My Little Pony: Nine Elements Book 1

by BlueBioWolf

Chapter 26: The Best Night Ever (S1:E26)

One week after Pinkie’s birthday party, Spike, Caramel, and Twilight and her friends were getting ready for the Grand Galloping Gala. Pinkie was excitedly bouncing around.

“I can’t believe the Gala’s finally here!” Pinkie squealed happily. “We’re going to have the best time together!”

“I’m trying to concentrate, Pinkie!” Twilight said.

Pinkie heard Twilight’s words and stopped bouncing. “Sorry, Twilight,” she said. “Guess I was more excited for tonight than I thought.”

“I’m hard-pressed thinking of something that doesn’t excite you,” Twilight said.

“So,” Caramel asked. “What exactly is Twilight doing?”

“She’s going to try out a spell to give us transportation to the Gala,” Spike said.

“Why don’t we just take the train?” Rainbow asked.

“Because I want our first time at the Gala to be special,” Twilight said. “Don’t forget that this is the first Gala Spike will be attending without being barred entry.”

“For the record, I’m okay with taking the train,” Spike said.

“I understand that,” Twilight said. “But, I have just about everything ready. Applejack, if you please.”

Applejack placed an apple before Twilight.

“An apple?” Caramel asked. “I would have remembered if we were going to make a pie.”

“We’re not,” Applejack smiled. “It’s fer Twi’s spell.”

Twilight focused her magic and in under a minute, the apple was transformed into a carriage big enough to carry Twilight and her friends while still retaining its apple features. The others were amazed with the beautiful carriage before them.

“Question,” Rainbow said. “Why didn’t you just rent a carriage?”

“I tried,” Twilight explained. “But, the cheapest ones available wouldn’t be big enough to hold us and using magic to modify them is considered a breach in the rental arrangement.*”

“Fair enough,” Rainbow said, shrugging her shoulders.

“I think the carriage you made is lovely, Twilight,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Thanks,” Twilight smiled. “But, that’s only part of it. You brought your friends, right?”

“I’m not so sure about bringing mice here, Twilight,” Fluttershy said. “Remember, Rarity has a cat. And you know what cats do to mice.**”

“Oh, that’s right,” Twilight said. “Well, how else can we get to the Gala if we don’t have mice transfigured into horses to pull the carriage?”

Rarity gave a look to Twilight as if to say, ‘Are you serious?’ She then walked over to a corral close by her boutique and met up with two stallions. One was a light cobalt bluish gray earth stallion with a dark gray mane and tail, pale, light grayish cobalt blue eyes, and a Cutie Mark depicting three four-leafed clovers. His name was Lucky Clover. The other was a light cobalt blue earth stallion with a dark cobalt mane and tail, moderate gamboge eyes, and a Cutie Mark depicting two pairs of two-beamed quavers. His name was Noteworthy.

Rarity then politely asked the two, “Excuse me, but, would you two be so kind as to pull our carriage to the Gala?”

“What do you say, Note?” Lucky Clover asked.

“I’d be up for that, honestly,” Noteworthy said. “I didn’t really have anything going on tonight, so, I’ll be glad to help.”

The two were hooked up to the carriage.

“Oh…” Twilight said, blushing sheepishly. “Right.”

Later, the mares were getting themselves freshened up. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity were under cloche-style hair dryers. As they were getting freshened up, there was a knock at the dressing room door.

“Come on!” Spike said. “Let me in!”

“Sure thing, Spike,” Rainbow said as she walked towards the door. Rarity, however, blocked her.

“Absolutely not!” Rarity gasped. “We’re getting dressed in here!”

“Spike sees us without clothes everyday,” Applejack pointed out. “Tain’t like he won’t see nothin’ he ain’t seen before.”

Rarity considered this. “That’s understandable,” she said. “Alright, then.” She then let the drake inside. “Sorry. It seems I still get a bit nervous about the idea of a boy watching a female get dressed.”

“I can’t understand why,” Spike said. “It’s not like we wear clothes all the time anyway.”

“Yeah,” Applejack said. “Most ah wear every day is mah hat.”

“Well,” Spike said, changing the subject. “We’ll be going to Canterlot tonight. Our hometown, mom.”

“I know,” Twilight smiled. “And this’ll be our first time at the Gala.” Spike sighed sadly. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just…” Spike said. “After being denied entry to the Gala three times before, I’m not sure this’ll be any different.”

“It might be different this time,” Rainbow said. “When you, Twilight, and Fluttershy were trying to rescue Philomena, we saw that Princess Celestia was scolding the guards who grabbed you.”

“Plus,” Rarity said. “With Twilight’s brother in charge of security, he’ll make sure to give them a stern talking-to if they even think about denying you entrance.”

“About that scolding during the Philomena thing,” Spike said. “That wasn’t even the first time I heard the princess scold them for the way they handled me.”

“What?!” Applejack gasped. “They really THAT dumb n’ ignorant towards ya?!”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Spike said. “Life as a dragon in a pony society isn’t easy. I’ve gone through most of my life with ponies unable to look past what I am on the outside.”

“Well, if they’re that judgmental towards you,” Rainbow said. “Celestia should consider replacing them with better guards, ones who are more sentimental towards who you are and not just what you look like.”

“It’s not just the guards,” Spike said. “There was the mail courier, the old mare down the street, the parents of the foals at the playground, I could go on for days.”

“Well,” Twilight said. “You’ll be around ponies who do love you. And if they say anything terrible about you, you'll know who to go to for help.” She nuzzled him gently. “I promise that after we fulfill our plans for the night, we’ll spend time with you.”

