Chapter Eight – Rainbow Dash’s Best Night Ever (Part II)

Pinkie Pie was getting impatient, as her stopwatch chimed yet another minute.

Rainbow Dash was about to turn back to the fountain when Pinkie moaned, “Come on Dashie! Summer’s in there waiting!!!”

“Waiting for what?” was on Rainbow’s mind.

She knew Summer Breeze was just inside enjoying the Grand Galloping Gala. Summer hadn’t been expecting anypony, Rainbow least of all. Then a thought occurred to her. Her secret special somepony is inside, alone, nopony to keep her company. The thought was a bit farfetched, but what if Summer is picked up by another. Pinkie had already avowed that Rainbow was Summer’s type, so she had that going for her. What if, though, there was a pony just as awesome as her? She doubted the thought, yet at the same time, she couldn’t help but think less of herself. Rainbow shook her head furiously, casting out the multitude of ideas spinning around in her mind like a tempest. After reflecting on Fluttershy’s discourse on attitude, she stomped the ground hard, and let out a snort to vent out her fears.

Pinkie watched Rainbow turning back to her, as she said, “Okay, let’s do this.” After letting out a celebratory “Woo!” Pinkie followed her anxious friend back inside.

Back in the ballroom, Summer Breeze had been moving further from Applejack’s sight. Had it not been for her styled mane, she might have disappeared entirely into the crowds ahead. Somehow it shined brightly, however, perhaps by artificial means. Summer must have seen Aloe and Lotus Blossom prior heading on up to the Gala. Applejack tried as hard as she could not to lose sight of her. It was particularly difficult to do whilst trying to not look like she was looking!

She was startled then by the high-pitched call coming up from behind her, “Hey Applejack!”

It was just Pinkamena, she thought, attempting not to lose her concentration. After finding Pinkie and Rainbow at each of her sides, Applejack let out a frustrated rant.

“There you two are! What took y’all? I was just about to move from this here spot. I can scarce see Summer!”

Rainbow said nothing, but only blushed and looked away, not that Applejack’s eyes were free to look back.

Pinkie laughed and snorted in response, saying, “Sorry…but Dashie’s getting all super-duper nervous, so much so that her mouth went like super dry once, twice, thrice…had to drink from the fountain several times until I was like ‘Come on Dashie!’”

Applejack’s mildly sour temper sweetened, she rolled her eyes, and smiled. In a whisper, then, she said,

“Well,” urging Pinkie and Rainbow to lean in closer, “She’s all the way over yonder,” pointing a hoof over in the side of the ballroom opposite of the great alicorn statue.

Rainbow looked in the direction Applejack was pointing, immediately recognizing that yellow mane. Though far and obscured by crowds in between, her pegasus eyes made out most clearly that vibrant, almost golden hair. Even without squinting, she knew those sky-blue eyes, or eye rather, from her point of view.

Meanwhile, unicorn servants approached the Princesses, pushing carts carrying desserts that made Twilight’s mouth water. She remembered them well from the last Grand Galloping Gala. She saw Gustave le Grand's Exquisite Éclairs, Donut Joe's Donutopia, and what seemed to be a scaled down version of Mulia Mild's chocolate mousse moose. If that weren’t terrible enough, she thought to herself, there it was. The Cakes’ Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. All were ordered by Princesses Celestia and Luna ahead of time before the Gala.

Princess Luna’s first choice were two éclairs and three donuts. Princess Celestia, naturally, started on a slice from that Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness! Twilight, however, received the dish of her predetermination, which the servants could not help but express a little just how sad they felt her selection was. As plates were levitated and set before the three, Princess Celestia glared critically at Twilight’s dish. It was a salad, but not just any salad. It was a very meager dish, seeming to be compiled of celery shreds, a few slices of radish, and chunks of carrot clearly there for nothing more than to provide a satisfying crunch. There wasn’t even a crouton, cheese, or dressing! Well there was dressing, albeit a light drizzle of olive oil, and perhaps even a scarce amount of black pepper.

Princess Celestia certainly did not envy Twilight at the slightest, but rather almost mourned over her. She looked over to her sister, Princess Luna, who returned a look as though to verify her shared opinion. Understanding this, Princess Celestia turned back to Twilight. She was smiling and ready to chow down on that poor excuse for a salad.

Before Princess Celestia could say anything, her sister addressed to Twilight, “I sense your friend, Rarity, has much to do with this.” Twilight’s magic lost grip of the fork upon hearing that. She turned to the two sisters with what seemed to be confusion.

Princess Celestia gave Twilight a rather disappointed expression, clarifying her sister’s statement in the form of a question, “A salad?”

The reality of it then hit Twilight, as she looked back on her dish, forcing back her disappointment.

Her resistance was building up, however, as she attempted to sound enthused saying, “Well…it’s really good, believe it or not. Refreshing even! You should really…AHHH!”

Twilight’s speech was cut off by her own shriek as a bolt of lightning disintegrated her, um…salad.

Naught but a thin layer of ash remained on Twilight’s place. She looked up towards the sisters as her heart raced, seeing on their faces looks of immense disapproval.

Princess Celestia’s face softened to a smile as she said, “It’s a party, my young friend. You mustn’t be so hard on yourself tonight.”

“Indeed,” Princess Luna concurred with a neutral expression, “feast this night to your heart’s content.”

Twilight’s face went from shock to hesitant, almost trembling at the peer pressure she was experiencing. The sisters both raised an eyebrow at her, awaiting her response.

She lowered her face with her eyes fixed on Princesses Celestia and Luna saying, “I really don’t know if AY…!” She wasn’t even able to complete the pronoun I as she felt something rushed in her mouth. Her eyes opened wide and her mouth clamped shut, looking down her face to see emerging a fork wrapped in a light golden aura, the same as…NO! She looked back up to a smugly smiling Princess Celestia, whose horn glowed the same color, as she whispered, “Gotcha!” as her sister snickered behind her.

Twilight began to breathe heavily, hardly able to believe what just happened. Her close mentor and friend had just broken her fast and put cake in her mouth. THERE WAS CAKE IN HER MOUTH!!! She found herself petrified at this, unable to move, feeling the fork slowly sliding out from between her lips, leaving the delicious MMMM placed on her tongue.

“Now she’s just being cocky!” she thought to herself. The rich, creamy goodness of the marzipan slowly began to melt in Twilight’s mouth. She salivated at the tart and tanginess of the mascarpone. Then, at the smooth silky sweetness of the meringue, her jaw began to slowly and involuntarily move to chew. Twilight looked back up to Princesses Celestia and Luna, who grinned and slowly nodded most encouragingly. She took about fifteen seconds to chew, savoring each burst of flavor on her tongue, before ruefully swallowing the forkful of the MMMM.

Princess Celestia smiled warmly to Twilight saying, “I can tell Rarity has worked hard on you Twilight, yourself as well, and I can see you have reached your goal.”

Princess Luna leaned out behind to add, “Is it not time to reward yourself tonight Princess?” as her horn glowed a wistful gray-blue aura.

Twilight’s face, once cold, now warm, turned towards a new slice of cake being brought to her by the same aura as glowed around Princess Luna’s horn. She looked back and forth between the regal sisters and the decadent cake, struggling between that peer pressure and her sense of disgust towards eating cake after seven months of abstaining, to Pinkie Pie’s displeasure.

Her gaze finally fixated to the MMMM, saying with giddy sarcasm, “If you say so!” and she finally began to enjoy cake for the first time in a long while. The sisters looked at each other and shared a hoof clap, victoriously thrusting the same hooves upward in make believe fireworks.

Applejack had been following a safe distance from Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, as they drew closer and closer to Summer Breeze. The mare didn’t seem to be in the middle of much of anything in particular. It seemed Summer simply enjoyed being at the Gala, but at the same time, she did seem to possibly give off a hint of lonesomeness.

Being only a few yards away then, Pinkie finally exclaimed, “Summer!” drawing the attention of the same.

She smiled excitingly and returned the greeting, “Pinkie Pie, so good to see you!” The two shared a quick hug, which did bother Rainbow a bit. Just a bit.

“Wow!” Pinkie exclaimed again, “Look at you. I love the new dress!” Summer looked back at her dress and said,

“Thanks! Sure better than last year, huh?” Rainbow smiled, admiring more how Summer dressed and had her mane.

Pinkie Pie nodded in return and answered, “Yeparuni! Where’d you get it?”

Summer’s eyes brightened as she said, “Believe it or not, I got this at Carousel Boutique!”

Rainbow was surprised by this, as was Pinkie as she gasped and said, “Oh my gosh! That means you met my friend, Rarity!”

This caused Summer to look away, seeming embarrassed as she corrected, “Well I actually didn’t get to meet her, per se. It was the big sale day, you see, and ponies came in by the hundreds!”

Pinkie and Rainbow listened on with interest as Summer continued, “I did see her, but she was so busy. I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t remember me.”

That statement almost made Pinkie feel sad, but the way Summer smiled expressed her understanding Rarity’s hectic situation that day had brought some relief. Oh, how that smile brought a grin to Rainbow’s face!

Rainbow Dash was beginning to have a little more faith in Pinkie Pie than she already had. Pinkie probably didn’t even plan it out, but the topic of Summer Breeze’s dress shifting to Rarity seemed like just the icebreaker she needed.

Pinkie realized this as well and took the opportunity saying, “Well since you didn’t get to meet Rarity, I’d like you to meet one of my more awesome friends!”

Rainbow’s heart stood still a moment as she felt Pinkie pulling her close saying, “Summer, this is Rainbow Dash!” then after releasing her, she addressed, “Dashie, this is Summer Breeze!”

The one second of silence seemed to drag on a whole minute from Rainbow’s perspective as she thought, “Just another pony, just another pony, just another pony!”

When the second passed, she raised a forehoof shyly saying, “Nice to meet you Summer.”

She regretted instantly offering the hoof shake, for some reason.

Rainbow changed her mind just as quickly, however, as Summer took her hoof into her own, and shook saying, “It’s good to meet you too! Pinkie has mentioned you a couple times.”

Rainbow smiled warmly as she felt Summer’s hoof and the tough, compact muscles within. It was certainly a special moment for her: The first physical contact Rainbow ever made with Summer.

She couldn’t stop there, she thought, so she utilized her first touch of that mare, and said, “Gee, strong hoof there,” failing then to be bashful.

Summer withdrew her forehoof with an appreciative smile saying, “Thanks, I like to keep myself active.”

Rainbow pretended to beam in surprise, but she knew perfectly well her athleticism. Pinkie broke in, resuming her role, exclaiming, “What a coinkydink! Rainbow likes to keep herself active too!”

Summer glanced at Rainbow’s wings and then, with half-lidded eyes and a smile, said, “I imagine so,” as Rainbow gave an almost smug smile.

She could have sworn Summer’s eyes were flirtatious. That thought faded after she heard, “being a pegasus.” She had meant no offense by that, as pegasi were indeed highly active, if not most active, among equinity; however, despite Rainbow’s outward smile, she frowned on the inside, being compared to other pegasi like that.

Pinkie Pie recognized another golden opportunity to work in Rainbow Dash’s favor. In response then to Summer’s latter statement, she challenged, “Well Dashie’s not like most pegasuseses,” bobbing then her eyebrows a couple times.

“Oh?” Summer asked, eye’s widening as they moved from Pinkie to Rainbow, suggesting the latter had suddenly become more interesting.

“Oh yeah,” Pinkie affirmed, “just wait until you hear how she won first prize in the Best Young Flyer Competition!”

Applejack heard that, hiding a distance behind Summer Breeze, sensing Rainbow was in trouble. She couldn’t just jump in, however, right as Pinkie was beginning. She stood her ground, biding her time. Rainbow was getting nervous as Pinkie told that story, fearing the mention of her mistakes in the first two phases of her routine. To both Applejack and Rainbow’s surprise, however, Pinkie Pie was actually telling a rather thrilling version of that day. No crashing from one of the cloud pillars to the stadium wall, no mention of how Rainbow sent a cloud hurling towards Princess Celestia; Pinkie didn’t even make too big a fuss over Rarity and her gossamer and morning dew wings. It was probably Pinkie Pie’s nature to remember only the good parts of events and retell them in the most positive way from her own joyful perspective. Applejack was relieved by Pinkie’s version, more so because her own honest account would have been less flattering to Rainbow Dash.

