//------------------------------// // Chapter 21: On To The Gala! (aka The Musical Chapter) // Story: The Most Chaotic Night Ever!!! // by Azure129 //------------------------------// A/N: Quick note on the song sequence. It's to the tune of "At the Gala" and follows the order of the verses in the song. However, I had to switch which one of the girls was singing during a couple of parts just for the sake making the chapter flow make sense. Also there's a brief interlude thanks to Discord. And I didn't include those background pony verses just because, writing it out, I think it would have gotten too confusing. Anyway, did my best, and I hope you all enjoy the song sequence. Thank you :) On this lovely early afternoon at the Canterlot castle the air was abuzz with excitement: the most thrilling social event of the year, the Grand Galloping Gala, was finally tonight! Last minute preparations were underway throughout the castle. And meanwhile the princesses of the day and night were seated upon a small sofa together in one of the sitting rooms of the castle as hoofmaids dashed around gathering everything that would be necessary to prepare the pony sisters for the evening ahead. The issue of hairstyling, though, was almost all taken care of as Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were just finishing up their expert work on the royal manes and tails. “And…there!” Rarity announced as she wiped her brow with her hoof and took a step back from the moon princess, smiling in personal satisfaction. “Princess Luna, I do believe I have finally finished with your mane and tail for tonight. Girls,” Rarity glanced past Luna’s ethereal mane to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, who were currently working on the hair of the sun princess, “how is princess Celestia’s mane coming?” “Almost…got it…” Pinkie Pie replied, her face scrunched up as she tried to finish tugging a ribbon through a few ethereal waves. “…And…done!” Fluttershy announced brightly as she adjusted a sun-shaped pin (with an industrial strength backing, of course) in Celestia’s hair near her ear and stepped back. “Whoa!” Pinkie Pie finally got the ribbon through, toppling to the floor as she did so. Then the pink pony stood up and dusted herself off, smiling again. “Done!” The pony sisters gave soft laughs at the efforts of the girls and then looked to their own manes and tails and each other’s, which now had extra waves and light curls in them and ribbons woven throughout (as well as a crystal sun pin above one of Celestia’s ears and a crystal crescent moon pin above one of Luna’s). “Ladies, you have done an excellent job.” Luna nodded to the three young mares. “Thank you so much.” She used her magic to put her crown back atop her head again. Celestia nodded, using her magic to replace her crown as well. “Yes, your styling is very lovely. I appreciate all of you working so hard. I’m only sorry it took you three as long as it did to manage our manes and tails.” Her smile turned a little sheepish (especially as she recalled that at one point Pinkie had actually gotten lost for about two minutes within her tail). She cleared her throat and went on. “You must want to get home soon to get ready yourselves.” “Oh, don’t worry, Princess Celestia,” Rarity assured, waving her hoof. “There’s plenty of time for all of that. But thank you again for giving us the honor of helping you.” She gave a bow. “Yes, Princess Celestia,” Fluttershy nodded as she gave a bow as well and then straightened up. “It was so nice to get to be a part of making the Gala special for you and Princess Luna.” “I for one had a ton of fun!” Pinkie Pie nodded her head in a bowing motion and then bounced up with a big grin. “Ethereal hair is so neat! Do you think maybe one day if I wish really hard, I can have ethereal hair? Or maybe Twilight can use a spell to give it to me? Or maybe if I just concentrate really hard I can get my hair to wave like that myself? Or—“ Rarity put a hoof over Pinkie Pie’s mouth now and cleared her throat, smiling at the princesses again. “We’re all just glad we could help both of you. And your hair looks more divine than ever, princesses.” She released her hoof. Pinkie Pie took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah, that too.” Celestia laughed softly. “Thank you.” “Excuse me, princesses?” A hoofmaid came forward now and curtseyed. “Would you care for your hooficure now?” “Or perhaps your mud masks?” Another hoofmaid came forward. “Or perhaps your coat brushing?” And yet another hoofmaid came forward. Luna smiled at the three ladies. “You may make preparations for the hooficure first.” “As you wish,” The three maids said at once and bowed before dashing to a trunk to get the necessary supplies. “Ooo, hooficures on site!” Rarity’s eyes practically sparkled. “How divine!” Celestia smiled more and looked down. “Usually I don’t take advantage of that situation, but it is a special occasion after all.” “Yes, of course.” Luna nodded with a smile, holding her head high. “We want to look our best.” Rarity smiled more. “Well, I’m certain you will and that everypony will be impressed. Even Discord will be speechless, I think.” A little glint came to her eyes as she looked to Celestia. Celestia laughed a little. “A speechless Discord? That would certainly be something new.” Luna smiled more and nodded. “If it really works, we might have to have the three of you come over and do Celestia’s hair every day for the sake of the peace and quiet it would bring to the castle considering how much time Discord spends here these days.” Celestia smiled more and rolled her eyes to the side. Then Fluttershy stepped forward and looked to Celestia (and tried not to blush). “Um…speaking of Discord, I think he’s really looking forward to tonight, Princess Celestia. I’m sure he’s very busy right now over at Twilight’s getting ready.” Rarity sighed and rolled her eyes to the side. “Hmm, well, he may be getting ready, but he’s not over at Twilight’s anymore. He was there this morning when I was doing Twilight’s hair, but when I offered to style his mane too, he suddenly said he unexpectedly had to pop off for the rest of the day.” She smiled and shook her head. “Boys can be so silly about a teeny tiny makeover.” While everybody else smiled…a giggle suddenly left Celestia. Luna blinked and raised an eyebrow at her sister. Celestia noticed and cleared her throat, then sighed. “That does sound like Discord, yes.” She shook her head and looked to Rarity again with her usual poised smile. “I’m sure he’ll look very handsome tonight in your tuxedo even without his mane being styled though.” “Thank you, Princess Celestia.” Rarity smiled (and tried not to let out a happy squeal at Celestia’s sweet response to another one of Discord’s antics). She glanced to her two companions now. “Well, we’ll be going then. Ladies?” Pinkie waved to the sisters. “Bye, Princesses! See you tonight!” Fluttershy gave a small wave too. “Bye, Princess Luna. Bye, Princess Celestia.” She faced princess Celestia but lowered her eyes to the floor (and smiled shyly). “I’m sure Discord will be very happy when he sees you tonight.” “Thank you, Fluttershy.” Celestia nodded, her warm smile growing a little. “Goodbye, girls, I’ll see you later.” “Yes, and have a pleasant afternoon,” Luna added with a warm smile of her own. The three girls gave final bows and then turned and departed. For just a moment, while the hoofmaids still fussed with preparations for the princesses’ hooficures, the pony sisters had a moment alone to talk. “You really must be looking