//------------------------------//
// Arc 17(The Grand Gallopin Gala)-1: Preparing for the Gala 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Life in Canterlot" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


Arc 17: The Grand Gallopin Gala


Preparing for the Gala



It was a lovely evening at the castle.  Inside a bedroom, Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer were already dressed up in the gowns Rarity made for them, while Abigail lay on the bed yawning.  Wanda and Sunset felt really excited, for they felt it would be their best night ever.
“I’ve never been so excited to attend a gala before,” Wanda said.
“I know,” Sunset replied.  “The last few times you had to attend the gala, you kept causing a scene because there were too many adults and it drove you into tears.”
“But this year,” Wanda said as she put on her high heels.  “Our friends are going to attend and we’re going to have the best night ever.”
“You’re right,” Sunset said as she dug her hooves into a pair of shoes.  “After all….”
“Friendship is magic,” both girls said before bursting out into laughter.
As the girls laughed, they heard a knock on the door.  Wanda yelled out “Come in.” before the door opened and in came Princess Cadance, wearing a beautiful gown of her own.
“Are you sisters really excited for the gala?” Princess Cadance asked as she walked in.
“Of course we are, big sis,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’re going to have friends join us this time around.”
“Well I still remember the last time we had a gala,” Princess Cadance said.  “Poor Wanda here freaked out and caused a scene because she was trapped between other ponies.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said with a fake laugh.  “That’s a night I won’t forget.”
Princess Cadance put her arm around Wanda’s shoulders and said.  “Well as long as we’re all together for this big night, we won’t let anything bad happen to you.”
“You can say that again.” Wanda, Sunset and Cadance turned their heads towards the door as Shining Armor walked in through the doorway, wearing a very fine tuxedo.
“Shining Armor,” Wanda said as she jumped up and gave Shining Armor a big hug.
“How are you feeling, you little monkey?” Shining Armor said as he gave Wanda a playful noogie, making the young human giggle.
“I’m feeling fine,” Wanda said with a smile before her tone shifted downwards.  “I’m sorry I got really sick that long ago.  I didn’t mean for it to happen.”
“It’s alright,” Shining Armor said as he set Wanda down.  “Sometimes, bad things happen.  And we have to endure those bad things that do happen.  But what matters is that you’re all better and you’re ready to party down at the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“And it’s not her first rodeo down there,” Princess Cadance said.
“Oh yeah,” Shining Armor replied as he turned his head towards Princess Cadance.  “You told me about what happened last year with Wanda.   Poor kid.  She didn’t deserve the media backlash over something that traumatic.”
“Don’t worry,” Sunset Shimmer said as she walked next to Wanda.  “As long as her friends are by her side, she’ll be fine.”
As Wanda cuddled next to Sunset Shimmer, Abigail jumped off the bed and rubbed her face on the long skirt of Wanda’s dress.  The Man’s Cub reached down and picked up Abigail before stroking the kitten on the back of her ears.
“That’s good to hear,” Shining Armor said.  He turned to Wanda and said “By the way.  Some of the guests have arrived before the rest of the gala.  I think you may know some of them, including one who calls himself Bright Mac.”
“Uncle Bright Mac is here?” Wanda said as her face beamed with excitement.
“Come on,” Sunset said to Wanda.  “Let’s go check it out.”
WIth a small burst of speed, Wanda and Sunset ran out of the room with Abigail still in Wanda’s arms.  Princess Cadance and Shining Armor looked on as the two girls ran off and smiled.  And yet, Princess Cadance began to frown.
“What’s wrong?” Shining Armor asked.
“It’s the Banks,” Princess Cadance said.  “My restraining order against them has been ruled null and void.”
“Oh no,” Shining Armor replied.  “That means they can do whatever they can please with Wanda, Sunset and even their daughter.”
“I did all that I can do to protect my two sisters,” Princess Cadance replied.  “But, it just feels all so tiring.”