Summer looked at Rainbow in amazement as Pinkie Pie told how Rainbow Dash saved both Rarity and three members of the Wonderbolts! She was definitely impressed by Pinkie’s memory of the competition, particularly by the so-called Sonic Rainboom.

“I actually heard about that!” Summer exclaimed towards Pinkie, thinking back a few years ago.

“A friend of mine from Cloudsdale told me all about it,” she continued, turning to Rainbow, “but he didn’t tell me it was you!”

Rainbow felt put off by that lack of credit saying, “Really?” Summer nodded and rolled her eyes saying,

“All he could seem to remember was ‘somepony numbered 15’,” shaking her head in amusement, “that Slash was never able to tell a full story.”

She shared a giggle with Pinkie, turning back to Rainbow saying, “You really are awesome like Pinkie said!”

Rainbow ducked slightly and said after a small chuckle, “I have my moments.” Applejack rolled her eyes as she listened in and heard those four words. She focused in on Rainbow, Pinkie, and Summer in particular. She not only listened, but also carefully analyzed their expressions. Pinkie had to wear out that mare’s ears eventually.

After feeling a satisfied with herself, Rarity had reentered Snazzy Tux’s circle, whom were happy to welcome back. She couldn’t help but explain what she had been up to during her absence. Snazzy himself took keen interest Rarity’s endeavors. It was after Rarity had finished laying out a brief synopsis of what happened that a thought occurred to him as he muttered to himself, “Rainbow? Rainbow Dash…?”

Rarity stared blankly at this curious observation until he looked out behind her a ways distance and said, “I do say: Is that not her over there?” Rarity rose her head at this and looked back to see Pinkie, Summer, and Rainbow in the midst of conversation.

“Why yes,” Rarity said, turning back to Snazzy with an inquisitive expression, “you…know her?”

He nodded back and said, “I believe she was in my shop not two months ago purchasing that very same suit.”

Rarity gawked and asked, “She was in the Tux Galore?”

Snazzy chuckled and answered, “Indeed she was. Not often do I receive a mare into my store buying for herself, but it happens.”

Rarity was astonished by this. Rainbow Dash had not only chosen a suit over the dress she made for her a while ago, but of all the places in Equestria, the suit Rainbow purchased came from Snazzy’s store.

Snazzy continued his recollection, “I chose the raw umber classic and fitted her myself.” Rarity grinned much at this and offered the compliment, “I must say then, you are one fine stallion of exquisite taste. My friend looks just so smashing in it!” as she looked back, smiling at her friend.

This striking coincidence she just discovered stood as a sign to her of how that night for Rainbow was just mean to be.

Pinkie Pie was on a roll talking up her friend Dashie, almost too well though. It was about five minutes in as Summer’s ears began to droop, as though Pinkie was on the verge of literally talking them off. Her smile never wavered, however, as the stories she heard about Rainbow Dash were in fact interesting. It was just the none stop stream of words that came pouring out of Pinkie Pie’s mouth with which Summer struggled to absorb. Rainbow likewise felt the cords tighten with every peal of her friend’s voice. Both Summer and Rainbow did share a look with one another for a moment to express how worn they both were of Pinkie.

Applejack felt the time was nigh when suddenly she heard the subject of pranks beginning. That was her cue and she had a thought out plan as well. Before she had imagined calling Pinkie for help at the dessert table, but that would have been a lie, she thought. She did, however, have one truthful excuse to pull Pinkie away, and now was the time to employ it. Rainbow was about to freak out when to her relief, she saw Applejack coming up from behind Summer.

“Pinkamena!” she called, drawing Pinkie’s attention, “I need your help finding Rarity…pronto!” giving her a wink away from Summer’s view.

Pinkie looked confused, seeming to forget the plan. It took only after a blink of her eyes to remember as she let out a single comprehensive sound, “Oh!” converting to the phrase, “-key-dokey-lokey…Let’s go!”

Applejack walked away as Pinkie bounced alongside her, leaving both Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze alone at last.

Summer lowered her head and let out a sigh after Pinkie Pie’s departure.

Looking back then to Rainbow Dash who seemed concerned, she smiled bashfully, and said, “Sorry, Pinkie Pie is really sweet and all, but sometimes I think she can be a little…” She paused herself, afraid of sounding offensive.

Rainbow then felt like finishing what Summer was about to say, softly letting out, “…much.”

Summer blinked, smiled softly, and with the same low volume as Rainbow, said, “Yeah.” Rainbow held in a snicker and said, “That’s Pinkie for you!” They both giggled at their light poke at Pinkie a comfortably silent moment. Before the silence got too awkward, however, Rainbow offered a suggestion saying, “So you want to grab some punch?”

Summer smiled at the mention of the sweet drink and said, “Sure, let’s go.”

They walked off together, side by side, just like new friends, Rainbow thought very carefully. It was a small step, but if she played it cool enough, this might very well be the best night ever.

Back at the royal platform overlooking the ballroom, Twilight was on her third slice of the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. She was most happy for herself, as were Princesses Celestia and Luna for her. She even looked and sounded jubilant as she regaled them with the ten months of frustrating weight loss Rarity had put her through. Neither of the sisters could tell if Twilight was simply taking humor in how ridiculous her year has been or if the cake simply put her in a sort of sugar/calorie high.

She confessed to them near the end saying, “…and that salad you zapped earlier was really more me than Rarity,” which took the sisters aback somewhat as Twilight continued, “She tried her best to get me to fit into that dress. Eventually though, I decided to amplified all of Rarity’s suggestions. I ate way less, tripled my exercised, and I even exhausted my magic, just to get thinner faster.”

Princesses Celestia and Luna glanced at each other with a hint of worry for Twilight, then back to their young friend who had taken yet another mouthful of the MMMM. Twilight thought as she chewed, reflecting back to her foalhood when `Tia forced her to go to the Canterlot Racetracks.

She swallowed and, feeling the gaze of the sisters on the side of her face, turned to Princess Celestia, and said, “You were right, I do need to get out more.”

Princess Luna nodded to this and said, “You might consider returning to Rarity’s guidance as well. I feel she’s developed a far better interest in your well being than you yourself.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, thinking how lucky she was to have a friend like Rarity. Twilight then began to wonder just how Rarity’s scheme was playing out.

Applejack chuckled after moving far enough from Rainbow and Summer, getting Pinkie to join in laughing as well.

She then said uninhibitedly, “Gosh Pinkie, I was plum worried at first, but you really did it!”

Pinkie smirked back and answered, “I sure did! Was there ever any doubt?”

Applejack stopped in her tracks, her thoughts as well, and answered back, “um, I kind of did just get through saying that Pinkie.”

Pinkie laughed, snorted, and said, “Oh yeah, you did!”

She laughed more as they went on looking for Rarity.

Applejack continued on saying, “I knew though you’d be just the one to talk her down to the bone. My, you nearly ran her ears away,” wincing as she said, “no offense cousin.”

Pinkie laughed more as she bounced saying, “Thanks! I try.”

Applejack stopped again, more confused than before, and asked, “Wait just a cotton-picking minute…you mean to say you did that on purpose?”

Pinkie stopped bouncing and stood in front of her with a smile, answering, “uh, Duh! That was the plan, wasn’t it? To overload Summer Breeze’s head with my constant talking so she’d be relieved when I go and like being around Dashie more?!”

She grinned widely at a speechless Applejack, who was rather surprised that Pinkie didn’t take personal offense to the concept.

She then answered hesitantly, “um, Sure it was. Come on now, Rarity’s got to be here somewhere.” They both carried on the search for Rarity.

Fluttershy was just sitting in near a few violinists with her eyes closed, relaxing to the background music they were bringing to the ballroom. She then felt somepony tapping her on the back, causing her to peep loudly, snapping her out of her tranquil state. She spun around fast and placed a hoof to her chest as though trying to keep her heart from racing away.

There in front of her stood the Wonderbolts led by Spitfire who said, “Sorry Fluttershy, didn’t mean to startle you.”

Fluttershy calmed at the sight of familiar, friendly faces and replied back, “Oh, it’s okay,” taking a moment to breathe before continuing, “You didn’t mean it. How are you?”

Relieved to find Fluttershy relaxed quickly, Spitfire answered, “The fleet and I are looking for Rainbow Dash. We’re doing your friend, Rarity, a favor. I don’t suppose you know where she is?”

Fluttershy was quick to answer, getting to see her and Summer Breeze walking together just a few minutes ago, “Yes! I do believe they were on their way to the hors d'oeuvre table…” extending out a hoof, pointing the Wonderbolts saying, “…that way!”

Spitfire took to notice her choice of words and said, “‘They’ you say? Sounds like we’re right on time! Have a good night Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy waved them off, feeling so happy to still be a part of Rarity’s operation.

Rarity was seen mingling by Applejack once again. She raised an eyebrow once she saw that stallion dubbed as “that Tux fellow,” but had chosen not to make a fuss all over again. Everypony had contributed something to this project, resulting in Rainbow and Summer finally together talking, and that was as much as Applejack could hope would happen. She and Pinkie Pie then approached Rarity as she was talking with Snazzy Tux and the others. Applejack allowed Pinkie to get Rarity’s attention, as she tapped on her shoulder.

Rarity looked back in curiosity and upon seeing her two friends, she turned to them and asked hastily, “What happened?!”

Applejack then announced, “We did it Rare! RD and SB are finally together.”

Rarity beamed at this, exclaiming, “Splendid!”

She then squealed and frolicked in place like a school filly, resuming then to a more mature stance, realizing she was in the company of the higher class.

Snazzy seemed to be the only pony in his group not put off by Rarity’s giddy display. Pinkie asked after that, “So what’s next Rarity?!”

It was out of her hooves now, Rarity realized. She turned to face Applejack and Pinkie Pie more directly. The two saw her take a most solemn and dignified posture with her eyes closed.

They both held their breaths as Rarity opened her eyes and said, “We pray and hope that everything works accordingly tonight.”

She took a hoof to her eye, resembling the shorthooved Pinkie Promise gesture, though in case Rarity was utilizing it to salute her friends. Applejack and Pinkie saluted in kind with smiles, as Rarity dismissed them saying, “We all are now free to enjoy the Gala.”

The two then nodded back and made their departure.

Rainbow and Summer were halfway through each of their punch as they were laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

Summer asked in amused skepticism, “The whole town? She caused the whole town of Ponyville to fight over a doll?!”

Rainbow took another sip and amended saying, “Well maybe not the whole town. Like there were me and my friends who didn’t look at it, for example. I doubt everypony was outside when it happened, but a lot of ponies fought tooth and hoof over that Smarty Pants!”

Summer could hardly believe what she was hearing. She was quite aware of this once-unicorn whom Rainbow said had caused the incident she described.

She sought more clarification asking, “And you’re telling me that this Twilight who enchanted the doll is the very same Princess Twilight Sparkle here tonight?!”

Rainbow nodded slowly in confirmation. Strange, Pinkie Pie hadn’t mentioned any of this ever since Summer moved to Ponyville, and she talks a lot!

Summer took the glass close to her face, narrowed her eyes, and in a playful tone said, “I don’t believe you!”

Rainbow snickered as Summer sipped more of her punch and insisted, “Maybe after tonight you can ask her yourself. She does live now at the edge of Ponyville.”

Summer could almost believe her in the face of a challenge like that.

Still though, having taken a certain liking to the pegasus, challenged back teasingly with a sly smile, “Maybe I will.”

They continued drinking their punch together, which though was mild, it still had enough kick to bring out a little hilarity between the two.

After another moment of comfortable silence between the two, Summer had decided to ask certain questions. She had heard some things about Rainbow and her friends through her friend, Pinkie Pie. That puffy maned mare had been Summer’s closest friend in Ponyville, yet she couldn’t help but find her rather strange. Even the most plausible stories she’s heard seemed somewhat far fetched coming from Pinkie. Subjects ranged from Rarity’s abduction by the Diamond Dogs to Trixie’s short-lived fame in Ponyville, from the swarm of the parasprites to the swarm of the Pinkie Pies, thought of the latter making her shudder a bit.

