//------------------------------//
// Arc 17-2: The Beginning of the Best Night Ever 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Life in Canterlot" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


The Beginning of the Best Night Ever





At the Gala, At the Gala


We’ve waited for this night


It’s a royal ball to be merry and enjoy this wondrous delight



At the Gala, At the Gala


It felt like it’s been forever


Let us go on in and enjoy the best night ever.



To the Gala, now is the time


A place that is so divine


Let us go and make our wish come true


To meet with friends both old and new.


Let us be cheerful and not so blue


And now our night is in full view


At the Gala



A crowd of ponies were descending onto the Castle Grounds from the main streets of Canterlot.  Their singing filled the evening skies with a warm and harmonious tune as they pranced down the walkway.  Many were dressed up in the fanciest of clothing, and the finest of jewelry.  Their manes were stylized to reflect their grace and beauty.  But nonetheless, it was that night to enjoy their time at the finest ball in all of Equestria.
Deep within the crowds, Twilight Velvet and Night Light were leading both the Canterlot unicorns as well as the La Maresa ponies through the crowd.  Like with the rest of the crowd, they were also dressed up for the occasion.  The little fillies were all in the finest dresses while Danged Spell and Sunburst were wearing tuxedos.
“I can’t wait for this big night,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I get to meet the Wonderbolts.   Just wait till they get a load of my flying skills.”
Rainbow Dash began to fly up from the ground before she was pulled back down by Applejack, grabbing her tail with her teeth.
“Show some patience, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack said.  “I know you’re excited to go into the castle and meet the Wonderbolts.  But we’re not here to rush every pony.”
“Applejack’s right, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said.  “I can assure that you will get your chance to show off to Wonderbolt Captain Airazor and her apprentice Spitfire.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell replied with that joke of a grin of his.  “Besides, I heard that when it comes to the Gala, time flies when you’re having fun.”
The younglings all laughed really hard as Rainbow Dash scratched her head in embarrassment.
“Okay okay,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You’ve proved your point.”
As Rainbow Dash walked alongside the others, Starlight and Sunburst looked up at the evening sky and gazed at the stars.
“Hey Starlight,” Sunburst said as he pointed to the brightest star in the sky.  “Make a wish.”
Starlight looked up at the star before closing her eyes.  She whispered to herself before opening them up.
“So what did you wish for?” Sunburst said.
“I can’t tell you,” Starlight said.  “If I did, it wouldn’t come true.”
“Same here,” Ditzy Doo Said.  “It’s far more exciting for wishes to come true when you keep them a surprise.”
“Quite fascinating,” Sunburst replied.  “I’ll have to remember that.”
As the group walked closer to the castle, Danged Spell eyed one of the many towers connected to the palace.  He proceeded to nudge Moondancer with his elbow.
