My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: A New Journey Together, Season 1

Chapter 4: The Ticket Master

It was a beautiful sunny morning at Sweet Apple Acres, as Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow spent the day helping Applejack around the farm. They had both been working hard gathering basket after basket of apples gathered from the orchard. Spike was simply enjoying a comfy ride along Twilight's back, apparently entertaining himself by separating the fresh apples from the… Not-so-fresh apples.

"No, nope, nope…" Spike muttered, tossing apples from Twilight's basket.

"Thanks for letting us help on the farm today," Storm thanked.

"Thank you kindly, Twilight and Storm, for helping me out," Applejack said. "I bet Big MacIntosh that 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."

Hearing the silly idea, Storm cracked up as a picture of Big MacIntosh walking around town in one of Granny Smith's girdles played in his head.

"Boy, I'll tell you what," Storm chuckled. "I'd pay every bit in my saddlebag to see that."

"No problem at all, Applejack," Twilight said. "I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry."

"I know, right?" Spike asked.

A tossed apple hits Twilight along the head. She turns around with a glare along with Storm, as Spike smiles apologetically.

"Puh-lease, Spike," She groaned. "You've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked!"

"Yeah, you've also only been tossing around apples from time to time!" Storm added.

"Exactly!" Spike said, missing their point. "You three were taking so long, I missed snack-time."

Twilight was about to retort when her stomach grumbled loudly. She just laughed nervously.

"Eh, I guess we better get some food," Twilight replied.

In the meantime, Spike kept digging into her basket searching for a good apple.

"Nope," He mumbled. "Worm… A-ha!"

Spike pulled out a large sparkling, shiny red apple. Twilight could feel her mouth water at the very sight of the fruit in Spike's claws.

"Oh Spike, that looks delicious," Twilight said, eager for a bite.

Suddenly, Spike devoured the whole fruit into his mouth much to Twilight's and Storm's shock.

"Spike!" They called out, annoyed and disappointed.

"What?" Spike asked, innocently.

Just then, he gave out a large belch. Twilight ducked as a green flame left his mouth and a rolled-up scroll appears before the two girls and Storm.

"It's a letter from Princess Celestia," Twilight gasped.

Spike cleared his throat shortly before opening it.

"Hear ye, hear ye," He read aloud. "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, Storm Shadow, and one guest."

Applejack and Twilight just smile and gasp excitedly.

"The Grand Galloping Gala!"

Storm, on the other hoof, let out a loud groan. He closed his eyes and face-hoofed, shaking his head.

"Of course, the Gala," he muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

*Main theme*

"Oh no." Storm Shadow groaned while the two girls bounced around him and Spike as the young dragon looked just as indignant as Storm. He stuck a finger in his mouth until he burped again, as another scroll appeared.

"Look, three tickets!" Spike said.

"Wow, great!" Twilight said. "I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?"

"No, and I plan to keep it that way," Spike said. "I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense."

"Aw, come on Spike," Twilight said. "A dance would be nice."

She then turned to Storm and asked. "What do you think, Storm? Would you like to dance?"

"Oh, I don't know. I feel as though you wouldn’t enjoy it with me." Storm said with unsureness.

"Well, of course I would." Twilight said, still smiling and not seeing his problem. "You're my best friend. I'd be happy to share a dance with you."

Storm let out a nervous chuckle as he blushed a bit.

By now, Applejack had just gotten the giggles out of her system and overheard her friends' conversation.

"Nice?" Applejack said. "It's a heap good more than just nice. I've love to go. Land sakes, 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?"

"Hmm?" Storm thought, scratching his chin.

Sure enough, as Applejack spoke, a dream sequence displayed a long line of Canterlot ponies as far as the eye could see. They all came together with bags of bits, more than enough to purchase all the apples and various apple goods the cow pony could sell.

"You could make a bank, as the old term goes," Storm answered.

"Exactly," Applejack said. "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."

Visions of run-down items instantly became brand new, a roof that made the whole farmhouse in solid shape and a plow as shiny and clean as a whistle. Then, there was Granny Smith, walking with a stretcher, until 'POOF!' her mane is fixed up, her expression is energetic, and with a swish of her newly repaired hip, she starts dancing and bucking like a young school filly again.

"Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala," Applejack finished.

Twilight and Storm exchanged quick smiles to each other, before nodding with approval.

"Oh, well in that case," Twilight began. "Would you like to—"

"Whoa!"

"Huh? Whoa!" Storm Shadow turned before he jumped out of the way just when Twilight was about to ask Applejack to go with them, a certain blue Pegasus, from out of the blue, crashed upon the two ponies. The impact knocked all the apples Applejack and Twilight had in their baskets onto the ground.

"Rainbow Dash, do you have anything better to do than dive bombing us?" Storm demanded with a glare he shot at her.

"Ugh," Rainbow groaned.

It didn't take long for the Pegasus to quickly hop back into the air, while the others were still crouched onto the ground.

"Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack snapped, rising to her hooves. "You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?"

"No, I was busy napping," Rainbow Dash replied.

It was then Storm noticed a pillow and blanket conveniently on a nearby tree branch. How that was there and how they never noticed was beyond him.

"Hmm… Sure you were," Storm muttered, rolling his eyes.

"And I just happened to hear that you two have an extra ticket?" Rainbow finished.

"Yeah, but—"

"YES!" Rainbow cut off Twilight. "This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now…

A picture in her mind showed Rainbow Dash in her moment of glory. A Wonderbolts display was just underway when the audience gasped. Before their very eyes, Rainbow Dash appears from the sky.

"Everyone would be watching the sky," Rainbow explained, between scenes. "Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!"

Over the cheering crowd, Rainbow Dash performs one of her signature maneuvers before the eyes of the ponies.

"I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut," Rainbow continued. "Then I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!"

