I'm Your Villain

Chapters

I'm Your Villain
At The Gala!
A Fifth of Starlight

I'm Your Villain

If there was one thing Rarity was used to, it was ponies being overly dramatic in her boutiques. But the last pony she expected to be in Canterlot Boutique, in the midst of a colossal breakdown, was Starlight Glimmer.

“Oh my gosh, Rarity, this is just the worst thing!” Starlight cried out. “You were right the whole time, this tiara you gave me looks terrible with my manestyle.”

“Oh, please darling, it’s not that…” Rarity scanned her eyes over the mess of mane and jewelry before her. “Okay, so maybe it is a tad off putting. But, worry not, it can be fixed!”

Starlight groaned at the mirror. She tried to adjust the tiara a bit, but no matter what she did, it dug into her mane and made it look… “Ugh, my mane looks so ratty. How can you possibly fix this in time for the Gala?”

“Now, now, I never said it was going to be easy,” Rarity said. “Be that as it may, I’ve never backed down from a challenge and I refuse to do so now! Especially in an emergency such as this.” Rarity levitated a pair of scissors and a brush to her hooves. “Okay, so I’m not as much an aficionado at mane styling as some, but I think I can handle this.”

Once she had safely removed the tiara from Starlight’s head, Rarity’s hooves flew about her mane, dancing and weaving their way to the desired goal. Meanwhile, Starlight kept her eyes shut, praying to whatever deity was out there she wouldn’t open them and see a massacre on her head. “Just… be careful, Rarity,” she managed to squeak out.

“A few snips here, untangle this knot here… Let’s get rid of this, add some hairspray, fluff these bangs just a tad and…” Rarity tossed aside the tools she was using and stood back to admire her work. “Voila! It’s perfect! Good as new.”

Starlight hesitantly opened her eyes, and she brought a hoof to her mane. “Well it’s not exactly new,” she sighed. “I hate this style, Rarity. It… brings up bad memories for me,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“What are you talking about, dear?” Rarity looked over Starlight. “You look positively beautiful!”

“I don’t know….” Starlight’s horn lit up, and she levitated the tiara over to her head. “It makes me feel… old. I haven’t used this style since, well, you know,” she chuckled nervously.

Rarity looked over her once more before her eyes widened. “Oh, dear, I apologize. I didn’t realize the similarities before now. If you want, I can change it for you. We still have some time before we have to meet the others at the carriage.”

Once the tiara came to a rest on her head, Starlight’s demeanor seemed to change. “Well, the tiara does work with it. I guess I could keep it like this for tonight.”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “That’s wonderful! I’d hate to hear that all our work was for nothing. And besides, the tiara does look absolutely splendid with this style. You’ll look dazzling for your first gala!”

Starlight blushed, a tiny smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Thanks, Rarity. I just wish I had somepony to look dazzling with.”

“I understand, dear,” Rarity said. “It didn’t seem very fair for the Gala committee to deny Trixie access to the event as your plus one. I guess they didn’t think she was of the social standing for a royal event of this magnitude. But, as I’ve always said, there is absolutely no shame in going stag!”

“I know, I know. I just wish I knew somepony else who was going… stag,” she repeated Rarity’s word, tittering.

“Spike, just sit still!”

“I would if you weren’t trying to flay me, you mistress of torture!” Spike said, squirming in his seat. “Why am I the only one who has to have his scales polished?”

“Because you’re the only one at the gala that has scales,” Cadance giggled.

“Hmph.” Spike crossed his arms and sat back in the chair. “I love Gala’s as much as the next guy, but this is ridiculous. Is all this really necessary?”

“If only to satisfy the Canterlot Elite,” Cadance joked. “Besides, isn’t there somepony you want to impress?”

“Well, it’s not like I have a date or anything,” Spike said. “Honestly, I just planned on hanging with Discord and seeing what kind of random pranks he tries to pull this time around.”

Cadance let out a sigh of disappointment. “Ugh, well I suppose boys will be boys. What about Rarity, though?”

“That ship has sailed, my friend,” Spike said. “She’s my best friend and all, but man, I don’t think I could handle dressmaking and rock collecting for the rest of my life. Not to mention she already chose Sweetie Belle as her plus one. So, that’s not gonna happen.”

“You could always try asking somepony else,” Cadance offered. “I’m sure one of your friends doesn’t already have somepony they’re going with.”

“Hmm, you might have a point,” Spike said, scratching his chin pensively. “Fluttershy has Discord this year, Applejack and Rainbow have the other two crusaders, and you know Twilight and Pinkie are dating. That pretty much covers everyone.”

Cadance put a hoof to her chin in thought. He was right. All of his friends were already taken, so perhaps he really would have to— “Wait!” She shouted, a huge grin crossing her features. “What about Starlight?!”

