//------------------------------// // The Big One // Story: Gala with a Dash of Chaos // by Tower of 0 //------------------------------// The Big One, it was finally here. The big night. THE Grand Galloping Gala. Justin couldn't be anymore nervous than he is now. Sitting on the train to Canterlot, bouncing his leg off the floor, and trying his damn hardest to not to run his hands though his carefully groomed appearance. He spent all day letting himself get gussied up for the Gala and none of his anxiety has been lessened at the effect. To be honest with himself, he does look fantastic, might even call himself handsome at his own reflection. Rarity has told him several times today that he looks "absolutely dashing." Hw wasn't one to argue with a mare who know how to do such a thing. The suit was impressive, even as a gift. Dark blazer jacket, slacks, and a pair of dress shoes to match the main ensemble. A purple silk button-up with a unique pattern that looks like scales shows itself from underneath the blazer. This shirt is accompanied by a tie that he could swear Rarity made the thing out of gold. It has a sort of metallic shine to it he wasn't aware of at the time, but looking at it now, he realizes just how all-out the mare went. If he didn't know any better, he might've thought she was trying to draw attention to him. "Uhm, excuse me, but is this seat taken?" A mare's voice pulls him out of his musings. He looks over to see a mare he didn't quite recognize, but have seen around Ponyville. "Oh! Sorry, no. Help yourself." Justin tells her a he scoots in and sits up to give the mare some room. The mare smiles at him and takes up the seat across from him. "Nervous?" "Yeah, you could say that." Justin gives the mare a meek smile. "Seen that same look on dozens of stallions before, you have nothing to worry about." The mare gives him a warm smile, reaching a hoof over and placing it on his knee. "Trust me." "I'll.. uh.. keep that in mind, thanks." Justin says to the mare and turns his attention to the window. The train finally lurches forward and begins to leave the station in Ponyville. Justin continues to look out towards the evening sky to let his mind wander a bit. The girls are probably still getting ready, if they aren't already on a carriage to Canterlot. Twilight did offer to give him the lift and save him some bits, but he declined in favor of not wanting to be cramped in the smaller space. He releases an internal sigh as to not alarm his visitor from across the way. He isn't ready for this. It's been a while since Justin was last in Canterlot in general. Almost as if sensing some of his distress, a voice pipes up in his head. Are you holding up all right, Justin? Yeah, my train just left the station so I'll probably arrive when you all do, if not, a bit early. Should have just rode with us. Maybe some of your doubts would weigh less on your mind. Yeah, but being crammed into a carriage meant for ponies doesn't seem like a good time. Okay, meet us at the Gala then? We'll be sure to have a good time as friends. Sure thing. Can't wait. Twilight lets out a sigh and looks out the carriage window to see the train moving up the mountain towards their destination. She was a bit worried about the human that it carries. He's nervous, but that's only a cover for the fear that he's feeling. The unusual bond they shared before is definitely back somehow, but she doesn't think he's aware it is. For all she knows, it might not be effecting him yet like it's been to her for a while now. She has to store her concerns away for now. Her friends are calling to her and a little distracting won't hurt. The train finally pulls in to the Canterlot Station, the sun has sunken below the horizon and covers most of the land in cool darkness. Justin fishes his trusty pocket watch from its confines and opens the lid to check the time. Seven at night, just enough time to walk around the city for a little bit before the Gala even starts. He takes a moment to stand and stretch his legs a bit before heading off the train. The mare from before is long gone, almost without a trace, making him feel as though she may just be a figment of his imagination. The man steps on to the busy platform and into the bustling station crowd. He gets a few of the odd stare here and there as he makes his way through the sea of finely dressed ponies. Looks he knows are more of surprise then of disgust. That matters to him very little as he makes his way out the station's front doors and on to Canterlot proper. Justin kind of just stands there, taking in the sights that he hasn't seen in some time. Maybe he should leave Ponyville more often, Canterlot is a beautiful city still. Maybe all this won't be as bad as he's making himself believe it will be either. Justin begins his walk through the almost perfect streets of the Capital, looking over the closed storefronts and even passing through the restaurant quarter to take in those wonderful smells. He did have one place he'd like to visit before making his appearance at the castle tonight and that was the small doughnut joint he would make the daily trips to while staying in the castle. To his pleasant surprise that he does remember where the diner is, taking the moment to breath in the lingering smell of doughnuts. He waits just long enough for it to not look odd, reaching his hand out and pushing the door open. "Hey hey! There's somepony I haven't seen for a while!" Joe reacts upon seeing the human. "Here I thought you left us ponyfolk!" "Heh, yeah." Justin rubs the back of his neck as he approaches the counter where the gruff stallion stands. "I kinda did leave, got sent back home, came back, sent home again, then came back and stayed." The human explains as he takes up one of the less than accommodating stools at the counter. "Crazy to think about really." "Sounds like you had a wild ride, kid. Take it by the fancy get-up that you're attending the