Rise of the Draconequusby jb530ChaptersThe ArrivalA Wicked PlotSnow FallsFrigid Winds...Frozen HeartsThe Grand Galloping GalaTrouble BrewingCanterlot ChaosThe ArrivalAn ancient creature of chaos floated through the inky black void of space. A cruel smile twisted across its horse-like muzzle as he noticed a blue and green planet suspended in space just ahead. “Hmmm…looks like another planet ripe for a Discord brand storm of chaos,” the creature chuckled to himself as he steered closer to the unsuspecting world. KA-BLAM! Discord was knocked out of the void, blindsided by the planet’s moon. He tumbled to the ground, flailing and screaming. Before slamming into the ground, Discord snapped his clawed fingers. He vanished in a flash of light and instantly reappeared on the ground. Discord noticed a group of creatures in a clearing nearby; multicolored, horned horse-like beings chanting a strange language. A vibrant cone of magic erupted from each horn. As the chanting swelled, the moon vanished over the horizon and the sun rose into the sky. Chancing to slither closer, Discord watched a tall white creature step out of the circle. A silver crown, encrusted with precious gems of all colors, sat atop the mare’s carefully coiffured violet mane. The same crown, in miniature, was plastered across the creature’s flank. A rich, violet cape covered the unicorn’s back. “We unicorns have raised the sun,” the unicorn said in a melodious, yet slightly prissy voice. “Earth ponies and pegasi, please come and present your offerings.” A similar creature, this one lacking a horn, bounded out into the clearing. This must be an earth pony, surmised Discord. “Hi, Princess Platinum! We have your food!” the pony screeched. The princess and Discord stared in horror at the newcomer. The orange mare wore a white ruff around her neck, along with a brown and yellow tunic. But the horrified stares were directed at the hat, a tall monstrosity that resembled an enormous bowl of chocolate pudding. “Well, thank you, Chancellor Puddinghead,” the princess stammered, engrossed in the horrid hat. “It’s NOOO problem,” the chancellor said, bouncing up and down excitedly. “It’s part of the bargain! HEY, did you know that there are no words that rhyme with bargain? I mean, REALLY? But there are LOTS of words that rhyme with beans! Lean, mean, spleen, unclean...” The chancellor babbled on about nothing in particular as a tribe of earth ponies emerged from the woods, carrying baskets of crops in their mouths. The unicorns and earth ponies, as well as Discord began to get annoyed with the Chancellor’s incessant chatter. Finally, the princess’ horn glowed, levitating an apple from a nearby basket and jammed it into the Chancellor’s mouth. “We accept the earth pony offering.” Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of flapping wings. "Hey, wook!" shouted the Chancellor around a mouthful of apple, "It'sh the pegshusssesssessess!" "Pegasi!" came the perfuctory correction. The flock of pegasi touched down by the unicorn and earth pony tribes. A helmeted navy blue pegasus stepped forward, his jet black mane and tail rippling in the wind. A gold lightning bolt snaked down his flank. He stamped his hoof and thunder rumbled in the distance. "Always one for an entrance, Commander," sniffed Princess Platinum. "Show off," she muttered under her breath. "The pegasi of Pegasopolis bring forth their offering," boomed the Commander. "State your weather needs." The princess and the chancellor rattled off a list of demands: rain for the south fields, snow for the last day of spring, a cloudless day for the Princess' birthday... The Commander listened stoically to the demands. He unfurled his wings with a flick. The pegasi troops snapped to attention. "You have your orders, troops!" the Commander roared. "Take the food and let us away!" The pegasi picked up the food and took to the air. The unicorns and earth ponies left as well. Discord emerged from his hiding place and chuckled wickedly. "This might be easier than I thought! He began a chant: Three warring groups are thee Pegasus, unicorn and earth pony Your peace stands now on shaky ground Discord will be there to pull you down. A Wicked PlotDiscord wandered away from the clearing to plot. As he floated through the trees, he shuddered in disgust. He touched down on the ground and picked up a fragrant blue flower. "Bleh, gag me! Everything here makes too much SENSE!" He sniffed the flower and it withered instantly. "Much better. Ooh, what's this?" A white rabbit dashed up to Discord and sniffed at his deer-hoofed leg. The enormous beast of chaos gently picked up the rabbit with his lion paw. "Aw," Discord cooed. "You're so CUTE!" He grimaced. "Cute makes me sick!" With a snap of clawed fingers, the rabbit grew long, spindly deer-like legs. Startled, the rabbit tried to run, but its new legs collapsed under the stress. Discord flopped to the ground and roared with laughter. Seized with an idea, Discord snapped his clawed fingers again. The deer-rabbit abomination stood up and began to speak, "I live only to serve and obey