Chapters Pinkie sighed and scrubbed the floor with her sponge. It had been like this ever since her father had died, with her stepmother, celestia treating her like a maid and making her live in an attic. But despite that Pinkie Pie is fairly positive, her hair while not entirely poofy was not limp and straight like it was when her parents died.
"Oh and Pinkie when your done I need you to wash and press some dresses for me." Rarity said walking across her sponge.
Pinkie washed her now hoof print imprinted sponge. "Yes Rarity."
"Oh and have my lunch sent to my corridor."
"Yes Rarity."
"And Pinkie Pie?"
"Yes Rarity?"
"Hurry up."
She flounced out of the room leaving dirty hoof prints in the clean spots that pinkie had already washed. She scrubbed those marks as well as made lunch and did what Rarity asked her to do. On top of that she made her own lunch with the little food she was given.
Pinkie took her food to her room since she wasn't allowed to eat in the estates dining room. She sat on her wooden bed and slowly chewed on her sandwich. She stared outside the small window as she watched the birds flutter by.
I'm like a bird
I only fly away
I don't know where my soul is
I don't know where my home is
Im like a weed
I only pester
I don't belong
But if flowers can be happy why can't I?
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Discord groaned as another pony talked about the problems in canterlot. Luna nudged him in an effort for him to pay attention. Discord glared at her but focused on the brown stallion talking. He soon grew bored and a mischievous grin spread across his face when he saw the platter of eclairs behind the stallion. He used his chaotic magic to toss one at the back of a mares head who in return tossed a cookie at the stallion talking. He shook it of quickly hoping no pony noticed but it was obvious every pony was trying not to laugh. Well except Luna who was to busy writing down notes to notice the tossed cookie.
The stallion took the opportunity to fling a cupcake at the unsuspecting mare. She gasped as the frosting made contact with her cheek but quickly whipped it at the stallion who ducked. The cupcake however hit the mare sitting next to him, she stood up and threw a carrot back at the mare. She ducked it and it hit the stallion on her left side who tossed an eclair back. Princess Luna had still not noticed and probably wouldn't, had a donut not gotten stuck on her horn. She looked up at the food fight that was now in full force and ducked a slice of cherry pie. The stallion that was talking was hiding behind a chair and was throwing pie. The mares were throwing eclairs and the other stallion was throwing cookies.
"ENOUGH!" Princess Luna exclaimed as a cupcake hit the laughing Discord. "This has been interesting but Prince Discord and I have some business to attend to."
The brown stallion looked at the ground in embarrassment as an angry Luna dragged the whining Discord from the room.
"DISCORD!" She angrily exclaimed throwing him against the wall with her magic.
"Yes Lulu?" Discord said casually.
"Discord! You know what you did! And how could you? This was important!" Luna screeched and stomped her front hoof.
"It was also boring!"
"I'm well aware some of these meetings can be boring but Discord as prince you have to be aware of these problems!"
Discord groaned and face palmed. "But I DON'T WANT to be prince!"
Luna shook her head. "Well I'm sorry Discord but you have GREAT powers that could protect the kingdom! So we need you!"
Discord poofed up a cupcake and took a chomp out of it. "But it's so boring if ill have to do it alone eventually."
A wide grin spread across Luna's fave making discord very confused.
"Luna?" Discord questioned with a mouth full of cupcake. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Luna narrowed her eyes slyly "well if you don't want to do it alone you could maybe get a bride."
Discords eyes widened and he dropped the cupcake he was eating. "Why luna I didn't know you had a crush on me!"
Luna scoffed and narrowed her eyes. "Not me you foal some mare from the kingdom! You couldn't pay me to marry you."
"But I doubt any pony would love me especially after what I did...." He trailed off remembering his chaotic rule of equestria.
"Discord just as I've forgiven you the others have as well." She said placing her hoof on his shoulder.
"That still doesn't distract from the fact that I'm not exactly what mares consider attractive." He said gesturing to his many animal parts.
"Well not when you go around throwing donuts at ponys!" Luna exclaimed rubbing frosting from her horn.
Discord laughed nervously "Technically that wasn't me it was the stallion who was talking."
Luna glared at him. "That's besides the point if you don't want to do it alone you need a bride."
"But how could I find a decent one?"
"That there is quite simple, throw a ball don't mention your looking for a bride and see which mare catches your interest."
Discord raised an eyebrow. "But every mare in equestria will show up."
Luna turned her hoof in a circle. "Exactly! Your bound to find someone if everypony is there."
"I don't know....."
"Ok go to meetings by yourself once your crowned king."
"Never mind lets do this."
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Pinkie sat in her room stroking her pet alligator, gummy in return plopped down and fell asleep. She sighed and laid on her bed staring at the ceiling. She was exhausted shortly after lunch her stepsisters had dragged her down stairs to do laundry and other exhausting chores. Her muscles were sore and her eyelids were threatening to shut and never open. Or at least that's how she felt. She had just found a moment of peace when Fluttershy burst through her door.
Pinkie shocked by the sudden noise fell of her bed and onto the floor. She mumbled something about knocking and raised her self of the floor.
"PINKAMENA." Fluttershy shouted flying to where she was standing.
"What is it Fluttershy?"
"Come quick it's an emergency!" She shouted pushing her out of the room.
Pinkie Pie yelped when she was pushed out the door. "What happened?"
"You, we, there's GAH! Just come and brush of your dress! Its full of dirt!" She exclaimed brushing of her own dress as well.
Pinkie looked down at her maid dress and slowly brushed it of. "I don't see how this makes a difference it's mostly brown."
Fluttershy frowned and pulled on her hoof. "Whatever! Come on!" She shoved Pinkie who shot her a glare and walked down the stairs with Fluttershy flying close behind.
Pinkie walked into the living room where she saw her stepmother, Rarity and some fancy dressed stallion. She hesitantly stepped closer as Fluttershy flew over to the couch and sat down.
"Pinkie darling come and sit!" Her stepmother, celestia said a smile wide as a river on her face.
Pinkie cautiously made her way to the couch and sat down. Her step mother NEVER smiled at her, she only frowned. This HAD to be important.
"Excuse her maids dress, we all wear one alike when we do chores." Celestia said pulling Pinkie closer.
Since when do you do chores? Pinkie thought not daring to say out loud.
"That's quite alright." The brown stallion said pulling out an envelope. "I came to deliver this." He said handing the envelope to the pony closest to him which happened to be Rarity.
She was about to take it when Celestia snatched it with her magic. Rarity glared before crossing her hoofs. Celestia then continued to open the letter with the official equestrian stamp which was the moon, in favor of princess Luna. She glared at the stamp and tossed it aside. She skimmed over the letter eyes glowing with excitement the farther she read. Her wings sprang up hitting pinkie and Fluttershy, she then jumped down from the couch ignoring the stallions presence. She danced around, the letter still tight in her grip.
After a minute or so of this Rarity few bored and took the letter in her own magic. She read over it and joined Celestia in celebration. Fluttershy grew annoyed with the dancing and struggled to free the letter from Rarity's magical grasp. She flicked her horn causing her magic to falter and the letter dropped. She took the letter read it and started dancing as well. All while Pinkie and the stallion looked on in embarrassment.
Celestia finally turned around and came face to face with the stallion who had a hint of annoyance in his eyes. "Right um thank you kindly for the invitation sir."
