Twilight wasn’t having a good time in Ponyville. She was having a GREAT time. When she first had heard about friendship and how she would have to make friends, she was frustrated and miserable. She had to try and stop Nightmare Moon AND study for whatever greater things the princess could want of her someday. To add on, she was expected to learn more about a card game that Spike adored but she found less than interesting.

However, everything changed later that night. Thanks to the help of the five ponies that considered her a friend, she was able to learn how good friendship could be and saved Equestria with the magic that personified it. In addition, the card game, Duel Monsters, that she had once derided was helpful after all as it allowed her to weaken Nightmare Moon enough to stop her. On top of that, the game was just fun.

She was a bit sad when she was about to head on back home to Canterlot and be alone again, but she had been given her greatest assignment yet; to learn more about the magic of friendship with the Mane 5 and maybe have some Duels along the way and learn more about how its magic worked.

During the next few days, she spent a lot of her time with her new friends, taking part in many Duels and winning some of them. Even the ones she lost were a learning experience both for the game and its power.

Things went without issue until a couple of days after what the ponies of Ponyville would call the Nightmare Moon incident…

“No. Nope. Nope…,” Spike was looking through the apples that Twilight was helping Applejack harvest, throwing them to the side as he looked for the best one to eat.

“Thank you kindly, Twilight, for helping me out. I bet Big McIntosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles,” Applejack giggled at the thought of winning the bet.

“No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry,” Twilight sighed in relief.

“I know, right?” Spike agreed…only to get an annoyed look from Twilight.

“Puh-lease, Spike. You've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked,” Twilight criticized her younger brother.

“Exactly. You two are taking so long, I missed snack-time,” Spike responded, not agreeing with Twilight’s point.

All of a sudden, Twilight’s stomach grumbles. As she laughs nervously, she agreed, “Eh, I guess we better get some food.”

“Nope. Worm,” Spike threw away a few more apples, including one with a worm in it before finally finding one in great condition. “A-ha!”

Twilight Sparkle licked her lips happily and greedily as she looked at the apple Spike found. “Oh Spike, that looks delicious!”

However, before Twilight could say anything else, Spike ate the apple in one massive bite, much to Twilight's sad annoyance.

“Spike,” Twilight sighed.

“What?” Spike asked, not seeing the problem in not letting Twilight eat the apple. Just then, he burped. However, it wasn’t from the apple, but from a letter.

“It's a letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight noted. “Can you read it, Spike? I mean, you did just eat what could have been my apple, after all.”

“He he…,” Spike blushed awkwardly before clearing his throat and reading, “Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.”

Applejack and Twilight Sparkle both gasped, looking happy to learn that Twilight was going to the biggest event of the year. “The Grand Galloping Gala!”
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Well…That’s the last of the tickets that needed to be sent. I hope that Twilight and Spike end up having a good time at the Gala this year. Perhaps their company will liven things up a bit,” Princess Celestia sighed to herself, ready to move on to her next task.

But before she could, she heard a guard walk up to her, “Your majesty! At 1100 hours, we saw this strange pegasus gentlecolt walk up to your castle without an appointment! We are going to send him to the dungeon for you to investigate later, but we’re letting you know so that…”

“It’s quite alright, Shining Armor. I have some time to spare. I will see him now,” Celestia said.

“But…your highness…,” Shining Armor tried to warn.

“It’s fine. I can handle him myself. Send him in,” Celestia reassured.

“Uh…okay? By the way, how is Twilight doing at her new home?” Shining asked, looking more personal than he did a moment ago.

“She’s doing fine. I just sent her her two tickets for the Gala a moment ago. Now…send him in,” Celestia said as a strange pegasus walked in, being taken out of his chains as he was. He had a brown coat with long, white hair flowing over his left eye. While his hair was white, it wasn’t due to age as the stallion was actually fairly young. As for his cutie mark, meanwhile, was that of a quill over a strange tablet. “Greetings, Maximilian Pegasus. It’s good to see you again.”

