I still can't believe how well this is doing. It started out as an experiment, but people really like it. For those who don't know, anonymous reviews are open, so if you do want to say something, please feel free, just no flames, please.

Phase 11: Celebration in Canterlot

~Canterlot~

When you finally arrive in Canterlot, the first thing on your mind is getting some rest. You explore a bit until you find a hotel. After Spike to tell Princess Celestia that you're all taking a rest at the hotel, you all go inside and talk to the pony behidn the counter.

"It's 300 Gald a night. Would you like to stay?"

Stay at the inn? Yes

"Have a good rest," he says. You all go to your rooms and rest.

(Soft instrumental of My Little Pony jingle)

After getting some rest, you feel refreshed. you go back to the pony behind the counter.

"Have a good day," he says. You then take your leave.

Now that you've been rested, you continue to make your way to the castle. As you run there, you see what looks like a blue pony on the stage. She has a long light blue mane, a Cutie Mark shaped like a magic wand, and she's wearing a purple magician's cap and cape. There's a large crowd surrounding her.

"People of Canterlot," she shouts, "I, the amazing Trixie, have wonderful news. As you may have known, the black bird that terrorized your town made it's home in the fields outside of Canterlot. However, I the amazing Trixie, have defeated the beast and saved your town."

There's a combined chatter in the town, as the show pony smiles in arrogance.

You think about what she just said. Wait, the black bird? Is she talking about the Condor? If that's true, then she's dead wrong! You decide to go up there and confront her.

"No you didn't," Emma says simply as you walk over to her, Trixie laughs arrogantly.

"Oh really?" she asks.

"First of all," Emma begins, "the monster is called a Condor. Second of all, it's home was in the Everfree Forest. And finally, you didn't defeat it, Vale did."

"Oh?" Trixie asks walking over to you, "And how did this "Vale" defeat the Canterlot Bird of Prey?" she asks.

"Condor!" Emma shouts as Twilight and Applejack walk over to you, "And she didn't do it alone! Twilight Sparkle helped!"

"Twilight Sparkle?" she says, now looking at Twilight with contempt. She then begins laughing out loud, "So you expect me to believe that Sparkle was actually able to fight? That's the funniest story I ever heard."

"Yeah, 'bout as funny as when she had to save you from an Ursa Minor, right?" Applejack asks, making Trixie look annoyed.

"You..." Trixie says, then turning her nose in the air, "Hmph! I don't need this! Vale, right?" she says looking at you, "I hope to meet up with you again soon."

She walks off after that, giving you a look similar to what Rarity gave you the first time you met her, but there was something strange about Trixie.

"I guess she's still up to her old tricks..." Twilight says, looking almost dissapointed.

"Well, ya can lead a horse ta water, but ya can't make 'im drink," Applejack says shaking her head.

"Vale, are you okay?" Emma asks, "Come on, we need to keep going to the castle."

You nod and walk after everyone. Just who was that Trixie? And despite how they were talking about her, why did your heart start racing when you looked at her?

You continue to make your way to the castle. While running, you hear Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity talk about Trixie.

Title of Skit: Trixie

"So you really can't teach an old dog new tricks," Applejack says with a sigh.

"I can't stand her!" Rainbow Dash shouts angrily, "It's bad enough that she brags about being all powerful when she's not, but now she's using Chaos to boost her nonexistent status! Next time I see her, I'll-"

"Do nothing," Twilight finishes, shocking Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"What?" Rainbow Dash shouts.

"But Twilight!" Applejack shouts.

"No! She's may be a nuisance, but she's still an innocent pony," Twilight reasons, "We can't strike her down with no reason."

"I wasn't talking about striking her down," Rainbow Dash says, "Just roughing her up a bit, you know?"

"Hey Rarity, ya alright?" Applejack asks, as Rarity had been really silent and looked like she was thinking really hard about something.

"Huh?" Rarity snapped out of it, "Oh, yes, I'm fine," she walks off with a serious expression, "Just... fine..."

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack all looked confused as she walks off.

End Skit

At the front of the castle, you actually see Princess Celestia standing outside of the castle waiting for you with a warm smile. Next to her is another alicorn, only she's dark purple, her long mane is blue, as is her tail, she's a little smaller than Celestia, her crown and necklace are both black, and her Cutie Mark is a crescent moon in the night sky. She doesn't look as happy as Celestia for some reason.

