The Best Night Ever

Pony's Log Number 126: Sometimes even the best events in life can be ruined when you set your hopes and expectations a little too high...

Today was finally the big night. The night of the Grand Galloping Gala and everyone was excited, especially a particular pink pony as she bounced up and down on a trampoline.

"Ahh!" Pinkie shouted as she went up and down, "I...can't...believe...the Grand...Galloping...Gala...is tonight!" Meanwhile Twilight was busy studying a book nearby as Mario just watched Pinkie jump up and down with a smile on his face. Since her birthday party, he was learning to tolerate her random antics a little more...and enjoying them as well.

"Pinkie! Please stop shouting," said Twilight, getting irritated with all the noise, "I'm trying to concentrate." Pinkie then just continued to bounce as she scooted over and invited Mario to bounce with her. They tried to see who could bounce the highest when Rarity came out of her house/the boutique.

"Pinkie Pie! Mario! Stop that right now," Rarity scolded in a motherly tone, "It's time to prepare for the gala, and I refuse to let you put on your new dress and Mario his new suit when you're all sweaty." Pinkie then made her body come to stop just before she was about to bounce again, looked at Rarity annoyed and crawled off towards Spike, who was standing nearby. Mario just let himself bounce once more time as he curled into a ball and landed perfectly on his hooves.

"I was going to shower just before I put my suit on," said Mario and showed her another expandable pipe, "I even created this blue magic pipe as my personal portable shower so I can wash in there without dirtying your bathroom. And the sweat can't be helped anyway. I'm nervous, Rarity." Mario looked at her sheepishly as his cheeks colored. Rarity giggled.

"Well, no need to add to the sweat, darling," said Rarity quietly, "Everything will be fine. Just be your handsome, charming self and you'll sweep Twilight off her hooves."

"I hope so," said Mario, feeling worried. Pinkie was just looking at Twilight.

"What's Twilight doing?" Pinkie asked Spike.

"She's got an awesome magic spell she's been working on for the Gala," Spike answered as Twilight continued to focus.

"Where are the others?" Rarity asked impatiently as she and Mario stood beside them, "it's getting late."

"Hold your horses, girl," said Applejack as she, Fluttershy and Rainbow were right behind her, "we're here." It was then Twilight closes her book and everypony gathers around her.

"Perfect! I'm ready," said Twilight.

"For what?" Rainbow asked curiously.

"All right, Spike," said Twilight as Spike placed an apple on the ground.

"An Apple!" said Pinkie, "Are we having pie?"

"Shh!" said Spike, "Just watch." Twilight then used her magic to turn the apple into a giant fancy apple shaped, and colored, carriage.

"Awesome! Wow! Lovely!" Everyone else said at once, clearly impressed as Twilight felt very pleased with herself.

"Thanks, but that's just the start," said Twilight, "Fluttershy, did you bring your friends?" It was then four white mice came out of Fluttershy's mane, crawled out and stood before Twilight.

"Yes," Fluttershy replied before asking, "Will they be safe, Twilight?"

"You have my word," said Twilight as she used her magic to transform them into four tall, majestically attired horses.

"Ta-da!" said Twilight.

"Oh. Uh. Ah. That's a choice. Interesting," everyone said at once since the transformation was only a partial success. While Twilight had gotten the physical stature correctly, their faces still had the buck teeth, whiskers, and ears of mice. Twilight just stood proudly, unaware of the facial issue.

"Neat huh?" Twilight asked them, "And don't worry. They'll be mice again at midnight."

"Does that include the apple carriage as well?" Mario asked curiously. But before he could get an answer, Opal popped out of the bushes with a devious smile on her face.

"Opalescence, no!" Fluttershy shouted but she was too late, The cat pounced on the back end of one of the mouse-horses. All three were startled as they gave a loud neigh and ran off. as they galloped away, the one mouse-horse that had gotten pounced bucked Opal right off.

"Wait! Come back!" Twilight shouted, but the mouse-horses wouldn't slow down. Mario even tried to get them to stop, but the mouse-horses nearly ran him over and kept going.

"Those horses were supposed to pull our carriage," said Twilight sadly, "How are we going to get to Gala?"

"Didn't you forget Twilight," said Mario, "Your date for the evening is super strong! I can pull this carriage no problem."

"Oh...heh...right," said Twilight with a nervous smile, suddenly feeling anxious, especially after Mario mentioned "date".

"We'd rather get there in a timely manner, not as fast as possible, Mario," said Applejack.

"Pfft! Why not?" said Rainbow," I wanna see how fast Mario can go!"

"It's out of the question," said Fluttershy, "Mario is going to get himself dirty and he needs to stay nice and clean for the gala and his date with Twilight. We'll just have to find somepony else." Twilight began to chuckled sheepishly again, but no pony noticed.

"But..."

"No buts, mister," said Fluttershy, staring Mario down, but not using The Stare, "You're not pulling the carriage and that is final!" Mario pouted.

"Yes. mother," Mario remarked, not holding back on the sarcasm since he was older than Fluttershy by less than a year.

"Whatever shall we do?" said Rarity dramatically, giving them all glares, before walking over to group of stallions as Opal is just cleaning herself nearby.

