//------------------------------// // Before the Gala // Story: Violet-Rose Equestria Tales // by Fizzyberries302 //------------------------------// “Don’t you already have my measurements?” Violet asked from the stand. “Darling, you’re a growing girl. I need to be absolutely sure.” Violet rolled her eyes as the unicorn took her measurements. “I don’t see why you need to do all this is right now, the Gala isn’t until next month.” Rainbow said, hardly taking her eyes off her book. “Rainbow! Your forgetting that I’m making these dresses. Which means I have to design, seven dresses and two suits, then sew them. It takes time Dashie, which is why I need the measurements now.” Rarity explained, slightly annoyed. “Alright Fluttershy, you’re up next.” Violet climbed down from the stand and went over to the others. Those who were waiting to be measured just chatted. “Violet, why don’t you tell them about how your date went.” Discord said. Violet gulped as all eyes were on her. “Well…Comet took me to see the Rainbow Factory.” “You got to see the Rainbow Factory. Did you see how the rainbows were made?” Pinkie asked. “Pinkie, rainbows are made from light and water, I should know. My name has the word ‘rainbow’ in it.” said Rainbow Dash. “Did he tell you about the Sonic Rainboom?” Violet stared at the cyan pegasus. “The Sonic what?” Rainbow Dash gasped as if she just heard a naughty word. “You don’t know about the Sonic Rainboom!” “Yeah, what is it anyway?” Violet asked. “I’ll show after our measurements are done.” Said Rainbow Dash, going up to the stand. “Anyway, after that we went to Sugar Cube Corner for a milkshake.” “Oh yeah! I remember that, I was the one to take down your order.” Pinkie squealed. “Yeah, then after we had finished our milkshake, we went for walk in a field. Then he…I got my first kiss.” Everypony shot her looks of shock, Rarity almost poked Rainbow Dash with a pin. “You what?!” she screamed. “He kissed me.” Violet confirmed. All around, Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity were feeding Violet a bunch of questions about her date. “How old is he?” “What colour is his mane?” “His coat?” “His eyes?” “How did it go?” “His he nice?” “Does he respect you?” Violet took a deep breath an answered their questions. “18, light blue, golden yellow, icy blue, great, yes and yes!” The mares squealed. Violet soon had said mares hugging her, squeezing out all the breath in her body. “Discord! Help!” she wheezed. Discord snapped himself into a security guard uniform and blew a whistle. “Alright ladies back up now. Give her some air, please.” When the mares let go, Violet took a big breath of air. “Thanks Discord.” she said, still wheezing. “Don’t mention it.” he said, snapping away the uniform. It turned out that Violet was the first in the group to be kissed. After Rarity had jotted down everyone’s measurements, they followed Rainbow Dash outside. “Here’s was a Sonic Rainboom is,” she said, taking to the skies. Applejack nudged Violet in the ribs. “Watch this.” Violet’s eyes never left Rainbow as the cyan pegasus flew to an exceeding height. When the pony was high enough, she started to plump it down. Violet let out a yelp as she saw Rainbow Dash fall. She spotted something appear in front of Rainbow’s hooves, it looked like a ray of light. “Here it comes!” cried Twilight. Violet’s mouth dropped when she saw the light getting tighter and tight, until…BOOM! In a flash of colour, a rainbow appeared from behind Rainbow Dash and trailed her wherever she flew. “OH. MY. GOSH!” Violet cried. When Rainbow Dash finally landed, Violet was frozen in shock. “That Violet, was a Sonic Rainboom.” she said, grinning. “That was amazing!” Violet said. “It is, isn’t it, I’m the only pony who can do such a thing. The first time I did a Rainboom was when I was a filly. That’s how I got my cutie mark.” Rainbow explained. “Actually, we all owe our marks to Dashie,” said Twilight. Violet raised an eyebrow. “How so?” “Well, when I got my cutie mark. I was trying to pass a test to get into Princess Celestia’s school for Gifted Unicorns. I had to hatch a dragon egg, but for some reason I couldn’t. I was sure I was going to fail, then this rainbow came out of nowhere. Somehow my spell worked, but it worked a little too well. However, I did manage to hatch the egg. But when my magic had settled, Princess Celestia could see how powerful I was, so she made me her personal student. Then my cutie mark appeared.” Twilight explained. Violet’s eyes widened. “That was also when I met Spike.” Twilight