Rainbow gladly obliged to tell her side of all those events, much of which to Summer’s wonder, aligned well to Pinkie’s recounting. Rainbow was sort of stunned at how she made no mention of villains like Nightmare Moon, Discord, or Tirek yet. She reasoned that Pinkie just hasn’t told Summer these things, but even that idea seemed off to Rainbow. Pinkie might have kept quiet on some stories for Princess Luna and reformed Discord’s sake; on the other hoof, Sombra and Tirek must have come up at least once from that pony who talked her mouth off like no tomorrow! It was nice, however, just talking with Summer, impressing her even over less than epic trials.

Amid Rainbow and Summer’s lively conversation, Spitfire saw the perfect random timing to swoop in, figuratively. She nudged Soarin to speak, making it seem less suspicious, so she thought.

“Hey Rainbow!” Soarin called out, as he and the rest of the team approached. Rainbow was shocked to see her Wonderbolt peers.

“I’m not on the program tonight though,” she thought to herself, fearing they were going to ask her to fly with them later.

“Plus I’m busy!” she shouted in her mind, praying Spitfire wasn’t just about to ruin her time with Summer Breeze.

Rainbow withheld her panic and raised her punch to them saying, “Hey guys! What’s up?”

Spitfire stepped forward and answered, “We just wanted to see how our best flyer is enjoying the Gala before we perform tonight.”

“Having a great time here,” Rainbow said, with the hint of nerves creeping into her voice. Summer was taken a bit by how Spitfire called her new and interesting friend best flyer. Pinkie sure wasn’t fooling, she thought.

She observed closely to see where this turn of events was heading.

Spitfire continued her favor to Rarity saying, “That’s good to hear. I was wondering also if you wouldn’t mind me using you to inspire some of our cadets here before they watch us perform.”

Rainbow considered a second, looked the next second at Summer, who seemed to smile encouragingly with a curiously raised forehoof, taking the third to answer, “uh, Sure. Why not?”

Spitfire smiled and called the cadets forward to see Rainbow Dash and listen in on everything she said about her. She began her brief lecture as Rainbow attempted to sit in a dignified position, hiding as much of her edginess as she could. Spitfire had made some mention of Rainbow’s physical achievements. What she ended up speaking more on, however, was Rainbow’s deeper qualities, such as honor, loyalty, commitment towards her fellow flyers, etc. Rainbow felt overwhelmed by what Spitfire was saying, as thought all this was new to her. She felt somehow humbled, but didn’t quite know why. Perhaps it was because this was all being presented while Summer was around. That had to be it, Rainbow figured, as she had attempted earlier not to be too egotistical, but now there was Spitfire laying out some of her best qualities for all to see, and… Then it hit her. This had Rarity’s name written all over it. She began to smile more, understanding now how Spitfire must have been put up to this.

As Spitfire was nearing the end of what must have been a ten to fifteen minute lecture, the cadets listening had gained a sense of pride in Rainbow Dash. Summer Breeze herself took enjoyment in the presentation, only to find herself in awe at what happened next.

Spitfire then addressed all the trainees saying, “Now, in unison: What is most important lesson Rainbow Dash taught me?”

At once, the small group of cadets saluted, saying together, using their indoor voices, “It's not just about pushing ourselves. It's about pushing ourselves in the right direction!”

Spitfire nodded proudly and said, “Great! Now let’s get on out there and prepare for the show.”

The rest nodded and walked away in the direction of the botanical gardens. Further outside would be where ponies go to watch their aerial performance. As Spitfire turned back to Rainbow, she said, “You enjoy the Gala now Rainbow Dash, and…” turning to the other pony. This other pony, suddenly shy, finished the sentence, “…Summer Breeze.” Then seeing Summer turning her gaze to Rainbow, Spitfire took the quick chance, and offered a wink. That had to be her way of cluing Rainbow in on what was really going on.

As Spitfire made her departure, a question came to Summer, causing her to prance over calling, “Wait!” Rainbow followed, feeling curious, as the sound of their approach reached Spitfire’s ears. She turned to find Summer clearly having something on her mind, and remained silent.

Summer was hesitant for a second, but then asked, “Is it true that Rainbow Dash saved three of you during the Best Young Flyer competition?”

Rainbow couldn’t tell if that apparent doubt was a good or bad sign. Summer did sound excited though, so she rested on good sign.

Spitfire blinked, smiled, and said, “Wow that was sure a long time ago. As a matter of fact, she did! Carried Soarin, Misty Fly, and myself on her back, along with…” feigning uncertainty, “Rarity was it Dash?”

Rainbow said nothing, only nodding in response. Spitfire chuckled a bit and added, “Not that I actually remember what happened. Bitch knocked me out cold in her panic!”

Summer gaped at that last statement and joined in the laughter between Rainbow and Spitfire.

Catching herself then, Spitfire whispered, “Don’t tell Rarity I called her that, alright?” Rainbow and Summer both nodded in agreement, after which Rainbow put a hoof to her eye, a gesture Summer found familiar, so she followed suit. With that settled, Spitfire bid them a good Gala, again, and took her leave to join her fleet.

A moment later, yet another thought had occurred to Summer then, after seeing Rainbow’s flight peers. She gave Rainbow a confused look, who returned the same.

Something was missing, so she inquired, “Hey, you’re a Wonderbolt too, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Rainbow replied with upward inflection.

Summer tilted her head and continued, “Then why aren’t you flying with them tonight?” Understanding the confusion, Rainbow smiled and explained, “Oh that! Well you see, the flight patterns used for the Gala only have a certain number of flyers, so we rotate every year.” Summer’s head rose at this, almost feeling silly for even asking.

“That makes sense,” she conceded, “have you ever performed for the Gala?”

Rainbow Dash nodded and said, “Yeah, like two years ago. This year is Gale Force’s turn. Then I’ll be training to take Soarin’s position next year!”

Summer’s jaw fell in a wide smile, remembering herself how Soarin was among the high ranks in the Wonderbolt league.

“That sounds incredible!” she said, “I’ll have to be sure to watch that next Gala!”

Rainbow was feeling so sure of herself now, finding that she didn’t even need to try to impress. Seeing Summer Breeze as just another pony seemed to be doing wonders, treating her like she was a new friend, as Fluttershy suggested. Rainbow would have to find a way to repay her friends for getting her this far.

Applejack and Pinkie Pie were keeping each other company, despite Rarity’s advisement for them to remain separate, when they saw the Wonderbolts. Applejack couldn’t help but notice that Spitfire wasn’t amongst them, as would be expect. It took a minute for Pinkie then to find Spitfire, strutting proudly. Her sense of accomplishment was so evident to them both.

They trotted over and Applejack asked Spitfire as she and Pinkie walked alongside her, “So Spitfire, Fluttershy told me how Rarity asked you all to help Rainbow Dash out?”

She wasn’t specific on what, wishing for Spitfire to verify Rarity’s claim of what she did.

Spitfire glanced over and said, “She sure did…and we did!”

Pinkie gasped and asked, “You mean you made Dashie out to look like a Wonderbolt all-star in front of Breezy?!”

“Yep,” Spitfire replied, “and from the look on that mare’s face, I’d say it was mission accomplished!”

Pinkie was so pleased to hear that, but Applejack, being logical, had to ask, “And you reckon she didn’t suspect a thing?”

Spitfire blew a small raspberry and said, “Hey, even if she did a little, which I don’t think she did, you should have seen how she was!”

Applejack smirked at that answer as she pictured a new member of the Rainbow Dash Fan Club. Spitfire excused herself, needing to catch up with the fleet. Applejack looked on as she departed smiling, only to then feel her face smooshed between two hooves, pulling her close to Pinkie Pie’s own.

Pinkie shouted in excitement, “Oh my goodness! We have to tell Twilight!” and rushed away.

Applejack began running after her, calling out, “Pinkamena, you get your flank back over here right now!”

Meanwhile, Fluttershy was seated on a plush cushion next to Twilight, trying to recollect how she ended up on the royal platform. She had just been walking by, she remembered, when Twilight called out, inviting her up. The cushion was ordered by Princess Luna for Fluttershy, which came only moments later, and there she found herself. It was simple, but still overwhelming for her to be seated amongst the Princesses, even though one of them was one of her closest friends. They reviewed on what happened during the train ride over, which switched quickly from the new train’s reduction on pollution to other matters of the environment. Fluttershy was quite adept in the subject of environmental protection. She and the Princesses got deep into discussion, especially on how major cities like Manehattan impacted Equestria and the animals living therein. Princess Luna expressed her concerns in particular for the more nocturnal wildlife. She was glad to have so much common ground with that pegasus. Despite her usual taking to rest at night, Fluttershy had often worried over such creatures in an ever-developing world as Equestria was becoming. She had mentioned how relieved she was to know how safe nocturnal animals were in the botanical garden. She had caught a glimpse of a few earlier outside earlier, she said also, when telling Rainbow Dash about Summer Breeze’s arrival to the Gala. And just like that, everypony, including Fluttershy herself, jumped on the subject on Rainbow and her special secret somepony.

Applejack had managed to catch up with Pinkie Pie, but it was already too late.

She just arrived near the royal platform as Pinkie exclaimed, “Twilight! You’ll never believe what Spitfire just did!”

Applejack then heard Twilight replying with the same energy as Pinkie, “I know! I saw the whole thing from up here!”

After seeing Applejack coming up, Twilight gestured her hoof and saying to both her and Pinkie, “Come on up and join us!” pointing then to four other cushions ordered in advance. Pinkie took a step forward, ready to run, only to feel her tail being yanked by Applejack. Pinkie gave her an annoyed glare, but Applejack proved unyielding. Twilight was confused by this, as were the other Princesses and Fluttershy.

Applejack then expressed some worry and said, “That’s nice of you to offer there, Twi, but Rarity did say we ought to be keeping our distance now.”

Pinkie then offered her comeback point saying, “But you and I have been together since we left Dashie.”

Applejack combated the point saying, “Yeah well that was just two of us, Pinkie. Imagine what Summer would think if she saw the four of us up there with the Princesses?”

She winced a bit, realizing what she had just said inadvertently denied Twilight’s regality. Twilight, not noticing that herself, smiled at Applejack saying, “Nopony’s going to see us AJ. The Gala’s out there, not here.”

Princess Celestia backed Twilight’s invitation to her friends saying, “Besides, the more the merrier.”

Princess Luna and Fluttershy nodded and hummed together in agreement. With Applejack being the only dissenting voice around, she surrendered to both peer and regal pressure, thus allowing herself and Pinkie to take seating near the thrones.

She then eyed the last vacant cushion and said, “I doubt we’ll be seeing Rarity here.”

Twilight tilted her head with a sly expression asking, “Snazzy?”

“Darn tootin’,” Applejack confirmed.

The four young friends laughed together, leaving the royal sisters at a loss. Twilight noticed their confusion and asked Applejack to explain on the subject of Snazzy Tux.

Away from Twilight and her company, meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze’s friendship was blooming rapidly. Rarity could see this afar off, admiring the fantasy brought to life by her. Something had caught her eyes then, causing her to ignore everything besides the mare she had come to know as Summer Breeze. She felt a certain déjà vu, but not so much Summer herself, rather more…around her. Around her body, covering her body, that dress? That dress! Rarity gasped slowly and softly, and then whispered,

“Green Sea at Night…” Rarity finally remembered. That dress Summer was wearing had come from her boutique. By her own hooves and magic was that dress made. It was all coming back to her, looking back to the Great Gala Sale six months back. So many customers flashed through Rarity’s mind and then paused on that one face. She had seen Summer in her store before the Gala! How could she have missed that this whole night?! As suddenly as the world around Summer faded, it all came back, when a familiar voice rang in her ear.

Rarity turned around to see Snazzy Tux looking rather perplexed by her awestruck behavior.

“Miss Belle? Are you quite alright, my dear?”

Rarity came back to the world in less than a second and answered, “Oh, yes,” sweetly giggling, “I just saw something, is all.”

Snazzy’s brows rose high and his smile grew wide. Curiosity took him by storm as he insisted, “Well do tell!”

Rarity blushed a moment, hesitating, then finding no harm in explaining, directed Tux’s sights on Rainbow and Summer, particularly Summer.