“The feeling is mutual, Celly. How are things going with you?” The man asked.

“Very good. I finally got Twilight to take a break from her books and she got some friends,” Celestia said.

“Of course you did. I figured it would have only been a matter of time before you succeeded in that mission. A while ago I may have scoffed at the idea of friendship, but then I met you. So, how are things with her then?” Pegasus asked.

“She’s been doing great according to her last two letters. But that isn’t the only thing that happened. Also…Luna is finally back…,” Celestia admitted this part very emotionally.

“She is?” Pegasus gave a surprised yet sympathetic look as Celestia held back tears. “That’s…good to hear.”

“Yes, and hopefully we’ll rebuild our broken bonds more and more as time goes on. But…knowing you, you wouldn’t just come here to greet an old friend. You’re here on business, too. So, what is it?” Celestia asked curiously.

“You can read me like a book, can you? Well, it’s simple Celly. My Millenium Eye has been giving me glimpses of what is to come in the near future. Both for this world and mine…,” Pegasus began.

“And?” Celestia asked as she leaned forward.

“There are a lot of potential dangers that plan to cause untold destruction and suffering to both. I don’t even know if I can count them all! It’s so sad! The last thousand years for you have been mostly peaceful!” Pegasus said the last part a little jokingly. However, the message still came across. Two worlds were in danger.

“So…Luna’s return isn’t the only thing we’ll deal with. When I allowed her to return a few days ago, I expected that she’d have to be fought, but also had faith that Twilight and her new friends could save us and her. While it seems things were looking good, my biggest fear is coming true; more dangers will come…and I alone can’t fight them,” Celestia admitted.

“Ooh! Sneaky stealth mentoring again, eh, Celly?” Pegasus teased.

“Maybe…but if there are a lot of threats that my sister and I alone can’t deal with, it looks even more important that Twilight and her new friends rise to save Equestria and your world,” Celestia said confidently.

“Yes…but my visions show that they alone can’t save us,” Pegasus somberly admitted, which got Celestia’s attention. “The threats may prove to be too strong for just them. Fortunately, there are a few people in my world that can help, along with a certain special little game of mine, Celly…” Pegasus said as he got out his Duel Disk.

“You mean…?” Celestia asked as Pegasus nodded.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle were jumping up and down in excitement cheering, “The Grand Galloping Gala!”

Spike, meanwhile, looked happy for a second before looking less enthused, as he pointed a claw towards his mouth in a gagging-like way. Suddenly, he burped out something else from Celestia; two tickets for the Gala. “Look, two tickets.”

“Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?” Twilight asked her brother with child-like curiosity.

“No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense,” Spike harshly rejected the offer to go to the Gala with his older sister.

“Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice,” Twilight tried to change Spike’s mind, who looked a bit conflicted for a moment before looking away.

“Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes…,” Applejack joyfully said as she imagined her fantasy of what she’d do at the Gala. “If I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres?” Applejack imagined a long line of ponies buying and devouring her family’s baked apple goods. “Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big MacIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip.” Applejack returned from her fantasizing of fixing things around her home and to the present. “Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala.”

“Oh, well in that case, would you like to—,” Twilight kindly offered, only to be interrupted by Rainbow crashing right in front of the two mares and dragon.

“Ugh. Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” Rainbow asked.

“Well…that was very quick of you,” Flame noted as he popped out of Rainbow’s Duel Disk.

“Flame, this could be my only chance to-,” Rainbow whispered to her pal somewhat harshly.

“Rainbow Dash. You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?” Applejack questioned with annoyance.

“No, I was busy napping,” Rainbow pointed to the tree right above the group, which had a blanket and pillow on one of the branches. “And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?” Rainbow asked expectantly as she flew upside down.

“Yeah, but—,” Twilight tried to explain how her second ticket could be going to Applejack.

“YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now…,” Rainbow began to fantasize as Flame looked a bit annoyed and concerned.

“Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow imagined herself flying into the area around where the Wonderbolts would be, the audience gasping as she did so. “I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut,” Rainbow imagined doing the trick as the audience cheered. “Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!” Rainbow imagined her heroes mouths agape at how awesome her tricks would be. “The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member,” Rainbow’s fantasy ended with her flying with her heroes in a standard Wonderbolt’s uniform. As they returned to reality, Rainbow cheerfully said, “Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff.”

“Maybe, but…,” Twilight nervously considered.

“You do know there could be other chances to meet and impress them, right? Besides, I doubt they’d be happy if you just crashed their opening routine,” Flame shook his head.

“Ugh! Fine, maybe it wouldn’t go exactly like that, but I still would get a chance to meet them and maybe earn my place as a member of the group I’ve dreamed of being in since I was a filly! You gotta take me!” Rainbow cheered as Applejack pulled on Rainbow’s tail and pulled the annoyed mare back.

“Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here!” Applejack spit out Rainbow’s tail as she continued, “I asked for that ticket first.”

“So? That doesn't mean you own it,” Rainbow reminded grumpily.

“Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket,” Applejack suggested as both mares rushed over to a nearby stump and began to hoof-wrestle for it…only for Flame to pop out and get in their way.

“I don’t see this as an ideal solution,” Flame warned.

“Aw, come on Flame! What’s wrong with this? I mean, this way we’ll meet my heroes!” Rainbow said as she tried to return to the hoof-wrestle.

“As nice as that could be, do remember that these tickets aren’t yours. They’re Twilights!” Flame reminded.

Twilight was quick to use her telekinesis to move the duo away from each other. “You know, Flame here is right. Girls, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?”

Suddenly, both mares rushed over to Twilight and began to argue their cases “Drummin' up business for the farm?” Applejack offered.

“A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow offered her case.

“Money t' fix Granny's hip.” Applejack reminded.

“Living the dream,” Rainbow suggested.

“Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?” Twilight was beginning to get nervous. Suddenly, her stomach rumbled. Twilight began to nervously chuckle as she began to back away. “Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?”

“Okay,” Both mares agreed.

Twilight teleported away in a flash, with Spike in tow.

“Well…now that that’s settled maybe we can do something more productive like-,” Flame began…only to see that the two mares were hoof-wrestling once more. “Oh boy…Didn’t you two just promise to wait for Twilight’s decision?”

“Maybe, but what if that alone doesn’t work out? I may never again get a chance to meet the wonderbolts and impress them! My dream will be crushed and-,” Rainbow stopped here as she didn’t want Applejack to know anymore about this.

“Yeah…I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, but my family’s well being is much more important than that. I’m sure you’ll get another chance. Now…let’s wait for Twilight’s answer where she’ll approve me of gettin’ the ticket,” Applejack apologized.

“No! When she’ll approve me!” Rainbow yelled back.

“Look, seeing as how you two are acting like children, maybe we should find a new way to settle this without bickering! How about a Duel?” Flame suggested.

“A Duel? Hmmm…not a bad idea, Flame! Seeing as how I was able to defeat Nightmare Moon and even some of the others a few times, I bet this will be an easy win!” Rainbow boasted.

“Don’t underestimate me, Rainbow! I may not Duel much, but I know ah am more than capable of keppin’ up with you!” Applejack warned.

“Ooh! Looks like we may have a challenge Rainbow Dash,” Flame noted.

“Maybe…but she could be all talk! Let’s see through actions how good she actually is!” Rainbow decided.

“Fine!” Applejack decided as she got her Duel Disk from her saddlebag. Both ponies were quick to arm themselves, ready for a Duel.

“Let’s Duel!” Both Applejack and Rainbow yelled.

