The Chaotic Three: A Zany Story

by LunaJack


The Gala at Last

The morning of the Grand Galloping Gala was always one of the busiest in Canterlot. Sparkling clean tablecloths had to be draped over tables and adorned with vases of fresh cut flowers. A great crystal chandelier, which had been taken down for polishing the week before, had to be re-hung. It took three unicorns to lift it into place and a small Pegasus to quickly reattach it to the ceiling. A crew of ponies had to give the marble floor in the ballroom one last good sweep and ensure the windows were clean and free of smudges.
Twinkle Sparkle wandered in from the Grand Garden and watched as a group of Pegasi hung colorful banners from the rafters. If Pinkie Pie were here, she thought, she'd have the place decorated in no time with her party cannon. Of course, it would look more like a foal's birthday party, but it would definitely be more fun. At least Princess Celestia had allowed the pink pony to book the band for the event.
“Hey! Wipe your hooves!” one of the sweeper stallions bellowed. “We just finished sweeping there!”
“Sorry!” Twinkle carefully scraped her feet on a nearby mat.
“That's better,” said the stallion, mollified. He looked her over, taking in her horn and wings. “You can look around if you like. Just don't touch anything.”
“Thank you,” said Twinkle with an old-fashioned curtsy Princess Luna had taught her, then trotted inside. She had been in the palace many times, but she was always awed by its size and splendor. Unable to contain herself, she spread her wings and soared up to the high-vaulted ceiling. Looking down, she felt like an eagle looking for prey. She saw unicorns setting up the refreshment table, Earth pony maids dusting the grand staircase, and pegasi laying bunting over the lower rafters.
Suddenly a strange movement caught her eye. The skirt on one of the refreshment tables bulged and then slowly lifted as a pony's rear end came into view. Twinkle fluttered down to get a closer look. She stifled a giggle as she recognized the pony's gray fur and pink bobbed tail. Quietly, she conjured up a large firecracker and placed it on the floor between the pony's back hooves.
BANG!
“AHHHH!” The table jolted as the pony jumped in surprise. “OW! What the hay?”
“Hello, Zany,” Twinkle grinned into the colt's face as he emerged from under the table. “What are you up to?”
“Chaos, of course,” he grinned, showing off his fang. “Gala Prank Central. Here, take a look.”
Twinkle slipped under the tablecloth and looked around. She was astonished at the amount of stuff he had stored under there: whoopie cushions, dribble glasses, fake bugs, squirting straws, and bags upon bags of crystal candy.
“Three different candies turn you three different colors.” He smirked. “Thanks for being our guinea pig, by the way.”
Twinkle ignored the jibe. “How did you get here so early?”
“Dad teleported me here so I could set up my tricks in advance.”
“Oh! Is your Dad here with you?” Twinkle asked, looking around nervously.
“No, he's riding on the train with Mom. He doesn't like to be separated from her for too long. He gets scared something will happen to her.”
Twinkle breathed a sigh of relief. “So, is this all your tricks?” she asked.
“No. I've got a few more. Oranges with ping-pong balls inside, apple slices that taste like lemons! And one special trick that I'm saving for someone in particular.”
Twinkle noticed the evil grin that spread across the chaotic colt's face and was glad she wasn't that “someone in particular” he was referring to.
“Hey!” cried an outraged voice. “What are you doing? You can't be in here!”
“Busted,” Zany groaned, ducking back under the table.
“You can't just come in here! We're trying sweep!”
“Then I suggest you do your job and I shall do mine,” said a deep suave voice that sent a cold tingle down Twinkle's spine.
“This is Picture Perfect, first class photographer and agent to the most elite models in Equestria,” another voice broke in smoothly. “We have permission from the princess herself to do a photo shoot on the grand staircase.”
Picture Perfect? Twinkle's ears perked up at the name.
“Well, this is the first I've heard of it,” said the sweeper stallion suspiciously.
“Doesn't surprise me,” said the deep suave voice derisively. “You are just a broom pony. I doubt you would be informed of anything that doesn't pertain to a clean floor.”
Jerk! Twinkle thought as she peeked around the table at the newcomers.
The one called Picture Perfect was a tall sky blue unicorn with a flowing pure white mane that he tossed haughtily over his shoulder. He was followed closely by a pair of large unicorn stallions. The first had black fur and sported a spiky green mane. The other had yellow fur and a short white mane. Both wore dark sunglasses.