In her fantasy, Rainbow Dash performed all those maneuvers perfectly, although the Buccaneer Blaze is not seen. Still, the ponies cheered for her wildly and even the three Wonderbolts' jaws dropped.

"The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member."

By the end of her fantasy, Rainbow Dash shakes hooves with all three Wonderbolts. Before long, she soon donned her very own Wonderbolt uniform, flying and racing with them into the clear blue sky.

Back in reality, Storm rolled his eyes. Sure, he supported Rainbow’s dream of joining the Wonderbolts. He genuinely wanted to see her make the team someday. But deep down, he knew her moves needed serious work—preferably ones that didn’t end with her dive-bombing him or Twilight. And that ego of hers? If she didn’t keep it in check, it was bound to land her in trouble sooner or later.

"Don't you see, guys?" Rainbow asked excitedly. "This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!"

Storm leaned toward Twilight, whispering just loud enough for her to hear. "Yeah, a chance to crash and burn if her ego keeps writing checks her wings can’t cash."

Twilight stifled a giggle at his comment.

Rainbow was suddenly interrupted by a tug against her tail, which brought her down to the ground.

"Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here," Applejack said, with a hard spit. "I asked for that ticket first!"

"So?" Rainbow shot back. "That doesn't mean you own it."

"Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket."

The two ponies found a nearby stump and began to groan loudly trying to out-stretch each other. This didn't go on for long when Twilight shoved them apart.

"Girls, these are my… Er… our… tickets," Twilight said firmly. "We'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?"

Twilight turned towards Storm in that last sentence.

"Sounds reasonable to me," Storm nodded, with a smile. "Alright, girls. What's your proposal?"

"Drummin' up business for the farm?" Applejack proposed.

"A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow proposed.

"Money t' fix Granny's hip," Applejack added.

"Living the dream," Rainbow added.

Hearing all those reasons at once, Twilight and Storm just exchanged nervous looks.

"Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?" She concluded, turning to Storm.

"Yeah…" Storm replied slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. "More than I thought there’d be."

Just then, both their stomachs start to rumble. The two unicorns chuckle toward each other.

"Listen to that, I am starving," Twilight said, as Spike climbed on her back. "And Storm appears to be hungry as well, aren't you?"

"Totally! I didn't even have breakfast," Storm nodded.

"I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach."

"Agreed, a full belly leads to a clear mind," Storm replied, turning to the girls. "So we'll, uh, think about it over lunch, and get back to you two, okay?"

"Okay," Applejack and Rainbow said sadly.

Once Storm and Twilight left the farm, the Earth Pony and Pegasus glared at each other. Not wasting a second, they began to arm wrestle once more, determined to prove who's the best. But then Storm quickly arrived and did a quick pressure point on their necks, which made them do a strained gasp as they fell on the ground once he let go.

"And no fighting with each other!" Storm added sternly before running off to catch up with Twilight and Spike.

"How does he do that?! I want to learn how to do that!" Rainbow Dash demanded.

Meanwhile, the two Unicorns and Spike had made it back to town contemplating on the matter at hoof. They were just nearing a building known in Ponyville as 'Sugarcube Corner'.

"So, who are you gonna give the tickets to, you guys?" Spike asked.

"I don't know Spike," Twilight admitted. "But I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?"

"Well," Storm pondered. "I was talking to the mayor just the other day, and she referred to this sweet little café just down the…"

CRASH!

Suddenly, something only Storm would describe as 'the pink blur' barreled into them at high speed. The quick impact made the tickets float from Spike's hands and landed right on Pinkie's nose.

"GAH!" Pinkie shouted, dashing about. "Bats! Bats on my face! Help!"

In the midst of her excitement, Pinkie Pie came to a stop when she noticed the front of the tickets, looking very closely.

"Wait, these aren't… tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!"

"Oh no…" Storm muttered, rolling his eyes.

This time, they were all drawn into Pinkie's mind, as she imagined the Grand Gala as one big party, with all the wonderful things she could imagine.

"It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always, always, always wanted to go!"

As if that wasn't enough, Pinkie began singing.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

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…

And the party pony kept ranting between lyrics, just as she normally would:

"With the decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and pinatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sunbeams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!"

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

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 superbly-terrific gala ever

In the whole galaxy!

Wheee!

Storm just stared blankly towards Pinkie Pie during that whole number, which he felt coming from a mile away. Meanwhile, Spike picked up the tickets.

"I'm going to tell her," Storm stated bluntly.

"Don't you dare!" Twilight scolds him.

"Try and stop me!" Storm scolded back.

"Oh thank you, Twilight and Storm." Pinkie said happily. "It's the most wonderful-est gift ever."

"Um, actually—" Twilight tried to explain.

"GASP!"

A pony startled Spike from behind. He turns to see it was just Rarity the fashionista from the Carousel Boutique.

"Are these what I think they are?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Pinkie answered. "Twilight and Storm are taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot."

"The gala?!" Rarity exclaimed. "I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him."

That last word Rarity spoke with a rather dreamy tone.

"Him!" Pinkie copied her tone, appearing puzzled. "Who?"

"Him…"

Rarity soon imagined herself at the Gala, all eyes from every pony were upon Rarity, in a beautiful golden yellow dress. She slowly marches down the aisle, approaching the regal Princess Celestia in all her glory.

"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."

Before the Princess, Rarity bows before her and she seems quite pleased with the display.

"Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself," Rarity continued. "And the Princess would be so taken by the style and elegance that she would introduce me to 'him', her nephew: The most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot."

As Celestia stepped aside, there beside her was the 'eligible unicorn stallion'. With alluring light brilliant arctic blue eyes, his perfectly combed light amber mane feathered and lethal, with the front of a tux with a white flower and matching blue bow tie along the light grayish coat, with a compass rose for a Cutie Mark. Indeed, the way he posed and the way he smiled, he looked like a fairy tale prince come to life.

