//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: The Gala // Story: Service for Wings // by warpd //------------------------------// “Thanks for coming, Ms. Fluttershy. I thought you had no desire to revisit the Gala after the last time.” Scootaloo looked up to Fluttershy as they all waited at the train station. Meekly, Fluttershy did her best not to look around at the crowd of ponies that had gathered to see them off. The happy murmurs of Ponyville surrounded the group of heroes, though most of the attention was centered around the filly of the hour. “Scootaloo, after watching you grow up and taking care of the three of you; I want to be with you for this occasion.” “Fluttershy, this means the world to me.” Rainbow Dash hovered next to her daughters. “Seriously, you didn’t even hesitate when you found out what we were doing.” “I probably would have helped sooner if I had known, but you know, living so far outside of town does mean I learn things much later than others.” Fluttershy sighed as shifted away from a fussy Rarity making slapdash adjustments to the old gala dress. “Fluttershy, please, let me fix this. It still has teeth marks.” Rarity pleaded. Making a new dress at the last moment was too much even for her. “Why must you be so cruel?” “Well, this isn’t about me or the old dress.” Fluttershy huffed. She felt her patchwork was just fine. “We’re all here to get Scootaloo wings so she can fly.” “We’re about to meet a noble family with a request. I made all of our dresses with that in mind.” Rarity looked over proudly at her hard work amongst the girls before flinching in horror at Fluttershy’s old gala dress. “I can’t do this. Spike!” “Oh! Yes, Rarity! How can I help you?” Spike stood up straight at the call of duty. Rarity took out a small note and drew a quick sketch with measurements. “I need you to use your helpful dragon fire to mail this to my boutique.” “Oh, come on! We don’t have time to visit your other store.” Sweetie Belle objected as Spike sent the note through dragon flame. “Rarity, stop making this more complicated.” “I will gallop all the way to that store and back!” Rarity shook her hoof skyward. “I will make sure with all of my ability that we will be presentable to the Pomeline family.” “Pomeline? You mean the thestral royal family?” Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at her friend’s antics. “I’ve been to Kiri and worked with a cousin of theirs.” All the ponies around her tottered and almost face-planted. Even Alex, who was stoically standing tall the entire time, wobbled in shock. “What!?” They all yelled. A flurry of questions aimed at Fluttershy caused her to shrink. Scootaloo was hopping up and down with joy. “Really!? Really! Really!” “You survived that trip!” Doctor Emerald looked like he was about to faint. “What happened?” Alex Roberts knelt down, hoping to make eye contact. “Did you learn anything?” “That’s amazing, Fluttershy.” Twilight Sparkle had a twinkle in her eye. “I always wanted to visit a place like that. What was it like?” “Hold up, hold up. We’re scaring her guys.” Rainbow Dash used her wings to push away the eager ponies. “Take a moment, Shy.” After a few moments of breathing, the doors to the train opened. Fluttershy slinked inside to find a seat. Everyone else followed with bated breath as they took their seats close by. “So, Applejack, remember when you had the fruit bats at your farm?” “That infestation? Oh yeah, I do. What about it?” Applejack leaned back in her seat and looked up at the ceiling. “I mean, infestation isn’t the right word for it, but regardless I took care of the issue with a relocation plan.” Fluttershy tapped her front hooves. “I had to get some permits done and I found out about a restoration project that already existed. Long story short I helped bring all the bats to their new home in the country of Kiri, except one. That cute little bat was adopted by the Pomeline family in Canterlot. The head of the project was a nice mare named Lady Mele. I didn’t see much besides that.” “Is it true that they live in a giant tree that is really tall!?” Twilight Sparkle produced a notebook, Scootaloo leaned forward in her seat before her father placed his hand on her. “I’ve only read about it in geography and botany books.” “Yes, it is!” Fluttershy nodded enthusiastically. “That one would be hard to miss. That tree almost stretched as high as Cloudsdale, did you know it was a type of fig tree. It looks like multiple trees, but it’s one tree around another tree–” “Ms. Fluttershy, please.” Scootaloo wiggled from her dad’s grasp and sat next to Fluttershy. “Tell me about the Poneline family!” “I, um, well, Lady Mele was very nice. She takes care of several different kinds of creatures in the royal animal sanctuary. The Lady let me spend as much time talking to the animals.” Fluttershy looked down at the wide-eyed Scootaloo. “I really only talked to them, not to her