Chapter 57: The Gala

—LOG ENTRY 001: Onward—

‘So, it's been a couple days since I woke up and... I was told to start keeping a journal because I may have more memory issues pop up and its a good thing to write everything down... so here goes. Over these last few days I’ve been mostly brought up to speed on what's happened in my absence. Apparently I’ve been put on an "Extended Leave of Absence" until it was confirmed there'd be no unexpected side effects of prolonged unconsciousness regarding the super soldier enhancements. I knew I shouldn’t of went through with the procedure, everything’s been fucked ever since I woke up.

Part of me isn't even sure if all of this is real. Maybe I’m still on that operating table and this has all been a dream?

On another note I dreamt about my dad again. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that nightmare, even if it was a few days ago I still can’t stop thinking about it. Maybe that's what I needed, though. I’ve been relaxing too much on this planet as is and that's why I got hurt... its time to up my training.

They also reminded me today of my coming “Problem” again. When I had the mutations done they told me it’d dramatically reduce my life expectancy but... today they told me with all the extra strain and stress I shouldn’t expect to live another couple years at least...

Fuck.

What do I tell Luna?’

—END LOG—

I saved the first of many logs to be written, and slid my phone back into my pocket. Taking a deep breath, I sighed and looked around the room I’d been staying in for the last few days and recalled more information about the super soldier program.

The thing about super solders in our military is, they don't tend to live that long. After getting the enhancements their body slowly starts to mutate and get stronger over time. The body can't handle rapid mutations so this is the workaround. However... the mutations never stop, so eventually my body will keep getting stronger and stronger until... well... my heart gives out. Which is why they're usually put on the front line.

Most of the time there's 4 stages of mutation, in rare cases there can be 5. The first is strength which begins almost immediately. The second is perception which happened not too long before my coma, giving me an increased sense of smell, hearing and better low light vision. So far... no signs of stage 3.

'That's the price we're willing to pay though...' I thought as Luna came to mind. 'Fuck... What the hell am I gonna say...' I thought as I racked my brain for a good way to bring it up. 'We're gonna have to talk about it soon... It wouldn't be right leaving her in the dark about it.'

I shook my head, deciding to dwell on it later. Apparently while I was out the outpost at the bottom of the mountain is now complete. I hadn't realized it but apparently its right next to a set of train tracks, meaning ponies can visit on their way to the Canterlot castle.

'Meaning the ponies have had much more interaction with us around here. Hopefully they've warmed up...' I thought to myself.

I leaned into the balcony railing, overlooking the garden as the moon illuminated the tops of trees. The sound of water came from a fountain deeper in. Apparently tomorrow was something called the 'Grand Galloping Gala'. Some big party thrown by the rich on the new year.

'Sounds like a waste of time to me but... I guess I have to go...' I begrudgingly thought as I remembered my earlier conversation with Luna.

It's the perfect time to reveal our relationship...

Luna's voice echoed in my head from our conversation a few hours ago.

"I mean... she's right. She's royalty after all and we can't always keep this in the dark. Besides, I'd rather make it public myself at an event like this then have everyone find out through the media and however they decide to word it." I whispered to myself as I pushed off the railing and walked towards the door.

Before I could make it, I heard the doorknob rattle for a moment, before it began to creak open. Stopping in place, I watched as Luna peeked her head around the door and, upon seeing me, let out a small smile.

"Perfect, I was hoping you were still here. You know we can get you a better room if you want? We have plenty of bigger rooms which are much fancier." Luna said as she looked behind me to the small and slightly cramped guest room.

Shaking my head, I motioned to the balcony doors. "Nah, I prefer the view this one offers. It's right over the gardens." I stated, eliciting a small nod from Luna.

"Anyway, I've had something being worked on the last couple days for the gala and... well I hope you like it." She said with an excited smile as she opened the door the rest of the way.

What I saw made me... nervous, for lack of a better term.

"No." I stated bluntly. "Hell no."

"Whaaaaat?!" Luna said while letting out an exasperated sound. "But it looks so GOOD! And besides you have to wear something, this is a big deal!" She finished with a bit of a pout.

"Ugh... I know but... why that!" I asked as I took it from her magical grasp.

The outfit she handed me had a cloak which dragged against the ground a bit, and was colored a deep midnight purple and shimmered like stars on a sunless sea. Small gemstones were woven into the fabric near the bottom with an embroidery of painted gold. And the most noticeable of it's characteristics was the neck wrap around the top. Instead of a fur wrap you would see from this kind of style of clothing, they were deep blue, almost purple, feathers.

The part of the outfit covering the chest and legs were two separate pieces, and also had the same color scheme as the cape with a lot of painted gold trim forming intricate designs depicting shimmering stars.

"What do you mean?" She asked as she looked it over. "This outfit would be fit for a king! Midnight phoenix feathers are exceptionally rare."

"I know it's fit for a king, that's the problem! I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing something like this!" I shot back, getting an annoyed look out of her. "Can't I just wear a uniform from my home world?" I asked her hopefully.