"Welcome, Guardian Vale," Celestia says when you all approach, "and the wielders of the Elements of Harmony. I'm so happy to see all of you."

"It's wonderful to see you as well," Twilight says as all of you bow to her, "And it's good to see you as well Princess Luna,"Twilight continues. Luna gives Twilight a curt nod, and then turns to Celestia.

"Sister, I'll wait for you in your library," Luna says to Celestia, who frowns a bit looking at Luna walk off.

"Is something wrong?" Emma asks.

"Nothing you all need to concern yourselves with," Celestia says turning back to all of you, "Now, come with me to the dining hall. I have a surprise for all of you."

She turns and walks into the castle. You turn to everyone.

"I bet it's cake!" Pinkie Pie says gleefully, "Or maybe a parade! Ooh! Ooh! Maybe a cake AND a parade!"

"Come on Pinkie Pie, this is the Princess we're talking about," Rainbow Dash says, "I'd like to think she'll do more for a party than just cake and a parade."

"Well, Ah'm jus happy that ev'rythang turned out alright," Applejack says, now walking into the castle with everyone else. You notice Rarity not moving, as if in deep thought. Fluttershy goes over to her.

"Rarity, are you okay?" she asks sweetly.

"Yes Fluttershy," Rarity says, "I'm fine," she walks off, "I just hope everyone else will be."

She walks past you and gives you a strange look, as if urging you to something. Is she okay? Fluttershy walks over to you.

"Does Rarity seem a little weird to you?" she asks you. Truth is, Rarity has always be a tad enigmatic whenever it came to you, but even you have to admit this is strange. You nod to Fluttershy, agreeing with her, and then the two of you walk into the castle.

Unknown to any of you, a shadowy mist looms over Canterlot.

Celestia takes you and all to a large dining hall, where there are other ponies from Canterlot scattered around, a huge feast, and it looks like there's even a band. Surprisingly, the party is sort of formal, but also relaxed. When Pinkie Pie said Celestia holds the best parties, she wasn't kidding. Everyone is wide eyed looking at everything.

"Oh my god!" Rainbow Dash says in awe.

"Now this is a PARTY!" Pinkie Pie shouts, then looking up at Celestia, "You've been taking lessons, haven't you?" she asks, as if Celestia was taking lessons from her. Surprisingly Celestia starts laughing.

"I don't want you to feel like you need to control yourselves," Celestia says, "So please-" Everyone runs off, "relax... and enjoy yourselves..." she starts laughing again, "This is why I love Twilight and her friends," she turns to you (you stayed next to her), "So, how are you getting along with everyone?"

What do you think of Twilight Sparkle and her friends? They're wonderful

"I'm so happy to hear you say that. They have a tendency to liven up any party they're in, and they're really great ponies," Celestia says.

"You really like them, don't you?" Emma asks.

"I see them as members of my family," Celestia says, closing her eyes and smiling, "I love them all dearly. Guardian Vale, I must ask that you and your fairy friend protect them no matter what."

"Sure thing Your Highness," Emma says, "But we won't have to worry about that. After all, after the party, we plan on putting an end to this journey."

"If only it were that simple..." Celestia says, confusing you a bit.

"?"

"Guardian Vale, please, protect my beloved student and her friends, no matter what happens, please."

She seems really serious about this. You don't understand where any of this is coming from, but you can sense the urgency of what she's saying.

What do you tell her? I'll protect them with my life

Celestia's expression softens, and she's smiling again.

"Thank you, Guardian Vale. Now, I must see to my sister Luna. I shall join you and the others later," she says before walking off. After she leaves, Emma turns to you.

"This is just like when we first came to Canterlot," Emma says, "I don't know where to begin!"

You decide to go around and see what everyone's doing. You're first stop in the party is Applejack, who's sitting at a table by herself for some reason.

"Hey there, Sugar Cube," Applejack says with a smile.

"Applejack, why are you by yourself?" Emma asks her.

"Ah like jus' watchin ev'ryone else have fun, ya know. Truth is, Ah didn't bring mah apple cart, so I can't sell any apples so..."