“Starlight?” Spike rolled the idea around in his head. From what he knew she didn’t have a date of any kind, and they were hitting it off pretty well in day to day life. But on the flip side, she was still a bit of a loner and she’d probably prefer to be on her own. “That could work, but I’m not sure she’d be down for it. I think she still has some friendship issues to work out. You know how it is with reformed villains and all.”

“Have you ever considered that the root of her friendship issues is that everypony thinks she ‘prefers to be on her own’?” Cadance asked sarcastically.

“I thought the root of her problems was that she tried to destroy Equestria out of jealous rage?”

“Spike, everypony has their reasons for doing what they do. What’s important is showing them that they’re worth your time. Do you honestly think Starlight would be happy knowing that all of her friends have dates, and she doesn’t?”

“You know what the problem with that question is, Cadance?” Spike asked, turning his full attention towards the mare. “You used the term ‘think’, insinuating that males think before action in general. But I see your point. And I guess it’s worth a try. She’s pretty cool in her own right.”

“And just how do you know the word ‘insinuate’?” Cadance chuckled.

Spike drooped his head. “I hang out with Twilight too much. I need more friends…”

“Well, looks like you and Starlight have something in common,” she laughed.

Spike sighed in defeat. “Alright, I’ll ask her. Besides, it’s just going to the gala. Not like I’m asking her to go out with me or anything. But, I swear, if this fails and I end up looking stupid, as per the usual, I’m blaming you.”

Cadance giggled, adjusting his bowtie. “Fine by me, Spike.”

Rarity and Starlight stood outside the hotel, awaiting the arrival of their carriage with their friends and plus ones.

“Ooh, aren’t you excited, Starlight?” Rarity squeaked. “It’s your first gala!”

“I know I am!” Sweetie Belle sweetly squeaked, hopping about with the other crusaders.

“It was so nice of Princess Celestia to convince the Gala Committee to give you a ticket,” Twilight commented.

Starlight smiled, if only to satisfy her friends. Truthfully, she was upset that Celestia hadn’t extended the same gratuity to her only friend outside of the group. Gently adjusting the tiara on her head, she settle on, “I’m sure it will be fun.”

“Of course it will be!” Pinkie shouted right in her ear. “It’s the Gala! It’s the most funnest, craziest, wildest most awesomest parties in the world! Like, ever! It’s gonna be so awesome!”

Starlight recoiled a bit, but managed to offer up a weak nod. “I’m… sure.”

“Now don’t you worry a bit, sugarcube,” Applejack said with a wink. “I know these big social parties can be a bit intimidatin’ your first time, but trust me, it’ll be a heap of fun. It’s like wrangling at your first rodeo. A bit nervewrackin’ the first time, but then you end up loving it.”

“I’m sure it will, I just—”

“Hi, girls!” Everyone turned to see the two they’d been waiting on walking up to the group. “Sorry we ran a bit late. I was just helping Spike figure something out,” she said, sending him a very obvious wink.

Spike rolled his eyes. “Thanks for the help, Cadance. And good evening ladies. You all look—” Spike was cut off mid-sentence as his eyes fell on Starlight. “—beautiful.”

Her dress was a custom fit one designed by Rarity, sporting an assortment of beautiful gemstones. It was a soft purple color that brought out her fur and body beautifully. In addition to that, her mane was set perfectly to accentuate the tiara she was wearing. After a couple of moments, she seemed to catch on to his staring. “Is… something the matter, Spike? Do I have something on my face?”

“Oh, nothing at all is wrong,” Spike said. “I’ve just never seen you like that before. You look great! Er, I mean, you all look great!”

Cadance tried to stifle a laugh and whispered in his ear, “Nice save there, buddy.”

“You don’t look half-bad yourself there, Spike,” Rainbow said, nudging him on the shoulder. “Try not to break too many hearts tonight, alright?”

“Can’t make any promises,” Spike replied with a smirk. It wasn’t much longer before the tell-tale sign of hooves clopping against cobblestone alerted the group to their carriage arriving. “Ugh, finally.”

Cadance giggled. “Anxious to go to the Gala, are we, Spike?”

“I think we’re all very anxious to get the night underway,” Rarity smiled. They only had to wait a few more moments for the carriage to come to a stop in front of them, and Rarity gave a very out of character whinny of delight. “It’s time, girls!”

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentledrake!” The carriage rider said, hopping out and opening the doors for the passengers. “If you’ll kindly make your way inside, we’ll get over to the Gala at the palace, post-haste!”

One by one, the ponies strode in, ready for their night of fun. Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, AppleJack, Rainbow and the Crusaders, followed by Spike and Starlight bringing up the rear. Spike excitedly hopped in when it was finally his turn, and took a seat. Being the gentledrake he was, he reached out a claw to assist Starlight in entering the carriage. However, his claw was unceremoniously smacked away by the carriage attendant.