forward to this night.” Luna’s smile grew as she looked to Celestia. “I do not believe I have heard you giggle like that since we were little more than fillies.” The corner of Celestia’s smile picked up, and she just gave a sheepish shrug. “Yes, I am very excited…and a little nervous…but very happy that I’ll have a friend to experience the night side-by-side with. And all of our other friends will be there too.” Her eyes went back to her sister. “We’re all getting dressed up and gong to a fancy party: after all of the harrowing ordeals we’ve been through, it’s nice to have a little normalcy sprinkled in. It’s something pleasant to look forward to.” Luna laughed. “Well, I am glad to see you in such giddy spirits.” She lowered her voice slightly. “And…are you still feeling a little uneasy about Discord’s behavior toward you lately?” She chose her words with care. Celestia hesitated, then let out a breath and lowered her voice as well. “I still think he’s been acting a little odd. But he’s also my friend, and I know somehow he’s just trying his best to handle his role as an escort even if I think he’s getting a little carried away.” Her smile returned. “I’m sure once we’re out in the ballroom tonight, he’ll start to relax a little and be his usual fun self.” “Perhaps you are right.” Luna nodded. “But if not, perhaps if you speak to him directly about the situation, you can resolve the sudden change in his disposition.” ‘And perhaps if Discord’s behavior change has somehow been prompted by the fact that he’s all but secretly worshipping you, some good can come from that as well.’ Luna hadn’t been in Discord’s dreams since the resolution of his nightmares, but she could still sense his feelings and emotions from dreams each night…and the dreams he’d been having lately were definitely ones of happiness, pleasure, and peaceful satisfaction. (His subconscious was practically oozing romantic affection, in other words). “I’ll think about it, Luna,” Celestia assured. “But I think it might be better to wait until after the Gala when we’ve all had time to settle down.” Luna sighed but still smiled. “Fair enough.” She looked down a little. “Sister?” She cleared her throat and traced one of her front hooves on the cushion of the sofa. “Just how different again is a modern Gala from one of the traditional ones we used to host a thousand years ago?” Celestia blinked but then smiled more and glanced to Luna again. “Just like we’ve talked about, the guest list is larger, the atmosphere is a little more relaxed, and no Royal Canterlot Voice—otherwise it’s the same classic party you remember. Master of Chaos and our enthusiastic Element bearers excepted, of course.” Before Luna could say anything, Celestia put a hoof on her shoulder. “You’ll fit right in, Luna. If anything, you’ll probably relate to the Gala even better than I do—it is a nightly affair after all.” She winked. Luna smiled again and finally looked to Celestia once more. “Well, that is a point, sister. And…I think it will be nice to see ponies enjoying the evening. Pinkamena once told me that nighttime parties are even more fun than daytime parties.” Celestia laughed. “I think I have to agree.” Luna blushed a little, her smile growing. “Princesses, we’re ready for your hooficures.” One of the hoofmaids came up with a smile while the other two came up beside her holding in their mouths the handles of buckets filled with files and creams and polishes. Luna and Celestia looked down to them and nodded with smiles. “Thank you, ladies.” Luna used her magic to remove her horseshoes. Celestia sighed and smiled more as she removed her shoes as well. She resumed her conversation with her sister. “In fact, Luna, considering tonight will mark you first attendance at the Gala in over a millennium and the fact that it is a nightly affair…I thought it would be fitting if you were presented to the subjects first this evening. And then perhaps Twilight could follow after you since it will be her first Gala as a princess, and Discord and I can come in at the end. What do you think?” Her smile grew as she saw Luna’s smile grow and a little sparkle come to her eyes. “I…” Luna started, trying to keep her voice calm and full of its usual grace, “I think I would like that, sister. Very much, actually.” “Oh Princess Luna, I think that would be just lovely!” The first maid smiled up at her. “I know everyone’s very excited to have you at the Gala this year.” “Yes.” The second maid nodded. “In fact, I think that would make the most sense of all since the party will be at night, like Princess Celestia said.” The third maid smiled as she used her magic to raise Celestia’s hoof. “And I think you and Discord coming in last would be a nice surprise, Princess Celestia. Besides, maybe seeing Princess Luna and Princess Twilight first will take everyone’s minds off of those silly rumors. Hey!” The first maid had just nudged her. “Shh,” the first maid whispered, cringing awkwardly, “Don’t bring that up, it’s not polite.” “But it is all right,” Celestia’s gentle voice suddenly replied. The three maids looked up at her only to see Celestia smiling down at them warmly. The sun princess went on. “Yes, there have been rumors about Discord and me and romance. But I don’t mind them, and Discord thinks they’re funny. And if anything, I’m flattered that ponies would think the chaos master himself could find me that interesting. He is a very charming and handsome and interesting person one you get to know him.” A soft laugh left her. “But I appreciate your discretion and the fact that, according to Discord, the entire staff has been receiving him very warmly lately.” “Of course, Princess.” The third maid nodded. “He’s your friend, and if being close with him makes you happy—no matter what your relationship is—then we’re happy for you.” She smiled. “Yes, Princess.” The other two maids nodded and smiled up at her too. Celestia’s smile grew. “And that is why I love all of the guards and staff in this castle very much. Because all of you truly care about my happiness and my sister’s and the happiness of our friends.” “And that is why we trust you very much as well,” Luna added, smiling warmly too. The three maids just looked down with big smiles and blushes. “Oh, thank you, Princesses…” “We, um…we try…” “You’re both such kind leaders for us, how else could we be?” There was a warm moment of silence between royalty and servants, and then finally the first maid cleared her throat and picked up a hoof file again, looking to her two companions. “Come on, ladies, on with the hooficures.” The other two maids nodded and proceeded with their task with smiles while Luna and Celestia just reclined back into the sofa cushions, happy and secure in this peaceful moment before the Gala. “…She had just finished braiding that little pink streak in Twilight’s hair, and she was actually holding up the same kind of ribbon and looking at me when she offered to ‘style my mane’? Can you believe that?” Some silence and then a distinct sound of a rabbit foot thumping. “Thank you, at least somebody understands! I’m better off hiding out here until the Gala starts. I’m far too self-conscious to deal with any of the girls right now except…” It was at this point after hearing this much of the conversation between (as far as she could gather) Discord and Angel Bunny muffled through her front door that Fluttershy decided to enter her cottage and see what was going on. As she opened the door and stepped inside, Discord (indeed sitting on the sofa beside Angel Bunny) sat up straight and smiled. “Fluttershy! Just