“I assure you that we do have permission to be here,” said the yellow unicorn. He slipped a few golden bits into the sweeper pony's apron pocket. “The sooner were are done, the sooner we will be out of your mane.”
“I promise you won't get into any trouble,” added a sweet tinkling voice Twinkle immediately recognized. “We're just taking a few photos before the crowds arrive for the Gala. That is all right, isn't it?” the voice asked plaintively
A big grin split the sweeper pony's face. “Yes, I suppose it's okay, little lady. The grand staircase is that way. Just holler if you need anything.”
“Thank you, sir!”
“Oh, my gosh!” Twinkle stuck her head into Zany's hiding place. “Quick! Come out! It's Jewel! Jewel's here!”
“Jewel?” Zany popped out from under the table just as his friend came into view. Jewel's mane was done up in the classic style of the Crystal Empire. Her gown was a pink drape that cinched at the waist then split, allowing her back leg to be visible almost to the cutie mark. Zany's jaw dropped in awe. She looked like an ancient Equestrian goddess! If only Applespike were there...
Suddenly Twinkle gasped and nudged Zany in the ribs with her hoof. Walking behind Jewel was a colt with shiny light-gray fur and a pink and blue striped mane. He wore a white striped vest with a knotted pink tie that matched the color of Jewel's gown.
“Who the hay is that?” whispered Zany.
“Stud Muffin,” Twinkle murmured back. “He's a top model. I recognize him from the magazines.”
Zany looked the colt model over. “He doesn't look all that special to me. Though, I admit, I do like that vest he's wearing. I bet the fillies would dig it.”
“If they don't bury you first,” Twinkle muttered. “Come on. Let's follow them!”
Stealthily, the two ponies followed the group to the grand staircase. Picture Perfect was positioning Jewel on the landing. She was looking coyly over her shoulder, her back leg thrust out through the slit in her gown.
“Perfect!” cooed Picture Perfect as he snapped the photo.
After a few more poses, he summoned Stud Muffin to the landing. The colt model looked bored with the whole thing but managed to smile cockily into the camera as he laid a hoof over Jewel's neck.
“Perfect!” said Picture Perfect again. He pulled out another camera and took some pictures of Stud Muffin by himself.
“Perfect!” he said, finally putting away the camera. “These will do for next month's issue. All we need now are pictures of the two of you at the Gala and then--” he paused for effect. “The Grand Finale! The two of you standing on a balcony. The full moon framing your silhouettes as you share your FIRST KISS!”
Zany gasped in horror. “Oh, no! Poor Applespike...”
“Sounds good to me,” said Stud Muffin leaning lazily against the banister. “But are you sure I have to greet Jewel when she makes her big entrance? I mean, do you really expect me to stand in line with a fire-breathing dragon and an insane draconequess?”
“Discord is not insane,” said Jewel, rolling her eyes. “He is the Spirit of Chaos. He behaves oddly, but I know he has a good heart. He just adores his wife, Fluttershy...”
“Oh, yes, the Element of Kindness,” said Stud Muffin sneeringly. “You just love to drop that whole Element thing, don't you?”
Jewel blushed. “I'm not bragging, Stud. I just don't want you to feel nervous around Discord. He truly is a reformed creature.”
The colt model smirked. “I heard he slapped his own wife down for trying to interfere with him,” he replied coolly.
“That LIAR!” Zany hissed between clenched teeth. His gray fur crackled with chaotic magic, begging to be released. “Dad was defending himself from Rainbow Dash and Mom got between them!”
“Shhhh!” Twinkle placed a restraining hoof on his back. She clenched her teeth as a big bolt of magic discharged into her. Luckily, it was not very strong, though she did smell of singed hair.
“That was an accident, Stud!” Jewel said, stomping her hoof. “Discord didn't mean to hit her! It was...”
“Oh, Jewel,” said Stud Muffin, shaking his head pityingly. “Isn't that what they always say?”
“Stay calm, Zany,” Twinkle whispered as she pulled the furious colt behind a giant flowerpot. “You don't want to do anything that will get you in trouble.”
“Trouble?” Zany snapped. “Don't talk to me about trouble! I've been in trouble so much, we know each other on a first name basis!”
“In trouble bad enough to be turned to stone?” she hissed back. “He's not worth it. Just let it go.”
Meanwhile, Jewel's temper was getting the best of her. “Don't you talk down to me, Stud Muffin! My mother was there and she saw what happened! If you don't believe her, perhaps you'd believe Princess Twilight Sparkle. She was there, too!”
