Who is Grand Heist?

by aceotaku

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Princess Celestia, Main 6, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Comedy, Other, Prince Blueblood
Length: 18018

Rainbow is Magic Season one finale! Rainbow Dash and friends attend the Grand Galloping Gala, while an uninvited guest plans to ruin the evening.

Grand Heist. Equestria's most famous (and popular) criminal. Noone knows who he is. Noone knows why he does what he does. Noone even knows what kind of pony he is!

However, Rainbow Dash wants to solve the mystery once and for all and end their rivalry once and for all. She hopes to catch him at the biggest social event in Canterlot: the Grand Galloping Gala. But will she be able to succeed?

One must read Grand Heist on the Frienship Express, Grand Heist vs The Mysterious Mare Do Well and Dodge Junction before reading this story.

Published 2016-05-18 16:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-08-08 11:13:18 UTC

Chapter One: Dressed to the Nines

You sit before a small stage decorated by simple, red curtains, ponies surrounding you in seats of their own.

Up on the stage, a small purple dragon walks into view, a microphone in hand. Music starts playing and the dragon starts singing.
“You’re walking in the woods
There is no one around and your magic is dead
Out of the corner of your eye you spot him!”

“Grand Heist!” A yellow Pegasus pops her head out from the side of the stage to exclaim.

“He’s following you
About thirty feet back
He, on all fours, breaks into a sprint!
He’s gaining on you!”

“Grand Heist!” A grey earth mare exclaimed, her black mane styled into messy spikes.

“You’re looking for your home but you’re all turned around!
You see him, surrounding you in the trees
His face covered by a mask
By Celestia, he’s everywhere!”

The two mares start singing.

“Running for your life from Grand Heist!
He’s brandishing a smile, it’s Grand Heist!
Lurking in the shadoooows
Hiding his face, Grand Heist
Stealing for sport, Grand Heist
Nobody knows him!
Who in the world is Grand Heist!?”

Chapter One: Dressed to the Nines

Luna awoke, lying on a comfortable bed. She looked up into the face of her sister.

“Sunny? Why are you standing over my bed in a creepy manner?

Celestia smiled. “Today’s a very big day Luna! Tonight we’re holding the Grand Galloping Gala and you’ll be officially re-introduced to our subjects!”

Luna smiled. She had a purple coat with a light blue mane and tail. She was a good deal shorter than her sister, being about the size of a normal mare, possibly a couple inches shorter, however her wings and horn showed that she was a Princess much like Celestia. “I look forward to it. I am tired of sitting in this room every day, waiting for when it’s ‘the right time’. I always did enjoy the Gala, it would be lovely to finally leave for such a wonderful event.”

“I apologise sister...” Celestia said, looking wistful. “I just...I just had to be sure everything would be fine, and that you could reintegrate with the world smoothly. So much has changed, and I had to do so much without your wisdom and guidance...”

“Hush, Sunny. You are a grown mare now, and a ruler besides, you are not the timid little filly who would follow me all the time and need my help.” Luna smiled wryly. “And I haven’t exactly been very wise, not a thousand years ago at least...”

Celestia nuzzled her older sister gently, tears threatening to form. “No, Luna, that was never you. The things you did...the things you tried to do...you would NEVER do any of it under your own power.”

“I hope you’re right...” The smaller Princess looked downwards. “But, I remember so clearly, I do not even understand why I thought what I did...or the deeds I had performed...”

Celestia wrapped a wing around her sister, crying. “I...I am so glad you’re here again...I thought I had lost you forever...”

Luna for her part lightly wiped the tears away, stroking her sister’s neck softly. “Shh, shh, shh, it’s alright Sunny, I am here...”

“You are...you really are...” Celestia smiled tearfully.

Captain Blueblood stood before the assembled members of the Royal Guard, many hoof picked by him with their training scrutinised so they would be the best of the best....Lieutenant Shores notwithstanding, though what she lacked in confidence she made up for in determination, exuberance and loyalty.

The thought occurred to him that a large portion of the guard under his command were mares, where previously it was dominated by stallions. He wasn’t sure what this reflected upon himself or his charges.

He took a deep breath. “Alright, we all know the drill: the Gala is tonight and that means most of us will be standing guard and on patrol to ensure nothing goes wrong tonight. I, of course, will be acting as the Princess’ bodyguard and thus will be near them all night. This does not mean I am getting preferential treatment and it does not mean I will forgo my duties to ‘mingle’. Even if I DO socialise, I will keep my eyes on the Princess’ all night, and so I expect you all to pick up the slack and watch your patrol routes and sentry points carefully. Many important and influential guests will be attending, and we cannot let anything ruin the night for them.”

The assembled guards nodded in affirmation.

“There is one more thing I wish to discuss...” Blueblood’s horn glowed, broadcasting an illusionary image of a wanted poster bearing the face of a pony whose face was covered completely by a golden fabric. “So far, all our efforts to capture Grand Heist have been unsuccessful. He has robbed Canterlot, Ponyville, Prance and several cities, not to mention allied countries like Saddle Arabia. His identity remains unknown, we do not even know what kind of pony he is, be it unicorn, Pegasus or earth pony, as well as his age and gender.”

“Is it really a priority to catch him?” Sergeant Sassy Saddles spoke up. “Most of his robberies are rather harmless, and there are certainly far more dangerous ponies.”

Blueblood shook his head. “I’m afraid we have some new evidence regarding that. Upon arresting Governor Bluegrass in Dodge Junction, we have learned that Grand Heist stole more valuable items as payment for Bluegrass’ assistance. With Bluegrass’ help, Grand Heist was able to obtain experimental technologies developed by Iron Will Industries, which may explain both his more outrageous crimes as well as how he has avoided capture thus far.”

Several guardsmen gasped in shock, knowing how dangerous Iron Will’s ‘inventions’ can be. EVERYPONY remembered what happened when Iron Will himself last attended the Gala.

“A-are you sure?” A male guard asked. “Th-that’s really serious...”

“Indeed, not only is the theft of such technology from such a high profile company serious in and of itself, but said technology is extremely valuable and, most importantly in this case, dangerous to be mishandled. Not only that, but Grand Heist also recently terrorised Ponyville, stealing from several locals as well as causing public disturbances and even speaking to ponies in person, in broad daylight.”

“W-what!?” Private Turnip Truck exclaimed. “But that don’t make no kind of sense!”

“Indeed, while clearly egocentric, he never confronted anypony in person until that point. We suspect he was feeling overconfident due to Ponyville having no real law enforcement, and he may have been desperately searching for something, but we aren’t sure on that point. Regardless, the incident at Ponyville took a very grave turn when a local vigilante appeared, and Grand Heist revealed just how dangerous he is.” Blueblood frowned, trying to think of a way to say the next few words right, before deciding to be honest. “He snuck into several homes and attempted to blow up the entire town. Fortunately, local civilians were able to thwart him, but he managed to escape.”

There was a stunned silence, many were pale and wide eyed, while others had grim faces, and still others looked enraged.

“You have to be kidding...there’s no way Grand Heist did all that! We would have gotten a report about it, or the Ponyvillians would have sent word some other way, or it would be in the news o-or something!” The speaker was a black Pegasus.

“I know how you must feel, Private,” Blueblood said calmly, “Ponyville was your home before you moved here to join the Guard. You are right though, those are things that should have happened...but they didn’t. The Ponyvillians haven’t said anything because they probably think we already know, and why shouldn’t they think that? But as for the other points...we currently believe Grand Heist has some sort of other connections or influence, much like he had with Governor Bluegrass. Either way, the incident has been covered up and there is no evidence left to prove it happened. Even the bombs have gone missing since they were disarmed.”

Sassy Saddly winced. “That’s not good...what does the Princess plan to do?”

The Captain sighed, this was the part he feared to bring up most. “This information came from...Prosecutor Shining Armour. Due to this, Celestia now believes that the information is a fabricated story that Shining Armour falsified to make us focus on Grand Heist. She is adamant that we focus on keeping the Gala safe and that Grand Heist is simply a distraction.”

“She can’t do that!” Sassy Saddles cried. “If what you say is true then...”

“Yes, IF what I say is true, then Grand Heist has publicly attacked our citizens and is more than a mere ‘thief’; however without evidence, and without Celestia’s trust in our prosecutor, then the truth cannot be verified.” He looked down, frowning. “I do not like it either, and I highly suspect the Princess has other reasons for her actions too, but for now we gotta work within what we can do till something presents itself.”
His subordinates grudgingly nodded.

“What about the Mayor? Surely she’d be willing to say something?”

Blueblood shook his head. “She’s been on vacation for several days, nopony’s been able to get in touch with her for a while. And for some reason we are forbidden to send any Guards there, and we’re looking into why. For now, just keep a look out for anypony suspicious and ensure the Gala goes without a hitch.”

Rainbow Dash poured over her desk, deep in thought. She mentally catalogued all the clues and information she had regarding Grand Heist.
He stole Iron Will Industries brand equipment. He was able to manipulate a city leader into helping him. He was an egotist who was violently opposed to anyone taking any attention away from him. His crimes were grandiose and unusual, likely as a method to gain attention. He tries to put on a facade of affability and honour, but it’s very easy to break that falsehood and for him to become violent.

She was starting to figure out the ‘why’ and the ‘how’, the ‘who’ was still too vague. She just needed to figure out ‘when’ and ‘where’ his next crime will take place; she was sure that would be the key to finally catching the jerk.

She lifted her wing, checking that the six golden tickets were still snugly in place. She was still apprehensive about whether she and her friends should go or not. On the one hoof, they were very excited and eager to go. On the other...she knew how they’d feel when they finally got there and saw for themselves.

Something nagged at her mind as she looked the tickets over, she was feeling like there was something, something big she was missing.
Honestly, she just wanted to sell the damn things and be done with it. They were pretty valuable after all, many ponies would pay quite a lot for them, or at least return a favour in exchange. Hay, many ponies used the Gala to boost their own social status!

Like Bluegrass.

Her eyes widened at the thought. Bluegrass was working with Grand Heist, they had some sort of deal arranged. In fact, Grand Heist was in Ponyville several days ago, looking for something.

“Was...” Rainbow dash said numbly, face pale. “Was Grand Heist....in our tree!?”
“Yeah.” Spike admitted with an angry frown. “Not sure what he was after, though.”
.....
Spike merely sighed and slapped her on the face. “Calm down Dash, I caught him in our room and chased him off before he could grab anything.”
The Pegasus nodded, rubbing her cheek. “Our....room...there’s nothing worth stealing except...the tickets...”

The blue Pegasus slammed her hooves down hard on the desk, breathing heavily. She was such an idiot! Why didn’t she think about it more!?
A plan formed in her mind...but it wouldn’t be fair to her friends to go and not bring them...but she didn’t want them to get involved and hurt themselves.

She looked at a letter she had recieveed from her ‘penpal’ recently.

Celestia’s not gonna help. They Mayor’s who knows where. The Royal Guard can’t even legally do anything.

I have to go.
And they have to come with me.

There was a knock at the door to the Carousel Boutique, a small red-maned filly opening the door.

“Oh hi Miss Dash!” Applebloom beamed widely. “What brings ya over here?”

Rainbow smiled. “Hey squirt, is your big sis around?”

Applebloom nodded and turned behind herself, letting out a defeaning yell. “Sis! Rainbow Dash is here!”

Rainbow rubbed her ringing ears as a smiling Applejack suddenly appeared before her. “Gah!” Rainbow yelped, leaping back in surpise.

“Why darling, is there something you need?” Applejack fluttered her eyelashes.

Recovering her composure, the Pegasus nodded. “Yeah, you wanted to make dresses for us if we went to the Grand Galloping Gala, right?”

Applejack squeeled, hooves to her cheeks. “You mean it!? We’re going to the Gala!?”

“Ummm...yeah.” Rainbow smiled nervously, sweating a little. “Sorry for taking so long to think about it...”