“Yeah, Spike,” Pinkie smiled. “As the Element of Laughter, I can Pinkie promise that we all will have the Best Night Ever!”

Meanwhile at Canterlot, Shining Armor was addressing the Royal Guard put on security detail.

“Alright, everypony,” Shining Armor said. “For most of you, this will be your first assignment after graduating from the Academy.”

Flash Sentry was among the newer guards. “Ugh, I know, Sergeant Shining Armor,” he groaned. “But, Gala security? I get that all these rich ponies, celebrities, and royalty under one roof would be a tempting target for criminals and we need to be ready for that. Still, most of the other newbies consider this detail torture.”

“I understand, Flash,” Shining said. “But, anypony who mistreats my nephew will have to answer to me, Twily, or the Princesses. And they had BETTER pray that the Princesses get to them first because they will be more likely to survive long enough to be drummed out than if Twily or I get to them.”

“Yes, Sergeant,” Flash said, giving a respectable salute. He’d seen pictures of Spike beforehoof and heard his story in briefing. “Permission to state something on my mind?”

“Permission granted, Flash,” Shining Armor said.

Flash cleared his throat. “Between the Princesses, you, and his mother/your sister, one would have to be downright insane to mistreat that little guy and I wouldn't be far behind the bunch of you because I HATE the idea of mistreating children just because of their species. I know how it feels being an outcast. I was a pegasus born into a family of earth ponies.”

Shining Armor put a comforting hoof on Flash Sentry’s shoulder. “Your empathy is an excellent quality to have as a Royal Guard,” Shining Armor said. “And I’m sorry for any mistreatment you’ve endured. That's why YOU are going to put in charge of Spike's V.I.P. Gala detail.”

“Yes, sir!” Flash said, saluting excitedly.***

After Spike, Caramel, and the mares got dressed, Spike sat on the driver’s seat of the carriage while Caramel and the mares ended up getting crowded inside it. Lucky and Noteworthy pulled the carriage.

“Anypony else get the feeling this wasn’t thought through very well?” Rainbow asked.

“Maybe that’s why the original spell called for a pumpkin rather than an apple,” Twilight said, slightly muffled. “I thought the apple carriage would become more roomy to accommodate all of us.”

“Has anypony noticed that the seats don’t feel like apple flesh?” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah,” Twilight said with an embarrassed blush. “I really didn’t think this spell through. Maybe I should have rented an actual carriage after all.”

“It’s okay, Twilight,” Fluttershy said kindly. “This is still a very nice thing you did for all of us. On the bright side, it smells like apples in here.”

“Oh, uh,” Applejack said. “That could also be mah perfume.”

“Applejack wearing perfume?” Rainbow asked. “Boy, you really want this date with Caramel to feel like a romantic one, huh, AJ?”

“Got a problem with that?” Applejack challenged.

“No way,” Rainbow said. “Just happy for you is all.”

Soon, the apple carriage arrived at Canterlot.

“Thanks for your help, guys,” Spike said to Noteworthy and Lucky.

“Next time, though,” Lucky said. “Don’t crack the reins.”

“Sorry, guys,” Spike said. “I was excited for tonight. It won’t happen again, I promise.”

“You’re lucky you’re friends with our neighbor, Rarity,” Noteworthy said.

Spike jumped down from the carriage and opened the door. He then gave a gentlemanly bow as he allowed his friends to exit the carriage. It took a while, but, they made it out. Spike took a peek at his friends. Even if he had already seen the mares in their Gala dresses before, the light of the moon made them look extremely radiant.

“You all look amazing,” he said. He then remembered Caramel was in that direction, too. “Uh, not that I–”

“Spike,” Twilight said. “Don’t explain yourself. You’re only a boy complimenting a stallion is all and we understand that.”

“Besides,” Rainbow said. “We wouldn’t have a problem if you do swing that way.” That comment resulted in Twilight glaring at Rainbow.

“The last thing Spike needs is to be teased,” Twilight said.

“I wasn’t teasing him,” Rainbow said. “I was giving him support. I’m bi, remember? If anypony knows anything about feelings towards others of the same or different gender, it’s me.”

Spike looked at the castle and gave an audible gulp. “Well,” Spike said. “Here goes nothing.” He moved very stiffly. The others saw this. Twilight first went next to Spike’s left side and offered her right hoof. Fluttershy then went next to Spike on his right and offered him her left hoof. They knew that whatever would happen, they would be there for Spike.

They soon reached the front gates and presented their tickets. One of the guards there was Flash Sentry.

“Welcome, everyone,” Flash said politely. “We were expecting all of you.”

“And the riffraff,” said the other while eyeing Spike.

“Leave him alone,” Flash said. “Or do I have to report this to the sergeant?”

The other guard gulped. Flash took a better look at the mares. “Say, didn’t I see you mares at the Best Young Fliers Competition? Four of you were in the audience and two of you were participants.”

“Hey, you’re Flash Sentry,” Rainbow said upon recognizing him.

“And you were the one who won the competition and pulled off the Sonic Rainboom,” said Flash. “Rainbow Dash, right?”

“Correct,” she grinned. “These are my friends, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Caramel, Twilight, and Spike.”

“Pleasure to meet all of you,” said Flash before looking closer at the purple unicorn. “You’re not Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor’s sister, are you? And is Spike his nephew?”

Twilight giggled. “That’s us, alright. Shining always did see Spike that way.”

“Your brother assigned me to look after Spike to ensure his experience is enjoyable,” Flash said. “My first assignment out of the academy.”