said, giving the dragon a pat on the head. “When I got my cutie mark, I was living on this boring rock farm with my family. There was no smiling, no playing, only rocks. Then I saw this rainbow appear. I had never felt joy like that in my life and I wanted everyone I knew to be happy too. So I planned a party for my parents and sisters. That was the first time they had ever smiled. That’s how I got my cutie mark.” Pinkie said. “When I got my mark, I wanted more than living the farm life, so I left Sweet Apple Acres to live with my Aunt and Uncle Orange. Turned out that I missed farm life and my family. But when the rainbow appeared, it pointed me the way home. That’s when this thing appeared.” said Applejack, pointing to her flank. “When I got my cutie mark, I was making costumes for the school play. They weren’t fabulous enough, for my taste. Then one day, my horn started acting funny, it led me up into these rocky outcrops. I wasn’t sure why it had led me there, until I saw this rainbow appear and a rock in front of me cracked open, revealing hundreds of beautiful gems. I used those gems to make my costumes fabulous. Then my cutie mark appeared.” Rarity explained. “When I got my cutie mark, I was being bullied for my weak flying skills. Fortunately, Rainbow Dash stood up for me. She challenged the bullies to a race, but I got knocked off the cloud I was standing on. Luckily, a cloud of butterflies caught me. I had never seen a butterfly before, since they don’t fly as high as Cloudstale. I was enjoying the company of the animals, but then this rainbow appeared and scared the animals into hiding. That’s when I realised my gift of talking to animals, then my mark appeared.” Fluttershy explained. Violet stared at the Mane Six. “The rainbow they all saw was my first Sonic Rainboom.” Rainbow Dash said. “That’s so cool, it’s like you girls had a connection before you even met.” said Violet. Slowly, Violet learned more about her friends and they became very close. One month later Violet was sleeping in her bed, enjoying her dream. To her shock she was woken up by a loud whistle blow. She yelped and fell out of her bed. Her vision blurry, she saw the outline of a mismatched figure. “Discord?! What are you doing? It’s six o’clock in the morning.” she demanded. “Violet get up; the girls are outside waiting. We have a train to catch.” he said. Violet groaned, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. “Pack your stuff, we have to go.” Discord said, running out the door. Still sleepy, Violet packed her personal stuff into her saddle bag. She draped the blanket over her body and wrapped her scarf around her neck. Violet fluttered downstairs and outside into the dark night sky, the sun was starting to peak out over the horizon. The rest of the group were there, all looking tired and eating bits of toast. “Come on y’all, that train won’t wait forever.” Applejack said, sleepily. The group made their way to the station. “Okay everypony, has everyone got their tickets?” Twilight asked. “Yeah.” they said, holding up their tickets. Twilight checked everyone was there, just as the train rolled into view. “All aboard to Canterlot!” called the conductor. “That’s us, come on guys lets go.” The group of seven slowly walked onto the train and found their seats. Violet practically collapsed into her seat, Rarity had to get help from Discord to get her suitcases onto the train. Their dresses and suits for the Gala were in those suitcases. Violet couldn’t keep her eyes open as the train rolled out of the station. They were on their way to Canterlot. Violet woke up to sunlight blazing in her eyes. The train was still going and her friends were still asleep. Violet looked out the window to watch each beautiful scene. Eventually she got bored and pulled out a book. Twilight had given it to her as something to do on the train. After reading for a few minutes, she heard her friends stir. “Morning.” she said. “Good morning Violet.” Fluttershy said. “Morning y’all!” Applejack called. Rarity removed her mask and rubbed her eyes. “Good morning.” she chimed. Soon the only one who was still asleep was Discord, snoring away in his seat. Violet saw that Rainbow had a black marker with her. An idea popped into Violet’s head. “Dashie, can please borrow that marker.” “Sure, why do you need it.” Violet took the marker in her mouth. “Watch this.” Violet pulled the lid off the pen and tiptoed over to Discord. Careful not to wake him, she started to draw on his forehead. The other ponies and Spike saw what she was