The Mane Six gathered at the edge of Ponyville, across the bridge towards Sweet Apple Acres. They were looking at each other with somewhat awkward expressions. The Grand Galloping Gala was a quintessential upper-class event, not really fitting for the bunch of nouvelle-riche and pastoral ponies that they were. But now armed with a realistic expectation, they hoped that at least they could salvage something from the Gala.
Besides, they were also worried about something much more threatening, an ancient being of chaos that was about to be released. Twilight was especially insistent that they have to give it their all to rehabilitate the chaos spirit and turn him into an ally.
Of course, these considerations were all but unknown to the cheerful Spike, who was simply expecting to dance with the two mares in the Gala. Since the Royal Guards were especially busy with a major function taking place in the palace, Twilight elected to simply order a spacious and decent-looking chariot from makers in Canterlot to carry them and their product samples.
Twilight originally just wanted to hire some pegasi to pull their chariot, but at Pinkie’s insistence, the chariot was retrofitted with rotors, pedals and landing skids. This made the chariot into a strange-looking box-shaped helicopter. With the curious gazes of the Ponyville residents, the ‘chariot’ took off and soared rapidly towards Canterlot.
“Wow, Pinkie! Can you slow down this thang a bit?” Applejack yelled, as she was pinned to her seat by the sheer force of acceleration.
“Roger!” Pinkie Pie pulled a handle, and the chariot rapidly decelerated. All ponies and dragon on board were suddenly thrown forward, but most of them managed to keep at their seats by holding tight at something nearby.
“Watch out!” Fluttershy yelped, as a bottle of brandy got loose and shot forward from the back of the chariot. Just when it was about to land on the windscreen and shatter into pieces, Rainbow Dash flew forward and grabbed the bottle, averting a disaster.
“Pinkie, why’s there no safety belt on this chariot?” Twilight asked with a frown.
“Sorry! I forgot to put them in amidst all the excitement!” Pinkie Pie put her tongue out a bit. “Oh, everyone, we’re landing!”
The chariot swept across the night air and landed at a parking space just outside the gate to the venue of the Gala. The other ponies were at first a bit stunned by the sudden appearance of a strange flying chariot, but they simply ignored it and proceeded to the Gala.
The mares and dragon got out of the chariot one by one.
“Now, everyone, we’ll first stick together for the moment and greet Princess Celestia, then we can split up and do whatever we want.” Twilight said. “But if you want to see me, you can check if I’m in the main ball room with Celestia, or at Luna’s room. We’ll then gather at the Gala hall during the banquet for Pinkie’s performance.”
“Princess Luna?” Spike asked. “What are you looking her for?”
“I just want to check up on her. She’s still getting used to the fact that a millennia had passed, and she could use our help.” Twilight explained. “I know she’s not attending the Gala, so I figure that I should make an effort to connect with her.”
The group walked through the elaborately decorated gates and arches, and felt the softness of the red carpet. They eventually entered the castle where the ball took place. Princess Celestia stood regally on the podium and graciously greeted every incoming guest.
“Good evening, Princess Celestia!” Twilight said.
“Twilight! It is so lovely to see my star student, and her lovely group of friends.” Celestia smiled.
“Thank you, Princess, for giving us the opportunity to attend the Gala.” Rainbow Dash said. “Uh…”
Pinkie Pie helped Rainbow to continue her words. “Rainbow Dash and I have planned a little extra performance to… liven up the Gala, so to speak. It’s nothing too outrageous, but it might satisfy even the most etiquette-abiding and formal ponies around here.” She grinned.
“That sounds good. You have my blessings to proceed, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie.” Celestia nodded.
The mares and Spike each greeted the sun princess, and left one by one, until only Twilight and Celestia remained.
“We have a lot to catch up on, princess.” Twilight looked at the receding forms of her friends and smiled. “But forgive my bluntness, is the Gala always so awfully dull that you require our assistance to put some zip into it?”
Celestia’s eyes widened at the brazen remarks of her student, then she chuckled. “Oh my, oh my. My dear student have seen through my intention.”
“After all, you have agreed to Pinkie and Rainbow’s request to ‘liven things up’.” Twilight grinned. “Any savvy pony in Equestria should know that the prankster duo are totally able to cause untold carnage.”
“Ha ha ha, Twilight, you’re such a delight to chat to.” Celestia laughed. “I want you right by my side the entire evening, so we'll have plenty of time together.”
“That’s great.” Twilight said. “But I’m afraid it’s quite difficult with the streams of guests that will soon come in.”
Celestia quietly sighed. “You speak the truth, Twilight.”
“But we can still talk until they started rolling in.” Twilight said, “Besides…”
“Hmm?” Celestia said.
“I would like to see Princess Luna as well.”
“Why would you want to see my little sister, Twilight?” Celestia asked with some surprise in her voice.
“I promised her to be her friend and faithful listener, and I really want to fulfill my responsibility by checking up on her.” Twilight replied.
“Very well, Twilight.” Celestia smiled. “I must admit, you… sometimes give off an aura quite similar to Luna, I think you might be able to help her integrate and adapt to our time.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Rarity, thank ya for agreein’ t’ help me out with those fancy ponies.” Applejack said.
“No problem, Applejack, the Gala hasn’t started yet and there’s plenty of time.” Rarity said. “But we better first put up a Canterlot accent… or in your case, a Manehattan accent. It makes things smoother, you know?”
“Oh, of course.” Applejack grimaced a bit, but she shrugged. “Why, let’s get onto the stoop and grab us some egg cream sandwich.” She made a face at the white mare.
Rarity chuckled and asked. “So what are we going to do?”
“Well, we first try to crack the most difficult nut in the Gala.” Applejack said.
“Y—You don’t mean…?” Rarity asked with slight dread.
“Yes, Prince Blueblood.” Applejack said. “His lands surrounded the Sweet Apple Acres, and we want to expand for a long time. However, that brat has given us cold shoulder even though his estate reeve thought our offer was more than generous. I had even flaunted royal connections through Twilight to no avail. He probably thought it was a waste of time to consort with lower-class ponies.” She let out an angry huff.
“So what are you going to do when you meet him?” Rarity asked.
“No idea. I look for your help because I think you might have a better understanding of him.” Applejack said.
“What? No!” Rarity immediately said. “You and I know very well that we both know equally as much about him. That he is a spoiled royal cousin who has no sense of chivalry whatsoever and do whatever he wants.”
“Eh, in that case we’ll just try talking nicely. If it doesn’t work, we’re going to set him up for something and drag him in front of Princess Celestia to force him to cough up the lands.” Applejack shrugged.
“Prince Blueblood may be an awful pony, but…” Rarity hesitated for a bit. “You know what, there’s no ‘but’. He’s awful, period. Let’s do this.”
“Remember, we’re going to try tact first.”
They trotted up to Prince Blueblood, who was walking casually in the small garden next to the castle. Applejack conveniently picked a rose with her mouth, and took out a bottle of pommeau – a mix of unfermented apple juice and apple brandy that was popular among Canterlot ponies.
Applejack and Rarity walked slowly and reached the white stallion. If he did not open his mouth, he indeed looked reasonably regal and handsome.
“Um, h—” Rarity said.
Prince Blueblood turned, but his gaze was not on Rarity. Instead, it was fixated on Applejack, who was looking at Prince Blueblood with a smile.
