//------------------------------// // Chapter 2-New Year's Party // Story: Twilight's Love Story: Part One // by Derpyforever //------------------------------// "You can't honestly expect us to let you miss out on the New Year Party, Twilight," Rarity elegantly placed her tall stack of books on the center table of Twilight's library, so graceful, not even a speck of dust was disturbed, "This party is Ponyville's Grand Galloping Gala." "I'm sorry, Rarity. I have to catch up on my studies," Twilight had put her own stack next to Rarity's, "I appreciate your help with reorganizing my home, though. I have ha-whoa!" Twilight did not pay attention to how far off the edge the books were. They wobbled back and forward, threatening to fall upon her, and she would have been at their mercy had Rarity not froze them. "You seem to be a bit distracted, darling," Rarity placed the books in their proper position, a knowing smirk on her face, "Somepony on your mind?" 'No, but I do have somepony on my case,' Twilight's thoughts echoed like a dark cavern inside her head. She did not thank Rarity for protecting her, but simply walked around the table to a long scroll. "My mind is on my studies," Twilight undid the thin string and allowed the parchment to roll out into a blueprint, "I was going to spend some time searching the Castle of the Two Sisters. I think I located a library within these old construction blueprints and I was hoping to find some lessons from Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's foalhood. It would really help me learn more about my role as a princess." "Oh, can't you hold off your studies for one night," Rarity got in between her and the large paper, "I honestly can't remember the last time us girls have had a get together that didn't involve the fate of Equestria. At least attend for Fluttershy, she put a lot of effort into planning this party." Twilight sighed, rubbed her forehead, and manifested an open planner, "Well, I suppose I can double my studies tomorrow. After all, you girls are my best friends, it would be rude of me not too." "Splendid! I already have a costume designed just for you! We must head to my boutique for you to try it on," Rarity was bubbling in excitement, rushing to the door and cutting off Twilight in the process, "Oh... my apologies, Twilight, I didn't mean to get in your way." "It's fine," although shaking her head, an understanding smile was plastered across her face, "You and fashion, it's a bond that can't be broken." "You got that right, deary," Rarity restarted her excited trot, a bounce that rivaled their pink friend, "Now, hurry up, Twilight! We haven't long until the party starts." Twilight chuckled and chased after Rarity, unsuspecting of the fashionista's romance implanting intentions. For the whole week, Twilight's friends have been planning to bring Flash and her together. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were busy overseeing the preparations for the big night. This event, though minuscule in size compared to other celebrations throughout Equestria, was always major buzz for the citizens of Equestria, mainly Ponyville. Everything symbolized a refreshing start in life A feast was cooked in hopes for an even better harvest next year. An open dance brought the townsfolk together, restrengthening friendships while creating new ones. Finally, a kiss at the strike of midnight was to rekindle the spirits of couples in their relationships. The traditions were passed for generations within Ponyville, but with its grown population, the invitations have extended across all over Equestria; from as far south as Appleloosa to as far north as the Crystal Empire. Now, with the sun setting for its final time this year, Ponyville’s train station flooded with hundreds of ponies dressed for the occasion. It was as if Nightmare Night had come back for a second helping in Ponyville. Costumes littered the area making it hard to distinguish who was where. “Anypony see Rainbow,” Applejack tried her best to stretch her neck above the crowd, “She said she’d be in her Shadow-what’s-it costume” Fluttershy felt uncomfortable in the crowd of ponies, clinging onto Applejack for safety, “A Shadow-what’s-it?” “Shadowbolt,” Pinkie corrected, jumping on an annoyed and strained Applejack for a higher view, “Oh! Oh! Here she comes!” Applejack was relieved as her buckling knees were freed of the pink pony’s weight. She readjusted herself and let out a relaxed sigh. She and Fluttershy followed Pinkie, meeting up with the cyan pony. “Sup guys,” Rainbow said, “Mission success. Turns out the dude has total heart eyes for Twilight.” “He said that,” Applejack raised an eyebrow, never believing what the prankster has to say. “I saw it. Whole face lit up when I told him about the party,” Rainbow grinned, mocking her own voice with a snobby, high class accent, “I said ‘Princess Twilight Sparkle formally invites any inhabitants of the Crystal Empire to Ponyville’s New Year Party of which she herself shall attend. Please pass this message along to Princess Mia Amora Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor, thank you.’ His face? Priceless!” “Now that’s just plain rude, Rainbow,” Applejack glared at the laughing pegasus, “Still, at least he knows of the party. Cadance giving a mandatory weekend break for the Regular Guard and party preparations went without a hitch… everything is…perfect. Not that I’m ungrateful, but it seems a little too easy. Normally something goes wrong by now. No evil ponies, no friendship epidemic… heck, I sort of expected Discord to maybe drop in here and ruin everything with some chaotic nonsense.” “Hey! Discord may have made some past mistakes, but he’s still good,” Fluttershy spoke up defensively for Discord, “Oh… uh, sorry I didn’t meant to snap. I do agree, though. It does seem strange nothing has happened.” “Ah, don’t worry about it guys, it’s only the second chapter,” Pinkie waved her hoof of to the side, “We’ll have plenty of time for conflict later.” “...What,” Rainbow scratched her head, “Pinkie, you’re doing it again.” “Doing what?” “I’m… I’m just gonna pretend nothing happened.” “Whatever floats your boat,” Pinkie giggled, bouncing up and down. “Oh! Darlings, there you are,” Rarity bobbed out from the sea of ponies, “I thought I wouldn’t be able to find you four. Twilight will be here momentarily, she is just putting the finishing touches to her costume. And of Flash? I assume he will be here soon?” “Sooner than you think, I see him now,” Rainbow said, hovering her head above the crowd. Coming from the current train, Flash Sentry stepped out onto the platform and was covered head to tail in a magician outfit. His blue mane tucked into a top hat, a slender wand, a sleek, black tuxedo, and a dark domino mask that fit snugly around his eyes. “Perfect. Oh! And here comes Twilight, my work, impeccable,” Rarity marveled at her own craft when it headed their direction. The other four were stunned by the beauty before them. A dress stained yellow flowed by the alicorn’s side, though, it was embedded with tiny, round citrine crystals. The smooth crystals were arranged in rows that gave the impression of scales slithering through the crowd. The dress went from a reptilian tail all the way up and stopped short of her chin, where a masquerade mask took over, having the same scaly texture as the dress. Under all the flashy costume was Twilight Sparkle, happily trotting to her friends, “Evening, girls, it’s good to see you all for the party.” The bustling sound of other ponies filled the response. The others could not even pick up their dropped jaws, let alone speak. “Uhm… is everything ok?” “Twilight… you look…,” Applejack was the first to try to build words together. “Absolutely marvelous,” Rarity practically squealed in excitement, grabbing Twilight’s hooves, “I can not even begin to express how gorgeous you look.” “Thank you, Rarity,” Twilight felt her face become a little darker from the praise, “It really is all your work, though. You were the one to come up with such an outstanding serpent design.” “Deary, it’s not about the dress as much as it’s the lady inside it! Although, I must admit my craftsmanship is flawless, you, Twilight, are beautiful beyond comparison. It doesn’t matter what design I muster.” “ Rarity,” Twilight’s face was not spared from her bright blush, she was glad her mask did cover part of her embarrassment. She became glad of Applejack’s intervention, putting a stop to any more praise. “Alright, I think that’s enough complimenting. Everypony must already be at the festival. Come on, we don’t want to be late to host our own party.” “We’re gonna be late for a party?! No no no no no no,” Pinkie Pie had zoomed off into the thinned crowd at unimaginable speeds, almost as if her own candy costume was giving her constant sugar high. “Hey! Wait for us!” The Apple family have always offered to lend their barren fields as a place to hold the events. It was the most optimal place to view Ponyville’s clock tower and, with such a number of ponies, a little elbow room was the highest priority for the festival. Catching the hyperactive pony at the stage, Fluttershy stepped up and tapped the mic. “U-Uh. E-excuse me… everypony. C-Can I have your attention, um, if you don’t mind that is.” Despite the many hours to raise the speakers for Fluttershy’s gentle voice, nopony heard a word, especially with the loud rumble of many conversations speaking at once. “I got this,” Pinkie Pie nudged Fluttershy over and cleared her voice, “Hey! Everypony! Listen up!” A series of agonized cries resulted from the screech of feedback. With covered ears and furrowed brows the crowd turned their attention to the stage. “Welcome to the something, something annual Ponyville New Year’s Party! Let’s skip the formalities and get straight to the point. The buffet is courtesy of the Apple Farm, Sugar Cube Corner, and other anonymous restaurants due to exposition laziness! Everypony gather around and dig in!” With tables set, the ponies claimed their seats and dined a prepared feast to be shared with all of Equestria. The ponies separated from their common cultural