“Blue Flu?”
All the ponies looked at each other in confusion—except Discord, who looked sharply at his son.
“It's almost like regular flu,” Goodnight explained hurriedly. “Except it doesn't last as long.”
“And it turns you blue,” muttered Discord.
“Yes.” Goodnight cut his eye suspiciously at the draconequess. “It is unfortunate, but luckily, we have a backup plan. Come now, Jewel,” he added, with an exaggerated bow. “Your public awaits!”
Applespike watched longingly as Jewel was led away towards the teeming crowd of photographers. Flash bulbs popped and cameras whirred. Reporters called questions as they closed around the little unicorn filly like the tentacles of a hungry octopus.
“You okay?” Zany asked, brushing against him.
“Not really,” the dragon-pony shrugged. “But I'll be all right.”
Twinkle looked at him pityingly. She wanted to tell him that he could always ask Jewel to dance later, but the way the little unicorn was being mobbed made that unlikely. Maybe, she thought, something could be arranged...
“Twinkle Sparkle! My faithful pupil!”
The little alicorn looked up in surprise. “Princess Luna?” she cried.
“'Tis I,” said the dark alicorn, smiling. All the ponies except Discord and Gulliand bowed to her. Twinkle ran to her mentor and nuzzled her affectionately.
“Why are you here?” she asked. “You never come to the Gala!”
“I'm not staying long, but I wanted to see you in your gown.” Luna stepped back to admire her as Twinkle turned and posed. “You look stunning, dear. I love the stars on the skirt. Such a loving tribute to your mother!”
Twinkle was going to point out that the design also contained crescent moons as a tribute to her teacher, but something in Luna's eyes warned her not to mention it. “Thank you, Princess,” she said simply.
“You should be proud of her, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“I am,” said Twilight shyly, her cheeks glowing with pride.
“Wow, Princess Luna!” Zany managed to gasp. He had seen her several times but never this close. “You accepting any new students?”
“Greetings, Zany,” said Luna, chuckling. “No. I am afraid Twinkle Sparkle is my only protege. Besides, my knowledge of Chaotic magic is limited. Your father and Princess Twilight would be the best teachers for you.”
Zany made a face. “Princess Twilight! But she's so-- OW!” Twinkle's hoof struck his shin bone in warning. “Uh, she's so...very....thorough. She really knows how to cover a subject. Really...reeeeeeally...cover it.”
“Thank you, Zany,” said Twilight, cutting her eye at him for the lopsided compliment.
Princess Luna smiled. “Well, I must attend my duties. Good night, all. I hope you enjoy the Gala!” The dark alicorn backed away a few steps then vanished in a little pop of magic.
The group met with no other interruptions until they reached the Grand Hall. The Canterlot elite immediately swarmed Twilight, wanting to be seen greeting the Princess of Friendship. Others surrounded Rarity and Fancy Pants, exclaiming over how they missed them, though few had offered to travel to Ponyville to visit. A delegation of Apple family members from Appleloosa heartily greeted Applejack and Spike. Fluttershy's friends with the Nature Society and Bird Watcher's Club surrounded her and Discord.
“Love your gown, Flutters.”
“Ooooh, burlap! How original!”
“Way to recycle, Shy!”
“Hey! Where's yours, Discord?”
The nature ponies cheered as Discord changed his tuxedo into a burlap jacket. The words “Appleloosa Corn Meal” were written on the back.
“Time for the fun to begin,” said Zany, rubbing his hooves together in anticipation. He turned to Applespike. “You coming?”
“Yeah,” said his friend, perking up a little. “You got that spell ready that you were working on?”
“Oh, yeah! I just need you to help me activate it.” Zany looked back at Twinkle, who looked alone and forgotten among the mass of ponies. “You want to join us?” he asked her. “We could always use an extra hoof.”
Twinkle smiled. “No, thanks, guys. I think I'll stick close to mom for now. And I won't forget that dance!”
“You asked her to dance?” asked Applespike incredulously. “Your dad's gonna have a cow when he sees you two!”
“Well, we could always use the milk,” said Zany, shrugging. “Don't worry! Mom can handle him. Come on, let me show you the Prank Cave...”
An hour later, Twinkle stood at the punch table, trying to pick out a glass and straw that would not dribble or squirt. She could hear Zany and Applespike giggling under the table.