“It had just occurred to me,” Rarity began, taking a hoof to the face resuming, “I can’t believe that I didn’t see it before,” then pointed back at Summer, “but that dress came from my boutique in Ponyville!”

Snazzy had found that coincidence rather delightful. He then asked Rarity to clarify further, “From your boutique? Would I be right in assuming then that you are the very pony who made it?”

Rarity nodded, gaining a charming chuckle from the stallion.

“Isn’t it funny,” Snazzy concluded, “that we should find ourselves meeting here tonight, seeing each other’s clients wearing our products courting each other?”

Rarity smiled upon hearing that, then switched to shock, understanding the possible implication Snazzy was making.

Her smile returned, though coyer as she said, “Why, yes, it is. What are the odds?”

A few minutes later, the lights began to dim slightly, drawing everypony’s attention to the stage. The curtains parted, revealing Octavia and her new orchestra. Most members appeared to be rather young, more or less in their early twenties, maybe even younger. To the right was seen a pianist. The rest of musical ensemble was comprised of ponies bearing various stringed instruments, including a few violins and violas, even one double bass, the last of which might not have been there had the stallion playing not been quite large himself. Octavia stepped forward to speak to all in the ballroom, as everypony lightly stomped at the floor in applause. When she stopped, Octavia remained silent until the short applause faded.

“Good evening,” She began, “it is so good to be here with you all tonight to celebrate the founding of Canterlot, the capital of Equestria. I would like to extend my thanks to Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight Sparkle for graciously having my musicians play here at the Grand Galloping Gala!”

Another round of light stomping of hooves reverberated throughout the room. Each of the three Princesses bowed their heads to this, while Applejack and Fluttershy crouched slightly to obscure themselves. Pinkie Pie was about to wave to the crowd, but Applejack urged her to keep low.

It took a bit longer for the applause to die down once again, since it was after all for the Princesses.

When the room became silent, Octavia continued her introductions saying, “It is my great pleasure to share with you the talents of these ten sitting behind me. I found each of them during my one year travel throughout Equestria, in pursuit to inspire and nurture the passion for music in others.” Octavia paused a moment to sigh and continued, “These ponies have worked hard to get here tonight, to play for all of you.”

Another moment of silence fell as she seemed to start getting emotional.

“And I am most proud to be among these fine musicians here at the Gala. Give them another round of applause!”

In accord to Octavia’s words, everypony’s hooves stomped harder, and longer for her orchestra. Even she turned to face her musicians, sat down, and clapped her hooves for them.

Turning back then to give her final words, Octavia said, “Now in case anypony has picked up the program flyers near the entrance, though seriously, who reads those anyway…” [ba-dum-TSH!] She was cut off by the unexpected sound of snare drums from nopony knew where.

“Vinyl!” she shouted, as laughter filled the ballroom. That sound couldn’t have come from any other source than her DJ roommate, wherever she was.

Octavia recovered quickly from the slight embarrassment, taking to humor herself in what just happened. As the room became quiet and her blush faded, she carried on her saying,

“Anyway, contrary to our original plan, we will be starting off tonight with Prélude de Amour Pour la Vie [Change name later?]. It is a short sample from the hour-long composition written by Andante Sonata.” She gave a quick stomp of her hoof announcing, “So grab your partners, friends, lovers, as we will begin in five minutes.”

Octavia then turned and joined her class of musicians, taking seat next to the large stallion with the double bass. She took her own cello and positioned herself and the bow. This was indeed going to be one of her best nights ever, she felt, to work alongside her students, counting herself among them. The lights brightened up again, alerting many ponies to start off in pairs towards the spacious dance floor.

As Princesses Celestia and Luna happily looked on the gathering couples getting ready to dance, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy scanned around to find Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze. A sudden flash of light then took everypony by surprise, where then manifested a certain late arrival: Discord.

He was seen dressed in an elegant suit, as he bowed himself to six saying, “Evening my ladies, so happy to see you all here tonight.”

Twilight raised him an eyebrow saying, “A bit late, aren’t you?” Discord scoffed at her remark and answered, “Fashionably,” pulling out a pocket watch which immediately sprang apart, sending small gears and springs flying.

“And your guest?” Princess Celestia inquired, remembering that she had sent him two tickets to the Gala. Discord smiled and said, “Oh, I brought myself!”

Applejack shot an annoyed glare at that enigmatic draconequus asking, “Yourself?”

She then wished she hadn’t asked that, as another Discord was seen walking from behind the first.

The first Discord then said, “Oh, and I hope you don’t mind…” followed by the second Discord, “…that I brought a third…”

Everypony’s jaw dropped as they saw yet another Discord appear from behind the second, this third Discord then fisnished, “having only two tickets, that is.”

Princesses Celestia and Luna looked at each other, deciding how to deal with this situation. Two tickets meant two guests, but Discord brought himself, himself, and…himself? Shock took them once again as two lion paws reached towards each of the two.

The sisters looked at two of the Discords who said in unison, “May we have these dances, ladies?”

The sisters shared with each other stunned expressions. Princess Celestia then felt her side being slightly elbowed by Twilight, getting both her and her sister’s attention. Twilight just smiled and bobbed her eyebrows thrice. They didn’t know which was stranger: The prospect of dancing with Discord of all ponies or the very fact that Twilight Sparkle was actually encouraging this. Looking back towards each other, the sisters then smiled, coming quickly to terms with this risky, yet fun sounding invitation.

“We’d be delighted…Discords,” Princess Celestia finally said. With that, each of the two took the paw of each Discord, and made their way down to the dance floor. Twilight grinned at this, almost not believing what she had just gotten them to do.

She then noticed the lion paw of the third Discord, who upon looking up towards, heard him ask, “Shall we Princess?”

Twilight smiled apologetically and answered, “I think I’m going to sit this one out,” then not wanting to be a total bummer said, “Rain check?”

He smiled menacingly at that and answered teasingly, “I’ll hold you to it!”

The third Discord then turned to another mare asking, “How about you Fluttershy?” Twilight and Applejack gave Fluttershy looks of suspense while Pinkie Pie just gave a smiling gape. Her timid nature would have usually stood in the way in situations such as this; however, Fluttershy had been in the mood for dancing ever since her time on the train with Trusty Hooves. A smile and blush came to her face as she reached out her hoof and uttered shyly,

“Yes,” giggling a bit after. Taking her hoof then into his paw, the third Discord led Fluttershy out as she hovered for reason of his height. This left Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie on the royal platform laughing among themselves.

After calming down then, Pinkie Pie asked Twilight, “So why didn’t you want to dance with Discord like the other Princesseses? It could have been fun!”

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Twilight answered, “Because I want to see how Rainbow does out there!”

“And Rarity too,” Applejack said teasingly, having not forgotten Rarity’s own personal goals.

As Octavia was readying herself to play with her orchestra, Rarity saw the chance to play a certain mind trick.

As some of her new peers departed in pairs, she turned to Snazzy, and said, “Well, Mister Tux, it’s been a great pleasure meeting you, but I feel I should be returning to my friends now.”

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, she bowed her head, and walked off.

Not a few steps forward, however, as she planned, Snazzy said, “Leaving so soon, are we?”

Carefully, Rarity paused herself, turning back to the stallion asking, “Was there something else?” giving him a seductive smile.

He stepped forward, and then leaning down with a knowing look, said, “I know what you’re doing Miss Belle.”

Rarity’s face fell as she said nervously, “Oh?”

Snazzy hummed in the positive and continued, “Though I was just about to ask you anyway,” not seeing the need to be specific. Rarity started feeling guilty at her attempt to manipulate him, but at the same time recognized a loose end to his statement, so remained silent.

Raising his head back up, Snazzy then asked, “Would you, Rarity, like to…”

“Yes!” Rarity exclaimed, cutting him off. Her interruption was more sparked by Snazzy’s use of her first name than anything else. He smiled at her eagerness, allowing Rarity to not feel embarrassed as she smiled back.

During the five minutes of which Octavia spoke before the music began, Rainbow Dash was watching the many couples gathering onto the dance floor in front of the stage. Summer Breeze was standing next to her, Rainbow glanced, seeming to just admire the scene. She felt a mild blush coming to her face, so Rainbow took a deep breath in and out, hoping that might help. This was the moment, she realized. “Now or never,” she thought. Rainbow worked through her nerves to form a smile as she repeated in her mind, “Just another pony, just another pony, just another pony.”

Finally, she said, “Summer?”

That was all she could say so far, but at least there was no turning back. Maybe sideways, but it was still a good thought, she hoped. Summer’s attention to the gathering couples broke at the sound of her name. Her soft smile fell and her eyes widened. Just the very timing was…No, it wasn’t necessarily what she thought. Was it? She turned her face towards the pegasus next to her. She was facing full front towards Summer, not side to side. Summer moved to face her the same way.

“Yes, Rainbow?” she finally said in return. Summer was a bit taller, Rainbow knew that, of course she did, but at that moment, she felt so tiny. It was either flee left or flee right or…

“May I have this dance?” Rainbow asked quickly. Smooth, she thought, but also so stupid, she felt! She tried her best to grin, unable to tell whether she looked goofy doing it or not.

Summer’s face was blank for only a second, before a smile rose, as she said, “I would like that.” At the moment Rainbow heard those four words, her nervous grin had transformed to a more sincerely glad smile.

Not taking a moment to think, she asked excitingly, “Really! I mean…”

Summer giggled and stepped closer saying, “Lead the way.”

The way? Lead? Right, Rainbow tried to recover her sense of cool and walk Summer to where Rarity had recommended earlier.

“About thirty paces away from the Alicorn Statue,” Rainbow thought, “that’s what Rarity said.”

She didn’t know why, but she felt it was a good idea not to look back at Summer, who was walking almost halfway behind. It seemed right because she was leading the way. She didn’t need to look back though, knowing for sure Summer was following. Just something about her very presence made Rainbow feel warm. Soon as they reached location near the Alicorn Statue, Rainbow stopped and turned to Summer. She smiled as that styled mane seemed to glow with rays of the sun before her eyes. Rainbow tried to convince herself that it was just the chandeliers above glaring back on Summer’s hair. The two got into position, happily waiting for the dance to begin.

Discords One and Two were escorting Princesses Celestia and Luna out near the stage, as ponies around cleared the area to give the royal sisters space. The two sisters resisted from being kept too far apart by the two Discords. The very idea of accepting this dance with the former Lord of Chaos was a matter to take with caution, but at the same time neither Princesses Celestia and Luna could deny the thrill. When Discord Three stopped near the middle of the dance floor, Fluttershy lowered herself back to the floor. She looked up with a smile, assessing the height difference, wondering how they would properly execute this dance. Discord Three, not being lost to Fluttershy’s thoughts, then had his arms slide down from their usual place right below where his coat turned gray. Fluttershy laughed at his solution, but gladly drew closer. As Discord Three wrapped his avian arm around Fluttershy, taking her left fore hoof into his lion paw, she suddenly felt herself being elevated. She didn’t see that coming, but after a second of shock, she giggled. The two regal sisters, deep down, may have had their own reservations in dancing with this draconequus, but Fluttershy trusted Discord with all her heart, or well most of it rather.

As there was still time before the music started, Fluttershy asked Discord Three, “I hope you’re not too disappointed about not dancing with Twilight.”

Discord Three smiled and said, “I actually expected her to decline my offer.”

“Oh?” Fluttershy said, not seeing how to make sense of his inviting Twilight in the first place. He was the sort to not make any sense anyway, so she settled with that concept.

Fluttershy then noticed on this third Discord’s face a mild blush appearing, making her feel curious.

“There’s more, isn’t there?” she asked, “There always is with you.”

Realizing the involuntary color appearing on his face, a light flashed around them, turning his face back to a look of innocence.

“Discord…” Fluttershy pressed on, as she raised him an eyebrow to show how unconvinced she was. His smile fell, realizing he just couldn’t fool her any more. His eyes then moved to the side, literally rolling from the front of his face to his left temple, avoiding eye contact.

Sighing then, he confessed, “Maybe I wanted an excuse to dance with you.”

