to pieces.

Twilight snapped back at him. "Princess Celestia wouldn't need to handle it if I'd just handled it the first time!"

The baby dragon looked back towards his dear friend; his eyes expressing something more emotionally troubling than before. "Twilight, you don't need to take care of everything. You took care of Nightmare Moon, You took care of Discord, You took care of Queen Chrysalis, we took care of that...evil king guy or whatever. You helped take care of a lot of things; there's no need to blame yourself because there was one instance where you couldn't fix everything. Twilight it's just-" Spike's tone died down once again as he seemed hesitant to speak. "Perhaps if even you lost, then it's saying something. Maybe we should stop for a minute, and read between the lines. There are some things not even you understand. You know this; so why's that so hard to accept when it comes to this Eve?" And although the baby dragon didn't go into what he'd meant by that; he hoped Twilight could figure out what he was implying.

Spike sighed heavily as he turned back to the door; making his way outside. "Anyways Twilight, I hope you decide to come out." And with that the baby dragon left his dear friend to go join the others back in the Hearths Warming Eve celebrations.

Twilight sat for a minute in silence; looking towards the ground as Spike's words actually left her speechless for the time being. Maybe it was time for her to finally let this go. Her gaze drifted over to the crumpled map in the corner with sad eyes before she looked back towards the ground. Eve..... Maybe; no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't figure this one out. Maybe; that was absolutely fine. Twilight hated the idea of no certainties; but, perhaps the situation now was for the best. She looked towards the door, before rising to all fours and trotting slowly.

And as the mare exited her home; she wore a cheerful smile as she trotted out onto the snow and took in a deep breath. She took another moment to take in the scenery; which was unsurprisingly beautiful. The cold fluffy substance that'd covered the entire area, the little fillies and colts going about their days building snowmares and having snowball fights. In the distance she could see Spike playing with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and using his burps to cheat nonetheless, this caused her to give a humored smile and shake her head for a moment. Even Rainbow and the others were having some fun, tossing snowballs, building forts; and just enjoying themselves in this time of peace.

Is this what she'd been missing out on the entire time?

And further in the distance, trotting down a path towards the schoolhouse was Cheerilee; conversing with a couple of her students alongside Zecora. Twilight looked at the mare observingly, and as Cheerilee glanced in her direction; Twilight hurriedly looked back towards the ground, avoiding eye contact with the schoolmare.

And as Cheerilee trotted down the path, chuckling every few seconds due to something one of the students said; she didn't fail to notice Twilight's nervous demeanor. Eventually she met eyes with the alicorn; and as usual, Twilight seemed reluctant to acknowledge her. But Cheerilee looked at Twilight differently this time, it wasn't a look of spite or hatred, it was a look of tolerance; and although they had their differences and disagreements, Cheerilee nodded to the mare simply, smiling afterwords.

This caused Twilight's eyes to widen as tears swelled with them.

Cheerilee focused back to her students as she trotted by their side, and they continued on their way to the schoolhouse. She looked to Zecora as well; smirking at the zebra, who nodded back to her reassuringly.

Twilight looked up towards the sky. Maybe for now; everything was just alright.....

__________________________________________________________

Discord was shivering outside Fluttershy's home as he manifested himself a fire for warmth. As his teeth chattered he wrapped his arms around himself and looked down at Fluttershy; who was tending to the chicken coop. "D-D-Do we h-h-h-have to do this now Fluttershy!? I mean it's freezing for pities sake! LITERALLY! How about we just go insiiiide, I can make a nice hot cup of coco and we can sit down; relax and watch a movie hmmmm? What do ya say!?" He spread his arms making the offer desperately as he continued to shiver.

Fluttershy backed out of the chicken coop before raising her head up and looking at the draconequus with a sigh; then shaking her head. "No no no Discord; we've got to make sure all the critters are comfortable for the winter."

Discord just covered his face with his paw before placing a claw on his hip. And in an annoyed manner; snapped his claws before regarding Fluttershy once again. The chicken coop turned into an extravagant mini-mansion. "Better?"

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"ALL HAIL THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!"

A crowd of ponies cheered before a performance stage within an elegant theater room; stomping their hooves in excitement as they all looked upon the finishing act of The Great and Powerful Trixie's performance.

Trixie chuckled as she placed a hoof on her chest, dressed in her usual getup as she took a bow. "Why thank you everypony thank you! You're all far too kind! Please stick around for a bonus! Just give Trixie a few moments!" Trixie backed up behind the curtains of the stage as she took in a deep breath afterwords.

