Beauty Lies Within
Chapter 20
A Dance Worth Remembering
Over in Canterlot, the whole city was buzzing with excitement as the Grand Galloping Gala got underway. Carriages were pulling up in front of the castle, and people were walking inside, dressed nicely.
Inside of the castle, it was all decorated, and at the top of the stairs that lead to the ballroom, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were waiting, greeting each of the guests. The princesses looked amazing, with Celestia wearing a sea green sleeveless gown with sparkles all over the fabric and a sun medal on the sash, and Luna wore a dark purple gown with a single strap on one shoulder and a white crescent moon medal on the waist.
Celestia noticed that her sister was looking out the doors, as if she were waiting for someone particular to walk in. "Is everything alright, Luna?" She asked her.
Luna looked over at her sister. She hasn't told Celestia about her find the Mane 6, or of the plan they have for attending the Gala tonight. She wanted it to be a surprise, but now, the anxiety is eating at her.
"Nothing, sister." She told her. "I'm just anxious for the festivities to start."
Celestia was tempted to raise a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at her. Since when did Luna look forward to parties? Her sister wasn't one for parties too much, because of her 1,000-year imprisonment on the moon. But she decided not to question it, thinking that she probably had something planned. Something big.
Once the last guest came in, the two Princesses left the stairways and went towards the ballroom. Little did they know that there was one more carriage coming towards the castle, from the sky.
Meanwhile, in the ballroom, guests were already mingling with each other. Princess Cadence, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart were just sitting at a table, the adults worrying about Twilight. Flurry asked her parents if she could go and explore the ballroom. Seeing that their daughter was getting antsy, they let her.
Nearby the royal family, Starlight Glimmer was sitting with Thorax and her boyfriend, Sunburst. Starlight was wearing a gown that Rarity had made for her when they first became friends after she reformed. It was a simple yet elegant black dress with blue diamonds on the bottom of the long skirt. The cap sleeves were see-through, and there was a slit in the skirt that went up to above her knee. Her hair was tied up in a higher ponytail, and there was a hair clip with her signature star and glimmer symbol on the left side of her head.
Sitting across from her, Thorax was wearing a bright orange suit and a green bowtie. Sunburst was sitting next to his girlfriend, wearing a black tuxedo with an aqua green tie.
Spike and Flash Sentry were over by the refreshment tables, both of them anxious and silent. Spike was a black tuxedo with green accents and a purple bowtie. Flash wore a similar black suit with a blue silk tie. Both of them were thinking about the dreams that they had. If they were true, then there is the chance that Twilight and Applejack, along with the other girls, would appear tonight.
Over at another part of the room, Soarin' was drinking his third cup of apple cider. He had managed to convince Spitfire to let him get out of uniform after the Wonderbolts' performance, so now, instead of his flying uniform, he wore a dark blue suit with a black tie. He really hoped that Rainbow Dash will show up.
Next to the musicians, Cheese Sandwich was playing a lively tune on an accordion, trying to brighten up the stiff mood. Not a lot of people seemed to mind, especially the younger guests. Cheese only hoped that he could keep this up until Pinkie Pie arrived. If she was even coming. She promised, though.
Fancy Pants was trying to mingle with some of his aristocratic friends and colleagues, but his mind kept drifting over to Rarity, so he was often lost in thought as the others kept prattling on about subjects about money and privileges. These topics of conversation are often dull, according to Fancy's personal philosophy. Just because he had a privileged lifestyle doesn't mind that he could go around and shove it in other people's faces.
All five men were getting anxious as the first two hours of the Gala went by ever so slowly. Where in Equestria are they? They all thought.
Just then, Celestia and Luna made their appearance in the ballroom, causing everything to become silent as the guests began listening to their Princesses.
"Honored guests, my sister, Princess Luna and I are most grateful for attending the Grand Galloping Gala this year." Celestia began. "Few of you know that this is a personal time for those are suffering a loss." The guests looked around, wondering who the Sun Princess was referring to. "Well, all I can say is that they wouldn't want us to be constantly worried about them. They would want us to be strong. So, in honor of them, let us all celebrate tonight."
Everyone applauded the Princess for her speech and went back to their own conversations. But before both Celestia and Luna left the stage, in a flash of light, Discord appeared, making everyone jump in surprise.
