Fallen Eagle

Chapter XIX: Final Preparations

KillerWoW the Golden Foxy: He does have a lot of kindness within him. Cougar always looks to help better those around him

OBSERVER01: Thank you

litestardt: That's awesome. I love me some Bon Jovi, but not as much as Van Halen or Def Leppard

uyamir334: Thank you, I try to publish quickly, but quality comes first

knightofstories151919: The last two chapters, that's what I was aiming for. A really happy and light-hearted chapter to follow up a depressing and emotionally draining previous chapter. I think everyone will like what I have in store for the Gala.

Fear-Less 1300: Puns are somewhat of a gift for me. I won the award for best photo captions/puns my senior year when I was in Yearbook.

Dixie Darlin: Pepsi here is Pegapsi, yeah not really good. Yeah, AJ's like, "Ah'm right here, make yer move already!" Put yourself in Cougar's shoes and pretend you're fighting feelings for Big Mac. He's still a pony, how awkward would you feel to have feelings for him? As for Spike, just watch.

necron-lordwesly: I've got that all planned out.

Tycser: I'll take you up on your offer as a Beta Reader. I strive for a solid background for characters and for character development; it helps audiences better connect and grow with characters. And I'm glad you and everyone else likes the relationship between Cougar and Applejack, even though their closest moment was her telling him to take a shower.

Zachary Wisky: Thank you

adhdluke: I've never really listened to Green Day before.

---

(Ponyville Train Station. 10 AM. Cougar's POV)

"I still can't believe we get to play the Grand Galloping Gala!" Vinyl exclaimed as we munched on doughnuts brought by Pinkie Pie. Instead of friends going on a half day trip, Vinyl and I felt like we were being sent off to war or on a trip to study abroad. "I mean, I always wanted to go big, but this big? Un-freakin'-real Cougar," she sipped her morning Pegapsi.

"You two better not forget us little ponies when you're both playing stage shows in Las Pegasus, Marewaukee, Mannesota, and Bridleway!" Pinkie grabbed my shirt collar and shook me violently, causing my doughnut to disintegrate into tiny crumbs. I frowned, looked down at my now destroyed breakfast pastry and glared back up at the pink mare whom giggled nervously and straightened out my shirt.

"Vinyl may get a huge break with a record producer or most definitely get in a good word with potential gigs in the future," I began, "but I'm just doing this for fun," I explained, "you won't need to worry about me making it big and leaving Ponyville," I pushed Pinkie away. Luckily, Pinkie brought a whole box of doughnuts, so I grabbed another chocolate one and made sure Pinkie stayed away.

"We still can't thank ya enough fer gettin' us tickets to the Gala Cougar!" Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were hopping around me like they had downed thirty cups of coffee. Scootaloo kept hopping up and floating in the air at my eye level as best as her wings could hold her.

"You're like, the best pony or whatever ever!" Scootaloo exclaimed and kept hopping up and down in front of me, "except for maybe Rainbow Dash," she added when Rainbow gave her the stink-eye.

"I thought Rarity was joking at first when she told me Celestia gave you a ticket to give me!" Sweetie Belle explained to me, "but when she showed me that ticket, I nearly BURST!" She squeaked the last word and little green sparks flew off her horn.

"Hehe," Applejack chuckled and lightly punched my shoulder, "looks like ya got yerself a fan club there Cougar," she teased me. I rolled my eyes with a smirk and bent down to calm down the little fillies that looked as if they were about to all have aneurisms.

"Look, it was no problem girls. I knew how much you all wanted to go and Celestia was just kind enough to give me extra tickets," I explained and petted all of their heads like dogs which they didn't seem to mind.

"We know, but we just need have a proper way to thank you," Sweetie Belle replied and calmed down as I ruffled her pink and purple mane. I heard Rarity hold her breath in as I ruffled her little sister's mane. Apparently she couldn't even handle her sister's mane being messed up by any amount.

"Well, I think a hug will do," I spread my arms out, waiting for the trio to jump into my arms and hug me. Instantly, Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle jumped into my chest and grabbed ahold of my torso with their forelegs as I squeezed them with my arms.

"Aww, where is Photo Finish with her camera when you need her?" I heard Fluttershy gushing at the display before her. I looked over to see her little white rabbit, Angel, looking jealous and started to jump up and down to get his owner's attention. Finally, I released the crusaders and they fell back onto their hooves on the platform of the train station. I picked up my cup of coffee and took another sip, still waiting for the train to arrive. My guitar and amp were nestled right next to all of Vinyl's equipment near the edge of the platform. Thankfully, all of our friends volunteered to help us get the gear and instruments to the train station. Vinyl had opted to include bringing a keyboard along to play during our gig, though I was still skeptical on how ponies could play any instrument except the drums with their hooves.

"So Cougar, are you gonna play the loudest and most window rattling music you know?" Rainbow asked me excitedly, "Soarin's gonna be there with the rest of the 'Bolts, and they love rock 'n roll just as much as I do," she informed. I inwardly chuckled, knowing just the song to play for Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts; Vinyl luckily agreed to playing the song, so we were all set in that department.