“Oh, thank you, Flash Sentry,” said Spike. “And thank uncle Shining Armor, too.”

“Look,” Flash said. “Just call me Flash. And trust me, little guy. I know what you’re going through. I’m a pegasus born into an earth pony family.****” 

“Wow,” said Spike. “I never thought about something like that. But, as a pegasus, you can fly out and see things your family can’t. That can be really helpful.”

“Thanks, kiddo,” said Flash. “Now, you and your friends have fun at the Gala.”

Spike and the ponies went through the gates. Spike nervously looked around as several elitists eyed him with disdain. Spike’s friends looked back at the elitists, letting them know that Spike is their friend.

“Yeah, we’re friends with a dragon,” Rainbow said. “If you elitists have a problem with it, you can take it up with us, the princesses, or the sergeant of the guard.”

The elitists were caught off guard with Rainbow’s threat and backed off.

“Stick with me, Spike,” Twilight whispered. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you tonight or ever.”

The mares went their separate ways while Spike stayed with Twilight. Twilight and Spike soon met up with Princess Celestia, who was standing at the top of the grand stairway with Luna by her side.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight smiled.

“Princess Luna,” Spike smiled. “Glad to see you out and about tonight.” He looks closely. “Where’s Canis?”

“He’s in my bedroom,” Luna explained. “He’s not really one for social gatherings like this. To hear him talk, witnessing them was about the most uneventful thing ever. Especially since he was unable to move.”

“I can understand that,” Spike said. “Well, when you see him, tell him I send my regards.”

Meanwhile, Applejack and Caramel were on a walk.

“Y’know, it’s actually kind o’ pretty ‘round here,” Applejack said.

“It sure is,” Caramel said. “After hearing stories about Canterlot and its castle, I can hardly believe we’re really here.”

“After hearin’ what Spike suffered,” Applejack said. “He really earned this chance ta come.”

“Yeah,” Caramel smiled. “I hope his night turns out to be really fun.”

At that moment, Fluttershy was in the garden. She was enamored by the rare flowers that bloomed that night. Even more so by the creatures.

“Hello, little meadowlark,” Fluttershy politely greeted.

The meadowlark chirped. It flew deeper into the garden. Just then, Fluttershy heard a beautiful whistling sound. It sounded like a bird song. Fluttershy gasped with excitement.

“It sounds like the meadowlark is singing to me,” Fluttershy squeaked softly. “Oh, this is exactly what I was hoping for.” She vocalized. She turned her head to listen if the whistling would respond to her. She heard the whistling once more and she followed the sound.

Meanwhile, Rarity was looking for Prince Blueblood. She caught sight of him about to walk out into the castle courtyard. He turned to see her, his piercing blue eyes having a sly ‘come hither’ stare. Rarity found herself enamored.

“Hurry, Rarity,” she said to herself, rushing towards Prince Blueblood. She immediately caught herself and she began to walk slower. “But, not too fast. Oh, I don’t want to lose him… wait! Play it cool… but, don’t be cool. I can’t lose him, I can’t! He’s everything I imagined.” She caught a good glimpse of Prince Blueblood, the white unicorn stallion was seen holding a red rose with its thorns trimmed off in his mouth. “Now, to go say hello.”

At that moment, Rainbow spotted the Wonderbolts. They had just finished performing a show and were about to relax in the VIP area. Spitfire looked to see Rainbow and she waved at her.

“Hey, Rainbow,” Spitfire said. “Come on over here.”

Rainbow heard Spitfire and met up with her. “Hi, Spitfire,” she smiled. She noticed Soarin’ eating Hors D'oeuvres with a bored expression. “What’s with him?”

“Same boring food as last year,” Soarin’ said.

“If I had known that,” Rainbow said. “I would have grabbed some oat burgers or something.”

“Good luck finding those here,” Soarin’ said. “These foods are all prepared by the royal chef, who’re supposed to be the best in Equestria, but, they can’t make a Celestia-damn apple pie!”

“Apple pie, huh?” Rainbow asked. She then remembered Applejack had packed one in the carriage for later. “Tell you what? One of my friends packed one for later in our carriage. I’ll ask her if I can get it for you.”

“Shut up and take my money!” Soarin’ said, holding his bit pouch.

“You can pay me after we get it,” Rainbow said. “Be back in a sec!” And with that, she zoomed off.

“Really want something more filling, eh, Soarin’?” Spitfire said.

“You know how I get when I don’t have my carb fix,” Soarin’ said. “These things don’t do it for me.”

Soon, Rainbow met up with Applejack and Caramel.

“How’s yer time with the Wonderbolts?” Applejack asked.

“So far, pretty good,” Rainbow said. “You know that apple pie you brought?”

“What about it?” Applejack asked.

“Well, Soarin’’s not really liking the food served here,” Rainbow said. “He wants an apple pie. He’s even willing to pay for it with bits.”

“Wow,” Applejack smiled. “He must really need it. Okie dokie, ah’m willin’ ta part with it.”

“Thanks, AJ,” Rainbow said before she took off.

Meanwhile with Pinkie, she walked into the ballroom and she looked over the amazing sights before her. It was easy to say she was excited to be there.

“Ooh~!” Pinke squeaked. “The shiny dance floor! The pretty party ponies! The fancy band! Shiny, pretty, fancy! I got to dance!” She began dancing while singing to the tune of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

“I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala
I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala
I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala~
It’s all I ever dreamed!

