//------------------------------//
// Chapter 15 - Revealing 
// Story: Iron Eyes 
// by Dramaro 
//------------------------------//

That night before the Grand Galloping Gala, I had a strange lucid dream. I found myself standing in front of a decent house. It wasn't big, but it wasn't horrendously small either, instead it was just in the middle; comfy and relaxing. I stared at the windows, noticing that the lights were on. I couldn't see inside but I could hear the familiar chatter from inside.

I slowly walked around the front yard, looking at the other houses in the neighborhood. It was peaceful,with the only sound the slow wind that cooled the desert night. I slowly looked up to see the night sky. It wasn't the real thing. There were too many stars, almost like it was overflowing with them, but it was still beautiful, just like how my father described them. Even the moon was enormous, dwarfing everything else.

"Your night sky... it's beautiful," said a familiar voice.

Surprised, I turned around to see a tall pale white woman with hair that reminded me of the night sky itself. An ebony tiara sat on her head and the familiar large necklace was around her neck. She wore a simple midnight blue dress, complete with star like sparkles, and light blue bracelets. Seeing the crescent moon on a black splotch on the hip of her dress, I knew who it was.

"I'm surprised to see you in my own dream, Princess Luna. I guess you can enter others' dreams?" I said.

Luna nodded and looked around in curiosity. "I could have sworn there'd be some cacti around here."

I chuckled. "Cacti don't grow naturally where I grew up or any desert outside of the Americas in my world. The only place you'll find cacti here are in home gardens."

"Your night sky... it's so... different."

"It's not my world's night sky. It's the one my father always told me. He would say it was like an overflowing sea filled with an endless bounty of lights with a giant white orb low towards the horizon."

"Your father has a way with words. Can I ask, what is this place?"

I sighed and stayed silent for a moment. "This is Qarya,  the village I grew up in."

"It's a nice place. A bit cold but nice."

I nodded. "That it is. I'm curious, why are you in a human form anyways?"

Luna smiled a bit. "It's how you perceive me. You see everypony around you as just another person. In your mind, we are not any different from you humans."

"I don't see why I should see differently. You ponies act like us humans. The same emotions, the same ambitions. We love, we hate, we cry, we laugh, ponies and humans are no different as two different kinds of the same fruit. We just look different on the outside."

"That's a very unique way of seeing things... I suppose you're still worried about the dinner last night?"

I nodded. "Yes, that's been on my mind lately. I don't want to be rude and I'd love to see human technology help but... I fear that there might be people...err griffons and ponies who might want to use it for ill harm."

:"I see that could be a problem. I suggest trying to get your mind off of that issue and focus more on the Grand Galloping Gala."

"I guess you're right... How is Celestia even going to reveal me to the public? The whole idea doesn't seem simple, really."

Luna thought for a moment. "That I do not know. I just trust she has something planned."

"I hope so. I don't want to be the cause of mass panic. The girffons seemed to think I'm some strange... thing."

"Griffon culture values strength and cunning. To them, you appear as some lanky ape who claims to be a predator. Most griffons would think of that as some sort of empty boast."

"That's... unique. So why do they respect ponykind? To them, you must appear as strange intelligent prey."

"It's true that ponies and griffons have been natural enemies, our ability to control our environment, and the fact that it depends on our intervention to even work, griffons see us as a tolerable enemy. A "frenemy" if you could say... Not to mention when Celestia and I both control celestial bodies, that tends to put fear among them."

"Hmm, remind me, don't let me get on Celestia's bad side."

Luna laughed a bit before continuing. "This year, the Grand Galloping Gala will be also a summit for all of Earth's leaders to come to. You'll be revealed not only to Equestria, but to the world."

I stared at Luna with a bug eyed expression for a moment. "Th-The whole world?I guess Celestia's going all out."

"I trust you have some sort of dress for the event? Many of Canterlot's nobles will be there, not to mention the dignitaries."

I nodded. "That I'm already prepared for. An image is a very important asset."

Luna simply nodded and stared at the night sky for awhile. "It's still a wonder to me how you humans call, not just your version of Earth your home, but the sky above as well."

"Next millennium, we might be among the stars."

With a smile, Luna said her good-bye and the dreamscape slowly faded away. Eventually, I would wake up.


---


With a sigh of relief, I took a sip of some tea. Turning my head forward front he right, I slowly got up right when I heard the door open behind him.