groups and mingled among with others who came from across the diverse country while enjoying laughs, making new friends, and finding new love. At least, the latter was on Rarity’s mind. The six friends, despite the chaotic commotion, managed to stick together. Finding empty seats along with empty bellies, they ate what was laid before them. Although joining in on the conversation with her friends, Rarity frantically scanned the rows of tables, looking for Flash Sentry. To her dismay, he was nowhere to be found. “Rarity, is something the matter,” Twilight’s call reclaimed Rarity’s lost mind. “Oh, of course not deary, I just... am really full,” Rarity tried her best to muster a convincing grin, setting her fork down on her untouched plate, “Mmm, this is quite the dinner we’ve set up. I think it’s time to work off those calories. Pinkie, care to start the dance?” “Oh boy! Would I!” With tables cleared and lights dimmed for the stage, Pinkie hopped to the mic, “Alright ponies! Either pick a friend, find your date, or shimmy down with a group, cause it is time for the Last Hour Dance! Go out, make friends, and boogie do-!” “Uh, Pinkie,” Applejack interrupted, covering the mic, “It’s normal tradition to start with the slow dance before the real hoe down.” “Oh, uh, my bad,” Pinkie blushed, rubbing the back of her neck, “So let’s get our… classic on?” “There you go.” With the cue, an orchestra, bows raised and minds ever sharp, played a slow but pleasant melody. Ponies, with either dates or new found partners, began to move like a river. A simple yet swift movement, a dance passed down for generations. “Twilight, dear, don’t you want to join in on the fun,” Rarity walked over to Twilight standing off in a darker corner, “I know you have not had much practice with these moves, but its fairly simple to learn.” “No, I know how they work,” Twilight’s smile was accompanied by a content shrug, “I just don’t really feel like dancing with anypony special. Isn’t that what the first dance is for?” “Oh, finding a special somepony is easy, and with you being a princess, why I’d expect a line of suitors from here to Canterlot.” “Rarity,” Twilight scorned, feeling her face heat up, “That’s not what my role is for. Besides… I’m not really interested in meeting somepony. Especially if they just see me as a princess.” “Well, what do you think the costume is for,” Rarity giggled, playfully tapping Twilight on the shoulder, “You can meet somepony without seeing them. Here, why don’t we go try talking to some stallions. Do it for me, Twilight. At least attempt at it.” Twilight rubbed the spot between her eyes, “Fine. If it will get you out of my mane on this topic. Just one, alright.” “Splendid,” Rarity exclaimed, “Follow me.” Rarity pulled Twilight out of the dark shadows. While Twilight was busy adjusting to the crowd, Rarity waved her hoof at the Shadowbolt in the sky. Rainbow nodded and pointed down at a black top hat poking above the others’ heads. “Rarity, what are you doing,” Twilight asked, trying to tug away. Rarity ignored her, dragging her over to the stallion with the top hat, “Hello there, sir. I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. She wants to meet new ponies, and seeing how you have nopony to dance with, was wandering if you wouldn’t mind taking this one with her.” “I’d be happy to help,” the stallion tipped his hat, “Thank you, she really does have a har-” “But I can’t. I’m already here with somepony else..” “Wait… what? Are you not Sentry?” “I am,” the orange pegasus nodded proudly, “a top notch guard for the Crystal Empire.” “And you’re… with someone else?” “Uh… yeah, was that not clear?” “But… you… and Twilight…” “Miss, are you alright? Your friend seems to have disappeared.” “Twilight?” Rarity turned around, realizing her hoof was not latched onto Twilight’s. She panicked and backed away, “Uh… sorry to have been a bother, Mr. Sentry. I must… uh, find my friend.” “Wait, I’m not Mr. Sentry, that is my father, I’m,” before the stallion could answer, Rarity had already dashed off, frantically searching for Applejack help find their friend, “Oh… alright then.” “You ok, bro,” a mare walked over, brushing the last of her tangled mane, “Who was that?” “I don’t know. That mare just kind of walked up to me then bailed.” “I told you that magician outfit doesn’t make you any more charming.” “Shut it, sis. Hey, wasn’t our little bro suppose to be with you? Did you lose him already?” “He’s not a foal, Sloth, he’s a grown stallion,” the mare crossed her hooves. “Well, excuse me, Whinny,” Sloth glared, “But you know what mom and dad said. Stick together, always. Come on, let’s find him.” “You’re turning more and more into dad, everyday, Sloth.” “I said shut it!” The two arguing siblings merged back into the crowd of costumes. Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle had finally broken free of Rarity’s grip, although, she did take the advice and was trying to meet new ponies. “Alright, Twilight, if you are to become a princess, you must learn how to converse with others,” Twilight declared followed by a sarcastic groan, “And you are speaking to yourself, great start and not creepy at all… Ugh, I’m sorry, Rarity, but I’m not fit for this kind of stuff.” She groaned again, walking away from everypony and to an open bar for the festival. She slumped into one of the seats and rested her head on her hoof. “Tough day?” Twilight looked up and came mask to mask with a stallion next to her. She just chuckled and leaned back in her seat, “You have no idea. My friends dragged me out of my library to have fun here. Though, they are my best friends, so hanging with them isn’t so bad.” “I understand,” the stallion gave a empathetic nod, “My brother dragged me over here. He thought it’d be cool to meet Princess Twilight Sparkle. Though, I’ve yet to see her.” “Oh… she’s… around,” Twilight shrugged, deciding to play along with Rarity’s ideas, “She’s been under a lot of pressure though, princess stuff and all.” “I bet. I work for the Crystal Guard and even just being in the same room as them, you can feel the constant stress emitting off of Princess Cadance and Prince Armor.” “You work for the Crystal Guard,” Twilight teased, “You don’t seem like the tough but dumb stereotype everypony makes you all out to be.” “Well, dumb maybe,” he laughed at her playfulness, “And tough to a certain extent. Inside though, I consider myself a pretty gentle guy.” “Oh? You like a big ol’ walnut? Hard on the outside, but soft on the inside,” Twilight’s sportive grin and harmless shove earned her another hearty laugh from the stallion, “I find that as a pretty admirable trait.” “Glad you think so,” the stallion laughed and stood out of his seat, “Hey, care to dance?” “Well, I’m not the greatest dancer.” “No worries,” the stallion shrugged at her and extended his hoof, “I’m not either.” Twilight giggled and hid a blush. She decided to take his hoof, “If you insist.” “This is getting too slow, I think it’s time we speed it up! This next song is an oldie… uh well… it’s an oldie where I come from. Just try to keep up,” Pinkie giggled, stepping up to the mic, “Far west of Appleloosa, close to Neigh Orleans; Way back up in the hills among the rocky scene; There stood a lone cabin made of stone and clod; Where lived a farming filly named Pinkie B. Goode…” “Well, it seems we were spared a slow dance,” the stallion remarked and bringing Twilight towards him, “Probably for the best, I would have gotten bored with such formal nonsense.” “Glad we both see eye to eye,” Twilight rubbed the back of her neck. She could feel her anxiousness returning and replacing her sudden outburst of confidence. The stallion took notice. “Hey, why don’t you look me in the eyes instead,” he spoke gently as if handling a baby bird. Twilight turned her attention to his eyes and felt a wave of relief wash over her. It was as if time slowed down for them and they were the center of the universe, feeling a strange connection they could not explain. It was only a few seconds, but it seemed like a many days. When the world caught back up with them, they blink, breaking away the eye contact. “Uh… what’s… your name,” the stallion asked. “My name… what is my name,” Twilight repeated, almost as if she forgot it, “Oh.. my name. It’s…” “Alright everypony! Midnight approaches! All you couples, new and old, find your special somepony and get ready for the Midnight Kiss!” “Midnight Kiss,” Twilight reiterated the last words she heard with her mind still lost. “Really? That’s your name,” the stallion raised an eyebrow, “Pretty unconventional if you ask me. “Uh, oh sorry, no,” Twilight blushed again, “I was… just wondering… I don’t have a date and since it’s tradition… and you know it’s bad to break traditions… I want to know…” “I would like to,” the stallion finished, comforting the nervous mare. “Really,” Twilight covered her mouth. She was a little too eager with her words and almost shouted, “I mean, uh, yea.” “... Have you ever…” “Kissed anypony? Nope, never,” Twilight nervously played with her mane. “It’s alright, everypony has a first kiss,” the stallion took her hoof, his soothing instincts taking control again, “It’s simple. Just let it happen naturally. It’s what I’ve always been told.” “Naturally, right…” “Ten! Nine! Eight…” “Ah,” Twilight yelped and jumped into the stallion’s hooves. She did not expect the crowd to all suddenly shout the countdown, “Uh, sorry.” “It’s fine, I almost jumped too. Quick reflexes.” “Always on duty, huh? Guards,” Twilight gently jabbed the stallion’s shoulder. “Yet, who’s the one in who’s hooves,” the stallion smirked back at Twilight. “Touche.” It was a small laugh, a laugh that became locked eyes. The two were back into staring at each other, returning to their world, returning to their peace. They did not speak and the cheering crowd became nothing more than a distant sound. Without hesitation and despite feeling her heart racing, Twilight leaned towards the stallion. This was it, her first kiss was to be with this charming stallion. He was polite, kind, gentle, and unknowing that she was… “Twilight Sparkle! Canterlot is in peril!” (To Be Continued…)