The Jedi Prince

It was the night of the Grand Galloping Gala as everyone was dressed and ready to go. Cody was dressed up in a nice black suit, with a white dress shirt. Sal and Bucky were dressed in their guard-style uniforms.

Several well dressed ponies were seen just outside the walls to the castle and some of them were making their way inside. Just a short distance away, several other carriages were arriving to drop off ponies going to the Gala. It was then the apple carriage was brought to a stop. Spike hopped off his seat and opened the main door, taking a bow as each pony made their way out. Spike then opened one eye and was amazed as all six girls stood before him, fully dressed in their gala attire. Twilight stood in the back with Rarity and Rainbow at her right while Applejack and Pinkie stood at her left. Fluttershy was front and center.

“Whoa! You all look...amazing!” said Spike in awe.

“Don’t forget me,” Cody spoke up as he came out in his dress robe and did a little dance before them all. Spike looked unimpressed.

“I can’t believe we’re finally here,” said Twilight excitedly as she and the other just looked at the castle with smiles as they either stood, or hovered, around her, “With all that we’ve imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this...The Best Night Ever!” Everyone just looks at the grand Canterlot castle, from the main gate to the east and west towers. Fireworks light up the sky and some music begins to play.

Twilight Sparkle (sings):
At the Gala

Choir (sings):
At the Gala

Fluttershy (sings):
At the Gala
In the garden
I’m going to see them all
All the creatures
I’ll befriend them at the Gala

Fluttershy visions herself flying into the garden, then holding a squirrel by the hand as several other creatures gather around her.

Choir (sings)
At the Gala

Fluttershy (sings):
All the birdies
And the critters
They will love me big and small
Right here at the Gala!

Applejack (sings):
All our dreams will come true
Right here at the Gala
At the Gala

Applejack visions a long line of ponies waiting to buy various apple treats from her little stand. All the ponies are smiling as they examine and make their purchases. She is then seen standing on top of a tall mountain of bits.

At the Gala (It’s amazing)
I will sell them (Better hurry)
All my appletastic treats (Yummy yummy)
Hungry ponies (They’ll be snacking)
Carmel apple, apple sweets (Gimme some)
And I’ll earn a lot of money
for the Apple family!

Choir (sings):
All our dreams and our hope from now until hereafter
All that we’ve been wishing for will happen at the Gala
At the Gala

Rarity (sings):
At the Gala
All the royals
They will meet fair Rarity
They will see I’m just as regal at the Gala

Rarity visions herself entering the main hall of the castle. She walks down a red carpet as some other ponies take notice of her and smile. They watch her approach Prince Blueblood. He smiles at her with hearts surrounding his face. The two meet and tap horns as the upper view of the main hall can be seen.

I will find him
My Prince Charming
And how gallant he will be
He will treat me like a lady
Tonight at the Gala!

Choir (sings):
This is what we’ve waited for to have the best night ever
Each of us will live our dreams
Tonight at the Gala
At the Gala

Rainbow visions herself flying with the Wonderbolts and their audience being blown away by their performance.

[Rainbow Dash (sings):
Been dreamin’
I’ve been waitin’
To fly with those great ponies
The Wonderbolts, their daring tricks
Spinning ‘round and having kicks
Perform for crowds of thousands
They’ll shower us with diamonds
The Wonderbolts will see me right here at the Gala!

Choir (sings):
All we’ve longed for
All we’ve dreamed
Our happy ever after
Finally will all come true
Right here at the Grand Gala
At the Gala

Pinkie visions herself bouncing through the heart of the party area. Confetti is raining down from above as everyone is smiling as she bounces past. Soon they are playing “pin the tail pony” and joins some ponies doing the can-can.

Pinkie Pie (sings):
I am here at the Grand Gala
For it is the best party
But the one things it was missing was a pony named Pinkie
For I am the best parties, all the ponies will agree
Ponies playing
Ponies dancing
With me at the Grand Gala!

Choir (sings):
Happiness and laughter at the Gala
At the Gala

Princess Celestia flies above, leaving a collection of sparkles in the arch between two clouds as Twilight watches her fly by. Twilight then visions herself meeting the princess face to face. Then they enjoy chatting and spending time with each other.

Twilight Sparkle (sings):
At the Gala (At the Gala)
With the Princess (With the Princess)
Is where I’m going to be (She will be)
We will talk all about magic and what I’ve learned and see (She will see)
As she take time just for me (This will be the best night ever!)

[Choir (sings):
This will be the best night ever
At the gala

Cody visions he and Twilight in the rose garden. They just smile and laugh at they enjoy their time together. Cody then picks a red rose and gives it to her. Twilight except the rose shyly and tucks it behind her ear. Then they kiss before two large fireworks fly high into the sky, exploding into the shape of two hearts.

Cody (sings):
At the gala, (At the gala),
The moment’s finally come
The ultimate time to find romance
To confess to my one true love
It’s the grandest night, when love shines bright
our love will bloom, my dream come true
Right here at the gala!

Choir (sings):
Into the Gala we must go
We’re ready now, we’re all aglow
Into the Gala, let’s go in and have the best night ever
Into the Gala, now’s the time
We’re ready and we look divine!

