It is nighttime in Canterlot, and tonight is the Grand Galloping Gala. This year is different because Princess Celestia has expanded the invitation, not just inviting ponies to the Gala but all the creatures from all over Equestria too, such as Dragons, Griffons, Yaks, Changelings, Hippogriffs, and Kirins.

Inside Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Twilight, all wearing their gala dresses, welcome every creature to the Grand Galloping Gala and watch as they enter the Ballroom where the Gala is taking place.

Twilight looked around the room and noticed a lot of creatures attending. "Wow, it seems that everycreature from all over Equestria has come to the Gala,” she said excitedly.

"I'm glad you like it, Twilight," Princess Celestia said, smiling at her. "Ever since you opened your school and allowed any creature to attend, I have decided to do the same with the Gala."

"And I must say, it's going quite well," Luna said as she saw a bunch of creatures from different species getting along with each other. “It seems everycreature is enjoying themselves.”

“I have a feeling that this is going to be one of our biggest Gala ever,” Cadence said excitedly.

As the princesses continued to greet their guests and watch them as they entered the ballroom, Twilight couldn't help but notice that his brother was nowhere to be seen. She turned to Cadance and asked, “Hey, Cadance, where is my brother? I thought you two were going to dance together?"

“Oh, he told me he wanted to talk with Flash,” Cadance said.

“What,” Twilight said, blushing a little. “W-Why does he want to talk to Flash?”

“I'm not sure,” Cadance said curiously. “He said he wanted to have a quick talk with him before the Gala starts.” She then turned to Twilight. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I'm sure it’s nothing to worry about.”

As the princesses turned their attention back to their guests, Twilight started to get nervous, worrying that his brother might do something to Flash. "I hope he doesn't scare him," she thought.

Meanwhile, in one of the Canterlot Castle guest rooms, Flash had just removed his armor. He was about to walk towards the wardrobe closet when he suddenly heard a knock at the door. "I wonder who that could be?" Flash thought curiously. He went to answer the door and found Shining Armor standing outside, wearing his military suit.

"Captain,” Flash stuttered in surprise. “What are you doing here?"

"I came by for your report." Shining Armor replied, stepping into the room.

Flash closed the door behind him and asked, "My report?"

"Your report on protecting my sister for the past several weeks," Shining Armor clarified. He turned towards Flash and noticed he wasn't wearing his armor. "Can you also explain to me why you are not wearing your armor?”

"Oh, yeah, about that,” Flash said, uneasy. “Twil-Princess Twilight has given me the night off."

"She did?" Shining Armor asked, raising an eyebrow. "On the night of the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Yes, Sir," Flash said calmly.

"Right," Shining Armor said sarcastically. He asked, "So, Flash, back to why I’m here. Did anything happen while you were guarding my sister?"

"No, Captain," Flash responded, standing at attention while saluting. "Since my stay at Ponyville, nothing has happened to Princess Twilight or any of her friends."

Shinning Armor took a step closer to Flash and stared at him intently. "Did anything else happen while you were there?" he asked.

Flash was getting nervous but remained calm, "No, sir."

After briefly staring at Flash for several seconds, Shining Armor believes in Flash’s words that nothing has happened between him and Twilight. "Alright, then," Shining Armor said. "In that case, enjoy the night off."

“Thank you, sir,” Flash said. With that, Shinning Armor turned away from Flash and exited the room, leaving Flash alone.

As soon as Flash was finally alone, he let out a sigh of relief. He walked toward the wardrobe closet, opened it, and pulled out the garment bag. He then laid it on the bed, unzipped it, and pulled out the tuxedo Rarity had made for him. Smiling at his suit, he said, "Okay, it's show time," before putting it on.

As more creatures enter the castle for the Gala, none of them notice the dark mist from below their feet or hooves as it enters the castle. The dark mist went behind one of the flowerpots and then transformed into a dark alicorn disguised as a dark unicorn wearing a tuxedo. The ‘dark unicorn’ emerged from behind the flowerpot and entered the ballroom with a grin.

