The hour was growing late and Canterlot was alive with activity. Ponies were wandering about enjoying the festivities with their faithful royal guards watching diligently overall.

Well, most of them anyway.

“Ugh, why did we have to get guard duty tonight?” A unicorn guard groaned. “I was going to take my family to see the fireworks show, now they’ll have to go without me! And my sister will rub it in my face when I get home.”

“Lighten up rookie. You’ll be able to see the fireworks from here. Besides, we have to make sure no one tries to pull a prank on anypony. You know how those noble kids can cause trouble.” A tall earth pony guard said.

“We’re the same rank Buttercup! And it's not like those kids will try anything with the Harmony bearers here.” The stallion responded. “Their parents don’t want to make bad impressions with Twilight Sparkle, who will be crowned Queen before the year ends. Though I still don’t understand why Princess Celestia and Luna are stepping down.”

“Probably tired of all the nobles and rich business owners' pointless ‘politics’. And what, do you doubt Twilight and her friends aren’t up to the task Ivory Spark?” Buttercup teased.

“I don’t doubt them and you know that! No creature likes to deal with rich upstarts that only care about where they place their next pool.” Ivory huffed. “Still they’ve been our rulers for who knows how long. Why do they choose to leave now?”

“Who knows? But it’s their choice, and they’ve got just as much right as any other pony to retire from their jobs.” Buttercup said. “Hey, how about after this shift we go to Donut Joe’s?”

“Yeah, that sounds like fun-huh?” Ivory paused. “Say, do you see that? Out there in the distance?” Buttercup turned to look where Ivory was pointing. Out past the dock, a red light glowed in the night.

“Hmm? Is it getting closer?” Buttercup said concerned. “Look alive, we may have unexpected company.”

The red light grew closer as the two stood ready. The sound of flapping wings hit their ears as the light arrived, and the two young Dragons landed.

“Ugh, finally! My wings are aching.” Smolder groaned, stretching her wings. “I hope they got some gems for us to snack on.”
“Oh come on, it wasn't that bad. At least we didn’t run into any storms.” Ember said.

“Dragon Lord Ember?” Buttercup said recognizing the royal dragon. “We are honored by your presence. We would have prepared an envoy for you-”

“Huh yeah oh no need for that,” Ember said, cutting off the guard. “We came on short notice and require Princess Starbright Twinkle's aid.”

“Twilight Sparkle.” Smolder corrected, Ivory looked to the Bloodstone Scepter with concern as it glowed with magic.

“Um not to intrude your highness but what’s with the glowing rock?” He said with concern, his ears twitching.

“Yeah, that’s what we came here for. We hoped she would help us figure out why it's acting up.” Ember said the Bloodstone pulsed to emphasize her statement. “It's very urgent we see her.”

“Then we shall escort you to the castle,” Buttercup said.

“Let's go through the alleys, tonight is the Summer Sun Celebration. The streets will be crowded and much faster if we take the backway around.” Ivory said. “We also don’t want to draw unwanted attention with your glowing scepter.”

“That makes sense.” Smolder agreed. “Ponies tend to panic when something unexpected happens. Especially when it involves magical artifacts.” As they left for the palace, Ember paused and something felt…off. She gazed upward toward the towering mountain. Her grip tightened on the scepter, a chill went down her spine as she gazed toward the mountain peak.

“Is everything alright your highness?” Buttercup asked, snapping Ember out of her trance.

“I’m fine, I just thought I heard something.” She said, shaking her head.

Discord was many things, a reality warper, a former villain, a manipulator, and a compulsive liar.

“Are you going somewhere with this? Frankly, I’m beginning to feel insulted.” Discord said, staring at the author.

But making new friends was something he wasn’t that good with.

“Well, it's not my fault most creatures don’t meet my high standards.” Discord huffed. He lazily floated around the festival with disinterest looking for somepony interesting. Glancing at various ponies wandering about, he grew increasingly bored. “Hmm too pompous.” He said glancing at some nobles walking by looking annoyed at the commoners having fun, “Too serious.” He huffed, some guards marched on patrol, “Too old and sapphic.” He sighed spotting pair of elderly mares sitting on a bench holding hooves. Discord smirked as he snapped his fingers. A large puddle appeared before the nobles as a carriage splashed them. The guard's uniforms all suddenly started shifting in color, from Polka dots to Plaid, though they hardly noticed. And a box of chocolates with a rainbow flag floated down to the elderly couple.

