I went to the castle’s dining room with a plate of reheated pancakes in my hand. Pinkie wasn’t joking when she said she and Twilight made a lot. We had enough for three mornings, and I was including second breakfasts.
“Good morning, Spike,” Twilight greeted.
“Morning, Twilight and Starlight,” I replied. “Studying already?”
“Mmm-hmm,” Starlight hummed as her nose was stuck in a book.
I ate one of the pancakes. “So what are your girls’ plans for the day besides the obvious?”
“I’ve been meaning to have my books rearranged in the castle library,” said Twilight. “You?”
“Well, I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and I think this castle could do with a sprinkler system.”
Starlight looked up from her book. “A sprinkler system?”
“In case of fire hazards. There’s no telling when a fire might happen, and the chances are increased since one of us can breathe fire.”
“But wouldn’t we risk ruining some of Twilight’s books? I haven’t known her that long, but I don’t think she wants to see the library flooded because of some kitchen or dragon mishap in another room.”
“Actually, Starlight,” Twilight said, “Sprinklers these days have a tiny glass tube in them that breaks under intense heat, so they would only activate where the fire is and nowhere else.” She then turned to me. “I’ll check to see where we can purchase one.”
All of a sudden my stomach squeezed and I burped out a scroll. Starlight nearly jumped back.
“I keep forgetting you did that,” Starlight said.
I unrolled the scroll and skimmed through it. “Hey, Princess Celestia is inviting us to this year’s Grand Galloping Gala!”
Twilight gasped. “I almost forgot about it. She’s a bit late this year.”
I saw a note attached to the scroll. “‘Twilight, apologies about sending this so late. Lately, the mail service system in Canterlot has been facing a few problems. Hopefully, they will be resolved soon. Your friends might also get their tickets late as well.’ I guess that answers your question, Twilight.”
“Hey, I just got an idea! Why don’t you come with us to the gala, Starlight? This can be a great friendship exercise for you, and we can tell Princess Celestia about your friendship lessons.”
“But aren’t those kinds of galas full of rich, snooty ponies?” Starlight asked. “I don’t think I’m that high up on the social ladder to attend.”
“Neither were Twilight and me,” I said. “Yet, we were invited by Celestia last year along with the rest of our friends. And...” I counted the tickets. “...there’s three here anyway.”
“Well...I guess I could give it a try...”
“Great!” Twilight exclaimed as she grabbed Starlight’s hoof. “Let’s find Rarity. She’ll need to make a dress for you!”
As Twilight pulled her “student” out of the dining room, I thought about what I need to do for Discord. Since Fluttershy invited Treehugger to the gala already, Discord would be jealous since he wanted Fluttershy to invite him. I figured he and I should go together as friends. At the very least, he wouldn’t bring the Smooze with him.
It was only a few days before the gala. I walked into my bedroom to see a huge lump on my bed. I yanked off the covers to reveal a ticked-off draconequus.
“Discord!” I shouted. “Get off my bed!”
“Where’s Twilight?” Discord asked sternly.
“She’s helping Celestia with some last-minute decorations for the gala. I take it you didn’t get your ticket yet?”
“How did you know that?” Discord winked at me. He was testing me. We were in a place where the walls had ears, and I didn’t mean he poofed up some lobes around my room.
“Well, Celestia said that there was a problem with the mailponies. Twilight and I got ours late as well.”
Discord nodded. “But who says that Celestia even considered inviting me? You think she’s gonna let a creature of chaos into a party?”
“If I remember correctly, Celestia would complain about how boring the gala was each year. Given how many she attended in her life, I don’t blame her. I’m sure she’d invite you to liven things up a bit.”
“Hmph, as if. She’s not the pony to let chaos reign on her events, and I’d know.”
“Well, she is the kind to make things interesting in her own way. Say, I was thinking, since Fluttershy is unavailable, how about you and I go to the gala together?”
