Heavenly Crusaders

When the night of the Gala arrives, True finished the pad to wear under his coat of cold iron mail, looking himself over in the mirror to see how it looks. Liking how it stops at his knees and has a slit in front, he walks around a little bit but stumbles numerous times due to the armor being so heavy. Unable to move a few steps without stumbling due to the added weight, he sighs and takes it off, setting it back on the stand, saying, "I guess I need to further train to get stronger in order to handle the added weight...and to think that I'm still only part-way done with my outfit." Shaking the doubt creeping into his mind out, he then says, "No, this armor might be needed one day, so I shall stay my course and remain determined. I'll need to work on my smithing ability to make my helmet, then I'll need to improve my tailoring for my tunic covering."

Just then he hears pounding on the door and pushes the stand back into the corner, saying, "I'm on my way, hold on."

When the door opens, Spike sighs with relief, saying, "FINALLY! I've been trying to get your attention for a half-hour!"

Sensing trouble, True asks, "What's the problem this time, Spike? Is Ponyville under attack?"

The young dragon looks at the town and shakes his head, saying, "Of course not, but you need to start getting ready." He then notices that he is a bit sweaty and puts his palms to the sides of head, saying, "Oh man, Rarity's gonna have a fit if you show up looking like that! C'mon, we need to get you fixed up, pronto!"

Not really understanding the big fuss, he sighs and trots after Spike as he hurries down the road, thinking, 'What's the big deal about a gathering to celebrate the completion of Canterlot?'

Spike rushes up to Rarity's door and pounds on it, saying, "TWILIGHT! TRUE HASN'T GOTTEN READY YET AND HE'S A MESS, WHAT DO I DO?!"

Hearing that, Rarity gasps in horror and screams, "WHAAT! HE'S NOT READY AT ALL?! TAKE HIM TO THE SPA AND TELL ALOE AND LOTUS THAT HE NEEDS AN EMERGENCY PREP FOR THE GALA, AND TO PUT IT ON MY TAB! DRAG THAT CARELESS STALLION THERE IF YOU MUST!"

Doing just that, Spike dashes over and grabs a clawful of his mane, then tries to run towards the spa run by Aloe and Lotus, saying, "Come on, pick up the pace or you will miss out on attending the Gala!"

True picks up the pace begrudgingly and follows Spike to the Ponyville Spa, when the dragon tells them that it is some kind of emergency. With a smile and a nod, both mares use the towels draped around their necks to grab and then drag him into the room and then close it after him, hearing Spike call out, "Head to Rarity's when they are finished, I need to get ready myself!"

The two drag True into the shower and then scrub him down from top to bottom, being very thorough despite his protests and almost getting too personal with him before washing the soap off. Once they get him dry, they bring him to the next station to trim his mane, tail, hoof feathering, and his hooves, even including checking the bottoms for cleanliness.

After the two mares finish preparing him for the Gala, he makes his way towards Rarity's boutique where she insisted on keeping the outfits safe and clean. When he arrives at the door, he notices a golden glint heading towards him and ducks the attack. To his annoyance and surprise, it isn't an attack, but is just the golden ticket to the gala, sighing to say, "Didn't know the tickets could be enchanted to stay with their pony."

When Spike arrives, he knocks on the door, saying, "Aw...c'mon you guys, let us in!"

Spotting Rainbow heading for the door, telling Spike she's on her way, Rarity gasps and dashes for the door, saying, "OH HEAVENS NO! We're getting dressed, have you no decency?!"

Hearing Applejack comment about how they don't wear clothes causes him to chuckle at how he adjusted to this world's strangeness, then walks through once Rarity opens the door and apologizes, then explains her reason for not wanting to open the door. When the door closes behind him, he smirks and says, "That would be a normal reaction if we were anywhere but here right now, Lady Rarity."

Cocking her head, Twilight then asks, "What do you mean by that?"

Looking to Twilight, he then smiles and says, "Oh, I said that because I've been to many different places and have seen different customs."

After a bit of nudging, Rarity gets the girls back on track with their preparations and begins to put her eyelashes on, blinking a few times to ensure they are in the proper place before turning to Spike, saying, "We'll just have to see how things work with what we have planned." Spotting the state that her friend's mane and tail are in, she says, "Ugh, your coiffure is a disaster, True, let me take care of that for you."

True let's her do as she wishes as she pulls out a comb, conditioner, and styling gel, saying, "Do whatever pleases you with my mane and tail, but don't dye it pink. With my coat so dark, it would seem to glow in the dark from the contrast alone."

Hearing that gets all of them laughing as Spike just looks confused, then resume their preparations to go. Finally ready after taking an hour and a half, they climb into the apple-turned carriage as Spike takes the driver's seat.