The two unicorns soon dance regally together amidst the sea of the high-class ponies in attendance. This goes on until he bends on one knee, offering her the most beautiful diamond ever crafted for a mare of such flare.

"Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt," Rarity said dreamily. "Our courtship would be 'magnificent'! He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!'"

The last scene shows Rarity and the stallion upon the altar, all the ponies in Equestria gathering to bear witness to holy matrimony. The perfect wedding for the perfect bride and her perfect groom.

"We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is…" Rarity giggled. "… What I would become upon marrying 'him', the stallion of my dreams."

"Oh please," Storm mumbled, under his breath. "Blueblood's not that amazing."

"You know who she's talking about?" Twilight asked, overhearing him.

"Prince Blueblood," Storm replied with a sigh. "The so-called ‘great-great nephew’ of Celestia and Luna’s mother’s side, 52 times removed, roughly speaking. Yeah, I know all about that pompous jerk."

"What did he do that was so bad?" Twilight asked, tilting her head.

Storm’s eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled the memory. "Well… at first, nothing. I met him at one of Celestia’s royal gatherings. The princess asked me to talk with him—probably thought we’d be good friends or something. But the moment I started chatting with him, and no pony else was looking, he used his magic to make my mouth disappear."

Twilight and Spike gasped, but their eyes sparkled with barely suppressed laughter.

Storm smirked faintly, the memory of what he did next clearly amusing him. "After I got my mouth back—thank you, Celestia—I decided a little payback was in order. Let’s just say he had a surprise trip into the mountain range, yelling ‘Mommy!’ all the way."

Twilight and Spike couldn’t hold it in anymore. They burst into snickers, trying and failing to hide their laughter behind their hooves and claws.

Rarity, though surprised, waved a hoof dismissively. "Well, I’m sure he was just teasing, darling."

"Hmph, as if," Storm replied flatly, glaring at her as if daring her to defend Blueblood further.

"But Storm and 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."

Rarity turned her head with a huff. Before Twilight and Storm could answer, Spike noticed a white bunny come up and snatch the tickets from his claws.

"Hey!" Spike called out.

But the bunny had already dashed away, straight towards… Fluttershy. He climbs upon her head, presenting the tickets from above which made her 'GASP'.

"Angel, these are perfect," Fluttershy replied softly.

Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie shot dirty glares at each other. Well, mostly Rarity, as Pinkie Pie bounced about like a beach ball.

"Uh, listen you guys," Twilight said. "We haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to."

"You haven't?" Rarity and Pinkie retorted together.

"Trust me when I tell you this Rarity," Storm warned. "You're better off marrying a Windigo than Blueblood."

Rarity gasped so loudly it could have shattered glass. She turned to him, her expression a mix of shock and offense. "Storm! How dare you!"

Storm raised an eyebrow, his expression unfazed. "Just saying. At least a Windigo’s cold-heartedness would be honest."

Before Rarity could fire back, Fluttershy timidly stepped forward, her soft voice cutting through the growing tension, however, Fluttershy approached them slowly. She proceeds to come into view between Pinkie Pie and Rarity.

"Um, excuse me, Twilight, Storm," Fluttershy said, gently. "I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven't given it to someone else…"

"You?" Rarity exclaimed, knowing what the Pegasus was asking. "You want to go to the gala?"

"Oh, no," Fluttershy replied.

That answer received a swift jab from Angel Bunny insisting on the Yellow Pegasus to go on.

"I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…"

A sigh escapes Storm's lips.

A vision of Fluttershy in a beautiful garden takes the scene. An abundance of colorful flowers not often seen by the ponies beyond the castle. Not to mention the assortment of wondrous critters that appeared and gathered all around the shy Yellow Pegasus.

"… It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance," Fluttershy explained. "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!"

The scene shifts back as Fluttershy hovered happily before Storm and Twilight, as she cuddled Angel in her arms.

"Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds… beautiful…?" Twilight asked, unsure of herself.

"Actually, the gardens are beautiful," Storm replied. "I'd used to go there a few times when I needed a study break."

"Oh! Do you know if everything I said is there?" Fluttershy asked excitedly.

"The flora, yes. But all the fauna… Well…"

"Wait, just a minute!"

A familiar raspy voice made Twilight and Storm look up, as Rainbow Dash stared down at them from the roof top of a nearby house.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight retorted angrily, as the blue Pegasus flew toward them.

"Have you been following us all day?" Storm asked, in the same tone.

"No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe…" Rainbow stumbled. "Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a couple of goody-four-shoes like you two giving that ticket away to just anybody,"

"Wait just another minute," Applejack called out, approaching Twilight.

"Applejack," Twilight replied sternly. "Were you following us too?"

“What the hay?" Storm asked, heated.

"No," She replied quickly.

"Thank goodness…"

"I was followin' this one," Applejack motioned to Rainbow Dash. "To make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket."

"Your ticket?" Rainbow retorted.

"But Twilight and Storm are taking me!" Pinkie shot back.

Before Storm or Twilight could protest, all the other ponies started arguing over each other. Their voices grew louder and louder, nearly smothering the two unicorns before Twilight and Storm finally had enough.

"QUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!" They both screamed as they stood on their hind legs.

"And then I said, "Oatmeal, are you craz—"

"Pinkie!" Storm shouted quite angry.

Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped once she realized that the arguing had stopped.

"Oh…" Pinkie said sheepishly.

"Girls, there's no use in arguing," Twilight pointed out.

"But Twilight…" Rarity tried to protest.

"Zip it!" Storm, holding a hoof to her mouth. "This is our decision; we're gonna make it on our own."

"And we certainly can't think straight with all this noise…" Twilight added.

Just then, both the stomachs of Twilight and Storm's grumble loudly.

