Chapter 3: Vulnerability
CHAPTER 3: VULNERABILITY
Princess Cadence's voice was practically resonating across the entire kingdom. A powerful gift for princesses to have, and very useful indeed. The task required little effort on her part as she simply spoke out from her position high in the castle. "As you all have probably noticed, the setup is quite simple. We already have food and drink all around for your enjoyment, although performances will not be until later this evening. We do however have many other forms of entertainment to keep you busy until then, and I won't spoil the fun for you so you all can explore till your heart's content. We do however have a very unique and different sort of event planned for you all in a bit. If you haven't noticed, off near the southern sector of the city there is a newly constructed coliseum; one that'll be the location for this event. If you're interested, we ask that you make your way there when the bells ring out at a set time. Until then, please do enjoy yourselves, and thank you all for coming!" Princess Cadence then waved a hoof at the crowd with a delighted smile.
The crowd erupted into cheers from below; as they all immediately began to disperse soon afterwords. It seems everypony was quite eager to get down to business, well their own business of course. They all began making their way around, exploring just as Princess Cadence wanted, and enjoying themselves, which wasn't a bad thing. Of course the ones getting the most attention were the celebrities, but it was a grand festival, might as well abuse the opportunity right? Either way; the most important thing about the setting was that it was ultimately peaceful, no problems had emerged, and no drama was occurring, just the way everypony wanted it. And hopefully this smooth process would continue for the rest of the festival.
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Eve was currently gazing up at the princess of the Crystal Empire with curious wide eyes. Hm; she seemed so interesting to the baby draconequus, but she sure wasn't going to risk herself to go satisfy her curiosity; again. She was far too curious about too many things, and she was starting to realize that. And Eve couldn't help but notice the two other princesses standing beside the one who spoke. One seemed to possess darker colors, while the other seemed to be the embodiment of light's grace. But why did this lighter one seem to be looking at Eve? She felt that the princess was looking right at her with interest, and it sent a shiver down the baby draconequus's spine. But she must've been over thinking things; it was impossible, nopony could possibly know she was here. That princess was probably just looking over the crowd in Eve's area. She just had to stop being paranoid about the whole thing, so she avoided eye contact with that princess.
Either way the atmosphere was quite nice, the steady wind, the beautiful ambience of conversations going on all around her, the multitude of ponies and other races, the birds chirping in the sky, the sounds of ponies preparing food & drink at their concession stands, it was all so unfamiliar to Eve. But she wouldn't deny that she enjoyed this sort of atmosphere; but how come something felt missing? The baby draconequus discretely popped a milkshake in her tiny claw and paw as she sucked on the straw with a reflective expression. What was that thing missing? She felt somepony should be here with her; and it wasn't Trixie, nor was it Zecora, or Kel, or Lema; no it was somepony else, and somepony she couldn't recall. But she missed that pony, she could feel it in her heart, and her heart ached at the thought. But she choked down those feelings and simply continued to suck on her straw as she began making her way through the crowd alone with a saddened expression. She had to find Trixie if this was going to go anywhere. But where was the showmare? Perhaps she shouldn't have run off from her so quickly.
"Little one! Excuse me; please stop!" Called out somepony from afar.
Eve didn't notice it at first, she simply continued to make her way through the crowds, looking at passerby's every now and then as she attempted to catch sight of Trixie. Although there was a cool breeze, it still felt pretty hot, and with this cloak and her fur and thick mane, it only made things a little more exhausting for her. Eve found herself lacking concentration, not that she felt she had any need to but, that was irresponsible of her. Still she smiled a little observing all the festivities take place, it was all so nice, and a good change of pace from that murky old forest; but even so, she still missed it in some sense. But then somepony touched her shoulder as it caused the baby draconequus's eyes to snap wide; she reacted with haste and on instinct. Turning to face the threat immediately as she raised her paw about to use a chaotic spell.
But it was no threat; it was a pony, and a beautiful one at that. She bore a beautiful pink mane, a white coat, and violet eyes and she was a unicorn. She even appeared to look similar to one of the Princesses; although she certainly was no princess, even to the baby draconequus, it was obvious that this mare was one of status, and one of high importance; perhaps a celebrity? To think she raised her paw at her caused the baby draconequus's expression to sink as she immediately receded somewhat; a small blush appearing on her face as she lowered her head. "I-I'm sorry!...Please; don't be angry with me!"