He narrowed his eyes and observed the orange mare. She was completely unlike the gaudy noble mares he was so used to meet in Canterlot. She was wearing an apple-themed dress. It was mainly green, evoking the feeling of pastoral life, but it was also adorned with red apples and smart red frills. The mare was wearing a brown cowboy hat. Yet, even with such a rustic look, Blueblood somehow didn’t feel his usual disdain towards the provincials. Instead, he saw the fiery and mischievous look in her eyes and was sort of interested.
He said. “Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood. May I know your name?”
Applejack ignored the awkwardness caused by Blueblood completely ignoring Rarity. She took the rose out of her mouth and put it in the pocket of the white stallion. “It suits your eyes, handsome.” She chuckled. “I’m Applejack.”
Blueblood listened to her impeccable Manehattan accent, and felt even more intrigued by Applejack. ‘What a curious specimen of mare!’ Blueblood mentally exclaimed. She was like an eclectic mix of sylvan charm and sophistication. He felt an urge to know more about this spirited mare in front of him.
But wait, Applejack? Blueblood seemed to remember this name from somewhere.
Applejack observed the white stallion’s expression and smiled. “Why, Your Highness, we did have a correspondence through letters concerning your Lower Canterlot Estates. But unfortunately, it seemed to have gotten lost in transmission.”
“Oh, it’s you!” Blueblood exclaimed. “I have no idea that crummy backwoods hides such a fine gem!”
Applejack tried her best not to show her indignation at her hometown being called a nowhere backcountry, and simply said, “Well, we finally meet in person, my prince.”
“Haw haw, if I saw your cute face before, I would not throw away the letters so casually.” Blueblood unabashedly admitted. “Oh well, for the pleasure of my pretty lady, I shall instruct my royal servants to reopen your application.”
“Oh, that would be most gracious of you, my prince.” Applejack smiled, but couldn’t help and gritted her teeth slightly. “Now, would you be so kind to join me for a drink under the moonlight? I have prepared a bottle of highest-quality pommeau.”
“Oh, how quaint. I love it when mares know their place and placate their better appropriately. Very well, I shall entertain you.” Blueblood guffawed.
Rarity couldn’t stand the sight of the utterly shallow prince anymore, and decided to just sit at a table nearby and wait, silently pondering how on Earth was Applejack able to tolerate the prince’s behaviors without blowing her lid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rarity quietly sipped a champagne at the table, when she saw Applejack walking towards her. Her face was an epitome of exasperation. Her expression was clouded with such darkness that it was enough to shroud the entire Canterlot.
“How does it go? Did anything go wrong?” Rarity asked.
“Nope, everythin’ was right. Horribly right.” Applejack gritted her teeth.
“I knew it was a pain in the plot to deal with the horrible stallion. You also have to act against your honest disposition. I feel for you.” Rarity said.
“Ah technically told no lies during our conversations, but Ah’m really, really economical with the truth.” Applejack sighed heavily. “For instance, he is handsome. But he’s also an unmitigated piece of dreck as a pony. He is gracious, but it’s simply compared to his usual stuck-up self, and because he saw a mare he had his eyes on.”
“So what goes horribly right on your mission of charm?” Rarity smirked lightly.
“He, fer some Celestia-forsaken reason, seemed to be really interested in me.” Applejack shook her head. “Ah just don’t know why. He was such a spoiled brat that he won’t touch cake, why would he be attracted to somepony who has to regularly deal with dirt?”
“I don’t know, you sort of have a wild charm, maybe you remind him of something he never saw in me or other Canterlot mares?” Rarity chuckled. “Plus, you speak in the metropolitan Manehattan accent, which just seemed so… strange and curious compared to your rustic look. He probably thinks you’re some kind of mysterious mare.”
“Thanks fer yer in-depth analysis,” Applejack deadpanned, “But no thanks. Ah want to deal with him as little as possible.”
“So do I.” Rarity laughed. “Now, with the hardest nut cracked, do you need me to deal with other upper-class ponies?”
“Come to think of it, no.” Applejack said. “Mah next opportunity will be during the banquet, when Ah can try to introduce the apple wines Ah’ve brought. Ah can handle this on my own. You need to dance with Spike anyway.” She grinned at the white mare.
Rarity smiled. “Well indeed, I should probably go to look for Spike now. Can’t have him disappointed, can we?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fluttershy wandered into the Royal Garden. She treaded lightly and exhaled quietly. There was a strange silence among the thick foliage. The animals seemed to hide from her sight for the moment, probably due to her new scent and shiny outfit.
A sound of trickling water and familiar whistle was heard. Fluttershy knew it was Mr. Greenhooves, an itinerant gardener who she also met in Ponyville. She decided to just chat with the old pony for the moment to wait for the animals to get used to her and come out, and possibly ask if he had any insights about the royal animals.
The yellow pegasus walked around the bend, and as she expected, she saw the brown pony tending to the hedges. “Hello there, Mr. Greenhooves.”
“Oh? Ah, it’s you, Fluttershy. You joining the Gala this evening too?” Mr. Greenhooves said.
“Yes, but I prefer a quieter place, and I also want to have a look of the rare animals kept at the Royal Gardens,” Fluttershy said, “I heard your gentle whistling, and I figure I should come and greet you.”
“Heh, I just love whistlin' while I work.” Mr. Greenhooves said, “Can’t teach an old pony new tricks, ho ho.”
“Don’t say that. I always like your whistling at work, it’s so soothing and natured, like the chirping of canaries.” Fluttershy said.
“You’re overpraisin’ me, kind Fluttershy. I’m just an old pony who enjoys tending to the greens.” Mr. Greenhooves shook his head and smiled.
“And I’m just a young mare who enjoys the company of animals… and ponies who like the nature like you.” Fluttershy smiled.
“Ha ha, pardon my words, but you’re one curious mare, aren’t ya? Most ponies won’t give a side glance to a wheat-hauling old ponies like me.” Mr. Greenhooves chuckled.
“No offense taken, I guess I’m indeed strange in some sense.” Fluttershy smiled.
“And you’ve changed, Fluttershy.” Mr. Greenhooves said.
“Eh?” Fluttershy was surprised at the gardener pony’s words.
“When we first met in Ponyville, you’re easily one of the shyest and unassertive ponies I’ve ever met.” Mr. Greenhooves said. “You won’t even look me in the eyes when I come to water your flowers. But now, you can casually greet ponies and hold a conversation with them with no trouble.”
“Well, I met Twilight.” Fluttershy said. “She… might have been forceful, but she taught me that it’s not enough to have good will in your heart, you have to reach out to spread it.”
Mr. Greenhooves laughed. “I see, you have some very good friends then.”
“So Mr. Greenhooves, what brings you to Canterlot?”
“Oh, I was just movin’ around to work gardenin’ jobs.” Mr. Greenhooves casually shrugged. “A friend of mine recommended me to the royal steward, so I got to work here for a while. It’s a good stint with good pay, and the environs are nice.”
“So, um, are you familiar with the animal inhabitants in the Garden?”
“Heh, of course!” Mr. Greenhooves grinned. “I’ve spent quite a while with the animals here, they know me and I know them, even by name!”
Fluttershy’s eyes glimmered. “Is this true?”
“Yes! They all hid from me on my first day here. But once you know the ways to approach them without disturbing them, they would become a welcoming bunch.”
Mr. Greenhooves then quietly hushed and took a pallet from his saddlebag. He then gestured the yellow mare to follow him a few steps ahead in a darker corner. Suddenly, a small mouse-like creature ran onto his extended hoof and ate the food.