"You can't be thinking about business at a time like this," Emma says shaking her head.

"Ah've gotta do ev'rythang Ah can ta help mah family. That's what Granny Smith would've done," Applejack looks serious, "So that's why Ah've got mah family's needs on the brain at all times."

"You need to relax a little more Applejack," Emma says, "Maybe you should join the others."

"Ahh... nah, I'll... jus stay here. Thanks though."

She seems a little awkward for some reason. You decide to leave it be and move on.

Your next stop is Pinkie Pie, who's taking over the stage. As you approach the stage you notice Pinkie Pie having an argument with the piano player.

"I'm telling you, it's a classic! You have to play it for the party!" she demands.

"I'm sorry Miss, but I've never heard of this "Cupcake City" song by... what did you say? Pinkamena Diane Pie?" the piano player says.

"Uh... DUH! She's standing RIGHT HERE!" Pinkie Pie shouts, "All you have to do is PLAY it, and I'LL dot the singing!"

"But I can't just play a song out of the blue like that," he says, now a little scared (and honestly, so are you), "And I don't even know if everyone else will even understand the reference of the song."

"Well FINE!" Pinkie Pie says snatching her music back, "I'll just give this to someone else. To bad for you, because you could have been famous. Hmph!" she turns her nose up in the air and walks off in true diva fashion. She stops when she's next to you, "Everyone's a critic," she says before walking off.

"That pony REALLY scares me," Emma says, you nodding in agreement.

You decide to try and find a more normal pony to talk to, so why not Rainbow Dash. You look around for her, and you eventually find her talking to a really impressive looking pegasus. She's orange with a red and orange mane that's similar to Rainbow Dash's mane but longer, matching tail, and a Cutie Mark shaped like a fiery thunder bolt. You suspect this is Spitfire.

"Vale, get over here!" Rainbow Dash shouts happily. You go over to them, "Spitfire, this is the pony I told you about, Vale. Vale, this is the leader of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire."

"Hey, nice to meet you," Spitfire says. She seems surprisingly calm for a friend of Rainbow Dash's, and especially a pony named "Spitfire".

"Likewise," Emma says, "Rainbow Dash told us a lot about you on the way here."

"Really?" Spitfire says with an awkward smile, "I don't know, should I be scared?"

"Oh, come on Fire, you know I don't have anything bad to say about you," Rainbow Dash says, making Spitfire laugh.

"I didn't know there was anything nice to say, Dash," she says laughing.

Wow, nicknames? These two are really close it seems.

"Vale, keep this pony close to you," Spitfire says, "She's a great warrior, possibly my replacement when she passes the entrance exams for the Wonderbolts."

"No way," Rainbow Dash says, "I'm not leader material. Not for the Wonderbolts at least. That's all you."

"We'll see," Spitfire says with a giggle.

"Hey Vale, I'm going to probably race Spitfire in a little bit, so if anyone is looking for me, let them know, okay?" Rainbow Dash asks. You nod and walk off, letting Rainbow Dash catch up with her friend.

Speaking of friends, where is Fluttershy? You decide to spend some time and look for her. After a second, you see her through a window. She's outside in the garden, watching the animals run around (of course) but strangely watching them from a distance. You're about to go out to see her, but you see Rarity also by a window. She still looks out of it. It's on the way so you go over to her.

"It's not possible... but that look in her eyes..." she mumbles to herself, "It's the exact same as... No, I won't believe it," Rarity mumbles to herself.

"Um, Rarity?" Emma asks.

"There's no way she'd..."

"I don't think we're going to get anything out of her right now," Emma says to you, "Come on."

You continue to head out to the garden. Once outside you immediately run over to Fluttershy.

"Oh, hello," Fluttershy says softly.

"Hi Fluttershy," Emma says, "Why aren't you in the garden with them?"

"Oh, those animals and I have... history..." she says. From how she said that you get the feeling it's not good history.

"Um, what happened?" Emma asks.

"Well, it was two years ago, at the Grand Galloping Gala," she begins, "I wanted to befriend them, but I got a little... pushy..."

"Uh huh..." Emma says slowly, you both nodding.

"Needless to say, it wasn't my proudest moment..." Fluttershy says.