Waiting for her backstage was a fluffy pony and a disguised changeling; both wearing cheery smiles.

The fluffy pony bounced happily on over to Trixie. "Trixie did good; Trixie did good!"

Trixie scoffed as she raised her head with a confident smirk. "Hah! Trixie always does good LemaLime, I am me of course!"

Kelax couldn't help but let off a humored laugh, shaking his head. "Who would've thought that the Manehattan audience would be this packed. You weren't kidding about the place being good for business."

Suddenly showing up towards the opposite end was an all too familiar Minotaur; a cocky sneer planted on his face. "Now what's this!? You chicken out at the festival and now you think you can best Iron Will here in Manehattan!? Hah!"

Trixie gasped as she made her way over to the hulking behemoth; pressing her snout against his angrily. "Why yoooou~ if you think Trixie was ever afraid of you, you've got another thing coming you brainless mongrel! I had much more important business to attend to rather than some measly little festival! I'm sure your show wasn't anything special!"

LemaLime and Kelax couldn't help but snicker in regards to these two familiar figures bickering as usual.

LemaLime's expression saddened as she looked to the ground, whimpering softly. "Mmmmm..."

Kelax looked down at the fluffy pony curiously. "What's wrong LemaLime?"

LemaLime shook her head. "Eve was nice to LemaLime; now she's gone, I miss her..."

Kelax smiled before lowering his frame and patting her on the head. "And I'm sure she misses you as well."

LemaLime looked up towards him. "Really?"

Kelax nodded before lifting her onto his head. "Yea; I have no doubt!"

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"My Queen; are you certain it was best to let Kelax go about his ways? His services could've been better used there at the hive rather than out in the field you know." Speaking through a floating mirror like image was the bat pony Silver Shade, having a serious mood about her. It was obvious she was in an entirely different location; and whatever method she was using to speak to the queen involved a very strong sense of magic.

The disguised bat pony couldn't help but shrug as she seemed a little disheartened by the fact her comrade was just relaxing somewhere in Manehattan. "Things are calming down again over here in Canterlot, the princesses are holding a remembrance ceremony for the lives lost in the attack. And since the failure of Operation: Harmony's Shield; Princess Celestia has been speaking of sending Herald back out into the field."

Queen Chrysalis snickered beneath her breath as she circled around her chambers deep within the hive. "Oh Celestia; how foolish are you to have given up so easily? Hmhmhm; this is perfect. Silver Shade, what've you learned about acquiring the location of the little creature? Any word on its whereabouts yet?"

Silver Shade shook her head. "Forgive me my Queen; still no sign of it, it may not even be in Equestria anymore."

Queen Chrysalis's expression sunk for a moment, her lips twisting into a frown. "That would make sense; either way seeing as Celestia has given up hopes on subduing it, then it's now ours. Ripe for the taking! All we need to do is find it."

Silver Shade seemed quite amused by the idea. "You sure that's wise my Queen?"

Queen Chrysalis scoffed; cackling heartily. "Ahahaha! Wise? This creature may have bested me the first time, but I learn from my mistakes unlike that blasted Celestia. Trust me when I say that our next encounter with the little creature will turn out far differently than what'd occurred in Canterlot hmhmhm. All we must do now is find where it hides; and I shall take care of the rest from there."

Silver Shade couldn't hide the fact she was certainly curious where Queen Chrysalis was going with this. "If I may ask my Queen; what is it you plan to do exactly?"

Queen Chrysalis formed a fierce grin as she turned towards her dear agent and chuckled. "Curious are we? Then allow me to give you a hint my dear changeling." And with that; from within the shadows Queen Chrysalis took on a particular form.

Silver Shade's eyes widened for a moment before she to smiled; now eager to see how things would play out. "I see, that certainly is an unsurprisingly simple method, I look forward to seeing what you plan to do with that form."

Queen Chrysalis cackled maniacally. "Ahahaha! Many things, I assure you."

And the two spent the moment laughing with one another in regards to their devious plans for the future.

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"Are you sure this is wise sister?" Asked a inquisitive yet worried Luna.

