Chapter Preview: The Princess and her Warrior · 12:00am Dec 22nd, 2016
The first scene of the next exciting chapter to A Journey Beyond Sanity! This time, no monsters, no friendship issues, no end of the world dilemmas. With Tirek still a way off, Stardust finds distraction from the looming impending threat in the form of another looming impending danger which could mean the end of everything: a date with his Princess. Enjoy!
"You really think she'll like it?"
"Twilight? She'll absolutely love it!" Spike replied cheerfully, smiling brightly as we headed towards the lit boutique, illuminating the closing night. The sun barely peaked over the far-off hills, darkness making its claim. And Luna was kind enough to have the stars already sparkle beautifully tonight.
At Spike's enthusiasm, I grinned in gratified relief. "You don't know how happy that makes me, Spike." Before gazing at the close building, where the occupants within awaited us, the apprehension still clear in my tone, "Hopefully I won't be too much of a fail tonight."
"Nah, it'll be fine." Spike winked, moving forward to open the front door for us. "A nice night at the Ponyville restaurant, spending some quality time together without any problems arising whatsoever. The worse that can happen is you losing your temper at the waiter or Twilight forgetting her cue cards for the date."
The very image prompted my chuckle. "Thanks Spike..."
Although, clearly, that did nothing to damper my nervous disposition significantly. This was a moment long coming, very different than the time Twilight and I spent an entire day together at Winsome Falls. No, this time, it was your classic formal dinner date at a fancy restaurant, generously booked for us by a certain Rarity.
Who, meanwhile, was working on Twilight's own dress inside the boutique.
Swallowing more anxiety, I attempted to steel my expression whilst following Spike inside, the dragon announcing to the four mares who welcomed us. "Presenting the stallion of the hour! Ladies."
An impressed whistle was the first response. "Golly. Ya clean up nice Stardust." Applejack complimented with a smile, to which I returned. I suppose the cleaned tuxedo wear, gelled down mane and trimmed beard was impressive to behold. Whooves had to help me put the outfit on.
"Very fitting." Fluttershy pitched in quietly, her content expression more softer than the others.
"You're gonna knock Twilight off her hooves Star!" Rainbow praised exaggeratedly, but even I couldn't help but grin at the positivism. If Rainbow was impressed, then you know you're doing a good job.
Or bad one.
Sombra, please try to refrain from making any unwelcome comments tonight. I'd rather enjoy myself.
"And also!" Gah! God dammit Pinkie! The Earth Pony was right up in my face, bouncing up and down in that energetic personality I've grown use to more than I should have. "You and Twilight are gonna have a really really really fun time! You'll have scrummy fancy food, and then dance, and ooh, maybe have some dessert!"
"Maybe, Pinkie," I humoured the mare, nodding in thanks to Applejack who pulled the overexcited Pinkie away.
"Yes, he does look rather dashing, does he not?" The flatterer that was Rarity appeared from behind the bontique's stage curtains, looking quite pleased with herself, "As expected of a stallion who has received the honour to take a pony of high status to dinner. I have done everything in my power to make both your attires suitable, appealing and the center of attention for all to witness in the glory of two star-crossed lovers!"
"We're not trying to gain attention tonight Rarity, we only intend in enjoying ourselves in each others company." A more than familiar voice spoke up, and our attention turned to the mare walking through the velvet curtains-
Oh... My...
God...
Time froze in place. Literally. There was little I could do to stop it. Everything around me instantly stopped upon the sight of the angel which approached me. A light blue dress, similar to her wear during the gala, except more styled for a fancy dinner attendance than royal ball. The edges of the long dress coated in sparkling gold, glittering off the alicorn perfectly. Tail covered with pins of stars, and mane reorganized to resemble that of a calm waterfall, falling down her right side whereas the left looked more like a stream, the rest curled up in the buns like the style she wore at Shining and Cadence's wedding. Purple sparkling eyes and a small expectant smile met my stunned speechless state.
In short, Twilight Sparkle looked like a Goddess.
"Heheh, cough it up." From the corner of my eye, a disgruntled Applejack handed a satisfied Rainbow a handful of bits. But that was irrelevant for the moment, because before me was something far too impossible for me to be in a relationship with. And that's saying a lot.
Twilight, obviously embarrassed by the staring, briefly glanced away. "So... You like it?"
Like it? "A bit of an understatement..." And from far off, Rarity looked soundly smug.
Have some dignity, boy.
Oh, right.
Shaking out of my stupor, a wide stupid grin was placed on my muzzle. "I don't think... There's anything I could say to accurately describe your beauty, love..."
"That's okay..." Twilight replied rather nervously, looking back with a pleased, flattered and blissful look. "Just that you like it is enough for me. You look very handsome yourself."
"I'm a broken stone compared to an angelic statue."
Twilight blinked, while Rainbow snorted, hovering with a snarky grin. "Very poetic."
For once, I'm inclined to concur with the egotistical pegasus.
"Well... Shall we get going?"
Oh! "Right right, yes, of course." Now I can stop gawking at her like a [BEEP]ing idiot, instead swerving around and offering a limb, which Twilight merrily accepted.
The gorgeous alicorn grinned, calling over her shoulder as we headed towards the door, "Thanks for the help girls. We'll see you later."
"Do tell us everything afterwards!" Rarity replied cheerfully.
"Now y'all have fun!" Applejack added teasingly.
"Don't forget, bring her home by eleven!" Jesus Christ Rainbow...
"And remember, the food is always the best part of a romantic meal!" Uh, thanks Pinkie. Solid advice right there.
"Good luck bro!"
"Hah! Thanks Spike!"
And, as we departed, the anxiety rose in volumes in ways that would put Fluttershy to shame. Or Twilight on a test day. Speaking of the mare, even in the dark I could see she was just as nervous as I was.
I only hoped I wouldn't disappoint her too much tonight.
And if he goofs up on this... Well, as the old saying goes, "Hell hath no fury like a lady's wrath"