//------------------------------// // Chapter 21: At the Gala! Part 1 // Story: Champion of Equestria // by Buddy Hooves //------------------------------// * (Special shout out to Maximus_Reborn & MadMaxtheblack for their stories! They were what inspired me to write my story, plus if not for their Gala chapters, I wouldn't know how to start my chapter.) * Canterlot. Truely a kingdom of beauty, as it stood like a beacon of luminous light in the night. Ponies had gathered from all around Equestria and were making their way into the castle. Just outside of the main gate, our carriages arrived, each towed by four stallions. We had to decided to meet up outside the castle, and were going to arrive by carriages. Ours was the first one to arrive, as it came to a complete stop. The side door flew open and out bounced Pinkie Pie, in a white candy themed dress and a bright smile on her face. "It's even prettier than I remember!" She cheered, bouncing in place. Twilight emered from the carriage with a beautiful blue star-patterned dress. "Calm down, Pinkie. We just got here." She calmly stated, unaware her grin was just as wide as her friend's. Right behind her, Spike rushed out, wearing a black tux top with a red bow tie snapped perfectly below his chin. As he held the door open in a chivalrous manner, Rarity emerged, sporting a crimson dress that had several diamonds within it's seems. She closed her eyes and giggled, listening to Twilight's statement. Rarity stepped out, and stood with beauty and grace as she always had, but something seemed off. Her expression turning blank, she poked her head back inside of the carriage. "Mark, dear, please stop worrying and come out." I was adjusting the cuff of my sleeve, fidgeting with the material as I just sat inside the carriage. Rarity had exceeded expections when it came to my outfit for this Grand Galaping Gala thing everypony was so excited about. She had made me a jet black overcoat with a white button-up shirt underneath and a crimson tie. The suit was not loose on my frame nor was it too tight. It hugged my body just right enough to allow easy movememt and it made me look somewhat fit. Rarity really knew her stuff. But it wasn't the only reason I was taking my sweet time getting out of the carriage. No, it was because I had many thoughts and emotions running through my head at the moment. I was nervous about this being my first date as a pony, as well as being my first with Applejack. I was slightly embarrassed being surrounded by so many pretty girls all at once like this. And the big one, I was worried about whoever was after me was going to try something tonight. So to say that my mind was wondering would be a bit of an understatement. When I didn't respond, Rarity exhaled before she hopped back inside the carriage, causing the others to stare at the opened door with question. "Look, I don't know what you're so worried about, but it's really getting out of hoof." Rarity said with a hint of frustration. "The Gala's about to start, and we're wasting time out here!" Giving her a gestured wave of surrender, Rarity gave a confirming nod before hopping back out of the carriage. Letting out a defeated sigh, I slowly gathered my nerve and stepped into the bright lights of the castle, allowing everypony at the Gala to see Rarity's work at last. "What took you so long, Mark?" Pinkie asked with a questioning look. "Believe it or not, Mark's quite self-conscious and shy." Rarity giggled softly. "He could give Fluttershy a run for her money." "Well, I think you look quite dashing." Twilight smiled at me. "Yeah, you look like a spy!" Pinkie said with a happy bounce. "Bond. James Bond." I murmured before I bust out laughing, earning befuddled looks from the girls and Spike. But before I could explain the reference, the door to the second carriage opened, causing everypony's gaze to shift in it's direction. The first to step out of the carriage was Rainbow Dash, who's dress had a rainbow type theme that matched her mane, as well as wearing a golden roman type leaf thing on her head. Shit! Forgot what they're called. The next to step out was Fluttershy, who was wearing a green type dress that had a nature theme to it. She looked like a pony version of posion Ivy, or a wood elf. And the cute little blush she had while she hide her face behind her mane was too cute! And then Applejack stepped out, and my jaw almost hit the floor. She looked beautiful! She was wearing a cute green cowgirl type dress that went great with her hat and beautiful green irises. Her blonde mane was in a cute Lara Croft type braid, and.... was she wearing makeup?! She was! A beautiful blue shade of eyeshadow and red lipgloss. It was then I noticed that all the girls were also wearing eyeshadow and lipgloss. I guess they all wanted to look their best for tonight. I thought. But my attention was still focused on Applejack, seeing as she was me date for tonight and all. However, I stopped in my tracks at an