//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3 
// Story: The Star-Cross Lovers 
// by CartoonNerd12 
//------------------------------//

At Canterlot Castle, the five ponies, plus their baby dragon, were escorted by Shining Armor as they entered the Canterlot throne room.

A purple alicorn, who had been talking to an elderly white-bearded unicorn with a blue hat and cape with bells, saw them coming in and addressed her friends.

"How did it go?"

"Not too good," said Applejack. "They escaped before we could capture them."

The unicorn said a cheerful tone as he shrugged, "Well, can't win them all!"

Twilight gapped at him, "But, Star Swirl, this could be serious! The Diamond Dogs have been causing trouble in Canterlot for about a month now! We have to get them so we can understand why they've been disturbing the peace!"

"Perhaps, but we should be patient. Eventually, we won't have to go to them, but they'll come to us."

"But who knows long that would be?!" Twilight started heading for the doors. "I'm going to go see Princess Celestia. Maybe she'll have an idea about how to deal with the Dogs." and left.

Twilight made it to the Princess's chambers and knocked. Instead of Celestia answering, it was Luna.

"Luna? Shouldn't you be resting for your duties tonight?"

"Fear not, I shall be back to bed after I help my sister finish a couple more reports."

"Oh, if she's too busy, I can come back later," Twilight started to turn around.

A voice from the room carried out, "You can come in, Twilight."

Luna moved aside so Twilight could walk in.

Celestia was by a desk as she saw her one-time pupil coming in, "I always make time to see my faithful student."

Twilight blushed, "Well, thank you, Princess, but I hope I'm not disrupting you."

"Not at all. Now what do you want to tell me?"

Twilight frowned, "The Diamond Dogs were at it again, and they escaped before we could get an answer out of them. The girls tried to go after them, but it was too late. Star Swirl thinks it's best we wait them out, but who knows how much more damage they'll cause before then? What do you think?"

Celestia pondered on this, "Well… you and Star Swirl have excellent points. It's a good idea we wait to see what happens, but at the same time, the safety of our citizens is important…" She reflected on this, "Give me about a week. I'm sure to have come up with something by then."

"Thank you, Princess." Twilight smiled. "I better get back downstairs. With the Grand Galloping Gala being in a few days, there'll be a lot to do."

"I have every confidence that you'll make this one of the best Galas we've had," Celestia smiled at her former student.

Twilight returned it as she bowed her head at Luna before going out.

The next few days flew by and every pony was excited for the Gala. Coaches and carriages lined up for miles as they tried to reach their destination. In one of the carriages that was shaped like a pumpkin, two unicorns and one draconequus sat as they waited for the carriage to move again.

"Are we there yet?" Trixie whined.

Discord, wearing an orange tuxedo with a matching top hat, poked his head out the carriage window and noticed the enormous traffic jam. "There is a holdup between here and Canterlot."

Trixie groaned as she wore a dark purple gown.

Sombra was wearing a purple cape - courtesy of Discord - with dark blue shoes and a small headpiece that resembled a crown. He had been silent throughout the entire carriage ride and kept looking out the window to see the night sky. He couldn't explain it, but he felt like something was going to happen to him tonight but didn't know what.

"You're being awfully quiet," pointed Discord. "What's up?"

"I'm not sure, but I have this strange feeling that something's going to happen this very night…"

"Of course something's going to happen! It's a party!" he wiggled his body as if doing a jig. "Ponies lose control and have a blast! Sheesh, you need to loosen up."

"Trixie shall have a marvelous time at the Gala." she grinned.

Suddenly, their carriage moved. Discord poked his head out, "Hey, look! We're moving!"

Sombra returned to his thoughts, What could happen tonight that makes me feel uneasy? 

At the castle, ponies dressed in their finest came in as they headed for the stairs where Princess Celestia was looking lovely in a red-orange gown. She stood at the top and greeted guests one-by-one.

In the ballroom, Princess Twilight and her friends were conversing with guests they brought with them. Gilda was next to Rainbow Dash as she was wearing a red and black dress, but she looked extremely uncomfortable.

"Ugh! Did I have to wear this thing?!"

"Unfortunately, yeah…" Rainbow mumbled.

