My Little Pony: Equestria's Warriors Returns

by Spirit Of Fantasy

After many wars, heavy losses, and violence with enemies. The eldest brother of the royal sisters makes his return, and discovers the student of the sister he blames for their youngest sister's banishment. Now along side this young and talented unicorn, ready to battle evil. He will discover the new world of friendship and love that replaced his world of pain and hateful battles.

35. Chapter 35:Sweet And Elite

Chapter 35:Sweet And Elite

"I will not forgive any of you for doing this from me…!"Orion spoke as himself and Rarity were walking up the stairs to none other than the Canterlot castle.

This started with Rarity being given a chance to go to Canterlot on a fashion mission. Twilight's birthday was around the corner and Rarity needed to make her a special birthday outfit. To do that, she needed to buy specific fabrics from Canterlot city, and construct it as soon as possible. Thankfully there were perks to being a friend to a princess's pupil, not only was she given a free train ticket to the city. Princess Celestia was even offering her a room to stay in within the castle.

So with the whole thing set up, Rarity was going to have the ultimate Canterlot experience. Then there was Orion, he had no reason to be here, he was basically forced to come. To repay Celestia, Orion was pushed and pleaded with to go to the castle and visit, after all they had some important info to share with the royal sisters. Even after saying yes, it took three warriors and all the elements to force him into the train. Now he was stuck on this trip to Canterlot, and was trapped in this visit to Celestia.

He had no outfit to disguise himself, and after many ponies had seen him walking through the streets. All of them bowing to him, and coming to him offering praise or requests of many desires. He was already desiring to run away and take the next train to Ponyville, but there was no going back. Not when his presence was already made aware through the entire city. Last thing he needed was Celestia losing her mind that he quickly came and instantly fled, abandoning her and breaking a promise he made.

So he was stuck on this trip, not only did he need to see his sister of the day again. But he needed to stay with Rarity since he was her plus one, there was no escaping this issue. He could only groan as they came to the castle doors, where two Canterlot royal guards immediately bowed.

"We've been expecting you, Rarity. The prince of Equestria, was not expected,"The left guard explained before he himself and the right guard stood back up,"It's an honor to welcome you back to the castle of Canterlot your majesty. The princess has been eager to see you again…!"

"Is she really? I suppose that is to be expected…"Orion sighed and looked to the giant castle doors.

"Oh! But… It was meant to be a surprise that prince Orion was coming!"Rarity exclaimed, confused by the fact that Celestia was already excited and aware of his arrival.

"She's been eager since his departure from the Gala to be more precise. She's been hoping for the day that he would come again,"The right guard explained their meaning a bit more clearly, regarding Celestia's eagerness,"Please enter. She awaits the both of you inside…!"

With that, the guards used their gold and green magic on the giant castle doors. Causing the doors to slowly open for the duo of unicorn and prince, Rarity appeared excited to the max. It took almost a moment for the doors to completely open, before Rarity rushed inside. Leaving Orion to gulp, and slowly walk through the doors as well, not knowing what to expect inside. He entered, and the main hall looked almost the same as it did since the night of the Grand Galloping Gala.

Though there was a lot more guards in the main hall than there was before. Clearly this was caused by the uprising of the Cinders since their attack on the Gala, so security measures were being taken. Orion's train of thought was then taken off the rail by all the guards looking to him. Before they then bowed to the prince in respect after his assistance with the Cinder ponies. As well as the knowledge they retained about who he truly was, and what he meant to the royal family, full respect was to be given.

"It's an honor to welcome you back to the castle of Canterlot your majesty,"Came a warm greeting from a white stallion in the traditional purple and gold Trojan armor of a royal captain of the guards,"My name is captain Shining Armor of the royal guard. The princess was waiting for the day that you'd come to visit her sir."

"Captain of the guard, huh…? Where were you when the Cinders attacked?"Orion took interest the immediately mixed with a bit of outrage, learning that there was a captain that could have aided them in repelling the Cinders at the Gala.

"Uh… I was… Well… I was… Sent on a more important mission to the north…!"Shining gulped and slowly took his Spartan like helmet off to let his three shaded blue mane breath.

"Really…? What's her name, captain…?"Orion did not buy the excuse and was quick to get his face all up in Shining's, making the stallion sweat, knowing how hard the prince could be.

"I…beg your pardon…your majesty…?"Shining Armor was blushing and looking around while his guards nervously looked the other way.

"What's her name? Your blushing, sweating, and you stumbled over your words,"Orion let his eyes turned to crystals to show that he was seeing through any sort of deception,"You left us fighting for our lives to meet a lady that night…! So what was her name?"

"Uh… Sir…? I…apologize if I offended you for leaving my post, but it was never intentional-"Shining Armor tried to frantically reason with the prince, now that he was made out.

"You know, I'm not sure what's worse, some pony that makes excuses or one that doesn't even answer simple questions,"Orion was getting ready to tear into the captain while Rarity tried tapping on his arm to get him to stop,"Now if you'd like to at least justify yourself with a response to my question, perhaps I'll-"

"Orion! You've actually arrived! I was told I would be expecting a special visit!"The sudden excited exclaim of Celestia herself froze the prince as they all looked to the top of the main hall.

Orion was the last to look up the stairs and see the princess of the day once again. He sighed standing tall as Celestia let a smile gleam with calm nerves to hide the excitement. She then slowly made her way down the stairs, as every pony but Orion bowed to Celestia. They all remained in silence and stayed in a bow until the day princess made it all the way down the steps. Where she was able to meet with her brother, and hopefully end his silent tongue.

"It's wonderful to see you again! I do hope the trip over here wasn't too much of a hassle."Celestia wished to make sure her brother was no troubled during his trip to the city.

"No, I was some what enjoying the trip, I'm just grumpy about the arrival,"Orion stated and made Celestia nervous to see him not entirely happy that he was here,"So now that I'm stuck here until the end of your pupil's birthday…! Would you care to show us around?"

"Of…of course! We'll start by showing you and Rarity to your rooms, shall we?"Celestia was now sporting a more nervous smile, and trying to keep this mood exciting.

"Very well, It beats standing out here showing the guards what kind of stallion I am."Orion agreed and looked to Rarity before a nerdy looking valet stallion was at her side.

"Well! Let's not keep the princess waiting! Carry my bags will you?"Rarity made a mother load of bags and packages, and even her cat appear in a flash of blue magic, letting it all slam down on the stallion's back.

"Of course Miss Rarity…!"The servant struggled with the massive amount of bags he carried.

"please…! Right this way every pony!"Celestia took the lead in hopes of not wasting any more time.

Rarity was more than happy to follow the princess while Orion walked slowly behind. Watching Celestia as she conversed with Rarity and gave him his space, while he pitied the poor servant that carried Rarity's luggage. This all left the guards to gossip and speak about their first impressions on the prince. He showed a great deal of stern standards, one that brought them back to the days of boot camp. Shining Armor in particular was finally able to stop sweating and put his helmet back on.

"Talk about a real hard flank. He's just like Shadow Swirl, but with royal blood…!"A corporal whispered among the others while Shining Armor looked down for a moment.

"Hold your tongue…! He's an Equestrian warrior too…! Those fellas are meant to be hard,"A Sargent quietly yelled and watched the group disappear down the upper hall,"You think we're trained to protect the royal family? These fellas trained and fought for thousands of years to protect this country and the family…!"

"Well…so much for my first impression on the long lost prince of Equestria,"Shining Armor sighed and felt the words of the prince bothering him, since they did have merit,"And this was the guy who's protecting my sister down in Ponyville…!"

"Well… If you think about it captain… Since he is defending your sister, Twilight,"Came the thought to keep in mind from a young private,"Is he not permitted to question your ability to defend his family? Family is very important to the prince."

"I suppose… Well… Let's just get back to work and we'll try again another time!"Shining gave the guards the command, and decided to bury the issue for another time to focus on their job.

As Shining Armor mobilized the guards and got them doing security around the castle. This would give the captain to think of a way to one day appeal to the prince, and show him his loyalty. For he needed approval from the prince for more than just pride as a Canterlot captain of the royal guard.

Meanwhile, after a long walk full of silence between him and the other ponies. Orion had finally come to the room that Rarity would be staying in until the day of Twilight's birthday. Upon entry to the suite, it was proving to be one of the best suites one could ever hope to stay in. Even Orion had to admit that the room was way more than he imagined, it was immeasurably better than how suites were in the olden times. There was gold mixed furniture and even gold curtains, the floor was shiny and as white as Celestia's fur.

"Here? I get to stay here?!"Rarity explained as she explored her new room.

"Twilight said you were coming for a visit, and I was more than willing to accommodate you."Celestia admitted while Opalescence hopped off Rarity's pile of bags and immediately went for the bed.

"Thank you so much, princess!"Rarity chirped at Celestia's kindness in offering her a fancy suite to stay in.

"You're very welcome…!"Celestia replied with fueled happiness that came from her brother's company.

"No, really. This is SO nice of you…!"Rarity insisted on emphasizing her gratitude to the princess.

"It was nothing, really…!"Celestia insisted back before Rarity suddenly fell to her stomach.

"Oh, but it isn't nothing, it's everything! I just don't know what to say but thank you,"Rarity exclaimed and constantly kissed at Celestia's hooves in gratitude,"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"Alright, she gets it! Don't be a flank kisser!"Orion gripped Rarity's head and shoved her off, snapping the unicorn out of her gratitude trance.

"Your luggage, mademoiselle?"The servant stallion finally entered the room with the mother load of Rarity's luggage.

"I'll leave you to get settled…! Orion, I will show you to your room,"Celestia turned to her brother now it was his turn to get a room, and chat with her one on one,"Enjoy your stay, Rarity."

"Very well… I'll probably be stuck talking to her for a bit, but then we're going out for a bite to eat,"Orion gave Rarity the heads up and looked to the stallion from the door way that struggled with the luggage,"Good things come to those with patience, young stallion. Keep this loyal hard work up and good things will happen."

"Can do…sir…!"The stallion groaned before he was finally crushed under the bags.

"Where would you like me to put these…?"The servant asked while Rarity giggled nervously and blushed with embarrassment.

"That's…perfect…!"Rarity nicely replied.

"That was…almost painless…!"Orion groaned and shuddered before he was forced to follow his sister down the hall.

"Please, let us not remain silent. We can talk about everything while you're here, brother!"Celestia insisted that their silence ended and conversation could be picked up.

"Oh sweet heavenly Cosmos…! What is there that you wish to know, Tia?"He sighed as they passed a group of four guards performing their daily routine around the high halls.

"Well… What places have you explored in your times of isolation? What have you seen,"Celestia had suddenly exploded with numerous questions she was deeply curious to have answered,"Have you been off training? Or maybe learning great secrets? What has happened since your departure?"

"Not sure if I'm ready to talk about that. I'm shocked you even want to talk about such a thing after the falling out,"Orion huffed and showed instant discomfort about speaking on their falling out,"Why would you wanna go back to those days that left our family shattered?"

"Well… There's no point in pretending it didn't happen, and how can we learn from our mistake if we don't talk about it?"Celestia asked while Orion sighed, she actually won this argument for a change.

