CHAPTER 2: PERCEPTIONS

Twilight had barely gotten any sleep that night, and spent majority it laying awake, lost in her own thoughts. As morning came, she remained in a leaned up position, just looking down towards her blankets with an annoyed look. She took a moment to look over at Rainbow Dash who'd slept at her bedside, almost as if she were bedridden. Rainbow Dash of course was worried for her like all the others were, and Twilight almost found it insulting how worried they were, as if they thought she were crazy, but she also loved them for caring so much. She put on a smile, and nudged the rainbow maned mare gently. "Rainbow Dash, come on, wake up; we've gotta be at the meeting soon."

Rainbow groaned a little bit before lifting her head with a confused look, and then looking up at Twilight with that same puzzled expression before muttering, "Wait what? What meeting?"

Twilight's expression got more tense as she rose from her bed, stretching out her wings a little bit and climbing out from beneath the blankets onto the hard tiled floor, and stretching her legs a bit as well. "The one about Eve, we're finally discussing a plan regarding her capture, and I don't want to miss a single second of it."

Rainbow's eyes widened as she looked shocked, "Wait! So Princess Celestia let you get involved again!?"

Twilight smiled expectantly, as she nodded with confidence. "Yep! Now all that's left is to find the location of where Eve's run off to, and then we capture her." Twilight made her way over to her mirror, before levitating a comb and beginning to brush through her mane thoroughly, talking to Rainbow while doing so. "She may be dangerous, but she's only one draconequus as well, and now we've got two visiting draconequus which gives us three. So add that all up, and we've got four princesses, the elements of harmony, and three draconequus, plus all the forces of Canterlot, the Crystal Empire and even the country of Magistrum to support our cause." Twilight smirked, "Eve thinks she's won Rainbow, but soon she'll understand that in the end, that good always prevails." Twilight sighed, shaking her head, lowering it, "I only wish she could've understood that before she decided to take innocent lives, and I wish Cheerilee could to...."

Rainbow looked skeptical, as she flapped her wings slightly, then sitting beside Twilight. "W-Well congrats Twilight, I guess we're going a little overkill here." Rainbow herself couldn't understand why she felt so hesitant about all this, minus her worry for Twilight, this literally did seem a little like overkill. She detested the draconequus just as much as anypony else would reasonably, but it was still so hard to imagine that that same draconequus they defeated so long ago was causing them this much trouble. It was as if each time they thought she was defeated, she'd only come back stronger and more experienced than before, she only hoped if they were to go for a third run they'd finish it, for real, this time. "Hard to think such a squirt could do all this huh? Guess it shows some kids are just born scary." The rainbow maned mare crossed her hooves, her brows furrowing some. "Can you imagine if Scootaloo were this dangerous? This is one creepy kid."

"Eve is no ordinary child, don't mistake her for one Rainbow." Twilight placed her comb down, before making her way towards the door, but stopping midway and glancing back at her friend. "It's a common misconception, which is understandable. But over the course of this entire ordeal, I've learned so much. I wish Eve were just a simple child, one who could listen, who could have some form of compassion, of sense, but she doesn't work like that. She's manipulative, conniving, and she's smarter than she looks, I couldn't believe it myself at first either, but it's the truth. I only wish we saw it sooner." Twilight began pacing back and forth in her room, "This has easily been one of our most trialing experiences, but I won't give up, not anymore. Eve almost won, she almost broke each and every one of us down, and when you think about it, could you imagine if she'd attacked us when we were most vulnerable? It was a perfect plan, but she underestimated us, underestimated me, and now she's doing it again. Now she thinks us defeated, broken, that she's made an example out of us, and is treating our lives like her own amusing child's game. She possesses the face of a child, but her mind's sadistic, maddening, she's insane, and she's easily one of the most dangerous enemies we've ever faced."

Rainbow Dash couldn't really describe how she felt about Twilight's intense passion and angst involving the situation, but there was something bothering her deep down as well, and it caused the mare's eyes to sadden as she'd looked worried. "I'm sorry Twilight..."

Twilight felt as if she'd lost her train of thought due to the sudden apology, "Sorry? Sorry about what Rainbow?"

Rainbow just looked down, exhaling softly, nervously, before looking back up to her close friend and shaking her head in an apologetic manner, she needed to get this out. "I'm sorry I wasn't there Twilight, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you all when she attacked, when she...she killed all those innocent ponies. It's obviously really affected you, and I only wish I could've been there to, to help you and Fluttershy, I let you guys down." She closed her eyes lowering her head.