"Am I... coming in on a bad time?" asked Rarity's voice.

I turned and smiled at her. "No, everything's fine. Is there something you need."

Rarity smiled and quickly levitated what I had asked for her to make out of her bag. It was a simple, leather like strap with a "holster" or rather what sufficed as one.

"I still wonder what the thing was for, darling."

I simply took the holster belt Rarity made and quickly put it on to find it a perfect fit. Getting my pistol with its holster, it sat snugly in the holster strap. Rarity simply looked at me, confused to what I just did. "Thank you, Rarity."

"What.. is that, anyways?"

I looked at my pistol for a second before thinking of  quick excuse. "A weapon to protect. Like a crossbow, just faster."

"Oh... Anyway, I was able to aquire my own ticket, so I hope to see you there."

"Didn't you ruin yourself at the last?"

Rarity simply rolled her eyes. "That was because I tried to court that obnoxious stallion named Blueblood. I'll be going alone this time, and I plan to dodge seeing him."

"I'm telling you, he's a changed man. Though he might still be an ass at times."

"Whatever you say, darling. I'll take that info with a grain of salt for now. So, what will you be wearing for the evening?"

I turned and stared at the small folded clothes that sat on top of my dresser. One dress caught my eye. It was a performer's tunic, sheer lime up top and black below, separated by curling floral 'sprays' in white. Small sparkles decorated the "sprays" using what I believed were rhinestones. Jet black stones were embedded in the collar, matching the black portion of the tunic. Looking nearby, I noticed a matching black pencil skirt, with the same lime green now at the bottom. This time, a round green gem sat on the hem, completing the whole set. I lifted them both up before holding them in front of me for Rarity to see.

"That's a splendid choice, darling! I made it to match your eyes and the swirls are just magnifique!"

I smiled. "Thanks! I guess I should start getting ready. Hair, manicure, all that stuff will take awhile."

"Really? We can spend the whole day, together!" said Rarity in glee. With a smile, I agreed to the arrangement. Sometimes, a girl's day out can really relax the nerves.


---


I shouldn't have accepted Rarity's invitation but it would have been rude of me to decline. The hours were quickly spent on numerous luxury treatments within the castle, that frankly, were a bit to much for me. Rarity would go on about numerous topics. Some ranged to gossip of the nobles, others were about romance novels. It was obvious now that Rarity was a socialite. At least she wasn't rude or... well as brain dead as socialites I've met back in my world. The time we spent was enjoyable at least, and soon, Rarity had to leave to finish getting ready for the gala.

Staring at myself in the full length mirror, I gave myself a smile. My hair was curled and let loose to cascade over my left shoulder, reaching my collarbone in length. The tunic accented my shoulders, just like a business suit would. Still, I had an hourglass figure, as I always kept in shape. I slowly moved to a desk nearby before fitting on earrings Rarity had furnished me. Again, they were green, to match my eyes.

"Here I go..."

I left my room and began walking towards the foyer before being stopped by Shining himself. He was wearing a red officer's ceremonial uniform, complete with a sash and a badge with his cutie mark on it. His hair had been combed and brushed back, keeping it neat and tidy. With him was Princess Cadance, wearing a light pink dress. With her crown, her hair was curled up, ready for the event.

"You look beautiful, Roya!" exclained Cadance.

I smiled. "Thank you. Rarity made it for me."

"She knows how to make a dress, and I'm surprised of her results with your body type."

"Yeah. So where is Princess Celestia?"

Cadance raised her hoof and pointed to the lower steps of the foyer. There, Celestia was standing wearing a full white and gold dress. Her aura-like hair was somehow kept in a low ponytail. Standing nearby was Luna wearing a silver and blue dress with her hair wrapped up in a neat bun. I wonder where she got that idea...

Celestia looked at me for a moment before nodding and turning back to the crowd. I looked to see numerous ponies and other beings making up the crowd. There were zebras, minotaurs, griffons, deer, moose, rams, and even dragons! Many were wearing dresses and suits, each of which showed off their different cultures.

With a nod, the crowd calmed down and Celestia began to speak. "Good evening, everybody and welcome to Equestria's Grand Galloping Gala! This year, we've opened the Gala to the world and numerous citizens from across Earth have come to enjoy the evening! I welcome Shamaness Nuru of Zebrica, Sir Edgewind and his sons of Griffony, Thane Macscruff of Woolland, Earl Inferno of Draconia, and Archon Strong Arm of Minocrete!"