“It’s not your fault,” Shining Armor replied as he lifted Princess Cadance’s chin.  “Gold and Silver Banks have all the political power in the world that would make the Storm King blush.  But what matters is that you’re there for your sisters, to ensure that they remain safe, just like I am with my sister.  Never forget that.  That is why they look up to you.”
Princess Cadance looked up at Shining Armor, smiled and said “You’re right, Shining.  Let’s make sure tonight is the best night ever,” 
“Lead the way, my dear,” Shining Armor replied, much to Cadance’s amusement as she stepped out of the doorway.

Downstairs in the ballroom, Wanda and Sunset  entered through a cased opening, with Abigail jumping off Wanda’s arms and landing right next to her.  The entire room was filled to the brim with tables, chairs, and a variety of food.  On the stage, a lone piano player, a violin player and a cello player prepared themselves to soothe guest’s ears with wonderful music.  Wanda and Sunset’s eyes filled with excitement as they got a good look at Bright Mac and Buttercup, both wearing formal attire made for a ball.
“Uncle Bright Mac,” Wanda said as she waved to the adult ponies.  “Aunt Buttercup.”
“Wanda, Sunset,” Bright Mac said as he waved back to the two younglings.  “Come here.  We were expecting you.”
With a burst of speed, Wanda, Sunset and Abigail ran up to Bright Mac and gave him a big hug, while Buttercup walked up to the youngsters.
"We wanted to prepare this year's Grand Gallopin Gala," Buttercup said.  "So Princess Celestia invited us to do just that."
"That's awesome," Sunset Shimmer said before she noticed something was missing. "But where's Apple Bloom?"
"Oh leave that to the head pony of the household." Wanda, Sunset and Abigail turned their heads to see Granny Smith nearby, holding the saddlebag with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo inside.
Wanda and Sunset let go of Bright Mac and ran up to the three foals with Abigail following behind.  As they approached the tykes, Granny Smith sat down and allowed Wanda to pick up Apple Bloom from the saddlebag.  The little foal giggled at the sight of Wanda and Sunset.
"Looks like little Apple Bloom missed you gals," Granny Smith said as she pointed to the other two foals.  "And she's got some friends of her own.  The unicorn's name is Sweetie Belle, and the Pegasus is named Scootaloo."
"Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo," Sunset Shimmer said as she held her hoof in front of Sweetie Belle's face, allowing the baby to grab onto it. "I like the sound of that."
“We’ve already volunteered to look after the little ones so they can be alongside Apple Bloom up here in Canterlot,” Granny Smith said.  “Their parents were rather jealous that only Apple Bloom was able to see Wanda back during the fair.”
“Hey speaking of which,” Bright Mac said.  “Wanda, I believe you should show ma and Buttercup your new cutie mark.”
“Wait,” Granny Smith said.  “You have a cutie mark?”
Wanda turned to the side and Sunset Shimmer pointed to the plumeria symbols on the man’s cub’s shoulder.  Granny Smith and Buttercup looked at it as Wanda’s Cutie Mark glowed brightly.
“Well I’ll be,” Granny Smith said.  “You’re slowly becoming more like every pony in Equestria, even despite the fact that you’re only human.”
“Even I didn’t expect to get a cutie mark, Granny,” Wanda said.  “But even if I didn’t get one, it would still make me a part of this giant family.”
"And we wouldn’t have it any other way." Wanda and Sunset turned their heads to see Golden Lace, dressed up in a fine gown of cashmere and silk.  Next to her we're Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich, also dressed the way.  Spoiled Rich was also wearing her saddlebag with Diamond Tiara in it.
"Lace," Wanda said as Golden Lace walked on over.  "You made it.  But with your uncle and aunt?"
"I never thought that these two La Maresa aristocrats were my distant relatives on my mom's side," Lace said.  "And I am surprised that you knew about this."
"We told her about that during her time at the fair," Spoiled Rich said.  "Especially with what my sister had done to Lace."
“And we learned that you now have a cutie mark, little Wanda,” Filthy Rich said.  “A big congratulations is in order for taking that big step in becoming more like every pony in Equestria.”