It’s all I ever dreamed, whoo-hoo!
It’s all I ever dreamed, yippie!
I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala-ahh-haa-haaaaaaaaa~!”

Pinkie stopped singing when she saw the Gala attendees glaring at her.

“It’s all I ever dreamed?” Pinkie said sheepishly. For what seemed like the first time in her life, she was embarrassed.

Back with Rarity, she caught up to Blueblood.

“Well, hello,” he said in a charming manner. “I am Prince Blueblood.” He genuflected before her.

“I am Rarity,” she responded. Together, the two were standing next to a brilliant red rose that was in a bush. “My, isn’t that a lovely rose?”

“You mean this rose?” Blueblood said, levitating the rose. Rarity looked excited. With the rose being a brilliant shade of red, she felt that it would be a symbol of true love from Prince Blueblood. However, he placed it in his own collar lapel. “Why, thank you. It goes with my eyes.”

Needless to say, Rarity was a bit disappointed. Perhaps this is what Spike meant regarding expectations, she said internally.

Back at the garden, Fluttershy was still trying to meet up with her singing meadowlark. “My little meadowlark friend is right around this bend!”

Fluttershy rounded the bend. To her surprise though, the whistling hadn’t come from a meadowlark at all. Instead it was coming from an old earth stallion wearing a big green hat and a blue cloth saddle on his back. Despite his visible age, he didn’t appear to have a Cutie Mark. Truth be told, he was a gardener. With all of the dirt he worked with, it was likely obstructing his Cutie Mark.

“Was that you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Sure was,” smiled the old gardener. “Ah love whistlin’ while ah work. Name’s Greenhooves. Ya can call me Mr. Greenhooves if’n ya like.” He then noticed Fluttershy staring at his flank. “Let me guess, yer wonderin’ why ah ain’t got no Cutie Mark, right?”

“Oh!” Fluttershy gasped. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to stare like that.”

“Tain’t nothin’ young’n,” Greenhooves said. “Ah’m used ta it. Ah got one, it’s just covered in dirt. Problem with havin’ a coat the same color as dirt’s that other ponies can’t rightly tell when ah’m actually covered in it.”

“Ah,” Fluttershy said with an understanding nod. “That makes sense.”

“Not many ponies come out here,” Greenhooves said. “Not much o’ a social butterfly?”

“Oh, not really,” Fluttershy said. “I was excited to attend the Gala mostly to see the garden. I wanted to see the flora and fauna around here.”

“Well, flora yer sure ta see,” Greenhooves said. “Though, them critters ain’t used ta other ponies.”

“Hopefully they won’t mind meeting me,” Fluttershy said. “I’m a Critter Whisperer.”

“A pegasus Critter Whisperer?” Greenhooves said. “Now, there’s some’in’ ya don’t see everyday.”

“I guess everypony learns something new every day,” Fluttershy said. “Well, I better get going now, but, it was nice meeting you, Mr. Greenhooves.”

She then walked off and saw some critters. She smiled happily while identifying each of them.

“I see a toco toucan!” she said to herself. “And a spider monkey! Oh, and is that a wallaroo?!”

The critters scattered as she approached.

“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said. “Mr. Greenhooves was right. I guess I was a bit too excitable for them.”

Back with Twilight, Spike, and the Princesses…

“Welcome to the Gala,” Princess Celestia greeted.

“May your night be eventful,” Princess Luna said.

Spike was laying down on Twilight’s back, clearly less than enthusiastic. Twilight noticed this.

“Spike?” Twilight asked. “Are you alright?”

“Just dying of boredom,*****” Spike said. “If I wanted to just stand around and do nothing all night, I would’ve just stayed at the library.”

“Hmm,” Twilight said. “Maybe I should have eased up on the ‘stay close by me’ statement I said earlier. To be honest, this is a little underwhelming for me, too.”

Princess Celestia took notice of this after she finished greeting two mares. “Spike,” she said. “If you’d like, you can wander around the Gala.”

“Are you sure, Princess?” Twilight asked. “He’s only 11.”

“True,” Celestia said. “But, your influence has made him very mature for his age. And don’t worry. Precautions have been taken.”

“Besides,” Luna said, joining in after she greeted a stallion. “With all that Spike went through, don’t you think he deserves a nice night?”

Twilight considered this. “You know what?” she said. “Yeah. He deserves it more than most of the ponies here.”

“Go and enjoy yourself, Spike,” Celestia smiled. “And, you’re welcome to check on your friends to see how they’re doing as well.”

“You got it, Princess!” Spike said as he headed off.

“I’ll see you later, okay?” Twilight called. “And be careful! I love you!”

Spike soon made his way to Applejack and Caramel.

“Howdy, Spike,” Applejack smiled. “Whatcha doin’ here?”

“Well, I came here to cure my boredom,” Spike said. “I also wanted to see how your guys’ ‘best night ever’ was going.”

“Ah suppose that’s understandable,” Applejack said. “It’s pretty calm ‘round here.”

“No problems here,” Caramel said.

“That’s good,” Spike smiled. “Well, I’ll let you two enjoy your date. I don't want to look like a third wheel.”

As soon as he left, one of the elitists spoke up. “Can you believe those ponies voluntarily associate with that repulsive reptile?”

“Indeed,” another elitist responded. “Simply appalling that they would put their own livelihoods at risk.”

Applejack heard this and was not pleased. “The buck y’all just say?!”

“Oh, that explains it,” the first elitist said. “You’re a country bumpkin and you don’t know any better.”

