//------------------------------// // Early Evening - Welcome to the Gala. // Story: The Gala's Night // by Bronie312 //------------------------------// Happiness and sadness. Grief and relief. Damage and Upgrade. It would be impossible to witness a living being possessing such a combination of poles so opposite that seemed to be two souls trapped in a single body; however, there it was an exception, Alfred. His face was no longer fulfilled with only sadness and regret, now enough joy could be observed in him to reestablish the balance of emotions. His serious expression spoke more than a thousand words. However, his appearance was what mattered most to him at the moment. The Prince was never fond of pure elegance, he always preferred to be a little more... simple - to say the least -. Although, on the other hand, he didn't want to have inappropriate clothing for every occasion; he always tried to maintain a balance between the elegant and the simple. He had put on a dark gray suit with a white shirt and also added a red bow tie; furthermore, he allowed himself to keep his beret on, reaffirming the unique style of dressing that characterized him, since Alfred almost always wore the beret with him, although - until very recently - he had rarely left the castle area where his room was located. Finally, there was a remarkable change on his face. He shaved a large part of his beard, removing the "stubble" that he had previously possessed for several days, although he allowed himself the luxury of keeping the mustache; despite the fact that the mustache fashion was - mostly - implemented by high society, in some way, it was he who popularized it. He chuckled at that fleeting thought, he was amused that - unexpectedly - he would be who caused such a peculiar event; he never considered creating a fad, but - somehow - he did it. The only thing required was to have a makeover… Knock, Knock, Knock. It didn't take long for him to recognize that knocking, it was Corporal Hook's; after a couple of months learning about someone, it would be easy for any creature to recognize a peculiar characteristic of him/her… “Come in.” He replied. The sound of the door opening gave him the answer he needed and left the bathroom, turning to look at where his room's entrance was; there, his eyes met with Hook's, who returned the gaze… “Looking good tonight, your highness.” The pony praised him, to which he responded… “Thanks, though it’s not my best outfit.” “Well,” The Corporal expressed. “I think it fits you very well, sir.” Alfred chuckled. “If you say so. Ready for the gala?” The question was definitely one the bat pony hadn't expected to hear; all the royal guards were informed that there should be - at least - one royal guard accompanying each monarch during the gala, taking care of any possible danger. All this being part of a strict protocol with which they were instructed from the first days of training to become royal guards, either solar or nocturnal… She blinked. “Excuse me, your majesty?” “Let’s just say that… there’s no other guard on who I could put my trust, except for you.” He explained while walking towards her… “Corporal Jimmy Hook, it would be a pleasure to have you as my personal guard for this very evening; also, I’m pretty sure you get bored at night, with nothing else to do.” The Prince commented as he extended his hand towards her; Hook stood in silence, looking at Alfred’s hand for a few seconds before smiling and extending her hoof as well… “Your majesty,” She said. “It would be the greatest of honors.” “Nice sunset,” Alfred commented. “don’t you think?” At the comment, Hook turned to look back and stopped almost instantly; she hadn't noticed, but Alfred stayed a few steps behind, gazing through a window at the beautiful visual spectacle that was being offered. The pony walked up to his side, then turned her head and looked at the landscape. Her eyes lit up. Despite not being able to tell the difference between daylight and dark at night - at first -, with a little effort, it was possible to visualize a daily event as charming as the sunset. She focused her eyes well and the brightness of the sun finally made its appearance, making her understand the brightness of hope and joy that so characterized the day, while - little by little - these were replaced by the elements of peace and a darkness that, slowly, made itself known. Nevertheless, and to the happiness of all who contemplated this magical wonder, now... darkness was not represented by evil -but instead -, it had benevolence, goodness, and wisdom as representatives of the night… “Wow…” She expressed, then turned to look at Alfred. “it’s- ...just fabulous.” “I know,” He replied. “Reminds me of a pony I met some time ago.” The smile on the bat pony's face dissipated in a matter of seconds as she saw an expression that - by now - was very familiar. Alfred lowered his head and sighed, showing a tone of sadness, although an effort on his part could be perceived to not make it so obvious… “...It didn’t end well.” If the Corporal was correct, the tone of voice Alfred had used was new to her... it sounded like disappointment, a rather remarkable one. A little confusion showed on her face, but it immediately faded when her mind managed to understand; consequently, she nodded and replied… “I understand.” “Thank you… Jimmy.” Alfred had appreciated her comprehension and smiled at her, to which she answered in the same way. Then, the Prince looked up at the corridor and said… “Come on, we shall not be late for the gala.” Both Alfred and Jimmy resumed their walk to the ballroom; however, on this occasion they managed to establish a rather cheerful conversation between the two, chatting and joking about some minor matters, in addition to giving their respective opinions on the upper social class. On Jimmy’s side, she didn’t care much what the members of that part of the population did, the bat pony was only interested in carrying out her life and serving