“Hey Moonie,” Danged Spell whispered.  “That looks like a good place to dunk unaware ponies with water balloons.  What do you think?”
Moondancer glared at Danged Spell and said “Don’t even think about it.”
“Aww come on,” Danged Spell said.  “It will be loads of fun.”
“The last thing I need is to get in trouble with Princess Celestia because some pony decided to play bombs away from the tower,” Moondancer said before turning her head away from Danged Spell.
“Sheesh,” Danged Spell said.  “Some ponies don’t appreciate a good joke.”
But as Danged Spell finished his speech, a random water balloon hit him on the back of his head, drenching him completely.  The other younglings laughed at Danged Spell as Pinkie Pie hid a second water balloon in her dress.
“Oh hah hah, really funny,” Danged Spell said in a sarcastic tone.
“Maybe next time,”  Moondancer said with a grin.  “Don’t be so mean-spirited.”
As Danged Spell snorted in disgust, Trixie walked up beside the soaked unicorn colt, levitating a deck of cards with her magic.
“Tell me oh wild and wet Danged Spell,” Trixie said as she shuffled the cards into the deck.  “What card do you suppose is at the top?”
Danged Spell groaned as he said “The six of spades?”
Trixie pulled the top card from the deck and looked closely at it.  She looked at Danged Spell with a somber tone.
“About that,” Trixie said before she turned the card over, revealing it to be the six of spades.
“Lucky guess,” Danged Spell replied.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy had her eyes out on the group of hedges near the castle, keeping a close sight on them while walking closer to the castle.
“Fluttershy, dearie,” Rarity said.  “You are so fixated on those hedges.  Whatever is catching your attention?”
“It’s what’s over the hedge that interests me,” Fluttershy replied.  “All those animals that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna look after.  I can’t wait to see them.”
“All that over Celestia’s private zoo?” Rarity replied. 
“A zoo?” Fluttershy replied as she turned her head towards Rarity.  “My uncle heads the famous San Di’Neighgo Zoo.  That makes whatever Celestia and Luna have look small in comparison.”
Rarity let out a chuckle and said “Oh please.  That would pale in comparison when I get to meet….HIM!  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s divine nephew.  He must be the one I’m looking for.”
“Ooooh,” Pinkie Pie said. “Are you going to find your true prince and get your fairy tale dream come true?”
“But of course, darling,” Rarity said.  “For it is my destiny to meet him.  The prince of my dreams, the love of my life.  And I bet that he will be starstrucked by my appearance, that he wants to take my hoof in marriage.”
“At that age?” Starlight asked.  “Aren’t you a little too young to be married?”
“Oh please,” Rarity said.  “I heard that a princess from far off Fancia married at around our age.”
Danged Spell just laughed and said “I heard whoever married that filly turned into a henpecked husband.”  In an instant, Rarity glanced at Danged Spell and growled at him, prompting the young colt to say with a scared tone “What?  It was just a rumor.”
As the night grew bright and the crowd sang down the path, the younglings following Night Light and Twilight Velvet until they got towards the castle gates.

