Night woke up and yawned, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He was still pondering the events of last night...How did Twilight know about this castle? Who was this Princess? And why doesn't he know about any of this? He hadn't even heard of the Grand Galloping Gala until recently...It was too much to think about on an empty stomach, and he wasn't in the mood for what he had around...he needed a cupcake or something. He slipped his saddlebags onto his back and made his way to the door, only to be stopped and startled by a plume of smoke which glimmered, then turned into a roll of parchment, landing at his hooves. He backed up hastily and stared at it. He had never seen a message sent like this, so he didn't know if it was dangerous or not...

When he was absolutely sure it wouldn't explode or something, he reached over and picked it up, unravelling it with his hooves carefully. He read the words carefully, making sure to remember every detail...:

Dear Night Wisp,

I'm not entirely surprised that you do not know who I am...A few ponies actually think the sun and moon raise themselves up from the planet's rotation! What I am curious about, although, is the fact that you're a stallion that happens to be 16 years old, and look more like a mare! And that you do not yet have your cutie mark! When Twilight told me of this, Luna nearly spit her tea all over me and her! Well, I'm sure you have a lot of questions about me. So I formally invite you to the Grand Galloping Gala! Twilight and her friends will provide escort.

Your Princess,

Celestia

P.S.: I understand you happen to be using our old castle as a place of refuge. That's just fine by me and Luna, but if you ever decide to move to Ponyville, let us know and we'll be happy to make arrangements for you!

Night Wisp looked down at the bottom of the scroll. He picked up a golden ticket that said "Admit One: Grand Galloping Gala". He stared at the shiny golden note, then rolled up the scroll and set it aside, putting the ticket into his saddlebag, and then started his walk to Ponyville. He picked a few herbs along the way, setting them in his other saddlebag, then encountered a pack of hungry timber wolves. Night Wisp watched carelessly as the timber wolves slowly circled him. He rolled his eyes and opened a tinderbox, then lit a match and tossed it at them. They burst into flames and ran away, leaving Night to continue his walk.

"You gotta learn these things if you live the Everfree..." He muttered to himself with a smile. After picking up some more herbs, he finally got to town. He wandered around for a while, visiting various shops and selling his plants, then made his way to Sugarcube Corner with his bits. Pinkie greeted him as usual.

"Hey Wispy! Sorry about yesterday! I just didn't get the joke for a while, that's all!"
"Joke?"

Night thought back, he didn't remember telling any jokes....

"Yeah, that joke about not knowing the princess?"
"That wasn't a joke, I was being serious..."

Pinkie's smile faded, then quickly returned.

"Ohhhh! You thought you could fool me again! Nope! Not happening!"
"But Pinkie, I really don't know-"
"NANANANANANANA not listening!"

Night sighed, then decided not to push it any further...

"Can I have a cupcake, Pinkie? Chocolate, white icing, no sprinkles?"
"Sure thing, Wispy! That'll be 2 bits!"

Night Wisp put 2 golden coins down on the counter, and Pinkie quickly put them into the register, then hoofed him a cupcake. Night smiled and sat at one of the tables and started eating. That's when Twilight and a white unicorn he hadn't met before wandered into the bakery. The unicorn had long royal purple curls in her mane, and her tail was just as curled and purple. Her eyes sparkled like sapphires and her flank had 3 diamonds on it. Clearly, she was either pretty rich, or pretty self-centered...or both.

Night Wisp noticed Twilight and the unicorn walk in, then quickly coughed and choked on his cupcake, then dove under the table so as not to be seen. He wasn't avoiding Twilight, but she didn't look right when she ran out yesterday...Twilight looked in his direction, but saw nothing but a half eaten cupcake and a purple tail sticking out from under the table cloth...She shrugged, assuming it was just some foal playing hide and seek, yet could've sworn she saw that shade of purple before...

"So is my dress ready for the Gala?" Pinkie said eagerly.
"Yes, it's all done and looks just as sweet as the mare who's going to be wearing it!" the unicorn replied.
Pinkie blushed (though it was hard to tell....) and giggled. "Oh stop it!"
"Has Celestia got back to you about that one stallion?" the unicorn asked Twilight...
"Not yet. I'm hoping to hear from her soon though..."

That's when Spike ran in carrying a scroll.

"Hey Twilight! The Princess just sent this to you..."

Twilight unravelled the scroll and read through it, then gasped and grinned.

"Well, what's it say?" Pinkie said, eager to know.
"It says that we'll be escorting Night Wisp to the Grand Galloping Gala! She's formally invited him so that he can learn more about Canterlot! That means we'll have a 7th member in our group! Yay!" Twilight clapped happily.

Night Wisp took this chance to attempt to grab his cupcake from the table. He slowly reached out and grabbed it, then started to quietly retract....That's when Pinkie suddenly shouted to him,

"Wispy! What are you doing under the table? Come out! We have good news!"

Twilight and the unicorn both looked as Night Wisp slowly peeked out from under the tablecloth. The unicorn looked startled.

"That's Night Wisp?! You're certain that's a stallion and not a mare?"

Night Wisp slowly pulled his muzzle back under the tablecloth, blushing bright red...

"Yes, we're sure...Sure, he has some...confusing facial features, but that doesn't mean he's any different than the rest of us." Twilight said sternly. "Just come out, Night Wisp. No need to be shy."

Night Wisp peeked out again, then stepped out from the under the table, gently pawing at the ground with his hoof.

"Umm...h-h-hi..." He said. "I'm Night Wisp...."

The unicorn smiled awkwardly, then nodded at him. "I'm Rarity. I'm a fashion designer at the Carosel Boutique. Perhaps you've heard of me, or seen some of my works?"

Night Wisp just silently shook his head shyly.

"Oh..." Rarity said. "Well, do you have any formal attire for the Gala? You know it's in about a week!"

Night Wisp shook his head again, then said meekly, "I don't get out much....The closest thing I have to clothing is my saddlebags and my winter clothes...."

Rarity stared at him. "What a curious pony..." She thought to herself. "Well no matter, darling! I can help you with any of your clothing and accessory needs! I'll even design a custom tuxedo for you!"

"I don't have enough bits for a custom-"
"Think nothing of it, darling! It's on the house!"
Night Wisp was startled by her generousity.

"For free? Really?" Night Wisp blinked.
"Of course! Anything for a friend!"
"Well, I do have some money....I could at least make payments every week or something..."
"No no, it's fine!"
"Are you sure?"
"Positive! Leave everything to me!"

Night Wisp thanked her and left, walking back home.

"Wow...in one day I get a rare ticket to a royal gala, a free tuxedo AND a new friend....The 400 bits from those herbs didn't hurt either~ Whatta day...." Night thought about it.

"I have GOT to get out more...."

Author's Note

Finally updated this story after Celestia knows how long! Sorry for not updating as much! Expect more updates soon guys! DubleTruble96, out!