Princess Celestia stood; looking up at the shattered chamber door Eve had escaped from. By this moment in time the area had already been cleaned out privately; and all that was left was this hollow chamber, this magical room. The princess just continued to look up at the big empty space of a doorway; and as she did so, eventually she closed her eyes and lowered her head. "Yes sister, please; destroy it. We shall never use methods like this again, we musn't resort to methods like this ever again."

Princess Luna objected, unable to understand Celestia's reasoning. "But why sister? We can recover from this mist-"

Princess Celestia raised a hoof interrupting her. "I know where you're coming from dearest sister, but this is something that I feel; we must do. No matter what we may gain in doing otherwise." The princess grew silent before speaking in a regretful tone. "I stared into the heart of despair sister, and I see now; this could never be the way. But we shall recover from this, we'll do it on better terms this time, this time, we'll do things right."

Princess Luna made her way beside her older sibling; looking up at her worriedly. "Is that why you let the changelings go?"

Princess Celestia nodded. "Yes; perhaps even after all that is said and done, peace can be achieved by different means."

Princess Luna chuckled with a smile. "As always; I am by your side sister, for I know with you leading us, we'll always manage to find a way; no matter what troubles attempt to thwart us along the way. But what of the little draconequus?"

Princess Celestia's expression suddenly saddened as she avoided eye contact with her sister, simply looking towards the floor. "She-....She will be wanting nothing to do with us any longer dear sister; her future, is in her own hooves now. And I prefer we no longer disturb her, wherever she may be. That is for the best- although I do wish for another chance to speak with her. I know now that what I've created; is best out of our reach, not by us, not by anypony. I miscalculated...."

Princess Luna looked to Celestia once more. "And what of Twilight Sparkle?"

This caused Princess Celestia to pause for a moment; before continuing. "Twilight-...Twilight's decision is her own."

With that the two alicorns made their way back down the hall; towards the steps leading back to the throne room.

__________________________________________________________

The room was vast; in similar appearance to the Canterlot throne room. Past large multi-colored windows one could see the endless blizzard going about outside this hollow chamber.

Within, there was a solemn figure who was knelt down before a statue fastened in the middle of the large chamber room. The statue was made of a beautiful marble material, and crafted to perfection; it was a statue of a mare.

As the figure remained knelt before the statue, there was only silence; she had her hood pulled up and a cloak wrapped around her body as she just stayed there, lost in remembrance.

"My lady, others have arrived."

The cloaked figure's eyes widened as she stood; and she turned to regard the speaker. "Others?"

Standing in the doorway that led to this mysterious chamber was a dragon. He wore peculiar attire, surprising for a dragon since he wore any attire at all. He was far from full grown; and appeared to be quite the loyal subject. "Yes my lady; like many of your visitors, they happened upon the island, and were curious of what treasures laid in wait for them in this place."

The cloaked figure formed a soft smile; but her eyes seemed cold, hollow, as her blood red iris's focused on the dragon curiously. "I see; are they alright?"

The dragon stated simply. "Rex has engaged them. I am unsure if this group is capable of lasting long."

The cloaked figure chuckled as she made her way over to the doorway. "Then I'd better go help them hmhm."

The dragon suddenly seemed quite reluctant to let the tiny figure leave. "My lady! There is no need for you to-"

The cloaked figure interrupted him. "Thank you Mr.Talon, your interest in my wellbeing makes me happier than you could ever know." She looked back at him with a shrug, and childish smirk. "But I have a lot to make up for." As the cloaked figure made her way down the hallway leading out of her private chambers; she raised a claw in the form of a farewell. "Just stay here and relax Mr.Talon, I'll be back soon. I'm not that defenseless you know."

The dragon's brows furrowed somewhat; as he to seemed quite displeased with her departure. "As you wish my lady."

__________________________________________________________

Trotting hurriedly through the candy cane forest, was a group of very peculiar individuals; well trotting hurriedly wouldn't be a very good description. In short, they were running for their lives! From something quite intimidating. A pony, another pony, another pony, another pony, another pony, and a.....griffon?

The unicorn of the group known as Vova Light's seemed to be falling behind. She had a two toned scruffy pink mane, one side a darker shade than the other. Her coat a grayish blue color; she sported a purple ruby cutie mark. As she continued to trot and trot and trot, attempting to keep up as she did so; she looked to the sky and cried out. "All I wanted to do was take a visit to land of griffons! How did I end up in this situation!?"

