//------------------------------//
// Chapter 13: The Greatest Night Ever: Part One 
// Story: Twilight's Love Story: Part Three 
// by Derpyforever 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 13: The Greatest Night Ever: Part One
It has been nearly four months since the the Solar Eclipse incident and the Changeling and Equestrian peace has been declared official. Of course, there were some... debate... but like Princess Celestia said, with time, everypony was able to accept it. 
For Solar, she would write to Twilight on her trip around Equestria. She says no one really knows who she is, so she was able to walk freely without being feared from. She had asked Twilight if she told Velevet or Nightlight about her, but Twilight would reply no, she wasn't ready to tell them just yet and would leave it at that.
Flash and Twilight, now once again a couple, still decided to keep their relationship a long distance one. However, each started to feel the heartache of being apart.
For now, they were at Twilight's library, organizing books... well, more Twilight.
"Now you see Flash, you must keep them in alphabetical order or... No not there, Daring Do books go under adventure with... I told you Suzanne Coltins wrote 'The Hunting Games', so it goes under a special collection... J. K. Howling is an 'H' not a 'J'... here let me just take a few."
"I don't think my mind is ment for this kind of stuff," Flash said while Twilight took all the books he was holding.
"That's crazy talk, your doing... something."
"Shouldn't Spike be helping you? He is your, what was it, number one assistant."
"Hey," Spike grinned while heading towards the door with a foldable chair, a pair of shades, and some sunscreen, "if you want to be here coltfriend then your going to have to take responsibility for helping around the library."
"Then where are you going," Flash glared.
"Heh, since I don't have feelings for Twilight the same way you do, I get to have a well deserved day off. One I haven't seen in months. Have fun, lover colt," Spike taunted running out the door.
"He really is starting to get under my coat," Flash told Twilight.
"Ahh, he's a baby dragon, what do you expect," Twilight replied.
"He doesn't seem to bother you much."
"It's because I'm like an older sister to him, and, well, you know how that is."
"Please, I can beat my sister at anything, anytime, any..."
"Where," interrupted a voice, making Flash scream and jump, and being a pegasus, he flew straight into the ceiling, hitting his head then falling to the ground, landing on his back.
"Oh, Winny," Flash said, rubbing his head and getting up as Twilight snickered, "forgot you were here."
"I'm not surprise, all you could think about on the train ride was Twilight," Winny grinned, "you should have seen him Twilight he would not shut up. Plus, I always thought he had the mind of a foal, but he was some how able to connect you with everything, here let me show you."
Winny pulled out a tiny scroll which extended all the way to the ground, Winny cleared her throat and said, "Look at that cloud in the sky, Winny, up there in the sky, which holds the stars that twinkle in the night, which reminds me of how Twilight's eyes twinkle... or how about that dog. You know, one of Twilight's good friends has a pet dog... Wow! These sandwiches are good, almost as good as my sandwiches, which Twilight loves... which you like me to continue Twilight?"
"Please do," Twilight giggled, "It's good to know he is thinking about me."
"No," Flash interjected, trying to snatch the paper from Winny, "I think we heard enough."
"Nonsense," Winny grinned, extending her hoof to hold Flash back, "oh! Here's my favorite! Hey Winny, did you send the letter to pay our bills? Because I'm not sure if I did, and we both know Matt didn't because he's always out in the park trying to pick up mares. He did tell me one time that he walked up to one and fell in a patch of flowers. He said he didn't get her address but did get a good smell of roses, which reminds me of how Twilight always smells like flowers."
Flash groaned in embarrassment and fell to the ground with his face in his hooves, until Twilight asked, "You really think I smell like flowers?"
Flash was taken by surprise of the question and scrambled back up, "Umm... yeah."
"Oh Flash, that's so sweet," Twilight blushed.
"Th-Thanks..."
"Come here and I'll show you how a flower taste," Twilight grinned, giving him a deep kiss.