Inside, Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Buck Withers, Lemony Gems and Gad Zookes waited with anticipation as one by one, the ponies poured into the castle.  Princess Celestia greeted each pony while Princess Luna bowed before the respected guest.
“So Shining,” Princess Cadance said as she snuggled up to Shining Armor.  “Is this your first Gala?”
Shining Armor swallowed hard and said “Y..yeah.  Big time.”
Princess Cadance rubbed her head around Shining Armor’s neck and said “Want me to show you the ropes to this magical place?”
Shining Armor swallowed again as he looked down at Princess Cadance and began to sweat.  Buck Withers looked at Shining Armor with a smug grin on his face.
“You know,” Buck Withers said to Lemony Gems.  “After what happened at the fall formal, I think you were the biggest blessing in my life.”
“Bucky,” Lemony Gem said as she gave Buck Withers a noogie.  “Let’s not tease Shining Armor’s unfortunate fate.”
“You’re right,” Buck Withers said.  “For we do have a night together at the Grand Gallopin Gala.  A night that we will not forget.”
Lemony Gem laughed as the couple embraced each other.  Nearby, Wanda, Sunset and Abigail waited in anticipation for their companions.
“For once,” Sunset said.  “I can’t wait for tonight’s Gala.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “Normally, I would freak out over these kinds of events.  But as long as I have friends who can stand by my side, then I don’t think anything can go wrong.”
“Wanda,” Sunset said as she turned towards her human sister.  “Let’s make sure this is the best night ever.”
“I know someone who is anticipating this night.”  Sunset, Wanda and Abigail turned to their left to see a group of Wonderbolts approach the group.  Every one of them was suited up in daredevil costumes with a blue and yellow theme.   Next to them were two ponies.  One was slightly older with a vivid-orange coat and dark gray mane.  The younger filly next to her had a brilliant gold coat with a a vivid-orange and light-brilliant amber mane.
“I know you,” Sunset said.  “You’re Airazor, the leader of the Wonderbolts.”
“Correct,” Airazor said as she bowed before Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young.  The younger filly walked up to the princess duo with a smirk on her face.  
“And I take it you’re Airazor’s apprentice: Spitfire,” Wanda said as she pointed to the filly.
“That’s correct,” the pegasus filly named Spitfire said as she held out her hoof.  “And I heard you’re one of Princess Celestia’s daughters.”
“Err, yeah,” Wanda said as she held out her hand.  Spitfire grabbed onto Wanda’s hand and shook it.
“I also heard rumors that you’re actually a flier,” Spitfire replied.  “That you’re an ace in the air.  Ever considered being the first human Wonderbolt?”
Wanda just smiled with embarrassment and said “Thanks.  But I’ll pass.  I’d rather fly more like a butterfly than a Wonderbolt.”
“It’s your choice,” Spitfire said as she and Wanda let go.  “But if you ever change your mind….”
“Now now, Spitfire,” Airazor said with a chuckle.  “We are here to meet with the guests of the Grand Gallopin Gala.  Especially a certain pony who helped drive off the Windigo’s Guild at the Ponyville Fair.”
“Sorry about that,” Spitfire said.  “I’m just too excited for tonight.”
“Normally, I would say otherwise,” Sunset Shimmer said as she inched closer to Spitfire.  “But tonight’s an exception.”
“Princess Sunset,” Spitfire said.  “How’s life going so far?”
“Been looking after my sister,” Sunset replied.  “Got some friends who can help her when needed.  And we all had the adventure of our lives.”
“Wait,” Wanda said with a confused look on her face.  “How come you never told me you were friends with Spitfire?”
Sunset just giggled and said “Wanda, I offered to invite you over to our secret meetings with the Wonderbolts.  But you kept on declining, stating that you weren’t as interested in the Wonderbolts as I was.  And this was before you became the first human to attend the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“You know, that’s actually an impressive status for one who’s form is different from ours,” Airazor said.  “You shouldn’t take these things for granted.”
As Wanda pondered to herself from the words of both Sunset Shimmer and Airazor, she felt a tap on the shoulder and looked behind her to see Princess Celestia smile and point to the direction of the entrance.
