//------------------------------//
// Ch. 32 Seeing Red 
// Story: Strange Yet Wonderful 
// by Bionic Slime 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 32: Seeing Red



Several days passed since the horrific attack on Ponyville. Twilight and her friends spent much of that time recuperating from their exhausting battle, but as soon as they were well enough, they lent their magic and skills into rebuilding the town as well as setting up the Hearts and Hooves day celebration festival. Normally, this kind of event required the bare bones of the most basic preparations, but Pinkie insisted on creating something bigger, louder and more “fun-tacular” than before. The party loving mare wanted to double up the romantic event as a victory party for their success in defeating Chimera Khan and saving the world yet again.

Even the royal sisters were invited. Princess Luna was especially ecstatic about the prospect of introducing Rebel Streak to everyone. As for Princess Celestia, though he had not confirmed his attendance; Discord would hopefully finally tell Celestia if he accepts the gift of her heart or turns it down. Either way, Celestia was just happy there was peace throughout the land once again.

Mayor Mare watched in astonishment upon seeing the pink party blur buzzing around town; throwing up even grander decorations than before at lightning speed. Pinkie Pie had truly outdone herself this time.

“Wonderful job Pinkie simply wonderful, I’m amazed you’re able to work at such a pace after recovering from your injuries,” the Mayor exclaimed.

“When it comes to love and celebrations, nothing stops this party train. Not even death or inexplicable sheep,” she beamed proudly.

The Mayor rolled her eyes and laughed. She didn’t have a clue what the frizzy haired mare was talking about, but then again, she rarely did. She told Pinkie to carry on with her duties as she returned to hers.

As Celestia’s day melted into darkness and Luna’s night came stretching over the sky, the ponies of Ponyville were getting dressed in their finest attire. Each mare, colt and dragon was eager to please their respected dates. Rarity, unsurprisingly; was especially concerned with looking drop dead gorgeous for her first proper date with her beloved knight in shining scales. She had gathered all the girls in her boutique; knowing full well their dapper dates were waiting outside to escort them to the party.

Hopeful wore a shimmering magenta pinstripe suit with a large black outer liner, a fiery orange tie, a pale blue collar shirt and blackish grey pants. Moonstruck wore a Dracula-esque cape with tears at the edge; exposing his cutie mark. The outfit featured an upturned collar and a dark vest resting onto a pristine white ruffled shirt; just above rested a blood red scarf across his neck dangling a golden medallion with the letters C and K emblazoned on it. Arrowhead was sporting a bronze suit with shades of fox brown blended in. The sleeves were so tight they were on the verge of tearing. He grunted uneasily at the tight feel of his ink blue star studded tie hanging from his sky blue collar shirt. The grey colt looked like he was going to burst at any moment. Spike wore a black button up coat with gold buttons placed on emerald green stripes that correlated with each placed button. His green belly was covered neatly by the sparkling ruffled, white undershirt Rarity made for him. A small, rose red bow was adjusted neatly under his neck; each side of the bow glittering with expertly placed and shaped gemstones, which was also made by his beloved date.

“Whoa, really digging the snazzy suit Hopeful. Where’d you pick up that slick number?” Moonstruck said admiringly.

“My dad loaned it to me. He always did have a great sense of fashion. I’m hoping it’ll have the same effect on my fair maiden as it did my mom,” he said sheepishly. The red colt rubbed the back of his head; careful not to mess up his slicked back hair.

“Looks a little bit of out of style with that bow in your tail though,” he commented.

“Forget style OW at least you guys got suits you can OW actually move in. Seriously, I don’t know how any pony walks 2 feet in these strait jackets,” Arrowhead grunted.

“Yeah but you were able to find a suit somewhere at least. I had to get Rarity to custom make this one since dragons don’t exactly have much in the way of clothing. She did an amazing job but I feel kind of bad that I can’t wow her with it since she already knows what it looks like,” Spike said glumly.

“Hey don’t sweat it buddy. Rarity hasn’t seen you in the suit and that’s a big difference, I know she’ll fall even more head over heels for you in that get up; if that’s even possible,” he chuckled softly.

Spike smiled at the Necricorn prince. He had always had little difficulty in comforting the young dragon, ever since he first talked to him from the basement. Now that he was sticking around as his mom’s boyfriend, maybe he can finally have a father figure to look up and confide in.

“Thanks Moonstruck, it really means a lot to me.”

“Anytime bud.”

“Take good care of mom tonight, okay? Not threatening you or anything. I trust you and I just want you guys to have a good time, I want you to feel as happy with her as I am with Rarity,” he said warmly.

Moonstruck smiled in return and Pinkie promised he feels exactly the same way.

“Oh boooooooys we’re ready,” Rarity called out in a sing-song voice from within the boutique. That melodious voice gave Spike heart palpitations.

The girls stepped out together; showing off their extravagant dresses to their dates.

Twilight wore a purple, starry skirt that covered her rump, tail and most of her back legs. Her front legs were covered halfway by ink blue sleeves with violet cuffs. Her neck was framed by a violet collar pointing down to a golden, twinkling star; a similar star shined fetchingly in the pair of matching earrings she wore.

Rainbow’s skirt glowed sparklingly. The vibrant colors shined and moved luminously; as if looking inside the core of a prism crystal. Golden shimmering thread lines outlined each wave in the skirt’s bounce. Her front hooves sported similar sandal straps as her gala outfit, except these were crystal colored instead of gold. A simple hot pink lightning bolt crest tied the skirt together on a gold chain. The mare’s colorful locks were enhanced by a multicolored band and matching colored cloud earrings.

Pinkie Pie’s dress, naturally, was bursting with youthful colors. Her skirt was yellow, covered in pale orange circles and feeding down into a multi layered lavender train with cream white edges. Her blouse was an even brighter shade of yellow and featured puffy sleeves, a brass necklace and a white and purple striped front. Her frizzy mane featured a purple peppermint scrunchie and a matching bow with a golden candy-like bead at its base.