Having a small hiccup at the start of the journey due to Spike's eagerness to get there, the carriage stops as the young dragon hops down and opens the door for them.

Being farthest from the door, the stallion lets the others go first and watches Rarity get up first to exit the carriage. Not caring about being the last one out, True steps out of the carriage as Spike says how amazing the girls look, saying, "I must agree, they surely do look wonderful in those dresses."

As they start walking down the road, True starts to follow after them, only for Twilight to begin a song, singing, "At the Gala!" Resisting the music's magic trying to pull him into joining, he follows along silently beside Spike as he sings along. Coming to the lowered drawbridge, the synchronized singing comes to an end once they reach the red carpet leading inside.

When the others scatter in different directions, Spike is left behind and rests his head against his claw, saying, "Or not, so much for my idea of fun."

Moving to stand beside him, he smiles softly and says, "Worry not Spike, because they are girls. Some girls do tend to let their emotions carry them away sometimes, so why don't you show me around the castle. The only places I've seen before are Celestia's golden apple tree and part of the statue garden, but first, let's be polite and pay a visit to her majesty before starting the tour."

Nodding his head, the young dragon smiles and gets onto his feet, saying, "Of course, we can't be rude to the one who invited us in the first place!"

Following him to a small line of ponies just starting to form, he waits in line for his turn to greet the princess when he notices Twilight standing before her with a wide grin on her face as she talks to her mentor. Once she stands to her left, he watches the first pony approach her.

It takes a little time to reach the front of the line when he notices a couple of ponies from a distant land, whose attire reminds him of encounters with Islamic people from his time spent in the holy land. Once they greet the princess and her student, they move off to the side and talk amongst themselves, giving Spike and him their chance to greet the princess.

Walking up the stairs, he stops a short ways before Princess Celestia and genuflects to her in his own special way, hearing her welcome him to the Gala, then says, "I am most grateful for you extending an invite to Spike and I, Your Majesty."

Smiling genuinely, Princess Celestia says, "You are most welcome, how could I not invite one of the best students that attended my school? I hope you have a wonderful time at the Gala this evening."

Rising to his hooves, he then smiles and asks, "Forgive me for taking up more time than I should, but who might those two foreign visitors be and where are they from?"

Smiling at his interest, she chuckles lightly and watches them walk towards an arch saying, "You are forgiven, but I am not sure as their reply didn't mention their names besides saying they were esteemed members of society in Saddle Arabia." Hoping to break the boring decorum up a bit, an idea comes to her as she gives him a gentle, scheming smile, asking, "Would you be so kind as to get to know them and improve relations between our nations?"

As Twilight's and Spike's jaw go slack at her request, True genuflects, saying, "I will do my best to not let you down, Princess Celestia."

Assuming he will shake things up a bit, Celestia holds back a chuckle and nods, saying, "I look forward to the results of your given task."

Making his way down the steps after the foreign visitors, he sees them stop and look around as if they are at a loss of decision. Knowing that he is younger and the one approaching, he faces the stallion and bows his head to him respectfully, saying in a questioning way, "As-Salamu Alaykum?"

Hearing a greeting in their own tongue causes the tall mare beside the stallion with her to smile while hearing her husband reply, "Wa-alaykumu s-salāmu."

Sticking with what he knows of the Islamic tradition, he raises his right hoof to shake his and recalls that he needs to place his left hoof over the top of the stallion's for a proper greeting. Unable to do that due to being on four legs, he needs to adjust to compensate for it. When the other stallion places his hoof before his, he then moves his hoof forward to be beside his and curls his hoof back towards him.

Recognizing the old hoofshake greeting, the stallion turns his foreleg over and curls his hoof back towards himself. Shaking their interlocked hooves firmly one time, he pulls it back and returns it to the ground with a smile. Knowing his wife is holding back her snickers at the old greeting being used from an age long ago, he then speaks in the Equestrian tongue, "While I appreciate you showing knowledge of our tongue and culture from long ago, society has since evolved since then as it is my wife you should have greeted first."

Watching from the corner of her eye and listening closely, Celestia keeps her face from showing her surprise and shock at knowing even more about their culture than she does, thinking, 'Just where did he manage to learn things that I don't know?!'

Spike watches as the mare laughs gently before forgiving his friend for using an out of date greeting, resulting in a steady conversation being started, sighing and saying to himself, "Great, looks like I'm on my own..."

Hearing how they were looking to greet Princess Luna and welcome her back, he then smiles and says, "I would be honored to aid in your search, though I do not know my way around the castle. Allow me to call upon another who knows his way around, might I also interest you in a tour around the castle?" When they nod and give me permission, I turn away and head towards Spike, asking, "Spike, how would you like to take us on a tour around the castle?"

