> Princess of Peace
>  by Day Shine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> New Arrival (Fixed)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1: New Arrival

A mass of blinding light engulfs a set of eyes, as the black slowly seeps form the edges signaling with it deaths embrace. In front of the light stands the silhouette of a small pony and the silhouette of a large beast behind the light attempting to shield its eyes form it. The sight is obscured by the sudden stretch of the image, forming a tunnel as if the one seeing it were being dragged away at an incredible speed.

A pair of eyes burst open in a darkened room; they slowly look one way and then the other. “Almost…” the voice spoke.

..........................................................................................................................................................


Spike races as fast as his legs will let him into the cantorlot library and up the stairs, he turns the corner and slams into twilight sparkle.

“Spike, why are you running in the library?” Twilight asks, displaying an annoyed tone.

Spike and twilight stand up dusting off when spike remembers why he was running to find her.

“Cadence, Cadence’s baby is-” Before he could say anymore he was cut of by Twilights hoof in extending in front of him.

Twilight smirked, “let me guess the baby kicked again and you were so excited that you just had to tell me about it for the thousandth time.”

She said, pulling away her hoof.

“No, it’s coming. Cadence has gone into labor! ” he shouts, throwing his hands in the air.

Twilight chuckles as she pulls out a piece of paper with the word schedule on it. she looks over the paper with care as she consoles him. “Oh spike, Cadences baby isn’t due till next Tuesday, see I have it right here on my schedule from 2:30 to 3:00” she said, pointing to the dated time on her schedule.

Twilight looks at spike as his face slowly went from exhausted joy to disbelieving irritation. Twilight’s smile went from one of rightfulness to nervously waiting for him to admit to being wrong.

“Seriously twilight?” the dragon ask, brow raised and arms crossed.

Twilight threw back her head with a massive frown on her face before bursting out of the library in a full gallop with spike right on her tail trying to keep up. Twilight lifts him on her back with her magic as she runs through the open door, she slides trying to spin round as she catches rainbow dash flying past her.

“Rainbow dash!” she cries.

Rainbow comes to a halt at the sound of her name spotting Twilight. She glides down to Twilight while sitting just off the ground.

“What’s with the shouting?” rainbow asks.

Twilight shuffles in place looking at Rainbow Dash. “Cadence. Baby. Coming now. Got to tell others!”

“WHAT!” Rainbow gasp out. “okay, you go get Rarity and Fluttershy, I’ll go tell AJ and Pinkie.”

Rainbow takes off into the air as Twilight and Spike poof into a teleportation spell popping up next to Fluttershy at the royal garden. The yellow Pegasus was singing with the birds in the garden when she hears the sound of Twilights teleport spell. She turns to Twilight, “oh hello

twili-eeep”    

“No time, Cadence, baby, hospital now.” Twilight tells her.

Fluttershy is taken aback, “what?”

Spike sighs, “Cadence has gone into labor and we need to get to the hospital ASAP.”

“Oh my goodness, do I need to do anything?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Just get to the hospital,” Twilight say, before teleporting away.

Rarity was busy getting ready for a fashion shot at the studio of hoity toity when a sudden light engulfs the area around her.

“What is Equestria is going on here,” she says, upsettingly as her consecration broke. “Twilight?”

Twilight moved her hooves in an antsy fashion unresponsive and nervous way. Rarity tries to get her attention twice before turning to Spike with a smile.

“Oh, Spikey Wikey,” She says kindly “What’s going on?”

Spike answers with hearts in his eyes, “Cadence is having the baby and we need to get to the hospital.”

“WHAT! NOW! Oh dear, this is such terrible timing,” She complains.

Rarity’s assigned assistant walks up to tell her she was going on in a few minutes as rarity scattered to gather her things.

“Oh dear, umm, Okay. Okay,” She looks at Spike. “Oh Spike would you mind watching my set.”

“Okay,” He says instantly.

After quickly informing her assistant she and Twilight rushed off toward the hospital. Rainbow flew through the sky as she franticly searched for AppleJack, within moments of spotting her at a stand at the center of a park. She dives down and lands beside her.

“AJ we got-”

“Excuse me there’s a line,” an annoyed pony costumer says, interrupting her.

AppleJack looks at him and turns to Rainbow, “what’s the rush sugar cube?”

"The baby is coming we got to go, pronto,” she yells.

AppleJack quickly writes up a sign with the words stand closed and Rainbow quickly stuffs it in the ground behind the last customer.

“I’ll be there soon, just let me finish with these last costumers.” Applejack responds.

Rainbow nods “right, I’ll go get pinkie and be there soon.”

She blast off into the sky flying as fast as she can as she tries to remember where Pinkie is. As the thought comes to her she whacks a poll and falls to the ground. A stallion in a clown get-up rushes over.

“Oh gosh are you okay?” He ask concernedly.

“Yeah, fine.” She answers standing up.

“I just came from a canceled party and saw your crash.” he explains.

“YeaH well thanks but I’m in a hurry.” She blurts, taking off into the sky.

She bolts off as the clown pony stands there feeling useless. After a minute Rainbow finds Pinkie at the party she was entertaining. She lands by Pinkie causing an explosion of cheer from the young ponies. One filly looks at the blue pegasus with wide eyes before bursting into a cheer followed by the rest of the young ponies.

“Hey Rainbow, what’s up? Why are you here? Are you here to watch the show? Gummy is about to do his awesome stand-up routine.”

Gummy blinks his eyes separately before snapping at a balloon.

“Okay, not asking.” Rainbow says, looking at Gummy before turning back to Pinkie,“The baby is coming and we got to be there for Cadence so come on.”

Pinkie gasps loudly, “That’s great, I’m so excited to meet him, and I bet she will be the most adorable thing EVER.” She pauses and calms down before going full realization, “Wait, I’m working, I can’t leave now.”

Rainbow looks at Pinkie, the kids and the mother of the birthday filly and bolts into the air. She flies back to the street where she had met the clown pony who was sitting on a bench eating a chocolate donut. She drops down beside him.

“Oh, hey there,” He says smiling a bit.

“Hey. What’s your name?” she asks.

“Hay Shot, But my stage name is Clowns-A-Lot,” he explains.

“You want a job,” She blurts out.

“Yeah!” he says excitingly.

Rainbow grabs him bolting back to the party and landing in front of the mother of the young pony.

“This is Hay Shot, he’s a party clown, and he’s going to take over because we have an emergency.” She quickly explains, grabbing pinkie and firing off once again.

The stallion looks around at the fillies and pulls out a balloon, “who wants a balloon pony?” all the kids cheer as he begins blowing up the first balloon.

Rainbow flies as fast as she can to the hospital while Pinkie has the time of her life yelling wee and woo as they soar through the air.

They make it to the hospital and enter the main doors to see everyone at the main desk.  

“For the fifth time, nobody enters the birthing room once the procedure has started,” The desk mare states firmly.

“But I’m supposed to be in there with her.” She says sternly.