Glancing back towards Vova was another pony, a pegasus in particular about to rise up towards the skies before taking a minute to regard her fellow falling behind. "Vova!? W-What're you doing, we gotta hurry!" The pegasus had a minty colored coat, while possessing a light teal colored mane. "Oh buck..." And as she made a sharp turn, she bolted towards the unicorn; unable to leave her behind. The things you do for kindness Minty. And as the pegasus flapped her wings as fast as she could; she snatched up Vova with a smile. Glancing down at her relieved. "Gotcha!"

Vova looked back up towards the pegasus mare with a smile as well. "Oh thank you so much Min-"

SLAM! And the pegasus and unicorn's faces were both smashed against a very large and thick candy cane as they slid down and fell, back onto the ground; both with twirling eyes.

Vova huffed. "-ty......."

Suddenly halting in his tracks was a turquoise colored earth pony; baring a dark auburn mane with a darker shade of red. He lowered his head as he looked back to see the two ponies laid out upon the ground with twirly eyes. "Y-You've gotta be kidding me." He closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath as he shook his head. "This is crazy, I didn't sign up for this."

Speaking up would be another earth pony, stopping besides his fellow. "I suggest we continue running Written Notes; there is no shame in a tactical retreat you know."

The earth pony revealed as Written Notes sighed heavily; followed by a groan. "It's not that I'm ashamed at the idea of running for my life, it's just I've never been that fast..."

The fellow earth pony raised a hoof. He perhaps bore the most peculiar yet simple appearance out of all of them, seeing as he had a snow white mane; albino coat, and red eyes. "I see; well that's pretty bad. I do hope you survive this encounter. Toodles." And with the fellow earth pony continued on his way, trotting along hurriedly at his liesure.

Written Notes didn't seem surprised for some reason. "Thanks a lot Free Will.....Good to know that you care...."

Trembling beside written notes with his head covered was a red pegasus pony. "Our chances of surviving this encounter rest at a bleak 14.3%! This is a disaster I tell you, a disaster!"

Written Notes cocked a brow at the pegasus pony. "Why don't you just fly?"

The pegasus pony shook his head. "I'm scared of heights!"

Written Notes covered his face with a hoof, unsure how to react to such a pathetic scenario.

As the albino earth pony known as Free Will continued to run, he soon ended up beneath a griffon; one that seemed to have the exact opposite appearance of him when it came to colors. This griffon had the body of a panther; and the wings of a crow, as well as black eyes. As the griffon looked down towards the earth pony, he yelled. "Where're the others!?"

Free Will stated simply; raising a hoof while running along. "They have fallen behind. We have left them."

The griffon stopped as he turned to look at the four others who'd fallen behind.

It was almost insulting how they looked seeing as two had been knocked out by a candy cane; while one was too tired to run for his life, and the other was-....well the other was simply doing nothing! He was a pegasus! Why wasn't he flying!? The griffon groaned, rolling his eyes. "WELL! THIS IS JUST GREAT!"

SLAM!

Yea; you know that horrid feeling you get when you know something bad is right behind you?

The griffon cringed; his talons crossed as he slowly turned to look at the source of that noise. And facing him would be a gigantic creature; furry like a dog yet it had no eyes and a very large mouth; baring it's terrifying fangs like that of a sabertooth's. It was enormous, almost as big as a castle itself as it'd roared in the griffons face. It's ebon black fur bristling with the wind; as it's roar seemed to imitate its own hurricane.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUGH!!!!!!"

Free Will smirked. "Well; this doesn't look too good."

A shiver ran down the griffon's spine as he snickered a bit beneath his breath and then suddenly went from that highly nervous look to a highly serious one, unsheathing a pair of hidden blades as he focused on the massive creature before him. "Well if you wanna dance big guy; I'm more than willing to put you in your place."

The massive creature spoke in a loud; booming voice, rough and almost inaudible. "None may disturb our lady's sanctum! She has accepted us when all others could only shun! She has given us clarity when the world had been nothing but a haze! She has sheltered us when all others turned us away! I will not allow you to leave and tell others who will most surely come and threaten the lady's life! You will all perish here and now!"

The group of individuals all regarded the creature with worry as some prepared to defend themselves while others could only be paralyzed with fear. But before the violence could ensue; a voice had cut into the conversation-

"Rex! That won't be necessary my puppy. I will speak to the visitors now."

The massive creature suddenly halted in its attack as it seemed aghast. "MY LADY!"