the pony I was thinking of.” He gave a sheepish grin. “Can I hide out here with you until the Gala tonight?” Fluttershy smiled as she closed the door behind her and approached. “You can get ready for the party here, Discord, I don’t mind. Did something happen at Twilight’s castle?” “Sort of.” Discord shrugged. “I think I’m mostly just a little on edge about tonight. But I was doing all right until Rarity finished styling Twilight’s mane and then offered to style mine.” He rolled his eyes. “I go to any of the girls or the princesses, and I’m just going to get doted on more than ever about the ‘big date’ tonight and be subject to giggles about Celestia.” He shrugged. “But at least with you I can relax, and if I do start to get nervous, I can talk to you without having to sidestep around the truth about everything I’m feeling.” Fluttershy nodded. “I understand, Discord. If you want to talk about anything, I’m here for you.” She patted Angel Bunny on the head. “And it looks like Angel Bunny’s here for you too. I’m just glad to see the two of you getting along so well.” Discord’s smile grew into a relaxed grin. “Yes, well, I’ve been trying to socialize with male friends more, and once I recalled that Angel is a guy—and once we started to relate over hating being groomed and gussied up—we started to actually get along well. Incidentally, Angel would like you to ask Rarity to stop trying to perm his tail whenever she babysits him.” Angle Bunny scowled in Fluttershy’s direction and gave a firm nod. Fluttershy just sighed and held back a small laugh. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She headed toward the stairs. “Well, you two enjoy talking. I’m going to lay out my dress, and then I think I’ll take a nice nap before the Gala.” “Ooo,” Discord leaned over the couch toward her, “when you’re all dressed, can I style your mane?” He snapped and made himself appear in a chic blouse with half-moon glasses and scissors in one hand and a comb in the other. Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. “But I thought you didn’t like hairstyling, Discord.” “I don’t like having my hair styled,” he corrected. “But I could do it for you. You deserve to look just as fancy as any princess going to this shindig.” Suddenly Angel Bunny hopped up and smiled, pointing at Fluttershy’s tail. “Excellent idea!” Discord looked from him to her. “And Angel will assist with your tail. Besides…” he shrugged and blushed slightly, “it’ll give me something to distract me from the whole Celestia fiasco waiting to happen.” Fluttershy smiled more and blushed a little herself. “Well…if you really want to.” She nodded. “Okay, Discord and Angel, I wouldn’t mind your help. Thank you.” She yawned. “When I wake up from my nap, we’ll get started. I’ll see you two then. And there are snacks in the fridge if you get hungry.” And then she departed upstairs. Discord snapped away his outfit and turned around to sit on the sofa with Angel again. “So…you and the other animals going to throw some crazy shindig while Fluttershy’s out tonight?” He raised an eyebrow and grinned more. Angel Bunny blinked, shook his head way too forcefully, and then glanced at Discord out of the corner of his eye and gave a little shrug. Discord chuckled. “I won’t tell. And hey, if the Gala ends up tanking for me, I might join you. Just keep things neat and leave some cookies for Fluttershy, hmm?” Angle Bunny smiled and winked, and Discord chuckled, then snapped his fingers to make a deck of cards appear in the air. “Card game until she wakes up? Go Fish, maybe?” Angel Bunny smirked and then whipped out a green dealer’s visor. Discord’s grin grew. “Poker it is then.” He snapped up some chips as Angel took the cards to deal them. “You should come by Twilight’s castle one night, you know. You and me and Spike could have a game.” Angle Bunny nodded as the two of them gathered up their cards and prepared to kill time until the big event…. And though he appeared at ease for now, Discord couldn’t help but feel more and more nervous as every second ticked on and brought him closer and closer to this much anticipated night with Celestia. Eventually, the sun was setting and the moon was rising into the sky—Gala time had finally arrived! Twilight Sparkle stood in her throne room, hair nicely done in light curls and with a single rainbow ribbon woven through her pink tress, her crown atop her head, and Rarity’s simple yet elegant outfit upon her body. She smiled to herself as she admired her reflection in a crystal mirror: a princess on her way to the Gala. Spike dashed down the stairs in his tuxedo and top hat. “Is it really true, Twilight? Is Princess Celestia sending a chariot to pick us up and big enough to hold all the girls and me?” He beamed. Twilight turned to him and nodded. “Yes, it’s true, Spike. And it’s going to be here any minute!” Twilight gazed around her throne room, practically beaming herself. “I can’t believe it’s here again! With all that we’ve experienced, we’re sure to make this the best night we can.” She held her head high and nodded. “On to the Gala!” “On to the Gala!” Spike announced, and then his eyes turned to the sight of a large silver chariot pulled by half a dozen pegasi guards as it flew by one of the windows and finally landed on the ground just outside of the castle doors with a firm thud. “Come on, Spike, let’s go!” Twilight magically put Spike on her back and dashed out the door. She stopped herself at the top of her steps leading to the castle entrance though and calmly descended from there. And now a familiar tune in her heart suddenly compelled her to sing as she made her way to the chariot: “At the Gala, as a princess, I'm going to see them all! All of our subjects, I'll befriend them! On to the Gala!” “On to the Gala!” Spike sang out. Twilight and Spike entered the coach, and Twilight sang on: “But my friends there, right beside me Is what will make this one night shine. Because now I know that’s all that matters, Right there! On to the Gala!” “First stop, Sweet Apple Acres!” she called out to the pegasi chariot pullers who nodded and then took off and turned in that direction. They were shortly in sight of Applejack’s house and soon pulled up to the front door. From inside (and all dressed up now in her newly designed Gala dress) Applejack smiled and sang, her family by her side: “At the Gala, it's amazing! I’ll enjoy myself—“ “Darn tootin’!” Apple Bloom added, fixing up a pleat on her sister’s skirt. Applejack sang on. “And spend time with all my friends!” “Yes sir!” Granny Smith added, opening the door for her. A smiling Apple Jack shook her head. “No more selling…no more stressing…” “Eyup!” came from Big Mac. Applejack smiled and waved to Twilight and Spike before singing one more verse: “And I'll remember all that really matters Is that my friends are there for me!” “Hey, Applejack!” Twilight greeted as her friend entered the chariot. “Hiya, Twilight!” Applejack waved. Twilight looked to the pegasi guards. “Next stop, Carousel Boutique please!” The chariot took off in that direction (Spike’s eyes practically filling with hearts at the announced destination). Meanwhile at the Boutique, Rarity, all dressed up and looking stunning (of course), could see through her window the chariot coming from a distance. She gasped in delight and broke into song (naturally): “At the Gala, all the royals, Well, I know them now, you see! And I know I’ll be just as regal when I’m at the Gala! On to the Gala!” Rarity sighed, able to make out her friends faces now as the chariot got closer: Applejack