Dusk woke the next morning feeling relaxed.

He had to admit, Luna had a darn good mattress, he’s gotta find where she got it.

Dusk got up and gave a jaw cracker of a yawn and looked for Luna, she wasn’t in bed.

“Luna?” Dusk asked.

“Yes dear?” Luna asked walking into the room with pancakes and fruit.

“Whoa, did you make those?” Dusk asked.

“No, but I brought them from the table to here, best eat them while they are fresh,” Luna said.

“Thanks,” Dusk said taking the plate and enjoying some pancakes.

“So, I had gotten word that Fancy Pant’s is hosting a gala to celebrate his turning forty-five, and he had high hopes we’d both attend,” Luna said.

Dusk coughed a little and looked at Luna apologetically “I am sorry Luna, but all the recent events as of late have kept me from my friendship studies, I have to resume them,” Dusk said.

“Are you certain?” Luna asked.

“Yes, I was never a fan of Canterlot parties anyway,” Dusk said.

“Well if you change your mind, do let me know,” Luna said.

“Ok,” Dusk said.

AJ woke up and saw Thunderstrike cuddling him closely, AJ smiled a little, she may be a little rough and tough, but in his arms she was content, it honestly made him wonder why he was hesitant last night… and why he had suddenly changed his mind, he didn’t understand.

Thunderstrike yawned a looked up at him.

“Morning handsome,” She joked.

“Now we’re name callin eh?” AJ joked.

“It’s true,” Thunderstrike said.

“Well let’s get up, ah gotta get to work soon,” AJ said.

“Aww, do we have to move right now?” Thunderstrike asked.

“Unfortunately ah do, ah got a job to do today and so do you,” AJ said.

“Crap, your right, I didn’t go into weather duty yesterday,” Thunderstrike said with a sigh.

“Alright, let’s move then before your boss comes knocking at the door,” AJ said and the two got up and went to get ready.

“The time was eight at night, right?” Barbra asked trying out different dresses.

“Yes dear, but are you certain you wish to go? I fear the nobles will try to harm you” Elusive said as he was making a fresh dress to compliment Barbra’s scales.

“Yes, sooner or later we gotta face the public that we’re an item and the sooner we can tell off the masses who hate it the better,” Barb said.

“I suppose, just be ready for anything,” Elusive said before Barbra burped up a letter.

“Oh, it’s from Dusk,” Barb said examining it “He’s coming back to Ponyville and has been invited too but he’s declining to come, shame, I was hoping my bro would attend with us,” Barb said.

“Does he know we’re going?” Elusive asked.

“He’s not giving that hint, so perhaps not,” Barb said before walking off and writing off the message and sending it to Dusk “There we go,” Barb said.

“I do hope he comes, It would do me some comfort if he came with, just in case this is a setup,” Elusive said.

An hour later Dusk was approaching the train with Luna by his side and she was about to say something when a message arrived and Dusk opened it.

“Huh… so Elusive and Barbra are attending?” Dusk asked.

“All the more reason to attend, I am not sure if you are aware but Fancy and Elusive had a rather… harsh falling out,” Luna said.

“Hmm, good point, I need to be there unless things go awry,” Dusk said before turning to Luna “I will be going in that case,” Dusk said.

“Excellent! In that case, I will get things prepared,” Luna said before teleporting back to the castle.

Dusk meanwhile sat down at a local bench and wrote out a response and he sent it to Barbra before walking back to the castle.

Barb just tried on the newest dress and looked impressed, it was bright yellow and violet to complement her scales.

“I love it, I feel so-Uuuurp!” Barbra coughed up another scroll.

“Not at the dress!” Elusive cried.

“No problem, I missed the dress,” Barb said.

“Ok good,” Elusive said with a sigh of relief.

Barb read the message and smiled “Looks like he’s coming after all,” Barbra said.

“Ok good, I will need a friend posted for this event, and it will be good to have Dusk as my guide,” Elusive said.

“Well, I’ll go change back and-” They heard a knocking and they turned to see a message slip through the mailslot.