Discord blinked. “Spike, I thought you were into shy pegasus ponies with butterflies as their cutie mark, not centuries-old mishmash of creatures.”
“I meant as buddies!” I retorted.
“Tell you what, I need to stick to the script for a few minutes. I’ll get back to you on that offer.”
Discord then disappeared.
I made sure I had everything for the gala. I checked my closet, and I still had my penguin tux from last year. There was no need for Rarity to make me a new one. My gala ticket rested on the table. I couldn’t think of bringing anything else.
About five minutes later, Discord poofed in my room yet again. At least it was better than him appearing in my bed.
“I thought about what you said.” He showed me his ticket. “Let’s go together.”
I stood silently. I didn’t expect Discord to accept my proposition so easily. Part of me thought he was going to say that he found another friend to bring. I was skeptical, but I played along.
“Just don’t be jealous of Fluttershy,” I said.
“I’d say the same to you, since she wanted to bring somepony else to the gala instead of her...special somedragon.” Again, this was another one of his tests.
“I let her do that,” I said. “We already dated during last year’s gala.”
The night of the gala approached already. It seemed like yesterday Twilight and I just got the tickets. Twilight and Starlight went to Canterlot early to check on everything before the gala started. I remained in Ponyville, waiting for Discord.
I was tying my bowtie when I noticed my suit felt a bit confining. I took a step back from the mirror and realized the sleeves were about an inch shorter.
Did this suit shrink? It didn’t feel as tight during Rarity’s Ponyville party, and I dry cleaned it before then. Maybe it’s related to my greed-induced bigness after my fight with Tirek?
I shook my head. I was certain it was just me growing up regularly. I would have to ask Rarity to sew me another suit for next year’s gala whenever I got the chance.
I left my room and went down the hallway towards the entrance. Just when I was about to head out to the train station, my ears picked up a strange whirring sound.
What is that?
I turned around to see an orange tornado swirling towards me. I quickly opened the double doors and got out of the way hoping the strange vortex would just zip past. That’s when it slowed down and revealed the creature inside.
“I should have known it was you,” I said.
“Smokin’ suit, Spike!” Discord announced as he brushed his orange suit and top hat. “It looks just like the one you wore last year, albeit a bit smaller.”
“Well, it is the same suit. I wasn’t in the market for another one.”
“Ah, whatever.” He then grabbed me by the hips. “Let’s get on out there and show that gala (and a certain pegasus) how to party!”
After a snap of his fingers and a blinding white flash, the two of us were in front of the Canterlot castle.
“Wait until you see what I’ve got planned,” Discord said. “You've got your ticket, right?”
I checked my pockets and found it in my inner jacket. I gave him a nod.
As we passed the gates, the sounds of bugles filled the air.
“Announcing the spirit of chaos, Discord!” One of the guards shouted. “And his guest, Spike the Dragon!”
We entered the foyer as the ponies murmured around us. I could see Celestia and Twilight staring on top of the stairs.
“Good evening, everypony! What a glorious affair!” Discord called out.
I sheepishly waved. Twilight came down the stairs and approached us.
“Spike, why are you hanging out with Discord?” She asked quietly.
“He’s invited to the gala, too,” I replied. “Since Fluttershy was going with Treehugger to the gala, I knew Discord would be lonely, so I offered to go with him.”
“But you know how chaotic he can be. I don’t want him to be a bad influence on you.”
“I’m standing right here, you know,” Discord said.
Twilight turned to Discord and said, “This night is extremely important to me, Discord. Keep yourself under control!”
You’re better off asking a mongoose and a snake to get along, Twilight.
“Yes, yes, yes, of course,” replied Discord. “Tell me, have you seen Fluttershy anywhere?”
“She’s in the ballroom with Treehugger.”
Twilight took our tickets, and Discord headed to the ballroom.
I quickly whispered to Twilight, “Don’t worry. If I get a sudden urge for chocolate rain, I’ll warn you immediately.”