"Hey don't sweat it Dash," Vinyl assured the rainbow maned Pegasus, "we gotcha covered, trust us," Vinyl lowered her purple shades at the cyan mare and winked. Rarity groaned and rubbed her temples with her hooves. Rainbow, Vinyl and I looked up and over at the seamstress whom had Spike standing close by.

"Again with this Rarity?" I asked in an annoyed tone. Spike place a claw on Rarity's shoulder to console her. The white unicorn smiled at the purple dragon and patted his spines, glad to have him on her side.

"So what if Rarity doesn't like your kind of music Cougar?" Spike asked me not in a defensive or upset tone, but more of a 'mind your own business' tone. "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, like comic books are real books," Spike shot a glance at Twilight, causing the lavender alicorn to frown at him.

"That doesn't bother me," I replied, "the thing is, Celestia and Luna hired me and Vinyl because they want a wild and crazy Gala, and we can deliver that," I explained. Rarity let out a sigh of defeat and groaned again.

"Just please play at least one tame song? That will more than make up for your jungle music," Rarity begged. Vinyl and I looked at each other and back at Rarity. She had her lower lip stuck out in a pout and her eyes looked like puppy eyes.

"Oh fine, just stop that!" Vinyl looked away from Rarity whom smiled in triumphant victory and flipped her mane around, clever girl. Before I could say anything else to Rarity, magic glow surrounded my arm and yanked me away from Vinyl and Rarity, forcing me to look at Twilight.

"Hey, what gives Twilight?" I asked and rubbed my arm. A quill and parchment scroll appeared floating in front of my face due to Twilight's magic. The scroll unrolled and the quill began to scribbled on the blank front.

"Okay Cougar," Twilight cleared her throat, "you do know that despite it's just you and Vinyl that you'll still be around Princess Celestia at the Canterlot castle right?" The Princess of Friendship asked me like a teacher asking a dumb student a question.

"Yeah, and what's your point?" I retorted, not understanding what Twilight was getting at. The alicorn smirked and chuckled knowingly.

"I'm glad you asked Cougar," she replied as her magic continued to make the quill write on the parchment just like Rita Skeeter's Quick-Quotes quill. 'For the love of God, do NOT break into a song please,' I thought to myself. "I just need you to remember that since you'll be in the castle and not out in public like at the Running of the Leaves, you need to be on your perfect behavior for royalty," she informed me. My jaw dropped open at the statement.

"What the hell does that mean? I'm always polite and a gentleman around her and Luna," I pointed my finger in Twilight's face.

"You spend more time with Luna than Celestia, so you're bound to be a little more loose and care fare which is exactly why you can't offend Celestia in any way before or during the Gala," Twilight turned the parchment over so I could read what she wrote. "This list should help you cover the bases."

"Always bow when greeting the princess. Always say 'Good day' when starting or ending a conversation with a servant or guard. Never make inappropriate jokes or chew with your mouth open when eating. Cover your mouth when you have to burp and never forget to say 'Excuse me' afterwards. Remember to let the Princess introduce you to others and wait your turn to speak. Never interrupt the Princess. Always ask permission to be excused if you need to relieve yourself in the bathroom. Do not just ask Celestia a question, ask if you may ask a question. Never stare at a piece of cake for too long. What the hell does that last one mean?" I pointed to the list.

"Trust me, that one is better left unknown," Twilight advised.

"Oh, this is ridiculous Twilight!" I exclaimed and shoved the floating parchment out of my face. "I know to be polite and be on my best behavior around authority figures including royalty!" I added. "I once spent an entire afternoon with the head pilot of England's Royal Air Force and the Queen of England and both were pleased with my visit!" I said as-a-matter-of-factly. The Crusaders and Rarity oohed at my statement.

"Wow, the Queen?" Applebloom grinned.

"Did ya get some political affairs taken care of with the Queen?" Rainbow nudged my ribs, winked and clicked her tongue. I almost wanted to puke; I'm sure my face turned green. All the ponies and dragon cocked their heads at my reaction.

"Ugh, that's nasty! She was in her mid-eighties and I was 20 when I visited her in London!" I groaned and held my stomach. Everypony grimaced at my explanation and gagged as well.

"Sorry, forget I said anything," Rainbow shuddered. Twilight rolled her eyes and tapped the quill against the list, getting my attention back.

"Just take this list and keep it with you at all times," Twilight reminded me and handed me the now rolled up parchment. Grumbling, I accepted the rolled up parchment and stuck it into my back pocket and crossed my arms. "Good boy, you'll do great with Celestia, I'm sure of it," Twilight smiled. I could've sworn somepony stepped on a squeaky toy when she grinned.

"For Pete's sake Twilight," Applejack slapped her own face with her hoof, "why are ya gettin' so anxious 'bout Cougar bein' at the castle with Celestia? Did ya forget she likes him 'n enjoys his company?" the orange mare reminded her alicorn friend.

"You can't be too careful around royalty Applejack," Twilight warned, "what if Celestia gets a surprise visit from King Gryffindor of the Griffon Kingdom and Cougar sets off a war between Equestria and the griffons because he accidentally sneezed in his direction?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"You worry way too much Twilight," Fluttershy advised, "Cougar knows what he's doing, right?" She backed me up. I mouthed 'thank you' to her in response as Twilight grumbled and started going off on one of her nerd rants.