Grinning, he nods and makes his way down the stairs, saying, "SURE! Where should we start?"

True looks at him and says, "Well, how about we start by helping them find Princess Luna so that they can welcome her back?"

Following his friend back to the foreign visitors, he then bows to them politely and says, "Allow me to lead you to the throne room, as Princess Luna is currently watching over the dream realm at this time."

Surprised to hear that, Amira then says, "Oh, we don't want to bother her if she is busy."

Waving his claw, Spike says, "Not at all, I'm sure she would be happy to receive a visitor or two at night. Right this way, if you would, please."

The way to the Throne Room consists mainly of True and the visitors, Haakim and Amira, trading information about each other's lands when True asks, "So a group of travelling ponies came to offer aid against the invaders, could you tell me more about that?"

Amira smiles and looks to her husband saying, "My husband can, he is far better with our ancient history than I am."

Happy to provide further information about a group that helped to bring their kingdom about, Haakim says, "They were a group of noble warriors that helped those in need by giving them whatever they required from their own belongings, always there to help the less fortunate...be they dreadfully ill, starving, homeless, or without a family. They cared not what one's standing was, or how high others' stations were, they helped where they were most needed. They called themselves Heavenly Crusaders and became more famous with our tribe before we had a kingdom, fighting off an invading force of frightful creatures called the Maoniigi that killed stallions regardless of age, and forced themselves upon mares before taking them prisoner." He then continues to tell what he knows of their further achievements before eventually saying, "Then one day, they all just left for somewhere else and we never heard anything about them since, and it was around a thousand years ago that we heard anything about them." Curious, he then asks, "Might you know what became of them?"

Knowing what happened after that, but wanting to keep it secret from Spike, he nods his head and casts a quick privacy barrier to keep sounds in, saying, "I do know, this is just to keep those outside of the barrier from hearing. It isn't known by any besides the ruling princesses, so I would like to keep it that way for now. From what I know through surviving records, they gathered their entire order from all across this world and marched off to fight off a tyrannical unicorn king who wanted to dominate all Equestria and the lands beyond. Though the battle was fierce and cost a terribly large number of lives, decimating their order with just over a hundred thousand slain. It was a victory they could not savor because while they succeeded in wiping out the king's army, they no longer had the strength or numbers to face the mighty king. Forced to flee in disgrace at their failure, the few that survived removed their cloaks and vanished into the shadows of history. What happened to them afterwards is something that I will share when it is appropriate, as it seems that we might have arrived at our destination."

Spike stops tapping his foot impatiently and asks, "Why did you put that privacy barrier up?"

True looks at him and says, "Because they wanted to know more about an order from long ago that vanished, and it isn't a story that a dragon as young as you should hear because of how ugly it is. Did we reach the throne room already?"

Nodding, he says, "We have, would you like me to let the guards know you would like to see Princess Luna?"

The younger stallion looks at his friend, saying, "No offense, Spike, but I think it would be best if I handled things from here as these are visiting foreign dignitaries."

The young dragon goes rigid and blinks a couple of times, looking back and forth between his friend and the foreign ponies with wide eyes, saying, "Uhmm...alright then, go right ahead."

True approaches the two thestral guards and stands tall, saying, "I ask permission to seek an audience with Princess Luna."

One of the guards looks at the other and sees them nod, then faces the stallion facing her, saying, "Very well, I shall inquire about your request." Remaining in place, she uses telepathy to speak with her princess, asking silently, 'Pardon the intrusion, Your Majesty, but True Heart is seeking an audience with you. Do you wish for us to let him in?'

Surprised, yet happy to have him visit her, she exits the Dream Realm and double-checks her appearance on the throne before clearing her mental voice, saying, 'We shall grant him entry.'

When the guards open the door and grant him entry, he looks over at the dignitaries, saying, "Let me go first and find out how she is adjusting to being back to her true self so I can tell you what to expect."

Amira nods and says, "That is very thoughtful of you, thank you."

Nodding and walking through the doors, he walks down the carpet up to Luna and hears them close behind him, saying, "Welcome back to your rightful place, Your Majesty, the lavender smells wonderful and is a nice touch. May I inquire as to how you are adjusting to the changes?"

Princess Luna beams happily and uses her royal voice to bellow, "THANK THEE FOR THY HEARTWARMING WELCOME, FATHFUL SUBJECT. WE APPRECIATE THY LIKING OF THE CHANGES WE HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT, IT PLEASES US GREATLY! THEE MAY! FOR WE ARE MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN ADJUSTING TO HOW MUCH THINGS HAVE PROGRESSED!"

Hearing the glass vibrate behind her from her sister's voice, she sighs mentally and thinks, 'Oh sister, we really need to work on how to talk to others...'