Flash eyes widen and took a quick glance at Winny. She smiled back at him then quickly scribbled something big on the piece of paper and showed to him. It read, 'Tu sai che io ti aiuterò sempre segnare alcuni punti', or 'You know I will always help you score some points'.  Flash smiled to himself as he kissed Twilight backed.
Afterwards, Flash, Twilight, and Winny went back to organizing books when Spike came back in grumbling.
"I can never catch a break," was all they were able to hear him say as he gave Twilight a letter.
Twilight opened a letter as she read, "My dearest Twilight, as you may know, the Grand Galloping Gala is tomorrow night and, as same as last year, would love for you and your friends to be in attendance. Attached to this letter will be seven tickets, one for you, each of your friends, and Spike, for the Gala. If you would like any more tickets for, I don't know, maybe a certain winged stallion, then don't be afraid to send a letter back. Sincerely, Celestia."
"The Grand Galloping Gala?! Eeeeeee," Winny exclaimed in a high pitched squeal in Flash's ear, making his ears ring, "I always wanted to go."
"You've always wanted to go to a party like that," Flash asked, trying to make the ringing stop.
"Of course," Winny said, "it's has always been my dream. I've heard it's so classy and fun!"
"It really isn't all it's cracked up to be," Flash said.
"You've been," Winny and Twilight asked.
"Yeah I've been. Now don't get me wrong, it was pretty good, I mean, I would like to go again, but I thought it would have been a little more exciting... There! My ears stop ringing!"
"How did you get into the greatest party ever," Winny exclaimed.
"Remember before we joined the Crystal Guards, and we each took a jobs as body guards for different ponies? Well, mine got invited to the party and, being his guard, I was allowed to come with. That's when I first saw Twilight, and of course, you two know how the rest of the story turns out."
"You said you would like to go again, want to come with us," Twilight asked.
"Sure," Flash replied, "we didn't have anything planned out for this weekend, which I know drives you crazy."
"Don't reminded me," Twilight sighed, "so that's one ticket... what about you Winny, would you like to go?"
"Really? You would really do that for me," Winny asked in a foalish tone.
"Of course."
"Well then.... YES," Winny squealed, making Flash ears ring again.
"Oh come on," Flash exclaimed.
"Sorry."
"Well it's official, Spike, take a letter," Twilight told Spike, who took out a piece of paper and a quill, "Dear Celestia, my friends would like to be in attendance for the Gala, but, if it's not too much trouble, I would like two extra tickets for Flash and his sister Winny, who will also be in attendance. Your faithful student, Twilight."
"Your not really her student anymore, aren't you," Spike asked as he sent the letter away with his magical fire.
"Maybe," Twilight said.
"I'm just sa-sa-," Spike burped as a letter appeared from the ashes, "saying. That was quick."
"Must be a slow day at the castle," Twilight declared opening the letter, "Dear Twilight, of course it's not too much trouble. Her are two extra tickets for the Gala... by the way, you must stop thinking me as your mentor. You are a Princess now and well capable of learning on your own. Sincerely, Celestia."
"Told you," Spike grinned.
"Shut up," Twilight shot back, then gave Flash and Winny their tickets, "there. Now you two better get ready for tomorrow."
"Umm... well, I don't really have a dress," Winny admitted.
"I figured that," Twilight replied, "I have to go tell my friends about the Gala, so why don't you follow me around. If we run into Rarity, I'm sure she wouldn't mind making a dress for you."
"Thanks Twilight!"
"No problem, see you Flash," Twilight said, giving him a hug.
"See you," Flash replied returning the hug.
###
The next evening rolled around as Twilight and Winny were upstairs, getting into their dress as Flash and Spike were downstairs, already ready.
"I just don't understand," Spike complained to Flash while they waited, "Why do girls always take soooooo long to get dressed."
"It's because they 'never look right' when they're finally done," Flash grinned.
"Ha! I guess your right," Spike laughed.
"But it's always worth the wait," Flash sighed.
"And then you stop being funny," Spike said, "seriously, I feel like a third wheel when I'm around you two."
