Five months had already passed since Cherry Blossom's arrival. The spring had passed very quickly and the summer even more quickly. She could not believe fall was approaching already. The weather started to get cold gradually and it could already see the leaves beginning to change color.
With fall approaching, a celebration also started to arrive. It was called the Autumn Equinox Ball. It was a celebration which celebrated the moment when Princess Celestia's sun and Princess Luna's moon shared the sky, the day and the night as equals, starting fall. Following the Summer Sun Celebration and the Bright Moon Night, both celebrating, respectively, Celestia's day and Luna's night, this ball was a celebration that many ponies expected, mainly by mares. Many of them took the opportunity to find their love, mainly because they were the ones who invited their pairs. Another great moment in this ball was the moment when the moon rose in the air in an orange color.
Cherry Blossom, for what she had heard, could hardly wait. She had attended the Summer Sun Celebration and loved it, especially when Princess Celestia rose in the air, making the sun also rise up. Her only concern was that she had no one to go with. Of course many stallions noticed her and made conversation with her, but Cherry simply did not want to invite any of them. After all, her head was a complete mess.
Since Cherry realized that she could be falling in love with Big Mac, her relationship with him had become strange. Whenever the two met now, they hardly spoke to each other and the two blushed a lot, rushing to follow their respective paths. The truth was Cherry was beginning to avoid Big Mac. After all, she didn't want to fall in love. She was afraid of what might happen. She still loved Sky and was afraid that she was betraying him to redo her life with another love.
Big Mac also began to feel that something was wrong with Cherry Blossom. He could see how she was always trying to avoid him. Also, he could feel it. It was like his heart was full of sadness. His love for her grew up so much that he was already beginning to feel a empatic connection with her, feeling her worries and anxieties.
The three Cutie Mark Crusaders also noted this distance appearing between Big Mac and Cherry Blossom and then realized they had to do something. Fortunately for them, the ball was at the door and with it their big opportunity.
"Oh, come on, Big Mac, ya have tah ask her tah go with ya tah tha ball" Apple Bloom asked to her big brother.
"Are ya crazy?! Na way! Ah can't do that.
"Of course you can, Big Mac" said Sweety Belle. "I'm sure she'll accept if you ask."
They were in the west field, where Big Mac was bucking some apple trees.
"First, it's her who has tah do that" Big Mac said, bucking a tree and making some apples falling, with just a kick of one of its hind legs. "And second, mah meetings with her didn't end very well. Have ya forgotten mah broken leg, mah stammerin', mah hesitations, mah fear of facing her...
"Or the rake cable on your muzzle" Scootaloo said, stifling her laughter, stopping when she saw Big Mac making her a stern look. "Sorry."
"Big Mac, maybe ya have some problems in relatin' yerself with Cherry" Apple Bloom said.
"Some problems?" Scootaloo asked. "What a beautiful euphemism of yours, Apple Bloom."
But she cringed when she received the stare of her two friends, laughing nervously.
"Anyway, maybe you can't ask her to go to the Autumn Equinox Ball, but you still can confess how you feel about her." Sweetie Belle said to Big Mac.
"Sweetie Belle is right" Apple Bloom nodded. "If ya open yerself tah her, maybe she'll invite ya tah go tah tha ball with her."
Big Mac really considered that assumption. He could do it. He should do it. Being with Cherry Blossom, go to the ball with her and watch the autumn moon by her side was one of the best things that could happen to him. He even smiled as he thought about that, rubbing his chin with a hoof. But his smile quickly faded as he realized the only problem with that assumption was the fact he cannot have a normal conversation with Cherry Blossom by over a minute. The fillies realized that and thought of a good way to help Big Mac. It was then Sweetie Belle exclaimed loudly:
"I'VE GOT IT!"
Everyone looked at her, still dumbfounded by the unexpected scream, which made her look like her older sister.
"Sorry" she apologized, then recovering the posture and continuing to say. "What if you were to dance with her as a friend? You don't have to talk, you just have to keep her company. And maybe when the moon is high, the mood can get more... you know, more romantic."
The other two fillies nodded, agreeing with her. But Big Mac was not so sure. He was certain Cherry Blossom was already suspicious about his feelings for her and he didn't want to ruin the friendship they had because of an attempt to seduce her.
"Nnope" he said, going up to another tree.
"What?!" Apple Bloom asked, following him with the others. "Are ya insane?"
"We're giving you the best solution for you and you will not even risk it?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Nnope" Big Mac said, bucking the tree and causing more apples fall into the baskets.
"I never thought you were such a coward, Big Mac" Scootaloo remarked.
Big Mac turned to them and said firmly:
"Now, ya listen me. Ah appreciate yer help an' yer support. Seriously, Ah'm very grateful. But this time Ah don't want tah risk anythin' with Cherry Blossom. We have tri'd many things and nuthin work'd."
"Yeah, but not because of us" Scootaloo interruped.