and Twilight and of course Spike standing up on Twilight’s back and waving just to catch a glimpse of her. Rarity’s smile warmed as she dashed out of her door to the front step of her shop and sang another verse: “He will be at my side, Spikey Wikey, And how gallant he will be! He will treat me like a lady Tonight at the Gala!” As the chariot pulled up, Spike practically beamed and sang a verse now himself, he was so full of emotion: “This is what I’ve been waiting for, To be Rarity’s escort. Finally this year we’ll all just have fun, Tonight at the Gala. On to the Gala!” Spike hopped down to open the chariot door for Rarity with a bow. “Wow Rarity, you look great!” “Oh thank you, Spike, and you look very nice too.” Rarity gave him a nod and a warm smile and then entered the chariot, a beaming Spike following right behind her. Twilight smiled and called out to the pegasi guards again. “On to—er…on to that cloud house Rainbow Dash keeps just near the western border of Ponyville by a hill there!” The guards took off. Twilight just looked at her friends and shrugged sheepishly, and then they all shared a laugh. Meanwhile, at Rainbow Dash’s cloud house, the blue pegasus grinned as she saw the chariot flying into sight and popped on her golden hair piece as she flew up and sang: “Been dreamin', I've been waitin' To finally have another shot at— The Gala, what an awesome night! No need this year to fuss or to fight! If I see the Wonderbolts, I’ll say hi, But otherwise I’ll stay by my friends’ sides! I’ll see everyone I want to right there at the Gala!” “Hey girls!” Rainbow Dash flew right into the chariot as it pulled up. “Can you believe how awesome this is: we’re actually Gala veterans and showing up with a princess! Forget 20%, this is 120% cooler than last year!” She beamed. Twilight nodded to her and then looked to the pegasi guards. “On to Sugar Cube Corner please!” The guards nodded and took off. Outside of Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie stood on the front stoop bouncing up and down in excitement in her Gala dress, and she waved as the chariot came in sight and then quickly pulled up. Pinkie Pie hopped right into the chariot and started singing without delay: “I’m going to the Grand Gala. It may not be the best party, But I’ll still enjoy myself as the party pony named Pinkie! All a party really needs is good friends indeed! Friends playing, friends dancing With me at the Grand Gala! On to the Gala!” “On to the Gala!” all of the girls (and Spike) sang in agreement. Twilight laughed. “Actually there’s still one more stop to make.” She addressed the pegasi guards again. “On to Fluttershy’s cottage please—just on the edge of Ponyville and the Everfree forest.” The guards nodded and took off again. From her cottage, Fluttershy (in her Gala dress and with her mane and tail decorated with little flowers and a little chaotic curl at the ends) could see the chariot approaching bearing all of her friends. She beamed and sang now too. And as she sang, her little bird friends who had been adjusting a few ribbons in her dress echoed her with chirps in the same tune. “At the Gala…” Fluttershy started. “Tweet-tweet-tweet!” “With our friends…” “Tweet-tweet-tweet!” “Is where I'm going to be!” “Tweet-tweet-tweet-tweet!!!” Fluttershy smiled and raised her hoof so some of the birds could land on it as she sang more: “And I know that all that matters, Is that I and they like me!” “Tweet-tweet!” Fluttershy lowered her hoof to let the birds fly off, and then patted Angel Bunny’s head as he came up to her to adjust a flower in her tail. Fluttershy sang on and finished with a sheepish smile: “I’m not worried about the critters now, Though I hope since last year they’ve forgiven me!” The chariot pulled up to the door now, and she waved out the window, talking to herself now. “Oh, I know this will be a very nice night even if it’s not meant to be perfect.” The song (and the chariot pickup for the Gala) had a brief interlude for a moment courtesy of a certain being of chaos suddenly entering the room. “At the Gala…at the Gala…” Discord, wearing his tuxedo and currently trying to tie his bowtie, suddenly walked out of the kitchen humming these words with a small smile. He stopped though and blinked at the sight of Fluttershy looking to him with a smile. “Oh, er…Fluttershy I thought you were still upstairs.” He rolled his eyes. “And why must you ponies get these infernal songs stuck in my head, really?” He scoffed (but couldn’t help still smiling a little himself). Fluttershy smiled warmly. “I’m sorry, Discord…I’m just so excited!” she announced in one of her loud whispers, clapping her hooves together. Discord grinned at her enthusiasm, but then he collapsed down to her sofa, putting a paw to his forehead in ‘despair’. “Fluttershy…I think I’m having a lot of second thoughts about actually going through with this evening.” He glanced at her upside down with his head flung back. “Couldn’t I just send my condolences and say I’ve come down with the blue flu again and that I’m off to fight the tatzlwurm for those flower petals?” Fluttershy approached him. “Now, Discord, don’t worry. You’ll have fun tonight. Everyone’s nervous before their first Gala. And besides, Princess Celestia’s looking forward to you escorting her.” Her eyes hazed a little in an all-knowing way. “And I know you’re looking forward to escorting her.” Discord swallowed, blushing a little and glancing away as he raised his head again. “I-I know, but still, maybe a party like this really isn’t my scene. I’m more of a tailgating, beach luau, spontaneous house party kind of guy. Or at the very least tea parties. I won’t be able to make any fun, uncomfortable jokes at this thing or be too sarcastic or stretch my chaos too much. And I still can’t believe I’m in a tuxedo of all things!” He tugged at his collar a little and tried to tie his bowtie once more, though he fumbled again in his slight nervousness. “Discord, we talked about this….” Fluttershy reached up with her front hooves and helped him fix up the tie. “You’ll fit in just fine by being friendly. And you don’t have to be orderly at the party. And chaos can be fun, and especially on a night like tonight. Hasn’t Celestia even been encouraging you to be a little more chaotic?” She pulled back, his bowtie perfectly secured. Discord looked down but nodded. “Yes, she has.” He smiled a little. Fluttershy smiled too. “Just be yourself. You’re a nice person even if you’re a little different. Don’t try to make the Gala some ideal night…just let it be the best night ever in its own way. That’s what me and the other girls learned last year.” Discord looked to her hesitantly. “But what if I get bored?” Fluttershy shrugged. “Mingle and talk to new people.” “But what if I get tired?” Discord stretched over the back of the sofa. Fluttershy smiled more. “Sit down for a moment on the veranda and enjoy the view.” Discord raised his head and rolled his eyes. “But what if I’m far too fantastic and all the ponies get jealous of me and no one likes me?” Despite the joking tone of the question, there was something serious in his glance as he asked it (which Fluttershy noticed, of course). The yellow pegasus only looked at him with all the natural warmth and kindness of her disposition as she made her reply. “Then it’ll be their loss for missing out on knowing such a good friend.” Discord blinked…then he smiled warmly too and gave a nod. “Fine then, my dear Fluttershy. I’ll go.” He stood up. “Wonderful.” Fluttershy nodded to him in return. Discord swallowed, glancing down for