//------------------------------// // Chapter 35: A Special Occasion // Story: The Impossible Choice // by FireMaster //------------------------------// ~ April 25th, 1020 ME ~ ‘7:00pm‘ “Good evening, Sir Blazing Waters.” “Good evening, your majesties.” Celestia stood beside Luna at the top of the stairs. The entrance to the palace was decorated for the occasion and a red carpet filled the entry. The Princesses stood in their royal regalia while Blazing was dressed in a custom designed suit from Rarity. It was amazing how fast she could work. She had insisted that he shouldn’t buy an outfit anywhere else because she would make him something fabulous as a gift. The event that night was in celebration of the victory three days prior and Blazing was a guest of honor. The country had been in mixed states of celebration and mourning, but today called for something special to recognize the victory. The day had practically been declared a National holiday. Ponies were relieved of work and the guard that had fought were all guests to the main event. Blazing worked his way past the royal sisters who continued welcoming guests. Much like the grand galloping gala, the party was taking place in the palace ballroom. Unlike the gala, the room was decorated by Pinkie Pie with streamers, balloons, and lights, making it a much more colorful and lively atmosphere. Tables were strategically placed around the room, the stage was filled with live orchestral music, and the middle of the room was an open dance floor. At the doorway to the ballroom, Blazing looked around trying to spot somepony familiar. It didn’t take long. Pinkie had wasted no time and was already dancing, Rarity was socializing with some well dressed stallions, Rainbow Dash was walking with Spike over towards the food, and Twilight sat with Applejack and Fluttershy at a corner table talking amongst themselves. Blazing had a feeling he was going to enjoy himself tonight. If it went really well he may even cherish the memories for the rest of his life. The evening was only just getting underway! The food was exquisite, the music was pleasant, and the chatter from the party goers was in full swing. Blazing had joined Twilight and company at the table only after first taking some pointers from Rainbow and Spike by getting some food. They had everything at the food table: Expensive bread, fine cheese, flowers that could have just as easily been decoration instead of food. Blazing was pretty excited when he had entered the room, but now sitting with his friends he was feeling a little nervous for what he was going to do next. After all, he hadn’t really talked much about what happened before he had disappeared. Finding the courage now thankfully wasn’t as bad as risking his life. Blazing slowly stood and approached Twilight as one song came to an end and another began. He looked a little awkward, like he was trying not to trip over himself having four legs again. She looked beautiful, wearing a blue dress that complemented her purple eyes. “Twilight Sparkle, may I have this dance.” At first she was slow to answer. Is there a book on how to express these emotions that are fluttering inside me right now? Twilight thought. Then she acknowledged that this was a case where some things are better done without referencing a book. “You may.” She stood and walked with him out onto the dance floor. “Sorry if I’m not doing this right. I didn’t think I’d get to experience my first dance as a pony.” Blazing said apologetically. “I haven’t really done this before either.” Twilight responded sheepishly. “Well then we’re in this together.” He smiled as he looked into Twilight's eyes, the two of them swaying back and forth to the music. “What’s it like not having magic?” Twilight was thinking about Blazing as a human although she wanted to facehoove remembering he also couldn’t use magic as he was now. Thankfully she was relieved that Blazing hadn’t taken it the wrong way. “No magic makes the world follow rules that make humanity strive to push the limits of what’s possible. Sometimes people talk about magic though, imagining a world where a bit of creativity can make anything possible. Too bad for them I’m the one who met the element of magic.” Twilight blushed at Blazing’s comment. The two of them finished the dance as the song concluded. This is it, Blazing thought. “Walk with me?” Twilight nodded and followed Blazing. She was really enjoying herself to the point where she was trying to relax so that she could actually talk without getting ahead of herself. They went out onto a balcony overlooking Canterlot. Celestia was about to set the sun to be replaced with Luna’s moon. As the sun made its exit from the horizon, fireworks began to shoot across the sky, the flowering explosions lighting it up once again. Twilight was mesmerized by the wonderful display and she couldn’t think of anypony else she’d rather be watching it with. Blazing took a deep breath and looked over at the beautiful mare beside him. “Twilight I realized these last two weeks that you’re special to me. You make me smile, you make me laugh, you are always trying your best. You are a wonderful pony.” He had her full attention now, Twilight staring at Blazing in expectation. “Will you be my special somepony?” Blazing wondered if he had said it right as he awaited in anticipation for her response. “Yes! Blazing I’ve been wanting to tell you ever since that moment when you asked me to trust you and you made that sacrifice… I love you!” Blazing Waters and Twilight Sparkle embraced each other and held there for a while. Fireworks continued over the city skyline. It was an incredible moment, but it was Twilight that ended it a little prematurely as she remembered something important. “But what about your home?” Twilight asked a little concerned, remembering that despite her emotional high, Blazing was essentially giving up on his past by becoming her special somepony. “We still owe you a return trip, and I can’t ask you to leave behind everything else important to you for me.” She felt awful thinking about him leaving now that they were dating, but she also felt bad thinking about him not returning to the world she had stolen him from. “It’s ok Twilight…” Blazing began, while looking straight into her eyes in a reassuring manner. “I am home.”