Here's To Us

The two sentinels kept all eyes open as they scanned the room for any signs of visible danger. This was not their first time at this post, nor would it be their last. In their hearts, they knew this. They knew that this was a sacred, time honored duty. It was entrusted only to the most faithful and loyal of their kind. Few in number were those who could keep a careful watch of this most special and important of rites, when the young reveled in the carefree nature of their early years one last time. Tonight, they needed to be protected. They needed to be guarded.

They needed… to be chaperoned.

A flash of movement drew Vice Principal Luna’s eye to the punch table. “I trust that isn’t a flask in your hand, Mister Sandalwood.”

The young man, still wearing his trademark beanie even while in his tuxedo, blushed, returned the offending item to his pocket, and made a mad dash for the restrooms.

Principal Celestia chuckled. “Aw, Luna; you’ve scared him. Now he’s going to flush those joints I watched him sneak in.”

Luna smiled at her sister. “If you’re looking to bust someone tonight, then I know for a fact that he already passed two to the leader of the Drama Society.”

Celestia waved off the idea. “Do you really think I’m looking to bust anyone? What do I care if this bunch sneaks a few puffs in the corner of a few sips of whiskey in the toilet? It’s prom.” The older sister waggled her eyebrows. “Do you remember my prom?”

Luna snorted as she sipped from her cup of punch. “How could I forget? They had to tear down the old gym and rush the construction of this one so it would be ready in time for my prom.” She watched a group of girls gossiping by the snack table. “You never did tell me how you managed to convince an entire crew of exotic dancers to drop all their plans for the evening just so they could show up and join the party.”

“A tale for another time.” Celestia sighed wistfully. “Ah, youth. What I wouldn’t give to be out there with them right now.”

Luna smiled. “Indeed. I envy them, you know. Here they all are, on the precipice of adulthood, and they simply could not care less. It’s all about tonight.” She raised her glass in the taller woman’s direction. “Let the devil take tomorrow.”

Celestia tapped her plastic cup to her sister’s and drank. “So… any interesting stories to watch for?”

Luna grinned. “Aren’t there always?” This had become a favorite pastime of the sisters for the last few proms. They would always try and find the most interesting developing stories on the dance floor and observe them throughout the evening. Luna supposed the practice was rather… voyeuristic, but it was harmless fun and made the night pass more quickly. “I’ve been keeping an eye on young Sunset Shimmer and Fluttershy.”

Celestia scanned the room until she spotted the two-toned hair of the former Queen Bitch of Canterlot High (not that Celestia would ever call her that outside of the confines of her sound-proofed office.) “Isn't that Macintosh Apple she’s dancing with?”

Luna nodded. “Indeed. And nearby you’ll notice Fluttershy dancing with none other than our transfer student from Crystal Prep.”

Celestia peered and pursed her lips when she spotted the animal-loving girl indeed dancing with the brilliant Twilight Sparkle. “I don’t understand. Haven’t Sunset and Fluttershy been all over each other these past few months? Why would they come with different dates?”

“That is the question, isn’t it? Why, only yesterday I caught them sucking face in the janitor’s closet, and yet here they are with distinctly different dance partners. It’s all very mysterious.” She made to refill her cup. “You would almost think they were planning something.”

Celestia put a hand to her chin. “Indeed.”

Luna looked over. “And you? Any prospects?”

The older sister smiled. “Of course.” She pointed over to the snack table. The group of gossipers had departed and revealed a new scene in their place. “May I draw your attention to Rarity and Applejack?”

The aforementioned pair were standing side by side along the snack table, obviously ignoring the other’s gaze. Rarity’s dress was immaculate, an original design that she’d slaved over for weeks no doubt. On the opposite end of the spectrum was Applejack, wearing for what for all intents and purposes to be something made from her house’s curtains. Her trademark Stetson was still perched on her head, something that was truly irritating Rarity if her quick glances towards the leather hat were anything to go by.

“And? Aren't those two dating as well?” Luna asked, intrigued by her sister’s selection.

“No one’s quite sure.” Celestia shrugged. “They arrived together, that’s true. But they haven’t danced at all this evening. They just keep glaring daggers at each other and at anyone who comes and asks them to dance. I wonder what they might be fighting about.”

“Interesting; a spat between friends? Or…?”

“A lover’s quarrel.” Celestia finished for her. “I suppose we’ll know one way or another by the end of the night.”

The two sisters once again leaned on the wall and scanned the packed gymnasium. The darkness was broken by flashes of light and strobes as the multitude of bodies moved in tune to the music. On stage, Flash Sentry led his band through another pulse pounding ballad. Vinyl Scratch, her ever present headphones over her ears, worked the lights and mixed the sound in perfect sync with the popular boy’s every riff.

Celestia’s eyes landed on a pair of female figures swaying just beside the stage. “Isn’t that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie?”

Luna peered at where her sister was looking and nodded. “Indeed.”

“Well, that’s odd.”

“It is?” Luna snapped her fingers in realization. “Oh, of course! Where are their dates?”

“No, Luna; I’m fairly certain those two came stag.” Celestia narrowed her eyes and sipped her punch. “Rainbow Dash enjoys being the center of attention at all times. And Pinkie Pie, of course, practically made this prom happen with her own two hands. You’d think they’d be in the thick of things. As it is, they appear to be trying to catch Mister Sentry’s eye.”

“If half the things I’ve heard about those two are true, that’s not the only thing of his they’re trying to catch.” Luna laughed lightly. Her laughter petered off, and, after a quick glance to make sure no one was looking, she produced a flask from her jacket pocket.

“Luna!” Celestia admonished her sister.

Luna smiled guiltily. “Sorry.”

Celestia sniffed indignantly… before holding out her cup. “You know I always get the first pour.”

The sisters laughed as they spiked each other’s punch. They toasted again before holding the cups to their lips. “Sister, I think this is going to be an interesting evening.”

Celestia sipped the punch, relishing the sweet burn that reminded her of her own prom so long ago. “Luna, this is senior prom. If there isn’t a story to tell by the end of the night, then what’s the point of having it at all?”