"Not even 10:30 and she's already insane," Spike rolled his green eyes. Suddenly, a train whistle overpowered our conversation as the train pulled into the Ponyville train station and stopped right in front of the platform amidst a large cloud of steam.

"ALL ABOARD!" The conductor called from one of the train cars.

"Let's hustle!" I exclaimed to Vinyl as I grabbed my amp and guitar case as she floated a few of the lighter instruments with her magic into the luggage car. The rest of the equipment was hovered into the car by Rarity and Twilight or carried in by Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Rainbow and the Crusaders. Vinyl took one last sip of her drink before tossing the can into the garbage.

"Anything else before you leave?" Pinkie asked, "like some magazines or some cupcakes?" She held up a huge plate of the sweets.

"Nope, I think we're good, thanks for the help guys," Vinyl waved as she entered one of the passenger cars. I was about to enter when Applebloom pulled on my pant leg.

"Cougar, before ya go, could ya see if the Princess will give us three extra tickets?" She sheepishly asked.

"Sure, but what for Bloomin' Onion?" I knelt down to her eye level.

"Well, the girls 'n Ah wanted ta invite some special friends 'o ours," she explained, "like Featherweight," she said quietly.

"And Pipsqueak," Sweetie Belle added.

"Hopefully Rumble," Scootaloo blushed. Their older sisters 'awwed' and commented on how adorable it was that they had colt friends, though the trio insisted they were just friends.

"I'll see what I can do, promise," I gave Applebloom and Applejack one last hug before stepping onto the train car just as the train lurched forward and waved goodbye as the cloud of steam covered up the platform. Despite how loud the train whistle was and the noise of the engine and wheels combined, I could still hear Rainbow shout as the train left Ponyville.

"Wait a second. Rumble? THUNDERLANE'S younger brother? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" I heard her scream. Chuckling but not thinking too much on Rainbow screaming, I followed Vinyl to our train compartment. Yeah, needless to say the hallways were a tad bit cramped and slightly short for my tall stature.

"Awesome, here's our seats," Vinyl's magic opened up the door to our compartment for the quick trip. She entered the compartment while I compressed myself against the wall as three other ponies trotted by, looking for their seats. Finally, I bent my head low and squeezed into the tiny compartment and sat down across from Vinyl.

"So, should we be worried about your stuff being stolen?" I questioned as the train began to gain speed and we left the outskirts of Ponyville. The electric blue maned unicorn stretched her back and loosened up, resting up with her back against the seat.

"Nah," she calmed down my worries, "I've traveled with that stuff on the train to as far as a club in Manehattan without anything bad happen to it; we should be fine," she nonchalantly waved her hoof.

"Alright, if you say so," I tossed my Drive to End Hunger cap to the side and ran a hand through my sweaty hair which was about as long as Steve Clark's by now since I haven't been to a barber since early May. "So, do you think we should go over our setlist one more time?" I suggested and crossed my left leg over my right leg.

"Might as well," Vinyl made the piece of paper with all of our songs in order appear out of thin air. "The train ride isn't that long, but this will at least pass the time," she joked as she hovered the setlist above our heads. I pulled out a pen from one of the pen holders in the compartment for ponies doing the crosswords and began to scribble on the list of songs.

"Okay, since I promised Rarity we'd do at least one tame song, we're going to have to drop this," I crossed out Come on Feel the Noize by Quiet Riot and wrote in a much tamer song that actually suited the Gala pretty well. The white unicorn groaned and threw her forelegs up in protest.

"Aww, that one was heart pounding and kick ass," Vinyl objected at my modification, "I was kind of hoping we'd break a few windows with that one," she admitted. Cracking my knuckles and sighing and turned to face Vinyl.

"Look, Celestia wanted a wild and insane Grand Galloping Gala, and we both intend to fulfill her wish, but," I began to delineate, "maybe that one is a little too intense and wild for the Gala crowd. The last thing we or the sisters need is a riot breaking out from our music, that shit's happened before on my planet, and it does not end well," I cautioned.

"Of course they probably didn't, why else are they called riots?" Vinyl said in a 'duh' voice.

"Touche Vinyl," I chuckled before turning back to the setlist.

"All right, now can we move this one," Vinyl's magic actually moved one of the songs to the top of the list, making the rest shift downwards in order, "to the opening spot?" She asked, "what better way to give a wild Gala to Celestia than this song?" She tapped the list with her hoof. Rubbing my chin, I contemplated her reasoning before reaching a decision.

"Good idea," I agreed and then wrote on the list, switching around the order of two other songs, "as for this one, the Wonderbolts want a tribute by a song, then this one is perfect and it needs to be right in the middle," I said.

"Why right in the middle?" Vinyl lowered her purple shades.

"Well, we've already established our opening song," my pen tapped the paper, "and if do this song at the very end, it's like we put on the show just for the Wonderbolts instead of everyone at the Gala," I explained, "but if we put it right in the middle, it's a great build up for the Wonderbolts and a great lead in to the slow song," I finished.

"I get what you're saying Cougar," Vinyl smiled, "and I like it. But I think we're gonna score big with the ending song," she added and circled the last song on the list a few times with the quill.

"Yep, but are you sure we've practiced enough?" I asked.