"Don't interrupt me" Big Mac said "Ah know that tha blame fer these bad results is mine. But Ah also know that if we keep this up, Ah'll end up losin' my friendship with her and that's the last thin' Ah want. That's tha reason why Ah won't even bother tah go tah the ball. If Cherry's in mah fate, we will end up together. But Ah cannot force anythin'... and ya also should not.
"But..." the three began at the same time.
"But nuthin'" Big Mac said. "And Ah think it's best to treat these apples before you convince me the opposite.
And having said that, he quickly carried the baskets with apples to his wagon, hitched up it to him and hurried away, leaving the fillies alone.
"Did he just give us the brush-off?" Scootaloo asked.
"Eeyup" Apple Bloom answered. "What now? What will we do?"
Sweetie Belle thought for a while and then an idea came to her. Seeing she had an idea, Apple Bloom hastened to put a hoof in her mouth and said:
"Yes, we know, ya got it. What is your big idea this time?
She lowered the hoof and Sweetie Belle said:
"If we cannot convince Big Mac, maybe we can convince Cherry Blossom, don't you think?"
Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exchanged glances, as if they were pondering what Sweetie Belle had said. They then turned to her.
"Sweetie Belle..." Apple Bloom started.
"... you are..." Scootaloo continued.
"A genius!" both exclaimed at the same time, embracing her friend.
"If we convince Cherry Blossom tah invite Big Mac tah go tah ball, even jest as friends..." Apple Bloom began.
"He'll be unable to refuse and go to the ball with her" Scootaloo continued.
"And with a good drink, a good dance and the autumn moon, maybe they'll give a kiss" Sweetie Belle said enthusiastically.
"Wow, Sweetie, take it easy" Scootaloo calmed her down.
"Yeah, if they go to the ball together, it will be a great victory" Apple Bloom said.
"Yes, I know, I think I exaggerate a bit when it comes to these things of love" Sweetie Belle said. "Living with Rarity turns anypony into a love addicted."
"Even so, it's a good plan" Apple Bloom said. "We have tah put it into practice immediately. The ball is tomorra."
Meanwhile, Cherry Blossom was enjoying her day off to help Fluttershy with her animals. Dr. Stable gave the day before the ball and the day of the same to their employees because of the festivities, since there was no emergency.
Cherry Blossom endeavored herself to get along with animals, but only the less shy approached her while the timid ones like mice, birds and squirrels, didn't gave her any importance.
"You know, Fluttershy, I don't know how you can take care so well with all these animals" Cherry said, seeing how Fluttershy spoiled some squirrels with nuts.
"Oh, they just need love, affection... and sometimes a lot of attention" she said in her usual soft voice.
It was then that Fluttershy's white rabbit pet, Angel, appeared and pulled his owner's tail to get her attention.
"What is it, Angel?" she asked, turning to him.
He, with a scowling, pulled out a cookbook, opening it and pointing to a recipe that seemed to be a salad prepared as an ice cream and with a cherry on the top.
"No, Angel, I cannot prepare you that today" Fluttershy said quietly. "Why don't you eat a good salad with carrots?"
And she handed him a bowl with a salad with lettuce and carrots cut into slices. But he just pushed it away.
"Come on, Angel, let's not get started with this again" Fluttershy asked, pushing the bowl to him.
But Angel pushed it away again.
Then something unexpected happened. Cherry didn't know if it was Angel who angered her or if it was intentional, but Fluttershy made him a hugely intimidating stare that made Angel shrink a little and he then took the bowl, proved a bit and then launched himself into it and began eating like there was no tomorrow.
"Wow, but what was that?" Cherry asked, impressed. "That stare was a little scary."
"Well, sometimes it happens to me" Fluttershy said timidly. "I don't know how I do it. Actually, I don't even like to use it."
"But it even scared me" Cherry Blossom confessed. "It should scare anypony, no?"
"Well, it scared a adult dragon" she admitted, making Cherry get stunned. "But, as I said, I don't like using it. I barely need the stare, because I'm good with animals."
Cherry nodded in agreement and then said:
"Well, I have to go. I gotta go return some books that Twilight borrowed to me."
Using her magic, she made her saddlebags full of books levitate to her and put them on her flank:
"Bye, Fluttershy."
"Bye, Cherry. Hey, Cherry, appear in the spa tomorrow early afternoon. I and the others will go there to prepare ourselves to the ball."
"You bet I'll go" she said, turning away waving.
Cherry walked away from the Fluttershy's cottage and headed to the town, going to the Twilight's library. She got there and knocked on the door. Twilight then opened it.
"Oh, Cherry, hi" Twilight greeted somewhat nervous. "What brings you here?"
"Well, I came to bring you the books you lent me and I wondered if you could lend me some more" she replied.
"Well, I... Oh, well, okay."
She opened the door and entered. Inside, she found a big unicorn stallion sitting on the couch. He was a bit smaller than Big Mac and had a imperial blue coat, a eletric ultramarine mane with midnight blue streaks, coatless violet-blue hooves, a long horn and glaucous eyes. His Cutie Mark consisted of a shield with two shades of purple with two crossed swords on top.