"Fair enough… Lets talk about this somewhere private… You can show me to my room later."Orion decided on how they were going to do this if a sit down chat was inevitable.

Ten minutes later, Celestia had then brought Orion to her royal bed chambers. She laid on her comfy floor bed where she read Twilight's friendship lessons, while Orion got the big chair. She had lit her fireplace to get a cozy and comfortable setting for a bit of soul bearing chat. Orion remained silent, as a kind servant mare entered with some hot tea for the siblings to enjoy. The tea was already piping hot, and being poured into cups while sugar lumps were added in pairs.

Celestia took up both cups and started to stir her own while kindly giving Orion his own tea. He then proceeded to stir his tea to sweeten it as well, before they both sipped their tea. With that bit of a setting made and the tea loosening their nerves and minds to bring calmness in, they broke their silence.

"So…! Feel free to tell me EVERYTHING…!"Celestia insisted excitedly and listened to Orion's words.

"Well… I visited Yakyakistan…! Glad to be away from it. Too cold, and the Yaks there are insufferable,"Orion went with a quick and simple response to go with his first period of traveling,"I left that place believing those woolly goat like brutes are going to bury their people in snow, permanently…!"

"Oh… They just need to open their hearts and accept outside help when they cannot help themselves…"Orion lifted his eye brow high to Celestia's friendly option for the Yaks.

"They'll need a lot more than that…! They need a good hoof in the head, for sure…!"Orion was given the sudden response of Celestia giggling at his sudden assertiveness.

"You have not changed a bit brother… Your will and warrior pride has remained in check…"Celestia pointed out the more obvious as they both sipped their tea at the same time.

"I suppose so… So far you seem… Different. I still have my doubts… Yet so far you have appeared to have changed,"Orion snicker and slowly put his tea down to clear his throat,"You've so far relinquished this pride you built upon since the days before Luna's banishment into the moon…"

"I needed to change… I drove Luna to do what she did that night, and I was blind with pride and self righteousness,"Celestia surprised him on the inside with her admittance to the part she played in their tragedy,"Why didn't you fight? Why did you simply just…stand between us, and keep us apart? You never threw a punch or anything when we fought."

"I was trained and devoted to protect the two of you. Not attack the two of you…!"Orion made his purpose clear for Celestia since she appeared to forget.

"You… Were able to certainly do so with me afterwards…"Celestia decided to bring up the rage fueled beating she endured in Orion's moment of inner distraught.

"Well did you expect me to just pat you on the back and say, we can go on without her? I think not…!"Orion got a bit stern, and Celestia was quick to forget about what she had said, and change the subject.

"Very well… Care to at least talk about where you were staying shortly after what happened?"Celestia sipped her tea and let out a deep breath to keep calm and gentle.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea… The first five hundred years after Luna's banishment have been… Less than savory on my part."Orion insisted that he did not wish to speak on that matter, regarding the past.

"Remember? We can heal if we talk about this."Orion shook his head and groaned, feeling the memories return of his lowest point he had ever been on as a pony.

"Don't say I didn't warn you… This is not something you will enjoy hearing,"He warned as he sipped his tea and finished it in kind, prompting the servant to make him a new one,"A year in I was going a bit… Insane… Grief had drained me of my will power, and I was wondering the outer worlds as a lowly wanderer…!"

Even the servant poured the tea slowly to listen in on this peculiar story of the prince's travels. She eventually finished and even threw a few lumps into the tea as well to buy time. Before she gave him his tea, and decided to do the same for Celestia after she had finished her cup.

"Then one day… I came across a young changeling mare… She had been abandoned by her hive since she was a female,"Orion continued on as he blew on his tea to cool it down,"Her queen was threaten by this female changeling, and rightfully so… Because this young changeling became the very queen that now commands the changelings that are pillaging our lands alongside the Cinder ponies."

"How can this be…? Cinders and changelings working together? This sounds like a war!"Celestia worried while stirring her own tea to perfection as she listened.

"It just may be so… And I'm partially to blame. Because I'm the one who mindlessly fought to help this mare become queen,"Orion's next words froze Celestia stiff as she gripped the bed she rested on,"In the time we spent together in secret, she was able to use her gift of manipulation and hypnotism to offer me false comfort to my troubles, while I mindlessly followed her orders…!"

"Queen…Chrysalis…! I have heard stories of her. She is as deceptive and deadly as she is beloved by her subjects,"Celestia shuddered and felt a spark of anger starting to rise from within,"Is this the manipulative changeling you speak off?"

"Yes… And I can say that everything said about her is true. She practically had me eating from her hoof,"Orion sighed and sipped his tea to keep his memory digging mind at ease,"I had mindlessly slaughtered the old changeling queen, allowing her to rise as the new queen...! Then I…"

"Yes…?"Celestia sensed a very unsavory detail about Orion and Chrysalis coming on.

"Well… For the next five hundred years… I became her means of… Fertility,"The mere mention of that last word made Celestia shoot up from her bed in immense shock and growing anger,"I wouldn't be surprised if she still had another hundred years of fertilized egg sacs within her. We were together for five hundred years…! Then she decided that she was at last done with me…! And cast me into the deserts of the bad lands…!"

Celestia panted, her breaths trembling with fury that was rising like a furnace in her chest. She swallowed, her hooves trembled and gripped at her mattress as she struggled to restrain sun princess then had to get up and take a violent looking walk around the room in a hyperventilating like huff. She wiped off her mouth and face, for it was getting way overheated as she dared to think about her brother with a changeling. She finally needed to stomp the shiny floor till it cracked under her hooves and put a couple holes in her wall, as she started to sweat.

"I'm sorry, but you wanted to know, so I told you…! Don't let this consume you with rage…!"Orion informed before Celestia swallowed again and walked over to the fireplace with fuming breaths.

"I'm going to kill her…! I'm gonna find her…! And I'm gonna kill her! That filthy whorse,"Celestia suddenly yelled with anger and slammed her hooves against the mass of her fireplace,"She has soiled my brother…! Stole his purity to make many generations of filthy bugs!"

"Get some incense, and princess Luna. Tia is going to need help cooling down from this,"Orion commanded of the servant as she saluted and ran off, leaving Orion to stand up and approach his angered sister,"I can't take back what I did to make this threat, but I've grown stronger from the experience, and she will be dealt with once we meet…! You don't need to soil yourself with blood…!"

"But… She must die… She's committed an atrocity on my own family. She can't get away with what she did…!"Celestia insisted and panted with growing fury as she slammed her hooves against the fireplace.

"And she will…! On my terms, Tia. You and Luna are to keep your hooves clean as best as you can,"Orion reminded as the door opened up, allowing Luna to enter with great concern,"Leave all the death and blood shed to me… And the warriors, sister…"

"I was called by a servant on a troubling issue… Is something wrong?"Luna asked as she was hit with a bit of shock to see Orion in the flesh standing before Celestia, face and all.

"Yes… Your sister will need some much needed lunch and some peaceful company,"Orion informed while spotting a clock that had just struck noon,"I on the other hoof have a lunch to attend to with Rarity. We may has well enjoy the city while I can."

Luna looked to Celestia, and saw her older sister slowly sitting down in bed with a look of horror and disgust. While Orion cleared his throat and finished his last bit of tea in his cup. He then put the cup down, and nodded before he ventured out the door to meet with Rarity.

"It was lovely to see you again, Luna… I hope you two our getting along nicely…!"Orion he called back before leaving Luna to curiously learn about what the brother and sister spoke about.

"So… Care to inform me on what you two talked about?"Luna asked while Celestia tried to get her mind in order just enough to talk gently.

While the sisters talked about the dark and disgusting secret of Orion and the changelings. The prince was out on the city within an hour with Rarity, eating some much needed lunch. He was already regretting the idea of telling Celestia about his past shortly after he left her. Now she was probably ranting and raving, desiring revenge for something that could not be helped. Meanwhile, Rarity was just sitting there sipping tea, and wearing a fancy hat without a care in the world.

"Opal, do you know what I love about Canterlot? Ahhh… Everything! I may have been born in Ponyville, but I am a Canterlot pony at heart,"Rarity sipped her tea spoke to her cat while Orion gave her a skeptical look for such a sudden belief,"Now I know we are here to pick up fabrics for her birthday celebration, and the shop. So we must figure out the perfect outfit for her!"

"Well you've seen what suites Twilight the most, nothing over the top, and something that fits her personality and natural looks,"Orion pointed out the details of Rarity's ideas for Twilight's birthday outfit,"Shouldn't be too hard. You've completed more difficult tasks with outfits before…!"

"Please excuse our interruption. I am Jet Set, and this is my wife, Upper Crust,"A stallion wearing a fancy thousand bit suit had suddenly jumped in and interrupted them,"We saw you from across the cafe and just had to find out…"

"Where did you get that simply marvelous chapeau…!"The fancy dress wearing mare finished her husbands question with curiosity.

"Oh, this old thing? Oh, it's just something I-"Rarity was about to brag about her simple yet elegant hat she wore out to restaurant.

"Rarity! Hey Rarity! Whoo! It's me! Hayseed Turnip Truck,"A somewhat goofy stallion with definite southern roots called out to Rarity excitedly,"We met at the big hoedown in Ponyville last month!"

"Oh yes, of course… How are you?"Rarity kindly greeted while Orion caught some unsavory and judgmental looks from the high class couple.

"Good! Real Good!"The stallion greeted while accidentally crashing during his own work.

"You're from… Ponyville?"Orion sat up and took a bit of offense to the question after seeing the stallion's less than savory reaction to the idea of a Ponyville pony.

"Well,yeah, yes, but-"Rarity was interrupted by the stallion while Orion quickly put a hand to her shoulder to keep her quiet for a moment.

"She sure is! She's a real big time fancy pants dress maker there! Probably made that real purrty thing on her head!"The stallion complimented on Rarity's hat that the couple went from loving to suddenly despising.

"I thought it looked a little bit…country…!"Orion huffed at the high class mare's comment and stood out of his chair to make his presence known.

"And just what is wrong with a bit of country and humble creativity?"Orion questioned and stood tall, making the couple stumble and fumble over their words, not realizing that the prince of Equestria was before them the whole time.

"Your majesty?! A thousand pardons! We had no idea you were affiliated with these… Country folk."Jet Set exclaimed and frantically tried to get back into a friendly side to appeal to the prince.

"These may be ponies of more simple and country taste… But they're also humble and hard working,"Orion was not going to let this stallion and his wife get away with ignorance and judgment,"Something you can't relate to since you were given everything and shown only the highest of standards…! I bet you couldn't even give a proper hoof shake."

"I don't understand what you mean by that your majesty…?"Jet admitted before Orion helped Hayseed hold out a hoof to offer a hoof shake.

"Shake this stallion's hoof…! If you are so high and mighty. You'd have no issue shaking a working stallion's hoof."Orion challenged the stallion to teach him about judgment and playing the gifted card.

"Now, prince Orion…! This is not necessary. We should be going to get the fabrics for Twilight's-"Rarity was silenced with a hand over her mouth until the challenge was met.

