The afternoon was spreading in Canterlot like a silk veil, a soft and golden fabric that slipped over the city, advancing in a way as lazy as it was magnificent. The sun was sinking gently into the horizon, decorating the sky with purple, pink and orange watercolors, beautifully tearing the eyes of the beholder in an ephemeral and inconceivable way. In one of the suites of the palace, Rainbow Dash, was alone, immersed in a sea of boredom, she felt like an endangered bird inside an expensive gold-plated cage, while her rich masters feed it, believing that in this way they will prevent it from eventually dying.

In the silence of the afternoon, the ticking of the clock, positioned in front of her bed, set the rhythm of her constant blinking, wishing that, as she closed her eyes, time would stop. Several hours had passed since lunch, and her suite was still bathing in the warm afternoon light. Waiters had arrived a few hours ago, bringing her lunch by order of the royal family, as she took the tray and thanked them for returning to her suite, she noticed that, among the silverware, there was a discreetly wrapped note from the royal sisters to her.

"Hello Dash, we write you hereby to tell you not to worry about your presence among the Wonderbolts during lunch, Shinning has taken Rainbow Dash's body under the changeling spell to make sure your friends don't look for you or worry about you. So relax and enjoy your lunch, we'll come see you later.

Blooming Rose & Shinning Marigold"

When she read the note, a sigh of relief had escaped her lips. At least that solved the dilemma of her sudden "escape," although now that she thought about it she never came back after that.

Now, she found herself lying on her stomach on the wide bed, her eyes wandering between the empty plates she had left positioned on a nearby small table and the large room, analyzing it closely, more so than she normally would, as she had never had so much free time to waste her time studying an elegant and simple room, too much for her preference.

She had always loved being awakened by the first rays of the sun, feeling the golden light penetrate her placid and desired slumber was the only practical method that didn't make her cranky about getting up early. She also enjoyed the night breeze that brought with it the scent of the moonlit night, but in this suite, a huge closet blocked part of that wonderful view, blocking that intimate contact with the sky she enjoyed so much. She wrinkled her nose.

She also managed to analyze the fact that there was a desk placed next to the closet that seemed to break with the harmony of the dreamy atmosphere she had always imagined, although she didn't plan to use it in the least considering she only had two days left there. The layout of the space was not to her liking and she was just thinking about it too much as a result of the boredom and laziness that was invading her.

She dismantled the pose she held on the bed to get up and approach the closet; the only thing she recognized as her own was the need to move, to do something. She opened both doors and let out a sigh that provoked an unplanned descent of her shoulders, she only glimpsed garments and accessories that contradicted her tastes, the mere idea of having to be constantly looking for combinations of clothes that would cover her cutie mark, just to keep the vest provided by the spell of unrecognition, was exhausting, she had never seen herself in that situation by herself, usually Rarity was the one who analyzed her preferences and proposed combinations that suited her, that ended up really satisfying her. She missed those moments.

• “Well” - she muttered to herself, stretching her wings with a slight rustle - “I guess I have plenty of time to make some changes around here” - and with a renewed determination, she started moving the desk and rearranging the suite to her liking just with the excuse of killing time, although if asked she would say it was to optimize and better manage the space, it sounded nicer and fake to convince someone not to ask more questions.

Then she started working on the huge and heavy closet; this one did cost her more physical effort, and although she was much stronger compared to an average mare, she remained a mare. She pushed herself with the flapping of her wings and managed to move it just two centimeters to the other side, a little light and breeze filtered over her tired body.

She slumped for a few minutes - “If anyone had told me a week ago that I would be doing this, I would have laughed in their face at the absurdity” - she said aloud, shaking her head with a wry smile. She couldn't help but think how ridiculous it was to accommodate a room she would only be in for two days.

Suddenly, her attention was interrupted by a sound caused by knocking on her door, which startled her a little. “It's probably Blooming and Shinning, they said they would come” She quickly got up and walked to the door with a mixture of anticipation, but when she opened it, she didn't meet them.

• “Hey, Moonflower!” -Fleetfoot's enthusiastic voice echoed across the threshold, her tone carefree and characteristic- “we came to see how you were-” On the other side of the door, Fleetfoot and Soarin were planted in front of her, smiling nonchalantly.