The adults all cheered for Wanda, as the little child took a bow.  Golden Lace walked up to Wanda and signaled to the youngling.
“As for Uncle Filthy and Aunt Spoiled, they want to claim custody for me from my parents,” Golden Lace said.  “If that is true, then maybe I can get away and finally be happy.”
“That’s great news,” Sunset said as her tone turned from happy to somber. “But this may also mean this is….good-bye.”
“Yeah,” Golden Lace said as she turned her head away.  “I know.  It means I’ll most likely move to La Maresa, and I’ll miss you all.”
“But at least,” Wanda said.  “You’ll have some new friends to cheer you up, like Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.”
“That may be true,” Golden Lace replied.  “But I will also miss you both.  You two gave me a second chance along with Queen Novo, and I went with it.  To leave Canterlot and you both behind, even if it means I no longer have to see my parents again, is going to emotionally hurt me.”
Wanda walked up to Golden Lace and gave her a big hug.  Lace wrapped her arms around Wanda and cried a single tear from her eye.   As the two embraced each other, Spoiled Rich walked up to Sunset.
“There is some bad news,” Spoiled Rich said.
“What kind of bad news?”  Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Gold and Silver Banks were able to reverse the restraining order that was put against them,” Spoiled Rich replied.  “Not just with Lace, but with the both of you.”
“They did what?” Sunset Shimmer yelled, catching the attention of Wanda, Golden Lace and Abigail.
“And you can thank my mother for that.” Sunset Shimmer turned her head to the left and saw Cozy Glow fly up to the group.  “If anyone asks, I’m the daughter of Magistrate Creme Dream,” she added.  “/and she was able to override the restraining order that Princess Cadance filed against Gold and Silver Banks.”
“Wait,” Wanda said. “Does that mean they get to bother us as much as they want and get away with it?”
“Not just that,” Cozy Glow said.  “My mother also overrode the Banks’ ban from the Grand Gallopin Gala.  They will be here tonight.”
“That’s not fair,” Sunset Shimmer said as she slammed her hoof on the floor.  “How are we going to survive being in Canterlot if we have to put up with those bullies?”
“Well as long as you have friends by your side, we will provide comfort for when you both need it.”  Wanda and Sunset looked down the ballroom and saw Queen Novo and Princess Skystar approach them with Silverstream riding atop the Queen’s head.
“Aunt Novo, Cousin Skystar,” Wanda said as she and Sunset bowed before the two hippogriffs.
“There will be no need for formalities, smallfry,” Queen Novo said.  
“Yeah,” Princess Skystar replied.  “Besides, we’re all here to have fun at the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“It feels great that so many of our friends have come down for this year’s Gala,” Sunset said.  “Normally, we don’t do so well at these grand events, considering there are too many individuals that we don’t even know.”
“That was part of the reason why we came here for the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Queen Novo said.  “The other part was that we needed to represent the Hippogriff Kingdom, even after what the Storm King did to Mount Aris.”
Filthy Rich walked by Wanda and whispered.  “They’re not the only ones representing another faction outside of the Equestrian Mainland.”
Filthy Rich pointed Wanda towards another archway where Prince Hoofar walked on in.  Right behind him was Jasmine Bloom, who was cowering behind the young prince.
“Prince Hoofar,” Wanda said as she was about to walk towards the Prince, only to be stopped by Apple Bloom giggling in her face.
“Where’s your father King Myrrh?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“He had some royal business to take care of back in Saddle Arabia,” Prince Hoofar said.  “But that being said, he’s allowed us to remain here for the Gala.”
As Prince Hoofar bowed before Wanda and Sunset, Golden Lace took notice of Jasmine Bloom, who’s still hiding behind Prince Hoofar.  Lace walked up to Jasmine and reached out.
“Are you alright?” Golden Lace said as she kept her hoof held out.  The only thing Jasmine did was keep her head hidden.
“There is something seriously wrong with her,” Prince Hoofar said.  “Ever since this morning, Jasmine has become extremely anxious and scared, like something was out to get her.”
Golden Lace turned back to Jasmine Bloom and placed her hoof on the youngling’s cheek.