The group of six then turned, and making its way down a beaten path through the candy cane forest was a hooded figure. Eyes red as blood, and much of her appearance masked in shadow; while her body was wrapped in a cloak. "These ponies are probably equestrians silly; they're not dangerous hmhm." She then looked to the griffon in particular, as well as the earth pony with red eyes. "Well; some of them."

The massive creature bowed its head. "Forgive me my lady! I wasn't being considerate!"

The hooded figure smiled softly. "It's okay Rex; I could never be mad at my favorite puppy."

The massive creature then made it's way past the group of individuals; the ground trembling with every step it took as it frolicked with joy around its obvious master. "Your praise is the greatest gift my lady!"

The figure ran her claw down the side of the massive creatures head while regarding the visitors. "I'm sorry about Rex, he is a little scary when it comes to protecting the island." The figure looked to each and every one of them with a chuckle as she cocked her head to the right. "May I know what brings you all here?"

The griffon touched upon the ground with a furious look. "Name's Virmin! Pleasure to meet you; how about next time you get a couple of visitors you keep your buckin dog on a leash!"

This caused the massive creature Rex to snarl angrily in regards to the griffon.

The hooded figure just chuckled as she continued to pet the side of the massive creature's head. "As said, I'm very sorry about Rex mister, he can be a little-"

The griffon interrupted. "I'm not finished!...Also; how about you stop talking down to us you little brat. I don't get how some kid like you managed to subdue that freak of nature, but....don't act so comfortable, especially around me."

This caused the hooded figure's expression to become a metaphorical void for a moment, an emotionless mask as she simply said nothing while looking to the griffon. The very air surrounding the area began to grow hot and heavy before it'd returned to normal, the hooded figure just smiled as she chuckled. "You're right, sorry mister. Rex; would you please go back to the Chocolate Falls, I will escort these visitors back to their ship so nothing else bothers them hmhm."

Rex nodded as he took a moment to snarl at the visitors once again. "As you wish my lady!" And with that, the massive creature obediently turned; making it's way through the candy cane forest and into the distance from whence it came.

The hooded figure smiled. "Now; how about a little more sweets? Hmhm." Multiple lollipops appeared in her claws.

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As the hooded figure walked alongside the group of six; she wore a smile on her face, sucking on her lollipop.

Minty sighed heavily. "Candyland sure isn't what I expected..."

The hooded figure looked to her in curiosity. "Candyland?! Is that what they call it! Hmhm, how funny!"

Minty nodded. "Yea; and that's not all. They say a lot of weird creatures live here, uhm...I can see they weren't lying?"

The hooded figure nodded with a giggle. "Well besides Rex and Talon; there are many different types of creatures that live further off into the deeper parts of the candy cane forest. We have cockatrice, ursas, hydras, three headed puppies, dragons, manticores, quarray eels, parasprites and more! They're all friendly once you get to know them!"

Minty cringed "P-Parasprites?...."

The hooded figure nodded with a smile, raising a claw. "Yes; parasprites! But they live off in gumdrop gorge!"

Virmin couldn't help but feel irritated by the demeanor of this kid, his talons crossed, but this was a good lollipop.

Vova cocked a brow at the hooded figure as she seemed a little puzzled. "Excuse me; uhm, little girl? What're you exactly?"

The hooded figure's eyes widened as she looked up towards the unicorn curiously "Hmmmm?"

Vova blinked a bit before chuckling a little nervously. "I mean...what race are you?"

The hooded figure chuckled as she smiled. "A very strange one hehe. It's a secret."

Hal blinked; before nodding in agreement. "This would make much more sense; considering the fact few races would be able to accomplish such feats. The likelihood of you being something common is quite close to zero percent."

As Written Notes looked over this hooded figure observingly; he couldn't help but have a sense of familiarity coursing through him. Her voice, her representation, it all seemed so unsurprising, but he remained silent for now. She couldn't have been- no no no, that was impossible.

That thing was much more violent than whatever this little creature was; and the world was a vast place.
No; he must've been over-thinking things.

As they continued to walk; the hooded figure obviously seemed to be holding back her question, allowing her visitors to ask her whatever they liked as they made their way back towards their ship. The area surrounding them certainly was beautiful, open plains filled with nothing but imaginative creations that could've only been pulled out of a fantasy, but they all simply walked back towards the coast; just soaking in the atmosphere. It was comforting, relaxing.