"Say no more," Emma says, "I'm sorry I asked. Whatever the whole story is, you shouldn't have to relive it."

"Oh no, it wasn't anything traumatic or anything, just really embarrassing..." Fluttershy says, "I ended up running into the dining hall in a blind rage, demanding that the animals... love... me..."

All you can say to that is... wow... You and Emma are giving Fluttershy the same shocked expression.

"Um, that is embarrassing," Emma says, "But it's okay now though, right?"

"Yes, it doesn't bother me too much anymore, but the animals here still avoid me," you notice she looks at a bunny that hopped by with narrowed eyes. The bunny looks at her in fear, and then hops away.

"I think she still has issues to deal with," Emma says. You nod in agreement and go back to the party, leaving Fluttershy to deal with her... personal issues.

Back in the party, you see Twilight and Spike by the punch bowl. You decide to go to Spike first, noticing that he's looking at Rarity.

"Hey, is Rarity okay? She seems a little upset about something," Spike says.

"I don't know," Emma replies, "We tried to talk to her, but she's in her own little world at the moment. Why don't you talk to her? She might respond to you."

"You think so?" Spike asks, you nodding in response, "Yeah, I'll talk to her. Before that though, want me to write a letter to Princess Celestia?"

Write a letter to Princess Celestia (save)? Yes

Spike quickly writes a note about what you've been doing so far, and then sends it to Princess Celestia.

"Done. I'm going to check on Rarity, so I'll see you later," Spike says.

You nod and watch him walk off. After that you go over to Twilight.

"Hey Vale," she says to you, "Have you seen Princess Celestia? There were some things I wanted to ask her."

"She's probably still talking to her sister, Luna," Emma explains.

"I see," Twilight says with a sigh, "I'm never going to get the answers at this rate."

You can sense how badly she wants to talk to Celestia right now. You look at Emma, who seems to have the same idea as you.

"We can search for her if you want," Emma says, "Let her know that there's something really important to ask you."

"Would you?" Twilight asks, "Thanks you two."

You nod and head out of the back door, going to the hallway that will take you to where Celectia is.

The castle is huge, and the last time you were down here, you had Spike as your guide. Maybe one of the guards can tell you where to go. You run down the hallway until you see a pegasus in armor pacing down a hallway. You ask him where the Princess went.

"Princess Celestia? She's in her library talking to her sister. Go down this hall and down the stairs. It's the first door you see on the left wall," the guard explains. You thank the guard and begin running down the direction he told you to go. Sure enough you see the same light blue door that Spike went through.

As you approach it though...

"You can't be serious!" you hear Luna scream from inside.

"Vale, it sounds like their conversation is a little heated," Emma says, "What should we do? Maybe we should tell Twilight Sparkle that she's busy."

Maybe, but you remember earlier that Luna seemed a little irritated when you saw her outside. Maybe it would be a good idea to listen in on their conversation.

What do you do? Listen to their conversation

Eavesdropping is bad, but this sounds important. You press your ear against the wall and listen to their conversation.

"Please Luna, try to understand," Celestia urges, "I know it's strange, but you've had contact with Chaos. If you do this then-"

"Forget it! There's no way I'm going to do that!" Luna demands.

"Luna, I understand tat what I'm asking you is strange, but this is the only way," Celestia says, sounding a little annoyed.

"Oh, don't give me that self righteous bull!" Luna shouts, "Just cause you can give that to your "student" don't think I'm going to stand for it. I'm not Twilight!"

"Luna!"

"You can take your plan and shove it! It's stupid, it's dangerous, and I won't be a part of it!"

You hear Luna stomp off, and eventually she approaches the door. You step away to hide that you were listening in. After she opens the door she looks right at you.

"Oh," she says simply, looking at you with an unreadable expression, "You're the Guardian. Um, Vale, right?" she asks. You nod, surprised at how stiff her mannerisms are. She's the exact opposite of her more carefree sister. "How much of that did you hear?" she asks you.

"Um, not a whole lot," Emma explains, "but it sounds really serious. Are you and Princess Celestia okay?"

Luna looks away, "My sister is being foolish..." Luna says, actually shocking you, "Did she make any strange requests of you?"