In a move that seemed to defy all laws of physics, Moonflower spun around on herself, pushing the door partially closed, hiding most of her body behind it - “Guys, hi...” -she said nervously - “What a... what a surprise. I wasn't expecting you guys, how did you know I was here?” -she asked, trying to sound casual, though her voice betrayed a slight uneasiness.

Fleetfoot and Soarin exchanged confused glances before Soarin replied - “the royal sisters announced during lunch that this would be your room for these two days” - Soarin explained calmly.

Dash felt a pang of confusion hitting her brain. Why announce something so trivial? It was just a room change, why all the fuss and attention to that?

• “You didn't know?” - Fleetfoot said as she noticed the sudden silence that apparently flooded the mare's mind. She arched an eyebrow in her direction.

• “oh...yeah, right” - she said in a casually stilted tone - “I just didn't think they were going to announce something as simple as a room change” - Moonflower finally said, sharing part of her thoughts with them.

• “Well, you know how royals are, they've always been led to believe that the slightest thing they do is important enough to be announced” - Fleetfoot's thoughts spoke aloud. Soarin gave her a hard look at this and tapped her side - “ahem...no offense” - she apologized as she noticed how direct she had been.

Moonflower blinked - “I'm not offended, after all I'm not part of royalty” - she said in a paused tone as she sensed the stillness - “in fact I think I might agree with what you're saying” - she mentioned, noting some reason in what Fleetfoot was saying, since, in what she had interacted with the royal family, she had managed to perceive how important reputation was for them, keeping up appearances and being constant in events, she also perceived how they were instilling in her the art of hogging attention even in the most insignificant action, like, in this case, changing rooms.

• “makes sense” - said Soarin - “but you will be soon won't you?” - he asked suddenly. Moonflower cast a confused look at his question, arching an eyebrow as she didn't understand what he was referring to. He noticing this formulated his point better - “I mean being part of royalty. You said you weren't involved, but being Aster's fiancée, in theory, sooner or later you will be.”

...Damn, he's right

His analysis undoubtedly cut Moonflower's vocal cords, who's eyes widened as she realized this detail she hadn't even taken the time to consider before.

She forced a smile and preferred not to say anything, ambiguously disengaging herself from the subject and putting those thoughts aside for another time. She forced herself to remain calm - “it seems a bit inappropriate to be talking like this, I would invite you in, but could you give me a few minutes, please, I have to get dressed” - she answered, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the idea.

Both pegasus looked at her strangely, as if the idea of someone wanting to put on clothes was unnecessary - “get dressed? What for?” - Fleetfoot asked with her typical nonchalance. Normally, a pony didn't wear clothes, but it was clear that Moonflower was different, after all, they always saw her with something fancy on. To Dash, however, the reason was clear. Fortunately for Moonflower, Soarin interrupted before she managed to think of an explanation.

• “Don't worry Moonflower, we'll wait for you” - He said quickly while throwing another disapproving glance at Fleetfoot's impulsiveness, which watches him with a poker face as he shook his head. The sight struck Dash as funny, Moonflower let out a brief chuckle at the typical behavior of the two pegasus in front of her.

Giving no further response, she closed the door with a soft click and leaned against it - “That was close enough” - she murmured, and hurried to search through the closet, her hooves nervously scouring the rack until her hooves landed on the soft silk of a red wine-colored blouse with long, arm-tight sleeves and a plunging, heart-shaped neckline, with delicate layers embroidered in silver thread at each end; she breathed in deeply, letting the fresh, clean scent of the fabric envelop her. The fabric, light as a petal, promised her a comfort that contrasted with the emotion that intoxicated her.

The lower part consisted of a medium short, closed skirt that fell in soft pleats from the waist, flowing in a deep black tone with silver lace details forming patterns over the lower hem of the skirt, as if trying to mimic the infinite descent of the night and the stars. The skirt, in conjunction with the blouse, created a dramatic visual harmony that made her stand out. Rainbow grimaced, but she couldn't see any other options that she liked well enough, plus she didn't have much time so she just put on the outfit.

With one last glance at the mirror, she made sure everything was in place before opening the door again. - “Ready, sorry to keep you waiting” - she announced, with a smile that tried to be carefree, as she took a step back to let them into the room.

Upon seeing Moonflower, both Fleetfoot and Soarin were stunned. Fleetfoot was the first to regain her composure with her usual animated attitude. -"Wow! You look amazing, Moonflower!” - she exclaimed, her voice full of admiration. Dash felt the blush take over her cheeks and turned her head in the other direction - “leave some for the others Right?” - She said as she walked deeper into the suite, a mischievous glint in her eyes, though genuinely impressed. Moonflower laughed nervously as a slight sense of trepidation and discomfort crept through her body.