In the ballroom, everyone is enjoying themselves at the Gala. While some ponies and creatures are talking to each other to discuss the Gala, others are enjoying the music and start dancing. Meanwhile, Twilight and her friends were gathered in a small circle, talking among themselves.

"So, girls, what do you think of the Gala?" Twilight asked her friends.

"The place looks amazing, Twilight," Starlight said. "And the decorations are beautiful."

"I know; thank Pinkie Pie for that," Twilight said, turning to Pinkie Pie. "You and Cheese did a great job setting up the place."

"You're very welcome, Twilight," Pinkie said with a smile.

“Well, you girls enjoyed the Gala. I’m going to be with the princesses if anypony needs me,” Twilight said before making her way to the base of the ballroom stairs where the princesses were.

"So, why are we standing around here?" Rainbow asked. "Let's have some fun!"

"I have to agree with Rainbow Dash," Rarity said. "I have a certain date with Fancy Pants."

"And I have to check on my brother, Sugar Belle, my sister, and her friends and see how they are doing," Applejack added.

With that, everypony set off on their own to enjoy the Gala. Rainbow went to meet up with the Wonderbolts; Applejack went to check on siblings; and Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie went off to find their dates.

Starlight was going to see Sunburst, but Sunset stopped her by tapping her shoulder. “Hold on Starlight. I need to talk to you about something?”

“What is it?” Starlight asked.

Sunset turned towards the base of the stairs where Twilight and the rest of the princesses were. She then turned back to Starlight and said in a worried tone, “I think there’s something wrong with Twilight,”

“What do you mean?” Starlight asked, confused. “She looked fine to me.”

“No, not like that. I mean, she’s hiding something.” Sunset said, correcting herself.

“Like what?” Starlight asked.

“I’m not sure,” Sunset said curiously. “But it had something to do with Flash. Have you noticed we haven’t seen him since we got to Canterlot?”

“Huh, that is weird,” Starlight said, agreeing with Sunset's theory. “But what should we do?”

Sunset hesitated a bit before suggesting, “I think we should talk to Twilight once she’s alone. But for now, let's enjoy the Gala.”

“Okay,” Starlight replied. With a plan set in mind, Starlight goes off to find Sunburst, with Sunset following her from behind.

Rainbow Dash had just met the Wonderbolts in the VIP section. “Hey guys,” she said, greeting her fellow Wonderbolts, who were having a conversation.

“Hey Dash, about time you got here,” Spitfire said with a grin.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I was hanging out with my friends.”

“Hey, Dash, glad you can make it,” Soarin said as he, Fleetfoot, and Blaze approached Rainbow. He then gave Rainbow a hoof bump.

“Right back at ya, Soarin,” Rainbow said.

“Hey, congratulations on the promotion, ‘Ms. Second-in-command’,” Soarin said, handing Rainbow a mug of cider.

“Thanks,” Rainbow said, taking the mug.

As Rainbow Dash drank the cider from the mug, Soarin asked, “So, Dash, asked out any mares lately?”

Rainbow sputtered, spitting out her drink in shock. She turned toward Spitfire and said, “Spitfire, you said you wouldn’t tell them!”

“Actually, Rainbow Dash, we already know you’re a filly fooler,” said Fleetfoot.

“Yeah, we figure it out for a while,” Blaze added. “And we’re totally okay with it.”

“You are?” Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Of course, Dash,” Spitfire said, wrapping her wing around Rainbow. “Just because you like mares doesn’t change a thing. We would never kick you out. You’re our best flyer, after all.”

“Wow, thanks, guys,” Rainbow said, feeling a weight lifted off her wings.

“No problem,” Spitfire replied, clinking her cider mug against Rainbow’s.

As the Wonderbolts resumed their conversation, Rainbow was relieved that she no longer had to hide her secret from her fellow Wonderbolts; she wondered if it would be okay if she told her friends.

