A Dazzling Flower Under the Moonlight

by Sandbar0227

A Royal Crash

As the practice progressed, Rainbow Dash found herself immersed in the excitement of the moment. The night promised to be memorable, and she was determined to make her mark at the royal gala, not so much for the event itself, as it was not in her plans to stay for the gala party after her performance with the Bolts, but the opportunity to fly with them was unmissable.

Spitfire laid out a routine on the board and explained each move in detail - "We'll start with an ascending spiral formation, followed by a perfectly synchronized loop. Then, we'll split the team into two groups for a cross pass in the sky, and finish with barrel rolls towards the audience." - Spitfire's instructions were precise, emphasizing the importance of synchronization and elegance in every move. -"Remember, the key here is precision, if we want it to be a show no one will forget."

The intensity of the training increased as the Wonderbolts delved into the most challenging maneuvers. Rainbow Dash found herself in the midst of the formation, quickly assimilating Spitfire's instructions and coordinating with her teammates. - "Come on, guys, we need that perfect synchronization on the cross pass!" - exclaimed Spitfire as she supervised every move. Soarin and Fleetfoot, two of the team's most outstanding members, flanked Dash during the ascending turns.

- "Dash, keep that steady speed in the loop" - urged Soarin with a warm smile. Rainbow Dash nodded, focusing on maintaining speed and precision in every turn.

-"We need to polish that ending. I want it to be a striking closure" - shouts Spitfire.

-"Hey Spitfire, what if we close the routine with something really spectacular?" - Surprise smiled enthusiastically as she approached the captain - "Rainbow Dash could do her famous Sonic Rainboom right at the end. It would be absolutely awesome closure!"

Spitfire's eyes widened, envisioning the impressive fireworks display that witnessing Rainbow Dash's rainbow explosion would be to culminate their presentation. A wide and fierce smile spread across her face. - "Excellent idea, Surprise! That would not only leave a lasting impression" - She turned to the rest of the gathered Wonderbolts - "Did you hear that, team? Let's go over the entire sequence once again, including the Sonic Rainboom at the end, I want every move to be perfect."

The routine was repeated once more, this time with Rainbow Dash preparing for her special move at the end. When the moment arrived, she broke away from the group and gained altitude rapidly, with a deep breath, Rainbow Dash launched into a low-altitude flight towards the ground, increasing her speed to levels incomprehensible by physics.

---

After a few minutes of frantic preparation, the three siblings gathered in front of the royal carriage, ready to embark on the journey to Canterlot. Servants had loaded their luggage, ensuring they had everything necessary for the event, among their belongings were elegant attire, fine jewelry, and some personal items.

-"I can't help feeling like we've forgotten something important" - murmured Aster with a trace of unease as they boarded the carriage.

-"Stop worrying so much, little brother" - Blooming Rose waved off his concern casually - "we have everything under control."

Just before they climbed aboard, Prince Chrysanthemus, their father, approached with majestic stride but a warm, proud gaze reserved only for a father's children. - "my beloved children, this Gala represents a unique and historic opportunity for our kingdom, I trust you will act with the nobility and wisdom worthy of your lineage. Blooming, Shining, take care of your brother on this crucial mission."

-"Don't worry, father, I can take care of myself" - Aster replied with a hint of youthful arrogance, giving a solemn nod as a farewell.

Blooming Rose playfully tousled her brother's mane - "still, it never hurts to have some extra eyes watching over you, plus, we can make sure you find the most charming mare of all." - She winked knowingly at Shining Marigold.

With those words, the three royal siblings boarded the elegant carriage, ready to begin their journey to Canterlot. The wheels began to turn, leaving their beloved unicorn kingdom behind to venture into unknown territories toward the glamorous capital.

As the carriage set in motion, traversing fields and valleys, excitement mingled with the fresh morning breeze. Equestria unfolded before them, ushering in a new stage in their lives.

Aster observed the changing landscape through the window with curious eyes, his mind filled with expectations and a certain reverential fear. Blooming Rose hummed a cheerful melody, infusing the atmosphere with her contagious energy, while Shining Marigold kept her gaze fixed on the distant horizon, as if she could glimpse the events to come.

-"I never imagined that my quest for true love would have to be so... public" - Aster finally commented, breaking the silence as he shared his thoughts with his sisters seated in front of him.

-"I understand, Aster, it's not the best idea either, but it's necessary to break the curse" - Marigold agreed with her brother, lamenting the situation the evil spell had put them in - "but I'm determined to free you from it, no matter what happens."

-"And I'm determined to make this Gala the most exciting and memorable event Equestria has ever seen!" - Blooming Rose's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she turned to her siblings with a practically conspiratorial smile. - "you'll see, we'll be the talk of the town after this."