Soarin, on the other side, was speechless, his eyes wide as he contemplated the effect the outfit had on her, his mouth was slightly half-open, as if he was trying to say something, but couldn't find the words. Finally, after a long second, Soarin cleared his throat and followed Fleetfoot inside, trying to regain his composure.

• “What were you doing before we arrived?” - asked Fleetfoot, stopping in the middle of the room, noticing the misplaced furniture and an empty plate next to the bedside table.

• “Well I was just managing the space a bit” - replied Moonflower as she ran a hoof across the table surface, as if considering something - “I was in the middle of moving the closet when you arrived” - she pointed to it and closed the door behind herself to approach.

Soarin looked at the closet, then crossed glances with Fleetfoot before turning his attention back to Moonflower, a worried expression crossing his face. - “That looks too heavy for you” - he commented, frowning as he approached the closet.

Moonflower shrugged, trying to play it down. - “Don't worry, I can handle it” - and yes she could, but not in the way she would like, a small part of her knew she had underestimated the challenge - “I was just trying to bestow a personal touch to the room... besides, the closet was blocking some of the light from the window.”

Soarin, however, didn't seem entirely convinced - “Let me help you move it, there's no point in doing this by yourself.” - he spoke with a decisive tone, and even before Moonflower could protest, Soarin was already pushing the closet into its new location.

Moonflower sighed, knowing that nothing she could say would change his mind - “all right, thank you, Soarin” - the mare said, genuinely grateful.

As Soarin began to push the closet, Fleetfoot merely crossed her hooves and watched instead - “You know, if I were your Moonflower, I wouldn't bother wasting too much time making me feel at home.” - she watch her with slight concern, though trying to keep the mood light in conversation - “we don't have much time left here and that reminds me...” - she raised her eyebrows and cast a conspiratorial smile towards Moonflower - “We want to invite you out with the whole team. There's a party tonight in by downtown Canterlot.”

Moonflower blinked, surprised. - “A party?” - She repeated, feeling a mixture of disbelief and nervousness.

• “Yes...” - Soarin interjected, still pushing the large piece of furniture, his voice echoing with excitement. - “It's our last night in Canterlot before the tour” - he explained, completing the movement of the closet and clearing the window area - “We thought it would be great to celebrate all together what do you say?” - With a final push, the piece of furniture was perfectly in place.

Dash felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety fluttering in her stomach. A party sounded great, just what she needed to distract herself from all this craziness. But at the same time, the complexities of her situation, the spell of unrecognition and all that being Moonflower entailed made her second guess her decision.

• “aahmm, I... I don't know if it's a good idea” - she said slowly, hesitating, her mind working at full speed to find a convincing excuse - “I'm still feeling kind of tied up about.... well, you know.”

Fleetfoot rolled her eyes with an amused smile. - “Precisely why we're inviting you over, to get your mind off the whole thing. Just relax, have a drink, enjoy the music and seize the moment” - she said in a tone that tried to be persuasive.

Soarin nodded, with a sincere look. - “Exactly, you don't have to worry about doing much, it's the perfect place to de-stress from everything that's coming” - they both looked at her expectantly, as if their joy depended on her answer.

Moonflower sighed internally, thinking about how good it sounded, but also how complicated it would be to keep her identity. Normally she wouldn't miss the opportunity, in fact, she'd be the first to accept or propose a way out, but she knew her own limits and excesses in those areas and wasn't sure she wanted to involve Moonflower's identity in that.

Seeing the doubt on her face, Fleetfoot and Soarin decided to interrupt her thoughts. - “how about while you're thinking about it, you come with us to look for Dash? I'm sure she wouldn't miss something like this” - Fleetfoot suggested, with an encouraging smile. Moonflower felt her heart stop for a millisecond.

A twinge of anxiety made her eye twitch slightly as she heard her own name leave Fleetfoot's lips, but she quickly regained her composure - “all right” - she finally said, not thinking of another quick option for a response.

The stillness of the castle, with its almost palpable silence, the footsteps of the 3 pegasus set a pace that slowly advanced forward. Despite the calm atmosphere, Moonflower's mind wandered through other mazes.