The pony cocked a brow at the baby draconequus as she chuckled. "N-No little one it's quite alright. I was just curious as to where your parents are? Why're you wandering out here all alone? Are you lost?"
Eve looked up at her with a relieved smile, before answering the question nearly on impulse. "Oh I don't have any-..." But she stopped herself; why did that answer feel so horribly wrong? Either way she didn't finish, then just looked down with a slightly shocked expression; as if baffled by her own words. She then shook it off, looking back up towards the mare. "U-Uhm; I'm just here with,...with somepony, I'm not lost but...I am looking for them..."
The beautiful pony regarded the baby draconequus with suspicion and worry. She didn't notice it at first, but this little creature, whatever she was, was practically wearing rags; masking her appearance, and seemingly alone. And she didn't have any what? She'd stopped herself of course but that didn't stop it from being strange. But basing the situation on appearances, there should've been no way that this little creature could've gained entry into the promotion event, not unless her parents or guardian liked to dress her up in raggedy clothes. Either way it was none of the mare's business, but still she couldn't help but wonder. "Please stay here, I'll help you find your guardians. But first I must go retrieve my friends; don't go anywhere alright." The mare then made her way off in search of her own friends.
Eve's right eye squinted as she cocked a brow at the mare. Did she just tell her to stay here? Eve respected the mare but she didn't really expect her to listen did she? And as much as Eve did like being able to spend time with one so kind, she had to stick to her ways, and this mare seemed; pretty clingy, well not clingy just, a little too privy. So as the mare was soon lost from sight, disappearing into the crowd, Eve went about her way, back to exploring and searching for Trixie, the actual pony she was with at this place.
But as she made her way through the festival, she couldn't help but stop by a concession stand every now and then. So much yummy looking food and the likes; and even toys and games and other weird things that was pretty foreign to the baby draconequus. Although Eve unlike most younglings had to be forced to grow up and regard the world in a much more depressing light; she couldn't help but reveal that childish side of her she still possessed. Her memories may have been lost but she still revealed that same curiosity and fascination she possessed her entire life. The baby draconequus was not only searching for Trixie; but enjoying herself along the way. Stopping by at concession stands and chuckling at all the cool things and leaning on her tippy toes at almost every counter costed her some time; but time wasn't really on her mind right now. It didn't hurt to have a little fun right? Might as well; she'd find the showmare eventually.
And eventually, she did of course.
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As the showmare was sitting on a bench; she had a depressed solemn look on her face. She sighed heavily as she was lost in her own thoughts. So Kel and Lema left her here, and even Eve was gone for now, how come the mare didn't find this surprising? Trixie leaned her head on a hoof as her expression sunk even more. Were they even coming back? It wouldn't be surprising to her if they didn't do that either. Sure she took them in and brought them here, but she still never revealed the reason, not even when Eve had asked her nicely back in the hotel. And she wasn't that nice to any of them as well. It'd only make sense if they ran away and never came back.
But there was a reason; and that reason just made answering Eve's question even more complicated, because not even she was sure why she felt so obliged to accept them. Trixie was at the point of desperation, and as much as she hated it, she couldn't figure out the meaning behind friendship. These three individuals she happened to come across, they were different, and they all happened to possess something that allowed them to regard the mare from a neutral perspective. They weren't your average ponies; and Trixie being a showmare with a built reputation, had already tarnished her image with her boastful personality long ago, but these three, they didn't seem to care about that, and what she'd done before.
Trixie believed she could work that to her advantage, that maybe through them she could find this 'friendship' since they'd seemed so fitting. But as she spent this time thinking back on her actions, she sure as hay wasn't doing a good job at it, and she sure as hay wasn't good at making friends. Why should they even return to her? All she did was spout orders at them, was it her pride that was holding her back from revealing that vulnerability one required in order to make a true friend? Or perhaps it was just because she was so used to her showmare life that she'd forgotten how to reveal that more emotional and open side of herself; that honest side of herself. Either way; she hoped for a second chance, maybe to try again.