The mare looks at them “As I am aware her husband is in there with her. You may wait in the waiting room like everyone else, but you’re not going in the room right now.”

Twilight smirks, “I don’t think you understand, I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle, Protégé of Princess Celestia, sister to the Captain of the Royal Guard, and Sister-In-Law to Princess Cadence who is having a baby as we speak.”

The mare perks up with a smile, “Princess Twilight, I had no idea.” The mare behind the desk goes back into a slough “You’re still going to wait like everyone else.”

Twilight groaned loudly and walks off toward the waiting room. Time goes by slowly as AppleJack and Rainbow pace the room, Rarity files her hooves while Pinkie plays tick tack toe against herself, and Twilight slumps in a chair, watching the clock as she exhales loudly every few seconds.

AppleJack looks over, “Will ya’ knock that off, it ain't going to make time go no quicker.”

“Well I should be in there with her, not out here waiting without knowing what’s going on!” Twilight exclaims.

“Well I know this ain't easy but I'm sure sure Shining Armor is in there with her Cadence right now, being as helpful as he can,” Applejack tell her. “The thing I don't get is why you used your title like that Twi, y'all should be ashamed of yourself, trying to use your title to get what you want."

Rarity chimes in, “I have to agree with applejack darling. That was not okay.”

Twilight sighs heavily as Spike walks in.

“Hey what did I miss?”

“Nothing. Just waiting.” Twilight scoffs

“What’s wrong with her?” he asks.

“She didn’t get her way and now she’s throwing a hissy fit,” Rarity explains inspecting her hoof.

Spike sits by rarity. “By the way, since you weren’t there your assistant modeled your dresses and you got this as a reward,” He says, pulling out a piece of paper.

“This is an invitation to a fashion expo in Manehattan,” She explains with glee.

She wraps spike in a hug thanking him, making him blush. He waves it off as nothing and sits back to wait with the others.

“The baby couldn’t have waited one more week.” Twilight blurts out. “I had everything planned perfectly, but no, the baby had to do it's own thing! Off schedule. Now what am I going to do from 2:30 to 3:00 on Tuesday.”

Rainbow raised a brow with a grin, “you could, you know, go outside and talk to ponies.”

“Oh ha ha, I have that scheduled for 9:45 to 11:15. Doing the same thing twice in one day isn’t exactly putting variety in it. I don’t even have a book to read. I left them all back at home.”

Time ticked by and both Rainbow Dash and Spike fell asleep. After another hour of waiting the doors swung open as Shining Armor walked in, Spike and Rainbow jumped awake wonderingif they'd missed something.

“It’s a girl.” Shining happily proclaimed.

Twilight beams and bounces around her brother excitingly, happy to be an aunt while the others express their congratulations.

“So what’s her name.” Fluttershy asks.

Shining looks at Twilight with a smile. “Star Shine” he says, wrapping his sister in a hug. “Do you want to see her?”

Shining armor walks the mane six down the hall to the baby room; all the girls go crazy looking at all the adorable newborns as Shining Armor points out the little unicorn in the third bed of the front row.

“She’s beautiful. Simply marvels.” Rarity complements.

Twilight stops a passing nurse,“Excuse me, can we hold her?”

“No,” the nurse says stern but kindly. “its rest time for the little ones, perhaps later.”

Twilight scowls to the oblivious nurse as she walks away, Twilight sets her front hooves on the glass and looks at her niece. The sound of Pinkie's stomach echoes out.

“I’m hungry.”

Rainbow agrees, “I believe it be a good idea for us all to get something to eat.”

Everyone trades agreements and walks away to find the cafeteria. Spike stops looking back and sees Twilight still looking at the baby.

“Twilight, are you coming?” spike ask, turning around.

“Huh? Yeah, I’ll catch up.” She says, as she walks down the hall and around the corner.

Spike follows her knowing she was up to something; she turns the corner and stops in front of the door to the nursery. She looks around and begins using her magic on the door.

“What are you doing?” Spike asks.

Twilight concentrates while speaking hushly, “what does it look like. I’m picking the lock.”

“Why?” Spike asks, clearly annoyed.

“Because, I didn’t get to be in the room as she was born, but I am going to hold my niece.” She answers, in a whispered huff.

“And you’re picking the lock, why?” he asked, whispering.

“Well I can’t use my teleporting spell, I’d wake up all the babies and they’d cry and that would be bad.” She says, whispering still.

“What if somepony sees? They’ll make you leave,” Spike warns her again.

“I don’t care, I’m holding my niece,” She scoffs.

“Twilight, wait,”  He warns, shaking her foreleg.

“What?” she says, without looking.

Spike points to the nurse. “I’ll distract her for you, but it’ll have to be convincing.” He says, pondering. “step on my claw.”

“What!” twilight gasps, trying to remain at a whisper.

“Step on my claw.” He repeats. “I’ll tell her I hurt it, giving you time to get in the nursery.”

Twilight stops with the door a moment and gives her dragon friend a hug, happy tears in her eyes. They pull away and Spike places his clawed hand on the ground, Twilight shuts her eyes tight as Spike does the same and she smacks her hoof down on his claw causing him to whimper a bit. He shakes his claw a minute and quickly walks up to the nurse.

Twilight watches as the nurse leads him away and goes back to work on the door. Finally the lock clicks and she opens the now unlocked door victoriously. She quietly walks through the nursery and up to the small cattle with a name plat that read Star Shine. She looked at the sleeping unicorn with bright a white coat and a pink mane with a single strip of blue. She covered her mussel with a hoof before reaching in and gently picking up the small filly as to not wake her.

Tears of happiness roll down her cheeks, “hi star shine; I’m your aunt twilight.”

She watched as the little foal stirred and snuggled into her arm. Twilight catches the sight of a doctor pony beside her slightly startled.

“If you wanted to hold her that badly you could have just asked,” He said, cheerfully. “You know, I’ve caught plenty of unicorns trying to get into the nursery to hold their new little ones, you’re the first to succeed.” His expression goes from joyful to stern, “However I’m now going to have to ask you to put the baby down and leave the nursery.

Twilight puts her down and walks out with the doctor who closes and relocks the door.




3 days later                                                                              



It’s late in the evening as Twilight goes to check on a crying Star Shine.

Twilight wipes sleep form her eye walking over to the small crib, “Hey. What’s wrong?” she picks up the baby while levitating a book, babies 101.

“Twilight?” Shining Armor yawns.

“I got her,” She replies.

Shining decides to not to disagree with her and goes back to bed. Twilight turns back to the baby. Spike walks in looking tired with bags under his eyes.

“You know, I’m not complaining, but when do we go back to Ponyville?” he says, trying to not fall asleep.

Twilight grins looking at the baby, “two more days.”

“Need any help?” he asked, fighting his tired eyes.

“No, thank you though,” She answers.

Spike walks out yawning telling Twilight goodnight as she puts the baby back to bed after calming her down. She walks over to the couch lying down to wait for the next fit of crying while reading the baby book.

..............................................................................................................................................................