"Your quite welcome m'lady." He said bowing. "I assume your attending?"
"Yes, we shall all be there." Rarity said quickly composing her self.
"Very well, I shall be on my way now I have more letters to deliver. I will just let my self out." The stallion said pushing the door and exiting.
"So what that all about?" Pinkie questioned jumping of the sofa.
Celestias smile turned into a grimace when she noticed her presence. "That, was an invitation."
Pinkie raised an eyebrow "To what?"
"To a ball!" Fluttershy gushed.
"At the castle!" Rarity exclaimed hugging her hooves to her chest.
Pinkies eyes widened in excitement and her hair inflated to maximum poof. "No way!!!!! When is it?!? Are we going?!! I mean of course were going!!"
"Yes WE are, the same is not said for YOU." Celestia said pointing her hoof.
Pinkies hair slightly deflated at the statement. "W-what?"
Fluttershy and Rarity snickered. "I said your not going."
"B-but stepmother! They invited all if us and I think I should get to go!"
Pinkie said frantically.
"Yes well that's YOUR opinion, bot that I remember asking for it. That didn't matter your NOT going and that's final." Celestia said stomping her hoof.
Pinkies eyes grew wet with tears and she glared back at her step mother. "You-I-they-we." She stuttered.
"Well I for one think she SHOULD go."
Pinkie and Celestia turned their heads sharply to see where the voice had come from. It was none other than the step sister that made her do more chores than anyone. Rarity.
"W-WHAT?!?" Celestia angrily exclaimed.
"Well why not? The card does say were ALL invited, besides with another pony advertising my dresses, business will be better than ever!" Rarity said flipping her mane.
Celestia raised her hoof to her chin in thought "I don't know....."
"And if will make the rest of us look prettier." Fluttershy pointed out.
Pinkies smile faltered but grew at the thought of wearing one of Rarity's beautiful dresses. "Y-yea imagine how pretty you'll all look when your.... Standing next to me."
"Hmmmmmmm, fine I guess. BUT your doing double the work until the ball comes." Celestia said walking toward the stairs.
"When's the ball?" Pinkie asked jumping for joy.
"Tomorrow."
Back at the castle preparations were being made. It was chaos in the ballroom as maids and chefs rushed in and out to help. Discord sat in his throne happily watching. He had poofed up his version of a royal ball but was forced to change it back when he had made the food come alive.
Luna stood in the midst of it all pointing to where things should be. "No the ice sculpture goes THERE."
"Oh lulu your so commanding, but must you make them move EVERYTHING." Discord said floating over. "If I didn't know better I would think this is YOUR ball."
"Well your idea of a ball made this place a mess so now we have to fix the mess YOU made." Luna said pushing Discord away.
"Well I thought the dancing eclairs were lovely."
"They were until they started shooting chocolate at everyone."
Discord blinked innocently. "That was purely accidental, how was I to know they were devious."
"Whatever Discord instead of complaining why don't you help?"
Discord groaned "Because that my dear requires effort, some we chaos bringers don't approve of."
Luna rolled her eyes and waved off the ice sculpture carriers. "That is often the side affect of work, but it's worth it to make a good impression on the mares that enter."
"Blah blah blah." Discord mocked. "Can we get the baker in here? I must have some of these apple fritters sent to my room."
Luna sighed and said "I suppose so." She clapped her hoofs together and called out. "BAKER!!!"
An orange mare with a brown hat zipped into the room. "Yes mam."
"Er Apple jack is it?"
"Yes mam, ahm the baker in this ere place." Apple jack said holding up a tray of treats.
"Yes, can you have some of these fritters sent to Prince Discords room he's quite fond of them."
Apple jacks eyes widened with glee at the statement. "Well thank ya kindly! Shucks I didn't think my fritters were to special."
"They're actually quite scrumptious." Discord said taking one from the tables.
"Well then ill have a bucket full sent to yahr room. Theylle be sent I'm a jiffy."
"Thank you Apple jack we'll leave you to your business."
Apple bowed and ran off towards the kitchen all while discord watched. "Hmmm if my bride could cook that would be great."
"Does this mean you like Apple jack?" Luna questioned slyly.
"What? No! I just mean it would be nice for her to be able to cook." Discord stuttered.
Luna turned her head to survey the room. "I think they're finished come look."
Discord turned his head to survey the neatly organized ball room. The tables were arranged to circle the ballroom and the buffet tables were stationed near the entrance. The decorations were neatly arranged to compliment the beige table cloths and sadly the food was not able to dance or even move.
"What do you think?"
"Luna I don't think what I'm thinking is my exactly PG."
____________________________
Back at the celestial estate every pony was rushing to get things done. Pinkie pie was rushing from room to room doing chores while Fluttershy was struggling to feed her animals. In the upstairs dorm Rarity was putting the finishing touches on the dresses and Celestia was arranging transportation to the castle.
"Yes one carriage to the castle." She said pausing while she heard the stallions response. "Yes we will needs one as well. Ok thank you goodbye."
"I still don't understand how those work." Rarity said as she finished stitching a gem on her own dress.
"It's simple, unicorns and alicorns can cast the spell with even limited power. They summon a portal to which they can communicate back and forth without using letters. They call it a telephone." Celestia said shutting the portal she had been using to talk to the stallion from the transportation services.
"How come you've never taught me to do it?" Rarity asked. "It would help with buisness a great deal."
"Well one you've never asked and two while its a simple spell it does take a while to learn."
Rarity rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Your dress is done, its over there you can try it on if you want."
Celestia walked over to where the mannequins were and found her dress. It was an elegant dress that was very long and had gold trimmings at the edges. There was a head piece that was a golden crown with a purple diamond in the middle. She took the crown and nestled it in her hair. She looked in the mirror and frowned. It looked a lot like Princess Luna's crown.
"Rarity where did you get the inspiration for this crown?" Celestia asked turning away from the mirror.
"Oh the crown, I was looking at some crowns and I decided to make it a cross between Princess Luna's crown and Princess Cadences crown." Rarity stated. "Why do you like it?"
"Yes it's lovely I was just wondering...."
____________________________
Down stairs was as chaotic as the castle preparations with Pinkie running to and fro trying to get things done in record time. Fluttershy was just curled up with her pet bunny, Angel watching Pinkie do work. She was washing dishes when Rarity's cat opalescence wandered into the kitchen. She meowed and walked over a pot than Pinkie was cleaning.
"Opal! I just finished cleaning that!" Pinkie exclaimed shooing the cat out of the way. Opal hissed in response and wandered away.
"Pinkie Pie I'm hungry make me a sandwich." Fluttershy said standing up from where she had been sitting.
Pinkie groaned "Cant you do it? I have a bunch more chores to do before tonight."
"No I can't mother said you had to do all the chores so add this to your list." Fluttershy said simply.
Pinkie rolled her eyes and tucked the last dish in the cupboard. "I guess it's time for me to eat as well."
Pinkie walked over to the cupboard with the bread and pulled out the bread and pb&j. She made a sandwich for her and one for Fluttershy being careful to put a daisy on top like she liked. She handed one to Flutteshy and took her's preparing to go eat it in her room.
"Where are you going?" Fluttershy asked taking a chomp out of her sandwich.
"I'm not allowed to eat in the estates dining room remember?"
Fluttershy rolled her eyes and pulled out a chair in front of her "Whatever I don't like eating alone stay and eat with me."