In the center of the ballroom, the ‘dark unicorn’ was looking around. He noticed things hadn’t changed much since the last time he was at Canterlot Castle. He then spotted a few dragons among the crowd. "Since when did Celestia invite non-ponies to the Gala?" he thought.

Just then, he overheard two of the ponies right behind him. “I can’t believe the princesses are letting any creature attend the Gala.” One pony said.

“I know, right,” said the other pony. “Ever since Princess Twilight opened her School of Friendship and let any creature in, everycreature started to get along with each other.”

“So, the alicorn’s name in Twilight, huh?” The dark alicorn thought to himself. He continued to roam around the ballroom, gathering more information about Twilight. He learned all the adventures she and her friends had, including all the villains she defeated and even befriended.

He spotted Twilight from the base of the stairs and noticed the two royal sisters standing next to her. "Sorry, Celestia and Luna, but I don't have time to catch up," he mutters in a whispered tone as he moves toward the crowd, hoping to get more information about Twilight.

Luna quickly spotted the ‘dark unicorn’ from the base of the stairs and recognized him. "Was that..." she said softly, widening her eyes in surprise.

"Luna, is something wrong?" Celestia asked.

"I-It's nothing, sister," Luna said. “I thought I saw something." As Celestia turned her attention back to the ballroom, Luna couldn’t help but wonder about what she saw. She stepped aside from Twilight and her sister and started following the ‘dark unicorn.’

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are having a funny conversation with Discord and Cheese Sandwich, with Discord telling them about his latest chaotic scheme.

“And then, just before Pinkie Pie jumped into the lake, I turned it into blue jelly, and it bounced her so high it almost took her to Cloudsdale,” Discord exclaimed.

That joke made Discord, Cheese, and Pinkie laugh while Fluttershy giggled.

“That was pretty funny, Dizzie,” Fluttershy said. “But if you ever going to do that again, warn somepony first.”

“Relax, my dear, Fluttershy,” Discord said, putting his arm around Fluttershy. “You know I wouldn’t use my magic to hurry anypony.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right,” Fluttershy said, gazing into Discord's eyes as she blushed. As Fluttershy and Discord kissed each other, Pinkie Pie could not help but smile in pride at seeing them fall in love with each other.

“Looks like love is definitely in the air,” Cheese said, making Pinkie Pie laugh.

“Good one, Cheesy,” Pinkie Pie replied.

Up on the base of the stairs, Celestia had noticed Luna exiting the Ballroom. Curious about where her sister was going, she decided to follow, but not before she turned toward Twilight, “Twilight, would you mind keeping an eye on the Gala for a bit? I need to go find my sister.”

“Sure thing, princess,” Twilight said with a smile.

From afar, Sunset and Starlight were having a nice conversation with Sunburst. “So, how have your studies and research been going?” Starlight asked.

“It’s been going great,” Sunburst said. “But I got to admit it’s nice to have a break once in a while.” Starlight chuckled in response.

“So, learned any new spells lately?” Starlight asked.

Sunset turned towards the stairs and noticed Princess Celestia walking down and heading out of the ballroom. Realizing this was their chance to talk to Twilight, she turned her attention back to Sunburst. “Would you excuse us, Sunburst? Starlight and I need to speak with Twilight for a bit.

“Oh, sure thing, sis,” Sunburst replied. With that, Sunset and Starlight started to walk towards Twilight.

Twilight quickly spotted Sunset and Starlight as they walked to the base of the stairs. “Hey girls, how are you enjoying the Gala?” Twilight asked.

“It's great,” Starlight replied. “But we have to ask you, Twilight, how are you?”

“I’m doing good,” Twilight said. “Why you asked?”

"Because one, you have been acting a little off tonight, and two, we haven’t seen Flash since we got to Canterlot,” Sunset said. “Do you know where he is?”

“Oh, uh,” Twilight hesitated for a bit. “He’s probably in our room resting.”

Sunset and Starlight were confused at first, “What do you mean he’s resting,” Starlight asked. “Why would he be resting?”