doing and stared at her. Violet then pulled away, revealing that she had written ‘I’m an Alien’ on Discord’s head. Everyone started giggling, Spike got up to wipe it off but Violet stopped him. “Let him find out himself.” Just then, Discord woke up, completely oblivious to the writing on his head. “Morning girls, we almost there yet?” “Nearly, give it about another 15 minutes.” said Twilight, trying to hid her laugh. Discord somehow didn’t notice and snapped up some pancakes, scrambled eggs and buttered toast. “How about we have a proper breakfast?” “I’m down with that!” Violet cried, taking a plate and helping herself. All through breakfast, Discord was wondering why the mares and Spike kept sniggering at him. After the fifteen minutes passed, they were off the train. Violet stared at the beautiful city of Canterlot, then at the palace that stood high above. “That’s where we’re staying.” said Twilight. The walk to the palace was tricky for Discord, because ponies seemed to keep looking at him weird. Course he thought it was because of his past. Inside the palace, they were greeted by a tall white alicorn with a flowing mane of green, blue, pink and cyan. Sitting on top of her head was a golden crown with a single amethyst in it. This was Princess Celestia. “Twilight! Welcome back.” she said, elegantly. “It’s good to be back, I’ve brought my friends with me.” The six ponies, dragon and Discord came forward, holding bags. Celestia spotted Violet in the crowd. “Who’s this?” she asked, indicating Violet. The pegasus stepped slowly forward. “Celestia, this is Violet. The human I was telling you about.” Violet walked up to Celestia and bowed. “It is an honour to meet you, your majesty.” “The honour is mine Violet-Rose; I look forward to hear all about humans.” “Thank-you, your highness.” Celestia then saw Discord, but noticed the writing on his forehead. “Discord, what’s that on your head?” she asked, trying to stifle a laugh. At that everyone started laughing. Discord looked at them in confusion. “What are you talking about?” He reached up and touched his forehead, then looked down at his eagle claw, a black smudge was visible. “NO!” In a panic he snapped up a mirror and looked at his reflection. “WHAT THE HECK!!!” he cried, shaking the room. No one could control themselves anymore and kept laughing, even Celestia. Discord’s face blushed bright red as he snapped up a cloth. He pointed accusingly at Violet. “Violet did you do that when I was sleeping?!” Violet could only laugh. “Was that on my head the whole morning?” More laughter from Violet. “I was wondering why everyone was looking at me funny when I was getting off the train.” he muttered, the message completely wiped off. “That’s what you get for waking me up by blowing a whistle in my face.” Violet choked out. “Wait?” Twilight shot a look at Discord. “You blew a whistle in her face when she was sleeping!” “Yeah so?” said Discord, looking very grumpy. “I’m sorry Discord, but you should have expected something like that. You just got a fresh serving of Karma.” Twilight said the last line in a triumphing tone. “I didn’t think that you, Discord, of all ponies would have gotten a slice of Karma.” Celestia chuckled. Discord rolled his eyes., then patted Violet on the head. “I don’t know how you manage to prank me so many times, but you did get me good.” He threw his arms in the air. “What the hell?! Ponies look at me funny all the time!” This caused another uproar of laughter. “What’s going on?” called a voice. Everyone turned to see a dark blue alicorn with a flowing mane like the night sky. The mare was slightly smaller than Celestia. “Violet, this is my little sister. Princess Luna,” said Celestia. “Luna, this is Violet-Rose. The Human.” Luna raised an eyebrow. “But Sister, this is just a normal pegasus pony?” “Yeah about that, I turned her into a pony because it was the only way for her to move around.” Discord explained. “Right.” Celestia glanced over at Violet. “Violet, would it be okay for us to see what a human looks like?” “I guess, but only for a minute.” Violet replied. Without being asked, Discord snapped his fingers and Violet turned back into her old self. Her T-shirt was the same, as were her jeans. But her hair and skin was clean and groomed. Celestia and Luna gazed at her open mouthed. “Whoa, thou must walk on two legs?” said Luna. Violet raised an eyebrow at Luna. “Why are you talking like that?” “Forgive my sister, she’s a few centuries behind.” Celestia explained. “That’s fine, now can I please get turned back before