“Sorry, but this carriage has reached its pony limit.” The driver frowned at Starlight. “Sorry Miss, but you’ll have to wait here for the next carriage for about five minutes. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

Twilight let out a sigh. “Are you sure she can’t fit? I’m certain we could move around a bit and make room for her. It’s her first gala.”

“Sorry ma’am, but those are the rules. I don’t make ‘em, I just enforce ‘em. She’ll have to wait on the next one.”

Starlight took a few steps back and forced a smile. “It’s alright, guys. I’ll just wait for the next carriage and meet you there. Totally not a problem.”

Everypony could see plainly that she wasn’t actually okay with it, but nopony made a move, likely scared that their plus one wouldn’t want to wait. “Wow,” Spike spoke up, “are you girls seriously just gonna sit here and let her wait alone? Fine,” He continued, hopping out of the carriage and nonchalantly smacking his tail against the driver’s leg. “I’ll wait here with you, Starlight.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly ask you to wait with me, Spike. You sho—”

“You don’t have to ask,” Spike said with a smile. “I’ve got your back. Let’s just wait together.”

Starlight didn’t know what to say, this was one of the nicest thing anypony had done for her. So, she decided to simply look back to everypony in the carriage. “We’ll be right behind you, girls.”

“Thanks, Spike. That was really cool,” Rainbow Dash grinned.

The driver rolled his eyes and brought out his pocket watch in plane view of all the ponies in the carriage. “Well, yes, that’s very nice, but we’re running out of time. Let’s get this show on the road! Have a nice trip on carriage number two my friends!”

Without giving them a chance for a single wave goodbye, he swatted the door shut and hopped in the driver's cab and took off.

“Wow, that guy was a jerk,” Spike said. “He’s probably just jealous he’s stuck driving us around instead of going to the gala.”

Starlight giggled, but the driver wasn’t who she was focused on. “Thank you for staying behind with me, Spike. It means a lot.”

“Of course,” Spike said. “I couldn’t just let you stand out there by yourself, especially not for your first Gala. That wouldn’t be cool.”

“I know, I know,” Starlight smiled, rolling her eyes. “It’s just, I was already afraid I’d be spending the entire night by myself, and then that happened.” She pulled the surprised drake into a little one-legged hug. “You’re a really good friend.”

Spike blushed and hugged her back. “No problem.” After he was released from the hug he wiped the crinkles from his suit and looked at Starlight. “If you don’t mind me asking, why did you think you’d spend the whole Gala alone? You’ve got plenty of friends that are gonna be there with you.”

Starlight let out a sigh, plopping down onto her rump on the cold sidewalk. “You already know about my anxiety problems when it comes to friendship. I love Twilight and the girls, I really do. But sometimes, I don’t feel like they think of me the same way I think of them.”

“What do you mean by that?”Spike asked, shrugging his shoulders. “We all think you’re awesome! At least to my knowledge, that’s the case.”

“What I mean is that I like to think of them as my friends, but sometimes I think that to them, I’m just another former villain,” she replied, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“Trust me, I know the feel,” Spike said. “Maybe not on your level of villainy, but I’ve definitely made some mistakes in the past. No offense, by the way.”

Starlight lifted her head back up, regarding her little friend curiously. “What did you do?”

Spike opened his mouth, but was quickly shut up by the sound of hooves clopping in the distance. “There’ll be time for that later,” Spike said. “Here comes the reject carriage!”

For the first time that day, Starlight laughed outright. “You’re a funny little guy, Spike.”

“It’s true,” he said. “But that’s just how I roll. It’s not easy being this awesome all the time.”

The two of them shared a laugh as the carriage pulled up. “Hi there!” The new driver said. “You all ready for the gala?”

“You bet!” Starlight grinned excitedly. She wasn’t sure how, but that little dragon had raised her mood quite effectively.

“Well, if that’s the case, then hop right in!” The driver smiled and opened the door for them. “Just the two of you for this ride?”

“Yep, just the two of us,” Spike said, getting in. Once again, he reached out his claw to assist Starlight, and this time she gently placed her hoof in it. She climbed in, and the driver offered the two a smile.

“The ride to the Gala will be about ten minutes, and the doors will open about fifteen minutes after your arrival. I wish you two a great night!” He said, gently closing the door to the carriage. With that, the two were left alone.

“I’ve never actually been in a carriage,” Starlight said. “Is it bumpy?”

“A little bit,” Spike said. “But you get used to it pretty fast. Then again, I’ve ridden on Twilight while she learned how to fly, so maybe I’m just used to bumpy rides.”

Starlight giggled at his wording, and the carriage started moving. “Well, as long as my mane doesn’t get messed up any more than it was earlier. You should have seen it. It was a disaster.”

Spike looked intently at her styled up hair. “It’s impossible to tell, if that makes you feel better. Speaking of which, I was gonna ask. Your mane looks a lot like you had it before. Was that intentional, or did Rarity just go into one of her crazy modes and completely reinvent your look out of inspiration?”