"Because… he asked for it,” Twilight said nervously. The two mares were shocked to hear Flash ask Twilight for a night off and not ask her out to the Gala.

"What! He didn’t ask you to go to the Gala; why?!" Starlight asked.

"I don't know why?” Twilight responded. “But I don’t want to think about it tonight. Okay? Let’s forget about it and enjoy the Gala.”

“But Twilight-” Sunset said.

“I’ll be fine, Sunset, I promise,” Twilight said. “Just go and enjoy the Gala.”

Sunset and Starlight headed back down to the floor. Sunset, however, was feeling angry. Starlight turned toward Sunset and asked, “Are you okay, sunset?”

“No, I’m not. Not until I find Flash and have a talk with him,” Sunset responded.

As Twilight turned her attention back to the ballroom from the left side of the base of the stairs leading to a hall, a silhouette of Flash stood in place. He took deep breaths, trying to gather his confidence.

Later in the night, Spike sits at a table, having a drink of punch while watching Rarity, who is having an excellent time with Fancy Pants from afar. “Why him?” he thought to himself. “What does he have that I don’t?”

“Oh, Fancy Pants, you certainly know how to treat a lady.” Rarity said, her eyes sparkling.

“Well, of course, my dear Rarity,” Fancy Pants said with a charming tone. “I would do anything for a beautiful mare like you.” Rarity giggled in response.

Spike let out a sigh of depression. “Maybe it's for the best,” he thought. Seeing how happy Rarity was with Fancy Pants, Spike decided it might be best to let go of his long-time crush on her.

Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were having a great time with Sweetie Belle’s date, Button Mash, and Scootaloo's date, Rumble. Suddenly, Scootaloo spotted Spike.

"Hey, isn't that Spike over there?" Scootaloo said, pointing at Spike.

The others turned their attention towards Spike. “Hey, yeah, that is Spike,” Sweetie Belle said. I wonder what he’s staring at?”

Button Mash turned to where Spike was staring, “It looked like he’s looking at your sister, Sweetie.”

"You're right, and it looks like he's happy for Rarity," Sweetie Belle said.

As Spike got up to leave the Ballroom, Sweetie turned to Apple Bloom and said, “This is your chance, Apple Bloom."

Feeling this is her chance, Apple Bloom approaches him. They inadvertently collide, causing Apple Bloom to fall to the floor.

"H- Howdy, Spike." Apple Bloom stuttered.

"Oh, Hey, Apple Bloom," Spike said. “Didn't see you there." He then led Apple Bloom a claw,

"It's okay," Apple Bloom apologized, accepting Spike's claw and pulling herself back up. Looking at Spike in his suit, she said, "You look handsome."

“Oh, thanks,” Spike said as he blushed. “I Hope I didn’t ruin your dress.”

“Uh, no, you didn’t,” Apple Bloom responded. “What you have been up to?”

“Nothing much,” Spike replied.

Just then, the singer of the Gala started to make an announcement. “Alright, everycreature, I hope you have a great time, because the last few songs are all about love. So, find a partner.”

As the music began to play, Apple Bloom asked Spike, “Hey Spike, if you're not busy, do you want to dance?”

“Uh, sure,” Spike said nervously as she scratched the back of his head.

Spike and Apple bloom, then wrap their hooves and claws around each other as they start to dance on the dance floor, which attracts the attention of Applejack and Sugar Belle.

“Hey, isn’t that Apple Bloom dancing with Spike?” Sugar Belle asked.

“Ey-what?!” Big Mac asked, turning his attention towards Apple Bloom and Spike.

“Ah, knew it,” Applejack said softly, smiling.

As they danced, Spike looked at Apple Bloom and asked, “Are you alright, Apple Bloom?”

“I am now, now that I can somepony to dance with,” Apple Bloom said. “Sweetie Belle is with Button Mash, and Scootalo is with Rumble. As for me, I have nobody.”

Spike sighed and whispered, “Yeah, me too,” he then asked Apple Bloom. “Say, you wouldn’t mind going out with me, would you?”