"Not to mention hunger," Storm grumbled.

"Now go on, shoo!" Twilight finished.

"And like I told Applejack and Rainbow Dash, no more fighting with each other!" Storm added.

The five mares either walked or flew away, grumbling to themselves.

"And don't worry, we'll figure this out…" Twilight added.

But the mares had already disappeared, leaving Twilight alone with Spike somewhere to the side, out of sight, and Storm, who merely sighed.

"… Somehow…" Storm added quietly.

He turns toward Twilight, who looked rather upset. Storm gives her a side hug.

"Come on," Storm ushered. "Let's grab some lunch, my treat."

Twilight just gave a small smile as he guided her… And Spike, who had caught up and was about to climb upon Twilight.

"Take my back for a change, Spike," Storm offered, glancing at the baby dragon. "Twi needs to rest."

Spike shrugged and hopped onto Storm’s back without hesitation, settling in comfortably. "Thanks, Storm. You’re not too bad at this whole knight-in-shining-armor thing."

Storm rolled his eyes but smirked slightly. "Don’t push it, Spike."

(scene change)

Upon arrival, neither Twilight nor Storm could relax, not with the most important decision on their minds. Twilight was slouching on her seat, while Storm sat next to her with his front legs bent as if he had elbows on the table.

"Oh Spike, what are we gonna do?" Twilight asked worried. "All five of our best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala."

"Best friends?" Storm asked, sitting up. "We've really gotten that close that quickly? Or… Maybe it's just you girls…"

"Of course we've gotten that close!" Twilight answered. "And don't say that. That includes you too. Why wouldn't you be included?"

Storm looked at her with an unamused look. "I'm a guy?"

"Being a colt doesn't matter, you're part of our group. Which makes you my best friend too."

Storm nodded happily, as Twilight put her train of thought on her other friends. Using her magic, she pulls the petals off one of the table flowers.

"But who do we choose? Applejack, or Rainbow dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity… Oh, who should go with us?"

Twilight's stomach grumbled again, as she used her tongue to eat up the petals. Storm just watched her before he took out his ticket and looked at it for a moment before their waiter, Savior Fare, approached the table.

"Have you made your decision?" He asked, with a French accent.

"I CAN'T DECIDE!" She bellowed.

Everypony turned and stared at the unicorn sitting straight up, her hooves thrown dramatically into the air.

Storm sighed deeply, dragging a hoof down his face. "Yep, this is happening," he muttered under his breath, trying to hide from the mounting embarrassment.

"Twilight, he just wants to take your order," Spike points out, toward the menu.

Twilight blinked a few times before recomposing herself.

"Oh," She replied, calmly. "I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich."

"I'll take the toasted hay burger on sourdough please," Storm requested.

"Do you have any rubies?" Spike asked.

The only response from the Professional waiter was an indignant glare.

"No? Okay…" Spike sighed, tossing the menu behind him. "… I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy."

Savior Fare was already walking away before Spike finished placing his order. As Savior Fare went back inside, the group had a brief moment to talk.

"What do you think, Spike?" Twilight asked.

"I think we have to try another restaurant," Spike answered. "I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?"

"Spike, gemstones are currency," Storm replied, leaning back in his chair with a casual shrug. "Ponies don’t eat their bits for dinner. Well, unless they're desperate."

"Yeah, yeah, I get that," Spike grumbled. "Still, I’d take a diamond over hay fries any day."

"I mean about the gala and the ticket and who I should take!" Twilight snapped.

"Oh, you're still on that?" Spike asked annoyed.

"Spike, listen," Twilight insisted.

She leans toward him on the table with her front hooves, knocking the flower vase off the table.

"How do we choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at us? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies."

She turned to Storm, who was quietly poking at his menu, his brows furrowed in thought. "Storm, what about you? What do you think I should do?"

Storm let out a slow, deliberate sigh, finally looking up at her. "Twilight," he began, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of weariness, "does it really matter?"

Twilight blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean? Of course, it matters!"

"To you, maybe," Storm replied, meeting her gaze. "But not to me. If you want the truth, I can’t stand the gala."

Spike’s jaw nearly hit the table. "What?!"

Storm shrugged. "It’s not as glamorous as everypony makes it out to be. Every year, it’s the same—stuffy ponies, fake smiles, and some kind of disaster waiting to happen. It’s less ‘grand’ and more ‘grueling.’ Frankly, I’d rather spend the evening with my family, doing something meaningful. Like having a quiet dinner or sharing stories. You know, things that actually matter."

Twilight stared at him, her initial shock giving way to a small, thoughtful smile. "You just want a little peace and quiet with the ponies you care about," she said softly.

Storm nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Exactly. I mean, sure, the gala sounds exciting at first, but after you’ve been to one, you start to realize it’s all just noise. The real magic is in the moments you share with your loved ones. Not some overblown royal event."

Twilight considered his words, a newfound sense of calm washing over her. "What if we—"

Just then, Twilight was cut off when Savior Fare reappeared with their order.

"Ah, your food," he announced with professional detachment.

Spike immediately dove into his hay fries with gusto, while Twilight and Storm exchanged grateful smiles as they looked at their meals.

"Thanks," Storm said warmly, giving the waiter a slight nod.

"Oh, thank you," Twilight sighed. "This looks amazing. I’m sure everything will be much clearer once we eat."

Storm chuckled softly, his earlier frustration melting away. "Food does have a way of making things simpler. Let’s dig in and worry about the rest later."

They both use their magic to lift the sandwiches to their mouths when the other ponies galloped passed them and into the indoor section of the café. The two unicorns drop their sandwiches back on their plates, turning in confusion.

"Em, madam, monsieur?" Savior Fare replied, concerned. "Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?"

"It's not raining…" Twilight replied.

BOOM!