Blitz was feeling better, he had just finished with practice early and he was on weather patrol, with Spitfire’s permission Soarin was able to aid him this time, not that he needed help, but time with his fiancee is always welcome.

Soarin and Rainbow circled each other in a corkscrew and split off in the sky clearing the clouds.

The other weather ponies were amazed to see a Wonderbolt taking the time to help them with their unscheduled storm today.

Blitz and Soarin landed and wiped their brows.

“Nice job babe,” Blitz said holding Soarin close.

“Thanks,” Soarin chuckled.

“Let’s take a break together,” Blitz said as they walked over to the nearest small restaurant.

As they sat down Blitz could almost feel a dozen or so eyes on them.

“We’re being watched again,” Blitz sighed.

“I don’t mind, those other mares can be bitter as much as they want, you're my stallion now,” Soarin said.

“I know… it’s just that…” Blitz glanced back at the staring mares who casually looked away.

“Calm down, none of them are like…That mare we don’t say the name of,” Soarin said.

“Let’s hope they don’t get desperate enough to become her,” Blitz said.

“If they do I’ll kick their flanks,” Soarin said.

“Hey guys!” They turned to Berry and Swiss Cheese.

“Hey Berry, what’s up?” Blitz asked.

“I was told to deliver this,” Berry said handing them a message, when they looked back up Berry was gone.

“I’ll never understand that stallion or the mare that is his marefriend,” Soarin said.

“Neither will I,” Blitz said before reading the message.

“What’s it say? Another mare inviting you to her house?” Soarin asked casually.

“No, it says Red Gala wants to see both of us tomorrow,” Blitz said looking at Soarin confusedly.

“Didn’t you two have a falling out?” Soarin asked.

“Yeah, wonder what she wants,” Blitz said before getting up “ We can get out of the public eye for now at least,” Blitz said.

“Heh, never thought I’d hear you say that,” Soarin said as they walked away.

AJ and Thunderstrike exited the house and turned to each other.

“Well, I gotta admit, that was one of the best nights of sleep I’ve gotten in a while,” Thunder said.

“Yeah, ah admit Thunder ah think ah’d like ta meet again fer another date,” AJ said.

Thunderstrike smiled at that “I would love it, well I gotta jet, see-”

“HOLD IT!” They both jumped hearing a loud voice and they turned to see Red Gala marching up to them.

“Hey Red… is somethin the matter?” AJ asked seeing her upset look.

“You bet there is,” Gala said stopping in front of him.

“Red is everything-”

"Yer excused, this is a family matter,” Gala told Thunderstrike.

“Now hang on-”

“Just do as she say’s,” AJ said recognizing that Gala is not happy right now.

“...Ok, I’ll see you later then,” Thunder said before walking off.

“What was that? Ya don’t just chase off yer friends like that,” AJ said.

“Ya don’t lie ta family either, and you’ve been lyin alot,” Red accused.

“Ah… ah better hear good reason fer bein called a liar,” AJ snorted.

“Tomorrow we all talk as a group, mare to mare,” Gala not so subtly hinted before walking off, leaving a stunned AJ in her wake.

“Mare to mare… she found out didn’t she…?” AJ said with dread in his voice.

Hours later

Dusk and Luna entered the gala room and looked around at the finished decorations and the ponies setting it up.

“I do wonder if this will be a good place to announce our relationship,” Luna said mischievously.

“Not a good idea, I imagine it’d upset the birthday colt,” Dusk chuckled.

“No problem, we have all the time in the world,” Luna said.

“Hmm? Is that Fancy Pants?” Dusk asked looking to see Fancy talking with a butler.

“Indeed, he’ll want to hear the good news,” Luna said as they walked to the stallion.

Elusive stepped off the train and helped Barbra off of the train.

Elusive was wearing a truly spiffy tuxedo and had done up his appearance nicely.

Barbra was dressed in her yellow and purple dress with white-gloved hands, her scales seemed to glow in the night air.

“Darling, in the lights of Canterlot, or anywhere, you are simply glowing,” Elusive complimented.

Barbra blushed at those words and giggled “And a stallion like you is more precious than any gem, a true, rarity,” Barb winked.