a moment and then back up at his best friend. “And thanks for helping me with the tie, Fluttershy. I really am a little nervous, I guess.” “Anytime,” she assured. “Hey Fluttershy, get a move on! We don’t have all night!” Rainbow Dash’s voice suddenly sounded through the window. Fluttershy turned and quickly flew over to the window. “Oh, coming!” she called out. She looked back to Discord. “Do you want to ride in the chariot with me and the girls?” “And get drowned in pony songs of joy?” The chaos master’s grin picked up on one side. “No thanks, I’ll pass.” He shrugged. “Besides, Celestia told me to meet her in the throne room, so I think I’d better just go there directly. Speaking of which….” He snapped his fingers, and instantly a beautiful flower with petals all in warm colors of pinks and golds and reds and yellows appeared in his hand. He smiled at the sight of the blossom. “Good, her corsage looks just as lovely as I imagined it would.” He snapped his fingers to make the flower disappear for the moment. Then he blinked and raised an eyebrow. “Ponies can wear corsages, right, Fluttershy?” Fluttershy smiled and nodded. “Princess Celestia could wear it in her hair or on her yoke. And it’s lovely, Discord. I’m sure she’ll appreciate you making her such a pretty flower.” Discord smiled with a touch of pride. “Yes, well…she does seem to have a thing about getting flowers from me. She still saved the ones I gave her after the Tirek thing, and I’m hoping she’ll like this one as much too. It’s…sort of an extra special one for her.” He rubbed one of his arms. “And it’s the least I can do for her putting up with me all night long, you know?” He glanced to Fluttershy, a dry look on his face. “By the way, if anyone asks, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” Fluttershy smiled and nodded in understanding. “Of course, Discord.” She flew to her door. “I’ll see you at the Gala. Bye for now.” And then she left to join her friends. “Bye, Fluttershy,” Discord gave her a wave and a smile…but then he let out a deep sigh and tugged at his collar again. “I’m going to regret this entire evening, I just know it.” He rolled his eyes and put on a mocking tone of Celestia for a moment. “‘Oh girls, let’s have you all reform Discord so I can put his powers to work for good, I’m sure that’ll make him happy.’” Discord sighed again. “Well, it did make me happy, Celestia, but it also made my life incredibly complicated. And I’d love to explain that situation to you if you weren’t in the process of turning me from a proud draconequus into a pile of lovesick mush without even trying. Mares…” He pouted to himself. But then he let out a deep breath, straightened up, and gave his tuxedo a final brushing off. “All right, enough stalling, Discord. Just go to the castle now before you change your mind.” He held out his fingers and snapped, instantly disappearing from the cottage. (A few minutes later, of course, Angel Bunny came out and whistled, and then he and a few squirrels and birds started to pull out some snacks and put on the latest DJ Pon-3 single on the phonograph). Meanwhile, back with the song…. “On to the Canterlot castle please!” Twilight announced proudly to the pegasi guards once Fluttershy was safely in the chariot. And as the chariot rose into the air and turned in the direction of the capitol, she and the girls and Spike all started singing together: “Over to the Gala, we must go; We're ready now, we're all aglow! Over to the Gala, let's head there And make the best night we can! On to the Gala, now's the time— We're ready, and we look divine! On to the Gala!” “With my friends!” added Fluttershy. “On to the Gala!” everyone resounded again. “With my friends!” added Applejack. “On to the Gala!” “With my friends!” added Rarity. “On to the Gala!” “With my friends!” added Rainbow Dash. “On to the Gala!” “With my friends!” added Pinkie Pie. “To see!” Fluttershy. “To talk!” Applejack. “To admire!” Rarity. “To fly!” Rainbow Dash. “To smile!” Pinkie Pie. “To escort!” Spike. “To just be there!” Twilight. And then all together: “On to the Gala! On to the Gala! And we’ll have the best night we can At the Gala!” “Or it’ll be close enough,” Twilight assured everyone at the finish. All the girls broke into warm laughter and then looked on with smiles as they flew over the center of Canterlot and finally landed in front of the castle, all aglow with enchanted lights and all abuzz with ponies arriving. Twilight waited as each of her friends exited the chariot first and then began to step out herself… …Until she was stopped by a hoof from Rarity as the white unicorn (Spike at her side) suddenly popped her head back into the chariot. “Um, darling,” she started with a smile and an eyebrow raised, “you’re a princess this year. Shouldn’t you be making some kind of entrance at the top of the stairs with Celestia and Luna?” “I…” Twilight started, a big smile on her face. Then her eyes opened wide, and she froze. She quickly zipped over to the front of the carriage and spoke to the pegasi guards again. “To one of the back entrances to the castle—to any back entrance of the castle, please!” The guards nodded and took off again. “Thanks, Rarity!” Twilight called down to her from the air as the chariot rose. Rarity waved up at her. “No problem, dear!” Then she turned to Spike. “Shall we go in, Spikey Wikey?” Spike nodded. “As you wish.” He bowed low and gestured forward. “Ladies first.” Rarity giggled. “Oh Spike, such a gentlecolt. Thank you.” And thus she trotted ahead proudly into the main entrance to the ballroom, Spike following after her. Meanwhile, just outside the castle, but in a remote place away from the lights and the arriving guests…one other guest had a small bit of music to add. Discord stood there, corsage in hand, looking to the final rays of the sun and the newly bright glow of the rising moon at first, and then looking to the warm-colored flower he had created for Celestia…this one an expression of all the warmth she radiated and all the warmth she filled him with rather than an expression of the mare herself (as his bouquet had been): it was his feelings of love and friendship for her in the form of a blossom. The chaos master sighed with a small smile and sang very softly. “At the Gala, with the princess, I’m going to see them all, Every pony curious about me Right there at the Gala…” “But what happens when the night ends? Will we ever be this close again…? What will Celestia expect from me Tomorrow after the Gala?” Discord sighed very deeply and then magically made the corsage disappear once more. The chaos master tried to smile again. “Cheer up, Discord. Why must you always be so dramatic about things? Just go enjoy yourself with her…and then you can figure out your future together in the morning light.” Discord nodded to himself once and then snapped his fingers just as the sun finally left the sky and the dark night glittered fully with the moon and stars. In the Canterlot throne room, the usual two guards were posted. And though they were happy to be doing their duty, on Gala night this could still be a pretty boring shift since all of the castle activity was occurring near the ballroom. And so the guards stood at their post somewhat listlessly, mostly waiting to be relieved so that they could finally catch a glimpse of the grand affair that would soon be underway. Then one of them raised an ear. “Did you…hear something? Like fanfare? Like really odd-sounding fanfare?” The other guard raised an eyebrow. “Nope. I…wait…” Now there was definitely a distinct sound like a horn (a very warped horn) blowing from outside of the throne room doors. “Yeah, I hear it. What do you think it could…” And at that point, the master of chaos made a grand entrance by magically making the throne room doors burst wide open open and having two clones of himself dressed as footmen in blue pantaloons and caps stand on either side of the doorway and blow some crooked-shaped horns as he himself flew forward and then landed with his head held high and his hands on his lapel. “Announcing, me, gentlecolts.” Discord grinned and with a flourish of his top hat as his tail snapped away the footmen clones. “I’ve arrived to pick up—you guessed it—Princess Celestia!” The guards (who had both jumped back several feet in surprise at his entrance) caught their breaths, and the first one cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Discord, er…welcome. But, um…for the future, it’s usually protocol to have one of the guards announce you instead of yourself. And…I’m pretty sure those doors are supposed to be enchanted so that only castle staff and the princesses can open them.” Discord waved him off, still grinning away. “Oh please, if I could break that spell Celestia used to hide the Elements of Harmony when I first returned, I think breaking a spell to lock a door is more than within my—” He stopped and blinked. ‘You’re supposed to be showing them how good of a match you could be for Celestia, not reminiscing about your villainous ways and bragging about technically breaking into the throne room!’ Discord grinned sheepishly and popped his top hat onto his head. “Er, anyway…the point is we’re all friends and all I did was pop into a room—it’s not like a crashed the latest United Equine Nations meeting and started moonwalking on the table.” He chuckled. “But seriously, Celestia is expecting me and told me to meet her in here. And I did at least announce myself in some way. So that’s progress…right?” He shrugged and looked to the guards. The guards glanced at each other with raised eyebrows for a moment but finally smiled to each other and then looked to Discord. The second guard came forward. “We appreciate the consideration, Discord. We’re not quite sure where the princesses are right now though, but since all the pages are busy helping the arriving guests, we can go get Celestia and let her know you’re here.” “I’ll go,” the first guard offered, heading toward the throne room door. “And I’ll go out into the hall and keep watch for her to announce her and Princess Luna if they come along,” the second guard offered, following him. Discord blinked as they walked past him. “Well, thank you.” He cleared his throat and grinned sheepishly. “And, hey, it’s Gala night after all, so I promise while I’m in here alone I won’t set any chaotic booby traps or poke through any of Celestia’s magical stuff in the vault or case the joint for ways to take over the castle or ways to elope from the castle with Celestia, heh…” ‘What are you doing? Please just shut up. Elope with…elope with…’ He almost sighed, almost smiled…. ‘Me and…elope.’ He blinked several times, finally snapping out of his daze…and also very shocked at the turn of thought which had brought on that particular daze. The guards were just smiling at him. “We know,” the second one said. “And you’re welcome to be in the castle with just as much freedom as any of the princess’s other friends, Discord.” The first one nodded. “I’m sure Princess Celestia will be along soon, Discord. She’s been getting ready all day.” Then the two guards turned and headed out into the hall, letting the door close behind them. As they left, Discord let out a deep breath and blushed a little. He recalled that night Celestia had invited him over to help choose among some of the outfit samples Rarity had sent over: the two of them in her room, and how Celestia had mentioned that it would take her hours to get ready for the big evening, and how astounded he had been that she would want to put so much effort into herself for him. And now tonight she really had done it. “I wonder what she’ll look like.” Discord had already seen her Gala outfit of course, but he knew that Rarity and some of the girls had come over to style her hair, and with all of the hoofmaids she and Luna had to gussy them up too…it suddenly occurred to Discord that tonight he would probably see Celestia looking more beautiful than ever before when she came through those doors. The chaos master took in and let out a very deep breath. “I…I need to sit down, I think.” He went to snap up a lounge chair but then paused and considered…and slowly turned around to the throne behind him. A little impish smile couldn’t help coming to his features. “Well…no one’s looking…and it might distract me from how nervous I am…and Celestia might be taking a little while longer to get ready anyway…and I am still the master of chaos…and I have always wanted to…” And then with a snap of his fingers, the chaos master was lounging across the royal throne. Discord relaxed into the seat, making himself comfortable, “Hmm…” he smiled, “this is nice. Oh, I used to have such fun plans for this castle. I thought a paisley interior with plaid columns and a floor made of fudge would have been nice. I would have hung the cages of elephant-nosed canaries right over there, and the chocolate milk open bar would have been right over there, and the windows would have been funhouse mirrors, and every day I would have had my hypnotized guards dance a conga line right past my throne at lunchtime for my amusement. Oh and over there, right on the throne room entrance door, that’s where I would have hung my big poster of Celestia…that I would throw exploding darts at in a daily delightful game of nonsense! Of course, now the picture of her would be surrounded by a heart, but still the same principle applies.” He laughed to himself and made a gesture with his hand like he was aiming a dart. “Yes, right about…there!” And just as Discord made the gesture, the throne room doors opened and both guards entered. “Announcing, their royal highnesses, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!” The guards were smiling at first, but now both of them blinked as they finally processed Discord’s position. Their eyes went wide as suddenly the pony sisters dashed in from behind them, all dressed up with their hair looking lovely, and laughing and playing with each other. “Luna,” Celestia called out as Luna nudged her a little, “Stop it, you’ll mess up my hair before we even get into the ballroom.” Luna laughed. “And since when do you care about things like that, sister?” “Well, it is Gala night,” Celestia shrugged sheepishly. One of the throne room guards stepped forward now and cleared his throat. “Announcing Discord, your highnesses.” (Discord, who had been quite mesmerized at the vision of Celestia suddenly prancing into the room, finally snapped out of his daze at the sound of his name being announced). Celestia blinked, looked around for moment, and then looked up to see Discord still on the throne. “Discord!” Her smile brightened, and she dashed over to the foot of the throne. “I’m so glad you’re here. Thank you for waiting. Luna and I were having so much fun getting ready we almost lost track of time.” Her smile warmed. “You look very distinguished this evening, Discord.” She gave him a small bow of her head. “Your highness,” the other guard came over to her, “Um…about the throne, we didn’t realize…” Celestia smiled at the guard and held up her hoof. “Oh, it’s fine, really.” She looked back to Discord and almost smirked a