very much. After the paperwork was finalized, I went home. She was nice.” “So, nothing about the family that lives here in Canterlot?” Rainbow Dash rolled her hoof, waiting for more info. “Funny enough, not from her, but from the other workers there.” Fluttershy tapped her chin as she recalled. “They were asking if I knew Princess Erebus Pomeline. Which was silly, my reputation as the Element of Kindness sort of colored their expectations of me. Was a whole 22-minute series of misunderstandings before it was concluded with an apology. They thought I had special powers and that Princess Celestia and Luna listened to everything I said.” Pinkie Pie slapped her knee and laughed uproariously. “I can totally see that happening. Fluttershy, you’re so funny.” “As for your question, one of the younger fillies asked if I knew Princess Erebus.” Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle from Pinkie’s infectious laughter. “She even had a little doll of her.” “A doll?” Alex Roberts tilted his head. “So, is she actually a princess?” “Not really. It's a little complicated.” Twilight pulled out a tome from a saddlebag and quickly opened it up. “So think of it like the Crystal Empire, only without a princess leading it. Just different leaders from several noble houses. Erebus is probably called a princess like Blueblood is called a prince.” Spike peaked his head over the seat to get in the conversation. “No pony in Canterlot called her a princess.” “Clearly, it’s a popular idea if ponies have dolls made of her. I’ve seen princess-related paraphernalia at toy stores, not of a bat pony though.” Alex recalled when he had gotten a Luna doll for Summer. Which had ended with her chewing through it like a dog toy. She was happy with the gift. “So she’s got the whole flying and magic thing, right?” “I’ve never actually seen her fly.” Twilight looked up from her book with a quick glance. “Lacked the energy if I had to guess. You know, I don’t think her mom was ever called a princess, just a duchess.” “Well, if she’s popular back home and studied under Princess Celestia, we probably don’t need to worry about anything.” Scootaloo nudged her father with a hoof. “Right, Dad?” “Incorrect, child!” Doctor Emerald mirrored Spike and popped up next to Alex’s head behind the seat. “Not all of Celestia’s students have turned out good, and no changeling ever goes to bat country.” Alex Roberts tried his best not to smirk, but a snort did escape his lips. “Calm down now. So how do we want to approach this? Can’t imagine just walking up to her and making demands will be endearing.” “Lure her into trap.” Summer Blossom barked from a seat across the middle aisle. “Use Emerald as bait. Like snack. Then we stuff her in bag. Then make demands.” Emerald grew paler as she continued. “What!?” “Summer is joking.” The diamond dog replies quickly. “To lighten mood.” “We really should work on that humor.” Rainbow Dash muttered loudly as she ignored the anxious buzzing wings from the changeling. Pinkie Pie smiled brightly as she waved her hooves. “Not you. The last thing I need is another prankster.” “They are expecting you, Dad.” Scootaloo pointed out. “Just talk with them.” “I brought apples.” Applejack offered. She looked around as the rest of the group just did not react at all. “Girls, she’s part bat. Bats love to eat my apples. Feed her, and she’d be open to anything.” Alex nodded in agreement. Doctor Emerald shook his head. Scootaloo decided to agree with her dad. “Wouldn’t hurt to bring something.” “She’s no more part bat than Dash or Fluttershy are part bird.” Twilight couldn’t help but groan at the statement. “Or a unicorn is part rhino.” Alex helpfully added. Blank stares answered him. Twilight blinked a few times before asking, “I’m sorry, what’s a rhino?” “Just another animal, never mind.” Alex waved it off. “Listen, I can talk to the Duchess. We don’t need to rush to Erebus. She does live her own life, and we don’t know what state she’ll be in when we get there. Might even dislike the Gala as much as Fluttershy.” “I mean, we’re all going to be there.” Rarity turned from the window as Ponyville disappeared from view. “No need to lay the burden upon your shoulders. Twilight, how big is this family?” “Five members. Duchess Umbrielle and her husband Rajnish and three children.” Twilight answered without looking up from her book. “I never met Erebus’ two brothers. “I wonder if they have the title of Prince.” Rarity almost started to drool with a lopsided grin. “Don’t worry, girls, I’ll handle them.” “Rarity, please.” Applejack couldn’t help but groan. “Can we not have a repeat at the Gala.” “Only kidding, dears.” Rarity laughed, which ended quickly when they didn’t share in the humor. “Really, can’t handle a little joke. I learned my lesson the first time.” “Still not funny. I know you still have a type.” Sweetie Belle glared, which earned her a nose boop from her older