• “Blooming, Shinning do you hear me?” - Dash asked through the mental link. It wasn't the first attempt at communication she had tried to make, but the sisters weren't answering her and they were approaching towards the hallway where the royal family's rooms were located, her anxiety slowly growing between her lungs, cold sweat slowly dripping down from her forehead, like moisture on the cement walls encasing her fears in a dark cell at the bottom of the tartarus. - "Please answer me”- she pleaded again, has something happened to them? Why don't they answer? - Her anguished gaze, lost in the distance, swept over the intricate carvings adorning the columns, searching for a foothold in reality.

Suddenly, a sharp crash brought her out of her reverie. A crash against something solid, or someone to be precise - “Moonflower?” - Soarin's voice, deep and comforting brought her back to the earthly plane. His body, tall and burly, interposed in front of her, had collided with his chest. Beside him, Fleetfoot, watched her with concern and bewilderment - “What's wrong?” - Soarin asked, tilting his head to one side and taking a step back, giving the mare space. His tone was filled with a genuine concern that made her feel aware of the time that had passed inside her mind.

• “What do you mean?” - Moonflower said in confusion, not knowing precisely what he meant since she wasn't even paying attention to the way they were going.

“We've been calling for you, but you weren't answering. You seemed... lost.” - Fleetfoot mentioned, lowering her voice involuntarily on her last word, as if that word reminded her of someone else.

• “ah, excuse me for not hearing you, I was minding my own business” - she said, trying to sound calm - “Sometimes I lose track of time” - and with that she gave them a smile that, she hoped, would be enough.

• “I see” - Fleetfoot said, with a sympathetic smile - “but you're feeling okay right?” - Moonflower sighed before answering.

• “Yes, I'm fine” - she said as she gently affirmed with her head - “I was just a little distracted Were you telling me something?”

Soarin, with an inquisitive look, watched her carefully - “We were asking you how it went talking to the royal sisters” - Moonflower blinked, as if she was trying to channel the message correctly.

• “ah well we talked and although... well, it wasn't easy at the beginning I did notice progress with them” - explained the pegasus. Her mind threw back several memories of that moment, a slight smile escaped her lips at the memory.

Fleetfoot, with a nod of approval, nodded - “It's good to know that you were able to talk calmly” - she said - “you see, that's what you needed” - without further ado, she made a gesture with her head indicating that they should continue.

As they resumed their passage through the corridors, Moonflower decided to break the silence, trying to distract the Wonderbolts while still mentally calling out to the sisters - “So, how did the idea for the party come about?” - She asked, looking for a topic to slow her pace a bit.

Fleetfoot smiled broadly, her corners quirked up in her cheeks before answering - “You know, last night before the tour, we wanted to relax before everything gets chaotic, plus...” - she made a brief pause that erased her smile - “we've noticed Dash has been weird lately. I mean, we know you don't know her, but you're far from it if her aloofness persists as it has been these days” - Moonflower felt a shiver run down her back.

• “Weird?” - Moonflower asked curiously, although deep down, she knew exactly what they meant, guilt again gripped her heart.

Soarin, who was walking on her other side, nodded regretfully - “Yes, the truth is, she's been a bit distant from us. She's been quieter, less enthusiastic, and that's rare for her” - her friends' helplessness was internally conveyed in Dash.

• “We thought that taking her to a party could help her relax, get back to her old self” - Fleetfoot added with a confident smile - “that's why, we need your support, Moonflower. If Dash refuses or digs through excuses, we need you to help us convince her” - she mentioned with a look of determination.

The knot in Moonflower's stomach threatened to destroy her organs. Her team wanted to help her, their intentions were genuine and the very idea twisted in her conscience. The situation was far more complex than they could imagine.

• “Exactly, our mission is to get her to say ‘yes’ no matter what. okay?” - Soarin interjected, joining Fleetfoot's encouragement with an expectant look and a confident smile, one she couldn't refuse.

Finally, she gave a forced smile and nodded her head. -“Of course, I'll do my best,” - the two pegasus smiled brightly at Moonflower's willingness. With that determination, the group continued to move forward.

And so, Dash finished building the labyrinth from which she did not know the way out....

...Fortunately the sky gave her a clue, which immediately activated her senses and instantly perked up her ears.