Twilight's eyes widened as she almost teared up due to her friend's worry, and made her way back over to Rainbow slowly, before embracing her in a soft hug. "It's not your fault Rainbow, don't you ever think something like that. We're just dealing with a lot here, which is why I want to bring an end to this myself, which is why I'm so personally involved as it is, this is something I will do for all of us, to bring us back together again." She leaned back, looking the mare in the eyes, "Eve has threatened to tear us apart time and again, she has thrown all that she can at us, guilt, nightmares, manipulation, violence,..even murder, just so she could achieve her own goals. But our friendship," she squeezed Rainbow's hoof with a soft smile, "Our loyalty, to one another is too strong, stronger than anything she could ever comprehend. Just like all the other enemies we've faced, we'll deal with this one, together. I won't let her trick anypony else, I won't let her play and skew our emotions any longer, she thinks she's gotten away with it? She's got another thing coming." She then bopped the rainbow maned mare in the forehead softly, followed by a chuckle. "We're the elements of harmony afterall."

Rainbow Dash gave a confident smirk back at Twilight, before they both looked to the door, basking in newfound motivation as they nodded to one another. "Heck yea," Rainbow raised a brow at Twilight, amused, "You know Twilight, when you're in the mood, even you can manage to give a pretty motivating speech."

Twilight snickered, before mimicking Rainbow's expression, "I try, hmhm."

Then they both made their way out of Twilight's bedroom chambers.

Princess Luna raised a hoof before all the attendees of the room, which consisted of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Havoc, Rift, Discord, and most importantly, Princess Celestia, as well as a hefty amount of guards, most likely higher ups considering the topic they'd be discussing. "As you all know, in recent times, our kingdom has been attacked and ransacked by an enemy that still continues to elude us, a child of her race no less."

Many expressions in the room changed at that moment, twisting into frowns.

Princess Luna sighed, as her expression saddened. "As tragic as it is my faithful subjects, we can't simply be expected to forgive and forget. We all require closure from such a traumatic ordeal, not even a child's actions may be excused when its broken so many innocent lives. She has threatened the feeling of sanctity within our lands, and has stepped on our laws, spit on our rules and regulations, and made a mockery of our way of life, and it is time we received justice."

The crowd of guard ponies erupt into cheers, while a few select individuals remained silent.

With a flick of her hoof, Princess Luna brought up a shimmering magical screen which overtook the whole backside of the room, with a portrait of the baby draconequus, Eve the Insane. "Our mission is simple, thanks to a group of commendable operatives, we have tipped the scales in our favor. The draconequus child, Eve the Insane, hides herself somewhere outside our borders, a smart move on her part. But she has underestimated our abilities to deduce her location, in recent times, a mysterious kingdom I'm sure many of you have likely heard of, has risen out in the southeastern seas. It is mildly populated by many diverse creatures, many of which a lot of you wouldn't be familiar with, which is understandable." She then swiped her hoof, bringing the screen to a different image, which was that of the Kingdom of Candyland. "These creatures pose no threat to us, and are not to be held accountable for our target's actions. But as you can imagine, we believe the target has retreated here for a reason. It is a land which supports much racial diversity, leading us to believe the draconequus believes she is out of our reach here, blended in with a new form of society, one that would risk its very subjects for unnecessary reasons."

Princess Luna paused, before continuing "We cannot risk discussions with the ruler, to do so would risk alerting the target, which is why we will make this quick and simple, a snatch and grab if you will. We have very high hopes of our target being situated somewhere on this island, which is why I will personally be involved in this assignment. I will be taking majority of you with me, in where we will render the islands inhabitants incapable of becoming intimately involved in the matter without them even realizing it." And with a flick of her hoof again, Princess Luna shot a spell towards an unsuspecting member of the Celestial Guard as he immediately went into a deep passive sleep. "And hopefully our target as well, whereas we'll search the island thoroughly in the window of time we will possess, and apprehend our little terrorist to bring her back for future incarceration. Swift, silent, effective, is our priority."

Havoc didn't hesitate to interrupt, "What else do we know about the target? Priority information of course."