“Oh! Is that a sugar glider?” Fluttershy asked excitedly.
Mr. Greenhooves let out a quite ‘shh’, but then smilingly said. “Yes, they’re pretty rare in Equestria, since they’re introduced and only kept in Canterlot.”
Suddenly, some rustling was heard in the hedge, then a scaled animal resembling an anteater quickly ascended to a tree.
“That’s a pangolin, or a scaly anteater. They usually live in hollowed out trees.” Mr. Greenhooves explained.
“Whoa, they’re extremely rare, aren’t they?” Fluttershy exclaimed.
“Yes, Fluttershy. Pony expansion have caused their habitats to shrink, unfortunately.” Mr. Greenhooves said. “Anyway, since it is night, most animals we’ll see are going to be nocturnal.”
Fluttershy nodded, then smiled. “Mr. Greenhooves, you’re quite familiar with animals too, aren’t you?”
“You gotta know your way ‘round the bush to tend to it, you know?” Mr. Greenhooves chuckled. “The night’s young, I suppose we can take a stroll to see some more animal residents before I get back to work.”
“That would be most kind of you, Mr. Greenhooves!” Fluttershy beamed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walked around the ball room. The dance hadn’t started yet, and various guests were chatting inside.
“Pinkie, a minute, I have to say a ‘hi’ to the Wonderbolts and tell them our plan of the evening.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Go ahead, Dashie! I’ll wait here for you!” Pinkie grinned.
Rainbow Dash then cantered towards the VIP area, where the two most senior Wonderbolts were about to enter.
“Good evening, Soarin’, Spitfire.” Rainbow Dash greeted.
“Oh, hello there, our illustrious Best Young Flyer.” Spitfire said.
“Indeed, Rainbow Dash, I still remember your amazing stunt in the Cloudeseum. What’s it called again?” Soarin’ said.
“The Rainbow Coriolis.” Rainbow Dash smiled.
Spitfire grinned. “Rainbow Dash, you show great promise as a flyer. Have you ever considered joining the Wonderbolts Academy to test out your true flying skills?”
Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows. She hadn’t expected she would receive an invitation from Spitfire herself. That’s good news, she did not expect to be directly admitted as a member anyway however talented she was.
In any case, she decided to play it cool. “Of course, that would be my pleasure. I’ll submit an application soon.”
She said. “Anyway, a friend and I have obtained the royal permission to hold a performance as part of an impromptu promenade to pep up the Gala. I humbly invite you to view it after the main ball.”.
“Of course, we’ll look forward to it.” Spitfire nodded with a smile.
Rainbow Dash then excused herself from the Wonderbolts, and rejoined Pinkie.
“So Pinkie, have you got all the equipment ready?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Yes! Spotlights, check! Loudspeakers, check! Musical instruments, check! Oh, and the lights and banner for your flight too!” Pinkie winked.
“What about the ponies that would help you out?” Rainbow again asked.
“I’ve gathered somepony that will help us out with the lights in the show. But I haven’t talked with the orchestra yet.” Pinkie said.
“What are we waiting for then? Let’s go get ‘em!” Rainbow said.
The duo trotted up to the orchestra, who was playing some romantic classical music. They patiently waited for the musicians to finish the piece, then they walked onto the stage.
“Sorry for our intrusion.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“You must be Miss Melody.” Pinkie Pie grinned. “I’m Pinkie Pie, and she’s Rainbow Dash.”
“What can we help?” Octavia slightly frowned at the interruption.
“We’ve got the permission from Princess Celestia herself to hold an impromptu prom at the end of the ball. With your expertise, we hope to seek your help in playing some pieces of music.” Rainbow Dash said, and Pinkie Pie took out a few pieces of sheet music.
Octavia and her orchestra players looked at the sheets. “They’re… very curious pieces of music. Did you write them yourselves?” Octavia asked.
“Oh yes!” Pinkie Pie grinned. “And I’m sure that while they’re a bit novel, it definitely still has the gravitas appropriate for this Gala.”
“Well, since it has the princess’s seal of approval, it can’t be that bad.” Octavia shrugged.
“So… You can play all of these?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Of course!” Octavia scoffed. “We’re professionals!”
“I have complete trust in your ability, Octavia.” Pinkie Pie called the mare by her first name, which made her eyes widened in surprise.
“We look forward to your excellent performance.” Rainbow Dash nodded, and rapidly exited the stage together with Pinkie.
“… Hey Pinkie, was it really good to go first-name-basis on somepony you just met?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Silly Dashie.” Pinkie Pie smiled. “Octavia may look serious, but she isn’t the kind of pony who would mind!”
“I guess you know it better than me.” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “I’m going to hang at the Donut Joe’s for now, gotta fill myself up before flying. What about you?”
“I’m going to check if everything’s in place, of course! I still have to move the equipment in from our chariot.” Pinkie Pie said.
“See you after the ball, then.” Rainbow Dash grinned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash walked towards Donut Joe’s shop with light steps. It’s the one only place that she could feel relaxed in this gaudy event. She entered the shop and immediately felt an attack of sweet scent at her nose.
She looked at the table and saw not only Spike, but Rarity sitting next to him. Rainbow Dash then slowly trotted up to the purple dragon and white mare.
Rainbow could hear them talking about some recent happenings. She greeted. “Hello there, dearie lovers.”
Spike was startled by Rainbow’s sudden voice, but Rarity merely turned and smiled, “Why hello there, Rainbow, fancy yourself a partner too?”
Rainbow Dash momentarily blushed, but then grinned. “Maybe. Anyone but Blueblood though.”
Rarity snorted. “If you want to get a rise out of me, that didn’t work. Among the six of us, perhaps Applejack was now the one who would react most strongly to the word ‘Blueblood’.”
“Why?” Spike asked.
“Did he go ‘unchivalrous’ on our poor Applejack?” Rainbow Dash smirked.
“Oh no.” Rarity said. “I assure you, Rainbow, if he dared to be rude to her like he was to me, his pretty little face would be promptly bucked in before he could utter another odious statement.”
“Yikes.” Spike put his tongue out. “Wait, Prince Blueblood was rude to you?”
“Uh.” Rarity stuttered for a bit. “He was rude to everypony, alright.”
“So what did he do to Applejack?” Rainbow asked.
“This is perhaps worse for Applejack…” Rarity said. “But I think Blueblood fell for her.”
“What?! Applejack and Prince Blueblood?” Rainbow Dash burst into a belly laugh, and she almost rolled on the floor. “They… they are, like, the most unlikely couple ever!”
“Don’t let her hear that, she might choke you for saying that they’re like a ‘couple’.” Rarity tried but failed to suppress her snickering, “Part of it is my fault for designing such an eye-catching and fabulous outfit, but the other part is her own fault for saying things in that sensual Manehattan accent, and putting up with the prince’s antics with a smile.”
“I never thought Applejack has such, um…” Spike said.
“Marish charm?” Rainbow Dash added mischievously. “Of course she has some, she is an Apple. How else do you think the Apples can breed and spread across Equestria if their mares don’t have some hot in their sleeves… or apple baskets, whatever.”
“Words, Rainbow!” Rarity said, gesturing to the blushing Spike.
“Alright, alright, Mrs. Grundy.” Rainbow Dash smiled coyly. “You guys should go anyway. The dance is already on. Pinkie’s also out there waiting.”
