The Elements of Nature Book 3 - 气 (Air)

by Superior-Doc-Fossil

Chapter 18, The Grand Galloping Galla 2

Back in Canterlot, Rarity Unicorn was happily tending her temporary boutique (which is the hotel room she stayed in during ‘Sweet and Elite’) the next month, cropping a new dress she was designing for herself for the Grand Galloping Gala. "Oh yes, Rarity..." She said to herself as she carefully placed gems on the waves of ribbon trailing off the dress. "This year's dress will knock them dead! The prince will feel so absolutely terrible for treating me the way he did!"
The door opened and a female spoke up, "Hey Rarity. Plotting against the prince again?"
Rarity then quickly turns around and sees “Twilight!” Rarity said, surprised to see the purple Unicorn. “Why are you here?”
“I need a dress for the Galla.” Twilight answered.
“Oh, right, of course.” Rarity said as she begins to measure Twilight with measuring tapes and all her other tools, when she notices something odd. “Twilight, why is your stomach-” But Rarity stops in mid-sentence when she realizes the way Twilight has been acting lately. “Twilight ... are you ...?”
“Yes. Yes I am.” Twilight proudly answered.
“Oh, how wonderful!” Rarity cried. “Have you told Fire’ yet or your family yet?”
“No. I’m waiting until the Galla.” Twilight said as Rarity measures her leg.
“Oh I bet Firebrand will be completely shock upon hearing that.”
“I hope he is.” Twilight said as she takes a cookie from her saddle bag. “I think I gain five pounds due to eating a little too much.”

After Twilight left with her new dress, Rarity went back to work on her dress for the Galla, which is two days away, when... ”Hey, Rarity. Can I talk to you?” A male voice said.
“Firebrand?” Rarity said as she opens the door. “Why are you here?”
“I need a tux for the Galla.”
“Of course.” Rarity said.
“I also need something else, which is where you come in.”
“What is it?” Rarity asked.
“I need a ring.” At this, Rarity almost faints.
“A ring!? For what?” Fire’ then whispers something in Rarity’s ear. “Thats just splendid. When do you plane to do it”
“At the Galla.”

Two days later, Twilight is in her tower putting on her dress for the Galla. Due to Twilight being a fangirl of the princesses of Equestria, she asked Rarity that the accessories are meant to tribute and imitate them. Since Celestia's jewelry is made of gold and Luna's is silver, Twilight took a step down in humility and wears bronze. The necklace she has bears the emblem of the sun and the moon, and it has a little wing cape holder which symbolizes the Alicorns. She also has a hair pice that looks like her cutie mark. She also has Arabian sleeves and a cape that looks like the night sky and has a big star and two red color line going across it.

“Spike, if this doesn't cause Fire’s jaw to drop, I don’t know what will.” She said as she admires herself in the mirror.
“I’m just glad I’m not going this time.” Spike said as he cleans up a little bit. The two then hear the door bell ring. “I’ll get it.” Spike said, looking for an excuse to stop cleaning. Before Twilight could object, Spike has already made it down the satires and opens to door. “Hey Fire.’ Nice tux.” Spike said when he sees Fire’ in a charcoal black tux with orange sleeves and a flame red tie.
“Thanks. Is Twilight ready?” Fire’ asked, only to see the most beautiful mare in the world walk down the stairs toward him.
“I am.” Twilight said as she kisses Fire’ on the cheek. “Spike, make sure you don’t sneeze and burn this place down.” Twilight said as she and Fire’ leave for the Galla.
“Hey, since when have I ever burn...” Spike began to say until he remembers when he first meet Owlowiscious.