Jet Set gulped, knowing that he messed up in front of powerful royalty, and a warrior. Now that he kicked the lion cage, he needed to deal with the beast, and pay for his recklessness. The stallion slowly extended his hoof that trembled, and struggled to crack a small smile to show false friendliness for he was able to offer a fully extended hoof for a hoof shake. And the southern stallion was more than happy for a friendly greeting with the high class stallion.

"It's a great pleasure to meet ya partner!"Hayseed gripped the stallion's hoof, and Jet was already feeling an iron grip crushing his hoof, forcing him to almost drop to the ground.

"Aaaaagh…!"Jet shrieked like a filly and struggled with holding onto Hayseed's crazy strong hoof.

"This can happen when you lack real strength and hide behind your fancy walls all your life,"Orion explained the lesson as Hayseed slowly shook Jet's hoof,"You develop dainty rich pony hooves that could never handle real work or real responsibility…!"

Jet whimpered and shuddered before Hayseed finally released his barely crushed hoof. He held it with his good hoof and pretended not to cry while waddling away to tend to his aching hoof. While his wife ran off to assist him, leaving Rarity and Orion to process what happened.

"Well, they seemed real nice."Hayseed admitted, regardless of how rude the couple was actually being.

"And that's how you handle ignorance. They can say whatever they want, but be ready to get what you give,"Orion looked to Rarity, hoping she understood that he would not let irrational judgment fly in his presence,"Now then… About this outfit design for Twilight."

They got to work immediately, fabrics were required to begin on Twilight's birthday dress. So Rarity did not hold back getting bags full of fabric, ribbons and sewing materials. Though she also carried the cruel words of the fancy couple, being mocked for being a Ponyville pony. As rude as it was, Rarity actually was reflecting on what she actually was, and felt a level of disgust for herself. As crazy as it was, she was actually wishing that she was never born in Ponyville.

"Looked a little country…! Not something you can get in Canterlot…! I'll show you something worthy of Canterlot!"Rarity ranted and raved about the couple's harsh words.

"Let it go, Rarity. They had no room to tell you what you are and what you are not,"Orion insisted that she did not dwell on the past and keep her mind in the here and now,"Only you can truly define what you are and be proud of what you are, rather than live up to some rich no pony's standards…!"

"Hmph…! I have to get started right away! This new design is very ambitious,"Rarity explained and actually listened a bit when it came to trying to think of the hear and now,"I've already written to Twilight to let her know she'll have something beyond fabulous to wear to her party!"

Suddenly, her ranting and raving turned to planning for her friend proved a bit distracting. For she failed to see a stallion and his wife straying a bit too close towards them. Without his crystal eyes currently active, Orion could not see it in time as Rarity and the stallion ran into each other. Causing the mare's bags to go flying all over the streets, while one got stuck over the stallion's head. This disaster left Orion and the oddly attractive and sleek mare to assist their friend and husband.

Once Rarity collected her bags with some help from Orion, they looked to the couple. Both the prince and the unicorn were ready to rant to the couple from steering of course and driving right into them. Only for the wife to pull off the bag from her husband's head, and reveal a fancy stallion. A snow white fur to go with deep blue eyes hidden behind only a monocle. A suit that was definitely at least a costly thousand bits, even his deep blue mane and fancy mustache looked expensive.

"Fancy Pants…!"Rarity exclaimed after recognizing the stallion by his apparent fame.

"I say, that's one way to make an introduction…!"Fancy Pants brushed himself off with help from his kind wife.

"You drifted off and steered right into my companion, sir…!"Orion pointed out that Fancy Pants was at fault just as much as Rarity was in the collision.

"Ah, I am terribly sorry sir! My mind tends to wonder a bit when I take in this city some times,"Fancy Pants admitted while he and his wife suddenly recognized Orion immediately,"My word…! It's the prince of Equestria…! The brother to princess Celestia and Luna himself!"

"Oh, goodness, I am so sorry! I didn't see you there! I've just got all these bags and I was trying to get back to my suite at the castle…!"Rarity suddenly began apologizing and placing all blame on herself.

"Non sense…! I will admit, I was letting my mind wonder too much and steer me like an over served cruise captain…!"Fancy Pants laughed off the little issue before his wife took notice of Rarity's last words.

"You're staying at the castle?"The slender mare asked.

"Yes… Me and Rarity here came to the castle on some business, and maybe slight pleasure."Orion replied for Rarity, showing that he could talk a bit dignified with somewhat respectful ponies.

"You and Rarity…! That must mean she's one of the elements of harmony you guard over,"Fancy Pants realized with much fascination and interest growing for the both of them,"Well, a thousand pardons in advance…! In case you do not know, I am Fancy Pants, and this is my lovely wife, Fleur Dis Lee…!"

"I know who you are…! I've seen you in Canterlot magazines."Orion skipped the formalities and went on the reputation behind Fancy Pants.

"Ooh, might I say. Your friend seems to be a pony of expensive taste…!"Fleur took notice of the pricey materials Rarity had for Twilight's outfit.

"Oh, it's an ensemble I'm making for a friend. Her birthday is in a few days,"Rarity explained the means behind the fancy garment materials she had,"Again, I am really sorry I bumped into you…!"

"I'm not…! Heheh. You are obviously some pony worth bumping into, especially one that has been put under guard by the prince,"Fancy Pants complimented as his wife appeared to be soaking in the dignified conversation,"So…! I have a VIP box reserved at the Wonderbolt derby this afternoon. Would you and the prince be so kind as to join me and a few of my companions there?"

"Me?"Rarity was in shock by the request.

"Uh…I'm not sure if we have the time for-"Orion was then interrupted by the stallion's response to Rarity.

"I…uh…I'm uh, not sure…!"Rarity stumbled over her words and her priorities for this Canterlot trip.

"We'd love to see you there, miss Rarity…"Fancy Pants insisted and bowed to her and the prince before it was time to depart.

"It was also an honor to meet you, prince Orion…! May we get to see each other again soon…!"Fleur added before running off to catch up with her husband.

"So…! You are going to keep your promise and work on Twilight's outfit right?"Orion decided to be the one to assess where Rarity's priorities still were in light of this new discovery.

"I uh… What…?"Rarity responded with only partial attention on Orion.

"Rarity! There's going to be other times for living it up with some fancy smucks, but don't forget your promise to Twilight,"Orion reminded Rarity of her prior engagements with this birthday outfit,"If I have to, I'll go and explain it to Fancy Pants myself. He doesn't seem like a huge smuck, so he may understand…!"

"Of course…! Do not worry, I can figure this whole thing out by myself. No biggie,"Rarity was quick to deny Orion's suggestion and made it appear that she understood what was most important,"Now, shall we return to the castle so I can…get started?"

Orion lifted his eye brow, not liking the hesitation that bellowed in her voice. He huffed and narrowed his stare, but decided it would be an bigger issue to pry too much. Last thing he needed was to not have trust in Rarity, and cause any sort of issue between them and even his sisters.

"Very well…! Tia must be calmed down by now any way…!"Orion sighed and agreed for the both of them to move on and get back to the castle.

Before Orion knew it, they had then returned to the castle, where they then parted ways. He trusted that Rarity was going to pass on the meeting with Fancy Pants for her friend. Choosing friendship over status and personal gain, this would be the wise thing to do. With that bit of hope, he was able to bare the painful walk he was now taking with Celestia, the atmosphere was tense. She remained calm and bearing a half smile, but he could tell she was still on fire in the inside.

Thankfully, she was at least trying to think of some happy thoughts with her brother at her side. She swallowed and looked to Orion while he looked back with a lack of enthusiasm, and a touch of concern. As they neared a room with a large red door, bearing a crystal sword symbol in the middle. They stopped for a moment, and she cleared her throat to quietly open the door. That was when Orion sighed and could not let his sister let the anger boil inside her till it turned to hate.

"Alright, seriously…! Cool down about this queen Chrysalis nonsense…! It's not that big of a deal!"Orion insisted that Celestia let go of this hunger for revenge on the mare that took her brother's purity.

"I am cool…! I'm very cool…! I carry no grudge against a filthy mare that bared her filthy self upon you…!"Celestia was oddly frantic and very falsely happy to try and deny her anger on the outside.

"Two thousand years, Tia…! You can't hide anything from me. Not after so long…!"Orion slumped and shook his head before his sister began to sweat a bit.

"Well…! How can I be expected to stay quiet after hearing about what she did to you?"Celestia questioned while Orion let out a huff and a groan.

"Ugh…! I'm not some petite victim taking constant cold showers and feeling like my world is crashing down,"Orion admitted and put his hands on his hips for his sister's behavior towards his well being,"If it makes you feel any better, after I came to my senses. I set her hive on fire and half her brood perished…! Happy?!"

"A little… But there will not be forgiveness for what she did to you…!"Celestia responded before opening the door to his new bedroom.

"I understand that, but you are a role model for the ponies in this new age. The feelings of hate and blood lust are not for you to crave,"Celestia wanted to lower her head as his words made her think of the precious subjects that loved her for what she truly was,"So, just let this go and fly right for now…! I will deal with Chryssy accordingly, and with much pleasure should she show herself, I prom-"

Orion was then derailed from his serious talk by not even his vast bedroom he entered. From it's shiny red marble floor, to the black and white curtains on the six windows to his right and left. All of which were aligned with brass frames and strong windows to defend against assassins with bows. A magic ceiling was a touch over the top, especially since it could change between day and night. He would certainly grip at his hair and exclaim for all the work put into a room he would barely use.

That is, if it wasn't for the real thing that caught his attention more than anything else. Not the red and black bed, that was massive with brass columns on each edge of the bed. But the pony that was currently fluffing up his pillows and fixing the red sheets on his black mattress. The mare was somewhat sleek like the Fleur unicorn from before, and very pink like Pinkie Pie. She had a multi colored mane and tail of purple, yellow, and magenta, her eyes matched the purple of her mane.

What was the most astounding, was not only her bronze attire of a small crown with purple gems in the center and the tip. Not to mention the necklace and the bronze horse shoes she wore, much like the attire of royalty. But the most astounding was that she was not Earth pony, unicorn, nor Pegasus. This mare was an Alicorn, a beautiful Alicorn mare with a non flowing mane. His jaw was ready to drop before Celestia noticed her brother's shock to see another Alicorn.

"Her name is Cadence… She is of royal blood and a direct descendant to our family, she's…basically a niece to all of us,"Celestia informed her brother on the back story of this new Alicorn,"She has a very loving heart, and her compassion knows no bounds… It is depicted by her crystal heart cutie mark…!"

"A cutie mark of the crystal heart itself…! This is beyond astounding,"Orion swallowed and watched the mare finally finishing her work on the bed,"This can only mean…"

"We can speak about the crystal heart and your old creation another time… Till then… Go say hello,"Celestia gave Orion a nudge before he took in a deep breath and slowly walked to her,"She's been eager to meet you since I first started to tell stories of you when she was but a filly…"

He nodded once, and continued walking slowly towards the young Alicorn. She was simply humming a sweet tune that matched her friendly smile, his very being was quickly struck by a passionate magic. One that emanated off Cadence, it was like the very pure harmony he found within Twilight when she was with her friends. Yet this was only one mare, and she was already so strong with harmony. This made him a bit nervous as he stood behind her, and cleared his throat.