Starlight grinned nervously. She knew someone would notice eventually. “My usual mane style was getting in the way of my tiara,” she replied, eyes looking up at the head piece. “Rarity just happened to put it back in this style by complete coincidence. Why? Do you like it more this way?”

“Honestly, I think it looks great!” Spike said. “Of course, I’m no mane expert or anything, but it has a lot more personality. But, I mean, I’m sure you’d have looked great either way.”

Starlight felt her cheeks heat up a bit. “Oh, well, t-thanks. I couldn’t help but notice that you got your scales polished, by the way.”

“Oh, sweet Celestia, don’t remind me. Have you ever gotten your hair plucked before?” Spike said, glaring into her eyes. “It’s basically like that. I can handle lava just fine, but once you start scraping at my scales, I’m done. I’m just grateful Twilight only makes me do it once a year… For the Gala.”

“I’m sure it’s not as annoying as having to repaint your cutie mark once a night,” she chuckled. It wasn’t like her to make light of what she’d done so callously, but she felt a lot more comfortable around Spike. “You wouldn’t believe what paint does to fur.”

“Luckily, I won’t have to live your pain,” Spike said. “No cutie mark and no fur. Sometimes, being a dragon is a blessing.”

“Yeah, that’s true. But then, you can’t do this,” she smirked, her horn lighting up as she lifted the dragon into the air. She spun him around a few times, then plopped him back down. He looked dizzy, and that made her snort with laughter.

“Ugh, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being tossed around by unicorns,” Spike said, shaking the dizziness away. “But, you’ll never be able to do this.” Spike took a breath and blew out small burst of fire. It reached just far enough to singe a few threads on the seat fabric opposite them, but then it withered away before doing any damage.

“Heh, I guess that’s true.” Starlight paused for a moment, trying to think of a way to word what she wanted to say next. “Spike, would you like to—”

However, she was cut short by a voice from the driver up front. “Sorry guys, but in accordance with the carriage rules, please keep all magic, flames and any otherwise destructive force to a minimum at all times while in the carriage.”

“S-sorry,” Starlight replied, chuckling nervously.

“Sorry, sir! Won’t happen again!” Spike called out, before turning his attention back to Starlight. “Now, what were you saying?”

“O-oh,” Starlight was caught off-guard this time. “I was just going to ask if, well, you wanted to—”

The carriage door flew open revealing the driver once again, all smiles. “Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala! I hope you have a wonderf—”

“THAT IS IT, I AM TIRED OF BEING INTERRUPTED WHEN ALL I’M TRYING TO DO IS ASK MY FRIEND A QUESTION. BE. QUIET!” Starlight shouted, drawing the attention of many nearby ponies, including their group of friends. “I mean, ahem, just give us a moment,” she clarified in a much softer tone, closing the door to the carriage.

Spike’s eyes were wide as saucers as he looked from the now shut door back to Starlight. “Um, what was that about? You feeling okay, Starlight?”

“I’m fine. I was just tired of being interrupted,” Starlight replied. “Now, what I was going to say, Spike, is… Would you like to be my date for the Gala?”

Spike tried to respond, but he felt like his lips were sewn shut. He had completely forgotten that it was his original intention to ask her the same question. So, her asking him… that wasn’t quite the plan he had in mind.

However, after taking a few moments to recover from the initial shock, he was at least able to mutter something remotely intelligent.

“Sure.”

Author's Note

Famous: This was a cute little story! I think...

Seven: I had a lot of fun writing this! I'm glad I infected Famous with the Starlight bug.

At The Gala!

The line wasn’t moving. Starlight had just asked Spike to be her date for the Grand Galloping Gala, but that wasn’t what truly mattered. What truly mattered was that they were stuck in line, waiting to go greet Princess Celestia.

“Ugh,” Spike groaned. “I can’t believe we’re stuck in line waiting to meet a pony that we already know.”

Starlight leaned to the right, peering past the many ponies in front of them. When she saw just what Spike was complaining about, she rolled her eyes. “There’s only like fifty ponies ahead of us, Spike. I’m sure we’ll be there on time.”

“Do you think this line is for a roller coaster or something? It’s not like eight ponies are getting a ride at the same time, Starlight. It’s just one at a time.” Spike shook his head and let out a groan. “And the ones that do take so long! Can’t you just bust out some magic laser beams or something and clear the way?”

Starlight let out a heavy breath. “Complaining won’t solve anything, Spike. Besides, we could use this time to get to know each other!” She beamed.

“That is true!” Spike said with a smile. “We’re on a date after all, so I suppose a little knowledge of each other is in order here. And it’s not like we have much else to do.”

The first time Starlight had met Spike, she had assumed the dragon to be the pony equivalent of a foal. Now, as she looked down at him, one question loomed in her mind. “So, um… how, uh, how old are you?”