Rarity wore a surprisingly simple yet striking red dress, several shades darker than the hearted shaped fire ruby necklace she wore. It covered her rump but was slit scantily up the sides of her thighs; revealing a lot of leg. Her front hooves were fitted with silvery gloves. Upon her meticulously sculpted hair was a tiara; littered with every manner of jewel and gemstone she could find.

Fluttershy’s dress was a lengthy, teal colored dress that drooped far to the ground; littered with little star twinkles. The collar was designed to look like leaves; matching the edge of the skirt but stopping just short of reaching the very end of the train. A tiny pink butterfly button was centered at the base of the leafy collar, while tiny daisies were mixed in with her elegantly crafted pink mane.

Finally, Applejack opted to re-wear her “Apple Jewel” dress she wore during Trenderhoof’s visit. The light green skirt was slit up her back legs a tad more this time and instead of wearing her mane up, she wore it double braided style; like how Granny Smith used to wear her hair. This allowed her to still wear her Stetson and had twin pink and teal jewel broche at the base of her hat as an addition.

Needless to say, all the boys were left blushing fiercely and speechlessly in awe.

“Sooooo, how do we look?” the pink Earth pony asked.

RIP!

Arrowhead’s sleeves simultaneously burst apart. His crimson blushed burned even brighter now.

“Heh good answer,” Rainbow said provocatively.

The Mane 6 and their dates made their way to the Hearts and Hooves celebration festival. Nearly all of Ponyville had turned out for this party. Vinyl Scratch was serving as DJ for the festivities. Couples were chatting, laughing, kissing and dancing up a storm on the elaborately colored red, pink and purple flashing dance floor.

“Why if it isn’t the princess and her world saving companions, simply brilliant to see you all here tonight,” a cheery voice said.

The ponies turned to see Doctor Whooves; accompanied by a very giddy Derpy Hooves. He wore a dark blue suit with a sharp, jutting jacket collar and a teal tie. Derpy wore a bright yellow vest with a dark grey underbelly and golden necklace with a crystal gem in the shape of a bubble on the base of the necklace. Her dark grey dress featured bubbles rising from the train up along the curve of her rump; ending where her wings were. The grey mare’s hooves were adorably framed in sunflower yellow heels.

“Doctor Whooves! So nice to see you out of your strange blue box for a change; enjoying the evening so far?” Twilight asked.

“Marvelously so! This Hearts and horseshoes celebration of yours is maddeningly interesting. This reminds me a bit of Valentine’s Day, or love day depending on the dimensional alignment of greeting cards and psychological factors pre-determining the significant relevance of disproportionate represented organs. Not to mention it’s so adorable seeing horses in glittery clothing, I can barely stand it,” he giggled excitedly.

Everyone looked visibly lost by the doctor’s words; even Twilight.

“Did ya’ll catch any of that?” the orange mare said to her fellow Earth pony mare.

“Since when do I speak egg head?” she dryly replied. 

Applejack rolled her eyes and just did what everyone else was doing; forget about it.

“So Derpy, congrats on getting you’re not-so-secret crush to party hard with you. How’d you swing that one bubble butt?”

“Oh I am SO glad you asked Rainbow! I gotta admit,” She giggled, “I was super nervous to ask him to come tonight. But I thought to myself and said: Hey self, what better night is there to ask him out then on the Hearts and Hooves celebration festival? Sigh, I’ll never forget that magical moment,” she swooned just thinking about it.

FLASHBACK

The Doctor was tinkering with a gadget of unknown origin at a table. He grunted in frustration as sparks flew from the device, he applied a wrench to the device and quickly stopped the sparks.

Derpy bit her lip nervously. The grey mare was paralyzed by the butterflies floating in her stomach; her cheeks burning bright red. Her cross eyes looked longingly at the Doctor. It was now or never.

“S-s-s-s-say D-d-d-d-d-doctor, did you uh…maybe…oh…I don’t know…want to be my d-d-date for the Hearts and Hooves festival?” she squeaked.

“Wha-oh that, yes, sure, sounds nominal,” he said nonchalantly; not looking up from his device.

Derpy’s head turned completely red. Steam spouted from her ears, she felt like her heart was going to explode out of her chest. She squeaked like a mouse and dropped to the ground.

END FLASHBACK

“Sigh…so romantic,” she mused dreamily.

Once again, the ponies just stared in confusion.

“Well…I suppose as long as your happy darling, then that’s all that matters,” Rarity said; attempting to sound supportive.

“Come on then Miss Derpy; let’s have a dance shall we?”

“S-s-sure doctor, that sounds lovely! I got to warn you though…I’m kind of clumsy when it comes to dancing. Never was really good at it.”

“Ah don’t worry, neither am I. I’m used to dancing with 2 legs instead of four!”

The brown earth Pony snagged the grey mare and hurried to the dance floor. She giggled infatuatedly as the Doctor whisked her off hoof in hoof.

Twilight raised her eyebrow and turned to Moonstruck.

“What do you think he meant by that, 2 legs instead of four?”

“I don’t know and I don’t wanna know. My life’s weird enough as it is without adding more cuckoo kindling to the fire.”

Several other familiar faces passed by, all snuggling arm and arm with their dates. Lyra and Bon-Bon were dressed up in beautifully crafted dresses. Oddly enough however, their hair was frazzled and the makeup mostly smeared. Lyra’s skirt was slightly frayed and torn to reveal more leg while Bon-Bon’s shoulder strand hung loosely down her fore leg. The two mares had a snickering, smug look on both their faces; as if there was some dirty secret between them. The teal unicorn waved a friendly Hello to Twilight. Bon-Bon kept biting her lip; her cheeks will full of heated blushing with Lyra turning just as red whenever she made eye contact with her mare friend.

“Oh dear, they sure look like they um…partied earlier,” Fluttershy squeaked sheepishly. The yellow Pegasus nearly exploded from the pinkness growing on her cheeks.