"Good evening, Equestria!" The Lord of Chaos said in a microphone that had appeared in his hand.
"Discord, what are you doing here?" Celestia asked him, not angry at him, but definitely shocked.
Discord turned to the two princesses. "Tia, Lulu." He greeted. "Have I got a surprise for you two ladies." He then turned back to the audience. "Actually, I think all of you folks here are going to enjoy this surprise."
He then had a spotlight appear, shining down at the entrance of the ballroom. With a snap of his fingers, a full orchestra of instruments began playing by themselves. The music seemed almost ethereal.
"Now, I want everyone to please hold their applause until the very end of these entrances you are about to see." Discord instructed. "Now, I know some of you have been worried about them, nut rest assured, they are well and safe and here to enchant you all."
An angelic voice began to harmonize with the music that was playing. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, the ladies with the purest hearts I've ever known, and certainly worth to be the belles of the ball tonight, the Elements of Harmony."
One by one, each girl of the Mane 6 appeared in the doorway. First, it was Fluttershy, who was shuddering like a leaf. But when she saw the smile that Discord was giving her from the other end of the room, she felt a bit more confident. She returned his smile and entered the ballroom, everyone gaping at how beautiful she was looking.
Once Fluttershy took a spot next to Discord on the stage, Twilight then appeared. Flash felt like time had come to a stop when he saw her. He had always known that she was lovely, but now she was like an angel. Her violet eyes were scanning the crowd, but then they stopped when they landed on him. A sparkle lit up in them once they met his own blue eyes.
Twilight slowly made her way over to him, but Flash helped decrease the distance by meeting her halfway. The Princess of Friendship smiled. "Sir Sentry." She greeted cordially.
Flash bowed respectfully. "Princess Twilight." He returned the greeting. Twilight curtised at the same time. Flash then extended his hand to her, which Twilight took with a soft smile that graced her lips.
When they had moved away, Applejack came inside. She felt a little nervous as well, since she didn't consider herself one to be in the spotlight. But when she saw Spike, her nervousness faded away as she gave him a smile. Spike felt his jaw drop open, but he quickly closed before anyone would notice. He had never seen the cowgirl like this before. She always looked pretty, not that he would admit before, but now she was absolutely stunning.
Like Flash and Twilight did, Spike and Applejack met halfway on their way towards each other. "Howdy, Spike." AJ whispered to him, trying to not ruin the moment.
Spike only smiled at her warmly, knowing that no words can truly describe just how relieved and happy he was to finally see her for real. He held out his hand to her, which she took it.
After they got out of the way, Rainbow Dash came in, smiling proudly. Soarin' felt his jaw drop right to the floor. Rainbow looked amazing. He knew that she doesn't show her feminine side much, but when she does, she is beautiful. In Soarin's mind, she always looked beautiful. He went over to her.
"Hey, Dash." He said. He probably was grinning like a doofus, but honestly, he couldn't care less.
"Hey there, Soarin'." Rainbow returned the greeting, her magenta eyes lighting up at the sight of her Wonderbolt friend. Soarin' held out his hand to her, which she, for once, took without hesitation.
Next, Pinkie Pie came in with a bright smile on her face. For once, Cheese was speechless as he walked slowly up to her. She looked very pretty, like the most beautiful flower in all of Equestria, with her turquoise gown.
"You're really here." Cheese said to her.
"Yep." Pinkie replied. Cheese took her hand and they both quickly went over to a spot in the ballroom.
Finally, as the music was reaching its climax, Rarity came in the ballroom. She definitely felt like a princess as she entered the ballroom. Fancy's eyes widened when he saw her. She looked like a lady born to nobility, and the most beautiful lady he had ever seen. He went up to her, and Rarity smiled at him.
"Hello, Fancy." She greeted with a flashing white smile.
Fancy took her gloved hand and lightly kissed the back of it. "Good evening, my lady." He said with a charming smile. Rarity blushed a soft pink before curtsying to him. Fancy then held out his hand, which she gladly took just as the music finished with a quiet flourish.
Everyone then began applauding thunderously at the sight of the Mane 6. Celestia had her hand to her heart, tears of joy streaming down her face. Luna only smiled brightly. "Now, that's an entrance." She said to her older sister.