"Uh...ahem, excuse me," said Rarity, putting on the charm, "Uh, would you boys mind pulling our carriage to the gala?" Within seconds, she had gotten two volunteers and they were instantly hooked up to the carriage. Twilight felt rather embarassed that she hadn't thought of just asking somepony.

"Oh. Yeah. Right," said Twilight sheepishly. They may not be mice, but it would still fit the fairy-tale theme she had in mind.

(Theme song)

By now, everyone was getting themselves ready inside of the Carousel Boutique. Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy are smiling as they have their heads inside some dome shaped hair dryers. Pinkie went to activate hers, but forgets that she needs to set the dome on her head.

"Ooh!" Pinkie exclaimed as the fast moving air literally blows her away, crashing into something behind her. Meanwhile, Spike and Mario are outside the room. The former getting annoyed at being locked out.

"Come on, you guys," said Spike, "Let me in!"

"Sure thing, Spike," Rainbow answered, wearing a towel over her mane as she goes to open the door, but Rarity jumped in front of her with her fore-hooves against the door and standing on her hind legs.

"Heaven's no! We're getting dressed," Rarity protested as Applejack approached.

"Dressed?" said Applejack, "Uh, beg pardon, Rarity, but, uh...we don't normally wear clothes." Rarity gave out a loud groan before she unlocked the door .

"I'm sorry, Spike," said Rarity, "Some of us do have standards." Spike just smiled and walked inside as Rainbow walked up to the edge of the door.

"Coming in Mario?" she asked.

"Uh...In all respect to Rarity..."

"Oh, quit being so timid, sugarcube," said Applejack, "We're just doing hair and makeup in here. Nothing more."

"Well...okay," said Mario, feeling it safe for him to be in the same room as the rest of the girls.

"I still can't believe we're gonna be at Canterlot," said Spike excitedly as she stood between Twilight and Pinkie, who were using the hair dryer domes, "Our hometown, Twilight and Mario! And the best part is that we get to hang out together all night long!"

"Uh...I-I don't know, Spike," said Rainbow skeptically as she sat on a nearby chair.

"We'll just have to see," Rarity added as she was busy applying a fake eyelash.

"We're gonna be a mite busy," Applejack added as she was helping Fluttershy scrub her hoof and then spat on it, much to the yellow Pegasus's dismay and disgust.

"Busy having fun!" Pinkie added as she removed the hair dryer to show her mane was now straight...for about two seconds before it returned to its cotton candy state.

"Don't forget buddy," said Mario as he was searching through a drawer of combs and hair brushes, "Twilight and I are on a date."

"Heh-heh, yeah...a...date..." Twilight said sheepishly, but all eyes were on her now.

"Are you okay?" Mario asked concerned.

"Mario would you be a darling and please make some tea in the kitchen for us please?" Rarity said out of the blue. Mario looked indignant.

"Sure," said Mario, "but next time, just say you want me to leave." Rarity flinched at the comment before Mario headed out. Once Mario was out, Rarity closed the door.

"Are you alright dear?" Rarity asked curiously.

"Y-y-yeah," said Twilight, "Why shouldn't I be? I mean Mario asked me to be his date and I said yes. We're just two best friends going to one of the fanciest parties in all of Equestria! Why should I be nervous? It's not like he's in madly in love with me or anything. Sure, I mean he had a crush on me when he was young, but he grew out of it, right? Right?" Twilight just gave them all a nervous smile and chuckle. Everypony, including Spike, didn't need long to figure out the problem.

"You know don't you?" Fluttershy quietly. Twilight just kept smiling.

"Know...what?" Twilight asked nervously, "That Mario's been falling in love with me since we were foals? Had no idea!" Twilight just chuckled again as sweat appeared down her brow. The others just looked concerned. Until Mario knocked on the door.

"I've got your tea Rarity," said Mario from outside.

"Coming!" said Rarity as she headed over to the door. The others just tried to hide the awkwardness in the room as Mario came inside pushing a little tea tray on wheels.

"Thank you," said Rarity as she poured herself a cup.

"Welcome," said Mario and turned to Twilight, "Are you okay Twilight?" Everyone could hear a pin drop as Twilight just gave a brave smile.

"Yeah..." she answered. Mario just sighed. He knew anxiety when he saw it. He also hadn't heard any of the conversation when he left.

"There's nothing to be nervous about," said Mario, "It's just two best friends having a fun together and we can get to know each other more doing something other than studying. I just want to make sure you're having fun. In fact, I'm a little nervous myself."

"Really?" said Twilight.

"Sure," said Mario, "I want to make sure you enjoy yourself and that you're happy. I'd hate to disappoint you..." Twilight smiled, crush or not, his words really did help her relax a bit. Some of the other ponies awed, but Spike stick a finger in his mouth and Rainbow made a face.

"Thanks Mario, I feel much better," she replied. Mario smiled as he headed over to the drawer he was searching through earlier and pulled out a brush.

"I hope I'm not offending anypony when I ask this but," said Mario slowly, "Would...any of you girls like a mane brush? Rarity taught me how to make a mane soft and shiny." Mario felt rather bashful since the mane six just stared at him, but Pinkie approached.

"Do me! Do me!" Mario smiled and got to work. It was only a few minutes later he was done and the others were impressed as Pinkie's cotton candy mane shined like gems.