you, Lord Discord. "Perfect," Discord purred. "Go draw me a bath. I have chaos to wreak." "What exactly is a 'bath,' Lord Discord?" asked the rabbit, confusion etched on its face. "Ugh. This again? Need to get better slaves." With a wave of his paw, a bathtub instantly appeared in the middle of the forest. "Now, was that really so difficult?" The draconequus stretched out in the bathtub and gestured again. The tub instantly filled with a bizarre mixture of cotton candy and chocolate milk bubbles. His red tail lazily flicked in and out of the tub as he idly popped milk bubbles with his griffin claw. He snapped his fingers and a yellow toy duck appeared from nowhere. He squeezed it with his lion paw and it let out a foghorn blast. Birds scattered at the noise, which sent Discord into peals of laughter. He squeezed it again and a frog's croak emerged from the toy. Discord laughed uproariously. Another squeeze and an explosion sounded, followed by a sneeze, then a baby's giggle. "Alright. Playtime's over, my little ponies." He tossed the duck aside, where it exploded in the distance with a fant squeak. Discord drew a circle in the air, which trasformed into a shimmering portal. 'I told you those Pegasi would foul everything up,' came the melodious voice of Princess Platinum. 'We asked for a cloudless day, and we get nothing but rain!' 'The sun's drying up the South Fields, Chancellor,' 'These crops are almost rancid! Can't the earth ponies grow better than that?' 'If we don't get rain soon, we'll starve!' Voice after voice crowded through the portal and Discord's grin grew wider and wider. He snapped his claws and the portal vanished. Discord reached up his nonexistant sleeve for his nasty tricks. The rabbit slave watched in awe as Discord levitated a chocolate milk bubble in the air and blew on it. It froze instantly. Discord reached out to the frozen bubble and crushed it. When he opened his hand, four ponies made of ice and wind galloped across his palm. Gently, he lifted his palm to his lips and blew the ponies away. They galloped off into the distance with a faint whinny. “What were those, Lord Discord?” asked the rabbit. “Just a little something to keep the ponies in delectable chaos. Arreviderci, Harmony!” Snow FallsIn Unicornia, a herd of unicorns gathered around a notice that had been posted in the marketplace. Hoof written in fancy script, the notice blared: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Princess Gilded Platinum, the regent of Unicornia, shall be celebrating her birthday on the 5th day of the month. By order of the Unicorn King, all work shall be suspended and all citizens of Unicornia are invited to join the royal celebration in the castle. Bring a gift for the regent if able. Regal Scroll King of Unicornia Excited chatter spread among the peasants in the town square and marketplace, as they awaited the day when they could see the castle with their own eyes. The pegasi worked through the night to clear the clouds away for the princess’ birthday. As dawn magically broke to a cloudless sky, the rising sun revealed a line of unicorns tramping to the castle. Some held wrapped gifts in their telekinetic grip. Others carried their gifts on their backs. Foals played around their parents’ hooves, their giggles mixing with the excited chatter of the unicorns as they made their way to the castle. King Regal Scroll, a muscular, ivory stallion, stood at the castle gates. A gleaming golden crown sat atop his chestnut mane. As each guest entered, the King bowed in greeting, his long beard scraping the floor each time. The guests piled their gifts in a towering heap and then gathered in the great hall. Conversation filled the room as nobles and peasants intermingled. Sunlight streamed into the wide windows on either side of the hall. Rays of light bounced off the gleaming chandelier, creating dancing sunbeams and rainbows on the walls and floor. While the guests waited in the hall, the king trotted off to find the guest of honor. He tapped his horn gently against his daughter’s door. ”Dear princess,” he called. “The guests have assembled. Are you ready?” The princess levitated a brush through her violet mane. “Coming, father,” came the melodious reply. She released the brush, which clattered to the dresser top. She reached out with her telekinesis and brought her crown to her head. A golden necklace, aided by magic, fastened itself around the princess’ neck. Concentrating, the ivory mare teleported out the door with a pop. “My daughter, you look lovely today,” the king complimented. “Do I, father? I just couldn’t decide between amethyst and ruby. The amethyst sets off my eyes so well, but do you think I should get the ruby instead? It was from mother, after all…” The king raised a hoof for silence. “You are lovely, my daughter. Now come, the guests are arriving.” Father and daughter concentrated, then vanished, reappearing instantly in the great hall. “Welcome, all,” exclaimed the king, his deep voice rumbling through the hall. “I welcome you to the birthday celebration of my daughter. Dearest daughter. Since