“What? You thought I would interrupt a lovely couple having a moment? I would never!” Discord said donning a halo, before grabbing the halo and eating it. He floated through the air continuing his search for a new ‘friend’.

“Ugh, none of these ponies are the least bit interesting. Nothing but background characters to fill in space.” Discord groaned deflating onto a roof. Just as he was about to give up a tingling sensation ran through his chaotic bones. Perking up instantly he looked around. There out of the corner of his eye, a pony wandering through the streets covered in a brown hooded robe.

“Now there’s my ticket! And wrapped up all for me.” He grinned before teleporting away.

Gusty descended upon the city with quick haste. Finding a nearby alley, she transformed into the form of a smaller version of herself. The six gems she had formed into colorful hair pins in her mane. She glanced about seeing the festivities going on. “Okay looks like nobody saw me, they’re all busy having fun. Hopefully, I can keep it that way.” Conjuring a cloak she trotted through the streets. She glanced about, noticing all the differing ponies wandering about. A smile crept on her face.

“I’m so glad the tribes could put aside their differences. Although I question their design choices.” She thought, glancing up at the giant spinning fans.

“They are a bit out of place aren’t they?” A voice spoke up. She jumped at the voice. Turning around she found a unicorn standing beside her with a bucket of popcorn. His coat was a mix of gray and brown, sporting a black mane and tail. His cutie mark was a twister. His eyes for a moment seemed to be yellow and red, but after she blinked they appeared regular black and white pupils.

“Uh yes, they are,” Gusty said, trying not to seem suspicious.

“They were only installed recently, though honestly, they do little in forms of defense.” the stallion said, taking a bite out of his popcorn. “Would you like some?” He offered levitating the bucket over to her.

“No thanks, I'm good.” She declined, she noted the odd coloration of his horn. Rather than matching his coat, it was colored Periwinkle. She decided not to stare out of rudeness. “What do you mean defense?”

“Not from around here huh?” He chuckled. “Well, then you’re lucky you weren’t around when the attack happened a few weeks back.”

“Attack?!” Gusty said, shocked.

“Yeah, some dark magic-using uptight ‘king’ attacked the city with an army of mind-controlled ponies. Took over the city and added the citizens to his brainwashed horde.” The stallion said casually. “Used Dark magic to take over, lucky Twilight Sparkle and her friends along with the devilishly handsome lord of chaos saved the day.”

“A tyrant with black magic attacked this city and everyone is celebrating?”

“Oh yeah, this happens about once or twice a season. The only difference being the royal sisters finally decided to beef up security.” the stallion said. “Wait, did you say black magic? What’s that?”

“Huh? Oh sorry, I guess I misheard you.” Gusty corrected. “Well as long as everyone is okay.”

“Yep, so come on let's celebrate. I can show you all the fun attractions! The names Mix Up by the way!” The stallion said cheerfully.

“Oh no I wouldn’t want to impose, I’m looking for some-woah!” Gusty said as the stallion dragged her along with his magic.

“Nonsense, besides it's a night to party! I bet you’ll run into them on the way!” Mix Up laughed.

“I suppose he’s right, what better place to find a foal than at a celebration? I can also give Mr. Cheery here the slip in the crowd.” She thought as she started to trot alongside him after he released her.

‘Mix Up’ gave her a grin as the two entered the festival. “Ooh I don’t know why but this one’s got my chaos senses excited. Tonight won’t be so boring after all.”

Cozy wandered around the fair doing her best to avoid the guards. While the ponies in Ponyville knew about her past actions, the upper class of Canterlot didn’t bat an eye at another wandering foal ‘enjoying’ the fair.

“Guess the princesses didn’t bother to inform anypony about who almost made all of the magic in the world disappear. I don’t know if I should be happy or insulted.” Cozy thought as she trotted through the fair. She watched various ponies hang about and party. A small part of her wanted to join in with the fun, she paused as she watched a couple and their daughter having fun at a nearby party game stall. The father managed to knock down some set-up bottles. A stuffed toy was given to the filly who cheered in joy, the mother kissed the father as a thank you. A feeling of longing crept through her, but Cozy quickly dismissed the feeling.

“No time for that. Need to stay focused the sooner we get into the castle, the sooner we can find something about the bell.” She thought. “And hopefully figure out if it did curse me or not, dangit Tirek! Why’d you have to put that idea in my head?” Shaking her head Cozy continued on her walk.

“Now what can I do to cause a ruckus to draw attention away from the guards?”

“THE PRINCESS WANTS WHAT?!” A voice shouted out.

