//------------------------------// // The Announcement Of The Dance // Story: A Different Dance Date // by Rated Ponystar //------------------------------// There are times I really don't understand ponies, and I've been with them for about a year or so now. Seriously, I often feel so out of place. Not just because I'm no longer waking up to the smell of lava and ash in the air, but because everything is done so differently in Equestria. Not that it's been bad, mind you. I wouldn't trade my time here with anything. When I arrived at Friendship Academy, randomly picked out of hundreds of other dragon kids, I thought this would suck hydra snot. Turns out, despite being weird creatures, ponies weren't so bad. Still, that didn't mean I didn't find them strange. They're always so cheerful, even during the worst of times, to the point that I'm afraid I'm going to get diabetes one day. If you wanted something from them, then all you had to do was ask for it, as in just simply asking. Back home, if you wanted something, you either had to bargain for it, demand it, fight for it, or even steal it if you were that desperate. And if you got caught, it was your head. Here? I could just go to one of my fellow students, just ask to borrow their notes on a test, and they would give it to me while offering to help me study at the same time. No need, I got Ocellus for that. Now, that's all weird. But what's really weird is just how nice ponies are. Look, dragons can be friendly. We just have to be careful who we show it to so we don't look weak or get taken advantage of. But ponies? They're nice all the time! They easily forgive you if you did something wrong. And, weirdest of all, these soft, cute, and easily squishable creatures had become one of the world's biggest superpowers for over a thousand years. Easily crushing enemies like the Changeling Hive, Discord, and King Sombra. All with the power of friendship and love. It sounds cheesy, but I felt that power when we were saving Equestria from Cozy Glow. I've never felt anything like it before, and it was pure awesomeness! So yeah, ponies may be weird, but they're pretty good creatures. Bahumat's flames, one of them is my best friend. He's a bit of an airhead who doesn't seem phased by anything, but a good friend. He wasn't the only one. Since coming here, I've been able to bond with a griffin, a hippogriff, a changeling, and a yak as well. If you were to look at the six of us, I'm sure you could make a joke or two. And if it's a dirty one, I'm burning your sorry butt until you're extra crispy. But yeah, these five? Best friends ever. Friends that I've risked my life with before, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Growing up as a dragon, you were always taught the three most important things: family, horde, and power. Now? I've got friends to add to that list, and I'm not ashamed of it. Well, most of the time. Like right now, I can't believe I have Silverstream trying to get her head out of a large flask in science class. Because just because this is a school about learning friendship doesn't mean we're not going to learn the other proper lessons you get in a regular school such as math and science. "Okay," I say as I hold my claws to both sides of the glass. "One. Two. Three!" I pull as hard as I can, gritting my teeth until a popping noise is heard, and I'm thrown back against the floor. Shaking my head, I look at Silverstream, whose eyes are twirling around in her head before she shakes herself back to normal. "Phew! Glad I'm out of that thing! It was really crampy in there." "How did you even fit your head inside this thing?" I ask. I looked at its small opening that was barely enough to put my fist in. Seriously, how does she get herself into these messes? Silverstream was about to answer before the bell rang, and we quickly got to packing up while our science teacher, Ms. Beaker, told us to enjoy the weekend. While Headmistress Twilight and her friends were our teachers in learning about friendship, Councillor Neighbutt suggested that she should at least hire professional teachers for the non-friendship lessons. It was probably the only thing I agreed with regarding that old stick in the mud. He might have changed his tune regarding non-ponies getting educated here in Equestria, but dragons have a long memory. "So, what do you think we should do for the weekend?" Silverstream asks as we walk towards our lockers. "I think we should go for a swim at the lake! Oh, and then a walk in the park! Oh-oh! And then we can have a sleepover!" "Hold the excitement, Silv," I say with my claw up in the air. Reaching my locker, I quickly dial the combination before opening it. "Let's see what the others have to say before we plan our weekend on the dot." "Sorry," Silverstream apologized as she put her own books away. "It's just that I'm so excited to spend time with you guys. We've been busy all week with these quizzes and studying." "Ugh, don't remind me. I'm still seeing math problems appear in my head," I groan before shutting the locker. If there was one class, I hated it was math. I swear if I didn't have Ocellus and Sandbar (who was really good at numbers, much to our