//------------------------------//
// 52- Chaos needs no introduction. 
// Story: Blazing a Trail to the Past. 
// by Daylight_Dreamer 
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"I hope you don't mind," Rarity said, "I want you two to be just as surprised as everypony else about how stunning you both look. So I've set you up with separate dressing rooms and you will be introduced into the party one at a time."

We both rolled our eyes. Gilda and I had just arrived at the boutique to be dressed for the party. Neither one of us were really looking forward to this part and were now further annoyed that we couldn't complain to each other.

I was lead to a wagon that gave me a ride to the spa. Aloe and Lotus met me at the door and lead me to the room we had all gotten massages in the day before. A new table was set out that seemed to be a couple feet longer than the rest.

"We didn't want you to wait so long to be pampered in this body," Aloe smiled.

"So we insisted on including it in getting you ready," Lotus said, "Just relax now. We are professionals."

"We will give you time to get ready," Aloe said and they headed out of the room.

'Maybe this won't be so bad,' I thought to myself as I undressed and wrapped in a towel.
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They had me waiting in the mayor's office until the official start of the party. They wanted to give everypony a chance to show up and see the guests of honor presented. I was getting restless. 

'They're making too big a deal out of this,' I thought to myself, 'sure, I expect at least half of Ponyville to be out there, but they're acting like it's gonna be half of Equestria.'

I stood up and checked my suit when I knew it was getting close to time. Rarity had outdone herself on this outfit. It was a black tuxedo with gold embroidery that even I had to admit gave it just the right accents in just the right places. Centered between the shoulder blades was the fire and ice yin yang to represent my cutie mark that wasn't on my flank in this body. It was surrounded by a border of the embroidery that resembled gold flames that ended in snowflakes. She also insisted I wear a black bowler hat and bow-tie. I don't do hats, and I felt like I was being choked, but as soon as I saw myself in the mirror I refused to take it off, I looked sharp.

I heard my cue and walked out on the stage. The mayor was standing behind the microphone and introduced me as I walked up.

"And now," she said, "the 'man' you've all been waiting for. I'd like to introduce the guest of honor. He has only been in Equestria for a couple weeks and he has already been making life better for everypony around him. We are proud to welcome Jerry Blade to Ponyville, and I think I speak for everypony when I wish him the best on the trip he shall soon be taking to help ponykind get back in touch with our history. Jerry, would you like to say a few words?"

"I suppose I should," I said, I hadn't exactly prepared a speech, but I had at least thought about it.

I approached the podium and took a look at the still gathering crowd. It was enormous. Nothing but pastel colored fur as far as the eye could see. 'I guess they were right to make a big deal,' I thought.

"I'd just like to thank you all for taking time out of your lives to come here," I said, "it actually took some convincing for me to realize this party was worth throwing. I didn't really think ponies would want to make a big deal out of me. Well... It's not the first time I was wrong. I doubt it will be my last. Everypony just have a good time and remember the three rules to a good party. Leave your fists in your pockets, your drugs in your friend's car, and designate a driver. THANK YOU!"

I stepped back and joined the mane 6 at the back of the stage. Even they seemed to be scratching their heads at that last part. Considering that's what I was going for I counted it as a success.

"Now," Mayor Mare returned to the mic, "I was going to save him for last but our other guest insisted he had to go first. Many of you have met her before during her visits to her best friend Rainbow Dash. Let's give a warm Ponyville welcome to our other new resident, Gilda!"

I knew why Gilda didn't mind going after the main event. She wanted me to see her grand entrance. She was in a little dark blue gown that looked absolutely stunning. I was surprised by the color choice, I was expecting a little black dress but it was very flattering. She swayed her hips as she walked by me. I couldn't look away.

She actually took her chance to talk to the crowd.

"Thank you everypony," she said, "I'm happy to be here. I really can’t say this party was my idea, but as long as I'm here, Lets put on some tunes and dance like nopony is watching!" She threw up a rock fist and with that DJ Pon3 started a record and everypony started dancing.

Everypony on the stage began to make their way into the crowd. I could see Slag and Sawdust waiting for Fluttershy and Pinkie. I thought about talking to them but was stopped by the mayor.

"It really is good to finally meet you." she said, "how are you enjoying Ponyville?"

"It's great," I said, "I feel like I fit in. Even though I'm so different."

"That's great to hear," she said, "if I can ever do anything for you. My office is always open to you."

She walked away and I was about to enter the crowd, but this time Asmodeus came out of nowhere and wrapped around my leg.

"What's wrong?" I asked, but a popping sound behind me said everything I needed to know.

I turned around to see Discord with an intimidating look on his face.

"Can I help you?" I asked giving him an odd look. I wasn't about to be intimidated that easily.

"I need to talk to you in private," he said. Before I could protest he grabbed my arm and the three of us were transported to Discord's living room.

Asmodeus hissed and snipped but Discord just shined his talon on his chest and said, "I'm not here to hurt anyone, you can back down." The snake listened-somehow-but kept an eye on him.

"What is this all about?" I asked.

"I need to know about this stallion Fluttershy has been swooning over," He said, "I'm well past the point of jealousy but I still want to know he has her best interests in mind," he gave a defeated look, "Fluttershy made me promise not to question him, but she never said anything about his friends."

"Fair enough," I admitted, "What do you want to know?"

"You're actually going along with this?" He seemed surprised.

"You could have picked a better time," I said, "and this is called sneaking around, but you got her on a solid technicality. Just ask away and bring me back to my party."

"I like you," He said before sighing, "I guess the best way to put this is... Is he a 'typical' stallion, or is he actually interested in her? I don't want her getting her heart involved with a stallion that doesn't feel the same."

"Slag Metalcrafter is anything but a typical stallion," I said, "If he was after what you think. He wouldn't be after it from Fluttershy. He really likes her. Truth be told, he has gotten around... but I think he's tired of all that. He wouldn't get involved with a nice mare like Fluttershy otherwise. I'm certain of it."

"Ok," he said, "that's good enough, but if he hurts one hair in her mane...'

"You'll have to beat me to him," I said with resolve, "and you had better teleport because you'll never catch up to me just flying."

"Wait a second, I've heard that determined tone before," He said, "That's right! You're the Wonderbolt that saved Equestria from chaos, aren't you? You look different, have you done something with your hair? Oh, that's right, You lost your wings."

"Nah," I said, "just upgraded. How did you know about it anyway? You were made of stone."

"Imprisoned in stone," he corrected, "That doesn't mean I didn't know what was going on. Daylight Dreamer. If it means anything to you, I actually wanted to help. Sure, I wanted to take over after, but what's the good of taking over a country that's destroying itself? That kind of chaos cannot be sustained."

"Wow," I said, "that is a surprise, but I should probably get back to the party before ponies go looking for me."

"True," he said, "I'm supposed to be there too. It sounds so dull though. It’s not even a party about me! Do you mind if I catch a buzz before going back." A bong materialized in his paw.

"Count me in," I laughed, "I don't really want to go back either. I don't like parties about me."