unusual sight. Applejack's gaze was purely centered on me, but juding from the distant stare in her green irises, combined with her partly-opened mouth, it was clear the mare was blissfully unaware of her own staring. A chuckle escaped my mouth, though I hated to admit it to myself, these mares were becoming more attractive by the day, especially the cute cowgirl one I was currently dating. Pushing that thought to the back of my mind, I waved my hoof across Applejack's face, awaiting for any reaction from her. After a moment, she gasped aloud and shook her head madly. Her entire face turned apple red, though mine was already like that the second I walked out of the carriage. Thankfully, Applejack recollected her senses and placed her hoof to her mouth to clear her throat. However, the persistent blush refused to leave her cheeks and the flushed expression was still in her eyes. "Well, I don't look too bad, right?" I asked half-heartedly, as my smile grew in width. She's really cute. "You look fantastic by the way." I added softly, and her eyes grew wide. "Y...ya look nice too." She finally whispered. Applejack shook head once more, managing to break free from her trance. "Ah mean, ya clean up nicely, sugarcube." "Alright you two, that's enough of that!" Rainbow dash said, jabbing an elbow into my side. "Save all that mushy stuff for inside." I just rolled my eyes at that. Our attention returned back to the castle, as the bells began chiming in the distance, tolling out eight o' clock. "Well, looks like it's almost time." Twilight said as she walked up infront of our group. She ran a hoof over her purple mane, making sure that it was still done up in a bun. Satisfied it wasn't messed up, she gave a pleased nod to herself before turning to us. "We better go, girls. We have a schedule to keep, after all." "As you wish, your highness." I said with a smirk. "Shut up." She snapped. Everypony else giggled. As we walked down the castle's hallway, the entire castle was like a beehive of activity, the entire staff was working hard to make sure everything ran perfectly at the Gala for tonight. Decorations littered the hall, banners and streamers of dark blues and violets as well as midnight black were hung practically everywhere. It could only be described as organized chaos. I glanced out the window as traveled down the hall. It was a beautiful night, with a thin layer of clouds hung in the sky. Through the holes in the cloud cover, tens of thousands of stars shined down upon the castle. Even the moon seemed bigger and brighter than usual. "You excited for tonight, big guy?" Dash asked as we walked. "Not so much excited, as nervous." I replied. This earned a chuckle from the pegasus. "There's nothing to be nervous about." She said, bumping me with her flank. "It's a party, try relax and have fun!" "That's easy for you say..." I sighed, chewing on the inside of my cheek. I dropped the topic, however, and we walked in silence up the remainder of the stairs. Wandering down the corridor, Twilight lead us towards the main ballroom where the Gala was being held. Turning around the last corner, I spotted other ponies walking through the side entrance doors. "Well everypony, looks like we're allowed to enter now. The princess has declared that the Gala has officially started." This earned a cheer from everypony present, and they began moving towards the door. As her friends filed forward, handing the door guard their golden tickets and slipping into the ballroom, Applejack turned to look up at me. She had a beautiful smile on her face. "Thanks for coming here with me, Mark." She said quietly. "Hey, I should be thanking you." I smiled back at her. "I was the one who asked you out, remember?" "Yeah, ah know. Just wanted ta thank you for being such a good friend." She blushed alittle. "Hey, no problem. Besides, the real reason I ask you out was so you could be my bodyguard for tonight. Any uptight noble gives me trouble, and you can just lasso them up for me!" I joked. Applejack chuckled before turning and heading towards the door to the ballroom. One last tug on my tie, and I followed behind her. After handing the guard our tickets, the doors swung open, and me and my date stepped into the ballroom. As we stepped through the doorway, I couldn't help but feel like we had stepped into a different world entirely. Dark blue banners hung from the high ceiling, Emblazoned with Luna's cutie mark. Lanterns floated high in the air, flickering slightly, looking almost like stars glowing in the darkness. Blue torches dotted the giving the entire room a cool, goth vibe to it all. A thin layer of fog covered the floor, giving the whole room a supernatural feel. The ballroom was full of ponies clad in elegant dresses and suits. The other girls had already merged with the crowd, heading off to do what they wanted. A gentle murmur filled the air as ponies talked with each other. They were all dressed in clothing, although I wasn't as classy