“So help me, Zany,” she muttered. “I get any punch on this dress because of your tricks, I'll give you a bigger headache than Cinnamon Roll did.”
“Look for the holes in the glasses,” said Zany without coming out. “The straws are all mixed in and look alike, so you're on your own there. Just send Dad the cleaning bill if you choose wrong.”
Twinkle found a regular glass and by sheer luck picked a normal straw.
“I thought you were with your mom,” said Zany.
“I was, but she ran into some friends from school and they got to talking so I wandered off.” She took a sip of punch and looked around at the other guests. A lot of them had faces whose color did not match their coats. “I see a lot of ponies have been sampling the candy,” she said.
“Yeah, and they love it!” Zany said excitedly. “Especially the foals! We had to restock the dishes three times already. I'm telling you, if we could talk Applejack or Big Mac into selling this stuff, we could make a fortune!”
“We'd have to talk to Granny first,” Applespike reminded him quickly. “After all, she calls the shots at the farm. But, I think she might go along with it.” He stuck his head out and looked up at Twinkle. “Say, have you seen Cinnamon Roll anywhere?” he whispered. “Ma and Pa are looking for her.”
“I saw her earlier, talking with some of her Canterlot friends. Gulliand was still with her.” Twinkle slowly scanned the room then shook her head. “I don't see her. Maybe they went out in the garden.”
“Why would they go in the garden?” asked Applespike, genuinely puzzled.
“What!” cried Zany incredulously. He stuck his head out so he could look his friend in the face. “They probably went for the same reason you'd take Jewel if you could. To make out, of course!”
“What!” the dragon-pony's eyes grew perfectly round. “That's crazy! She can't make out with him!”
“Why not?”
“Griffons have beaks! You need lips to kiss, Zany!”
The chaotic colt face-hoofed. “Well, maybe they're nuzzling or cuddling! What difference does it make any--”
“Hey! I see Jewel,” said Twinkle suddenly. Both colts stopped their argument to look in the direction she was pointing. Just a few yards away stood their friend. The crowd of reporters had thinned, though a few still hung around, hoping to get a candid picture or witty quote. The three huge unicorns from earlier surrounded her, keeping most of the curious ponies at bay. The black unicorn called Goodnight appeared to be the one in charge.
“That's him!” said Zany suddenly.
“Who's him?” asked Applespike.
“That unicorn who burned the rope and almost got you killed!” Zany's fur began to crackle with magic again. “The same one that tried to stomp you earlier! I thought I recognized him!”
Applespike's eyes glowed green with growing anger. A trickle of smoke escaped the corner of his mouth. “Ready to use that spell of yours, Zany?” he asked.
“Oh, yeah!” said the colt, sliding back under the tablecloth. “Just wait for him to get closer.”
Twinkle looked from the colts to their intended target. “What exactly are you planning to--”
“You may want to move over, Twinkle,” Applespike warned her as he joined his friend under the table. “Zany's still working on his aim.”
The little alicorn was going to ask again when she saw the unicorn in question walking towards the punch table. She moved to one side and made like she was sampling the apple slices with caramel dip.
“Yummy,” she said, biting into one. URK! It was one of Zany's lemon flavored slices!
The huge unicorn hardly glanced at her as he filled a cup with punch and levitated a straw into it. The straw immediately turned and squirted the stallion in the face.
“Blast it!” He picked another straw with the same result. “ARG! Stupid practical jokes!” he snarled.
He refilled the glass without a straw and snatched up a small plate of carrot sticks, almost knocking Twinkle over in the process.
“Watch what you're doing, brat!” he snapped over his shoulder as he turned away.
“I wasn't doing anything,” Twinkle snapped back.
The stallion flicked his tail disdainfully. “Watch your mouth, filly, or you'll find--”
He never got to finish. His eyes suddenly went wide. With a wild whinny of pain, he leaped into the air, twisting and bucking. His silver hooves turned bright orange. Green flames licked up the sides.
“YEOW! MY HOOVES ARE BURNING! MY HOOVES ARE BURNING!”
DING-DING-DING-DING-DING!
“Stand back, everyone!” Discord appeared wearing a firefighter hat and carrying a hose. He sprayed the unicorn head to hoof, but mostly in the face. Next he conjured a kiddie pool and forced Goodnight to stand in it while wearing a ducky swim ring and a snorkel. Steam rose from the pool and shot from the furious pony's nostrils.