Wincing slightly from the volume, True smiles and walks a bit closer, saying, "Your Majesty, might you listen to a suggestion?"

Nodding sagely, she then bellows, "VERY WELL, WE SHALL HEAR THY THOUGHTS. THEE MAY SPEAK FREELY."

He nods and then says, "Princess Luna, it may benefit you greatly to not use your royal voice outside of royal matters involving official business, could you possibly try to speak to me with a much softer volume?"

Luna thinks it over a moment and nods, using a volume that is half strength of the full royal voice, saying loudly, "IS THIS TONE ACCEPTABLE, MY SUBJECT?"

Thinking that it may take more time to get it right, which is time that True doesn't have tonight, he sighs and then says, "It is much better than before, but still a bit loud. I would spend more time to help you get it right, unfortunately, I will have to return some other time outside of the Gala."

Happy at having a visitor, she smiles and says in a tone lower than before, "WE SHALL LOOK FORWARD TO MAKE FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS, FAITHFUL SUBJECT." Before dismissing him, she then asks, "IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT WE CAN DO FOR THEE THIS GLORIOUS NIGHT?"

Not having to think it over, he says, "There is, Princess Luna. I was wondering if you feel comfortable enough allowing two delegates from Saddle Arabia in to greet and welcome you back?"

Realizing this is an unofficial social meeting from how he worded it, Luna tries to lower her voice further and then says, "WE SHALL PERMIT IT, PLEASE BRING THEM IN AND ANNOUNCE THEM TO US."

Nodding, he turns around and heads for the door, pleased that he got her to lower her voice that much. Opening it with his magic, he then looks at the to delegates and says, "She will see you two, but keep in mind that she is still adjusting, so she may be a bit loud and talk in a slightly stiff and old-fashioned way. Could you wait for me to announce you before entering? At seeing their nods, he closes the door and then walks back towards Princess Luna a little ways before stopping and saying in a raised tone, "ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF THE SADDLE ARABIAN DELEGATES, LADY AMIRA AND HER HUSBAND, SIR HAAKIM!" Stepping aside as he opens the doors wide for the two ponies, watching as they walk forth and then closes the doors before they reach the base of the stairs.

The greeting goes remarkably well in spite of Luna's slightly too loud volume and way of speaking, with the two leaving to let her resume her patrol with an overjoyed smile on her face. Resuming with the tour around the castle, I spot a blindfolded Cadance being guided forward by Shining Armor. Finding it strange, I look to Spike and say, "Show these two around the rest of the castle, Spike, I'm going to go investigate something unusual."

Spike shrugs his shoulders and says, "Alright, head to Pony Joe's when you're finished." then continues down the halls to show them the guest VIP rooms.

True follows the couple through the castle, narrowly avoiding being seen by a guard pony in a section where guests aren't permitted. Winding up tailing them to a tall tower, he hides in a dark shadow behind a crate while watching Shining Armor turn Cadance to face the balcony and remove her blindfold.

Awed by the sight of the beautiful full moon in the night sky above with few clouds scattered throughout the sky, Cadance feels Shining Armor stand right beside her, saying, "Oh Shiny...this view is just amazing..."

Feeling her lean up against him with a happy sigh as she nuzzles against his lower jaw, he then says, "There is only one thing that would be more amazing than this..."

Curious, Cadance nuzzles her body up against his and asks, "Oh? And what might that be, my dear Shiny?"

The observing stallion keeps hidden as he senses a momentus event coming and watches Shining Armor step back from the alicorn then drop to one foreleg while pulling out a light blue, heart-shaped box, opening it while saying, "If you would make me the happiest stallion ever and let me stay at your side forever..."

The sight of the engagement ring shocks her to her very core, causing her eyes to grow to be the size of saucers while sparkles fill her eyes. Unable to respond for several seconds as she squeals happily and jumps for joy in her mind, her hoof rises up to her open mouth as she then kicks her brain, shouting mentally, 'DON'T JUST STAND THERE STARING AT IT, ANSWER HIM!' Regaining her senses moments later, she gasps hastily and looks into Shining Armor's eyes, saying, "Shiny, are you seriously asking what I hope you are asking?"

Shining Armor then smirks and says with a cocked eyebrow, saying, "To marry me? Why wouldn't I want to marry the prettiest mare who only I have eyes for?"

Cadance squeals for joy this time and shouts, "YES! Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to ask!?" Picking up the ring, she puts it onto her horn, looking up at it, saying, "Oh it looks just perfect on me!"

Before they can celebrate too much, True steps out into the open, saying, "Congratulations to the both of you, I wish you happiness and prosperity in your years ahead."