“Soon, there is still a chance. We will be ready,” A voice says, the words echoing through the empty space of a large mansion. His mansion was dimly lit by the light of the moon. The only thing illuminated by the light is a scaly tail like a snake. The tail end taps lightly against the ground as the shadowed figure looks out into the night sky. They then turn; a grey fury arm is caught in the light with a trail of scales going down the length of the arm. The paw raises up, the scales shining in the moonlight, “let’s hope this time is different.”




5 years later                                                                                        



The train to cantorlot pulls up to the train station as an eager young star shine waits barley patiently with her mother.

“Mommy, why hasn’t the train let them out yet?” She says.

Cadence smiles down at her, “Well it just stopped you have to give it a minute before the door opens.”

Star dives under her mother’s legs as the speaker rings out a screech and then a voice announces the new arrivals and asks everyone to please stand behind the yellow line. The doors open and ponies flood the area while cadence looks for the ones she’s waiting for. Finally the last ponies out are three mares twilight sparkle, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.

“What is up, Cantorlot?!” Rainbow Dash declares, happily sporting a Wonderbolts major jacket.

The guard ponies salute as she salutes back.

“Cadence, darling, where has the time gone, it’s been ages since we saw each other,” Rarity declared happily. “Where’s that adorable little Star Shine?”

Cadence points to the filly hiding between her hooves.

Twilight walks up chuckling, “You got scared by the intercom again didn’t you.”

“Maybe,” She says, sheepishly

Rarity and rainbow look at each other before losing it and laughing aloud. Twilight shoots them a look and rarity tries to pretend she didn’t do anything while rainbow dash lay on the ground holding her sides

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, but this is just too funny. She’s more timid than fluttershy and she was scared of her own shadow,” Rainbow says, laughing and fighting to breath.

The little filly runs out and hits her in the side with both front hooves calling her mean and  getting a huff from rainbow dash before she scoops her up in her hooves and gives her a nuggie.

“HAHA! This is what you get for attacking a major of the Wonderbolts,” She says, ruffling her hoof threw the filly’s mane.

The little filly breaks away and runs to her aunt. Twilight rolls her eyes at Rainbow as Rarity fixes Star's mane. Rainbow rolls onto her side and stands up. As the last of the ponies getting on the train load on a voice calls out asking others to move and let her through so she could get off the train. The voice comes into sight as they trip over the door guard. Sunset shimmer stands up with an angry frown.

“Really, none of you thought to wake me up. I almost got a free trip to Manehattan,” She says, with a huff.

Rarity covers her mouth in shock, “oh goodness, I’m sorry dear. It’s so rare that you visit that it simply slipped our minds.”

Sunset cracks her neck, “whatever, it’s cool.” She looks at the little filly that hides her face in twilights foreleg, “Hello there, I’m Sunset Shimmer.”

She stands there looking at the filly as her smile slowly morphed to a frown as she hides her face not answering Sunset's greeting.

Cadence breaks the silence, “well I believe it’s time we get going.”

The six mares and two guards walk away as the train starts moving. They climb into a wagon, once the door closes the wagon pony trots off down the road toward the castle.

.........................................................................................................................................................................................

“Welcome Princess Twilight, Major Dash, and Rarity,” Celestia greets, bowing as the mares make their way out of the wagon and bow in respect.

Sunset is last out of the wagon and walks in front of every pony; she looks up at Princess Celestia and bows.

Celestia smiles, “I am pleased that you could make time to see us given your busy schedule.”

“It-it’s no trouble at all.” She replies, slightly worried.

Celestia notices the worried look on Sunset's face as she grins with an idea.  

“Twilight, why don’t you and the others go in and help Pinkie finish decorating the ball room I know she would be happy to see you. Sunset himmer, would you accompany me to the study. I believe this would be a good chance to talk.”

“Of course” She replies, instantly.

Celestia and Sunset walk off toward the door, Celestia turns toward the others giggling.“Oh, how exciting to see Sunset again. I almost forgot. There is a very special guest arriving shortly.”

Every pony looks at each other confused.

“Who?” Twilight asked.

“Well he’s hard to describe but, he’s large, carries a long staff with him, and your first instinct would likely be to attack him. Please refrain
from doing so though. He hasn’t been seen for several, several years.”

Every pony again looks confusingly as Celestia smiles at her own joke.

“Yes, Princess,” Twilight says before bowing.

Celestia and Sunset leave the others at the door as they make their way inside.

> Reunion 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                                     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.

> Birthday Princess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                           Chapter 3: Birthday Princess

	Chapter 3:             Birthday Princess

An older pony in a butler suit and jacket walked into the room clearing his throat as he motions with a hoof “presenting; fancy pants of the cantorlot social club”

Fancy walks in toward another group of ponies as to mingle while the butler pony made his way back to introduce the next guest.

“Evening all, how is the party so far?” he greets

A charcoal mane pony in a bow tie answers “it’s fine, though I do believe the celebrations will be better after the young princess is introduced and the festivities begin.”

A few regale ponies begin giving accepting nods toward her statement.

“Pssh! Octavia’s just being polite. What she really wants to say is the party sitting in snooze-Ville but, is about to make a right on to the corner of awesome avenue and kick-it curve.” A white unicorn with a duel blue mane and dark purple shades commented.

Octavia face hooved as many of the more sophisticated ponies began to display opinions of disapproval.

Fancy clears his throat “vinyl scratch was it?” vinyl nods yes with a smile “oh yes, I believe you and Ms. Octavia were rooming together?”

“Yes, she lives with me. We’ve been friends for years and though her abrupt personality I enjoy her company.” Octavia explains in a nervous yet kind manor.

Fancy adjust his monocle “I can see why. I find the opposite nature of your personalities a charming balance.”

Immediately the others around begin to change their opinions as to agree with fancy pants.

“Presenting; commander spitfire and lightning dust of the wonder bolts.”

The two made their way toward the concession stand, rainbow dash trots over asking pinkie for punch. Lightning dust walks to the punch bowl getting two cups and giving one to spitfire as she returns. The two head to the middle of the ball room to mingle as the butler

pony introduces more ponies to the growing crowd.

The butler pony walks in again “presenting; spike, ward of twilight sparkle, princess of friendship.”

“Spike!” twilight calls as she gallops up and hugs him

Spike catches her returning the hug “hey twilight, ah boy I missed you.”

“I missed you too. How was your business in the crystal empire?”

Spike made a dull expression as he performed a talking action with his hand, twilight giggled as she gets him to stop.

She looks up a bit to be eye level with him “wow who knew one growth spurt would make such a difference.” Spike waves it off “spike, you

could rest your chin on my horn with how tall you are. Beside with the new you and all I bet you’ll have a special some-pony sooner or later”

Spike turns blushing “what? It’s true. Relax, enjoy the party.”

“Hey you two” They look over seeing sunset walking up to them “wow, spike, you’ve really grown. Last time I saw you, you were a third this size.”  

Spike scratches the back of his neck “Hee, hee thanks sunset.”