Minty the pegasus flapped her wings as she soon made her way beside the hooded figure, glancing down at her curiously before giggling herself. She'd been observing from a distance for the time being; cautious, but she now felt comfortable with the idea of approaching the hooded figure, munching on a twizzler as she did so. "What is this place though? Why're you here? This all seems a little weird for a little girl to be commanding big ginormous animals and all!"

The hooded figure grew silent due to the question before speaking in a modest tone; her soft frail voice steady and full of clarity. "I'm just returning the favor is all miss. This island was created in order to house the creatures everypony would rather turn away. It is a home to those who cannot find one anywhere else! It will be here for as long as I live; and it will be here long after I'm gone. I don't plan to let anypony here fall victim to the judgements of the outside world once again."

The group of individuals looked at her as if she were crazy for a moment.

Free Will cocked a brow; seemingly interested. "Now that is quite something; for a kid to accomplish that is. You're pretty smart for your age, I to have seen quite a lot of things but even to me, this is very strange."

The hooded figured chuckled; obviously humored by the strange pony's comment. "Thank you! I have been studying a lot lately. There are a lot of things I need to learn if I wanna keep everypony safe!" She looked up towards the sky. "A long time ago; I met somepony who gave me acceptance within equestrian borders. I wish to do the same; give acceptance." She looked back to all of them with interest. "I did very bad things. I didn't know what was important, and I made a very big mistake. Even though I was given all the answers, I chose the wrong one. Ponies cannot take care of all of us; it's only natural. So I wanna to help them a little, perhaps it will make this world a little brighter by the end of things hmhm."

This caused Virmin the griffon's eyes to widen in surprise for a moment, before he looked down towards the lower left, seemingly frustrated. But as he thought about it his eyes saddened. A home for rejects huh?.....

The hooded figure's words caused Written Notes to look quite annoyed in the tone she spoke of equestrian society. "By the way you're talking, it sounds like you're attempting to portray us as the villains..."

The hooded figure snickered as she smiled at the earth pony. "Does it? That was not my aim, I promise mister. Actually; that couldn't be further from the truth. The ponies of equestria have built something fantastic, unseen for thousands of years. To expect them to shoulder every burden is selfish. I only want to help-"

Virmin snapped into the conversation. "Oh cut the crap already!"

This caused the hooded figure's eyes to widen as it did everypony else's.

Virmin continued. "You talk as if you're some saint; meant to shelter the afflicted, the weak, the shunned, the beaten, the forsaken; and it's pathetic! We don't need some kid pretending to act like she accepts everything as it comes." And this caused the griffon to look pained himself as he shook his head. "We can't just turn and accept those who reject us, it isn't that easy; if your word is truth, then you know this. There's no need to wear some mask to cover it up."

There was a brief moment of silence.

Minty looked to the griffon; obviously offended by his behavior. "V-Virmin! There was no need to-"

To this the hooded figure spoke in a cold desolate manner, smiling. "You're right mister! I would enjoy nothing more than to play with each and every one of them. To relish in their screams; their cries; their whimpers. And watch as they helplessly get torn apart piece by piece, bit by bit, as they learn just what true agony is, and become lost in everlasting despair." She paused to look at him, grinning. "But that probably wouldn't make things any better for us; hmhm." She then clapped from beneath her cloak as she pointed off into the distance with her claw. "Yes yes restraint is key- blah blah blah! But look; in the distance, so you all did come here on a big ship! How cool! It looks like you took up refuge on Licorice Landing!"

A shiver ran down their spines as they watched the little figure run on ahead. Was she being serious just then?

Vova Light's gulped as she twiddled her hooves for a moment. "C-Creepy much?..."

Free Will laughed softly before shrugging. "Indeed; but did you expect any less from such a character?"

Minty nodded to the others. "Well at least she took us back to the ship; I say we just get out of here as fast as we can."

Hal nodded in agreement. "Yes I would be very pleased to arrive in the land of griffon's before next sunset."

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As they'd all arrived Licorice Landing, there was a extravagant cruise ship waiting for them on the coast, and leaning on the railing was a distressed green pony as his mood brightened the moment he'd seen the group of six returning. "About time!"

Virmin groaned as he flapped his wings making his way back to the ship. "Oh shut your trap kid!"

Then a light brown pony with a darker brown mane; and blue streaks. "W-Welcome back everypony."

And a pony decked in a fancy labcoat as he accompanied the mare. "Glad to see you all made it back safe and sound!"

