Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

[Begin Prologue]

Celestia waited for the clatter of hooves to fade away before speaking, "You will not win. Twilight will stop you."

"Of course she will," replied the draconequus, slouching in a wingback chair in the middle of the Hall of Legends. He didn't even look up from the, upside-down, book held in his talon. A lion paw adjusted the half-circle reading glasses he wore before turning to the next page.

Celestia ignored all of this, par for the course as it was, focusing on the draconequus' red pupiled eyes. Knowing the futility of mincing words with the self-proclaimed 'Lord of Chaos', she chose the direct approach. "What?"

"I said, 'Of course she will.'" Discord flipped to the next page of the book. "See, it says so right here." He held out the book so that the Alicorn could read the words.

Celestia's eyes quickly scanned the page, her brow reaching higher and higher with each sentence. Coming to the end, she reached out with her magic to flip to the next. When nothing happened her eyes fell to the ground. "Please turn the page."

"Nuh uh uh," Discord chided. "Spoilers."

Celestia's anger boiled at the taunt. "If you know you will be defeated, then why aren't you stopping it?"

"Because, I never said she would win." Discord rose-all his accoutrements vanishing as he did so-to stand before the Princess. Cupping her chin in his paw he held her muzzle to his own. Unable to look away, she watched as his face changed, the almost goofy features hardening, becoming truly sinister. For the first time in her life Celestia felt afraid. "Do you want to see what comes after?"

Celestia's voice trembled as she spoke, "You can not see the future."

"No, but I have no need. There are things that will happen, because there will be nopony to stop them from happening. Your precious student will beat me, because I will allow it. It won't matter, she will still lose in the end. Look into my eyes, see what will be, what you can not stop."

She tried to look away, to avert her eyes, but it did no good. Images flashed before her mind, scenes from a world she barely recognized. Her eyes slammed shut, tears dripping to carpet at her hooves. When Discord finally released his grip she turned away, fighting for composure.

With no horn to hold it in place, her golden tiara fell. It struck the ground, bouncing and rolling across the floor with the soft ring of metal on stone. She watched in silence as the lightest of her burdens came to rest at the scaled foot of Discord. An old sensation washed over her, one she hadn't felt in so long that she didn't recognize it at first. She wanted to laugh for the heavy weight lifting from her back; she wanted to cry for the loss of it's ever present comfort.

"Come, Celestia, it is time to go." Discord placed his paw on her withers, leading her down the hall.

[End Prologue]

!S!+!S!+!S!

Well dressed ponies trotted up to newly renovated Royal Sister Music Hall. A white earth pony mare in a sharp red suit and small flat-topped hat stood by the door. She bowed her head and smiled at the arriving guests, holding the door to expedite their entrance. The nobility, of course, paid her no mind as they entered.

A moment of observation passed and Rarity stepped out of her cab and onto the streets of Canterlot. The cool, crisp mountain air helped to refresh her mood as she made her way to the entrance. Passing the porter, Rarity returned the smile with a slight bow of her head. The minute effort was repaid in full when the blonde mare produced a genuine smile to replace the plastic one she had been wearing.

Rarity stepped into the brand new lobby and marveled at the opulence of the renovations. Where before candlesticks and chandeliers had flickered with a soft, orange light, there were now the new magic-powered 'glow bulbs' casting a far steadier, if less warm, illumination. Gone were the sweet aromas of beeswax and slight sting of smoke, replaced by nothing but the perfumes and colognes of ponies who completely lacked any understanding of subtlety or conservation.

Rarity couldn't help but grimace at the audacity of it all. Though her dress was far from a simple affair, and would fetch a high price at any store, she only wore it as a matter of necessity. The odd realization that she no longer felt comfortable in such a dress and finery of setting was off-putting. Had she really changed so much?

She closed her eyes to center herself, her magic reaching out to straighten the nonexistent bunches in her dress. This was not just another social event; this was her chance to reestablish herself. She could not afford such thoughts and doubts. Her eyes reopened. A gracious smile forced the corners of her lips up, it would be enough to fool these snobs.

The hall was filled with well dressed ponies, all wealthy aristocrats or government officials, or both. There had been a time when she desired to be counted as an equal amongst these ponies; how foalish she had been. She had been forced to reassess a great many things in the past years and the first had been her views on high society. Still, they were not all bad.

"I say, Lady Rarity? Is that you?"

Flipping her mane with practised grace she turned to face the welcome voice. "Fancypants? Why, dah-ling, it has been simply ages. How are you doing?"

"Marvelous, simply marvelous, my dear," he replied. A simple, if expensive, black coat and blue tie adorned the white stallion's chest and neck. He lifted her hoof in one of his own, his carefully trimmed mustache tickling her fetlock as he kissed it. "You're as beautiful as you were the day we met. But, I must ask, what have you been up to these past years? I haven't seen bit nor bridle with your name since..." His smile faltered slightly as his voice trailed off, unwilling to speak the words.