Pinkie Pie cautiously took a seat and bit into her own sandwich. There was an awkward moment of silence before Fluttershy spoke up.
"You know why mother let you go?" Fluttershy questioned.
"Yea cause of what Rarity said." Pinkie Pie said putting her sandwich down.
"Nope. She did it because hearts warming day is coming in a few weeks."
Pinkie looked up and furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why would she do that? The only thing I ask for hearts warming is to go to the kingdom by myself and visit my parents graves."
"Well yea but there's never been this opportunity before." Fluttershy pointed out.
Pinkie Pie stared at Fluttershy. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why are you being so nice to me?"
Fluttershy narrowed her eyes. "Who's says I'm being nice?"
"Wells it just because you invited me to-"
"Just because I invite you to eat with me means nothing. Think of it as an early hearts warming present." Fluttershy said getting up. "I'm going to go get ready for tonight." She turned her head slightly when she got to the door. "I suggest you do the same if you want to go tonight."
Pinkie nodded and watched her leave. She quickly finished eating and went to finish her list of chores.
___________________________
Upstairs Rarity put the finishing touches on Pinkies dress. "Well I do think I outdid my self this time! This dress is positively gorgeous!"
Celestia glanced up from what she was doing and looked toward Pinkies dress. "Yes it's beautiful any pony is bound to look good in that dress."
"Why thank you!" Rarity exclaimed placing a hoof on her chest. "We should call them up and have them try on the dresses."
Celestia glanced at the clock. "Yes I suppose so its getting to be time and Pinkie should have finished her chores. Ill go get them."
She flew down stairs to see Pinkie putting some cleaning supply's away. She landed with a soft thud that startled Pinkie.
She turned around and frowned when she saw her. "Oh hello I've finished with my chores by the way."
Celestia nodded in response. "Yes I see that Rarity wants you and Fluttershy so you can try on your dresses."
Pinkies eyes widened and she took of running toward the stairs and disappeared upstairs. A smile tugged at the corners of Celestia's mouth but she shook it of and left to find Fluttershy.
Pinkie rushed upstairs and burst through the door. "I'm here! I can't wait to try on the dress!"
Rarity startled from the sudden entrance, dropped the roll of thread she had been carrying with her magic. Narrowing her eyes at Pinkie she said "You know how to knock right?"
Pinkie flattened her ears to her head. "Yes I'm sorry I was just really excited to try on the dress."
Rackety glances toward the mannequins. "I noticed let me find yours." Sorting through the dresses she pulled one specific one aside.
Pinkies eyes widened as she set the dress down on the bed. She squealed in delight and rushed towards the bed nearly pushing Rarity over.
Rarity quickly composed herself and pulled out the hat she had made for it as well. The hat perfectly matched the dress which consisted of three colors. Pink, white, and blue. It was poofy at the end and had bits of candy sown into the ribbons on the edges. It was perfectly made for Pinkie Pie seeing as her talent was throwing party's. It was perfect.
"Well, aren't you going to try it on?" Rarity said nearing Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie nodded quickly and grabbed the fabric in her mouth. She retreated to the dressing room to try it on when Fluttershy walked through the doors. "Hey Rar I'm here to try my dress on."
"Oh yes here you go." Rarity said levitating a green dress over.
____________________________
Discord groaned as his tailor made yet another change to his suit.
"You know if you stopped squirming this would all be much easier." The stallion said pinning a part in his suit down.
"I don't understand why I couldn't just poof a suit on." Discord whined squirming yet again.
"Princess Luna doesn't exactly trust your fashion sense."
Discord rolled his eyes and eyed the stallion in annoyance. "What is your name? I don't believe I caught it."
The stallion poked a needle in a part in his suit and said "That makes send considering I didn't give it."
Discord glared at him squirming to mess him up on purpose. "Well then go ahead, tell me your name."
The stallion sighed but caved in. "Fine. It's Winter Lin."
Discord chocked back a laugh. "Winter Lin? My that's an interesting name."
"Says the chaos god named discord."
"Touché."
Winter Lin stepped back to see the suit. "Ok we're done."
Discord took no hesitation to jump into the air and float around. "Thank Luna I was die-ing."
Winter Lin chuckled. "Well I'll leave you to whatever it is you have to do."
"Yea yea yea." Discord said waving him off. Go ahead."
The minute Winter Lin walked out discord poofed his room back the way he liked it. The patterns were multi patterned ranging from polka dots to polar bears. His bed was levitating and the mirror was a funhouse mirror. There were doors that led to nowhere and doors that led to random places in the lunar palace. Laughing to himself he threw himself on the bed and sighed contently.
Ah it's nice to be chaotic. He thought shifting on his back.
He turned his head and caught his eye in the mirror.
Why discord you ravishing devil. Hmmmm however will the mares think so? Well guess we'll find out to tonight.
He quickly sat up straight and placed a hand on his head. Tonight. Oh my. Tonight was the night he would find his bride. The mare who would rule by his side for as long and they lived. This situation just got a lot more nerve wracking.
____________________________
"But I don't want to go!" Twilight exclaimed stomping her hoof.
Luna groaned and walked towards Twilight. "But every pony will be there! How will it look if a princess isn't there?"
"It will look like a party missing one flipping pony." Twilight snapped burying her face in her hooves.
Luna rolled her eyes "Your friend Apple jack will be there."
Twilight peeked out from her hooves. "Working?"
"Nope."
Twilight peered at the dress that had been set out for her. "And I get to wear that pretty star dress?"
"Yes."
"Fine. I'm in."
____________________________
Apple bloom jumped excitedly on the bed. "So you get to go to a ball in the castle?!?"
"Yes I do." Apple jack responded putting on her trademark cowgirl hat.
"And you don't have to work?"
"Nope I get to mingle and do stuff." Apple jack said slipping on her boots.
"That's awesome!" Apple bloom exclaimed doing a flip. "Too bad I can't go."
"Yea but ill make sure to bring ya some food and tell ya all about it!" Apple jack said turning to her sister.
"Yay! Oh yea where'd you get that real pretty dress?" Apple bloom said surveying her sister.
"Oh some pony named rarity. It was a gift from Granny Smith a while ago. But it still looks snappy if I do say so mah self."
"Sure does sis!"
____________________________
Back at the celestial estate, Celestia was putting the last finishing touches on her makeup. Rarity was fixing a butterfly on Fluttershy's dress and Pinkie was bouncing excitedly.
"Pinkie! Calm down! Your going to get your dress all sweaty." Rarity exclaimed holding Pinkie down in her magic.
"Sorry! I'm just sooooo nerva-cited!" Pinkie exclaimed somehow bouncing out of Rarity's magical hold.
Fluttershy rolled her eyes. "I've noticed."
"Pinkamena I do hope you will not act this way at the palace." Celestia said turning towards her.
Upon hearing those words pinkie stopped bouncing and looked towards the ground. "Yes stepmother."
"Now girls are we all ready to go?" Celestia asked taking one last look in the mirror.
They all nodded excitedly and followed Celestia outside into the waiting carriage.
Needless to say this was going to be a night to remember.
There was dust everywhere and all seemed to fall silent. The wheels were splintered and the carriage in pieces. Calling softy for help was a pink filly with hair limp as spaghetti. Her family crushed under the carriage. It was certain. They weren't going to survive.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pinkie pie clung to the edges of the carriage haunted by past memories. However she was not going to let these memories ruin her night.