“O-Of course,” Apple Blood said, blushing. “I don’t mind.”

Big Mac started to get mad, “Nope!” He was about to head towards Spike and Apple Bloom when Applejack and Sugar Bell stopped him.

“Hold on there, big brother, not now, not tonight,” Applejack said.

“She’s right,” Sugar Belle said. “Let them be. Besides, you promise me a dance.”

“Alright,” Big Mac said. He then walks with Sugar Bell so the two of them can dance.

A few minutes later, more and more creatures joined in on the dance floor with their partners, including some of Twilight’s friends.

“Oh, everycreature is starting to dance,” Pinie said excitedly. She turned to Cheese Sandwich, "Can we dance, Cheesy, please!”

Cheese Sandwich smiled at Pinkie Pie, “Anything for you, my gumdrop.”

“Shall we, my dear?” Discord asked.

“Yes. I would love to,” Fluttershy said, blushing.

“Want to join in?” Fancy Pants asked.

Rarity chuckled, “Do you even have to ask?”

Soon, almost everycreature was on the dance floor dancing. The only ones that were not dancing were Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Applejack looked to her right and noticed Rainbow Dash standing alone. She decided to talk to her.

“Hey, Dash,” Applejack said, walking up to her.

“Oh, hey, A.J.,” Rainbow Dash said, turning towards Applejack. “How’re you doing?”

“Doing good,” Applejack said. “How are the Wonderbolts?”

“They're great. How are Big Mac and Apple Bloom doing?”

“They’re good too. Big Mac is dancing with Sugar Belle, and Apple Bloom is dancing with Spike.”

“Wait, she’s dancing… with Spike?” Rainbow said, surprised.

“Yep. Apparently, Apple Bloom has a secret crush on Spike.”

“Huh, who would have thought.”

As they watched their friends and other creatures dance, Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash, “Hey, Dash,”

“Yeah,” Rainbow replied.

“I was wondering … would you like to dance?” Applejack asked nervously.

Rainbow started to blush a little, “What?”

“Y-Ya know since we don’t have dates and we’re the only ones not on the floor?” Applejack said, scratching the back of her head.

“Oh, uh,” Rainbow hesitated before clearing her throat. “Sure. I mean, we can’t be the only ones not dancing, right?” she said before smiling at Applejack.

As Applejack and Rainbow Dash joined the dance floor and started dancing together, Rarity couldn’t help but smile, seeing her two friends dancing together as she cuddled with Fancy Pants.

Twilight watched from the base of the ballroom stairs as she saw how happy her friends were dancing with their dates. Even though she’s disappointed that Flash hasn’t asked her out, she doesn’t want this to interfere with her friends enjoying the Gala.

Just then, Twilight heard a voice from her left side, "Excuse me, miss. Are you waiting for somepony?" When she turned to see who was talking to her, she saw Flash wearing the suit Rarity made for him: a sleek black tuxedo with a blue necktie that matched his mane.

Seeing Flash in his tuxedo made Twilight blush. "Flash, what are you doing here?" She asked. "I thought you were having the night off?"

"I am," Flash replied with a smile. "I'm spending my night off, enjoying the Gala."

Flash looked closely at Twilight's dress, "And I must say you look beautiful tonight."

Twilight blushed even redder, "Oh, uh, thank you."

Flash then extended his hove and asked, “Shall we?”

Twilight blushed even more before lending her hoof, smiling. “Sure,” she stuttered, placing her hoof in his. The two then joined the others in the ballroom. Once downstairs, they started to chat and dance a little. As they danced, Twilight’s friends couldn't help but watch and be proud of their friend dancing with Flash. Sunset was also happy; not only was Twilight dancing with Flash, but she didn’t have to talk with Flash.

Shining Armor on the other hoof was shocked to see Flash, who was supposed to have the night off, dancing with his sister. “Wait, what is Flash doing here?” Shining asked. “And why is he dancing with my sister?!”

“Calm down, Shining, they’re only dancing,” Cadence said, trying to calm down her husband.