the day you were born, you have filled my life with joy. After your mother passed away, I felt as though I could not go on. However, I have managed to rule Unicornia for years with you by my side. And now, I present my gift to you. From this day forth, you shall be the sole ruler of Unicornia.” The princess stood in shock as a buzz of chatter filled the great hall. “Father?” the princess asked. “Do you really think I can?” “Yes, my daughter,” the king replied. “You are ready.” Gently, the unicorn stallion nuzzled his daughter. Unnoticed by all, a small white flake of snow drifted down in a silent dance. Soon the single flake was joined by several others, until the sky was filled with flakes and the ground was covered in snow. “It’th thnowing!” shouted a filly in excitement. The crowd looked out the window to see that the filly was telling the truth. “What’s going on here?” rumbled the king. “Summon the Pegasus commander. We will get to the bottom of this…” Frigid Winds...Frozen HeartsCommander Hurricane awoke with the bugle call to a snow-dusted Pegasopolis. “What the HAY is going on here?!” he roared in anger. “PRIVATE PANSY!” he called. A meek, ice-blue Pegasus flew up beside him, her navy mane and eyes hiding under an oversized helmet. “To the snow factories!” The pair slipped and slid to the snow factories, hoping to figure out the cause for the mysterious weather. Upon touring the snow factories, the navy Pegasus found nothing suspicious. In a rage, he denounced the snow factory employees as traitors to Pegasopolis. In the middle of the commander’s rant, between the threat of decapitation and banishment (in that order), a message appeared in a flash of violet light. Hurricane took the message in his hooves and read it. “Urgent summons? From the unicorn princess?” the navy Pegasus said in shock. “Gotta dash!” Instantly, the commander was gone. Private Pansy flew forward. “I wouldn’t take the Commander’s threats too seriously,” she said with a shy smile. “Dealing with the unicorns always makes the commander so furious he forgets his own name.” As the navy-blue commander touched down in Unicornia, he was instantly escorted to the throne room. The ivory princess, elevated on a platform in front of the throne, glowered down at the Pegasus. Behind the princess, a mint-green unicorn stood watching the proceedings. The commander felt a spear jab his flank. “Bow before the regent!” a guard commanded. “BOW!” Insolently, the commander barely inclined his head before glaring at the princess with fire in his eyes. “Where’s the king?!” he demanded. “My father has entrusted the kingdom to me. I am Princess Platinum, regent of Unicornia,” the beautiful pony sniffed. “You have been summoned here to answer for the horrific weather you have unleashed across the land.” “The pegasi aren’t making it snow!” the commander shouted. He took to the air and flew up to the princess. “I’ll bet you unicorns are doing it with your freaky magic!” The mint-green unicorn cast a barrier between the two leaders, sending both of them across the room. “Both of you, stop!” she shouted. “Fighting won’t help anything! I suggest we postpone this talk before somepony does something they regret.” The princess looked up. “Excellent advice, as usual, Clover.” She turned to the Commander. “Guards, escort this ruffian away.” While the guards led the Commander out, Clover turned to the princess. “Princess, I understand it’s not my place, but I suggest that maybe we set up a meeting between the three pony tribes. Something non-confrontational about this freaky snow.” The princess scoffed. “What a ridiculous idea. Instead, let’s set up a meeting between the three pony tribes. Something non-confrontational about this freaky snow.” “Excellent idea, your majesty!” Clover replied, rolling her eyes as she exited the throne room with the ivory princess. With the throne room empty, the stained glass windows began to move! A flat glass figure stepped out of the window and transformed with a pop into Discord. “Hmmm….” The chaos beast mused. “This meeting could ruin all my careful planning.” He whistled and three windigos breezed into the room. “Double the snow,” he hissed. “Freeze everything!” The Grand Galloping GalaA small piece of parchment fluttered in a supernaturally-enhanced breeze straight to the griffin claw of one wicked Draconequus. He conjured up some completely unnecessary bifocals and began to read: “Hear ye! Hear ye! To celebrate the birth of Equestria and the coming spring, all ponies of the realm are invited to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.” Discord crumpled up the invitation and tossed it over his shoulder. It hit the ground and transformed into a squirrel that scampered off into the forest. With a snap of his claw and a flash of light, the beast of chaos teleported into the Canterlot ball room and clambered up the wall to the ceiling. Like a giant deranged chameleon, he melted into the ceiling and waited for the party to begin. Later that night, ponies began arriving for the Grand Galloping Gala. Aristocracy and nobility mingled