She took deep breaths. In and out in and out. She thought. You'll get to the castle soon and you'll get what you've always wanted. A taste of freedom.
The carriage turned a narrow corner caused Pinkie to be pushed toward the edge. She yelped and tightened her grip on the carriage handle.
Rarity smirked and used her magic to make it seem like the carriage was tilting. Pinkie froze in fear and Rarity could see her hair deflating. She rolled her eyes when Celestia shot her a dirty look and she straightened the couch. Pinkie sighed in relief and her hair poofed up to the size it had been. She squeeled giddily as the castle came into view nearly hitting the top of the carriage in excitement. She turned to see if her step sisters and step mother shared her excitement but they looked bored. Celestia looked agitated for some reason. But pinkie was full of glee.
The castle was beautiful decorated in extravagant blinking lights. There were flowers everywhere despite the snowy grounds. There was a beautiful stain glass window of Princess Luna and Princess Twilight, but Discord had his own stain glass window next to them. Pinkie stood in aw taking in every detail of the castle. They lived in Canterlot sure but Pinkie so rarely had time for herself so she wasn't able to visit often.
The carriage jerked to a stop and Pinkie scrambled out both in excitement and fear. "We're here! We're actually here!"
Rarity climbed out the carriage and scoffed at Pinkie. "Try not to scramble around like that you'll get my beautiful dress dirty."
Pinkie nodded and stood straight. "Sorry."
Fluttershy climbed out. "Should we go in now?"
Celestia gracefully walked out of the carriage her long dress trailing behind her. "You go ahead I have some..... Business I need to attend to first."
Rarity and Fluttershy shrugged but walked in with Pinkie following. They took a moment to fix they're outfits before proceeding to the gates. They were greeted by guards who opened the doors to the castle.
Pinkie stood in awe as she saw the inside of the castle. It had thrones and ice sculptures with the largest selection of food she'd ever seen. Even Rarity stood in awe but quickly regained her posture.
"Well I'm going to go mingle you can go wherever you want but remember we leave at midnight." Rarity said turning to both Pinkie and Fluttershy.
Pinkie nodded and Fluttershy walked away not even muttering a response. Pinkie just stood there at the snack table unaware of what to do.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Discord groaned as yet another pony whispered about him. So far Luna's plan had been a bust. Everypony had either whispered about him or avoided him. Even now he sat in his throne alone eating a glass of chocolate milk. He sighed and watched the heads of ponys, they were all the same flat mane. There was no diversity and only had subtle colors. There were blues,yellows, purple and pink. But they were all the wrong shade of it. No mare had caught his eye. That is until SHE bounced by.
It was a pony with a pink mane and pink fur. She had the poofiest mane he had ever seen and it was a brilliant shade of pink as well. Her coat while a light pink was the same shade as his chocolate milk clouds and he had to admit she was attractive.
He watched her bounce around dancing by herself and with other ponies occasionally. He would see her zip by in a flurry of pink and would often go to the snack table where she ate pastries rather than the healthy food that had been set down.
Hmmmmm a mare with the right attitude. She's the only good one so far....
"Hello discord." Luna said interrupting his thoughts. "What are you looking at?"
"Oh um nothing just thinking." Discord said keeping his eyes on the pink pony.
"So meet any pony nice?" Luna asked sitting next to him.
"None that haven't whispered about me."
Luna put her hoof on his back sympathetically. "Discord..... They just aren't used you yet."
Discord grunted not bothering to give a proper response.
"Just give them some time then they'll see your not who you once were."
"When will they be used to me? It's been two years Luna, TWO YEARS! Haven't they've seen I've changed!" He exclaimed angrily. "I-I've changed... Sure I use my magic loosely some times but not like I used to."
Luna stayed quiet. "I-I don't know Discord, remember how hard it was for me when I came back from my prison in the moon?"
"But that was different you cast a spell ok yourself so if you turned.... Evil you would get banished. I-I did it with full understand meant of my actions."
"Discord thats not entirely true." Luna said her voice a whisper.
"What?"
Luna shook her head. "No not now, bad timing. You should.... Mingle a bit show them your not that Discord anymore." She said giving him an encouraging smile.
Discord looked to the crowd with caution but was shoved in by luna. Looking back annoyed he walked through the crowd. People instantly made a path way for him and he was unsure if it was because he was royalty or because they were afraid.
He held his tail in his arms afraid he would hit some pony or have someone Step on it. Everywhere he was surrounded by whispers caving in on him like waves. It was horrible through all the whispers not one pony found him reformed. He looked to find a kind face but saw none except Luna's encouraging smile. Every where he turned he saw cold frowns and was met with rumors everywhere. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed he teleported himself to the edge of the crowd and ran into the garden. The further he got away from the castle the more the noises faded and he was met with silence.
He sat down and buried his face in his arms. Oh Discord how can you expect them to forgive you. After all you've done your lucky they haven't rioted. But I'm not the same.... Why can't they understand that? I-I've changed. I know what I did was bad but was being in stone not enough?
He heard foot steps and immediately thought it was Luna. "Not now Lulu...."
"Um I'm not Lulu..." Said an unfamiliar voice.
He looked up and saw the pink pony had been watching.
She gave him a small smile. "I'm Pinkie Pie."
"Mind if I sit down?" Pinkie asked shyly.
Discord paused for a moment then shrugged. "Sure." It's not like pony's were flocking for his attention anyway.
She sat next to him and looked towards the ground. There was an awkward silence as they both stared at the ground.
"I'm sorry." She said shuffling her hooves.
"For what?" He questioned looked over at her.
"The way ponies treated you."
Discord felt a twang in his heart but shook it off. "It wasn't your fault."
"I know. But it was still rude, I mean it's kind of obvious that you've um changed...."
Discord looked up was immediately locked eyes with her. He broke the contact and looked toward the ground again.
"Thanks but you wouldn't understand." He muttered glancing towards the castle.
"Actually I bet I would understand more than you think." She said her voice barely above a whisper.
"How would you know? You seemed so happy!" Discord exclaimed.
Pinkie narrowed her eyes in confusion. "What? How would you know that? We kinda just met."
"Oh um you see someone uhhhhh talked to me about you." Discord stuttered.
"Ooohhh that makes perfect sense!" Pinkie exclaimed not questioning further.
Her smile faltered a bit but she continued talking. "I haven't exactly had a happy live for very long..."
"What happened?" Discord asked.
She muttered something inaudible. "What was that? I didn't quite catch that."
She spoke again her voice barely above a whisper. "I lost my parents when I was young."
"I did too." Discord said after a pause.
Pinkie looked over to him and smiled.
No one she knew understood what it was like to have no parents. To feel alone in the world. But now someone did.
____________________________
Twilight fought a frown as yet another pony said "your highness." And bowed. She was getting tired of all this formality. As soon as the pony turned the corner she dropped her false smile and rubbed her jaw.
Ow fake smiling hurts.
She heard footsteps and quickly flew up to the ceiling to avoid more ponies. She looked down and smiled when she saw who it was. Apple Jack, her only friend. Er apart from Princess Luna that is.
She flew down and landed with a thud. It startled Apple Jack but she smiled when she saw the alicorn. "Hey Twi!"
"Hey A.J! Sorry I couldn't go and find you I was being held hostage by those Canterlot suck ups." Twilight said rolling her eyes.
Apple Jack snickered. "Ya do realize your from Canterlot too right?"