“Oh no problem at all here!” Applejack threw a gift wrapped package at Rainbow Dash, who yelped as it smacked her face.

Rainbow held up the package, rubbing her cheek. “You made them already?”

“Well OF COURSE Ah did, darling, what sort of tailor do you take me for?” Applejack turned her head with a ‘hmph’. “Ah made one for each of us, taking into account our personal styles, tastes and interests while still being at least moderately fashionable.”

“Alright, I’ll give one to the rest of the girls.” Rainbow Dash smiled. “You were looking forward to this.”

“Of course darling! Now go run along and tell our friends, Ah must put some finishing touches on mah dress, got to have it completely perfect, you know!”

“Hehe alright.” Rainbow Dash nodded as Applejack handed her four more packages, each signed with the respective recipient’s name.

Applejack turned, closing the door with her tail. “Applebloom, go get Strongheart, we have a prooooojeeeeeect~!”

Fluttershy opened her cottage door, grinning wide. “Hi Rainbow Dash!”

“Hey, ‘Shy. You want to go to the Gala?” The other Pegasus held up a gift wrapped object. “AJ made us all a dress each.”

“Alrighty!” Fluttershy giggled, eagerly taking the gift. “I’m sure it’ll be fun!”

“Yeah....fun...” Rainbow bit her lip. “Just be ready by 6pm.”

“Okie dokie lokie!”

Twilight was lying on the grass, relaxing, eyes closed as she enjoyed the feel of the sun on her body. “You don’t get days like this every day.”

“Hey Twi!”

Twilight opened her eyes, spying Rainbow Dash walking over. “Hey Dash, what’s up?”

The Pegasus handed her a small object in wrapping. “You still want to go to the Gala?”

The unicorn nodded. “I never got to go before we moved, I was too young...but my parents had wonderful stories to tell about it, my mom proposed to my dad at one of the Gala’s in fact.”

Rainbow grinned. “Well that’s your Gala dress. AJ made it herself.”

Twilight smiled. “Thanks. You’re a real friend letting us go despite how apprehensive you were about it.”

“Yeah well...what are friends for?”

“Lots of stuff.” Twilight winked. “But don’t think being friends means you have to force yourself to do things for us.”

“Nah, it’s fine Twi....this is important.”

Twilight blinked, frowning in confusion. “Huh what do you mean?”

But Rainbow Dash was already trotting off.

Rarity was dressed as a bee.

Rainbow...Rainbow Dash didn’t know what to make of it. “Rares, what’s with the outfit?”

“Fluttershy’s idea.” The white unicorn said. “She said animals are natural flyers, so they might give me tips if they think I’m one of them.”

“Aaand...why a bee?”

“Bees are cool.” Rarity answered with a serious expression.

“Riiiight....anyway, Aj made dresses, were going to the Gala.”

Rarity gasped, stars in her eyes. “REALLY!?”

“Yep.”

“YOU MEAN IT!?”

“Uh-huh.”

“YESSSSS!” Rarity started to do a job. “Going to go to the Gala, gonna meet the Wonderbolts! Going to go to the Gala, gonna show them all my stuff!” She froze. “You’re going to Pinkie’s next huh?”

Rainbow grimaced. “Yeah...”

Rarity gripped her friend’s shoulder with a solemn expression. “Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Pinkamena opened the door of her home, gazing impassively at the Pegasus.

Rainbow Dash was smoldering, covering in bruises and soot, her wing was slightly misshapen and she looked very winded. “Gala...AJ...Dress...”

Pinkamena took the gift wrapped package. “You’re hiding something.”

Rainbow blinked, recovering instantly. “I-I am?”

“Yeah.” The pink pony nodded. “But I don’t care. I will accept this once in a lifetime chance to bolster my business however.”

Pinkamena slammed the door.

Rainbow sighed.

Jelly Jam, the pony in charge of the local newspaper, glared. Blueberry jam, as always, marred his face.

Well, one would say he ran the newspaper, but it’s more that he used to. Now the newspaper was shut down and he was out of a job.
He just couldn’t understand why. He only wanted to print a story about Grand Heist’s presence in Ponyville and the eventually war he had with the ‘Mysterious Mare Do Well’.

He was gonna get the truth out somehow though. Ponies deserved to know the truth.

Grand Heist looked himself over in the mirror, smirking.

His outfit was extra dazzling today. His cape fluttered stylishly. His hat was perfectly steam cleaned. He looked over at the trophy sitting in his office.

He was ready. Tonight, he will commit the greatest crime in Equestrian history.

Tonight, he is going to steal from the biggest star in the world, and surpass her.

Tonight, he will steal from Princess Celestia.

Author's Note

Sup! Yep it might seem a bit soon, but I’m starting the season one finale for this AU! However, I will still accepts stories for this season and will finish the unfished stories as well, it’s just that it’s been such a long time I feel I should get the ball rolling on this now.

Yes, part of this chapter is about addressing issues some readers had regarding how things turned out at the end of ‘Grand Heist vs Mysterious Mare Do Well’. Hopefully the answers and solutions are acceptable, honestly I feel I could’ve done better.

I’ve been really looking forward to this forever! This story was where I came up with Grand Heist in the first place, with the earlier stories featuring him being thought up later. So yeah, this has been a LONG time coming.

Also, I’m not very fashion minded, so if anyone has good ideas for potential designs for the Gala dresses, I’m all ears!

I hope you all enjoyed it, and please comment!

Chapter 2 All That Glitters

“Now it’s dark and you seem to have lost him
But you are hopelessly lost yourself
Stranded with a fugitive
You creep silently through the woods
Aha!
In the distance, a castle shining light in the horizon
Hope!
You move stealthily towards it
But your wing!
It’s caught in a rope trap!”
“Cutting off the rope! (quiet, quiet)
Limping to the castle! (quiet, quiet)
Once you enter
Hiding inside
It’s Grand Heist
Opening a safe! (Grand Heist)
But he doesn’t hear you enter! (Grand Heist)
Sneaking up behind him
Time to outsmart
That smug Grand Heist!”

Chapter Two: All That Glitters

Captain of the Royal Guard, Prince Blueblood, looked over a map of Canterlot Castle, frowning in thought.

“We cannot let anything to chance!
‘How Fantastic’ they cry
in their excitement for this Gala night
Ponies from all around are coming
So we cannot allow their fun to be ruined
I only hope that we can succeed.”

He looked over the pictures of potential guests.

Applejack, flanked by Applebloom and Little Strongheart, got to the finishing touches to her dress as the song continues.

“This young fashionista is hoping to leave her mark.”

PInkamena glanced at a clock disinterestedly as she took a bath.

“The pink one is likely preparing at her own pace.”

Prosecutor Shining Armour frowned at a small stack of papers topped by a blurry image of a certain masked figure.

“Shining has his own interests to deal with.”

“And of course the star of the show will be on time!” Grand Heist called out as he stared over his own map and collection of pictures.

“Inside that glittering castle,” Applejack and Grand Heist sang,
“Lie all our dreams and fantasies
A magnificent grand event
to bring about our happiness.”

“The security will be air tight.” Blueblood noted.

“But I will disrupt it!” Grand Heist grinned.
“At the Grand Galloping Gala
Everything comes together!”

“We’ll be ready.” Shining added resolutely.
“Concealed in extravagant fakes
The star of the hour takes the stage
To perform the crime of the century
All the players are set
For the Grand climax
and for the truth to finally be exposed!”

Rainbow looked at her dress uncertainly.

“The magician is feeling doubt
Should she really be doing this?
Is this a betrayal of their friendship?”

Trixie and Zecora got on a train, Trixie walking timidly with her head low.

“The pair from Iron Will
For them this night has much meaning
But at least their boss won’t be coming.”

A moustached stallion walked to the local tailor haughtily.

“The rich noble
His arrogance well known
He’ll surely be a problem.”

Rarity grinned as she stuffed a bag full of Wonderbolts posters.

“The unicorn sees only stars.”

Fluttershy giggles and dances around her room with her dress.

“While the playful Pegasus think it will all be fun.”

“So many different ponies
of many different backgrounds
All look forward to this grand night
All for different reasons
The highest of profile
will be in attendance
What could possibly go wrong?”

“Oh I can’t wait to begin!” Grand Heist sang. “I am ready!”
“Everypony thinks they’re safe!
On this night to end all nights
Truth, deceit, dreams and friends
None of these things at this party
All that matters is my fame
soon none shall forget
the name of Grand Heist!”

Shining Armour frowned in thought.

“Guards in patrol all around
a gated wall to block intrusion
a cliffside at the back
So how will he get in?”

“3, 2, 1, showtime!” Grand Heist exclaimed as he jumped out through his window.

Celestia looked over at her sister as she brushed her mane.

“One princess seeks to prove herself,
the other to make up for past mistakes.”

Twilight nodded to her family, wearing her dress as she turned and trotted off, her parents looking proud.

“The farmer wants to reconnect to her heritage
but not to reconcile.”

Spike hopped onto Rainbow’s back as the pair leave the treehouse.

“The magician and her assistant
Have made their decision
It’s time to finally end this
and stop their enemy!”

A trio of pegasi in tight fitting leotard uniforms fly across the sky to Canterlot.

“The renowned flyers
are making their way
to greet their peers
This will be a good day for them to relax.”

Blueblood nods at his troops.

“Everypony knows their duty
we must make sure nothing happens
No matter if it’s Grand Heist or a dragon
Or Ursa Major or a Windigo
Nopony shall ruin this night!”

Shiniing frowned down at a picture held in his hooves, eyes glaring in contempt.

“You will pay.”

Rainbow walked along with her friends, Spike on her back, as they sang, trotting onto the train.

“Oh this night holds such promise,
All our dreams WILL come true!
This will be the best night ever
This can be guaranteed!
The Grand Galloping Gala
All the way in great Canterlot
is the foundation of our dreams!”

Shining got up, trotting out of his office.

“And as day falls and the night begins
I believe this will be the night
Of the greatest crime
All players are on stage
The curtain will fall on our finale
We’ll have a front row seat
to Grand Heist’s fall!”

The train pulled up in front of Canterlot, six mares and one dragon disembarking and walking through the city, five of them staring in awe at the beautiful, majestic architecture. Rainbow Dash and Spike were less impressed, having spent most of their lives here.

Soon, the group were approaching the castle, a stallion in a suit standing at the front entrance, a guard on each side of the gate for security. The suited stallion looked at the mares as they approached.

“Tickets.”

Rainbow dash unfolded her wing, handing over six golden tickets. The stallion looked them over, then looked towards the dragon on her back.
Spike gave him a glare. “Think of me as luggage.”

The suited stallion shrugged and stepped aside, letting the group enter.

The mares gazed in awe at the interior architecture of the castle as they another suited stallion lead them down a stately hall into a large foyer filled with ponies wearing spectacular dresses and suits, a large staircase sitting near the centre of the room and tables set up in convenient places lined with food and punchbowls. In a far corner, a small orchestra played music, a blue-maned white unicorn mare acting as conductor. Hanging from the ceiling above most of the room was a massive, intricately crafted and shimmering chandelier.

It was, in a word, breathtaking.

“Oh it’s even lovelier than Ah imagined!” Applejack squeeled, then gasped and shouted like an excited filly. “Oh! IT’S CAPTAIN BLUEBLOOOOD!”
Indeed, as the earth mare squeeled, the blonde captain of the royal guard walked down the staircase, wearing a fabulously pristine white military suit, tasselled epaulets on his shoulders and a fair number of medals on his chest. The stallion smiled as he addressed the assembled guests. “My apologies, but the guests of honour are still preparing themselves, so you are all welcomed to enjoy yourselves in the meantime. Mingle, catch up with friends and family, relax and enjoy our finest cuisine, this is a night for all ponies to remember; let’s make it a good memory, together, my fellow ponies.”

Applejack melted to the ground with shivering sigh, Rainbow Dash rolling her eyes at her friend’s antics.