happily with commoners and peasants while food and drink flowed freely. Marble columns rose impossibly high to support a vast, vaulted ceiling. A chandelier, shimmering with the light of a thousand enchanted candles, cast a soft glow around the room. Floor to ceiling windows, bedecked with red velvet curtains, provided an impressive view of the Canterlot gardens. While Chancellor Puddinghead gorged herself on the royal buffet, Princess Platinum swirled on the dance floor with her many admirers. As the orchestra struck up a slow song, the ivory unicorn found herself muzzle-to-muzzle with Commander Hurricane. The navy Pegasus took the princess in his hooves and began to dance with her. Thinking quickly, Clover reached out with her magic and dimmed the enchanted candles, plunging the room into near-darkness. The commander took to the air with the princess in a dazzling aerial waltz. Lost in each other’s eyes, they continued their dance until the music finally slowed to a stop. The commander reluctantly flew back to earth with his partner. “My dear Commander,” Princess Platinum sighed. “You dance divinely.” The commander blushed as, inexorably, their muzzles pulled towards each other, meeting in a tender kiss. While the attendees sighed happily, Discord sent a burst of magic at the enchanted chandelier, sending it hurtling to the ground! Trouble BrewingAfter the first Hearth’s Warming Eve, the three pony tribes met once again, now united under one banner: the banner of Equestria! It was decided that the rulers of the three tribes (Princess Platinum, Commander Hurricane and Chancellor Puddinghead) would co-rule, none being higher than the rest. “If we shall be a united kingdom, we need a castle,” Princess Platinum declared in the meeting. “High on a mountain,” added the Commander, “to keep invaders out. The tallest peak of the Himaneighan mountains shall do nicely.” The Princess turned to Clover the Clever, who was telekinetically taking notes. “Gather the unicorns,” she ordered. “We shall make the castle.” Gathering at the base of the Himaneighan mountains, the unicorns formed a circle and began an ancient chant. As they spoke, their horns erupted forth with cones of multi-colored magic and gathered to meet in the center. The Earth and Pegasus ponies watched in amazement as ivory towered emerged from nowhere. Turrets and stone blocks swirled into existence and attached themselves to the main structure. The castle took shape as the chant increased in volume. Tendrils of magic snaked their way around the castle and sent it soaring into the air; with the chant’s final word, the castle attached itself to the mountain. The unicorns, now exhausted, admired their handiwork with a weary cheer. With a shout of joy, the pegasi took to the air to admire their new castle. The unicorns each took an earth pony on their back and, with the last of their strength, teleported up to Canterlot. As the ponies joyously explored Canterlot, Discord watched from afar with the help of a magic portal. “No, no, no, no, NO!” he roared furiously. The deer-bunny slaves cowered in horror as Discord’s anger manifested in exploding squeaky toys and bursts of cotton candy milk storms. “They’re working TOGETHER!” he moaned. “My beautiful windigoes! My chaos! Ruined!” The draconequus stomped his dragon foot and a small plague of gophers vanished into the forest. “HEY!” came the squeal of Commander Puddinghead. “Let’s have a party! And invite ALL the ponies!” Discord stopped ranting. “A party? Hmm…I think I can work with that…” Canterlot ChaosSeeing the chandelier fall, Commander Hurricane tackled the princess, pushing them both out of harm’s way. The chandelier smashed to the floor, cracking the marble tile and scattering candles over the room. Invisible, Discord snaked down the wall to the velvet curtains. A spark erupted from his paw and set the fabric ablaze! As the flames (helped along by the evil Draconequus) leaped higher and higher, the commander grabbed the princess in his hooves and flew her to safety. Gently, he laid her on the ground, gave her a quick kiss and then flew back into the inferno. As unicorns, black with soot, teleported out with earth ponies draped over their backs, pegasi took to the air and brought forth clouds, pouncing on them to create a torrent of rain that extinguished the flames. The commander flew forward through a curtain of smoke, carrying a sobbing Chancellor Puddinghead (lamenting about the loss of the buffet) and several frightened, soot-coated ponies. Once the last pony had been rescued from the castle, the princess coughed and, with the support of Commander Hurricane, struggled to her hooves. “L-loyal subj-jects…” she croaked, her voice still thick from smoke inhalation. “We…we sh-shall rebuild.” Discord cursed angrily and vanished with a pop, retreating to his lair to scheme once more. And so it was that Canterlot was rebuilt. And the first event in the new castle was the wedding of Princess Platinum and Commander Hurricane. Soon after, a tiny foal was born, a snow-white unicorn filly. And they named her Celestia.