looking as they were. One white unicorn nearby gave me a curious look before returning his attention back to the buffet table, but did seem to stick his nose up in the air. Asshole. "Ya know, ah think the decorations turned out wonderfully." AJ said, standing beside me. "Twilight said princess Luna was worried that it would be too much. But ah think th..." She glanced at me, smiling until she saw my face. "Are ya alright, sugarcube?" I nodded, swallowing thickly as I looked down at her. "I'm fine." I sighed, my legs trembling slightly. "No, ya ain't." AJ replied, frowning slightly. "Mark, what's wrong? You can tell me." Taking a deep breathe, I tried to calm myself down. "Sorry, AJ. Just nervous is all." I explained. "I never been to a high class party before. I'm just afraid of of making a fool of myself and upsetting you girls." "Shucks... Ya don't have ta worry about something like that, Mark." AJ said, giving me a pat on the back. "Just be yourself and remember to just have fun, alright?" "Yeah, alright." "Tell ya what, let's do something calming first ta get ya all comfortable." She said. "What do you have in mind?" I asked. She looked away, her ears splaying backwords as a blush spread across her face. She whispered something, but I didn't hear her. She reminded me of Fluttershy at that moment. "What was that?" I asked. She bit her bottom lip before looking up at me, her small blush growing darker. Clearing her throat, she swallowed nervously before she spoke again. "We... we could always dance." She said, giving me a nervous smile. "Ah... ah mean, if ya want ta." "You want to dance... with?" I blinked, surprised. "Only... only if ya want ta." Taking a cue from one of my favorite 80's movies, I bowed my head at her, grabbed her hoof in mine and gave her the biggest smile I could muster. "As you wish." I said. And holding each other's hoofs, we made our way onto the dance floor. Making her way past the crowd of rich and noble ponies, Twilight made her way to the royal section where VIPs, celebraties and the princesses were. Under normal circumstances, Twilight would just have to say that she was Celestia's student in order to be allowed into something like the upper class section. But now that she herself was now a princess, she could get into any part of the party or anything for that matter, that she wanted. One of the many perks that she now tried not to let go to her head now. After all, she was the same unicorn she was before becoming a alicorn. She soon stood at the roped gate of VIP section, with the guard standing watch. He took one look at Twilight, realized who she was, and quickly opened the way for her. "Your Majesty." She said with a bow. Giving him a small nod, she smiled as she walked by. Once inside, she dropped the high act, and began looking for her true objective: Finding Princess Celestia! Walking around the crowd, she looked for her mentor past the all the other ponies. The room was filled with chatter from everypony else, making it hard to try to hear her through the crowd. But thankfully, she had her own way to find the princess through this massive crowd. Firing up her horn just enough, she was able to sense Celestia's solar magic signature and pin point where she was. Pushing past nobles and other ponies, she soon found Celestia standing off to the side of the crowd talking to her sister Luna. "Ah, Twilight Sparkle." Celestia greeted with a small smile. "How good it is to see you again. I trust that you and your friends are enjoying themselves so far?" "Of course." Twilight said as she joined the two princesses standing off in the side of the crowd. "Everything looks so great. You did a great job with the design." She nodded to Luna. "Thank you, Twilight. I was worried it wouldn't turn out how I imagined. But so far, everyponies seems to be enjoying themselves." "Luna, dear. You must not worry so much about simple things like that." Celestia said as she took a sip from her glass. "Your my sister, and their princess. They'll love you no matter what type of Gala you want to plan." "If you say so, sis." Luna smiled before looking off to the crowd. "Something the matter?" Twilight asked, sensing Luna's tensions. "Don't worry, Twilight. It's nothing to worry about." Luna said without looking at her. "Luna has been sensing some strange nightmares lately, but hasn't been able to find their dreamer just yet." Celestia explained. "And what bothers me the most is that the nightmares have only happened three times now. But each time, it's like a barrier is blocking me from finding the source." Luna stated with a serious expression. Twilight said nothing as she pondered on what Luna just told her. Something able to block Luna from dreamwalking was serious indeed, for she was the princess of the night. Watcher of dreams. Whatever was blocking her was clearly keeping her from seeing something or somepony important. But who? But then a sudden shot of realization hit Twilight all at once, as she remembered something Cadence said the other day before returning to the Crystal Empire. At the train station she mentioned something about Mark having some bad nightmares, but she didn't think anything of it at the time. Now it was all fitting together. "I think I know who's been having nightmares lately." Twilight squeaked. Celestia and Luna both looked at her with an surprised expression. Then Luna was the first to snap out of it, and looked at Twilight with a calm, yet stern pose. "Please, explain." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pinkie Pie walked through the crowd, taking everything in with a big grin on her face. Last time she was here, she didn't understand that this type of party was a slow, formal and quite one. Not to mention dull! But after talking with Rarity, and a few party pointers from Cheese Sandwitch, she was able to understand and even admire it. Though she still prefered her types of parties, were she could dance, sing and have much more fun with. As she looked at the decerations and look of the Gala, she noticed it had a dark, yet calm tone to it. If not for all the high class nobles standing around, it almost reminded her of Nightmare Night. She almost wished it was, so she could eat some yummy candy. Looking around, she spotted the stage where the band was playing their music. It might not have been her type of music, but it still sounded pretty. She spotted a familiar mare standing by the stage listening to the band play their soft, slow music. It was her close friend and DJ for most of her parties, DJ Pon-3, otherwise known as Vinyl Scratch. Hey, maybe she'll know how spice things up here. She thought to herself. Moving past the crowd, Pinkie began making her way towards the front of the stage where Vinyl was. Vinyl was best friends and roommates with Octavia, one of the musicians currently playing on the stage. Of course she'd be here at the Gala, to watch her best friend play on stage. Pinkie figured maybe she'd walk over and talk with her a bit. It had to be much more fun then just standing around at a boring old..... THUD Pinkie almost fell over when she accidently ran into somepony standing near the stage. Looking up, she saw a big griffon looking down at her with a mean expression. He was a black coated griffon, wearing a white dress shirt with a red tie. What stood out the most about him was a scar on the side of his face. "I'm sorry. I..." "Watch where you're going!" He snapped at her, before storming off in another direction. Pinkie just stood there for a moment, completely blow away by how mean he was. "Gosh.... Rude much?" A voice from behind her made her turn her head. Standing behind her was Vinyl Scratch. "I'll say! Why do griffons always got to be big old meanie heads, anyway?" Pinkie asked, surprised by the event. "Ah, forget about him. Hey, I know! Why don't we make our way over to the snack stand?" Vinyl countered. "Sure." But as her and Vinyl made their way to the food court, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of Pinkie's mind. Why do I feel like I've seen him before? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Are you enjoying yourself so far?" Spike asked, as he and Rarity walked around. Taking in all the sights of the Gala. "Of course, darling." Rarity answered with a smile. "After all, how can I not be? I'm here with here with my Spikey-wikey, after all." That caused Spike to blush a little. He felt so lucky to be here at the Gala with Rarity as his date. He had Mark to thank for that. After all, it was his advice and little plan at the picnic that got him and Rarity closer together. Sure, he was a dragon and she was a pony, but that couldn't stop him from having feelings for her. And at the picnic, her learned she cared just as much for him as he did her. He maybe a baby dragon, but he was already over ten years old, making him much more than a baby in her eyes. He was kind, brave, funny and cared for her deeply. He even went as far as the moon to save her from darkness for pony's sake! The least she could do was to return some of that affection that he always showed her. So when the Grand Galaing Gala came near, she asked if he would come with her. Spike almost passed out when he heard her ask him out, but was quick to answer her. Now, here they were at the Gala, enjoying each other's company. And Spike was loving ever second of it. "Why, if it isn't my dear friend, Rarity. How have you been?" They both turned to see who had said that, and were both surprised with the results. It was Fancy Pants, Canterlot's most well known and respected unicorn in all of high class society. He was wearing his classic black tux with a purple bow tie. Standing next to him was his beautiful unicorn lady friend, who Rarity never did learn what her name was. "Fancy Pants. It wonderful to see you again." Rarity answered with a polite nod. "I'm doing fine great. How about you?" "I'm fine, dear." He answered with a smile. "I've