As they continued to dance, Twilight couldn’t help but ask Flash a question that had been on her mind, “Flash, can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” Flash replied.

“Why didn’t you ask me to go to the Gala earlier?”

“As a royal guard, I have to be on watch 24/7. But if I have a day or ‘night’ off, I would be free to do what I need to,” Flash explained. It took Twilight a moment to realize that Royal Guards are only allowed to enjoy the Gala if they have the night off on the night of the Gala.

“Say, Twilight, do you know what time it is?” Flash asked.

“I think it’s almost 10. Why?” Twilight wondered.

“I need to show you something,” Flash said, guiding Twilight off the dance floor and towards one of the castle balconies. Twilight’s friends couldn’t help but follow the couple from a distance.

Lune was walking through the hallways trying to find ‘the dark unicorn.’ The dark unicorn was hiding in the shadows on the corner of the left side of the hallways. Just before Luna could make a left turn, she was startled by Celestia's voice.

“Luna, there you are,” Celestia said, relieved and concerned. Where have you been? You were supposed to raise the stars.”

“Sorry, sister,” Luna said, tinged and urgent. “I could have sworn I saw somepony.”

“Saw who?” Celestia asked curiously.

Luna hesitated before replying, “I know this is going to sound strange, but… I think I saw Obsidian!”

From the shadows, the ‘dark unicorn’ gasped in surprise. He didn’t expect Luna to recognize him after so many moons.

“Luna, that’s impossible,” Celestia said. “Dark Obsidian has been gone for thousands of moons. We saw what the elements did to him.”

“I know, Tia, but-” Luna began, but Celestia interrupted her.

“Luna, you need to relax,” Celestia said gently. “Come back to the gala with me, please?”

Luna took a deep breath, trying to calm her mind. “Okay, sister.” Once things were settled, Celestia and Luna walked back to the ballroom.

Once the Royal Sisters returned to the ballroom, Dark Obsidian stepped out of the shadows. Suddenly, he felt the magic that disguised him was wearing off. “Darn it,” he said to himself. “Well, at least this wasn’t a waste of time.” He then walked towards an open window, transformed into a dark mist, slipped out of the castle, and headed back to his cave.

Flash had taken Twilight to one of the balconies of Canterlot Castle. The night sky was clear, and the air was so breezy that the two ponies could feel it through their manes. Curious about why Flash had taken her here, Twilight turned to him and asked, “Flash, why are we out here?”

Flash turned to Twilight and said, “I want to show you something.” He turned and looked up at the clear night sky, and Twilight followed his gaze.

Twilight was confused about what she was supposed to be looking at. She turned to Flash. “There’s nothing in the sky,” she said with a hint of confusion.

“Just wait,” Flash responded. Twilight turned her attention back to the sky.

A few seconds later, the night sky began to transform. Bright and shiny stars started to emerge, many of which were shooting stars. Twilight’s eyes widened in awe. “Wow, Flash, this is beautiful,” she said, filled with wonder. "How do you know this would happen?"

Flash chuckled softly, "When I was on my way to the Gala, I overheard the princesses talking about making the night special by adding some stars, so I thought I would bring you here to see them from the outside,"

"Still, it's beautiful," Twilight said, admiring the stars in the sky.

"I'm glad you think that way, Twilight. Because I have a question to ask you," Flash said.

"What is it?" Twilight asked curiously.

At that moment, the last song of the night began to play from the ballroom. The music was set to a gentle and romantic melody. Flash started to flap his wings and extended his hoof to Twilight. Looking at her eyes, he said, “May I have this dance, Twilight?”

Twilight blushed in response. She was speechless; she didn’t know what to say. Suddenly, she recalled what Sunset told her the day before, “All you have to do… is smile.” She smiled and gently placed her hoof into Flash’s as they flew into the sky and stared to dance among the stars.

Throughout the dance, Twilight and Flash couldn't take their eyes off each other, and their hearts couldn’t stop beating. It was like something from a dream, only it was real. Even when the music stopped, Twilight and Flash couldn’t stop gazing at each other. It was at this moment that they knew they had to confess their feelings to each other.