“What about you, Rainbow?” Rarity asked.
“Nah, I’ll pass.” Rainbow Dash shook her head and chuckled, “I just want to rest up before my performance. Besides, you don’t really need an additional leg in your midst.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Are you ready, Spikey-wikey?” Rarity asked, as they slowly walked into the main ball room in the Gala. Octavia and her orchestra was playing a slightly wistful Romantic Sonata. Ponies swirled and danced in pairs.
“Um… I guess yes?” Spike fretted for a bit.
“Oh Spikey-wikey,” Rarity reassured the purple dragon, “We have practiced for so long, you don’t have to worry at all. Just be yourself, like that time you went out and modelled for me. We should simply enjoy ourselves, shouldn’t we?” She smiled.
Spike was calmed by Rarity’s words, and nodded.
“We will dance for a while, then I’ll take a rest and Pinkie will take over.” Rarity then smirked, “Then perhaps we three will dance together.”
Spike froze and asked, “Eh? Won’t that be a bit too… blatant?”
“Now,” Rarity chuckled, “Not all dances are romantic dance. Just think of it as an opportunity to dazzle these Canterlot ponies and let yourself go!”
The orchestra shifted their tone, and the music in the hall become gentle and smooth. “Now go!” Rarity said, and gently led the purple dragon onto the dance floor.
Some ponies raised their eyebrows at the strange pairing of a pony and a dragon, but they soon focused not on the dancers themselves, but how the dance was in perfect tandem despite their difference in body shape and size.
Rarity and Spike gently swirled and twirled to the music. The purple dragon looked up to the white mare. She was, as always, so charming and elegant, an ever genteel mare. The purple curls of her mane lightly swept across his face. He could smell her perfume, and he felt a bit hot on his cheek. He felt as if his mind slowly melt into the blue eyes of his dance partner. Her smile was velvety, but Spike knew her, he knew that under that soft smile hid an unyielding mare. With each of their steps, Spike slowly realized, that he had long learnt not to see Rarity as an object of obsession, but somepony to love, protect and respect.
Rarity also gazed into the eyes of the purple dragon. She originally saw the dragon as a mere dragon infant, some drake to coo and protect. Strange circumstances had drawn them together, and she had since seen Spike in a new light. Spike always strived to serve and act out his code of chivalry, no matter how stumblingly. But despite his clumsiness and other flaws, he was ever so persevering and unrelenting when it came to helping his friends and impress his love, which made him so dearly cute.
Time flew by as the two danced in harmony, as if to a tune that only the two of them can hear. Then the soothing music gradually ceased, and their dancing was brought to a slow halt.
“You did great, Spikey-wikey.” Rarity smiled.
“So did you, Rarity. You’re a perfect dance partner.” Spike grinned.
“Not so fast. You still have another partner tonight.” Rarity said, as she pointed towards the far side, and a pink mare cheerfully waved at them.
“I must take a short rest for now, go enjoy yourself with Pinkie. Beware though, she might tire you out quickly.” She gave Spike a cheeky wink, which caused the purple dragon to blush for some reason. She then left the dance floor with a swift trot, and in came the cheery pink pony.
“Hi Spike! How’s the dance with Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“It went well, I suppose.” Spike said.
“Then you must get your arms and legs ready, Spike.” Pinkie Pie brightly grinned, “Because we’re soon having another round, this time fast and furious!”
Pinkie went up in front of the stage, and gave a wink to Octavia and her orchestra members. They nodded, and suddenly, the dance floor was infused with a burst of passion by a stimulating Furioso.
The ponies struggled a bit to catch up on the rapid beats, but persisted out of a desire to not look bad. Eventually, most ponies began to get used to the accelerated rhythm of the music.
“Shall we?” Pinkie Pie asked, to which Spike gave an emphatic nod.
Pinkie Pie then stomped on the ground with a forceful trot, and swept the purple dragon into her embrace with each ring of the bells. The sound of whip echoed across the ball room, adding much excitement to the normally prosy dance routine. Spike initially found it a bit difficult to follow Pinkie Pie’s steps, but he gradually caught her rhythm and soon began to become bolder. He occasionally extended his arms and let the pink pony out on a wide half-circle, and then swiftly brought her close in his arms again, causing Pinkie to beam merrily.
The duo careened with speed and tempo, as they kept looking at each other in the eyes. For Spike, that was a completely different experience compared to dancing with Rarity. Being with Pinkie Pie was a passion-filled ride, full of keenness and strong emotion. They had bonded out of joyful camaraderie, and grew into something higher and much more inseparable. With each bob of their heads and shake of their bodies, they could feel a zeal emanating from their dancing partners.
Suddenly, the melody shifted and became less swaggering, but more exuberant and bright. That’s when Rarity swirled into the dance floor again, and made eye contact with Pinkie Pie and Spike. The white mare swiftly joined the duo in a double partner dance, causing some on-looking ponies to rubberneck with interest.
The three moved in sync on the same direction. Spike first danced with Pinkie Pie, and rolled on and off her hooves. They then formed a circle, Spike turned and began to dance with Rarity. After another round, the trio formed another circle, but instead of separating into two again, the mares lifted the purple dragon high in the air, which perfectly coincided with the end note of the energetic piece.
The champagne-sipping audience looked on with wonder, as they have rarely seen such well-choreographed social dance with three dancers. Soon, slow and polite claps were heard in the ball room, and the three bowed and expressed their appreciation for the responses.
“See, Spikey-wikey?” Rarity smiled.
“It’s not difficult!” Pinkie beamed.
Spike looked at the cheering upper-class ponies, and felt a sense of pride and satisfaction swelling up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Celestia laughed at another cheeky remark Twilight told her, but then remembered that a lot of guests were in presence. She hurriedly coughed and smiled. “Twilight, I never knew that you have a penchant for humor.”
“Do I?” Twilight smirked.
Celestia suddenly looked at Twilight with a more sober expression, which made Twilight stood up straight as well. “To tell you the truth, Twilight, I once feared that we were moving apart, since you have seemingly become more… distant. I have hence hesitated to let you leave Canterlot and stay in Ponyville.”
Twilight widened her eyes, and she found it difficult to find words. Was she too distant towards Celestia? Perhaps she did when she just departed Canterlot. She had been under the impression that being more professional and mature might impress her mentor. Plus, she had been unsure about how to face the princess after the events with the tome, which juxtaposed the impressions of the sun sovereign from an enthusiastic young mare with that from a jaded ancient tome. But those had long passed, and now she felt that she could talk with her mentor naturally again without feeling awkward.
Regardless, Celestia continued. “Fortunately, from both your heart-felt friendship letters, and our exchange just now, I realize that my fears were completely unfounded. And you’ve perhaps simply grown up.” She gently smiled
Twilight looked up to Celestia and smiled as well, but it soon turned into a slightly worried expression.
“What’s wrong, Twilight? Did I say anything inappropriate?” Celestia asked.
“Not at all, princess. I just want to tell you something after the Gala. It’s not something we can’t handle, but we want to inform you and seek your approval first.” Twilight said.
“Very well.” Celestia said. She figured that pressing Twilight to tell her now would be impolite and unproductive, so she decided to follow her wish and wait until the closing of the Gala.
“Then I must beg my leave, princess.” Twilight said, gesturing to the waiting guests from the steps below.
“Thank you for your company tonight, it has been most pleasant.” She gently bowed.