been hearing nothing but good things about you, lately. Your amazing designs at the Manehattan, your little singing group, and saving all of Equestria from that Terik fellow. I must say, you're one impressive mare." Rarity said nothing as she blushed a little. "Say, who's your companion here?" He asked, pointing at Spike. "This is Spike. He's my..." Rarity paused. Unsure how to answer that. "I'm her best friend and assistant." He answered for her. "Yes. Spike here has helped me make many of my clothes designs." Rarity confirmed, as it was true. "Simply amazing!" Fancy Pants exclaimed as he studied Spike. "A young dragon with a heart of gold and eye for fashion? I always knew dragon's were a noble and powerful race, but I never knew they were so diversed." "Ha, ha.... thanks." Spike chuckled nervously. Unsure how to respond. "So Rarity, dear, we've been hearing rumors of a young stallion who moved to Ponyville recently. Is it true that even as an earth pony, he's able to cast magic?" Fancy Pants asked. "Yeah, that's our friend Mark." Spike answered before Rarity. "He's already used his magic three times to whip a rock golem, a pack of griffon mercs and a quarry eel mother." "Amazing!" Fancy Pants said, an eager look on his face. "You simply must tell us more about him." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "This is nice." Fluttershy said as she watched the ponies dance on the opened floor. "Eh, it's okay." Rainbow Dash said as she just folded her arms. "Still not my type of scene, though." Her and Fluttershy stood off to the side, watching the other ponies as they danced, talked and just stood around. Fluttershy didn't mingle with the crowd because of her shy nature, and the fact that she'd much rather be trying to charm the cute animals outside in the garden. Rainbow Dash didn't join the crowd for several reasons. One, she didn't like the whole silly high and mighty attitude from all the noble ponies. And two, because the Wonderbolts weren't at the Gala this year, and cause she didn't have to worry about impressing them this time. So the two of them just watched as the other ponies danced on the open floor. "Look, there's Mark and Applejack." Fluttershy pointed out in the crowd of dancing ponies. Sure enough, there they were, dancing happily together. As they moved to the slow paced music, they held each other close as they waltzed around. They both never took there eyes off each other as they smiled, talked and laughed with each other. Watching them, you could tell how happy they were just being together. "They sure do look happy, together." Fluttershy said as she watched them. "Yeah.... I guess so." Dash admitted. She couldn't help but smile as she watched her friend enjoying herself. "They do make a cute couple." "I know. Applejack seems almost more happier then I've ever seen her." Fluttershy observed. "And look at Mark's face." Dash chuckled. "He's trying to act cool and calm, but you can so see that he's totally nervous." As they danced, Applejack rested her head on Mark's shoulders. As they slowly moved around, Mark spotted Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy watching from the side. They both waved at him, he smiled at them before turning his attention to what he was doing. "Awww.... how cute." Fluttershy gushed. "What a goof!" Dash chuckled. Suddenly, a familiar voice snapped Dash's attention away from the couple. "Care for a drink, sir?" Dash's jaw almost hit the floor as she turned to see who it was. Standing in the crowd, holding a serving trey of drinks, and wearing a servent's outfit, was Gilda. Fluttershy was also surprised as she saw what Dash was staring at. Shaking her head to come back to reality, Dash began walking over to where Gilda was standing. Fluttershy followed close behind her. "Gilda?" Dash asked, unsure how to begin. Gilda turned, and almost dropped her trey in complete surprise as she jumped. "Dash! W...what are you doing here?" She asked, dumbfounded. "I was just about to ask you the same thing!" Dash said. Sighing, Gilda hung her head in defeat. "Its part of my punishment, okay? They have me working in the castle, cleaning and doing stupid things like this." "Huh..." Dash just said. She was completely surprised by the whole thing. "D..didn't you spend some time in the dungeon?" Fluttershy asked, but flinched when Gilda looked at her. "If...if you don't mind me asking.....that is." "Yeah." She sighed again. "They had me in there for about four days before the princesses came down to talk with me. They told me that I could work off my sentence by doing community service." Gilda explained. "Oh, that's nice." Fluttershy commented. "Yeah, I agree." Gilda nodded. "Alot better then wasting away in some dungeon." She then turned to look at Dash with serious look. At first, she thought she was going to stare her down, but then was surprised as Gilda's expression changed. She had a sad look of regret on her face. "Dash... I... I just want to