The butler pony walks in once again

He stands at the door way “presenting; sweetie belle of the cantorlot school of song and friends applebloom and scootalo.”

The three girls make their way into the ball room amazed by the decorations and fancy ponies

“Hey there kiddo” applejack says grabbing applebloom with a hoof into a hug as she returns it

“Hey applejack how’s granny?”

“She’s fine.”

Rarity walks up to sweetie belle restraining her excitement “hello sweetie belle.” She loses it jerking her sister into a hug “oooh I’ve missed you. How are you doing?”

“Rarity, you’re messing up my mane.” Rarity brushes it off for the moment “I’m supposed to sing as part of the entrainment lineup.” Rarity pauses before gasping and vigorously fixing her sisters mane.

Scootalo looks around feverishly until she spots rainbow dash, within a heartbeat she gallops over calling out to her. Rainbow turns

around to the sound of her name being called to see her favorite former filly all grown up running up to her.

“Hey scootalo, what’s up kid?”

“Rainbow, it’s been so long. Four years, wha- hey! I’m not a kid anymore.”

Rainbow grins bopping her on the shoulder “I know. I’m just teasing.” Rainbow notices the small image on her flank “hey is that your cutie

mark? You said in your letter it was for…dancing right?”

Scootalo looks at her cutie mark “yea. I was so happy when I got it I almost-”

Spitfire and lightning dust walk over as spitfire gains rainbows attention interrupting her and scootalo.

Rainbow gives a look a moment “oh hey you two, this is scootalo. Scootalo this is spitfire and lightning dust. They are the second and third in our wonderbolts team.”

“Hi” she replies

“Hey there.” Lightning dust answers back

Spitfire says nothing as she gives rainbow a dull glare while sipping her punch.

She looks down at her cup with an equally dull look “I’m going to get more punch”

Scootalo waits for her to walk away “what’s her problem?”

Lightning sighs with a hoof on her forehead “ugh! Please don’t get into that right now.”  

The lights dim as two spot lights start circling the room before pausing on a throne at the far end. Suddenly a burst of magic engulfs the chair as Celestia, Luna, cadence, and shining armor suddenly teleport in front of it.

“Mares, and gentle colts” Luna proclaims in her cantorlot voice

“We are happy you could join us on this happy occasion” celestia continued “as we officially publicize the latest addition to our royal family.”

Shining starts in “yes, she has been seen out and about before but, tonight is her official introduction”

Cadence chimes in “so please give a warm welcome” shining and cadence together turn to reveal star shine “our daughter, princess star shine.”

Everyone begins clapping their hooves together. As the crowd calms down the sound of what is believed to be clapping continues a moment. Every pony looks over toward the entrance where a large creature with the head and lower body of a snake and the torso and arms of a bear with a line of scales down each arm holding a staff with a crystal orb sitting a three point perch at the top of the staff.

Everyone looks in confusion at the large creature with shining white scales and a matching fur coat as his emerald green eyes look about the room momentarily.

“You can’t be serious” sunset half whispers

“Is-is that princess celestias guest?” twilight inquires indirectly.

The large creature leans down to whisper into the older butler ponies’ ear.

The butler pony perks up “presenting; seppogaar of the Nāga.”

Celestia walks over to greet the new guest “Ahh seppogaar, it’s been awhile.”

“Quite” he replies as he wraps his tail around his staff freeing his hand.

Luna greets him as she catches up to the two of them “hello seppogaar, thou hast changed little since last I saw the.”

“A benefit of nága aging, you on the other hand have changed quite a bit.”

Luna looks to her sister a moment “A side effect of my time as nightmare moon. I was sick for many a day and this be the end result.”

“That’s unfortunate, I’m sorry. In any case it’s good to see you returned to your old self.” He bows in respect to the two sisters as they return the gesture “please forgive my lateness, I found the layout to the city intriguing puzzling.”

“Thou hath gotten lost.” Luna says calling his bluff.

Celestia chuckles “sister, please. Its’ okay seppogaar, how did you like seeing the city again.”

“It was a quaint experience. I rather enjoyed the detoured sight-seeing.” He says with a cheerful tone.

“Well I’m glad you could make it, please, enjoy the evening.”

The two walk away to attend to other patters of the evening, sunset casually strolls up to princess celestia.

“So, who is that exactly?” she inquires somewhat aggressively though unintentionally.

Celestia looks back where Luna and seppogaar continue to speak “Just an old friend.” She looks to her former student who was looking back befuddled “sunset, would you go find a light blue unicorn with a silver mane that goes by the name Trixie and tell her that her performance time is coming up.”

Sunset snaps out of her trance and agrees to the request heading off into the crowds to seek out this unicorn.

As the party goes on and the crowds mingle sweetie belle makes her way to the microphone which sat on a small raised stage, she quietly cleared her throat as the butler pony form before tapped the mic making a small screeching noise that mostly just caught the attention of the room

He clears his own throat before speaking “m-mares and gentle colts, as our first act of the evening’s entertainment line-up *cough* Ms.

Sweetie belle of cantorlots school for song will be preforming a piece of her own personal writing.” He turns to the skittish young mare “Ms. Belle.”

Sweetie belle takes a deep breath as she takes front on stage looking over the crowd catching scootalo and applebloom near the front of the crowd. She lightly bites her lip as stage fright takes hold of her ‘hey if ever you feel the embrace of your stage fright just breath, close your eyes, and sing.’ The advice of her friend scootalo rings in her memory as she notices the lights fade away apart form a lone spot light centered on her. She looks about the room once more, than to star and her parents, and finally her friends smiling for her.

In the crowd rarity could tell the silence was quickly heading toward a point of worry when she noticed her sister take a deep breath caught by the microphone as she closed her eyes and began to sing.

“O re-flec-tion, I stand be-fore you.

Say re-flec-tion, Tell me what I should do, To move past my fears

O re-flec-tion, I feel so empty and alone

I’m on my own

O re-flec-tion, I beg you

For I have nothing

Nothing in this world to sooth my soul

O re-flec-tion, show me ones hoof, I can hold

O re-flec-tion”

Sweetie belle takes another breath as the crowd sits quietly a moment before an increased sound of clapping hooves could be heard. Sweetie belle looked over the crowd as she let a smile crawl across her face grow in appreciation for their enjoyment of her performance before making her way off the stage.

As she reaches the stairs seppogaar reaches out a hand to help her down, she ponders a moment as to why anyone would feel the need to help someone down two simple steps, however she concluded he was only being gentlemanly and accepted the gestor as she placed a hoof in his slightly large paw and walked down the stairs.

“Thank you” she said bowing her head a bit

Seppogaar returns the gesture “You’re welcome. That was a-” he paused a moment “that was a beautiful song, you have quite a talent sweetie belle” he complements

“Thank you again, that’s very kind of you.” She replies

Rarity walks up with aim to congratulate her sister as seppogaar turns to give them the time to talk, he casually greets rarity by name before leaving them alone causing both her and sweetie to stop dead in her tracks a moment.