Rainbow Dash 4000 LP

Applejack 4000 LP

“Now, to prove how good I am and who is more deserving of the ticket, I’ll go first! And…I’ll just put a monster facedown in Defense mode and place two cards facedown. And with that, I’ll end my turn,” Rainbow said confidently. “Applejack doesn’t know what she just got into. My facedown monster is Shield Wing, which will allow me to evade monster destruction up to twice a turn through battle! Even if she finds a way out of that, I also have Defense Draw and Scrap-Iron Scarecrow to save me from damage! And then next turn…bam! She won’t know what hit her.” Rainbow thought.

“I understand your confidence, Rainbow, but maybe you shouldn’t be too overconfident. After all, for all we know Applejack may have a way to counter your moves,” Flame warned.

“Yeah right!” Rainbow brushed the warning aside.

“Yer little buddy is right, Rainbow! Ah’ll prove ma skills and win the right ta that ticket! It’s my turn. Ah draw!” Applejack looked at her hand with a smile. “Ah begin by Normal Summoning XX-Saber Boggart Knight (XX-Saber Boggart Knight Attack 1900 LVL 4). Next up, as it was Normal Summoned its effect will now activate, letting me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower X-Saber monster from ma hand er hoof! Ah Special Summon the Tuner monster X-Saber Palomuro (X-Saber Palomuro Attack 200 LVL 1).” Applejack summoned two monsters.

“X-Sabers? I’ve heard of this Deck before, Rainbow Dash. This Deck will allow the user to pull off multiple Synchro Summons in a turn,” Flame warned.

“So she does have skills…well, I still have a good enough field to outlast her!” Rainbow boasted.

“Think again! As ah control two X-Saber monsters, ah kin Special Summon XX-Saber Faultroll (XX-Saber Faultroll Attack 2400 LVL 6) from mah hand in Attack Position via its own effect. It’s about time ah tune my Boggart Knight to Palomuro in order to perform mah Synchro Summon of X-Saber Wayne (X-Saber Wayne 2100 LVL 5) in Attack Position! Now…as he was Synchro Summoned, his effect activates, letting me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from mah hand er hoof. Ah Special Summon XX-Saber Fulhelmknight (XX-Saber Fulhelmknight Attack 1300 LVL 3),” Applejack summoned a new Tuner.

“You gonna be done sometime this week? I’m getting kinda bored,” Rainbow yawned.

“Consarn it Rainbow! Be patient!” Applejack yelled. “Now then… Ah then will activate the effect of Faultroll to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower X-Saber monster from mah Graveyard; ah Summon Palomuro (X-Saber Palomuro Attack 200 LVL 1). Ah’ll now tune Faultroll to Fulhelmknight to Synchro Summon once more! Let your silver armor shine and crush the hope of everything that opposes you! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 9! XX-Saber Gottoms (XX-Saber Gottoms Attack 3100 LVL 9) in Attack Position!”

“Impressive. She managed to summon a monster stronger than the starting power of any card in your Deck,” Flame noted.

“Yeah…but I’m not worried, Flame. I have many ways to turn this Duel in my favor,” Rainbow said.

“Agreed. Let’s just hope that Applejack doesn’t have a counter. Though considering she has a Tuner out, she can still turn this Duel in her favor,” Flame warned.

“Aw come on! You shouldn’t worry so much, Flame! We’ll win this no biggie!” Rainbow brushed off the ai.

“Ya know what? Yer little buddy isn’t wrong. Ah tune X-Saber Wayne to ma Palomuro" to Synchro Summon. Slay the enemy with your dance of swords as your red cape whips about! Synchro Summon! Show yourself! Level 6! XX-Saber Hyunlei (XX-Saber Hyunlei 2300 LVL 6) in Attack Position! Now…as she was Synchro Summoned, her effect activates, letting me select and wipe out up ta three of yer Spell and Trap cards, Rainbow!” Applejack cried out.

“Wait. What?! That doesn’t sound good!” Rainbow began to worry.