The green pony cocked a brow angrily as he snapped back at the griffon. "What was that!?"

Minty took a moment to give the hooded figure a hug. "Thank you so much for bringing us back here."

Vova Light's nodded as well. "Yes thank you little one. You really helped us get out of that complicated situation."

The hooded figure raised a claw, smiling at them. "No no; thank you all for trusting me! It was nice to see some ponies again after such a lengthy amount of time."

Minty smiled as she chuckled a little. "You know kid, you're not so bad." She then looked to Vova with a smile before nudging the unicorn along. "Race you to the ship!" And with that the minty colored pegasus made way for the ship.

Vova whimpered as she stomped her hooves. "Eeeh! That's no fair you've got wings!" And she chased after the pegasi.

As the pegasi Hal approached the hooded figure, he took a bow. "Thank you for assisting us little creature. The odds of us surviving that encounter were slim to none; I am grateful you were that 14%." He winked.

The hooded figure nodded to the crimson pegasi, as she watched him go back towards the cruise ship. As she did so, she noticed the one particular turquoise earth pony not so far off as well. And before he could trot out of earshot; she called over to him. "Excuse me, can I ask you something?"

Written Notes turned to regard the hooded figure. "Hm?"

The hooded figure continued. "How is everything in Equestria?"

The turquoise pony squinted a bit, a little thrown off by the question; but he answered nonetheless. "Well it's just fine. Although the princesses are still recovering from an attack on Canterlot, everything is easing back to normal."

This caused a small smile to form across the hooded figure's face. "I see. Thank you very much."

Written Notes still seemed a little skeptical about her question; but continued on with Hal towards the ship.

As they left; the hooded figure only continued smile as she looked up towards the setting sun. But as she stood there on the coast of Licorice Landing; she could still feel the looming gaze of another. There was still one here?

She turned to look at him; his crimson eyes in similar appearance to her's, the pony known as Free Will.

Free Will just smiled in a similar fashion as he looked at the hooded figure.

The hooded figure just continued to look straight back at him, she soon started to grow tired of the drawing silence as she spoke to him. "Aren't you going as we-"

"I know who you are." He stated simply.

And as he spoke those words; a group of fruit bats made their way off into the sky as if sensing the sudden mood shift.

The hooded figure's expression suddenly changed once again; looking devoid of any emotion; blank, cold.

Free Will continued; in a almost humored tone. "You're Eve the Insane. The renowned criminal who'd recently attacked Canterlot. You're wanted by Princess Twilight; marked as a highly dangerous banishment level fugitive. And this-" He glanced around with a humored chuckle. "This is no Sanctum; it's a fortress."

Eve simply continued to look at him; with that same cold lingering gaze.

He paused. "And I can't help but wonder; what it is you're preparing for."

Eve's expression never changed as she just looked at him; not speaking another word.

Free Will sighed as he made his way over to the baby draconequus. "Don't worry; I won't tell anypony, not that it really matters anyhow. I was just interested in seeing your reaction." He paused. "I'll see you around, maybe." And with that the earth pony continued on his way back towards the ship; and the others.

__________________________________________________________

And as the ship set sail and made its way back into the vast equestrian seas; Eve didn't fail to notice Minty, Vova, Hal and Written Notes waving at her in the distance.

She raised her claw, waving back at them with a smile. "You can stop hiding now Mr.Sham."

"Forgive me my lady; but your safety is our top priority." And appearing beside the baby draconequus was a mysterious creature that'd appeared to be a chameleon infused with a praying mantis.

"It's okay, I'm happy you act like that." She chuckled, closing her eyes and sneering up at him playfully.

The strange chameleon creature twitched it's sharp elongated arm. Its voice raspy and high; what you'd imagine a humanoid fly to sound like. "Are you sure revealing to them so much information was wise my lady?"

Eve snickered beneath her breath. "It's okay. I trust them."

They were a nice group of individuals; and it was funny how fate tended to bring such different personalities together at random times. It wouldn't be any surprise to find they all had their own paths to take, and they would all go their separate ways; doing what they felt they had to, and following their own specific destinies.

And it was comforting to the baby draconequus to recall every now and then; that the world didn't revolve around her, that there were others in this vast mysterious world who had just as much going on in their lives. She was just another individual, another story, living her life. It was a comforting thought; and one she held close to herself, and although she wondered where their own journeys would take them, she had one of her own to continue.