Fluttershy gaped a little at this. He arrived late, just in time for the dance, coming in a set of three, two asking Princesses Celestia and Luna for a dance, the third him asking Twilight, knowing she’d say no, all just to ask Fluttershy? She closed her mouth to smile warmly at him.

“Oh Discord,” she said softly, “You didn’t need to do all that.” Discord Three seemed unconvinced. Realizing this, Fluttershy lowered her blushing face, keeping her eyes on his face, and said quietly, “I’ve been waiting.”

At that, Discord Three’s eyes continued rolling from his temple into his left ear, popping back to the front opened widely.

“You have?” he asked, shocked at what she just confessed. Fluttershy just hummed in the positive and the two smiled at each other.

When the five minutes were up, the lights dimmed once again, signaling everypony that the orchestra was about to start playing. There was no conductor facing the musicians, not even Octavia, since she herself was playing amongst them. After three seconds of silence, the sitting cellist stomped her right hind hoof loudly three times, and the pianist began playing Bu-bu-bumm, bu-bu-bumm… Rainbow tilted her face down as though pointing an invisible horn towards Summer and stepped forward. Summer read the gesture and proceeded to join her forehead with Rainbow’s. The violinists then entered with a single soft, yet dramatic note over the piano [Dada-dun du-dun du-dunn…dummm]. Rainbow then began to lightly push forward, to push Summer back, who smiling, felt a playful urge to push Rainbow back in kind. The violists joined in, perfectly harmonized with the sounds of the piano and violins. Rainbow was pushing her head against Summer’s again, asserting her leading role. Summer surrendered with a smile, as she followed Rainbow’s forehead back. Both Octavia and her double bass playing stallion then entered, adding a sort of dramatic echo to the violins as the violists played seem to foreshadow notes which violinists were about to play. Rainbow remembered then to raise her left hoof, signaling Summer to do likewise, as they continued to ebb and flow.

The entire ballroom was filled with the soft and sweet sounds of humming strings [Hm-hm Hm-hm-hm-hmhmhmhmhmhmhmm! Hmmhm hm-hmm-hm hm hmm hmmm] Their left cheeks were pressed together, Rainbow and Summer’s, as they swayed back and forth, not failing to recognize how warm each other’s faces felt. Rainbow was careful not to make the tickling ear contact Rarity warned her about back on the train. They each felt each other’s breathing flow down their necks to their shoulders. The moment a particularly high note was heard, Rainbow felt it was time to initiate the “hug,” taking thus her raised left hoof to pull Summer in close, crossing their necks. Summer embraced her in return with her left. They then rested each other’s heads on the other’s neck, closing their eyes as they enjoyed the atmosphere around them. Their rocking was in sync with each breath in and every breath out.

Neither Rainbow Dash nor Summer Breeze were getting bored of their relaxed motions. Rainbow began to feel something at her chest then. A beating, a beating heart, but it was not hers she realized. It was Summer’s heartbeats she was feeling. Oh, she could go on like this forever, but she knew well the next phase had to come. With Rarity’s melodic hums engrained in her mind, not consciously aware of the similarity to the sounds coming from Octavia’s orchestra, a note like lightning struck her mind. With her right hoof, Rainbow raised Summer from under her left foreleg as they stepped towards each other on their hind legs. Summer gasped as she was lifted, but relaxed when her eyes met again with those dark, pink (Moderate cerise) eyes. She could feel Rainbow’s right hoof slide down her left side, as Rainbow’s left hoof traveled down her right foreleg. This urged her right hoof then to join her left behind Rainbow’s neck. Their eyelids fell half shut as the smiled and began to rotate. Rainbow then began to meditate on Twilight’s favorite toy device: The Gyroscope.

As Octavia’s orchestra played on, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie stared on at each of their friends out dancing. None of the three envied the fun out there beyond the royal platform. Too much of their hearts were fully taken by contentment in Princesses Celestia and Luna, for Fluttershy, and especially for Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze.

“Star Swirl the Bearded wasn’t kidding,” Twilight whispered, “when he said that ‘Seeing is not always believing’.”

Pinkie Pie countered that saying, “Well I’m seeing, and believing,” then quietly squealed as she repressed her voice, “and I’m SO happy!”

Applejack hadn’t been listening to either of them. Her smile was so big that her dimples took up the lower half of her vision.

She then whispered to nopony in particular, “Way to go RD.”

A few seconds passed silently until Pinkie said, “I wonder how much fun Discord is having.”

Twilight then answered with a sarcastic tone in her voice, “Probably as much fun as Discord and Discord are having.”

All three then giggled at the joke.

As Discords One and Two led the Princesses in an unusually calm and orderly dance, Princess Celestia, led by Discord Two, asked her sister nearby.

“How do you think Rainbow Dash is doing?”

Princess Luna looked out into the sea of dancers, saw Rainbow and Summer in their slow rotation.

“Quite well, I should say,” she answered. This exchange of words was not missed by either of the two Discords as the asked as one, “Rainbow Dash?” turning their faces in the direction Princess Luna was looking.

He, or they, saw Rainbow dancing with another mare. Discord One then said to himself, “I guess that makes sense.”

This caught Princess Luna’s off guard as she said, “Didst thou just sayeth ‘that makes sense’?”

Discord One was silent and the other Discord Two answered, “I did!” Princess Celestia was confused as she asked, “Did what?”

She then heard the other Discord leading her sister, “Say that Rainbow Dash dancing with a mare makes sense.”

This stunned both sisters, not only in what he, or they, just said, but how neither Discord seemed to be disturbed the phrase.

Princess Luna, troubled by this, began to raise her voice saying, “But, that doesn’t make any…wait…” she paused, catching herself.

With the dance uninterrupted, the sisters then looked up at the each of their Discords, each one looking back with a smug smile. In sync, Princesses Celestia and Luna looked away, thought, and still happy to be confused by their friend who was by principle confusing, laughed together.

Meanwhile, near the Alicorn Statue, Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze had been in their steady gyration. Rainbow then took her left hoof from Summer’s side, extending it out with her elbow pointed down. Summer, in the same moment, automatically did the same with her right hoof, holding on then to Rainbow’s. She was immediately taken aback as Rainbow made a thrust sideways, adjusting herself to this new direction she was taking. They then began to continue their rotation, only this time moving around in a larger circle. Rainbow sustained the major circuit as perfectly as she could without bumping into any couples. This dance, however, seemed to have a power of its own, Summer felt, as couples seemed to naturally move out of the private space Rainbow was forming. They carried on these motions, almost creating a personal world unto themselves.

As the two mares moved about in their circles, Rainbow Dash found a problem. She hadn’t thought about it prior on the train, but Summer was tall, not by much; nevertheless, her height could still pose a problem in the next move she was about to execute. She had to pull this off seven times as well, so she could only pray it worked. Rainbow listened carefully to the piano playing, ignoring the strings, then pausing herself and Summer at point one in the major circuit. Without thinking then, Rainbow raised Summer’s right hoof over her head, not to Summer’s full reach up, but it seemed enough. Then instantly with her right hoof, Rainbow moved Summer lightly to twirl, walked a full circle around her, still on hind legs, and caught her after. Their high held hooves lowered to the side and resumed the major circuit as before. “Thank both Celestia and Luna,” Rainbow thought, “just six more times, 90° apart, or whatever.”

Three more times she accomplished this same move at each of the other quarter points of the major circuit. Summer was looking more and more enthralled after each spin she went through. Confidence grew more and more as Rainbow realized just how much fun Summer was having, and she didn’t even need to use her wings!

As they were spinning their way back to the first quarter of the circuit, a sudden chill came up through Rainbow’s wings.

“Sideways Dashie, sideways!” she remembered Rarity shouting. She had mastered this part after her embarrassing faux pas, but the memory still hit hard. Luckily, however, at the second twirl, Rainbow had an idea. She was going to modify the dance, despite herself being no expert, but she just did not want to revisit that moment back on the train. Upon reaching the first quarter point, Rainbow spun Summer once more, then tried something different. Still making contact with Summer’s raised hoof, she moved to one side of the spinning earth pony and stopped her, so they were side by side in the major circuit and their joint hooves were above. Then taking Summer’s left hoof into her right, Rainbow Dash then led her quickly straight through the circle. Their heads leaned towards each other as the pranced from one side to the next. That was actually more fun, she felt, than in the original version of the dance. What was it Rarity called that part again? “Crossing the Milky Way or something”? Whatever it was, it was time for the sixth and final twirl. Still touching Summer’s right hoof above, Rainbow walked a quarter of a circle back onto the major circuit. The sixth twirl was implemented, causing Summer this time to laugh, much like Fluttershy had when dancing with Trusty. Just like the previous five spins, Rainbow counted in her head, “4, 3, 2, GO!” catching Summer from the front, holding each other in their hooves as near the beginning. Her face expressed much excitement, turning to shock then, as Rainbow leaned forward, bending her back.

One hind hoof from each slid back for balance. Summer could almost swear she was nearly horizontal, concerned she was about to fall on her flank. She held onto the back of Rainbow’s neck as she hung. Rainbow kept back about 60° upward, drawing her face closer towards Summer’s, splaying down also her wings. The earth pony took a deep breath and could do nothing else, except gaze into those dark pink, half shut eyes. Rainbow Dash was the only reason Summer wasn’t falling, or was she even so falling? Rainbow had two more seconds to look into Summer Breeze’s eyes, those light, sky blue eyes.

“Okay, times up!” she thought, forcing herself to break the gaze and raise herself and Summer back up. Finally, the seventh twirl was made, and much to Summer’s relief, they held each other much closer. She found herself going circles within circles once again, feeling herself warm and safe in Rainbow’s hooves.

Their dance form was certainly unique capturing the attention of some, including the one unicorn in particular. Rarity had almost forgotten entirely about Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze as she was led in dance by Snazzy Tux. Their form seemed to be related to the one she taught her friend. It didn’t quite have the same structures and constrictions as Rainbow and Summer, but appeared to be more freestyle. As the pianist finished his solo, and was rejoined by Octavia and her double bass partner, followed by the dramatic reentry of violists, Rarity found herself in a twirl over her own. Her concentration to the dance, however, was broken by the sight of seeing Rainbow. Her partner’s freestyle ball dance had apparently led them much closer to Rainbow and Summer, and Rarity almost collapsed when she saw them on the fourth quarter of the major circuit. Not caring who was watching then, she squealed and tip-hooved in place like a little filly.

Snazzy Tux was distressed by this interruption and asked, “I do say, Rarity, what has gotten you in such commotion?” Not missing the question, but not averting her sight either, Rarity pointed a hoof towards Rainbow and Summer. Snazzy looked on, seeing Rainbow bending Summer back, raising her up, and bring her into the seventh spin.

As the two mares resumed their constant circles, he smiled saying, “Well now, Miss Dash there certainly knows her way across the floor. I wonder where she learned such steps.”

Rarity tried to repress a giggle, drawing Snazzy’s eyes.

She then looked up saying, “Just a friend,” fluttering her eyes.

Earlier, Fluttershy and Discord Three had switched dance forms to have a better view of Rainbow and Summer.

Fluttershy laughed quietly and asked, “You told her ‘that makes sense’?!”

The draconequus did his best to withhold his deep and booming laughter.

“Oh, I really threw her and `Tia a curveball on that one!” he said, as more laughs slipped out despite his efforts.

It was after holding back a cheer for Rainbow Dash on the seventh twirl that a question came to Fluttershy.

“Discord,” she opened, “may I ask you something?”

A second passed before he said, “But of course, my dear.”

Fluttershy began returning to her faltering form of speech. She pondered a moment longer on whether there was even a logical answer to what was on her mind.

Finally, she asked, “Well, it’s just that…who am I dancing with right now?”

Discord drew his head back, quite taken in confusion by the question.

“What do you mean?” he asked concernedly. Fluttershy tried to rephrase her inquiry saying, “Am…am I dancing with, with you? I mean the real you, or are you just a copy?”

She looked away blushing, feeling somehow ashamed by the question. Discord smiled and snickered at this. Her inquisitive gaze rose to his face, pondering the nature of the snicker.

He answered, “Yes, the real me. I switched over from Lulu the moment you touched the ground.”