The young Alicorn gasped and turned around to meet the very towering prince. From his furless smooth skin, to his figure, and his crystal like eyes, he was a sight to see for the first time. She put a hoof to her heart to cool down the slight scare she was given by his sudden appearance before her. Only to let the stories she heard of him come to mind, and enlighten her heart with realization. This of which prompted her to suddenly drop into a bow in respect with her head lowered in instant submission.

"Rise…! There's no need for dignified bows between us…! We are family after all,"He admitted, and verified the assumption the moment she lifted her head up, and presented the family spark that twinkled in her eyes the moment he looked into them,"Indeed we are… You have the blood and spirit of our family within your very being…!"

"It's… A pleasure to meet you at least, prince Orion…! I've heard so much about you!"Cadence was quiet and trying to contain her excitement in front of a pony that demanded respect.

"You don't need to call me that… We are family, and you are my niece after all,"Orion got down on one knee and put a hand to her cheek before Cadence was brave enough to stand,"Now do not worry about dignifying yourself for me, and just… Give your uncle a hug…"

He followed this request up with a warm and embracing hug for this new princess. One that did offer him the full feeling of her harmonic spirit, one that revealed itself to be none other than love. Love was a powerful emotion, one that could breed great good for the world, and sometimes great evil. But there was no evil in her spirit, there was only love, and currently some confusion. For this highly respected and strict prince, was actually hugging her, and embracing her as family.

"Uncle… I've…been hoping that I could one day meet you. After all the stories I hear about you,"Cadence admitted while slowly wrapping her hooves around his body to embrace his love,"It's wonderful to actually meet you… To know there really is more family out there…!"

"Child… I'm the oldest member of the family you will ever know…! To think there could be a true new member of my family,"Orion let this hug last between him and his kindred spirit full of love that she wanted to share,"It's wonderful to meet a new face to our family… After almost two thousand years…!"

"Well now…! It seems the two of you have some friendly getting to know each other to do,"Celestia announced before she decided to aid in the process of an uncle and his niece bonding together,"How about I bring some tea and sandwiches to help break the ice?"

Her response was only the two of them already starting to talk after finally ending their hug. With that, Celestia was simply just going to get some tea and help these two bond while he was around. She was quick to do so, for this was a special moment that needed to stay perfect.

And even as night was starting to fall, the moment never faded or became broken. Just a couple hours, Cadence and her uncle were sitting down to tea and sandwiches on his bed. The sun was setting, and it made his room glow with red and even a bit of purple to go with the sunset view. The two newly acquainted family members were having much more fun than Orion had thought. To know this direct descendant to their family, it gave him only more hope for Equestria's future.

"Warriors from a dark and uncertain age, hoping to shape it into a new and better world,"Cadence sipped her tea and recalled some of the stories she had heard about Orion and the warriors,"The great wars…! From the Great Griffon War to the civil war with the Ever Free forest dwellers…! The things you and your comrades must have seen…!"

"It's not everyday we get some pony that would even be remotely interested in old Equestria,"Orion chuckled for the mare's enthusiasm to learn about the old world,"Honestly, the ones who do ask, we usually tell them that they're better off focusing on the here and now. For the past is a dark time that is not meant for the faint of heart…"

"But without knowledge from the past, how can we not learn from it and shape a brighter future?"Cadence pointed out the one peculiar flaw in preserving or destroying the past.

"That is why I am willing to share it to those few out there…! Try thinking of old Equestria this way,"Orion sat back a bit to consume a tiny sandwich to satisfy his stomach and thoughts,"It was a world that only the truly strong could live in. If you were weak, you'd be lucky to even begin a child hood, and even more so to reach adulthood. And such beliefs brewed corruption, hatred, desperation, and darkness within the hearts and thoughts of many…"

"And the only form of justice for the world was you… The Equestrian warriors."Cadence assumed, and her uncle nodded in agreement for what she could understand.

"And…whatever my father was willing to offer to give his people a fighting chance,"Orion looked up and let his thoughts collect in his mind as he thought of his father and mother,"Our mother was compassionate in her own right… But… They never truly understood their people or the life they were making. Because they never got a chance to be born or grow up as children in the world… They just one day… Manifested beyond the stars…!"

"It must have been beautiful… In a way, it was also what sparked the love for each other,"Cadence let her heart that controlled the magic of love control what she believed,"To see one another be made by the same miracle, and know that the both of them were meant to make a magical world together…!"

"Even then… Father once said, he envied the idea of growing up and experiencing life like me and your aunts did,"Orion admitted a little secret about one personal desire his father always wished for,"The closest he ever got to knowing the feelings was the pride he felt one night… When I needed to put him to peace, and keep his hooves from being tainted by any more blood…"

"He loved you… You know that, right?"Cadence asked while putt her hoof to Orion's chest, prompting him to grip her hoof and lowering his head for a moment.

"Yes… And I'll never forget him… And I'll never stop honoring his dream for Equestria…!"Orion agreed and sighed one more time before feeling a sense of peace for letting out his personal thoughts.

"What is that dream?"Cadence was curious to learn of the dream her uncle strive for.

"To make the new world that has at long last been starting to take form in this new age,"Orion explained the dream, and smiled before not only Cadence's magic of love came to mind, but even Twilight's magic of friendship came to mind as well,"You and Twilight may actually be something that may truly change and shape this world into that dream…"

"You know about Twilight? As in, Twilight Sparkle?! I know her!"Cadence suddenly exploded with sudden excitement at the mere mention of Twilight.

"Of course…! She and her friends are very talented wielders of the elements of harmony. The destroyers of Nightmare Moon and Discord, the god of chaos,"Orion answered while a spark went off in Cadence's eyes,"Do you know of her personally?"

"Yes! I use to foal sit her when I was younger and just learning how to be a princess,"Cadence confided the reason for her sudden excitement for hearing about the element of magic,"How is she? What's she like these days? Has she really grown up that much?"

"Well for the most part, she is growing quite a bit. She seems to carry a very special spirit within herself. Much like you,"He explained as the Alicorn drank the rest of her tea and listened very closely,"As I've said before. I feel the two of you may be able to finally shape this world into what it was meant to be… A world full of love, friendship, happiness, and… Rarity…?"

"Rarity…?"Cadence asked, only for Orion to be derailed by seeing Rarity herself suddenly sneaking pass his room in her same fancy hat.

"No no… I meant… I think I need to go for a few moments…!"Orion was immediately triggering into a state of shock and disappointment seeing the unicorn sneaking around in such an odd fashion.

"Is…something wrong, uncle?"Cadence asked as Orion sighed and got off the bed to leave.

"No… I just may have to put my hoof up a liar's flank is all…!"Orion responded before storming out of the room and making for Rarity's bedroom.

This night of happiness and getting to know a new generation of family had suddenly taken a turn. Orion was not going to be pleased if it had to end on a sour note with Rarity. But after seeing her sneaking about, wearing her fancy hat, that could only mean that she had gone out. And that means she chose hanging out with Fancy Pants and the rich biggots over her friend. Not only that, but this meant that she did not work on the birthday dress she promised for Twilight.

He began to speed walk as the moon raised into the sky, it's pale rays gleamed through the windows. It was almost enough to mask the irritation that brewed in Orion, as he went down a small flight of steps. Before he then made it down one more hall way to his immediate left. That's when he spotted Rarity just now entering her room, the last door on his right down the hall. He huffed and picked up the pace, watching as she lightly closed the door without clicking it fully shut.

This allowed him to make a rush for her door and viciously grip the door knob. Throwing it open and slamming against the wall, scaring Rarity to the point that her hat flew off. As well as a picture of her posing with Fancy Pants and Fleur, his worse fears were then realized.

"What the hay is all this? Did you really just go to the race track and blow off your friendship,"Rarity stumbled and stuttered over the prince's question while spotting a naked ponyquin,"Sure looks that way…! You didn't even touch Twilight's dress or anything!"

"Oh…relax…! It was just a little fun with some very big ponies of Canterlot,"Rarity explained while putting an easy sewed plain parchment colored dress on the ponyquin,"Her dress will be done before she knows it, and I'll even be able to build a reputation for myself among the elite of the elites!"

"Really? And you still think you balance your friendship with these… "Personal" goals?"He questioned Rarity's ability to keep her promise and her priorities straight.

"Of course, darling! I thrive under the art of multi tasking. This will be a walk in the park!"Rarity waved off the trouble and giggled while hanging up her hat to settle down.

"I'll hold you to that…! And I'll be around to bust your chops if I think you're just out for your personal gain,"Orion warned and immediately cringed after seeing Rarity remove her fake eye lashes,"That is just…bucking disturbing…!"

He ughed at Rarity for her sudden change of behavior as well as her preslumbering habits. He decided to go back and turn in for the night as well, hoping for a better tomorrow. However, the prince should have known better than to think there would be a better tomorrow, he was never known for having such luck.

---

He turned in for the night, and the bed turned out to be quite cozy for his experienced back. He was able to sleep soundly through the cool night that blessed him with a comfy slumber. No dreams this night, just peace for a change rather than conflict and troubles in his mind. It felt like Luna was blessing him this night, a sweet meeting with a new direct descendant to the family. And now a new day that was at long last rising over the great mountain of Canterlot.

Orion was a silent sleeper, it was one of the very last things that stuck with him long after his childhood. He was submerged in the silky soft sheets while his head sunk into the pillows a bit. Once the sun was starting to pour into the room, and the birds started swing. The prince had slowly began to awake from his slumber, shifting and feeling out the comfort his body felt. As nice as all of this was, the life of luxury never felt like his sort of thing, even when he was born into a royal family.

Truthfully, it was kind of weird getting all this royal treatment, he was a warrior first and a prince second. He endured and got to become at home in hard times and appreciating the little things. All this luxury felt like only a means of making him soft and weak, both physically and emotionally. His eyes scanned the room, watching the light of day make his room sparkle and grow warm. With a deep breath of release, he sat up in his bed and popped his oddly relaxed neck.

"Strange… My neck doesn't feel tight or requiring an exercise to loosen up,"Orion assessed these new sensational feelings through his body as he threw the sheets off and turned over to the side of the bed,"My back doesn't feel stiff either…"

He looked to the window that unleashed it's warm rays of sparkling sunlight into the room. Orion rubbed at his face to completely force himself awake, a yawn was all he then required. Before he got up out of bed, and stretched himself out nice and wide spread with his hands in the air. He groaned and looked to the bed, it had given him quite the cozy slumber last night. Though he could not help but look away, feeling a bit disconnected from thriving a bit in luxury.

So he shrugged it off and decided he needed some much needed exercise to harden his exterior again. First, the prince got his heavy weighted shirt on to make his torso muscles tense up and awaken. Before he had then given his hair a quick fix using only his hands for a simple sculpt. He nodded to his look while simply dusting off the weighted black shorts he wore to bed. As Orion made for the door to leave, he was then suddenly surprised by the door swinging open.

He backed away to watch as Luna herself entered the bedroom along with two servants. One flew over to his bed to make it for him, while the other brought in a cart full of breakfast. Complete with eggs, and pancakes with faces made of berries and bananas, the work of Celestia herself.