She could do better this time and she knew it, she just had to focus. Thankfully their departure allowed her to think on this, and the showmare was actually thankful for that. A look of determination came over her as she squinted her eyes at the ground, yea; she could do this. She just had to think back on Twilight Sparkle; that was her inspiration. But then there was the matter at hoof, the fact that none of the others were still around. Trixie closed her eyes and sighed heavily.
"Hiya!...." said a soft voice followed by a chuckle; in regards to the showmare.
Trixie's eyes widened as she looked ahead, and standing in front of her was a smiling baby draconequus, regarding her with wide eyes. The baby draconequus looked at her innocently, and as Eve did so she had her claw and paw behind her back.
Eve cocked a brow curiously at the showmare as she then tilted her head to the left. "Are you okay Trixie?" The baby draconequus asked curiously.
And then Trixie felt it, although it was such a fleeting moment she felt something quite unfamiliar. Just by looking at the baby draconequus suddenly appear, the showmare had feelings of gratitude, relief, and happiness, she was happy to see that Eve returned to her, and not only that, but came herself. And Eve regarded her in such a kind, natural manner. Eve was a needle in the haystack, and maybe, with her; she could still pull this off, she still had time. "E-Eve!" Trixie stood to her hooves and then did something that was quite, unexpectedly awkward.
She hugged the little draconequus.
As Eve was hugged by Trixie; the baby draconequus found herself with a scrunched up face and an extremely confused expression. It's not that she didn't like hugs of course, this was just a little weird coming from Trixie, but still; Eve didn't complain. She'd wrap her tiny arms around the mare to return the hug, but it seemed that Trixie was squeezing her a little tight, preventing her from doing so. Eve spoke softly. "U-Uhm...it's good to see you to hmhm..." She giggled softly.
Trixie then set the baby draconequus down with a smile. As she suddenly looked apologetic. Trixie made so many mistakes in her life, there were so many instances where she took the wrong route and looked about things in the wrong way. Well maybe they weren't wrong, but they certainly didn't provide satisfying results. She'd became a showmare, a travelling magician, she was practically at the top of the world at some point, so why did that time seem so lonely when she reflected on it? Even with the fame, the talent, the praise, why was she always alone? And after that little fiasco in Ponyville, that realization only became more definite. She no longer had any support at that time, barely getting by and working on a rock farm as well. It hit her like a freight train; but only now did she finally realize it. If one didn't go back and take a look at what they did before, they'd only yield the same results, ending up doing the same thing all over again. She didn't want that, to be alone, to be considered a villain, but she had to change to do so, she couldn't just go about acting the same way and expecting anything to be different. She wanted what Twilight Sparkle had; that feeling of support, of friendship, of happiness. And sometimes, friendship came in the strangest forms.
Trixie took in a deep breath as she looked down at Eve nervously. "T-Trixie demands-...I mean!..." She paused for a moment. "L-Listen Eve; I've..." Trixie paused, and found herself blushing as she couldn't get out the words and she avoided eye contact embarrassingly.
Eve looked at Trixie wide eyed; blinking a bit with a curious expression.
Trixie exhaled as she then looked at Eve once more. "T-Trixie's been thinking, p-perhaps preparations can wait. Perhaps for now; we can,......go and....erhm-" Trixie's brow twitched. "Have some fun?"
Eve's eyes widened some more as she looked at Trixie a little speechless. Why was Trixie showing this sudden change? This sudden look of hesitation, of vulnerability, of openness and honesty? Well; what did it matter? Eve was too young to dwell on such a good thing for long, she wasn't complaining! Fun sounded a lot better than following orders and being pressured by some show! Eve chuckled as she spread her arms in delight, and for a moment revealing her body as she hugged the mare. "That sounds nice. Hmhm." Eve found herself with her eyes closed and nuzzling into Trixie's foreleg.
Trixie looked down at the baby draconequus in bewilderment; this feeling was so unfamiliar for her. But, she liked it. Yes; this was the feeling she wanted to start having in her life for now on. This is that change of pace the showmare desired. Trixie placed a hoof on her chest in delight as she laughed confidently, speaking softly, but her voice was a little shaky. "W-Why of course it's nice little Eve! Now shall we get going! Trixie shall ensure that we have much fun!"
Eve looked up at Trixie worriedly; twiddling her paw and claw. "But what about the others?"