Blueblood spotted the group and trotted towards them, smiling winsomely. “Ah, Rainbow Dash, it is good to see you again, may I escort you?”
“Yeah.” Rainbow turned to her friends, most of whom looked confused. “I gotta go do something important girls, you don’t have to worry about it, just enjoy yourselves; this is the night you’ve been dreaming about.”

Applejack and Twilight raised their brows as the earth pony spoke. “Darling, whatever are you doing?”

Rainbow chuckled. “Oh nothing, don’t worry, just gotta pick up some stuff I left in my old room here I forgot to bring to Ponyville, I thought I might as well deal with it here...”

Pinkamena joined Twilight and Applejack in squinting suspiciously at the Pegasus as Rarity interjected. “Ah! Well that sucks, hope you don’t miss the party! It’s gonna be a BLAST!”

“Hehe yeah probably.” Rainbow smiled. “Don’t worry guys, I’ll be back in a jiff, you won’t even notice.” She turned and trotted off beside Captain Blueblood.

Applejack frowned enviously. “Ohh if only I could trot side-by-side with the most illegible bachelor in Equestria....”

Pinkamena wordless plonked herself at the dining table, looking at a few nobles. “Anypony interested in discussing gemstone and metal trading, I’ll be here.” She then began to stoically eat some of the entrees.

Rarity grinned and began to trot around, trying to catch the Wonderbolts.

Fluttershy giggled and glided a feet in the air, looking at each of the party goers.

Twilight and Applejack shared a glance and shrugged, going their separate ways as they both went off to socialise.

One of the guards patrolled along the Canterlot Gardens, home to not only a maze and several statues, but also to many exotic animals from all across Equestria, this later point being the most famous piece of information regarding the gardens. Fortunately, the likelyhood of anyone sneaking in through the gardens is small, due to the gardens being rather close to the cliff Canterlot was built upon.

The guard turned his head a sound, frowning warily as he spotted something moving in the bushes. It could be one of the animals, of course, but still...

As he approached the bushes, a strange pink gas blasted him in the eyes, momentarily blinding him. He rubbed at his eyes and looked around; paling as seemingly every animal in the Gardens ran (and in the case of the birds, flew) towards him. In a blind panic, the poor guard ran as fast as his hooves would allow, pursued by numerous exotic animals.

Grand Heist chuckled as he watched from behind a large tree, looking up at the castle walls as he trotted forth jauntily.

Applejack trotted around the rather crowded scene of the Gala, trying her best to look sophisticated and polite while nonchalantly flaunting her soft yellow, brown and red frilled dress.

Unfortunately, the Canterlot nobility seemed to be paying her no mind, too wrapped up in their own conversations to even notice her. She frowned in annoyance, brightening up as she spied a familiar (to her) face.

Applejack quickly trotted up to the stallion who was drinking at the punch bowl table. “P-pardon me, but you are Hoity Toity, the fashion critic correct?”

He responded merely with an upturned brow, his gaze hidden by his large, dark sunglasses.

“Oh how rude of me!” Applejack blushed, flustered. “My name is Applejack and Ah own a small business in Ponyville, and I have some lovely designs I would love to share with an experienced, cultured stallion”

He frowned. “My apologies, madam, but this is the one time of the year I can just settle peacefully and enjoy myself. I would, however, be welcome to discuss this matter with you further at a more opportune moment. But now? Now is NOT the time.” He gave her a curt nod and trotted off.

Applejack blushed in shame as a mare walked over, flanked by a study looking stallion with an eyepatch over his eye.

“Oh look at this silly little thing!” the mare chuckled, a pink unicorn with a curly, bob-cut yellow mane. “Imagine, an EARTH PONY, attending one of the biggest events of the year. And from Ponyville, of all places! I’m surprised to see anypony from such a worthless little town come here! Why, isn’t that just HILARIOUS, Large?”

“Humorous, Miss Charge.”

Applejack frowned, narrowing her eyes. “What do you mean?”

The mare laughed. “Oh of course YOU wouldn’t understand! I mean, how could you? You’re from Ponyville, one of the least important, smallest towns in Equestria! Why, it’s only famous for being built next to the Everfree Forest, at least for those who have even HEARD of it! Naturally, anypony from there are stupid, in-bred noponies who will NEVER amount to anything in their lives!”

Applejack gritted her teeth, hooves shaking. “Madame, I assure you that Ponyville is a lovely place populated by many nice, friendly ponies.”
“Oh please!” The mare rolled her eyes with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “I can’t believe you even DARED to talk back to me! You’re even MORE pathetic: at least most ponies ACCEPT their shortcoming of birth, but you? The audacity of pretending to be cultured when you hail from such a backwater town, and in THAT hideous thing? Dear, where DID you get that cheap thing?”

Applejack’s face turned red, eyes pinpricks. “Ah made this dress mahself. All of my dresses and suits are hoof-stitched and woven, made with careful consideration and thought.”

“Ugh. MY dress was imported direct from the biggest clothes maker in Prance, ordered MONTHS in advance for this very day, kept locked tight in a special container until just now, and cost a pretty bit. Nopony came here wearing some dirty, cheaply made piece of TISSUE made by the sweaty hooves of some low-class, unrefined, uneducated country bumpkin!”

Applejack responded by decking the mare in the face.

The conductor of the orchestra, a mare named Vinyl Record, careful directed her troupe into segueing to a new piece, waving her rod in the air via her magic. She closed her eyes in concentration.

“Hey!”

Vinyl Record ignored the yellow Pegasus shouting in her ear. It was difficult, but she managed.

“Wow you need to do something about your hearing, if you can’t hear me now and all the other times I shouted!” Fluttershy yelled out. “I just want to help you guys liven this party up! Come on, play something fun!”

She was pushed aside with a forceful shove of magic, the conductor only momentarily stopping to do so without even acknowledging the pegasus’ presence.

Fluttershy put her hooves on her hips, tilting her head. “Well!” She turned to the crowd around her. “Hey who wants to play pin the tail on the pony? That’s always fun!”

“Maybe if you’re 3.” A stallion muttered, earning a chuckled from more than a few other nobles.

Fluttershy gasped, ignoring the comment. “I just had the perfect idea to kick this party up a notch! Be right back!” She quickly flew out a window, the conductor simply rolling her eyes in relief.

Twilight Sparkle trotted unsuredly, looking around as she bit her lip. There were so many ponies she didn’t recognise and the atmosphere was so different from Ponyville and her farm it was frankly overwhelming. She could FEEL quite a few ponies staring at her for some reason, it felt wrong...like she was being judged for something...

“What’s wrong?”

Twilight turned to a pair of unicorns. One was a light grey stallion with a slicked black mane, wearing a green sports polo and a white sports jacket tied loosely over it around his neck, with small glasses on the end of his muzzle. The other was a cream coloured mare with a wavy white-and-grey striped mane wearing a similar outfit to the stallion’s except pink in colour. The both smiled warmly, kindly.

“U-umm who are you...?” Twilight asked, raising a brow.

“Oh do forgive us!” The mare exclaimed, looking ashamed. “I’m Upper Crust, and this is my husband Jet Set! We couldn’t help noticing you seemed a little nervous and we wanted to see if you were alright?”

“We don’t want to assume things, but well, it’s hard not to notice somepony looking unhappy at the Gala.” Jet Set added.

Twilight blushed. “O-oh I don’t want to take up your time, especially during such a prestigious event....”

“Oh it’s no problem, isn’t that right honey bunch?” jet Set looked to his wife, who nodded in reply. “While we do enjoy the Gala, we couldn’t live with ourselves if we let some poor mare alone with her troubles.”

Twilight smiled sheepishly. “That’s very kind of you...” She sighed. “I’m just....it feels so unfamiliar to me, even though it shouldn’t...I can’t remember it too well but I was born here...I was even going to attend Canterlot’s Magic School...But...I just don’t feel comfortable here...it’s too stifling...”

Upper Crust nodded sagely, placing a hoof gently on Twilight’s shoulders. “It’s quite alright, the Gala and Canterlot life in general isn’t for everypony.”

“But why!?” Twilight’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I heard so many wonderful things about the Gala...about Canterlot...so why do I feel like a stranger? I wanted to reconnect with a part of my heritage by coming here...so then why do I feel like I don’t belong!? Why are so many ponies I never even MET staring at me like a criminal”

Upper Crust and Jet Set both frowned and gently rubbed their hooves on her shoulders reassuringly. “It’ll be alright dear...You’re just in an unfamiliar place, you’ll feel better, trust us.” Jet Set said softly, soothingly.

“That’s right, me and my husband have been travelling around Equestria for YEARS on our honeymoons! And while we felt uneasy at first, we ended up having so much fun it stopped bothering us!” Upper Crust added.

“Honeymoons...plural?” Twilight raised a brow.

“Of course!” Jet Set added excitedly. “We had such a blast on our first we decided that just one was not enough!”

“Admittedly, it can be difficult sometimes since we donate to charity so often,” Upper Crust said, “but it’s better than resting on our finances like SOME ponies!”

Twilight smiled at the kindness and generosity of these two strangers, but frowned. “W-what about the...stares?”

“Oh like you don’t know!”

Twilight blinked and turned, seeing a blue maned stallion with a matching blue moustache, wearing an expensive tuxedo. “Jet Set! Upper Crust! What are you doing with that...that...that criminal, and without proper Gala attire!?”

Upper Crust smiled simply. “Well, we did want to get some nice outfits, but every store we tried was either too expensive or too gaudy.”

“Yeah, why must everything be so...extravagant around here?” Jet Set wondered. “So we decided we should just come at our most comfortable, it’s not like there’s a law that states we must dress”

“ENOUGH!” The stallion snapped. “Ugh! It’s ponies like you and that...that..OTHER thief that give Canterlot a bad name! Now get out of my sight, I have...GRIEVANCES I wish to discuss.”

Upper Crust and Jet Set looked at Twilight in concern, looking back at the stallion and then back and forth, as if indecisive.

Twilight smiled. “Don’t worry about me. Just go enjoy yourselves.” The unicorn gestured to the dining table where Pinkamena was STILL sitting alone. “She looks like she could use some company too, anyway.”

Jet Set frowned, still unsure. “Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

Twilight nodded.

Upper Crust looked to her husband and the pair nodded, walking over to the dining table, sparing concerned glances back to Twilight.
The purple unicorn sighed softly and looked at the new stallion. “Did I do something wrong?”

Suddenly, a pair of ponies trotted out from behind the stallion. One was a white stallion with a dark grey mane, his cutie mark a large red X, while the other was a black mare with a light grey mane, her cutie mark a large red O. “Our client, one Fancy Pants, is far too important a pony to be spoken to with such disrespect, but our client is willing to overlook this breach of conduct...for now.”

AT Twilight’s confused look, the pair nodded and gestured to themselves.

“Cease.” The stallion said.

“Desist.” The mare added. “Attorneys at law, currently acting as Fancy Pants’ legal team.”

Twilight blinked in confusion. “W-what’s this about? Why did you call me...a criminal?”

Cease and Desist looked at Fancy Pants, who nodded with a smug air. The twins turned back to Twilight, Desist speaking in a monotone. “You, one Twilight Sparkle, are the daughter of Night Light and Velvet, correct?”

“Y-yes...?” she blinked in confusion.

“Your father was in charge of most of every noble’s finances, even some in the castle kept their savings in his hooves.” Cease continued.

“However, your father betrayed that trust and embezzled all of the money entrusted to him. And he didn’t even deign to seek our help in ensuring he was cleared!”

Desist gave him a look before speaking. “In either case, your father made a lot of enemies, and that is why he and he his family were banished from Canterlot.”

“My dad’s a good stallion, he wouldn’t steal from anypony!” Twilight argued.

“Your father is a cheat and liar!” Fancy Pats snapped, pressing himself between Cease and Desist. “As his daughter, you’re a criminal too!”

“That makes no sense!”

“Your family stole from mine!” Fancy Pants shouted, Cease and Desist trying to drag him away.