A thunderclap caused the trio to look around, noticing how everywhere, minus their table, was getting a large downpour.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked.

"Okay, which weather-pony had one job and decided to mess this up?" Storm demanded, scanning the sky. His tone carried that familiar mix of annoyance and exasperation.

It was then, in a small hole in the clouds, a very familiar blue Pegasus appeared. The moment he saw her, Storm glared at her.

"Hi there, best friends forever I've ever had!" Rainbow said, sweetly. "Enjoying the sunny weather?"

"Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

"Whaddya mean?" Rainbow replied innocently. "I just saw the smartest, most generous ponies about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep them dry so they could dine in peace, that's all."

Storm and Twilight shifted looks from Rainbow, the surrounding rain, their food, to each other, and at Rainbow once more.

"Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing extra special favors, are you?" Twilight asked.

"You're not the type to swallow your pride like that," Storm added slowly.

"Me?" Rainbow chuckled. "No-no-no, of course not."

"Uh-huh," Twilight said.

"Sure…" Storm added.

Suffice to say, neither pony believed her.

"Seriously, I'd do it for anypony," Rainbow added.

Just then, the other ponies were running to find cover and failing miserably. The two unicorns look toward Rainbow Dash, clearly seeing that the scene exposed her bluff.

"Heh, heh, eh…" Rainbow gulped.

"Rainbow Dash," Storm said, his tone softening but still firm. "We’re not comfortable accepting favors we didn’t ask for, especially when they come with strings attached."

"So, I'd appreciate it if you closed up that rain cloud right now," Twilight added.

"Ugh, fine," Rainbow groaned. With a quick flap of her wings, she zipped the hole in the clouds shut, leaving the rainstorm to fully consume the area.

Storm exhaled heavily, turning to Twilight with an expression of mild exasperation. "Well, that’s one problem solved," he muttered.

"That’s better," Twilight said with a satisfied nod.

Two seconds later, Storm, Twilight, and their sandwiches were soaked from the oncoming downpour. Both Twilight and Storm groaned in agitation.

Spike covered his mouth trying not to laugh, having already finished his food. Just then, Rarity arrived carrying a large purple umbrella.

"Twilight! Storm! It's raining," She said plainly.

"No, really?" Twilight retorted sarcastically.

"And we thought someone was dumping the world's largest bucket of water all over us," Storm added, in the same tone.

"Come with me before you catch a cold," Rarity said.

The fashionista pulls Twilight away, as Storm watched them leave before he went after them.

As soon as they were both inside, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow shook the water off their coats and mane. Once dry, they looked as sharp as ever…. Except for Rarity, who got soaked to the bone from all the shaking about and glared at the two.

"Heh-heh… oops. Sorry," Twilight apologized, her ears flattening.

"Yeah," Storm added with a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "In hindsight, maybe we should’ve just asked for towels."

"Oh no, it's quite alright," Rarity replied. "After all, we are…"

Suddenly, Rarity was completely dry and nuzzled Twilight's side.

"… The best friends, are we not? And you know what best friends do?"

"Uh…"

Based on their expression, both Twilight and Storm were afraid to find out.

"Makeovers!" Rarity exclaimed.

Before Twilight or Storm could object, Rarity quickly shoved a dressing screen between herself and Twilight, knocking Storm and Spike aside in the process. Clothes, pins, and glitter flew around the room as Rarity worked on Twilight with the precision of a fashion expert, although a bit rougher than Twilight would have liked.

"Ugh, Rarity, ow!" Twilight groaned. "This really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you, but, ooh, that's too tight!"

As the screen was removed, Twilight was fitted in a glittery little dress. "There," Rarity said. "Oh, you're simply darling."

Twilight looked at the dress and smiled.

"Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it?" She replied. Then Twilight looked at Storm and asked. "Do you like it, Storm?"

Storm, still recovering from being knocked aside, glanced up at her. A sly, amused smile curled on his lips. "Not gonna lie, Twi… you look stunning in it," he said with an honest warmth.

Twilight’s blush deepened, and she smiled bashfully. Spike, however, made a face, sticking his finger in his mouth as if about to gag.

"And you," Rarity exclaimed. "Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent." She then turned to Storm. "And Storm, I have something that might-"

"Oh, no," Storm interrupted, holding up a hoof. His tone was firm but not unkind. "I’d rather not become your next ‘masterpiece’ like Twilight here." which made her chuckle in fear before she moved the screen behind Spike.

"D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!" Spike yelped.

Once the screen had moved, Spike was dressed in a very traditional renaissance style blue suit with a blonde wig. He looked indignant and embarrassed.

"Oh, Spike." Twilight giggled.

Rarity turned back to Storm before saying. "I know that you are not in the mood, but I do have something for you."

Storm glared at her before she placed the stallion in a nice white tuxedo. This surprised him a bit before he looked at it with a smile. "Wow, Rarity," he admitted, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "I’ve gotta hand it to you—this actually looks pretty good on me."

Twilight giggled again, giving him a sly smile. "You look adorable in that tuxedo, Storm."

Storm’s cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks, Twi," he replied, his voice softer, but the smile on his face didn’t fade.

"Now you just need a hat, Spike." Rarity said, plopping it on Spike's head.

"Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk," Spike whined. "See you back at the library!"

The baby dragon quickly dashed right out of his clothes and out the boutique.

"Oh, who needs him anyway," Rarity said, with a laugh.

As the fashionista brought a mirror, Twilight just looked at herself contently while Storm looked at himself with a smirk as he admired it.

"This is all about you two, and how fabulous you’ll look at the Grand Galloping Gala."

Storm and Twilight both blinked at one another in realization.

"Wait, the Grand—" They said together.

"And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence!" Rarity explained.

The way she went on, Storm and Twilight knew exactly what Rarity was trying to do.