Star shine fidgets in the thrones seat, leaning over a bit “mommy, when can we get up? I want see aunt twilight and the others.”

Cadence smiles down at her daughter “in a little bit sweetie, there’s one more performance and then well go mingle.”

As cadence consoled she spots an odd shadow approach, shining sits up more straightly as seppogaar reaches their seats.

“Greetings your majesties, you as well young princess.” He bows respectfully “I am seppogaar. I apologize for my lateness; I have not been to the city for quite a long while and became side tract.”

“That’s alright, however you could have asked a guard for escort.” Shining assures

Seppogaar bows his head in acceptance of the advice “thank you sir armor, I shall keep that in mind”

The nága look down to the small princess star shine whom likewise looked up to him

“You have pretty eyes” she says.

“Thank you” seppogaar replies

“Where are the rest of them?” she asks.

Seppogaar grins humorously “I suppose you mean the pupil and irises. Nága eyes are one solid color, but I assure you, I can see just as well as anypony else.”

“You don’t have any legs.” she asked as bluntly as could be.

“Your right.” he says in joking tone.

“How do you walk?” she asked

“Slink, slither. It’s all lateral undulation” he answered

Star looks at him cock headed a moment “what are those on your head? Are they your ears?”

“Actually it’s my hood.” He answers bluntly

“What’s it do?” she asks

“Nothing” He replies

“Oh” star said slightly disappointed before her attention was caught “what’s that?” she pointed to the staff still held by his long tail.

Seppogaar brought the staff to his paw releasing it from his tail “this is the serpents staff, on the perch sits the crystalline orb known as the

serpents’ eye, which can be used to do all sorts of amazing thing, though the staff is quit powerful itself.”

Shining looked over the long staff, he noticed it seemingly coiled toward the bottom and top though a better portion was straight “hmm, if it’s as powerful as you say wouldn’t it be dangerous.”

“In the wrong hands, quite, however I have no intentions of maleficence.” He affirmed. He turns giving them a quick bow before leaving setting his sights on the concession tables.

Applebloom, applejack, and rarity were standing away from the crowd as they conversed about the evening.

“Wasn’t sweetie belle just amazing?” Rarity praised

Applejack look at her sister “I was a might’ bit impressed with how she handled ‘er stage fright.”

“That’s right, however did she solve it?” rarity inquired

Bloom giggled a bit “scootalo figured that one out.”

“Figured out what?” scootalo asked joining the conversation

“How to deal with sweetie belles stage fright” applebloom answered

“pssh, that was nothing” she shrugs off “hey, do you know what’s up with that spitfire lady? Every time dash said something she was all like yea, whatever or okay or just a grunt or grown”      

Rarity and the others though a moment “well…I can’t put my hoof on it, however, I do believe it started sometime after wondeblots

ceremony, what 2 years ago?” rarity answered. She looks back at applebloom and pouts

Applejack shakes her head in her hoof “ugh, what are you going on about.”

“Oh nothing it’s just that, well appleblooms ensemble is mis-” she gasp heavily with realization. She suddenly snatchers applejacks hat off

her head putting it onto apple bloom as she looks it over a moment “PERFECT!” she declares.

Applebloom goes to give back applejacks hat until she stops her.

“ahh you keep it fer tonight. Rarity is right, it looks real good with yer dress an all.”

Bloom grinned “Thanks sis, you want some punch?”

“I’m parched, thank ya” applejack answered

Seppogaar slithers by a tray of hors d’oeuvres scoping up a paw full tossing them into his mouth.

He chews them up lifting his head as to swallow “hmpf, foods better.” he stops next to pinkie looking over the punch and caramel apple slices “hello pinkie, how are you this evening.”

“I’m fine, how are you?” she asks

“Good. Thank you.” he replies as he skewers three apple slices with his claws.

Applebloom walks over asking pinkie for some punch as she sees the tall nága eat an apple slice off his claw.

She watches a moment before speaking “So…You knew the princess’s?”

Seppogaars fork tongue runs across his upper lip as he ready’s another claw “correct.” He answers pleasantly “while I’m at it, good evening

to you miss apple bloom.” He says before devouring the second apple slice

Applebloom starts to comment on how he knew her name but remembered him speaking to sweetie belle.

“How’s your sister?” he asks eyeing the third claw skewered apple “and granny smith what about here? Is she doing well?” he asked snatching the slice with his tongue pulling it into his mouth.

“Oh, there fine, granny’s doing better since moving to the city, but applejack refuses to leave her alone. Big mac is runnin’ sweet apple acers alright but still could use some help”

“How about your friend scootalo?” he asks intriguingly.

“She’s fine; it’s really great to see her again.” She says with a grateful smile “I can’t wait for sweetie belle to go on summer break so we can go back to ponyville so we can catch up.”

“Does she not visit cantorlot?” he inquires

“We’re all in school and well, the train has a very precise schedule, visits are rare.” She explains

“What a shame, it’s just too bad she never learned to fly.” He says slightly whispering

Seppogaar turns to leave when he turns back a moment

“Say, does she still live in the little house with the garden balcony over the two pillars?” he asks

“How-how do you know where she lives?” bloom asks worryingly

He snickers slithering off “I know where every pony in pony-Ville lives.”

Apple bloom looked at the large serpent creature as he slithered off in shock, she begins to quickly trot off to tell the others when the lights suddenly go out. The stage is lit up with a curtain across half of it and a single spotlight in the middle of the stage front.

“Evening mares” the voice of Trixie called as a mare pony made of light appeared on the stage “gentle colts” she says as a colt made of light joined the mare “and fillies alike” finally a little filly pony joined appeared between the mare and colt made of an equally bright light “prepare yourselves to be dazzled at the amazing magical talents of the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie!” the three ponies made of light leap into the air and explode into a mass of rainbow colored fireworks as Trixie takes there place.

Everypony in the crowd applaud the show pony as she readies her performance.

“Well, if you like that you’ll looove the next part of my show.” She boasts cheerfully

As the regale ponies watch the show applebloom made her way toward sweetie belle who was sitting by the concession table with a drink in hoof.

“Hey sweetie, you didn’t happen to tell that seppogaar guy our names or anything did ya?” applebloom asked cautiously.

“No, why?” she replied having taken a sip of her drink.

Applebloom turns with her eye on applejack through the short flashes of light from Trixies show leaving sweetie belle befuddled.

As the show goes on fluttershy grows more and more nerved by the flashing lights and the unsettling shadows it made over the ponies around her. She backs out slowly until a large flash of light creates an incredibly ‘scary’ shadow causing her to gallop out of the crowd toward the door and into a guard pony.

“Ms. Shy, whatever is the matter?” he said bowing to the yellow mare

She cowers a bit to the shadowed room. The guard looks about the room before quickly escorting her out and shutting the door behind him.

“tha-thank you. Your not-”

“Going to get in trouble?” he interrupts “no, it’s my responsibility to guard the castle, but it’s also my job to help with any concerns of the guest to the castle.”