Celestia watched the leaving figure of her faithful student, her thoughts went afar. But she had little time to carefully ponder, before the first guests started arriving in front of her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twilight galloped across the wide and decorated corridors of the Canterlot palace, forgoing any sense of decorum. Ponies gave strange gaze to the purple mare, but she simply evaded them and arrived at a large dark-blue door with two Lunar Guards.
These bat-winged grey pegasi were a sub-group of the common pegasi. They originally lived in the caves of the Galloping Gorge next to Cloudsdale, but had long since integrated into the mainstream Equestrian society, primarily as security and soldiers for their fearsome look. They were once strongly associated with Princess Luna due to their preference for the dark caverns and the night. With the return of Luna, these ponies were again drafted into the newly-formed Lunar Guards.
“Halt!” The Lunar Guard on the left exclaimed, “This is Princess Luna’s inner sanctum, no pony was to enter without permission.”
“Greetings. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I have Princess Celestia’s approval to visit Princess Luna. I’d be grateful if you can tell the princess of my arrival.” Twilight said.
The guards looked at each other, and the other Lunar Guard nodded, “You’re Princess Celestia’s student, right? I’ve heard of you. I’ll go and inform Princess Luna.”
The guard went in, and shortly, a loud booming voice passed through even the thick door and walls. “Let our exalted guest come in!”
Twilight looked at the royal guards, gulped and then simply walked in. She arrived at a room dominated by dark blue and black, much like Luna’s coat. The moon princess was sitting at a pair of sash-laced chairs besides the window, looking out at the fireworks and the ponies attending the Gala.
“Salutations, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna loudly proclaimed. “Thou art a most welcoming sight, for it was thou who unleashed the powers of harmony upon us and took away our dark powers!”
“Salutations to you as well, Princess Luna.” Twilight ignored the ringing in her ears and put up her best smile. “Anyway, there is no need to address me, or any other ponies, in the Royal Canterlot Voice.”
“Is that so?!” Princess Luna boomed, then quickly said again with her normal voice. “Is that so?”
“Indeed, Princess. In fact, using the Royal Canterlot Voice or the royal ‘we’ is no longer a prerequisite for rulers to address their subjects.” Twilight explained. “And ponies nowadays might think their royal princess was outraged when they hear your raised voice.”
“We see!” Luna said, but then tutted her tongue for not being able to adjust.
“Just give it time.” Twilight smiled. “Old habits die hard.”
The purple mare walked towards an ancient painting of a stallion in the room. She closed her eyes and began to recite,
“Ye knowe ek that in forme of speeche is chaunge
Withinne a thousand yeer, and wordes tho
That hadden pris, now wonder nyce and straunge
Us thinketh hem, and yet thei spake hem so.”
“You know also that in the form of speech there is change
Within a thousand years, and words then
That had value, now wonderfully curious and strange
To us they seem, and yet they spoke them so.”
Luna widened her eyes, and slowly nodded. “Indede.” Luna said. “T’was a beautiful quote from The Canterlot Tales by Chancery Seal. Thou art truly a mare of immense learning. No wonder my sister spake so highly of thee.”
“I’m truly flattered.” Twilight said. “I’m very glad to see you, Princess Luna. But my main purpose here is not reminiscing.”
“Then pray tell, Twilight Sparkle, what hath brought you to my sanctum?”
“I’m here to help you adapt to the world after a thousand years.” Twilight said with forthrightness. “And you have already taken your first step.”
Luna raised her eyebrows. After a moment of silence, she asked with interest, “… Thou dost not fear me, why is that so?”
“I fear no evil.” Twilight said plainly. Before Luna objected, she immediately added, “Also, just because someone is ostensibly dark and intimidating, it does not mean she’s evil. My friends and I have reached out to many more who at first seemed difficult, but merely needed the fire of friendship to reach into their hearts.”
Twilight then smirked. “Besides, I have once knocked you on the throne of the Old Castle so hard, it cracked and broke into pieces. Knowing that it might have broken a bone or two, I must have the gall of a dragon to come back and find you.”
“’Tis but fool’s words!” Luna protested. “That had happened back when we… I was still under the dark thrall of the Nightmare. I am far from being so small-minded to pursue such a petty vendetta.”
The moon princess then grinned. “Thou art one audacious and brazen mare, art thou not?”
“Much obliged.” Twilight smiled. “You have showed the first joyful expression even since we met, isn’t it good to have some fun?”
“Fun?” Luna asked. “What is this ‘fun’ thou speakest of?”
“To make friends or to build love, we must make it so that others feel comfortable to be beside us.” Twilight slowly said. “And by making them feel amusement and joy from your company, it is the quickest way.”
Twilight then took out a wooden board and a bag from her saddlebag. She put the board on a desk and carefully unloaded the bag, revealing a pile of colored stones and two dices.
“Oh dear.” Luna exclaimed, “Was that the Game of Tables? How nostalgic! Celestia and I hadst played it frequently before our ascension.”
“Indeed, other things might change, like that the name of the game, but something never changes, like the fun of playing it.” Twilight grinned.
Twilight carefully set up the board and the stones, and extended her hoof towards Luna. “Shall we?”
Luna looked at the purple mare, and a smile slowly crept on her face. She sat down at the desk and started playing with Twilight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Twilight Sparkle, thou art a skillful player in the Game of Tables.” Luna said. “Thou hast triumphed over me almost as much as my beloved sister.”
“Nay, it was just luck. We can plan as much as we want, but once the die is cast, all plans go out of the window.” Twilight said. “Destiny likes to play tricks on ponies.”
Luna looked at Twilight amusedly. “Thou art a curious mare, dost thou know?”
Twilight thought of something momentarily and hesitated, but she quickly hid it with a grin. “That I am… Luna.”
Luna raised an eyebrow, and then chuckled. “Very well, Twilight.”
Twilight again casted her die. “Oh, I think destiny does not favor me this time.”
“Ha ha! Victory is mine!” Luna exclaimed, as she moved her last pieces into the pile.
“Well played, Luna.” Twilight smiled.
“So, what is the meaning of our game?” Luna asked with a smirk, “I am sure thou hast some wisdom to impart with thy action.”
“I dare not call it wisdom.” Twilight shook her head. “But ponies nowadays are much more receptive to a sovereign who looks personable and affectionate. Sometimes a princess just have to lay down her decorum and throw herself to the masses to win hearts.”
Twilight then smiled. “You might have heard of the festivities that ponies now call Nightmare Night.”
“I do. T’was but a dreadful reminder of my past wrongdoings.” Luna said with frustration and sadness. “Ponies hid from each other and the Nightmare in fear and terror.”
“Not at all.” Twilight said. “Ponies do not relive their horror on the Nightmare Night. It is now simply a day for ponies to dress up in costumes and playfully play tricks on each other.”
“Is that true?” Luna asked suspiciously.
“Definitely.” Twilight said, “And ponies would love you much if you indulge them on their little play. When you arrive at Ponyville, I’d accompany you and try my best to help smooth everything out.”
Luna gazed at the purple mare, and eventually said. “I express my deepest appreciation, Twilight.”
“Am I not your friend, Luna?” Twilight suddenly asked.
“What? Of course thou art my much appreciated companion.” Luna said.
“Then there is no need for such ceremonious gratitude.” Twilight smiled. Her smile soon turned into a thoughtful gaze however, and she turned quiet.