The ArrivalAn ancient creature of chaos floated through the inky black void of space. A cruel smile twisted across its horse-like muzzle as he noticed a blue and green planet suspended in space just ahead. “Hmmm…looks like another planet ripe for a Discord brand storm of chaos,” the creature chuckled to himself as he steered closer to the unsuspecting world. KA-BLAM! Discord was knocked out of the void, blindsided by the planet’s moon. He tumbled to the ground, flailing and screaming. Before slamming into the ground, Discord snapped his clawed fingers. He vanished in a flash of light and instantly reappeared on the ground. Discord noticed a group of creatures in a clearing nearby; multicolored, horned horse-like beings chanting a strange language. A vibrant cone of magic erupted from each horn. As the chanting swelled, the moon vanished over the horizon and the sun rose into the sky. Chancing to slither closer, Discord watched a tall white creature step out of the circle. A silver crown, encrusted with precious gems of all colors, sat atop the mare’s carefully coiffured violet mane. The same crown, in miniature, was plastered across the creature’s flank. A rich, violet cape covered the unicorn’s back. “We unicorns have raised the sun,” the unicorn said in a melodious, yet slightly prissy voice. “Earth ponies and pegasi, please come and present your offerings.” A similar creature, this one lacking a horn, bounded out into the clearing. This must be an earth pony, surmised Discord. “Hi, Princess Platinum! We have your food!” the pony screeched. The princess and Discord stared in horror at the newcomer. The orange mare wore a white ruff around her neck, along with a brown and yellow tunic. But the horrified stares were directed at the hat, a tall monstrosity that resembled an enormous bowl of chocolate pudding. “Well, thank you, Chancellor Puddinghead,” the princess stammered, engrossed in the horrid hat. “It’s NOOO problem,” the chancellor said, bouncing up and down excitedly. “It’s part of the bargain! HEY, did you know that there are no words that rhyme with bargain? I mean, REALLY? But there are LOTS of words that rhyme with beans! Lean, mean, spleen, unclean...” The chancellor babbled on about nothing in particular as a tribe of earth ponies emerged from the woods, carrying baskets of crops in their mouths. The unicorns and earth ponies, as well as Discord began to get annoyed with the Chancellor’s incessant chatter. Finally, the princess’ horn glowed, levitating an apple from a nearby basket and jammed it into the Chancellor’s mouth. “We accept the earth pony offering.” Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of flapping wings. "Hey, wook!" shouted the Chancellor around a mouthful of apple, "It'sh the pegshusssesssessess!" "Pegasi!" came the perfuctory correction. The flock of pegasi touched down by the unicorn and earth pony tribes. A helmeted navy blue pegasus stepped forward, his jet black mane and tail rippling in the wind. A gold lightning bolt snaked down his flank. He stamped his hoof and thunder rumbled in the distance. "Always one for an entrance, Commander," sniffed Princess Platinum. "Show off," she muttered under her breath. "The pegasi of Pegasopolis bring forth their offering," boomed the Commander. "State your weather needs." The princess and the chancellor rattled off a list of demands: rain for the south fields, snow for the last day of spring, a cloudless day for the Princess' birthday... The Commander listened stoically to the demands. He unfurled his wings with a flick. The pegasi troops snapped to attention. "You have your orders, troops!" the Commander roared. "Take the food and let us away!" The pegasi picked up the food and took to the air. The unicorns and earth ponies left as well. Discord emerged from his hiding place and chuckled wickedly. "This might be easier than I thought! He began a chant: Three warring groups are thee Pegasus, unicorn and earth pony Your peace stands now on shaky ground Discord will be there to pull you down.