At the Galla building, Shining, Cadence, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow, Rarity, Blitz, Ar, Terra, Hielo and Agua are waiting for Fire’ and Twilight. “Dude, where could they be?” Blitz asked.
“They should be here soon.” Rarity said, knowing what they both plane to do that night. Applejack's dress is probably the one that took more elbow grease then the others Rarity had to do. She tested many possibilities of color and shape before coming up with a result that worked. Not girly, not Fru-fruy, not tomboy either and yet elegant and formal, at least for Rarity, still a bit too fru fru. Rarity even named it ‘New Frontier,’ which AJ liked.
It is slightly apple themed in the hair ornaments and mostly represents the "wild west" and "Strong girl" idea. Rarity made it to purposely let the back legs move and buck at she pleases, because Applejack believe that she would feel a lot better in formal attire if she would able to do that. The colors and embroidered details were based on Tornado, the horse from "El Zorro" the dark cloth of the gown brings out the blond of her mane (which is styled to cover one eye). The legs are ornamented, but also reinforced and protected. This gown is meant to be elegant, but also practical due to Applejack being Applejack.

The core of Fluttershy’s dress, which Rarity calls the ‘Aurora,’ is wrapped around the body like a silky cocoon, to be followed by the fabric that falls down in butterfly wings shape, blending with her own Pegasus wings. The mane and tail, which are showing, are sprinkled with small little white flowers (Babies Breaths) with a Lilly to complete the effect, relating the ensemble to nature. All "haute couture" as she seems to prefer, yet very modest and very simple (Rarity thought that Photo Finish was right when she stated that her dresses should follow that tendency). It has a strong resemblance to the Aurora moth.

Rarity calls Pinkie’s dress ‘Chocolate Rain,’ due to the body of the dress is based on a cotton candy cloud with a chocolate cascade falling from it. As she seemed to prefer on her first gala dress; Rarity added streamer ornaments for the legs and sprinkled confetti over her mane, which is arranged in a French style. Rarity also added a jewel hair clip that is shaped like a set of balloons, to honor her cutie mark. The front of the dress would be the equivalent of a bare shoulder cut, the cloth there is slightly sparkly and festive. How could it be any other way? After all, this pony loves to parteeeey!

Rainbow’s dress is called ‘Morning Dew.’ It includes pure white feathers to surround the idea of being involved with flying and decorated with pearls, which look like dewdrops. It also has a big sapphire in a silver armor-like breastplate, as heart of the sky. The whole design is meant to be light like air, yet somehow, cozy, like a cloud.

Rarity’s ‘Diamond Dust’ is the best one yet, with not even her finding any words on how to describe it. It follows the concept of diamond dust floating in the wind. Rarity wanted to have a very elegant, almost royalty look. Rarity remembers those snobby Canterlot Unicorns saying that her creations were a little "country" and she can’t wait to see their faces now.

Shining is wearing what he wore on his wedding day while Cadence has a gold dress thats sorta like her weeding dress. Blitz and Ar just have casual wear on, with Ar being in his monk robe. Agua and Hielo have traditional Pegasus City clothing while Terra has a white dress with gold lace. Eventually, Twilight and Fire’ arrive and they enter the Galla. Fire’ and Twilight are the last to enter and see that some changes have been made. First: the music is more jazz like. Second: there are more Pegasi and Earth Ponies now. And third: Luna is dancing with Lunar Eclipse! Shining, Cadence, Fire’ and Twilight make their way to the dace floor and, well, dance. Fire’ then spines Twilight around and catches her.
The four of them then head for a table to get a drink. “I didn't know you could dance like that.” Night Light said as he and his wife, Twilight Velvet, watch his daughter, her boyfriend and his son and daughter-in-law take some punch from the table.
“My dad taught me.” Fire’ said as he takes a drink.
“You know, you really don’t talks about him much.” Twilight Sparkle said as she drinks some punch.
“I guess your right.” Fire’ said. “I still remember him like he only died yesterday.”
“What was he like?” Cadence asked.
“Well, he was definitely fun-loving. And whenever I was sad, he tried and cheer me up, which always worked.” Fire’ said as he tells them one of those times.

