In Another World

The Night Of The Grand Gala

Zuro stood behind a display curtain in the Carousel Boutique in his new blazer with his hair combed nice and neet as he waited for Rarity to come out with Angel. The fashionista insisted on making sure none of the two would see the other in their outfits until they bother were dressed and ready to go, so she had Angel wait upstairs as she got Zuro dressed first, then moved him behind a display curtain to get Angel. Zuro heard some rustling coming from within the workroom as Rarity's voice called out, "no peeking!" until after a few seconds, the curtain swung open. Zuro blinked at Rarity smiled at him.

"Come on out, darling! Your date awaits!" She gestured her hand for him to come out into the workroom, to which Zuro followed. As he stepped into the room, he looked around as Rarity rushed to another closed curtain with a big grin on her face. "Zuro, allow me to the first to show you," she paused as she raised her wand to the curtain, "your date!" With a wave of her wand, the curtain pulled itself open to reveal Angel in a sleeveless ensemble of black and greens to match his blazer. Angel's hair was done back in a top bun, with makeup stylizing her face. She smiled with a bit of a blush, although the red in her cheeks could be the makeup. The dress hugged her torso before it opened up from the waist down, leaving her loins and legs completely exposed, which showed off the attention her pubic hair Rarity gave it.

Zuro's jaw dropped at the sight of his date to the Gala. If he did not know any better, he would have guessed Rarity tried to make her as pretty as she should be for the day of her wedding. Angel held her left elbow in her right hand as she tucked her chin into her chest. The red on her cheeks definitely was not the makeup.

"Angel," Zuro sighed, "you look absolutely amazing!" Angel's cheeks grew redder from the compliment. Rarity waved her wand, and her magic pushed them closer to each other.

"And you look quite handsome," Angel muttered under her breath.

"Now that you two are all ready, I'm afraid I must ask you to leave," Rarity said as she walked up to them. "I don't mean to be rude, but I do have to get myself and my friends ready for the Gala as well, so I need this time to prepare."

"Oh, no problem at all," Angel smiled at Rarity as she stepped up to Zuro.

"Yeah, we need to get going so we can catch the train," Zuro added as he locked elbows with Angel. Rarity smiled at them.

"And I'm sure I'll see you two there."

"Thanks for the help, Rarity," Angel smiled at her as she and Zuro walked to the main door.

"My pleasure, darling." Rarity waved at them as they left.

As Angle and Zuro walked through the town, all of the ponies greeted them with warm smiles and congratulations. They kept close to each other as they walked the streets toward the train station, where they waited patiently for their train to Canterlot. As they waited, Angel could see Zuro sitting uncomfortably, so she took his hand in her own, getting him to look at her.

"You have nothing to worry about," she assured him.

"I wouldn't say that," Zuro countered as he looked at the tracks.

"Hey," she called to him, getting him to look back at her. "The princess sent you the invitation; she knows you're coming."

"But she doesn't know what I am," Zuro countered. "If anyone finds out, it could spell bad news for us."

"Zuro," she sighed, "put aside that fact for one night. Tonight is all about you and me." She lay her head on his shoulder. He gave her a soft smile as he draped a wing over her shoulders, getting a smile from her.

"What?" he asked with a smile.

"When a pegasus drapes their wing over another, it's a sign of that person belonging to the pegasus," she explained.

"So, in other words," he scooted closer to her, "doing this shows everyone you belong to me?" She chuckled.

"That's one way of putting it." She smiled at him.

The sound of screeching train tracks caught their attention, getting them to look up as the train pulled into a screeching halt before the doors slid open and ponies began getting in and off at the same time. Angel and Zuro got up from the bench they sat on to get on the train, where they searched for a nice, quiet place together. Finally, after a few minutes, they found a seat by the window, where they could watch the land zoom by as the train moved.

"You know, the Gala is nice enough as is," Angel said as she smiled at him. "You didn't have to get luxury seats too." He smiled at her.

"I guess I felt like you deserve the best I can offer," He took her hand in his. The train began to move, and they looked out the window to watch the station disappear. "Off to the Gala!" Zuro looked at Angel with a smile, who smiled back at him.

"This is going to be the best night ever!" she observed.

~~)oOo(~~

Just outside Canterlot Castle stood a massive line of all the equines who received invitations to the Grand Gala, most with a guest or in groups. Still, there were plenty of singles taking the opportunity to mingle with fellow dignitaries. Zuro and Angel walked side-by-side in the line as Princess Celestia herself admitted most of the guests into the castle for the Gala while others entered by other means. Zuro noticed Twilight Sparkle standing beside Celestia as they greeted the guests who came into the Gala.

Angel and Zuro walked up to the princess, who smiled at them. "Zuro, I'm so glad you could come!" She beamed at him.