“As our client says, your family does not have a good reputation here, and thus are not welcome here.” Desist stated. “Princess Celestia herself only trusts Night Light’s son and even THAT is on a thin thread.”

Suddenly, a displeased looking Shining Armour trotted over. “Cease. Desist. Is your client so listless he has to bother good ponies during the Gala, of all nights?”

“We were merely informing your sister of her standing here.” Cease said.

“And I am merely informing you that if you harass any more guests here, I doubt Celestia herself will be willing to listen to you.”

The two attorneys glared but trotted off, forcefully pulling along an arguing Fancy Pants. Shining Armour watched them walk off before walking over to Twilight.

“I don’t need you to protect me.” Twilight said curtly.

“Yes, however I deal with Cease and Desist fairly often, they have a grudge against me for sending many of their clients to prison.”

Twilight growled and turned away. “Of course the first thing you bring up is your work.”

“Twilight, why did you want to come here?” Shining looked at his sister impassively. “Surely you were aware what would have happened?”

“All I knew was that dad was caught in some kinda scandal!” the purple unicorn shouted. “I wanted to see what Mom’s home was like, and the Gala was so special to them and...I didn’t think anypony would be angry at me! Or-or believe these...these LIES!”

“I have been working on that, actually...”

“I don’t give a flying feather!” Twilight snapped, jabbing a hoof at her brother. “You never write! You never visit! All you care about is your work, about living with these...these snobs!”

The prosecutor raised a brow. “I suppose Jet Set and Upper Crust are included among these ‘snobs’?”

“what? No! Of course not!” Twilight argued. “Look, that’s not the point!”

“Then what is?”

“The point is I came here for a special night like mom and dad, and instead I get accused of being a criminal on top of having you show up to me out of the blue!”

Shining sighed. “Twilight...”

“No! Don’t you ‘Twilight’ me, as if your care, as if you’re still family!” She sniffed and trotted off. “It’s not like I belong here like you do, anyway!”
Shining closes his eyes, sighing to himself. His ear twitched as he heard a shout.

“Hey! What are you doing with AJ!?”

Shining just knew this meant the night was only going to get worse...

Rarity carefully stalked through the crowds, seeking her prey. As she pushed aside a pair of unicorns, she spotted her quarry.

The Wonderbolts. The greatest professional flyers in Equestria. And Here they were. She could FINALLY speak to them and join their ranks.
But she needed to do something SPECIAL. Something that would WOW them. She couldn’t just go up to them and ASK, that’s crazy. You’re crazy. Shut up.
So instead, rarity jumped on the biggest ice sculpture of Celesita ever seen, leapt onto the chandelier and pressed a button hidden under her sky blue toga. Promptly, her dress was torn asunder to reveal a pair of stuff, mechanical wings she spent three days perfecting. She swung herself off the chandelier and went flying into the air.

“Boo-yah! Hey Wonderbolts, get a load of me!”

The trio of pegasi, the elite leaders of the Wonderbolts, stopped and looked up at the crazy unicorn gliding through the air...and crashing onto them, knocking them to the floor and sending a bowl of punch flying off a table.

Rarity looked up, grinning proudly...and then growing sheepish at the glares directed to her by the Wonderbolts.

“What were you thinking!?” Captain Flash Sentry, head of the Wonderbolts, scolded her. “You could’ve hurt yourself pulling that stunt!”

“But how could I impress you and join you if I didn’t do something risky!?” Rarity countered.

“Join...? Look, ma’am, if you want us to recruit you, you go through the proper channels, send us a letter of recommendation, not almost injure us pulling some wild stunt at the Gala, a time we’re supposed to be relaxing and NOT recruiting!”

The unicorn frowned, eyes narrowing. “So you’re saying I’m NOT joining the Wonderbolts?”

“What, a snobby little unicorn with no wings wants to join us?” Sub-Captain Blossomforth said, getting up with an amused smirk. “Yeah, not happening! Maybe when you grow wings, THEN we may be a little more interested!”

“Blossomforth that is ENOUGH!” Flash Sentry glared, making Blossomforth turn away huffily. “The point is, this is not what the Gala is for, and putting your interests before those of ponies you don’t even know is selfish and arrogant. First thing about being a Wonderbolt: knowing the right time and place, and now is NOT the right time or place!”

Rarity pulled back sheepishly, the weight of what she had done sinking in. “Oh...you’re right...”

Flash Sentry sighed, pulling the unicorn up to her hooves. “Look, you don’t seem to be a bad pony, but I think you came here with some unrealistic expectations and”

“Bear!” Rarity shouted, eyes wide in shock.

The Wonderbolt blinked. “Bear?”

He was knocked to the side by a giant, rampaging bear.

Applejack dodged the hoof of the large stallion, Large, who had started attacking her after she punched the mare, In Charge.

“You shouldn’t insult a pony to the face and NOT expect some form of retribution!” Applejack insisted. “Please, this is HARDLY sophisticated!”

Large simply fired a blast at her, which struck home, knocking the earth pony to the ground.

Large growled, his horn glowing for another charge.

“Hey!” Twilight shouted as she trotted near. “What are you doing with AJ!?”

Large blinked as the purple unicorn’s horn glowed, lifting a table and slamming it hard against him, shattering it. Large fired a charge which struck a shield around Twilight’s body, redirecting the blast into another table and destroying it. By now several of the party goers were panicing and rshing the leave wjat was now the centre of a fight.

Then the partygoers started running back into the room as dozens of animals of various sizes, sleeping patterns, breeds, genders and standing on the food chain started charging in, a grinning yellow pegasus hovering overhead with her forelegs spread wide above her.
“What makes a party better than an...ANIMAAAAAAAL PARTYYYYY!!!” Fluttershy called out.

Applejack, Twilight and even Large stared at the sight, the room filled with the screams of ponies as the animals caused havoc.

“What in the name of harmony is GOING ON HERE!?”

Everypony, as well as the animals, turned and froze in silence as the two Princesses stood at the top of the staircase, overlooking the now ruined party. Luna was glaring at her sister while her mane was soaked with a large glass bowl on top of her head.

“What is so funny, dear sister!?” Luna roared in anger.

Author's Note

Man this took me FOREVER to get going on. Sorry for the wait everyone.

I was very unsure on what everyone’s problems would be, all I knew was that, like canon, I wanted them to have a problem with the Gala based on their dreams concerning it. The difference here though, is the moral being taught here.

I probably sped through it a bit too quick, especially because I didn’t want to just make the Canterlot nobles snobbish jerks, but you can decide for yourself whether I succeeded or failed.
I also thought I should have interspersed more scenes featuring Grand Heist, since this story is specifically named after him, but at least next chapter will be VERY heavy on his presence.
I also worry I’m putting too many songs into this, even if you consider the season finale should be more special this way. I also worry putting in songs at all is getting intrusive and indulgent. Again, judge for yourselves.

Overall, nothing here so far clashes with my initial plans, which is kinda funny considering how much my previous stories changed between planning and execution. It’s probably cause so far what I have planned is so concrete and developed, that and this chapter was one part I didn’t plan through cause I’m kinda an idiot. Though the part with the Wonderbolts was more or less planned loosely, in that it was something I wanted to happen, as with Applejack, again loosely.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it and please comment!

Chapter 3: The Gatecrasher

“Fighting for your life with Grand Heist!
Wrestling for your life with Grand Heist!
Punch him in the kidneeey!
Safe at last from Grand Heist!”

On the stage, the purple dragon speaks alone. “You limp away from the room, pain jolting from your broke wing. You’ve beaten Grand Heist.”

There was a long pause....and then the dragon and the other singers sang out.

“But wait, he’s getting up! Grand Surprise!
He has a knife in his hoof, and death in his eyes!
But you can do Jiu-Jitsuuu! Body slam superstar Grand Heist!
Legendary fight with Grand Heist!
Normal Tuesday night for Grand Heist.
You swing a punch at Grand Heist
But pain rings out from your broke wing
He dodges every swipe, he parries to the left
You counter to the right, you’re knocking off his block noooow
You have just defeated The Grand Heist!”

“He falls to the floor, unconscious.” The dragon spoke. “You fall to your knees and catch your breath. You are finally safe from Grand Heist.”

The dragon and the mares at his side did a respectful bow as the audience clapped.

Chapter 3: The Gatecrasher

A line of expensive fabric fluttered in the wind, dangling along the face of a cliff, the uppermost end tied to a large hook that dug into a stone wall separating Canterlot Gardens from a rather nasty drop. Blueblood frowned as he looked around, flanked by a white mare in armour and stallion in similar armour but bearing a few scratches and smudges, as if having been attacked by an animal.

“It seems our party crasher has an odd sense of drama.” The Captain of the Royal Guard noted. “We need to put everypony on alert, he’s here.”

The mare at his side turned to him. “Are you sure?”

Blueblood nodded. “Who else would somehow risk their lives travelling along the cliff face and then grapple along midair to climb up to the gardens? No, it’s Grand Heist, this fits his style: overly complicated and dangerous, all so its ‘flashier’. Now we just need to find him...”

“Looking for me?”

Blueblood gasped and turned, seeing a shadow dash past a window. “After him!” He turned to the stallion beside him. “Stand guard here.”

The stallion nodded as Blueblood and the mare ran off inside to chase Grand Heist, leaving the lone guard to look at the wall. After a short while, there was a metallic clang and the guard slumped to the ground.

Grand Heist glared irritably as he threw away a dented golden shield, pulling the hook off the wall and dragging the makeshift rope into his hooves. “Annoying thug....those animals should have been enough. And OF COURSE they have the NERVE to leave guards EVERYWHERE.” He sighed. “No matter, that’s where this comes in handy.” He paused. “Who am I talking to?”

The thief shrugged and trotted along the walls of the castle, looking up at one of the towers. Nodding to himself, he reached under his cape, pulling out a small pointed cylinder. He loosely tied the makeshift grappling hook to it, and then sent the rocket flying, nodding in satisfaction as the knot undid itself and allowed the hook to grab onto a windowsill. Slowly, the thief climbed up along the wall, noting for second time that night the sturdiness of the fabric.

He knew Applejack had good taste in fabric.

He climbed and climbed, before grabbing a perfectly cut diamond from a bad at his side, slowly sliding a sharpened point along the stained glass window in front of him. Slowly, carefully, he cut a large enough portion, slowly pushing it aside so as not to break it before leaping in with cat-like grace.

Getting to his hooves, the thief looked around himself, noting the array of beautifully made stained glass windows on each side of the throne room. He had finally made it. He trotted, his boots ensuring he didn’t make a sound, ominous music fading in as he began to sing.

“Time for the main attraction!
My story must be told!
Time for a chain reaction!
It never gets old!
Some ponies get satisfaction
BREA
KING
THE
MOLD!
Some ponies are just distractions!
For I am just Grand!”

He chuckled to himself, eyes focusing on a stained glass window featuring six ponies hovering in the air in a rainbow aura surrounded a black winged-unicorn, one of the ponies a certain blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane.

“I’m not the bad guy
I’m just a bit surprising.
It’s not worth losing sleep
It’s not worth analysing!
There was a time not so long ago at all
I was just like you!
Can you get my call?”

He started appearing and vanishing within each window.

“Now I’m popping in,
Over here!
Over there!
I’ve been checking in
But you’ve never been aware!
In the beginning I kept a keen eye
On the state of affairs with the new guy!
Now I got a grand gig,
Let me know if ya dig?
Ain’t going home,
So I better go big!
Just get a glance at the grand gala
And give them a surprise!”

“It’s me!” he whispered into the ear of the replica of Rainbow before reaching into his cape, pulling out a wrench.
“Now, you might say, that it’s all in my mind (all in my miiind), well in my opinion, You’re
much
too
bliiiind!”

He began to smash each window in a rage, using the wrench.