“Can’t say I’m really surprised, they couldn’t keep their hooves off each other when I last saw them,” Rarity commented.

Pinkie gasped alarmingly. The others flinched in shock; startled by her sudden squeal. The pink mare had spotted a familiar orange pony rocking out with Vinyl Scratch at the DJ stand.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, OH MY GOSH! IT’S CHEESIE!” she shrieked.

The party pony vanished in a puff of pink smoke. Arrowhead’s nose twitched, even her dust clouds smelled like cotton candy. How is that possible?

Cheese stopped dancing the moment he saw his mare friend popping up right beside him. Her bubbly smile was just as adorable as he remembered.

“Jumping jello-jelly beans, it’s the greatest party pony in Equestria,” Cheese cheered. He wrapped Pinkie into a tight bear hug. They separated; still smiling tenderly at each other.

“Only after yoooooooooou.”

“Oh come on now, we both know I wouldn’t even be a super duper party pony if it wasn’t for you already being a super duper party pony.”

“But you’ve really surpassed all party pony expectations. You take the cake…and bake it too! YOU’RE the best party pony.”

“No, you are.”

“I said YOU ARE!”

“AND I SAID YOU ARE!”

“THIS IS GETTING US RIDICULOUS!”

“I LOVE WHEN YOU’RE RIDICULOUS!”

“ME TOO! DO YOU WANT TO DANCE?”

“YES, THAT SOUNDS LOVELY!”

The party pony’s intense glares softened instantly. They flashed goofy, love filled smiles at one another and bolted onto the dance floor in a blur of orange and pink. Vinyl didn’t even notice; she was too busy getting up close and personal with a pale blue stallion with dark hair by the name of Neon Lights.

Other noted couples included Cheerilee and Big Mac, Cranky and Matilda and Mr. and Mrs. Cake. But most surprising of all was spotting the Royal sisters in attendance as well.

“Princess Celestia, so glad you could make it. And you’re with-”

Twilight’s jaw dropped before she could finish her sentence. The moment she saw the princess’s date, everything in her brain just fizzled out.

“DISCORD?!?” the group collectively gasped.

“Oh ho, ho, ho, I never get tired of seeing those priceless looks on your faces! It’s simply divine,” Discord said mockingly. He morphed his head into Rarity’s temporarily; mimicking her trademark phrase in her own voice before reverting back to normal. Rarity frowned irritably.

“So wonderful to see all of you, my little ponies. It’s a privilege to be here amongst you, sharing in our victory; both public,” Celestia leaned in and kissed Discord’s cheek; causing him to blush, “and private.”

“Good for you Discord. I’m glad you finally asked Princess Celestia out. She’s a wonderful pony, I know she’ll be good for you,” Fluttershy said supportively.

“Whoa, whoa, are you telling me you knew about this all along?” Rainbow exclaimed. Arrowhead brushed a hoof over his head; mimicking a “whooshing” noise.

“Fluttershy Pinkie promised she wouldn’t tell, and like a true friend, she kept her word. And besides, you shouldn’t look so surprised Rainbow Dash. I am the master of chaos after all. There’s no telling what I will do. It’s what makes me the spice of Celestia’s life, isn’t that right Sun Butt?” Discord said smugly.

His tail morphed into a hand and sneakily skirted under Celestia’s simple-but-elegant lavender dress and pinched her rump. She squeaked suddenly. Her eyes flashed in surprise, a bright blushing redness swarmed across her face. She giggled and flicked his eyes with her wingtip; watching them spin like slot machine rolls.

“You better believe it, Dizzy,” she cooed lovingly.

Rainbow gagged audibly; sticking her hoof in front of her mouth in a vomiting motion. Arrowhead grunted and elbowed her in the side. The speedy mare quickly remembered she was insulting her princesses’ date and straightened up.

“Oh by the way princess, I was hoping you could tell me what progress there’s been with-”

“No need to worry Rainbow Dash. After investigating all of Khan’s confiscated materials and everything we found at the cave, the evidence is more than enough to prove Khan’s minion framed Spitfire. Her title, rank and freedom have all been fully reinstated as of today.”

Rainbow was about to leap out of her dress bursting with excitement, but she quickly remembered to keep cool in front of the princess and maintain her image. She settled for a hoof thrust and uttering an energetic “Yes” under her breath. Arrowhead congratulated his girlfriend and joined her in thanking the sun princess for the good news, 

“So where is your date Fluttershy, off somewhere getting you a cup of punch I presume?” Discord pried.

Fluttershy wilted like a flower almost instantly. She was the only one in her group of friends who was dateless. The shy Pegasus was hoping she could have avoided discussing this, but she should have figured someone was going to ask at some point. She wished she could just disappear.

“Oh I uh…well…you see…the uh the thing-thing is I just-”

Applejack was about to interrupt and change the topic, but fortunately, someone else nearby was already doing that.

“Good evening fine ponies, sister…Discord,” Princess Luna interjected. Her lips briefly frowned when mentioning the trickster’s name. 

Princess Luna appeared with a dapper dressed punkish colt by her side. She wore a pristine snow white dress that reached past her hind legs but allowed her tail to wave freely; a faint silver print of her cutie mark rested on her rump. Two wide steely white straps crisscrossed over her chest in a V shape with a silver moon necklace resting across her neck.

She was most displeased to see the chaotic spirit dating her sister.  However, she promised her sister she would be on her best behavior and give him a chance. The other ponies looked with vivid curiosity at the punkish rogue escorting the princess of the night.

“Damn moon pie, if your tongue was any sharper I’d swear you’d slice a Timber wolf in half,” Rebel quipped. 

Rebel Streak wore a midnight blue tux; heavily modified to match his punk style. The collar looked like the petals of a Venus Fly trap with soft, nub worn spikes lining the jade green collar like teeth. The outer layer of his suit’s pockets was ink blue along with the cuffs at the end of each fore sleeve. Across his neck was a glittering lock and chain necklace. Completing his look was a patchwork pair of pants; littered with multiple squares in a variety of dark and light blue colors. Rarity didn’t know what to make of this style; it was jarring and yet…oddly intriguing.