"Yes, well, I have a date who wanted to come, so I couldn't upset her," Zuro explained as he smiled at Angel.

"As I understand it," Celestia smiled at Angel, "you have quite the Guardian, Angel."

"You know my name?" Angel asked with a blush.

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia began as she looked to Twighlight, who blushed at the princess, "told me how you two are always by each other's side." Angel smiled at Twilight.

"Well, it looks like you have other ponies who are eager to meet you, your highness," Zuro observed as he looked at the line behind them. "We shouldn't keep you waiting."

"Do enjoy yourselves," Celestia smiled at them.

"Love your outfits," Twilight smiled as Zuro and Angel passed her. "Rarity does a wonderful job, doesn't she?"

"That she does," Angel replied to Twilight. "I heard she made your dress too." Angel admired Twilight's dress, which Rarity made similarly to Angel's, only the patterns were based on the star constellations instead of a black and green theme.

"It was a bit of a rough start, but in the end, all our dressed were amazing," Twilight smiled, getting a smile from both Angel and Zuro.

"Well, we don't wanna take up any more of your time, so we'll be going now," Angel said as she smiled at Zuro, who locked elbows with her.

"Have fun!" Twilight called as Angel and Zuro walked into the castle, where the Gala was in full swing. Couples and groups gathered around each other, mingling and dancing to the music. Zuro took in the tremendous amount of love energy that filled the whole castle. With this energy, Zuro would be satisfied for months, even though none of the love energy was directed at him.

Outside of all the energy in the air, Zuro could not help but notice the number of guards at every door throughout the castle. Of course, it only made sense for there to be so much security on a night like this, but knowing the reasons for the guards did not do anything to ease his nerves about being surrounded by them.

Zuro tore his attention away from the guards long enough to take notice of some of the familiar faces he saw from Ponyville. Rainbow Dash mingled with the leading members of the Wonderbolts while dawning a dress that matched her technicolored hair perfectly. Rarity appeared to be following a very well-dressed unicorn male, who Zuro could only assume held a level of royalty due to his ensemble and extremely well-pressed golden hair. AppleJack hosted a snack bar filled with plenty of apple-based products. Pinkie Pie bounced with excitement among all the high-class ponies and the musicians, who provided live music for the Gala. The only one he could not see was Fluttershy.

"I see several of the girls from Ponyville, except Fluttershy," Zuro observed. "Any idea where she could be?" he asked Angel.

"Why?" Angel asked as she looked at him. "You planning on ditching me for another pegasus?"

"Why would I do that?" Zuro asked with a grin. "You're the only girl for me." She smiled at him before Pinkie's bouncing, cheering, and singing about being at the Grand Gala caught their attention.

"That girl just doesn't know how to stay still for a minute," Angel observed.

"I like that about her," Zuro said with a smile. "She makes me laugh."

"You gotta point there," Angel smiled at him. "Anyway, I'm feeling peckish. Wanna see what AJ has in stock?"

"Sure!" Zuro smiled. "That cowgirl has the best recipes." Angel smiled at him before they walked over to Apple Jack's stand, getting a warm smile from the farm girl.

"Well, don't you two make the cutest couple!" Apple Jack observed as she smiled at them. "Ah see Rarity's handy work paid off for y'all, as well."

"Thank you, AJ," Angel smiled at her. "She did a great job on your dress too."

"Aw, shoot," AJ blushed. "Ah was gonna wear my old work duds before she offered to make this fancy get-up." She smiled at her dress, which matched her countryside perfectly. "Anyhoo, is there anythin' ah can get y'all?" Apple Jack asked them with a smile.

"How about a nice apple pie for us to share?" Angel asked Zuro.

"Sounds good to me," Zuro smiled as he pulled out a bag of bits from his inner-right blazer pocket while AJ pulled out the pie.

"One apple pie," she said with a smile. "That'll be five bits."

"Here you go," Zuro said as he handed her the five bits, plus an extra five, getting AJ to blink.

"It's just five bits, sugar cube," she explained.

"Consider the extra five a tip for good service," Zuro said as he smiled at her, getting her to smile back at him.

"Thank ya, kindly, sugar cube." She put the bits away before she got back to running the stand for others to come and enjoy her family recipe. Angel and Zuro looked for a place where they could enjoy their quick snack before they got to the rest of the festivities.

"How are you hanging in there, Guardian?" Angel asked as she wiped her mouth with a napkin from the table they sat.

"To be honest, I'm still terrified of all the guards around," Zuro answered. "But having you around helps ease the fear." He offered her a smile. She smiled back at him as she reached over to take his hand in hers.

They enjoyed their quick meal before the musicians began playing a slow tune; several of the couples went onto the dancefloor as the music started playing. Zuro smiled at Angel. "Shall we?" he asked. Angel nodded in reply before he got up and helped her out of her seat by offering his hand.