Gasping and reacting in unison, Shining Armor prepares a spell, then spins and jumps forward while she gets behind him as he says, "How dare you intrude on our special moment!" Just then, he realizes that it is True Heart and huffs, asking, "What are you doing in this part of the castle, True Heart? It is off-limits for party guests."

Unfazed by the charged spell, he says, "I was with Spike on a tour of the castle with a pair of high-ranking delegates from Saddle Arabia when I noticed you out of the corner of my eye, which looked suspicious to me, so I turned to look and saw Shining Armor guiding you along with a blindfold over your eyes. Thinking that one of you was up to something, I followed you two up here, which was a little tricky as I almost got caught by a guard once. However, my senses were wrong as I learned that Shining Armor was only proposing."

Able to sense a pony's emotions, Cadance steps out and sighs, saying, "It's alright, Shiny, you can relax, he's being serious and doesn't have any jealousy around him."

Dismissing the spell, Shining Armor relaxes and resumes a normal stance beside his fiance. Realizing that True is friends with Twilight, he starts to feel like he got caught with his hoof in the cookie jar and fidgets a little, asking nervously, "Uhm, w-would you mind not saying anything to anyone, especially my sister?"

True nods, saying, "I shall because I know how upset and hurt your sister will be if it doesn't come from you, so don't wait too long to tell her. You will owe me a favor for this in the future."

Sighing with relief, he drops his head a little and says, "I can agree to that, as long as it is within reason. Thank you."

Looking towards the open window, he then says in a gentle tone, "Since you are officially engaged to each other, I have some advice for you both. Until you two are officially wed, you will have to keep it quiet, which sadly means that Cadance can't wear her ring until at least a year passes and your aunts are quietly informed. Until it is made public by Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, you both are going to have to act as you did before tonight or your engagement will turn out to be a scandal. So I wouldn't go on the balcony with your ring on or some sharp-eyed photographer might just notice and take a picture, enjoy the rest of your night in this room together...but don't get too carried away in the happiness and love."

As the stallion walks away, Shining Armor blushes in embarrassment at the insinuation, saying, "Humph, ever annoying."

Before walking down the spiral stairs, True says, "Oh, Your Majesty, if you ever need a way to have some fun or punish the good captain, just remember...Fides et officium."

Feeling Shining Armor move suddenly, Cadance steps away and looks him over, seeing that he is standing in a rigid, front facing posture that the guards were in so long ago and laughs, saying, "I will remember that phrase, thank you True Heart. How long does it last?"

Looking over at her, he says, "Usually only lasts about 15 to 30 seconds, but can be refreshed by saying it again before it wears off."

Smiling, she then trots over and kisses his forehead, saying, "I will remember the advice you gave us and stick to it, thank you for warning us of the possible outcomes of being too careless." Trotting back over to her fiance, she then smiles and says, "Feel free to stick around if you want to watch me put makeup on Shining Armor and stick a dress on him..."

Able to find some harmless amusement in it, True says, "Mind if I take a picture of that?"

Grinning at knowing how to get him back with it, she agrees, saying, "Not at all, go right ahead as long as I get one too!"

After having fun at Shining Armor's expense, he tucks his picture away and makes his way back to the unrestricted part of the castle after closing the balcony window most of the way for safety. As he heads outside for some fresh air, he sees other ponies sitting on cushions and spots Rarity with a good-looking stallion with a greyish-white coat having a blonde mane and tail. He stands in front of the statue every pony doesn't realize is here and stands before it, noticing that it could use some maintenance. Using his magic to tend to the statue, he is relieved to see it back to its original image, saying, "I swear that I will do whatever I must to help this world remember our order long after we are dust on the wind, brothers."

True stands there looking at the statue in reverence, thinking about the others that have moved on to other pursuits when he sees the stallion Rarity's with pull out a cushion and then claim it for himself. The display causes him to feel disappointment at how the stallion was so rude to her, making him head towards her while pulling a cushion off of a nearby table. Passing beside them casually, he looks to her and smiles, saying, "Apologies, miss, but ravishing young mares like yourself don't deserve to sit on the cold ground wearing such a lovely dress. Here is a gift for you."

Rarity looks at the kind gentlestallion and is shocked to see that it is her friend True to bring her a pillow and say such flattering words to her, causing her to smile and say, "Thank you, kind sir." while hoping to get a jealous reaction from Prince Blueblood. When he does nothing, she huffs in irritation, and sits down on the placed cushion, saying, "Ahh, it is so refreshing to have a real gentlestallion show some manners and be quite flattering. If he continues to be so charming and continues to flirt with me...who knows what will happen?"

Figuring out she is trying to get the other stallion to show interest, he decides to save her from him and says, "It seems that the stallion you're with has no interest towards a talented, stunning mare like yourself. Might I interest you in a dance, Miss?"