Rarity quickly moved to fill the awkward silence, "After... well, I decided to take some time for myself. A sabbatical, as t'were. This is, in truth, my first outing since my return to Canterlot."

"Then allow me to be the first to welcome you back. Come, there are ponies here to whom I simply must introduce you. They will be ever so delighted to finally meet the legendary Lady Rarity."

Her smile became just a slight more genuine. "Quite."

Rarity's eyes seemed to take in every detail as they approached the first group of ponies. The former, and soon to be returned, fashionista nearly gasped in recognition of the cream coated earth pony at the center of attention. She wore what normally would have been called a business cut dress were it not for the maroon and pink coloring that matched her mane and the way it accentuated her form.

"Chancellor," Rarity said, offering her hoof and a smile, "it's a pleasure to see you again."

"Rarity. This is a surprise." The two mares hooves touched briefly. "Please, there is no need for titles between old friends."

"Of course, Roseluck. Congratulations on your re-election."

"Thank you, though it took so little effort on my part, I'm not sure I deserve the congratulations."

Rarity did not miss the twist of inflections, nor did she hold back the expected praise. "But you do, dear. Being unopposed is only proof that you deserve the position all the more."

"Hehe, there might be some truth to that. But I'm afraid you have me at a great disadvantage. My life has no doubt been plastered about the newspapers and is of little interest. I, however, haven't the slightest idea what you've been up to for the past, what has it been, six years?"

"I assure you, recounting my recent past would not-"

"R-Rarity?" a familiar voice called out from behind the unicorn. "Rarity, is that you?"

Rarity's heart jumped into her throat. Joy and fear warred inside her, all of her preparation for this moment had done her no good. Swallowing the lump that threatened to strangle her, she took a deep, calming breath. Turning slowly, she came face to face with a piece of her past that she had missed desperately. Joy quickly won out at the sight of the lavender eyes as tears began to form in her own. "Twilight!"

The two unicorns ignored all formality and leapt to close the gap between them, embracing warmly. Twilight, lacking the practiced grace of her friend, began to giggle uncontrollably. "Oh Rarity, heeheehee. You've no idea how happy I am to see you."

"Twilight, darling, I know, I know," she said, pulling away from the hug. A quick glance back at Fancypants showed the stallion giving a smile and a nod before turning back to the Chancellor. Rarity took a step back from her friend and began to circle her. "I see I have returned just in time," she said, casting a critical eye over the other mare's outfit. Twilight wore a silver crown studded with sapphire gems and a purple cape lined with white fur. "Where did you get that... thing? Please tell me that isn't from the Hearth's Warming Eve pageant."

Twilight blushed, trying to shrug deep into the high collar. "Heehee, maybe..."

"That simply will not do. Do you not have seamstresses? Surely you have something more modern you could wear."

"Unfortunately, I'm not simply Twilight Sparkle anymore," she sighed, "and ponies expect a certain appearance."

"Well of course they do, and you should meet those expectations, but that does not mean you can't be fabulous." Rarity stopped in front of her friend, "The crown is... a little much, a tiara, however... and that cape. No, that simply will not do. Give me two days and I will have a proper outfit designed for you." Twilight opened her mouth to protest, but Rarity quickly cut her off. "It wasn't a request, dear." Rarity paused again, eyeing Twilight up and down a final time, "Your measurements have changed slightly-"

Twilight cut her off, throwing her forelegs around the other's neck. Tears sprung to the corners of the ex-librarian's eyes. "That would be wonderful, Rarity. Thank you."

The two pulled apart again, only for Rarity to gasp. "Where are my manners?" Leading with her left foreleg, she bowed, nearly touching her horn to the carpeted floor. "My apologies, Princess."

"Nonono! Please don't do that." Twilight pulled her friend out of the bow. "Not you. It's bad enough from everypony else."

Magicking her dress straight, Rarity said, "Of course, of course. I can't say that I agree, but I understand. Now tell me, how have the others been? I've tried to keep tabs on everypony, but... well, the others stayed out of the papers."

Twilight's face fell. The tears that had been threatening to overrun her eyes dried up. She sighed heavily. "Things... have been difficult since you left. We've all changed... the world's changed," she finished weakly, her eyes cast to the floor.

Rarity winced at the sudden shift of Twilight's mood and quickly moved to recover the conversation. Lifting the unicorn's chin, she looked into her friend's eyes. She froze for a moment as she finally took in Twilight's face. Gone was the bookish filly she had known. In her place was a mare, haggard and drawn, struggling to carry the burden no mortal pony was meant to bear. "Perhaps we should speak of these things later," Rarity offered. "After the show we will get together over a cup of tea."

Twilight nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, I think I'd like that."