sister. Scootaloo wiggled past Fluttershy to get closer to the window. Canterlot glowed like a beacon on the mountain as the moon rose. She was ready, and she had every pony backing her. The castle lived up to being the centerpiece of the nation, and Scootaloo always marveled at the grand structure. Small-town Ponyville didn’t have nearly as many ponies either. So many unicorns. Alex Roberts placed her on his shoulders while Dash hovered right above them. The excitement made her wings buzz. So many ponies sang songs on their way up to the event. It tempted Scootaloo to join in, but she wanted to stay focused. The adults, thankfully, knew what they were doing and where to go. “Everyone has their tickets?” Alex called out to the group. Summer Blossom whined as she stuck close to her father. “Smells are overwhelming. Flowery perfume everywhere.” Alex patted his daughter’s shoulder, “It’s okay, sweetie. I can smell it, too. I can only imagine how strong the smells are to you.” Pinkie Pie grabbed something from inside her mane and hoofed it over to her. “Chew on this. I accidentally made this gum. Should help with the nose with the minty flavor.” Fluttershy lagged behind as Rarity made last-moment adjustments to the new dress they threw on her. “Please, go on without me. I don’t know if I’ll make it to the castle door.” “I’m trying to fix a few things, Fluttershy.” Rarity mumbled through threading needles. “Alex Roberts, Dash, do either of you see Princess Cadance?” Twilight ahead of the group strained to see past the crowds. “I recall she was going to be here as well.” “Oh, right.” Alex strained his eyes past the rainbow of pony colors. “Yeah, it would be hard to miss something that pink. I see her.” Pinkie Pie gasped in horror. “Are you saying she is pinker than me?” “Don’t worry, Pinkie. I can spy you from a crowd pretty easily.” Alex patted her on the head. The herd of ponies and a few random creatures trotted their way into the castle while guards kept a careful eye out. A few gave Rainbow Dash a glare. They had not forgotten. Scootaloo started to realize the issue with her plan. This place was big and full of ponies. The royal wedding with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor was just as big, but there she had help from the castle staff to do flower filly stuff. The group passed through the massive door to see the levels and layers of the event. “Where do we even start?” Scootaloo’s jaw dropped as saw the scope of the Grand Galloping Gala. She’s here, but that was just the start. “I remember your stories, Mom. This might be harder than I thought.” Twilight cleared her throat. “All right, girls. Spread out. Keep each other updated. Don’t get yourself in trouble. Fillies, stay with your older siblings or parents. The last thing we want is you getting lost here. Spike, get on my back. We’re on a mission.” “Aw, can’t I stay with Rarity?” Spike begged Twilight, who merely rolled her eyes before picking him up onto her saddle. “Fine.” “Fluttershy, if you don’t mind, I’ll scout with you.” Doctor Emerald adjusted his suit again after already doing so. “I’ll buzz my wings extremely rapidly if we are accosted.” “May I go with Aunt Applejack and Applebloom?” Summer Blossom did not fail to notice all the glances that went her way. Alex and Dash nodded as AJ decided to try the outside gardens first. As the mares spread out, Alex looked around. “Well, at least I stand out. If I’m where I can get the most eyes on me, I should get someone in that family.” “Right, I’m going to the pegasus court. They might be flying around there.” Dash gave Scootaloo a peck on the cheek as she hovered up to a higher level, Leaving Alex with Scootaloo. Multiple ponies passed by them. Scootaloo pressed closer to her father as her eyes darted around. For Alex, it was a muddle of colors trying to overwhelm him. Too many colorful ponies with colorful dresses. “Honey, we’re going to the center of the main hall. Hopefully, one of the Pomeline members will see me. I stick out.” Pinkie found one. Not very surprising, she had a knack for finding things. In the dance hall, she recalled the last time she was here and all the mischief she caused just to spice up the scene. It was selfish boredom at that time. Now, there is a filly with hope. One Pinkie was not going to let down. On the platform, one of the singers was a batpony. His voice a midrange to high tenor that balanced out the bass earth pony stallion singer. Pinkie stared at him from across the room, her grin enormous. Then it shrunk back down to a thoughtful line. She looked to her left at the guard that was glaring at her. “You’re not banned, but I haven’t forgotten. So don’t tempt my patience.” The tall handsome (that’s telling, mister writer) stallion guard didn’t make any effort to impede her. “Say, I’m glad you’re here to help me out.” Pinkie slinked her way next to him and pointed to the stage. “So that batpony