“Oh, I knew you would pull her into this sooner or later,” said Stud Muffin, nastily. “Princess Twilight Sparkle! The Princess of Friendship! AKA: the weakest of the alicorns who can't do anything without help from a silly group of mares and a pet dragon!”
“That is enough, children,” Picture Perfect drawled, stepping between them. “We have a big night ahead of us. One of the last things we need is rumors being spread by disgruntled maids that you two were fighting. Come along, Jewel! Your mother will be coming with your gown before long.”
Hidden behind the flowerpot, Zany and Twinkle watched as the group slowly exited the room.
“Zany?” said Twinkle, her eyes boring furiously into Stud Muffin's back.
“Yeah?”
“Make. Him. Pay!”


“Wow! You've really outdone yourself this year, Rarity. These gowns are gorgeous!”
“Thank you, Twilight,” answered Rarity as she brushed Cinnamon Roll's mane into a stylish bun. Jewel, Twinkle, and Gemstone sat with hot rollers in their hair, patiently waiting their turn. “I always find inspiration in my friends and family.”
“It's nice for you to say so,” said Fluttershy with a little giggle as her daughter, Screwball, helped her into her gown. “Even if we do ask for something kind of... odd.”
“I have to admit, your choice of material was very unconventional,” Rarity sighed. “But it turned out better than I thought it would.”
“I'll say it did,” said Applejack, examining Fluttershy's dress up close. “I like the buttercups you embroidered on the hem. But ...er... why is made out of burlap?”
Screwball giggled. “It's a joke on Daddy. Mom asked him which gown he thought looked the best on her. He told her it didn't matter. She could wear a burlap sack and still be beautiful!”
“We'll find out soon enough,” said Fluttershy, blushing.
The mares all laughed easily at the joke. Being married to the Lord of Chaos had definitely rubbed off on the shy Pegasus. Before meeting Discord, she wouldn't have dreamed of being seen in a dress that others considered odd or different. Now, she was ready to waltz into a ballroom full of ponies dressed in a dolled up meal sack!
“I'm sure Discord will love it,” said Rarity. She slid the last bobby pin into Cinnamon Roll's hair. “There, my dear! Now, go get dressed.”
Cinnamon Roll raced to her mother who helped her pull the gown over her head. It was a real work of art. The bodice was a soft baby pink while the skirt was alternating panels of pink and gingerbread brown.
“It even has swirls of glitter like a cinnamon roll!” exclaimed Applejack, tears standing in her eyes. “Oh, I can't believe our little fillies have all grown up!”
“Yep, we're all growing up,” said Raspberry Pie, jumping on an ottoman.
“We're really getting bigger!” said Cherry Pie, twirling in front of the mirror.
“But not fatter!” said Blueberry Pie, rubbing her tummy. “I don't know where all the cupcakes go.”
“Daddy says we must have a hollow leg!”
“Oooooh, I wonder which one it is!”
“Well, mostly grown up,” Applejack amended.
Twilight quickly stepped in. “Why don't you girls go downstairs and see if your mom needs help setting up the band equipment,” she asked the Tri-Pies. “We'll join you when the girls are finished.”
“Okie Dokie Lokie!” The triplets chorused as they exited the room, their skirts flapping like flags behind them.
“Weren't you going to do their hair?” Twinkle asked Rarity.
“Oh no, darling! None of them would sit still long enough for that. Besides, I could take a steam roller to that hair and it would still look like a cone of cotton candy.” Rarity styled Jewel's mane into a becoming layer of ringlets and carefully secured them with jeweled barrettes. “There! I'm sure Picture Perfect would approve.”
“Yes,” said Jewel, quickly. “May I get dressed now?”
“Of course, dear,” said Rarity, smiling. “I know you must be eager to show yourself to Stud Muffin. Your father is probably downstairs talking to him now!”
“Oh, good!” Only Twinkle noticed the little unicorn cringe. “Perfect.”


“Drat!” Fancy Pants muttered as he checked his pocket watch for the umpteenth time. “It's getting late. Where is he?”
The dapper unicorn and his fellow stallions were all standing at the base of the stairs, waiting for their mares to emerge. Beside him, still clad in armor, was Flash Sentry. Discord floated nearby, dressed in a black tux and working a crossword puzzle. Mothball sat on his haunches, looking bored. Spike adjusted his top hat and admired himself in a nearby mirror.
“Hello, gorgeous,” he grinned at his reflection.
Applespike face-hoofed. “Pa, please! You're embarrassing me!”
“What?” asked Spike. “Can I help it if I got it?”