I quickly followed Discord. As I entered the spacious camber, I looked around for the rest of my friends. Pinkie and Maud were near the buffet. The CMC were dancing on the ballroom floor while Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash watched. Starlight was by herself, looking around the room.
“There they are,” Discord growled. We both saw Fluttershy at a table chatting with Treehugger.
We approached the table. Discord cleared his throat, but Fluttershy didn’t notice.
“Hey, Fluttershy,” I greeted. That got her attention.
“Oh, hello, Spike,” Fluttershy said as she hugged me. “And...Discord?”
“Finally, you notice me,” said Discord.
“I thought you didn’t want to come to the gala.”
“No. I actually never said that. But funny how you remembered it that way.”
“Well, anyway, it’s nice seeing you two here,” I said. “Glad we could meet again, Treehugger.”
“Nice to meet you, lil’ drake,” Treehugger greeted. “Blessings.” She then turned to Discord. “And you as well.”
Discord snorted. “You have met me before actually!”
“Cool! Like, in another life, maybe?”
“You've gotta be kidding. You don't remember me? We met back in Ponyville a few days ago!”
“I meet a lot of different creatures, each one of them perfect and unique.”
“That is true,” I said. “She is from The Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures. Although, I’d admit it’s nigh impossible to forget a creature such as a draconequus.”
“Indeed,” said Discord. “As I was saying, it's just great to be here with my friends.”
“Um, I was just thinking, the four of us should go out to dinner sometime,” Fluttershy suggested.
“We should all go out to dinner sometime?!” Discord gasped. “Have you no heart?”
“What’s the big deal?” I asked. “It would be nice for us to hang out and share stories with each other. Ooh! Fluttershy, we can tell Treehugger how you and I became Breezies that one time.”
“Far out,” said Treehugger.
Discord stretched. “Well, I’d better mingle with some of the top ponies here. Come along, Spike.”
Discord left the table. I bid the girls goodbye and caught up with him.
“What’s your problem, Discord?” I asked. “Why are you acting so hostile towards Treehugger?”
“Oh, gosh. Where to begin?” he sarcastically asked. “First, Fluttershy asks her to the gala instead of moi! Then Treehugger completely forgets who I am despite meeting her recently!”
“I don’t understand how you can be so jealous of Treehugger just because Fluttershy asked her to one gala. You weren’t jealous of me when I started dating Fluttershy. At least, you never confirmed it.”
“This is different, Spike. Being somepony’s best friend and being somepony’s special somepony are two completely different things! Besides, n-nopony said I was jealous of Tree-flower.”
“Look, Discord. Just because Fluttershy’s your first friend does not mean you should prevent her from making new ones. I even wrote that in the friendship journal.”
Discord looked to see Fluttershy and Treehugger chatting with Rainbow, Applejack, Scootaloo and Applebloom.
“Excuse me for a sec,” Discord said as he teleported to the other group.
I rubbed my forehead. I went to find some refreshments.
To my surprise, the buffet table had much better meals than last year. The food was properly labeled and looked appetizing. The punch itself was actual fruit punch instead of plain cucumber water. I bet my scales Twilight suggested these. I would have to thank her later if that were the case.
I poured myself a cup of punch and took a circular cracker topped with cottage cheese and parsley. As I ate my light meal, I could tell that some of the party folks weren’t amused at seeing Discord in the flesh. Or anyone else from Ponyville for that matter.
“I swear, this used to be a party of refinement, now they let any commoner in,” a snobbish stallion said. “Why the princess would invite such low-lives is beyond me.”
The mare and other stallion that was with him nodded in agreement.
“Hey, she invited you guys, didn’t she?” I asked.
The group left in a huff. I ate the other half of my cracker without any regrets about what I just said.
I looked around for any other familiar ponies. I didn’t see Moondancer anywhere. Whether it was she didn’t want to attend, she wasn’t invited, or she wasn’t here yet was beyond me. It was a disappointment since I would like to see her interact with Starlight.