"Thanks Mario, you're very sweet," said Pinkie as she bounced away.

"My turn," said Applejack as she took a seat, Mario removed her hair tie and got to work, but then felt something shuffling in her mane.

"What in tarnation..." Applejack asked as she felt a hoof moving in her mane.

"Sorry AJ," said Mario, "found a hair knot, gonna try and clear it before I keep brushing."

"Uhh...okay...but try not..."

"Done," said Mario, leaving Applejack stunned. Usually clearing hair knot would hurt, but Mario did it in seconds and the procedure was painless. Applejack was most impressed and everyone else got their turn, except for Rarity who politely declined. Spike just sighed.

"So, I guess we won't be hanging out together," Spike said quietly, feeling left out of the conversation.

"Probably not," Rarity answered as some of the others nodded in agreement.

"Oh. Okay," said Spike sadly.

"Don't worry Spike," said Twilight as she began to apply some makeup on her face, "We'll all get to spend time together."

It wasn't much longer before everyone was dressed and ready to go. Mario got to sit inside of the carriage with the rest of the group as the two stallions pulled the carriage down the road to Canterlot. Each stallion was given their own necktie to wear. Spike, who had been dismissed before they had all gotten dressed, was trying to make conversation from outside the carriage as he held the straps to the stallions pulling the carriage along the road. He was also dressed up in a nice black suit, with white dress shirt, red bowtie.

"Cause I planned out my insider's tour of Canterlot," said Spike, "I've gotta show Rarity the crown jewels, and Applejack the Princess's golden apple tree. And Pinkie, we gotta go to my favorite donut shop." Inside the carriage, one could see the silhouette of the other ponies chattering inside the carriage. While it wasn't visible from the outside, Mario did get the luxury of sitting next to Twilight inside. Spike didn't seem to care too much whether the seven ponies were even listening to him or not.

"Then let's get moving!" said Spike as he stood up on his seat and whipped the leather straps to the harness, "Hyah!"

"Excuse me?" said the first stallion named Caramel, taking offense.

"Um...I..." Spike stuttered as both stallions glared at him.

"If you weren't friends with our neighbor, Rarity," the second stallion named Lucky Clover warned, "Hmph." Spike just wiped his brow as he managed to avoid a confrontation as the two stallions continued to pull the carriage past a waterfall as the view of the Canterlot castle began to appear in the distance.

The Grand Galloping Gala is considered one of the biggest events on the Equestrian calendar. Several well dressed ponies can be seen just outside the walls to the castle and some of them were making their way inside. Just a short distance away, several other horse drawn carriages were arriving to drop off ponies going to the Gala. It was then the apple carriage was brought to a stop. Spike hopped off his seat and opened the main door, taking a bow as each pony made their way out. Spike then opened one eye and was amazed as all six girls stood before him, fully dressed in their gala attires. Twilight stood in the back with Rarity and Rainbow at her right while Applejack and Pinkie stood at her left. Fluttershy was front and center.

"Whoa! You all look...amazing!" said Spike in awe.

"Don't forget me," said Mario as he came out in his outfit and did a little dance before them all. Spike looked unimpressed.

"Who do you think you are, Fred Hoofstaire?" Spike asked in a bored, but sarcastic tone. Mario glared.

"No, He's more like Danny Haye," said Fluttershy.

"Thank you," said Mario.

"Like him, Mario is a total goofball," Fluttershy added.

"You had to go there didn't you?" Mario remarked indignantly as Fluttershy and the other giggled to each other.

"I can't believe we're finally here," said Twilight excitedly as she and the other just looked at the castle with smiles as they either stood, or hovered, around her, "With all that we've imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this...The Best Night Ever!" Everyone just looks at the grand Canterlot castle, from the main gate to the east and west towers. Fireworks light up the sky and some music begins to play.

[Twilight Sparkle - she poses as the choir ponies pose behind her.]

At the Gala

[Choir]

At the Gala

Fluttershy take the lead of the pony march first.

[Fluttershy - Fluttershy visions herself flying into the garden, then holding a squirrel by the fore-hoof as several other creatures gather around her.]

At the Gala
In the garden
I'm going to see them all
All the creatures
I'll befriend them at the Gala

[Choir]

At the Gala

[Fluttershy]

All the birdies
And the critters
They will love me big and small
Right here at the Gala!

[Choir - Fluttershy then flies off and continues to lead the choir ponies. Applejack then steps in front.]

All our dreams will come true
Right here at the Gala
At the Gala

[Applejack - visions a long line of ponies waiting to buy various apple treats from her little stand. All the ponies are smiling as they examine and make their purchases. She is then seen standing on top of a tall mountain of bits.]

At the Gala (It's amazing)
I will sell them (Better hurry)
All my appletastic treats (Yummy yummy)
Hungry ponies (They'll be snacking)
Carmel apple, apple sweets (Gimme some)
And I'll earn a lot of money
for the Apple family!

[Choir - now containing a collection of unicorn stallions as they introduce Rarity]

All our dreams and our hope from now until hereafter
All that we've been wishing for will happen at the Gala
At the Gala

[Rarity - she visions herself entering the main hall of the castle. She walks down a red carpet as some other ponies take notice of her and smile. They watch her approach Prince Blueblood. He smiles at her with hearts surrounding his face. The two meet and tap horns as the upper view of the main hall can be seen.]