- "Haha, I can bet you will" - Shining Marigold chuckled softly at her sister's antics. She then cast a compassionate gaze at Aster, sensing his nervousness beneath his facade of determination. - "hey, don't worry, Aster, we're here to support you in whatever you need" - she reassured him with a calm voice and a comforting nod.

---

The rehearsal continued with the team perfecting each maneuver with dedication, the combination of speed, skill, and millimeter precision turning into an impressive aerial choreography. Spitfire watched them proudly, shouting occasional instructions to correct minor errors. - "Well done, team! Fleetfoot, Blaze, keep that formation tighter! Soarin, don't lag on the turns! High Winds, don't neglect your posture when doing spirals!"

Finally, after repeating the routine flawlessly once more, Spitfire gave a brief break before lunch. The exhausted Wonderbolts collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily, some rushing to grab their water bottles.

Rainbow Dash lay back, letting the refreshing wind caress her mane tousled by the intense acrobatic flight, suddenly, a shadow covered her view of the sky, and a familiar smile appeared in her field of vision.

-"You look more disheveled than usual, Dash" - greeted Soarin with a light and teasing tone, though his breath was still heavy, he offered her some water and sat beside her, taking a sip from his own bottle.

Rainbow snorted and sat up with agile movement. - "Very funny, Soarin" - she retorted, shaking her mane to straighten it out - "at least I wasn't whining like a foal every time we did a complicated maneuver."

-"Oh, there go those lovebirds again" - Fleetfoot's voice came in a mocking whisper from where she sat next to Spitfire, who joined in the teasing - "let them have their fun for a while as they admit it."

Nearby, Surprise chuckled softly - "they look like two foals on the playground."

-"Who says I was whining?" - Soarin defended himself with a challenging smile, giving Rainbow a gentle push.

-"Yeah, whatever you say" - Dash finished her water bottle - "but I admit today's been a particularly intense training session."

-"Don't rush it, I'm sure you'll get used to it" - a slight blush threatened to cover Rainbow's cheeks at Soarin's genuine confidence in his words, clearing her throat, she hurried to change the subject - "Anyway, I better start getting ready, I still have some tasks to take care of in Ponyville before the show."

-"Make sure to rest for tonight" - Spitfire instructed, Rainbow nodded and began to stretch, preparing to fly back to Ponyville for the moment - "and make sure to be in Canterlot on time, I can't have any of my top ponies being late."

- "Of course, I'll be there" - Rainbow responded with a military salute - "I've never let you down before, i'm not going to do now" - with these determined last words, she propelled herself into the clear sky, leaving a trail of colors in her wake. Soarin watched her depart with a satisfied expression, receiving some nudges and meaningful looks from his fellow Wonderbolts.

- "What?" - he asked with feigned innocence, though his smile widened.

---

It didn't take long for Rainbow Dash to reach Ponyville. From the air, she spotted the warm rays of the evening sun gently bathing the peaceful town, the fearless Pegasus, leader of the weather team, wasted no time and got straight to work with her daily tasks, which didn't require much effort, nevertheless, she decided to take a brief break, after all, she would need to be fresh and rejuvenated for the presentation that night. Although, of course, later she would practice and polish her aerial maneuvers near the palace to save travel time.

However, in the distance, she could hear commotion coming from the central square, which caught her attention, as she approached, she became more convinced that something unusual was happening. Upon arrival, she found a chaotic scene of frightened ponies and a massive, heavy billboard teetering dangerously over a carriage and its occupants.

Without a moment's hesitation, the agile blue Pegasus dove headfirst into the danger, her swift movements took her directly under the billboard, where with a powerful gust of wind and her innate strength, she held it up in the air just before it could cause harm, giving the ponies in the carriage enough time to get to safety.

Adrenaline coursed through her body, a brave and determined smile formed on her face as she saw that everyone was safe thanks to her quick intervention, she proceeded to carefully set the billboard aside and watched, relieved, as the ponies who had been on the verge of being victims of the accident breathed sighs of relief. Soon enough, she found herself surrounded by a crowd cheering her with admiration and overflowing gratitude.

---

As Rainbow Dash received the congratulations from the inhabitants of Ponyville, Shining Marigold descended first, checking that the luggage was in order and then assisting her brothers, Prince Aster and the spirited Blooming Rose, in dismounting.

Attracted by the commotion around them, the three royal unicorns approached with curiosity, it was then that they witnessed the final events of the extraordinary rescue performed by the rainbow-maned Pegasus. Shining was the first to react.

-"That was truly incredible!" - she approached, full of praise - "thank you so much, um..." - she added with a slight nod of her head.

Dash looked at the golden-maned unicorn who had spoken. - "oh, it was nothing, just a quick maneuver" - she replied with a humble shrug. - "I'm Rainbow Dash, by the way."