A Wicked PlotDiscord wandered away from the clearing to plot. As he floated through the trees, he shuddered in disgust. He touched down on the ground and picked up a fragrant blue flower. "Bleh, gag me! Everything here makes too much SENSE!" He sniffed the flower and it withered instantly. "Much better. Ooh, what's this?" A white rabbit dashed up to Discord and sniffed at his deer-hoofed leg. The enormous beast of chaos gently picked up the rabbit with his lion paw. "Aw," Discord cooed. "You're so CUTE!" He grimaced. "Cute makes me sick!" With a snap of clawed fingers, the rabbit grew long, spindly deer-like legs. Startled, the rabbit tried to run, but its new legs collapsed under the stress. Discord flopped to the ground and roared with laughter. Seized with an idea, Discord snapped his clawed fingers again. The deer-rabbit abomination stood up and began to speak, "I live only to serve and obey you, Lord Discord. "Perfect," Discord purred. "Go draw me a bath. I have chaos to wreak." "What exactly is a 'bath,' Lord Discord?" asked the rabbit, confusion etched on its face. "Ugh. This again? Need to get better slaves." With a wave of his paw, a bathtub instantly appeared in the middle of the forest. "Now, was that really so difficult?" The draconequus stretched out in the bathtub and gestured again. The tub instantly filled with a bizarre mixture of cotton candy and chocolate milk bubbles. His red tail lazily flicked in and out of the tub as he idly popped milk bubbles with his griffin claw. He snapped his fingers and a yellow toy duck appeared from nowhere. He squeezed it with his lion paw and it let out a foghorn blast. Birds scattered at the noise, which sent Discord into peals of laughter. He squeezed it again and a frog's croak emerged from the toy. Discord laughed uproariously. Another squeeze and an explosion sounded, followed by a sneeze, then a baby's giggle. "Alright. Playtime's over, my little ponies." He tossed the duck aside, where it exploded in the distance with a fant squeak. Discord drew a circle in the air, which trasformed into a shimmering portal. 'I told you those Pegasi would foul everything up,' came the melodious voice of Princess Platinum. 'We asked for a cloudless day, and we get nothing but rain!' 'The sun's drying up the South Fields, Chancellor,' 'These crops are almost rancid! Can't the earth ponies grow better than that?' 'If we don't get rain soon, we'll starve!' Voice after voice crowded through the portal and Discord's grin grew wider and wider. He snapped his claws and the portal vanished. Discord reached up his nonexistant sleeve for his nasty tricks. The rabbit slave watched in awe as Discord levitated a chocolate milk bubble in the air and blew on it. It froze instantly. Discord reached out to the frozen bubble and crushed it. When he opened his hand, four ponies made of ice and wind galloped across his palm. Gently, he lifted his palm to his lips and blew the ponies away. They galloped off into the distance with a faint whinny. “What were those, Lord Discord?” asked the rabbit. “Just a little something to keep the ponies in delectable chaos. Arreviderci, Harmony!”
Snow FallsIn Unicornia, a herd of unicorns gathered around a notice that had been posted in the marketplace. Hoof written in fancy script, the notice blared: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Princess Gilded Platinum, the regent of Unicornia, shall be celebrating her birthday on the 5th day of the month. By order of the Unicorn King, all work shall be suspended and all citizens of Unicornia are invited to join the royal celebration in the castle. Bring a gift for the regent if able. Regal Scroll King of Unicornia Excited chatter spread among the peasants in the town square and marketplace, as they awaited the day when they could see the castle with their own eyes. The pegasi worked through the night to clear the clouds away for the princess’ birthday. As dawn magically broke to a cloudless sky, the rising sun revealed a line of unicorns tramping to the castle. Some held wrapped gifts in their telekinetic grip. Others carried their gifts on their backs. Foals played around their parents’ hooves, their giggles mixing with the excited chatter of the unicorns as they made their way to the castle. King Regal Scroll, a muscular, ivory stallion, stood at the castle gates. A gleaming golden crown sat atop his chestnut mane. As each guest entered, the King bowed in greeting, his long beard scraping the floor each time. The guests piled their gifts in a towering heap and then gathered in the great hall. Conversation filled the room as nobles and peasants intermingled. Sunlight streamed into the wide windows on either side of the hall. Rays of light bounced off the gleaming chandelier, creating dancing sunbeams and rainbows on the walls and floor. While the guests waited in the hall, the king trotted off to find the guest of honor. He tapped his horn gently against his daughter’s door. ”Dear princess,” he called. “The guests have assembled. Are you ready?” The princess levitated a brush through her violet mane. “Coming, father,” came