I will find him
My Prince Charming
And how gallant he will be
He will treat me like a lady
Tonight at the Gala!

[Choir - as they sing, Rarity joins the choir ponies as they surround her in a circle.

This is what we've waited for to have the best night ever
Each of us will live our dreams
Tonight at the Gala
At the Gala

[Rainbow Dash - some trumpets then blast from the left and also the right as three Wonderbolts fly through the sky. creating streaks of electricity as they fly by. Rainbow then appears, creating a rainbow streak, with one Wonderbolt at her left and right. Some spectators watch and are literally blown away as she zooms by. She then stands in a spotlight with them as some diamonds float around them.]

Been dreamin'
I've been waitin'
To fly with those great ponies
The Wonderbolts, their daring tricks
Spinning 'round and having kicks
Perform for crowds of thousands
They'll shower us with diamonds
The Wonderbolts will see me right here at the Gala!

[Choir - Six Wonderbolts fly above as they head behind the castle as more fireworks go off in the sky]

All we've longed for
All we've dreamed
Our happy ever after
Finally will all come true
Right here at the Grand Gala
At the Gala

[Pinkie Pie - as another group of choir ponies parade forward, Pinkie visions herself bouncing through the heart of the party area. Confetti is raining down from above as everyone is smiling as she bounces past. Soon they are playing "pin the tail pony" and joins some ponies doing the can-can.]

[Pinkie Pie]

I am here at the Grand Gala
For it is the best party
But the one things it was missing was a pony name Pinkie
For I am the best parties, all the ponies will agree
Ponies playing
Ponies dancing
With me at the Grand Gala!

[Choir - pinkie just bounces past as the choir sings]

Happiness and laughter at the Gala
At the Gala

[Twilight - Princess Celestia flies above, leaving a collection of sparkles in the arch between two clouds as Twilight watches her fly by. Twilight then visions herself meeting the princess face to face. Then they enjoy chatting and spending time with each other.]

At the Gala (At the Gala)
With the Princess (With the Princess)
Is where I'm going to be (She will be)
We will talk all about magic and what I've learned and see (She will see)
As she take time just for me (This will be the best night ever!)

[Choir-Twilight now leads the march and now Mario gets in front]

This will be the best night ever
At the gala

[Mario - visions he and Twilight in the rose garden. They just smile and laugh at they enjoy their time together. Mario then picks a red rose with his magic and gives it to her. Twilight except the rose shyly and tucks it behind her ear. Then they gently touch both horns and noses affectionately before two large fireworks fly high into the sky, exploding into the shape of two hearts.]

At the gala, (At the gala),
The moment's finally come
The ultimate time to find romance
To confess to my one true love
It's the grandest night, when love shines bright
our love will bloom, my dream come true
Right here at the gala!

[Choir-Twilight and Mario lead the march as the other main ponies join the sides one by one.]

Into the Gala we must go
We're ready now, we're all aglow
Into the Gala, let's go in and have the best night ever
Into the Gala, now's the time
We're ready and we look divine!

[Choir and Fluttershy]

Into the gala

[Fluttershy]

Meet new friends

[Choir and Applejack]

Into the gala

[Applejack]

Sell some apples

[Choir and Rarity]

Into the Gala

[Rarity]

Find my Prince

[Choir and Mario]

Into the Gala

[Mario]

Tell her my love

[Choir and Rainbow Dash]

Prove I'm great

[Rainbow Dash]

As a Wonderbolt is

"To meet!" said Fluttershy.

"To sell!" said Applejack

"To find!" said Rarity

"To prove!" said Rainbow

To whoop!" said Pinkie

"To talk!" said Twilight.

"To tell!" said Mario.

[All - The Mane Seven all walk inside the castle side by side as two fireworks swirl upwards and explode multiple times in the night sky.]

Into the Gala
Into the Gala
And we'll have the best night ever!
At the Gala!

The Mane Seven are now just standing just inside the entrance with excited faces as Spike then slides in front of them all.

"Yeah! This is gonna be the best night ever," said Spike, "You know why? 'Cause we're all gonna spend time to..."

ZOOOOOOM!

Everypony took off, causing Spike to spin around and left rather dizzy.

"...gether," Spike finished as he found himself alone, "or not." Twilight and Mario didn't run for long before he got in front of her to slow her down.

"Okay, so our date has officially begun," Mario told her excitedly, "So...what do you wanna do first?" Twilight just gave him a cute smile. It didn't take a genius to figure out her answer. They just sang about it.

"You wanna go see Mom?" Mario asked, with very little enthusiasm. Twilight gave him a squeaky smile and large sparkly eyes.

"Okay, follow me," said Mario as he extended a hoof to her. He was hoping Twilight would hold it so he could escort her, but after a few seconds of her just looking a little stunned he lowered it.

"Heh...o...kay, sorry," said Mario sheepishly, "Just being a gentlecolt. Come on." Mario then lead the way with Twilight slightly behind. Mario felt rather embarassed but quickly shook it off as they headed towards a room with a large staircase that split into two different directions as they ascended upward. There at the splitting point was Princess Celestia herself. Some ponies were going up to see greet her while a few others were chatting on the ground floor. Twilight all but ran ahead of a pair of ponies making their way towards the Princess.

