The train screeched to a halt at the Crystal Empire station. The girls and Spike got off, making their way to the castle. They received a letter from Princess Cadence to come help out with the upcoming Crystal Fair since they did the first one in a thousand years.

Cadence greeted them in the throne room, "There you all are! Ready for your assignments?"

"Are we ever!" Rainbow Dash twirled in the air, "This is even going to be bigger than last year!"

"Great, let's get started: Twilight, I want you to oversee everything is going in place.

"You got it!"

"Rarity, could you please help the other ponies in the spa? You're a natural when it comes to manes and hooves." she winks.

"I'd be honored!"

"Pinkie, you will help our party planner for the fair's night festivies."

"Yippee!"

"Rainbow Dash, I can't think of anyone more qualified to help Shining Armor train the Crystal Pony Jousters in the Fair."

"Hey, yeah!"

"And Apple Jack, did you bring your family along for what I have planned?"

"Sure did. They're back at the station awaiting orders."

"Wonderful. I took the liberty of opening a space for a restaurant to make delicious apple creations! I figured you were going to need your family on that."

"Hee haw! Much obliged, Princess."

"You're welcome, now Fluttershy…"

"Yes?"

"I have a very special job for you." she walked pass them to lead them outside and to a nearby petting zoo. Shining Armor was waiting for them holding a small, pink, crystallized ewe.

Cadence took hold of her, "This is our pet ewe, Little Lady. Shining Armor gave her to me as a gift. She'll be the center of attention of the livestock competition. She needs constant care and with Shining Armor and I being too busy now, we need the best animal caretaker there is."

AJ nudged Fluttershy, "Well, you got that right."

"Oh, thank you… I promise to take good care of her… Come here, Little Lady…"

The ewe bleated and jump into Fluttershy's awaiting arms.

"Looks like we can take it from here." said Twilight.

"Excellent. Let me show you your rooms for the next couple of weeks."

"You go ahead; I'll just stay here for a bit." said Fluttershy cradling the lamb.

That's how it was the next few days: the girls would wake up and go about their duties for the Empire and the Fair. Rarity enjoyed helping with the luxuries of the spa. Rainbow liked being assistant coach. Apple Jack and the family were selling like hot apple pies, which of course they were. Twilight sent Spike to help out at the restaurant, luckily just to handle the cash register. Pinkie couldn't believe who was the other party planner was, none other than their old pal, Cheese Sandwich! And already they were planning on the rides for the fair. And Fluttershy loved taking care of the Prince and Princess's pet.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Discord woke up in his personal guest room. He yawned and stretched out his limps, then exercised his fingers by elevating the bed then puts it back down.

"Oh goody! Let's see what the ponies are doing today!" He transformed into a dark colored unicorn stallion. He made a deal with Celestia to disguise himself whenever he visited a crowded city just not to scare the locals.

Canterlot was full of snobs that he found boring, how fun it would be to mess up a unicorn's perfect hair or dress. Still, anything was better a stone prison; even without the Elements they would find some way to imprison him again. So he was being a good boy now and corresponding with Fluttershy, his one true friend who doesn't distrust him. Speaking of which, why hasn't he receive a letter from her? It has been days, has she forgotten? He couldn't see how she could; he wasn't easily forgettable what with him trying to take over numerous times.

He pops back to the castle just in time to overhear Lulu or Luna reporting to her sister about her nightly duties.

"Morning, Sister. All was restful in Equestria."

"That's wonderful to hear."

"Any news from Princess Cadance?"

"She and Shining Armor are preparing for the Crystal Fair, and already, Twilight and the others are there helping."

Discord whispered under his breath, "So that's where she is! They took a trip!"

"And what of our un-invited guest?"

"Sounds like my cue…" pops up in front of her, "The un-invited guest is leaving!"

"To where, may I ask?" said Celestia with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh… just a place called the Crystal Empire…"

"And just what would you be doing there?" Luna questions.

"Why I'd be helping out of course! The fair is supposed to renew the spirit of love and unity of the Crystal Ponies so they can protect the empire, right?"

"Right…" Luna said in doubt.

"So the fair is a big thing! They need all the extra hands they can get!"

"Yes… I suppose that is true." said Celestia, "Very well, you may help but only if you stay undercover and not reveal yourself."

"Under my oath, Celestia, of course I will!" He does a bow then he pops out.

"Sister…?" Luna looks at her in confusion.

Celestia just smiled.

"You know something! I know you do!"

Celestia gave out a giggle, she wasn't saying anything.