the melodious reply. She released the brush, which clattered to the dresser top. She reached out with her telekinesis and brought her crown to her head. A golden necklace, aided by magic, fastened itself around the princess’ neck. Concentrating, the ivory mare teleported out the door with a pop. “My daughter, you look lovely today,” the king complimented. “Do I, father? I just couldn’t decide between amethyst and ruby. The amethyst sets off my eyes so well, but do you think I should get the ruby instead? It was from mother, after all…” The king raised a hoof for silence. “You are lovely, my daughter. Now come, the guests are arriving.” Father and daughter concentrated, then vanished, reappearing instantly in the great hall. “Welcome, all,” exclaimed the king, his deep voice rumbling through the hall. “I welcome you to the birthday celebration of my daughter. Dearest daughter. Since the day you were born, you have filled my life with joy. After your mother passed away, I felt as though I could not go on. However, I have managed to rule Unicornia for years with you by my side. And now, I present my gift to you. From this day forth, you shall be the sole ruler of Unicornia.” The princess stood in shock as a buzz of chatter filled the great hall. “Father?” the princess asked. “Do you really think I can?” “Yes, my daughter,” the king replied. “You are ready.” Gently, the unicorn stallion nuzzled his daughter. Unnoticed by all, a small white flake of snow drifted down in a silent dance. Soon the single flake was joined by several others, until the sky was filled with flakes and the ground was covered in snow. “It’th thnowing!” shouted a filly in excitement. The crowd looked out the window to see that the filly was telling the truth. “What’s going on here?” rumbled the king. “Summon the Pegasus commander. We will get to the bottom of this…”
Frigid Winds...Frozen HeartsCommander Hurricane awoke with the bugle call to a snow-dusted Pegasopolis. “What the HAY is going on here?!” he roared in anger. “PRIVATE PANSY!” he called. A meek, ice-blue Pegasus flew up beside him, her navy mane and eyes hiding under an oversized helmet. “To the snow factories!” The pair slipped and slid to the snow factories, hoping to figure out the cause for the mysterious weather. Upon touring the snow factories, the navy Pegasus found nothing suspicious. In a rage, he denounced the snow factory employees as traitors to Pegasopolis. In the middle of the commander’s rant, between the threat of decapitation and banishment (in that order), a message appeared in a flash of violet light. Hurricane took the message in his hooves and read it. “Urgent summons? From the unicorn princess?” the navy Pegasus said in shock. “Gotta dash!” Instantly, the commander was gone. Private Pansy flew forward. “I wouldn’t take the Commander’s threats too seriously,” she said with a shy smile. “Dealing with the unicorns always makes the commander so furious he forgets his own name.” As the navy-blue commander touched down in Unicornia, he was instantly escorted to the throne room. The ivory princess, elevated on a platform in front of the throne, glowered down at the Pegasus. Behind the princess, a mint-green unicorn stood watching the proceedings. The commander felt a spear jab his flank. “Bow before the regent!” a guard commanded. “BOW!” Insolently, the commander barely inclined his head before glaring at the princess with fire in his eyes. “Where’s the king?!” he demanded. “My father has entrusted the kingdom to me. I am Princess Platinum, regent of Unicornia,” the beautiful pony sniffed. “You have been summoned here to answer for the horrific weather you have unleashed across the land.” “The pegasi aren’t making it snow!” the commander shouted. He took to the air and flew up to the princess. “I’ll bet you unicorns are doing it with your freaky magic!” The mint-green unicorn cast a barrier between the two leaders, sending both of them across the room. “Both of you, stop!” she shouted. “Fighting won’t help anything! I suggest we postpone this talk before somepony does something they regret.” The princess looked up. “Excellent advice, as usual, Clover.” She turned to the Commander. “Guards, escort this ruffian away.” While the guards led the Commander out, Clover turned to the princess. “Princess, I understand it’s not my place, but I suggest that maybe we set up a meeting between the three pony tribes. Something non-confrontational about this freaky snow.” The princess scoffed. “What a ridiculous idea. Instead, let’s set up a meeting between the three pony tribes. Something non-confrontational about this freaky snow.” “Excellent idea, your majesty!” Clover replied, rolling her eyes as she exited the throne room with the ivory princess. With the throne room empty, the stained glass windows began to move! A flat glass figure stepped out of the window and transformed with a pop into Discord. “Hmmm….” The chaos beast mused. “This meeting could ruin all my careful planning.” He whistled and three windigos breezed into the room. “Double the snow,” he hissed. “Freeze everything!”