"Twilight, wait up!" Mario called out as he chased after her. He caught up to her just as they reached the top of the middle stair case where Princess Celestia was waiting.

"Princess Celestia!" said Twilight excitedly as Mario stood beside her.

"Twilight! Mario!" said Princess Celestia, "It is so lovely to see my star students."

"Twilight's my date for the evening Mom," said Mario happily as Twilight have a brave smile. Princess Celestia giggled as Twilight recomposed herself.

"Oh, I'm so excited to be here!" said Twilight, "We have so much to catch up on."

"Well, I want you right by my side the entire evening, so we'll have plenty of time together," said Princess Celestia before raising a fore-hoof and chuckling, "Well maybe not the entire evening, I'm sure my son wants some time with you as well." Mario gave an excited smile as Twilight just gave her a sheepish one before zipping around back to stand beside her.

"That's just what I was hoping you'd say," said Twilight, but she meant that more with being with the Princess rather than with Mario. Mario just stood next to her. He considered trying to hold her fore-hoof, but after what happen when he offered her an escort he decided against it.

Meanwhile, Rarity was making her way into the same room. Rather than heading towards Princess Celestia, she finds that Prince Blueblood was busy chatting with someone before making his way outside. But before he makes his exit outside, he smiles in Rarity's direction. The marshmallow pony gasps before squealing excitedly and goes after him.

"Hurry Rarity...oh, but not too fast," she told herself as she adjusted her running/walking speed several times, "But don't want to lose him...wait, have to play it cool. On, but don't be cold! I can't lose him, I can't! He's everything I imagined! Even better than I imagined." Rarity finally made her way out into the rose garden area where Prince Blueblood had just picked a rose. Rarity could see sparkles around his face as he looked at her. She just smiled excitedly before heading over to introduce herself.

As Rarity ventured forward, a little birdie flew just above her head. Not too far behind was a familiar yellow Pegasus pursuing it.

"Oh my! A meadowlark!" said Fluttershy as she landed and heard the bird whistling.

"I think she's calling to me," said Fluttershy, "It's exactly what I wished for!" Fluttershy then hummed a sweet tune. In the distance, the bird whistled the tune back and Fluttershy follows the tune in hopes of getting to meet the bird face to face.

Just on the other side of the bushes. Applejack pushed a green box with wheels in the middle of the crowd in a grassy area. With a single buck of her hind legs, the box opens up into a portable selling booth loaded with various kinds of apple treats. Applejack was just about to get ready with promoting and advertising her goods when Soarin, one of the Wonderbolts, came walking by.

"Howdy, partner!" said Applejack, "You hungry?"

"As a horse!" Soarin replied.

"Well, what'cha hankering for?" said Applejack, "Caramel apple? Apple pie? Apple fritter? Apple fries?"

"I'll take that big apple pie!" said Soarin, eyeballing it excitedly.

"Well, thank you kindly, sir!" said Applejack as Soarin dropped off the bits and took the pie by the mouth and walked away, "Yee-haw! In the first minute, I made my first sale. Just like I expected."

Soarin had made his way towards another room that was marked off exclusively for VIPs, like the Wonderbolts. Mario had actually gotten clearance by Princess Celestia to go spend time there. While he planned to take Twilight over there later in the evening, he had seen Rainbow hovering by and given her a spare clearance badge so she could go meet the Wonderbolts without having to sneak into the VIP area. Soarin had just reached the outside gate with his pie. Spitfire was there waiting for him.

"Always hungry after a show. Eh, Soarin?" Spitfire teased.

"Heh. Yeah!" Soarin answered, but as he opened his mouth, the pie he was holding fell out.

"My Pie!" Soarin gasped in horror. It was just then Rainbow sees her opportunity to save the day and flies in. She just barely managed to catch the falling pie in time.

"You saved it," Soarin exclaimed happily, "Thanks."

"Hey, no prob," Rainbow answered, trying to play it cool.

"Hey! I know you," said Spitfire, "You're the pony that saved us in Cloudsdale and won the Best Flyer Competition. Also a close friend of my old friend, Mario?"

"Hay yeah!" said the blue pony, "Name's Rainbow Dash."

"Well, Rainbow Dash," said Spitfire, "Looks like your skills saved us again. Oh, well, at least they saved Soarin's apple pie.

"Yeah..." Soarin sighed happily as he gobbled up the pie noisily from the floor.

"Wanna come hang with us?" Spitfire asked Rainbow.

"Sure. Why not?" said Rainbow as the VIP tape was opened and Spitfire and Soarin head through. Guess Rainbow won't be needing Mario's extra clearance badge after all as she came to stop just outside the rope.

"I'm...hanging...with the...Wonderbolts!" said Rainbow as she gave a girly squeal and giggle before catching up to them.

Somewhere else in the castle, Pinkie was happily bouncing around when she came to the main ballroom of the gala.

"The shiny dance floor...The pretty party ponies...Ooh, the fancy band..." Pinkie gushed as her excitement went into overdrive. As she mentioned the stuff in the room, one can see a rather shiny and sparkly dance floor, a group of well-dressed party ponies near a giant statue, and a band containing a piano, violin, tuba, and harp player.