Speaking of which, I spotted her talking to Twilight at a nearby table. It didn’t hurt to see what they were up to, so I approached their table.
“So how are you liking this gala?” Twilight asked.
Starlight shrugged. “It’s fine...I guess.”
“Made any new friends?”
Starlight sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, Twilight. But I can’t seem to interact with anypony here. They mostly are all like...” Starlight pushed her nose up and spoke in an over-the-top Trottingham accent. “‘Please do not speak to me unless you want to discuss high-class stuff, myes.’”
Twilight tried not to chuckle. “It’s alright, Starlight. There’s no pressure if you don’t make a friend here.”
“You still got us,” I said as I showed up.
“Oh hey, Spike,” Twilight said. “I hope you’re enjoying this gala, too.”
“Yeah, I am. For once, the food here’s both edible and free.” I took a sip of punch. “I wish Discord could enjoy it, though.”
The three of us saw Discord with Fluttershy talking to Treehugger. No doubt he was talking to her about the “two cakes” story.
“What’s with Discord anyway?” Starlight asked. “It looks like he’s being protective of Fluttershy.”
“It’s because he’s jealous of Treehugger,” I replied.
“Really?”
“You have to remember Fluttershy’s his first friend, so it would make sense that he wouldn’t take kindly to her asking somepony else to the gala.”
Starlight looked at me. “But...you’re in a relationship with Fluttershy, right? Shouldn’t you be the jealous one?”
I shook my head. “Fluttershy and I went together last year. We met Treehugger on a trip to see the Breezies a few months back. That’s when we learned she wanted to go to the gala. Since none of Treehugger's friends wanted to go, Fluttershy offered to go with her, and I allowed it.”
“Twilight! Twilight!” A voice cried.
We turned to see Rarity galloping towards us. She had a distressed look in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.
“I can’t find my necklace! My ensemble is ruined!” Rarity screamed.
“Alright, relax. Where’d you last have it?”
“Out in the gardens! Somepony must’ve stolen it! Oh, how could somepony ever be so cruel?!”
Twilight and Starlight got up from their seats.
“We’ll help you find it,” said Twilight.
“Oh, thank you!”
“Quick question,” I said rapidly. “You didn’t see any green slime, did you?”
“No...” Rarity replied. “Why would you ask such a question like that?”
I looked around for Discord. “Just making sure.”
I finished my cup and went to find Fluttershy. Eventually, I found her with Treehugger as usual.
Fluttershy giggled. “Oh, Tree Hugger, I've never known anypony as fun—”
“Excuse me, Fluttershy,” I quickly interrupted. “But can I talk to you in private for a minute?”
“Uh...sure.”
I took Fluttershy aside and whispered to her, “I hate to alarm you, but I think Discord’s jealous of you and Treehugger.”
“Why?”
“My guess is he’s afraid of being abandoned and replaced.”
“But I’m not gonna replace him.”
“Then tell him that. He’ll understand when it’s coming from you.”
“Alright, I will. Where is he now?”
“Probably on one of the chandeliers.”
“No, I’m not!” Discord called out from one of the hanging lights. I could see his horn and antler poking out.
“Discord, please come down here.” Fluttershy sounded like a disappointed mother.
Discord poofed in front of us. The light fixture was still attached to his body.
“Put the chandelier back.” Fluttershy squinted her eyes.
Discord snapped his fingers and got his orange suit back.
“Spike told me that you’re jealous of Treehugger because she would replace you,” Fluttershy said.
“And here I thought our little dragon could keep secrets,” Discord said.
“I don’t recall you saying your jealousy was a secret,” I replied. “And if it was, you’re not doing any better hiding it.”
“I don't understand why you're acting like this, Discord,” Fluttershy said. “We’re all getting along so well.”
“As well as we could,” Discord rebutted, “considering you've already stomped all over our friendship by inviting Treelover to the biggest night of the year as if I didn't matter at all!”