"Pssh, buck yeah," Vinyl laced her hoof on my shoulder and rolled the setlist back up and made it disappear again. "All we gotta do now is set up our stuff and show up later lookin' good and ready to rock," she patted my back. My eyes shot open at her last statement.

"That reminds me Vinyl, I was thinking I could take off my shirt, tie and jacket for when we go on stage, but do you think you could cast a cooling spell around me so I don't sweat as much when I put them back on?" I asked. Vinyl opened her mouth to answer, but was stopped when the compartment door opened and the snack cart pony appeared.

"Can I interest you in some-" the snack kart operator asked but cut herself off when she saw me.

"Ladybug," I narrowed my eyes at the mare. She gulped and pursed her lips, just standing in the doorway with her snack cart.

"Cougar," she replied quietly, still not gathering up the guts to look me in the eye. For a minute, no one said a word. The hypnotic rhythm of the trains wheels clicking and clacking over the tracks was the only sound filling the compartment. Vinyl looked back and forth between us, confused why we wouldn't say a thing.

"Woah, this is major awkward bro," Vinyl finally cut through the silence, "everything okay between you two?" She questioned. Ladybug's hooves tapped against the hoof rail of the cart, only furthering her nervousness about the situation.

"So, how've you been lately?" I asked her, trying to kick the awkwardness out of the compartment.

"Fine," she replied quickly, "College is going well," she added.

"That's good," I commented and looked at the snacks and drinks she had on the cart. Yet, before I could order anything for myself and Vinyl, Ladybug let out a sheepish whine and pushed her cart forward so she could face me better in the compartment.

"I'm really sorry about the way I treated you Cougar," she apologized, "I didn't expect to see something like you riding the train and I thought you were just a mutated monkey or something," she explained. Vinyl sat still, her head darting back and forth between myself and Ladybug.

"Well, we all make mistakes Ladybug," I folded my arms across my chest.

"And you don't have to forgive me," the mare waved her hooves in front of her face, "I just wanted to let you know it was wrong of me to say those things and treat you like an animal and I didn't realize how much my words hurt you until I got home," Ladybug admitted. She stuck out her hoof, hoping I would take it in my hand.

"I don't hold grudges, so apology accepted," I shook her hoof and let her go.

"Thank you, and here's some on the house," she tossed myself and Vinyl some chocolate chip muffins, "hope you guys come ride the train again soon," she waved and went back to her job with a little more pep in her step.

"Okay, spill Cougar," Vinyl slapped the muffin out of my hand, "what was that all about?"

"Well, after the timberwolves incident," I started the story.

---

(Canterlot. Cougar's POV)

"Next stop, Canterlot Train Station!" The Conductor announced over the intercom for the train. Vinyl and I got up, stretched and departed the train where our music gear was waiting for us on the platform.

"Man, it's great to get out of that cramped compartment," I arched my back again. I felt something in my back pocket poke my back. Reaching back, I took out the list of do's and don'ts from Twilight earlier and tossed it into the nearest garbage can. "What a worrywart," I joked.

"All right, now let's start haulin' this stuff up to the castle," Vinyl declared as we loaded our gear onto trolleys provided by the train station. Thankfully, the road leading up through Canterlot to the castle wasn't that steep and our trolleys had handles to pull them.

"Wow, this place is nearly empty," I commented at the very low number of ponies strutting around, leaving but a few worker ponies like garbage ponies and waiting ponies. There were several 'elite' ponies roaming around, but they more than likely didn't care Vinyl and I were in their city.

"Yep, nearly every single 'elite' pony here treats the Gala like a million proms at once and the whole city practically shuts down for it," Vinyl grunted, pulling all of her equipment up the road with my help. "It's nice for once not to be made a sideshow attraction of just because I'm from Ponyville," she added.

"I know what you mean," I grunted as we began to get a little tired from hauling that much heavy equipment by ourselves.

"Ah, Cougar, good to see you again!" I heard a Canterlot accent call out. Setting the brakes on the trolley and turning, Vinyl and I saw Fancy Pants and his wife, Fleur-De-Lis waving at us from a restaurant, "do join us please! It's been much too long since we have spoken," Fancy asked. Shrugging, Vinyl set a security spell on our musical gear and we both hopped over the small fence separating the restaurant eating area from the sidewalk.

"Good morning," Fleur grinned as Vinyl and I sat down across from her and her husband, "And who is your new friend Cougar?" She asked politely asked in her fancy accent, "I simply love your mane," she complimented Vinyl.

"Oh, thanks Mrs. Fancy Pants," Vinyl chuckled and pulled up a menu, "my name is Vinyl Scratch or DJ-Pon3 when I'm on stage," Vinyl quickly answered Fleur's question.

"Call me Fleur please," Fancy's wife corrected my DJ friend.

"So, are you both going to the Grand Galloping Gala too?" I sipped a glass of water that the waiter quickly brought by. Fancy set down his glass of what I'm guessing was champagne and wiped his muzzle.

"Why of course we are Cougar," Fancy laughed politely at me, "my wife and I have been attending the Gala ever since we were in grammar school," he explained to me, "in fact, the first Gala we both attended was where we met," he held Fleur's face in his hoof.

"Really?" Vinyl played with her silverware with her horn. "So did you guys like go to different schools or something?" She questioned. The waiter returned and asked if Vinyl or I wanted food to which we declined having stuffed ourselves on muffins, soda pop and doughnuts before we left.