Discord snapped his claws before taking center stage with a smile. "I think I'll be taking the spotlight for now Little Luna! Go on now, scoot scoot, on over to your sister!" He brushed Luna away in a humorous hand gesture as Princess Luna snarled at him frustratingly, but everypony was already used to Discord's antics by this point in time. "Let's get down to business then shall we?!" He snapped his claws once again as the image on Luna's screen distorted into one of Eve holding a candy cane. "It's obvious from those of us who were there, we know the kid favors candy, and funnily enough, fighting with a candy cane no doubt! Bahahahaha!" He burst into laughter before he winked at Rift, "Hilaaarious, isn't it? Either way, I guess you could say she got a hint of genius from the one and only...ahem. Either way, let's get into the specifics shall we?" Discord manifested his throne, slithering atop of it and crossing his legs and putting on a pair of nerdy reading glasses. "Her invulnerability to pain, as you can imagine, can pose quite of a problem, if thrown into unexpected circumstances. Little menace is like a adaptation powerhouse, she feels, she sees, she learns, she recreates, she copies! As you can see-" Discord changed the image once more, this time into one of Eve with key aspects of her features outlined, such as her makeshift horn and newfound wings. "-She has taken a liking to our dearest Twilight Sparkle, and for some reason....her multi-colored friend over there."

Rainbow's eyes widened as she'd gasped, rising up and then peering at the screen. "T-That's...Hey, how did she manage to get? W-What?" Rainbow of course was referring to the fact Eve now wore wings remarkably identical to her own, as well as Twilight's, almost as if they were stolen off them. "S-So creepy...." She sulked, lowering herself back down beside Twilight, a shiver running down her spine a little.

Discord closed his eyes with a simple nod. "So take in those facts as well as her little horn there, courtesy of our darling Princess Celestia." He opened his eyes once again focusing on the screen. "We've got a very efficient copycat who is quite effective at throwing what we already know, right back at us tenfold. Although, we're also dealing with a double edged sword persay, for the imagination is a gateway to things, both good and bad. There is always a way to pierce through the armor, no matter how impenetrable it looks, we only have to be unpredictable in our own way of playing the game."

Princess Celestia cut in, "This is no game Discord."

Discord snickered, "The kid'll treat it like a game whether she likes it or not Celestia. She's ahead of us because we're being far too simple, we've gotta change rhythms, keep it interesting, and throw something at her she doesn't understand! That is the key, and if it isn't." He shrugged with disinterest, "Guess we've gotta go with plan B, which isn't good mind you! Well, you all have to, think I'll just enjoy the show!" He whispered a bit, "By the way....there is no plan B..."

Princess Luna scoffed, "Wasn't planning on taking you along anyway. As talented as you might be Discord, your mouth could use some work, and some manners." She looked back towards the crowd, clapping her hooves as the screen portraying Eve disappeared. "Now, about who shall be actually partaking in the operation is another mat-"

Suddenly an anonymous mare from the crowd raised a hoof, "Excuse me Princess! I'm sorry to say but this is a little much for me to take in here. I don't really understand the situation at all! I've got a pretty good idea of what we're dealing with here, but I still don't understand who?" She raised a brow, looking to Princess Luna, "What's this little creature have against us, I mean, what did we ever do to her to provoke such attacks? The draconequus protocol has been ongoing for centuries and never before have we been assaulted like this. Is this really how all draconequus children become? If so, then how come Mr.Discord, or Ms.Rift or Havoc aren't attacking us? It just doesn't make any sense."

Twilight Sparkle suddenly reappeared beside Princess Luna in a poof of violet smoke. "That, is why we have books everypony, we all need to educate ourselves in these issues, which is why this has been one of most frustrating situations I've ever dealt with. I'd be more than willing to explain, Eve is what you'd call a textbook case of a draconequus rebel." Princess Twilight began trotting back and forth around the room, as she caught eyes with Princess Celestia for a moment, and she looked a little confused due to how conflicted the Princess looked about Twilight taking the center stage. Twilight shook her head and continued, "As majority of us know, to let a draconequus child live amongst us is almost no different from allowing little fillies and colts to play with Ursa Minors, it's horribly risky, and dangerous. To be honest with all of you, I never expected to ever encounter a case like this in my entire life, draconequus children are obviously not often seen, and when they are, they often have a good sense of understanding to why they're stuck in the situations their in. Draconequus society takes harsh, but much needed measures, in raising their young. Especially when they have no grasp on how to use or control their powers, just one spark, one burst of the imagination, one outburst, can result in the harm of many good citizens. I don't know about Eve's past, I don't know what she's been through, but no matter the reason, it doesn't give her the right to change the rules to her liking, rules that have kept our society, our loved ones safe for countless generations. If she had her way, we'd be having all forms of chaos living in our homes as if they were household pets."