“So, say goodbye to yer two facedowns!” Applejack cried out as Scrap-Iron Scarecrow and Defense Draw were wiped out. “So…ya planned on defendin yerself with yer facedowns then? Well…looks like that plan blew up faster than a tornado in a windstorm. Now…it’s about time we get to battlin’...but first…I play the equip spell card Fairy Meteor Crush and equip it onto Gottoms! With dis card, the equipped monster can deal ya damage even if yer monster is on Defense!”

“Dang it! How are you this good for someone who rarely plays?!” Rainbow cried out.

“See Rainbow? This is why it doesn’t work from a logical perspective to underestimate your opponents. They can be more dangerous than you expect. Still…that can go both ways,” Flame warned.

“Meaning?” Rainbow asked, confused.

“We can turn things around and pull out an impressive come from behind victory,” Flame answered.

“Sounds nice, and that may work better for a future Duel. But fer this Duel ahm afraid it won’t be that easy ta win right now! Between both of ma monsters, ah can pull out a victory right here and now! And then, that ticket and the help it’ll bring to the farm will belong ta me! Battle! XX-Saber Gottoms, attack that facedown monster!” Applejack cried out as the monster was flipped face up, showing itself as a green bird with shield-like wings (Shield Wing Defense 900 LVL 2).

“I’m afraid you’re wrong, Applejack! My monster may have low Defense, but his ability allows him to remain safe from destruction from battle up to twice a turn!” Rainbow countered.

“Meaning we’ll survive the turn,” Flame explained.

“Fine! But you’ll still take damage!” Applejack reminded as Rainbow was hit by the force of Gottom’s attack (Rainbow-2200 LP)! “Ah’ll play a facedown and end ma turn. Ah know y’all can do a lot as a Duelist. After all, ya defeated Nightmare Moon’s copy one yer own. Still, unless ya pull off a miracle draw, y’all will find yerself losing and ticket will go ta me!”

“In your dreams! I may be down on Life Points, but trust me that I still have a chance to turn this Duel around and for us to win!” Rainbow boasted.

“Technically, it’s more of a you victory this time, as I am unconcerned about the ticket,” Flame noted, much to Rainbow’s annoyance.

“Whatever! I’d say…it’s time we strike!” Rainbow yelled out. “As long as I have a single Life Point, I still have a chance at ending this Duel with my victory. No…not just mine, but Flame’s as well,” Rainbow thought. “It’s my turn. I draw!” Rainbow cried out as her Extra Deck began to glow. “What in the world?!” Rainbow was confused at what was going on. “You doing this, Flame?”

“Uh…this isn’t me, Rainbow. Actually, I’m not sure what this is,” Flame admitted.

“Well…I guess I should see what the ruckus is…,” Rainbow decided as she looked at the new card, which turned out to be a Synchro Monster; one she didn’t have before.

“Rainbow? Y’all doin’ alright?” Applejack asked with concern, not knowing what was going on.

“Oh, I’m fine. I draw! I play the spell Pot of Greed! With it, I can draw two cards from my Deck!” Rainbow drew her cards, and was happy with the results. “Perfect! I’ll now play my continuous spell card Force Armor!” Rainbow played a spell that showed purple and blue armor over Junk Warrior. “With this card, I can protect my monsters from having their effects or the effects of spells or traps be negated or countered! In addition, any Synchro Monster I summon will gain 500 Attack Points! Next, I’ll play the spell One for One! With it, I can discard a monster in order to summon another one from my Deck or hoof that is Level 1! So say goodbye to Speed Warrior and say hello to my buddy Level Eater (Level Eater Attack 600 LVL 1)! Now…I summon my good old buddy Junk Synchron (Junk Synchron Attack 1300 LVL 3)! And when he is successfully summoned, I am able to Special Summon a monster from my graveyard that is Level 2 or lower in exchange for negating his abilities! So…I’ll bring out my Speed Warrior in Defense mode (Speed Warrior Defense 400 LVL 2)! And now…I tune my Junk Synchron with my Speed Warrior, Level Eater, and Shield Wing to perform a Synchro Summon!” Rainbow cried out.