"Is that why you give me a hard time," Flash asked.
"Of course not," Spike smiled, "I just like messing with you, I really hope I'm not coming off as disliking you or anything because I really do think your a good colt for Twilight."
"Really," Flash said, "thanks buddy."
"No problem... I just wish Twilight would look at me as a brother, not as an assistant sometimes."
"She doesn't think of you as an assistant."
"Really?"
"Really, Twilight told me yesterday that she feels like an older sister to you."
"Wow! That's good to know... and if that day ever comes, I would love to have you as an older brother."
"Well, that's a little far ahead don't you think?"
"Maybe."
"Were ready," Twilight interrupted from the top of the stairs.
"That great, Alright let get go-o-o," Flash stuttered as he turned around and saw Twilight in her Gala dress, "wow Twilight, you look beautiful."
"Thanks," Twilight blushed, then turned around as she heard hoofsteps behind her, "ah, and here comes Winny."
Winny came down and was quite a sight. Her dress was made of red velvet to match her coat, but was outline with golden silk and a sword and shield checkerboard pattern. Her hair was curled in the front and put in a bun in the back and was wearing golden shoes on her hoofs.
"And you," Flash grinned, "look nice too, which is not like you."
"Shut up," Winny laughed, playfully punching him on the shoulder.
"Well, I think we got everything, ready Spike," Twilight asked.
"Ten hours ago," Spikes mumbled.
"What was that Spike?"
"I'm ready," Spike smiled nervously, Twilight glared at him for a second, then shrugged.
The carriage that was going to take them to Canterlot arrived and the four went outside to be greeted by Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack. 
"Where's Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie," Twilight asked after their hellos.
"Fluttershy went with Comet to the Gala an' Pinkie... heck, only Celestia knows where she is, but she told us she had a special surprise when we get there," Applejack replied.
"And knowing Pinkie, it's probably a party," Rainbow added.
"Well, let's not waste anymore time wondering where she is and get a move on," Rarity declared.
The mares were able to slip in easily, but filled up every seat, so Flash and Spike had to sit up front. The ride there was uneventful, just some normal conversation between the mares while Flash and Spike took to the reins. When they arrived, Princess Celestia was waiting for them. 
"Hello Twilight, it's so good to see you again," Celestia said.
"Hey Celestia," Twilight smiled, "it's good to see you too, but aren't you suppose to be greeting the guests?"
"Oh, that's Luna's job. We trade off every year, but since your ten minutes early, why not say a quick hi to her before ponies start arriving."
"Ok, we can talk later. Hey, why don't you guys take a look around."
"Alright," the rest replied.
They walked inside the castle and split up to talk amongst any of the other guest who have arrived early. Twilight walked up the front steps and, like Celestia said, Luna was there... but so was another.
"Hey Luna, how have you... who's this," Twilight asked, taking note of the unicorn standing next to Luna. He had a black mane that hung over his navy blue eyes like Lunar would. He had a dark gray coat with a black circle as a cutie mark. He was a little shorter then Luna but his perfect muscle composer made up for it. 
"You haven't heard," Luna asked, "this is my fiancée, Black Hole."
"Fiancée," Twilight exclaimed, then noticed at the base of Luna's horn was a small golden ring, "Oh my goodness, congratulations Luna."
"Thanks."
"Didn't think you had it into you," Twilight smiled, "so your name is Black Hole? It's pleasure to meet you, I'm Twilight Sparkle."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too," Black said. He spoke with a deep, but gentle, voice, "Luna has told me great things about you. I mean, if it wasn't for you, I might not have ever met her, and that would have been a tragedy."
"Yes that would have," Luna smiled, "and I would like to thank you again."
"No problem," Twilight replied.
"Enough about me though," Luna said, "what about you? How are things going between you and Flash?"
"Things are going pretty good."
"You know, I don't believe I have met the young stallion. Is he here?"