Another anonymous guard raised his hoof, "B-But Princess, don't you have a dragon for an assistant?"

Twilight winced at this pony specifically, before her expression darkened and there was a quiet fury in her eyes. "What? Tell me, are dragons capable of changing the very landscape in the blink of an eye? Are they capable of turning your loved ones against you with a touch to the forehead? Are they capable of disrupting the very cycle of life for their own amusement? Don't ever compare Spike to this rebellious monster. He'd never do such a thing, he knows better than that. Unlike a certain draconequus, Spike doesn't have a superiority complex, nor is he willing to hurt others or attack an entire city to get what he wants."

The guard lowered his head, then speaking in an apologetic tone. "F-Forgive me Princess Twilight...my sincerest apologies."

Princess Twilight smiled before closing her eyes, "It's fine, you're only stating your opinion." She then looked serious once again, looking to the rest of the crowd. "Don't be fooled, trust me, I know how skeptical some ponies can be regarding the fact Eve is so young, but she has proven she is willing to go to any lengths to make an example of us, to disrupt the peace of our society, to endanger our families. I saw it in Ponyville, you all saw it at the Crystal Empire, and now we've seen it here, in Canterlot. She's assaulted Princess Cadence, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, attacked our guards, destroyed our homes, so are we just going to let her get away with it? Are we just going to let her go, just because she's decided to go against the message of friendship, love, and harmony at an earlier age!? Her choices reflect that of one no different from another King Sombra, are we just going to sit around and watch her rise to become one? We've ignored her catastrophic behavior long enough everypony, and only by working together can we succeed! She must be punished!"

Suddenly the room burst into stomping hooves and cheers of admiration for their most recent Princess, Twilight Sparkle.

Princess Celestia suddenly cut in, raising a hoof as she'd seemed highly upset by the spectacle. "Now now, hold on a second everypony! We're going about this all wrong." She looked to Twilight almost disappointingly, "Twilight, you can't go into this thinking about revenge. That is the LAST thing I want occupying your mind, we're only doing what we must at this point in time. In order to restore the feeling of peace & security and happiness of Equestria, are we bringing Eve in, and even then, I will ensure she receives a proper punishment based on the circumstances of her situation." And Princess Celestia actually shuddered a little due to her own words, seeing as she'd gotten herself into this situation due to her ill feelings regarding the changelings, things had certainly gotten out of hoof since the beginning. But still, she could sense it, Twilight's true feelings regarding why she really wanted the draconequus.

Ponies were a little curious about Princess Celestia's perspective, but didn't really question it either.

Twilight however, started to protest, "Circumstances!? CIRCUMSTANCES!? B-But Princess Celestia, we can't just-"

Princess Celestia revealed a flash of fury in a fleet second, as she'd snapped at the mare impatiently, and in a saddened tone. "No buts Twilight! You're an amazing student, you're smart, dedicated, and you mean well, but you're far too vindicated about this, you need to take a moment to think about the entirety of the situation, and why is it you truly want to become involved. I don't want you to lose yourself in all of this my dearest student."

Twilight's expression sunk as she just lowered her head in silence, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Princess Celestia just looked back to the crowd, before sighing. "Now, let us return to the point of this gathering, the mission itself. Dear sister would you please continue, and please everypony, no further disruptions."

Princess Luna nodded plainly, "Of course sister." She then looked back to the crowd before swiping her hoof across the air one more, and bringing up a faint floating image of the island from bird's eye view.

Everypony's eyes were on the image, and Rift and Havoc in particular were fairly glad to get past the pony drama. They just remained silent with their arms crossed in the background.

Rainbow however had her focus on Twilight, as she'd looked worried herself, before tapping her hooves softly on the ground almost in a paranoid manner. Come on guys, where are you? You should've been here by now.

It was certainly a beautiful day in the small town of Ponyville, although at this point in time sunset was preparing to dawn over the lands, and following close behind it would be the night of course. But for the rest of the mane six, it didn't matter what the time was, they were already far enough behind schedule as it was.

Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack were on their way to Golden Oaks Library in order to pick up Spike, each of them wearing small backpacks. They certainly wouldn't be leaving him behind, especially since Twilight's outburst.

However, none of them seemed happy, well, all except Pinkie Pie who bounced with joy with every second. "Oh boy oh boy! I can't wait to see how Twilight's doing, seriously! It feels like it's been weeks! I wonder what Rainbow and her have been up to! Oh I'm so jealous, I just wanna hurry up and get to there already! They're probably partying and having pillow fights and watching movies and eating popcorn and playing boardgames and doing pranks and-"

Applejack, frustrated, just went into an outburst of her own, "PINKIE! This ain't no game alright?...."

Pinkie immediately slumped, going into an automatic depression due to Applejack's reaction. "I'm sorry, I, I..." She puckered her lower lip, her eyes wide and watery as she held back her tears.

Applejack just sighed as she looked to Pinkie with a reassuring smile. "Listen sugarcube, we're just all a little exhausted from this whole mess as is, it's hard to imagine you're still all bouncy and whatnot." She lowered her head, "Hard to imagine anypony can be in such a cheery mood after everything's that's happened, I just hope Twi can get this whole mess situated before anything worse happens."

Rarity looked to Applejack with a soft smile herself, "Well she's got Rainbow Dash with her darling, she has to be able to lighten the mood, at least a little." Rarity paused as they just continued to trot, and she spoke a little hesitantly at first. "But, listen you all, I wanted to ask you, what's your thoughts on this whole Eve situation? I mean, T-Twilight's right, well, isn't she? I mean of cooourse I'm not saying she's wrong but, well, I just, well I've been a little, skeptical is all. It's not wrong to want to understand both sides of the issue is it?"

Applejack suddenly looked a little annoyed. "What're ya suggestin' Rarity? That Twilight wants to go justifying what'd happened back then? Is that the type of mare ya think she is?"

Rarity stopped, snapping at her fellow mare. "N-No! Of course not! How could you even suggest such a thing? I mean, it's just..." Her eyes saddened as she looked down, and looked particularly at Fluttershy who just remained silent, keeping out of the conversation, then back at Applejack with a reaffirmed and serious look. "It's just, maybe we're thinking too much. I mean come now, you know Twilight just as much as any of us! You know there's times when she overthinks things!"

Applejack raised a brow, almost amused but with a straight face. "You're one ta talk sugarcube."

Rarity rolled her eyes, groaning. "Well that's not the point! All I'm saying is that, it's just...I mean, you saw Cheerilee, you heard what she said Applejack! We all saw that dracooo-whateveritis! When it first came here, it was absolutely harmless! Cheerilee obviously was quite passionate in its defense, even went as far as to claim it was her daughter for pony's sake." She shook her head almost in disbelief and shock, closing her eyes and raising a hoof. "I mean, I would never have guessed back then anypony could grow so attached to what appeared to be another Discord. And wasn't one of the biggest points in Twilight coming here, was learning that not all answers could be found in books?"

Applejack just sighed, and kept trotting. "Ya heard Twi to Rarity, and she told us how manipulative that draconequus was. Remember what she did to Apple Bloom and Spike? Is that something a harmless creature does? And ya saw what she did with that whole Nightmare Moon fiasco as well, I know ya want to look on the bright side of things sugarcube but, it just doesn't add up when you're considerin Eve bein all rainbows and sunshine, just don't make any sense."

They just continued to trot as at that point, Fluttershy suddenly cut into the conversation.

"She was no monster..." The mare looked as if she were about to sob, as she had her eyes closed and her expression looked pained, unable to hold herself back any longer. "I...I know I saved her, I know I hid that from all of you, and I know I shouldn't have, and I'm sorry...I'm so sorry, but I, I-"

Cheerilee was sitting concentrated in her own home, flipping through the pages of a familiar book. A certain recounting, a collaboration between Princess Celestia and the famed wizard, Starswirl the Bearded. She flipped through the pages one by one, her eyes scrolling over the text quickly, followed by another page turn.

I saw it to. I can't explain how, but I just know that deep down inside, we were wrong. It wasn't right, none of it was right, she was scared, she was sad, I saw it, there was no way she could've been as mean as Twilight said.

Spike was currently looking at a picture of him and Twilight sitting beside one another on a starry night in the fields right outside Ponyville, as he also recalled the draconequus he'd only encountered for a brief moment. He recalled the fear in her eyes during their encounter, and although he couldn't deny she attacked, he also couldn't deny his feelings of regret revolving around the situation.