“Nice one darling,” Elusive said before guiding her towards the mansion.

After receiving the mysterious letter and reading it, they were troubled to say the least that Red Gala figured everything out, but that is tomorrow, tonight, is attending the gala, fixing his relationship with Fancy, and giving Barbra a good time.

“Fancy Pants!” Luna called and Fancy turned to see them both.

“Oh happy day, I had hoped that the princess of the night and the prince of magic could attend, granted I had hoped Celestia could attend too, but I understand being busy, but regardless I’m sure the presence of you two will truly liven things up… suggesting this gala doesn’t end up like the Grand Galloping Gala…” Fancy said, remembering the disaster of a gala that was.

“I assure you, this will be your best birthday Fancy, especially since Elusive plans too-” Dusk said before Fancy cut him off.

“Do NOT mention him,” Fancy firmly said suddenly, surprising the two.

“What? I had heard you two had a falling out but you invited him to mend things right?” Dusk asked.

“...What? Did you say I invited him? I have no recollection of doing anything of the such! Why is that hooligan coming here!? Blueblood!” Fancy called Blueblood and he walked over.

“Yes?” Blueblood said.

“You were in charge of the invitations, I figured Elusive would be the last one you’d invite,” Fancy said with a glare.

“But sir, I didn’t, he… oh dear, so that’s what happened,” Blueblood said with a concealed grin.

“What is?” Luna asked getting a sneaking suspicion.

“He must have sent that dragon to steal an invite while I was distracted! No wonder I couldn’t find Countess Silver Mirror’s invite!” Blueblood said with fake chagrin.

“That snake,” Fancy said.

“Hold on a second, there’s a lot wrong with that, one that dragon is my assistant Barbra, two she would never steal, three Elusive isn’t the stallion who sneaks his way into private parties,” Dusk defended his friends.

“Indeed, accusing the element of generosity of all ponies would be a stretch if I ever heard one,” Luna said.

“Baseless, I remember his honeyed words oh so clearly, besides, how do we know you aren’t defending him simply because you are, friends? Fancy, I suggest you go and banish that pauper and his lizard before they ruin this event,” Blueblood said.

“What did you call my little sister?” Dusk said looking mad but Luna stopped him.

“Act with tact Dusk, he has eyes everywhere,” Luna said, cursing herself deep down that she didn’t anticipate Blueblood plotting this.

“Banish I will, come,” Fancy said gesturing to a burly guard to follow him.

“Wait!” Dusk said before several ponies got in front of him.

“Oh Prince Dusk Shine, may I have a word?” The nobles asked one after another.

“Out of the way!” Dusk said trying to get past them but they didn’t let him, Luna glared at Blueblood who smirked victoriously before heading that direction as well.

Barbra and Elusive walked in, having shown the guards outside his invitation.

As they made their way inside the mansion they saw multiple ponies in fancy clothes.

“Wow, so fancy, I bet at least half these stallions are wearing your suits!” Barb said excitedly.

“Indeed, come Barbra, time to show you the splendors of high society,” Elusive declared.

“Right behind you,” Barb said as they moved on towards the buffet tables and approached some nobles.

Barb felt a little self-conscious as she was the only dragon there, and she could definitely feel some eyes on her, and some nobles were giving her the side eye.

But with Elusive there and Dusk elsewhere, she felt safer.

“And I wonder what about your… date? No judging but I do admit bringing a dragon to a Canterlot birthday gala is a first,” A noblemare said.

“She’s more than my date…” Elusive said fondly before feeling something in his pocket “You can say we’ll be together for awhile,” Elusive said with a smile.

Barb smiled happily.

“A pony and a dragon, once more that is a first for me,” The mare said before walking away.

“I feel weird here to be honest, I stick out like a sore thumb,” Barb admitted.

“Just stick by me and we’ll be fine,” Elusive said before approaching a stallion and conversing with him.

After a minute of conversing Elusive popped the question “Where’s Fancy Pants by the way? I was hoping to clear the air with him,” Elusive said.

“To be honest I am surprised you came at all, considering what happened at the last gala,” The stallion gruffly said.