Fluttershy looked up very timidly “oh, well thanks umm, I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

The guard sighs heavily.

“Is something wrong?” fluttershy asked

The guard looks at her shyly “I love my folks, but my name is the worst decision they ever made.”

“It can’t be that bad.” She rebutted

He mutters.

Fluttershy put a hoof to her ear “what’s that?”

He sighs again “daisy maze” he says clearly.

Fluttershy smiles “that’s adorable.”

Daisy maze grimaced before breaking into a smile. The two shared a small laugh as the ballroom quieted down.

Apple bloom finally reaches her sister as the show Trixie put on comes to its end

“Hey applejack” she says in a hushed tone expecting someone to hear “that guy, seppogaar? Somethin’ ain’t right about him.”

“What you mean bloom?” she asked curiously

Apple bloom glares at the nága “he…well he knows things, things nopony told him. Like our names and where we live.”

“Apple bloom” applejack said harshly

Apple bloom interrupts “he described scoots house and said himself ‘I know where everypony in ponyville lives’”

She assured her sister she wasn’t lying which applejack found to be genuine prompting her to put down her punch and head toward the crowd

> Problems Arise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    Chapter 4: Problems arise

Trixie exited the stage with her head held high after the performance.

“Wow!” the yellow unicorn with red and gold striped hair said. “You sure know how to work a crowd.”

Trixie acted coy, polishing her hoof on her coat “just something I cooked up during rehearsal” she darted an eye toward twilight with an obviously unsuccessful telepathic thank you. She focuses back on sunset “oh, before I forget, thank you for fetching me.”

“My pleasure” Sunset said, smiling.

Trixie smirked as she walked by her “oh but you have no idea how much of a travesty it would have been for these ponies to miss my show.”

Sunset looked at her cock-eyed “hmm. Twilight did say you were full of yourself.” Trixie’s mouth dropped as her head wiped around to meet sunsets face “although, she did also say you were one of the most determined ponies she’s ever meet.”

Trixie was taken aback by how well twilight thought of her despite their past. She quickly she quickly put on an artful smile, “okay! I get it.

Hide your praise behind a diminishing critique. Such tactfulness in the statement, she is a genies.”

As guest mingle celestia and luna again find themselves speaking with seppogaar

“It is good to see you again my friend,” Celestia exclaims with a smile.

“Yes, thou must have had a very important matter to have left in such a quicken state.” Luna added “what was this task that required such hast?” she inquired

“Trust me, it is better I keep such things to myself.” He put bluntly but respectfully

“Of course, you’ll find that though your absence; it is a gracious day that you return to equestria.” Celestia stated happily

“Actually I won’t be staying. I must leave tonight after I …acquire something”

Luna sighed “enough with thy’n insufferable bleakness. If this matter be so intrusive we must know of it.” she said nearly breaking into her cantorlot voice.

Seppogaar chuckled “calm down woona” he smiles deviously “or I’ll go after your spot.”

Luna backed up “tho-thou wouldn’t dare”

Celestia spoke with a mix of joking and playful tone “oooh! That’s right. Where was it again?” luna looked at her sister in shock as she pondered “between your 5th and 6th vertebrae?”

“6th and 7th” he corrected

“thou’s is still the curve of thy jaw correct?”

“Let’s test it.” seppogaar said, as he reached up suddenly, lightly scratching at curve of celestias jaw. The quick gentle scratching caused her to fall into a relaxed smile and brought her to a slumped sitting position with a slight thud.

Luna laughed as she watched her sister fall prey to the power of the spot before seppogaar pulled away placing both hands behind his back. Seppogaar looked to the windows and a nearby clock. ‘Time is upon us’ he thought to himself.

Spike walked up to twilight tapping her on the shoulder as she finished a conversation with derpy.

“One moment spike” She said waving a hoof

Derpy looked at twilight and spike with her two oppose trailed eyes “oh, it can wait till later.” she said her usual raspy tone as she turns and walks off.

“What is it Spike?” twilight asked noticing his expression.

Spike leaned down “discords eating all the hors d’oeuvres again.”

Twilight sighed as she walked off to deal with discord. She passed several ponies along the way politely asking each to re-address her later as she was dealing with an important matter. Along the way applejack walked up to her asking if she could talk a moment, twilight saw the insistence in her eyes and stepped away with her for the moment.

“Applejack, what seems to be the problem?”

She looks over toward the crowd with the nága towering over them “I don’t much trust him.” She looks at twilight’s confused face “He told my sis that he knew where she lived, where I live. Said he told her where every pony in ponyville lived.”

Twilight looked away in thought. She asked Applejack to wait and continued toward the lord of chaos.

Discord picked up another of the many tooth pick skewered foods as twilight approached “Hello twilight, cheese and broccoli?”

“Discord, what are you doing?” she asked

“Hmm, since Mr. and Mrs. Party pooper won’t let star out of her seat and everything else is a complete bore, I’m stuffing my face with food to pass the time.”

Twilight gave an irritated grimaced look “Okay. Now if I may ask, have you spoken to seppoggar this evening.”

“No.” he states tossing another small treat in his mouth.

“Then I can only assume you shapeshifted into him and made those comments about knowing where she lived as a joke.” She shot back

Discord drops his tray and stares daggers into twilights eyes, she quickly ducks so as that they miss striking the ground “I never. I’m the lord of chaos, not the lord of creepy twilight sparkle. Even I wouldn’t go that far for a joke.” With that he disappears with a puff.

The clock struck nine; the crowd grew quiet as a chef rolled out a cart with a large cake sitting atop of it. The cake its self holds five candles lining the length of the cake, a border of violet-blue frosting lined the top, bottom and corners respectfully connecting everything together. The yellow frosting covering the cake glowed in the light of the room as it made its way to the birthday girl.

Star shines eyes widen with anticipation as she watches the cake grows closer and closer still. The crowd watched as the chef walks the cake barring cart as star shine’s eyes glimmered as the cake continued her way, she rose up in her seat as she readied to blow out her candles and dig in to a nice big piece of cake. When finally the large yellow treat is before her, her excitement is over flowed as she hops in her seat with the upmost of enthusiasm.

“Ohh, let’s see the cake shall we.” Discord said poofing up beside her

He snaps his fingers causing her throne to gain legs in a sitting position that suddenly start to raise up lifting her up above the wall of yellow icing to the image design and candles so as to make her wish and dig in to the delicious cake. The chair lift to its full height giving her a perfect view of cakes surface, however the excitement that had once engulfed her face with an endless smile was gone.

Her poster relaxed to a simple sitting position as she stared down at the image on her cake. What she had hoped for is images of a pony rearing back proudly, a butterfly with beautiful rainbow wings, maybe aunt celestia and luna or even an image of aunt twilight in a magic laser blast fight with an evil centaur. None of that graced her cake however, no, instead with an ever present disappointed frown she looked down at an image of a large blue shield with a purple star emblem as a crystal heart lay over top of it with five swirled pink candles.