"No actually," Fleur cut in, "we did attend the same grammar school in Canterlot, but I was in the morning class and Fancy was in the afternoon class."

"We met when our parents introduced us at our very first Gala," Fancy continued for his wife, "and the rest everypony says, is history," the two looked into each other's eyes and shared a quick kiss. Not being fond of couples being lovey-dovey in public, Vinyl and I shared a disgusted glance at each other. "Anyway, what brings you here again Cougar? Nasty business those timberwolves eh?" Fancy mentioned my little run in near Winsome Falls.

"Right," I drummed my fingers on the table top, "I don't plan on running into more timberwolves any time soon, but Vinyl and I are here because Celestia and Luna hired us to be the musical act for the Gala tonight since the string quartet has the flu," I replied.

"Oh my," Fleur covered her mouth with her hoof, "I hope they'll be alright," she said worriedly, "uh but I am happy that you two got the job," Fleur smiled. "Now what kind of music will you be playing? Will you two be playing the same classical music?"

"Eh no," Vinyl rubbed her hoof, "you see, Princess Celestia wanted a change of pace this year and hired us for our more intense and loud music," she replied. Fleur's face sort of fell at the explanation.

"Aww," she said quietly in a disappointed tone. I smiled, admitting that was a pretty cute reaction. Fancy Pants wrapped a foreleg around his wife and drew her closer to himself and nuzzled the top of her head.

"Don't fret my dear Fleur, if Princess Celestia and Princess Luna entrust these two to bring their own taste for music to the Grand Galloping Gala, then I welcome it with open hooves," he winked at the two of us.

"Thank you Fancy Pants," I smiled at the unicorn stallion.

"No worries Cougar, I've always believed that everypony has a right to different opinions. Now, you'll be playing this Rock 'N Roll? That's what the colts and fillies these days call it right?"

"You got Mr. Fancy," Vinyl bobbed her head while drinking some of her water.

"And your friend Rarity sent in a request for at least one tame song, so you can slow dance with your lovely wife at the Gala as well," I informed the fancy couple that my respect for was growing every second. Fleur's demeanor perked right up at that statement.

"Oh, that's my favorite part of the Gala, dancing with my husband to a slow song and staring each other's eyes, it's just something, magical," she whispered into Fancy's ear. She then turned back to myself and Vinyl, "have you two ever experienced that with your own special somepony?" She nuzzled her husband's cheek.

"Nope, don't have a special somepony," Vinyl shook her head.

"I've never slow danced at all before," I admitted.

"Oh, but you simply must Cougar!" Fleur planted her hooves on my hands, keeping me trapped on the table, "you'll never know that special, magical feeling of slow dancing with the pony you're meant to be with unless you try," her violet eyes grew bigger into that of begging eyes.

"I never said I didn't want to, but Vinyl and I can't slow dance with somepony while we're performing the song on stage Fleur," I managed to wriggle my hands from her hooves' grasp.

"Ah, I see, well you both then should slow dance together while you're performing!" She suggested. Vinyl's head and my own whipped around as we looked at each other and then back at the Canterlot couple sitting across from us.

"Yeah, no," Vinyl waved her hoof.

"We're just music appreciators and I'd say friends, but there's really nothing else," I said in a calm tone without stuttering or anything.

"Yep, what he said," Vinyl motioned back to me with her hoof. The waiter reappeared and laid down two plates in front of Fancy Pants and Fleur, one consisting of a salad and the other a veggie sandwich.

"And we'll let you two enjoy your lunch," Vinyl and I scooted back our chairs and stood up, "oh and here's for the tip," I dropped down a ten bit piece for Fancy and Fleur.

"Ah, much appreciated Cougar, we look forward to hearing your 'jams' tonight, do blow the crowd away," Fancy bid us adieu and began to cut his sandwich into tiny squares. Vinyl and I chose to go out through the restaurant's gate instead of hopping the fence, grabbed our musical gear and headed rejoined our journey up to the castle. And with our drinks of water, we were ready.

"I like those two; they give a better view on how Canterlot ponies can treat everypony like equals," Vinyl remarked.

"Boy you said it, they really make Canterlot more bearable, well those two, Celestia, Luna and their guards," I added.

"Hey, do you two need some assistance?" A gruff voice asked from above. We both looked up to see a blindingly white pegasus guard hovering above us, "where are you two going with this equipment?" He asked and landed before us, folding his wings back onto his torso.

"Actually, we could use just a little bit of help, Mr. Uh," Vinyl spoke, but didn't know the unicorn's name.

"Major Velocity," he smiled and got behind the large box of equipment and helped us push the trolley.

"Thanks, I'm Cougar and this is Vinyl Scratch," I introduced the two of us, "and Celestia and Luna hired us to be the musical act for the Gala and this equipment is what we're using tonight," I explained.

"Oh, well I can fly up to the Castle if you want and have Celestia meet you halfway-" Velocity began to offer until an all too familiar heavenly voice interrupted.

"That will not be necessary Major Velocity," Celestia landed before us and folded her giant wings back, "good morning Cougar and Ms. Scratch," she warmly smiled to the two of us.

"Wassup Princess C?" Vinyl half-bowed at the Princess.