"Pleeeeaaaase?" Luna asked again, her eyes growing and shining with hope.

I looked at her, and felt my resolve waver. "Ugh... fine. I'll wear it." I finished, getting her to let out a small squeak of excitement.

"I can't wait! I'll see you tomorrow morning. Remember, it starts at 4 pm sharp!" She finished as she turned and shut the door behind her.

Looking at the outfit and sighing one last time, I hung it on the door leading to the bathroom and jumped into bed. After a few sleepless hours, I was finally lulled into a shallow slumber.

************************

I had woken up multiple times throughout the day. Checking the hour each time and laying back down, with no will to get up.

'Whats the point anyway? I don't have access to my gear, or the equipment from the Night's Vigil due to my leave' I sighed as I rolled over in the bed and looked at the clock on the wall.

'2 pm... might as well get up now'

I groaned as I rolled over out of the bed and stood up, giving myself a long stretch and eliciting multiple pops from my back. Begrudgingly, I made my way to the bathroom while rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I grabbed the outfit I had hung on the bathroom door on the way by and got to work.

*One Hour Later*

The bathroom was warm with steam as I stepped out of the shower and grabbed a nearby towel off a railing. I looked into the mirror as I finished drying off my hair which I had just cut down to a reasonable size. My brown hair sat around an inch long and my face was once again clean shaven. After looking myself over in the mirror one last time, I gazed over to the outfit hanging nearby and, with a moment of hesitation, began pulling it on.

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Perspective: Celestia

I sighed and leaned my head on my hoof. I was bored out of my mind.

Luna was seated next to me at a large table that spanned in both directions, plenty of food placed across it. The beginning of the gala had gone off without a hitch, I met all the visiting nobility and high status ponies and finally got to sit down. The feast had already begun, however Luna hadn't started yet and was sat next to me looking quite nervous.

Looking to my right, I whispered to my sister. "Luna, what's the matter? You look nervous." I asked getting her to jump a bit in her seat, before looking over to me and breathing a sigh.

"I told him to be here for 4... he's late..." She said as she tapped her hoof against the table.

I looked up at the large clock on one of the walls. Indeed, he was late, it was already 4:30.

"Perhaps he's decided against coming?" I proposed, getting Luna to let out a huff.

The rest of the ponies in the grand room were all sitting at their own tables, littered around the room. Many of them were talking among themselves and eating the dishes being carried out by countless waiters.

Luna was about to say something, when we heard the double doors leading to the gala open. I turned to look and had to do a double take.

"Oh my goodness..." I mumbled to myself as I watched who entered the room, my face heating up slightly.

**********************

Perspective: Jake

'Good fucking lord I found it' I thought as I approached the two double doors with a guard on either side. I pulled a bit at the neck of my new outfit, feeling myself heat up in embarrassment.

I had left my room at 3:30 with the expectation I could find my way to the ball room. And if I couldn't find it someone should know where it is.

'How the fuck was I supposed to know the whole castle would be empty!?' I yelled in my head as I pushed my hands against the doors. 'Hopefully I'm not too late...'

I pushed open the double doors, and what I saw made me freeze in place. The entirety of the room fell to silence and all eyes turned to me.

I stood there for a few moments, unsure what to do.

"Ahem... as you were..." I said aloud giving a small polite bow.

A few of the ponies returned to their talks, but a lot of them stayed fixated on me. I ignored the stares as best as I could and made my way through the dining hall. Many ponies began losing interest as I did, and the music started to pick up once more.

I finally made it to the other side of the room, and took a seat next to Luna. Both of them had very different looks on their faces. Luna looked furious, and Celestia looked... well I wasn't sure actually. She seemed to facing away from me and fanning her face with a small folding fan.

'She must be pissed too.' I thought as I sighed and pulled in my seat, getting comfortable.

"What the hay Jake! I told you to be here for 4!" She angrily whispered to me from my left.

"I'm sorry okay! I got lost on my way here and there wasn't anyone around to ask for directions!" I whispered back, trying to look around her to see Celestia.

"Whatever... at least you made it here. And you're wearing the outfit I gave you." She said, dawning a small smile. "It fits you well."

"Are you sure? I feel like I stick out too much... Celestia what do you think of this thing?" I asked looking over to her.

She turned her head a bit to meet my gaze, still partially covering herself with the fan. "Ahem... uh yes, it looks good on you... Jake." She said as she kept fanning herself. "Is it really warm in here?" She asked as she put the fan down and levitated a glass of water to her lips.

Looking ahead, I sighed and shook my head. Ahead of me, many ponies were still looking at me with fascination. Some of them whispering to each-other.

'Are midnight phoenix feathers really that rare?' I thought to myself as a waiter came by and placed a plate in front of me.

He pulled off the cover hiding what was under it, and I beheld one of the most beautifully cooked steaks I've ever seen. It was pretty small though, but really thick. I can imagine the price of this thing was way out of my league.

"Your meal, sir." The waiter said as he held his head high and walked off.