“No need for thanks,” said Discord, grinning. “Just doing my duty!”
“Get away from me!” Goodnight snarled through clenched teeth. He shook himself off and stomped back to the group. More than a few ponies were laughing and popping pictures.
“Come along, Jewel,” he said haughtily, directing her towards the ballroom. “This is no place for you.”
Jewel obeyed but not before glancing back to grin at Applespike who she caught peeking from under the table.
“You're in fine form tonight,” said Discord, addressing Zany as he banished the kiddie pool and the water with a snap of his eagle talon. “First Blue Flu and now this? Yes, I know you're the one who made that colt sick so don't bother denying it! I only have one rule with chaos at the Gala and that's no hurting ponies-- unless it's in self defense.”
“Then it's Anything Goes,” said Zany, winking. “Got it, Dad!”
“Glad you do. The dancing is about to start and I better not miss waltzing with your mother to defuse another situation.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, and tell Twinkle Sparkle she can come out from behind the table. I'm not going to banish her to the far reaches of Equestria if she shares a dance with you. Going out in the garden to have a little private time, however....” Discord added as he leaned over the table and smiled wickedly into the startled alicorn's eyes. “That is a very different story!”
“Yes, sir,” Twinkle gulped.
“Glad we all understand each other, then. Adieu!” The draconequess disappeared in a whirl of red.
“I best be going, too,” said Twinkle, turning away.
“What?” cried Zany, chasing after her. “Don't tell me you changed your mind about the dance!”
“Of course not!” Twinkle giggled. “Pinkie Pie's going to lead everyone in the Cowpony Stomp and I don't want to miss it.”
“Yeehaw! That's mine and Ma's dance!” Applespike hollered joyfully. “Wait for me!”
All the colts, fillies, and foals ,along with most of the grown-ups from Appleloosa, were gathered near the stage. Pinkie leading the crowd in a line dance before the band took the stage had become a sort of tradition at the Gala. There were a few snooty older ponies who refused to join in, calling it “peasant dancing”, but a majority of the crowd participated. Even Fancy Pants, to his daughters' delight, enjoyed doing the Electric Glide.
“Okay, everypony!” Pinkie's voice boomed over the speakers. “Are you ready to get this party started?”
The crowd erupted in a cheer. Applespike edged his way through the throng to stand beside his mother. Twinkle and Zany lined up with him.
“All righty, then! Hit it!”
The music boomed and everyone followed Pinkie's lead as she danced across the stage.
“It's just a step to the left
A slide to the right.
Dancing in the yard
With the full moon's light.
We're all havin' fun
We don't wanna stop
Everypony's lovin'
The Cowpony Stomp!”
For the next five minutes, ponies from all over Equestria: rich and poor, young and old, unicorn and pegasi, Earth pony and Griffon danced together as one. Applespike, dancing beside Applejack and surrounded by his Appleloosa kin, could feel the harmony pulsing through the crowd and vibrating through his bones. A glance at Twinkle and Zany told him they felt the same. As he turned, he caught sight of Jewel standing on the sidelines, watching the dance. Goodnight stood beside her, his nose wrinkled disdainfully. Apparently, line dancing was something else she wasn't allowed to do.
“Oops! Careful, Sugarcube,” said Applejack, trying to keep from stomping on her son. “You missed a step.”
“Sorry.” Applespike made the quarter turn and kept the steps. But his mind was on Jewel; forced to stand out, not allowed to be a part of the party.
“All right! That was great!” hollered Pinkie as the music ended to wild applause. “Now let's give it up for our band, straight off their tour of Japony! Fillies and Gentle-colts, I give you FURR-IN-ER!”
“Whooo hooo!” Princess Twilight's voice rose above the applause.
“YES!” Rarity cried, rearing up in a very unladylike manner. “Oh! I always wanted to see them when I was a filly! They are so wonderful!”
“Whoooweee! Another blast from the past!” whooped Applejack. “I hope they play 'Waiting for a Mare Like You'. That's about the only love song I ever liked.”
“Another nostalgia band?” asked Discord, rolling his eyes. “Last year it was Haulin' Oats and the year before it was that Minotaur group Hay-Seed Dee-Seed. Where does she find them, at the old ponies home?”
“Says the draconequess who played air guitar with Angus Youngcalf,” giggled Fluttershy, giving her husband a playful shove. “You know you like the music as much as we do.”