The afternoon shadows hung thickly over Shinning's room, where she and Blooming Rose lay inert. The desk was overflowing, as if a hurricane had blown away the papers, pens and maps that lay jumbled on it. The air in the room felt almost palpable, only the monotonous ticking of the clock broke the silence, its hands advancing with an eerie precision that echoed a lengthening time.

... “Answer me please.”

The bodies of Blooming Rose and Shinning Marigold stood motionless, witnesses to the paperwork that seemed to multiply with the hours. Blooming Rose, her head resting on a map, snored softly, her breathing paced by the ticking of the clock beside her, while Shinning's head seemed to have found the perfect balance on her hoof, slowly resting her tired eyes. Sleep seemed to have succumbed to their energy as they rearranged the details of the tour. Echoes and voices crept like dreams into their minds, like stories that sleep told them after a week summarized in fatigue. Murmurs of indistinct words, like a new language.

• “It's urgent, why don't answer?” - a distant but this time clearer voice crept into their minds, it was laden with impatience and anxiety.

Suddenly, Shinning became agitated. Her body, which had been motionless, became slightly tense with a start that roused her from a deep sleep. Her eyes, still lethargic, slowly opened - “What...?” - she murmured, barely raising her head.

Beside her, Blooming also began to stir, though more slowly and reactively - “What's going on?” - She asked with a yawn that spread throughout the room. Her eyes, still drowsy, rested on her sister, searching for an explanation.

• “Please, we're close” - Dash's words, laden with desperation, echoed in their minds. The ears of both sisters tensed in an instant, their gazes resting on the opposite one in sheer terror. Reality rushed at them like an icy torrent, and the sense of danger shook them.

• “Rainbow? what's wrong, where are you?”- replied Shinning in an alert tone, she rose from her seat immediately. Confusion stewed with panic building up in her chest.

• “Shinning, at last... Thank heavens” - Dash said with great relief, her voice full of urgency that begged for help - ”It's urgent, I'm on my way with Fleetfoot and Soarin to my room, I need someone to take my place, NOW.” - The sisters exchanged a deep look, a flash of urgency that went beyond words. The gravity of the situation hovered over the horns that adorned their foreheads, which soon flashed at Dash's words.

The hallway leading to Rainbow Dash's room seemed to shrink with every step Moonflower took, as if the universe was conspiring to increase her anxiety. Despite the pressure in her chest, she felt somewhat comforted by the fact that the sisters had answered her, but she was troubled by the thought of what they might do after receiving her message, since her call had faded into an unanswered echo.

Finally, they arrived before the door, which seemed more imposing than she remembered. Soarin lifted a hoof and tapped gently on the wood, his gaze fixed on the door, as if he could will his way through it. An awkward silence took over the atmosphere, interrupted only by the faint whisper of the wind that crept through the open corridors.

Moonflower, impatient, cast a glance toward her accompanying - “What if she's not here? Or is she resting? - she asked with a tone that was intended to be innocent - “we should leave her and maybe...”

• “Oh no, of course not” - interrupted Fleetfoot to Moonflower - “She's been cooped up all day 'resting” - thus or more impatient, she stepped forward and called again, this time with more force - “Come on Rainbow Dash, we know you're there” - exclaimed Fleetfoot, her voice charged with a mixture of exasperation and enthusiasm.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from inside, and after what seemed like an eternity, the door slowly opened, revealing “Rainbow Dash”. Her multicolored mane slightly tousled and her narrowed eyes betrayed an interrupted rest, as if she had been in a deep sleep.

• “Oh... hey, guys...” - She tried to sound nonchalant, but the slight stiffness and nervous tremor in her voice betrayed her effort - “What are you guys doing here?” - at that instant, Moonflower bit her lip, holding back a giggle at the small but obvious details that betrayed the fake Rainbow Dash. The way she moved, the way she avoided eye contact, it all seemed a little out of place, fortunately, she was the only one who noticed them.

• “At last you show up, we just came to ask you out” - Fleetfoot said displaying a wide smile full of confidence - “We're going to a party in downtown Canterlot tonight and well, we thought you could use to join. what do you say?” - the mention of the party lit up the faces of her friends, while inside, the fake Dash's apprehension grew.

She blinked rapidly. She wasn't prepared for that kind of invitation, let alone had any idea how she was supposed to react, she searched Moonflower's gaze for an answer, but it was hard to decipher and her silence began to draw attention - “I... uh... I don't know. I'm not sure I feel like going to a party right now...” - The words had barely crossed her lips.