"I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches Twilight to a T…"

Rarity soon held Twilight close as they gazed into the mirror before the fashionista took full dominance of the reflection.

"We would be the bells of the ball, the three of us… Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know who, the most beautiful, the most talented, the most sophisticated in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!"

Rarity had stars in her eyes, Storm and Twilight, however, were unimpressed, their reflections now showing matching deadpan glares aimed directly at the fashionista.

Rarity blinked at them, suddenly realizing she may have overplayed her hoof. Laughing nervously, she added, "Ah… and, of course, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow, of course."

Storm let out a slow, deliberate sigh, stepping forward with a stern expression. "Okay, Rarity," he said evenly, his voice calm but firm. "You’re a genius when it comes to making clothes. I’ll give you that. But this? This has got to be the most transparent way of getting that extra ticket."

"We see what's going on." Twilight agreed with Storm. "You're just trying to butter us up, so we'd give you the extra ticket! Well, it's not going to work."

The two unicorns tossed the offered clothes back to Rarity, resuming their normal appearance.

"You’ll just have to wait for our decision like everypony else," Twilight added firmly.

"Now, if you’ll excuse us," Storm said, his tone carrying a sharp edge of frustration. "We’ve been trying all day to grab some lunch without getting ambushed by favors!"

They turned toward the open door that Spike had used earlier, prepared to make their escape, when suddenly—

"Did somepony say lunch?"

Before either of them could react, somepony grabbed them both and dragged them outside, depositing them in front of a wooden wagon loaded with apple treats.

"You’ve got to be kidding me!" Twilight exclaimed, her frustration boiling over.

Storm groaned, rubbing his temples as his patience wore thin. "It’s Day One of Ponyville all over again!"

Their culprit quickly revealed herself: Applejack.

"I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, and apple Brown Betty," She listed, showing off the last-mentioned dessert. "Uh, the dessert, not my auntie. What do you say there, best friends?"

Storm and Twilight's stomachs grumbled, as they could feel their tempers slip and Storm's eye twitched.

"Is that a yes?" Applejack asked.

"No, no!" Twilight snapped, making Applejack drop the last dish. "We don't know who we're giving the ticket to."

"And all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide!" Storm yelled. "In fact…"

"We're less sure now than we were this morning!" They shouted together.

Groaning, the two unicorns high tail out of there. Applejack just looked stunned as they took off.

"So, that's a maybe?" Applejack could only say.

It was a short while before Twilight and Storm had a moment to calm down. At least enough to get back to the Grand Oak Library. But it was clear both ponies were frustrated and stressed out after a long day.

"Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors could be so aggravating!" Twilight retorted angrily.

Storm sighed, his mane still slightly disheveled from the day's chaos. "At this rate, I’m starting to think moving to the Everfree Forest might be less stressful," he muttered, stepping inside.

But as they entered, their jaws dropped. The library was filled with animals, all dusting, sweeping, and tidying. A familiar yellow pegasus hummed a gentle tune as she delicately dusted the bookshelves.

"Seriously?!" Storm said, his voice rising with disbelief.

"Fluttershy, not you too?" Twilight gasped.

"Oh, well, hello Twilight. Hello, Storm" Fluttershy greeted. "I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you."

"It's summer," Storm and Twilight said, matter-of-factly.

"Oh, well, better late than never, right?" Fluttershy replied, flying next to them. "It was Angel's idea."

The little bunny smiled, continuing to toss a salad nearby.

"You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?" Twilight asked, getting to the point.

"Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friends," Fluttershy assured. "Right Angel?"

The little bunny just gave her a glare, which said otherwise.

"Oh yes, we are just doing this for the ticket."

Storm just smacked his face in greater annoyance as Angel offered the salad.

"Unbelievable!" He remarked.

"No, no, no!" Twilight said firmly. "Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but we're not accepting any extra favors until we've made our final decision, so we're going to have to ask you to leave."

Twilight opened the door when a huge burst of confetti blasted through the door.

"SURPRISE!"

Between shouts from the ponies and the trumpets blowing outside, Twilight and Storm were both whisked away and tossed up and down by a bunch of random ponies, while Pinkie began to sing… Again.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

Twilight and Storm are my bestest friends

Whoopie, whoopie!

"Pinkie…" Storm and Twilight said together.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

They're the cutest, smartest, all around best ponies, ponies!

"Pinkie…" They repeated.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!

"Pinkie!" They said louder.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

They'll give their extra ticket to the Gala to me!

"PIIIIIIIIIINKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!"

The two unicorns shouted so loudly, the ponies broke away and sent them landing hard on the ground.

"Yes, Twilight? Storm?" Pinkie asked, batting her eyes.

"At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket," Twilight said, as she sat up with Storm.

"Wait, what ticket?" A pony named Drizzle asked. "What Gala?"

"Oh, didn't you know?" Pinkie replied. Twilight and Storm have an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Pinkie finished.

"The Grand Galloping Gala?!" The nearby ponies exclaimed.

Storm and Twilight suddenly looked very uneasy as they were swamped by dozens of ponies. Ironically, they were all mares.

"Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?!"

"I'll wash your dishes!"

Soon they began suggesting favors left-and-right, as Spike managed to swoop in and help the two unicorns slip out the crowd. Unfortunately, they were stopped by some pony named 'Daisy'.

"Would you like help with our gardening?"

"We don't have one!" Storm said.

They tried to get away again before they were stopped again.

"I have a cartload of extra carrots," A pony named Shoeshine proposed.

Soon the crowd had swamped the two again, shouting favor after favor.

"What are we gonna do?" Spike asked.

Their personal space began to dwindle rapidly; Storm and Twilight found themselves ready to panic.

"We're…"

"… Gonna…"

"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNN!" Storm and Twilight shouted.

The unicorns jumped high in the air, dashing away at top speed with the mob in hot pursuit.