Fluttershy didn’t quite know what to think of that. Would Princess Luna care much about this sleight of hand deception? Should she herself worry about playing a hoof in it? As Octavia’s orchestra rose in volume, however, she couldn’t deny how happy she felt. Fluttershy relaxed herself, as she continued being led.

The humming of strings had begun to diminish slowly, giving Rainbow Dash a sense it was nearing its conclusion. This piece written by Andante Sonata, may have been an hour-long symphony, but as Octavia explained earlier, only its Prélude opening was playing tonight.

Excerpts from other masterpieces would follow, but it was time to draw this dance to a close. It was difficult for Rainbow to accept this, as she felt Summer Breeze’s beating heart, and loved every thump against her own. It was time to move on, she realized, so in another thrust to the side, she led the mare in her hooves back into the center of it all. Summer’s calm was broken by this, making her wonder what that pegasus was up to this time. Returned to the great axis of the dance, their gyrating went on. The moment was almost disappointing to them both, knowing the end was coming. Violins quieted, violas, and Octavia rested her playing, as did her double bass player. All that filled the ballroom now were calm notes of the piano. Rainbow and Summer fell from their hind stand when this happened, clanking on the floor with three of their hooves, still holding each other close with their left forehooves. Releasing Summer from her embrace, Rainbow began to pull away and walk past her from the side. This incited Summer to follow her walking, as their eyes locked. The circled each other like a merry-go-round, becoming entranced in each other’s gazes.

It wasn’t quite over, but Rainbow Dash felt most victorious. It seemed as though she had a magnetic pull on Summer. She was no longer in her clutches, but still she followed with a look of fascination. The piano was coming up to its finish, Rainbow was sure, so now was the time tie the knot to this. With a slight to her right, Rainbow moved away from Summer, causing Summer to turn likewise. They walked now in their own individual loops, extending from the center to the edge of the major circuit. The sign of infinity was made as they met in the center once more. They rose their right forehooves leaning in, pressing their noses together with closed eyes. Rainbow Dash stepped back then, bowing herself to Summer. Summer returned the bow, which somehow at that moment stirred something in Rainbow she couldn’t explain. Whatever the feeling was, she couldn’t help her wings stretching back. She would have been embarrassed by this, remembering back to Rarity’s recommendation to the contrary; however, Summer seemed impressed by the display, much like she had before when she was bent backwards. The final low note was struck by the pianist, which after nearly fading to silence, drove all guests to stomp in applause for musicians.

As the applause went on, Octavia rested her cello on the stand and hugged the stallion seated next to her as the lights brightened up again. She got up hugged each of her students from behind, making her way to the pianist whom she gave a hug as well. She and her class of performers, however, were not the only one receiving cheers. Using the background ovation as a cover, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie cheered for their friends on the dance floor, particularly Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze. Those three were not the only ones using this ploy, however, as Rarity and Snazzy, as well as Fluttershy and Discord, clapped on for Rainbow’s first dance with the pony of her dreams. Rarity was likely the giddiest of the seven whose attentions were focused on the two mares. Back on stage, after giving her personal congrats to her musicians, Octavia returned to the front of the stage.

After a moment’s silence, she said, “Thank you all. That was Prélude de Amour Pour la Vie [Change name later?] by Andante Sonata. If you would like to hear the rest of this masterpiece, it will be playing at the Broncowaltz Theater in Manehattan on the 16th of December…”

As she continued telling everypony where to get tickets to the performance, Summer turned to Rainbow and whispered, “That was so fun Rainbow! From everything Pinkie’s told me, I wouldn’t have guessed you could dance like that.”

Rainbow looked away bashfully and then, reflecting on the words of Trusty Hooves, said back, “Yeah, well, you gotta learn to have fun at these things some time, right?”

Summer returned a concurring smile and nod, sharing a quiet minute with Rainbow after.

After Octavia had finished her commercial slogan on behalf of the Broncowaltz Theater, a five minute intermission was announced. During that time, Princess Celestia was quite taken by the dance she shared with one of the Discords, as was Princess Luna.

The first of these sisters then said, “My, that certainly wasn’t like I expected.”

It was meant to be a positive statement, but inside she might have felt disappointment, maybe.

Her Discord Two rolled his eyes smiling and said, “I bet you figured something a bit more…tumultuous.” Princess Celestia looked away blushing, not sure if it was wise to confirm.

Princess Luna, however, was bold enough to admit, “Indeed,” turning from her sister’s Discord Two to her own, “we both had anticipated something less…slow.”

Both Discords laughed at that. The sisters looked at each other to read their expressions to decide what the other was thinking.

The Discord Two then said, “Wouldn’t that make me…”

“Us…” Discord One interjected.

“…predictable?” Discord Two finished asking?

Princess Celestia smiled at the Discords’ point and answered amusingly, “I suppose it would.”

Princess Luna nodded towards her sister.

Discord One then felt like asking, “I hope I didn’t disappoint Lulu,” earning a hot glare from Princess Luna.

To call her by the name Lulu was counted as insulting. Still though, a blushing smile came.

She answered her Discord saying, “To be honest, it was actually quite…” Princess Luna was too embarrassed to finish, so her sister inserted, “…nice.”

They shared flushed expressions. At once, both Discords threw their arms in the air exclaiming, “Splendid!” and in a flash of light, disappeared.

This shocked both Princesses Celestia and Luna, as well as surrounding ponies. After looking towards each other for a verbal impression, Princess Celestia rolled her eyes with a smile, saying, “Same Ole Discord!”

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was seen from a distance asking Summer Breeze something. Fluttershy couldn’t quite hear. Curiosity got to her then as she saw the two walking away from the dance floor.

She then heard Discord saying, “Oh, they’re going to grab some drinks now. Let’s go and congratulate them on their performance!”

“No!” Fluttershy quietly cried desperately.

She had still felt embarrassed from her earlier crash incident with Summer. It also seemed wise to her that Rainbow’s time with Summer was not to be interrupted. She couldn’t decide which of those two factors was more important. Not to mention she felt this situation was too delicate for Discord to engage. Discord looked at Fluttershy bewildered by her small, yet somehow dramatic protest.

“What is it, Fluttershy?” he asked. She hesitated, typical.Fluttershy didn’t feel like she could tell Discord either about the setup to get Rainbow and Summer together. She needed an excuse, which luckily didn’t take too long to find.

“um…How about another dance?” she said, trying to smile innocently, but failing to hide that something was ahoof.

Discord could see through Fluttershy’s act, but he shrugged it off, respecting whatever it was she was hiding.

“She’ll probably tell me tomorrow,” he thought to himself, then proceeded to answer, “Whatever you want, my dear.”

He may not have had the whole story, but he did have a pretty good idea of what it was.

At the same time, Rarity had so much to celebrate, both for herself and for her friend Rainbow Dash. She couldn’t decide for whom she was more excited; probably Rainbow since she had worked harder there, while getting close to Snazzy Tux was more a matter of luck for her. She saw her friend and Summer Breeze walking off for reasons she couldn’t say nor over which she concerned.

Snazzy had notice this himself, leading him to ask, “Shall we see your friend and commend her on her superb dancing?”

Rarity’s heart skipped a beat in horror at his idea, causing her to say alarmingly, “No! No-no-no!”

He was shaken by Rarity’s outburst, though muffled as it was, “Anything the matter, dear?” he asked.

At once, Rarity spun to face him and lean in close, making himself lean back like a fire neared its way.

Rarity then said carefully intensely above a whisper, “Too much work has gone into this. They mustn’t be disturbed!” Snazzy nodded his head as Rarity went on, “Rainbow is on her own tonight. Any additional social connections from now on can potentially set the whole plan off course!”

Snazzy’s face went from stunned to enthusiastic as he nodded listening to Rarity’s passion.

“My word,” he said, taken by Rarity’s logic, “you seem to be rather invested in their courtship.”

In seeing his comprehension, Rarity started to feel less tense. Her face softened and turned away coyly, almost embarrassed by being seen as investing in Rainbow’s courtship with Summer.

Her face turned back to Snazzy, lowered bashfully with her eyes still on his, and said, “She’s my friend. I want to make this her best night ever.”

Admiring her best wish and commitment towards her friend, he smiled saying, “I’m sure it will be. How about another dance then?”

Rarity grinned at his suggestion, needing to say nothing more.

Back on the royal platform, there was plenty of feedback being shared amongst Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie.

“That…” Twilight said, pausing for emphasis, “was just amazing!”

Applejack then asked, “Y’all see what she did crossing that floor?”

She had been referring to Rainbow Dash’s personal alteration between the fifth and sixth twirl.

Knowing exactly this, Pinkie exclaimed, “I know! That was totally awesome!”

She then asked, “You think they’re going to kiss tonight?”

The other two thought a moment.

Twilight shook her head and said, “I don’t think so.”

“Probably too soon, I reckon,” Applejack added.

The girls then began cooking up their own plan on how to get Rainbow’s first kiss with Summer, deciding also to pass it by Rarity later. Their discussion was broken by the return of Princesses Celestia and Luna.

Pinkie Pie was the first to notice as she greeted them, “Hey your highnesseses!”

Upon hearing that, Twilight turned to them smiling. The sisters seemed happy after a dance with the Discords, sparking curiosity in the young alicorn.

“How was it?” asked Twilight. Princess Luna answered first saying, “Better than you would imagine.”

Twilight was pleasantly surprised to hear that from the one pony she couldn’t imagine enjoying dances herself.

Applejack smirked and said, “Really? Pull the other one Princess!”

Such a comment might have come off as rude had it been from any other pony. Being a close friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle, however, had allowed Applejack to speak more casually with the regal pair.

Princess Celestia laughed even at her retort as she insisted, “But it’s true, my little pony,” then turning to Twilight said, “You really missed out.”

Twilight smiled as she rolled her eyes and said, “Oh I’m sure I did.”

The two Princesses then took their seats and joined in the discussion the other three mares were having.

Summer Breeze had wanted to go out to the botanical gardens and Rainbow Dash accompanied her. There was hardly anypony outside during the performance of Octavia’s musical ensemble, except for a few couples who had chosen not to dance. They went to one of the servers who poured out for them glasses of more punch. A few of the animals began showing up, Summer pointed out. Rainbow then remembered Fluttershy’s disappointing experience of her first Gala trying and failing to befriend them all. Summer laughed as she was being told this story by Rainbow Dash, as told to her by Fluttershy.

“She actually chased them inside the Gala?!” she asked, hardly believing how ridiculous that sounded. Rainbow giggled at the memory nodding.

She swore saying, “By Celestia! Wallaroos, rabbits, spider monkeys, you name it. That’s the only part I got to see though. Also, Fluttershy all frazzled was screaming, ‘You are going to LOVE ME!!!’.”

The two shared a big laugh at that. Rainbow sure loved the sound of Summer’s laugh.

Recovering from her hilarity, Summer then said, “I don’t see how someone like Fluttershy could have a hard time with these animals.” After taking another sip of punch, placing her glass on the ground, she continued, “Watch this…”

Rainbow Dash was confused a moment, as Summer Breeze squatted down low to the ground, almost dragging her chin, it seemed as she slowly crawled away. She was heading towards a tree in the distance, from which Rainbow saw a spider monkey, probably the one she saw at her first Gala. Rainbow was fascinated, seeing the monkey was as well, both so curious as to Summer’s approaching the tree. She must have stopped two yards away from the trunk, then strangely covered her eyes with her hooves. Rainbow looked on from the distance, gaping as she saw the inquisitive primate slowly descending. She looked back at Summer, who just held still, still covering her eyes with a big smile. The spider monkey certainly had reservations, that much was clear, but its interest was stronger as it drew nearer and nearer to Summer. She did not move though, safe maybe for her grinning. Rainbow was simply astonished by what she saw. The monkey then began to touch Summer’s snout, jumping back a bit as she giggled. Again, though, it persisted to examine Summer, until it felt curious enough to grab her hooves and uncover her face. She simply stared back and said, “Hi.”

It seemed to start taking a warming to the earth pony, who nuzzled at the monkey’s belly. Feeling tickled, it decided to tickle back, hopping onto Summer’s back, and start wiggling its fingers on her side. That sight was so endearing to Rainbow; the way Summer Breeze was laughing and playing with that spider monkey.