Gala?" Joe nods to the human's dress, causing the man to look at himself. "Courtesy of one Princess Luna." Justin chuckles a little and smiles back at Joe. "The suit a gift from Rairty." Joe lets out a long whistle. "Sounds like ya got some friends in high places, kid. Remind me to not make you mad." The stallion teases with a good, hearty chuckle. "That Rairty mare is somethin' else, lemme tell ya." Justin chuckles with the stallion. "Nah, you couldn't make me mad at you, Joe. Even if you tried. No need to tell me about Rares, I know well enough how she is." He seems to smile at some of the memories he has with her. "Well, anything I can get ya, kid?" Joe asks, ready to take his order. "The usual?" "No, just wanted to stop in and say hi. Maybe later though, after the event." Justin tells the stallion, whom which gives him a small nod. "Speaking of... I should be getting my move on. See you later, Joe!" "See ya, kid." Joe says back while waving. Justin gives the stallion a wave bye as he gets up and heads for the door. During his stride across the diner, something catches his eye. His reflection in the window to be more specific, for the briefest of moments it looked like he was being followed by... something. Whatever it was has already disappeared when his eyes actually look at his own reflection. The human doesn't stop his stride, instead opting to fix his collar a little bit, and leaves. Now back on the street, Justin makes way for the castle. At some decent timing too as the sea of technicolor coats and fine attire was still thin as can be pouring through the front gates. The human fishes the ticket out of his breast pocket and shows it to the guard ponies. They give him a nod and allow him inside and one of the first things he does is the small meet with Celestia. She gives him a small smile upon seeing him, sticking her hoof out for him. Justin wastes little time in wrapping his fingers around her hoof and giving her a small shake. "Glad to see I was proven wrong." Celestia says to him rather quietly. "It's good to see you here." "Yeah, didn't want to disappoint Luna since she seemed like she really wanted me to come." Justin says with a somewhat defeated tone. "Well, she certainly won't be the only one in that regard." Celestia smiles a bit wider at him. "I'll have one of the staff notify her of your arrival. Why don't you go enjoy yourself for the time being?" Justin returns her words with a reluctant smile and nods, heading away from the main staircase and towards the ballroom. There his ears are met with some calming classical notes and quiet idle chatter. There were a couple of nobles slow dancing to the music, but that isn't what he's here for. He weaves his way through the high-class of Canterlot, some looking at him with mild disgust as they notice his presence. Justin is getting anxious at the occasional glances as he just bobs his way to the banquet area for a drink. He get across the room and out another set of doors, putting him in the Castle Gardens. Thankfully there are less of the nobles out here and even fewer of those who would give him some funny looks. A nice quiet area for him to collect himself, after a glass of punch. Does it take him long to find the table? No, but it also didn't take long for a surprise hug from behind. The force of the impact sends him stumbling a few steps forward with a small chuckle. Justin brings his hands up to the pair of dark blue hooves. Luna isn't usually the one to show any sort of affection towards any other ponies besides her sister. The human currently being squeezed by her hooves is one exception to this, perks of being pen pals one may suppose. He openly returns such affection with his own, unable to really hug back he just settles on a cheek nuzzle. The alicorn just giggles at this and finally lets him go, allowing the human to turn around. "It is nice to see you made it, Justin." Luna grins at him as she watches him. "I was worried you would not come." "And make the glorious Princess Moon Butt sad?" Justin teases with faux confidence. "In. Your. Dreams." Each word is punctuated with a light boop. "Well, my sister certainly is happy that you are here, me more so." Luna seems to take the jest and drapes a wing over his back. "Shall we get something to drink, my friend?" "Of course, I did wanna hang out with you." Justin smiles something genuine now as he walks with the princess to the punch bowl. The time to two share is rather brief with Luna still having her duties to attend to. It was still nice though, the two chatted for a bit, teased on another, and share a few chuckles. Twilight and the girls happen upon the two as they are entering back into the ballroom. A brief meeting takes place between all of them before Luna leaves the human in the care of his friends. Justin smiles a bit at the six mares that now accompany him. He was especially happy to finally see Twilight, but wasn't minding being with the rest of the girls. He still catches some of the upper-class ponies staring at him from time to time, but being with the girls is doing him plenty knowing he's around those who will accept him. "Justin." He hears Twilight's voice call from his right. After a bit of teasing Dash back, he looks to where Twilight is supposed to be, or he thought she was, and sees... well, not her. "Hey, has anyone seen Twi?" "Strange, she was just here a second ago." Rarity replies, looking around with the rest of her friends. "Eh, probably went to the little fillies' room." Rainbow shrugs. Justin is about to say something until his vision gets engulfed in a white light and is thrust into a void. A void where drifts a bit aimlessly for a few moments. The he is plucked, rather suddenly, and now finds himself standing on one the castle's many tower balconies. Standing rather stiff on the railing at the sight before his eyes. It's an Equestrian Night Sky, tranquil as can be, sullied by the appearance of his