Luna noticed the sudden silence between them, and asked, “What’s the matter, Twilight?”
Twilight continued to look Luna straight in the eyes. “There is much guilt in your eyes.”
“Of course...!” Luna gritted her teeth and lowered her head. “I had caused much untold suffering in Equestria by my sheer selfishness and jealousy.”
“Guilt is an indication of an active and healthy moral.” Twilight said. “But mortifying your mind with horrors will not help ponies in the past who suffered, nor will it help you bring joy and peace to ponies of now.”
“W—What dost thou mean?” Luna asked with surprise.
“You have been flagellating yourself with nightmares every night, have you not?” Twilight asked concernedly.
“How dost thou know?!” Luna raised her voice. “Could thou walk dreams of others like I do?”
“I have yet to master the intricacies of dream walking. I merely know that a dark presence was nearby in your mind, but it isn’t you.” Twilight said. “Your guilt balloon as your past actions chafe at your conscience. The creature of your nightmare might one day grow strong enough by feeding off your guilt and escape from your dreamscape into Equestria.”
Luna grimaced and again gritted her teeth. “The Tantabus… I created it to give myself the same nightmare every night... to punish myself for the evil I caused as Nightmare Moon!”
Twilight suddenly smiled, to the surprise of Luna, “If you just want somepony to regularly grumble at you, I volunteer to occupy that position if Celestia hasn’t already taken it.”
Luna again widened her eyes, and said with a defeated smile. “Twilight, thou keepest surprising me. Sometimes I just cannot help but think I was talking to my beloved sister, or at least someone as old and wise.”
Twilight couldn’t help but involuntarily gulped. She instead quickly said. “Can you simply disperse it? Penance should be done towards others, not the self.”
Luna looked at Twilight’s determined expression. She sighed, closed her eyes and lit her horn. Blue magic sparks spluttered and spread from her horn, and a light blue glow surrounded the moon princess.
However, she soon showed signs of strain. She inhaled deeply while gnashing her teeth, and panted heavily. After a while, her body jerked, and the magic glow suddenly ceased. Luna then simply collapsed on the floor.
“Luna!” Twilight exclaimed. “Are you alright?”
“I’m sorry, Twilight. It seemed that I have created a monster and I have no way to suppress it myself.” Luna knitted her brows heavily together and sighed, “I am no better now than I was then. My creation will turn the world into a living nightmare.”
“… How about I join you in a shared dream?” Twilight offered.
“What?” Luna asked.
“You’re not alone, Luna. Let me help you help yourself. You want to stop Tantabus, right?” Twilight said.
Luna went silent for a while, then slowly nodded. With some hesitation, she climbed onto her bed, shaped as a white crescent moon. She saw that Twilight walked towards a reclining couch in her room, and said. “What art thou doing, Twilight?”
Twilight turned with a bemused expression. “Um, sleep?”
“How can I let you sleep on the uncomfortable chair while I enjoy the silky softness of my mattress? Come forth.” Luna said.
Twilight’s face turned red. “P—Princess Luna, you don’t mean…?”
“Of course I mean laying with me.” Luna said, “What else would I refer to?”
Luna observed the skittish purple mare, and chuckled. “It seemed that our sagacious mare is embarrassed with this degree of intimacy. Very well, I—”
“No, I’m fine!” Twilight immediately said. “Just let me remove the cumbersome dress first.”
Twilight put the designer dress Rarity made for her on the couch, and then trotted to Luna’s bedside. With a hop and Luna’s help, she jumped into Luna’s own bed. It was indeed very snug and cozy. It was also filled with Luna’s scent, and she could feel the moon princess’s body pressing against her own.
Twilight swallowed her errant thoughts, and tried to concentrate on sleeping. Fortunately, she had just about enough mental discipline to ignore the physical distractions. And soon, she descended into a gentle sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The duo opened their eyes. They were in the Castle of the Two Sisters. Luna stood atop the elevated podium, while Twilight stood at the entrance to the throne room.
“Greetings, Tantabus. I am ready. Do your worst.” Luna grunted, as a bolt of dark energy materialized and blotted out the sun. The sky turned dark and a cloud of corruptive influence engulfed the moon princess, transforming her into the dreaded Nightmare Moon.
“Darn,” Twilight said. “Jumping right in aren’t we?”
“You foal!” Nightmare Moon growled. “I will destroy you for your disrespect and presumptuous arrogance!”
“Somepony just said she didn’t mind. All lies, it seems.” Twilight smirked.
“Silence!” Nightmare Moon howled, as she shot forth a bolt of dark magic blast. Twilight was caught off-guard with the immediate attack, and she was directly hit. She was blasted back and collide with the door. The door broke down and she proceeded to hit the wall of the corridor behind.
“Argh!” Twilight yelled. Something seemed to have broken in her left back leg, and a sharp pang of pain shot up like lightning. She cursed her foolishness for underestimating the difficulty of relieving Luna’s guilt.
“Now let me end you right here and now, so your defiant mouth couldn’t utter another contemptuous remark.” Nightmare Moon cruelly grinned, as she trotted close to the injured Twilight.
“Not so fast!” Twilight lit her horn, and a golden scepter materialized in her hoof. It was adorned with a red ruby at one end, and a ludicrous-looking miniature of Twilight’s head at the another end. It seemed too comical to be used as a realistic weapon.
Nightmare Moon laughed out loud. “Ha ha ha ha! Are you serious? This is the weapon of your choice? How farcical, much suiting to your own demise.”
“Hey! This was a replica of a gift from a friend. And yes, it might look a bit over-the-top, but wait till you try it before making a comment.” Twilight tried her best to grin despite the pulsing pain.
She struggled to stand up with her remaining good legs, and raised the head of the scepter towards Nightmare Moon. From the tiny horn on the scepter, a yellow light began to glow.
Twilight waved the scepter slightly, which caused the scepter to lengthen. The eyes on the grinning Twilight head of the scepter closed.
Twilight then yelled at the top of her lungs. “Eat my blast, you knave!”
A glorious yellow and white beam, almost half as wide as the throne room, shot through from the head of the scepter and towards the stunned Nightmare Moon. Twilight herself was thrown back by the enormous recoil, and made an inadvertent back-flip before falling into a pile under the wall.
Nightmare Moon, however, was not spared the full power of the attack. She was entirely covered by the radiance of the magic blast, and was knocked straight back towards the podium and the two thrones. Then the beam reached her and the wall, obliterating half of the remaining structures of the old castle. The beam continued to fly forward, drawing an impressive up-curve into the sky, and directly towards the dark essence in front of the sun. It couldn’t even disperse before being straightly hit, and evaporated into nothingness.
The darkness that surrounded Luna disappeared immediately, and she fell from the middle of the sky like a rag-doll. Twilight bit her lip and teleported directly under Luna, preparing to make a damper for her fall using magic. However, she miscalculated the speed of fall, and the moon princess landed right on her back.
“Aorghgh—!” Twilight let out another incomprehensible sound, as her eyes rolled up from the shock of impact.
Luna groggily climbed up, feeling strangely well despite falling from so high. Then she looked down and saw the prostrate purple mare. “Oh my goodness! Are you alright, Twilight?!”
“H—” Twilight coughed and struggled to support herself. “… Halfway towards my maker, but otherwise fine.”
“Your leg!” Luna exclaimed, pointing at the purple mare’s leg, which was bent towards a strange angle.