Temptation finally crept into the pegasus, as she took one step forward, snapping a twig in the process. Immediately after, the few animals coming out, including the spider monkey, fled. “Sorry!” said Rainbow, hating herself instantly for ruining Summer’s fun.

Summer wasn’t too disappointed, however, as she giggled at Rainbow, though it sounded more like she was trying to hold back an even bigger laugh.

Finally, she turned to her hilarious friend and said, “It’s okay! Want to give it a try?”

Rainbow stepped back hesitantly, but said both giddily and nervously, “Alright…”

She got down and crawled her way towards Summer. Upon reaching, Summer nodded in gesture for Rainbow to cover her eyes, which she did, and Summer after.

“Now wait,” Summer said. A minute passed when Rainbow started feeling a bit bored, only to then start hearing Summer making clicking sounds from the back corner of her tongue. A few seconds after then, Rainbow found her hooves being moved away from her eyes by what she’d hate to admit was the cutest wallaroo she’d ever seen. Further out looked like the mother, so Rainbow held still not wanting to offend the marsupial.

The baby wallaroo started to play with Rainbow’s face, mainly smooshing her cheeks and tickling her ears. It was when the baby poked Rainbow in the eye that she yelped, “Hey!” causing the mother and baby to flee the scene. Rainbow began rubbing at her sore eye and found herself being laughed at by Summer. She couldn’t help then but get caught up in laughing at herself. After the two calmed down, still laying on their bellies, Rainbow saw the same spider monkey standing right in front of her. Her eyes narrowed demandingly as she then whispered,

“Don’t you dare.” Whether the monkey understood or not was unknown, but immediately after it jumped onto her back, and started to tickle Rainbow Dash.

She laughed and Summer laughed at her more, only to find herself getting tickled by that spider monkey. The two rolled on their backs laughing hysterically, neither one willing to fight back. Eventually, the long-armed primate got bored or hungry, and left. Rolling back onto their bellies, the laughs went on incessantly, both residual from the tickling, as well as at how funny the whole moment had been.

As soon as she was able to speak then, Rainbow gave her observation asking, “So you’re good with animals, huh?”

Summer forced herself to relax to answer, “With some, yes. You learn a lot when living in the wilderness.”

‘Living in the wilderness’? This would be something to inquire on later, Rainbow thought. She began to wonder instead if Summer’s skills with animal could best Fluttershy’s, though she had said only ‘with some’.

About forty-five minutes passed since the first dance when Octavia and her musicians were ready to take a longer intermission. Everypony inside then started out through the botanical gardens, on their way to the air show. A little before that time, Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze were looking out into Princess Luna’s night sky, talking about the stars. Rainbow had no clue how they started doing that, but one thing was for sure. She would definitely have to thank Twilight for lecturing her on astronomy then apologize for getting so bored those few years ago. The sound of many ponies passing then got her and Summer’s attention.

Summer quickly rose to her hooves and said, “Come on Rainbow, the Wonderbolts!” and she pranced away.

Rainbow suddenly felt a chill by Summer’s quick departure.

She got up swiftly and flew after shouting, “Wait for me!” Catching up to her, Rainbow lowered herself back to the ground and trotted alongside Summer, who looked rather excited. It suddenly hit her just how much luckier she was being a Wonderbolt herself and contemplated on how she can join in the show to impress Summer. No-no! Summer already knows Rainbow isn’t scheduled to fly that night, therefore any last-minute changes would be just weird.

Everypony made it out to the fields where the Wonderbolts were performing, climbing up the bleachers, and lowered folded chairs to sit. Summer was about to climb up as well, but Rainbow Dash was pulling her away.

With Summer silently asking with her eyes, Rainbow, perceiving, answered, “There’s a box reserved for other Wonderbolts not flying tonight. The views way better from there!”

Summer again said nothing, but her grin expressed her excitement more clearly than any spoken word. They went off to the seats of which Rainbow described, but when they got there, a security guard halted them. Going through this before, Rainbow pulled out her badge indicating her membership. Just as a formality then, the guard gestured with his eyes towards Summer, to which Rainbow answered, “She’s with me.”

He nodded, allowing the two to pass through. The voice of Princess Celestia was heard as Rainbow and Summer made their way, giving her opening announcements. The box they entered must have had fifty or so seats, though it seemed like only half were occupied. Almost half there looked like cadets, some of whom Summer noticed whispering among themselves,

“Look, it’s Rainbow Dash!” Hearing that name had somehow excited her more. It was as if…No, she literally was with a celebrity, taking an honorary position as guest in the Wonderbolts’ venue box!

The next hour was spent watching the remarkable aerial acrobatics. Some stunts performed were in fact formations used by the Wonderbolts in their more militaristic capacity as Equestria’s Royal Air Force. In the same way that Octavia and her orchestra played elegant music inside, her gal pal Vinyl Scratch DJed outside more modern music to compliment the Wonderbolts’ performance. Fireworks shot up as well, lighting the whole sky above Canterlot, bringing joy and wonder to all, even to those not attending the Grand Galloping Gala. The exploding lights could even be seen from Ponyville. The applause and cheers rivaled the fireworks in volume and were likewise are said to be audible to that small town. The first major flight pattern of the night was accompanied by five specialized rockets, each blowing up to display luminant symbols of Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and one other that caught somepony’s eyes. Rainbow Dash, who was seeing this formation for the first time, had a gaping smile when she felt her shoulder being shoved. She turned to Summer Breeze who had the same look of wonder on her face.

She then exclaimed over background uproar, “That was you!” glancing down at Rainbow’s cutie mark.

Rainbow grinned bashfully, covering herself with her wings in much the same way Twilight had. Summer protested her modesty and reached out to pull Rainbow’s wings away from her face. Their attention on each other was broken suddenly by the loud explosion of several fireworks which formed a violet sunburst. The crowd erupted with the chanting,

“Princess Twilight! Princess Twilight! Princess Twilight!…” Twilight was so moved to see and hear this, she just had to cover herself with her wings, much as Rainbow had done. She more hid herself from her friends Applejack and Pinkie Pie and Princesses Celestia and Luna closest to her in the royal box than anypony else. After the Wonderbolts landed and saluted all those seated in the royal box, they took off to continue the show. The next flight pattern was a personal favorite of Princess Celestia: The Icaranian Sun Salutation. After more amazing displays of flying talent and fireworks, of which were mainly yellow and orange, the crowd erupted again with the chanting,

“Princess Sola! Princess Sola! Princess Sola!...” It wasn’t common to call Princess Celestia by the name “Sola,” but it was her name nonetheless. It was better for the rhythmic chanting anyway. The next pattern flown involved yet more acrobatic stunts, this time releasing streams of smoke. Other squadrons gathered this smoke to a great mass in the sky, in which six rockets blew the following colors: Purple, Green, Red, Red, Green, Purple. This was no doubt representing the fallen King of Shadows, Sombra. Two large squadrons crisscrossed the cloud of smoke, releasing a series of ornate explosives. One side blew up into colors of gold and pink for Princess Cadence, the other of green and purple for Spike. A rocket shot up into fast into the sky then and into a smoke cloud, exploding into a pale blue heart. This quickly dissipated the great black haze, representing Sombra’s defeat, inciting everypony to chant,

“Princess Candance! Princess Candance! Princess Candance!...” Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze had each then begun to rest their heads on the other’s, neither thinking too much of it. They were just friends enjoying the show and each other’s company.

The final major flight pattern was about to begin, as the name of it was announced over the loudspeaker: Euryphaëssa Mōna Tributarum (“wide-shining”; “moon”; “paying tribute”). At once, every Wonderbolt swarmed all over above the field carrying sparklers that glimmered dazzling white streams. A line of thirteen pegasi then soared up above the swarming flyers, each releasing a sort of explosive. These explosives then burst one by one revealing what looked to be arching phases of the Moon. Rainbow Dash suddenly felt her hoof being clasped tightly by the excited mare next to her. Rainbow thought carefully of what it could mean.

“Summer’s probably just excited by the show. Just take it slow,” she thought.

Slow was not a fun word for Rainbow, but thinking back to the gardens, she knew she had to be as patient as possible. A final rocket then was launched into the air and silence filled everypony. It took a minute before the rocket could no longer be recognized in the night sky, until it exploded brightly! It was the largest firework anypony had ever seen. What started in a nearly blinding flash of white became concentric circles, which shot forth streams of light, segments of which continued to stem out further branches of gleam just pure white. No other color was included, just the one which glorified the Moon, the stars, and their Princess. Rainbow and Summer looked to each other with expressions of speechless astonishment.

Everypony was still silent after the fireworks nearly faded. Nopony had ever seen anything this spectacular before. All the performing Wonderbolts landed on the field and saluted the royal box again, particularly in the direction of one alicorn. Princess Luna’s jaw still hung low, as did those of Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. It was the first display of the Euryphaëssa Mōna Tributarum ever. She turned to Princess Celestia, who didn’t look the least bit surprised, but rather knowingly. Princess Luna turned and silently pleaded her sister with her eyes for answers.

Princess Celestia, perceiving her immense curiosity, answered, “I commissioned this pattern a hundred years before your return, sister.”

The only words Princess Luna could utter then were, “For me?” Her sister smiled and nodded. The awe-inspired silence had gone on for long enough, Rainbow Dash thought, as she started chanting,

“Princess Luna! Princess Luna! Princess Luna!…” This incited Summer next to her to immediately join in, followed by everypony else in the Wonderbolts’ venue box, which eventually spread through everypony in every bleacher,

“Princess Luna! Princess Luna! Princess Luna!…” Princess Luna was overcome by all of this! She had a flight formation devoted to her already, and the cheering of her name wasn’t unfamiliar, yet it seemed her sister had taken it in her hooves to enrich both tenfold!

She turned to Princess Celestia ready to cry and taking her in a tight hug in both hoof and wing said, “I love you `Tia!”

“And I love you Luna,” her sister returned.

This display between sisters was just too magnetic to resist, drawing Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie especially, into the hug.

It had to be the best air show ever in Equestrian history, only to ever be repeatable on special nights such as the Grand Galloping Gala. With the mix of four militant style flights, four minor aerial stunts, and four patterns devoted to the Princesses, complimented with fireworks and Vinyl Scratch’s musical touch, it was over. Everypony began to leave the field and return to the main event hall, including Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze.

As they walked alongside one other, still immensely impacted by the air show, Summer exclaimed, “That was even more amazing than the last year!”

Rainbow, in full agreement, replied, “I know, right?!”

They were both halfway from the field to the event hall when Summer expressed her further eagerness, “I can’t wait to see you fly next year!”

Rainbow paused in her tracks. “Huh?” she uttered, confused by the statement. Summer wasn’t leaving already, was she?

Not perceiving Rainbow’s thoughts, Summer asked, “You’re taking Soarin’s place next Gala, aren’t you?”

That’s what she meant, Rainbow realized quickly. “Oh yeah, definitely!”

The night had been totally in Rainbow Dash’s favor so far, but there was only one hour left. Whatever was going to happen, she had only that short span of time to think up exactly what she was going to ask Summer.

Back in the ballroom, Octavia got back up to the front of the stage saying, “Welcome back, everypony. I hope you all had a wonderful time watching the Wonderbolts. I know I did, but let’s take this final hour to mellow down. Some of us do have work in the morning.”

She was caught off guard again by the sound of snare drums and symbol returned, [ba-dum-TSH!], earning some chuckles from the crowd.

Octavia then shouted immediately after, “Vinyl! I swear by the Celes-…” stopping her swearing mouth with a hoof.

Her eyes opened widely and her face blushed rosy. Using the name of the Princess like that was often perceived as bad-mannered, especially by the upper-class; nevertheless, this moment earned the hilarity of everypony who heard, even Princess Celestia herself.

After collecting herself once again, Octavia breathed deeply, and continued, “With that, our next piece will be from…”

Rainbow Dash could hardly hear a thing, being lost in her own thoughts, as she formulated on how to proceed.

“One dance was probably enough,” she thought, “should I ask her now?” she pondered. “No, because what would I do after that? Ask her as she’s leaving,” Rainbow finally decided.