"Well yea.... But I'm not a suck up!" Twilight protested.
"Whatever helps ya sleep at night." She joked poking her with her cowboy boot.
Twilight glared at her but couldn't help but laugh when she caught her eye in the mirror behind them. "Whatever lets go and mingle I've had enough talking in place for a while."
"It seems Discord did too." Apple Jack said glancing towards the ballroom that was abuzz with noise.
Twilight stopped and furrowed her brow in confusion. "Pardon?"
"Oh ya should have seen, poor thing. Seems pony's aren't over the whole tried to take over equestria thing."
"But that was like 5 centuries ago! What happened?" Twilight questioned.
"Well ya know how some Canterlot pony's can be. But I can't really point blame considerin pony ville folk are here as well. They were just whispering about him as if he wasn't there, he just telaported away haven't seen him since." Apple Jack said sadly thinking of how kind he had been before.
Twilight glared at the ponies in the ballroom and snarled in anger. "I know Discord isn't exactly the best apple in the tree but he's trying desperately to change."
"Ya he's chaotic and all but usually after he turns my food alive he turns it back."
"That was him? Owliciouse refuses to go near apple fritters now!" Twilight exclaimed remembering the apple fritter that had ran into her room and caused chaos with her pet owl.
"Twilight I don't even want to know..."
____________________________
Celestia slipped past the guards and down the dark hallway keeping her wings tucked beneath her dress. She walked quickly her footsteps echoing throughout the empty hallway, she neared a door and used her magic to break through the magic lock. She smirked and pushed open the door being careful not to disturb anything in the room.
Hmm if everything is as I remember they should be.... Here!
She opened a drawer and smiled as she pulled out the case that held what she needed. Oh yes this plan was coming together quite nicely. She heard hoof steps coming and shut the door quickly. She dove beneath the crescent shaped bed and waited. The door opened and she saw four familiar dark blue hooves walk in.
"Hello? Is any pony here?" Luna asked looking beautiful in her jewel encrusted dress. The dress trailing behind her as she walked further into the room.
Celestia held her breath as she walked closer to the bed but sighed in relief when she walked towards something else in the room. She froze when she heard her gasp and open drawer after drawer.
"The elements of harmony! They're... They're GONE!" Luna said slamming the drawer shut. "GUARDS!"
The guards burst through the door panting heavily. "Your highness! What's wrong?"
"Someone broke into my room an stole something very important! We must find them at once!" Luna demanded.
"Of course what's missing?"
"A blue box it has something very important in it." Luna said. "I want a guard at every exit in the castle every pony leaving is to be checked for it and if they do... Have them sent to me."
The guards saluted and ran out leaving Luna alone.
"Dear moon I hope it's not whom I think it is."
____________________________
The garden was peaceful and the birds were chirping softly, the beaches being stirred by the wind. The quiet was soon interrupted as laughter rang through the peaceful garden.
"So then I said oatmeal? are you crazy?" Pinkie exclaimed giggling as she finished her story.
Discord roared with laughter. "Oh Pinkie your so random!"
"I know right! But seriously EVERYONE knows that peanut butter would go better with ravioli!"
Pinkie said pulling a jar of peanut butter out. "Want some?"
Discord stared at the jar. "How did you do that?"
"Do what?" Pinkie Pie asked scooping a glob of peanut butter and plopping it on her tongue.
"Never mind...."
"So Dissy do you maybe want to go into the ballroom? It's totally fine if you don't I get why you wouldn't, but if you do ill make sure no pony says anything or else they get cupcaked." Pinkie said pounding her hooves together.
Discord blinked. "Cupcaked?"
Pinkie smiled viciously. "Ooohhhh noooottttthhhhiiinnnngggg."
Discord frowned. "Um I'm not sure i don't really want to be around ponies..."
"Awwww come on like I said cupcaked." Pinkie said pulling on his paw.
Discord shook his paw loose and sighed. "Fine."
"Yay!" Pinkie Pie cheered and got to her hooves. "Lets go!"
Discord groaned and got to his feet. "Yay."
Pinkie pulled him into the ballroom where it fell silent once they say him. Pinkie lead him through the crowd and into the middle of the the dance floor.
"Pinkie I really don't think this is a good idea..." Discord said cowering under the glances of nearby ponies,
"Nonsense Dissy these pony's just need to know that you can have fun and aren't like they think you are."
Discord glanced at the pony's who looked away from his gaze. "If you insist."
"Come on Dissy get your groove on!" Pinkie said shaving her waist.
"Pinkie I don't think it's that kind of party." Discord said cautiously. Who knows what "cupcaked" meant.
"Aw who cares what type of party it is lets dance!" Pinkie exclaimed.
Discord took her hoof and was quickly twirled by Pinkie who seemed to dance to her own beat. The song was a slow song but she danced quick crazy moves that made Discord smile. Soon discord turned in making the random twirls and jumps Pinkie was making. Just as the song ended Pinkie tripped over Discords foot causing him to reach out to pull her back. He grasped we hoof and ended up falling as well. He closed his eyes as he fell and when he opened them they were inches away from her wide blue eyes.
Hmmmm her eyes are beautiful. He thought.
He pulled back quickly and reached out his eagle claw to help her up. She stood up quickly and blushed.
"S-sorry I'm a klutz." Pinkie said looking towards the ground.
"It's fine I mean I tripped too." Discord said chuckling.
Pinkie opened her mouth to speak but was cut off as the bells chimed signaling midnight.
Her eyes widened and she looked toward the door with panic. "OHMYGOD!!!! Sorry I have to go!"
"That's ok I hope I can see you-" Started but stopped when he saw we scampering towards the exit.
"Later."
Pinkie screeched to a stop as the guards blocked her exit. "Umm would you mind moving I have to go catch my carriage."
"Princess Luna has asked that all guests be checked before leaving the castle, it seems something was stolen." The guard said gruffly.
"Uhhhhh fine do it quickly! I have to go!" Pinkie said wiggling impatiently.
The guards did a quick check before letting her go. "Okay your good, you can leave now."
Pinkie took of running faster than she had before. She turned a corner quickly and lost her shoe in the process. Ignoring the unevenness she felt she ran towards the carriage where she saw Rarity and Fluttershy climbing in. Panting she screeched to a stop in front of the carriage raising a cloud of dust.
"Ah Pinkie!" Rarity said coughing. "My dress!"
"O-oops." Pinkie said noticing the brown stain on Rarity's dress.
"Your washing this when we get home!" Rarity exclaimed brushing her dress off.
"Like I wasn't going to have to anyway." Pinkie muttered.
Rarity shot her a dirty look and sat down on the carriage glaring at the stain on her dress. Pinkie sat down on the opposite side of her not wanting to face her wrath.
A minute later he carriage door flung open and in walked Celestia. She had a bulge in her hair which was frizzy unlike the alicorn's usual appearance.
Rarity being a fashionista said something about it. "Mother why do you have a big bulge in your hair?"
"None of your business." She snapped sitting down.
"Well jeez I was simply going to help you brush your hair down." Rarity said pouting.
Celestia narrowed her eyes but turned to the front of the carriage to the waiting driver. "Drive."
The driver nodded and the carriage lurched forwards. Rarity sat glaring at the floor and Fluttershy rubbed her shoulder awkwardly. Pinkie stared out the carriages window and watched the castle lights fade away. She smiled as they pulled into their neighborhood which was dull and lightless. At least she had ONE good memory before continuing her miserable life.