The effusive Blooming Rose approached and hugged Dash as if she had saved not only their lives but all of Ponyville - "it was nothing you say!? I saw my life flash before my eyes. How did you do that?" - she exclaimed with a mix of surprise and gratitude.

Dash responded with a playful shrug, trying to downplay the heroic act. - "Haha, seriously, it was nothing, just doing my duty" - she said, placing a hoof over her chest with pride.

-"That doesn't diminish the heroism of your act, by the way, I'm Princess Shining Marigold" - the unicorn introduced herself formally - "this is my sister, Princess Blooming Rose" - she mentioned, giving a respectful nod towards the Pegasus - "and he is my brother, Prince Aster."

Prince Aster, who had remained silent until then, was surprised not only by the impressive intervention of the multicolored mare but also by her modest demeanor - "you are modest and amazing, let me compensate you" - he said, approaching and unexpectedly taking her hoof.

Dash tensed instantly at the sudden contact, as if a flame had scorched her. She didn't expect this gesture from the prince and didn't know how to react.

-"It would be an honor to have you as my special guest at tonight's gala" - Aster continued with a soft, persuasive voice - "you'll agree with me that such a special evening deserves equally extraordinary company."

Surprise flickered in Dash's eyes as she evaluated the situation, noticing the prince's special gaze, she slowly withdrew her hoof from his, not because she felt uncomfortable but rather because she didn't know how to react properly, after all, she was aware of who they were from the morning paper. Though flattered but more confused, she knew the purpose of the Royal Gala, so she decided to be honest.

-"I... appreciate the invitation gesture, but those kinds of events aren't really my style, and I already have a commitment..."

-"Yes, I understand, Rainbow Dash, right?" - Aster smiled and delicately took back his hoof, moving closer to her, showing charming determination but without hiding his impatience - "but I would love for you to consider attending, maybe after your commitment, we could have a chat, or anything else you wish. It would be a true pleasure to have you there."

Rainbow Dash blinked, not quite sure how to respond to such insistence from the prince. - "I really appreciate the invitation, I reiterate" - she responded respectfully but distantly.

- "I think you're pushing her too much, Aster" - Shining Marigold approached and took her brother by the shoulders, slowly moving him away from her, in the process offering Rainbow a smile of apology for her brother's insistence. - "I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash, my brother can be a bit... passionate in his gestures."

Rainbow Dash internally thanked the unicorn for intervening, allowing her to regain some personal space, she responded with a friendly and relieved smile - "no problem at all, thanks again for the intention, but I already have an important commitment, and those elegant events aren't my strong suit."

-"Oh, come on, Rainbow Dash! It'll be a unique night, and I'm sure you'll have fun, what if you think about it a little more?" - Blooming Rose positioned herself beside her with a light laugh.

The pomp of royalty and elegant ponies didn't fit with her lifestyle, and her patience was beginning to wear thin, but before the colorful mare could respond, Prince Aster, assuming her apology, joined the conversation with a charming smile, and although a bit disappointed, he accepted Dash's response with courtesy.

-"Not Blooming... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pressure you, but if you change your mind, I'll be delighted to have you at the gala" - Aster says, briefly bowing to Dash.

Rainbow Dash nodded slightly, still assimilating the words and actions of the three unicorns in front of her, she was trying to disguise her growing irritation at the insistent invitation, the situation was becoming overwhelming, and she hadn't noticed the commotion around her until that moment when several ponies approached, requesting photos and autographs from the royal siblings. Feeling suddenly uncomfortable, she decided to leave.

As she headed towards her duties in Ponyville, she could feel Prince Aster's persistent gaze fixed on her, denoting a special interest. She couldn't help but wonder why.

---

After the wave of ponies in Ponyville, the royal guards managed to intervene and escort the princes to their carriage, preparing to head to Canterlot. Shining Marigold sighed, alternating his gaze between his brother and the direction Dash had gone.

- "Aster, I understand your enthusiasm, but, although I was also excited about the idea of having her at the Gala, you must understand that not everyone shares our fascination with elegant events and royalty" - he commented in a brotherly tone.

-"I know, Shining, but there's something about her that has captivated me, I have a strange feeling she seems different, unique, I would like her to enjoy the gala with us" - said the prince as he admired the sky in search of a flash of color that reminded him of the mare.

- "Calm down, Aster, for now, let's focus our energy on making the gala a memorable event" - Blooming Rose reminded him of the importance of making the gala unforgettable, and although Aster sighed with a hint of disappointment, he understood that they had to move forward with the preparations.

- "I know, Blooming, maybe it's just not her type of event, but I'll do my best to make the gala so special that even from afar, she can feel its magnitude" - his two sisters nodded with a smile and then turned to see Canterlot closer than they thought. They had arrived.