someone sees.” “Way ahead of ya, Vi!” called Discord, snapping her back into a pony. “Now that’s taken care of, we’ll take you to your rooms.” Celestia and Luna led the group up into a hallway. Along the hallway were several doors. “This is the guest quarters; you’ll be staying here. We have also been informed of your plus ones arriving tomorrow for the Gala.” Luna explained. Violet blushed slightly. It had been a week since she had seen her boyfriend. In the past month, they had gone on small lunch meetings and walks, but nothing too big. Comet, the CMC and a few ponies that Violet didn’t know were arriving the next day. “Each of your rooms has a picture of your cutie mark on the door, except for you Discord. Your room is the door with the checked pattern.” Celestia explained. Violet quickly found her room and gawked at the interior of the room. The bed was double four-poster, with silk pillows and sheets. The outer sheet was a deep violet, with a rose pattern. Violet started unpacking her suitcase and backpack. She placed the perfumes she had made for them to wear on the vanity. They were all labelled with the name of the pony it was for. ‘Cool Breezes’ for Rainbow, ‘Cotton Candy’ for Pinkie, ‘Lavenders’ for Rarity, ‘Apple Cider and Cinnamon’ for Applejack, ‘Mixed Berries’ for Twilight, ‘Tulips’ for Fluttershy and her special ‘Violet-Rose’ perfume for herself. After unpacking, she went to check on her friends. She stopped at Rainbow Dash’s room, which had a beautiful Olympus theme to it, with Rainbow banners decorating the walls, and the bed sheets had a hue of rainbow. “Cool room.” she said, watching Rainbow plaster Wonderbolt posters on the walls. “Thanks, hey that prank you pulled on Discord today was priceless! How did you do that without him waking up?!” “Dunno, I guess he’s pretty vulnerable when he’s sleeping.” Violet chuckled. She then spotted one of the posters. It was of a Wonderbolt stallion, with a light blue coat and black mane which was thrown back and behind his goggles, Violet could see that his eyes were bright green. Violet then saw that Rainbow Dash had obviously drawn a heart around his face, underneath she had written ‘RD + SS’. “Who’s that?” Violet innocently asked. Rainbow Dash paled and snatched the poster away. “No pony! Just a guy…I fancy.” Violet squinted at the blushing pegasus, it didn’t take her long to figure out what it was. “Oh! You’ve got a crush!” “No I don’t! Tomboys don’t have crushes!” “Hey, I used to have a human friend who was the biggest tomboy and she always had crushes.” Rainbow sighed defeated. “Alright I’ll tell you, his name’s Soarin Skies or Soarin. He’s the Co-Captain for the Wonderbolts, I met him last year’s Gala. I ended up saved his behind several times after that, so I guess he was the damsel in distress while I was the knight in shining armour. Anyway, one time when I was saving him, we both ended up in hospital with a broken wing. It was then that I fell for him. He’s coming to the Gala tomorrow night and I hope to ask him out.” Rainbow finished her story with a blush. “Well go for it girl. He’s quite the looker.” Violet said, slapping Rainbow on the back. “Thanks, ya know Violet. I think we get along very well.” “Thanks RD, I’m going to check up on the others.” Violet stopped at Applejack’s room; which had been decorated with green wall paper with an apple pattern. There were also beautifully carved woodworks, such as the dressing table and picture frames. The bed spread was checked brown and yellow. Applejack was humming a tune while hanging a picture of her family on the wall, but the Applejack, Big Mac and Apple Bloom in the picture were foals; picture Apple Bloom was just a tiny baby while AJ and Big Mac looked around six to ten years old. Standing over them were two ponies that Violet didn’t recognise. They were a mare and a stallion. The mare was peach coloured, with an orange curly mane, freckles and teal green eyes. The stallion looked almost exactly like Apple Bloom, but his build was similar to that of Big Mac. His coat was bright yellow, and his mane was long and the colour of red apples. On his head was a cowboy hat. Violet instantly recognised the hat to be Applejack’s hat. “They your parents?” Violet asked. “Yeah…I think that was taken a few months before…” “Hey, if you’re not comfortable with saying it, don’t say it.” Violet said, putting a hoof on AJ’s shoulder. “So, why are you here Violet, besides looking through my personal belongings.” “I just came to check up on you, hard to believe that the Gala’s