There was a pause as the two unicorns searched each other's eyes for more to say, neither wanting to continue, neither wanting to leave. One with questions that could only cause pain, the other with nothing but pain to offer. Rarity tried to summon up her voice, but words failed her.

Twilight finally broke the silence, "I... I must go make my rounds and... I'm sure you have other ponies you wish to speak to."

"Yes... of course... after the concert then?" Rarity asked, unable to keep the disappointment from her voice.

"Yes... after the concert," Twilight nodded.

After one last soft embrace, the two smiled at each other before heading their separate ways.

Rarity watched from the corner of her eye as her old friend disappeared back into the crowd. She took a moment to compose herself. She had expected Twilight to be there-she had been counting on it-but this was not what she expected. How bad could things have really gotten that they couldn't speak of their friends? Rarity allowed herself an unladylike nicker to cast aside the thoughts; everything would be sorted out soon enough.

Ready to face the aristocracy once again, she turned, expecting to find Fancypants standing close by. Disappointment finally broke through her facade at the lack of the debonair stallion, her muzzle turning down in a pitiable frown. He was her anchor in this sea of self-importance and arrogance. His chivalry had never ceased to amaze and comfort her. From the first time they had met all those years ago, he was one of the few nobles who seemed worthy of the title. Unbidden memories of a gala long ago surfaced. If only Fancypants had been a prince, instead of-

"Him!" Rarity's voice dripped with venom at the sight of the white stallion sauntering into the lobby: That snout pointing ever so slightly up at the rafters, those golden locks of mane laying limp across his brow, and that overpriced collar and tie adorning his chest and neck.

'Ex' prince Blueblood-she smiled evilly at that-entered as though he owned the theater. His bored expression didn't alter as he cast his gaze about the room, lacking the decency to even pretend that anypony else could possibly be worth his time. Rarity had half a mind to slap him out of principle.

"Miss Belle?"

For what seemed the tenth time in as many minutes, Rarity turned at the sound of a vaguely familiar voice calling her name. The brown stallion behind her wore a white jacket over a black shirt. An alabaster tie accented the outfit with a large pin in the shape of a money sign holding it in place against his chest. His jet-black mane glistened from the wax used to slick it back.

Rarity barely managed to maintain her composure. "Filthy! How... n-nice... it is to see you again."

"Please, I prefer Rich."

!S!+!S!+!S!

"So much excitement, and the evening has only just begun."

"Was there a particular bit of the excitement that interested you?" Fancypants asked, not bothering to look at the pony beside him.

His compatriot did not respond right away and the private box fell back into silence. Knowing the futility of pressing the subject, Fancypants remained quiet, allowing the gentle murmur of the ponies below to fill the stillness. His gaze drifted lazily, admiring the decor of the newly renovated music hall.

Their balcony seats on the Celestial side of the Royal Sisters Music Hall overlooked the entire theater. The wall opposite them was painted in the a style not far different from von Trough's 'Luna's Night' with the private boxes representing the moon as it passed through the starlit sky. Ebony carvings of Luna acted as legs for the arches supporting the ceiling between each box. At the center of the arches, effigies of the two Princesses held of the symbol of Harmony. The arches continued down with similar depictions of Celestia in white marble. The wall from which Fancypants sat was a most gorgeous rendition of the sun arcing across the sky, with Dawn near the entrance and Dusk by the stage.

"How much do you know of Lady Rarity?"

The unicorn levitated a kerchief from the pocket of his jacket and carefully cleaned the lens of his monocle before replying. "Less than you, I am sure. Though if you are asking my opinion, she is still the bearer of Generosity and from my experience a mare whose faults are far outweighed by her virtues."

"Do you see who she is seated with?"

Shifting his gaze to the crowd below, it didn't take long for Fancypants to spot the mare in question. He could not stop his brow from rising. "Surely you are not implying that she is in league with Mister Rich."

"And What if I am? Is she not the long time friend of our fair Princess? Why, then, would she keep such company?"

Fancypants was forced to chew on that for a moment. Much had changed in the last few years. Rarity would not be the first pony in whom he had lost his faith. His eyes drifted to another private box across the hall.

Twilight Sparkle sat in the company of her advisers and one of the higher ranking mages from the School. "It is possible that the Princess could not make the arrangements on such short notice. Even you had not expected Lady Rarity's return."

"She returned to the city three days ago. I anticipated her attendance."

Fancypants was saved from having to respond by the lights from the chandeliers dimming. A pair of spotlights flared to life, illuminating a single spot on the stage below. The red curtains drew back enough to reveal a single ash grey pony standing next to a cello that was easily as large as she was.

A hush fell over the crowd as they waited. All was quiet, the pony on stage as unmoving as a statue. She brought up her bow, placing it along the strings. With all due reverence, she drew the bow across the strings and the first note of the 'Ode to a Dawn' filled the Royal Sisters Music Hall. As the first chords ended, the curtain pulled back to reveal more musicians adding their own notes to the symphony.