“Sister, Princess Twilight and friends; please, allow me the supreme pleasure of introducing you to my date: Rebel Streak,” she proclaimed jubilantly.

“What’s shaking you’re foundations mares and colts? I’m crazy pumped to break ice with such razor ponies such as you. My fetching fox has gabbed hordes worth about your page turning call backs,” he beamed excitedly.

“Ugh, aren’t there any ponies that know how to talk right? Seriously, Ahm more lost than a one legged duck swimmin’ in a circle,” Applejack grunted in frustration. Hopeful laughed teasingly and patted her back with his wing.

“You’ll have to forgive my beloved Rebel. He has a very distinct manner of speaking. Even I admit, it can be quite the puzzle to crack at times,” Luna calmly clarified.

“But Lulu, what is the meaning of introducing Rebel to me? Surely you remember I’ve already met him on more than one occasion,” the sun princess politely inquired.

Luna had trouble answering her sister, she was too busy stifling a giggle; biting her lip as a squealing smile was growing on her lips. The princess of the night was positively giddy.

“Because this is the first time I’m introducing him as my,” she paused to giggle, “BOYFRIEND!” Princess Luna practically shouted that word. She was so overcome with emotion, she even surprised herself. “Yes, yes! Rebel is my boyfriend, I’m his girlfriend. I was just so excited I had to officially introduce you to him as such. I’ve been waiting for this festival to start just so I could have the opportunity to publically announce it!” she cheered emphatically.

Seeing Luna in such a joyful state brought a smile to every pony’s face. She was bouncing like a child, shouting and showing off her boyfriend with such pride and adoration. But no pony sported a smile as wide or warm as Princess Celestia. She felt such happiness for her younger sister, such unbridled joy for the love this punkish colt had brought to her heart.

“Oh! Oh! Apologies my friends, there are others I wish to introduce my Rebel to. Please enjoy your night,” Luna chirped. She quickly pranced towards a large cluster of ponies near the punch table. “Come my charming Scoundrel; I wish to move my body in a rhythmic manner like it has nothing of consequential value,” she called out.

“Heh, I think she meant to say: shake it like it ain’t no thang. I better split before she introduces everyone to a ghost,” he chuckled.

“Before you go, if I could have a moment of your time Mr. Streak? There is something I wish to discuss with you…in private,” Celestia stressed firmly.

Rebel turned deathly white at her chilling tone. He had a feeling this ‘talk’ was coming sooner or later; he just always hoped later would never come. Discord knew how to read the room and decided to make himself scarce. He vanished with a snap of his fingers; reappearing out on the dance floor. Twilight and the others followed him as well. Though visibly unsure of Celestia’s sternness towards Rebel, they trusted her enough to know she must have her reasons for acting this way.

“Now then, to address the matter of you dating my sister,” she said briskly.

“P-p-p-please princess, I swear it w-w-w-wasn’t my intention to-”

Celestia embraced him tightly in a sudden yet passionate hug. He felt such warmth and comfort in her concealing wings.

“Thank you, thank you so VERY much!”

“T-t-thank you? Definitely not the broadcast I expected to tune into. Why would you thank me for dating you’re sister?”

She broke from the hug and looked down at the colt; smiling widely.

“Because of that smile on her face, that’s why. I haven’t seen her laughing and smiling like this since we were fillies playing in our old castle. The happiness you give her is undeniable and I know she will give you much happiness in return. You are both truly blessed,” she said adoringly.

Rebel couldn’t help but blush fiercely at such undeserving praise.

“Please young stallion, take good care of her.”

“Heh hate to stop the record princess but I think you’re needle’s a little off track. I mean I’m-I’m just a punk artist; nobody special. Moon pie err I mean you’re sister is like quantum nova, I’m just a twinkle compared to her. She doesn’t need shellage from me.”

Celestia giggled at his peculiar dialog, it reminded her so much of her sister’s. “You are correct. My sister is an Alicorn and quite powerful as well, but she’s more fragile than she seems,” she said slightly more solemnly. “She’s been alone for so long…such a terribly long time and there are some forms of loneliness family and friends cannot fulfill. You’ve brought warmth and joy to her heart ever since she received your letters.” She placed a hoof on his shoulder and smiled. “You are more than special, you are the pony that holds my sister’s heart in your hoof; I can think of no other role more privileged than that. So I will ask you once more: please, take care of Lulu,” she said.

As daunting as this honor was, deep down; it took Rebel all of 10 seconds to give her an answer.

“It will be my supreme honor princess,” he said boldly.

Rebel went to bow but Celestia lifted his chin with one of her wings and shook her head. Though he was a commoner and an unusual looking one to most, Celestia saw him as family now that he is officially with her sister. She motioned for him to go on back to his lovely date. He chuckled with excitement and hurried back so Luna could continue showing him off to every pony at the party.

“You know, I used to think love was just a bunch of chemical responses in the brain turning every pony into a giggly ninny; but I must admit I adore the chaos it brings out of everyone,” Discord said.

Celestia blinked and looked to her left where Discord suddenly materialized.

“Are you referring to my sister and her date? I happen to think they make a lovely couple; not a trace of turbulence between them.”

“No, no, no. Having a bit of chaos in your life isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Rebel and Luna are two very different ponies from two very different walks of life. Their eccentricities and upbringing, so radically different and yet it is their particular brand of madness that makes the other seem so deliciously appealing; THAT is the essence of chaos.”

“You certainly have a unique perspective on love Discord, I never would have guessed. Perhaps it’s that same mystique and unpredictability I’ve been missing from my life. Speaking of which, does this mean you’ve finally come up with answer?”

“Oh…must we sour this moment of ours with talk of UGH feelings so quickly? You know I have trouble digesting mushiness. Besides, the only reason I’m here is because you won that little wager of ours that Book horse would play kissy face with Sergeant Sarcasm.”