Smiling at a genuine chance to have fun for once, she gets up and collects her pillow, saying, "I would enjoy that very much, thank you. You may call me Rarity, what might your name be, kind stallion?"

Taking the first step towards the ballroom, he plays along, saying, "My name is True Heart, miss Rarity. I can't believe that an extremely gifted mare as yourself made my outfit all by yourself, did you also make the dress you're wearing?"

Shaking her head and walking beside him happily, Rarity says, "Not at all, I was going through a rough patch and didn't have the time to start on it. However, I have some wonderful friends that came through and made it for me...following the meticulous designs I had drawn out. How did you first learn of my boutique in Ponyville?"

True chuckles and says, "Well, I was passing through Ponyville one day and I heard the townsponies talking about a mare with a serious gift for fashion, so I decided that I would put your talent to the test by telling you I wanted an outfit that was simple, yet elegant. This very outfit is the result, and I am pleased with it because it is truly one of a kind just like you are."

Blushing as he spins his tale, she bumps her flank against his playfully, saying, "Awwe, such a flatterer." then sets the pillow upon the cart for used pillows.

Taking a deep breath, he says, "Wow, the further you get from that stallion makes the very air smell sweeter, can you notice that?"

Chuckling under her breath, Rarity says, "No I cannot, but some members of the Canterlot Elite can be quite tiresome to be around." and then hears mares whispering questions like, 'Did he really draw a mare away from Prince Blueblood?!" As they group together to discuss what just happened, she overhears how shocked they are by a royal being shown up. Glancing over her shoulder with one eye towards the prince, she sees him look at the group first, then at her before sticking his nose into the air and snorting derisively, thinking, 'After a few dances, I'll give him a second chance to redeem himself.'

Heading towards the ballroom, they sample the fancier foods offered before smelling the delicious food from Applejack's stall and walks over with Rarity, saying, "Get whatever you would like as I will gladly pay for it."

She smiles at his behavior and then turns to Applejack, saying, "Two apple dumplings, please." then asks, "How are the sales going, darling?"

Smiling, Applejack says, "Two dumplings coming right up." Putting two dumplings on a tray, she brings it up and sets it down, saying, "That'll be four bits." Collecting the bits from True, she sighs, saying, "Not well at all, only sales ah made were an apple pie, and two dumplings."

Seeing the disappointed look upon her face, True then looks around and says, "It might be a bit too quiet around here, so I would recommend moving to a slightly busier area like the rest area we just came from. Ponies over there might be more inclined to buy something and eat while they rest and talk."

Thankful for the tip, the earth pony's smile widens as she then nods her head, saying, "Thanks a bunch for that helpful tip, ah'll head over there now."

While holding their dumplings, they watch Applejack grab her cart and move it towards the rest area, taking a few moments to enjoy the delicious food that Applejack made herself before making their way toward the ballroom.

After passing through an open doorway, True leads Rarity to the dance floor and starts dancing with an older style she recognizes. Utterly delighted at him knowing the style, Rarity switches to it, saying happily, "My, I didn't know that you were such a classic."

Happy that she is having fun, he continues leading and says, "I figured that I better study dancing if I ever came upon a situation that might call for it, I'm glad that studying them paid off."

Without realizing it, a few other couples join in on the dancing, mirroring their movements. As the songs change, True ends each dance by lifting his partner's right hoof and kissing the upper part of it.

Feeling on top of the world, Rarity's legs begin to feel sore and sticks through to the end of the dance. When her pastern is kissed, she returns her hoof to the ground and curtsies to her friend, saying, "Thank you for a lovely time, True, I have enjoyed myself immensely. I would dance with you more, but I must head elsewhere."

Genuflecting to her normally, True says, "I am pleased to hear you say that, milady, I hope you enjoy the rest of your night." Once she heads out, he makes his way across the room to do something else.

An hour passes as things start to go a little wild when Pinkie takes over the music, trying to get everyone to liven up. However that turns into a crazy scene when Rarity opens the door for Prince Blueblood and walks in after him with a soaking wet shawl draped over her shoulders. As Applejack pushes a huge cake in on a rolling cart with a big smile for all the hoity-toity ponies to enjoy, the music stops suddenly as Pinkie Pie shouts, "Stage dive!" When she leaps off the stage, stretching her legs out wide while sailing right for the cart carrying the cake.

It transforms into a disaster when True sees Pinkie Pie land on the edge of the cart and catapult the tall cake into the air, unable to react quick enough when it heads right for Rarity and Prince Blueblood. Expecting the stallion to step in front of Rarity, he is disappointed and angered when the stallion moves Rarity in front of him. When the cake splatters all over her and ruins her gown in the process, he snorts and starts heading towards the two when Rarity spins around and growls at the stallion who hid behind her.