“Ah know that y’all elitists’re nothin’ but lily-livered cowards!” Applejack said. “Pickin’ on a young’n like that! ‘Specially one who suffered discrimination fer so long! If’n ah was as rich as y’all, ah could afford some manners!”

The elitists were shocked at the way they were spoken to.

“Heavens, what is this dreadful feeling?” The second elitist said.

“So, y’all stuck-up snobs can feel guilt,” Applejack sneered. “Learn somethin’ new everyday.”

Caramel could sense that Applejack was letting her temper get the better of her. He grabbed hold of her and he gave her a loving, calming embrace while whispering in her ear. “Look, I can understand defending Spike, but, try to keep your temper before you end up doing something you’ll regret.”

Applejack heard Caramel’s whispered words. She knew he was right, so, she took a deep, cleansing breath and exhaled. “Okay,” Applejack said. “Sorry, Caramel. N’ sorry, ladies.”

“We apologize as well,” the first elitist said.

“We understand now that what we said and did was wrong,” the second elitist said.

Applejack raised her eyebrow to scan them to see if they were telling the truth. To her surprise, they were indeed being honest.

“Well, ah’ll be,” Applejack said. “Ya ain’t spillin’ hogwash.”

“We better get back to our date,” Caramel said. “The night is still young… I think.”

Meanwhile, Rainbow made it to the parking lot and spoke to the valets tending to it. “Uh, excuse me,” she said.

“May we help you, miss?” one valet asked.

“I’m looking for a carriage that looks and smells like an apple,” Rainbow said.

“Oh, you’ll want the Transfigured Produce lot,******” another valet said, pointing in the direction of said lot.

“Transfigured Produce lot?” Rainbow asked in surprise. “Guess Twilight wasn’t the only one to come up with the idea.”

“There’s a bumper crop of them every year,” a third valet said.

“Literally, it looks like,” Rainbow said. “Well, thanks. I think I can find it.” She then followed the direction the second valet pointed.

“I mean,” the first valet said. “I do like the novelty, but, ponies should really stick with renting actual carriages.”

Rainbow made her way to the Transfigured Produce lot and looked for the carriage she and her friends arrived in.

“It’s got to be around here somewhere,” Rainbow said, looking over the fruits and vegetables that were transfigured into carriages. “Watermelon? No. Cantaloupe? Nope. Pineapple? No way. Pumpkin? Okay, that’s way too cliche. Onion? Yuck, who’d want that? Strawberry? How’s that even possible with it being so small? How many ponies had this idea, anyway?” She soon found the carriage she was looking for. “Ah-ha! There it is! Good thing Twilight gave each of us keys in case we needed to get to it.” So, she unlocked the apple carriage’s door and grabbed the apple pie Applejack brought. When she made sure it was safe and secure, Rainbow locked the door again to prevent a break-in.

When she made it back to the Gala, she saw Spike on his own. “Hey, Spike,” Rainbow said. “What are you doing around here? Weren’t you with Twilight and the princesses?”

“Dying of boredom, yes,” Spike said.

“I feel that,” Rainbow said. “That’s why I prefer to be on the move. Hey, I was going to meet up with the Wonderbolts to deliver Soarin’ this apple pie. Applejack gave me the go-ahead that he could have it. You want to come along?”

“Sure,” Spike said.

With that, Rainbow took the pie off of her back and held it in her forearms. She allowed Spike onto her back. Once he was safely secured, she made it back to the VIP area to meet up with the Wonderbolts again. The Wonderbolts all took notice of Spike. Most of them were excited to see him and they politely greeted him. One Wonderbolt, however, wasn’t too keen on the idea of a dragon upstaging him. He wore a flight jacket with a white scarf, had a pale gray cerulean coat, dark lime greenish gray mane and tail with chartreuse greenish grey stripes, a Cutie Mark depicting a flight hat and goggles, and brilliant amber eyes. This was a senior member of the Wonderbolts named Wind Rider.

“Who let him in here?” Wind Rider said.

Rainbow heard Wind Rider’s voice and wouldn’t stand for anyone talking down to Spike. “Princess Celestia gave him a platinum invitation, that’s who. And Flash Sentry let him in the Gala.”

“Wow!” Spitfire said, amazed. “He really must be something special if Princess Celestia gave him a platinum invitation.”

“A dragon getting a platinum invitation?” Wind Rider said. “They’ll give those to anything these days. Even a greedy little monster who doesn’t deserve it.”

“You don’t know Spike the way I know him,” Rainbow said, growing angry. “But, he totally deserves to be here! And he’s definitely no monster! He’s one of the most selfless friends I’ve ever known!”

“He’s a dragon,” Wind Rider said. “Sure, he’s a runt now, but, he’ll grow and terrorize ponies eventually. What then? Why should he even get the same rights as us? He’s not a pony. He’s nothing but a freak!”

“You’re wrong!” Rainbow shouted. “The only one here who’s terrorizing others is you!”

Wind Rider got up in Rainbow’s face. “You can defend that thing and be a traitor or you can be silent and be recruited for the Wonderbolt reserves.”

“Sit your ass down, Wind Rider!” Spitfire said. “You might’ve been on my mom’s team, but, I’m the sergeant now. Remember that.”

Wind Rider held his tongue straight away. He had no choice but to back off. When he disappeared into the crowd, Rainbow turned her attention to Spitfire. None noticed that Spike left.

“Thanks, Spitfire,” Rainbow said. She then looked back to see Spike missing. “Spike? Spike~?!”