"Pretty! Shiny! Fancy!" said Pinkie anxiously as she can't contain her excitement another second as she sees all the things mentioned above, "Gotta dance!"

And now it is time for another episode of silly songs with Pinkie Pie. Where...

"Okay, intro over!" Pinkie interrupted, "I sing now!"

Fine...

[Pinkie Pie]

I'm at the Grand Galloping Gala,
I'm at the Grand Galloping Gala,
I'm at the Grand Galloping Gala,
It's all I ever dreamed

[Pinkie began to bounce around, can-cans, even jumps up to the base of the statue, nearly scaring a few ponies who thought she might knock the statue over or damage it. She also pops about the band, startling them, and even hugs a few random ponies rather tightly and uncomfortably.]

It's all I ever dreamed. woo hoo!
It's all I ever dreamed, yippee!
I'm at the Grand Galloping GalaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

[Pinkie then looked and saw that most of the party ponies were giving her glares and dirty looks.]

It's all I've ever...dreamed?

Pinkie finished her song with a very quiet and embarassed tone. It didn't help that the other ponies snootily walked away from her and left her sitting in the middle of the floor alone.

Back in the rose garden, Rarity was just casually sniffing a rose when a certain prince arrived.

"Well, hello," he said regally, "I am Prince Blueblood."

"I am...Rarity," said the marshmallow pony, "Oh my, what a lovely rose."

"You mean...this rose?" said Prince Blueblood as he used his magic to pick a red rose from the bush. Rarity smiles excitedly, thinking he was going to give it to her. But then he pulls it away and claims it for himself.

"Thank you," he told her, "it goes with my eyes." Rarity just gave an awkward moan for a reply.

Deeper into the garden Fluttershy was still humming to try and follow the singing of the meadowlark in the distance. She then gasps when she realizes the bird's singing is getting louder.

"My little meadowlark is right around this bend!" said Fluttershy excitedly as she rushed towards it. She takes a turn and is surprised to see just a local groundskeeper pony whistling like a bird.

"Was that you?" said Fluttershy, surprised that it was another pony with faded brown fur, dark grey mane, beard, and tail and was also wearing a tall, but sagged green hat.

"Yep!" said the pony whose name was Mr. Greenhooves, "I love whistlin' while I work." He continued to whistle as he did his work. Fluttershy walked away, feeling a little disappointed before she heard some animal noises. There just too far away was a collection of trees and grounds with various kinds of creatures.

"Oh! I see a toco toucan!" said Fluttershy, "and a spider monkey! And oh, is that a wallaroo?" Fluttershy quickly entered the area, but before she could settle down and land, all the animals and birds ran away from her to hide.

"Oh Fluttershy," she scolded to herself, "You're such a loudmouth."

Meanwhile, the Wonderbolts were continuing to chat with other ponies. While Rainbow was invited to hang out with Spitfire and Soarin, she was struggling to get any attention from them. It didn't help that she seemed to get caught in fan crowds wherever they went. At the moment, she was hoping up and down to try and get noticed. Then she finally ducks under the dress ends of two other ponies, who were startled seeing Rainbow crawl out from under them.

"Hey Spitfire!" said Rainbow, "You ever done a rain cloud double backflip?" But Spitfire couldn't hear, the other ponies were talking too loudly. Rainbow when headed towards Soarin.

"You ever soared past lightning?" Rainbow asked Soarin loudly, "It's awesome!" But the result was the same. He couldn't hear her over the loud conversations either. Rainbow just glared. She hated feeling like she was being ignored.

Back at the staircase in the main hall, Mario was feeling just as agitated. He had tried several times over to try and have just a conversation with Twilight, but she continued to ignore him at every oppertunitity. Twilight was just too focused on trying to spend time with Princess Celestia, despite the fact that alicorn was continuing to shake hoofs with other ponies.

"Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala," said Princess Celestia to another pony.

"Princess!" said Twilight excitedly, "I've been so excited to spend time with you and..."

"Yes. me too, Twi..." Princess Celestia was cut off as another pony approached, "Oh, good evening, Welcome to the Gala." She then returned to her conversation with Twilight.

"Which was why I..." Princess Celestia was cut off again. This had been going on for a while now.

"Ladies! Lovely to see you again," Princess Celestia told them. Twilight just sighed to herself as she noticed that the line of ponies seemed to be getting bigger, not smaller as time went by. Even Mario was sure some of these ponies had already come up.

"Looks like getting a chance to talk to the Princess is gonna be a magic trick in of itself," said Twilight quietly.

"Then why do we let Mom be and go have some fun?" said Mario, "Just standing here isn't going to do us any good. Come on. Let's go check out the gardens, or get something to eat. You said you wanted to share a dance..."

"Mario, you said you wanted to make sure I was happy," said Twilight sternly, "right now, being with Celestia is what I want right now!" Mario was taken aback by her stern tone but then just sighed.

"You don't look very happy," said Mario, "I'm only trying to help..."

"Uh-huh," Twilight answered. Mario just sighed as he sat down. Whenever Twilight would say that, it was her way of saying she had stopped listening.

Things weren't fairing any better with Applejack as she waited patiently by her Apple stand.