Before she could finish, Soarin rolled his eyes and approached her - “It's a joke isn't it?, since when do you miss a party?” - His expression was a picture of amazement and amusement, as one eyebrow rose at the pegasus' hesitation.

Dash, still struggling with her awkward position, hesitated, looking for a way out - “It's just that, well, we should reserve energies for the tour, and that's what I'm trying to do...”

• “Reserving energy for you is staying cooped up all day?” - Fleetfoot interrupted, her tone infused with irony, as she threw a playful kick at Moonflower's side. A subtle signal that it was her time to coax her.

Moonflower, who had remained silent until now, unable to contain her amusement any longer, interjected with a mischievous grin - “Please, Dash ‘ - emphasizing that name in a way that could only be described as playful, one that only the mare in disguise could pick up on - ’Since when is anyone too tired to go to a party?” - The Dash imposter's eyes widened, catching the challenge implicit in Moonflower's words.

• “Are you going, Moonflower?” - Dash asked, her tone now enveloping a tinge of defiance, as if Moonflower's response loaded the responsibility on her paws to make the final decision. It was a play on words that oscillated between a tug-of-war.

• “Only if you go, of course” - Moonflower replied with an amused gleam in her eye that could not be ignored, switching roles with a subtle wink at the invitation of a game that could come to risk their identities. Her statement transformed the game, reversing the roles, making Dash the one who had to make the first move.

“Damn” Blooming thought to herself, contemplating the trance they were in - ‘You're supposed to help me, Rainbow Dash’ - she thought, channeling her recrimination towards the mental link that always kept them connected.

Rainbow Dash, however, seemed to have chosen a more playful path - “Though it may not seem like it, that's what I do” - she repeated, her voice resonating with a tone of mischief that, far from appeasing the turmoil in Blooming's heart, amplified it, seemingly purposefully ignoring the weight of the decision on Blooming - “I just help to keep you in the role.”

• “How are you supposed to do that?” - Blooming questioned her, unaware of the pegasus' plans.

• “A party wouldn't do you any harm, you know?” - Dash mentioned with amusement, who, after much thought, concluded that maybe going wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Soarin, interpreting the mare's silence as simple indecision, approached and, suddenly, passed a wing over the shoulders of the mare, who looked at him with a slight hint of surprise - “come on, don't be boring Dash, the party won't be the same without you” - the gesture of the steed visibly tensed the spine of the body Blooming was executing - “Besides, it's been a while since we spent some time together outside of training” - he said with a soft and persuasive voice that he hoped would work to convince her.

Moonflower, watching the scene, felt an unexpected pang in her chest, a tingling that pushed her insides inward, turning into a knot in her stomach. Her eyes narrowed slightly, fixating on the wing resting so comfortably on “Dash's” shoulder, Soarin's presence so close to “her” deepened her unease, but she couldn't figure out why.

With an effort to hide her discomfort, she raised her voice in a tone intended to be casual - “time together?” - Moonflower retorted, her sparkle-laden tone hiding a hint of sarcasm. - “Since when is a ‘time together’ considered a party? Isn't it supposed to be more like a fun time with each other?” - She declared.

Fleetfoot, catching a flash of tension in Moonflower's eyes, raised an eyebrow. Her gaze jumped from Moonflower to “Dash” and back to Soarin, she laughed - “How witty Moonflower. But seriously, Dash, how about you do us a favor and stop with the drama? Just come to the party, or we'll be late” - Her voice, light and friendly, sought to take the iron out of the situation that, for some reason, felt like it had ceased to be a simple invitation.

Blooming, still tense under Soarin's wing, cast a furtive glance at Moonflower - “What am I supposed to say now?” - She asked mentally, her inner voice tinged with panic and full of expectations boiling inside her.

• “Say, that you're going to that party” - she replied calmly, her eyes never leaving the figure of “Dash” and Soarin - “and don't worry, I promise I won't leave you alone all night.”

• “Well... all right, I'll go” - Dash relented, finally, though her voice betrayed some reluctance as she stirred somewhat uncomfortably at the touch of the steed's wing on her body.

-“It's settled then” - exclaimed Soarin, misinterpreting Dash's movement as a sign of acceptance. His embrace intensified, an unconscious gesture that spoke of his enthusiasm and assurance, as he shared a broad triumphant smile with Fleetfoot, who watched the scene with eyes sparkling with curiosity and amusement. Moonflower bit the inside of her cheeks.