Cadence, Shining Armor and Flurry were hugging Twilight, not wanting to let go. "Where have you been?" Her older brother asked her. "We have been worried sick about you."
Twilight only hugged her brother tighter. "It's a long story, for another time." She answered. "I promise."
Rainbow Dash was greeted warmly by her fellow Wonderbolts. Though Spitfire had a little different reaction.
"Where in Equestria have you been, Crash?" She barked at her.
Rainbow did a salute. "Ma'am, it's a long story." She said. "I'm afraid no explanation can be made tonight."
Spitfire looked up and down at Rainbow. "All right." She complied. "But you have to do a thousand laps when you get back to headquarters."
Rainbow smiled. "Yes, ma'am."
Spitfire returned the smile. "I'm glad you're okay, Rainbow Dash." She said warmly before leaving, along with the other Wonderbolts.
Fluttershy got off the stage with Discord. She looked around at her friends and saw that they were really happy now. Though she was no smile expert like Pinkie, she could tell that pure happiness was radiating from each one of them, and that made her happy as well.
Discord saw the smile that was on Fluttershy's face. "Your smile is absolutely dazzling." He said, grinning mischievously at her.
Fluttershy blushed pink, which was the same shade of pink as the top of her dress. "Thank you." She whispered shyly, looking up at him.
Again, sea green orbs met ruby red pupils with yellow sclera. They seemed to get lost in the other's eyes for several seconds.
Just then, a soft song began playing. Feeling lost in the moment, Discord thought he might as well seize this opportunity.
"Shall we?" He asked her, holding out his hand to Fluttershy. The pink-haired pegasus girl looked at him with softness in her eyes and gave him her hand, giving him her answer. They then slowed walked out to the dance floor.
Flash went over to Twilight and offered her his hand. "May I have this dance, Your Highness?" He asked.
Twilight smiled at him. "Yes, you may." She said, placing her hand in his. Then they headed out on the ballroom floor.
Two by two, couples began dancing to the soft music, including Soarin' and Rainbow, Spike and AJ, Cheese and Pinkie, and Fancy and Rarity.
You're in my arms,
And all the world is calm.
The music playing on for only two.
So close together,
And when I'm with you,
So close to feeling alive.
A life goes by.
Romantic dreams must die.
So I bid my goodbye,
And never knew.
So close, was waiting
Waiting here with you.
And now, forever, I know
All that I wanted;
To hold you so close.
By now, the six couples were lost in their own world as they danced with their partners, lost in their eyes. Rainbow and Soarin' even began twirling slowly in the air, as did Fluttershy, Discord, Twilight and Flash.
So close to reaching
That famous happy end.
Almost believing
This one's not pretend.
And now you're beside me,
And look how far we've come.
So far we are, so close.
Now, the music had such a vigor that the six couples responded just as boldly, the men twirling their female partners around, either in the air or on the ballroom floor. The other dancing couples decided to let them have their moment.
Cadence could tell just from she was in the ballroom as she and Shining Armor got off the dance floor, they were lost in their own worlds. She could practically see the love radiating from each respective couple. It was so heartwarming that tears sprung up in her eyes.
Oh, how could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
Just then, Discord got a glance at the clock. It was 10 o'clock. It was time to go.
"We must leave now." He whispered sadly to Fluttershy. The pink haired pegasus girl looked up at the clock as well, and then nodded in agreement.
We're so close to reaching
That famous happy end.
Almost believing
This one's not pretend.
Fluttershy got the attention of her friends and gestured up to the clock. When they saw the time, their hearts sank.
"I must go." They all said to their partners, tears starting to well up in their eyes. But before the men could say anything, the girls began heading out of the ballroom, towards the castle entrance.
Let's go on dreaming,
For we know we are
So close, so close
And still so far.
Fluttershy and Discord saw the heartbroken looks on each of the men's faces. They looked at each other sadly as they left the ballroom. An hour went by so fast, that they themselves wished it could last forever.
"I'll go find the girls." Fluttershy suggested, knowing that they needed some cheering up.
Discord nodded. "I'll go get the carriage to head back." He placed a hand on her cheek, which she leaned into the warmth of it.
"Thank you, Discord." She said. "This is a night me and the girls will never forget."
The Lord of Chaos smiled warmly at her before snapping his fingers and disappearing in a flash of light.