“If you got it, don't spread it around,” Discord muttered without looking up. “There might not be a cure.”
Applespike and Mothball managed to choke back a laugh. Spike glared at the draconequess, wondering if it was worth the risk to set fire to Discord's puzzle book.
“Hey, where's Zany?” asked Applespike, looking around. “He told me he'd meet me here.”
“Ah, yes, my son,” said Discord, grinning mischievously. “He should be along soon. If the royal guards don't catch him, that is.”
“Royal guards?” asked Flash, frowning. “What do you mean by--”
POOF! Zany appeared next Applespike. He was gasping for breath; his pink mane standing on end and his eyes big as saucers.
“Zany!” cried Applespike. “What's wrong? What...”
“Dad teleported me to the other side of the palace,” Zany said with a shudder. “I just witnessed the fat Duchess of some province or other taking a shower! She screamed, called me a Peeping Tom and hit me with a loofa! I had to jump over her fat angry husband and swerve around three guards to get out of there!”
“Oh, and I thought that was an empty suite,” said Discord innocently. “My bad! Why don't you run along now and set up your pranks? I'll wait for ...”
“Nice try, Dad,” Zany interrupted. “But I Pinkie Promised Applespike I'd stand by him when he asks Jewel to dance.”
“If that's okay with you, sir,” added Applespike, looking at Fancy Pants anxiously.
The unicorn stallion smiled kindly. “It's good of you to ask, Applespike. I wouldn't mind if you asked her to dance, but, I must warn you, she does have a colt friend. I don't know if he would be comfortable with her dancing with someone else.”
“I doubt he'll be comfortable with anything right now,” said Zany under his breath. Applespike glanced suspiciously at his friend, but did not ask any questions.
“Good evening, sirs,” said a low voice behind them. The group turned to look. Behind them stood a Griffon. His lion's body was a tawny brown while his eagle's head and chest were white. His wings ,which were folded to his sides, were brown with white tips. A plume on the back of his head stuck out like a cowlick.
“Evening,” said Spike, touching his hat the way he had seen the Apple family males do. “Are you lost?”
“Oh, no,” said the Griffon, slowly stalking over to sit next to Fancy Pants. “I know where I am, thank you. Is it all right if I join you?”
“Sure,” said Spike, looking questioningly at the others.
Discord rolled his eyes. “The only ladies upstairs here are our wives and daughters. Are you sure this is where you're supposed to be?”
“I'm sure,” the Griffon replied, eyeing the draconequess insolently.
Discord raised an eyebrow and was about to say something rather rude when Applespike cried out.
“They're here! They're here!”
All eyes turned to the staircase. Rarity, Twilight and Applejack came first. The white unicorn wore a black gown with multicolored jewels sewn into the skirt. The young princess wore a dark purple dress with silver star swirls. The honest Earth pony sported a breezy white gown with apple red trim.
“Stunning, my dear,” Fancy Pants murmured as Rarity smiled on him. “Absolutely stunning!”
Flash bowed deeply before Twilight. “Every inch a princess,” he said.
“Ain't you gonna say something, Spike?” Applejack smirked at her husband's stunned expression.
“I keep forgetting how beautiful you are without your hat,” he managed to croak.
“Wait a minute,” cried Discord, scanning the stairs. “Where is my wife? Where is Fluttershy?”
Rarity giggled. “Patience, darling. She'll be down soon.”
Gemstone came next, wearing a flowing red gown with white glitter hearts. Screwball followed in a lavender dress with lollipop swirls to match her eyes. Mothball immediately flew to her side and assisted her down the stairs.
“What has gotten into that boy?” Discord grumbled. “She's not made of glass!”
Zany's eyes widened as Twinkle appeared. Her gown was dark blue with silver crescent moons and pink stars that matched her mother's cutie mark. Her mane was done up in a majestic bun and secured with a silver tiara similar to Princess Luna's. She noticed the look on Zany's face and gave him a mischievous wink.
“Wow,” Zany whispered. He did not realize he was floating away until Applespike grabbed his leg.
“Better get down before your dad notices,” he hissed.
Discord, however, was not in the frame of mind to notice anything. He stood with his arms folded across his chest, his eagle claw drumming impatiently on his elbow.
“Yes, yes-- Rarity is a genius and all the girls are gorgeous and blah-blah-blah! What I want to know is where is my Fluttershy!”
“I'm right here!”
Discord looked up. Fluttershy stood on the landing wearing her dress. Her head was held high, a sweet but devious grin on her face.