“It’s okay,” Golden Lace said.  “I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”
“You don’t get it, do you?”  Jasmine Bloom cried.  “She’s out to get you, to get me, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop her.”
With a flash of light, Jasmine Bloom ran away from Prince Hoofar and ran through the ballroom, all the way through the archway.  Golden Lace just stood there, dumbfounded.
“Who’s out to get us?” Golden Lace asked.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out,” Prince Hoofar said.  “Lately, I’ve become suspicious of Jasmine Bloom, considering her behavior in recent days.”
“Oh that’s nothing,” Cozy Glow said as she flew right next to Prince Hoofar.  “You want suspicion? Try putting it on me for having the worst mother in Equestria to hold judicial power over the land.”
“I know you mean well, young on,” Prince Hoofar said.  “But my concern is Jasmine.  Who were her parents?  Why is she acting so scared?  And why did faith choose for her to run into us back in Saddle Arabia?”
“Ooooh, a mystery,” Princess Skystar said as she slid right next to Prince Hoofar.  “Maybe the butler made her do it.”
“I don’t think that’s what I meant,” Prince Hoofar said.  “In fact, I believe there is something suspicious about Jasmine Bloom that she isn’t telling me.  I know I’m here to enjoy my time at the Gala.  But I think my attention will be on that filly who accompanied me and my father to Canterlot.”
“You know,” Cozy Glow said as she flew over to Prince Hoofar.  “WIth all the suspicion around little Jasmine, I’m surprised that none of you have any towards me because...well...why my mother is.”
“Young lady,” Prince Hoofar replied with a chuckle.  “We all know who your mother is.  But at least you have a different mindset to her.”
Buttercup inched towards Bright Mac and said “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Jasmine Bloom.  She looks like a nice girl.”
“No kidding,” Bright Mac said.  “How would an innocent filly like her be something so dangerous?”
As Wanda looked down the hallway that Jasmine Bloom ran down, she had a quick thought in her head before she turned and ran towards Bright Mac, all while she held Apple Bloom in her arms.
“Uncle Bright Mac,” Wanda said.  “There was something I needed to ask you.”
“I take it you wish to talk to me about Hoops, Dumbbell and Score,” Bright Mac said.  “And the damage those three did to your friend’s magic show.  My apologies, little Wanda.”
“That’s it,” Wanda replied.  “But how did you know?”
“I was made aware of it through the gossip of Canterlot ponies,” Bright Mac replied.  “That and Big Mac told me that those three troublemakers were in Canterlot.”
Wanda and Sunset turned towards Big Mac, who had placed a giant cake onto a separate table.  He turned towards Wanda and said “Eeyup.”
Wanda turned back towards Bright Mac and said “I also heard that those three were banished from La Maresa.  Is that true?”
Bright Mac tipped his hat forward as a tear fell from his eyes.  He looked at Wanda and said “Yes.  It’s true.  Shortly after you left back for Canterlot, those three decided to pull an even bigger prank at the Ponyville Providence Fair.  They did so by taking the cleaning supplies they were supposed to use as their punishment, dumped it into an exhaust valve of an antique car, and decided to go for a joyride.
“How bad was it?”  Wanda asked.
“Horrible,” Bright Mac replied.  “They caused even more mischief with that stunt they pulled with soap bubbles foaming out of the exhaust valves, drenching every pony in suds and water.  What was left of the fair was ruined completely.  All of the food, crafts, rides, animals, exhibits, everything was trashed completely.  We only caught them when that car ran out of gas and we grabbed them before they could fly away.”
“And after that stunt,” Wanda said.  “You decided to banish those three from La Maresa?”
“It was a hard decision that we all had to make,” Granny Smith said.  “We tried everything to get those boys to change, and they kept doing the same thing over, and over.  It was decided that those three were never allowed to be in La Maresa ever again and we kicked them out.  But now, after the stunts they pulled here in Canterlot, I wonder if banishment was the worst mistake we ever made.”
