//------------------------------// // At The Gala Again // Story: The Reunion of Good Friends // by Acoustic Pulse //------------------------------// Well, it's that time of year again. Amazing how quickly that month passed. It's time to go to the Grand Galloping Gala as a farewell to my old home in Canterlot. I sure as hell miss it, but as my late mother once told me, "Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it's called the present." My mother was my greatest motivator and advisor as a colt. She was always prepared for any situation, good or bad. I'm gonna miss her. She would've loved it here in Ponyville, the self-proclaimed friendliest town in Equestria. I can't seem to shake the image of Canterlot out of my mind. Am I really ready to return there? "Looks like that time of year again," Rainbow said, breaking the awkward silence. "Acoustic, are you sure you're ready to return to Canterlot?" Twilight asked. "Too late to back out now," I reply. "Alright, let's get a move on. We can roam around Canterlot until the Gala begins," Lightning spoke up. "Sounds like a plan," I say. The four of us began our journey to Canterlot, tickets tucked away safely in our saddlebags. Ponies from all over Equestria were trotting below as we flew overhead. There must be hundreds down there! Upon arriving in Canterlot, I get the sudden urge to trot "home". It was never rebuilt. It still lies in shambles. The others catch up to me, but don't say anything as to make sure I wasn't in mourning. I was having another flashback. We fly up towards her, killing every Changeling who dared to get in our way. With ground support, we finished off her entire Brigade. Yes, we were outnumbered on a 10:1 ratio. When we make it up to Queen Chrysalis,  we clean the blood off of our swords by splashing it in her face, which most definitely pissed her off. "I won't go down as easy," is all she says before she morphs into my mother. "Oh, yes, Melody was very talented. I was jealous of her singing voice. I've come to the conclusion: Why  hold grudges on ponies when you can just kill them?" she explained. Hell flew into me and I punched her square in the face. She grew extremely mad and in a bizarre twist of events, she fires a blast from her horn that struck my dad, killing him instantly. "OH, HELL NO!" I shout as I attack her wildly without even coming up with a plan. She cannot seem to get a hit on me as I slit her throat. "From one bastard to another," I say as life leaves her giant green eyes. "Another flashback?" Lighting asks. "Yes," is all I can get out before I storm away. "AP, wait!" Rainbow says as she trails after me. "Should we wait here or follow Rainbow?" Lightning asked, but Twilight was already caught up to Rainbow and I. "Acoustic, what's the matter?" Twilight asks when she gets to us. Rainbow looked at the two planks of wood poking out of the ground. "Those are your parents buried there, aren't they?" she asked. "Yes. I wanted to say one last goodbye before I left Canterlot. I thought I was over it, but not quite," I say. "What's going on?" Lightning asks when he gets to us. "Acoustic is saying one final goodbye to his parents," Rainbow said. I turn and head towards Canterlot Castle. "Let's go, the Gala is about to begin," I say. When we get there, a tall unicorn asked for our tickets. We dig into our saddlebags and find our tickets. "Thank you, you may now enter," he said. "So, looks like we're here," I say. "Awesome! I hope this is just as fun as last year's!" Rainbow exclaims. "Me too," Lightning and Twilight replied in unison. "Jinx! You owe me an Apple Cider!" Lightning shouted playfully. Several ponies looked in our direction. "The fuck are y'all looking at?" I ask without thinking. "Such hooligans shouldn't be here," an angry rich pegasus said. "Oh, I'm sorry, who are you again? Last time I checked, you didn't save Equestria singlehoofedly," I reply. "Y-you're Acoustic Pulse?" he asks. "That would be correct," I answer. "I apologize for snapping at you and your acquaintances in that manner. Thank you for your service to Equestria," the rich pony says. "It was my pleasure," I retort as the four of us trot further into the party. So many ponies. I feel very uncomfortable in crowded places since the war. "See anypony you know?" Twilight asks. "Besides you guys, no," I reply. "Oh, alright, she retorts. "You know, that mare playing the cello looks kind of familiar, come to think of it," I say when I see her. "You mean Octavia?" Rainbow chimes in. "Yes! That's it. Our parents were friends," I explain. "Oh. You gonna say anything?" Lightning asks. I nod and walk up to the grey mare. "Uhh, do I know you?" she asks nervously as I wave hello. "Yes. Yes, you do," I answer. "You seem familiar," Octavia retorts. "Agh, to hell with it. It's me, Acoustic Pulse, Melody's and Electric's son," I reply sounding noticeably annoyed. "Oh, I remember now. I'm sorry about your parents. They were some nice ponies," she says. "Thanks. I'm glad you remember me, buddy," I reply. The five of us continue to enjoy ourselves at the Gala. It ended very late. Octavia decided to stay in Canterlot, and so the rest of us returned to Ponyville. "Goodbye, Canterlot. You'll always be in my heart," I say to myself. I'm glad I moved to Ponyville. My friends are always there for me. THE END!