"What is all this? I was not aware that breakfast service was a thing in the castle."Orion admitted while taking a fork and getting a bite of the eggs.

"Tia made it herself. She wanted to make you a complimentary breakfast in bed,"Luna explained before giggling at the realization that he wasn't in bed, so it wasn't exactly bed in breakfast,"Though… I guess it's a little late for that… Did you sleep well?"

"I did as a matter of fact. Did not expect such a comforting slumber. Usually there's at least one thing that gets sore,"Orion admitted while adjusting and stretching out his shoulders a bit,"And I do appreciate the breakfast, but there's no need for all of this luxury and royal treatment. I was managing without it back then and I can manage without it now."

"I know… But even warriors deserve just a little bit of rest and relaxation every now and then,"Luna tried to instill the idea of enjoying a bit of luxury to help unwind from hardships,"Now then, will the two of you leave us? Me and my brother have something to discuss…!"

"Yes, princess Luna."The servants bowed and left the room, leaving the siblings go to their private business.

Luna slowly waited and watched the servants exit the room while Orion finished his eggs. He was about to get started of a piece of pancake as the servants departed, leaving him and Luna alone. Then he was shocked out of his first bite of pancake by a sudden slam of the doors, as they closed.

"Now…! Is it true?"Luna asked as Orion got a bite of pancake in before looking to his sister.

"Is what true?"Orion asked back with a mouth full of food.

"Did a filthy changeling queen take advantage of you? Did she really soil you with her vile embrace?!"Luna's reconstruction of the question made Orion groan and sigh before going to the nearest wall and shaking his head while leaning against the wall.

"Are we seriously going to do this? It's not that big of a deal, Luna…!"Orion groaned and beat his head against the wall for the fierce vengeance his sisters now craved.

"It is a big deal! Just because you're a stallion does not mean you can't be wrongfully subjected to such a crime because she's a mare,"Luna argued to get the back and forth issue with sexual assault out of the way,"She manipulated you and used her magic to force you into being her mate and helping her birth endless generations of abominations…! She took your purity!"

"Look… I was hypnotized, and in a ratty place where I was desperate to find comfort in life without you,"Orion tried to explain while continuously beating his head against the wall,"I was a fool for trying to latch onto others and break myself down over losing you. I should have been stronger for you and Tia…!"

"That doesn't make what she did right! She took advantage of my brother and became a wretched changeling queen,"Luna made herself clear and revealed the anger she tried to hide from her brother,"I swear we will hunt that whorse down, and we'll make her suffer!"

"LET IT GO, LUNA! CHRYSALIS IS MY CONCERN, NOT YOURS,"Orion roared to finally silence the out of control emotions and actions of his outraged sister,"You and Celestia are suppose to be one of the sources of harmony and peace! It's important that your hooves are kept clean of any blood!"

Luna lowered her head in submission to her brother's words out of respect for his wishes. With his wish made clear, the subject was immediately dropped and left to him to decide on. Now he was able to focus on starting his second day on this trip to Canterlot castle and it's city.

"Now! I have to go see if Rarity has bothered to get started on that dress for Twilight,"Orion informed her of what he wanted to do first while he was here,"That mare has completely neglected her promise with working on that dress for Twilight…! I'm gonna have to make sure she keeps her promise."

"Of course…! But… There's one situation that you must know about… Tia may have dropped the ball a bit here,"Luna tried to speak with Orion as he marched out the door with her chasing after him,"You see, with the whole city aware of your presence. So many nobles are requesting to meet with you."

"Well tell these nobles I am busy!"Orion argued that he was not in the mood to be meeting more nobles.

"Tia promised them that you would be at the banquet by noon. It was sort of an in the moment decision."Luna explained and Orion scoffed at his sister boldly putting him in for some banquet event.

"Are you kidding me? Is she touched in the head or something?"Orion groaned as they stormed down the stairs and towards Rarity's room to check on her.

"I'm sure she just…wants to bring you into these events so that we can all spend time together…while you're here,"Luna tried to offer up the more reasonable intention behind Orion getting put into these get togethers,"So while we had you for a couple days, we may as well have fun together…! You know, like a family?"

"And to do that, she went behind my back and made it so I had no choice?!"Orion questioned as he approached Rarity's room and pushed it open, letting it slam and spook Opal the cat.

He looked into the room, and saw Opalescence meow before jumping to the ceiling. She clung to the ceiling as Orion looked around, only to not find Rarity any where in sight. But he did in fact spot the dress she was meant to be working on, and it looked no different than how it did last night. He growled, not knowing which was more irritating, his sister pushing him into something, or Rarity's priorities. He then looked back to the cat, just as she fell down and bounced onto the bed.

"Rarity went to some sort of Fancy Pants event didn't she?"Opal nodded with no amusement what so ever as he lowered his head, leaving the cat to lick herself.

"You might just meet her at the noon banquet. Fancy Pants himself is suppose to be attending it."Luna pointed out, forcing Orion to cringe at the fact that he now had no choice but to attend the banquet.

"Great… Well I can see where this is going…"Orion stood tall and staggered out of the room in disbelief.

"Just…give it a chance. Spend a little time, and get into a bit of your royal roots again,"Luna insisted that Orion at least tried to reinstill his royal influence at least a little bit,"Yes you are a warrior first, but that does not mean you are not a prince at all…!"

"Luna… I…haven't done royalty things in ages. I wouldn't know the first thing to do…!"Orion admitted that he was not a skilled member of royalty when it came to being a prince that tended all kinds of upscale things.

"Well that's what you have me and Tia for. Now come, we must get you to a shower, and at least do something more constructive with that mane!"Luna insisted before taking her brother's hand and dragging him off to get him ready for this event.

Hours later he was now sitting in a grand dining room with a bit of a makeover going on. His hair was now combed and shiny, and he showered for the first time since he got eaten by a hydra. His weighted clothes were switched out for some fancy silver and gold lined long sleeve shirt with matching long pants. The clothes felt soft and sleek on his skin, it didn't feel like his look at all. And now he was among not only his family, including Cadence and even Blue Blood, but also some high class ponies.

Celestia wore a big smile to show some enthusiasm now that she had all of her family here. Luna only wore a small smile and went about sipping some soup while Cadence nibbled on a tea cake. The room was painfully quiet, just some near inaudible violin music behind two nobles. Orion wanted to die inside, while Blue Blood appeared to be enjoying the music, while sampling six different teas. He then suddenly spewed out the sixth tea he tried and readied to voice his outrage.

"Servant! This tea is an outright atrocity! Do me a favor and throw this hot disappointment into the face of the poor fool tha-"Orion objected to Blue Blood's outrage and got his attention with a hard clearing of his throat.

The nephew's attitude was quickly adjusted with merely a warning in the form of Orion punching his palm. Warning that there was a punishing fist coming his way if he continued his behavior. The nobles cringed hearing the sound of Orion's solid fist pounding against his palm and cracking. Blue Blood began to sweat as his ear drooped with fear like a scared dog.

"Uh… I mean… Tell them to put less ginger and more honey in it, and it will be divine…!"Blue Blood corrected himself and sent the servant on his way, making Orion take his eyes off him slowly.

Now his eyes were focused on another pony of interest while Cadence was giggling at Blue Blood. His sights were now on Rarity, as she sat between Fleur Dis Lee and Fancy Pants. They too were giggling and laughing at Blue Blood's embarrassment, Fancy Pants in particular even had a story to tell, regarding such a thing.

"Oh, that brings back the memories! My grandfather himself was quite the disciplinary stallion,"Fancy Pants began to spin his little tale of growing up with a grandfather,"He was a hard worker that taught me to appreciate the things I have! And when I didn't…! Ooooh that stallion was creative about how he could, as you say… Paint my back porch red."

"Orion was also the disciplinary member of the family. On rare occasions we would get it from our father,"Luna admitted and sympathized with the idea of learning respect and appreciation,"But our brother knew how to keep us straight. I remember how he broke Tia of her self entitlement habits shortly after becoming a princess…!"

"Luna!"Celestia exclaimed for the old memory of her worse days being brought up.

"Hey, don't deny it! You knew what you were doing when you tried to do all that… "Gift Collecting"."Orion backed up the story, making Celestia blush while most of the nobles only laughed nervously.

"Is it true that you once tried to run around the castle without any garbs on?"Cadence asked while Orion slowly looked at Celestia, knowing that she was behind the reveal of that childhood habit.

"Well… He's a pony at heart, his very royal blood is that of a pony as well,"Luna decided to be the one to explain while Celestia pretended not to be bothered by her brother staring her down,"But given his…condition with this unique form, he could not completely live like we do."

"Basically unlike all the rest of us, he does not have fur all over his body, and… well,"Celestia felt her head turning bright red from embarrassment to admit the next part,"Well… You see… Unlike us. Orion can't hide away his…"

"My eggs and sausage can't be hidden away like the rest of you stallions. It's just out in the open,"Celestia wanted to hide under the team now that the tables of embarrassment and laughs turned,"So I need to wear clothes to keep it hidden away…!"

The mares all gave a small uproar of giggles and blushes all around that made the stallions cringe. Even Luna had to bury her head into her soup while Blue Blood fainted from such a blatant explanation. Cadence looked the other way and sipped some tea to hide her blush as well. Rarity could only giggle nervously and do the very same as Cadence, hoping they could forget that such a thing was mention. But Fancy Pants was oddly interested and even a bit concerned about the reveal.

"That must be terribly uncomfortable…! And a bit humiliating that you could not live like a complete pony…!"Fancy Pants showed sympathy for Orion's problem as a stallion in a different body.

"It's something I've come to peace with. Especially growing up among warriors rather than high class ponies,"Orion foretold of the difference in ways he grew up that helped him come to terms with what form he was given,"Together, our differences did not matter. All that did matter was our loyalty to Equestria…! And keeping our PROMISES to protect it…!"

Rarity took notice as he spoke the word promise, and was looking right at her. That was his calling card on her to get her flank moving and work on the outfit she should have been working on. So far she had neglected it, and pursued her own desires for fame and a higher reputation. And he was not going to let her get away with avoiding the more important matter at hoof. She sighed, and then slowly got up to brush her hat off and excuse herself from the banquet.

"Excuse me, Fancy Pants! I have a little…something I need to work on for a very important client…!"Rarity slid out of her chair and quickly made her way to the door to leave.

"Of course, Rarity! Hope to see you at the charity event…! It's a REAL one believe it or not!"Fancy Pants laughed at the fact that he was hosting a real charity while all others were really for profit.

"Of course! And my dear friend Orion will be there as well! Isn't that correct, my FRIEND…?"Rarity instantly made Orion a plus one since they were in fact friends, but he knew what this was, retaliation.

"Sure… I'd be happy to Rarity… Just don't be late,"Rarity giggled at his snarling response and left, allowing him to pound his fist with a fork through the table,"So that's how it's going to be…!? Game on priss!"

"Is everything alright?"Celestia asked while he looked around and saw all concerned eyes falling on him.

"Yes…! Everything is just fine…! What's next on the list, Tia?"Orion asked and quietly sipped from his cup, while secretly, a battle had now begun between him and Rarity.