And even now, I can't say I would take back what I did, but I'm still so sorry. I only wish things were different, I only wish we could've just found a way to all be happy by the end of this, I just, I just didn't want the poor baby to be hurt anymore.

And Rarity and Applejack, even Pinkie, looked almost speechless due to Fluttershy suddenly stating her opinion. Their own expressions worsened afterwords, as they all just stood there on the beaten dirt path towards Golden Oaks, lost in their own thoughts. But unaware of it, they were all thinking of quite similar things. Rarity, of her own family, of Sweetie Belle, while Applejack of Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, her entire family, and Pinkie Pie of her own two sisters, and her mother and father who still resided at their rock farm.

How far would anypony go to keep their loved ones close?

Princess Luna referred back to the image of the island. "We will be consisting of three main squads, the majority of you, will be lead by the one and only." And with a clap of her hooves, suddenly entering into the room from behind the crowd, would be a group of familiar celebrities, but very talented specialists as well, dawned in blue flight uniforms. It was none other than the talented fliers themselves. "Wonderbolts."

Rainbow practically burst from her hooves, as she'd gasped, screaming at the top of her lungs. "AAAAAAAAAH!!!! The Wonderbolts!? AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! THIS IS SO AWESOOOOOME!!!!" And with a mighty flap of her wings she made her way swiftly over to Spitfire, Soarin, and the other members, practically bouncing on her hind legs as she trembled anxiously, just relishing in their very presence, waiting for them to say something.

Spitfire smiled as she raised a brow at the familiar rainbow maned pony. "Hey Rainbow Dash, nice to see you again. You always seem to turn up at the most interesting times, you a part of this operation to?"

Rainbow cheered, raising her forehooves to the air. "PSH! NOW I AM!"

Princess Luna smiled, as if she'd known that would happen. "I'm happy to see that you're more than willing to oblige Rainbow, we could use your speed as well in surveying the island, we'll need the fastest pegasi we can get to ensure the target is apprehended as quickly as possible, especially depending on the amount of time my spell will affect her, which is unknown." She then continued, referring to a point A on the island's image, which had the Icecream Mountains encircled. "The Wonderbolts team will be in charge of not only scouting the outskirts of the island, but the main castle as well. We doubt the target will be situated there due to it being a place of royalty, but, we must take in all possibilities." She then looked to Rift and Havoc who stood towards the back. "Rift, you shall be assisting me, I know fairly well of your abilities."

Rift raised a brow with her arms crossed, a little puzzled. "Eh?"

Havoc spoke to her softly, "Remember Rift, this is their castle, not that hard to grasp they know what's going on inside."

Rift closed her eyes, shrugging. "Ah, right."

Princess Luna continued, "While I enclose the island from above, you shall be our eyes, I may inform the others of our overall progress through spells of the dream. With your talents, I'm sure we'll pull this off flawlessly." She smirked as she nodded to the draconequus pair.

Rift just kept that same expression, "Thank you Princess, your compliments honor me."

Princess Luna then looked to Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight Sparkle, you, Havoc, and a fair amount of the guard shall be scouting the small settlements spread about the island. I cannot stress to the two of you just how important this part of the operation is. Unlike the Wonderbolts, you will be scouting through where we believe our target may be hiding, it will be your job to ensure that every nook and cranny is searched, you must be absolutely certain she is nowhere to be found, only then will we be able to abandon our mission and return to Canterlot. I would send the fastest through these areas, but from our drop point, and the mysterious weather conditions of the island, the castle will be quite some distance away, and we musn't miss our chance, for we may only get one depending on our luck."

Princess Twilight nodded firmly, "Of course Princess Luna! You can count on us."

Princess Luna nodded, "Overall everypony, if our target is captured, we will regroup at the most centerpoint of the island, which appears to be a forest of candy canes, another reason we believe our target has chosen this as her home location, if one neglects the rumors regarding the target's whereabouts as well." She then looked to Princess Celestia, "Sister, I'm happy you have chosen to stay behind on this mission, I'm well aware your involvement would have been far too risky, worry not, for we are more than enough to put an end to this, please have faith."