And maybe that; was just fine. This was a time to remember, to rebuild, this was a time of recovery.

Just another anonymous tale in this world of candy colored equines. And she still had things she needed to do.

"Shall we head back now Mr.Sham?" She glanced up at him with a playful nudge.

"Are you still afraid my lady?" He looked down at her; as his arm twitched once again.

"No; I'm no longer afraid." She chuckled as she around, back towards the Ice-cream Mountains.
and she still wore that same childish smile.

Comments

[Bubbabob]

My character was perfectly in... character.
Thanks!
You get a cookie and a hug.

[Lordbagon]

I get the feeling that someone calling Eve insane again is going to lose a couple of limbs. And earn a smile.

Overall I can't wait for the next chapter.

[Bubbabob]

I hope you use some of these OCs in the future. Please?

[Raistlin]

Is this an epilogue for Cheerilee, Zecora, Trixie, etc..? isn´t Eve going to meet them again in the next arc?

[EpictheRenegade]

Man, you update fast!

[Eden]

Don't worry, It's fine

Great chapter.

[Thaums]

Thank you for using Written Notes. You have no idea how much that means to me!

[Thaums]

I think you should tell everyone who's OC's were being used.

[Paladin Redflare]

Shoot, whole time Eve was with them, I thought she was gonna kill 'em all or blow up their ship.

[Nightingalehound]

Dude, so awesome!!! you get 15 yays!!

[Thaums]

2624874
But Eve knows doing that won't solve anything.

[Paladin Redflare]

2624952 Not doing it won't solve anything either... unless they're like the first visitors to the island, then they could spread the word.

[Tensemasterhalo]

Nice idea creating a "land of misfit toys" kinda scenario. It fits Eve in a way; giving what Cheerliee first gave to her, acceptance. Can't wait for the next part.

[December_Night]

W-Welcome back everypony.

YES! My oc got a line

[Thresha8]

2623365

You can listen to my jimmies rustle as long as you want, as long as it results in Twilight's agonizing death.

[AcrylicDawn]

woohoo~
You used my OC~ That means a lot to me
Also, I'm loving how this story is turning out, it's my top priority story at the moment and I can't wait to see it get resolved- but don't do that too fast, I enjoy this story and its storyline, just keep it all coming

[Smiles]

ERMAHGERD MAH OC FREE WILL GOT FEATURED!!! *Squeals*

[Iridescence T Wind]

Yay, Hal got included in this adventure. Ironically spot on for behavior anyway haha. Still wish Eve the best of luck with her new sanctum/fortress. I hear that some things from the Everfree would be right at home there. How about a Candy variant of a Timber Wolf? Thanks for using my Oc anyway,

Can't wait to see what you have in store for Eve. Good luck and like always, and have fun!

-Sincerely,
Irid

[Edensola]

2624874

Shoot, whole time Eve was with them, I thought she was gonna kill 'em all or blow up their ship.

L-m-f-a-o....I think my head would be stuck on a pike if I did that.

2625099

For the first time, I dont want to kill myself after reading a chapter of Chaotic Tranquility.

Mission Accomplished! -Our Chaotic Tranquility: CANCELLED-

2624420

In the next arc?

N-Next Arc? Eheh..heh heh heh...

[ANearPerfectStudent]

2626296

L-m-f-a-o....I think my head would be stuck on a pike if I did that.

Yes Yes It would.

Thank you for using my OC!

Her characterization was GREAT!

[Cold Spike]

Great chapter! Also, we found out that having Princess Twilight in our Feather Steel story instead of regular Twilight would complicate things too much so eh. MOAR!

[Smiles]

Now that I re-read the chapter, you only included Vova Light's cutie mark. What about the others like Minty and Written Note?

[Captain_Dragonuv]

Ahh. A nice, mellow break from the sad feels and crazy rage-fighting.

[TheGreatEater]

2626296

Please make Serentiy , after Mirrored Hearts. This story is so sad, yet I can't wait to see more of it. I want to see Twiligth learn that what happened in Canterlot was essencially Celestia's fault, and Tia to make a reconciliation with Eve. Maybe even see Cheerilee get her child back. Even after all that happened.

Nice story. Well written, and slightly tragic in a way. Hit me right in the feels.

[DrWhooves007]

"Where've you run off to?...."

Captain Ahab is looking for his whale

[Saerwen]

I demand there be another sequel. If there isn't already.
i.imgur.com/AZ2rQ22.gif