“I know… I was hoping we could… fix that, so where do you believe he is?” Elusive asked.

“As a matter of fact he’s coming this way right now,” The stallion said pointing at that approaching stallion and guards.

“Why does he have guards?” Elusive asked.

“...I’ll just… leave now,” The stallion said taking his leave knowing that stuff is about to go down.

“Elusive, I don’t like this, somethings up,” Barb said.

“I’m sure he’s just-”

“ELUSIVE!” Fancy roared making the partygoers clear away for him to get through.

“Uhm… hello, Fancy I wanted to-”

“Silence!” Fancy said.

“What?” Elusive asked.

“You have some nerve, not only to show up to my birthday but to steal an invitation in the process,” Fancy said.

“What?!” Elusive exclaimed.

“He didn’t steal it, it was delivered to-” Barb tried to defend him.

“Be quiet dragon! I will have you removed first!” Fancy said before turning to the shocked Elusive “I expect you to take your date and take it elsewhere, and write a formal apology to Countess Silver Mirror for taking her invitation!” Fancy shouted and the crowd gasped.

“I swear nothing you have said is true! I received it through the mail! You must believe me!” Elusive begged.

“Like I’ll believe the stallion who preyed on my wife, even when she tried to assert that she was married!” Fancy spat.

“I don’t know how that happened, but I am not that kind of pony, sure, i got inebriated but I would never knowingly pursue a married mare!” Elusive shot back.

“And I suppose challenging me to a fight afterward for her was just another effect of the alcohol?” Fancy said.

“...” Elusive doesn’t remember the events of that day because they happened before he came into this version of reality, how does he defend himself here?!

“No defenses? Then I suppose he is guilty,” A voice said and Elusive turned to see Blueblood casually sipping a glass of wine.

“Blueblood… of course, you were behind it weren’t you!” Elusive accused.

“Oh this is just desperate, pointing fingers at me for what you did,” Blueblood chuckled.

“Elusive! You’ve caused enough of a problem here, just leave,” Fancy said.

“Yeah!” The ponies around them called.

Elusive looked down, knowing he had no way to prove himself so he grabbed Barbra’s shaking hand and turned to leave.

“Let us go, if these heathens refuse to see the truth then we will take our leave with our dignity still intact,” Elusive said.

“I’m sorry Elusive…” Barb said.

“You have nothing to-” Elusive said as they were approaching the door before they heard the Royal Canterlot voice.

“WAIT!” Luna called.

“Luna?” Elusive said looking at her with surprise.

“What?” Blueblood looked to see the princess and prince walking down the hall to them.

“Princess? What is the matter?” Fancy asked.

“I cannot allow this to go on,” Luna said.

“How did they-” Blueblood wondered what happened to the ponies he paid off to keep them busy.

The butlers heaved the last of the ponies onto the chairs, all of them having been put under a sleeping spell.

“Whatever do you mean?” Fancy demanded.

“They are my fellow aids in this ball and to kick them out would be unruly,” Luna said.

“Your aids?” Fancy said in confusion.

“Indeed, and if they are to leave then so will we, seeing as how I am still learning the ways of the modern world,” Luna said.

“And because that dragon is my sister and that pony is my friend, I came mostly because I was looking forward to showing them around and having them rebuild their shattered bond with you Fancy, if they go, so do I,” Dusk said.

“Dusk, Luna,” Barb said with surprise, not just that, they were holding hands!

“Preposterous, you're threatening to leave over a flimsy excuse such as that? Go on Fancy, kick them out as well,” Blueblood said with a smile.

“...Very well… you two can stay,” Fancy said.

“What?!” Blueblood said.

“Hah!” Barb said to Blueblood.

“Oh thank you,” Elusive said graciously.

“But they-”

“Silence Blueblood, If the Prince and Princess leave other attendants may leave as well, I don’t like it but they can stay,” Fancy said before turning to Elusive “But mark my words, prey on my wife again, and I will be the end of you!” Fancy said before walking away in a huff.

“It seems your plot failed Blueblood,” Elusive said before walking off to visit with his friends.