tomorrow night.” Applejack chuckled. “Yeah, the CMC were excited when we told them they were going to the Gala. Apple Bloom screamed at a volume that alerted all of Ponyville.” "Yeah I heard, I swear your sister is part vulture.” Violet said, snickering. Applejack laughed. “The CMC are gonna be sharing a room down the hall, it’s not far from our rooms so if they’re in need of somethin, they can come get us.” “That’s smart, I’ll go check on the others.” said Violet, heading for the door. “That’s fine, see ya around Violet.” Violet knocked on Twilight’s room. “Come in!” called a voice. Violet entered the room and saw that Twilight’s room was themed after the stars and constellations. Even the bed spread had a pattern of constellations. Twilight was arranging her books with her magic. “Oh hey Violet, what are you here for?” “Nothing just checking up on everyone.” “That’s sweet.” said Twilight. Violet then saw that Spike’s basket was sitting at the foot of the bed. The baby dragon was helping Twilight unpack. “Why don’t you have your own room?” Violet asked. “It would be a waste of a room, because I’m small. All I need is my basket. Besides I’ve always shared a room with Twilight.” Spike explained. “Oh I guess that makes sense.” Violet said. “Twilight?” she asked. “Yeah?” “Do you have a date coming for the Gala?” Twilight bit her lip. “Well…for some time I have had a thing for this guard. His names Flash Sentry and he’s kinda cute.” Violet giggled. “Sounds like you have a crush on this Flash Sentry.” Twilight blushed. “Maybe, but I really don’t think that a coltfriend is necessary this minute. I have my studies you know.” “I understand, though I think you should just focus on the Gala, it might be wise for you to let your brain relax for a couple hours.” Twilight finished stacking her books on the shelf. “I guess I do need a break from everything. Thanks for the advice Violet.” Violet beamed. “Happy to help!” she said, walking out the door. Her next stop was Rarity’s room. “Hey Rarity!” she chimed. The unicorn jumped. “Violet darling, you startled me!” The fashionista gasped. “Sorry, I was just checking on you. Hey nice room.” Rarity’s room was themed like a palace. The walls were cream coloured with gold trims. The carpet was pearly white and her bed was a double four-poster like everyone elses. The sheets were white and silky, while the outer sheet was a deep rich purple, same as Rarity’s mane. “It is isn’t it darling, I just can’t wait for the Gala tomorrow night.” “Meet neither, do you have a date Rarity. With your beauty and generosity, you must have somepony.” Rarity blushed. “Thank you for the compliment darling and I do hope to court somepony.” “Really? Who?” Violet asked. “A stallion named Fancy Pants,” She was cut off by Violet sniggering. “Sorry, it’s just I’ve never heard of someone with the name ‘Fancy Pants’. Back in my old world, the term ‘Fancy Pants’ was used to mock people.” Rarity gasped as if she had stepped on a thorn. “Well your species must be some of the rudest beings to walk on earth.” “Not all of us, you don’t think I’m rude do you?” Violet asked, with a pout. “Of course not darling, forgive me for saying such things.” Rarity said. “It’s fine, so tell me more about Fancy Pants.” Violet asked. Rarity cleared her throat and spoke in a high class tone. “He is the most important pony in all of Canterlot. I bumped into him last year in the street. Mind you he was with another pony then, but recently he broke up with her due to some issues. That means I finally have a chance with him. I may have fallen for him…” Rarity trailed off with a blush. “Wow, he sounds great. You deserve him.” said Violet. “Thanks Violet. By the way, how is it that for someone who has had no experience with high class society, knows exactly what to say.” Violet shrugged. “I dunno, a gift I guess. Well, I’m going to check on the other three.” Violet knocked on Pinkie’s door and shielded her eyes from the intense pink of the room. Pinkie’s room was decorated with party supplies and balloons. Even the bed spread had a balloon pattern. “Violet! How are you doing?” asked the party pony. “Fine, what about you?” “ I’m okie dokie lokie Violet. I just can wait for the Gala tomorrow night! It’s like the biggest party of the year!” “So…have you got a date for the Gala?” Pinkie’s face fell. “No, at least not yet. Maybe when I do, he’ll be a Super Duper Party Pony like me!” Violet chuckled. “You really like parties don’t you. It’s no wonder why you’re the Element of Laughter.” “Indeed a roonie! What about