surprise), I'd be getting straight D's instead of C's. "All I want to do is kick back, get some of those sapphires that Spike gave me, and then sleep until-" "Incoming!" Silverstream gasps before flying upwards as I turn around only to get knocked back by a giant rolling ball of yelping fur. Great. Another Yona Roller, as we call it. I roll down the hall with Yona as students jump out of the way. Our little ride comes to an end upon smashing into another row of lockers. My suffering didn't end as I soon found my face getting sandwiched between the school's waxed floors and a big brown fuzzy yak butt. A very smelly yak butt that just came out of Gym class. "Ohh, Yona feel dizzy..." my face sitter says, before asking, "Why is friend Smolder under yak's rump?" "Because yak's rump is smothering friend Smolder's face," I mutter while puffing out smoke from my nostrils. "If yak don't get yak's rump out of friend Smolder's face then friend Smolder will make yak's rump fried and crispy!" Seconds later, I could breathe again with a sudden need to take a long shower. I glance over to a sheepish Yona with a glare that could kill before I hear the familiar sound of laughter coming from a certain catbird. "Oh, haha. Laugh it up, Gallus. At least I didn't act like I was dying when it happened to you last week." The blue griffin let out a few final chuckles before landing by to help me up. "At least, I didn't get a yak flank in my face when Yona smashed into me." "Yona said she sorry!" "It's fine, Yona," Me and Gallus both say. Yona was the nicest yak you'll ever meet, but she could be such a clutz at times. I saw Silverstream and our other two friends, Ocellus and Sandbar, walk over towards us with their amused smiles. Taking a small whiff in the air, I could smell the hard work and sweat coming from them and Gallus as well. "I take it you just got out of gym class? Yona's fur smelled extra stinky." Upon hearing this, Yona smelled herself and winced. "Yeah, we had volleyball today," Ocellus said, looking extra tired. "I'd rather it was badminton." "Badminton's so boring though," Gallus complained. "Yes, but at least it doesn't involve jumping without wings!" Ocellus complained as she laid down on the floor, panting. "I feel like I'm about to die of exhaustion." "Can I have your notes before you pass on? Because otherwise, I'm going to have to learn resurrection magic to bring you back every time we get a test coming up," I joke, which got a laugh out of my friends too. "Anyway, before Yona decided to use me like a bowling pin, Silverstream and I were discussing what we're going to do this weekend." "Want to talk about it over at the school cafe?" Sandbar asks, smiling. "After all that exercise, I could use some grub." "You read my mind, Sandy," Gallus says with a grin as the remaining four of us nod in agreement. *** We make our way down the hall, the others talking about their classes while I tried to think of what to get to eat. The cafe was a small hangout Professor Pinkie Pie made a few weeks ago to help students socialize and have a bite without the need to walk all the way to Sugarcube Corner. Pony food wasn't so bad, but it was really super sweet. I'm glad that at least two dragons lived in this town because I can get gems when I get the cravings for them. I do kinda wish we were allowed to eat meat more often, but I can understand how that might freak out some of the other students. Still, Twilight gives Gallus and me permission to hunt in the forests for a fresh kill here and there since it's essential for our diet. So long as we didn't come back with it to the school. Hey, a predator's got to keep her skills sharp and all. We're halfway there when we notice something near the bulletin board. Headmistress Twilight was putting up some kind of flier while many other students talked with each other in excitement. "What's going on?" I ask, flying in the air with Silverstream and Gallus while the others walk over. Silverstream gasps as she rushes over to the board. "New posters! We never had those underwater!" I would think not considering paper and water do not go well together. Still, the rest of us were curious and were soon joining the other students in asking questions. Headmistress Twilight finished putting up another poster before pointing to it. I took a good look at the multicolored paper where two ponies were seen holding hooves happily, but that left me with only more questions. "I won't keep you in suspense any longer! We're bringing one of Ponyville's oldest traditions back in our school!" Headmistress Twilight proclaims before pointing her hoof in the air. "The Fetlock Fete!" All the ponies seemed to know what this was as they began talking about it with excited whispers. Even Sandbar's eyes were wide with joy. Of course, us non-ponies were still confused. "The what-wha-what?" I ask, scratching my horn. "It's a pony dance party! One of the best!" Sandbar answers with a smile. "Well, I'm ready!" Blue energy quickly envelopes Ocellus, who soon came out looking like a yellow earth pony with long light blue hair and a ladybug cutie mark. I gave her a thumbs-up as she did a pose. "You don't need to do that, Ocellus," Headmistress