"Yes, he is... over there," Twilight said, pointing to Flash, who was talking to a red mane, green eyed, orange pegasus, "Flash, can you come here."
"Sure," Flash said flying up the steps.
"Luna this is my coltfriend Flash, Flash this is Princess Luna and her fiancée Black Hole."
"A pleasure to meet you," Flash said.
"Like wise," Luna said, "so tell me a little about yourself Flash."
"Well I'm from..." 
"Cosa stai facendo Flash," said a voice behind him. It was the pegasus Flash was talking to.
"Ah, Lightning. Sto parlando con l'amico di Twilight. Hai incontrato di Twilight?"
"No, io non credo di avere. Ciao, il mio nome è Lightning," he said, extending his hoof towards Twilight.
"I'm sorry, what," Twilight asked.
"She doesn't know Neightalian, " Flash told Lightning.
"Oh, my bad," Lightning said, "but you should teach her, it's a fun language... but let me start over. Hi, my name is Lightning, Flash's old running buddy."
"My name is Twilight Sparkle," Twilight replied, shaking his hoof.
"It's good to meet the mare my cousin dating."
"Cousin... wait, Flash told me about you."
"That's good to know, thought he had forgotten about me."
"Well it seem you vanished from thin air," Flash said with a questionable look.
"Oh, Umm," Lightning stuttered looking around for a distraction, until his eye fell upon a rainbow mane pegasus flying around, "No way! Is that Rainbow Dash?!"
"You know Rainbow," Twilight asked.
"We met before, let's just leave it at that. Hey Rainbow! Over here," Lightning said waving his hooves to get her attention. When she saw him, her face lit up ands she flew straight into him, knocking him to the ground. 
"Mother of Celestia, Lighting! It good to know your alive!"
"It's sure has been a while," Lighting said getting up as Rainbow landed on the ground, "so how have you been... no 'disturbances' in Cloudsdale I hope."
"It's been quiet," Rainbow grinned, "they must be scared of my awesomeness."
"What about the other three?"
A moment of sadness fell upon Rainbow's face for a second when she said, "Connor has fallen. Derpy's taking it hard, but Edward has been giving her comfort."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Lightning said concerned, "he sure was a heck of a fighter."
"Ok, what in the wide world of Equestria are you two talking about," Twilight exclaimed.
"Oh... forgot we weren't in private... Connor is Derpy's uncle. He died from a... flight accident, " Rainbow finished glancing at Lightning who gave the smallest of nods that only Rainbow saw and understood.
"Oh... tell Derpy I'm sorry for her loss, but that doesn't explain how you and Lightning know each other."
"We met at a meeting," Rainbow said, "that's all I want to talk about that."
"Come on Rainbow let's catch up, see you Flash, see you Twilight, it was a pleasure to meet you,"  Lightning said as he and Rainbow walked around having a conversation.
"Do you have any idea what that was about," Twilight asked Flash.
"I was about to ask you the same question," Flash replied.
"Anyways," Lunar interjected, "it is almost time for the Gala to begin, so I've got to get to greeting the guests. You can go if you want Black."
"It's alright honey, I'd rather stay here with you," Black smiled.
"Well, see you two later, and congratulations again," Twilight said as she went back down the stairs.
"Thanks, and bye," Luna replied waving.
After Twilight and Flash came back down the stairs, more and more ponies started to arrive, they happen to run into Fluttershy and Comet on the way down.
"Hey you two, how have you been," Twilight asked.
"Good, good, you," Fluttershy asked.
"Same."
"Hey Twilight, I don't believe you have met my parents, would you like too?"
"Su-"
"I don't think that's a good idea," Flash interrupted. 
"It should be alright Flash," Fluttershy said, "my parents forgave you a long time ago, they don't hold grudges."
"But they do," Flash said, pointing to two ponies who just entered. 
Fluttershy and Twilight both looked at who he was pointing at and saw none other than Geusto and Jiny.
"Uh-oh," Twilight and Fluttershy whispered.
(To Be Continued...)