up there, any idea who that is?” The guard squirmed uncomfortably as the pink pony almost draped herself over him. “The singer? Um, let me think. Orpheus. From the Pomeline family.” “Thanks, cutie!” Pinkie bounced away. The stallion sighed as he shook his head. The mare guard next to him couldn’t hide her disappointment in him. She zipped her way past the mass of ponies who all danced politely. “Now, here we are.” Applejack puffed out her chest as her master plan played out. “This main hall.” Summer Blossom marveled at the opulent architecture. The smell of the food at the buffet wafted. She couldn’t smell any delicious gemstones, sadly. Applebloom scanned the herd while she stood on her sister’s back. “I don’t see nothin’.” AJ pulled out a glistening rainbow apple from her pocket. “Now, Applebloom, don’t spoil this yet. Summer, do you know what this is?” Summer Blossom gave the apple a quick sniff. Her nostrils were overwhelmed with a spicy sweetness. “Oh… oh! Zapp Apple!” “Got it in one, sugar.” Applebloom smiled brightly. “So what are you going to do with that?” “If these bat ponies are like, well, bats. They might be able to smell something like this.” Applejack cracked the apple in half. She pulled out a small battery. “But if we were to charge it, the smell is more potent. Like in our jams. They won’t be able to resist.” A magical charge zapped the Zap Apple. The colors fluctuated with power. Several patrons across the chamber lifted their noses, many started to question each other if they smelt unusual fruit they lacked context for. Applejack started to walk around, holding the fruit out. She ignored queries from the city folk. She was on the hunt. Above in the pegasus cloud chairs, a fuzzy head poked out. With a sniff, his fanged grin grew wide. Scootaloo looked around, her head on a swivel. She saw all the odd looks most ponies gave her father. Most wanted to talk to him. Strange as he was, he was someone worth talking to. Her father tried to be polite, but he couldn’t turn away ponies fast enough. She wanted to be patient, but it was getting harder to do so. “Hey, Dad?” Her voice squeaked out. “Yes, excellent. Wonderful to meet you two. Please, have a good night.” Alex waved and smiled. “Yes, honey?” “What if you put on your armor?” A strange thought crossed her mind. “That’s usually for dangerous situations.” Alex rubbed her head. “Don’t worry, silly.” “Not for a fight. To pose. Like an enthusiastic guard.” Scootaloo explained. Alex Roberts wrinkled his brow at that suggestion. “I’m not sure I’m following you, Scoots.” “Well, you know how ponies tend to get caught up in moments. Like with music or some other performances.” Scootaloo tried to connect her line of thought out loud. “You might not be affected by harmony magic, but maybe you can influence it.” “So you think if I put on my armor and pose. Ponies will join in.” Alex sighed as he realized it was silly enough to work. “Oh boy. I’m going to feel ridiculous.” Alex took his little girl off his shoulders. He thought about all the theatrical posing Trixie did. Normally, he wouldn’t want to be in the spotlight. In this case, he was going to channel everything in this theater. Alex was going to Green Lantern this thing so hard. “For all beings, comes Lunar redemption,  Justice not blind to Chao’s attention. Let those seeking patient unyielding grace, Break those chains, Paladins apace!” The glow of the armor enveloped him. He made sure to perform each other word with a dramatic pose. Scootaloo watched with awe, being swept away by the show. She shook her head and her jaw dropped. Alex opened his eyes as he checked to see just how badly he just botched his public image. “Oh, hi Alex.” He was silent for a pregnant pause. “Captain Nightshade?” “Come here often?” Nightshade returned back down to all fours, blushing. “Not that it wasn't fun. It was, but what brought that on?” Several guards Alex did not recognize disengaged with apologies before returning to their positions. He didn’t see Dusk Sentry. “Sorry, Nightshade. Was trying to summon someone. Didn’t mean to suck you into all this.” “Summon!?” Nightshade shook her head. Before she could say anything else, a loud voice was heard. “No! I missed it!” Dusk Sentry jumped over the crowd of ponies and landed next to the two of them. “Shoot, I wanted to join in. Who started that? Oh, hello Alex Roberts. Good to see you again.” “Summon him.” Alex patted Nightshade’s shoulder affectionately before smiling at the paladin. “Dusk, I was looking for you. This is Scootaloo, my daughter. We have a request.” Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched them all come in and disperse. Alex Roberts didn’t approach. Not even Twilight paid them a visit.  If it wasn’t for her white coat, a bead of sweat might’ve been visible on Celestia’s brow. “Everything is fine, yes, sister?” Luna nodded slowly. “We keep smiling and greeting our guests.”