“...It seems I have no choice but to go to plan C…” Blueblood said before walking away.

“Thank you guys again, you really saved us,” Barb said.

“Indeed, I was certain that we were done for back there,” Elusive said.

“No problem, but what happened back there?” Dusk asked.

“It seems Blueblood is up to his usual antics, he’s determined to force me to cave into his demands and stay under his thumb, and he clearly has it out for Barbra, his determination to get rid of her is surprising,” Elusive said.

“Not really, considering he’s such a jerk,” Barb said.

“I will keep an eye on him, and my horn alert for magic, we cannot risk him sullying your reputation any further,” Dusk said.

“I agree,” Elusive said.

Over the next hour the group mingled around and enjoyed the party… as well as they can after that situation back there with Fancy Pants.

“I’m not getting in trouble, so please leave me alone,” Another noble said leaving Elusive.

“...Well, this is unfortunate… How can I clear the air if nopony will talk to me?” Elusive asked looking to see Luna and Dusk keeping their eyes peeled for Blueblood and Barbra going over to the punchbowl.

Elusive was about to go over to Barbra when he heard a cough and spun to see Fluer.

“F-Fluer?” Elusive said nervously.

“Hello again Elusive,” Fluer said.

“Wh-what are you… on second thought we shouldn’t be talking to one another, we have to keep our distance,” Elusive said.

“Because my husband said so?” Fluer said stirring her cup around.

“Yes… if we are seen together and he see’s I do wonder what he plans to do,” Elusive said.

“Don’t, I wish to talk,” Fluer said.

“I can’t…” Elusive said.

“Trust me, if he makes a scene I’ll calm him down,” Fluer said.

“...Ok,” Elusive said waving Barbra over.

The group sat at a table and Fluer ordered margaritas for the table, when they arrived the group sat back.

“So… your not bothered I’m a dragon right?” Barb asked.

“No, some of these spoiled nobles may be but thankfully I am not,” Fluer said.

“Ok, good,” Barbra said before sipping her glass “Wowie, that’s strong,” Barbra said.

“Not a drinker?” Fluer chuckled.

“No, just not this strong,” Barb said.

“All my friends know I have quite the resistance to alcohol,” Elusive said.

“Indeed… so last time you must have drunk quite a bit,” Fluer said.

“...Yes, I promise I didn’t mean to prey on you… I… become a bit more unruly when I fall off the wagon so to speak,” Elusive said taking a swig.

“Indeed, so, I just wish to say I understand your struggles I just wish Fancy didn’t get so jealous so quickly, I swear, he once clocked another stallion for brushing up against me, accidentally might I add,” Fluer chuckled.

“I see…” Barb gulped a little.

“And I would probably do the same if I thought another-” Elusive grunted as another stallion bumped into him and knocked over his drink.

“Oh so sorry!” The stallion said.

“It is fine, none of it got on my suit,” Elusive said.

“Here, you can have mine, I feel myself getting a tad tipsy anyways,” The stallion handed it to him.

“Oh, thank you sir,” Elusive said as the stallion walked away.

“That was odd,” Barb said.

“Mmhmm, yes, that would be nice,” Fluer finished conversing with a waiter who distracted her.

“Is everything alright?” Elusive asked.

“Oh the chef was just wondering if we have any concerns regarding the drinks, which is odd because I already assured him about my pineapple allergy,” Fluer said.

“Oh, very well then,” Elusive took a long swig of his drink before setting it down.

“So Elusive, are you mainly a proprietor of stallion-wear or are there mare items as well?” Fluer said.

“I do suppose I can begin making mare wear,” Elusive said.

“And I could model?” Barb hoped.

“I wish dear, but dragon proportions are different from pony, I will need someponies help…” Elusive said before shaking his head a little, he could feel a headache coming on for some reason.

“You ok hun?” Barb asked.

“Yeah, just a slight headache,” Elusive said.

“As you were,” Fluer said.

“Where was I?... Ah yes, I hope that once me and….and….Fancy put things behind… us…” Elusive’s vision began to blur a little.

“Elusive? You alright?” Barb asked.

“I… need to use the powder room really quickly, be right back…” Elusive said before hurrying off.