---

And So for the next couple days, Rarity would receive many kicks in the flank. Prompting her to work on the dress and keep her promise to Twilight, rather than pursue her own means. This invoked her to fight back by dragging Orion into many events as well, many of which he would normally never attend. From divine punch tastings, to the big charity events, he had to attend it all. And along side all his family no less, there were at least several moments where he nearly strangled Blue Blood.

And Meanwhile, Rarity was living it up at every elitist event she was able to go to. She stuck right by Fancy Pants and his wife, enjoying luxury and the life of a high class pony. She sung and treasured all the perks of being friends with the elites, it was beyond pitiful and self absorbed. It made hanging with Celestia feel like a treat in comparison, and he could tell she never bothered to touch Twilight's dress. It felt like an extra slap in the face to this painful few days.

There were other times where he wanted to find the nearest pond or fountain, and drown himself. But suicide was a cowards way out of an issue, and he was no coward, but he was getting ran through the ringer. There were times that he almost freaked out to keep Celestia from eating numerous cup cakes. While keeping Luna from wanting to hunt down the changeling queen. His mind was stretched to limits he had not reached since the days before Nightmare Moon.

In a way they felt good, it was like the old times with all the family shenanigans they got into. But after so much time of being away and just now being thrown back into it, he was out of practice. And it left him stressed, and wanting to tear Rarity's mane off to make into several violins. For now, it was the end of their third day in the Canterlot castle, and he was completely bush whacked. So he simply swung the door open to a dark suite and groaned before Cadence was at his side.

She was kind enough to help him to the bed, where he could finally collapse for the night. He groaned and yawned, so many rich snobs he had to attempt to be friendly to. So many fake charities and occasional real ones that he had to attend, the fans he had to strain himself in front of to force a smile. It was all too much, and he could barely walk, even with Cadence helping him. Finally he fell onto his bed, letting his face sink into the bed while he contemplated his options for ending this torment.

"You really are not that kind of pony, are you uncle? Not a fan of high class parties and events?"Cadence turned the light on and helped him flip over to see his droopy face.

"What gave you that idea? Was it something I was doing?"Orion asked with heavy sarcasm while putting a pillow over his face.

"Well, looking like your insides were going to cave in over individual interviews may have been a give away,"Cadence showed a half smile before offering to tuck in the prince before he was able to relax,"Bet you were dying to do some crazy celebrations or some free willed games with your warrior friends…!"

"Hehe… Yeah… Ketchup shots… We did those to each other all the time. You couldn't swallow the shot of ketchup. Gotta drink some hard punch,"Orion chuckled and took the pillow off his face to think about what he deemed a fun time,"Then there was old fashion folk dancing with whatever music we could find….! Those were the days… Before all this came to be…"

"Do you… Not like this age, uncle?"Cadence asked as he looked to her solemnly.

"It's got plenty of charm, and a bright future ahead of it… So no matter what… I wouldn't change it for the world…"Orion asked while he could just barely sense some pony hiding at the doorway.

"I know I wouldn't… Because I never would have gotten to know you… or a special some pony."Cadence admitted while he sat up a bit with interest in the fact that she met some pony.

"Really? You met some pony did you? How long have you've known him?"Orion was curious before he saw familiar three shaded blue hair sticking out through the door.

"Since… We met when he started out as a royal guard, and…. became a captain of the royal guard,"Orion already knew who she was speaking of, especially as he spotted him looking from behind the door,"You already met him before…! Shining Armor. He's been a true gentlecolt and a very loving stallion."

"Really? So loving that he abandons his post to leave us all to fight off the invading Cinders?"Orion asked and gestured to the door, showing that he was aware of the captain behind the door.

"That was my fault…! I shouldn't have asked him to meet me in my room that night,"Cadence suddenly took the blame as the door slowly opened to a very nervous Shining Armor,"It's ok, Shining Armor. I've got this. I told him to take off the rest of the night and meet me in my room. Just so we could spend time together…!"

Orion look to her slowly, his stare turned sharp for a moment at Cadence. Only to slowly turn back to look at the spy, the captain chuckled nervously, hoping for a second chance at a first impression. Only for Shining Armor to get backed against the wall by a rain of red crystal shards. They pinned him against the wall and pierced every inch of the wall around him. All of which sprayed from only one of Orion's hands, as his eyes turned to red crystal vision to read the stallion's heart.

"You better be taking good care of her…! I won't miss a single shard next time,"Orion warned while Cadence slowly grabbed her uncle's arm to lower it away from Shining Armor,"And I won't hesitate to make you go from stallion to mare in one precise cut…!"

"Yes, your majesty…! There's no pony I would ever want to be with other than her!"Shining Armor poured his heart and his fear into his words and professes of love for Cadence.

"He means it…! I can tell by what he feels in his heart. Trust me."Cadence insisted while Shining slowly freed himself and face planted, only to kiss the floor he was able to kiss without holes in his body.

Orion cracked his neck, and looked into Cadence's sincere and love filled eyes. He could tell that she was honest and thinking with her heart, normally thinking with one's heart got you in trouble a lot. But when she speaks from the heart, he could see only good things in her future. So against his better judgment, he slowly nodded and agreed to trust what her heart was telling him. Warming her spirit as she went over to assist her colt friend, and brush him off from the scare.

"I promise…! I'll never hurt her, sir. I could never hurt her…!"Shining Armor was able to slowly compose himself and promise his devotion to Cadence.

"Just… Take good care of her, and no games. I protect your sister, the least you can do is take care of my family…!"Orion fully sat up and made out their priorities for one another.

"Yes, your majesty. I'm happy that Twily has some pony watching over her…"Shining Armor bowed to the prince before yawning as well.

"I think it's time we all retired for the night. Will you be alright, uncle?"Cadence asked and helped Shining Armor stay a bit more awake through this night.

"Of course… Please… Sleep well you two. I'll see you both tomorrow…!"Orion replied and fell back in bed, dying to start sleeping peacefully.

With one last bow, the two ponies were able to leave the room much more satisfied than they expected. Letting Orion relax and finally catch some sleep, and think in tranquility. As much as he did not like the idea of his family starting to meet other ponies, it was not his place to choose who they fell for. Besides, he had a more pressing issue to deal with regarding Rarity. But after his talk with Cadence and Shining, the mere mention of Twilight had sparked a sudden idea.

Slowly a smirk began to grow on his face, thinking about Twilight, her friends, and even his friends. Rarity thought she had him in a stalemate that would keep him off her pursuit of elite status. Now he was going to get the last laugh, and check mate her like no pony's business. He wasted no time getting out of bed before rushing over to a desk to the right of his room. He chuckled and took out a quick quill pen and parchment to write a letter to some friends.

Once it was done, he rolled it up and quickly went to the nearest window to send it on it's way in a glowing cloud of red magic. Once the message was sent, all that remained was for Orion to go to sleep. And boy was he able to sleep even better than he already could on the soft bed. He undressed and was quick to go to bed, knowing the kind of chaos that was awaiting Rarity. It made the night go quickly, it was like Luna decided to finish early and let Celestia have a longer day.

---

Once the rays of sunlight began to pour into the room and light it with a sparkle of beauty. The prince awoke slowly at first, once again he did not feel any stiffness in his neck or back. In fact, he was feeling really good, especially since the time had come to end Rarity's pursuit of popularity.

He wasted no time getting dressed and rushing out of his room, ignoring the servants waiting with breakfast. He raced down the stairs and went down the hallway towards Rarity's room. He let himself come to a grinding halt that left a long skid mark in the shiny marble floor. Smoke kicked up behind him as he nicely knocked on the door, excitement and sweet pay back was mounting. As he waited and heard the knob turn to open the door, and reveal Rarity in the middle of writing a letter.

"Morning…! This has been our fourth or so day in Canterlot castle, right?"Orion asked while looking closer at the letter Rarity was in the middle of writing.

"Yes, and I regret to say that I must stay just a little bit longer, Orion."Rarity insisted as he let himself in and snickered while she went about prepping herself a bit more.

"Really? You haven't made your name known to these biggots enough,"Orion asked while taking notice that only one new addition was made to the birthday dress,"A pink ribbon? That's all you've done on Twilight's dress? Do you even care at all about your friendships?"

"Of course I do! That is why I will personally stay here for a few more days to work on the dress,"Rarity explained while making a few size adjustments to the dress nice and slowly,"You can leave if you'd like since you seem to have handled yourself so well among your family."

"Right… And how exactly do you plan to explain to Twilight that you're staying here way longer than you were originally meant to stay?"He asked before he had suddenly smelled the use of ink in her room about twelve hours old.

"I've just bent the truth a little bit, and buy myself a couple more days! Short, sweet, simple."Rarity explained a plan that Orion was not going to let fly after the days they had spent going back and forth about priorities.

"Yeah, that's not going to happen…! We will not be resorting to lies."Orion made it clear as he realized that she had sent a letter as well.

"It's too late! I already sent the letter yesterday warning that Opalescence has taken ill."Rarity revealed that she had sent a message to her friends already.

"Really? And you think Shadow Swirl will let a lie like that reach your friends? She can tell when ponies are lying."Orion decided and let the letter quickly burn to ash in a spark of red magic.

"What?! Are you saying that Shadow is going to intercept my letter?! Isn't that some serious offense or something,"Rarity still struggled before he shoved her to her flank and looked out the window,"I can't deal with this! I have to get myself prepared! The Canterot Garden Party is THIS afternoon!"

"So this WAS about more hanging out with the high class elites! I knew it,"Rarity slapped her mouth close while Orion casually strolled to the door,"Well… Certainly you don't mind a couple friends coming with, do you? You see… I sent a letter of my own to our dear friends down in Ponyville…!"

"You did what…?"Rarity asked before there was then a knocking at the door.

Orion was kind enough to get the door, using his magic to open it up and bring a crowd. As every one of her friends were first to rush into her suite in hopes of greeting her at last. The unicorn was now in a panic, while Orion leaned against the door frame and chuckled at her. Knowing that she was boxed in, and there was no hiding the secret that she was building her social status here. Now she had to start explaining herself to her friends, but oddly enough, they had only good things to talk about.

"Surprise!"The group of mares exclaimed as Rarity gasped that Orion actually invited every pony to Canterlot.

"Swoosh! And right before she hit the ground, shoom she- hi again!"Pinkie bounced in quickly, only to get more shock out of Rarity.

"What are you…? How did you…? Why are you…?"Rarity stuttered over the many questions she had for her friends.

"Listen to her. She's so excited to see us, she can hardly talk!"Applejack found flattery and happiness in seeing Rarity so surprised by their presence.

"What I mean to say is, what are you all doing here?"Rarity finally got out one of her questions regarding her friends arrival, even when she knew it had everything to do with Orion.

"We got a letter from Orion that you guys got stuck in Canterlot, and that you missed us,"Twilight explained the first bit of detail regarding Orion's apparent letter to all of them,"So I asked Pinkie Pie if it wouldn't be too much to move my birthday party here. So you wouldn't have to miss it!"

"Balloons are super easy to pack!"Pinkie admitted before her balloons exploded out of a box and let some of them deflate.

"Wow… first you get me a suite in Canterlot castle and now… This…? I don't know what to say, Twilight…!"Rarity was beyond touched by her friends and was then hit by a rise of guilt for her actions.