“Oh? Are you sure that’s the only reason you’re here?”

The sun princess sauntered temptingly past Discord’s view. Her tail swung to the side; purposely flaunting the curve of her swaying hips and curvaceous legs. Her smile was one of confidence and mischievousness. She knew Discord was right where she wanted him and that it was a matter of time until she charmed an answer out of him.

“I expect a dance and an answer. Don’t keep me waiting on either, Dizzy,” she purred invitingly.

Discord’s jaw dropped like an anvil. His tongue rolled out like a velvet carpet, he quickly composed himself and slurped it back into his mouth. The trickster wasn’t sure what kind of magic Celestia was working on him but whatever it was, he didn’t want her to stop.

The Mane 6 and their dates split up for some much needed privacy. Fluttershy sighed miserably, once again left without a colt to call her own. She knew it meant a lot to her friends that she attended the party, date or no date, but it didn’t make the soul crushing fact that she was still alone any less damaging.

Vinyl paused from her usual rocking beats to put on a slow song for all the couples out there.


For the way you changed my plans

For being the perfect distraction

For the way you took the idea that I have

Of everything that I wanted to have

And made me see there was something missing, oh yeah


Twilight and Moonstruck swayed side to side; hooves wrapped lovingly around each other’s waists.

“You know, I have to admit, when I first met you I never would have expected we’d end up here; dancing to a slow song during a Hearts and Hooves day celebration party. But I’m sure glad we did,” Twilight said; chuckling softly.

“Yeah I mean-look at everything that’s happened: I’m a prince, I’ve got bat wings and I’m shacking up with a nutty librarian princess. Talk about strange,” he commented.

Twilight smiled sweetly at her boyfriend. She leaned in and gave him a loving kiss, moaning as he deepened it. Her lips eventually separated from his. Both of them were blushing furiously. “Strange yet…wonderful,” she said breathlessly.

He leaned in and buried his muzzle into the crook of her neck. Moonstruck breathed in her lavender scent and sighed; visibly content.

“Speaking of strange, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Moonstruck looked back into Twilight’s violet eyes. “I haven’t heard my Brain talk to me since Night Terror was locked up. I don’t think he was Night Terror or anything like that, but it’s just kind of weird that he’s just gone now like that,” he explained.

“Maybe you don’t need him anymore. Maybe you only needed him to keep you company while you were in Tar-that place, and maybe it’s because…you have me now,” Twilight cooed.

“Yeah maybe…maybe,” he said; smiling warmly.


For the ending of my first begin

And for the rare and unexpected friend

For the way you're something that I'd never choose

But at the same time, something I don't wanna lose

And never wanna be without ever again


Arrowhead and Rainbow Dash were having trouble keeping their steps in line. The speedy mare was moving quite fast for a slow song. Arrowhead couldn’t keep up with her speedy moves, actually, he was having trouble maintaining dancing period.

“You okay there big guy? I know I’m faster than lightning but I didn’t think I was going too-”

“No its n-n-nothing like that I just…well…n-n-n-never learned to dance. I’m only light on my hooves when I’m running,” he laughed sheepishly.

She looked at him soothingly with a heartfelt smile. Rainbow felt honored seeing him like this; unsure and nervous. It was a side of him she never saw, which meant to her she was all the more special to him because he trusted her enough to share it with her now. She was loving every minute of this.

“Hey no biggie, it’s not a competition,” he looked at her with a disbelieving glance, “no I’m serious!” She put his hooves around her waist and placed hers across his arms. “Here, let me lead you. Just keep up with the rhythm. I won’t steer you wrong.”

Trusting her implicitly, the grey colt did as she asked and was surprised at how graceful and swift her movements were. He found his body naturally moving along with hers and felt calmer and more confident. He felt like she truly believed in him.

“See? You’re a natural! I can’t believe someone as awesome as you ever doubted yourself.”

“Before you, I never really had anyone besides my family giving me much support. I felt I was too average to be noticed; just another face in the background. That’s why I always ran.”

“Well better get used to it buster because I’m never going to let you forget what a bad ass you are. And don’t ever try and run off either, because I WILL track you down and drag that fine bod of yours back.”

The Earth pony decided to be bold and reached behind to give Rainbow’s juicy rump a squeeze. She squeaked in surprise; leaving her wide open for a passionate kiss to be planted on her cerulean lips. She moaned in delight until his sizzling tongue left her mouth. He looked heatedly into her magenta eyes as he licked his lips.

“As long as you’re in my life, there’s no place I’d rather be,” he said huskily.

“Good answer,” she replied just as intensely.


You're the best thing I never knew I needed

So when you were here I had no idea

You’re the best thing I never knew I needed

So now it's so clear, I need you here always


“Say Sugar, Ah’ve been meanin’ to ask ya, what’s the deal there with that bow on yer tail? Yeh seem awfully protective bout it but ya never say why,” AJ sweetly inquired.

“Oh heh that. That was a gift from Wild Heart. He always told me I always looked the same and never changed anything about my appearance, it drove him nuts. So one day he put a bow on my tail and said ‘there, now you changed something.’ I thought it was stupid at first but after he died, I’ve never taken it off. This way it’s like he’s always with me,” Hopeful said.

“Awwwww,” she cooed; nuzzling his cheek. “Now ain’t you just the sweetest drank of water that ever did live; guess Sugar was the right pet name for ya huh?” she chuckled.

Hopeful seemed to have a perpetual blush on his face whenever his eyes roamed down AJ’s saucily displayed body. The dress was not particularly revealing, but what it did reveal as she danced and moved was more than enough to distract him and make the red colt’s mouth water.

“If Ah didn’t know better, Ah’d say some pony is havin’ a mighty hard time keepin’ his eyes off mah legs and mah rump,” she said with an all-knowing eyebrow raise.