"Oh uh, thank you!" I tried to say back as he walked off, and looked down at the plate. "Hm...."

"So Jake," Luna started to my left, "after our meal and our speech, the gala dance will begin. I was wondering... if you wanted to join me?" She asked with a blush.

I sighed and cut into my steak, pulling a small piece of it off with my fork.

"Sorry Luna. I'd love to but I don't even know how to dance with humans... I'd probably just step on your hooves every time." I explained as I popped the piece in my mouth.

'Just as expected, excellently cooked. Still not as good as that griffon's steak though...' I thought as I took another bite.

Just then, something clicked in my head.

"Wait... our speech?" I asked looking at Luna quizzically.

Nodding, she picked up a small cherry tomato with her fork using her magic. "Yeah, we're going to give our New Year's speech and then the dance will begin." She said matter-o-factly as she popped the tomato in and chewed. "Why?"

"Well, I just didn't realize I'd be giving a speech. I would have prepared more." I said, taking bites of my food between sentences.

Celestia spoke up, seeming to have gotten over whatever was plaguing her. "You don't need to speak if you don't wish to. I'll handle it." She said with a smile.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm not good at making up speeches in the moment." I said, going back to concentrating on my food.

A bit of time passed, and finally the time had come. I stood up with the celestial sisters, and both of their horns began glowing brightly.

"Once again it's that time of year my little ponies!" Celestia began, getting all of the ponies attending to stand from their seats. "We are here at the end of the year once more, and I wish to thank each and every one of you for attending." She paused for a moment as her horn brightened a bit more and all of the tables and chairs disappeared from the room.

Luna's horn brightened next, and the room darkened slightly allowing the mood to shift to more of a casual dance setting.

"However, before we begin tonight's next act, I'd like to say a few words about our guest of honor, General Jake Carson." She said as I gave a polite bow and smiled at the crowd. "Our guest, and many more people from his home have been welcomed into Equestria over the last few months. And I must say I am very proud how all my ponies have welcomed them with open hooves." She finished as all the ponies in the crowd gave a small applause.

Just when I thought it was over, Luna spoke up next to me. "Also, right before we begin I'd like to announce something important..." She began as I could feel a cold sweat forming on my back.

'Good lord... here it comes' I thought as I dreaded the upcoming words.

"Many rumours have been appearing stating that I'm in a relationship with the Human standing next to me, Jake Carson. Well, I'm here to put those rumours to rest." She said with a nod. "Because it's with utmost certainty that Jake and I are in fact, together." She stated with as much courage as she could, even though a blush showed through her fur slightly.

The whole room fell silent, pretty much everypony's mouth hung open. Even Celestia to my left past Luna looked a bit taken back.

"Wow... so soon..." Celestia whispered to herself. "Well no matter... as you have just heard, General Jake Carson has officially courted my dear sister Princess Luna. I shall be putting the preparations for the marriage ceremony together soon." She finished with a raised hoof. "This is truly a wonderful day for both Ponykind and Humankind alike!"

My eyes bulged out of my head.

'EXCUSE ME WHAT!?' I screamed in my head. 'WHEN THE FUCK DID I SAY I WAS READY FOR MARRIAGE' I tried to say something, but I was frozen in terror and couldn't get my voice to work.

Next to me, I could see Luna staring at her sister with a surprised look as well.

"S...Sister..." Luna whispered to her sister, however it went unheard as the sudden roaring applause started up from the crowd.

I brought my hand up to my forehead, and could feel the color drain from my face.

"What the fuck just happened..." I said aloud as I looked around the room at all of the ponies as they began spreading throughout the room.

Suddenly the whole place was alive with music as ponies began elegantly dancing with each other or talking amongst themselves. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I turned and walked past Luna and got Celestia's attention.

"Ahem, Celestia." I began, getting her to turn to me with a massive smile on her face. "I-"

Before I could begin, she started prancing in place and giggling to herself. "Oh my goodness this is so exciting! Finally something to liven up this dull party! Oh I'm so happy for you Lulu! I knew you could do it!" She said as she walked over to Luna and draped a foreleg over her, standing next to her and shaking her back and forth.

"Sister you don't-" Luna began before being shushed by her sister.

Holding her hoof over Luna's mouth, she spoke excitedly. "Shh! Hold on... I need to prepare.. oh my goodness there's so much to do! I need you to handle the attendants I have to go!" Celestia finished and without hesitation, disappeared in a flash of light.

Luna and I stood there in awkward silence for a few moments, before looking at each-other.

"I-"

"Um-"

We both started at the same time, before she motioned for me to continue. "I... don't suppose you meant for her to say that... did you?" I asked getting her to sigh.

"No, no I did not..." Luna said as she paused for a moment, "Oh dear this is gonna be a mess..." She said as she placed her hoof on her face and sighed.

I walked next to her and draped my arm around her, partially covering her with the cape of my outfit. "Come on, I'm sure we can fix this misunderstanding..." I said as I noticed a whole mob of attendees walking towards us, big smiles on their faces. "I hope..."

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