They walked to the dancefloor while holding hands before they turned to each other. Zuro took her waist with his right hand as he held her right hand in his left while she rested her left hand on his shoulder, both smiling into each other's eyes as he led her in a dance to the music.

"This makes me think about that party at the library," Angel mused with a smile.

"I have no problem reliving that moment," Zuro said with a smiled as he pulled her waist a little closer. She smiled at him as she followed his lead to the music. He twirled her around a few times, let her fall back at arm's length before pulling her back to him, and finally, when the music came to its conclusion, he dipped her back as she let her arm hang over her head. They held that pose for several seconds before he pulled her back upright.

"Now, why didn't you dance like that the first time?" she asked with a smile.

"The last time was a simple slow dance," he explained, "this time was a more high-class slow dance." They started to walk off the dance floor before they heard Pinkie's voice coming from the speakers, getting them to look back to see her on stage singing the Pony Poky.

"What's she up to now?" Zuro asked as he raised a brow at her.

"She probably thinks the Gala is another party like hers, so she's trying to get everyone into the swing of things," Angel observed as she watched the pink Normal singing proudly before someone in the crowd silenced her.

"I give it ten minutes before Pinkie's at it again," Zuro stated.

"I give it five," Angel countered.

"You're on!" Zuro smiled at her, though none of them would be happy as it took a good half an hour before Pinkie was back on stage, this time with a white unicorn with a crazy two-toned blue hairstyle and large shades on the bridge of her nose.

"So, now I guess none of us get the bits for this one," Angel shrugged.

Zuro smiled at Angel when he remembered the ring Rarity gave her the day she finished their outfits for the Gala. He rested his hand on the pocket where the ring rested as he thought about how he should ask her. He looked around the area, scanning the ballroom for the best place he could pop the question when his eyes locked onto an archway leading outside. Again, he smiled before he looked at Angel.

"Hey, Angel?" Zuro called, getting her to look at him.

"Yeah?" she replied with a smile.

"Come with me, real quick," Zuro ordered as he took her hand and guided her toward the archway.

"What is it, Guardian?" She asked as she looked at him in curiosity. He scratched the back of his head.

"Well, I've been meaning to ask you," he began as he reached into the breast pocket where the ring sat. "Angel," he pulled the small box out and started to kneel in front of her before some screaming caught their attention. They looked over just in time to see Rarity being used as a shield by the man she followed around the grounds earlier as some junks of a cake flew directly at her. Rarity began shouting at the man in a fit of rage, stating how he was the most uncharming person she ever had the misfortune of meeting.

"Stay back!" the man cried out as he backed up against a closed door behind him. "I just got my suit pressed!"

"Afraid to get dirty?!" Rarity called as she threw the splattered food from her dress onto him, getting him to stumble and fall back on his ass.

"What the hell is going on?" Zuro asked as he looked around. Just then, the doors to the gardens outside swung open, letting a large number of animals stampede into the ballroom with an angry and frazzled-looking Fluttershy following after them.

"You're... going to love me!"

Fluttershy's surprisingly loud voice caused a butterfly effect that sent the entire Gala into a frenzy. Statues were knocked over, animals running wild, and all the guests panicking in the chaos. Finally, a whistle coming from Twilight at the main entrance got the attention of her friends, who all fled the scene as fast as they could.

"I guess the party's over!" Zuro called out as he scooped Angel off her hooves just in time to avoid a stampede of animals coming straight for her. He took off with her in his hold outside of the castle and hovered in place as they looked back at the chaos going on in the ballroom.

"So much for the best night ever," Angel observed as she held onto Zuro.

~~)oOo(~~

Angel and Zuro walked out of a theatre that held a performance for all those who did not attend the Gala. "I felt sorry for the masked magician," Zuro observed. "He just wanted to be loved."

"He still did horrible things to the theatre and almost killed the girl's lover," Angel raised a brow.

"I didn't say I agree with his methods," Zuro defended himself. "I just said I felt sorry for him. Scard so bad, he was treated like dirt, and all he wanted was for someone to care for him."

"You have a point there," Angel agreed. "Anyway," she said as she stretched out her arms in a yawn, "I'm pretty tired. Shall we find a hotel?"

"I can carry you home," Zuro suggested, getting her to blink at him. "After tonight, I've got enough energy to carry you across Equestria," he explained as he smiled at her. Angel bounced to him, forcing him to think fast to catch her bridal style. Angel wrapped her arms over his shoulders as she nuzzled his neck as he held her close and took off the ground to fly over the mountainside toward Ponyville.