“It depends,” Spike said. “Are we talking basic pony years or dragon aging? Because the two are very different.”

“Your actual age,” Starlight clarified.

“Well, in dragon aging, I’m in my third cycle,” Spike replied.

“Third… cycle?” Starlight raised an eyebrow in confusion. She knew that ponies had different age groups, but she wasn’t aware that dragons had ‘cycles’.

Spike nodded. “Dragons age a lot differently than ponies, and in the native dragon lands there isn’t very much variation in seasons to count the years by, so as per tradition, aging is counted by growth cycles. The first cycle was a new hatchling, the second was my juvenile stage where I gained the thick scales and fire breath and whatnot that I have, and the one I’m in now is basically the post-adolescent stage. With any luck, I should hit a growth spurt and physically start changing over the next few years. But, there are still a lot of questions that don’t have answers regarding the whole deal, so we’ll just have to wait and see.” Spike shrugged and put on a smile.

Starlight blinked a few times before responding. “That’s… actually kind of cool. But, just wondering, how does that translate into pony years?”

“I’m eighteen in pony years. Twilight hatched me when she was five after a two year incubation period in my egg. Trust me, I get confused just as much as you all do, so I just go by dragon aging.”

“Fascinating! Do you know how big you’ll get to be?”

“There’s no exact science to figure that out. Some of Equestria’s scientist theorize dragons grow throughout their whole lives until territory fights or disease kill them off. Others think that dragons grow based on their environment. Those raised in dangerous, deadly habitats get larger and tougher, while those raised in safe, smaller environments stay a bit smaller. I couldn’t tell you for sure.” Spike shook his head and moved forward in line with Starlight. “I pretty much just read all of that out of an encyclopedia.”

Starlight smiled. “Well, either way, I guess we’ll all find out some day.”

“Oh yeah,” Spike said. “Now, it’s my turn to ask a question.”

“Okay, shoot.”

Spike rubbed his chin for a moment. “What’s your favorite memory from when you were a filly?”

“My favorite memory?” Starlight shuddered. “I’m, well, I’m not really sure.”

“Oh, come on.” Spike nudged her. “We know about all the depressing stuff that happened with you growing up, so it’s high time you talk about something good. Even if it’s small.”

Starlight sighed. “Okay, let me think.” She racked her brain for a moment. It was true, as far as her past goes, she was almost entirely focused on all the bad things that happened. “Well, there was this one time…”

“Yeah? Go on.”

“So, Sunburst and I were taking a break from magic practicing and stuff for a bit, and we tried to build a house of cards. No magic to support it, no help, just us two trying our best.” Starlight chuckled and shook her head. “We tried all day and guess how far we got?”

“I would, but I assume the truth is a lot funnier than what I could come up with.”

“You’re not wrong,” Starlight replied with a grin. “We tried for hours, but couldn’t even get three cards up. Do you have any idea how hard it is to use your hooves so delicately? Eventually, Sunburst got upset and used his magic to burst the cards into flame.”

Spike clapped. “Ah, I see you were exposed to using destruction to solve your problems from a young age, it all makes sense now.”

“Oh hush,” she said, knocking his arm with her hoof. “Actually, at the time, it was really frustrating. But, looking back, it was one of the best days I can remember. Nothing to worry about, no responsibilities, just a day of fun with my friend. Of course, that all had to come to an end a bit later.”

“Hey, don’t think about that,” Spike said, resting a claw on her shoulder. “With any luck, we’re gonna have so much fun tonight, it’ll put that day to shame, alright? Besides, look, we’re almost at the front of the line!”

Starlight looked forward, and sure enough, there were only two more ponies ahead of them. “Finally!”

“Good evening and welcome to the gala,” Celestia said, smiling and nodding at the ponies walking in. “Have a wonderful night.”

“Hey, Celestia!” Spike called out as the got to the front, waving frantically. “I actually have a date for once!”

Starlight blushed and bowed. “Good evening, Princess. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Oh, good evening to both of you,” Celestia said. “How nice to hear that you found someone to accompany you, Spike. Especially a pony as beautiful as Starlight.” Celestia winked at her, causing her face to heat up even more.

“Thank you, Princess,” Starlight replied. “I’m just really glad to be here.”

“Oh yeah, we’re gonna have a ball,” Spike said.

“Alright, you two have fun. And Spike, try not to break her heart to quickly, alright?” Celestia winked as the two passed her.

“Hey, no promises,” he replied. “I am me, after all.”

Starlight rolled her eyes and dragged him into the building with her. “C’mon heartbreaker. Let’s go in and have some fun.”