-"Aaah, Canterlot..." - Blooming sighed in reference to the capital - "It always surprises me with its beauty, isn't that right, Shining?"

- "Without a doubt, Blooming, it's an impressive place, although this gala has a specific purpose, we cannot deny the majesty of this city" - Shining agreed.

The carriage stopped in front of the majestic royal palace, and the three royal siblings descended elegantly, preparing to be received by Princess Celestia.

The royal siblings ascended the steps of the royal palace, escorted by royal guards. Upon reaching the main door, they were announced with pomp and circumstance - "his Highness, Prince Aster, and his distinguished sisters, Princess Blooming Rose and Princess Shining Marigold!"

The enormous doors opened, revealing the illuminated and luxuriously decorated interior of the palace. Princess Celestia herself, imposing and radiant, awaited to receive her illustrious guests, her voice, laden with ancient wisdom, resonated warmly in the vestibule - "welcome to Canterlot, my dear Prince Aster and princesses Blooming and Shinning, it is a true privilege to have you here to celebrate this gala, which promises to be so special."

The siblings entered, finding the princess herself in the middle of the hall - "thank you for welcoming us with such warmth, Princess Celestia. It is an honor for us to be part of this momentous occasion" - said Aster, bowing to her with his two sisters following suit.

Celestia observed them and stooped a little - "my esteemed ones, such formalities are not necessary, the gala is in honor of an important purpose, but it is also a celebration of the unity and magic we share in Equestria. May this night be memorable for everyone!"

After the warm words of welcome, the princes were guided on a tour of the majestic gala hall, the siblings admired the exquisite floral decorations, the arrangements of candles casting a soft glow, the tables covered with the finest linen, it had been years since they had walked these walls. Celestia explained to them the importance of preserving this millennia-old celebration and highlighted the diversity of ponies that would gather, then, she led them to their respective royal chambers, where they would have everything they needed to prepare and could request any additional services.

- "Please, do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything else" - she said as she left - "the gala will begin later tonight, so take your time to rest and prepare appropriately. Enjoy your stay here in Canterlot" - The royal siblings thanked the princess and headed to their respective rooms.

Once alone, Blooming Rose and Shining Marigold gathered, concerned about Aster's peculiar mood after Rainbow Dash's rejection.

-"Sister, I can't help but notice how much Dash's rejection has affected Aster" - Shining was the first to express her fears aloud - "I've never seen him so absorbed and excited about a pony before" - she commented, while Blooming examined some exquisite dresses.

- "You're right, it caught my attention too, it's strange how apparently we stumbled upon the right pony" - Blooming indicated as she selected some dresses she liked - "maybe destiny made it easier for us to find a pure mare to break the spell" - she proposed with a glimmer of hope.

A tense silence hung over them as they digested the implications of what they were considering, finally, Shining spoke up with determination - "if that's the case, then we must act accordingly, maybe it's our duty to bring Rainbow Dash as close as possible, hoping that she's the key to freeing us from that curse."

-"What do you think if we look for Rainbow Dash after the gala and spend some time together?" - Blooming proposed, Shining nodded with renewed determination.

The two sisters immersed themselves in choosing outfits, each seeking the perfect attire for the royal gala, amidst laughter and comments on the latest fashion trends, they discussed their expectations for the night.

The two mares then immersed themselves in the exciting task of getting ready, laughing and commenting on the latest trends in royal fashion.

The afternoon passed, and after completing their daily tasks in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash headed towards the outskirts of Canterlot, preparing for a personal session of aerial practices to polish her skills for the night, the sunset began to dye the sky with endless warm and orange tones.

The pegasus launched into dizzying acrobatics into the sky, leaving trails of rainbows in her wake, adrenaline rushed through her veins with each turn and twist in the air, the majesty of her flights stood out against the multicolored brushstroke of the sunset, and each movement was a display of her unique and unparalleled skill. However, the reckless speed and agility of the blue pegasus led her to an unexpected and impactful encounter with one of the imposing towers of Canterlot's royal palace.

¡CRASSSHHHHH!

The crash resounded in her ears, leaving Rainbow stunned for a moment, she shook her head to regain her bearings, lying on her back and looking around, realizing with astonishment that she had crashed through one of the windows of the royal palace itself. She found herself in a spacious and majestic hall, surrounded by elegant decorations and two familiar unicorns, who looked at her with concern, but also with a smile she couldn't decipher.

Comments

[Eclipse Midnight]

Blooming Rose playfully tousled her brother's mane - "still, it never hurts to have some extra eyes watching over you, plus, we can make sure you find the most charming mare of all." - She winked knowingly at Shining Marigold.

I wish you good luck Aster

[Sandbar0227]

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He's going to need it