Cadence leans over smiling greatly as star shine had been moments ago “what do you think?” she asked enthusiastically “Oh, don’t you just love it dear? Your father and I were just awe struck when we thought of It.” she looks to her royal guard husband who smirked back at her.

Star Shine undeniably unenthusiastically blows out the candles. The crowd cheers and yells out happy birthday. The doors to the ball room open fluttershy and daisy maze reenter the room. Daisy maze eyeing shining armor sneaks back to his post covered by a few dozen cooks march in to the nearby table where they place multiple, slightly smaller cakes identical to the one star shine received. Pinkie couldn’t help but scratch her head at the design on the cakes.

“Isn’t it just beautiful, I can’t wait to have a bit.” Twilight stated joyfully

Pinkie glared at the cake a moment pulling out a piece of paper tucked in her mane, “This doesn’t look like any of the design choices star

shine asked for.” She looks between the paper and cake, “Well they’ve done it again.”

Twilight puzzled looks to pinkie pie as if she were speaking gibberish. Sure Cadence and Shining were careful with her when it came to safety. Changelings, Sombra, Tirek, these were three very dangerous reasons for their ‘paranoia’. Making these things worse is in each case they were specifically after them or their magic. They weren’t the only foes they faced, but they definitely topped the chart in the danger category. Twilight even pondered the concern that her and her friends posed a danger, not only for Star Shine, the entirety of equestrias’ safety came to curiosity in her thoughts. Her thoughts would have to wait for now though as she caught a glimpse of white coming up beside her.

“A birthday party, I could have sworn this were a gala.” The nága remarked. “Good evening Twilight.” He greets with a small bow.

“I know, I decorate for a birthday party, cater for a gala.” Pinkie replied.

“Hello.” Twilight greeted in return.

Patrons of the party were enjoying their cake along with minor small talk; most allowing the yellow treat go stale in the name of business talk. Across the room near the catering table applejack keep close eye on the large serpent guest. Rainbow along with Spit Fire and Lightning Dust headed toward the door for their performance. The three of them were stopped periodically for autographs or photos.

“Get that camera out of my face!” barked a very unhappy Spit Fire.

Rainbow catches the exchange over the praise of fans, “Hey, don’t yell at him. He didn’t do anything.”

“Whatever.” The golden mare spat.

While dash dealt with Spit Fire, lightning dust stepped back to wait out yet another argument, the third on today, seventh this week. Seppoggar passes by her with a gestor of apology for getting in her way. He glances over to the clock as time escapes, precious time not to be so wasted. Applejack followed a few ponies behind as he made way up to the three ponies sitting, watching the events of the evening, her pursuit is halted when spike steps in front of her expressing his relief to see her before the end of the evening. While spike halted applejacks obvious pursuit seppoggar found now to be the best and necessary opportunity to do what he had really come to do, what he needed to do.

Cadence sees his approach, she greets him upon reaching the thrones “Oh, hello again. Are you enjoying the evening?”

He bows, “I have, though unfortunately, I must take my leave.”

“Well, thank you for such pleasant company. I know my family would agree when I say that we do hope to see you again.”

Seppoggar frowns looking down to the little pink filly with remorse, he took his staff in hand, “I’m sorry to do this to you, but your daughter,

star shine, she has to come with me.”

Cadance chuckles nervously waiting for the punch line of what had to be a joke. Shining armor glared, his expression told the serpent that he had better be joking, for his sake. Seppoggar raises the staff slightly before slamming the end on the ground. The resulting shockwave sends the two grown ponies flying from their sea.

Shining Armor lifts his head as he desperately attempts to move his body, “I…uhh…can’t move.”

“Me… Ugh!...either” rebutted Cadance.

Seppoggar gave a quick glance at the couple before turning to the filly in her seat fearful of what may happen next. Ears down and back against the back board of her seat she’s cornered. She’s safe; discord floats her into the air over seppoggars head toward the bottom of the small set of stairs. Discord pops up beside the nága who turns his upper body to the draconequus as his lower body coils making him raise higher.

“Star shine will be coming with me.” The nága growled

Discord snaked around him as though lacking bones, “Do you know who I am,” he asked rhetorically. “I’m discord. You know, the lord of chaos.” He introduced poofing away and reappearing directly beside him. “You won’t be taking anyone anywhere so long as I’m around.”

Seppoggar switches the staff from his right hand to his left before removing the crystal orb from its perch. “I beg to differ.” He says, he lifts the orb to discords face.

Before he can so much as blink the crowd and star shine with a front row seat watch as discords magic is sucked from his body into the orb.

He’s paralyzed by the force of his magic draining from his body, the feeling is somewhat similar to how Tirek stole his magic, however this

felt gentler. Star shine watched as her friend was drained of his magic and fell to the ground unconscious.

Seppoggar swops down taking up the filly in his arm. Rainbow dash dropped low before launching into the air, Spit fire hot on her tail, “I got

him,” she yells.

Dash looks back “wait, we should work together, you fla-.” Before she could finish Spit Fire flies past. “Wait!” she yells.

Spit Fire ignores her in her action, as she reaches the great white serpent he larches to one side, she flies past slamming into the wall. Rainbow dash sees her opportunity charging the snake, aiming to swiftly steal star shine from his grip; the only swift thing is seppoggar turning to strike her with the head of his staff sending her soring into the crowd. Applejack acts fast roping her with a lasso and pinkie throwing herself under the falling Pegasus to catch her. Spit Fire shakes off the crash, kicking off the wall she charges her target, instead of success she found herself pined to the ground, the arms of his staff that hold the orb in place around her neck holding her down.

Seppoggar leans down as his back contorts as though he had no spine, his hand sliding against the staff. Spit Fire stared up at his upside-

down face as he spoke, “Keep in mind that your job is to protect, not to seek approval.” He leaches back up using his staff to slide her toward the crowd.

Spit fire slides straight for twilight, without a beat she grabs her with her magic brining her to a stop.

“It seems you’ve forgotten something.” She boasted, readying her horn.

She prepared a teleport spell, seppoggar takes notice and with the crystal orb back in place again hits the ground with his staff.

Twilights spell should have worked by now. Something drips from her horn.

“What the?”

From across the room rarity cries out in horror. “EWW! Wha-what is this stuff? ” She asked, looking up at a glob of brownish liquid slowly

seeping down her horn. “Wait. Is this-molasses, ugh its cold.”

With one strike of his staff seppoggar had coated not just twilight and rarity’s horns, but every unicorn horn in the room with thick, cold molasses. A second look reviled that he’d also glued every Pegasus’s wings to their sides with honey. Furious, twilight charges the serpent coming to a halt when she comes mussel to mussel with her reflection in his crystal orb. She takes a cautious step back as he raises the staff, twilight ready’s to run, but is caught by the glow of the orb. Seppoggar swings it down pointing to her with a cold look in his eye. Twilight tenses up as she’s too scared to move. Not that it’d matter anyway; he could easily reach her with his spell anywhere in the crowded room. Seppoggars cold expression softens as she’s devoured by an intense light.

