The group re-materialized in the library - a feat that Luna could pull off without leaving anyone singed, as was the case when Twilight did a multi-pony teleportation. Looking at the happy bunch she announced the plan for the evening, or rather the little of it Luna had confided to her.
"Listen-up, everypony! Tonight is Princess Luna's treat to us! Her instructions are as follows: have a light dinner, be back to the Library before sunset and be dressed for a formal night out." All the ponies looked at the princess with expressions varying from mock horror (Dash) to absolute rapture (Rarity).
"That is all she is willing to disclose," concluded Twilight.
"Ladies, go!" said Luna brooking no argument. Whereupon the library's neighbors were treated to a stampede of ponies in bathing suites, hurrying off to their respective homes.
***
In the Library, Twilight raised an eyebrow towards the princess. "Well this is all very mysterious." The princess just smiled and kept mum. The other Elements of Harmony were arriving, most in the same dresses they wore to the Grand Galloping Gala. Rarity of course had on a new outfit, no doubt the product of the last two hours.
Dashing in tuxedo, Spike addressed the mares: "Ladies of Ponyville, her Majesty Princess Luna." Luna descended the stairs, but instead of the Selene disguise, she was her own self, radiant in a midnight black gown, encrusted with jewels like a firmament across her night sky! Everypony's breath was taken away by this vision of regal elegance.
"In gratitude for your kind hospitality during Her ongoing vacation, Her Majesty, requests your company this evening in attending the opera in Canterlot, where you will be her guests. Please join her Majesty in her conveyance to Canterlot, now parked outside yonder door." The door to the library opened of itself, revealing the long black limousine carriage awaiting them.
Luna gracefully exited the library and with the assistance of a liveried hoofpony, entered the limousine. Spike offered Twilight a tuxedo clad arm, upon which she placed a hoof, and he escorted her out to the limo, which she entered assisted by the hoofpony. Spike reentered the library and repeated the same ritual with each of the Elements of Harmony in turn. After Fluttershy, the last mare to exit, Spike entered the limo himself, taking a seat next to Twilight. A moment later, the carriage shook slightly as it took off and they were on their way to Canterlot!
As if the motion broke a spell, all the heretofore sedate ponies erupted into laughter and squeals of joy!
"Eeeeeeee! I've always wanted to do that!" Rarity could hardly contain her happiness.
"That was sooooooooo awesome!" said Pinkie.
"That was at least 20% better than awesome!" corrected Rainbow Dash.
"Yer darn tootin!" said Applejack.
"Yoohoo!!!" whispered Fluttershy, the loudest cheer she could produce.
Twilight turned to Spike. "And you, sir, were dashing and soooo cool! How long ago did you plan this?" she asked the baby dragon.
"A gentledragon never tells." Responded Spike with a haughty air, causing another general fit of hilarity.
Luna remained silent, enjoying the sight of the mares as they began to explore the coach, Oooing and Ahhhing as they discovered its myriad little luxuries and extravagances.
Soon, the coach began its descent to Canterlot. Spike rose and announced: "Ladies, please take your seats for landing. Princess Luna asks that we observe the dignity of the occasion and refrain from further talk until we are seated at the opera. I will escort each of you out of the carriage in turn. Please then follow the Princess on the red carpet to our seating area, proceeding at a stately pace. That is all," said the tiny dragon gravely, just as the carriage landed and rolled to a stop.
A hoofpony opened the door to the limousine, and Princess Luna descended to the flashes of dozens of photographers. A crowd had gathered, exclaiming "It's Princess Luna!" and bowing as she walked past them on the red carpet into the opera house. One by one, Spike accompanied the mares to the carriage door, where they descended and followed the red carpet inside, with flashes and remarks from ponies in the crowd who recognized the Elements of Harmony. The last mare to leave was Fluttershy. Knowing her dread of public attention, Spike exited the coach and walked up the carpet with the shy mare holding his arm. The frenzy of flashes redoubled, as many ponies and photographers recognized Fluttershy from her brief meteoric career as a fashion model.
The red carpet led to the Royal Box, where the companions were seated in anticipation of the opera to start. Luna kept a close eye on Rainbow Dash, who was fidgeting already. The crowd hushed, and a pony preceded to center stage.
"Tonight we are honored with the presence of her Royal Highness Princess Luna, her companions the Elements of Harmony and Spike the Dragon." The crowd clopped politely, but with enthusiasm, as the Princess and her companions bowed. "As many of you know, this is a special night, as it is the premiere of a new opera based on a series of popular books. Fillies and Gentlecolts, I give you 'The adventures of Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone'."
"Eeep!" went Rainbow Dash, suddenly frozen in rapt attention to the stage!
She had not moved a muscle when the curtain went down for the intermission an hour later. Only she and Princess Luna remained as their friends went to get refreshments and stretch their legs.
"So do you like the opera, Rainbow Dash?" asked the Princess.
"This is so awesome! You know I never thought reading a book could be so cool, and then Twilight introduced me to the Daring Do series when I was stuck in the hospital. I thought the opera was just a bunch of heavyset ponies screaming at a crowd of stuffed shirts, and then you brought me here, and I love it! Thank you, Princess Luna!" said Dash with heartfelt gratitude.
"I hope you don't mind my saying this, Rainbow Dash, but all the Elements of Harmony are very different ponies. Yet you are indeed very different in your interests than the rest. Why are these mares so important to you?" asked the Princess.
"That's not hard to figure out. You see, ever since I've been hanging around with them, I've done things and thought thoughts that I never would have by myself. I feel like I've gotten bigger inside, because of them, at least 20% bigger, in fact! And I know they have my back covered. I'm sure you've noticed that I'm kinda in the habit of getting into scraps every so often." She thought for a second. "Hey, you did the same for me in the park yesterday! So I guess I'd better make sure you understand that I've got your back covered too, if you ever need it." She raised a hoof and held it in mid-air before Luna.
Luna was touched by Dash's admission, and happily Celestia had taught how to 'bro-hoof'. She raised her hoof and touched it to Dash's.
"Awright Princess!" said the blue mare, as their friends began to return to the box.
***
The Vacation Crew was assembled in the Limo, the opera having concluded to thunderous applause.
Luna clopped her hooves to get their attention. "We have one more important duty to carry out tonight. As this was an opera premiere, there will be a party held for the cast and honored guests at the Pony Club. We all have been invited and will attend." Cheers rang out.
"I do hope you like DJ PON3!"
A certain pink pony shouted out "YES! YES! YES! YES!" and the party started even before they got to the club.