Twilight grimaced. “Yeah, I know that this means I might walk funny for a while in real life too. No big deal.”
“Twilight…” Luna sadly frowned.
“Please, for the love of everypony, don’t feel bad about this. It’s my own choice to help you, and my own fault for underestimating it.” Twilight pled. “A second round with Tantabus isn’t too high on my wish list.”
Despite her better judgment, Luna couldn’t help but chuckle at Twilight’s cheekiness. She shook her head. “Twilight, I couldn’t understand you. How on Earth did you deal with Tantabus with brute force alone?”
“That was not brute force, Luna.” Twilight smiled, “Remember? I said the scepter was from a friend…” She trailed off for a while, “It simply contained my resolve for helping and protecting my loved ones.”
“But you must still be very adept at mind magic to concentrate such amount of raw power in the dream realm.” Luna said with a raised eyebrow.
‘… Couldn’t really hide from her, could I.’ Twilight thought, and said. “True, I have put a lot of efforts into studying mind magic and how pony mind works, in order to understand other ponies better and make more friends.”
“I see, no wonder you’re such a silver-tongued devil.” Luna grinned, seeming to buy into Twilight’s explanation.
Twilight silently sighed at relief, and said. “In any case, Tantabus was probably already much more weakened.”
“Hmm?” Luna was surprised.
“That means you’ve begun to trust me to believe I’m right, that Nightmare Moon is in the past and you are not the same pony that you were.” Twilight said. “Or I might have been much worse from the initial blast.”
Luna looked at the purple mare pensively but said nothing.
“Luna, I have something else to ask of you. But we must first leave our dreams first, or we might run late.” Twilight said.
“Alright.” Luna casted another magic, and with a blink, they were back to the physical realm, cuddling on the bed together.
Twilight slinked away from the hug with embarrassment, then she left Luna’s bed and stood up. A phantom pain was still felt on her back and her leg, causing her to stumble slightly at first.
“Luna, I want you to come with me and go to the Gala.” Twilight said, and gestured to the festivities below. The ponies responsible for the upcoming banquet was on stand-by next to the main castle, awaiting the immediate closing of the ball dance.
“What? I… The ponies wouldn’t be…” Luna hesitated.
“Don’t worry, you don’t need to force yourself to mingle just yet if you’re not comfortable with it.” Twilight said. “My friends and I have arranged something and we simply want to invite you to come and see.”
Luna gulped, but she eventually smiled and nodded. “Very well, I’ll go.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twilight and Luna exited the room and walked towards the main castle where the Gala was being held. Ponies gawked at Twilight, who was walking with a strange limp, and the reclusive Princess Luna, who had previously declined her sister’s invitation to attend the Gala.
They ignored the gazes from the passers-by, but Luna was visibly uncomfortable with the probing eyes from the ponies. They arrived at the main castle, where Celestia was still greeting the guests that was streaming into the feasting halls.
Celestia saw Twilight and Luna, and her eyes widened in surprise. When the two trotted up the stairs and finally reached her, Celestia asked.
“Luna! My little sister, what have brought you to the Gala? I thought you said you don’t want to attend?”
Twilight walked forward, but she accidentally pressed her back leg too hard, and stumbled forward. She was spared the ignominy of planting her face into the floor in public only by Luna’s helping hooves.
“Twilight! What happened to your leg?” Celestia exclaimed.
Twilight said awkwardly. “Wall accident.”
Luna looked at Twilight with a raised eyebrow, but she eventually also nodded, “Twilight Sparkle and her friends have graciously invited me to witness a performance at the Gala, and I accepted their invitation. So here I am.”
Celestia looked at Luna, and then Twilight. She seemed to have sensed some changes in Luna’s demeanor, and brightly smiled. “Very well then, I’m more than glad to have my beloved sister beside me tonight.”
The servant ponies in the castle were busy setting up the tables below for the banquet, and many of the guests had already sat down in the decorated hall. The three of them talked for a short while, then the princesses had to be seated at one of the table with the most distinguished dignitaries from Equestria and beyond. Twilight excused herself just when the master griffon chef Gustave le Grand introduced his newest cake to the princesses.
She went to look for Pinkie and Rainbow to see how their preparation for the promenade performance went. But she spotted Rarity and Fluttershy sitting at one of the tables below.
“Oh hello Twilight,” Fluttershy said, “We’ve been wondering if you have to stay with the princesses above.”
“Don’t worry, my task there is done.” Twilight said. “I’ve just want to check with Pinkie to see if the performance goes well.”
“Pinkie and Rainbow are already in positions, see?” Rarity pointed towards the orchestra, where Pinkie was busy setting up the sound systems nearby. “We will only need to come out when the banquet is over.”
“Twilight,” Fluttershy asked with concern in her eyes, “Are you okay? I saw you limp a bit when you walked.”
“Just a minor altercation with Luna’s nightmare.” Twilight shrugged.
“Twilight?!” Fluttershy gasped, “You went to fight with Tantabus by yourself?”
“And Luna agreed?” Rarity was bemused. “A blind pony could see that you have a death wish.”
“You underestimated my tact, Rarity. I’m disappointed.” Twilight smirked. “Tantabus is much weaker compared to what it could become later. And I of course told her to try to deal with it herself. Only when it failed, I dived in. I also tried my best to soothe her guilt before I tried my hoof.”
Twilight then sat at an empty seat next to the two mares. “What about you two?”
“Mr. Greenhooves took me around the Royal Garden, and he helped me spot a lot of rare species today.” Fluttershy said with a satisfied smile.
“Pinkie and I danced with Spike, and everything went quite well.”
“I guess this is an acceptable night?” Twilight grinned, to which the two mares smilingly nodded.
Suddenly, a familiar voice with a metropolitan accent was heard from behind, “Would the esteemed ladies be interested in some of our high-quality pommeau, or Calvados?”
The mares turned, and saw a grinning Applejack holding several bottles of wine.
“Applejack! How goes your night?” Twilight asked.
“Not bad, I got to know some fancy ponies who are interested in buying our wine and cider by bulk,” Applejack said, “And I’ve dealt with Prince Blueblood, hopefully once and for all.”
“What, you bucked him into a gutter?” Twilight asked.
Rarity snickered again, while Applejack simply rolled her eyes up.
Suddenly, a growling sound was heard from Twilight’s stomach. She blushed and looked around. Fortunately no pony had noticed, except the three mares in front of her, who were snickering.
“Twilight.” Rarity said in between giggles. “You will need some food in your belly, we have to join Pinkie later.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The banquet was drawing to a close, as many ponies have left their tables and casually chatting with other guests. Servants swiftly cleared the tables.
Suddenly, a voice reverberated through the entire Gala venue. “Greetings, ladies and gentlecolts. I’m your mistress of extra ceremonies today, Pinkamena Diane Pie. To expedite the enjoyment of our honored guests, we have arranged some after-meal performance. Please pay attention towards the sky outside the French windows.”
The attending ponies watched out of the giant window panes that surrounded them. Suddenly, booming music echoed across the entire feasting hall, and a tuneful and strong rhythm emanated from the speakers that were placed at the corners. With each forceful leap in melody, the resonant tune made the listeners in the hall feel a swell of emotion in their breasts.
Twilight and her friends joined Pinkie in the front of the orchestra. With the introduction gradually coming to an end, the chorus burst forth, and the mares sang aloud.
“Land of hope and good will,
bounded by our love,
Harmony be thy key,
to the stars above.