“Absolutely…ACK I mean n-n-no I mean YES! That’s not what I-wait…what I meant to say was…ugh good grief,” he hung his head shamefully. “You must think I’m such a perv.”

“Hey now, don’t hide that beautiful smile of yours partner. You know Ah’d never think that about you,” she said sweetly.

He lifted his face back up; offering a nervous laugh and a timid smile in reply.

“Ah actually think it’s mighty flatterin’ to have ya look at me that way, makes me feel nice about mah body. No stallion’s ever done that before. Besides, heh, that was kinda the point. Ah wanted to make sure mah biscuits were nice and buttered for you tonight,” she said.

“Funny you say that, because I was just thinking how delicious they looked,” he joked.

Both ponies burst into laughter at that.

Hopeful surprised his blond date with a sudden spin and twirl. He stepped side to side with expert speed and grace; finishing with a jolting dip down that left the mare speechless and breathless. She felt her freckled cheeks burn like the sun as she stared up to his charming smile.

“To dance with you is like skipping along the water, to taste your body is like drinking gold from the sun. You are beautiful even among the blind and your succulence drives the fullest of bellies into ravenous hunger; fair maiden,” he recited elegantly.

“Great golden delicious…yer sweeter than Granny Smith’s caramel apples dipped in Flash bee honey. And yer drivin’ this old gal into quite a rush,” she purred lustfully.

The charming Pegasus gracefully lifted his date back up from the dip. As he did, she extended a leg tantalizingly close near his face; arching it like a ballerina. Hopeful nearly dropped her he was so hungrily entranced by the supple curve of her thighs and the swell of her firm-yet-elegant calves. She flashed her emerald eyes his way as her face passed his.

Hopeful babbled something that wasn’t even remotely coherent, his face burning red hot.

“Don’t get too tongue tied there Sugar, Ah still got plans for it,” she growled voraciously.


My accidental happily

(Ever after)

The way you smile and how you comfort me

(With your laughter)

I must admit you were not a part of my book

But now if you open it up and take a look

You're the beginning and the end of every chapter


Fluttershy rubbed her arm anxiously. She hated this, she hated being here and seeing so many happy faces while her own was left to sulk and wallow in sorrow. The lonely mare didn’t expect to find her soul mate before tonight, but she would have at least liked to have someone to hold hooves with so she didn’t seem so blatantly obvious.

“May I have this dance young miss?”

She turned to see who had asked her. A dark green unicorn stallion wearing an old fashioned velvet brown suit with a slightly puffy undershirt with a rose red tie resting over it stood before her. His eyes were a faint shade of amber while his hair was black with a few silvery streaks visible. The stallion’s coat covered up his cutie mark. He offered a hoof up to the lovely young Pegasus.

Fluttershy smiled and accepted.

She she didn’t know his name or where he came from, but right now she didn’t care; all she cared about was that he noticed her. Feeling her hooves move on the dance floor in tune with his made her feel like she was dancing on Cloud 9.

He was certainly handsome, a charming, dapper stallion who knew how to woo and sweep a lady without much difficulty. It was as if he stepped out of the pages of a history book just so he could dance with her and make her feel like the most special lady in Equestria.

This was heavenly.

“My goodness, you’re a truly wonderful dancer. I’ve never felt this light on my hooves before and I’m a Pegasus!”

“You give me too much credit child. You’re grace and elegance is what truly makes this dance a delight.”

“I-I must apologize for skipping introductions like that. I was feeling awfully lonely and I…just really didn’t want to stand there holding nothing more than a drink. When you came along, it was exactly what I needed.”

“So you’re happy then…Fluttershy?”

“Oh very much so, I feel-wait a minute…how did you know my name? Have we met before or something?”

“Heh…you could say something like that.”

“You do seem very familiar but…I…I just can’t put my hoof on it. I’m sorry. Oh I feel so awful, I feel like I could die from embarrassment.”

“Well you know what they say…you’d be surprised what you could live through.”

Time stopped for the nature loving Pegasus. The bounding music, the swaying couples; everything vanished into desolate silence.

Her eyes twitched fearfully at the green colt. She stepped back from him; hooves recoiling as she finally found the courage to verbalize her horrible confirmation.

“C-c-c-c-c-chimera Khan…is that…is that really you?” she whispered timidly.

He nodded in response. The stallion still had a smile on his face, though it seemed distant and sadder than a few moments ago.

“I…I don’t understand. How-”

“Am I here? Well I’m not, not really. After your friend set me free from that cursed existence of mine, my spirit was finally able to be put to rest. Sombra’s curse and the immortality I obtained corrupted my soul overtime and ultimately twisted me into the monster you met,” he calmly explained. Khan gently took Fluttershy’s hoof and placed it against his neck.

She gasped, she couldn’t feel his pulse. He must be some kind of spirit or phantom projection.

“So…this is what you looked like before the mask…you look…err you looked n-n-nice,” she squeaked sheepishly. Her cheeks burned bright pink as she pulled her hoof away from his neck.

He smiled warmly; still as pure a soul as he remembered. “You are too kind my dear. I am so terribly sorry for all that I’ve done,” he hung his head, “I put you through so much pain and suffering. Even though I was corrupted and manipulated…that’s no excuse for what I’ve done.” He lifted his head back up; looking at her pleadingly. “I wanted to thank you for all that you’ve done, that’s why I asked you to dance tonight…that’s why I came tonight,” he said sincerely.

“Thank me, for what?”

“For being the only one who believed there was good in me. There wasn’t but the fact you looked and believed in me enough to defend me is the greatest gift any pony could have given me. Even Princess Celestia believed me to be a lost cause. Your compassion truly knows no limit. I had to come see you, to thank you before I…well…you know what’s next,” Khan said; a twinge of sadness ringing in his voice.

“You really came back from the dead…just for me? Oh Khan…I…don’t know what to say except,” she moved in and hugged him; tears softly dripping onto his collar. “Thank you, thank for you tonight,” she wept.