Twilight says with a giggle. "This year, the event's at school and open to every creature. We're calling our dance the Amity Ball!" "Even better!" Ocellus proclaims as she turns back into her standard form. "Yona not know Amity Ball dance," Yona proclaims before smiling with pride. "Yona only know traditional dance at Yakyakistan! Go like this!" Oh boy. I make sure I'm well above the ground the moment I hear that. Sure enough, Yona starts jumping around like a rabbit while her huge size ends up making everything to shake with each landing. Every creature made sure to jump back as Yona continues dancing until she posed on one hoof with her rear hoofs in the air. "Ta-da! Ball dance like that?" She asks before she loses her balance. Sandbar chuckles before walking over to her. "Not exactly. It's not just one dance, but a whole night of them! And an awesome party!" "We'll also be having all of the Fetlock Fete traditions!" Headmistress Twilight announces as she walks over to a nearby trophy case where a big dancing trophy was held. "The Pony Pal Contest. The Lucky Potluck Dinner. You'll love it! So like this says: get your pony pal and come along!" "Wait, like a date?" One pony in the crowd asked, which got a lot of heated whispers to emerge. Suddenly, you could see various fillies looking at colts with stars in their eyes. "Well, you can bring a date. Or bring a friend. But every creature is invited regardless if you come alone or not," Twilight said as she levitated more fliers. "Now, who wants to help me put up more fliers?" "Me!" Silverstream says while flying forward. "I do!" Ocellus seconds as she rushes towards the alicorn's side. The others were soon agreeing to help out, so I shrug and join in as well. While the idea of dancing didn't interest me (mostly because I don't know how to dance), I had nothing better to do, and free food was free food. Plus, it would be really lame if all my friends were going and I wasn't. So, I take a few fliers and join my friends in spreading the good news. Huh, that makes me sound like an evangelist. My pastor of an uncle would be proud. *** "Dude, I'm even more beat putting up those fliers than I was in the gym," Gallus says before taking a long sip of his milkshake. "Though I think Silverstream looks like she could still fly around the school twice and still put up more." "I can't help it!" Silverstream cheerfully says. "It's so much fun putting fliers up on the school! It's like a game to see how much attention you can get with each one! Maybe I should be a professional flier flyer?!" "Is that even a thing?" I ask Sandbar, who shrugs. The closest pony I ever saw do something like that was that weird eyed-mail pony. What was her name? Ditzy? Droopy? Eh, who cares? "So, we're all going to the dance on Sunday?" "Yup! I'm going to go by myself, but I plan on trying out something at the Lucky Potluck! I got a new recipe I found in a cookbook I want to use," Ocellus answers with a happy buzz of her wings. "Eh, I guess I'll go by myself too," Gallus says as he continues to drink his shake. "I doubt anyone's planning on asking me out on a date." I smirk as me, Ocellus, and Yona turned our attention to a blushing Silverstream who was doing her best to avoid looking at the griffon while playing with a napkin in her claws. For a long time, it was obvious to all of us, save for the boys, that Silver here has a major crush on Gallus. We finally got her to confess it to us last week at an all-girls sleepover during truth or dare. It turned out she started falling in love with him ever since our tests by the Tree of Harmony. Silverstream told us how Gallus had helped her overcome her fears of the Storm King and been one of her closest friends since. I still don't understand her affection for the guy, but so long as he doesn't hurt her, then I guess I can wish her the best. Then again, I don't get romance at all. It seems dull and lame. Sure, all adult dragons say you need to find a mate one day and have hatchlings of your own, but I'm years away from that. I want to enjoy my life without worrying about such things. "Yona want to dance at ball party!" Yona announces. "Yona wishes she had yak partner to show all yak dances, but she do her best with herself!" "Sure, just tell us when so we can all duck and cover first," I snicker before Ocellus elbows me. "What I mean to say is, we'll enjoy seeing you dance." Just so long as we enjoy not needing the hospital later. The four continue to talk about the upcoming event while I decided to tun out to nibble on my ruby flavored muffin. Strangely enough, one of us has been quiet all this time. Turning to Sandbar, I notice he seems to be in some kind of deep thought while focusing on his empty plate. Weird. He seemed interested in the dance just as much as the rest of us. Maybe he's thinking about asking someone out? Ohhh, perhaps that's it. Sandy has a crush, I bet. I wonder if it's someone from our group or a pony we didn't know? There are many students in our school, but I've never really seen him hang out with anyone but us five. So it can't be another pony. That leaves one of us. I don't think he has any affection for Silverstream, and I know I'm out