the Royal Guard with honor. Alfred, for his part - in addition to chuckling a bit at the comment of his personal guard - surprised Hook by mentioning that only Fleur Dis Lee and Fancy Pants were high-society ponies that were really worth befriending, since the vast majority were only corrupt and selfish who took advantage of each of the opportunities offered to them; At this, Jimmy couldn’t help but make fun of it... “That’s capitalism for you!” ...Being followed by a series of laughs from both of them; these lasted a long time - to tell the truth -, although they were very useful for the time to pass faster, causing that - once the urge to laugh was over - both found themselves near to their destination... “Three years…” Alfred sighed. “...It’s been three years since we met, back at the Royal Academy.” “I remember the day,” Hook replied. “you had come to supervise our final training; I felt so embarrassed when I arrived third since, almost always, I got first… but never third.” “Do you regret arriving last only for a few milliseconds?” Alfred asked her, to which she denied… “No. I don’t regret it… Somehow, you saw potential in me and chose me as the new addition of the Nocturnal Royal Guard; even if I had failed the final exam, you still chose me… Why?” She questioned while turning to look at the Prince, who returned the gaze and answered… “Failing a final test doesn't mean you're bad at something. On the contrary, you made a great effort to achieve it... Moreover, you showed determination and a conviction that I hadn’t seen in centuries; you are tenacious, I admit it... That’s why you caught my attention, because you are an example to follow.” The Corporal blushed at his words, although she did not suppress that expression of pride and embarrassment; Alfred noticed it and commented… “Seems like you’ve stopped suppressing your emotions,” He said and smiled once again. “I’m proud of you.” Her eyes widened instantly after hearing him say that, - definitely - those were deep words coming from the Prince himself; now, she didn't know whether to maintain her demeanor or whether to allow a host of mixed emotions and feelings possess her, even for a few seconds - causing her to act inappropriately in front of a royal -. Nevertheless, even though the second option was quite tempting, she managed to stay calm… “T-Thank you, sir.” She replied - though with some embarrassment reflected on her tone of voice -. “Those are the kind of words I haven’t heard since I left Stalliongrad.” ...It was then that a sudden silence flooded the air, while Alfred's speed gradually slowed to a halt; Hook took a few seconds to realize that, so - as she did so - she turned back and looked at the Prince. His face seemed to have lost any emotion, as if there were no soul possessing the body; this worried Jimmy, who immediately apologized - in case she said something rude -. However, her mind managed to realize that it was the mention of her home, Stalliongrad, the reason for his reaction… Alfred lowered his head and looked at the floor. “Stalliongrad?” He asked, the Corporal replied… “Yes, sir.” Then, she became silent - still looking at him worriedly - as he slightly nodded… “I see,” He said; consequently, his gaze aimed at her. “Is it nice?” Hook was caught off guard by his question, though she didn’t hesitate in nodding… “Yes, it is.” She answered. “You’ve… visited it?” The Prince chuckled and said. “Yes, seventy-four, or seventy-five years ago… I- I don’t remember exactly when.” Jimmy stood there, looking at Alfred as her mind tried to assemble the puzzle he had created - unconsciously -; several seconds passed and she continued thinking about it, there was something missing. Hook knew Alfred used to visit some places throughout Equestria, but Stalliongrad had no reason to be visited in recent times, unless… The Corporal gazed at him and replied… “You… witnessed the Great Migration?” Alfred chuckled once again and responded. “The hell I did, it was fantastic.” “Good evening, Princess Celestia.” Greeted a female voice. Celestia, who was admiring the windows and decorations, immediately turned to see both the bat pony and the Prince, smiling on the spot; She bowed her head a little, showing her kind side by welcoming them with a single gesture… “Greetings, Corporal Hook.” Celestia said, to which the guard nodded in gratitude. Then, the alicorn looked at Alfred - noticed his suit - and chuckled before saying… “Seriously, Alfred?” She asked while smiling at him. “That suit? I had the idea that you had lost it.” “Well, what can I say?” Alfred replied as he looked at his suit, then gazed at Celestia and returned the smile. “As Rarity says, we all have our own style.” Celestia laughed at this and commented… “I can’t deny it.” “Rarity may exaggerate at times and not do the right things always, but - when it is needed - she knows exactly what to say.” Alfred said as a small laugh came from him, being followed by Celestia… “Anyway,” She said before looking at them both, still smiling kindly. “I am glad to see you both here, the gala is about to begin.” Alfred nodded in response and said. “Well, that means it is time for me to go and welcome the guests.” Hook blinked at this and looked at him as he walked towards the main entrance of the ballroom… “Excuse me, your majesty.” She interrupted. “But… aren’t we supposed to stay here with Princess Celestia?” The Prince slightly smiled as a blurry memory passed by his mind, then turned towards her and replied… “It’s been quite a few centuries since the last time I’ve come.” He commented. “If I’m going to do this, then let’s do it right.” Posteriorly, Alfred resumed his way towards the main entrance while Hook tried to accompany him, but Celestia stopped her, telling that this was his decision and that it was essential for any creature to respect it. Jimmy nodded in response and then looked at the Prince, then smiled as she realized the change that human being finally had… TO BE CONTINUED...