Yay! First!

"She hasn’t been this excited since the last gladiatorial matches that occurred some fifteen hundred years ago."

I like your Luna a lot now.

Me thinks Rarity has  something (someone) else on the mind, not the dresses.  Like a certain unnamed marshal.

so I'm assuming graves got a ticket as well? or will spike decide he doesn't want to go and give his ticket to graves? Ooh does spike know about Rarity and Graves growing "friendship"? Could lead to a moment of maturity with Spike giving his ticket to Graves so as to let him go with Rarity!

Celestia, what have you unleashed?

The plot thickens...

... Am I the only one playing the Opera Balroom Waltz from FFVI and VIII on iTunes while reading this story?

Hmmm... 1:30 time to go to be..*bing* new chapter! Darn you J! Must read!

Keep them coming! Love your stories! Didn't need sleep anyway

Love this series, more sir, more.

Oh boy, I sense another disaster...

So that is probably the best Luna ever. Just sayin'

But now, as I look into my crystal ball, the future is revealed to me. I see:

-Spike happily giving away his ticket to the marshal, not wanting a repeat of last year.

-Rarity and Blueblood getting a little...heated over the events of last time

-Graves coming coming to Rarity's rescue when Blueblood goes to far.

-Rarity and Graves having (iirc) their first kiss.

And that is all I see for now. Let us see how this unravels and how close I get.

Well, another story in the epic continuation of humanized Equestria by Mr. GentlemanJ

However, I was expecting Graves to pop out and say:

"No-one bothering to ask me about my opinion?"

But, still excited about this, *Gives salute*

As always, GJ, Do your best and put your awesome skills to the test!

Foreshadowing about the getting locked up thing mabe..........mabe?

Five moustaches for the the good Gentleman, 'cos every chapter is 20% cooler than the last.

This Luna knows how to have fun. Or something.

Glad I finished getting caught up with the previous stories last night, it's always more fun to read and comment along as the story is published.

yes new chapter! I don't think all them uptight people will like the sight of Graves at the Gala.

good chapter, but it's a shame we didn't get to see graves at all.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I WORSHIP YOU!*bows down*

And so it begins...

this gonna be good

New story? YES! YES!!!

INSTANT FAV!

Meanwhile elsewhere in Ponyville...

Graves: Why do I have the sudden urge to run.

Hehe, nyice chapter!

I wonder how Graves will be dragged in to this event

Another story in the Graverse? I can dig it.

And I spot a Romance tag, so I can only assume that Rarity will only get closer to the Grave(s). Wow, that's morbid.

Oh well, on with you. There needs to be more.

so I bumbled into one of these and I could not help but go back to the first and marathon them all up to this point.

Good stuff. Usually don't like humanized anything in MLP but I think I rather like this.

So...What is Grave's cutie mark?

How have I never seen these featured before? These are brilliant! I just finished reading all of them, and I can't wait for more. I fully anticipate you knocking this story out of the park.

I've always been fascinated with humanized mlp, and this does a superb job with it. Well done.

YEAH! YES YES YES I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

:D

Not to be rude, but do you have an editor? I sometimes see some fairly obvious typos that can be corrected very easily, and I'm wondering if it's just because you don't have anyone helping out with editing?

Haha, yes! The plot thickens! Graves isn't going to know what hit him! On a more serious note, I love how you've set the previous stories up for us to be rooting for the poor bastard in a situation in which he's bound to at least be a little uncomfortable. You've set this up brilliantly.

I'll be surprised if that night doesn't include a certain prince getting clocked by a certain soldier.

Prepare the spell gun.

A certain upstart is getting his come-uppence soon.

>>994814994814

Haha, if he was nervous about his little "date" with Rarity, what do you think he'll feel about taking her to a high class party?

>>994929994929 I imagine he would rather take on that Chimera again. I don't blame him, either.

>>994952994952

Yeah. Kinda ironic though; A man who can face the mightiest of beasts...is scared of a date.

I suspect changeling Twilight.. just because of that comment you said about " Had Rarity been in a clearer state of mind, she would immediately have noticed that Twilight’s logic was completely inconsistent with her normally stickler-for-the-rules character."  ... Let's see where this goes..

I WORSHIP YOU J*Bows down in reverance*

I see where this is going, just make sure blueblood gets punched in the face. Or not. Either way it's bound to be entertaining.

>>994981994981 Ah, but facing the mightiest of beasts, the only thing that is being tested, the only thing that is on display, is your mettle: your strength of body coupled with your discipline and strength of mind. On a date with a woman like Rarity, your wit, your social grace, your charm, and most horribly, your dancing, are on display. The man under the mettle is being displayed for all the world to see, and this is a situation out of which one cannot simply fight one's way. At the end of a battle, if you fail, you die; your suffering is over. If he fails at this, he suffers on.

>>995177995177

That was a hilariously accurate description of the horrors that our dear marshal dreads to face. I award you a Scootaloo of Lucidity for your marvelous words.

>>995177995177

Well said, my friend.