Meanwhile, Spike made it to the garden. “That darn older pony,” he muttered to himself. “But, what if he’s right? What if I do cause trouble to my friends and other ponies?” He then saw Fluttershy. “Maybe I just need to calm down and enjoy the garden with Fluttershy.” He walked up to the pegasus Critter Whisperer.

“Oh, hello, Spike,” Fluttershy smiled. “I didn’t think I’d see you out here, but, I’m glad you’re here.”

“You are?” Spike asked.

“Oh, yes,” Fluttershy said. “I met a gardener who worked out here and he told me that the animals weren’t used to other ponies out here. He was right. When I went over to greet the animals, they all hid from me. So, I’m glad you’re here to keep me company.” She nuzzled him gently.

“Thanks, Fluttershy,” Spike smiled. “So far, my night hasn’t been going so well, but, you’re really helping me feel better.”

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Fluttershy asked.

Spike took a deep breath and confided in her about what happened. Fluttershy hugged the little drake sympathetically. “I’m sorry your night hasn’t been going so well for you. Hopefully I can help you more.”

“Well, how’s the critter thing going?” Spike asked.

“Not so well,” Fluttershy admitted. “I was hoping that if I was really calm, they’d feel comfortable and come out.”

“When it comes to critters,” Spike said. “You become ecstatic.”

“So, what can I do?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m normally not the one to ask, but, your input might help me.”

“I’m not sure how much it’ll help,” Spike admitted. “I’ve never actually seen the critters here.”

“Oh, dear,” Fluttershy said, remembering the mistreatment Spike endured that he told her about. She was worried that she had opened up any old wounds. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Spike reassured. “I barely know how to deal with critters as it is.”

“Oh, I see,” Fluttershy said. “Hmm, maybe I just need to try again and reintroduce myself. This time, I’ll be calmer.” She took a deep breath and approached the critters, who took notice of Spike. They hid even deeper.

“Uh oh,” Spike said. “They must not be used to dragons, either. Now I’m really messing things up…”

Before Fluttershy had a chance to comfort him, Spike wandered off.

Spike soon spotted Rarity with Blueblood and quickly made sure the latter didn’t see him. He soon made his way into the ballroom where he saw Pinkie moping at a table by her lonesome. “Are you okay, Pinkie?”

“Not really,” Pinkie said sadly. “This party is not like I dreamt it would be.”

“Underwhelming?” Spike said.

“Yeah,” Pinkie said. “How about you?”

“At first, underwhelming,” Spike said. “Then, it was like every other day of my life before coming to Ponyville.”

“Aww, I’m sorry,” Pinkie said sympathetically. She gave him a gentle yet affectionate hug. She was a bit too gloomy to give him a stronger hug. “There must be something that can be done to cheer us both up.”

“Well,” Spike suggested. “How about you try livening things up? This party’s so boring that I’d take getting my fangs pulled out at this point.”

Pinkie considered this. Then, she felt a jolt of inspiration. She snuck up to the band and whispered something in each of the bandmates’ ears. They stopped playing their instruments to hear Pinkie’s request. Spike listened intently while being confused at Pinkie defying gravity. When the band was ready, Pinkie walked up to the microphone.

“Come on, everypony!” She said. “I know what’ll make you shake those groove-thangs!” She pointed to the band.

“You reach your right hoof in
You reach your right hoof out
You reach your right hoof in
Then, you shake it all about
You do the Pony Pokey meeting lots of folks with clout
That’s what I’m talking about”

Spike started dancing to the song.

“You step your left hoof in
You pull it right back out
You step your left hoof in
But you better help him out
You do the Pony Pokey, but, you’ll find a different route
That’s what it’s all about

You kick your back left in
You pull it right back out
You reach your back left in
Just be brave and have no doubt
You do the Pony Pokey feeling like you’re going to pout
That’s what I’m singing about

You tilt your head in
You tilt your head out
You tilt your head in
Then you shake it all about
You do the Pony Pokey even though your date’s a lout
You’re better off without

You stomp your whole self in
You stomp your whole self out
You stomp your whole self in
And you stomp yourself about
You do the Pony Pokey and you give a little shout
That’s what I’m talking about

You do the Pony Pokey
You do the Pony Pokey
You do the Pony Pokey and
That’s what it’s all about!
Yeah~!”

“Young lady,” Lyrica Lilac scolded. “This is not that kind of party! That was bad enough, but, letting that ghastly beast who has no right being here to begin with participate is just disgraceful!”

“Hey!” Pinkie called from the stage as Spike started walking off in shame. “Spike is not a ghastly beast! At least he has good enough listening skills to participate!”

Spike didn’t notice that he was headed straight for Blueblood. He ended up bumping into the prince and landed on his rump. He looked up to see the prince scowling at him and his shame quickly gave way to fear. “Oh, uh, Blueblood!”

“That’s Prince Blueblood to you, you overgrown lizard!” Blueblood said while levitating Spike with his magic. “Who do you think you are, beast? You have no business being here, you scale-ridden freak!”

Rarity was listening to every word as Twilight, the Princesses, Rainbow, Applejack, and Caramel all stepped into the ballroom. Twilight’s friends couldn’t believe what they were hearing. Flash flew in to intervene.

“This has gone far enough, Blueblood,” Flash said.

“Stay out of this, buffoon,” Blueblood said. “This demon spawn has no business being here. It’s not a pony, it’s an abomination. A monster. And I’m not the only one who sees that. It was born a monster and it’ll die a monster. It should be sent to Tartarus, where it belongs!” He then used his magic to toss Spike into a serving trolley with a big cake. The little dragon was buried in the cake.