“Let’s bring the heat!” Flame yelled out.

“Now from the ancient chasms of a lost world, I awaken a great and terrible power! I Synchro Summon! Now rise, Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend (Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend Attack 3000->3500 LVL 8)!”

“That’s a cool monster and all, Rainbow and it’s nice ya found a way ta turn things around…but I kin still find a way to turn this around next turn!” Applejack said.

“There won’t be a next turn after this! I play Scarlight’s special ability! With it, I can destroy all Special Summoned Effect monsters out other than himself and then deal you 500 damage for each one that perishes by his flames!” Rainbow cried out as Scarlight’s claw burned with crimson red flames and slashed at and destroyed both of Applejack’s cards (Applejack-3000 LP)! And now…to win this Duel and that ticket! Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend, attack Applejack directly!” Rainbow cried out.

“Well…so much fer winning. But…,” “Ah play ma facedown card Ring of Destruction! With it, ah kin destroy a monster on either field and deal us both damage equal to it’s Attack points!” Applejack played.

“Won’t work! Remember Force Armor’s effect? Your effects can’t do anything!” Rainbow countered.

“Uh…you may want to look over your card again, Rainbow. It only can counter effects that you use that activate in regards to the monsters or if they would have their effects negated. It doesn’t say they can’t be destroyed,” Flame warned.

“So then that means…,” Rainbow realized with shock and horror what this meant.

“Ah kin destroy yer monster and deal damage! Ah may not win, but neither will you!” Applejack cried out as the red grenade ring trapped itself around Scarlight’s neck, blowing up a few seconds later and knocking back both ponies (Applejack/Rainbow-0 LP)!

“Well…That blew!” Rainbow groaned.

“Yeah…we wasted a lotta time on this fight that we won’t get back,” Applejack admitted.

“Well, it looks as though you two may finally calm down over this ticket business. And look on the bright side; Twilight may have decided who to give it to by now,” Flame reassured.

“Maybe…,” Rainbow looked a lot calmer and happier for a moment…before realizing something. “Or she could have decided to give it someone else while she left to get lunch! We better go and find out before it’s too late!” Rainbow quickly took to the skies to find Twilight.

“Consarn it, Rainbow! We should let Twilight decide what ta do with it!” Applejack ran off to try and get the ticket once more, leaving Flame to shake his head once more.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So who are you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?” Spike asked his older sister.

“I don't know, Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry. So where should we eat?” Twilight questioned her brother…

Only for Pinkie Pie to crash into Spike and for the tickets to land on Pinkie’s face. As she recovered, she noticed the tickets on her face…though she didn’t realize what they were at first. “Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help! Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! t's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!” Pinkie said as she fantasized about being at an outdoor party. She then began to sing-

“Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! Hip hip Hooray! It's the best place for me! For Pinkie…”

“With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!” Pinkie explained her feelings towards the Gala in more detail before singing once more-

“Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! 'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever! In the whole galaxy! Wheee!!”

“Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever!” Pinkie cheered as she incorrectly assumed the situation.

“Um, actually—,” Twilight tried to correct her friend only for Rarity to arrive.

“Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked in awe.

“Uh—,” Twilight didn’t know what to say, seeing how yet another friend may now want to be a part of the Gala now.

“Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot,” Pinkie cheered.

“The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend,” Rarity said.

“R-R-Rarity! If I’m guessing correctly, I’d say you are wanting to go,” Spike said as Twilight shook him out of his lovestruck gaze.

“Yes Spike. Of course I wanna go! Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him,” Rarity said the last part in lovestruck daze as well.

“Him! ... Who?” Pinkie asked in confusion.

“Him,” Rarity continued in a lovestruck daze before imagining herself at the gala. “I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams,” Rarity left her fantasy as she complained to Twilight, “Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph.”