little. “You’re enjoying yourself up there, aren’t you?” A grinning Discord just shrugged sheepishly, playing with his hands in his lap. “Well, um…maybe a tad, heh.” He snapped his fingers and made himself appear before her. “And thanks—the, uh, the lighting of the castle really does set off this tuxedo getup pretty well. I’ll have to thank Rarity again.” He looked back at her (and suppressed what he could only have guessed would have come out as a swoon). “And she and the girls certainly did a lovely job on your hair…” Her mane and tail had a gentle wave to it that he normally didn’t see and a few gold ribbons braided through the tresses. And the clip near her ear had the lovely effect of letting him be able to see both of her eyes instead of one when he looked at her head on. And her coat was practically a sparkling white, the amber crystal in her yoke glowed as warmly as he imagined her heart beneath it might, and the diamonds in her shoes caught the light to make her look like she was walking on magic. The chaos master finally chuckled, unable to help himself. “Your whole look is really just…dynamite.” He went to snap his fingers. Celestia’s eyes went wide. “Discord!” The chaos master just chuckled and lowered his hand. “Kidding, kidding, come on, you should be used to my sense of humor by now.” He smirked at her a little. Celestia smiled, shaking her head. “Very funny.” She glanced to her mane. “And thank you, I think Rarity and the girls did a lovely job too. And Luna’s hair came out very lovely as well. And her outfit too.” She glanced to her sister. Luna stepped forward proudly, the silver ribbons and diamond moon clip in her hair catching the light of the throne room to make her mane look like a truly dazzling nightscape. Her yoke was silver with a large black onyx stone at the center surrounded by small sapphires, and her shoes were silver and sapphire studded as well—both an excellent compliment to the rich color of her freshly brushed coat. “Well, I guess all three of us really don’t clean up too badly then.” Discord held his head high. Luna and Celestia shared a laugh. Then Celestia looked to Discord again. “Shall we go then, Discord? Many guests have already arrived, and they’ll want to start the greetings and introductions soon.” Discord nodded. “Of course. But, um, first….” He snapped his fingers and made her flower appear in all of its sunshiny beauty. “For you, my lady.” Discord gave her a low bow as he held out the flower. “I got you this. I-I mean, I made this for you. You know what I mean.” He smiled a touch sheepishly. Celestia just looked at the gift with such a warm smile. “Oh, Discord…it’s beautiful.” She magically took the flower and placed it over her ear without the hair clip. “It really is, isn’t it?” The chaos master remarked, straightening up and gazing at Celestia, a somewhat dreamy look on his face (that Luna did not fail to notice). “And I have something for you too, Discord…” Celestia replied, her horn glowing. Discord blinked, his dreamy look managing to subside. “Really?” Celestia nodded. Then there was a burst of magic near his suit which cleared to reveal a small blue flower now set in Discord’s lapel. “Poison joke,” Celestia explained. “But I had the magic removed. I thought it would suit you—it’s a flower with an excellent sense of humor and that likes to play tricks, just like you.” Discord smiled more. “Thank you, Celestia. Yes, I…I think it suits me too.” He chuckled and then he clapped his hands together and cleared his throat. “So, we’re all ready for this inevitable disaster of a night then: being of chaos trapped in a room of orderly ponies at the biggest, fanciest social event of the season. What could possibly go wrong, right?” Celestia just smiled at him. “I promise, Discord, no matter what happens, we’ll all have fun.” She turned toward the door and started heading forward, Discord following behind her and Luna following behind him. “Yes, well,” Discord grinned, puffing out his lapels, “you will be hanging out with me for most of the evening, so I can at least guarantee that you'll never have a dull or underappreciated moment, Princess.” As they reached the doors, Discord stepped to the side and snapped them open, then bowed low and gestured forward. “Shall we then? And ladies first, of course.” “Thank you, Discord,” Luna and Celestia said together, and then the exited the room, laughing warmly with each other (though Celestia couldn’t help but give a quick glance to Discord with a raised eyebrow before shaking her head and returning to laughing with her sister). Discord straightened up, then turned to the guards and snapped his fingers. He was instantly wearing a monocle and bearing a moustache, and he spoke in an over-the-top British accent. “Farewell, gentlecolts. I’m off to the Gala!” And with a laugh he snapped his fingers again, leaving behind the throne room and shutting the door. Inside the two guards, who had been watching Discord’s kind if playful behavior with the princesses with interest, just looked at the closed door and then looked at each other and shrugged. “You in on the castle betting pool about those two?” the first guard asked with a cheeky grin. The second guard nodded with a grin of his own. “I’ve got twenty bits that say they’re dating by the end of the night.” The first guard chuckled. “I’ve got ten bits that says they’ve been dating all along.” The second guard blushed a little. “I heard the maids are taking bets on whether or not Discord’s just plain going to move in here with her.” “Yikes.” The first one laughed then sighed. “But at least we don’t have anything to worry about. Discord’s not evil, all the Gala preparations are taken care of, Celestia’s not being tricked into getting her heart broken by anypony—what could go wrong?” He shrugged. The other guard nodded. “Exactly.” Then he grinned a little and set his horn to glowing. “Want me to zap us up some bottles of cider.” “Definitely!” The first guard smiled, and the two shared a laugh as the bottles appeared and they shared a refreshing drink. Indeed, all major issues seemed resolved. What, oh what, could possibly, truly, seriously go wrong? Out in the hallway, the pony sisters and the chaos master (now without his monocle get-up) were walking along and nearing the ballroom entrance. “So…we’re finally about to see all your guests.” Discord glanced to Celestia out of the corner of his eye and grinned a little. “And are you sure that none of them are going to start pelting me with rotten apples when we get presented together?” Luna couldn’t help a chuckle, and Celestia smiled a little but shook her head of course. “They wouldn’t dream of it, Discord. But either way, let’s not worry about the guests.” She raised her hoof and touched his arm. “Let’s just make tonight about you and me and enjoying ourselves with our friends and having fun. Okay?” She smiled up at him. Discord did his best not to blush and then just smiled down at her. “Just about you and me: I promise. I’m at your service for the evening, my lady.” He gave a deep nod (and was very aware that she was still touching him). Celestia smiled up at him in appreciation. Then she looked forward. Her eyes caught sight of Luna giving her a meaningful look over her shoulder and gesturing slightly with her head to Discord. Celestia let out a breath and tried not to blush. She smiled at her sister and then removed her hoof from Discord’s arm as the party came to a stop in front of the door leading to the top of the ballroom staircase. “Discord, Luna will be presented first this evening, and