“I AM THE MAIN ATTACTION!
MY STORY MUST BE TOLD!
TIME FOR A CHAIN REACTION!
IT NEVER GETS OLD!
SOME PONIES GET SATISFACTION
BREA!
KING!
THE!
MOLD!
YOU ARE JUST A DISTRACTION!
FOR I AM JUST GRAND!”

He panted for breath, the windows barely recognisable, save one, baring the visage of Celestia herself framed by the sun, and her sister framed from the moon in an inverted mirror of Celestia’s pose. Grand Heist grinned widely as he approached it.

“You did a good job!
Watching from behind the scenes!
It warms my little cutie mark
to pull some fresh schemes!
Oh! But don’t get me wrong
You are very brave!
When faced with delegating from your throne,
you never caved!
I’ve finished hiding!
Done explaining!
No more facts
Are left remaining
Everypony knows the gist of it
I’m a perfect fit!
I don’t wanna hear no more complaining!
I’m not passing up this golden opportunity
to save myself from obscurity!
Take it with pride!
Enjoy the ride!
I’m sick of you being a part of this community!”

He gently stroked his hoof along the face of the representation of Celestia. “You might think that I am out of your mind, but in the end....I think you will FIIIIIIIIIND!” he raised the wrench high, smashing it against the window repeatedly.

“YOU ARE THE MAIN ATTRACTION!
YOUR STORY HAS BEEN TOLD!
YOU ARE A CHAIN REACTION!
BUT IT GOT OLD!
I FIND ONLY SATISFACTION IN
BREA!
KING!
YOUR!
MOLD!
YOU ARE JUST A DISTRACTION!
FOR YOU ARE NOT GRAND!”

He panted, staring at the hole where ‘Celestia’s’ face once was, dropping the wrench to the ground.

“You were the main attraction
Your story has been told
I am the chain reaction
That will never get old
Some ponies get satisfaction
Brea
King
The
Mold
You are just a distraction
For I am most Grand!”

He smirked to himself, turning to the throne, moving behind it to find...the safe. Just as he had learned from Night Light all those years ago. He grinned wider at remembering that worthless idiot, that ‘old friend’. He lifted his hat, removing a long, experimental, prosthetic horn, developed by Iron Will Industries, charged with magic. He grinned wider, knowing that years of planning, preparation and WAITING will finally pull off.

And that waiting had giving him the chance to procure the greatest prize of all, one that will ensure his fame as a thief beyond even Celestia’s level FOREVER.

He slowly, carefully sliding the horn into the lock, biting his tongue as he focused, pouring the magic through it. Lights flowed along the door from the lock before sliding open, causing Grand Heist to step back, eyes glittering as he beheld....

Nothing.

His face fell, eyes wide in disbelief, face shaking slightly. He scanned carefully, looking for any secrets, any seams, ANYTHING. He saw nothing but an empty safe.

Where were they!?

“Looking for these?”

His eyes widened and he turned, seeing a familiar face. Rainbow Dash, and that horrible dragon of hers. The dragon was holding a golden Tiara with a rainbow coloured lightning shaped gem on its centre; two gold chokers, one inlaid with a purple gem shaped like a soda pop bottle, the other simply plain gold; two bracers, one with a gem shaped like a rock with a frowny face, the other with an orange gem shaped like an apple; and finally a large segmented gold belt with a large white diamond shaped like a singing bird.

“YOU STOLE THE ELEMENTS BEFORE ME!?” Grand Heist exclaimed in disbelief.

Rainbow Dash gave her nemesis an even gaze. “Technically, me and my friends have more of a claim to ownership of the Elements than Celestia, let alone you. Face it, Grand Heist, it’s over; the Royal Guard should be on their way and you’ll be paying for your crimes shortly.”

The thief’s body shook in rage. “Why!? Why must you ALWAYS get in my way!?”

“Do you mean apart from you attempting to rob me, stealing from my friends, ATTEMPTING TO BLOW UP PONYVILLE?” Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth. “You framed Twilight’s dad for your crimes. I can’t forgive ANYPONY who not only defies justice, but hurts my friends and anypony they care about!”

Grand Heist glared at her, trotting over slowly.

“Spike, send the Elements to Blueblood right now!” Rainbow Dash shouted out.

Spike nodded, taking a huge gulp of air, neither him or his companion noticing Grand Heist lifting something from behind him with his tail...tossing a heavy wrench at Spike’s face, knocking him off Rainbow’s back.

“Spike!” Rainbow gasped, turning to the dragon with concern, creating an opening for Grand Heist to shove her aside and pick up the Elements that had been dropped to the ground.

“Noone outfoxes Grand Heist!” The thief yelled, his cape spreading like a pair of wings as he jumped through a window, allowing him to glide through the open air.

Rainbow growled and gave chase, flapping her wings as she flew after Grand Heist, divebombing the thief who spun to dodge, landing on a tower’s roof before taking off again, Rainbow on his tail.

“No more tricks! No more exits! I’m bringing you down!” The Pegasus yelled out.

“Don’t you EVER give up!?” The thief retorted, the Elements secured under his hat.

Rainbow flapped her wings, sending twin bursts of magic at lightning speed toward her opponent, destroying his cape and causing him to quickly lose altitude. Rainbow gave chase, slamming into his chest, the both of them crashing into a rooftop.

The two Princesses walked down the hallway towards the room where the Gala was being held, Luna looking apprehensive but eager for her favourite event in Equestria. The Gala was always a good time for the elite of Canterlot to gather together, share news and ideas, make friends and most important of all unwind for the year. Luna especially could use some relaxation and a chance to reconnect with her new home after the old castle was abandoned a thousand years ago.

Her sister gave her a reassuring smile as the pair walked through the double doors...where chaos greeted them.

A mare lay on of one of the tables, which was crushed under her weight, three pegasi in form fitting spandex uniforms standing over her; while another pair of mares fought a unicorn stallion, the fight destroying much in its wake. A yellow Pegasus flew in, shouting something as several animals charged inside the building, several partygoers panicking in a rush to escape the rampage.

Luna’s eye twitch, face pale in disbelief and shock. And then a punch bowl fell on her head, soaking her head.

“What in the name of harmony is GOING ON HERE!?”

Everypony, and otherwise, froze, looking up at the top of the staircase where the two princess’ stood, Luna’s eyes brimming with fury...while Celestia’s held mirth as she barely attempted to hide a laugh.

Luna, however, noticed this, turning to her sister with an accusatory glare. “What is so funny, dear sister!? Is something about this farce HUMOUROUS to you!?”

Celestia froze, staring at her sister nervously. “Y-you...u-umm...”

“I’ll discuss this in a moment.” Luna turned to the assembled ponies before addressing the animals. “You. Beasts. Get out of here. Now.”

The animals nodded obediently, looking downcast as if scolded by a mother as they trudged out of the room, the yellow pegasus gliding down to the floor and giving the retreating creatures a sympathetic look.

Luna pulled the bowl off her head and gently set it down safely to the side, her magic removing as much liquid as possible from her face, mane and black dress. “Now, is anypony willing to tell me what happened here?” She eyed the four familiar mares, the yellow pegasus gliding down between an orange earth pony and a purple unicorn and a white unicorn shamefully trotted over and joined them, the rest of the partygoers watching.

Applejack frowned, pointing to the large stallion she had been fighting. “This brute attacked me after his employer had the gall to insult me!”

“I was helping her!” Twilight added.

The stallion glared as his employer, In-Charge, trotted beside him and spoke. “She punched my beautiful face!”

“You insulted my job, my craftsmanship, my friends and my home!” Applejack argued.

“ENOUGH!” Luna bellowed, causing the bickering mares to silence themselves. “You, you’re a Canterlot citizen correct?”

“Indeed I am.” In-Charge smugly replied. “I simply was pointing out to this bumpkin how she was bothering a fashion master and how she didn’t belong here at all.”

“Hold on.” Celestia finally said, glaring at the mare. “You’re the one who assaulted my nephew, are you not, Miss In-Charge?”

In-Charge blinked, perplexed by the Princess’ expression. “W-well of course not your majesty! I didn’t lay a hoof on Blueblood!”

“Whether it was by your hooves or by your...” Celestia looked the stallion over. “associate, it matters not, the intent was yours.”

“A history of violence, these two?” Luna raised a brow. “And against one of your own family sister? Whyever did you tolerate this mare’s presence? Surely your selection for who got invited to this event would’ve been more...careful?”

Celestia frowned and looked at In-Charge and the stallion, Large. “Anyway, I do not appreciate your conduct and a member of Canterlot should tactful, polite and friendly, not resort to...second-hand violence for petty reasons.”

“She PUNCHED me!”

“And that was very improper on her part, but that doesn’t change the fact you singled out a mare to insult her rather than simply ignore her as you could have done.” Celestia’s horn glowed. “Away with you.”

Before In-Charge and Large could argue further, they telekinetically pushed out through the doors which locked behind them.

Celestia sighed. “Honestly the guards should have been here to deal with this...”

Luna frowned and turned again to the mares before her. “as for the rest of you...do you realise how much damage you’ve caused tonight? These fixtures for the gala cost a fair amount of bits, not to mention how the disturbance has ruined many ponies’ night.”

“They’re mean snobs!” Twilight spat. “I just wanted to reconnect with my old home but everypony was treating me like I committed some awful crime! This was supposed to be our best night ever!”

Luna splayed a wing outwards, directing it towards the other guests who were watching them. “I’d say everypony else was looking forward to a ‘best night ever’ until some unicorns got into a fight, regardless of who started it, a thoughtless daredevil ruined one of the dining tables and almost destroyed an expensive chandelier, and a pegasus thought it would be a grand idea to bring in many wild animals to scare our guests!”

“And tried to ruin our music.” One of the members of the orchestra added.

“Not to mention the earth pony tried to harass me.” Hoity Toity uttered.

“And that purple one is the daughter of one of our worst criminals!” Fancypants yelled out, hidden under one of the few unbroken tables.

Applejack frowned defiantly. Twilight stood beside her, looking equally resolute...and thens he saw a pair of ponies she recognised.

Jet Set and Upper Crust looked a little messier with their clothes much more torn than before, holding onto to each other. They tried their best to hide, but Twilight could see it...the disappointment in their eyes. Twilight’s eyes softened as she realised they heard her call all Cantelot ponies snobs...including them, the only ponies so far who treated her nicely.

Luna sighed. “Look, it may sound harsh, and you’re not the on;y ponies to blame, and honestly it could’ve gotten much worse, but you need to understand: this is my favourite event in all of Equestria, and many Canterlot ponies love this event too.”

“But why?” Fluttershy asked, head tilted. “It’s not a very fun or exciting party and the music isn’t that great.”

“Plus some of the food is weiiirrrd.” Rarity added under her breath.

“That’s because you’re missing the point.” Luna said. “This isn’t the greatest night in Equestria because it’s exciting, or magical or has anything that unique or different. It’s special because, for one night, the ponies of Canterlot can relax while looking their best, reconnect with friends and family in a lovely but comfortable environment, and it allows me and my sister to spend some time connecting with some of our subjects.”

Twilight’s shame was forgotten for a moment as she got to her heckles. “Hey! I’ve worked on a farm since I was a filly, and let me tell you, I know a lot more about working hard than these ponies!”

“Perhaps.” Luna accepted with a nod. “but these ponies DO have work. Most are NOT idle rich, many have important roles within Canterlot and Equestria at large. Why do you think so many Celebrities come to this function? It’s the one guaranteed break they have from their jobs, or a chance to step away from their limited social circles. Do you think you’re the only ones who wanted to come to this night and have your best night ever? Of course not, everypony else did too, otherwise why would they come? And as much as you think your nights were ruined...I’m willing to bet that many of the ponies here feel the exact same way.”

Twilight frowned, she and Applejack looking thoughtful....and then the moment was ruined by Rarity and Fluttershy flinging themselves before Luna in contrite positions.

“we’re sorry!” They shouted together.

“We’re scum!” Fluttershy wailed.

“We suck!” Rarity cried.