“They’re here?” Wanda said.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia replied.  “They are here.”
Wanda turned to face the entrance, where Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejacck, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo stood at the bottom of the stairs, with Spike perched on Twilight’s back.  Wanda’s face beamed as she, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail ran up to the group.
“You all made it,” Wanda said as approached the group.
“We couldn’t miss it for the entire world,” Twilight said.  “In fact, we’re all here for what may be the best night ever.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said as she got up on her hind legs and gave Wanda a hug.  “Besides, I know why I’m here.”
Sunset turned to Wanda and said “She’s here to help keep you entertained, and to prevent you from having another meltdown.”
Wanda looked at Pinkie Pie and cried a bit before hugging the pink pony back and said “Thanks.  I could really use your laughter to keep me alive in the Gala.”  Wanda turned to the other younglings and said “So what are you all up to tonight?”
“Oh that’s easy,” Rainbow Dash said as she posed and extended her wings.  “I’ve got a date with the Wonderbolts.”
“And apparently, we’re here to meet the pony who helped take out the Windigo’s Guild with the legendary sonic rainboom,” Airazor said as she stepped down the staircase with Spitfire by her side.  Rainbow Dash took a look at both ponies and her jaw dropped to the floor.
“You’re….you’re Wonderbolt Captain Airazor,” Rainbow Dash said.  “And you’re...you’re Junior Wonderbolt Apprentice Spitfire.”
“In the flesh, Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire said.
“But how?” Rainbow Dash said as she stood there, completely surprised.  “You were expecting me?”
Princess Celestia laughed and said “Oh I pulled a few strings to convince Airazor to meet the one who’s Sonic Rainboom drove off a good portion of the Windigo’s Guild.  Enough to save the fair and much of our lives.”
Rainbow Dash just laughed and said “Well excuuuuuuse me, Princess.”  Airazor and Spitfire laughed really hard as Rainbow Dash walked up to the duo.
“I believe there may be a lot to talk about,” Airazor said as she, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire began to walk off while the others looked on  But as they began to walk off, Airazor turned towards the group and spotted Danged Spell alongside the other younglings.
“You there, one who calls himself Danged Spell,” Airazor said, catching the colt’s attention.
“Me?” Danged Spell asked.
“Like with Rainbow Dash,” Airazor said.  “I heard about your story of heroism when you saved Princess Wanda and Chancellor Cinch from the Windigo’s Guild here in Canterlot.  You may not realize it, but you’re a hero in the books of many ponies.  Even the Wonderbolts acknowledge your courageous act.  Never forget that.”
As Airazor, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash walked off, Danged Spell stood there, stunned by the words of Airazor.  He floated in the air with his horn glowing brightly as his mood began to turn bright.
“A hero in the eyes of the Wonderbolts,” Danged Spell said to himself.  “I think I was born the wrong species of pony.”
As Danged Spell floated in the air, Moondancer reached up and pulled him down before she said “Now now, knight in shining armor.  We got a best night ever to focus on.”
Danged Spell shook his head as he landed his hooves on the ground.  He turned to Moondancer and said “Right.  Grand Gallopin Gala.”  He looked to the left and right before turning back to Moondancer and said “So uhhh, what do you want to do?”
Moondancer giggled for a bit before she said “Follow me.  There’s a telescope here in the castle that I want to lay my eyes on.”
“A telescope?” Danged Spell said.
“Yeah,” Moondancer said as she grabbed Spell by the hoof and pulled him.  “It’s supposed to be the most powerful telescope ever.”
As Danged Spell yelled “Wait wait wait,” Moondancer pulled the young colt away and took him through the grand foyer and towards another room.  The other younglings watch on as Danged Spell and Moondancer disappear through the doorway.
“Wow,” Sunburst said.  “I know Moondancer is obsessed with space.  But even on a grand night like the gala, she sure is eager to check out that telescope.”