say....." She paused before trying to continue. "I'm sorry. For everything. I was being such a jerk that I pushed everyone I cared and knew away from me. And I ended up with an even bigger jerk who ended up leaving me." "I understand." Dash said with small smile. "And I'm sorry too. I should have talked things out with you, but I didn't. So I feel partly to blame you ended up like you did." "That wasn't your fault, Dash. That was mine and nobody else's." Gilda admitted. "Friends?" Dash asked as she held her hoof out. Gilda just looked at her in complete shock. "You.... you want to still be friends with me? Even after all I've done?" "Sure. Why not? Every pony deserves a second chance." Dash replied. "You... you stupid.... soft hearted ponies." Gilda said with watering eyes. Lifting her free claw up, she bumped it at Dash's raised hoof. "Friends." "Cool." As I stared into that beautiful mare's eyes, nothing else mattered. I never opened myself up this way to a girl before. I felt like I was dancing on clouds as we held each other. In her hooves, I felt like anything was possible, like life was ours and we could live it anyway we wanted. I've never been so happy being with a girl like this. Scratch that! I've never been with a girl, period! And I'm not just saying that. For years I've been looking for the perfect girl to finally open my heart up to, and trust with my feelings. And with Applejack I finally felt like I found somepony to trust. We then became aware that the music stopped playing as the crowd cheered and stomped at their perfomance. Applejack and me just stood there as we continued to look at each other for several more minutes, before we finally broke apart. Applejack had a cute blush on her face, while I felt like I was sweating up a storm. "Whoo-boy! that was some dance." AJ said as she fanned herself with her hoof. "You dance beautifully." I said to her. "Thanks, sugarcube. But I was mostly just following your lead." I chuckled at that. When we started dancing, I pulled her close to me and began waltzing. She was surprised at first, but soon relaxed as we moved around the dance floor. I'm just glad those dancing lessions with my aunt came of use. "Well, I don't know about you, but I could really go for a drink about now." AJ said. "Sounds good. Let's head over to the snack stand for some fancy grub." I nodded. We then began to make our way to the tables filled with snacks and punch, for a much needed break. We was having a blast though, spending time together just me and her. I wonder how the other girls are doing? I wondered. I thought I saw Pinkie walk by us, but she looked busy talking to somepony so I decided to leave her alone. Finally arriving at the tables, AJ got her a glass of punch to drink while I looked at the finger food. Or would that be hoof food? Looking at the different dishes, I was quite surprised with the display they had out. Their was a few bowls of fruits, a salad bowl, a trey with crackers with little slices of cheese on top. There was even a trey with different cheeses and another with shrimp on it. "Oh sweet! Check out the snacks!" I said as I grabbed a few cheese crackers and munched on them. "I don't see what the big deal is. They're just little bite sized snacks." AJ commented. "True. But at least it's free." I replied, grabbing a few shimps and chomping down on them. "Hmmm.... needs katsup." AJ just rolled her eyes at that. I was just starting to try the different type of Equestrian cheeses when Rarity and Spike walked up to us, with what looked like a few nobles following behind them. "Mark, darling, there's somepony you simply must meet." She said as they all gathered around us. "Uhhhh.....ok." I replied, unsure how to react to the situation. "Rarity, what the hay is going on?" AJ asked, given her friend a questioning look as to why ponies were flocking to us. But then one of them stepped forword and spoke up. "Rarity here was telling us about your amazing acts of heroism." He said. He was a white unicorn with blue hair and a rich man type look. But at least he looked like he was a nice fellow. "Ahem....yes, well...." Rarity began, a slight blush on her face. "Mark, this is Fancy Pants." "Umm... nice to meet you?" I said as I held my hoof out nervously. "Likewise." He said, bumping his hoof with mine. "Let me just say it's an honor to meet a brave stallion such as yourself. Canterlot could use someone like you." And that's when the other ponies pelted me with a stream of questions. "Is it true your from another land?" "Is it true you can use magic like an alicorn?" "Did you really defeat a quarray eel mother in one magic blast?" "What was it like fighting griffon mercenaries?" "Are you single?" "Uhhhh......" I just stood there. Unsure how to begin or what to say. "Rarity, what were ya thinking bring all these folks on Mark like that?" I heard AJ whisper to her. "I'm sorry, dear. Things just kinda got out of hoof." She answered. "Hey Mark, why don't you show them