Choir and Fluttershy:
Into the gala

Fluttershy:
Meet new friends

Choir and Applejack:
Into the gala

Applejack:
Sell some apples

Choir and Rarity:
Into the Gala

Rarity:
Find my Prince

Choir and Cody:
Into the Gala

Cody:
Tell her my love

Choir and Rainbow Dash:
Prove I’m great

[Rainbow Dash]
As a Wonderbolt is

“To meet!” said Fluttershy.

“To sell!” said Applejack

“To find!” said Rarity

“To prove!” said Rainbow

To whoop!” said Pinkie

“To talk!” said Twilight.

“To tell!” said Cody.

The Mane Six, Cody, Sal, Bucky, and Spike all walk inside the castle side by side as two fireworks swirl upwards and explode multiple times in the night sky.

Choir:
Into the Gala
Into the Gala
And we’ll have the best night ever!
At the Gala!

The Mane Seven are now just standing just inside the entrance with excited faces as Spike then slides in front of them all.

“Yeah! This is gonna be the best night ever,” said Spike, “You know why? ‘Cause we’re all gonna spend time to...”

ZOOOOOOM!

Everypony took off, causing Spike to spin around and left rather dizzy.

“...gether,” Spike finished as he found himself alone, “or not.”

“Don’t worry, Spike. You can hang with us,” Sal said, as he, Sal, and Spike went off.

Twilight and Cody didn’t run for long before he got in front of her to slow her down.

“Okay, so our date has officially begun,” Cody told her excitedly, “And may I say you look absolutely beautiful this evening.” Twilight blushed shyly and looked away, thought Cody could see the smile on her face.

“So...what do you wanna do first?” Cody asked his date. Twilight just gave him a cute smile. It didn’t take a genius to figure out her answer. They just sang about it.

“You wanna go see Mom and Father?” Cody asked, with very little enthusiasm. Twilight gave him a squeaky smile and large sparkly eyes.

“Okay, follow me,” said Cody as he extended a hand to her. He was hoping Twilight would hold it so he could escort her, but after a few seconds of her just looking a little stunned he lowered it.

“Heh...o...kay, sorry,” said Cody sheepishly, “Just being a gentleman. Come on.” Cody then lead the way with Twilight slightly behind. Cody felt rather embarrassed but quickly shook it off as they headed toward a room with a large staircase that split into two different directions as they ascended upward. There at the splitting point was Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze themselves. Some ponies were going up to see greet her while a few others were chatting on the ground floor. Twilight all but ran ahead of a pair of ponies making their way towards the Princess and Prince.

“Twilight, wait up!” Cody called out as he chased after her. He caught up to her just as they reached the top of the middle stair case where Princess Celestia was waiting.

“Princess Celestia!” said Twilight excitedly as Cody stood beside her.

“Twilight! Cody!” said Princess Celestia, “It is so lovely to see my star student, and Cody, we haven’t seen you since your birthday earlier this week.”

“Hi, Mom,” Cody greeted, “Twilight’s my date for the evening.”

Twilight have a brave smile. Princess Celestia giggled as Twilight recomposed herself.

“Oh, I’m so excited to be here!” said Twilight, “We have so much to catch up on.”

“Well, I want you right by my side the entire evening, so we’ll have plenty of time together,” said Princess Celestia before raising a hand and chuckling, “Well maybe not the entire evening, I’m sure my son wants some time with you as well.” Cody gave an excited smile as Twilight just gave her a sheepish one before zipping around back to stand beside her.

“That’s just what I was hoping you’d say,” said Twilight, but she meant that more with being with the Princess rather than with Cody, who just stood next to her. He considered trying to hold her hand, but after what happen when he offered her an escort he decided against it. He’d have to settle with just standing next to Twilight for now.

“I’ve missed you, Cody,” Blaze said.

“Good to see you too, Father,” Cody replied.

Meanwhile, Rarity was making her way into the same room. Rather than heading toward Princess Celestia, she found that Prince Blueblood was busy chatting with someone before making his way outside. But before he made his exit outside, he smiled in Rarity’s direction. The marshmallow pony gasped before squealing excitedly and went after him.

“Hurry Rarity...oh, but not too fast,” she told herself as she adjusted her running/walking speed several times, “But don’t want to lose him...wait, have to play it cool. On, but don’t be cold! I can’t lose him, I can’t! He’s everything I imagined! Even better than I imagined.” Rarity finally made her way out into the rose garden area where Prince Blueblood had just picked a rose. Rarity could see sparkles around his face as he looked at her. She just smiled excitedly before heading over to introduce herself.

As Rarity ventured forward, a little birdie flew just above her head. Not too far behind was a familiar yellow Pegasus pursuing it.

“Oh my! A meadowlark!” said Fluttershy as she landed and heard the bird whistling.

“I think she’s calling to me,” said Fluttershy, “It’s exactly what I wished for!” Fluttershy then hummed a sweet tune. In the distance, the bird whistled the tune back and Fluttershy followed the tune in hopes of getting to meet the bird face to face.