“We’re not worthy!” They both collapsed to the floor, sobbing.

“I...” Luna bit her lip. “I...I was not expecting that. I...I apologise if I sounded too harsh, I was just trying to impart on you something I learned since I came back...you aren’t the only ponies in the world, and thinking only about yourself can lead to...well...mistakes.”

At the very back of the large room, a pink mare with long straight mane wearing a simple yet stylish grey dress sat drinking some wine. “I do not any of those ponies.” Said mare muttered, almost defensively.

Everypony was alerted to the sound of armoured hoofsteps as Blueblood and a pair of the royal guard entered.

“Blueblood!” Celestia said, looking stern. “where have you been? We had a crisis here!”

“I’m sorry your majesties, judging from some of the debris, we seemed to have had a bit of a riot here.” Blueblood said as he looked around. “However, there has been a major security breach and as such I’m afraid the night is only going to go further downhill.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed. “What sort of breach?”

Celestia waved a hoof dismissively. “I’m sure it’s nothing to be concerned about, Sister, Equestria is a perfectly safe place and I have endeavoured to ensure it has prospered in time for your return.”

“Perfectly safe!?” Pinkamena shouted. “Are you kidding!? Ponyville was almost blown up by that lunatic Grand Heist!”

“Blown up!?” Luna exclaimed. “Why have I not heard about this!?”

“I have heard of no such thing!” Celestia interrupted. “Luna, listen, Grand Heist is a harmless thief who steals...pies and socks, silly things, he’s not somepony who’d blow up a town!”

“Well he tried!” Applejack added. “He stole the finest fabrics I had exported from Saddle Arabia so I could make some lovely dresses for us, and then he managed to sneak in a bomb in every house in Ponyville! Fortunately we were able to stop him.”

“I certainly would have heard about this!” Celestia asserted. “I have direct contact to the town’s mayor, and she said nothing of the sort.”

Twilight blinked. “Why wouldn’t the mayor tell you? A lot of ponies almost died!”

A zebra stepped forward, flanked by a cloaked unicorn mare. “Sounds like Grand Heist used one of the shipments stolen from our company, likely with the help of his accomplice Bluegrass.” Zecora bowed. “Zecora, representative of Iron Will Industries, at your service, your majesty...majesties.”

Luna’s gaze hardened. “My sister told me about your company, about its many wonders...and this Grand Heist managed to STEAL from such an important group as yourselves? To blow up a town!?” She turned to her sister accusingly. “Did you at least catch this criminal!?”

“Luna I swear to you, I did not about this! There is no evidence tying Grand Heist to Bluegrass, I never even heard of this....attack on Ponyville! Grand Heist is a mere thief, one of our ponies isn’t a monster on the level of Discord!”

“Okay I get we’re all having a serious arguement about justice and whatever,” Twilight said, hoof raised, “but seriously, why didn’t the mayor tell you, Princess? She’s the mayor! Heck, she’s been our family’s friend since she and dad knew each other in Canterlot! Hay, she’s the one who suggested we move to Ponyville after...”

Celestia stared at Twilight, eyes widening in recognition. “You’re Night Light’s daughter.... Were...were all these ponies...BLAMING you for his actions?”

“Not...all of them...” Twilight said lamely.

Luna’s gaze hardened. “What are you two talking about? Sister, what have you been HIDING from me!?”

“I wasn’t hiding things!” Celestia snapped. “I-It just didn’t need to be mentioned...now I think we should cancel the gala and go home, all this...this stress and lies and riots are not good for you...”

Before any more could be said, any more arguements, revelations and confusion...a pair of figures fell through the ceiling and onto the ground.

“Rainbow!?” Applejack, Rarity, Twilight and Fluttershy gasped.

Blueblood and the two Guardsmares jumped in front of the two princesses as the second figure got up. His cape was burnt to cinders, his mask slightly ruffled, his hat and the rest of his costume had tears in them, but his stature was unmistakable. Grand Heist shook his head as he smirked at the crowd around him.

“Ah, a grand audience. And the Princesses and Element Bearers too.” He bowed theatrically. “Mares. Stallions. Assorted others. I am Grand Heist, the greatest thief in the world, and I just stole the most valuable pieces in Equestria.” He reached under his hat and pulled out the Elements of Harmony.

“Th-the Elements!” Applejack gasped.

“It...It can’t be...” Celestia muttered, her white face hiding how she had gone pale, eyes wide in disbelief. “How...how could he have...?”

“Oh it wasn’t EASY, but I wouldn’t be the greatest thief in the world if I wasn’t able to procure these artifacts.” The thief grinned. “With these, I shall be known the world over as the greatest, most famous thief in history, who did the unthinkable: steal from Celestia herself!”

“You don’t understand!” Celestia exclaimed, hoof outstretched. “Those are necessary to protect Equestria! If you take them, we will be defenceless if...!”

“Who cares!?” Grand Heist shouted. “All that matters is everypony pays attention to ME! Not that freak of a pegasus, not her ‘friends’, and certainly not YOU, you good for nothing condescending layabout who doesn’t even leave this city!” He held up the Elements aloft above him. “I am the most famous, I am the most deserving of it! I am the pony who everypony wants to be and want to know! I am special!”

“You’re insane.”

“Oh hush! ...wait.” Grand Heist blinked, turning to see behind himself...as Rainbow’s hoof connected to his face and sent him flying onto a table, the elements flying out of his hooves and clattering onto the floor.

“You’re clinically insane, Grand Heist.” Rainbow said, wiping her lip with her hoof. “Now, give up, it’s time to end this. You can’t escape the consequences of your crimes anymore! Many of your victims are here, the royal guard is here, the Princesses themselves are here! Take off your mask and give up!”

“You...” Grand Heist choked out spitefully as he got to his hooves. “Stop acting like you’re better than me! Just because you got into the papers a year before I did! Just because you beat Nightmare Moon! JUST BECAUSE YOU KEEP GETTING IN MY WAY! Why...Why do you hate me so much, Rainbow Dash!? Why can’t you just let me have my fame and adoration!?”

“You’re not that famous jerk.” Pinkamena uttered, kicking the thief away from her table. “Now buzz off, I’m eating.”

Grand Heist quickly righted himself, rolling past Rainbow Dash, grinning as he pulled out a whip. “I’ve been saving this JUST for you...” He wrapped the whip around Rainbow’s wing, pulling it hard.

“Ah!” Rainbow gasped, relaxing her wing at the last second to avoid it being dislocated.

Grand Heist leapt at her, kicking her across the face with his backleg. He grasped her head between his hooves, arching back for a headbutt.
Only to smash his head against a transparent bubble of magic.

“Don’t you hurt her!” Twilight exclaimed, her horn’s glow disappearing as she dispelled the shield around Rainbow’s head. “I won’t let you harm a hair on my friend’s head!”

Grand Heist shook his head, growling. “How DARE you!?” His left hoof glowed as he gestured with it, sending a table flying towards the unicorn. “I will not forgive interlopers!”

Twilight flinched instinctively, but when nothing hit her she opened her eyes to see the table broken to pieces and held harmlessly within a large bubble shield. Shining Armour walked forward, the glow on his horn vanishing as he released his magic, letting the potential weapon fall to the ground harmlessly.

“I will not broker violence against my sister.” The prosecutor glared, his tone even but filled with venom. “ESPECIALLY not at YOUR hooves.”

“Grand Heist you’re under arrest!” Blueblood shouted, wielding a pair of weapons via his magic that resembeled compass roses, swinging them in wide arcs towards the thief, who deftly dodged and tosses a smoke bomb, causing everyone to be momentarily blinded and sent into coughing fits.

“Darnit, where is he...?” Blueblood muttered.

“Looking for me!?”

The ponies looked up, the smoke clearing to reveal Grand Heist standing at the top of the nearby staircase, glowing hooves pointed at the chandelier.

“So long Rainbow CRASH!” Grand Heist grinned manically.

The chandelier groaned and shuddered as grand Heist’s magic shook it, pulling it from its moorings, soon to crash onto everypony. Rainbow, Blueblood and the others attempted to run, only for the tables fly around and surround them at all sides, Grand Heist tutting above them.

“Oh you silly ponies, did you honestly think I’d give you a chance to ESCAPE!? After you’ve been trying to hinder me so much on this, my most triumphant day!?”

A blast of magic fired after him, but the thief deftly dodged, glaring at his attacker, Princess Luna.

“I for one will not stand around as a lunatic threatens the lives of my citizens!” The Princess proclaimed.

“Oh pish posh, you had your day in the sun!” The thief glibly stated, tossing a rope that wrapped around both Luna’s Celestia’s horns, the pair attempting to pull the object off...but failing.

“W-what!?” Celestia gasped. “O-our magic!!”

“Orihalcum, never rob a magic user without it!” Grand Heist grinned, before swinging his arms down violently, pushing the chandelier free and sending it crashing towards its hapless victims.

The massive object, half the size of an Ursa Minor, was halted as Blueblood, Shining Armour, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and even Rarity from the sidelines used telekinesis to hold it up, grunting as they all struggled to push it away while Grand Heist willed it forwards.

“Die Rainbow Dash!” The madpony screeched. “Die! Die! Die!” Suddenly, a piece of fabric wrapped tightly around his hoof, yanking the glove off, revealing a cream coloured hoof. “What!? No!!” He turned, seeing Applejack toss both garments aside, her dress removed from her body as it was used as a makeshift grappling device.

“First you steal expensive fabric I took the trouble of ordering from Saddle Arabia!” The earth mare scolded. “And THEN you have the audacity to try and harm eqeustria’s most eligible bachelor, our finest prosecutor, and most damning of all MY TWO BEST FRIENDS!”

“How many of you ARE THERE!?” Grand Heist shouted, completely forgetting about the chandelier as he pointed his remaining glove at Applejack, only to find the garment to be melting. “WHAT NOW!?”

Zecora the zebra stood behind him, frowning coldly, holding an empty glass bottle in hoof. “You are illegally using experimental Iron Will intellectual property, and in a highly illegal usage at that. On behalf of Iron Will Industries I, Zecora, vice-chairman of legal consultation and equine resources, indict you, Grand Heist!”

A cloaked blue unicorn pushed him off the stairs with a weak balst of magic, sending the thief tumbling tumbling down. “S-Sorry!” Trixie apologised with a wince.

“Trixie, don’t apologise to the insane criminal.” Zecora scolded.

“S-sorry, Zecora.”

The magic users grunted and exerted themselves, sweat on their brows, their ears pricking up as a call was heard.

“CONDOR PARTY!”

Suddenly a massive condor flew in, grabbed the chandelier and then flew back outside, tossing the deadly object over the cliff where no it could hurt no one.

Meanwhile, a chameleon snacked on a fly, unaware of the chandelier hurtling towards it from above.

Fluttershy glided in and patted the condor on the head.

“Thanks, Mrs Spaghetti! That was great!” The Pegasus grinned.

Applejack raised a brow as she watched the spectacle. “Seriously, we need to put a bell on that mare or something....”

The condor bowed its head in acceptance and flew off, Fluttershy grinning as she waved it off.

Grand Heist, however, refused to admit defeat as he got up to his hooves, a portion of his mask torn to reveal a lock of pink hair. He dived after his hat, the Elements still within the garment...only for Twilight to send him flying with a back kick. The thief landed beside the conductor of the orchestra, who whipped the thief across the head with her baton, pushing him into the band. A trombone struck his head, knocking him into a cello player who pushed him into a trio flutists who jabbed Grand Heist in the chest with their instruments, culminating in a pair of cymbals crashing over the thief’s head before he finally stumbled off the stage with a weary chuckle and dazed grin, grand Heist finally collapsing to the floor.
Rainbow and her entourage marched over to the defeated criminal while a pair of royal guardsmares removed the orihalcum tied to the Princesses.