“Fluttershy--” Discord's eyes slowly took in what she was wearing. “What-- ?”
“Do you like it?” she asked with a throaty giggle that sent a shiver up his spine. “You did say I would look beautiful even in a burlap sack.” She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Do you still think so?”
“Oh, yeah!” shouted Discord, sweeping her off her hooves and planting a big kiss on her lips. “I so love being right!”
Cinnamon Roll came next. Spike and Applejack fought back tears as their little filly made her way downstairs in her shimmering gown.
“Sacre' bleu cheese!”
The couple watched in bewilderment as the Griffon eagerly stepped forward. His beak hung open in awe. His eyes shone bright in adoration. Cinnamon Roll stopped right in front of him. She smiled but tears stood in her eyes.
“You made it,” she whispered.
“Told you I would,” he whispered back.
“What in the wide world of Equestria is going on?” asked Applejack, unable to tear her eyes away from the spectacle of her daughter making cow eyes with a Griffon.
“I think that's her...date,” Spike gulped. He felt like a giant claw had wrapped itself around his chest and was squeezing him tightly. He wanted to grab Cinnamon Roll and run away! He wanted to set fire to that little...uh...whatever young Griffon males were called!
He wanted--
The sound of Discord's dark chuckling broke in on his thoughts. The draconequess smirked at Spike, thoroughly enjoying the dragon's confusion.
“Well, well! Guess who's coming to dinner?” he chortled.
Screwball snorted. “You're one to talk, Daddy. Remember how you tried to exterminate Mothy?”
“I know I can't forget it,” Mothball shuddered.
"Both of you fell in love with and married a pony.” Screwy gave her father and Spike a sharp look. “Don't tell me you see something wrong with this.”
“Of-- of course not,” said Spike, smiling anxiously. “There's nothing wrong with it.” He cast another glance at the couple. “Nothing at all.”
“Everypony,” said Cinnamon Roll, turning to the group. “This is my friend Gulliand. He's the nephew of Gustave LeGrande.”
“A pleasure to meet all of you,” said Gulliand with a bow.
“Same here,” said Applejack, with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. “I'm just a little surprised Cinnamon Roll didn't mention you to us.”
“Well, I kinda did, Ma,” Cinnamon Roll said, blushing. “You know, that day...at the spa?”
“Oh, yeah! I remember! You were worried he would change his mind about the dance. And then Fluttershy said--” Applejack put her hoof to her mouth. She really did not want to repeat what Fluttershy had said. “So-- uh-- what are you doing in Canterlot?” she asked Gulliand.
“I'm studying to be a chef, Madame.”
“Great! We could use another chef in the family!” Applespike blurted.
Discord quickly covered his mouth with his lion paw to stifle his laughter. Cinnamon Roll and Gulliand blushed crimson. Applejack and Spike looked as if they were about to faint. Zany poked his friend in the ribs.
“Way to go, pal. I think you broke your parents.”
Applespike looked from one shocked face to another and wished he could disappear like Zany. Meekly, he slipped through the crowd to stand alone at the foot of the stairs.
“You dummy!” he berated himself. “Cinnamon's gonna really be mad now!”
Suddenly, a flash of movement caught his eye. He looked up saw Jewel standing forgotten on the landing above. Her gown was glittering white like fresh snow on Hearth's Warming Eve. A scattering of tiny purple jewels adorned the skirt. Her mane hung in charming ringlets that framed her beautiful face.
“Oh, wow!” Applespike murmured, his heart pounding loud in his chest. He had always thought her to be beautiful, but tonight she looked like a dream. He climbed towards her but it felt more like he was floating.
Jewel barely glanced at him as he came to stand beside her. Her eyes searched the crowd of family and friends below then stared through the archway into the hall.
“Where are they?” he heard her murmur anxiously. “Where are they?”
“Jewel,” he said, touching her lightly with his hoof.
“Applespike,” she whispered desperately. “Have you seen them?”
“Who are you talking about?”
“Picture Perfect. He was supposed to bring Stud Muffin and the photographers from the magazines. Where are they?”
Applespike frowned at the mention of of the colt model. “I don't know,” he replied shortly. “We've been standing here for almost an hour and haven't seen hide nor hair of them.”
“Oh, poo!” Jewel stomped her little hoof. “Now what am I supposed to do? Picture Perfect said he wanted to photograph me coming down the steps in my gown. That's why I waited to come down last! Now he isn't even here!” She stomped her hoof again.