“Twilight!” the filly screamed as she disappeared into the light.

Star Shine covers her eyes from its painful glow; when it’s gone her, twilight and everypony else look to see what he’s done. Twilight is fine, she’s left befuddled a bit, but when she looks down she finds her hooves in chains bound to the floor. She lifts her foreleg in vain as the chain won’t allow it less than in inch off the ground. Spike bolts up to Twilight to make sure she’s alright. She reassures him she’s fine and the young drake sets his sights on the nága.

“You have three seconds to let her go!” he bellowed. “One!” seppoggars only action is to transfer his staff to his tail. “Two!”  No

movement. “Three!” immediately spike produces a large wall of flame aimed straight at seppoggars head.

Seppoggar snaps his fingers just as the flames devour his shoulders and head. The crowd looks in disbelief at what they see; though many know of spikes ability to use fire to send scrolls to princess celestia, the flames he currently, relentlessly unleashes are completely transparent. Twilights face is rot with worry as not only are the flame transparent, spike is as well and he’s fading rather quickly.

“Ahhh!” the scream was deafening to anyone who heard it. “What’s happening!” apple bloom cried, looking over her vanishing body.

Rarity looked across the room to her sister and in a panic bolted for her, she didn’t stop passing through her sister as if she were a ghost, she collided with the desert table behind sweetie belle with such force she toppled over with it. Covered in cakes and cookie crumbs she leaped over the table to her sisters’ side as she begged her to help her. Applebloom similarly shrieked for assistance.  

Infuriated Luna looked to her sister for a plan, Celestia was stone faced, but Luna couldn’t tell if it was in fear, confusion, and anger. Then she noticed something else, something far more significant and worrying, Celestias horn and wings were left untouched. Luna finds herself too confused to form the words necessary to ask why this was so, she could only stare and hope her sister could read the concern on her face, she did not even glance in Lunas direction.

“What’s happening? Twilight, you have to help us, PLEASE!” spiked begged.

Twilight and the others watched in horror as spike and the CMC’s gradually vanished from sight. The only thing any of them could do is watch. Sunset tried to clean off her horn, however the molasses was so thick she couldn’t get enough of it off before it was too late.

Tears flooding her face apple bloom did the only thing she could as she faced the inevitable, “Applejack, I love ya’ sis. You’re the best sister I could have ever had. Tell granny I’m sorry I ain’t come to see her and-”

As the sight of sister fades away to nothing, AppleJack falls back on her haunches. She sat there quiet, as if she couldn’t believe what just happened. Her little sister, who she had helped raise and cherished all these years, is gone. Her little sister who once cried over something as silly as not having a cutie mark, who loved to play and argue with her sister and would always be there with a smile on her face and an idea in her head. Applejack sat there as the realization sat in that her sister was gone, No, stolen away without any knowing of where she was, was too much for her. A sniffle turned to two which turned to eyes filled with tears, her tears poured down her checks like a

river breaking through a dam.

Celestia and her sister could hear applejack cries; they could feel the pain in every tearful howl and scream. Applejack is a strong pony, she’s been through a lot in her years, but it doesn’t matter how strong you are, everypony has there breaking point.          

Spike grins as he looks at twilight, “Well, I guess I should-”

Twilight cuts him off, desperately attempting to think of a plan. “No! Don’t you dare give up, well figure something out.”    

“Twilight!” he barks. “If not now, then never.” He breathes deeply before speaking again, “Thank you for everything. You’ve been like a mom to me since I hatched; I can’t thank you or the others enough. I-” his voice goes silent as his body finally vanishes.

Twilight hung her head as tears began dotting the floor. Her faithful assistant was gone, the girls were gone and she could have stopped it, she knows she could have reversed the spell, she knew the spell. Though seppoggar was at fault, she couldn’t help blaming herself.

“Why?” she spoke silently.  

“Tell mom and dad, I love ém.” Sweetie asks.

Raritys face floods with tears, “I will.” She says, near balling.

“I love you to Rarity, Bestest sisters forever?”

“Bestest sisters forever” She repeats.

Scootaloo holds her head down in similar tears. “I don’t want go, It’s not fair” she whales.

Sweetie Belle wraps her friend in a huge, the only thing she’s left able to touch. With a few more sniffs and eye rubs she returns the huge. Rarity is forced, by circumstance and her own will to watch as her sister and her best friend silently vanish in a huge that only the best of friends can accomplish, a quiet, tender huge with eyes closed, and only the feeling of each other’s hooves around one another as they finally vanish.

Rarity, stands in place as the last moments of her sisters being there lingered. Her muscles tensed and she her heart wept. As she mourned a moment of change occurred in her heart, what started as hopeless sadness morphed into a hateful anger. Peering through the crowd she spied the target of her aggression and walked forward. The ponies making up the crowd stepped out the way as she passed, they knew now wasn’t the time to be in her path.

Star Shine who’d been silent up till know looked up at seppoggar noticing his lack of attention toward her, she leans her head down, with quick and decisive action she bites down hard onto his hand. He roars in pain as the small filly drops to the ground, she jumps up sprinting toward her mom when she sees white. Seppoggars long white tail wraps around her lifting her up and away from her mother.

“What did you do?” Rarity demands in a mannerly tone.

Seppoggar bring the struggling filly up close as he answers “Nothing malicious, I simply, sent them away for a while.”

“Where?” twilight bellowed, through her tears

“We don’t have time for this.” Seppoggar rebuked.

Seppoggar looked as shining and cadances hold started to let up, he peeked toward discord as he began to regain consciousness.

“Bring. Her. Back.” She ordered as though she were going to attack.

“No.” he answered

Rarity stared as she lowered her head and her molasses drenched horn began to glow. Her breathing grew harsher as the molasses on her horn stretched and contorted. “You will bring back our sisters, release Star Shine, and return discords stolen magic and you will do it NOW.” She spat, fury rang in her voice like a bell toll as it swung to and fro.

“That isn’t going to happen; I’m not deviating from the plan any more than I already have.”

Rarity’s angered expression became one of absolute fury in an instant as the magical build up inside the sticky substance over flowed and caused it to explode. Molasses flies through-out the room hitting everything and one, one particular white stallion with a blond mane running from the room as a single drop hits his tux. Rarity readies a second blast aimed directly for the monster that sent away her sister and fired.

“I’m sorry, don’t try to find us.” With a snap of his fingers, he’s gone.

Cadence watches as her daughter flounders around in the nágas tail, as rarity blast away the molasses on her horn a attacks the would be kidnapper. As seppoggar along with her daughter disappear and the magical blast from rarity’s horn flies past the spot they once were in scorching the edge of the throne and wall star shine had been sitting at. The last thing echoing through her mind was the look on her daughters’ faces begging her and her father to help her just before she was gone; in a blink she was gone.

“STAR SHINE!” she whaled, tears assault her face as they rained form her eyes.