Rarity then blows her top and starts stomping towards him while giving him an earful, shouting, "You, sir are the most uncharming stallion I have ever met! In fact, the only thing royal about you, is that you are a royal pain in the rump!"

As he watches her back him against the wall, he smiles a little when she whips her mane back and forth, causing the cake's remnants to splatter him. While backing away on his back hooves, he stumbles and strikes a podium carrying a large statue of an alicorn, causing it to teeter forward and fall towards a group of ponies, shouting, "RAINBOW!"

Seeing her chance to impress the Wonderbolts, she raises her wings, saying, "This is it, my chance to show off my skill!" then dashes forth to catch the statue.

While Prince Blueblood struggles to get to his hooves, Rainbow struggles to balance the statue on her back and bumps into one of the towering columns. The nudge turns out to be just enough to make the column lean over and strike another column beside it, which causes a cascading effect due to the circular room, saying, "Get to the center of the room and put up a protective shield!"

The ponies rush to the center as he drags the dazed stallion into the group by his tail, casting his own shield to keep them safe when the others fail to. Once the dust settles, he calls out, "Is everypony alright?"

A chorus of yeses sound out when the dazed stallion then says, "No..."

True looks at him with a questioning look, asking, "Where are you hurt?"

Prince Blueblood then sniffles and says, "I-I'm all dirty, and my outfit is ruined..."

Realizing he is fine, he huffs as the stallion gets back onto his hooves, shifting his eyes to Rarity's dress and saying, "Pardon me, Lady Rarity, but may I borrow your shawl a moment?"

Confused, Rarity nods her head, saying, "Of course, but it is dripping wet."

Seeing the question in her eyes, he picks up the shawl around the middle of it, saying, "It seems there is a flower here in dire need of pampering..."

Lost and unable to understand what he means, she asks, "Huh? What do you mean?"

With a smile, True then says, "You will find out shortly." and turns towards the spoiled stallion, saying, "Square yourself up and I will begin cleaning."

Standing up tall, Prince Blueblood holds his head high with a smile, saying, "Now this is how I should be treated..."

Bringing the shawl back, he then admonishes him in a harsh tone, "I have seen many things in my life, but never have I seen a stallion so conceited and self-concerned as you." Without warning he then uses the shawl as a whip and strikes him across the face hard, drawing a cry of pain out of him, saying, "You have been so spoiled by life in the palace so badly that you expect everypony to wait on you and do everything for you, leaving you to see everypony around you as a lowly servant."

Turning his face to look at the stallion in shock and horror, he says, "Y-You just struck me, h-how dare you harm royalty?!"

Striking him across the face harder on the opposite side, it causes the stallion to stumble to his left as he continues his tirade, saying, "I have heard rumors about you, Prince Blueblood, and with how you've behaved tonight..." Bringing the shawl back around to send him back the other way with a loud smack, he continues, "It is all too clear that you have no respect for the opposite gender, and you are either ignorant of the fact that mares greatly outnumber stallions by at least 5 to 1...or you simply couldn't care less because mares are beneath you."

Celestia and Twilight walk into the room through a pair of gold doors, with Celestia asking, "What is all the commotion in here?" Taking in the state of the room's destruction, they then hear a loud slap come from the center of the group of ponies followed by a cry of pain, watching in shock with their mouths hanging open as they see Prince Blueblood walk backward out of the group, saying, "S-Striking a royal is a crime! Stop at once and I'll get my aunt to pardon you!"

Not caring for who watches, True Heart then says, "I could care less about that, but what means more to me is that you learn the proper way to treat those around you." He then strikes him again and splits the stallions lower lip open, saying, "That goes double for how you see mares..." He then trails off as an idea comes to his mind, then moves the soaking wet shawl over him and wrings it out. When the last drop of water hits Prince Blueblood, he hands the shawl back to Rarity, saying, "Thank you for letting me borrow that, it is finally time that he learns something useful to society..."

Unable to look away or do anything, she puts the shawl back around her neck and asks, "What are you going to do to him now?"

Smirking, he looks at her out of the corner of his eye, saying, "Wait and see, you will be sure to have quite the laugh." Looking back to the sniffling older stallion, he then stands tall and says, "It is time for you to learn how the other feels by walking a mile in their shoes..." Preparing a spell he never had the desire to try before, he sinks more of his magic into it and then hits Prince Blueblood with the spell.

Celestia and Twilight watch curiously as the stallion's body shimmers brightly and then begins to change, growing longer in the body and shrinking down a bit in height while becoming more slender all around. Once the changes are finished, Celestia can't stop a snicker from escaping her lips, having to use a hoof to keep herself from bursting out laughing at seeing her nephew's new form.