"Morning Celestia," I too bowed.

"I see you two have arrived much earlier than my sister and requested," her voice suddenly turned stern, "wonderful," she smiled again, "now you two will have much more time to test your instruments and speakers before preparing yourselves for the Gala."

"Yep, we caught the 10:00 train leavin' Ponyville, met up with Fancy Pants and his wife and then met up with you," Vinyl explained, "what are you doin' out here? Shouldn't you be triple checking everything in the castle for tonight?" the DJ pointed out.

"I always go for a mid-morning flight around Canterlot on the morning of the Gala, it helps me clear my head," she replied, "and since the city streets are practically empty, I don't have to deal with as much admiration as usual. Anyways, let's say we speed up your trip to the castle faster?" She suggested while her horn lit up in a golden aura. Vinyl and I barely had time to brace ourselves as we soon found ourselves and Major Velocity inside Celestia and Luna's castle.

"Hey, nice to see you again Cougar," Glock waved his spear back and forth at me. I grimaced as I saw a pretty bad scar on his shoulder from the little run in with Darkheart a while back. I waved back and slung my guitar case over my back and helped Vinyl push the equipment out of the way.

"Here, the Ballroom is this way," Celestia's wing pointed towards a hallway with a pair of guards standing in front of the doorway. The pair of guards parted out of our path while Celestia took point, leading us to the Ballroom as we pushed the trolley.

"Princess, before I forget, could you please give me three extra tickets? The Crusaders want some for their potential dates?" I asked in an apologetic voice. "Sorry for asking for even more tickets, but they really want to bring their own dates," I explained. Celestia giggled warmly and three more tickets arrived in my pocket. "Thanks," I said and patted my pocket.

"So, where is your sister Princess?" Vinyl questioned. Still trotting forward, Celestia turned her head back to speak to the both of us.

"Luna is asleep at this time Ms. Scratch, but she will be ready to go by the time the Gala begins," Celestia responded. "Cougar," Celestia called out, snapping my attention back up to her, "I trust that Ms. Rarity is creating a Gala tuxedo for you?"

"Yeah, she told me she'd use the measurements she took for my other clothes to make the tux," I replied, "at least I don't have to do any more measuring for some time," I sighed happily. "That reminds me, what are you going to wear Vinyl?"

"What I wore to Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor's wedding a few years back," Vinyl said, "I never bothered to get another dress; that one was just too perfect you know?" Vinyl asked. I nodded, understanding to not fix what wasn't broken. Celestia passed by another pair of guards patrolling the hallway and stopped to say hi.

"Hello Remington, I trust everything is going well?" The white alicorn questioned. Remington cleared his throat and stood off to the side.

"Yes of course your highness. The decorations are nearly complete, the cooks have begun their work on food and drinks for the evening's affairs and every potential way for somepony to crash the Gala has been neutralized with tighter security at every door leading outside," Remington went down the list of important Gala preparations. Celestia smiled and bowed her head to her second favorite guard.

"Excellent work Remington," she complimented, "and if you have the time, would you care to help Cougar and Ms. Vinyl Scratch set up their musical gear?" she politely asked the guard.

"Oh hey, didn't see you there Cougar," Remington peered around the pile of Vinyl's sound system. "Sure, I can help you two out," he smiled and held open the door next to us. Celestia walked in first with us still following her. "Just set this over here next to the stage," the pegasus guard ordered and then hovered my guitar off of my back and set it next to Vinyl's pile. The DJ sighed and wiped sweat off of her forehead.

"Phew, glad to finally take a break from pushing all of that," she waved a hoof in front of her face. Celestia's horn glowed and a bottle of water appeared in front of the musical mare's face. "Oh, thank you princess," she said and downed the entire bottle.

"You're quite welcome Vinyl," Celestia finally called her by her first name, "now there are a few more important affairs that require my attention, Remington, help them until they no longer require your assistance," Celestia royally walked out of the ballroom with the other guard.

"Of course Princess Celestia," Remington bowed to her. "Now then, let's start unpacking," he smiled as he and Vinyl's horns glowed and started to unpack all of her amps, lights, mixers and keyboard off of the trolley and onto the stage. I on the other hand, was still gazing around the enormous ballroom. Windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling, a tall domed roof, two separate lines of columns on both sides of the path leading to a large pony statue. And the stage was right next to the statue in a little area surrounded by other windows. And not to mention the huge areas covered with tables off from the path where ponies could talk and mingle.

"Hey Cougar, wake up!" Vinyl shouted into my ear. I jumped and covered my ears until they stopped ringing. Remington and Vinyl laughed at me while I dug into my left ear with my finger.

"You're lucky I'm not deaf from that," I grumbled.

"Well, maybe you should stop gazing at the ballroom like it's a piece of food and start helping us like you said you would," she retorted in an upset tone.

"Okay, I'm coming," I dusted off my hands and went over to help Vinyl set her mixer up.

---

(Two hours later)

"Nice, got that plugged in," Vinyl muttered as her horn glowed and attached a cord into her sound mixer. "All right Cougar, plug your guitar in your amp and we'll see if the lasers are synced together," she ordered me. Strapping on my guitar, I plugged the cord into my amp and strummed all six strings. A perfectly in tune note came out for each strum and all six colors of a rainbow shot out of Vinyl's laser ball at the top of her mixer and shot into different directions. "Yes!" she pumped her foreleg in celebration, "finally got that perfectly synced with your guitar," she hopped down from the stage.