"I wouldn't be here if you didn't insist on me coming…"

"I own you one," Dash smirked and Gilda returned it.

The griffin then grunted, "I'm going to get some punch." She went to the punch bowl.

"Bring back some for me!" RD called out.

Twilight went out of the ballroom and flew up the stairway, past the ponies that were waiting for a royal greeting. She told Celestia, "I can take over while you go have some fun."

"Thank you, Twilight. I appreciate that." She switched places with the young alicorn and headed for the ballroom.

Celestia looked at the scene before her. As boring the Gala could be, she was pleased to see that her subjects were having a good time.

Just outside the castle, three party guests had finally arrived.

"We made it!" Trixie exclaimed as she started heading inside, but felt a tug on her tail being pulled back.

"Hold your horses!" Discord snickered, "Get it? Horses?!" He laughed, but he also could see from the expressions on Sombra and Trixie's faces that they were not amused. He cleared his throat, "First, let me lock the carriage." He summoned a car lock and pointed at the carriage, turning it into a pumpkin following a beep.

The three then walked into the castle where the guards were taking tickets. They showed theirs and were permitted inside. Trixie was gawking at the sight before her. Everything looked so grand!

Sombra looked around and felt uneasy again, but his companions didn't take notice as they were getting too excited.

"Ah, I see Princess Twilight Sparkle is greeting the guests," Discord pointed with his cane. "I think I'll go over there and say hello…" He grinned mischievously and popped out.

Sombra shook his head and turned towards Trixie, only to see that she was already gone, no doubt being taken by the festivities.

Looks like it's just me… he thought as he made his way to the ballroom.

Celestia could see ponies around her having fun, including her former prodigy's good friends. She found them to be quite amusing as they were talking and laughing among themselves. Her back was turned to the stallion that walked into the room.

Sombra looked straight ahead as he spotted a tall pony with radiant flowing mane that closely matched the colors of a rainbow. He was fascinated with this and tried to get a closer look. As he did, the pony slowly turned around and Sombra gaped when she was completely facing him. It was as if sparkles were framing her beautiful face.

Celestia caught sight of the stallion looking straight at her. She, too, gapped, seeing sparkles around his handsome face. They stood there as both of their eyes gleamed at the sight before them. It felt as if an invisible force was pulling them together as they took small steps toward the other, not once taking eyes off of each other.

When they had reached the other, they stood silent and kept staring at each other until Sombra finally spoke.

"Um… Good evening…"

Celestia found herself repeating the same words, "Good evening…"

"My name is Sombra." He gave a bow.

She slightly blushed, "I'm… Celestia."

He looked up as he smiled. He took her hoof, to which the both of them felt a warm fuzzy feeling, and kissed it.

Celestia's cheeks reddened further.

On the stage, the band was getting ready to perform a waltz number. Sombra heard this and looked at Celestia. He gave another bow while asking, "May I have this dance?"

She smiled widely as she replied, "Yes." She extended her hoof and he took it as he escorted her on to the dance floor.

The girls were still chatting away until Rarity looked at the dance floor and gasped, "Look!" She pointed and her friends turned around to see what Rarity saw. They gasped as well.

"Princess Celestia…" Fluttershy gapped.

"…is dancing…" Applejack uttered.

"…with a really good-looking guy!" Pinkie grinned.

Rarity giggled, "He is rather dashing, isn't he?" She batted her eyelashes.

"Who is that guy?" Rainbow raised her brow.

Meanwhile, Trixie had walked into the ballroom with a handsome unicorn stallion that was talking about himself. Trixie was looking rather bored since she couldn't get a word in edgewise about herself. She looked across the room and was surprised to discover Sombra on the dance floor with a tall mare with flowing hair.

The stallion noticed this as well and Trixie heard him say, "Hmm, I wonder who Auntie Celestia is dancing with. He's a sharp dresser."

"Auntie Celestia?!"

"I thought you knew." He looked smug, "I am the nephew of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, not to mention I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's cousin."

But Trixie wasn't paying attention as she kept watching Sombra dancing with the princess. She thought, Does he know she's the princess? I don't see him dancing with her if he knew, considering we are trying to overthrow her from her throne… 

She needed to get a closer look and noticed how the punch bowl was closer to where the dance floor was. She told her boring date, "Trixie is going to get some punch. Want some?"