a trick?" Spike asked me excitedly. "Yes. Why don't you show us a display of your amazing talents?" Fancy Pants asked. "I... uhhh....that is....ummmm....." "He can't because he's nothing more then a low class commoner!" A voice yelled from behind the gathered crowd. As if on que, the other ponies gasped before parting a path, allowing this jerk to move forward. This said jerk was a white unicorn with a blonde mane and tail. He wore a purple bow tie, which was only on what looked like just the neck part of a tux, while the rest of him was bare. Well, as us ponies normally were, anyway. I also noticed his cutie mark was that of a map compass, only without the N,S,E or W on it. As he walked up to us I noticed angry glares from Rarity and AJ, as well as some of the other ponies standing around us. Which told me this guy wasn't so well liked. "Prince Blueblood." Rarity muttered under grinding teeth. "So this is the Mark fellow I've heard about?" Blueblood asked as he looked me over. "Indeed." Fancy Pants nodded. "Rarity here was just telling us...." "He doesn't even have a cutie mark!" Blueblood exclaimed, cutting off Fancy Pants off. "And just look at him. His mane is a mess, his suit is tacky, he looks out of shape and not to mention unintelligent." Why, that no good mother fu... "Now you see here! Mark here is more of a stallion then you'll ever be!" Rarity yelled as she stood near me, almost taking a defensive position. "That's right! Mark here is our friend, and we won't let ya talk about him like that!" AJ said, also standing beside me protectively. "Yeah!" Spike also yelled, puffing his chest out to look tough. Blueblood took one look at them and laughed. "Foolish mares! Who do you think they are, talking to me like that! I'm prince Blueblood. Nephew to princess Celestia and noble heir of Canterlot!" He snorted, raising his muzzle high in the air. "Their the bearers of the Elements of Harmony!" Spike answered the jerk. "And they saved Equestria more times then..." "I know that!" Blueblood snapped at him. "Tell me something, why aren't they well known through out all of Equestria as heroes yet? I'll tell you why, it's because my aunt only uses their help when she doesn't want to get her hooves dirty. Face it, without the elements, you're all nothing more then mere peasants!" Spike said nothing as he just lowered his head. The girls stared at Blueblood, but I could tell what he said had hit them hard. And all the while, that bastard just kept laughing at us. That's it! I don't mind this uptight asshole saying things about me.... but nopony, and I MEAN NOPONY TALKS ABOUT MY FRIENDS LIKE THAT! I didn't have to think about it, didn't even need to focus on the ball of magic inside me. I just felt a rush of anger, and I began glowing green with magic like I just went Kaioken times ten! Everypony near us gasped in surprise and took a few steps back. Even Spike and the girls looked at me completely shocked. But I didn't care. I just focused on the unicorn standing right infront of me, looking at me like a deer caught in headlights. "DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT MY FRIENDS LIKE THAT!!" I yelled as I walked up to him. His eyes widened in terror as our faces got closer together. "The ponies you call peasants are the same ponies you depend on. We cook your meals, we haul your trash, we deliver your mail, and work in your hospitals." I explained while staring him down. "We guard you while you sleep! DO NOT FUCK WITH US!!" Blueblood just nodded to me before he turned around and bolted. I smiled at that. As the aura around me began to die down, the ponies around us started to cheer and stomp their hooves on the ground. But I didn't care. My mind was going a hundred miles a minutes. I said nothing as I kept my back facing them, staring at the spot Blueblood was standing in. "I say, dear fellow. Good show!" Fancy Pants said. "Ha! did you see the look on his face?!" Spike laughed, enjoying the show. "Thank you, Mark." Rarity said. "I honestly don't know what I ever saw in him before." I remained silent. "Mark? Sugarcube, is everything alright?" AJ asked, getting closer to me. I don't know why I didn't answer her. But at that moment all I knew was I needed some air. I ran past everypony before they had a chance to even say anything else. Pinkie Pie stopped in her tracks as she started to shake violently as if there was an earthquake. Vinyl Scratch watched in complete shock as her friend continued to do so for several long moments. Then, as quickly as it began, the shakes stopped. Leaving both mares looking at each other in complete confusion. "Pinkie, was that your Pinkie sense?" Vinyl asked. Pinkie just nodded, still surprised by the action. "What do you think it means?" "I don't know. But whatever it is, it's a doozy!" She answered. Suddenly, as if a light switch was turned on in her head, Pinkie Pie jumped at a sudden realization. "Now I know who that mean griffon was! He was the leader of that