Little did she know this night would change her life forever.
____________________________
Discord lay on his bed staring at his ceiling, little after Pinkie had scampered off he retreated to his bedroom despite the protests of Luna. He lay twirling a cotton candy cloud above his head whipping of piece by piece.
Gah why can't I get her out of m mind? She was pretty.... Very pretty... But I don't like her do I? Maybe I do... But because she's fun? Pretty? Because she's the only pony that showed you a smile despite all you've done... I don't love her I'm sure. But I do like her. As a friend. Just a friend. Should I ask her to be my bride? No we just met. But she's the only friend I have. Would it be weird? Ugghhhh I don't know!!! Ill ask luna probably.
His thoughts were interrupted as there was a pounding on the door. He groaned and flicked it open letting an angry Princess Luna in.
"Give it back." Luna demanded ignoring the cotton candy pieces that had fallen in her mane.
"Give what back?" Discord questioned.
"Don't act silly Discord. The box hand it over."
Discord scowled. "Ugh boxes, so symmetrical. Why would I steal one? I have no need for a box."
"Because it has the elements of harmony."
Discord froze. "T-the elements of harmony?"
Luna nodded. "Which gives you the motivation."
"You too Luna?" Discord said scowling.
"What?"
"Nice to see the pony who thought I could be better still thinks I'm the monster everyone thinks I am."
Luna flinched. "That's not what I meant."
"Really because accusing me of breaking and entering PLUS stealing the only things that could imprison me, makes me seem like a monster that needs to be put away."
Luna stepped forward. "Discord your not a monster."
"Oh yea? Then why does everyone accuse me of being one? They think I'm going to kill them or something! In the entire ball only one pony smiled at me! One Luna, one! If that doesn't obviously imply that they fear me I don't what does!" Discord shouted knocking a vase from his bedside table.
Luna winced as the vase shattered sending pieces of glass flying through the room. "Discord I-"
"Discord I-" Discord mocked angrily. "Is that the only thing you can say? Trying to come up with sad excuses for why pony's hate me? Im sick and tired of it luna! I'm not a monster! Why can't they see I've changed?"
"I-I don't know Discord but obviously one pony has seen through you past."
Discord turned away. "I guess..."
"A-and you were looking for a bride..." Luna stuttered.
Discord stiffened turning the nights events in his head. "S-she, I, we..."
"I may not be able to tell the future, but if she is truly the only one who showed you kindness I wouldn't let her go."
Discord turned to look at her. She was right while they just met and were merely friends she was a perfect fit. She was the missing piece to the puzzle and Discord was not going to lose the last piece to the puzzle.
Pinkie laid on her bed staring at the ceiling. A smile spread across her face as she thought of last nights events. It was totally worth the hours of chores she was undoubtably going to receive. She stood up and pushed open a window letting the cold morning air in. She brushed her hair and tied her hair back into a ponytail. She let it fall over her shoulders as she pulled on her maid dress. She walked in the kitchen and prepared breakfast like she did everyday.
About an hour and a half later Rarity groggily came down the stairs, her pink fluffy robe trailing behind her.
"Good morning!" Pinkie chipped serving her a bowl of potato soup.
"What's good about it?" She snapped sitting down and levitating a spoon with her magic.
"Potato soup?" Pinkie said filling a bowl of her own.
Rarity shot her a dirty look and continued to eat. A few minutes later Fluttershy came down followed by Celestia. They sat down and served themselves a bowl of the soup.
Pinkie took her own bowl up to her room not minding they're bitter attitudes. She happily ate her soup while thinking of the castle she would probably never visit again. She laughed a little as she remembered the crazy moves she and Discord had danced. He would have made a good friend if she could have hung out with him for longer. She thought of how he understood the pain of losing their family.
She felt a twang in her heart as she remembered what had happened. She was just a filly around the age of nine. It had been a year since her mother had died and a month since her father remarried the alicorn. She had been very kind to her and her sisters and it seemed like she loved him. They were on a carriage ride to visit the castle for the first time. They had been laughing together, her father and her sisters. They were all smiling even Maud. All of a sudden the carriage lurched to the left slamming them into the carriage. The wheel splintered and the carriage crashed.
A knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. That's funny no one knocked they all just barged in. She peered through the lock and gasped at what she saw. It was Discord.
_________________________
Back at the castle Twilight stared at Luna her mouth agape.
"W-what did you say?" Twilight stuttered.
"I said Discord has found a bride." Luna said adjusting her crown.
"I-is that what the ball was for?" Twilight asked her eyes wide with shock.
Luna nodded. "That was the initial plan yes and it seems it worked well."
"What's her name?" Twilight asked, her shock changing to curiosity.
"Her name is Pinkie Pie I believe."
"Is she a unicorn?"
Luna shook her head. "From what Discord said she's an earth pony."
"Oh. Are they getting married right away?" Twilight questioned. She couldn't imagine Discord getting married.
Luna shrugged. "Well I don't know if she's even accepted but it depends on the type of mare she is."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning whether she wants to rush into marriage or if she wants to date for a while."
"Oh. So if she accepts when do you think she'll come to the castle?" Twilight asked wondering about the new mare.
"Today."
______________________________
Discord arrived at the Celestial estate and nervously knocked on the door.
"I'm coming!" A voice shouted.
He heard hoof steps and the door swung open. It wasn't Pinkie Pie it was a white pony with a purple mane. Her mane was curled up in the ends and she wore blue eyeshadow.
"P-prince Discord?!?" She stuttered her eyes wide in disbelief.
Discord nodded. "May I come in?"
She nodded quickly. "Y-yes come right in i'll go get mother."
He walked in and sat down on the couch in the living room. He watched her scramble up the stairs and disappear into one of the doors.
______________________________
"What do you mean Prince Discord is here?" Celestia demanded looking at something out of the corner of her eye.
"I mean he's here!" Rarity exclaimed.
"W-what does he want?" Celestia stuttered.
"I have absolutely no idea! He asked to come in and now he's sitting on.our.couch." Rarity said breathing dramatically.
"Ok I'll be in right down, just tell him I'll be right down. Also try an see why he's here. But be SUBTLE."
Rarity nodded and ran out the door. Celestia waited until she hears her hoof steps going down the stairs before she pulled the box out of its hiding place. She opened it and smiled at what was in it. It was the elements of harmony, the most powerful tools in equestria. She glanced at the one in the middle, magic. If Discord was here there was s chance Luna had figured out it was she who had stolen then. But if that was the reason she was going deny anything and everything. But in case he wasn't she needed a disguise. She slipped on a casual day dress, careful to tuck her wings out of sight. Even Discord who made no sense would question an alicorn.
She inhaled and walked out the door and down the stairs where Rarity was talking nervously.
"So the ball was delightful! I had quite an amazing time, I must say the food was excellent." Rarity said rush fully. The nervousness obvious in her tone.
Celestia rolled her eyes and sat in the couch next to her. "Hello Prince Discord. How lovely to have you in our humble adobe."
"Hello." He said politely. "I have come to speak with you about a rather important matter."
Rats! Celestia thought. He is here about the box!
"I ummmm.... Recently met a mare that lives with you." Discord said awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.
Celestia narrowed her eyes in confusion. "Pardon?"