"My big, strong guardian," Angel mused as she held onto him. Finally, after several long minutes, maybe even an hour of flying, he flew in over the town toward his house, where he came in for a landing and walked up to the door. He looked around to make sure no one could see him, which was simple with how late it was before he used his changeling magic to open the door and carry her inside before closing the door behind him.

Angel fell asleep in his hold during the trip, so he brought her upstairs to their now shared room, where he laid her on the bed before shifting to an earth pony so he could slip his outfit off with ease. He almost tossed it to the side before he remembered how much time and effort Rarity put into making their outfits, so he rested it neatly on a desk to the side before he turned to her. He walked up and tenderly began to undress her, making sure not to wake her before he carried the dress over and rested it next to his blazer. He would hang them up properly, but the bedroom had no place for clothing, and none of the guest rooms were being used, not to mention he did not plan on having ponies spend the night with a bunch of clothing in their suitcases.

When both Angel and Zuro were completely naked, and the outfits were resting someplace they would not get wrinkled, Zuro climbed in bed next to Angel, who scooted closer to the warmth in the bed as he shifted back to his natural form. He smiled at her and nuzzled her nose softly before he closed his eyes and began to rest with her in his hold.

~~)oOo(~~

Earlier That Night

On the mountainside outside of Canterlot, Gnator stood beside Queen Chrysalis as they looked over the city. Chrysalis beamed at the tremendous amount of energy she could feel ever since she first came into the country. Gnator only glared at the great city that stood before them.

"Equestria has more love than I could've possibly imagined!" Chrysalis mused.

"Love isn't all it has," Gnator growled, getting the queen to look down at him.

"Patients, Gnator," she urged. "Your eagerness almost got you caught multiple times during your mission." She looked at the castle. "Thankfully, you did get the information we can use to get inside the castle unnoticed."

"The Grand Gala," Gnator observed.

"Yes," Chrysalis mused, "we will infiltrate the Gala as two guests. You can search for your brother and find out what he's doing here while I look for a means for attack." She turned to look at him as she grabbed him by the shoulders to make him look at her. "And when you find your brother?"

"I'll kick his ass!" Gnator proclaimed.

"No!" Chrysalis growled. "You are to find out what role he's gotten himself into in this country. Does he play an important role, or is he just flirting around with the pony?" she instructed as she looked back at the castle. "You wait here while I go and find the guest list. And do try not to draw attention to yourself." She ordered as she stretched her wings from under her arms.

"Can I at least kill one or two of these damn creatures?" Gnator asked as he looked around at the little critters running around the rocks and flying overhead.

"You really do want us to get caught, don't you?" she asked as she gave him a side-glance. He folded his arms as he plopped his ass on a nearby rock. "Remember, Gnator. Patients. You'll see your brother again soon." She gave her great wings a good flap as she kicked off the ground to take off, shifting to a small creature so she could fly into the castle unnoticed.

Gnator watched her until she was out of sight. "If she can slip in so easily, why doesn't she just get the information she needs for the assault?"

~~)oOo(~~

After The Gala

"That went beautifully!" Chrysalis cheered as she and Gnator flew away from the castle.

"What the hell are you talking about, your highness?!" Gnator asked. "Everything was a disaster! The place was too crowded, and the stampede cam rushing in before I could get to Zuro!"

"But I was able to find out who the captain of the royal guard is!" Chrysalis beamed as she landed on a cloud as Gnator landed on one close to hers. "More importantly, I found out who his fiance is." Her lips curled into a menacing grin.

"So, what?" Gnator asked as he folded his arms.

"We can use them to slip into the castle!" Chrysalis cheered.

"So, I replace him while you replace her?" Gnator asked, getting her to raise a brow at him.

"You still have much to learn if you're to impersonate someone of such importance," she explained. "The captain of the royal guard is a serious position, one you have no experience in, and the one he's dating is a princess."

"There's no way I'm going to play as a princess!" Gnator snorted.

"I never said you were," Chrysalis corrected as she looked back at the castle in the distance. "Leave the infiltration to me. I'll look for an opening to slip in as the princess while you go back to the hive and order them to wait for my summons."

"What makes you think they'll listen to me?" Gnator snorted. "I'm a nobody. Just the son of a retired fighter, who's bearly of age." She reached down and pulled out a scale from just above her pussy and handed it to him, getting a surprised blush to appear on his cheeks as he looked at it.

"Take a piece of my flower to the captain of the guard, and he'll know I gave you the order," she explained. He stared at the scale with red cheeks. "Don't be ashamed to hold a scale from my vagina, Gnator. Too few hold such honor." He looked up at her before he reached up and took the scale. "Now, go!"

"Yes, your highness," Gnator said as he bowed his head before he began flying to the west, toward the Dezolute Zone. Chrysalis turned back to face the castle with a smile on her face.

"Now, where to begin with you?" She asked herself as the wind blew through her silky dark green hair.