“It’s over Grand Heist.” Rainbow Dash said, flanked by Shining Armour who held a book at his side. “Your crime spree is over. You are guilty of robbing trains, misuse of experimental magical technology, SEVERAL counts of robbery and theft, attempting to steal important artefacts of Equestria tantamount to treason...and you are guilty of one more crime, unknown to all despite your desire for attention.”

Rainbow nodded at Shining Armour, who began to speak. “You are guilty of abusing your connections with Night Light and his wife, stealing a significant amount of funds from his bank 20 years ago and them framing him of the crime, and the abused your position to further hide your later, more...visible crimes.” Rainbow yanked off the thief’s mask as Shining Armour glared with all the hatred he could muster. “How do you plead, Grey Mare?”

Everypony gasped in shock, most of them recognising the mare before them. Her mane was largely pink with white streaks, she was missing her glasses and she was a fair bit more bruised, but she was recognisable all the same.

“Mayor Mare!?” twilight Sparkle exclaimed. “B-But you’re my dad’s friend! You even suggested we move to Ponyville after we were exiled!”

Mayor Mare smirked cruelly. “A town of nobodies, despite being near one of the most infamous locations in Equestria. A fitting punishment for such a dullard...his friendship was however beneficial to me to begin my career!”

Rarity frowned sadly, eyes filled with betrayal. “But...why? Why did you do all this? You almost destroyed Ponyville, your own home!”

“My cutie mark called to me!” Mayor Mare grinned manically. “I couldn’t be satisfied being mayor of such a small town nopony talks about! I’m a star! And what better path to stardom than to become a master, gentlemare thief, like the lovable rogues of fiction!”

Rainbow reached for the thief’s flank, causing Mayor Mare to violently flail her hooves.

“No! Don’t you dare! I won’t allow you to!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and with a glow of magic on her wings, tore off a portion of Grand Heist’s costume to reveal the mayor’s cutie mark...a simple scroll and feather pen, though one covered in black slashes drawn by an ink marker. “Your cutie mark, your special talent, is making speeches, Mayor...no, Grey Mare. Nothing that would lead you to become a sociopathic attention horse.”

“How dare you!?” Mayor Mare shrieked in a rage. “That’s not my cutie mark! That’s the mark of a nobody, of a pony consigned to management work! I’m a star! I’m SPECIAL!”

“Yeah...and likely when you found out what your special talent actually WAS, that was when you developed your mental disorder.” Rainbow frowned pitiably, but accusingly. “You have all the symptoms of Cutie Mark Rejection Insanity. Outright rejectin your special talent, or cutie marks in general, at least in the manner you and some other ponies have, interrupts the magic inherent in causing Cutie Marks to develop, leading to bouts of aggression...an OBSESSION with control in some form...and potentially other mental problems. Sadly, Grey Mare, you are one of the select few of the CMRI sufferers to get the worse of the symptoms and become a public menace.”

“No! I’m special!” Grand Heist raved. “I am Grand Heist! I am the greatest thief in Equestria! I am..”

“Grey Mare, you framed my father for a crime he never committed, and only I and my friend suspected your part in it but could never prove it.” Shining Armour said coldly. “I have waited YEARS to personally send you behind bars, and now I shall...in court, and I’ll be sure to throw the book at you.”

With that, book at his side flew outwards and struck Grand Heist square in the face, knocking her out.

The prosecutor looked around himself as Blueblood sighed and slapped some hoofcuffs onto the uncocnious criminal. “My apologies, it seems my book tether is still a little slippery. Naturally I wouldn’t DARE harm a defeated criminal in custody without proper reason.”

“Oh yeah sure, no problem.” Rainbow said with a knowing smirk.

“Oh yes, we are well aware of your problems with your book tether.” Blueblood rolled his eyes.

Rarity shrugged. “Hey, I didn’t say anything.”

Further back Celestia looked with dismay as Gray Mare, Mayor of Ponyville was dragged out of the ruined Gala room. The Princess closed her eyes and lowered her head.

“Sister...I think...I think we’ll need to talk, won’t we?”

Luna stood beside her younger sister, nodding gravely.

Author's Note

And thus...the Grand reveal!
Honestly I feel like I really rushed through the ending there and REALLY messed up with how the Gala went down and Luna’s reaction to it. But...I really can’t think of anything better.

I did end up forgetting some details, but I did include what I wanted: Luna’s explanation of the moral in regards to the Gala’s failure, Grand Heist’s reveal as well as the explanation behind her motives and crimes...and Shining Armour hitting her in the face with a book. That was something I definantly had planned from early on and NEEDED to be sure to include. Also grand heist getting beaten up by the orchestra,that was there from the beginning.

My biggest gripe though? my failure to properly foreshadow this twist. I wanted to leave more clues to Grand Heist's identity, but I also didn't want to make it super obvious. So...instead we ended up getting a clueless mystery.

What did you all think of the reveal and how the story progressed? I hope you all enjoyed it and stick around as we have one last thing to get over with: an epilogue.

Epilogue

The following day, a newspaper was printed and sent out, describing the events of the Grand Galloping Gala, which was prematurely cancelled after not only a horde of wild animals crashing the party, but was also gatecrashed by notorious thief Grand Heist, who was publicly revealed to be the Mayor of Ponyville, Grey Mare upon her arrest.

Grey Mare was promptly put to trial for her crimes, Prosecutor Shining Armour forming a case where the thief was responsible for many acts of theft and breaking and entering, but also for theft of highly experimental magical technology, treason against Princess Celestia’s crown and the framing of Night Light for embezzlement. The judge ruled in the prosecutions favour and Grand Heist was promptly sent to one of Equestria’s best prisons.

Any complaints any Canterlot nobles had regarding the actions of some gala guests went unreported, as were any rumours regarding Princess Celestia’s mysterious sister, Luna.

Though it seemed the night had come to a close, there were still many loose ends left to be resolved......

Rainbow sighed as she stood at the train station with her friends. The Gala had been cancelled after the Grand Heist debacle had ruined it, and the Princesses had promptly retreated to their quarters in the castle, leaving the guards to quietly bid the guests to leave. The rainbow-maned Pegasus turned to her friends (and Pinkamena, it wasn’t so clear with her) with a regretful look.

“Look I...”

“You were right.” Twilight said with a sigh, interrupting Rainbow.

The Pegasus blinked, tilting her head. “About what?”

“About the gala of course!” The purple unicorn replied. “You told us over and over again it wouldn’t be what we were expecting, that it wouldn’t be some perfect magical evening where everything we wanted came true, and you were right! I was too different from Canterlot ponies...and none of them trusted me because of what my dad supposedly did...I don’t belong here and I was stupid to think otherwise...”

“And everypony was not interested in talking to me about fashion.” Applejack added. “And the only one who did speak to me at all simply wanted to bully me and insult me....Ah’m afraid Ah may have responded in an...unladylike manner.”

“You...you didn’t enjoy yourselves at all?” Rainbow frowned in compassion, turning to her other friends. “What about you guys?”

Fluttershy grinned sheepishly, looking away from Rainbow. “Welllll I MIGHT have annoyed the musicians because I didn’t like their music aaaaannnnnd might have let loose all the animals in Canterlot garden into the Gala to living the party up.”

“You DID do that.” Pinkamena interjected drolly. “You ended up causing a mass panic and caused lots of minor property damage, and scared many ponies witless if not hurt a fair many.”

Fluttershy’s eyes welled up with regretful tears. “Yeah...”

“That...happened?” Rainbow winced, biting her lip. “Um...wow. I didn’t realise, I thought most of the damage was from Grand Heist....”

“Oh no, the night went downhill REALLY fast before you ever came onto the scene.” Pinkamena said.

Rarity sighed, scuffing her hoof onto the ground. “I just humiliated myself in front of the Wonderbolts, I doubt they’ll ever let me join them after THAT mess.” The unicorn winced before she continued. “And...I got a Princess Luna covered in punch and got her mad at us.”

“You ALL did something to get her mad.” Pinkamena said.

“Yeah...” The four mares sighed and bowed their heads sadly.

Rainbow frowned and looked at Pinkamena. “I assume you had a terrible night as well?”

PInkamena shook her head. “I got to kick the stupid former mayor of Ponyville in the face. That was the greatest moment of my life. Nopony bothered me and I didn’t have to bother with anypony else. I had a good time.”

Rainbow tilted her head before shaking it dismissively. “Alright...anyway...I have something to say...not sure if it’ll make things better or worse. I...I had an ulterior motive for coming here.”

“Darling, after tonight, and your absence for most of it, it’s pretty obvious you had to come here to capture Grand Heist and stop hi-her from stealing the Elements of Harmony.” Applejack smiled. “And OF COURSE we had to come since it would have looked strange otherwise, and we would have felt betrayed. Is that not so?”

“You...figured that out easily.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Rainbow, come on, we’re not idiots.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Besides, after she nearly blew up the whole town, it’s understandable you’d do whatever it took to bring her down.”

“So you’re not mad?” the blue Pegasus asked hopefully.

“Mad!?” Fluttershy laughed. “Gurl, you’re a hero!”

“Never say ‘gurl’ again.’ PInkamena mumbled darkly.

“But I used you!” Rainbow argued. “I took advantage of our friendship.”

“You did no such thing!”

The six mares blinked and turned, seeing a pair of unicorns.

Twilight teared up, recognising the pair. “O-Oh! Y-You two...”

Jet Set smiled. “Are these your friends, Twilight? Who would have guessed such a nice mare would be friends with such an interesting group of mares?”

Twilight gulped. “You...you don’t hate me?”

Upper Crust gasped and laughed good-naturedly. “Hate you? Just for saying you didn’t like Canterlot’s nobles? Look, we doubt you include us in that statement and you had a bad experience with some of our ‘elite’, why we would we hold that against you? Nopony would be friends with anypony if little things like that mattered.”

Rarity trotted over to the couple, eyes filled with concern. “You two look like a mess...are you hurt?”

“Oh just some roughhousing from a few wild beasts.” Jet Set chuckled, holding up a tennis racket. “Nothing a little badminton couldn’t handle.”
“Just like that time on safari in Zebica.” His wife added.

Fluttershy gasped. “Oh gosh! I’m sorry! That was my fault!”

“Yes really put a damper on the night, I will admit.” Jet Set said. “But ultimately, nopony was hurt and a notorious ne’er-do-well was apprehended by Equestria’s Finest, so why dwell on it?”

“Ah doubt the other guests would agree...” Applejack muttered.

“Pish posh!” Upper Crust smiled warmly, waving her hoof dismissively. “Sure a few bad eggs might blame you girls for everything, but we’ve seen WAY worse.”

“Like that time when Blueblood insulted Zecora!” jet Set chortled. “Oh, Iron Will was SO mad! He blew up half the castle just to punish the prince! You can hardly even tell any damage had to been done at all nowadays!”

“And it gave that former brat a much needed attitude change!” His wife added.

Rainbow made a mental note to remind herself it was a good idea she never attended the gala before, nor stepped outside of her room. Also to never make Iron Will angry if she ever met him.

“That may be so,” Applejack interrupted, “but that doesn’t change the fact that the four of us caused a lot of trouble and ruined Princess Luna’s first public appearance in a thousand years.”

“Apart from when she was super evil!” Fluttershy interjected.

“That was implied by her saying Princess Luna, rather than Nightmare Moon.” PInkamena said.

“Oh right!”

“ANYWAY!” Twilight exclaimed, flailing her hooves in the air before giving a light cough and settling back down. “Anyway, yeah you two may SAY it’s alright, but the point is none of us really enjoyed the Gala, none of us had a good experience with the ponies there apart from you two, none of us achieved anything we wanted to do and...in the end...it’s clear we just don’t belong here...”

Both Canterlot ponies raised their brows in surprise. “Don’t belong...? “ Jet Set said. “What does ‘belonging’ mean anyway, and why would it matter? Do you KNOW how many different ponies live in Canterlot, or visit the Gala? TONS! An unbelievably extravagant amount, all different and distinct!”