“I do wonder if he has bad luck at gala’s such as these,” Fluer wondered.

“You’ve got no idea sister,” Barb nodded.

Elusive made it to the restroom only to puke into the toilet.

Elusive coughed a few times and managed to compose himself before heading back out.

“Last time I take drink from a stranger,” Elusive said before bumping into Blueblood.

“You… to what do I owe this unpleasant surprise?” Elusive said holding his stomach.

“My my, you seem quite ill, something you drank?” Blueblood chuckled.

“You… you're trying to sabotage me, aren’t you? Why?” Elusive demanded before he gagged a little.

“Because no stallion's reputation should supersede my own, go back with your dragon wife and the rest of the riff-raff,” Blueblood said.

“I will not… be looked down upon simply because I am of lower class, you aren’t a noble stallion, you never were!” Elusive said pushing past him but Blueblood stepped in front of him again.

“I think you are mistaken, that wasn’t a request, it was a demand before I do to you what I did last time,” Blueblood threatened.

“What do you-... no… you were behind my intoxication at the gala?! How? Why?!” Elusive shouted.

“I needed to lower your reputation… just a bit, after all, how long before other ponies saw your being an element of harmony as being more significant than my being a prince, a simple intoxication charm and you did the rest,” Blueblood said.

“You vile serpent!” Elusive raised a fist and Blueblood turned his face as to prep for the hit.

…But Elusive put his fist down.

“Hm?” Blueblood said.

“No… I will not sink to your level, if you wish to be scum, continue being scum away from my wife,” Elusive said.

“Wife?... you mean the lizard?” Blueblood asked with a raised brow.

“She’s a dragon! And yes, I planned to propose to her after we get home, seeing as how we’ll be spending the next thousand or so years together, I figured tying the knot sounded best,” Elusive said.

“You aren’t kidding are you?...” Blueblood sighed “I didn’t want to do this again, but I suppose you’ve forced my hand,” Blueblood said before lighting up his horn.

Elusive lit his horn in defense “I will not let you brainwash me again!” Elusive said.

“Oh I wouldn’t think of it, see ponies surprisingly enjoy your dragon friend, I do wonder what her type is,” Blueblood said approaching the door.

“NO!” Elusive tried to stop him but he opened the door and subtly fired a magic bolt at Barbra and it hit her.

“Ahh!” Barbra fell out of her chair.

“Blueblood you maniac, dragons lose control when they become intoxicated!” Elusive said.

“I know, won’t it be glorious?” Blueblood said.

“Barbra!” Elusive ran to her and helped her up “Ignore it, we need to get you out of here now!” Elusive said.

“Elusive? Is everything alright? I saw a magic bolt and then-”

“Fluer, you need to leave!” Elusive said dragging his dragon companion away.

Before she tugged back.

“Barbra?” Elusive turned to see her stumbling around dizzily and she hiccuped.

“Lusive…. I don’t… feel good… mine…” Barb said.

“Barbra, hold your instincts back,” Elusive said.

“Barb! What’s wrong?” Dusk said approaching with Luna.

“Blueblood intoxicated Barbra! She’s about to-” Suddenly Barbra began to growl and she looked up and her eyes were slit.

“Oh no!” Dusk tried to cast his magic but Barb suddenly got on all fours and spun tripping him with her tail, she then breathed fire and lunged at Luna who raised a barrier and Barbra rebounded off of it and ran on all fours into the mansion.

“Barbra!” Elusive ran after her.

“BLUEBLOOD!” Luna spun to see Blueblood walking out of the bathroom with a fake look of shock.

“Oh dear! What happened?!” Blueblood asked.

“You know full well, fix this before somepony gets hurt!” Luna said.

“Oh auntie Luna, the only thing getting hurt is them,” Blueblood gestured to Elusive before turning to the crowd.

“RUN! The dragon is on a rampage!” Blueblood cried and several ponies began to panic.

“No! You are being lied to!” Luna said to dissuade the ponies from rioting.

Meanwhile Elusive chased after Barbra.