Princess Celestia's eyes saddened as she nodded to her sister firmly. "Please, just be careful Luna, and please take care of Twilight and the others. If anything goes wrong, anything at all, I want you to take everypony and order a hasty retreat, don't do anything more than you have to, and don't forget who we're dealing with here. Eve may just be a child, but she is highly dangerous, I must stay here in Canterlot to ensure at least one of us is present, but I trust you can handle this just as well by yourself. Whatever happens, we will be with you every step of the way, and we will be watching."

Princess Luna closed her eyes, giving her sister a reaffirming smile. "Worry not sister, we will succeed. I'll bring an end to the burdens that trouble you, and by the time I return, we'll have Eve in custody. You just relax."

Princess Celestia sighed, "You just be careful, please Luna."

Princess Luna chuckled, "I shall sister, don't worry too much." She looked back to the gathered ponies in the room. "Now, return to your quarters until nightfall everypony, you'll require much needed rest to ensure everything goes off as planned."

Many ponies responded with silent salutes, just turning and making their way out of the meeting quarters.

Havoc and Rift kept their whispers to one another, as they to left with everypony else.

Rainbow Dash however, bouncing with every step stayed close to The Wonderbolts, practically stalking Spitfire as the lead Wonderbolt could only wear an amused smile as she trotted out of the room herself.

Twilight Sparkle, although a little frustrated due to Princess Celestia's earlier interruption, which was common to her at this point, also couldn't help but smile due to the feeling of the coming end. She smirked, watching Rainbow Dash leave the room, as she began making her way out herself, and Princess Celestia as well as Luna watched her from behind, both with contemplative looks. Twilight Sparkle didn't mind though, because now it was definite, they were close, Eve would soon be apprehended, she'd soon be their prisoner again, and soon, everything would be back to normal. Just you wait Eve, soon you'll be forced to answer for the crimes you've committed, soon everypony will see that in the end, no matter how strong, how manipulative, how heartless you are, alone, it's never enough to prevail over the power of friendship. You won't break me, I won't let you, and once you see are resolve, then you'll realize, just how wrong you are, and maybe, just maybe, you might learn something from all this, maybe even you can understand just how many ponies you've hurt, I hope so. Either way, we're bringing this to an end, wait for me Eve, justice, is on its way.

In Candyland, Eve, although never letting her guard down, still didn't mind spending this day, a little more lenient than usual. It was sunset, and she'd been standing with her arms folded over a stone railing, located near her private gardens. The view was gorgeous to say the least, allowing one to gaze across the distant rolling mountains, the forests of candy and rivers of chocolate, and down below, she could hear the festivities of her kingdom's events going on. So much progress had been made since the beginning, and she couldn't deny a sense of pride swelled within her due to the fact she'd created it all, although the creation process had been costly, it was worth it. It was funny, unintentionally, while repaying her debt to the world, she'd managed to gain things she'd been looking for her entire life. She took a moment to relish in the thought, in this comfort, she looked up towards the sky, "Isn't it nice Ms.Moon?"

Nightmare Moon scoffed, "Hah, how dull. Why don't you actually go down and do something interesting, instead of standing here staring at nothing, you really have the most boring interests for a child."

Eve frowned, "You're always so grumpy, don't you like the view Ms.Moon?"

Nightmare Moon groaned heavily, "I said don't call me that! And no, no I don't!"

Eve snickered raising a claw, wiggling it, "Well, I'm sure it's better than what you're used to, and if I can't call you Ms.Moon, then what am I supposed to call you?" She shrugged, looking clueless, "Moon, Night, Nighty Moony, Ms.Grump?"

Nightmare Moon snarled furiously, "Rrrrrrrrr! I am the infamous mare of the moon! Nightmare Moon! That is my name for a reason, use it! By Celestia if I could detach myself from your psyche this instant,..."

Eve's expression sunk as she leaned over the railing, kicking her hoof up some. "Don't say things like that."

Nightmare Moon paused, as her brow twitched. "What, did you just say to me?"

Eve looked off towards the distant mountains once again, with an almost solemn look, lost in thought. "Sorry, I'm not trying to order you Nightmare Moon." She chuckled, "It's just we're living in a peaceful time right now. I know you don't like me, but, it's almost your favorite time isn't it?." She smirked a little, crossing her arms while looking down towards the festive streets and glowing lanterns. "We probably won't be together that much longer anyway, so let's just try to enjoy this." She paused looking serious for a moment, "Let's try to enjoy this one night." Next Chapter: Chapter 3: Consequences Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 25 Minutes