As the music started playing, she found a colt approaching her and Summer. Rainbow’s eyes widened, as she noticed a look of fascination in the pony drawing near. He seemed to be interested in Summer, like he was about to ask for a dance, but what was Rainbow Dash to do? She started feeling possessive, but over somepony whose heart, she realized, she didn’t capture yet. Summer would probably decline, but Rainbow still felt the coming of an adversary. She then noticed a faint flash in the bottom of her sight. The colt had then walked into the source of the barely noticeable flash, slipped on what had apparently been a wet spot on the floor. Rainbow and Summer both saw the him getting back up, looking embarrassed, and rushed off. They looked at each other, somewhat confused, but Rainbow had some idea of who did that.

Meanwhile, across the ballroom, Discord had laughed hard at his own handiwork. Fluttershy, however, didn’t take much humor in that colt falling to the floor.

She exclaimed softly, “Discord!”

“What?” he asked, “you were the one who pointed him out in alarm.”

Fluttershy’s look of disapproval didn’t waver.

“That doesn’t mean I wanted you to hurt him!” she explained.

Discord waved his eagle claw and blew a raspberry at her reproach.

He then said, “It’s not like I made him tumble down a flight of stairs, which you know, I could have done for my own amusement. That was just for our friend Rainbow Crush…and me!”

He continued laughing to himself. Fluttershy just rolled her eyes, deciding to tolerate yet another one of Discord’s antics. She was the one who decided to let him in on Rainbow’s crush on Summer Breeze during the air show.

Remembering that then, Fluttershy smiled softly, shrugging her annoyance, and said, “Let’s just go find the girls now.”

“Fine,” Discord conceded, “but I’m still keeping an eye on those two,” and his left eye slithered out like a snail’s, turning back to watch over Rainbow and Summer.

As the night went on, fewer and fewer couples danced, while others simply listened, applauding after each short piece of music.

Rarity eyes had fallen, as she looked back up, asking, “Must you leave now Snazzy?”

It was only about another forty-five minutes before the Grand Galloping Gala would come to a close, but Rarity had not prepared for herself for Mister Tux’s departure.

Seeing the young unicorn so downcast, Snazzy offered a sympathetic smile, saying, “I am sorry, my dear Rarity, but as Miss Melody said, ‘Some of us do have work in the morning’, and I must be at my best at the meeting tomorrow.”

That was a good point, she realized, being business-savvy herself.

Rarity smiled shyly and said, “I understand. I guess I’ll rejoin my friends now. You have a safe trip home.”

Before she had the chance to turn away, however, Snazzy Tux had one more thing to say. She recognized this by the way he lowered his head towards her.

He then asked, “Would you be in favor, though, to join me for an afternoon tea at Old Elm’s this Thursday?”

Rarity at once beamed at the invitation.

“That sounds simply divine,” she said with a grin.

Snazzy then bowed his head saying, “Good night then, Rarity.”

“Good night, Snazzy,” Rarity returned, hiding in as much excitement as she could.

As Snazzy then walked away then, Rarity’s face turned blank, as she wondered if he was the one playing a mind trick like she tried before! She shook her head at the thought in amusement, knowing well he didn’t have to. After feeling Snazzy had walked far enough away, Rarity then turned and looked for her friends. That might have been contrary to her scheme, but she’s certainly not going to spend the rest of the Gala alone!

Back on the royal platform, Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight, as well as Applejack, all shot glares of judgement towards Discord. Fluttershy had just finished talking about what happened with the colt who slipped and hardly anypony was amused. Pinkie Pie was an exception, though she did at least have for once to try and contain herself.

“What?!” Discord exclaimed, “Don’t tell me you believe I was in the wrong as well. If anything, I complimented the Rainbow’s apparent nimbility using that clumsy oaf.”

Pinkie could no longer hold it in, as she laughed hysterically. The sisters watched the laughing pink mare, uncertain whether they wanted to judge her, on account of her nature. Twilight and Applejack, however, made no hesitation to shoot her looks of disapproval.

Finally, able to speak through her laughs, Pinkie said, “You’re right Dizzy, Summer will be all over Rainbow now!” and she continued in her giggles.

Fluttershy still hadn’t approved of Discord’s conduct, but she couldn’t help but smile at Pinkie’s state. A call then grabbed everypony’s attention.

“Yoo-hoo! Girls…” Rarity called from below, then adding, “and your highnesses.”

Twilight couldn’t tell if she was included in the former or the latter half of that greeting, but smiled and gestured her to come on up and join them all.

When Rarity made it up and took her reserved cushion, Applejack asked, “How’d it go with Snazzy?”

Rarity raised her chin proudly and answered, “Afternoon tea at Old Elm’s this Thursday.”

Applejack rolled her eyes and smiled.

“So what’s the topic of discussion now?” Rarity asked.

Twilight crossed her hooves and said irritably, “Discord made somepony he thought was interested in Summer slip and embarrass himself!”

Rarity smiled, leaned forward to face Discord a few seats away, and said, “Good show, Discord!”

Discord then gave Fluttershy next to him a smug expression.

“See,” he spoke smoothly, “not everypony thought I was being bad.”

At this, Fluttershy then slapped both hooves to her face in a heavy sigh. Just something about being around Discord made it easier for her to express her annoyance.

Ponies applauded when Octavia and her orchestra finished their final musical number of the night. The cellist then got back to the front to make her final announcements.

She waited for the room to quiet down and said, “Thank you all for attending the Grand Galloping Gala tonight. Long live our Princesses.”

Everypony, safe for the Princesses themselves repeated back, “Long live our Princesses!”

Octavia continued, “Please do give another round of applause for these fine, talented ponies.”

She turned around to face her students, clapped her hooves together, inciting everypony else to appreciatively stomp the floor in applauds.

Turning back, Octavia waited for the thunderous stomps to cease, and said, “I would like to thank Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight for allowing me to share with them these outstanding musicians. May they spread throughout Equestria the beauty you’ve all heard this night!”

Another round of applause sounded in concurrence to her proclamation. As Octavia continued her closing speech, part of which also included requested donation to a number of charitable organizations, the three Princesses and Twilight’s friends searched the sea of ponies for Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze. Discord, having never stopped his snail-like left eye from wandering, pointed them all then to the pair.

Rainbow and Summer had been sitting together near the alicorn statue listening to Octavia’s speech. Summer then got up and turned to Rainbow, who rose as well. Rainbow gave Summer her full attention, seeing she got up first.

With a big smile, Summer then said, “Well it’s been fun Rainbow. I’m really glad to have spent this night with you.”

Rainbow’s smile never fell, but inside she was terrified. Summer was just about to announce her departure. It was now or never!

Rainbow gulped as Summer continued, “I should really head home now. Long run and all,” closing with a grin.

“Long run?” Rainbow thought, “That doesn’t sound right. Summer’s run longer than that. Wait…” Another thought came, but this time audibly.

She asked, “You’re running back during night?”

Summer’s nodding radiated high enthusiasm.

She then answered, “Yeah! I’ve learned to see well in the dark, but that aside, Luna’s Moon is shining bright tonight, isn’t it?”

Rainbow’s slightly confused face turned to a smile as she said, “Oh yeah, it is, huh?”

A few seconds of silence passed between the two.

It was then broken when Summer said, “Well, good…” cut off so hastily by Rainbow saying,

“Wait! I wanted to ask you something.”

Summer’s head jolted back at the interruption, and then leaned forward as she asked, “Yes Rainbow?”

Rainbow’s eyes swung left and right, as though seeking out the words she wanted to say, but only let out a quick, nervous hum. Summer tilted her head a bit and gave a friendly smile. Rainbow looked back to Summer, to Summer’s face. Her smile, her rising dimples, her yellow, glistening mane, her beautiful blue eyes…

Rainbow couldn’t waste another minute as she blurted out, “You wanna grab lunch at the Hay Burger this Wednesday?”

She put up a fight against a frown of embarrassment, but the blush across her face was victorious.

Summer’s face went blank, as she absorbed what she just heard. She took a moment to analyze the words, the tone, the speed, even the facial expression thereafter. She was pretty sure of what was being asked of her. Wishing not to make a fool of herself, however, she needed to confirm.

After seeing Rainbow’s blush fade a little, Summer asked quietly, “Are you asking me out?”

Rainbow’s smile ultimately won against the embarrassed frown as she simply nodded. Summer looked away for a moment, causing Rainbow smile to drop a little, but it was still there. After Summer considered the question, she finally turned her smiling face on that slightly-shorter-than-her pegasus, and said, “I would love that!”

Rainbow couldn’t believe she just heard that answer, as all embarrassment fled away, and she shown a wide grin.

She almost wanted to ask ‘Really?’, but switched to a more establishing question, “How does one O’clock sound?”

Summer nodded and said, “Meet you then!” Rainbow stood still as Summer began to walk past her from the right side. Suddenly, she felt something pressing against the side of her face. She only realized what it was after the intaking pressure released her cheek with soft smacking sound. Rainbow quickly turned her head to see Summer’s warmly smiling face.

Summer then said, “As I was saying,” pausing to wink at Rainbow, “Good night,” and trotted away for the exit with a few others leaving.

Rainbow Dash fell on her flank, hind legs too weak to stand. She took a hoof to her chest, realizing it must have been beating faster than necessary for flight. The world around her had become far removed from her. Even the applause following Octavia’s closing speech seemed quiet as a light wind. Rainbow couldn’t tell how much time had passed, not that time was even something existent to her then. As faint as every sound around was though, one sound approaching drew her senses back.

“You did it Rainbow!” was heard coming from Twilight’s voice.

Rainbow never lost vision, but those words suddenly made vision something relevant once again, and the world came into focus to her. She saw her five friends coming a little way off from the right to meet in from of her.

Rainbow took one step forward saying, “She said…”

Her words were cut off by Pinkie Pie bouncing in place, “We know! We saw the whole thing Dashie!”

Rainbow bashfully looked away with a big smile.

Applejack chuckled and said, “You alright there, sugar cube?”

Rainbow faced her friends again, and getting up to dance in place on her tip hooves, whinnied like a school filly!

Rarity burst in asking, “But what exactly did she say?!”

Collecting herself quickly, Rainbow quoted, “‘I would love that!’”

Rarity and Fluttershy joined heads and shared a gentle, “Awww!”

Fluttershy giggled at Rainbow’s joyfully flushed face and asked, “When’s the date,” giggling after the word ‘date’ alone.

Rainbow answered, “One O’clock this Wednesday at the Hay Burger!”

Rarity raised an eyebrow while Rainbow wasn’t looking. The Hay Burger? Rarity might have preferred something classier like a fine, candlelit dinner, but that was just her.

Above everypony flashed a light where appeared then Discord wriggling in mid-air laughing hard.

As the girls looked up, puzzled by his amusement, he exclaimed, “You should have seen the look on your face, priceless!”

Discord then reached his eagle claw into his ear and pulled out a scroll. He then unrolled it in front of the six mares, causing five of them to laugh. Discord had captured an animated shot of Rainbow’s shocked expression as she was being kissed by Summer. Rainbow just smiled, surrendering to how goofy she looked at that moment.

“Oh!” continued Discord, “And just look at Summer’s face right now.”

He rolled the scroll back up and flashed it open again, presenting a live moving picture of Summer Breeze as she stepped outside. She was seen grinning so widely, even hopping up a little on her hind legs as she motioned her fore hooves like she was swimming. Soon as Summer galloped away from the peering view on the scroll, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all inclined their heads towards Rainbow, and all together gave her a louder, “Awww!” Rainbow giggled more, covering her face with one wing.

Twilight then asked, “Ready girls?”

The other four answered, “Ready!” Rainbow uncovered her face expressing confusion, when she found herself surrounded by her friends skipping in a very Pinkie-like manner, as they all sung teasingly, “♪ Rainbow Crush! Rainbow Crush! Rainbow Crush! ♪” The scene was just too irresistible, urging Discord himself to float around the six. His nose followed the tip of his snake-like tail, chanting in kind, “♪ Rainbow Crush! Rainbow Crush! Rainbow Crush! ♪” Rainbow might not have taken well to teasing a while back, but now, she was just too happy and proud to be bothered. After all, she was officially going out on a date with Summer Breeze.

Author's Note

PS
If there are any issues, such as accidental plagiarism, or anything of the like, let me know and I will try to correct it.