Khan closed his eyes and smiled. Ghostly tears dripped down his cheeks as he sighed peacefully; for the first and last time. “Don’t ever change Fluttershy; you give hope to the darkest of minds. Never forget that,” he whimpered.

Fluttershy blinked in surprise. Her hooves suddenly passed through his body like air. Khan was dissipating into red star-like particles, he was returning to the other side.

“Wait, wait! Before you go I just-just have to know, what was your name; before Khan?” she asked breathlessly. She watched sorrowfully as the colt vanished into the sky.

“Don’t worry about what to call me, just think about how you want to remember me,” he said until his voice faded away into nothingness; along with the rest of him.

And just like that, he was gone.

I’m sorry.

Fluttershy blinked curiously. She turned her head to the side and saw a grey Earth pony mare with long black hair, a white collar with a pink bow and bright fuchsia eyes.

“Huh? Did you say something Octavia?”

“I said: terribly sorry to interrupt Fluttershy but,” Octavia Melody bit her lip anxiously, “is everything all right dear?” The musical Earth pony looked slightly concerned.

Fluttershy casually wiped tears from her eyes. She smiled and nodded; pink curls bouncing along. “It is now,” she replied.

The music ended and the crowd cheered in joyful enthusiasm. Vinyl and Neon stepped off to allow Mayor Mare to take the stage…and so they could enjoy a much more private musical performance backstage together.

“I want to wish you all a belated Happy Hearts and Hooves day,” the Mayor announced. The crowd cheered once more. Clapping hooves and raised drinks could be seen popping up. 

“It’s such a wonderful sight to see so many young and experienced couples in love tonight, truly inspiring. Despite the hardships and difficulties our town has experienced, still, you all proved that love can and DOES conquer all. I also want to give a special thanks to the Royal sisters, the princess of Friendship and the newly crowned prince of Friendship for attending this celebration tonight,” she said.

Rarity was quickly pushing Spike up the stairs to the stage. The purple dragon was visibly anxious about all of this; he kept looking back to his girlfriend as he eyed the stage with dread.

“Rarity I-I’m not so sure about this. Do we really have to do this in front of everyone, like everyone-everyone? This is kind of freaking me out!”

“Oh pish posh darling, you’ve known about this announcement since before we fought Khan. It is celebrating our love so of course we have to do this in front of everyone. Silly little goof.”

“But-but-but last time I made a big public appearance like this, I made a total ass of myself. I don’t want to screw up again! Plus everyone knows me here, so when I do mess up it’ll be-It’ll be-”

“Spikey poo please, calm down. Here use this.”

Rarity pulled his face to hers and planted a deep kiss right on his lips; silencing any further neurotic ramblings. He was more like Twilight than he knew. He calmed down almost instantly. His tense muscles melted into a puddle of mushy goo, relaxing into a state of contentment. Her lips softly pulled away.

She giggled upon seeing the doofy smile and rosy red blush on his face. 

“Just what the doctor ordered. Now then, feeling better?”

He nodded, still smiling dumbly.

“All right then. Time to get the appreciation and recognition our union so rightfully deserves. Let’s do this Spiky Wiky!”

Spike took her hoof in his claws, turned to the center stage and saw Mayor Mare motioning for them to come out. The lovers happily did so and stepped out into the limelight for all of Ponyville to see.

“It is my unique honor to introduce you to the celebrated couple of the evening. The one we’ve all been rooting for…or at least I have anyway,” she said as she winked, “I give you Rarity and Spike!”

The unicorn and dragon stumbled onto the stage. He immediately understood why Fluttershy had such a hard time with stuff like this. He smiled nervously and waved to everyone, clueless as what to do or say next. Fortunately, his girlfriend knew exactly what to do.

Rarity stepped up to the podium. “As you can clearly see, my dear Spiky Wiky has been left speechless by all of your touching support. We cannot thank you enough for blessing us with this privilege,” she bowed appreciatively to the audience. Spike felt more at ease the longer he watched/listened to Rarity speak. “I know you all have a lot of dancing to get to so I’ll leave you with this: We all try to tell ourselves that we only deserve the best kinds of partners in the world. We think that we want the one that would be there for us whenever we need them to be. I deluded myself into thinking that man has yet to come when in fact, he’s been here all along and I chose to ignore him,” she smiled lovingly to Spike, “never again. Thank you all so very much.”

Mayor Mare clapped and the rest quickly joined in. Twilight and her friends hooted and hollered for the happy couple, Rainbow even whistled. Rarity stepped down from the stage, hoof in claw with Spike. Vinyl and Neon returned to their DJ duties. They put on faster dance music to get the crowd really moving.

“Hold on a minute Rarity.”

“What is it Spike, are you-”

She turned to him and what she saw slightly stunned her. Spike looked befuddled, confused. He paused to examine his claws and arms, as if checking to see if they were really apart of his body. It was like he woke up from a dream and couldn’t tell where it had begun or when it had ended.

“What’s wrong darling? You look as if you’re not really here.”

“I am here it’s just…I never thought I’d actually make it here.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes.

The purple drake slowly reached out his claw towards his girlfriend’s smoothly polished hoof. His warmth spread to her body with a single touch, a content sigh escaped her lips. “I always thought this kind of stuff was a fantasy: going on dates with you, dancing at parties, having every pony look at us; admiring us together. And after all-all the things we’ve been through, I guess it still kind of just blows my mind that in the end…my heart finally got what it always wanted,” he said disbelievingly.

“No Spiky Wiky, we finally got what both our hearts always wanted. It just took mine a bit longer to realize it,” she cooed serenely.

“Better late than never,” he swooned.

The two shared a blissful, wondrous kiss that blocked out the world and all its noise and colors if only for a moment. Eventually the love birds were called out by their friends and forced to break apart. Spike and Rarity laughed merrily as they joined their friends and danced the night away.

Hours later…

The party had ended. Ponyville’s two premiere party ponies had reached the top of the tallest hill in Ponyville, the same where Spike and Rarity’s love nearly ended not too long ago.