"What is there to say? It's what friends do for each other. It's certainly more important than personal goals…!"Came the calls of Shadow Swirl as she then entered the room along with Thunder and Typhoon.

"Yeah! So I hope you didn't plan on wearing anything too fancy! Because we're going to make the most of this party!"Thunder's presence made Rarity feel like she was in a horror show to see Thunder of all ponies at the castle.

"Celestia heard that we were moving the party and was kind enough to offer us the castle ball room to set up the party!"Typhoon explained while Rarity wanted to scratch her eyes out to see two birds and a chipmunk leave his mane.

"Re-really? That was…so kind of her…!"Rarity felt her head ready to explode seeing the warriors themselves before her, and realizing how uncouth they'd be at a garden party.

"Is…this my dress?"Twilight got Rarity's mind off the warriors for a moment as the magical unicorn discovered her dress.

"Yes…"Rarity and Orion answered while portraying completely opposite feelings towards that question.

"It's so… Simple, and so practical! It's so me! It's the perfect dress for my birthday party! I love it!"Twilight's response shocked Orion and filled Rarity with pride and deep relief.

"You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that…!"Rarity sighed with relief while ignoring a fly that landed on her shoulder.

"And you don't know how shocked I am to hear you say that…"Orion added and shook his head, but he still had this in the bag.

"Any who…! How about we all go to the ball room and get the party started?"Shadow asked while putting a hoof on Rarity's shoulder, crushing the fly in the process and merely wiping the fly off on her robe.

"Sweet Celestia, please help me…!"Rarity cringed in disgust, knowing that these warriors would ruin the garden party with their less than classy behavior.

Several moments later they all entered the vast ball room completely decorated for a party. And not just a party, but this was set up for a big Pinkie party, one of the most fun parties. The warriors certainly seemed excited, as well as all the elements of harmony, excluding Rarity of course. Orion really did play her game, and now her time at the garden party was in danger. Her status was now set up to get destroyed by anything the warriors did, including the popular ketchup shot.

"Yeah! Ketchup shots have returned! Hit me up, Shadow!"Thunder bolted to a lone chair next to a stand full of food and sauces, including ketchup.

"Alright, alright! We got hard apple cider for the drink so bring the A game!"Shadow walked over while Thunder playfully tilted back and forth on his chair.

"I like what you did with the place, Pinkie Pie. You don't miss a beat when it comes to decoration."Orion admitted as they all explored the ball room and admired it's decor.

"I know, isn't it Fancy Pants?!"Pinkie agreed by using a bragging question that suddenly triggered Rarity.

"Fancy Pants?! Where?! Ahh, I mean, where did you find the time to put up all these decorations?"Rarity whimpered and nervously asked as she almost felt sick seeing Shadow Swirl ready the ketchup.

"Oh I never leave home without my party cannon!"Pinkie stated while pulling out her large cannon that blasted confetti and decorations all over the place.

"Hay yeah! And you forgetting Rarity, fastest Pegasus alive at the moment. Setting decorations up is easier than breathing!"Thunder announced before his head was pulled back to take a decent shot of ketchup in the mouth.

"I thought about having my birthday outside, but they're having another party on the castle grounds today."Twilight let them in on a peculiar detail that Rarity and Orion were well aware of.

"Ah yes…! The…popular Canterlot garden party…! Only the biggest of names attend those,"Orion teased and watched Rarity slyly rush to a window to look out and see the garden party,"Well…! No point in pondering about the garden party. Lets just get this one started!"

"Lets party!"Pinkie announced and got on her DJ booth to start playing some swing music.

Typhoon went about dancing with Fluttershy, since she was nervous to dance by herself. While Thunder was simply taking a whole shot of ketchup and avoiding the rule that he had to drink. But once it was Shadow Swirl's turn to take a shot, she forgot to take a breath before the shot. And was immediately forced to spit out the ketchup the minute it started to fill her cheeks. Leaving her to drink a whole cup of hard apple cider, while Rarity almost turn green to see ketchup on the floor.

She looked to Orion but he was busy talking to Twilight for a change, so there was no pleading with him. She felt herself forced to the window to watch all the higher ups talking and enjoying the fancy party. She felt her yearning to be among them, to be the Canterlot pony she felt she was.

"Mmh… No reason I can't make an appearance…!"Rarity saw every pony was distracted, and decided to quickly run off to join the other ponies outside.

Orion however was able to take notice, no matter how discrete she tried to be. Once she was out of the room, he let out a big groan of disappointment that even now, she was worried more about her reputation. While all the ponies partied like normal, he decided to talk with Twilight about the letter.

"So…! You understand why I actually invited you all here to Canterlot?"Orion asked of Twilight while oddly enticed by Twilight trying out the simple dress.

"I understand that she's kind of… getting side tracked with the reputation she could have here,"Twilight admitted while spotting Rarity through the window talking with Fancy Pants,"I forgot that Rarity absolutely loves Canterlot…! It was her dream to come here and make her name known for the sake of her business."

"In the end… That's what ponies always think about it above all else…"Orion admitted his simple and clean assessment about a ponies true priorities.

"But she's still our friend…! She made me this dress for my birthday, and now she's living her Canterlot dream!"Twilight spun around to admire her simple dress while Orion suddenly found himself baffled.

"What? She completely abused and took advantage of your generosity for her own game,"Orion exclaimed and tried to find the odd logic that Twilight was admitting here,"And it was on your birthday no less…! How are you this understanding and willing to let her get away with this?!"

"Well she did actually finish my dress, and this was her dream after all. What kind of friend would I be if I ruined that after what she did for my birthday?"Twilight asked as they both then noticed Rarity coming back in quickly to mingle with the others again.

"Well she could at least stand to tell you the truth rather than sneak around and lie…!"Orion admitted his lack of amusement for Rarity's tricks that were not working.

"You got this, Rainbow Flash! It's all you!"Thunder encouraged Rainbow Dash to give the ketchup shot a try, and prove her ability to party hard.

She proved herself by just barely holding down the shot of tomato based sauce. Thunder and Shadow both erupted with cheer as Rainbow downed the shot of ketchup and raised her hooves in victory. Orion chuckled and clapped his hands, for he was missing these old games.

"This is what I missed… That Rarity had me trapped in all these petite and high class events,"Orion sighed and watched the party going on as Rarity exited the party again,"I missed when I could cut loose and not have to clean up and dress up so much just to impress some snobs."

"Alright, ready for some skill games? Come over here and try this out,"Thunder took up the shot and poured hard cider into it before balancing the shot on his nose,"Try balancing this on your nose, and heave it up. Then see if you can catch it!"

He demonstrated by tossing the shot off his nose and catching it with his mouth and taking the whole shot in one hit. He swallowed and laughed while spitting the shot out on the table to sit down. Rainbow gladly decided to give the challenge a try, while Rarity quickly reentered the party.

"I'll see your game, and I'll play it to win!"Rainbow accepted the challenge and took up a new plastic shot cup to fill with cider.

Once that was done, Rarity was instantly finding Rainbow's indulgence in these games obnoxious. As the Pegasus started to balance the shot on her nose, at first it looked like she was gonna do it. Until she then lost her balance and accidentally flung her drink forward towards Thunder. She panicked and lunged for the drink, trying to scoop up as much of the drink as she could. Before she slammed into Thunder, causing them to fall on each other, she was on the top while he was on his back.

"I think you forgot the part about balance…! I don't know, I'm just getting this feeling about it,"Thunder joked while the others laughed at their antics, and missing a more vital piece,"You got most of it, I'll give you that…!"

"Gee, thanks. Appreciate your constellation pri-"Rainbow started before pausing the moment she looked down to him, only for their muzzles to accidentally push together.

They remained frozen for a moment, Rainbow was quick to start blushing at the moment. He was looking straight at her while chuckling, before he then cleared his throat and cooled down. That was when he took notice of her sudden reaction to the sudden behavior she was showing him.

"No problem… Weird… Usually it takes me a few drinks before moments like this happen…"Thunder admitted before Rainbow looked away for a moment and giggle nervously.

"I should… Let you up now…"Rainbow decided to finally get off him while Rarity once again snuck back out.

"I guess after almost two thousand years. You warriors don't really care that much for judgment or standards…!"Twilight admitted after seeing the kind of little things the warriors enjoyed.

"Sort of… We can still be civilized to some degree, but don't ever try and force us to be complete dignified puppets to fit your high standards…!"Orion made that clear as Shadow Swirl attempted to do some slow swing dancing.

"In fact, we're half minded to go out there and raise all kinds of Tartarus for those pampered biggots!"Thunder admitted before diving in for some cupcakes and cookies like a pig.

"That actually sounds like a good idea. It would definitely teach some pony a lesson…!"Shadow agreed while noticing Rarity chatting with Jet Set and Upper Crust.

"Now lets not go ruining this for Rarity. I'm sure it's not too bad…!"Twilight admitted as Rarity then returned, while a rich couple was suddenly laughing at Twilight through a window.

"Alright, now where were we on the party?"Rarity asked while Twilight felt a bit hurt by the ponies laughing and making fun of her dress.

"I don't know. Maybe ask your friends that are taunting all of us from afar…!"Orion asked while every pony was gathering around with confusion at this oddity.

"They're not taunting any of you…! They could never have the guts to mock a warrior,"Rarity admitted a true statement while Orion only crossed his arms,"They were… Kind of… insulting all of your habits and… Twilight's…dress?"

Twilight and the other mares gasped with shock by the rude insult given by such ponies. While the warriors simply nodded their heads and looked at each other, for retribution was now on their mind. All they needed was for Orion and a hurt Twilight to look at each other, before the two of them nodded as well.

"Well… If they think they can make fun of your friends and our friends. Then I think some discipline is required,"Orion announced to the mares and his comrades that were aching for revenge,"How about we go out there and show them fancy fools how WE party?!"

"YEAH!"Thunder and Shadow agreed and wasted no time making a break for the door to head outside.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt to show them ponies that we're much more than meets the eye!"Applejack agreed and was quick to run out with the warriors.

"I'm right behind ya sister!"Rainbow flew off behind Applejack.

"Oh…no…! No no no no no…! No, no! Wait a minute,"Rarity begged while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy flew and ran off to join in the fun,"Wait! They'll despise me for all eternity! I'll be a mockery!"

"Sorry, we really do not care any more, Rarity! You have been hanging with the wrong kind of ponies!"Orion denied as he and Typhoon were next to leave the room, leaving Rarity to her panic.

"Rarity… I'm happy you got to have fun here and make a name for yourself in Canterlot,"Twilight admitted and still supported Rarity, even when her feelings were hurt,"But these ponies you hung out with…! They aren't good friends, and they need to learn not to judge others for who they are, what they are, or where they came from."

"But… But…"Rarity stuttered as Twilight then slowly began to leave the room as well.

"Also… The dress you made… It was beautiful to me because it was made by a good friend,"Twilight gave some last words before she too would leave for the garden party,"Your beautiful heart made this beautiful dress, and by insulting this dress… They insulted you… My friend…!"