"And we've got all the speakers hooked up along with the lights and the smoke machine," Remington announced, "though don't you think that last one is just a tad too much for this crowd?" He peered over a checklist.

"You know, I think you're right Remington," I replied, "sorry Vi," I apologized. The unicorn in question huffed and unplugged the smoke machine.

"That's one of the best parts dudes, but we don't want these uptight types to think we're trying to set the place on fire," her magical glow surrounded the machine and shoved it behind the stage.

"Well, at least we're done and it's only a little after 2:00," I looked up at the clock in the ballroom, "so we've got plenty of time before we have to head back to Ponyville," I remarked and extended my hand to Remington. "Thanks for your help sir, we'll see you later tonight?" I asked.

"Ah, no prob Cougar, and yep, though I won't be dancing at all or anything," he pounded his hoof into his golden chest plate, "safety and security of the castle is my main priority," he announced. He was about to leave when another familiar voice pierced the airwaves.

"Cougar, so wonderful to see you again!" I found myself in a bone crushing hug from Luna. "I thought you and Ms. Scratch wouldn't be arriving until later this evening!" She exclaimed happily and released me from my hug.

"Well, we decided to arrive early to get our things set up before getting ready," I caught my breath, "besides, shouldn't you still be asleep?" I asked. Luna scowled at me and jutted out her lower lip.

"I am several thousand years old and I will sleep when I decide," she folded her legs over her chest.

"Oh fine, fine, but what are you doing up anyway?" I questioned. Luna's scowl disappeared, being replaced with that of a smile.

"My stomach woke me up," she pointed to her grumbling stomach, "so I came down to grab a quick doughnut from the kitchen, would you two care to join me?" She asked. Vinyl and I joined her and left Remington all alone in the ballroom.

"We stuffed ourselves on doughnuts and muffins this morning, but what the tartarus?" Vinyl joked, "I don't really care too much about my figure like some ponies I know."

"And oh by the way, you don't look that old to me," I joked with my friend.

"You're too kind Cougar, but I am spoken-" she started before clamping her muzzle shut with one of her hooves.

"Uh, that was just a compliment Luna," I uncomfortably looked around. Vinyl opened her mouth to say something but was shut up by Luna thrusting the doors to the kitchen wide open.

"Ah, my secret doughnut stash should be, here!" Luna opened a door in the wall that was nearly invisible to someone who didn't look hard enough. Inside the wall was a refrigerator filled with more doughnuts than I'm sure I've consumed in my entire life. "My sister has her cake addiction, leaving me and virtually every other pony in the castle cake less, so I stock up on doughnuts," Luna drooled a little and popped a chocolate doughnut in her mouth.

"Uh, is this why your picture is in a shrine in Joe's doughnut shop?" Vinyl cocked an eyebrow above her purple sunglasses and snacked on a doughnut that looked suspiciously like the pink frosted doughnut from the Simpsons.

"Mhmm," Luna mumbled and wiped crumbs from her muzzle, "I go by the first of every month in the morning and buy a month's supply that he makes the night before," Luna said and popped another doughnut in her mouth.

"Well, these are the best doughnuts I've ever had," I replied as I scarfed down a chocolate frosted and custard filled doughnut. "Don't tell Pinkie I said that," I shot a worried look to both Vinyl and Luna.

"Ha, you're safe with our silence," Luna chuckled.

"Say Princess Luna, are you ready for a slow dance with your Gala date tonight?" Vinyl asked. Luna's jelly filled doughnut exploded as her magical aura squeezed the literal jelly out of it. Strands of red raspberry jelly clung to her horn and face as she brought up a paper towel and wiped her face clean.

"I take it you're excited and terrified?" I handed Luna a wet rag.

"Oh you could say that," Luna replied, "it's just that this won't be the first time Checkered Flag and I spend this kind of time together," she sheepishly admitted. "And I've been keeping him a secret for some time from my older sister."

"Wait, you're saying you've been dating Checkered Flag behind Celesita's back?" I asked.

"Precisely, though we actually haven't been on many dates, we've kept in touch through letters and his dreams," she explained.

"But, why have you been keeping it a secret from your own sister?" Vinyl asked, "wouldn't you want advice from an older sibling?"

"Knowing Celestia, she'd make the biggest deal out of it as possible and keep pestering me about how we're doing and if we're having problems; we don't need that junk," Luna grumbled.

"Well, are you going to tell her at the Gala tonight?" I asked.

"I've thought of it Cougar, but I just don't know. I especially do NOT want the ponyrazzi getting ahold of our relationship and start ruining our lives," Luna delineated.

"Yeah, you don't want that, especially if they get the story completely wrong," Vinyl chimed in with a mouth full of doughnut.

"You do what your heart tells you to Luna; I'm sure Celestia will respect you and Checkered's privacy," I smiled. Right as Luna was about to answer, a certain white unicorn priss- I mean prince entered the room.

"Greetings Auntie Celestia and Cougar, good to see you again," the asshole actually smiled at me? 'Okay, what's he been snorting?' I mentally asked myself.