*Benny Hill Theme*

On cue, some Benny-Hill style music plays as Twilight and Storm ran for dear life trying to escape the crowd, while Spike held onto Twilight from behind. They tried just about everything just to get away.

First, they are behind the cart with all the apple treats. They watch the mob rush past while they hid, only to be spotted by a pony from the window and another pony popping out of the cart. Soon, they were running again as the mob raced after them, even knocking one towns-pony aside.

A passing elderly couple with a stroller slowly walks down the street as the mob of ponies dashed past them. But it turns out to be Twilight dressed in a blue cloak and Storm dressed like an elderly pony with a cane and giant beard over his face and Spike… Dressed as a baby, with a binky in his mouth.

Then one of the girl ponies turns and points toward the group, forcing them to run away again. They quickly hide under a bridge by the canal, trying to hold onto the bottom. Just as they raced past them, Spike swiped a claw at his forehead and sighed… only to lose his grip and tumble into the water with a loud "SPLASH!" Storm instinctively reached for him but lost his balance and fell right in after him. So much for stealth. The mob spotted them immediately, and the chase resumed.

The mob kept racing after the group passing a window to a shop, where mannequins stood in a pose. But it turns out to be two ponies and a Dragon in Disguise: Twilight like a circus clown, Spike like a hula dancer (A girl one), and Storm dressed like a Christmas elf with a beard.

No matter what they tried, nothing worked. Soon, they found themselves cornered in a narrow alley with nowhere left to run. The mob closed in, shouting an endless stream of favors.

"I’ll wash your windows!"
"I’ll bake you a pie!"
"I’ll do your taxes!"

Storm’s ears twitched at the last one, and he turned toward the pony incredulously. "What does that even mean?! I don’t even have taxes!"

The pressure was unbearable. Storm and Twilight felt their frustration boil over, their horns sparking uncontrollably as their magic surged.

"Twilight, we need to—" Storm started, his voice strained.

"—I know, I know!" Twilight cut him off, her magic glowing brighter.

Before the mob could swarm them, there was a blinding flash of light. When the glow faded, Twilight, Storm, and Spike were gone.

The mob blinked in confusion, murmuring among themselves.

"Where is she?"

"Where’d she go?"

"She’s disappeared!"

"And where’s that handsome stallion?!"

Fortunately, Storm and Twilight didn't get very far, as they had triggered a simple teleportation spell, which landed them right back inside the Grand Oaks Library. Both were quite frazzled from the trip and poor Spike was slightly fried.

"Ugh… Warn me next time you two are gonna do that," He groaned dizzily.

"I didn't even know it was gonna happen," Twilight protested.

"That’s the thing about magical surges," Storm added, rubbing his forehead and wincing slightly. "You never know when they’re coming, and you definitely don’t know what they’ll do. It’s like playing magical roulette with your sanity."

"Yeah, well, next time, let’s aim for a vacation spot," Spike muttered, still dizzy.

"Never mind the lesson," Twilight snapped, standing upright with her arms spread out. "Now quick, lock the doors!"

The three of them jumped into action, shutting every window, bolting the doors, and flicking off the lights. After the last lock clicked into place, they slumped back down onto the floor, exhausted but safe. Storm and Twilight exchanged a tired but relieved hoofshake, while Spike flopped dramatically beside them, too exhausted to even lift a claw.

Storm let out a long, tired sigh, extending a hoof toward Twilight, who shook it weakly. "Well," he said, his voice tinged with dry humor, "I think we need to work on our getaway plans. Maybe something that doesn’t end with magical accidents and a mob."

Twilight gave a small, tired chuckle, massaging her temples. "Yeah, no kidding. At this point, moving to the moon is starting to sound like a good idea."

Suddenly, a light came back on… They look up…

And their five best friends stared down at them, all smiles on their faces, near a high window. Storm and Twilight couldn't take it anymore.

"YAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Storm and Twilight screamed.

"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" Storm said as he was now going crazy.

"We can't decide!" Twilight retorted frantically. "We just can't decide!"

"We know it's important to all of you and we can't stand disappointing any of you," Storm added. "And giving us gifts and doing us favors won't make any difference."

"Because you're all our friends and we wanna make you all happy and we can't! We just CAN'T!" They said together.

The two unicorns crunch into the floor, their front hooves covering their heads. The five mares didn't take long to realize how upset Storm and Twilight felt as Applejack walked up to them. She pats a forehoof on Twilight's back, but still spoke to both of them.

"Twilight, Storm, sugars," Applejack said gently. "I didn't mean to put so much pressure on the two of 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," Fluttershy added. "I just feel awful that I made you feel so awful."

"And me too," Pinkie Pie cut in. "It's no fun upsetting your friends."

"Twilight, Storm," Rarity joined in. "It was unfair of me to try and force you as I did."

"Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha-ha!" Rainbow said, before singing and dancing in midair. "I got the ticket; I got the ticket—"

Rainbow soon stopped when Applejack, Fluttershy, and especially Storm shot her a dirty look. Twilight only looked up. Yet both unicorns were still crouched and their forehooves still covered their heads.

"You know," Rainbow said sheepishly. "I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either."

"We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you," Applejack pointed out.

"We're sorry, Storm and Twilight." The five mares said, in unison.

Storm and Twilight, slightly better, exchanged smiles and a single nod.

"Spike, take down a note," Twilight instructed.

Spike grabs a sheet of paper and a quill. Twilight proceeds to speak aloud, as she picked up the three tickets with her magic.

Dear Princess Celestia,

We'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 we appreciate the invitation, we will be returning all three tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.

"What?!" The other five mares exclaimed, in shock.

"If our friends can't all go," Storm concluded for Twilight. "We don't wanna go either."

The other ponies, still in shock over the decision, felt worse about everything.

"Storm, Twilight, you don't have to do that," Applejack protested.