Just on the other side of the bushes. Applejack and Sal pushed a green box with wheels in the middle of the crowd in a grassy area. With a single buck of her leg, the box opened up into a portable selling booth loaded with various kinds of apple treats. They were just about to get ready with promoting and advertising their goods when Soarin, one of the Wonderbolts, came walking by.

“Howdy, partner!” said Applejack, “You hungry?”

“As a horse!” Soarin replied.

“Well, what’cha hankering for?” Applejack asked, “Caramel apple? Apple pie? Apple fritter? Apple fries?”

“I’ll take that big apple pie!” said Soarin, eyeballing it excitedly.

“Well, thank you kindly, sir!” Applejack replied as Soarin dropped off the bits and took the pie by the mouth and walked away, “Yee-haw! In the first minute, I made my first sale. Just like I expected.”

Soarin had made his way toward another room that was marked off exclusively for VIPs, like the Wonderbolts. While Cody planned to take Twilight over there later in the evening, he had seen Rainbow hovering by and had given her a clearance badge so she could go meet the Wonderbolts without having to sneak into the VIP area. Soarin had just reached the outside gate with his pie. Spitfire was there waiting for him.

“Always hungry after a show. Eh, Soarin?” Spitfire teased.

“Heh. Yeah!” Soarin answered, but the pie he was holding fell out of his hands as he accidentally lost his grip.

“My pie!” Soarin gasped in horror. It was just then Rainbow sees her opportunity to save the day and flew in. She just barely managed to catch the falling pie in time.

“You saved it,” Soarin exclaimed happily, “Thanks.”

“Hey, no prob,” Rainbow answered, trying to play it cool.

“Hey! I know you,” said Spitfire, “You’re the pony that saved us in Cloudsdale and won the Best Flyer Competition. Also a close friend of my old friend, Cody?”

“Hay yeah!” said the blue pony, “Name’s Rainbow Dash.”

“Well, Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire replied, “Looks like your skills saved us again. Oh, well, at least they saved Soarin’s apple pie.

“Yeah...” Soarin sighed happily as he gobbled up the pie noisily from the floor.

“Wanna come hang with us?” Spitfire asked Rainbow.

“Sure. Why not?” said Rainbow as the VIP tape was opened and Spitfire and Soarin head through. Guess Rainbow won’t be needing that clearance badge after all as she came to stop just outside the rope.

“I’m...hanging...with the...Wonderbolts!” said Rainbow as she gave a girly squeal and giggle before catching up to them.

Somewhere else in the castle, Pinkie was happily bouncing around when she came to the main ballroom of the gala.

“The shiny dance floor...The pretty party ponies...Ooh, the fancy band...” Pinkie gushed as her excitement went into overdrive. As she mentioned the stuff in the room, one could see a rather shiny and sparkly dance floor, a group of well-dressed party ponies near a giant statue, and a band of ponies playing a piano, violin, tuba, and a harp.

“Pretty! Shiny! Fancy!” said Pinkie anxiously as she can’t contain her excitement another second as she sees all the things mentioned above, “Gotta dance!”

Pinkie Pie (sings):
I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala,
I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala,
I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala,
It’s all I ever dreamed

She began to bounce around the area, perform the can-can, even jumped up to the base of the statue, nearly scaring a few ponies who thought she might knock the statue over or damage it. She also popped about the band, startling them, and even hugged a few random ponies rather tightly and uncomfortably.

It’s all I ever dreamed. woo hoo!
It’s all I ever dreamed, yippee!
I’m at the Grand Galloping GalaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

Pinkie then looked and saw that most of the party ponies were giving her glares and dirty looks.

It’s all I’ve ever...dreamed?

Pinkie finished her song with a very quiet and embarassed tone. It didn’t help that the other ponies snootily walked away from her and left her sitting in the middle of the floor alone.

Back in the rose garden, Rarity was just casually sniffing a rose when a certain prince arrived.

“Well, hello,” he said regally, “I am Prince Blueblood.”

“I am...Rarity,” the marshmallow pony replied, “Oh my, what a lovely rose.”

“You mean...this rose?” Prince Blueblood asked as he used his magic to pick a red rose from the bush. Rarity smiled excitedly, thinking he was going to give it to her. But then he pulled it away and claimed it for himself.

“Thank you, it goes with my eyes,” he told her. Rarity just gave an awkward moan for a reply.

Deeper into the garden, Fluttershy was still humming to try and follow the singing of the meadowlark in the distance. She then gasped when she realized the bird’s singing is getting louder.

“My little meadowlark is right around this bend!” said Fluttershy excitedly as she rushed towards it. She took a turn and was surprised to see just a local groundskeeper pony whistling like a bird.

“Was that you?” said Fluttershy, surprised that it was another pony with faded brown fur, dark grey mane, beard, and tail and was also wearing a tall, but sagged green hat.

“Yep!” said the pony whose name was Mr. Greenhooves, “I love whistlin’ while I work.” He continued to whistle as he did his work. Fluttershy walked away, feeling a little disappointed before she heard some animal noises. There was a collection of trees and grounds filled with various kinds of creatures.