Most of the younger ponies, having grown up listening to their parents' music, enjoyed the band as well. Fillies giggled as some of the colts danced and posed to “Juice Box Hero”. Not to be outdone, Zany played a vicious air guitar while wearing dark glasses, spiked bracelets , and a single hoop earring. He also tricked out Applespike with a red bandanna, dark glasses, and an apple tattoo on his shoulder. Together, they stood up on their hind legs and lip-synched the chorus.
“...A Juice Box Hero
With stars in his eyes...!”
Twinkle and a few unattached fillies gathered around the two, dancing and egging them on. Not that they needed any encouragement. Both colts took after their respective fathers when it came to showing off. Zany slid to his knees, jamming on his imaginary instrument. Applespike bared his teeth and whirled his arm like a windmill. It was then, he noticed Jewel watching from the sidelines. Her eyes were locked on him, her face glowing with enjoyment. Applespike gave her what he hoped was a cocky grin and threw himself into the performance with gusto.
He wasn't aware he had wandered from the group. He didn't notice the ponies parting as he played his way through. He wasn't aware of anything except the music and Jewel's shining face, drawing him like a flame draws a moth. Soon, he was standing in right in front of her, just a few feet away.
“Jewel...”
STOMP! An enormous silver hoof slammed down in front of him.
“What does Picture Perfect pay you for if you can't keep the riffraff away better than this?” hissed Goodnight to the other two unicorn bodyguards. “Take her to her parents. Tell the band to play something slow so we can get some photos of her dancing with her father. I will take care of things here,” he added, glowering at Applespike.
The dragon-pony felt all the bravado drain out of him as the enormous unicorn leaned over him menacingly.
“You are a stubborn little...whatever you are,” Goodnight growled disgustedly. “But I have had enough! If you come near her again, I will tell the Royal Guards that you are a danger to the princess and then you will have to spend the night in the dungeon with hay and water and just a pile of old straw for a bed. Do you understand?”
Applespike swallowed nervously. “But...you can't! Princess Celestia would never--”
“Oh, but the guards would,” Goodnight grinned nastily. “They are very vigilant when it comes to protecting their precious princesses. It would all get sorted out eventually, but not before you end up locked in a cell and your parents spend their lovely evening trying to bail you out. So...” he sneered. “Think it's worth it?”
Applespike glanced at Jewel being herded through the crowd. His first thoughts were valiant: of course she was worth it! She was Jewel! His loyal, kind, generous, sweet friend whom he had known since he was a foal! The dungeon? Ha! He'd go to Tartarus for her! And bring back Tirek's horns on a velvet pillow!
Then reality hit. The unicorn had made it clear. Whether he gave up or not, he would not be dancing with Jewel that night. Besides, the thought of a prison cell paled next to the thought of his parents' shattered evening. He hung his head in defeat.
“Wise choice,” Goodnight smirked. He turned away and the tip of his tail whipped across the dragon-pony's nose.
“Are you okay?” asked Twinkle, appearing beside him.
“Yeah,” Applespike nodded slightly.
“We saw him standing over you just now,” said Zany, frowning. “Did he threaten you? So help me, I'll give him another Hot Hoof if--”
“NO!”
Both Twinkle and Zany stared at their friend in surprise. Applespike shook his head apologetically.
“Sorry. But I think I've had enough dancing for the night.”
“What! But we were just...” Zany started, but his friend had sadly turned away. “Where are you going?” he called after him.
“To get something to eat. Hopefully, I can remember which snacks you didn't enchant.”
Zany started to follow him but Twinkle laid a restraining hoof on his shoulder. “Leave him alone,” she said.
“But...”
“He doesn't want to talk right now,” said Twinkle firmly. “Maybe later. Just give him time.”
Zany hesitated then sighed. “Okay, fine. But we check on him after this next song, okay?”
“Okay!” The two wove their way back to the dance floor. The first song had ended to wild applause. Suddenly the lights dimmed and a disco ball shined little flecks of light across the room.
“Couples dance!” Pinkie's voice squealed over the loudspeakers. “Get your partner and hold them close.”
Zany gave Twinkle a crooked smile. “Well, you heard Aunt Pinkie. Hold me close!”