“And there’s a lot of reason to that,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “That is the infamous Zacharle Telescope that Princess Luna built long ago.”
“Wait,” Starlight said.  “Luna built a telescope?”
The younglings looked up at Princess Luna, who only turned her head and whistled innocently.
“Well,” Sunburst said.  “That was awkward for one of royalty.”
“Hey, speaking of royalty, I think I spot a pair of royal hippogriffs,” Twilight Sparkle said as she spotted Queen Novo, Princess Skystar and baby Silverstream approaching the group.  Twilight Sparkle waved to Queen Novo, catching the royal’s attention.
“Twilight Sparkle,” Queen Novo said as she approached the lavender unicorn.  “It’s so good for you all to make it.”
“We couldn’t miss it for the whole world, your majesty,” Twilight said as she bowed before the hippogriff queen.
Queen Novo laughed and said “There won’t be any need for any formalities.  After all, any friend of smallfry Wanda Young is a friend of mine.”
“Speaking of which, mother,” Princess Skystar said.  “I noticed that a few of your friends have gone missing.”
“Oh you mean Rainbow Dash, Danged Spell and Moondancer?” Pinkie Pie said.  “Rainbow Dash is hanging out with Airazor and Spitfire of the Wonderbolts, while Moondancer dragged Danged Spell to the infamous Zacharle Telescope.”
“Ohhhhhh,” Skystar said.  “That explains.”
As Wanda looked at Skystar and Novo with Silverstream flying right beside her, she overheard the sound of hooves walking through.  Wanda turned to her left and saw Prince Blueblood walk on through.  The mere presence of this young colt catches the eye of Rarity.
“Oh my,” Rarity said as her jaw dropped down.  “It’s him.  The prince of my dreams.”
Wanda slumped up to Rarity with a cold look on her face and said “Are you serious?  That’s my no-good cousin.”
“Oh please, Wanda,” Rarity said as she grabbed Wanda by her face and pulled her close.  “You clearly judge a book by its cover.  After all, I can assume that he is as proper a gentlecolt as you are a lady.”
“But,” Wanda said before Rarity let her go and walked off towards Prince Blueblood.  Sunset Shimmer walked up to Wanda and glared coldly at the white-coated prince.
“She’s really going to do it,” Sunset said.
“I’m afraid so,” Wanda replied.
As Rarity approached Prince Blueblood, she felt a chill down her spine and began to shake a bit.  The young unicorn filly shook off beads of sweat and took a breather as Prince Blueblood approached.
“Oh my,” Rarity said as she opened her eyes.  “It’s you, isn’t it?”
“Well hello there.  I am Prince Blueblood,” The young colt prince said in a sweet voice.  
“I knew you were such a handsome gentlecolt,” Rarity said with a nervous tone in her voice. “But I never expected you to be like this.”
“You appear to be needing some company,” Prince Blueblood replied  “Shall I?  I can teach you the ways of being a true lady.”
“A true lady?” Rarity said as tugged on the collar of her dress and steam poured out.  “Well, I always wanted to be like that.”
“Then come with me, “Prince Blueblood said as he extended his hoof out.
As Rarity gently placed her hoof on Prince Blueblood’s, Wanda and Sunset continued to stare right at the young unicorn colt as if they had daggers in their eyes.  Abigail sat next to Wanda, also glancing coldly at Prince Blueblood.
“Here he goes again with that convincing attitude,” Sunset said.
“Tell me about it,” Wanda replied.  “That was the first thing he said to me when I first met him.  And to think, I almost looked up to that horse’s rear end.”
As Rarity and Prince Blueblood disappeared through a nearby doorway, Wanda, Sunset and Abigail continued to stare at the two with utter disdain before Wanda felt a tap on her shoulder.  She turned around and saw Pinkie PIe stare at her.
“I think it would be a good time to go explore the Gala together,” Pinkie Pie said with a cheerful smile.  “Besides, you don’t want your...cousin to live in your head, rent-free.”
Wanda turned to Sunset Shimmer, who turned towards Wanda and gave her a wink of her eye.
“You go have fun with Pinkie Pie,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’ll stay with mother and Twilight Sparkle.  It will be okay.”
Wanda nodded with a smile on her face as she, Pinkie Pie and Abigail ran off towards the doorway.  Princess Celestia looked on as she saw her younger daughter disappear.