“This is it, no going back.” Twilight thought.

“This is it, no going back.” Flash thought.

Twilight was the first to speak, “Flash, there is something I need to say to you,” she hesitated. “I…I love-”

Before Twilight could finish, Flash interrupted her as he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. Twilight widened her eyes in surprise as her heart pounded in her chest. She closed her eyes slowly, allowing herself to be consumed by Flash's kiss. She placed her hooves around Flash's neck and head, drawing him closer to her.

Flash pulled away a little, breaking the kiss, looked directly into Twilight's eye, and said, “I love you, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight was taken aback by what Flash told her. “I’ve been in love with you for weeks, and I wanted this night to be perfect… just for you.”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile as she began to cry with tears of happiness. She placed her hoof on the right side of Flash’s face and said, "I love you too, Flash Sentry." The two of them kissed once more, and as they did, fireworks exploded from the background. Unbeknownst to them, Twilight's friends and family were watching from inside the ballroom.

"Way a go, Twilight!" Applejack cheered.

"It's about time." Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.

"Yay," Fluttershy said softly.

"That is so adorable." Rarity said, smiling.

"Flashlight shipping Party! Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"You did it, Twilight," Sunset said as she smiled at Twilight and Flash.

"Isn’t that adorable, Flurry," Cadance said, looking at her daughter while holding her. "Your auntie Twilight had found her special somepony." She turned to her husband and asked. "What do you think, dear?"

Shining Armor didn't answer Cadance's question; his jaw dropped momentarily.

“Shining?” Cadance asked.

There was still no response. Shining Armor's face started to turn red as he grimaced his teeth. He looked like he was ready to storm out of the ballroom to the balcony and confront Flash for kissing his little sister.

Before Shining Armor could do anything, Cadence stopped him. “Calm down, Honey,” Cadance said. “Look how happy she is. Let them have this moment.”

Shining Armor took a deep breath. “Alright,” he said. He then turned his attention back to Twilight and Flash, focusing on Flash. “But once the Gala is over, I want to have a long chat with him.”

Dark Obsidian had just returned to his cave and transformed from a dark mist into his Alicorn form. He was breathing heavily after his disgusting spell wore off.

Seeing his return, the dark phoenix flew towards Dark Obsidian and began to quack, wanting to know how it went at the Gala.

Dark Obsidian turned to the dark phoenix with a narrow look on his face. “Well, if you want to know how things went, it went fine,” he said before turning his head away from his phoenix. That is… until Luna started to tail me.”

The dark phoenix started to squawk angrily and repeatedly,

“Would you Relax! I wasn’t caught.” Dark Obsidian snapped, pushing his phoenix aside. “But I was lucky to get some information on Princess Twilight before the spell wore off.”

The dark phoenix squeaked in confusion as it tilted its head.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle is the purple alicorn,” Dark Obsidian replied. “And it turns out she’s more powerful than I thought. From what I learned, her magic is so powerful that she can take on both Celestia and Luna. She’s definitely the pony I need to regain my magic and take over Equestria.”

The dark phoenix squawks, wanting to know what the next step is.

“All in good time, my feathered friend,” Dark Obsidian said with a sinister smile. “But for now, I need some rest. That disguise spell used up most of my magic.” He then moves towards the center of the cave and lays down on the stone floor to rest up,

The dark phoenix flew and landed on its hanging porch and prepared to rest.

As Dark Obsidian closed his eyes, he thought to himself. “Once I get some of Princess Twilight’s magic, I will be more powerful than ever before. And Equestria will be mine again.” He then trailed off a sinister chuckle, and the sound echoed ominously through the cave.

Author's Note

It's official.
Twilight and Flash are now dating; and Spike has gotten over Rarity and started a relationship with Apple Bloom.
Sorry it took so long. I had some writers block.
Shout out to GBHtrain for giving me the name for the dark alicorn.