Twinkle snorted and tried to think of a snappy comeback, but none came to her. She looked into his cocky face, his fang glinting and his eyebrows waggling comically, and felt something tug in her chest. She always kept up a defense when she was around Zany. She never knew when his friendly teasing would lead to him playing an annoying practical joke. Now that defense was slipping away. The sarcastic grin she always used to deflect his chaotic personality was melting into an honest, soft smile.
“Okay.”
“Huh?” Zany's jaw dropped and his eyes widened in shock as Twinkle slid her hooves over his shoulders and pulled him in close. He put his hooves on her waist, intending to push her away. Instead, they slid around and pulled her closer into him.
“What the hay am I doing!” he thought as he glanced anxiously at his Dad. Discord, however, with his wife in his arms and her soft cheek resting against his, wasn't in the mood to notice much of anything. Zany gazed down at the little alicorn in his arms. Her head was now resting on his shoulder. Her warm breath lightly tickled his neck.
Hesitantly, he lowered his head. Hmmmm. Her fur and mane smelled like a nighttime bath with soothing lavender and just a hint of vanilla. He closed his eyes and sighed. He had never held a filly in his arms like this before-- and it felt good.
“I've been waiting for a mare like you
To come into my life...”
The two of them swayed slowly to the music, their eyes closed like a pair of dreamers, unaware of the other ponies swaying beside them. Unaware of the three pairs of eyes riveted on them.
“That's so sweet,” sighed Fluttershy, watching her son with his first slow dance.
“Humph! I should have sent her to Yakyakistan when I had the opportunity,” muttered Discord balefully.
“Twilight,” Flash murmured. “It's kind of hard to slow dance when your partner's head is turned the other away.”
“I can't tell if they're kissing or not,” Twilight whispered frantically. “No. She's just got her head on his shoulder. Whew! Can you face this way so I can watch them over your shoulder?”
Zany and Twinkle continued to sway. The little alicorn sighed and lightly nuzzled his neck, making him shudder as a feeling like tiny electric shocks ran down his spine. Twinkle lifted her head.
“Did I tickle you?” she asked.
“You did...something,” said Zany with a nervous chuckle.
Quietly, they settled back into the rhythm, each one wondering about what had just happened. After a while, Twinkle's mind wandered back to something she had thought about earlier.
“Zany?” she asked softly.
“Uh huh?”
“I was thinking.”
“About what?”
“About Applespike and Jewel.”
Zany lifted his head. “What were you thinking about them?”
“I have an idea how we could get them together,” she said. “Tell me what you think.”
Twinkle put her lips to Zany's ear and whispered her plan. The colt's face slowly broke into a mischievous grin.
“I like it! And I know the perfect place...”
Discord watched with narrowed eyes as Zany leaned in to whisper in Twinkle's ear.
“Um...Dear...your claw is digging into my ribs,” Fluttershy complained.
“Sweet Nothings!” Discord hissed. “He's whispering Sweet Nothings in her ear!”
“So?” asked Fluttershy, tapping his claw with her hoof until he loosened his grip.
“SO? Sweet Nothings always lead to Sweet Somethings! We've been married long enough for you to know that!”
Fluttershy rolled her eyes and sighed. “Yes, dear.”
Meanwhile, Flash Sentry was rolling his own eyes in frustration. “Twilight, that is the third time you've gasped in the past two minutes. What is our daughter doing that is so shocking?”
“They're whispering to each other. And Zany just smiled! I know that smile,” Twilight growled. “That's his 'I'm-up-to-no-good' smile! He's going to do something any minute, I just know it!”
Zany, it turned out, was planning something. The song was about to end and he wanted his first dance to finish with a dramatic flair.
“Get ready, Twinkle,” he said putting a hoof on her lower back.
“Ready for what?” she asked, confused.
“I'm going to dip you.”
“Dip me in what?” asked Twinkle in alarm.
Zany laughed. “No! I'm going to dip you backwards. You know, like in that show 'The Filly and the Beast'.”
“Oh! No, Zany! You can't do that!”
“Why not?” asked Zany, taking her hoof. “My Dad does it with my Mom all the time.”
“Yeah, but your Dad is a lot bigger than your Mom and—WHOOP!”
Twinkle was swept backwards with only Zany's arm on her back for support. The chaotic colt grinned smugly down at her.
“Told you I could-- Uh Oh!”
The smug look disappeared to be replaced by one of dismay as Zany realized his hold was slipping. Panicking, Twinkle grabbed the first thing she could get hold of, which, unfortunately, happened to be Zany's neck. The colt's eyes bugged out.