With that, Twilight left Rarity alone, as the fashionista felt her heart collapse for a moment. The fact that her friends were still supporting her, and doing this whole thing for her. It was just the push Rarity needed to wake up, and see what she was doing this whole time behind her friend's back. She lowered her head, letting the guilt of what she did sink in for a bit. Before she would soon have to understand what she did wrong, and correct the problem she made for herself.

Meanwhile, the group of warriors and mares burst through the doors into the garden party. Many of the rich and high class were instantly stunned to see such a dramatic arrival. And this arrival brought forth a group of ruffians no less, ponies they wouldn't even spit in the same path of. Now they were all raiding their party, and showing these higher ups how to really start a party. Pinkie Pie wasted no time by bringing some of the swing dancing music outside for all to hear.

It drowned out all the classical music that played, but it even hurt the ears of the high class ponies. But achy ears were the least of their concerns once the warriors entered the party. Thunder dove into their fountains of special fruit punch, while Shadow scooped chunks of cake out with her hooves. Orion simply stood at the entrance and chuckled at the carnage they were all producing. The perfect lesson to teach these ponies about respect and knowing their bounds.

"How come y'all ain't doing any gardening? It IS a garden party, ain't it?"Applejack asked some of the ponies while digging around the grounds and got covered in dirt.

"Nice over cleaned outfits you neat freak chumps!"Thunder called out to a couple before heaving two large clumps of dirt at them while Rainbow Dash joined him.

Pinkie Pie and Shadow Swirl in the meantime decided to pig out on the sweets. While Typhoon and Fluttershy collected some sweets to share with the little critters they brought with them. The animals had some of the fancy couples running for their lives from such a scary type of partying. Yet Fancy Pants strangely stood his ground and only observed like young scientist. His wife looked like she was ready to faint, but she went by her husbands influence as an experience stallion.

"My…goodness…! These warriors are quite different when they're not forcibly trying to remain dignified,"Fancy Pants admitted while suddenly noticing and being enticed by Twilight's simple dress,"Excuse me, might I ask where you got your ensemble?"

"Why, yes! Yes, you may. A very, very close friend from Ponyville made it for me,"Twilight was more than happy to answer Fancy Pants, seeing as he had actual interest in it,"It may be simple, but she made it from her heart. And that's what made me like it the most!"

"Ponyville? You don't say? That's very impressive for such a down to earth town…!"Fancy Pants had to admit that he liked the simple look of a garment made with heart and care.

"Every pony, wait a moment!"Rarity announced and finally got every pony to stop the mad partying and panic for a moment.

They all looked to see Rarity at the entrance right behind Orion himself. He turned around to look at her, and immediately switched moods after reading a look in her eyes that spoke a different tune. So he only smirked and stood aside, letting Rarity walk forth and do what she needed to do.

"Ah, Rarity! I was just about to find out who made this charming dress for this lovely lady from Ponyville!"Fancy Pants admitted as she stepped down and lowered her head to think of the right words to say.

"Really? Funny… I always thought it was just a plain old-"Rarity was then cut off by Twilight.

"Oh, don't be so modest! This dress you made really was beautiful,"Twilight revealed the origins of the dress and shocked all the other high class ponies around them,"We all think so!"

"You know these ponies, Rarity?"Fancy Pants asked curiously as Rarity finally found the confidence to some clean.

"Yes. Yes, I do know them! They may not be as sophisticated as some of you Canterlot ponies,"Rarity explained and finally realized what was truly important to her,"But they are my best friends…! All of them! Even the warriors. And they are without a doubt the most important ponies I know!"

Her friends felt their hearts melt for Rarity's small speech that admitted true importance. Even all the warriors felt a sense of deep pride and happiness for Rarity admitting her friendship to them. Orion proudly nodded to that, while walking behind the two ponies that dared to laugh at her speech.

"Important ponies? These ruffians?"Jet dared to mock and question their importance.

"Don't make me laugh…!"Upper Crust added before Orion decided to teach them a little lesson.

"Really? Now why would you want to laugh about MY friends? That's not very nice at all,"Orion gripped them both by the neck and picked them up as they panicked and flailed their hooves,"You know what is nice though? Being a prince of Equestria. Because I can do this like…. Kicking you both out of this castle for mocking friends to the royal family and disturbing the peace…!"

"WHAT?!"The couple exclaimed before they were dragged away by the prince, while Thunder simply pointed and laughed at them nice and loud.

"Well… After hearing your friend here explain all the heart you have for dress making. I think your friends are charmingly rustic,"Fancy Pants shocked the ponies by admitting that he actually admired the ponies for their free nature,"And I think the dress you made for your friend is lovely! I dare say…every mare in Canterlot will be wanting one!"

"In that moment, all the remaining ponies that stayed in the garden party lit up. They all looked to each other, the influence instantly shifted in their empty heads thanks to Fancy Pant's rep. In mere moments, the ponies were then swarming Fancy Pants and Rarity, demanding the dresses.

"Er, yes, now then. How about you introduce me to your friends?"Fancy Pants ignored the sudden crowd of ponies and was more interested in getting to know the mares and the warriors.

"With pleasure…!"Rarity replied and looked with a melting heart towards the friends that never stopped respecting her and remained her friends no matter what she had done before.

After several hours of celebration at both of the parties they did just for Twilight's birthday. The time had finally come for Rarity and Orion to finally depart for Ponyville at last. They were currently in Rarity's suite, packing up her things, even Celestia was kind enough to help. Orion was more than happy to help, now that he was going to be going home at long last. But he could see his sister was feeling a bit down, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a little bad.

He then decided to help Celestia pack up what remained of Rarity's dresses. It got Celestia smiling just a bit, as they finished up the packing and placed it on the back of the valet. They smiled at each other, and decided to share a hug while looking out the window. Seeing as Twilight and the others were getting to know Fancy Pants and his wife more personally and freely. They both sighed, and turned to Rarity, only to catch her beginning to write a special letter.

Dear princess Celestia

I wanted to tell you about the important lesson I learned during my visit.

"Now that we would both like to hear…!"Celestia warmly admitted as her and Orion gathered around Rarity to hear the lesson.

I learned that no matter where you go in life. You should never forget that you are a product of your home and friends. And that is something to always be proud of, no matter what.

"Hm, a very valuable lesson to have learned."Celestia agreed, as did Orion while he put a hand on his sister's shoulder.

"It certainly is! But… Might I ask that we hurry things up a bit? Oh no!"The valet could no longer handle the excessive luggage and was promptly crushed by it all.

"Rarity…! you mind going on ahead and help this poor stallion with all YOUR baggage,"Orion kindly asked while looking to his sister of the day,"Me and my sister need to have words with each other before departing…"

"Of course, Orion…! Just a moment mr valet!"Rarity agreed and rushed to help the stallion with her bags.

This left the brother and sister to leave the room with small smiles, and leave Rarity to her things. They quietly exited her suite and walked out into the hall ways, taking in the afternoon sunshine. As it made the hallway glow and glitter with warm light, a more than respectable form of light. He walked with Celestia, and she could feel his approval of her gentle day that warmed the very souls of her subjects. Once they were far away from the company of all others, the time had come for some final words.

"So you really have to go now? You sure it's too soon to live with us again?"Celestia asked as they stopped to look out a window to her day.

"Yes… But I will say, you are continuing to show a lot of change, Celestia… You've grown up so much,"Orion admitted to soften this departing blow for his sister,"You've become a very fair ruler to our people for a thousand years…! And now your guidance may have very well birthed a new hope for a harmonic age in Equestria!"

"Really? You think Twilight and her friends really could be the harmony we have searched for?"Celestia asked as he nodded and thought of a second piece of that harmony.

"I do… And not only that. Princess Cadence has shown that she may be the pure embodiment of love. A very important ingredient to harmony,"Orion admitted before something then struck him after mentioning his niece,"Speaking of which, have you seen Cadence? I have not seen her since last night. She told me that she wanted to spend every bit of time she could with me."

"Shining Armor had to borrow her for the day for…a very special reason…!"Celestia answered as Orion tilted his head, and shrugged to let this oddity slide for a change.

"Very well…! So… I will have to go, and I want you to watch over Cadence and Shining Armor,"Orion instructed her on what the both of them would be doing in hopes of bringing forth true harmony,"And I'll be watching over Twilight and her friends… But… After seeing how far you've come…"

"Yes…?"Celestia perked her ears up, reading his body language that spoke of good news.

"I'm thinking that there will be more visits in the future… Just so I can make sure our family isn't being torn apart,"Orion turned to his sister with a smile while she was lighting up with joy and excitement,"Does that seem like a fair deal for the work we must do?"

"It's more of a deal as I could ever hope!"Celestia exclaimed and lunged at Orion to hug him and embrace this wonderful news.

"I'm glad…"Orion sighed with relief and gladly hugged his sister.

For a solid five minutes, they stood there hugging each other in this moment of rekindling. Celestia never wanted to let go of the brother she had lost so long ago to dysfunction. And now she was making progress towards repairing the family that she herself broke apart. While Orion smiled and rested his head on her shoulder, it was so rare that he and Celestia ever got to hug like this. In the past there was only disagreements and even fights, but now there was peace between them.

At least until a green spark flashed Orion in the eyes, he recognized the spark of green magic immediately. He looked out the window towards the tip of a mountain where he saw it flash in the distance. Immediately, the prince released his sister and marched closer to the window. At first the princess was surprised by her brother's sudden aggression, but all was made clear once she joined him at the window. She looked at him, reading the hateful glare and intensity that grew on his face.

She then looked to where he was looking, and gasped to see the green magic.

"Is that… What I think it is…?"Celestia asked with deep suspense before it gave away to growing anger.

"Yes… Changeling magic… And it's not just a mere changeling…! It's the queen herself,"Orion explained while Celestia immediately started to glare and tighten her hooves against the floor,"Looks like my ex is spying on us… Must have heard I was in Equestria again…!"

"If I can't kill her…! Then what should I do?"Celestia begged for a reason not to go out and melt the wretched changeling to nothing.

"I already told you… Leave her to me… Her flank belongs to me…!"Orion reminded as they watched the changeling gaze at them from afar.

While miles away at the distant mountain, the queen was indeed watching them. She stood tall at the peak of the mountain, letting it's brisk cold breeze blast through her green mane and tail. She chuckled, studying every part of the Canterlot castle and writing out it's structure with her magic. At least until she did in fact see Celestia and Orion looking at her through the window. Celestia was a nonissue, but once she saw the stallion of the hour, she could not help but sensually laugh.

"Ooh…! Well what do you know…! He really has returned…! Nothing like seeing an old…lover…! to get me all excited!"Chrysalis admitted while savoring the sight of her former flame, for she had plans for the prince that burned down her hive, and left her figuratively and suggestively screwed.

Alright every pony, I have big plans for these next two episodes. Then next one is going to be for all you Spike fans out there, so be ready to love your favorite baby dragon. And also, I have a very different plan for the Hearts Warming Eve episode. I'm thinking either the normal theater version with the mane six playing the founders. Or perhaps once the theater begins, we go back in time with Orion and his sisters, and meet the ACTUAL founders, including one of Orion's most prized friends, Clover the Clever. I want you guys to decide on which version you would like to see. Either the normal theater version or the real version back in time.