And some ladies wonder why men are so nervous on their dates.

>>995280995280 YES! Validation! Now if only I could actually right that kind of conflict, instead of only action stories. Oh well, only way to get better is to practice.

>>995294995294 See, you get it! There should be a book, or something, for women. It should explain all the things that cause men to be uncomfortable when socializing with women. Then they would at least understand what's going on, and why we'd rather wrestle a man twice our size than do certain things that they want us to do.

>>995280995280 You seem to be handing out a lot of pegasi today...

Where are you getting them all from!

>>995605995605

I have a a secret store of ponies that I keep for just such occasions. Ask no more. In return, I give to you an Applejack of Convenient Silence.

Oh boy. Graves is not gonna have the night of his life.

Ooh, ooh. Can I get a unicorn? pwease? I'll trade you an awesome cosplay for it.

With all the comments being said, I conclude that GRAVES. IS. SCREWED.

When their at the Gala Graves has got to find a excuse to defend Raritys honor (punching blueblood might do it) to become pretty much everthing she wants.

Hmmm...No Graves in a Dress Uniform displaying all his medals? T'would be a good way to bring them into the story...

Actually, I was really hoping for that. I have no clue why, I just do.

Praise Luna, I love this!

       -Delta-

>>996952996952

I agree with that Graves should be in Uniform.

Why? Be because their is this line that has been passed down through the ages. "There is something about a man in uniform..."

A long introduction... A Romance Tag... Interesting

I have got a question:

Why the Gran Galà is "Galloping" in the Gravesworld? Now, they are humans, they haven't got any connection with the equin world.

In the next chapter you may explain that.

You explain divinely the Spike's physical differences in the frist chapter.

>>10000021000002

There really is no explanation for the naming. I separately defined Spike because I had planned to use those characteristics (which differ from dragons, who will serve a distinctly different function) in later stories. I kept the equine based names from the show simply because I like them: they're fun and full of puns, which just doubles the fun. Why would I mess with such a great thing?

The fecal matter is about to make high-velocity contact with the air circulation mechanism.

Where can I get the covers for your stories? They're really beautiful and would really like to know who did them. So what is the source for this story?

>>10129421012942

This piece is was created by jadenkaiba, and can be found at his deviant art gallery at the following:

http://jadenkaiba.deviantart.com/art/Commission-MLP-Gala-Dresses-Human-Versions-282852480

It really is a masterpiece.

I have read all of the series up to this point and I have to say you have done an excellent job on it! I really want to see how this plays out, but the wait is killing me! Keep it up and good work on the Graves series!

Dis gon be gud.

Why give Graves formal apparel? Doesn't he have the formal Marshall uniform along with his belongings?

>>10243111024311

There's formal, and then there's fashionable. Bonus points if you can guess what Rarity prioritizes.

.... SHENANIGANS!!!

Graves and Shinning Armor really good friends? I can dig that.

Oh, I love this development. Can't wait to see the reactions when Graves finds out just who Shining's little sister is.

Do you have a high-res version of that pic?

"So, how's Ponyville?"

"Your sister turned me into a six year old."

"...o-kay."

I sense complicated scheming on Rarity's part......

Why can't I stop smiling! I don't want to stop smiling but my mouth begins to hurt... can somebody help me stop smiling! HELP!

But seriously, this chapter made me smile, a lot. Can't wait for the next chapters!

... Oh. And here I thought that Rares had asked Twi for some help, so that he'd be free to go to the Gala... *Le Sigh*

Haha, Graves and Shining Armor as battle buddies?! The plot thickens!

I can only imagine Shining Armor, given his quirks in this chapter, to somehow drag Graves out of the boring "tests" and into the Gala, finding out that him and Rarity have a thing going on, and attempt to hook them up while embarrassing his younger sister and possibly Cadence!

I can see shinning armour and graves being real bros together playing all sorts of pranks, well graves is just dragged along but yeah they seem like real bros

OOOOh and the plot thickens.    Yes.  Fusion Approves this development.

Besides the comedy when he finds out that Graves has finally met his little sister.

Shining Armor XD you joker. I love it. I know I said this already*About a hundred times I think* BUT YOU ROCK*Tackes GentlemanJ and hugs* You even got a humanized pony fic on Equestria Daily, a site that doesn't take those fics. That says that your Grave fics ROCK ON!

Haha! Let the shenanigans begin!

Love your stories! Thanks for updating

Have a

I call shenanigans by part of Princess Celestia, she conveniently scheduled the marshal exam during the Gala and by part of more shenanigans will have him at the Gala giving her a excuse for him to retire and live happily ever after.... or not.

Congrats, GentlemanJ, you really had me going when they said Graves was placed under arrest.

Fantastic chapter as always. I love that Shining Armor is Graves tormentor/buddy. It's a small world after all(oh god, not THAT song).

>>10252741025274

http://jadenkaiba.deviantart.com/gallery/?q=gala#/d4oeidc

Oh for a second there I thought those other marshals graves owned had managed to frame him.Phew.