“They used to have loving parents,” Buttercup said as Wanda walked over to the mare and placed Apple Bloom in the pouch with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.  “But ever since that incident where their whole place was set ablaze, their behavior changed completely.  I was the only one who opposed their banishment because I believed that was only rewarding their bad behavior.  Even banning them from the fair didn’t change them.”
“Those three are even more trouble than I was,” Golden Lace said as she rubbed Diamond Tiara on the head next to Spoiled RIch. “I knew I was bad news.  But that takes the whole cake.
“You may have had your own selfish desires back then,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But you were never as mean-spirited as Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.  The fact that these three seem to blow off their own punishments as nothing says alot about thoes three.”
“Well what can be done to change them?” Golden Lace asked.
“Well one thing’s for certain,” Bright Mac said.  “Once we catch these troublemakers, we’ll be hauling them back to La Maresa and make them stand trial for the stunts they pulled.  They may even have to go to juvenile hall or go under strict community service supervision to change them for the better.  That being said. if that doesn't change them, then I dunno what will.”
Wanda turned her head away from Bright Mac and let out a big sigh, catching the attention of the farmer.
“Is something the matter, Wanda?” Bright Mac asked.
“Well that’s just it,” Wanda said.  “I was always told to be on my best behavior, to ensure that I should never act like a juvenile delinquent.  But it’s getting really hard to be the one behaving when ponies in Equestria, be it those my age or older, are misbehaving and getting away with it.  I wonder if behaving is worth it in Equestria when it makes you feel weak.”
Queen Novo chuckled for a bit and said “Do not worry, Smallfry.  Not every pony shares that kind of mean-spirited tone.  You and your sister share a lot of traits from Princess Celestia, reflecting the kindness, honesty, loyalty, generosity and laughter in your heart.  Never forget that.”
“She’s right.  I’ve always told you to behave, Princess.  But these days, despite some flaws, you set an example that is better than I imagined.”  Wanda and Sunset turned their heads to see Chancellor Cinch walk down from the cased opened.  Wanda appeared nervous, but she was able to regain her composure.
“Nothing horrible that would make an innocent cry,” Wanda said.
“Then I believe you will be on your best behavior tonight, Princess Wanda,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“I will, Miss Cinch.”  Wanda said with a grin on her face.  “But I don’t mind being called Man’s Cub.”
Cinch let out a slight chuckle and said “Very well.  It’s your choice after all.  Besides, after what happened last year,  I know that the friends you bring to this Gala will at least prevent you from making a scene.”
Sunset Shimmer tapped Wanda on the shoulder and said “Speaking of which, guess the jerk who decided to show up.”
Wanda, Sunset and Cinch turned their heads to see Prince Blueblood, a light grey unicorn colt with a suave light amber mane walk down the aisle.  Wanda and Cinch glanced coldly at the prince.
“Good evening cousins,” Prince Blueblood said as he walked down the aisle.  “I assume tonight will be the best night ever.  Maybe if you weren’t stuck in those castles like a pair of damsels in distress, you would be as much of a success as I am.”
As Prince Blueblood walked down the aisle, Golden Lace and Cozy Glow inched towards Wanda, Sunset and Cinch bearing the same cold look as the two sisters and the chancellor.  Lace and Cozy just looked at Prince Blueblood walking through like he had no care in the world.
“That’s Prince Blueblood?” Golden Lace said in a cold tone.  “He’s way more selfish than I was.”
“And we have to put up with that stubborn mule, every time,” Sunset Shimmer said as she just stared at Prince Blueblood.
Chancellor Cinch turned to Wanda and said “I am this tempted to let you do something nasty to that self-centered juvenile delinquent and not even bat an eye.”
“Mommy would yell at us both if that happened,” Wanda said as she coldly looked at Prince Blueblood.
“Point taken, Man’s Cub,” Chancellor Cinch said.
The moment Prince Blueblood stepped out of the room, Wanda, Sunset and Cinch regained their composure and began to fix up their attire.  Abigail jumped off the table and walked right next to Wanda.
“Come, Princesses,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Your mother and aunt are waiting at the front gate.”