"You see I'm looking for a bride and the mare I met seems to live here with you. A-and I'm here to-to ask for her hoof in marriage." Discord stuttered nervously.
Rarity's eyes widened. "Why Prince Discord! I'm flattered!"
Discord shook his head quickly. "No pardon me it's not you."
Rarity's smile faltered. "Oh I assume it to be Fluttershy then?"
He shook his head again. "No it was Pinkie Pie."
"P-Pinkie Pie?!?" Celestia and Rarity exclaimed they're eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
Discord nodded. "Yes while we just met I hope to get to know her better before continuing on with marriage."
"Are you sure you weren't mistaken and heard her name wrong?" Celestia questioned.
"No the pony I met was loud and energetic. I'm sure I have the name right."
Celestia stood. "Very well, I will go and get her."
"Wait! Um would you mind If I went to go ask her, I want her to hear it from me." Discord said nervously.
Celestia nodded. "Go ahead I'll show you her room."
She walked up the stairs with Discord following close behind. She led him down the hall to a door that looked old and brittle.
"It's this door." She said pointing at the old door.
"Ok. Umm would you mind?" Discord said gesturing towards the door.
"No just come down when you get your answer if you wouldn't mind." Celestia said turning and walking away.
Discord raised his claw to knock on the door. He knocked softly and wasn't long before he heard hoof steps. The door slowly creaked open and he smiled at who it was. It was Pinkie Pie who looked as happy as ever. The only difference was her outfit. She wore a brown maids outfit with blue sleeves. Nothing like her cheerful dress from the ball.
"D-Discord?" She asked. Se didn't think she would ever see him again.
"H-Hello Pinkie Pie." He stuttered nervous at was he was going to do.
"What are you doing here?"
"I uh came to say hello!" Discord said quickly tucking the ring in his pocket.
"Oh uh hello?" Pinkie said confused.
Discord hung his head. "Well I came to ask you something."
"What?"
"Uh come with me I want to do it in front of your family."
______________________________
"He WHAT?!?" Fluttershy exclaimed.
"He's proposing to her! Can you believe it?" Rarity exclaimed in disgust.
"B-but why HER?"
"I have absolutely no idea!"
"Girls!" Celestia scolded. "If you say ANYTHING like this around the prince you'll be sleeping with the rats."
"But mother!" Rarity whined. "Why would he want to marry HER?"
"That is of no concern to us." She said coldly. "What we need to do is work this to our advantage."
"How do we do that?" Fluttershy questioned.
"She goes to live in the castle we follow simple as that."
"I suppose so.."
"Shhhhh they're coming!" Rarity exclaimed.
Pinkie walked down the steps with Discord. Discord looked extremely nervous and Pinkie just looked confused. Rarity and Fluttershy exchanged a glance while Celestia calmly looked on.
At the end of the stairs Discord gulped and turned to Pinkie. "So Pinkie Pie I know we just met and all but I wanted to ask you a question."
"Ok?" Pinkie said still unsure of what was happening.
"You see I'm looking for a.... Companion and while we're merely friends I was wondering." He said pulling out his ring.
"W-will you marry me?" Discord asked.
Pinkie gasped and covered her mouth with her hooves. "I-I don't know what to say!"
"Say yes?" Discord said nervously laughing.
Pinkie shook her head. "I can't." She rushed up the stairs and into her room making the old door slam loudly.
"Oh." Discord sighed and hung his head. "I should have known."
"Um now now, she was probably just shy! You see Pinkie has never really had a colt friend, I'll go talk to her." Celestia said teleporting into Pinkies bedroom.
______________________________
Pinkie yelped as a flash of light nearly blinded her. She blinked to see clearly and cowered when she saw who it was.
Celestia glared at her. "How could you say no?"
Pinkie hung her head. "I-I've only met him once. We're just friends."
She scoffed. "So what? He's a prince he could have given you anything! More importantly he could have given US everything."
"But I don't love him!"
Celestia stomped her hoof. "That doesn't matter! Your GOING to marry him!"
"No I'm not!" Pinkie screamed. "You can't make me!"
"Oh my dear at this your wrong." Celestia smirked her horn glowing. "I can make you."
Pinkie backed into the wall as Celestias horn glowed brighter.
"Your going to marry him whether you like it or not."
Discord tapped his finger impatiently against the sofa. When was she coming down to tell him yes or no?
Suddenly he heard two sets of hoove steps coming down the stairs. He jerked his head up to see Celestia and Pinkie coming down the stairs.
Celestia gracefully sat down at the couch and Pinkie sat next to her.
"I-I'm sorry for rushing away I was nervous." Pinkie said her tone a little robotic.
"That's fine but ummm." Discord said folding his hands. "I-I still don't really have an answer."
"Yes I will marry you."
A wide grin spread across his face. "That's great! You and your family can move in right away!"
"Step family." Pinkie corrected her voice returning to its normal state.
"Oh um you and your STEP
family can move in right away, just as soon as you have your bags packed."
Celestia smiled. "Yes we will be there in maybe two or three hours, we have a lot of bags to pack."
"Of course!" Discord exclaimed. "I'll send the royal carriage to pick you up."
Rarity squealed. "We get to ride in THE royal carriage?"
Discord nodded.
"Eeeeeeeeee!!! Ohmygosh!!!! This is amazing! Im going to go pack my bags RIGHT NOW!" Rarity exclaimed rushing up the stairs.
Discord chuckled. "I'll see you later Pinkie Pie."
Pinkie nodded before Discord teleported away.
She shook her head ferociously. "How could you make me do that!"
Celestia ignored her question. "Go pack your bags."
"No!" Pinkie shouted stomping her hoof down. "I'm not going! I'll run away!"
"Pinkamena I cast a spell on you to say yes to the prince, what makes you think I can't cast a spell to make you pack your bags?" She said calmly.
"I-you." Pinkie stuttered. She was right what WAS keeping her from doing any of that?
"So do us all a favor and do it on your own free will."
"No." Pinkie said defiantly.
Celestia sighed. "Well then you asked for it."
Pinkie yelped as Celestias horn started glowing. Celestia slowly approached her, wrapping her In her magic.
Pinkie screamed as she was encased in magic but her screams were muffled by the thick layer of magic.
"From now on you WILL be obedient and listen to peverything.I.say." Celestia said finishing casting her spell.
Pinkie winced as she was released from the magic dropping to the floor with a thud.
"Now pack your bags." Celestia said turning away.
Pinkie tried to force herself to stay but she felt her legs moving towards the stairs. Her movements were mechanical as she began to pack what little she had.
She felt tears in her eyes as she packed away the party cannon her parents had given her. After finishing packing everything she stood in the middle of the room.
"Can I move now?" She questioned attempting to mover her hoof.
Slowly she put one hoof in front of the other until she was convinced she had control over her body. She walks towards her pet alligator who slowly blinked.
A small smile formed its way on her face. "Hey gummy guess what? We're living in a castle."
______________________________
"She said yes?" Luna asked raising an eyebrow.
"She did! Oh I can't believe she said yes!" Discord exclaimed doing a flip in mid air.
"You seem quite excited considering you said she's merely a friend."
Discord stopped mid flip and glared at the moon princess. "Well yes Luna but imagine if you were in my position."
Luna rolled her eyes. "This again Discord? When they see that you've befriended a pony outside the royals they'll see you've changed."
Discord remained upside down in the air. "Meh."