Blueblood grimaced, "No, thank you."

She shrugged, "Suit yourself." She walked over to the punch bowl while watching Sombra dancing happily with Princess Celestia, who looked just as happy. As she was distracted, she didn't realize she was going to bump into someone. When she did, she said, "Trixie is sorry-"

"You!" Gilda pointed.

"You?!" Trixie gasped.

"What are you doing here?" Gilda's eyes slit.

"For your information, Trixie received a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala! What are you doing here?!" she scowled.

"A friend invited me. Got a problem with that?!"

Trixie humphed, "Well, I was getting some punch, but seeing how it's already infected with rudeness, I changed my mind." She huffed and turned back.

Gilda grunted as she headed towards Rainbow, who was still watching Celestia's dance with the stranger. She handed her friend the glass of punch, "Here. Sorry it took so long, but I bumped into that pony who caused me to lose the trail of those Diamond Dogs."

"What pony?" Dash questioned.

"That one." Gilda pointed to the unicorn who was going over to Prince Blueblood.

Rainbow pondered, "Hmm, you say she made you lose track of the Dogs?"

"I know she made me lose it, because I was on the right path until I bumped into her and then I lost it." She gave a fierce look.

This made Rainbow Dash very suspicious.

Back on the dance floor, Sombra never felt so happy in his life. Celestia was also feeling giddy. When the waltz came to a stop, ponies applauded around them. They moved to a table and started to talk.

"You danced divinely." Celestia complimented.

"I was going to say the same thing about you…" He glanced lovingly at her.

She blushed and asked, "Has this been your first time at the Gala? I don't recall seeing you before."

He nodded, "It is my first time at the Grand Galloping Gala. You?"

She gave a slight giggle, "I've been hosting these Galas for so long that I've lost count."

"Hosting?"

"You didn't know? I'm Princess Celestia." She saw the shock written on his face, "Judging from your astonished expression, I guess you didn't…"

The Princess?! She's the princess?! Oh, no… He thought with horror, All this time… Okay, just keep calm… you'll get through this… 

"I didn't mean to deceive you. I just thought you knew." Celestia was telling him.

"Well… that's my fault. It should have been obvious from the start with your name and how you seemed to have an air of authority about you."

"I do not like to use my power on ponies, for they have their own choices to make and I do not wish to stand in their way."

He found himself smiling at this, "You are a very kind ruler."

"That's very kind of you to say." she said playfully.

They both laughed.

He said, "Celestia, I mean Princess-"

"Just Celestia, please."

He beamed, "Celestia… I know we've only known each other for a short time, but I feel as if I already know so much about you…"

She smiled, "I feel the same way…"

They gazed into each other's eyes until a great shout happen.

"DISCORD!"

Twilight had run into the ballroom all soaking wet and her friends rushed over to her.

Celestia saw her faithful student and quickly told Sombra, "Please excuse me, Sombra, but Twilight needs me."

He nodded his head, "It's alright. I can wait."

She smiled back at him and then rushed over, where she asked, "What happened?" She conjured up a towel and helped wipe Twlight's head.

"Discord was pestering me while I was trying to greet the guests. When I told him to go, I thought that was the last I saw of him. Suddenly, a bucket of water landed on me and this is what happened!" She gestured to her wet gown.

"You poor thing!" Fluttershy gasped and then frowned. "I'm going to give him a good talking-to!"

"Chances are he's already fled the scene of the crime…" Twilight muttered.

"I doubt it." Rainbow crossed her arms.

Celestia then said, "Girls, why don't you go upstairs and help Twilight dry off? I'll be there shortly." She looked back to where Sombra was.

Twilight saw that and was confused, "Wha…?"

Rarity whispered, "We'll tell you on the way, darling…" She smirked along with the other girls except Rainbow.

Twilight was still looking confused when they left the room.

Celestia got back to the table and said, "I'm so sorry, Sombra. I love to spend more time, but I am needed at the moment."

"It's fine," But he had a look of sadness and took her hoof to kiss it once more, "I enjoyed our time together, my lady."

She blushed once more before saying, "Thank you for the dance. To me, this was the best Grand Galloping Gala I've had in a long time." She went off.