*****

Indeed, fun was what the oddball pair ended up having. The party was just getting started, yet the two had already gotten on the bad side of one of Canterlot’s more notable, not to mention rude nobles, Sir Harrington Hoofworth III. The potential for chaos was right there, and they weren’t going to let it slip by. One of the more creative pranks they had pulled on the uptight pony involved a punch bowl and some silly string, courtesy of Pinkie Pie.

The two laughed as Sir Harrington grunted in disbelief, his previously pristine jacket and tie now sporting a bright red punch stain, and bits of silly string hanging from his mane and tail. That, Starlight and Spike decided, was enough for the night. They were simply lucky to be in the presence of Princess Celestia, otherwise their poor victim may have caused a scene. Of course, no noblepony was going to do that. This was the Grand Galloping Gala, after all.

As the two walked out of the main ballroom and into one of the castle’s many beautiful gardens, they shared a laugh.

“Man, did you see the look on his face when the silly string shot out from his cup?” Spike asked, wiping a tear away from his eye. “That was classic.”

“Not as great as his reaction when the punch bowl flipped into his snout,” Starlight giggled. “How did you even come up with that?”

“Let’s just say that nobody calls my friend a ‘plothead’ and gets away with it,” Spike smiled.

Starlight blushed a little, directing her attention to the ground. Her left hoof moved to rub at her other idly. “Thanks, Spike. That means a lot.”

“Anything for you, Starlight. Some dumb noble ponies may not trust you, but I’d put my life on the line for you.”

“... I wish I could say the same,” Starlight sighed. “I just don’t get what you and Twilight see in me. I don’t feel like I’ve changed very much.”

Starlight felt a claw come to a rest on her shoulder, and redirected her attention back to the drake in front of her. The look on his face said it all, but he put it into words anyways. “Trust me, Starlight, you’ve changed. You may still have some work left to do, but you’ve come an amazingly long way since we found your village.”

A lone tear etched its way down Starlight’s cheek. “Thank you, Spike…” She muttered softly, falling forward and pulling the drake into a hug. “Thank you so much.”

The young dragon gave his close friend a pat on the back before pulling back and gently reminding her, “This is getting a little too sappy for my taste. What do you say we take a walk through the garden and plan out some more pranks?”

That lone tear finally found itself wiped away, courtesy of Starlight’s hoof, and she nodded. “Deal!”

*****

Spike and Starlight paced around the tree laden garden trails outside the palace. It was quite late at this point, so there weren’t any other gala-goers out aside from the occasional couple.

“So, what do you think of your first Grand Galloping Gala?” Spike asked.

“It’s a lot of fun!” Starlight responded. “I just wish there weren’t so many snobbish ponies. I feel like I’m constantly under a microscope in here.”

“Yeah, that’s a downside,” Spike said, shaking his head. “Ponies in this town pay out the nose for a chance to come. That way they can look fancy and discuss their business ventures while congratulating each other on being rulers of the stock market. But hey, we’re so cool, we got our tickets for free.”

“That’s true,” Starlight responded with a chuckle. “I guess I at least have that knowledge to take comfort in.”

A cold burst of night time wind flew through the trees, catching the two off guard. Starlight shivered uncontrollably and looked at Spike, who just walked forward without the slightest look of discomfort. “How are you not cold? It’s like a freezer with that wind.”

“Did you forget? Dragon flames, baby. They keep my inner temperature regulated at all times.”

Starlight rolled her eyes. “Well, aren’t you lucky. Too bad not everyone has that luxury.”

Spike scratched his chin. “I have an idea that might help.”

“What’s that?” Starlight asked, pausing to look at him.

“Perhaps if you let me get a little closer and link your arm around mine, you might feel a bit warmer,” Spike said with a shrug. “You know, purely in the interest of helping you out.”

Starlight tried to stifle a laugh, but lost the battle. “Oh, you’re just so generous, aren’t you Spike? Rarity better keep an eye out since you're obviously trying to take her element away.”

Spike grinned. “What can I say? It comes with the territory of being me. I can’t change how awesome I am.”

“Well, I guess I can give it a try,” Starlight said with a wink. “In the interest of generosity, of course.”

“Of course.”

Spike moved in closer and Starlight wrapped her leg around him.

“Heh, what do ya know, this doesn’t feel half bad.”

Author's Note

Famous: This was long as hell overdue. Holy crap.

Seventh Heaven: Sorry it took so long. We're a couple of shitheads. See you next chapter.

Stay tuned for the story's end... which will be later today, more than likely.

A Fifth of Starlight

Starlight and Spike returned to the Gala ballroom, leg in arm. Not much had changed on the surface. The same rich ponies were standing around, chatting about investments and the like. Pinkie Pie was trying to get ponies to dance with little success and Twilight kept getting stopped by various nobles trying to win her over no doubt, simply due to her royal occupation.

“Man, this place sure is kicking,” Starlight said, her eyes rolling.

“Yeah, this seems to be a bit of a down year,” Spike responded.