The Grand Galloping GalaA small piece of parchment fluttered in a supernaturally-enhanced breeze straight to the griffin claw of one wicked Draconequus. He conjured up some completely unnecessary bifocals and began to read: “Hear ye! Hear ye! To celebrate the birth of Equestria and the coming spring, all ponies of the realm are invited to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.” Discord crumpled up the invitation and tossed it over his shoulder. It hit the ground and transformed into a squirrel that scampered off into the forest. With a snap of his claw and a flash of light, the beast of chaos teleported into the Canterlot ball room and clambered up the wall to the ceiling. Like a giant deranged chameleon, he melted into the ceiling and waited for the party to begin. Later that night, ponies began arriving for the Grand Galloping Gala. Aristocracy and nobility mingled happily with commoners and peasants while food and drink flowed freely. Marble columns rose impossibly high to support a vast, vaulted ceiling. A chandelier, shimmering with the light of a thousand enchanted candles, cast a soft glow around the room. Floor to ceiling windows, bedecked with red velvet curtains, provided an impressive view of the Canterlot gardens. While Chancellor Puddinghead gorged herself on the royal buffet, Princess Platinum swirled on the dance floor with her many admirers. As the orchestra struck up a slow song, the ivory unicorn found herself muzzle-to-muzzle with Commander Hurricane. The navy Pegasus took the princess in his hooves and began to dance with her. Thinking quickly, Clover reached out with her magic and dimmed the enchanted candles, plunging the room into near-darkness. The commander took to the air with the princess in a dazzling aerial waltz. Lost in each other’s eyes, they continued their dance until the music finally slowed to a stop. The commander reluctantly flew back to earth with his partner. “My dear Commander,” Princess Platinum sighed. “You dance divinely.” The commander blushed as, inexorably, their muzzles pulled towards each other, meeting in a tender kiss. While the attendees sighed happily, Discord sent a burst of magic at the enchanted chandelier, sending it hurtling to the ground!
Trouble BrewingAfter the first Hearth’s Warming Eve, the three pony tribes met once again, now united under one banner: the banner of Equestria! It was decided that the rulers of the three tribes (Princess Platinum, Commander Hurricane and Chancellor Puddinghead) would co-rule, none being higher than the rest. “If we shall be a united kingdom, we need a castle,” Princess Platinum declared in the meeting. “High on a mountain,” added the Commander, “to keep invaders out. The tallest peak of the Himaneighan mountains shall do nicely.” The Princess turned to Clover the Clever, who was telekinetically taking notes. “Gather the unicorns,” she ordered. “We shall make the castle.” Gathering at the base of the Himaneighan mountains, the unicorns formed a circle and began an ancient chant. As they spoke, their horns erupted forth with cones of multi-colored magic and gathered to meet in the center. The Earth and Pegasus ponies watched in amazement as ivory towered emerged from nowhere. Turrets and stone blocks swirled into existence and attached themselves to the main structure. The castle took shape as the chant increased in volume. Tendrils of magic snaked their way around the castle and sent it soaring into the air; with the chant’s final word, the castle attached itself to the mountain. The unicorns, now exhausted, admired their handiwork with a weary cheer. With a shout of joy, the pegasi took to the air to admire their new castle. The unicorns each took an earth pony on their back and, with the last of their strength, teleported up to Canterlot. As the ponies joyously explored Canterlot, Discord watched from afar with the help of a magic portal. “No, no, no, no, NO!” he roared furiously. The deer-bunny slaves cowered in horror as Discord’s anger manifested in exploding squeaky toys and bursts of cotton candy milk storms. “They’re working TOGETHER!” he moaned. “My beautiful windigoes! My chaos! Ruined!” The draconequus stomped his dragon foot and a small plague of gophers vanished into the forest. “HEY!” came the squeal of Commander Puddinghead. “Let’s have a party! And invite ALL the ponies!” Discord stopped ranting. “A party? Hmm…I think I can work with that…”
Canterlot ChaosSeeing the chandelier fall, Commander Hurricane tackled the princess, pushing them both out of harm’s way. The chandelier smashed to the floor, cracking the marble tile and scattering candles over the room. Invisible, Discord snaked down the wall to the velvet curtains. A spark erupted from his paw and set the fabric ablaze! As the flames (helped along by the evil Draconequus) leaped higher and higher, the commander grabbed the princess in his hooves and flew her to safety. Gently, he laid her on the ground, gave her a quick kiss and then flew back into the inferno. As unicorns, black with soot, teleported out with earth ponies draped over their backs, pegasi took to the air and brought forth clouds, pouncing on them to create a torrent of rain that extinguished the flames. The commander flew forward through a curtain of smoke, carrying a sobbing Chancellor Puddinghead (lamenting about the loss of the buffet) and several frightened, soot-coated ponies. Once the last pony had been rescued from the castle, the princess coughed and, with the support of Commander Hurricane, struggled to her hooves. “L-loyal subj-jects…” she croaked, her voice still thick from smoke inhalation. “We…we sh-shall rebuild.” Discord cursed angrily and vanished with a pop, retreating to his lair to scheme once more. And so it was that Canterlot was rebuilt. And the first event in the new castle was the wedding of Princess Platinum and Commander Hurricane. Soon after, a tiny foal was born, a snow-white unicorn filly. And they named her Celestia.