Sombra sighed as he watched her go. Suddenly, a jester of a draconequus popped up beside him.

"Did you see the look on Twilight's face?! Priceless!" he guffawed.

"You do realize you're in big trouble now, right?"

"Oh," he waved his paw non-chalantly, "they'll forget all about it by tomorrow. I've done lots of things they don't remember. I let them remember some things to prove my point, but other than that, all it takes is one little memory wipe…"

Sombra could only shake his head.

"So…" Discord smirked and leaned over Sombra. "What's the deal about you and Princess Celestia…?"

Sombra found himself at a loss for words, "Oh… we… um… we just danced and that was it."

"Really? Because I could have sworn I saw some hoof-kissing a minute ago." He made kissy faces.

"I was just trying to be a gentlecolt!"

"Sure, you were… Don't worry, pal. Your secret is safe with me." He made a zipper on his lips and zipped it up.

Sombra glared at him before putting his hoof to his chin, "I just wish… I could see her one last time before I have to go…"

"No problem. Just head out into the gardens and find her balcony. It's the second one on the left." Discord gestured and grinned.

Sombra considered this until he finally got up and muttered, "I must be crazy doing this…" He went out to the gardens.

Trixie then rushed over and panted, "Discord! Where is Sombra? He has to know-"

"Relax, he already figured it out."

"What?! Then where is he?"

"Sorry, I'm not supposed to say." He made the zipper appear again and then took a good look at Trixie. She was quite a mess, "So, what happened to you?"

She scowled, "Don't. Ask."

Sombra looked up to the balcony and was trying to figure out how he was going to get Celestia to come out.

Back inside, Celestia was helping Twilight by giving her some nice warm tea.

"You girls get comfortable. I'll just get some things that I need." She headed to her chambers and started looking until she heard pebbles landing on the balcony platform. She opened the window doors and went out to see a stallion below her.

"Sombra?" He smiled up at her and she returned it. She then asked, "What are you doing?"

"I don't know… I just feel that I needed to see you again before I have to leave…"

"How sweet." she touched her heart.

"It is you who is sweet, dear sweet Celestia…"

She sighed lovingly, "And you are the most charming stallion I've ever met…"

Just outside the chamber room, Luna was walking past when she heard her sister talking to someone. She leaned her ear closer to the door so she could hear better.

"…not only that, you're thoughtful, clever, and a gifted dancer." Sombra told Celestia.

She giggled at that last bit, causing him to laugh, too.

"My sister has a stallion in her room!" Luna whispered under her breath, "The indignity, the scandal, the juiciest!" she squeed.

Celestia heard something and quickly said, "I think I hear some pony coming!"

Sombra sighed, "Parting is such sweet sorrow… especially since I am to depart from someone as sweet as you…"

Celestia beamed, "Good night… handsome Sombra. May you have pleasant dreams…"

"As do you… Good night…"

"Until next time." she said.

"Until next time…" he looked back to see a rose bush. Using his magic, he plucked one off and levitated it up toward the balcony, where Celestia took it with her aura. He made another bow before running off.

Celestia turned back inside and placed the rose in a vase just as her sister burst into the room.

"Where is he?!"

"Where's who?"

"That stallion that was in your room!"

"What?! There was no stallion in my room!"

"But I heard him and you!"

"You were eavesdropping?!"

"Yes! But that's beside the point. There was a stallion on your balcony! Admit it!"

"There was no stallion on the balcony, but below it."

"Aha! So you do admit it!"

"No. You said the stallion was on the balcony. I told you that there wasn't."

"I… Arrgh! Do not confuse me with technicalities! There was a stallion and you saw him!"

Celestia rolled her eyes, "Yes, I did see a stallion."

"Ha! I knew it! I knew it!"

"Are you quite done?"

"One second." There was a pause until she said, "Yes, I am."

"And I take it you'll want the whole story?"

Luna started making herself comfortable, "And don't leave out a single detail."

Celestia sighed as she began to recount the whole encounter.

On the carriage ride home, Sombra looked out the window once more as Discord mentioned he had a blast while Trixie complained she had the worst night ever. But Sombra wasn't listening to either of them as he looked up to the night sky to see his sweet Celestia's face in it.