When True looks at the stallion's new form, he inspects it carefully to see if everything is correct and stands before them. With a nod to the stallion, he says, "With this new form to serve as your penance for your transgressions against others, I shall leave you to your thoughts...Princess Blueblood."

Feeling smaller, Prince Blueblood's eyes widen at the implication that he is now a mare, causing him to worry and panic, saying in a much more feminine tone, "Wha-Wha-What did you do to my marvelous body, heathen!?"

Looking into the mare's face before him, he says, "Why, I was merciful enough to give you the chance to experience life as a mare does, meaning that you are a mare...inside and out. Don't worry, for the spell can be undone...as long as you do not become with foal during the spring season approaching. If that happens, I'm afraid that you will be stuck like that until it can be studied further to explain why that is."

His eyes widen fearfully as he then says, "As the nephew to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, I ORDER you to undo this spell IMMEDIATELY!"

True then sighs and says, "I'm sorry, but I refuse. I don't take orders from spoiled royals, their commands mean less to me than a fly's fart in a hurricane. If you would please take your leave now, I would be most grateful as I have reached my limit to deal with ponies like you for one day." Turning around as others start to snicker and laugh, he walks away as Rarity follows him with laughter in her eyes.

Fighting against the urge to faint at the massive scene she just witnessed, she slaps her right forehoof to her head and groans, "Well...at least it can't get any worse than this..."

No sooner than finishing saying that, a loud rumbling sounds from outside. Her attention is drawn to a pair of golden double doors that are shaking, when they suddenly burst open as a horde of animals comes barreling through them with a familiar voice behind them, shouting, "YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE ME!!"

As ponies start to run every which way in fright, he gathers the other girls he knows together when he hears a sharp whistle from across the room. Looking over, he sees Twilight waving them over, shouting, "Over here!" Heading for the door where Celestia is standing beside it, he sees her watch him with a narrow-eyed smirk, saying, "Apologies, Your Majesty, I will accept whatever punishment you deem worthy when this is over."

Fighting back her laughter, she stays behind to calm things down, thinking, 'How could I punish someone for causing me to have so much fun at the Gala?'

True follows the others down the stairs and comes across a shattered glass shoe belonging to Rarity, and picks it up on reflex before tucking all the pieces away. When they get to safety, he follows Twilight as she leads them to Pony Joe's doughnut shop, where Spike has been waiting and asks about the Gala.

When they all sit around a table and order a dozen doughnuts of different kinds, Spike listens to them say how Twilight's night went, saying, "Wow, that sounds like the worst night ever." when they all chime in and shout that it was, laughing afterwards.

Moments after Twilight comments about hoping Celestia isn't angry for the Gala disaster, he sees the princess enter through the front door, saying, "That was the best Grand Galloping Gala I have ever attended!"

As True hears Twilight talk to Celestia about it, she remains in a good mood and assuages her concerns about it, saying, "Oh, Twilight, the gala is always like that." Once Twilight responds, she continues and says, "Of course, which is why I was so pleased that you all were attending. I was really hoping you might shake things up. Although things may not have gone as you had intended, I believe you'll agree in the end that it didn't turn out so awful for this group of friends you have."

Minutes pass as Celestia looks at True Heart with a warm smile, asking, "Speaking of the best night ever... True Heart, although I find what you did to my spoiled niece..." coughing and correcting herself, "Ahem, nephew...greatly amusing. Is he in any danger from the transmogrification spell you cast upon him?"

Shaking his head, he says, "Not at all, because it is completely reversible as I said. As long as he doesn't fall prey to nature's call, he can be restored to his former self. The real question is...should I? He seems far better suited as a mare in my opinion."

Laughing softly while looking up in momentary thought, Princess Celestia then says, "Hmm, I will have to observe his actions and figure that out, though I would like to know where you learned such a complicated spell. Can you please tell me where you learned it?"

Nodding his head as Twilight voices her desire to learn it too, he says, "I learned it from an old tome in my family's secret library, and I could help you learn it if your mentor approves."

More curious than ever, the princess fights the burning desire to know more about the secret library and forces herself to let it go for now until she discovers more, saying, "I would appreciate to learn more about it in the future, whenever you feel ready to share." She then looks over at her student, who is buzzing with excitement at hearing of a secret library and a new spell. Chuckling, she says, "I will let you study it once it is fully understood, okay, Twilight?"

Beaming a wide smile, she nods ecstatically and says, "Oh thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, Celestia!"

Making their way home an hour later by carriage, Twilight asks True a bunch of questions about the secret library and begs to see it one day. Unfortunately, to her annoyance, all she manages to get out of him is that it is well hidden and that he might be able to show her one day in the future if it was important enough.