"First minute, first sale," said Applejack as several ponies walked by, "Second...fourth...sixth...sixtieth..." As time went by, most of the ponies only seemed to snub and ignore her. No of them taking interest in any of her apple goods. Applejack sighed as she leaned forward a bit.

"This ain't what I expected at all," Applejack said sadly.

Pinkie was feeling the same way.

"I'm at the Grand Galloping Gala..." Pinkie tried to sing but lost heart since she had been left alone, shunted and snubbed by the other party ponies, "and it's not what I dreamed."

As for Rarity, Prince Blueblood went to prepare a cushion so they could sit on the grass, only for the unicorn to take the entire pillow for himself.

"This isn't at all what I imagined," said Rarity sadly.

Princess Celestia continued to greet ponies.

"Good evening!" she told them, "So nice to meet you. Welcome!" The ponies smiled, but now Twilight was feeling ignored, but did see that she was ignoring Mario as well.

" This isn't what I hoped," said Twilight sadly.

"This isn't what I had in mind for a date," said Mario in the same tone.

"Uh-huh," said Twilight in her "not listening" tone, making Mario feel even more depressed.

Rainbow had also been left in the crowd of fan ponies as Spitfire and Soarin were too busy to pay attention to her and she had been left alone.

"This isn't hanging out," said Rainbow as she tried to find them.

Fluttershy was trying as best as she could to greet and spend time with the creatures, birds, and animals, but they kept running, hiding, and flying away from her.

"This isn't what I wished for," said Fluttershy quietly. All seven ponies were feeling glum...until Twilight realized something.

"No!" Twilight exclaimed.

"I've waited all my life..." Rarity began.

"...for this moment!" Fluttershy finished.

"And I'm not going to..." said Pinkie.

"...let it slip by!" Applejack finished.

"If it's the last thing I do..." said Rainbow.

"...no matter what it takes..." Mario added.

"...I'm gonna make this..." said Twilight.

"...the best night ever!" they said at once, more than ready to turn things around. Mario was the first.

"Twilight Sparkle," said Mario sternly as he stood beside her, "I know I promised I would make you happy, but Mom is busy right now. We should go find something to do to pass the time. Let's go to the rose garden. I want to tell you something..."

"Would you mind if I help you greet?" Twilight proposed to Princess Celestia, "it would help you get the lines moving twice as fast!"

"Why that would be a great idea," said Princess Celestia, not seeing the devastation on Mario's face, "Thank you for helping me out Twilight." Mario's jaw dropped and then he grunted angrily as he tipped his fedora hat forward.

"Twilight Sparkle, were you even listening to me?" he asked sternly.

"Uh-huh," said Twilight.

"Don't you "uh-huh" me," Mario snorted, "I said I had something to tell you in the garden."

"Uh-huh," said Twilight. Mario just gritted his teeth when he felt his stomach growl.

"I'm going to get something to eat," said Mario as he started to walk away, "Want anything?"

"Uh-huh"

"I don't think they have "uh-huh" at the buffet," Mario pointed out indignantly.

"Uh-huh"

"Maybe I'll get some of that swamp slime to drink!" Mario added.

"Uh-huh"

"Or ask the unicorn guards to do target practice at me while I dance on my head!" Mario snapped.

"Uh-huh"

Mario could feel his temper reach its limit, kettle whistling, before he just whimpered and lowered his head in defeat.

"Whatever...I'm going for a walk..." Mario said and he headed down the stairs. This time, Twilight didn't answer at all.

Outside in the gardens, Fluttershy was coming up with her own plan to get the animals to stop running away from her.

"I just have to be more bold, like Twilight," said Fluttershy as she set a box trap and used a carrot for bait.

"I so sorry to have scared you my friends," said Fluttershy loudly with the string to the trap in her mouth, "But I'm leaving now, so you can all come out!" Fluttershy then ducked behind the main gate and waited. It wasn't long before she heard a crunching sound and springs her trap.

"Gotcha!" said Fluttershy as she comes back into the garden before saying gently, "It's okay. I promise not to hurt you. I just wanna be your...friend?" Fluttershy was surprised to see that it wasn't any of the creatures she had wanted to capture, but just Mr. Greenhooves who had seen the carrot and had decided to eat it.

"Mmm..." he munched, "sounds good to me." Fluttershy just gave him an irritated glare.

Back with the Wonderbolts, they were still chattering about with some other ponies as Rainbow was still trying to figure out how to get their attention when Mario arrived.

"Hey," said Mario with no energy in his voice, "is...Spitfire busy?"

"Pretty much," said Rainbow irritably.

"Aw, sorry about that Dashie," said Mario, "I had hoped I could speak to her to kill some time."

"What happened with Twilight?" Rainbow asked. Mario glared as he used his magic to produce a brick wall and set it in front of himself. Rainbow didn't need long to figure out what Mario was saying as he made the wall disappear.

"Ouch," said Rainbow, "sorry about that, buddy. I wish I could help, but right now I'm just trying to get some attention."

"Just don't do anything too rash," said Mario, "I'd hate to see you get banished from the castle... or humiliate yourself in front of your idols." Mario then walked away as Rainbow began to ponder to herself.