“Bingo.” Cozy flew toward the source of the distressed voice. Hiding in a bush she watched Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy talk to a distressed stallion. Cozy noted all of the nearby boxes and barrels full of weather clouds. Those could be useful.

“Just what's on that little card. No big deal.” Rainbow said.

“No big d-d—?! I-I-It's a m-much more aggressive weather pattern than what was originally ordered! This... This is... very irregular! We'll need to... No, first we must... Wait! We ca-” The stallion said, beginning to hyperventilate.

“Take a breath. Let it out slowly.” Fluttershy said, calming him down.

“Tell the princess we will do our best.” The stallion sighed.

“We're sure you're doing an excellent job,” Fluttershy reassured.

“Oh, yeah, totally. You're not gonna panic and screw it up at all!” Rainbow joked trying to help. Cozy rolled her eyes at her former teacher, typical oblivious Dash. Never could read the room. The two left and once they were out of sight the stallion began to break down again.

“I... I... I'm not built for high-pressure situations!” That was her cue, putting on her cutesy demeanor Cozy walked toward the stressed pony.

“Golly. Sounds like you need some help.” She said,

“Who are you?” The stallion questioned.

“Somepony who's organized enough to handle the small stuff so you can focus on the big picture!” Cozy said.

“The big... Yes! That sounds right!” The stallion said, starting to cheer up.

“This kind of weather has to be handled delicately. Good thing I'm here.” Cozy said as she pretended to look at the cards. “I'll take care of everything.”

“Oh thank you so much! I won’t forget this!” He said before walking away gathering the other weather ponies away. Once he was gone Cozy dropped the cheery act, she tossed the card and turned to the various weather barrels. “Heh, this is gonna be fun.”

A short time later….

The elements had regrouped back at the castle, reporting to Twilight of their completed errands.

“It's all coming together. I think this is gonna be the best Summer Sun Celebration ever!” Twilight said happily.

“You've done an outstanding job.” Rarity replied.

“We've all done an outstanding job, although I was wondering where Discord went off too,” Twilight asked.

“Haven’t seen him for a while Twi, last we saw he was off to ‘find a new friend’ at Spike’s suggestion,” Rainbow said. “Hopefully he doesn’t bother nopony too much.”

“I’m actually glad you suggested that Spike, I’ve been hoping for Discord to find more friends. I know he doesn’t always like to spend time at my tea parties.” Fluttershy said.

“That’s literally all he talks about before we have our Oubliettes & Ogres sessions, Fluttershy,” Spike replied. “He loves your tea parties.”

“I’m not saying he doesn’t! But I know it would do him good to meet someone who shares his more chaotic interests as well.” Fluttershy said.

“Well as long as he doesn’t bring that Smooze fellow back here, I do not want that slime anywhere near my mane again.” Rarity said.

“Discord promised to give us a proper warning next time he wants to bring any of his more ‘unusual’ friends to Canterlot,” Luna interjected. The group turned to see the princesses enter the room.

“Not to interrupt Twilight, we had hoped to help you practice using the amulet to raise the sun and moon before the main event, but something has come up,” Celestia said.

“What’s wrong Princess?” Twilight asked.

“It appears we have some guests that need your attention. Dragon Lord Ember and young Smolder have arrived in need of aid.” Luna explained. “Something appears to be happening in the Dragon Lands and it's affecting the Bloodstone Scepter.”

“Oh my, I hope it's nothing too serious.” Rarity said.

“We don’t know the extent of the issue, but Lord Ember says it's urgent,” Celestia said.

“Well, I better come too. I gave the scepter to Ember, maybe there’s something I can do.” Spike said.

“Good idea Spike. Alright girls, we’ll be a bit, but enjoy the festival in the meantime. We’ll sort this out in no time.” Twilight said confidently. The four left the group as they thought amongst themselves.

“I sure am proud o' her,” Applejack said. “While the dragon visit was unexpected, she’s taking everything else in strides.”

“Yeah! I didn’t see her freak out in the slightest!” Pinkie said.

“Still I hope everything goes well, maybe once they are finished Smolder and Ember can join us in the festivities.” Rarity said, Dash however didn’t seem so sure.

“I dunno, I’m getting a strange feeling and not the funny kind,” Rainbow said.

“Dashie, let's leave the funny feelings to the professionals,” Pinkie said, honking a clown nose. Suddenly at the other end of the hall, a guard burst through looking worse for wear.

“We have a situation!”

“You had to say something.” Applejack sighed.

Author's Note

Hello! So sorry for the wait! College has not been kind to me, but I'm almost done! Wohoo!