“Well, there is some good news Rarity…see…,” Spike picked up the two tickets as he tried to reassure his crush in spite of the potential sadness. But before he could continue or Twilight could interrupt, a small white furred rabbit grabbed the tickets in his hands and ran off with them. “Hey!”

The rabbit proceeded to show the two tickets to his owner; Fluttershy. She gasped as she responded, “Angel, these are perfect!”

“Uh, listen, guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to,” Twilight admitted as Rarity looked miffed and Pinkie bounced up and down with glee.

“You haven't?!” Both Pinkie and Rarity asked, the former disappointed and the latter ecstatic.

“Yeah…,” Spike said lovestruck before noticing that Twilight looked concerned. In an instant, he tried to reassure her by saying, “B-but you may need to give Twilight here some time. She’s hungry and-,” Spike was immediately interrupted.

“Sorry to interrupt Spike, but um…, excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else…,” Fluttershy meekly tried to ask.

“You?! You want to go to the gala?!” Rarity asked with frustrated disbelief.

“Oh, no,” Fluttershy tried to get out of disappointing her pony friends only for Angel the bunny to shake her hoof to get her to not wimp out. “I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…” Fluttershy imagined herself in the garden outside of the castle. “It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!” As Fluttershy left her fantasy, she was joyfully hugging Angel.

“Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful...?” Twilight tried to understand her friend’s perspective.

“Wait just a minute,” A voice said from above. As Twilight and the others turned to see who the voice came from, they saw that it came from Rainbow, who was standing on the roof of a nearby building with a frown on her face.

“Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?” Twilight questioned unhappily.

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe,” Rainbow tried to avoid trouble with her answer before flying down, saying, “Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody.”

“You apparently couldn’t just wait for her to make her own decision?” Flame snarked.

“And lose what is possibly my only chance to meet my heroes? As if!” Rainbow rejected as Flame sighed at Rainbow’s stubborn pride.

“Wait just another minute,” Applejack demanded as she entered the area as well.

“Applejack, were you following me too?” Twilight demanded.

“No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket,” Applejack angrily shook her head.

“Your ticket?” Rainbow demanded.

“What happened to letting her-,” Spike agreed with Flame’s earlier sentiment.

“But Twilight's taking me,” Pinkie yelled as she and the other Mane 5 approached and began arguing, even though Twilight was meekly lying on her stomach, not sure what to say as she worried about hurting her friends.

“Look, can we just stop fighting, girls? Look at how you’re…,” Spike tried to intervene only for the Mane 5 to not notice him. Eventually, Twilight finally yelled…

“QUIET!” At this point, everypony stopped fighting.

“And then I said, "Oatmeal, are you craz—" oh,” Pinkie randomly said before realizing the fighting stopped.

“Girls, there's no use in arguing,” Twilight answered.

“Too true, Twilight. Apologies for your friend’s poor behavior in dealing with this tough decision,” Flame noted.

“You trying to suck up to get Rainbow invited?” Spike questioned skeptically. “Because I don’t wanna see you hurting Twilight in the process of getting her the ticket.

“From what I can gather, the Gala may be fun, but I currently see no reason to personally wanna go. So, girls, allow Twilight to say her piece,” Flame noted

“But Twilight—,” Rarity complained.

“Eh!” Twilight cut off her friend. “This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise…,” Twilight’s stomach rumbled as she continued, “not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo.” The Mane 5 agreed sadly and begrudgingly as they all walked away, though not without thinking over the situation. “And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow.” Twilight tried to reassure her friends, though she doubted there would be a happy ending for everyone.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things from there, became even more complicated. All five of the ponies tried to shower Twilight with gifts and favors in order to get in good favor with Twilight. The purple unicorn, however, was not fooled. If anything, she became more conflicted than before who should get the ticket. Eventually, Pinkie accidentally blabbed about the ticket to the general townsponies of Ponyville, forcing Twilight to run, hide, and eventually teleport away from the ponies on instinct.