Luna used her magic to brig him to the ground. "Discord when is she going to be here?"
"In abbooouutttt..." Discord said looking at his watch. "A-an hour! Oh sweet Luna! We need to get stuff done!"
Luna raised a hoof. "Discord calm down! You have chaos magic remember? You can magically poof everything up."
"Your right!" Discord said snapping his fingers. "There we go, were done."
Luna blinked. "You aren't even going to go check?"
Discord summoned a pair of shades and put them on. "Nah it's cool."
Luna shook her head. "Ugh, I'll tell Twilight I'm sure she'll want to meet her."
Discord groaned. "Ugh does Princess Prissy have to be there."
Luna glared at him. "Discord! Don't say that! She's nice to you."
Discord ignored her remark. "She takes things to seriously."
"You ate her books."
"So? I gave them back."
"You ate her owl."
"It wasn't actually the owl."
"You turned her horn into cotton candy."
"It tasted good."
Luna sighed. "Whatever Discord, I'll meet you in the main entrance to welcome your new bride."
"Mmhmmm go ahead." Discord said summoning a cotton candy bouquet.
Luna walked out the door leaving Discord alone, a feeling he knew too well. But not anymore soon he would have some pony to be with him. And he couldn't wait for her to get here.
______________________________
"Ow!" Pinkie exclaimed as Rarity pulled the hairbrush through her mane.
"It's not my fault! Your mane has a mind of its own!" Rarity growled pulling the brush back.
"Why are you brushing my mane anyway?" Pinkie questioned.
"Mom says you need to look good."
"Figures." Pinkie grumbled.
"Hey Rarity." Fluttershy said flying in.
"Hey Flutters did you bring what I told you?" Rarity asked setting the brush down.
Fluttershy nodded and pulled a blue dress of her back. "Here's the dress."
Rarity took it from her and held it up in her magic. "Perfect. Here Pinkamena put this on."
Pinkie cautiously took the blue dress. It was beautiful blue dress that sparkles like the night sky. "It's beautiful." She said in awe.
"Thank you it was a design I had been working on for a while and this seemed like the perfect occasion for it."
Pinkie gently set the dress down. "Wait you did this on your own free will? Step mother didn't make you do this?"
Rarity nodded. "I figured If if the price chose you, you must have been something special. But don't read to much into it I still think I should be the one wearing the dress."
"Rarity thank you." Pinkie said her voice barely audible.
"Yes well thank me by trying it on we have about an hour before the royal carriage gets here."
Pinkie took the dress in her hooves and retreated to the dressing room to change.
______________________________
Upstairs Celestia rubbed turquoise dye into her mane and smirked at her reflection, She looked good with a turquoise mane. She took the baby blue dye and worked it over her white coat making sure to leave no white spot uncovered. If she was to live in the castle she would need to change her appearance but not for the reason one would think. She remembered the day like it was yesterday though it had been many moons before.
Blah. She thought bitterly and she rubbed the dye over her cutie mark. Soon. Soon I will give her what she deserves.
She took a paint brush and carefully painted a quill over her flank, giving the appearance of a quill cutiemark. Hmmmm a new name. What shall it be? Turquoise point? Nah too plain. How aaaabbboouuuuuttt turquoise quill? Yes that's it, I'm turquoise quill a simple unicorn who received her cutiemark for writing. A perfect disguise hopefully enough to fool HER.
She took a pair of scissors and quickly cut off a long portion of her mane, leaving a small bob of mane much like the modern mane styles. She did the same to her tail leaving a straight short tail in place of her long flowing one. She looked in the mirror and saw an unfamiliar form looking back. She really looked like a different pony. The only thing wrong was her wings and horn. She could not be an alicorn and go undirected. She slipped into her casual day dress and tucked her wings in. She looked in the mirror again and frowned. There was a bulge were her wings were in the dress and it was obvious she was trying to hide them. She levitated a bow and used her magic to permanently sow it over the middle of the dress. The bow did a nice job of covering the bulge and added a sophisticated flare to the casual dress. Rarity had been sceptic when she asked her to restore the dress for a unicorn but simply said she did not wish to make the ponies in the castle intimidated. The only problem was her tallness but even that could be fixed with an appearance spell. She used her magic to shrink down to a regular ponies size keeping in check the length of her horn. Sure she could have done the same instead of going through the trouble of dying her fur and mane but one could never be too careful. Who knows? Some pony could easily see through her shortness spell.
Satisfied with her looks she trotted down stairs and startled the very unaware Rarity.
"Gah! A burglar! MOTHER!" Rarity screamed in panic and used her magic to throw a vase at Celestia who used her magic to knock it to the side.
"Calm down Rarity." She scoffed. "I decided to change my look before going to the castle. You like?"
"M-mother?" Rarity questioned a look of recognition crossing her face.
"Yes I see you've arranged your self nicely." Celestia said taking in her clothing. She wore a purple dress with diamonds incrusted into the fabric.
"It's a change but not half as much as your appearance, but I must say the turquoise compliments the blue quite nicely. My one complaint is the bow is a bit big." Rarity said frowning at the bow tied around the dress.
Celestia shrugged. "I like big bows."
"And is it me or are you shorter?"
"It's you."
A door swung open and Celestia and Rarity turned their heads to the noise. Pinkie walked out of the dressing room shyly, her glass slippers clacking on the tile floor.
Rarity gasped. "Pinkie Pie you look beautiful."
"Thanks Rarity, but um who's this." Pinkie Pie asked looking at the blue mare.
"Take a wild guess." Celestia said Striking a pose.
"S-step mother?" She stuttered recognizing her voice.
"Ding ding ding! We have a winner." Celestia said her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Y-your blue!" Pinkie exclaimed in shock.
"And your stating the obvious." Celestia said rolling her eyes.
Pinkie eyes dulled when she remembered what Celestia had done. She frowned and looked at the ground silently cursing herself for forgetting momentarily.
Rarity darted her eyes towards the clock then to the door. "Guys we have half an hour before the carriage gets here."
Celestia briefly glanced at Rarity and Pinkie. "Your both dressed acceptable where's Fluttershy?"
"She's gathering her animals." Rarity said floating down multiple suitcases from her bedroom.
Celestia groaned and face hoofed. "How are we going to fit them all in the carriage? That and she's going to get dirty."
Rarity scrunched her mussel. "Ugh dirt."
Pinkie rolled her eyes and glanced towards the stairs. "I have to go get my suit cases."
Celestia waved her off. "I'm pretty sure Rarity floated everything down."
Rarity let out a sudden loud laugh. "Are you kidding? These are only half of my suit cases!"
Pinkie dropped her mouth and counted the suit cases. There were 10!
"Never mind, Pinkamena go get the suit cases."
______________________________
"Nice job soarin! We really went at least 20% faster than before!" Rainbow dash exclaimed wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead.
"Oh yea! But you gotta admit I totally whooped you flank!" Soarin bragged stretching out his wings.
"Ha you wish! I totally kicked YOUR plot!" Rainbow dash said poking him with her hoof.
"Nah I think I won." Soarin said chugging on his bottled water.
Rainbow dash rolled her eyes. "Whatever we should take of our wonderbolt costumes don't want to get em dirty."
"Whys that?" Soarin questioned raising an eyebrow.
"Well apparently the prince found a bride or something like that and were performing there."
"When?"
Rainbow dash glanced at her watch and gulped. "In five minutes."