Trixie's eyes then widened as she thought about that to. Where were they anyway? And what business did Kel have to attend to? Trixie still didn't understand any of it really; even though he said she would. Still she wanted to focus on the matter at hoof, or the moment at least. She looked to Eve with a soft smile; one Trixie wouldn't have believed she could form if she looked at herself in a mirror. Yea; this was a nice moment, and she had hopes that she could make it work, but one doesn't just change, it'd take time, but looking at Eve gave her confidence. It gave her hope in the matter, the baby draconequus was a clean slate for her, and she wouldn't buck it up.
At least, she hoped not.
Trixie raised a hoof. "They'll show up when they want to, and they can find us back at the hotel! For now, you and I, we'll be making memories!" She said this as if it were a test of some sort, and it was quite humorous.
Eve couldn't help but giggle and smile softly at the mare. This sure was appealing.
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And so the two of them did just that.
They spent their time; learning from one another, taking something out of this newfound relationship of theirs. Zecora told Eve to be wary of ponies, and her lack of memories didn't leave her much options to feel confliction. But Eve always had a feeling, a feeling she could never truly make sense of, that there were always some ponies out there willing to accept her even with all the risks; ponies like Fluttershy. She had dreams of one; one she missed dearly without even realizing it herself, and she wanted so badly to be able to identify that mare in her hollow dreams. And she felt that even Trixie; maybe, was looking for that something to, looking for acceptance in a different way, and maybe didn't care about what Eve was, willing to take the risk for personal reasons. She did take her in without hesitation despite her display of strange magic, did bring her here, and was now spending time with her. Trixie had her faults, but Eve didn't care for them, for she provided the baby draconequus with emotions that made her feel connected; and actually listless, accepted. And it was likewise for Trixie, for she to was learning. She was learning to change, and she now had one willing to give her the patience, and time, to go about that change. They both could learn from one another, and take something out of these bonds, together.
They just had to give eachother a chance. And so they did just that, and the baby draconequus alongside the showmare, ventured into the crowd as casuals, simply looking to have a good time, and perhaps, make some good memories.
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Like that will ever happen
as the great Olivander once said; "curious, just... curious", now who could that mare possibly be i wonder? and why do i get the feeling that she wants to keep a close eye on our little Eve?
Gotta say, pretty cute draconequus for someone such as Discord.
MOAR!!!
Why do I get the creeping feeling Pinkie pie will realize who Eve is and then erupt in sudden gasps to confuse everypony around her before a Eve hunt is going to happen with a still overly, pardon my language ironwill, Bull-headed attempt to kill her... again.
At least this time Eve has friends in the making for what it is worth. 
TEH LOS BUENOS
How big exatly is eve right now?
Can you provide us with a scale of some sorts ?
2470363
Of course! Well the way I've always pictured it in my head is Eve is relatively
the same height as a little filly ranging to pretty much three feet but only a
little shorter. But she's also grown a little since Melancholy; only couple of
inches. But yea; she's still a considered a baby for draconequus, she's just
starting to mature a little due to the "circumstances" of her life lol.
((Btw; this is the scale I use.))
s.mlpforums.com/uploads/post_images/img-1052319-1-3638.jpg
Am I required to read this story's predecessor before fully understanding it?
Not bad writing at all, I certainly wasn't bored and the way chapter 2 played out was kind of unique for this site. MOAR!
2470566yes...
Feels good.
Happy and carefree!
And now Eve had a brief run-in with Rarity!
2556462 I think it was more likely Fleur-de-Lis, because rarity has blue eyes, and doesn't look like a princess aesthetically. Also, Fleur-de-Lis is known to be a pony of status, as she was seen with Fancy Pants.
Your stories make me have the feels
2556462
in all likelyhood Rarity would have recognised Eve
So a little rethinking is in order
2558978
You are probably correct in your examination
good work my friend
also before i forgive or forget
Can't wait for the backlash to shatter Twilight's worthless life
By Celestia I think this is the angriest I've ever been at a person, fictional or otherwise
Good Job Edensola
2812047 HUZZAH! HERMERJES EX MORTIS! *explosion* X3
5461666
"Would somebody please confiscate that maniac's fireworks and pyrotechnics licence"