“No, Twinkle! Leggo before I—WHOA!”
Twinkle hit the floor with a little scream, dragging Zany down on top of her. For a stunned moment, they lay still, staring into each others faces. Then Twinkle began to giggle. Zany, relieved they were not hurt, joined in.
“THAT DOES IT!”
Zany stopped laughing as a large gloved hand grabbed him by his bob-tail and dragged him off Twinkle. Discord, his face like a thunder cloud, was holding a fishing pole, reeling in his son as if he was a big mouth bass. Twinkle scrambled to her feet only to be tackled by her mother.
“Are you all right, dear?” Twilight asked, hugging her neck tight. “That bad boy didn't hurt you, did he?”
“No, Mom,” Twinkle gasped. “I'm fine!”
“Luckily, I put an end to this nonsense when I did,” said Discord, holding Zany upside down like a landed shark. “I don't know what I was thinking, letting you dance with that little pony Lolita!”
“Watch it, Discord!” Twilight snapped. “That's my daughter you're talking about!”
“Well, that's my son YOU were talking about! Calling him a bad boy!”
“So? Everyone calls me that,” Zany muttered.
“Your son was on top of my daughter!” Twilight yelled. “What should I say?”
“Actually, I accidentally pulled him down on me,” said Twinkle shyly.
“Twinkle, please. He had the whole thing planned, I'm sure!”
“Oh, don't deflect the blame here, Twilight Flopple!” snarled Discord. “That little seductress of yours has had her eye on my son since she returned to Ponyville! If I hadn't--”
“I'm sorry. Is there a problem here?”
Everyone turned to look as Princess Celestia approached. The white alicorn held her head regally, but an amused smile played on her lips.
“I haven't seen you two this much at odds since the time Discord stole the Elements of Harmony. What is going on?”
“Well you should ask,” replied Discord, drawing himself up self righteously. “Your faithful pupil's daughter is putting the moves on my son and I am putting an end to it!”
“Oh, puh-leez!” said Twilight, rolling her eyes. “Zany was all over Twinkle and you know it!”
“Ahem!” Celestia cleared her throat pointedly. Discord and Twilight both fell silent. The princess looked them over as if they were two children who had just embarrassed their mother at the market. She glanced at Twinkle and Zany, mischief dancing in her eyes.
“I know you are both loving parents who worry for the welfare of your children,” Celestia addressed Discord and Twilight kindly. “And I would hate for that love to cause a rift in your friendship. So I propose that for this next dance Twinkle shall dance with her father, Flash Sentry, and Zany shall dance with his mother, Fluttershy!”
“What!” cried Discord, glancing at his wife who was already walking away with their son. “But what about--?”
“Oh, don't worry,” the princess interrupted smoothly. “It's only for this next dance. In the meantime, you will be Twilight Sparkle's partner.”
“He will be what?” asked Twilight, horrified.
“Oh no, you don't Tia!” cried Discord, crossing his arms across his chest. “You may be the boss of these ponies, but you are not the boss of me!”
Celestia smirked. “Oh, Screwball?”
“Yes, princess?” asked Discord's daughter, appearing beside her.
“I believe Princess Twilight Sparkle and your father need a time-out. Would you do the honors?”
Screwball grinned sweetly. “It would be my pleasure, your Highness.”
Discord was aghast. “No! Screwy, don't you dare--”
He snapped his claw to escape but was too late. A large pink magic-proof ball closed around him and Twilight. Giggling, Screwy slowly made the ball smaller, forcing Discord and Twilight closer together. Soon, the two were pressed cheek to cheek, chest to chest, and hoof to claw.
“Good thing you brushed your teeth,” muttered Twilight.
“Wish I could say the same for you.” Discord muttered back.
“Thank you, Screwball,” said Princess Celestia. She turned to the crowd and raised a golden hoof. “Now, my little ponies, let the dancing resume!”
The band broke into another slow love song that soon had the whole room swaying, including Discord and Twilight who sullenly rocked back and forth in their magical prison. Zany glanced at Twinkle over his mother's shoulder.
“Sorry”, he mouthed.
Twinkle shrugged. “It's all right.”
Zany inclined his head towards Jewel who being rounded up by Goodnight and his crew.
“We still on?”
The little alicorn grinned. “I wouldn't miss it for the world.”