On a sunny day in Abysus, Firebrands father, Phoenix, is in the forges kitchen making some kind of cake.“But the true secret, is in the gooey center.” Phoenix said as he lifts the fruity center of the cake up with his magic, which is also orang like Fire’s. He then sees his son, Fire,’ is looking out at the street where other ponies, mostly Unicorns, are shopping and the foals are playing. “My cake making technique isn't the only thing on your mind, is it Firebrand?” Phoenix said in a calm, soothing and understanding voice.
“It’s my special talent.” A downcast Fire’ said to his father as he walks over to him. “I’m afraid of what might happen if anyone other than you and Golden Rod were to find out.”
“Don’t worry. Before your mom died, I promised her that I won’t let anything happen to our son.” Phoenix said. “Now, are you going to help me with these cakes,” Phoenix began to say in a bright, happy tone as Fire’ smiles lovingly at his father, “or not?”
“All right.” Fire’ said as he helps his father move the four cakes. The place each one on catapults. Fire’ then aims each one and uses his bending to move some fire from the oven.
“One.” Phoenix said as fire splits the open flame into four separate ones. “Two.” Phoenix said as Fire’ sets fire the ropes that keep the catapults from firing. “Three!” As soon as Phoenix said that, the catapults send the fruit cakes flying high in the air, disappearing in the clouds. The flying cakes are heading for four monk, each meditating quietly between some trees.
Suddenly the cakes drop out of the sky and each of the monks is hit on the head by one of these colorful desserts. One of the monks topples over upon impact. The moment the pies hit their heads, several phoenixes and gold phoenixes appear and start to stuff their faces. Fire’ and Phoenix than laugh loudly at the scene. Fire’ is clutching his stomach while Phoenix is leaning on the railing of the balcony. They both move back from the railing when they are done laughing. “Your aim has improved greatly, my son.”  Phoenix said, full of admiration and love while caressing Fire's head when his stomach groans.
“I guess I skipped breakfast this morning ... again.” Fire’ said.
“Don’t worry.” Phoenix said as he goes to the oven. “I have another cake, with a cherry filling.” He said as he takes out a large fruit cake and pops up a red filling with his magic.
“Dad, you're the best.” Fire’ said as he takes the cake and goes to the kitchen, followed by his father.

Fire’ then sheds a single tear at the happy thought. “I still miss him.” Fire’ said as he puts up his glass.
“Wow, Fire.’ I had no idea you and your dad were so close.” Twilight said.
“Yeah.” Fire’ said to her. “I now understand that grieving over him won’t let me move on. I got a new family now.” Fire’ said as he wipes away the tear. “That reminds me.” Fire’ then takes Twilight to the far side of the Galla Room and kneels down. “Twilight, since we’ve first meet, three years ago, you've been the one closest to me. And,” Fire’ then takes out a small red box and opens it, showing a ring that has gems in the shape and color as Twilight’s cutie mark. “Will you marry me?”
At first, Twilight is shocked, but she slowly smiles and begins to cry. “Yes! Of course yes!” The two then hug as Night Light, Twilight Velvet, Shining and Candace walk over.
“Did you?” Night Light asked his daughter.
“Yes!” Twilight said as she takes the ring. The entire family then have a group hug as the happy couple hug. “I can’t wait to tell my friends!” Twilight said.
“Well, Rarity already knows.” Fire’ said to her. “Where do you think I got the ring from?” They than laugh as a servant offers them some wine, which they accept, except Twilight who gets some more punch.
“Good wine.” Shining said. He then notices that Twilight isn’t getting any wine. “Twilight, don’t you want some wine?” Shining asked his little sister.
“I would like some, but I can’t.” Twilight said as she walks up to Fire.’ “I’m pregnant.”
Now it’s not only Fire’s turn, but also Twilight entire family to look surprise. “You kidding me.” Fire’ said.
“No.” Twilight responded.
“You kidding me!” Fire’ said as he and Twilight hug.
“Dad, are you crying?” Shining asked Night Light, who is crying happy tears.
“I am. My little girl has finally grown up like her brother.” Night Light said as Twilight Velvet takes a handkerchief and wipes the tears away.
“Wait until Celestia finds out.” Twilight said.