"Um, she did ask us to protect Twilight and the others. Why?" Emma asks.

"She's dead serious about this..." Luna says, now walking off.

"Oooookay, that was weird," Emma says, "she could at least say goodbye."

You have a very bad feeling now. You decide to go into the library and talk to Celestia in person.

Inside the library, she looks really out of it. She's lying down on a large red pillow, and she seems a little forlorn. You are not used to seeing her like that. She's usually the life of the party. Right now, she looks almost like Fluttershy on a bad day.

"Princess? What's wrong?" Emma asks sweetly.

"Oh, Emma, Guardian," Celestia stands up when she sees you.

"You look so sad. Are you okay?" Emma asks her.

"Yes, I'm fine," Celestia says, rubbing her eyes (tears?) and sniffing, "Um, you wanted something?" she asks you sweetly, but apparently wanting to change the subject.

"Right. Twilight was looking for you. She said there was something she wanted to talk to you about," Emma explains. You notice Celestia look down as if exhausted.

"I certainly hope this isn't as serious as my last talk..." she says to herself.

"Huh?"

"Nothing," Celestia says forcing a smile, "Come, take me to her."

You nod, and the two of you walk out side by side. It almost feels like she's temporarily joined you, even if it's just for the walk to the party.

Outside, a dark figure is hovering over the castle, looking down at Fluttershy.

"Her?" he asks a voice only he can here, "Well, you're the boss." The figure stretches a bit, cracking his back, "Last time I had contact with her I got the chance to see her more cruel and evil, so this should be a treat. It's... SHOWTIME!"

As you and Celestia walk down the hallway, you hear a deep laughter in the air.

"Huh?" Emma asks as the three of you stop. You hear that laughter again, but it's louder, and Celestia looks like she recognizes the voice.

"No..." she says, "It can't be!" she then runs off in another direction.

"Princess!" Emma calls out. You and Emma run gallop after her.

Back in the party, black mist is surrounding all the ponies in the room, who are now gathered in the center of the room. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Spike are all on the outside of the crowd to defend them (but Spike is staying close to Rarity).

"What in tarnation!" Applejack shouts.

"It's Chaos, isn't it?" Pinkie Pie asks intensly, actually growling like a dog would at the mist.

"Where is Vale?" Rarity asks.

"Twilight sent her to find the Princess," Spike says.

"At least we know the Princess is safe," Twilight says, "Everyone, brace yourselves!"

Rainbow Dash and Spitfire are flying back to the castle, which is now surrounded by a black mist.

"What the hell?" Rainbow Dash asks, "Spitfire, something's up at the castle!"

"What?" Spitfire looks at the castle in shock, but then looks at the grounds around the castle, "Dash! Down there!"

"Now what?" she looks down and sees ponies in black armor surrounding the castle attacking the guards. Monsters are there as well, "Chaos!"

"We need to move!" Spitfire says. Rainbow Dash nods and they fly down to begin fighting the monsters.

Celestia stops when she hears that laughter again. You stop right next to her and see her expression. She looks furious.

"DISCORD!" she screams, "Show yourself!"

"Now where would the fun be in that, Celestia," the deep voice says.

Doscord? Wasn't that the monster she and Luna sealed away, and Twilight and her friends sealed away again a year ago? He couldn't be back!

"How did you escape?" Celestia asks harshly.

"How indeed!" Discord says, "Why don't you think really really hard and try to figure that one out?"

"I'm not playing your games this time Discord!" Celestia proclaims, slamming her hooves on the ground, creating a spark, "Show yourself!"

"Oh, but you are playing my game, right this second," as soon as he says that there's a bright light. When it dies down you see you're in the same kind of hallway, but it looks like a different part of it. Thankfully Celestia is still with you (you get the feeling that's a blessing that didn't have to happen), "How about this. Up ahead is the third player in this game. The three of you have to make your way back to the party in one hour, otherwise, I can't guaruntee it'll be pleasant for the ponies there."

"DISCORD!" Celestia screams angrilly.

"Princess, is that the same Discord you and Luna defeated?" Emma asks.

"The same," Celestia says, now stomping her hoof on the ground in frustration, "He just won't quit! DAMN IT!"