would-be kaper of humans: Discord. The very Entity of Chaos grinning at the man in question and the man in question staring rather annoyed at him. "What's the meaning of this, Discord." Justin demanded. "Why, what ever do you mean, my little human?" Discord says with a grin. "I mean that why..." Justin stops and sticks his arms out at hearing a loud yelp, catching Twilight from falling, her crown falling snugly on his head. "Why did you bring us all the way out here?" "Oh, no reason!" Discord says while curling around in the air. "Except maybe to help two friends talk about a private matter!" Twilight huffs and begins to squirm in Justin's grasp. The human steps down of the railing and set the princess down on her hooves, his eyes leaving the Spirit as he helps the mare straighten out her dress. "And what would that be?" "Why doesn't the princess tell you herself? Or need I have you feel a little deeper inside to find it?" Discord muses, seeming to keep himself at a distance. "You wanna know how I'm feeling?" Justin asks as he rises back to his full height, forgetting about the crown on his head, a finger pointed at Discord. "I'm feeling overly irritated at the fact that YOU felt the need to pull both Twilight and me from our friends!" Justin starts to close the gap, each step punctuated his words as he steps back on to the railing and walks across the open air. He grips the Draconeques by the goatee and pulls his face close to his. "And for what? To force Twilight's hoof in telling me something she can handle herself?" "Justin, I-" Twilight starts but is shushed by a finger from the human. "Hold on to that thought, Twi." Justin tells her in an alarmingly calm voice as opposed to the tone he was using with Discord. "Lemme finish up here." "My my, what a surprise." Discord smiles. "You. Shut up." Justin's demeanor changes yet again once his attention is back on him, taking steps back and resting back on to the balcony, where his feature soften again as he goes back to Twilight. "You wanted to tell me something, no thanks to this ass hat?" Twilight looks to the ground and nods a little. "Y-yeah. I was sort of hoping to not have to tell you this during the Gala, but.." "But what?" Justin is already taking a knee to be at her eye level. "I think that little bond we had.. isn't... severed... exactly." Twilight quietly says at a volume that she hopes only the human hears. "Like... it's still there?" Justin asks, reaching a hand up to her cheek. Twilight just nods as she leans in to the touch, trying her best to ignore the audible gag from Discord. "I wanted to say something earlier, but I think fear was keeping me from telling you." "Scared about what?" Justin asks while using his thumb to rub her cheek. "I guess how you'd react. I thought that you'd maybe get mad that it wasn't gone." Twilight mutters, still refusing to meet his eyes. "Okay, I wouldn't really see it that, I don't see it that way." Justin gives her a smile as she finally looks up at him. "Think of it as something found after being lost, cause it sounds like we both need it." Twilight returns the smile, and feels relieved at the fact she got the matter off her chest. Justin's hands leaves her cheek and he rises again and looks over Discord's way with a mild glare. "Anything else you want to say, Discord?" Justin asks on approach to the railing and setting his hands on the metal. "Well, now that you asked...." Discord flips over and gets in a lounging state. "I do wanna ask when you were going to tell me about your recent acquisition of chaos magic." "Who told you?" Justin asks. "No pony in particular, just got the shivers thanks to a magic surge." Discord informs them both with a smug smirk of amusement. "After seeing some of it tonight, I'm almost hurt you tried to hide it from little old me." "Yeah, cause you'd get jealous." Justin retorts with a pointed finger, his eyes narrowing. "I know you are the type, I can smell it." "Oh you hurt me so!" Discord feigns his heart breaking. "Who knows, maybe I want to help you get a better hold of them." Justin blinks a little bit in surprise, his face going blank. "Wat." "Oh well! Maybe another time!" Discord waggles his fingers at the two. "Ta-ta! Enjoy the rest of the Gala!" "Discord, wa-" It was too late as he has already disappeared in a bright light. "Dammit." Twilight comes up from behind, propping herself up on the railing with him and draping a wing over his shoulders. "We should get back to the Gala." "Yeah, let's go." Justin sighs with a nod. There's an audible pop of magenta light in the courtyard, from that light stands Twilight and Justin. The human stands a little dazed from the teleport. He is quick on the recovery, takes the crown off his head, placing it back on its owner's head, and starts to walk with Twilight back to their friends. The Gala is a little more packed with ponies now as the two start to weave their way through the sea of visitors. After a little while of dodging some ponies here and there, they find the group at the exact table they were left at. Rainbow made some sort of snide comment upon seeing the two return. They spend the rest of the Gala just having fun with each other. Rainbow and Justin kept going around with various playful insults toward one another. At some point during the event Rarity got the human to dance with her, even if for a little bit. He somehow instigated and hoof wrestling match between Applejack and Rainbow, much to Twilight's annoyance and mild amusement. After the event, the group of seven sit around a table at Joe's, happily chowing down on After-Gala doughnuts and hot cocoa. Smiles and laughs being shared amongst friends. Twilight gives the human a slight nudge, making sure the idle chat and laughter will cover what she's about to tell him. "When we get back to Ponyville, I have something we can try." Justin looks at the princess with a raised brow and a doughnut hanging from his lips. "Wat."