“Ugh... Warn me next time you're gonna do that,” Spike said, having been mildly burned by the magic that teleported the duo away from the townsponies.

“I didn't even know it was gonna happen. Now quick, lock the doors!” Twilight said as the duo closed and locked every door and even turned off all the lights. For a moment, Twilight felt she could relax. “Phew.” And then that moment ended. The lights turned on and it turned out Twilight’s five friends were all expectantly looking at Twilight, expecting to hear they got the ticket. At this point, Twilight miserably broke down. “Yaaaargh! I can't decide, I just can't decide! It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you, and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!” Spike tried to comfort Twilight as the other five ponies looked on guiltily.

Eventually, Applejack climbed down from where she was and joined Spike in comforting Twilight, having decided, “Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise.”

“Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful,” Fluttershy flew over and apologized as well.

“And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends,” Pinkie agreed.

“Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did,” Rarity noted.

Rainbow meanwhile, was a lot less sympathetic. “Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha ha,” She then sang in a sing-song voice, “I got the ticket, I got the ticket—!” Rainbow then looked and saw Applejack, Fluttershy, and Spike give angry and disapproving glares to the blue pegasus.

“Maybe read the room better next time?” Flame shook his head.

“Whoops…You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either,” Rainbow decided, finally realizing not to be selfish here, but not wanting to admit she was wrong to the others.

“We all got so gung-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gung-ho we were making you,” Applejack noted.

The five ponies finally all said in unison, “We're sorry, Twilight.”

“Spike, take down a note. Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight began as she grabbed the tickets with her telekinesis, continuing, “I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

The rest of the cast yelled out in unison, “What?!”

“If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either,” Twilight decided as she placed the tickets in the letter.

“Twilight, you don't have to do that,” Applejack tried to reassure Twilight, not wanting to inconvenience her friend after all the trouble they put her through that day.

“Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now,” Twilight said as Spike breathed out a green flame, the letter disappearing in a mist that went out the window.

As Fluttershy watched the mist leave the treehouse, she reminded, “Now you won't get to go to the gala either.”

“It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me…,” Twilight reassured, as the Mane 5 all awed, touched by Twilight’s thoughtful gesture. “...So I would rather not go at all.” The others then approached and hugged the purple unicorn…except Spike. He looked kinda touched by the gesture, though rather than admit it, he decided to do a gagging gesture by pointing a claw into his mouth. Suddenly, the gagging became more genuine, though the others didn’t realize this at first.

“Well, wallop my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment,” Applejack approached in frustration as Spike then burped out a new letter. “Whoa Nelly!”

“A letter from the princess? That was fast,” Twilight noted as Spike grabbed the letter.

“"My faithful student Twilight,” Spike began to read the letter. “Why didn't you just say so in the first place?" Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

The cast then all gasped as Spike held out the six tickets for the friends. “Now we can all go!” Twilight said as the Mane 5 all cheered at the great news…only for Twilight’s stomach to growl and for Twilight to laugh nervously.

“Allow us to treat you to dinner,” Rarity suggested kindly as the ponies began to leave Twilight’s tree home, with the tickets one by one levitating from Spike’s claw to the nearby ponies.

“What a great way to apologize,” Rainbow agreed.

“And to celebrate! Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!” Pinkie cheered as the last ticket left Spike’s claw, much to his sadness.

“How come I don't get a ticket to the gala? Hurk!” Spike fire burped out a final letter, this one with another ticket. “"And one for you, Spike."” Spike left the treehouse, giggling gleefully…only to see Applejack give a sly look at him actually wanting to go after all. “I mean, gross, I have to go too?” And so, the pony and dragon joined their friends in celebrating the fact that they would be going to the Gala in a few months.

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoy this story. I also would like to ask from a few potential stories which one to work on or update?
They are a Kingdom Hearts story, the Yugioh story, and the Pokemon story. Please let me know in the comments what you'd most love to see. Thanks, and have a great day.