Black Talon group that was after Mark!" I found my way outside, into the Canterlot garden, Marveling at the numerous animals that lived there. Most avoided me as I walked deeper into the gardens, but considering I was seeking peace, that worked in my favor. This place is huge. I thought to myself as looked around, amazed by the beauty of the place. I wonder how much it costs Celestia a year just in gardening? Finding a bench near a neat looking water fountain, I decided to sit down and collect my thoughts. Man, that guy was a total dick! I thought as I sat on the bench, looking at the night sky. I'm glad he ran off when he did, otherwise I was afraid I what I might have done to him. I chuckled at that. Don't think Celestia would have been happy to hear of me beating the shit out of her nephew. Even if he's a complete asshole. I looked up at the stars tinkling in the night sky, and wondered if one of those stars was earth. And tonight was going so well, too! But then that fucker had to ruin it by being a rich, stuck up fu... "There ya are, Mark!" I turned to see that Applejack had followed me outside. Of course she would. "Sorry about that, AJ." I sighed. "Just needed to get away from the crowd." "Ah understand." she said as she sat next to me on the bench. "That snob was being a complete jerk." "I just didn't like the way he was talking about you girls. I mean, from all I've heard he should be thankful for all you've done!" "Aww, don't worry about that sour puss." She smiled at me. "Ah don't care what folks like him think of me, I'm just happy knowing ah can make a difference." "That's what I love about you, AJ. You have such a great look on things." I laughed. We both sat there quitely for a moment, niether one of looking at each other. Here we was, finally alone with her, and I couldn't think of what I wanted to tell her. Part of me wanted to tell her that I loved her, that I thought the world of her and wanted to be with her. But then thoughts of my past failers with girls flashed in my mind, and I was afraid of what she might say. From the way she was fidgeting on the bench, she must have been thinking as well. But then I remembered how I helped Spike build himself up to admit his feeling to Rarity, and a ping of hope filled my heart. If Spike can do it, then so can I! The set up was perfect for it, moonlight, a beautiful garden and faint music from inside.... I just needed to grow a pair of balls! It's now or never. "Applejack?" "Yeah, Mark?" She asked, looking up at me. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you lately.... but I was afraid of what you might think." "What is it, sugarcube?" "Well..." I sighed. I needed to just plow on through. "I know I'm from another world, and we've only know each other for almost a month.... But, being with you has been some of the most happiest times I've ever had." As I paused to perpare for what I was going to say next, I saw Applejack looking at me with those beautiful green eyes of hers. "Applejack.... I love you." Silence. Neither of us said anything for a moment, as we both looked into each other's eyes. Her eyes showed a hint of shock, with what I hoped looked like a pinch of wonder, while I'm sure mine was filled with concern and terror. Seconds ticked by as we just stared at each other, as I waited for her to reply. "Ah love ya too, Mark." She finally said with a smile. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Ta be honest, I've felt the same way about you, but ah was afraid to say anything." She admitted. "Why's that?" I asked. "Because of your family. Ah was afraid that if ah told ya how ah feeled, I'd come between you and your chance at going back home." "But Applejack.... there's a good chance I might never get home." I admitted. "But ain't ya afraid ya'll never see your family again?" "Of course! I'm afraid they'll think I'm dead and forget about me." I thought back on that nightmare I had. "So even IF I make it home, they'll probably have moved on with their lifes." Applejack started to say something, but I put my hoof on her shoulder, catching her off guard. "But being with you girls these past few weeks have really helped me adjust to everything. Sure, I might never get back home again... but it's not the end of the world! I can move on and live my life here now." Applejack said nothing as she slowly leaned a little closer to me, and I found myself moving closer to her as well. As our muzzles inched closer together, she closed her eyes. Oh man, I can't believe this is happening! We're gonna kiss! Closing my eyes as well, I began moving closer so our lips could touch, and I could finally say I kissed more then one girl in my life. Sure, AJ maybe a pony, but I am too now, so there's nothing wrong with it. Only a few inches away from her, I could feel her warm breathe and smelled her sweet scent. RRRROOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!!!!! And just my luck, something has to come along and fuck this up!