“Seriously, nopony’s going to hold this night against you. The Gala is a time for ponies who are otherwise unavailable to reconnect and settle down.” Upper Crust added. “Look, by this time tomorrow I’m sure everything will be alright, so just chin up. You six are ALWAYS welcome in Canterlot, no matter what!”

The train sounded out its whistle as it rolled to the station platform, cutting the conversation short.

“Honestly, I think its best we head home and get ourselves some rest.” Rainbow said, giving the Canterlot pair a smile. “But thanks for trying to cheer my friends up. You’re welcome to visit Ponyville whenever you like.”

“Why wait!?” Jet Set said, trotting to the train with his wife. “No time like the present, I always say!”

Rainbow shrugged and followed after the pair, PInkamena sighing and trotting off next. The four remaing mares looked at each other warily, unsure about the future.

“Oh well!” Fluttershy smiled. “No point being glum! What’s done is done! Let’s go home everypony! I’m sure they’re right: everything will work out!”

Applejack woke up the following day, wearing a nightgown as she walked to her mailbox to see what, if anything, had been delivered to her. To her surprise, she noticed a letter addressed to her by Hoity Toity. She quickly opened up the letter, worried he was going to reprimand her for attacking another mare at the Gala.

Instead, to her shock, it was an apology. It read:

“Dame Applejack,

My sincerest apologies for my rude, flippant behaviour. Yes, The gala is a time of relaxation and rest, and a time to reconnect with friends among the elite, but that is no excuse for how I treated a friend of Rainbow Dash, one of the finest mares I ever had the fortune of knowing, albeit for a short time.

Your friend has been an inspiration to many of us, and has allowed me to find many talented mares who bring fresh new ideas and styles to an industry that, quite frankly, few even give much thought.

If you wish to still share some ideas with me, I welcome it. It’s the least I can do not only for Rainbow Dash, but for a mare who likely needs a better view of how we in Canterlot act. If you wish to speak with me, I’d prefer it in person, so you may find me at 2pm at Sugarcube Corner, Ponyville. It comes highly recommended to me by a pair of good friends.”

Applejack gasped, realising she needed to get ready, and the mare shouted out. “Applebloom! Strongheart! I need something business-like, charming and casual!”

Rarity stood on the roof of a Ponyville house, goggles over her eyes. She realised that there was only one way to prove herself to the WOnderbolts: to apply herself and train and then apply to the academy. Even if they were still mad at her, even if they laughed at her, she wouldn’t just give up over a single mistake.

She’s the unicorn who will touch the sky.

Twilight shovelled at the family farm’s field, her father walking up to her.

“Vorking hard I see.” The stallion noted.

“Yeah.”

“I hope you had a lovely time.”

Twilight sighed. “...Not really. Everypony treated me like a criminal, and I didn’t feel comfortable with those big city ponies who never worked a day in their lives.”

“Is zat vhat you zink?” Night Light frowned. “Many nobles, und many of ze non-noble ponies of Canterlot, got to vhere zey are not zrough handouts or inheritance or vhatever. No, zey got zhere by hard work. It took me some time to build up a good standing viz ze ponies before I became ze most trusted banked in Canterlot.”

“Yeah, before you were framed. Now everypony looks at you and your family as scum, even the princess.”

Night Light frowned with a nod. “It...hurt, learning ze truth about Grey Mare. I had always considered her a valued friend, and I cannot understand vhy she vould hate me so much...I vonder vhat I did....” His expression became more serious. “Howezer, at ze time, I accepted my punishment. Regardless of my guilt, I did fail ze ponies of Canterlot and their trust. We moved to Ponyville for a simpler, quieter life, and vhile ve are proud Ponyville citizens, at heart your mozer und I are Canterlot zrough und zrough.”

“But!” Twilight exclaimed, looking at her father with fearful defiance.

“No buts, young lady. I vill not say Canterlot is the sort of city you’d like, nor one you’d find comfortable. Nopony said ozerwise. But do not take it out on ponies you never met if you did not have a good time at a party.”

Twilight looked down. “How...what was it like when you met mom?”

He smiled wistfully. “I vas at ze Gala. I had just moved to ze city und I vas feeling very exhausted und burnt out, not to mention a little overwhelmed by such an unfamiliar place. A friend of mine, I’m not sure who, introduced me to a lovely mare. She vas a writer, and very beautiful. She lead me outside to ze gardens und ve started talking. I about my vork and my homeland, und her about her stories und ze city. She told me about ze buildings, ze ponies, ze places she would frequently visit. She spoke viz much care and pride, und I realised I vanted to connect viz her, to feel how she felt. I wanted to know what made Canterlot so special.”

Twilight frowned softly. “I...see...”

“Naturally we didn’t fall for each ozer zen and zere, but it vas a start.” He smiled. “I vill show you how we came to love ze city.”

“How?” Twilight asked.

A stallion walked over to the pair, looking tired but satisfied, glasses over his muzzle as he held a large book at his side. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Twilight glared at her brother. “What are you doing here?”

Shining Armour stood stoically. “Well for one thing, I am here to officially state that Night Light, and his family, are hereby exhonerated for crimes that were perfomed by Grey Mare and they are welcome to return to Canterlot for a personal apology from Princess Celestia herself, as well as for honourary reinstatement of citizenship.”

Night Light smiled. “Zat is vonderful, but I’m afraid I cannot accept. I have a farm to take care of, afterall, und Ponyville is a lovely town to live.”
Shining nodded. “Indeed, it is. Pales in comparison to Canterlot, but it is a nice town.”

“Dad, he abandoned us!” Twilight shouted, turning to her brother. “Get out of here, you big jerk!”

Shining frowned. “Twilight...there was a reason I stayed in Canterlot.”

“What possible reason could you have that makes up for you leaving us high and dry! To never visit us at all over the years, nor even write! To stay in that city with your cushy, high paying job while we struggle just to feed ourselves!”

“Ve don’t struggle zat much...” Night Light muttered.

Shining Armour looked at his younger sister impassively. “Well, for one thing, I needed to prove that my father wasn’t a criminal. I became a prosecutor because I suspected we were used and betrayed by a close friend. I have spent YEARS collecting evidence and goodwill from the city and its citizens, all for the day I finally put Grand Heist behind bars and revealed her crimes in their entirety.”

“Do you think that makes up for anything!?” Twilight shouted, tears falling. “I...I loved you! But you turned your back on us all for revenge!? Do you think I care how you sugarcoat it!?”

The stallion sighed, giving his sister a sympathetic look. “No, it does not, and no I don’t think you would care to hear my reasons. But I there was another reason I became prosecutor, too: I needed to fix the city. I needed to repair the city I grew up in, the one our father loves, for it had become broken and twisted somehow. I had to repair a city that would condemn an entire family, but spare only one member purely due to his position in society. I had to fix a city where its people had begun to lose their kindness and trust. I HAD to, otherwise what was the point of saving our family’s reputation if we could our home was no longer what it was?”

“Stop making yourself sound so noble!” Twilight cried. “You...you have no right!”

“Indeed.” Shining Armour sighed and looked at his little sister, smiling proudly. “I have no right to explain myself to the sister I hurt so. But, I am glad to see you and father all the same, and to have done what I have done despite you both not seeing it as necessary.”

Twilight seethed and quickly turned away. “Whatever, I’m going to pick some apples.” The mare started to trot off.

“She’ll come around. “Night Light said hopefully. “Come inside, we have tea, and your mozer will be happy to see you.”

“She likely will.” The prosecutor looked around himself. “Not quite the same as your old bank or our old mansion but...it does have a certain rustic charm.”

“Ponyville’s like that.” His father nodded. “It’s so unlike Canterlot, yet at ze same time, it feels exactly the same.”

Filthy Rich stared up at the Captain of the Royal Guard. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am dead serious sir.” Blueblood said. “You’re the Mayor of Ponyville now.”

“Th-there must be some mistake! I’m a businesspony, not a politician! S-surely there’s somepony else more qualified!?”

The guardspony shook his head. “I am afraid not, Mr Rich. Anypony else is is either underqualified or were part of Grey Mare’s administration, and we can’t be too certain how far her influence goes, and in the meantime while we investigate further, Ponyville will be leaderless in a time it most needs it.”

“B-But I can’t run a town!?”

“Sure you can. You have all the qualities, plus one more: the trust of the people. Everypony knows you, everypony has seen how capable you are and how honest you are. And when it comes to running a town, these are qualities most needed.”

Filthy Rich sighed. “I...I suppose there’s no getting out of this is there?”

“I’m afraid not.”

The earth pony looked at the other figures in the room. “and who are these...ponies?”

Blueblood smiled. “Something Ponyville has been sorely needing but lacking. Ponyville is a testing ground of sorts to see them prove themselves.”

The commander of the Nightsteeds nodded and saluted. “We shall do our best to protect the town and to make up for our misdeeds, Captain.”

Princess Celestia stood at the balcony of the tallest tower in the castle, looking over the country she ruled.

Her elde sister walked up to her. “So...let’s talk.”

Celestia sighed, tears falling. “I...I have failed you.”

Luna blinked, taken aback.

The younger Princess continued. “Today was supposed to be so perfect. It would have proved how much the land has prospered under me, and would have proved your distrust and jealousy was misplaced but...it all went wrong. I failed to account that my little...our subjects weren’t perfect, were fallible, that they were just as capable of harming others as our enemies could. I blinded myself for thinking so grand...and for thinking I could just hide or excuse any problems that were inconventient. The truth is...I wanted to prove I COULD rule alone...so that maybe...maybe you didn’t need to, and you didn’t need to hate me anymore...” Celestia looked sorrowfully at her sister. “I-I always thought the Gala was boring...so I laughed when things went so pear-shaped but...but then you got angry. And I realised...I realised I never understood you at all...I’ve failed both as a monarch and as family...”

“Sunny...” Luna trotted over, raising a wing to gently stroke her sullen sister’s neck. “I-I know I was upset...upset at...everything but...”

“No...you were right. I can’t rule, I’ll just ruin everything again...You should do it, you’re better than me, you know more about it.” Celestia looked downcast. “You were ALWAYS better than me...”

Her elder sister shook her head, pale. “N-no...I-I can’t be trusted....I-I almost destroyed our kingdom! I-I don’t even know our ponies! I am out of touch!”

“But you understand how to be more pragmatic! You can be stern and ensure when justice is served! Not to mention how personable you are!”

“But you are nicer, more gentle! You help the land prosper in times of peace!”

“Mind if I make a suggestion?”

The two Princesses turned, seeing Princess Cadance.

“My apologies aunties, for not being at the Gala, I had...matters of my own to deal with.” The pink princess smiled warmly. “However..you seems you both have a problem with ruling alone...but, you both have complementary skills as rulers that nopony, let alone I, can wield.”
Luna frowned, giving the mare a cool gaze. “What do you suggest then?”

Cadance chuckled. “Isn’t it obvious? If you have too many faults to handle alone...then why not rule together as you once did years ago?”

Grand Heist grunted, stuck in a tacky prison uniform, her wonderful costume held up in an evidence room somewhere, or possibly Night Light’s brat’s trophy room. She lay on her prison bed, glaring at the ceiling as she thought of plans, mind awhirl with thoughts of the mare who ruined everything, who ALWAYS ruined everything....

“Rainbow Dash....Rainbow Dash...Rainbow Dash....”

There was a knock and she turned to her side, seeing a hole in the wall and a pair of intelligent eyes looking at her.

“Howdy.” Rotten Bad Apple greeted. “So, whatcha in fer, pardner?”

Author's Note

Okay I’m done! The first season of the RiMverse is officially done! ....well apart from unfinished stuff that will be finished eventually, but otherwise, this is the canonical end point for season one!

I feel parts of this epilogue are rather off, or hastily done, but meh, can’t be bothered changing much. Plus, I’m probably just blowing stuff out of proportion.

Could I have done better? Probably, but overall, I am happy with what I’ve got here. I hope you all enjoyed it, and please comment! Maybe evn contribute to this AU...?