Unity and magic,
duo of holy gems,
Stars of solemn brightness,
weave thy diadems!”
The crowds were amazed at the poetic and arousing song, as they couldn’t help but join in and hum the tunes. Then the lights in the feasting hall dimmed, and a number of spotlights outside the windows focused on one cyan mare.
The mare then took flight from the garden, and to the guests’ surprise, she was carrying two giant banners, one of Princess Celestia’s, and another of Princess Luna’s. She flew rapidly around the castle, forming a twin trail of light yellow and blue. Then she swiftly hang the banners in front of the castle, and did something with her wings.
Glimmering lights flickered on the cyan mare, and with her again taking flight, it was as if a thick white trail of shooting stars was adorning the night sky.
“Though thy way be darkened,
still in splendour drest,
As the star that trembles
o'er the seas abreast.
Throned amid the billows,
throned inviolate,
Thou hast reigned victorious,
thou hast smiled at fate!”
As the last beat of the drum fell, the mares finished their stirring anthem. Rainbow Dash flew in and landed beside the singers. The entire hall erupted with thunderous applause and cheers for their beloved and celebrated nation.
“Thank you ladies and gentlecolts. To welcome the return of Princess Luna, we have prepared another solemn hymn. Now please.”
The mares again stepped forward, and a grand and dignified music began to play.
“Long live our land, Equestria,
and preserve our sovereigns!
In the faith that is their support,
may they govern with acclaim.
Let us defend their great garlands
that adorn their royal manes.
May the dual thrones of our homeland,
always be twined with their names.”
This time, the listening ponies stood up in ovation, and the mares bowed to return their thanks. The Great Galloping Gala this year has drawn to a close, but this year it ended in a rare high, as even the most etiquette-abiding of ponies cheered for the expression of love towards their homeland.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The princesses, Mane Six and Spike had withdrawn to the Donut Joe’s, as the servants were busy cleaning up the venue and returning it to its previous pristine state. Most other upper-class ponies went home directly after the Gala, and they all sat at a giant round table in the largely empty canteen.
“Where do you learn to speak that way, Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash asked, “You sounded like a real trained emcee!”
“Don’t misunderestimate me, Dashie, I’m a properly educated mare!” Pinkie Pie huffed.
“Um,” Fluttershy quietly reminded, “It should be ‘underestimate’, not ‘misunderestimate’.”
The group giggled. Twilight spoke up after the laughter died down, “Princess Celestia, we unfortunately failed to sabotage the Gala as per your royal wish. Would we be punished for not ‘livening up’ the event?” She smirked lightly.
“Sabotage?” Luna asked. “Why would you or my sister want to ruin the Gala?”
Celestia blushed a bit sheepishly, and said. “Luna, I’ve always thought that the Grand Galloping Gala was horribly dull. So I invited Twilight and her friends in the hope that they might be able to, um…”
“Ruin the whole thing altogether for a laugh?” Rainbow Dash grinned, “I might be on board if it is specifically requested.”
“Oh me too me too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
Spike sat there with round eyes, he couldn’t believe that his respected sun princess was such a playful and mischievous pony.
“Regardless, I am over-thrilled by your heart-tugging performances at the end of the Gala.” Celestia smiled. “That makes all the boring reception worth it.”
“Indeed.” Luna added. “I am deeply honored and thankful for the adoration, dignity and respect conveyed by your songs.”
“We’re truly glad that you like it, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.” Twilight smiled. “We’re even more delighted that the ponies seemed to receive the mention of Princess Luna’s return in our verses very well.”
Princess Luna blushed, and she lowered her head for a bit. Celestia turned to her little sister and smiled, “Very true, I’m also very thankful that Twilight and her friends have the heart to ease Luna’s re-entry into Equestrian society, and pleased that it went well.”
“That is truly a joyous occasion.” Twilight then sighed. “I hate to be a wet blanket, but I must now tell all of you one of my biggest worries.”
“Is this the one thing you mentioned at the beginning of the Gala?” Celestia asked.
“Yes.” Twilight paused for a breath, and then said, “Discord may soon return.”
The princess widened their eyes in surprise, and Luna let out a small gasp. The mares already knew, but feigned some surprise as well.
Only Spike was clueless about who Discord was. “Um, who’s this Discord fella?”
Twilight frowned. “Spike, have you been skipping on revision again? I clearly told you who he was when you were reading the Ancient History.”
“Spike was already working very hard. Spare him this time, please?” Pinkie Pie pled with watery eyes, giving a sense of déjà vu to Twilight.
“Indeed.” Celestia lightly chuckled, but she then immediately frowned. “Discord is the mischievous spirit of disharmony. Before my sister and I stood up to him, he ruled Equestria in an eternal state of unrest and unhappiness. Luna and I saw how miserable life was for Earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns alike, so after discovering the Elements of Harmony, we combined our powers and rose up against him, turning him to stone.”
“Why are you worried about Discord’s return, Twilight?” Luna asked. “The spell my sister and I casted should be able to keep him contained forever.”
Twilight momentarily sighed at the implication of the word ‘forever’, but she then said. “Unfortunately, according to my research into the Elements. There is a very real possibility that he will soon break free. As Princess Celestia and you are no longer connected to the Elements, the spell will quickly weaken and soon be broken.”
“So what are we waiting for?” Spike said, “Let’s grab the Elements and reapply the spell!”
Twilight scratched her face. “Well, here’s my plan though...” She paused for a long time. “I want to reform Discord.”
“What?!” Luna shouted, inadvertently using the Royal Canterlot Voice again. Celestia was also stunned by Twilight’s suggestion, as she raised her eyebrows and looked at Twilight squarely in her eyes.
“Please don’t be alarmed, I’m sure that the magic of friendship will prevail.” Twilight defended, but came up a little bit weak.
“This is folly, Twilight Sparkle!” Luna said. “He created serious havoc upon the ponies until we subdued him with the Elements!”
“Yes, Twilight!” Spike also said. “How will we ever control him?! He is a spirit of chaos!”
“… Have anyone here ever consider the possibility that he just need a friend?” Fluttershy suggested.
Celestia looked at the yellow mare with surprise, as she tapped her chin and pondered. Luna’s objection was also stopped by the suggestion that Discord was simply lonely, since it was something that never really crossed her mind, and also something that was close to home.
“Remember.” Twilight said. “We have the Elements of Harmony that can be used when things get out of control.”
“… True, if Discord can be reformed to serve good instead of evil, his magic will be of great use.” Celestia eventually said.
“Sister!” Luna exclaimed, “You can’t be serious, he—”
“Luna.” Twilight said plainly. “Do you not trust me?”
Celestia raised a brow at the intimate form of address, and Luna turned and looked at Twilight with wide eyes. She knitted her brows tight and gritted her teeth, but she eventually sighed and said. “I trust you, Twilight, but this will be a dangerous task.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I have my trusty bunch of friends to help me, remember?” Twilight smiled, to which her friends cheered together. “Reforming Discord might not be easy, but it would be worth it.”
“Very well.” Luna was defeated by the confidence exulting from the purple mare’s words.
“I grant you permission to obtain the Elements from the Canterlot Tower.” Celestia said. “But be careful, for Discord was a slippery and unpredictable foe, and his chaos magic is truly potent.”
“We will, princess.” Twilight said. “Hopefully, by the next time we met, we shall be seeing you with a new friend.”