The titled guests got applauases eveyr time Celestia named them. After a few moments of clapping, or clopping, I didn't know which term would be appropriate, the crowd settled back down.

"... But most of all, I want to welcome a new guest to our world. Currently, she's helped Equestria tremendously, especially with the recent events in the passed few days. I want to welcome, Lt. Roya Sayid, detective and de facto ambassador for humanity."

Seeing my cue, I slowly walked up, with my arms behind me, standing high and at attention. The crowd was silent when I walked up to Celestia, curious to what I was and probably baffled. I shook Celestia's hoof before turning to the crowd and saying my speech. Nearby, numerous presses had already begun taking pictures with their large cameras. It was strange from the camera drones I was used to.

"I am deeply humbled and thank you for inviting me. As you can tell, I am unique among your kind but I am thankful that you've already accepted me and have treated me with equality," I said with a warm smile on my face.

Celestia stepped forward and finished her speech. "Thank you, Roya. Now, let's start the evening! The Grand Galloping Gala has begun!"

The crowd cheered before dispersing. Right away, ponies from the media began asking me questions. I tried to keep my face going and slowly answered them one by one. Some were questions I expected, such as what I was. Others were a bit more curious sounding. Eventually, the press decided to move on, hoping to ask me questions later.

With a sigh of relief, I walked out to the open gardens in which the gala was taking place. The guests were chattering away, talking about topics I wouldn't even begin to understand. The music was a classical overture, or something similar, with only some of the guests, mostly nobleponies, waltzing to it. Some nobleponies and diplomats would come up to me and ask a few questions, many of which were usually about my eyes. Over and over, I had to explain that my eyes were cybernetics, or rather give them an analogy they'd understand. The best one I could think of was an enchanted glass eye, without the magic.

One of the guests that wanted to talk to me was white unicorn stallion with a sky blue mane. It was swept back, and well managed, and he even had a small mustache, which confused me. Wearing a penguin suit, he had a monocle and his cutie mark was a trio of crowns.

With a smile on his face, he quickly took my hand and kissed it, just like the stereotypical chivalrous gentleman would. I simply smiled and thanked him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Roya! The name's Sir Fancypants, of the Fanticimal House!"

I was surprised to hear his accent, which seemed to be a strange mixture of American posh with a stereotypical British  accent. For a name such as "Fanypants," he didn't seem to be wearing any sort of fancy pants. I simply gave him a smile back and thanked him. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"So, what brought you to Equestria?"

"Well, I didn't have a choice in the matter and frankly, nobody really knows."

"Hmm, that's odd. Do you have a way back home?"

I nodded. "Yes. Celestia and her student, plus her friends, are trying to develop some sort of "spell" to get me back home. I'm new to magic, but I have faith that they can."

"May I ask, if it they can't?"

"Excuse me?"

"What if you're stuck here? I don't want to play Discord's advocate but there is the possible chance that you'll be stuck here in Equestria."

I frowned a bit and thought about it. "I-I don't know... I have family back home and it would break my heart if I was never able to see them."

"There, there. I'm sorry for bringing that up. I'm sure, Celestia will get you home."

"That's okay. I just need some time to rest for a bit."

Fancypants nodded and I quickly walked to the food and drinks that were being served. Leaning against the table was Rarity, who was simply drinking from a wine glass, apparently enjoying the party quite well. Seeing my distraught look, she quickly walked up to me worried about why I was sad.

"What happened, darling?" Rarity asked.

I sighed. "It's just... just something small."

"Tell me."

"Well... Fancypants asked a troubling question. Nothing against him, but it made me think... What if I am stuck in Equestria? I won't get to see the face of my children or my husband ever again. What if they're already attending my funeral, with an empty casket?"

"Don't think of those things, darling! You're just hurting yourself!"

"I guess you're right... But it still worries me."

"Roya, trust me. I believe they're still looking for you. How much do you love your family?"

"A lot. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them."

"If there's one that I know, it's that love knows no bounds. I know you'll find a way back home. There's no other way about it, darling."

I smiled weakly. Within an instant, Rarity had wrapped her forelegs around me. Even I wasn't immune to my own emotions. "Thanks, Rarity."

"It's was friends do."

She was right. Friends always comfort each other in their time of need, and I was in need of help. Now out of my depressive state, I felt a bit better and was ready to continue the evening. Too bad it was about to be cut short.