• “Hey, Moonflower...” - Fleetfoot said, interrupting the exchange with her usual lighthearted tone - “since we're here, if you want, you could invite the members of the royal family. The more the better, don't you think?”

The mention of the royal family made Moonflower blink, snapping her out of her thoughts. Fleetfoot's suggestion was unexpected, and, though her mind savored the idea with some delight, the complication it implied rested upon her, she knew it might be a bit more complicated than it seemed.

Blooming, with a sudden flash of inspiration, decided to seize the opportunity - “That's a great idea, Fleetfoot” - she said, trying to imitate Rainbow Dash's characteristic enthusiastic tone - “Moonflower, you should invite them. I'm sure they'd be delighted to come.”

• “I think you're right” - Moonflower replied, the thoughtful tone of her voice revealing a glimmer of contemplation as a small smile playfully peeked out from her lips. - “Why don't you join me, Dash?” - she inquired, approaching the aforementioned and grabbing her hoof to pull her to herself in subtle gesture, but for the sole purpose of disengaging her from the steed's grip.

Blooming, still on Dash's body, felt the warmth of Moonflower's hoof on hers, a strangely comforting sensation amidst the tension of the moment - “Sure” - she replied, striving to maintain a carefree tone.

• “Well, meet us in a few minutes at the exit what do you think?” - Moonflower proposed, this time channeling her voice towards Fleetfoot and Soarin, charged with an intention that went beyond her words.

Fleetfoot, for her part, surveyed the scene with a keen gaze, a knowing smile tugged at her lips as she nodded - “Sounds perfect to us Moonflower” - she said, her tone light but charged with an uncanny understanding - “We'll go ahead to make sure everything's ready, but don't take too long, eh?” - And without waiting any longer, both pegasus began their momentary departure.

As Soarin and Fleetfoot walked away down the hallway, losing themselves in the echo of their own conversation, Moonflower gently tugged on “Dash's” hoof guiding her back into the quiet of the room. The lock closed with a soft click and once inside, a deep sigh burst from Rainbow and Blooming's lips as they slowly leaned against the door, an exhalation that seemed to condense all the tension built up in every millisecond

• “That was close” - Rainbow murmured, her voice barely a whisper that seemed to fade into the thick air of the wide room.

Blooming nodded, dropping Rainbow Dash's facade for a moment and returning to her body - “Too close” - she agreed - “What are we going to do now? How do we tell Shining and Aster?”

Rainbow, with a determined gesture, turned away from the door and began to move with measured steps towards the center of the room. Her mind was working at full speed, weighing options and consequences. The dim light of the room chased the trail of her shadow.

• “Relax, I can tell them if you want” - she finally said, her voice vibrating with a new confidence - “The important thing is to convince them to go. We must use this to our advantage.”

Blooming's curiosity flashed in her gaze, and intrigue led her to ask - “What do you mean Dash?” - She said with anticipation for whatever was running through the pegasus' mind.

• “Think about it Blooming” - Dash began, her voice gaining intensity as she developed the idea - “If Aster and Shinning go, no one will question why you're acting a little... different. Everyone will be too busy trying to impress royalty to notice any small discrepancies and changes in your behavior.”

Blooming blinked, turning the proposition over, each twist provoking possibilities in the suggestion - “But what about your companions, the ones who really know you? Won't they notice something different?” - Her voice sounded firm as she emphasized the stage they were about to adventure into.

A mischievous smile tugged at Dash's lips - “that's why you should let me guide you through the night” - she told her confidently as her hooves echoed on the marble - “it'll be fun... even if you have to be me for a while longer.”

Blooming sighed, surprised to realize that, despite her initial wariness with the idea of going out in a casual setting. There was something about Dash's proposal that was beginning to seem enticing to her - “ Whatever you say, but I hope this doesn't get any more complicated than it already is” - she replied, her tone revealing a mixture of acceptance and reluctance.

Rainbow headed for the door again, opening it with a determined movement and throwing a knowing glance at Blooming. - “As long as you follow me, that shouldn't have to happen” - she affirmed to her.

Blooming watched her for a moment, allowing the picture of what was coming to unfold in her mind and finally nodded. Process for a few minutes what the pegasus said; perhaps, after all, surrendering to the opportunity to spread out a bit didn't sound so bad after all.

Author's Note

🎵 "take me to the disco..." 🎶