“Oh! I see a toco toucan!” said Fluttershy, “and a spider monkey! And oh, is that a wallaroo?” Fluttershy quickly entered the area, but before she could settle down and land, all the animals and birds ran away from her to hide.

“Oh Fluttershy,” she scolded to herself, “You’re such a loudmouth.”

“Easy, Fluttershy. Just stay calm and I’m sure the animals will come out,” Bucky said.

Meanwhile, the Wonderbolts were continuing to chat with other ponies. While Rainbow was invited to hang out with Spitfire and Soarin, she was struggling to get any attention from them. It didn’t help that she seemed to get caught in crowds of fan ponies wherever they went. At the moment, she was hoping up and down to try and get noticed. Then she finally ducks under the dress ends of two other ponies, who were startled seeing Rainbow crawl out from under them.

“Hey Spitfire!” said Rainbow, “You ever done a rain cloud double backflip?” But Spitfire couldn’t hear, the other ponies were talking too loudly. Rainbow when headed towards Soarin.

“You ever soared past lightning?” Rainbow asked Soarin loudly, “It’s awesome!” But the result was the same. He couldn’t hear her over the loud conversations either. Rainbow just glared. She hated feeling like she was being ignored.

Back at the staircase in the main hall, Cody was feeling just as agitated. He had tried several times over to try and have just a simple conversation with Twilight, but she continued to ignore him at every opportunity. Twilight was just too focused on trying to spend time with Princess Celestia, despite the fact that she was continuing to shake hands with other ponies and was struggling to speak with the Princess.

“Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala,” said Princess Celestia to another pony.

“Princess!” said Twilight excitedly, “I’ve been so excited to spend time with you and...”

“Yes. me too, Twi...” Princess Celestia was cut off as another pony approached, “Oh, good evening, Welcome to the Gala.” She then returned to her conversation with Twilight.

“Which was why I...” Princess Celestia was cut off again. This had been going on for a while now.

“Ladies! Lovely to see you again,” Princess Celestia told them. Twilight just sighed to herself as she noticed that the line of ponies seemed to be getting bigger, not smaller as time went by. Even Cody was sure some of these ponies had already come up.

“Looks like getting a chance to talk to the Princess is gonna be a magic trick in of itself,” said Twilight quietly.

“Then why do we let Mom be and go have some fun?” Cody suggested, “Just standing here isn’t going to do us any good. Come on. Let’s go check out the gardens, or get something to eat. You said you wanted to share a dance...”

“Cody, you said you wanted to make sure I was happy,” said Twilight sternly, “right now, being with Celestia is what I want right now!” Cody was taken aback by her stern tone but then just sighed.

“You don’t look very happy,” said Cody, “I’m only trying to help...”

“Uh-huh,” Twilight answered. Cody just sighed as he sat down. Whenever Twilight would say that, it was her way of saying she had stopped listening.

Things weren’t fairing any better with Applejack and Sal as they waited patiently by her Apple stand.

“First minute, first sale,” said Applejack as several ponies walked by, “Second...fourth...sixth...sixtieth...” As time went by, most of the ponies only seemed to snub and ignore her. No of them taking interest in any of her apple goods. Applejack sighed as she leaned forward a bit.

“This ain’t what I expected at all,” Applejack said sadly.

Pinkie was feeling the same way.

“I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala...” Pinkie tried to sing but lost heart since she had been left alone, shunted and snubbed by the other party ponies, “and it’s not what I dreamed.”

As for Rarity, Prince Blueblood went to prepare a cushion so they could sit on the grass, only for the unicorn stallion to take the entire pillow for himself.

“This isn’t at all what I imagined,” said Rarity sadly.

Princess Celestia continued to greet ponies.

“Good evening!” she told them, “So nice to meet you. Welcome!” The ponies smiled, but now Twilight was feeling ignored, but didn’t see that she was ignoring Cody as well.

“This isn’t what I hoped,” said Twilight sadly.

“This isn’t what I had in mind for a date,” Cody added in the same tone.

“Uh-huh,” said Twilight in her “not listening” tone, making Cody feel even more depressed.

Rainbow had also been left in the crowd of fan ponies as Spitfire and Soarin were too busy to pay attention to her and she had been left alone.

“This isn’t hanging out,” said Rainbow as she tried to find them.

Fluttershy was trying as best as she could to greet and spend time with the creatures, birds, and animals, but they kept running, hiding, and flying away from her.

“This isn’t what I wished for,” said Fluttershy quietly. All seven of them were feeling glum...until Twilight realized something.

“No!” Twilight exclaimed.

“I’ve waited all my life...” Rarity began.

“...for this moment!” Fluttershy finished.

“And I’m not going to...” said Pinkie.

“...let it slip by!” Applejack finished.

“If it’s the last thing I do...” said Rainbow.

“...no matter what it takes...” Cody added.

“...I’m gonna make this...” said Twilight.

“...the best night ever!” they said at once, more than ready to turn things around. Cody was the first.

“Twilight Sparkle,” said Cody sternly as he stood beside her, “I know I promised I would make you happy, but Mom is busy right now. We should go find something to do to pass the time. Let’s go to the rose garden. I want to tell you something...”