“Tell me about it,” a voice said, coming up from behind them. The two turned around to see Princess Celestia approaching. “This event seems to get more and more dull every year. I wish I had more of a say in who was allowed to attend to shake things up a bit. But, of course, if someone can afford a ticket or gets invited, they can come.”

Starlight let out a hefty sigh. “But you’re the ruler of all of Equestria. Surely you could have some sort of say in who attends these galas?”

Celestia shook her head, letting out a small sigh of her own. Her disappointment was aptly disguised by the smallest of smiles, a way of coping with the many noble ponies in attendance. “Unfortunately, that isn’t how the Gala works, Starlight. The Gala is a publicly funded event, and most of that funding comes from the upper echelon of ponies that are all too eager to display their wealth as if it is a contest.”

“What a load of bogus,” Spike added in his two cents, his barbaric lingo making Celestia chuckle.

“Fo’ shizzle, Spike,” the princess replied, bumping her hoof into the waiting fist of the drake. The two had always had a connection that others deemed ‘strange’, but Starlight could tell that Celestia was truly in her element around the young dragon.

Starlight blinked, looking between the two. That exchange had left her almost speechless. Almost. “And I thought Discord was insane.”

“Speaking of which,” Spike interjected, “why hasn’t Discord caused his usual chaotic commotion? I half expected the place to be underwater when we got here?”

“About that,” Celestia replied, putting her hoof to her face. “The Gala Fundraiser decided they didn’t want Discord to attend again after the slime debacle that happened at a previous function. However, I convinced them to allow his return under the condition that I ban the use of his magic here. He agreed, but only because Fluttershy specifically requested him as her date, this year. So, of course, I couldn’t even rely on my fallback option for some entertainment.”

“Unless…” Starlight grinned. An evil grin, one that Spike hadn’t seen since the whole timeline debacle.

“Uh oh, what are you planning, Starlight?”

Starlight cackled, just loudly enough to catch the attention of a few passersby ponies. After a few moments, they seemed to lose interest and Starlight went on. “I was just thinking that it would be a shame if something out of the fundraisers’ control were to happen. Something like… a rogue unicorn taking it upon herself to return the powers of one formerly evil draconequus.”

Celestia’s eyes darted back and forth before her attention focused on Starlight. Leaning down, she spoke in nary but a hushed whisper. “Can you really do that?”

“Are you two really about to do this?”

Spike’s interjection was met by a glare from Starlight, and the dragon decided it would be better to stay quiet on the subject for the time being.

“Depends on the level of the spell you had to cast,” Starlight said, looking back to Celestia.

“It was actually quite simple,” Celestia explained. “All I had to do was cast a binding spell in the area surrounding Discord’s body. That way he can do what he wants within a very tiny area, but can’t affect his surroundings.”

“Binding spell, huh? I can cast those in my sleep. Removing one that isn’t my own, though… that could be a little tricky.” Starlight looked around a bit, as if scanning the area for something. “I think I have an idea.”

Before either princess or dragon could ask just what that idea was, Twilight’s student was already off on her way. It was really going to be very simple, though the aftermath would be anything but.

Celestia leaned over to Spike. “If anypony asks, I was using the bathroom, alright?”

“Hey man, I left my oven on, I wasn’t even involved,” Spike agreed.

Starlight walked into the heavily populated ballroom, searching out her targets. No one was privy to what she had planned, at least not yet. Making her way back over to the punch table, she eyed her first subject. The ladle everyone had been using to gather their punch was sat in the bowl, and nopony was around. The first part of her plan would require a bit of stealth. Wrapping the ladle up in her magical grasp, she pulled it from the punch bowl and made herself a cup.

What nopony saw, however, was the spell she cast on the ladle. This chain-breaking spell should do the trick, she thought to herself.

Now came the fun part. She had already spotted Discord, along with his shy little date, before making her way over to the punch table. Keeping the ladle tethered tightly by her magic, she reared it back behind her head. With a simple flick of her magic field, the ladle was on its way to its target. “Hey, Discord, catch!”

The draconequus turned at the last second, doing exactly what he was told. Starlight could tell that he was about to offer up some very crude words, but then he looked down at the ladle in his hand. “Ah, now I understand.”

Starlight snickered, uncaring of the attention her shout had received. That snickering grew into full-blown laughter as Discord flew up into the air, Fluttershy clinging onto his arm the whole way and hanging from him like a fleshy Hearth’s Warming ornament.

“You fools. You call this a party?” Discord announced for all to hear. With a quick snap of his lion’s paw, a disco ball found itself attached to the domed ceiling of the ballroom. From seemingly nowhere, but everywhere, strange music began to play. “Now this is how we partied back in my time.”

Instantly, every suit and dress in the room were gone. Ponies found themselves wearing throwbacks to Discord’s time. Flashy bell bottoms and sparkly shirts appeared on every pony in attendance, even the princess herself. Every overly-done hairdo was replaced by a giant afro, pink comb included. A series of gasps could be heard throughout the ballroom, but were quickly drowned out by the coursing beats of the music.