Cheese Sandwich was about to head back on the road for his Equestria party tour, but he wanted to say goodbye to his special, super-duper special party pony one last time.

“Boy Cheese, this has got to be one our best parties EVER!!! I hope more super villain ponies threaten our very existence. They make the celebration parties so much better,” Pinkie cheered.

“Of course, every pony knows that! I’m just glad I could make it out here. Throwing the greatest parties across the country is super time consuming,” Cheese replied.

The orange colt rubbed noses with the pink mare before sharing an extra-large and sloppy big smooch with her. He strapped his party wagon to his back and plopped a yellow rubber chicken along his spine, it had a big black number 3 on its belly.

“OOooooh a new rubber chicken friend! Say, what happened to Boneless number 2?”

“Well, it’s a bit complicated but long story short: he became a tyrannical overlord to a race of mobile, sentient volcano monsters.”

“Wow…good for him!”

“Now that you mention it, where’s Boneless number 1?”

“Oh he got turned into a mystical key for a magical lock box that grew out of the tree of Harmony and super charged me and my friends with rainbow powers to defeat a super cranky centaur.”

“Yup, that sounds like something he’d do!”

The party ponies bid themselves fare well and Cheese Sandwich trotted off with his party supplies; off to the next town or city to spread more party cheer.

“Sigh…finally I’m free to live my life the way I want to live it…I can pick up where I left off now,” an unfamiliar male voice said.

Pinkie squeaked as that sudden voice caught her off guard. She was sure she and Cheese had been alone on this hill just a few moments ago. She spotted a different colt this time, it was another Earth pony. He had pale blond fur, deep royal blue eyes, dark blond hair and wore a green cap.

“Oooh a new friend,” Pinkie waved to the colt, “Hello there stranger, my name’s Pinkie Pie; what brings you up here?”

Crowe turned to the pink mare and laughed softly. She sure was a funny one wasn’t she? He tilted his green cap down a bit as he turned to her. “Oh nothing much, I’m just enjoying the view and enjoying my newfound freedom. It’s taken a long time but things are finally working out the way there supposed to,” he said passively.

“Freedom? Freedom from what, did someone have you in a dungeon or something?”

“That doesn’t matter anymore, what does matter is moving ahead; moving forward. You see, some new friends of mine just did me a huge favor and I thought it should only be fair that I reward them with a gift for all their hard work.”

“YAY, I love-love-love-LOVE presents! Is it anything I can help you with?”

“So glad you asked. I’m looking for a special kind of jewelry; something that looks like this.”

Crowe reached under his cap and pulled out a rolled up scroll. He tossed it to Pinkie; she unrolled it and examined it curiously. The scroll was a blueprint schematic for a very familiar item.

“Gee, that’s funny. This looks a lot like the Alicorn amulet Twilight gave to Zecora for safekeeping.”

A sick, twisted smile slowly formed on the colt’s face. Pinkie’s answer sent shivers of morbid excitement throughout his body.

“Really? You don’t say?”

“I did just say, silly! I don’t know why you’d want this thing though. The whole reason Zecora keeps it hidden in her home in the Everfree Forest is so no other pony will go evil-super-crazy like that time Trixie did. I recommend going with a fancy comb or a toothpick dispenser instead.”

“Gee, thanks Pinkie. You’ve helped me so much I just HAVE to thank you too. Tell me, do you like games?”

Pinkie’s face scrunched up tightly. She was about to pop and squeal the most enthusiastic and bombastically loud “YES” her lungs could muster. Crowe looked unnervingly at her barely restrained squealing. The pink mare deflated instead and surprisingly took on a calm demeanor.

“I maaaaaaaay have a taste for them,” she replied; appearing cool and collective. The party mare examined her hoof casually.

“Uh that-that’s good to know, ahem, so I wanted to play a guessing game. All you have to do is guess what I’m thinking of based on the clues I give you. Get it right and you’ll get a surprise,” Crowe said cheerily.

Pinkie nodded feverishly. She strapped on a red sweatband as if preparing for a work out and flexed her hooves; she was ready.

“What’s pink, fluffy and red all over?”

“Oh, oh, I know this one! It’s a pink poodle with a red hoodie. No? How about a pink afro with a red bow on top of a buffalo? A Hearts and Hooves candy box with those puffy little white wrappers the chocolates come with? Boy, this is really hard. Could I have another hint please?”

“Sure!”

SHINK

Pinkie suddenly felt a strange coldness spread throughout her body. It was like someone left a door open inside her chest. She looked down to see what was causing all of the warmth to leave her body.

She saw a knife, a knife sticking out from her chest and Crowe was gripping the handle. Pools of crimson liquids were forming by her hooves.

“Awe look at that, you didn’t figure it out and you still got the surprise,” he said cruelly.

Pinkie felt empty, drained and still cold and growing colder by the second. Her legs felt like they were made of paper. They wobbled feebly as Pinkie staggered, her vision darkening all around her. She tried to speak but only a silent wheeze escaped her trembling lips.

Pinkie collapsed. Her wheezing and squirming slowly ceased.

Crowe smirked dismissively at the fallen mare. He lifted the blood soaked blade to his line of sight and proceeded to wipe it clean with a cloth rag he kept under his hat. Crowe slid the knife into the fur surrounding his cutie mark once it was clean. The blade on his mark was identical to the blade he carried.

“Stupid little bitch…I was going to gut her like a fish if she didn’t shut up with that nauseating ‘smiles and rainbows’ crap,” he growled coldly. Crowe left the mare to bleed out and turned to look down at Ponyville. A sick, sociopathic smile formed on his lips. “All those dingbat princesses, they’re too busy kissing their dates and their asses to see what’s going down,” he snickered smugly. “They actually think it’s over, they think we’ve reached the end and they’re all going to live happily ever after. Oh ho, ho, ho boy do they have it wrong; were just getting started.”

Crowe thread back his head and laughed.

To be continued…