“Would you mind if I help you greet?” Twilight proposed to Princess Celestia, “It would help you get the lines moving twice as fast!”

“Why that would be a great idea,” said Princess Celestia, not seeing the devastation on Cody’s face, “Thank you for helping me out Twilight.” Cody’s jaw dropped and then he grunted angrily.

“Twilight Sparkle, were you even listening to me?” he asked sternly.

“Uh-huh,” said Twilight.

“Don’t you “uh-huh” me,” Cody snorted, “I said I had something to tell you in the garden.”

“Uh-huh,” said Twilight. Cody just gritted his teeth when he felt his stomach growl.

“I’m going to get something to eat,” said Cody as he started to walk away, “Want anything?”

“Uh-huh”

“Maybe I’ll get some of that swamp slime to drink!” Cody added.

“Uh-huh”

“Or ask the unicorn guards to do target practice at me while I dance on my head!” Cody snapped.

“Uh-huh”

Cody could feel his temper reach its limit, kettle whistling, before he just whimpered loudly and lowered his head in defeat.

“Whatever...I’m going for a walk...” Cody said sadly as he headed down the stairs. This time, Twilight didn’t answer at all or even noticed that he had left.

Back with the Wonderbolts, they were still chattering about with some other ponies as Rainbow was still trying to figure out how to get their attention when Cody arrived.

“Hey,” said Cody with no energy in his voice, “is...Spitfire busy?”

“Pretty much,” said Rainbow irritably.

“Aw, sorry about that Dash,” Cody replied, “I had hoped I could speak to her to kill some time.”

“What happened with Twilight?” Rainbow asked.

“She’s not listening to anything I tried to say!” Cody replied.

“Ouch, sorry about that, buddy. I wish I could help, but right now I’m just trying to get some attention,” Rainbow said.

“Just don’t do anything too rash,” Cody replied, “I’d hate to see you get banished from the castle... or humiliate yourself in front of your idols.” Cody then walked away as Rainbow began to ponder to herself.

“Come on, Rainbow!” she told herself as she tapped her head to think, “If they don’t notice you, you gotta make them notice you.” Rainbow then gets an idea as she walks over to a pony named Count Caesar, who was just drinking some punch and chatting with some other ponies. She whistled to catch him off guard before bucking him into the air. Count Caesar yelped in surprised as he went into the air. Others gasped as Rainbow flies to the rescue and catches him on her back. She turns to see if Spitfire or Soarin noticed, but they were too busy chatting as usual. Rainbow felt indignant as she bucked the guy off her back and stomped away. As she does so, Rarity and Prince Blueblood arrive. Rarity is still feeling rather skeptical about being with him.

“Just give him a chance, Rarity,” she told herself, “His princely side is sure to come out if you’re just patient.”

“Miss Rarity! Stop!” said Prince Blueblood as he held up an arm to make her stop walking. Rarity notices that she nearly walked into a puddle of spilt punch.

“Oh Prince Blueblood!” Rarity replied, “How chivalrous.”

“One would hate to slip,” said Prince Blueblood.

“Yes, one certainly would,” Rarity agreed.

“One’s cloak should take care of the problem,” Prince Blueblood suggested.

“Oh, of course it will,” said Rarity. She waited for the Prince to drop a cloak, but then saw that he was expecting her to drop hers. In the end, the Prince had his way as Rarity dropped her cloak and he walked across feeling very pleased with himself. Rarity just glared as she scoops up her now soiled cloak and slaps it onto the top of her shoulder. Cody had seen everything from a distance and shook his head.

“And he thinks, compared to me, that he is far superior. Well, I’m more prince than you are, sleemo,” Cody added, using a snobbish voice to two of the words and continued on his way. It wasn’t long before he found himself in the main ballroom and a certain pink pony arrived.

“Hey Cody,” said Pinkie, “where’s Twilight?”

“Don’t ask,” Cody replied bluntly.

“Ah I see,” said Pinkie cheerfully, “Twilight didn’t work out? That’s okay. You can be my date for the rest of the night!”

“I’ll just go put Rex to bed!” Cody said as he sped away.

Pinkie perked up when she got an idea. She quickly whispered to all the musicians before grabbing a mike and tapping it.

“C’mon, everypony!” said Pinkie as everyone looked at her, “I know what will make you shake those groove-thangs!”

Pinkie sang the first part, Twilight was shown helping Princess Celestia shake hands with the others. But then one pony shook Twilight’s hand and the rest of her body, frazzling her and leaving the purple pony with a swollen hand. Twilight saw the still long line of ponies and smiled wearily as they come to greet her.

You reach your right hand in
You reach your right hand out
You reach your right hand in
And you shake it all about
You do the Pony Pokey meeting lots of folks with clout
That’s what I’m talking about

In the next part, Applejack pushed some apples across the grass, causing a pony passing by to trip and fall. Applejack offered them a hoof and helped them up, but all they can do is glare and grit their teeth at her. She offered them one of her treats, but he declined and walked away with his nose in the air, leaving Applejack upset.