"Are you feeling okay Blueblood?" I skeptically asked.

"Oh, more than okay human," he grabbed a glass of water, "ever since my dear aunt Luna showed how great it is to be selfless and nice, my life has been so much better!" he exclaimed.

"Why do I have such a hard time believing you Blueblood? Oh that's right, you constantly belittled me and my friends, tried to attack me and made fun about me not getting any mare during the Estrus," I pointed my finger in his face.

"Dude, uncool," Vinyl stuck her tongue out at the unicorn prince.

"I know I've been a jerk and a pain in the flank, but thanks to my aunt Luna's darkness, I've seen the light and I am a changed stallion, I swear," he bowed to Vinyl. I placed a finger on my chin and tapped it several times, contemplating whether or not to believe him.

"Look Bluey, I don't trust you as far as I could throw you, but if you can prove it tonight at the Gala that you've really changed, I'll buy you a beer," I proposed the bet to Blueblood.

"Sounds good Cougar; I look forward to hearing you and Ms. Scratch play your music tonight. Oh and do you know if Ms. Rarity Belle has a date tonight?" He asked. Oh no, I knew Rarity was going alone, but Spike told me earlier he was going to ask her to dance, but I didn't want to lie to Blueblood, even if I didn't trust the bucker. Spike is such a good kid, but I don't want to be the reason his heart gets crushed.

"Oh I see you don't know, fret not Cougar, I shall ask her hoof for a dance tonight," he waved his own hoof politely at me. "I must get a bouquet of roses for an apology, perhaps Auntie Celestia will allow me to take a dozen from her garden?" He pondered and trotted away.

"Great, Spike may lose a chance at having a dance with Rarity tonight," I groaned, "but I'm not going to lie to Blueblood, that's still wrong, man this is way easier to figure out in the movies," I rubbed my head.

"Well, you still have several hours to think this over Cougar," Luna patted my back, "but perhaps it is time for you two to return to Ponyville and perform final preparations for the Gala," Luna shoved me and Vinyl out the kitchen door.

"You that eager to get rid of us Princess Luna?" Vinyl asked.

"No, I just need more sleep!" She zapped us with her magic and we found ourselves back at the Canterlot train station.

"Hey you two, where's that trolley you borrowed!?" One of the station workers shouted.

"ALL ABORAD FOR PONYVILLE!" The train conductor announced as the train began to pull out of the station.

"Sorry, I don't think we've met before, RUN!" Vinyl grabbed me in her magical aura and threw me into the train.

"HEY!" I smacked my head against the side of the train, "watch where you're throwing me!" I shouted as Vinyl set me down on the seat across from her.

---

(Back In Ponyville)

"Okay, I'll see you later Vinyl," I curled my hand into a fist and bumped her hoof.

"Catch ya later Cougar," she pulled down her sunglasses, winked at me and galloped towards her house. Adjusting my hat and wiping the sweat from my brow, I started off for Rarity's to pick up my tuxedo.

"Hello Cougar, thank you so much again for the Gala ticket!" Cheerilee greeted me as she exited Rarity's boutique with a dress in a bag on her back. The maroon mare smiled as I walked by and waved to her.

"No problem Cheerilee, hope you and Big Mac have fun tonight, but not that much fun," I winked. A bright pink blush appeared on Cheerilee's face as she looked away and began her journey back home. Taking in a deep breath though my nose, I entered the boutique to see Sweetie Belle trying on a dress extremely similar to Rarity's Gala dress in front of a mirror.

"Oh hey Cougar! How do you like my Gala dress?" Sweetie Belle began to show off, "don't I look marvelous?" She asked in an extremely Rarity-like voice. Oh boy, the last thing Equestria needs is two Rarities.

"Uh yeah, just like your older sister, only cuter," I patted her head. Her horn let off green sparks as she giddily smiled at the mirror in front of her.

"Pipsqueak is going to love it!" She squeaked on the word 'love.' "I've gotta put my lipstick on before I forget!" She ran into the dressing room.

"But you've still got two and a half hours!" I called to which she ignored.

"Ah Cougar, I was hoping you would stop by soon," Rarity descended her stairs with what appeared to be my tuxedo in a bag being held by her magic. "I finished it just a few moments ago, oh I do hope everything is perfect," she started to pull the tuxedo out of the bag.

"No! That's fine, it looks great," I snatched the dress from Rarity's magical grasp. "Here, how much do I owe you?"

"Absolutely nothing Cougar, I make dresses for friends because I am the element of generosity and it's no trouble," she smiled from behind her red glasses. I grumbled and tossed her a few bits from my pocket.

"Then keep the tip; I've got to go back home and put this on," I dashed out of the store before she could stop me. Okay, now all I had to do was shower, probably shave my five 'o clock shadow, put on my tuxedo and head to the Grand Galloping Gala with my friends. Though, I wondered how I'll be able to face Applejack in her dress again.

End Chapter XIX

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Join us next time as The Mane 6, Cougar, the CMC and their dates, Big Mac, Cheerilee, Bon Bon and Lyra head off to what will be the most insane Gala of all time! Plus, will Spike get a chance to dance with Rarity? Or will the 'New Blueblood' sweep her off her hooves? What songs will Vinyl and Cougar play? Well, you gotta read it to find out!