because I'm a dragon. That leaves only three. If I had to put someone in the first place slot, I would say Ocellus. The two liked to study together, and are really smart with numbers. They even won a math contest together. Second place? Maybe Yona? They were pretty affectionate at times. Plus, I think I saw him checking her out once when the two of us were doing yoga with Professor Rarity one time. Then again, he could be into guys and was interested in Gallus. Sorry, Sandy, but Gallus is as straight as an arrow if those dirty magazines I saw in his room indicate anything. Plus, I hate to see a love triangle between him, Gallus, and Silverstream. I shivered at the thought of an angry Silverstream. I don't know what happened that caused her to finally show her angry side at times, but even I'm terrified of her when she gets mad. I can still remember the first time I saw her pissed off. I don't know the details of why, but apparently, a student said something very hurtful to Gallus about him being an orphan. That's a low blow even by dragon standards. Out of nowhere came Silverstream, who dragged the pony into the air, slammed him into the wall, and yelled at him so loud that it caught every creature's attention in the hall, including mine. Silverstream demanded that he apologize or she would get her Aunt's spear, shove it right up his plothole, and drag him to the deepest darkest depths of the ocean where his body would be left to be eaten by underwater creatures the likes of which are nightmares come to life. I couldn't help but shiver at the tone Silverstream used. I swear, I'd rather face an angry Dragon Lord Ember than her. Needless to say, the pony quickly apologized rather profusely and took a lot of detentions for his remark. So yeah, let's hope Sandbar isn't suicidal and thinking of asking Gallus out. Of course, it could be something else bothering him and not related to the dance. Eh, he'll tell us when he's ready. I pop the last of my muffin into my mouth and burp out a few flames. "Well, I'm going to head into my room for the rest of the day. I'll see you all at dinner." They say their goodbyes to me as I get up and make my way towards the exit hall. I wonder what I should do now that I have free time. Sleep? Read one of those cool comic books Spike let me borrow? Maybe plan out that prank in the second level's bathrooms I've meant to try out. "Hey, Smolder!" I pause before turning around to see Sandbar rushing down the hall. I raise an eyebrow as he stops in front of me, and I notice he's blushing like a raspberry. "D-do you have a minute?" "Sure, what's up?" I ask, crossing my arms. Sandbar took a deep breath and closed his eyes. I was about to ask what was wrong when he opens his mouth and stares at me in the face. "Will you go to the dance with me?" ...What? No seriously. What the flames?! What did Sandbar just say?! "W-what did you just say?" I ask in disbelief. My jaw is slowly opening in shock as I feel my blood rushing through my cheeks. "Do you...do you want to go out...to the dance...with me?" Sandbar asks nervously. His left front leg was rubbing the back of his right one as he turned to the side. "I... I'd like us to go together...if that's okay. Maybe even...try for the dance contest?" This has to be a joke. Seriously, was this a prank? No, Sandbar wasn't a prankster, and I doubt he would do something like this even if Gallus egged him on. Holy sapphires, was Sandbar asking me out?! ME?! I've never been asked out. Not by any boy dragon. Not that I ever expected it to happen. I've seen other girl dragons around my age get asked out to the Shimmering Scale Mountains to watch the stars or the Lava Lakes for lunch. No boy dragon has ever asked me out. N-Not that I'm bothered by that. But Sandbar, a pony, is asking me out. One of my best friends is asking me out! "I..." I keep trying to say something, but my mind is still processing this. Why is he asking me out? When did he ever show any sort of affection towards me?! Sure, we've hung out together on our own a few times, but I can't for the life of me- "I-If you don't want to go together, I-I understand," Sandbar whispers as he slowly droops down. Ah, crumbs. Now he thinks I'm rejecting him! Am I? Should I?! "S-sorry, let's just-" "No, wait! I...well," I close my eyes and rub the back of my head. Okay, let's think. Sandbar has asked me out. Ignore the why's and how's for now. I need to answer him. Yes or no? Darn it, I can't think! Stall him, Smolder! "I...need some time to think it over," I say quickly. " I just...I never expected this." "Oh! Well, sure. Take all the time you need," Sandbar says with a small smile. "Just, let me know by at least tomorrow, okay? The dance is in two days." "R-right," I say before giving a weak smile back. "Um, I'll see you later!" "R-right, later!" The two of us wave goodbye while slowly back away from each other. Oh, Bahumat's wings, this is so embarrassing and cheesy! The moment I'm near the corner, I turn to it and place my back against the wall with one claw over my heart. It's beating so fast that I can feel it ready to burst out of my chest. Sandbar asked me out. He asked me out on a date to the dance. But why? Why me?