To Rarity, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. She already was having a hard time getting along with Prince Blueblood for his poor behavior towards her, but, seeing him physically and emotionally abuse Spike? That was completely unforgivable in her book. In that moment, she realized that all the stories Spike told her were true. She quickly went to get Spike out of the cake.

“Oh, Spike,” Rarity said empathetically. “I am so terribly sorry.”

“Don’t waste your manners on that feral beast,” Blueblood said. “It’s not like it has feelings.”

Hearing Blueblood continue to insult her beloved Spikey-Wikey finally made her snap. She turned and growled, her alabaster white face turning red with unbridled anger.

“YOU, sir, are the most uncharming prince I have ever met!” Rarity snapped. “I may have only met one prince officially, but, you are not the kind of prince that should rule Equestria! In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal PAIN!” She continued ranting while getting closer to him. “Given enough time, I might have been able to eventually forgive your treatment of ME, though, that was when I was working under the assumption that you were only using the jerk persona to discourage the gold diggers. However, your treatment of SPIKE makes me realize that I was wrong about that assumption. Your behavior doesn't even have the excuse of being a ruse! I truly wonder exactly how you're going to provide an heir for your family because I don't see how ANY mare would think that any amount of money would be worth putting up with you long enough to have a child with you and no sensible adoption agency would even let you in the front door! That young drake is already more of a true gentlestallion than you will EVER be! He deserves to be treated better and he WILL be treated better.”

“Know your place!” Blueblood said. “This Gala is ruined by the presence of that beast. Whoever let that scaly monster in is clearly insane.”

Prince Blueblood gave an overzealous smirk, but, when he saw Princess Celestia sternly walking up to him, his smirk quickly faded.

“Princeton Vladimir Blueblood!*******” she scolded.

Blueblood froze in fear as both princesses approached him.

“You are a descendant of the princess of the stars,” Luna said. “Yet your actions are a stain upon her legacy.”

“But-” Blueblood stammered to say, but, Celestia promptly interrupted him.

“You are a vain, prejudiced, and cruel stallion!” the princess of the sun scolded. “Maybe it was my fault for not teaching you the value of others even when they are different, but, I really had expected better of you! If that is how you talk down to a dependable dragon such as Spike, then how can I expect to trust you around other ponies?!”

“Dragons are monsters!” Blueblood protested. “That one is, too!”

“He is but a child!” Luna shouted. “Species is irrelevant!”

“And you are acting like a real monster by being cruel and relentless towards said child!” Princess Celestia said. “I will not tolerate such things in my kingdom. As punishment, I sentence you to the remainder of your days in the dungeon, stripped of your title, rank, and privileges!”

“WHAT?!” Prince Blueblood gasped. “Y-you can’t do this to me!”

“I just did,” Princess Celestia said sternly. “Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, take him away!”

Shining Armor cast magical chains on Blueblood’s neck.

“All like-minded elites shall share in his fate,” Luna declared. “Such segregation and ostracization is what birthed Nightmare Moon nearly 1,000 years ago.”

The elitist ponies muttered amongst each other taking the princesses’ words to heart. As Shining and Flash led Blueblood away, Spike sat in a fetal position and started to cry. Twilight cradled Spike in her embrace.

“I’m so sorry, Spike,” Twilight said. “We never should have brought you here if things would turn out to be this terrible.”

At that moment, Fluttershy entered the ballroom. “Where’s Spike?!” she shouted.

Twilight showed Spike to Fluttershy with him still in her embrace, tears running down his cheeks. Fluttershy’s first instinct was to go over and comfort him. Before she got the chance, Spike leapt out of Twilight’s embrace and ran off in tears.

“Spike, wait!” Twilight called. Too late, Spike was out the door. Twilight turned her attention to her friends. They were all worried about Spike. Even the Gala attendees looked worried. Though, Twilight could tell that most of them were doing it as a facade. “Come on, girls, we need to follow him.”

“Where could he have run off to?” Rarity asked, concern present in her voice.

“If I know Spike,” Twilight said. “There’s one place he would want to go to if he’s ever feeling gloomy.”

Outside the castle, Spike ran through the streets before stopping outside the door to Donut Joe’s. He curled up into a fetal position and let his tears run.

“Everypony was right,” Spike sobbed. “I really am a monster. I wish I was never even hatched.”

Twilight, Caramel, and the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony managed to catch up with him.

“Spike!” Twilight said, panting to catch her breath.

Spike could only reply with sobs. The friends allowed Spike to let out his emotions while also giving him a gentle group hug. Even Pinkie managed to restrain herself from squeezing too hard.

“I try so hard,” Spike said sadly. “I spend most of my life learning about ponies so I can be accepted. Or at least not hated.”

“We don’t hate you, Spike,” Fluttershy said sincerely. “The others just have a hard time with things they don’t understand.”

“Yeah,” Applejack said. “None o’ this is yer fault. Those ponies’re quick ta make up their minds ‘bout somethin’ before gettin’ ta know 'em. We didn’t understand Zecora at first, but, now that we got ta know her, we can say she’s one o’ our friends, now.”

“And we have you to thank for that, Spike,” Rainbow said. “You chewed us out while we had our heads up our asses.”

“You mean a lot to us, Spike,” Pinkie said. “Just because those other ponies said nasty things about you, it doesn’t mean they’re right. If they got to know the real you like we did, they would see how amazing you really are.”

“A part of me suspected you were exaggerating those stories,” Rarity said. “But, I see now that I was wrong.” She nuzzled him. “I’m so sorry for doubting you. That’s a mistake I won’t make again.”