“You do matter, Discord. Did you really think I'd abandon you just because I have a new friend? What if you had a friend that you could discuss chaos-based magic with? Would that mean you and I weren't friends anymore?”
“I...uh...eh...” Discord looked at me. “No...it would just mean that I'd have different friends for different things…”
Fluttershy nodded. I raised an eyebrow.
He’s caving in so soon?
“I’m just so new at this whole friendship thing,” said Discord. “It's so much more complicated than it looks.”
“Do you think maybe you owe somepony an apology?” Fluttershy asked. Discord spawned a flower in his hand. “Not me.”
“Oh, right.”
Discord snapped his fingers again. Treehugger appeared and collapsed to the floor.
"Woah," said Treehugger. "For a moment I thought I was sitting on a chair."
“Er, Treehugger,” Discord said, “I'm sorry that I gave you the...er, you know...brush-off.”
“Oh, it's all groovy.”
Discord held out a paw. “Need help getting up?”
“Nah, I’m gonna lay here for a spell.”
“In the middle of a ballroom?”
“I need, like, a few minutes to clear out my chakras.”
“Oh, your chakras.” Discord chuckled nervously. “Fair enough.”
“What are chakras?” Fluttershy whispered. “Are they a type of chocolate?”
“They’re like pools of energy in your body,” I replied. “I read about it in a meditation book.”
“This drake gets it,” said Treehugger.
“Say, why don’t you and Fluttershy go hang out, Discord? I’ll stay here with Treehugger.”
“Sure thing.” Discord replied.
As Discord and Fluttershy left together, I sat down next to Treehugger.
“Say, Treehugger, could you sing that...blissed sonic song, please?” I asked. “I’d like to hear how it goes.”
“You mean my sonic bliss? I’d love to.”
Treehugger cleared her throat and sang. The song was identical to the one in the show. The only difference being there was no green slime filling the ballroom this time.
The rest of the gala was very enjoyable. Fluttershy and I met with the exotic animals again. They shared a lot of stories since last year. Some of them had wanted to see Fluttershy again this year. I guess Fluttershy really is a friend to all animals.
Discord, true to his name, caused a few chaotic “slip-ups,” but they weren’t as bad as the galas in the show. All of them were simply harmless pranks, like causing it to drizzle chocolate rain in one half of the garden. It was a good thing Celestia invited him to make the gala more interesting. Though I wonder if that was her true intention or she got loopy from all that sugar in the punch.
Discord and I shared a couple of dances with Fluttershy as well. I thought Discord should have at least one dance with her.
Rarity found her necklace. It got caught on one of the bushes at the garden and snapped off without her knowing. That had to be one weak chain.
By the time the gala was over, the girls, Discord, and I went to the donut shop. I ordered a pink-frosted donut with sprinkles, and it had just the right amount of sweetness without the taste being overwhelming. Fluttershy ordered a lightly-powdered donut like last year. Treehugger wanted a donut with wheatgrass, but she settled for a whole wheat donut since Pony Joe didn’t have wheatgrass. Discord ordered an everything bagel with chocolate frosting. I didn’t think one could order something like that, but apparently it was possible.
I sat with Fluttershy, Discord, and Treehugger. We chatted about Fluttershy and my time with the Breezies.
“...and migrating for so many miles wasn’t all that tiring,” said Fluttershy. “The wind kept us on course, and we didn’t even have to flap so much. It was like being a feather.”
“Righteous,” said Treehugger. “I wish I could’ve tagged along with you. It would be hip to be a Breezie for a short while.”
“I can help with that,” said Discord.
“Don’t even think about it.” I pinched Discord’s talons together.
“What? She said for a short while. You know, I think I may actually grow to like this multiple-friend thing.”
“I’m just glad we could all enjoy the gala,” said Fluttershy cheerfully.
I couldn’t agree more. I was glad I could prevent the Smooze from ruining the gala and make Discord friends with Treehugger early. In a way, I may have been one of the few to stop the Smooze, and nopony can stop the Smooze.