Applespike frowned. “That doesn't sound like the Jewel I know,” he said quietly. Jewel looked at him in surprise then hung her head, blushing.
“You're right. It isn't. I'm sorry, Applespike. I'm just upset because Picture Perfect isn't here and I don't know what he wants me to do.”
“Well, why don't you do what YOU want to do?” asked Applespike sensibly.
Jewel snorted softly. “You don't know Picture Perfect. He likes things a certain way. If anything goes wrong, he can get...rather nasty.”
“Well, it's his fault he ain't here to guide you! Now, come on,” Applespike offered his hoof. “Let's get with the others.”
Jewel looked longingly at the crowd below. Cinnamon Roll and – Goodness! Was that a Griffon?-- were the center of attention. Fluttershy and Rarity stood next to Applejack who looked a little pale. Her father and Flash stood next to Spike. Discord was saying something she couldn't hear but, judging by the looks Fluttershy kept shooting him, it was probably something inappropriate. YES! Jewel thought. That was where she wanted to be! She took Applespike's hoof and let him escort her down the staircase.
“Jewel, darling!” Rarity cried as she hurried to meet her daughter. “I'm so sorry we missed your debut! We were trying to help Applejack and Spike. They're having a bit of a dilemma but I believe they will be all right.”
“My dear little filly,” said Fancy Pants with a trembling smile. “So beautiful! I feel like I should kiss your hoof!”
“Daddy,” Jewel blushed at the compliment.
“Thank you for escorting her, Applespike,” he said, smiling at the half-pony. “You are a true country gentle-colt.”
“Thank you, sir. It was my pleasure.”
“Okay, every pony!” Twilight Sparkle's voice rose above the crowd. “If we're all here, I guess we can head over to the Gala!”
All of the ponies paired off with their respective dates. Twilight and Flash took the lead followed by Discord and Fluttershy. Rarity and Fancy Pants came next with Gemstone and Jewel beside them. Spike and Applejack came next with Cinnamon Roll and Gulliand on one side and Screwy and Mothy on the other. Twinkle drifted to the back of the line. Zany appeared next to her.
“So, care to dance?” he asked without looking at her. Twinkle glanced at him, then decided to play along.
“Sure, if your Dad doesn't have a conniption.” She stared straight ahead and tried to keep a straight face. “I noticed Stud Muffin was absent from the line-up.”
“Yes, he was.”
“You know anything about it?”
Zany shrugged. “Maybe.”
Twinkle couldn't help grinning. “How bad?” she asked.
“Not enough to get turned to stone, but enough to show our displeasure.” He turned and gave her a cocky smile. “You'll find out later, I'm sure”
Applespike, meanwhile, was sidling up to Jewel.
“Hey, Jewel.”
“Yes?” she replied in a soft voice that made him feel weak as a rag doll.
“Um. I was wondering...if it's okay with you...would you like to--”
“There they are!”
Three unicorn stallions charged the group. Twilight, Discord, Fancy Pants and Screwball quickly fired up their magic, preparing to fight if needed. Jewel gasped and waved her hooves at the others.
“No, no! It's all right. I know them!”
Twilight and the others stood down and let the unicorns approach. The one in the lead ran straight to Jewel, putting himself between her and Applespike.
“My dear, you really should have stayed by the staircase and waited,” he hissed in her ear. “It's fortunate we found you before the Ponyrazzi did!” he added, looking disdainfully towards Spike and Applejack.
“I'm sorry, Goodnight,” said Jewel. “I was expecting to see Stud Muffin and Picture Perfect, but they weren't there.”
“There's been a change of plan.” said Goodnight urgently. He stomped his back hoof , barely missing Applespike who had been trying to get past him. “You need to come on...”
“My good fellow,” said Fancy Pants, drawing himself up most regally. “I was under the impression that I would be meeting my daughter's suitor tonight. I was rather disappointed he did not show up. I'm sure it isn't a slight against us, but I am hoping you could offer an explanation.”
Goodnight rolled his eyes in impatience, but managed to reply politely.
“Stud Muffin sends his apologies. He came down with a sudden illness this morning and had to cancel all engagements.”
Twinkle glanced at Zany who suddenly sported a halo.
“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that,” said Fancy Pants. “Nothing serious, I hope.”
“Oh, no. Not at all. Doctor says he should be better by tomorrow. It didn't come on until after this morning's photo session, so Jewel should be fine.”
“Thank goodness,” said Rarity. “Did the doctor say what it is?”
“He said it was very rare. In all of Equestria, there has only been one confirmed case. He called it...Blue Flu.”