you Violet. I heard you have a coltfriend now.” “That is correct, he’s coming tomorrow.” Pinkie hugged Violet. “Well I hope everything goes well for you too, my Pinkie Sense tells me that this relationship is going to go places.” Violet blushed. “Well, glad your settling in quickly. I’m going to check on Fluttershy.” Violet knocked on the door to Fluttershy’s door. “Come in!” she called. Violet admired the green décor of Fluttershy’s room. Said pegasus was sitting on her silky bed, talking to Angel Bunny. “Violet! What are you doing here?” “Nothing, just checking on everyone. How are doing?” “Good thanks.” Violet sat down on the bed with Fluttershy. “So…remember about what you were telling me about Discord?” Violet asked. Fluttershy blushed. “Of course, I really wish he would dance with me at the Gala. But I don’t think that he’d want to be anything more than friends.” Violet was shocked. Fluttershy thought that Discord only wanted them to be friends. Oh how wrong she was! “Don't you dare say that! He cares very much about you and didn’t you two dance at my Welcome Party?” “I guess you’re right, oh Violet I hate it when he says that he’s a monster. He doesn’t know how handsome he is. I remember when I first reformed him. He had turned Sweet Apple Acres into an ice rink and I got mad. He asked me to skating with him, but I threw the skates into the ice. I felt so stupid, because I broke his heart. I realised that he was just somepony who only wanted a friend. But after I snapped at him, I don’t know if he will ever forgive me for that. Violet, he was so hurt that he turned everything back…for me.” Fluttershy started sobbing, Violet stared at her shocked. “Fluttershy, I…I…didn’t know.” “I didn’t expect you too.” Fluttershy whispered. Angel Bunny snuggled under his owner’s arm. “It’ll be okay, don’t worry about it too much. I can promise you this, if he refuses to dance with you, I’ll force him too.” This got a short giggle out of the two mares. “Thank you Violet. You really know what to say in these situations.” “I’ll be going now, don’t want to disturb you any longer.” Violet said, getting up from the bed. “Bye Violet, thanks for the advice.” Violet walked down to Discord’s room. It wasn’t hard to find as his room had a red and black door. Violet knocked on the door. “Discord, you in?” she called out. “Come on in Violet.” He answered back. Violet stepped inside and instantly regretted it. The walls were checkered black and purple. While the quilt on the bed was checkered black and red. But what made Violet feel dizzy was the fact that all the furniture was floating. Discord was gliding around the room, humming a tune. “Hey Violet, like what I’ve done with the room.” “It’s…very colourful.” she murmured. “Oh sorry, are you getting dizzy?” he asked. “Yeah, can you please stop the furniture from moving?” “Fine!” Discord snapped his fingers and the furniture stopped moving and went back to their original spots. Violet regained her sight and faced Discord. “What was that tune you were humming?” she asked, curious. “Just something I wrote for Fluttershy. I plan to sing it to her at the Gala.” Violet stared at him. “You sing?” “Yeah, I may be the Lord of Chaos but it doesn’t mean I don’t have other hobbies besides causing chaos. I’ve been working on this song since you gave me that advice on dating. I think it’s done.” “Could you sing a little for me, I promise I won’t tell.” Violet pleaded. “No can do Violet. It’s meant to surprise everyone. You’ll hear it tomorrow night.” Discord explained. Violet pouted. Meanwhile, in another part of the castle. “Sister? Are you certain it’s her?” Luna asked. “Positive. She looks very much like her, she even has the same eyes.” “Do you think her mother told her about Equestria and the You-Know-What.” Celestia turned away from her sister, facing a portrait of two yellow pegasus mares, one had short curly red hair, violet eyes and thick green glasses, while the other mare had pink shoulder length hair and bright green eyes. “It’s been years since we’ve seen Posey. Do you think she’s here too? Rosey has never been the same since her sister left us.” Luna asked. “I don’t know; I’ve only seen Violet.” said Celestia. Luna stared at her sister. “Tia…what happens when she finds out that she’s here? What happened at the Canterlot Wedding was nothing compared to what she can and will do to Violet?” Celestia sighed deeply. “I don’t know Lulu; all we can do right now is hope that Chrysalis doesn’t find her. Maybe its best if Violet goes home to the Human World.”