"I'm sorry, Twilight, I didn't know you had visits" cherry Blossom said. "I can come back later if you prefer."
"Oh, no, Cherry, you don't have to do that" Twilight said, while the stallion stood up and moved forward to get beside her. "He's my... well, he's my coltfriend, Blue Sword."
"It's a honor to meet you" he said, making a small bow. "You must be Twilight's newest Ponyville friend, Cherry Blossom, right?
"Yes, I am" she answered, still not believing Twilight had a coltfriend and she didn't know that after five months living in Ponyville. "You're not from here, are you? I don't remember seeing you around.
"Oh, no, I live between Canterlot and the Crystal Empire in part-time" he said.
"He's my brother's best friend and most trustable stallion and even the Captain of Canterlot Royal Guard" Twilight said.
"Oh, dear, now you're making me embarrassed" he said, blushing and giving a slight smile. "So, I believe it is better for me to go for a walk and leave you to deal with your matters."
"Oh, Blue, you don't have to go just because Cherry is here" Twilight said.
"No, no, no, I must take advantage of the days off that Shining gave to me and meet Ponyville a little more, and also Spike can rest for now don't to have to listen us socialize."
Blue Sword had said the last part in a way that it could be heard from upstairs.
"Thank you" the little dragon's voice thanked.
"Bye, Twi" he told to Twilight.
"Bye" she answered.
The two nuzzled each other and then Blue Sword exited.
"I didn't know you had a coltfriend, Twilight."
"Well, our relationship isn't that long and I don't like to rush things" she replied.
"No one would say that" Spike said, starting to get down the stairs.
"Ha, ha, very funny" Twilightreplied.
"How did you meet him?" Cherry asked. "Well, if you don't want to answer..."
"Oh, Cherry, you're my friend" Twilight replied. "I don't mind anything to tell you that. The truth is I know Blue Sword since childhood. He is my brother's childhood friend and they studied together in the royal guard academy. I confess that I've always had a little crush on him since I can remember, but it only became really love when I found him again in the Crystal Empire a few weeks ago."
"It was fate, no?" Cherry said.
"You can say that" Twilight replied with a laugh.
"I still don't understand how you two are still dating" Spike said. "I always thought Shining Armor was not much in favor of your relationship."
"Don't say that, Spike" Twilight said. "Shining was just apprehensive in the beginning because I'm his little sister and Blue is his best friend. But now he supports us."
"Yes, partly" Spike answered.
Twilight made him a intimidating look that made him laugh nervously and say, while retreating:
"I think I'm going to my basket..."
And he hurried to climb the stairs. Twilight then sighed and then asked:
"Well, what books do you want, Cherry Blossom?" Twilight asked, using her magic to make the books within her saddlebags get out and go to their shelves.
"The usual and if you put some fiction I'll thank you" Cherry said.
After receiving some more of Twilight's books, the two said goodbye and then Cherry left. She was walking, reading a book, making it levitate in front of her, and almost bumped into Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle who suddenly appeared before her.
"Sorry, girls, I was so focused in this book I didn't see you there" Cherry said.
"Never mind, Cherry" Scootaloo said.
"Actually, we want'd tah talk with ya" Apple Bloom said.
"About what?" Cherry Blossom asked.
"We wanted to know if you already have a pair for the ball tomorrow night" Sweetie Belle said.
"Oh, I have not invited anypony yet. And I don't know if I'll invite someone. Why do you want to know that?"
"Well, the truth is mah brother doesn't have a pair and, as ya don't have one too, we thought maybe ya could invite him tah go with ya... as friends, of course" Apple Bloom told, smiling with the others two.
Cherry was taken by surprise with that. She had already thought of it: invite Big Mac. But she was afraid that it could cause embarrassment between them. She had just opted to go to the ball alone. Not to mention that she could end up falling in love with him, which was the last thing she wanted to do at that moment.
"I don't know, girls. I don't feel like taking company. I just want to enjoy the ball in peace and quiet."
"But mah brother won't tah tha ball if he is not be invited" Apple Bloom said. "And Ah would like that he could have more fun."
"Come on, Cherry Blossom, you're the only mare in Ponyville that should not have a pair" Scootaloo said.
"Yes, it costs you nothing" Sweetie Belle said. "Besides it is much better to go to the ball together than alone."
Cherry Blossom tried to find a way to tell them she didn't want to, but seeing them pouting with their innocence look, she couldn't tell them "no". It seemed that they knew how to compel her to answer what they wanted. Cherry sighed and then she said:
"I'll think about it. Now, girls, I'm going to get these books to my room because they weigh a lot."
And turned away as fast as she could.
"Wait, that was a yes or a no "?" Scootaloo asked.
"Ah think it wuz a maybe" Apple Bloom replied.
"And I think she was trying to avoid the subject" Sweetie Belle said. "Looks like we'll have to wait and see."