You spring your left hand in
You pull it right back out
You spring your left hand in
But you better help him out
You do the Pony Pokey but should find a different route
That’s what it’s all about

As Soarin and Spitfire are chatting with each other, Rainbow bucked the table to send a glass of punch into the air. She caught it easily with her left hand, which impressed both Wonderbolts. But then two ponies pull them away so they could take some photographs with them, leaving Rainbow glaring since she was left alone again.

You kick your left hoof in
You pull your left hoof out
You reach your left hoof in
Just be brave and have no doubt
You do the Pony Pokey feeling like you’re gonna pout
That’s what I’m singing about

Rarity and Prince Blueblood reached a door. With in tune to the music, Prince Blueblood tilted his head for Rarity to open it. She smiled and titled twice for him to open the door. He tilted his head three times sternly for her to open it. Rarity glared as she tilted her head several times for him to do it, only for him to pout and snub her. Rarity was taken aback as she gritted her teeth and opened the door. Prince Blueblood entered first with a smile on his face as entered Rarity right behind him. To add more insult to injury, the door smacked Rarity’s back end, causing her to fall down.

You tilt your head in
You tilt your head out
You tilt your head in
Then you shake it all about
You do the Pony Pokey even though your date’s a lout
You’re better off without

You stomp your whole self in
You stomp your whole self out
You stomp your whole self in
And you stomp yourself about
You do the Pony Pokey and you give a little shout

Pinkie starts ramming into the other musicians as she concludes her song.

That’s what I’m talking about

You do the Pony Pokey
You do the Pony Pokey
You do the Pony Pokey
And that’s what it’s all about

Yeah!

Pinkie then finished her song by dancing, then did the splits, before raising with her arms in the air. The other ponies were most indignant.

“Young lady, this is not that kind of party,” said Lyrica Lilac snootily. Pinkie just stared blankly for a second.

“Ohhhhhh...” said Pinkie, “They don’t wanna a party. These ponies want a paaartay!” Pinkie gave a fist-pump in the air as she hopped off the stage.

Outside, Applejack and Sal were just standing by her little stand looking rather bored. Then they saw a familiar face and smiled excitedly.

“Two apple fritters please,” said Rarity.

“Two apple fritters comin’ right up,” Applejack replied as she presented the treats to them both, “That’ll be four bits.”

“Ahem,” said Rarity to Prince Blueblood.

“Ahem,” Prince Blueblood retorted back.

“Ahem!” said Rarity, getting irritated with his lack of chivalry, and was inwardly adding stingy to his last of bad character qualities in her head.

“Ahem!” the Prince shot back, getting irritated himself.

“I’m going to have to pay, aren’t I?” said Rarity with a sigh.

“It’s okay, Rarity,” said Applejack, “I’ve got you covered.”

“Thank you Applejack,” said Rarity before giving the Prince a glare, “At least somepony here has good manners.” The prince took one bit of the apple fritter, before he spat it out in disgust.

“Oh! Fritters! Dumplings! Caramel Apples!” he exclaimed, “My royal lips have touched common carnival faire! I’m going to the buffet for some hors d’oeuvres!” He walked snootily away as Rarity followed him in disgust. Applejack was most indignant.

“Well, no wonder nopony wants my food,” Applejack said to herself, “They’re filling up on those fancy schmancy vittles! Well, my down-home apples are plenty good enough for this crowd. I’ll just dress ‘em up a bit and prove it to ‘em.” Applejack then pushed her cart away.

“Let’s just sell our treats at the buffet. We might have better luck there,” Sal replied.

A short distance away, Prince Blueblood was still fuming.

“I can’t believe you made me eat such common food,” he complained as Rarity, who just bit her tongue to avoid saying anything undignified when the Prince collided with someone.

“Watch where you’re going you...” Prince Blueblood stopped talking when he saw who it was. It was Cody, who had been looking at the roses when the Prince bumped into him.

“Well, well, well,” he said pompously, “The rump-head returns.” Cody was indignant.

“Good to see you too, sleemo! Not!” Cody replied, using a snooty tone. Rarity covered a hand not to giggle.

“I don’t see what my aunt sees in you,” Prince Blueblood said indignantly before glaring into Cody’s face, “You weren’t even born to her, she just took you in out of pity.” Rarity gasped silently and felt her blood boil. She was also regretting dismissing Cody when he had told her Prince Blueblood looked down at him.

“You may have been able to intimidate me when I was little, but you don’t scare me now! Because you had such a nerve to pick on me and Rex, you’re no prince, you’re bantha fodder!”

Blueblood was taken aback while Rarity smirked at Cody for having the courage to stand up to his cousin’s behavior and attitude.

Blueblood said nothing and just left. Cody just glared as Rarity followed behind, but she did look back at Cody before they headed inside. Cody just rolled his eyes.

“I hope Applejack is...oh great...” Cody was hoping to get an apple treat since he was still hungry, and wasn’t in the mood for any of the fancier items on the menu, only to find the orange pony had already left, “Sigh...so much for filling up my empty stomach. She and Sal are probably at the buffet.”