“Are you worried about Wanda, mother?”  Princess Cadance asked.
“A part of me still worries for your sister, Cadence,” Princess Celestia replied.  “It’s her first gala with friends by her side.  But at the same time, I feel as if history is going to repeat itself.”
“You don’t need to worry, Princess,” Shining Armor said.  “We’ll keep an eye out on Wanda while we dance the night away.”
“Are you sure about that?” Princess Celestia said as her face shows a sign of concern.
“We are,” Princess Cadance replied. “As sure as the cutie mark on my rump.”
Princess Celestia smiled as she said “Then the night awaits the both of you.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor smiled as the duo bowed before Princess Celestia.  They walked down the path Wanda went to, heading towards the ball room where the gala would take place.  Princess Luna and Princess Celestia watched on as the two lovebirds disappeared into the entrance to the ballroom.
“Maybe next time,” Princess Luna whispered.  “You might want to do a comic convention here in Canterlot.  To rival the infamous one in San Di’Neightgo.”
As Princess Celestia nodded, something caught her eye in the crowd.  She glanced over and saw Gold and Silver Banks make their way through.  Celestia’s tone turned sour as she looked at the Banks couple, who’s presence also caught Princess Luna’s eyes.
“If you’re going to ask me why the Banks are here,” Princess Luna said.  “You can thank Magistrate Creme Dream for reversing the gala ban Princess Cadance placed on them.”
“It’s not the first time this had happened,” Princess Celestis said.  “And I doubt it will be the last.”
As Princess Celestia began to descend the staircase, Queen Novo raised her claw in the air, halting the alicorn princess’s movement.
“Queen Novo,” Princess Celestia said.  “I take it you have a bone to pick with the Banks.”
“In more ways than one,” Queen Novo replied.  “Especially after the stunt they pulled back at the Canterlot Hospital while you were away.  Besides, there’s no way to drive those two off.”
“Alright,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll entrust you and the others to those two.”
Princess Luna nodded to Buck Withers, Lemony Gem and Gad Zookes, who nodded back and descended the staircase, taking to the side of Queen Novo as Gold and Silver Banks entered the palace.  Gold Banks was quick to catch Queen Novo’s sight and came to a complete stop.
“I see that you’re disappointed that our ban was overturned,” Gold Banks said with a smirk on her face.
“That’s the least of my worries,” Queen Novo said in a stern tone as she eyed a nearby room in the palace.  “We will discuss this in a separate room, Banks.”
Queen Novo, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem and Gad Zookes walked towards the doorway with Gold and Silver Banks following from behind, looking oddly at each other.  Princess Skystar and baby Silverstream wasted no time catching up to the hippogriff queen.
“Go enjoy yourselves at the gala,” Queen Novo said as she looked at Skystar and Silverstream with a warm tone.  “You do not need to trouble yourselves with adult business.
Princess Skystar nodded as she and Silverstream turned tail and walked towards the ballroom entrance.  Queen Novo turned towards the other doorway and walked through as Buck Withers, Lemony Gem, Gad Zookes and the Banks followed behind.  The other younglings looked on as the group of adults disappeared into the nearby room.
“What do you suppose is going on in there?” Fluttershy asked.
“Something that we don’t need to stick our noses in,” Applejack replied.
“Applejack’s right,” Sunset said.  “You guys should go have some fun at the Gala.  Twilight and I will keep Princess Celestia and Princess Luna happy.”
Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Starlight, and Sunburst nodded as they walked away from the group, while Twilight, Sunset and Spike watched them depart.
“You think we’ll have the best night ever?” Twilight asked while Spike sat on her back.
“Twilight,” Sunset said.  “WIth friends like you around, this might as well be the best night ever.”
As Sunset and Twilight snuggled together, Twilight Velvet and Night Light stood nearby, observing the two fillies.
“I still remember the first time we came to the gala together, honey,” Twilight Velvet said.
“It felt almost like our first date,” Night Light said.
“It was our first date,” Twilight Velvet laughed.