"Nope, we've made up our mind," Twilight said, as Storm gave a firm nod. "Spike, you can send the letter now."

Spike released a green flame that ate up the letter, sending it on its way.

"Now you won't get to go to the gala either," Fluttershy said sadly.

"Forget about it, Fluttershy," Storm brushed off. "I already told Twilight. It's just a dumb party anyway."

"It's okay, girls," Twilight assured. "We couldn't possibly enjoy ourselves without our best friends there with us."

"Exactly," Storm added with a sincere grin. "We’d rather not go at all than leave any of you behind."

The tension in the room eased as the group shared a heartfelt hug, their laughter breaking through the lingering awkwardness. Applejack, however, lingered a moment longer, pulling Storm into a quick, one-on-one hug. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered with a teasing tone.

"I know y’all are just thinkin’ about us, sugarcube," Applejack said softly. "But I reckon you’re a little disappointed you won’t be takin’ Twilight to the Gala as your date."

Storm’s eyes widened, and a bright red blush crept across his cheeks. "What… are you talking about?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly as he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Aw, come on now," Applejack giggled, nudging him playfully. "Ah’ve seen the way y’all look at Twilight. Ah knew it was only a matter of time before y’all would’ve asked her."

Storm stared at her for a moment, his blush deepening before his expression shifted into a deadpan glare. Without a word, he gently but firmly bonked Applejack on the head.

"OWWW!" Applejack yelped, rubbing her head. She looked up at him with a sheepish grin. "Uh… Ah guess Ah struck a nerve, huh?"

Storm let out a slow, exasperated sigh, closing his eyes as he sat down in the middle of the room. The other mares watched him cautiously, their concern evident.

"Storm," Twilight said softly, stepping closer to him. Her gentle tone and warm eyes drew his attention.

"Ugh, sorry, AJ," Storm said after a pause, his voice sincere as he looked at the farm pony.

Applejack, still rubbing her sore head, smiled back at him. "It’s alright, sugarcube. I reckon it’s been a long day for all of us."

Storm nodded. "It has. And honestly, even if I was going to the Gala, I’d rather just spend time with my family. I’m not into fancy parties, and the Gala… it’s horrible. Too much chaos, too much noise—it’s just not my thing."

"That’s just plum crazy, sugarcube," Applejack replied, her tone light but curious.

"No, he’s right," Twilight interjected, sitting beside him. "He told me all about it when we were at the café earlier. He said the Gala’s always full of chaos and that he’d rather see his family than deal with all of that."

Fluttershy moved to Storm’s other side, her soft smile reassuring. "Don’t worry, Storm. I’m sure you’ll get to see them again soon."

Storm smiled at her. "Thanks, Fluttershy."

Twilight placed a hoof on his back, her eyes warm and comforting. "And in the meantime, you’ve got us, Storm. We’ll make sure you’re never alone, no matter what."

Storm’s tension melted away as he chuckled softly, his earlier frustration fading. "Yeah… I guess having all of you really does make everything better."

"Hhg… hgh… urk… urk…"

Applejack turns as Spike began making faces as if he were grossed out. At least, that's how Applejack interpreted his grunts.

"Well wallop my withers, Spike," Applejack said, approaching the dragon. "Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment."

"Uh, Applejack, you might wanna duck." Storm advised.

BURP!

"Whoa Nelly!" Applejack exclaimed.

She barely missed getting burned by the green flame Spike spat out between her golden mane and Stenson hat. The flame turns into another letter.

"A letter from the princess?" Twilight said surprised. "That was fast."

"Guess Celestia must have had time to sort her mail today," Storm replied.

Spike proceeds to open the letter and reads the contents aloud.

"My faithful students, Twilight and Storm, why didn't you just say so in the first place?"

And low and behold, a familiar site met their eyes… But ten times greater.

"Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Spike announced.

All the ponies in the room gasped, excitedly.

"Now we can all go!" Twilight declared, her voice brimming with happiness. She turned to Storm with a soft smile, her cheeks tinged with pink. "And, Storm… would you like to be my date for the Gala?"

Storm blinked, caught off guard by her directness. But as he saw her warm, hopeful smile and the blush on her face, he felt a heat rising to his own cheeks. Her expression was so genuine, it melted away any hesitation.

"Sure," Storm replied, his voice steady but kind. A small smile spread across his face as he added, "I’d be honored."

The other girls cooed at the exchange, their excitement bubbling over.

Just then, his and Twilight's stomachs growled. Twilight laughed nervously as Storm smiled in embarrassment.

"Allow us to treat you both to dinner," Rarity offered.

"What a great way to apologize," Rainbow declared.

Each pony collected their ticket, the lot of them hovering above their heads as they left the house.

"And to celebrate!" Pinkie Pie added, while exiting. "Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!"

"I'll be right out!" Storm called out.

As all the girls walked out of the room, Storm turned around before he took out a picture of him and his family. He smiled at it before he went out to join his friends when he saw Twilight looking over her shoulder toward him and gave a happy smile as a slight blush came to her cheeks.

Storm smiled at her too.

Spike held on to one extra ticket excitedly, until Applejack left. The ticket departed from Spike's head and floated above hers.

"How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" Spike asked sadly.

HURK! BURP!

Applejack stopped moving when she heard the belch, as a green glow appeared behind her, and she turned back. Apparently, Spike received another letter from Princess Celestia.

"And one for you Spike," He read.

Spike giggled happily as he held his ticket and left the library. Just then, he spots Applejack, standing casually with a sly smirk on her face. Spike froze for a second, before making a face.

"I mean, gross, I have to go too?" He remarked.

Eventually, Spike dashed away giggling again. Applejack merely chuckled, as she went to catch up with the rest of their friends. Who knows what made Spike change his mind? But in the end, with the Grand Galloping Gala only months away…