Back inside the castle, Pinkie was still trying to convince the other ponies to have fun her way as she brought a DJ turntable into the main ballroom.

“Come on, everypony!” said Pinkie, “You wanted a par-tay? Now it’s a paaartaaay!” Pinkie then started to mingle with the other ponies.

“Yeah! Uh! Now that’s a beat, yeah! Uh!” said Pinkie as she tried push and shove the other ponies about to make them dance with her, “C’mon, dance! Yeah, woohoo!” All Pinkie received were annoyed looks and glared as she made her way back to the stage. It was then Applejack entered the room, wheeling in a rather tall apple cake.

“Okay, all you high-class ponies, here’s a highfalutin apple cake for your hoity-toity taste buds,” Applejack announced. But then there was trouble.

“Stage dive!” said Pinkie as she jumped into the air...and landed on the edge of the cart with the cake, sending it flying...right at Rarity and Prince Blueblood as they entered the room. They both screamed as the cake came at them. Prince Blueblood then grabbed Rarity to use her as a shield as the cake went SPLAT all over her. That put Rarity temper to its limit as her face turned red and she growled angrily at him.

“You, sir, are the most uncharming prince I have ever met,” Rarity yelled, “In fact, the only royal thing about you is that you are a royal pain! And as for my friend, Cody, he is ten times the prince you’ll ever be!”

“Ewww...! Uh, stay back!” said Prince Blueblood as he leaned against the door to keep his distance from her, “I just had myself groomed!” Now Rarity truly despised the Prince. Not only was he everything she had seen tonight, but he didn’t listen to anything she said and he was quivering away from her like a big coward. So much for being a brave and strong prince.

“Afraid to get dirty?!” Rarity challenged as she began to babble and wiggled about, splattering cake all over him. Prince Blueblood tried to get away but ended up backing into the statue, which caused it to wobble dangerously.

“This is my chance!” said Rainbow as she flew as fast as she could, passed Soarin and Spitfire, and landed just under the statue as it fell into her arms with a CLANG.

“Yes,” Rainbow said triumphantly, until she realized just how heavy the statue was and began to teeter about, “Whoa!” Rainbow tries as best as she could to regain her balance, but then she ended up bumping a nearby roman style column, which toppled into another, then another, and another. In total, six pillars were sent crashing to the ground around her and the statue on her back broke into two pieces beside her. It was then Princess Celestia and Twilight, having finally finished with the greetings, entered the room and gasped silently at the mess. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow all looked at the two ponies with worried and guilty faces. Princess Celestia was agape and Twilight said the worst thing you could say in a situation like this.

It was a second later when Fluttershy and Bucky came inside, more satisfied than the others with lots of animals behind them.

“Well..it can’t get any worse.”

“At least Fluttershy and Bucky was better off than the rest of us! Way to go, you two!!!” Pinkie shouted.

Pinkie’s loud voice caused the animals to stampede, then Cody came flying into the ballrooms backward and launched high into the air.

“WOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! UGH!” Cody screamed as he landed hard on his stomach before passing out not too far away from Twilight and Princess Celestia, who flinched when he landed.

Princess Celestia and Twilight cringed at the sight. Cody was badly beaten up, his hair was messy, his suit torn and tattered. All the other guests ran away in panic from the stampede.

Um, um, uh...Eugh...” was all Twilight could say before Princess Celestia leaned into her ear.

“Take Cody, and run,” she said simply. Twilight didn’t need another second before she lifted Cody in her magic and gave a loud whistle. Her five friends just looked at her before getting the message to make a break for it. As they made their way down the stairs, one of Rarity’s glass slippers fell off.

“Ooh! Rarity, your glass slipper!” Pinkie pointed out, “Now your prince is sure to find you.”

“No! Ugh!” Rarity shrieked as she rushed up the stairs and smashed the glass slipper. Pinkie just looked at the remained with confusion.

“Let’s go!” said Rarity as she pulled Pinkie away.

After all this ruckus, many must be wondering what happened to a certain little dragon. Well, after being left alone, he had ditched his tux and was now sitting at the counter of his favorite donut shop. He was apparently eating donuts and drinking cocoa to deal with his loneliness.

“Hey, Pony Joe,” said Spike sadly, “Another donut.” Spike requested as he slammed his cocoa cup on the counter.

“Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Joe asked with concern.

“Another donut!” Spike snapped, slamming his cup and spilling some of his cocoa on it, “Extra Sprinkles!” Spike just leaned his elbow on the counter when the ringing of the shop door was heard behind them.

“Twilight Sparkle, ha, ha, ha. Long time no see,” Joe said.

Spike turned around to see the Mane 6, Cody, Sal, and Bucky behind him. Well, six of them were standing before him, their outfits were all tattered from the chaos, including their manes, and some of them had either a missing shoe or wearing a damaged one.

“Hey, how was the Gala?” Spike asked eagerly, “How was your best night ever?” He then noticed Cody out cold and flinched back.

“Whoa...what happened to Cody?” Spike asked curiously, “Geez, Twilight did ya beat him up or something?” A loud whimper could be heard as Pinkie was on the verge of tears and looked away. An obvious clue she was to blame for Cody’s condition. Twilight just gazed on her direction before looking at Spike.