we’ll be presented last. And Twilight will come between us.” Celestia blinked and glanced around. “Hmm…speaking of Twilight, she should be here soon. I told the chariot to drop her and the girls off early…” “Here I am, Princess Celestia!” Twilight suddenly came running up the hall, holding her crown as straight as possible with her hoof until she came to a stop right by her mentor. “Sorry, I didn’t even think about having to make a proper entrance like you and Luna do. It just didn’t even occur to me, even when I was writing out the part of the schedule that specifically mentioned the princesses making an entrance. I—” “It’s all right, Twilight, “Celestia assured with a smile. “You’re here now, and you look just lovely.” Twilight took a deep breath and smiled. “Thank you, Celestia.” Luna smiled too and placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “You will be fine, Twilight Sparkle. I shall go first, and you shall come after me. And then my sister and Discord after you. You will never be alone except during the hoofshakes later on this evening.” Twilight nodded. “Thanks, Luna.” Then she took a deep breath and swallowed as Luna removed her hoof. “Okay, I guess this is it then.” “Oh stop acting so nervous, Twilight.” Discord rolled his eyes and gave her a nudge. “You’re Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic, Faithful Student of Celestia, Healer of Nightmare Moon, Defeater of Chrysalis, co-battler of Sombra, Banisher of Tirek, and co-Reformer of Discord, and Princess of Friendship!” He grinned. “If anything, Celestia and I should be nervous about getting introduced after you. You’re a tough act to follow.” Twilight laughed. “Thanks, Discord.” She turned and stepped forward, and took her place behind Luna and in front of Discord and Celestia. Then she raised her leg and let out a breath, doing the calming motion that Cadance had taught her. “Hey, after this, can we all go out and get pancakes or ice cream or donuts or something just to relax?” Discord suggested with a shrug, tugging at his collar. Twilight and Celestia looked to each other and laughed. Then Twilight looked to Discord and nodded. “Sure, why not? There’s a great donut shop that’s open all night, even on Gala night.” “Especially on Gala night,” Celestia added with a sigh and a smile. Discord, Twilight, and Luna looked to her with interest. “What?” Celestia shrugged. “I asked Donut Joe to keep up that tradition when he inherited the shop from his father. A donut might not be cake, but it’s certainly the next best thing. And what better way to relax after managing to pull of another Gala…especially since the cake supply in the castle is usually a little low after tonight considering all the baked goods go straight to the catering…” She smiled sheepishly. The four magical beings just all looked at each other and then shared a warm laugh. “Well, on that note, I can safely say this has the potential to be the most chaotic night ever,” Discord remarked, shaking his head. “Luna, let’s start this royalty train.” He snapped, making a conductor’s hat appear on his head, and pulled a small train whistle in the air. Luna winked and then trotted forward proudly past the curtains as Discord snapped himself back to normal. As she disappeared, the sound of fanfare reached their ears and then a steward in the ballroom announced loudly: “Princess Luna, Ruler of the Night, Keeper of the Moon, Guardian of Dreams. Leader of Equestria!” Much applause was heard which then faded away, obviously as Luna took her bows and went down into the ballroom. Twilight swallowed. “You’ll be okay,” Celestia whispered by her ear. “Why do you think I had you stand beside me last year for the entire Gala even if we couldn’t talk? I wanted you to get used to feeling like the center of attention.” Twilight nodded and smiled, and then went forward past the curtain with her head held high. Another fanfare sounded, and then the steward spoke again. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, Ruler of Friendship, Keeper of Rainbow Power, Element of Magic. Our newest Princess!” Applause sounded, and the girls and Spike could especially be heard whooping and cheering for Twilight. As with Luna, the applause quieted as she descended among the crowd. Celestia let out a breath, her look bright. “Ready?” She put her hoof in Discord’s hand. “As I’ll ever be,” Discord replied, letting out a breath of his own and squeezing her hoof a little (and wishing she wasn’t wearing a horseshoe so that he could take comfort from her soft hoof itself instead of the warm gold covering it). “Just imagine it’s not a crowd but only your closest friends greeting you; that always helps me,” the sun princess whispered near his ear. “Or just think how much they’ll be enjoying your chaotic floor.” Discord blinked and scoffed. “Like I’m nervous.” He shrugged. “I-I just know I’m going to be disappointed when you get six titles said after your name and then steward goes ‘Oh, and her escort…Discord, right? That annoying guy from the statue garden’…” Celestia smiled a little more. “You might be surprised.” And then she started them walking forward and past the curtain before Discord could question her. Discord blinked at first as they entered the ballroom full of bright lights, but his gaze managed to adjust quickly enough. He saw the crowds of well-dressed ponies below, and Twilight and Luna were standing at the bottom of the landing smiling up at them. And set a bit farther away were the girls and Spike, all smiling and waving. The steward cleared his throat. “Princess Celestia, Ruler of the Day, Keeper of the Sun, Guardian of Magical Instruction. Leader of Equestria! And her escort, Discord, Renowned Equestrian historical figure, Friend to the Crown, Fellow Founder of Rainbow Power. Master of Chaos!” Celestia waved with her free front hoof and started to lead herself and Discord downstairs amidst applause while Discord did his best to wave with his claw despite the wide-eyed shock currently upon him. Celestia glanced up at him, smiling a little more. Discord noticed her look out of the corner of his eye, and he blinked and then smiled a little too. “I hate surprises,” he whispered. His grin grew, and he squeezed her hoof a little again. “Thanks…” he added in a soft mumble. “You’re quite welcome,” Celestia whispered back as they descended among the guests. The couple stood at the center of everyone for a moment, and then Celestia cleared her throat to address the room. “Attention my guests and loyal subjects, thank you all for attending this year’s Gala! And now that Princess Luna, Princess Twilight and myself—along with my distinguished companion Discord—have arrived, please let the party begin!” Another fanfare sounded, and then there was more applause as the music started up from the bandstand. Celestia let go of Discord’s paw now and turned to him. “We’ll have to go to the staircase at the entrance for our shift at the guest greetings. Let’s get started.” She gestured over in that direction and began to lead them that way. Discord nodded, following right alongside her. “Let’s dive right in then. I can’t believe the night’s finally here.” Celestia laughed. “Me either, Discord. But I’m glad it is.” “I’ll second that.” The chaos master chuckled and then smiled to himself as they went along together. They had been received warmly, Celestia seemed happy, he felt happy…. Discord wondered how the rest of this night would play out, and only hoped it would at least turn out to be as surprisingly pleasant as the start of the night had managed to be.