It was too hard, now. Princess Celestia and Spike found themselves holding back tears of joy at what had just transpired. By the time Starlight had made it back to them, they were both staring at the newly created dance floor. “Ah, hay to the nobles,” Celestia laughed, “let’s go dance!”

Spike and Starlight did just that, their afros bouncing lightly along the way. “Well, I can safely say I didn’t expect this,” Starlight giggled. Once the two had reached the middle of the dance floor, she extended a hoof in his direction. “May I have this dance?”

“Oh, heck yeah!” Spike giddily responded. And so, the pair started dancing. Neither would consider themselves a great dancer, but they lost themselves to the beat before long and just went wild. Before long, they were joined by Twilight and the rest. The sight of their beloved Elements of Harmony dancing freely, having so much fun, was enough to convince even a few noble ponies to join them on the floor.

“Now this is a party!” Discord yelled excitedly from above. “But I think it’s time we change to an even better song.”

As the music changed, most of the ponies who had been dancing stopped what they were doing. Their attention was redirected to Discord, who blushed. “Oh, phooey to all of you. This song was huge in my time.”

Celestia let out a hearty laugh. “C’mon, Discord, let’s show him how it’s done.”

Discord and Celestia ran to the front of the room and as soon as the chorus hit, they threw their arms and hooves into the air, mimicking the letters ‘YMCA’ over and over again. It didn’t take long before everypony in the room followed suit, dancing along. What was once a room full of stiffs had now erupted into a full-blown party, the likes of which had never been witnessed by half of those in attendance.

“Yeah, Celestia, you know what’s up!” Discord shouted, laughing aloud. “Try to keep up everyone!”

As the music bounced and the lights flashed, everypony in attendance danced the night away, leading to the best night ever.

*****

After the party finally came to an end, Starlight and Spike exited the Gala, unable to control their laughter.

“Ha!” Spike shouted out, trying to control himself. “Did you see the look on that one dude’s face when all his clothes disappeared? Priceless!”

Starlight erupted into an even stronger fit of giggles in response. “I know! He totally had it coming, though. It was about time all those snobs learned to have some fun.”

“That… That was the best Gala ever,” Spike replied, slowly coming back down from his humor high. “You’re so awesome, Starlight.”

Starlight beamed. “Thanks, Spike. You’re pretty awesome, as well. Just, you know, I’m slightly better.”

“After what you did in there, I have to agree with you. I’m not sure I ever would’ve thought to pull off something like that. I’m definitely making sure you get to come back next year.”

The two walked side-by-side away from the building back toward where the carriages were waiting. There was an awkward silence hanging in the air around them, each one trying to think of what to say before the date officially ended.

“Well,” Spike spoke up, breaking the silence. “I had a great night. Best date ever, in my books.”

Starlight felt her cheeks heat up. “I, uh, I would totally have to agree with that. I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.”

Having finally reached the area carriages, a pony hopped out of one of them to greet the two. “You two ready to head back? Hop right in!”

Spike held out his claw, as a true gentledrake would, helping Starlight into the carriage. He followed suit and got in right after her. The two got comfortable in the back seat.

“Thanks so much being my date,” Starlight responded. “I know I wouldn’t have had this much fun with anyone else.”

“I totally agree,” Spike said, moving a bit closer to her. “We should, maybe, do something like this again. You know, there’s a Disco dance club opening up in Manehattan in a few weeks. Might be worth it to check it out.”

Starlight rubbed her chin. “Hmm, I think I can find that in my schedule. Under one condition, though.”

“Which is?”

“We get to ditch the rich pony clothes and just let loose, next time. Fair enough?”

“Deal.”

The two let out a hearty laugh as the carriage started moving. As the laughter subsided, the two inched closer to each other as another silence overtook them. This one, however, was much more natural, resulting purely from the contentment between the two.

Spike turned to Starlight. “You know what, I may never get another chance at this, so here goes nothing.”

He leaned forward and planted his lips on hers, gently using claws to hold her face. Starlight’s eyes popped open in shock, her brain trying to process what was happening. However, she quickly decided to just relax and let her eyes close, enjoying the experience.

Spike let go and leaned back. “Sorry, but sometimes, a dragon’s gotta do what a dragon’s gotta do.”

Starlight tried to stifle a laugh, but couldn’t and just grinned at him.

“Yeah, we’re doing this again.”

Author's Note

Famous: Holy crap, it's done! Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to check this out. Seven and I both really appreciate it.

Now, if you haven't yet. you guys should totally follow Seventh Heaven. If you like my stuff, you'll love his.

Seventh Heaven: This story was a fun little ride, and I'm glad we could complete it after so long. Stay tuned for another collab on my account in the near future!