This is scary. You didn't know she was capable of this much emotion. You then remember what he said, apparently at the same time as Emma.

"What about the party?" Emma cries out, "Twilight and the others are in danger!"

"Twilight!" Celestia cries out with a terrified expression, showing how much she cares for Twilight.

Before you can even begin to move though, you hear a dep yet feminine whinny ahead.

"That was Luna!" Celestia turns to you, "Guardian, we need to move!" You nod and run forward.

Luna is lying on the ground injured, three ponies in black surrounding her. You and Celestia gallop to the scene, Celestia firing a lightning bolt from her horn making the soldiers jump back. You and Celestia stand in front of Luna.

"Luna, are you okay?" Celestia asks Luna, who's forcing herself to get up.

"Yes, I'm fine. But what's going on?" Luna asks.

"I'll explain later, can you still fight?" Celestia asks shocking you. Did she say fight?

"I'll be fine," Luna says, walking forward a bit, "You just make sure I'm safe while casting."

Celestia nods and then turns to you, "Guardian, brace yourself!"

"Wait, you're fighting too?" Emma asks.

"Of course! This is my castle, and I will defend it! Besides," Celestia looks forward, "He's my enemy."

"Here they come!" Luna shouts as the soldiers charge over to you.

~Battle: Chaos Pegasus x2, Chaos Unicorn (Play Song: Full Force)

"Brace yourself, Guardian," Celestia said.

Vale and Celestia rushed forward while Luna began casting a spell. Celestia ran over to one of the Chaos Pegasi and used basic attacks that were surprisingly forceful while Vale ran over to the Unicorn to stop her from casting.

"Arrow!" Vale shouted, firing at the Unicorn making her lose focus.

"Celestial Charge!" Celestia shouted. Suddenly she began charging all through the field at high speed, actually killing the Unicorn. Vale then went over to the other Pegasus, who was trying to stop Luna from casting.

"Gravity Well!" Luna shouted. A large orb of gravity appeared and did continuous damage to the Pegasi, killing one. Celestia ran over to the Pegasi with Vale next to her and they both did basic attacks, killing the last one (Celestia got the finishing blow).

(Play Song: Victory)

"We can't stop, let's keep moving!" Celestia said flexing her wings and waving her mane a bit.

~End Battle~

You and Emma look at what just happened in awe. Those two are the strongest ponies you've ever seen! Judging by the looks of it, they didn't even use half of their power either!

"Oh. My. GOD!" Emma shouts, "That was amazing!"

"Celestia," Luna says, ignoring Emma entirely (that's getting a little annoying), "Do you mind telling me what happened to the castle?"

"Discord," Celestia says, shocking Luna, who seems almost angry.

"Discord is back?" she exclaims, "How? Why?"

"I don't know, but I plan on beating the answers out of him!" Celestia says, turning to you, "Guardian, we need to hurry! Every second we wait is another second less we have."

"You aren't serious about playing his game, are you?" Emma asks.

"Trust me, if we don't play, he will kill them," Celestia explains, turning to Luna, "Sister, I need your help."

"I see, you need my help," Luna says, giving Celestia a cold stare, "Are you sure? I mean, if this has anything to do with Chaos, then..."

"Luna, please! Now's not the time!" Celestia says, now glaring at Luna. This is really tense, and seeing this is making you uncomfortable.

"Um, Princesses, we need to get moving," Emma urges.

"Of course little fairy," Luna says, "Let's go and save Celestia's "beloved" student and her friends."

You feel that her terminology is weird, but you shrug it off and begin to make your way through the labyrinth, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in tow.

Yes, the next dungeon Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are in the party. For those who thought that fight was fast, here's the reason. Remember Tales of the Abyss, when Jade joins you and he's at like level 34 when he first appears? Well, currently, here's the level that you should be at this point of the game alongside Celestia and Luna:

Vale: Lvl 18

Celestia: Lvl 34

Luna: Lvl 32

So yeah, they are supposed to be the strongest ponies in Equestria, and that's how I'm illustrating it. Expect a lot of the fights in the next phase to be really fast. Also, if I get a little slower with the updates, that's because of school, so don't hate me. It shouldn't slow me down too much, but don't be surprised if I vanish for a little bit.