//------------------------------// // Episode 3 [Part 1] - Ticket Trouble // Story: Heart of the Cards // by AspirantWriter //------------------------------// A day has passed in Ponyville since the incident with Nightmare Moon and Dusk’s duel with Number 40. Dusk was currently in his room back in the library, sitting at his desk near his bed and writing down on a piece of paper. While he found holding a quill with his hooves to be very different from holding a pencil, he managed to get use to it. Though questions arose in his thoughts of how he could do such a thing, Dusk felt it was linked to his previous form as a human. “Huh… Finally done.” He muttered in relief as he finished writing. As for what Dusk was doing, he was writing down a report to Celestia regarding what he knows about the Numbers. He noted his assumption that the Number could either possess a pony’s mind or influence their actions based what he heard from Number 40 prior to its defeat. Dusk also noted what he learned from the Number 39, the only known Number with noble intentions. While not very talkative, Dusk was able get some answers from it such as there were these like Number 39, but has yet revealed themselves. “I hope this would suffice…” Dusk knew he wasn’t good at writing reports, but at least it was presentable. “Now to get Spike to send this.” After rolling up his report into a scroll, Dusk put on a chest strap with about six pouches. He smiled as he remembered Rarity making the strap for him yesterday. It was a way for him to carry his decks at all times while not being burdened by carrying his backpack all the time. As for his new Duel Disk, Dusk learned from Number 39 he could now materialize it on his left hoof at will; something he also noted in his report. Regarding for his Duel Monster cards, he placed them in the chest at the end of the bed. However, he would need a customized chest if he wants to properly organize the cards based on type. Gazing around at his room again, he recalled that Twilight noted that it was cramped. However, it didn’t bother him since it remained him of his room back on Earth. As long he has a bed to sleep in, any room would actually do for him. After putting the scroll into one of the empty pouches, he left his room and went doing downstairs. Dusk saw Twilight was going to the door with Spike on his back. “Morning Twilight.” “Oh, good morning Dusk.” Twilight was surprised to see Dusk awake. “I thought you would be sleeping in.” Dusk made light laugh as he remembered what happened since the Summer Sun Celebration was over. As he expected, many ponies rushed him and asked questions about Duel Monsters and the duel with Lyra. During this time, he learned that only a few Duel Monster cards were sighted at Ponyville compared to Canterlot. The cards ended fell into the hoofs of fillies, but they barely had enough cards for a deck. They were disappointed when Dusk explained that they lack the minimal number needed to duel him with. However, they cheered up when he also stated he would provide his own cards to them if they are still interested. In time however, Dusk found himself being overwhelmed by the ever-growing crowd around him. Just when he manage to get to the sanctuary that was the library, Dusk was followed by Applejack, Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie. They cornered him and quickly bombard him with questions regarding his claims of being human and being from another world. He had to be honest with his answers, especially those that may be disturbing to the mares. While he explained the state of Earth and the differences between it and Equestria, he also spoke about the characteristics of humans. When he explained how hands and fingers work, the mares were quick to surmise why Dusk’s front hooves were unique compared to other ponies; being able to “grip” things without difficulty. Seeing him draw and hold his cards during his duels prove otherwise. While they were interested in how Lyra could do the same thing, Dusk made his own assumption that it my be related to being possessed by a Number. However, Dusk obviously knew how the mares would react when he told them that humans ate meat. Twilight already knew due to interviewing Dusk back at Canterlot and she assured her friends that the former human’s diet changed due to his transformation. Breaking from his thoughts, Dusk saw he has yet to answer Twilight. “What made you think I would be sleeping in today?” “After what you been through, I thought you would be tired.” Twilight answered. “While the last few days were indeed tiring…” Dusk approached the unicorn. “But I am fine after a good night’s rest.” He then turned his attention to Spike. “By the way Spike, can you send this to Celestia?” Dusk opened the pouch containing his report and handing it to the baby dragon. “What is this?” Spike said as he looked at the scroll. “Just my report to Celestia regarding what know about the Numbers.” Dusk replied. “Have any plans for today?” He asked Twilight as Spike blew his green fire on his scroll, teleporting it to Celestia as it burned. “Me and Spike are going to Sweet Apple Acres to help Applejack harvest apples.” Twilight replied. “Are you interested?” Dusk had his hoof on his chin for a few moments before he nodded his head. “I haven’t worked in a farm before. Might as well learn something new.” With that, the two ponies and the baby dragon left the library. Dusk looked around as the other ponies in the town were doing their everyday activities. He smiled as they were not showering him with attention as they did before. ‘At least they are understanding my feeling.’ He explained to them that he isn’t comfortable being the center of attention except in duels. While he would get the occasional fans time-to-time, but he was usually left alone to do his own activities. As they were on their way to Sweet Apple Acres, Dusk asked an question that Twilight wasn’t prepared for. “I was wondering Twilight... Are you interested in having your own deck?” “What?” “Well, I’ve already explained the rules of Duel Monsters to you back at Canterlot. The Numbers could appear at anytime, so I wish to provide you a way to handle yourself if you encounter one.” Twilight had a thoughtful expression before she replied. “I am not sure… If another of these Numbers appear, I would prefer you handle it.” “I can’t always be there to stop them…” Dusk said truthfully. Despite his skill as a duelist, he was only one pony. While still unsure, Twilight understood Dusk’s words. “I’ll think about it…” The stallion nodded just as they reached the farm and were greeted by Applejack. She was more than happy to let Dusk help out in the harvest. They been working for a few hours now and their baskets were filled with apples as they making their way to the barn. While Applejack, Twilight and Dusk were busy with their work, Spike however was a different matter. “No. Nope. Nope…” The baby dragon was still on Twilight’s back and was looking through each apple in her baskets. Spike however chucked away apples that doesn’t appeal him over his back despite them being free of deformities. ‘Spike sure love giving me more work…’ Dusk thought as he was behind Twilight, picking up the apples that Spike chucked away and put them in his baskets. “Thank you kindly you two for helping me out. I bet Big McIntosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime.” Applejack said. “If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles.” “No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.” Twilight replied. “I know, right?” Spike continues to scan through the apples, but he chucked one of the apples on Twilight’s head by accident. “Spike.” Dusk said to the baby dragon. “You were sitting on Twilight’s back when the three of us were doing all the work.” “That’s the point. You three are taking so long, I missed snack-time.” He replied. Moments later, both Twilight’s and Dusk’s stomach begun to growl. They ended laughing nervously in embarrassment. “I guess we should get some food.” Twilight said and Dusk nodded in agreement. Spike however continue to look through the apples until he pulled one that stands out. “Woah…” Dusk muttered since he never seen an apple so red and ripe. Twilight only licked her lips upon seeing it. “Oh Spike, that looks delicious.” However, Spike merely shoved the apple into his mouth and ate it completely. “Spike.” Twilight said in disappointment. “What?” Spike replied after swallowing the apple, which Dusk merely laughed lightly. “The little guy must be really hungry.” However, he notice that the baby dragon soon covered his mouth with his claws. “Spike, are you…” Twilight and Dusk were startled when Spike burped and release his green flames. Soon, a scroll appeared from the flames. Spike quickly got off Twilight’s back and landed on his feet, grabbing the scroll as it floated down. “It's a letter from Princess Celestia.” Twilight quickly noted as Spike opened the scroll and begun to read its contents. “Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda…” Spike skipped part of the letter before reaching the end. “…cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.” ‘A special event?” Dusk thought as he looked at Applejack and Twilight as they both gasped happily. “The Grand Galloping Gala!” The two mares said as they jump into the air in excitement. “Eh…” Dusk turned his sights to Spike, who didn’t share the two’s enthusiasm. He ended up burping his green flames again and this time, two golden tickets appeared. “Look, two tickets.” Spike grabbed the tickets and showed them to Twilight. “Wow, great!” “Eh Twilight. Just what is this Gala?” “Dusk!, You don’t know what the Gala is?!” Twilight said in shock, but was met with the stallion’s unamused expression. “Oh yeah…” Twilight realize her mistake, remembering Dusk wasn’t around Equestria. “The Grand Galloping Gala is the biggest annual royal ball in Equestria.” “You mean dressing up, dancing…” Dusk questioned. “and a lot of girly stuff.” Spike exclaimed, interrupting him. “I am guessing you are not interested in the Gala.” “Yes, and I plan to keep it that way.” Twilight then tried to talk the baby dragon into joining. “Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice.” “Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice.” Applejack quickly rushed to Twilight’s side and said to her face. “I'd love to go. Land sakes…” Applejack begun to daydream as she explains her intentions if she could go to the Gala. “…if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip.” ‘How does surgery work in this world?’ Dusk thought. “Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala.” Applejack said with hopeful eyes. Upon hearing that, Twilight approached her. “Oh, well in that case, would you like to…” “Woah!” She couldn’t finish for seconds later, Rainbow Dash slammed into Twilight and Applejack from above. “Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” Dash said in excitement as Applejack was getting back on her hooves while Dusk put down his baskets and now was helping Twilight up. “Rainbow Dash.” Applejack said unamused. “You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spying?” Dash merely turns her back at the earth pony. “No, I was busy… napping…” Confused, Dusk soon looked up and saw a pillow and blanket on a branch above them. “That doesn’t look comfortable…” “…and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?” Dash said to Twilight as she was flying upside down. “Yeah, but…” Twilight was once more interrupted by Dash as she cheered. “Yes! This is so awesome!” The pegasus made a loops in excitement before landing on the ground. “The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now…” This time, Dash spoke how her time at the Gala would go as her imagination goes wild. “Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut! Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash! And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.” After she was done, Dash was already hovering above the ground. “Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!” It was then Applejack pulled Dash away from Twilight by her tail with her teeth. Dusk can’t help but flinch, remembering that ponies also use their mouth to grab and use items. “Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here. I asked for that ticket first.” Applejack said as she brought face close to Dash’s own. “So? That doesn't mean you own it.” Dash replied as she did the same thing. “Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.” Soon, both Applejack and Dash went to a stump and engage in the pony version of an arm-wrestle. ‘Rainbow Dash is stronger than I thought…’ Dusk assumed that Applejack would have the advantage after years working at the farm, but Dash was holding her own. However, the hoof-wrestle prematurely ended when Twilight separated the two ponies. “Girls, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much.” Twilight yelled out. “Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?” Applejack and Dash soon step forward to give their reasons. “Drummin' up business for the farm?” “A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” “Money to fix Granny's hip!” “Living the dream!” Dusk could only rub his head in thought. Between helping a friend’s farm to helping another achieve her life-long dream, it is a difficult choice. Twilight felt the same way. “Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?” Once again her’s and Dusk’s stomach begun to growl. She chuckled nervously as she turned to Dusk. “Listen to that, we are staving. Twilight then turned back to Applejack to Dash. “I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach…” She said as she slowly back away. “…so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?” After Spike climbed on her back, she walked away with Dusk beside her. The stallion turned around and sighed when he caught Applejack and Dash restarting their hoof-wrestle. Back at the town, Twilight, Spike and Dusk were looking for a good restaurant to eat at. “So are you interested in the Gala?” Spike asked Dusk, who merely shook his head. “I don’t think so. Galas tend to be too formal to my taste and dancing isn’t my thing.” Dusk’s answer peaked Twilight’s interest. “Have you ever been to a gala back on Earth?” “Not quite, but I have been to formal events similar to a gala and they didn’t interest me much.” He replied. “I don’t think the Grand Galloping Gala would be much fun for me, so I will pass.” “So Dusk is out.” Spike said before turning to Twilight. “So, who you gonna give the ticket to then?” “I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry.” Twilight said. “Can’t argue with that.” Dusk agreed with the unicorn as his stomach growled again. It was then something struck Dusk by the left, which caused him to hit Twilight and Spike as well. The impact was strong enough to knock the three to the ground and a few meters away from their previous position. “Ugh…” Dusk groaned as he laid on his back and he regained his bearings. He then caught sight of whatever struck and it was Pinkie, down on the ground as well. “Pinkie…” He sighed as he got back on his hooves after such an impact. At the same time, the tickets landed on Pinkie’s face and was startled when she opened her eyes. “Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!” Mistaking the tickets for bats, Pinkie screamed as he ran over the area. Incidentally, it helped both Twilight and Spike regain their consciousness. They too got back on their hooves as they watch Pinkie’s overaction. “Pinkie! They are not bats!” Dusk yelled as he pointed to the tickets. “They are just tickets!” “Tickets?” Pinkie calmed down as she looked at them. “Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” “Uh oh.” Dusk muttered as he looked at Pinkie’s overjoyed expression. “It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!” Pinkie quickly broke into a song as she entered her own imaginative world. “Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me. Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me. Hip hip Hooray! It's the best place for me. For Pinkie!” The party pony continued singing as she begun to describe what the Gala would be in her eyes. “With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!” ‘I don’t think that how Galas are Pinkie…’ Dusk thought, but didn’t want to say directly to her face. “Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me. Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me. 'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever in the whole galaxy! Wheee!!” When she was singing, Pinkie was jumping around Dusk in joy much to his confusion. “Uh Pinkie?” “Oh thank you, Dusk, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever!” Pinkie said as she stopped jumping and was close to Dusk’s face with a wide smile. “What?” The stallion was surprised that Pinkie thought the tickets belonged to him. Twilight was surprised as well and tried to explain to the party pony that they were hers. “Eh Pinkie, those tickets belong to…” Twilight stopped talking when he heard a gasp and turned to see it was Rarity. She was looking at the tickets in Spike’s claws just after he picking them up. “Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked, keeping her attention on the tickets. “Rarity…” Dusk tried to talk, but was cut off by Pinkie. “Yes, yes, yes!” Pinkie said in joy, still thinking the tickets were Dusk’s. “Dusk taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!” ‘Pinkie…’ Dusk resisted the urge to facehoof himself. “The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend.” Rarity said happily. “Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him.” “Him!” Pinkie exclaimed before she became confused. “Who?” “Him…” Rarity stated with a dreamy tone in her voice as she fantasize what would happen if she was at the Gala. “I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him…” She said dreamily. “…her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams.” ‘Something from a fairy tale…’ Dusk felt that Rarity was setting the bar too high in seeking a prince. It was then Rarity came face-to-face to him in disappointment. “Dusk, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love!” “Wait…” Dusk tried to explain, but Rarity didn’t bother to listen. “How could you?! Hmph!” Soon, she turned her back on the stallion. Dusk sighed at the predicament he was now in. Pinkie believed he was taking her to the Gala and Rarity was unhappy with his “decision”. “Hey!” Dusk heard Spike yell out and turned to see that a small white bunny had the tickets in its mouth. He gazes upon the bunny running towards Fluttershy, climbing onto the pony’s head and showing her the tickets. ‘Hope she’s too shy to go to the Gala…’ Dusk thought as he turned his attention at Pinkie and Rarity, the former still bouncing in excitement and the latter still have her back turned. “Listen you guys. Those tickets are not mine. They belong to Twilight…” “What?!” The two ponies said, surprised what they heard. “…and she is the one deciding who to give the spare ticket to.” Dusk continued on, refusing to be interrupted this time. Pinkie and Rarity turned their sights at Twilight, who could only laugh nervously in return. “Um, excuse me…” Everypony turned towards Fluttershy as the bunny stood with the tickets still in its mouth. “Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else…” “What?” Dusk was very surprised that Fluttershy would go to such a public event due to her timid nature. Rarity was also surprised as well. “You? You want to go to the Gala?” “Oh, no.” Fluttershy said uncertainly, but the bunny nudged her to speak her true intentions. I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of.” She begun to speak of what her plans were when she is at the Gala. “You see, it's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!” “Eh…” Dusk could tell that Fluttershy was a big animal lover since they met, but couldn’t find the right words to say. “Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful...?” It was all Twilight could say after hearing the pegasus’s intentions. “Wait just a minute!” Everypony turned to the roof of one of the buildings and saw Rainbow Dash standing tall with displeased eyes. “Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?” Twilight questioned her. “No! I mean, yes! I mean, maybe!” Dusk shook his head seeing Dash trying to save face. “Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody!” “Wait just another minute!” Applejack yelled as she approached. Twilight however was quite unhappy seeing her, thinking she followed as well. “Applejack, were you following me too?” “No.” She said as she pointed her hoof at Dash. “I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take my ticket.” “Your ticket?!” Dash shouted and it acted as the catalyst for the rest of the ponies to join in the argument who the spare ticket should go to. Seeing Twilight was being overwhelmed being the center of the argument, Dusk tried to intervene. However, he was stopped along with everypony when Spike, who was beside him, burped his green flames once more. “What now…” Dusk muttered, but was shocked to see from the flame were two additional Gala tickets and a scroll. “Another letter from Princess Celestia?” Twilight questioned just as Dusk grabbed the tickets and Spike got his claws on the scroll. The baby dragon cleared his throat as opened it. “Dear Dusk. My apologies, but I was busy with other matters, so I have just finished reading report on the Numbers. I appreciate the information provided and look forward to additional reports in the future. As a reward for what your have done for me as of now, you and one guest are invited to the Grand Galloping Gala, our annual royal ball.” Dusk had a shocked expression on his face as he stared as the tickets in his hoof and then to the mares. While Twilight made a nervous laugh at Dusk’s reward, the others looked at him and his tickets in awe. “Thanks a lot Celestia…” Dusk sighed as he knew that his day was going to be more hectic than before.