Elusive entered a ballroom and saw ponies fleeing as Barbra was attacking ponies and taking their jewelry.

“Mine!” Barb snarled ripping a brooch off of a panicking stallion and eating it.

“Barbra!” Elusive arrived in the room and Barb turned to see him.

“Grrr!” Barbra growled low and got ready to pounce.

“This isn’t you Barbra! This is Blueblood’s magic!” Elusive said.

“Barb want!” Barb said approaching.

“Barbra…” Elusive said.

“ELUSIVE!” Elusive turned to see Fancy Pants storming up to him “I have half a mind to call the royal guard on you!” Fancy said.

“You don’t understand Fancy! Blueblood-”

“Blueblood nothing! I knew this would happen and I still allowed it! Misfortune follows you like a plague Elusive!” Fancy said.

“....Perhaps it does…” Elusive said bowing his head before turning to Barb who was still on a rampage.

Blueblood rounded the corner and prepared to watch.

“Either you renounce her or live in infamy,” Blueblood silently said.

“MINE!” Barbra roared seeing jewelry on Fancy Pants and she charged at him.

“Oh dear!” Fancy cried as he saw her going to tackle him but a barrier protected everypony and Barbra rebounded off the barrier and stalked back.

“Luna?” a pony whispered and everypony turned to see Luna approaching with her horn lit.

“Get back, I will restrain her!” Luna said.

“Restrain? You should slay it!” A pony from the crowd shouted and the crowd began chanting for Luna to do it.

“NO! I will not kill her!” Luna said but the crowd refused to back down.

“...Let me through,” Elusive said approaching the barrier.

“Elusive?” Luna said even as Barbra paced back and forth like a predator.

“Do it!” Elusive said.

“...Very well,” Luna said, she opened the barrier briefly to let Elusive through.

“Barbra!” Elusive called to get her attention and she turned to him with a growl.

“Listen, you are not in the right state of mind, please, wake up,” Elusive said.

“Just going to get yourself killed,” Blueblood chuckled.

“I want… everything!” Barbra snarled.

“I know… but you have everything you need, friends, family, your love,” Elusive said.

“L-love?...” Barb said, flinching.

“Yes, you love ponies, not hurt them, that sets you apart from those dragons who bullied you, you have a ponies heart,” Elusive said, retrieving a box.

“Know what this is?” Elusive asked, getting on one knee.

“Jewel…Barbra want…” Barbra said with a slur.

“It is… Barbra…. I will live as long as you and I will be content as long as we are together, Barbra… will you marry me?” Elusive said.

Barbra’s eyes widened when she saw the jewel.

“Tasty….no….Want jewel….NO!” Barbra fought the urge to consume the ring “You… want… marry… me?” Barb gritted.

“Yes, Barbra, accept this ring, not as a snack, but as yours,” Elusive asked.

“...Min… no… I… Elus… sive…” Barb began crying and she turned and breathed fire at the middle of the ballroom, it came out in a large blast that scorched a wall.

And afterward, she collapsed.

“Barbra!” Elusive ran over and held her.

Luna began to lower the barrier but the fear of the crowd advancing on Elusive and Barbra made her keep it up.

“Open it for me,” Dusk said and Luna did so and he walked in, but before she closed the barrier Blueblood slipped in.

“Blueblood!” Luna yelled.

“Elusive, Barbra, are you alri-” Dusk was pushed past by Blueblood who ran over to them.

“Oh dear, are you two alright?” Blueblood asked in a clearly exaggerated tone.

Not trusting this Dusk said “Back away from them!” Dusk fired a magic bolt and it missed Blueblood.

“How dare you! I am a prince!” Blueblood said.

“This was your doing! Don’t pretend! You were planning to zap them both when you got up to them weren’t you,” Dusk said.

“Does your cruelty know no bounds?!” Elusive said walking up to Blueblood.

“I was not!” Blueblood said before speaking quieter so the crowd wouldn’t hear him while backing the two up.