>>10280931028093

Thanks

I finally got up to date. Well, all I can say is that damn, you made a great fic buddy. I spent yesterday and today to read all seven fics.

and... I enjoyed every single bit. J you inspired me in how a nicely well paced chronicle of short adventures can make a OC more endearing than a long complicated one. All while representing all the canon characters and there world in the same endearing way. Really I don't care about the whole pony/human switcharoo because they already acted human to began with, I really like how you explained the magic of this universe (except the whole earth pony no magic thing, but I can kinda shrug it off) and the addition to the marshals was cool too. Also Grarity romance comes very welcomed.

You sir deserve a 6/5 moustache rating, an internet, and possibly a seat in the board of EPIC ponyfiction writer.

>>10254731025473 She did. She asked Celestia. The same Celestia who's idea of giving Grave a vacation was ordering him to deliver a message to Twilight Sparkle. A message that was blank until such time he saved them from those rogue marshal's, triggering the spell to reveal; Surprise, you've been reassigned to this peaceful community that doesn't really need constant marshal supervision so I guess you will just have to relax and make some friends! And now by bizarre coincidence the very awkward Graves is in Canterlot during the Gala. As much as he is willing to go along with his friends requests (some more then others) he has previously used 'duty calls' as an excuse to escape from social situations, and now his duty just happens to be stay here in Canterlot.

wow that was enexpectid.

Shining Armor is here to remind you how awesome he is

And to torment you until kingdom come

I love these stories. Every one is not only really well written and believable, but has true emotion in it. You, sir deserve many a moustache.

Also, BSG reference? I think yes!  (Gonna go reread previous "episodes" now)

"a hero of your caliber" A hint towards Grave's medals perhaps?

Definitely looking interesting but why do I get the feeling his two tour of duty is going to be something like escorting the mane six around. *smiles wryly*

Something tells me that the General has plans for Graves...and the mission might not be what Graves thinks it is.

And I've probably said this before but I'll say it again. THIS FIC ROCKS!*pounces and kisses cheek*

What a tweest! I do so hope he doesn't go away for that long

yes yes yaz this series is briliant keep the up the fantastic work bro.

...Graves, you goddamn idiot.

So...Will he sneak into the Gala to say his final goodbyes?

Love that picture...

Love that description...

*Adds to read later list*

This is getting rather long... Never enough time to read all of the amazing stories  

Aaww man. He surely has put himself in a difficult situation

That moment when you notice Spike is in the bar with luna agian getting drunk.

Image: http://wildcritters.ws/data/dbf6520c5eb02e5919e15c439099efd0.png

Sorry I know it's far from your Story but the picture is just to funny.

MOAR CHAPTERZ!

YES story update! I mean... I need to go to bed it's 3....

Sleeps overrated anyway

10/10

Take all the moustache!

.... ya I'm tired...

So here is what I see happening.

- The mission is going to be something like,go to the Gala with a fine lady(wink, wink. nudge, nudge)

- the "crash course" is going to be something along the lines of ballroom dancing and how to be prim and proper.

- The mission may entail getting engaged to a lady, that way he has to settle roots and get a reason to always return.

Anyway, that's is about how I see the arch of the story going. Well done Gentleman, well done.

I noticed a typo in the last paragraph. You said "he'd once promised to be back promptly after a two-excursion forest that had extended into six". You mean "he'd once promised to be back promptly after a two day forest excursion that had extended into six" Right?  

I have a funny feeling that this "Crash course" is going to be relationship training. If i'm right, I could only imagine the look on Graves' face

>>11193491119349>>11193841119384>>11210821121082>>11211811121181

So... I've read your comments, and I do hope it really goes that way. However, there's something that bugs me....

Ironside said Graves may never return to Ponyville...your thoughts?

>>11213791121379 Get married ta Rarity and live in Canterlot. Presumably he's such a good soldier they'd want him to be working for the palace. If he;s in Canterlot I figure the mane 6 would be visiting him more than he would visit them. Theories Away!

>>11217371121737

...Plausible.

>>11213791121379 Could be what Maskedferret said, or could be Ironside just making it up to make it seem that he won't see Ponyville ever again. Who knows.

>>11213791121379 >>11217371121737

I can see what maskedferret says being true but I have my own theory based on what I remember of the chapter(I was exhausted at the time and I don't want to look for one tiny line). Ironside might be talking with technicalities. Graves as the lone Marshall won't return to Ponyville. However Graves as a Mr. Rarity (if you will) will return. I say technicalities because being married would change his social status and he would be a "different" man.

Or he just gets a promotion that usually confines him to Canterlot and he can only occasionally visit Ponyville. But I like my first one better.

P.S. I just know GJ is reading these and getting a good laugh out of our Gypsy Barding; trying to the telling future and what not,. that and he is probably evilly cackling because he has one of two plans.

1) He follow what we think and we get all the warm and fuzzies from the romance

2) He does the other kind of great writing and hurts the characters we've come like(Graves) and possibly destroy what he has (Rarity's heart)