As Chancellor Cinch walked down towards the archway, Wanda, Sunset and Abigail followed from behind as Bright Mac, Buttercup, Big Mac, Granny Smith, Filthy Rich, Spoiled, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, little Silverstream, and Prince Hoofar watched from the tables.
“Tonight will be an important night for the smallfry and her sister,” Queen Novo said as her tone shifted from pleased to concerned.  “But something tells us that there is more to this night than meets the eye.”
“That’s a curious use of words, Queen Novo,” Prince Hoofar said. 
“No doubt about it,” Granny Smith said.  “Something tells us that tonight is going to be far worse than what happened at the Ponyville Providence Fair.”
“Like with the Windigo’s Guild?” Golden Lace asked.
“Maybe,” Granny Smith said.  “But I fear it could be far worse than that.”

At the foyer of the castle, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, dressed in the finest gowns fit for royalty, stood at the top looking calm, and yet anxious.  At the bottom near the front door, Buck Withers, Lemony Gems and Gad Zookes were also dressed up and were about ready to open the door.
“I can hardly contain myself,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s almost time for the Grand Gallopin Gala and I can’t wait to see every pony walk through these doors.”
Princess Celestia laughed and said “You’ve said that for the past five hundred galas, sis.”
“I know,” Luna said with a playful raspberry.  “But there’s always someone new who comes to the Gala every year.  Some new pony to meet.  Some new experience from a land, far far away.  It’s like every Gala is like the best night ever.”
Princess Celestia placed her wing around Luna’s back and said  “Oh Luna.  What would I do if I couldn’t celebrate these events without you.”
“The feeling’s mutual, sister,” Princess Luna giggled.
As the two laughed together, they overheard the voice of Chancellor Cinch as she said “Princess Celestia.  Your younger daughters have arrived.”  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna turned their heads to see Chancellor Cinch alongside Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young, with Abigail meowing at the princesses.
“Wanda, Sunset,” Princess Celestia said in a cheerful tone as the two younglings walked up to their mother and bowed.
“I think those pleasantries are not needed,” Princess Luna said.  “After all, you’re part of our family.”
“I know,” Wanda said.  “But we have to be on our best behavior.”
“It’s because of what happened last year, correct?” Princess Celestia said as Wanda turned her head away.
“Yes mommy,” Wanda replied.
“What’s past is in the past, Wanda,” Princess Luna said.  “We want you to have a good time this year.  That was the reason why we had to invite your friends from the School for Gifted Unicorns and La Maresa.”
“It’s going to be okay,” Sunset said as she placed her arm around Wanda’s arm.  “We’re all here for you, and we want you and them to have a good time.”
Wanda looked up at Princess Celestia, who politely nodded to her adopted daughter.
“I hope tonight is the best night ever,” Wanda said.  “And I don’t want to relive that horrible year.”
“Don’t worry,” Princess Celestis said.  “You won’t.”
Wanda walked up to Princess Celestia and gave her a big hug.  As Celestia hugged her adopted daughter back, she took notice of Buck Withers signaling to her.
“Your majesty,” Buck Withers said.  “The guests are arriving.  Get ready.”
Princess Celestia turned her head towards Chancellor Cinch and said “Get the special guests out here for this event.  It’s time.”
Chancellor Cinch bowed to Princess Celestia and said “At once, your majesty.”
As Chancellor Cinch turned around and walked towards the path to the ballroom, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Wanda and Sunset looked on with anticipation as Buck Withers, Lemony Gems and Gad Zookes prepared to open the door.
“So Bucky,” Lemony Gems said.  “Is this your first Grand Gallopin Gala?”
Buck Withers smiled and said “Yes.  I normally don’t have time for these events. But for you and the younglings, I’ll make an exception.”
WIth a mighty pull, Buck Withers, Lemony Gems and Gad Zookes, along with a number of guards, opened the front door of the castle, as a crowd of Gala guests marched down towards the front gate, singing in perfect harmony


	To Be Continued in…


	The Beginning of the Best Night Ever