“We’re sorry for all that you went through, Spike,” Twilight said. “We know you’re feeling down right now, but, we want to do everything we can to help you feel better. Maybe a few rounds of Donut Joe’s donuts and cocoa will be a start.”

Later, Spike and his pony friends were having donuts, but, Spike didn’t eat them with his usual enthusiasm. After swallowing his mouthful of donut, he said in a sad voice, “I’m sorry for ruining your best night ever, guys.”

“You didn’t, Spike,” Twilight said. “Most of that came from us getting our hopes up too high.”

“That’s right,” Fluttershy said. “Even with all of the critters in the garden, I’m glad to have spent a little bit of time with you.”

“And this experience with Prince Blueblood left a bad taste in my mouth,” Rarity said.

“I’m not surprised,” Rainbow said. “I’ll just say it, that prince is a douchebag.”

“So really, Spike,” Pinkie added. “You don’t have anything to apologize for, because you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s those snobs that were wrong.”

“Ah’m sure the princesses’ll understand that we didn’t mean ta cause any trouble,” Applejack said.

“I don’t blame any of you for anything,” Celestia’s voice said.

The friends turned their attention to see not only Princess Celestia at the entrance of the donut shop, but, Princess Luna and Canis were also present.

“Neither do Canis and I,” Luna added.

“I may not have been there,” Canis said. “But, I can only imagine that it was an improvement over the previous Galas.”

“Indeed,” Celestia said. “This year’s Gala was definitely more eventful than previous Galas. The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful.”

“It is?” Twilight gasped in surprise.

“Did your brother never tell you?” Celestia asked.

Twilight tried to recall any sort of event in which Shining Armor told her about the Gala and its awfulness. “He might have,” Twilight said. “But, it must have slipped my mind. I guess I was more focused on the idea of spending time in Canterlot with you two and Spike, since he was able to go this time.”

“And look how that turned out,” Spike said. “It turned out to be every other day of my life before we moved to Ponyville.”

“I owe you an apology, Spike,” Princess Celestia said. “With Luna being imprisoned in the moon for a millennia, I’ve neglected to inform the Canterlot elites of dragons’ values. If anypony is to blame for your sadness, it’s me. But, I promise to set things right with you until everypony in Canterlot can understand the true value of other respectable creatures such as yourself. By the next Gala, the ponies only rule will be abolished. In honor of you, invitations can be offered to other sentient creatures that wish to attend.”

Spike was truly humbled by Celestia’s apology and he felt honored about the new Gala’s rules. “Thank you, princess,” he said. “But, after what happened tonight, I don’t think I want to attend another Gala for a while.”

“Me neither,” Twilight said. “After tonight, I don’t think I ever want to put my son through another ordeal like that.”

“I understand,” Celestia said. “But, should you ever change your mind, know that an invitation will always be open for you.”

And with that, Princess Celestia gently rubbed Spike’s left cheek.

“We’ll still see you for our next group therapy session, won’t we?” Luna asked.

“Of course,” Spike said. “I definitely need it after tonight.” Canis jumped onto Spike and hugged him tight.

“Is nopony going to ask how that plush dog is alive?” Rainbow asked.

“Magic,” Luna explained, matter of factly. “Canis here is a toy I received as a filly and has held great sentimental value to me ever since. My love for him gave him life. During my exodus within the moon, the love that gave him life could no longer sustain him.”

“Indeed,” Princess Celestia smiled. “Speaking of sentimental value and love, would you say that all of you being here spending time together has made things alright?”

“Honestly,” Spike said. “The experience is still painful, but, with my friends here and a few donuts, it doesn’t feel as bad.”

“Yeah, that is a good lesson to learn,” Twilight said. “Friends have a way of making the hardest of times into something really special.” She gently nuzzled Spike as she continued. “Hanging out with friends, talking, laughing, and sharing sweet treats. Essentially, doing what we should have done all along.”

“Hey, Spike?” Caramel said. “Have you ever played Ogres and Oubliettes?”

“I do know about it, yeah,” Spike said. “Shining Armor showed me how to play when I was growing up. Of course, I was at an age where I was barely able to understand Ponish, but, still. Why?”

“Well, Big Mac and I play it together every week,” Caramel said. “Would you like to be part of it?”

This made Spike really excited. “Boy, would I!” he said happily. “Thanks! Though, do you think you can explain the rules for me when the time comes?”

“Sure,” Caramel said. “Big Mac and I’ll be able to help with that. Though, uh, you may have to remind me when that time comes. I might forget before then.” He chuckled to himself at that.

“I think I have a solution for that,” Twilight said.

“You do?” Caramel asked. “What is it?”

Twilight levitated a quill, inkwell, and napkin over. “Name the day of the week and the time and I’ll write them down now so Spike can remind you later.”

“Friday at sundown,” Caramel said. That at least, Caramel could remember.

Twilight wrote this down. “At your place or Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Caramel lives in one o’ the guest houses at Sweet Apple Acres,” Applejack said. “So, both o’ them options woulda been right.”

“Maybe for Spike’s first session,” Caramel suggested. “We can have it at the library.”

“That’s a great idea,” Twilight smiled. “I do have a good gametable you guys can use for your game. Granted, it’s a stump, but, serviceable at least.”

Spike was more happy in that moment than he could remember being in his life. He knew then that even if all Equestria turned against him, he would still have a group of loyal friends to support him. He and his friends would go on many adventures and learn many more things over the years. But, those are stories for another time.

End of Book 1.