Inside the nearby room,  Queen Novo walked to the end of the room and turned around to face Gold and Silver Banks.  Buck Withers, Lemony Gem and Gad Zookes took to Queen Novo’s side as the hippogriff glared at the two billionaires.
“Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?” Gold Banks scoffed.  “You waste our time with these pleasantries, Queen Novo.”
“There is nothing pleasant about what I plan to say to you both,” Queen Novo replied as her tone became more aggressive.  “I still remember what you did on that day, when you and that Debt Collector Squad invaded the royal suite of the Canterlot Hospital.”
“Still unable to let go of the past?” Gold Banks said with a chuckle.  “All we wanted was to check up on the little monkey pet of Princess Celestia.”
“That monkey you describe is a Princess of Equestria,” Buck Withers said as he slammed his hoof into the ground.  “The fact that you tried to harm her contradicts your statement.”
Gold Banks just laughed as she said  “So who’s going to believe a foreigner or three misguided delinquents?  The ponies of Equestria won’t.  None of them will.”
“Oh that’s what you think.”  Gold Banks turned around to see Filthy and Spoiled Rich enter the room with daggers in their eyes.  Spoiled Rich took a harsh gaze at Gold Banks, not once keeping her eye off the older mare.
“Sweet Milk my sister,” Gold Banks said. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”
“Don’t you sister me,” Spoiled Rich said as her tone flared up.  “I stopped going under that name ever since you married that corrupt financial lobbyist.”
“But we’re not just here because of past misdeeds towards my wife,” Filthy RIch said.  “It’s also about your daughter, Golden Lace.”
“Whatever do you mean by that?” Gold Banks said as she laughed it off.
“Don’t play coy with us, Gold Milk,” Spoiled Rich said.  “I heard from your daughter about your recent mistreatments of her.  About how you threw her out on the streets for standing up against you.  You don’t care for her.  You’re only using her for your own purpose.”
Gold Banks laughed loudly and said “You must be misguided by her delinquency since she went on that mistake of a field trip to Mount Aris.”
“There is no mistake in her coming to my kingdom,” Queen Novo snarled.  “It was obvious from the start that she was trying to copy your behavior and treachery.  I wanted to at least show her that her way was wrong, and that there was a better way.”
“Through this foolishness called the magic of friendship?” Gold Banks laughed.  “Get real.  It’s an illusion by the royal family.”
“Illusion or not,” Spoiled Rich said as she unrolled a parchment paper with some wording on it.  “Your mistreatment of Golden Lace has left us no choice.  We are filing a motion to adopt Golden Lace, and to put a permanent restraining order against you for abuse.”
“Your daughter deserved better than what you’re giving her,” Filthy Rich said.  “You should be ashamed of yourself.  At least she’ll grow up to be a kind-hearted mare and not a mean spirited monster like you.”
With that, Filthy and Spoiled Rich turned tail and walked out of the room.  Spoiled Rich paused for a moment and glared at Gold Banks once more before disappearing.  Gold Banks just smiled as she turned back towards Queen Novo.
“Well that was amusing,” Gold Banks said.  “And I suppose you have some form of comedy towards me.”
“Not comedy,” Queen Novo said as she pulled out her own parchment from her wing.  “Originally, we had a trade deal so that you could sell our goods in Canterlot.
“And that deal still stands,” Gold Banks replied, causing Novo to hold up the parchment and rip it up into small pieces.
“Not anymore,” Queen Novo said as she threw the scraps of paper into the air, causing it to scatter across the room.  “Effective immediately, I have terminated our partnership in trade goods.  In addition, we will talk with the Rich family about getting a new trade deal.  One that doesn’t have the stench of conspiracy attached to it.  You both don’t deserve to be near my kind.”
With that, Queen Novo walked by Gold and Silver Banks and walked out the door.  Buck Withers and Lemony Gem held onto each other’s arms as they walked out, keeping their eyes away from Gold and Silver Banks.  Gad Zookes just stood there, looking at the two aristocrats.
“If there was a major difference between my pal Buck Withers and you two,” Gad Zookes said.  “It’s that he has a heart of gold, while you both have no heart.  Even the most vile monster he faced was more pure compared to your malice.”
Gad Zookes turned away from Gold and Silver Banks as he followed Buck Withers and Lemony Gem outside the doorway.  Gold Banks just stood there smiling and laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Silver Banks said. “We lost our contract with Queen Novo and the Hippogriffs because you decided you wanted to go after Wanda when she was sick.”
“That’s just it,” Gold Banks said.  “We’ll convince Magistrate Creme Dream not only to overrule the Rich family from taking Golden Lace away, but we’ll force the hippogriffs to re-honor their contract.  Those fools are even more foolish than they realized.”
“What good is that supposed to do?” Silver Banks asked.
“Well that’s just it,” Gold Banks said with a devilish grin.  “In case they defy the magistrate, we’ll put some hit pieces up on the local news to make them a pariah and render the hippogriffs ‘Enemy of the ponies.’  That will mess up their morale and allow us to keep a tight hold on their lives.”
“And what do you plan on doing to little Wanda?” Silver Banks asked.
“Right now,” Gold Banks replied.  “No need to do anything.  But in the future, I will do what it takes to put that man’s cub out of her misery.  Princess Celestia should know better than to turn pets into one of us.”
As Gold Banks began to walk out of the room, Silver Banks just stood here and placed his hoof on his face.
“At times, I regret our marriage,” Silver Banks said to himself.


	To Be Continued in…


	A Troubling Night