“You and your friends are getting in my way! Yes, I zapped that dragon to make her go crazy, yes I did zap Elusive to make him come on to Fluer, I do not care if you resent me for it, but I refuse to let that dragon enter Canterlotian society! Everyone saw the beast she is today, and now they think so too! Now you have no choice but to kick that reptile to the curb or risk eternal infamy! Should you refuse I will tell this lot that you threatened me with worse! I am the center of Canterlot! I am the true prince! And I…. wait… does anypony else hear an echo?...” Blueblood said before noticing the two smirking “What are you smiling about?” Blueblood demanded.

“Did you bother examining what magic I shot at you earlier?” Dusk asked.

“....What?” Blueblood looked over their shoulders and saw a magical rune on the wall… one for enhancing voices…. “Oh no…” Blueblood paled.

“While you were making your plans, so were we,” Dusk said.

Blueblood turned to see the whole crowd giving him judgmental glares and Luna with a victorious smirk.

“Checkmate, dear Blueblood,” Luna said.

“No… nonononono! I-it’s a lie! They-” Blueblood attempted.

“BLUBLOOD!” Fancy cut him off and stomped up to him “I don’t believe my ears, you mean what happened before was your fault?! You vile deceiver!” Fancy said.

“Y-you don’t understand, I’m being framed! I didn’t-” Blueblood attempted.

“SILENCE!” Luna said approaching with some guards “Guards, take the prince to his abode for now, I will deal with him later,” Luna said and the guards did so, cuffing Blueblood and dragging him off.

“NO! YOU CANNOT DO THIS! I AM A PRINCE!” Blueblood yelled as he was dragged off.

“Good riddance,” Elusive spat before turning to Barbra who got up woozily.

“Ugh… what happened…” Barbra wheezed.

“We happened Barbra, so what is your answer?” Elusive asked.

“For what?” Barb asked.

“If you wish to tie the knot with me,” Elusive said.

“....What? Y-you mean… me and you… we’re….” Barbra stuttered.

“Yes,” Elusive said.

“I DO I DO!” Barbra pounced on him hugging and kissing him.

“Haha! That is good darling!” Elusive chuckled.

“That’s going to be us one day,” Luna said with a coy smile.

“...Y-you mean-”

“Relax, I intend to show you how I am in bed first, dear,” Luna said.

“...Meep,” Dusk squeaked.

After the whole debacle, Fancy stood outside with Elusive and Barbra, Luna, Dusk, and Fluer.

“Congratulations on your engagement, I was once judgmental of dragons… but I know better now,” Fancy said with a bow “Can you two forgive me for the way I treated you both?” Fancy asked.

“All is forgiven, you were fooled by that scoundrel Blueblood,” Elusive said.

“Believe me, I will never associate with that hoodlum again,” Fancy said.

“It makes so much more sense that Blueblood was the scoundrel instead of you, he was never likable around here, if it weren’t for his status he’d be on the receiving end of everypony in Canterlot’s ire,” Fluer said.

“We have to get going now, but thanks for the help,” Elusive said.

“Very well then, I have a party to get back in order, have a pleasant night both of you,” Fancy said.

After leaving with a wave the group went over to the train back to Ponyville.

“Leaving so soon?” Luna asked Dusk.

“Unfortunately, I got to get home and help with the surprise involving Barbra and Elusive’s wedding planning,” Dusk said.

“Wait for the others…”

“Actually Dusk, we'd like to take care of the planning, perhaps wait a little bit, why not stay with Luna,” Elusive said.

“What? Why-” Dusk said before Luna hugged his arm tightly.

“Didn’t you know, heat week is next week,” Luna said.

“...Oh….b-but we-” Dusk said nervously said.

“Ah ah, we already are getting things ready, you need to be there,” Luna said.

“Oooh boy…” Dusk said before being led off by Luna.

Now that they were alone the two headed to catch the late-night train.

“So Lucy… is it true… I mean, I would have thought you’d want to date a prince or a princess, are you sure you want to settle with a dragon?” Barb asked.

“I am certain, especially if that dragoness is you,” Elusive said.

“Oh Elusive,” Barb said kissing him on the lips.

Author's Note

I'm a romantic at heart, and I love writing romance.

And this was a sweet chapter to write, just one more to write, and then we speed the story up some more.