“It’s a long story,” she said plain and simple.

It wasn’t much longer before Spike, Sal, and Bucky had been told everything that had happened at the Gala as they sat around a table with some donuts in the middle. Cody had also recovered and was now sitting next to Twilight looking rather drained as he quietly ate a donut to fill his empty stomach. Ironically, Cody didn’t bother to say anything about his date with Twilight as they brought Spike up to speed. Fortunately, the look on his face and Twilight’s sheepish giggles was a clue that didn’t go well either.

“That sounds like the worst night ever!” Spike replied after everyone was finished.

“It was!” said Everyone, then everyone minus Cody began to laugh.

“I just hope Princess Celestia isn’t upset with us ruining the Gala,” said Twilight worried with Rainbow giving a sheepishly smile nearby.

“That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!” said Princess Celestia as she entered the donut shop.

“Princess Celestia!” said everyone in surprise as she took a seat behind Cody.

“Pardon me, Princess,” said Twilight, “But tonight was just awful.”

“The absolute worst,” Cody added quietly.

“Oh, Twilight, Cody,” said Princess Celestia, “The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful!”

“It is?” said Twilight and Cody together in shock.

“That is why I was thrilled you and your friends were all attending,” Princess Celestia answered, “I was hoping you could liven things up a bit. And while the evening may not have gone as you planned, I’m sure you’ll agree that in the end it didn’t turn out so bad for this group of friends.” Everyone chuckled in agreement, though Cody’s chuckle was a little hallow.

“You’re right, Princess,” said Twilight, “Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great.”

“Yeah! Hanging out with friends!” said Rainbow.

“Talking!” added Fluttershy.

“Laughing” Pinkie said with a smile.

“I guess so,” Cody replied quietly.

“You mean doing exactly what I wanted to so the whole time?” Spike said as a matter of fact.

“Yes, Spike,” said Twilight, “You were right.”

“As horrible as our night was...,” said Applejack.

“...being together here has made it all better,” Pinkie finished.

“In fact, it’s made it...” said Pinkie.

“...The best night ever!” said the six friends and they all laughed happily together...until they noticed that Cody wasn’t joining in.

“What’s got you so down, my son?” Princess Celestia asked him, “Aren’t you glad you have such great and wonderful friends?” Cody sighed.

“Of course, Mom,” said Cody, “These girls are amazing. Spike as well. It’s just...” Twilight could feel the guilt growing inside her stomach and just looked away insecurely.

“I’m guess your date with Twilight didn’t go well,” Applejack asked. Cody just looked at Twilight, who was still trying not to look at anypony.

“You can say that again,” said Rainbow for Cody, “He came to me by himself saying she ignored him all night. He was pretty down about it too.” Princess Celestia blinked in surprise.

“Cody, you saw how busy I was,” she said to him, “Why didn’t you offer to take Twilight somewhere to pass the time until I was finished?”

“I did,” said Cody, “But you know how hard it is to get the attention of someone whose star struck? You are the Princess of all Equestria after all.” Twilight blushed.

“I’m sorry Cody,” said Twilight, “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I just really wanted some one on one time with the Princess. I didn’t mean to ignore you.” Cody just looked at her quietly a Celestia leaned into his ear.

“Don’t you have something you want to tell her?” she whispered. Cody looked a little nervous as he looked and everyone else gave him smiles. They wanted him to tell Twilight the truth. Cody just took a deep breath and sighed.

“Twilight, there is something I wanted to tell you,” said Cody, “I had hoped it would have been after we had some fun together instead of...after a night like this.”

“I...uhh...see...heh...what is it you want to tell me?” Twilight asked, feeling rather nervous as she smiled. Cody bravely reached out for one of her arms and held it, making her cheeks turn a soft pink.

“Remember when I gave you this necklace for your birthday last year?” Cody asked, gently holding the pendant in his hand.

“Yes, it was the best birthday present I ever got,” Twilight replied, “Why?”

“I wanted to give you something that was as pretty and beautiful like you are, and from the moment we met, I’ve always wanted to say...” Cody began to say. He then pulled out a beautifully cut red rose that he managed to keep in good condition despite what he had been through, “...I love you, Twilight Sparkle.”

The other’s smiled as Cody presented Twilight the rose. Twilight just looked at the rose and then at Cody. Twilight suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe and she could feel tears starting to prick the corners of her eyes. She thought back on all the good times she had with Cody while just staring at her necklace, then returned to face Cody.

“I love you too, Cody Ando,” Twilight replied, pulling him into a kiss.

Cody’s eyes widened, then he accepted and returned it. Their friends looked on with smiles on their faces.

Once Cody and Twilight gently broke away, he asked, “I take it you’re ready to be more than friends?”

“Of course, Cody. When we get home, let’s do some reading in our bed,” Twilight replied.

“Sounds good to me,” Cody said, “Sorry our first date didn’t turn out so good. Maybe I can make it up to you tomorrow afternoon at Sugarcube Corner?”

“I’d love that,” Twilight replied as they and their friends left the donut shop.