"Come on, Rainbow!" she told herself as she tapped her head to think, "If they don't notice you, you gotta make them notice you." Rainbow then gets an idea as she walks over to a pony named Count Caesar, who was just drinking some punch and chatting with some other ponies. She whistled to catch him off guard before bucking him into the air. Count Caesar yelped in surprised as he went into the air. Others gasped as Rainbow flies to the rescue and catches him on her back. She turns to see if the Spitfire or Soarin noticed, but they were too busy chatting as usual. Rainbow felt indignant as she bucked the guy off her back and stomped away. As she does so, Rarity and Prince Blueblood arrive. Rarity is still feeling rather skeptical about being with him.

"Just give him a chance, Rarity," she told herself, "His princely side is sure to come out if you're just patient."

"Miss Rarity! Stop!" said Prince Blueblood as he held up a hoof to make her stop walking. Rarity notices that she nearly walked into a puddle of spilt punch.

"Oh Prince Blueblood!" said Rarity, "How chivalrous."

"One would hate to slip," said Prince Blueblood.

"Yes, one certainly would," said Rarity.

"One's cloak should take care of the problem," Prince Blueblood suggested.

"Oh, of course it will," said Rarity. She waited for the Prince to drop a cloak, but then saw that he was expecting her to drop hers. In the end, the Prince had his way as Rarity dropped her cloak and he walked across feeling very pleased with himself. Rarity just glared as she scoops up her now soiled cloak and slaps it onto the top of her upper back. Mario had seen everything from a distance and shook his head.

"And he thinks, compared to me, that he is far superior," Mario added, using a snobbish voice to the last two words and continued on his way. It wasn't long before he found himself in the main ballroom and a certain pink pony arrived.

"Hey Mario," said Pinkie, "where's Twilight?"

"Don't ask," said Mario bluntly.

"Ah I see," said Pinkie cheerfully, "Twilight didn't work out? That's okay. You can be my date for the rest of the night!"

"Wait...that's not what I meant...YAH!" Mario was then pulled away and was soon given the shock of his life when Pinkie found a chair and tied him to it.

"Pinkamena Diane Pie, what are you doing?!" Mario demanded angrily.

"I'm going to cheer you up," said Pinkie in her cheery tone, before glaring at him sternly, "So get comfortable cause you're not going anywhere!" Mario was stunned at her stern tone before Pinkie zoomed away and Mario struggled to try and untie himself. Pinkie then started to feel a little guilty over forcing Mario to stay with her as she stood alone for a second. Then she perked up when she got an idea. She quickly whispered to all the musicians before grabbing a mike and tapping it.

"C'mon, everypony!" said Pinkie as everyone looked at her, "I know what will make you shake those groove-thangs!" Mario's heart literally dropped to his hind legs.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he screamed as he wobbled in his chair to escape. Sadly no pony nearby bothered to help him, only stared and snubbed him.

And now it's...oh forget it...just sing Pinkie!

[Pinkie Pie]

As Pinkie sings the first part, Twilight is shown helping Princess Celestia shake hoofs with the others. But then one pony shakes her hoof and the rest of her body, frazzling her and leaving her with a swollen fore-hoof. Twilight sees the still long line of ponies and smiles wearily as they come to greet her.

You reach your right hoof in
You reach your right hoof out
You reach your right hoof in
And you shake it all about
You do the Pony Pokey meeting lots of folks with clout
That's what I'm talking about

In the next part, Applejack pushes some apples across the grass, causing a pony passing by to trip and fall. Applejack offers them a hoof and helps them up, but all they can do is glare and grit their teeth at her. She offers them one of her treats, but he declines and walks away with his nose in the air, leaving Applejack upset.

You step your left hoof in
You pull it right back out
You step your left hoof in
But you better help him out
You do the Pony Pokey but should find a different route
That's what it's all about

As Soarin and Spitfire are chatting with each other, Rainbow bucks the table to send a glass of punch into the air. She catches it easily with her back leg, which impresses both Wonderbolts. But then two ponies pull them away so they can take photographs, leaving Rainbow glaring as she's left alone again.

You kick your back left in
You pull your back left out
You reach your back left in
Just be brave and have no doubt
You do the Pony Pokey feeling like you're gonna pout
That's what I'm singing about

Rarity and Prince Blueblood reach a door. With in tune to the music, Prince Blueblood tilts his head for Rarity to open it. She smiled and titled twice for him to open the door. He tilts his head three times sternly for her to open it. Rarity glares as she tilts her head several times for him to do it, only for him to pout and snub her. Rarity is taken aback as she grits her teeth and opens the door. Prince Blueblood enters first with a smile on his face as enters Rarity right behind him. To add more insult to injury, the door smacks Rarity's back end, causing her to fall down.

You tilt your head in
You tilt your head out
You tilt your head in
Then you shake it all about
You do the Pony Pokey even though your date's a lout
You're better off without

In the garden, Fluttershy had lost her patience trying to be kind to the animals and was now chasing and pouncing after them. First at three ducks and then at a bunny, but the animals keep dodging and hiding from her. She charges again, only for them to split up on her again as she angrily stomps the ground, grinding her teeth in frustration. All the charging and pouncing had ruined her dress, even her mane was messy, and one of her shoes was missing. The animals quivered in fear from their hiding places but Fluttershy showed no sympathy.

You stomp your whole self in
You stomp your whole self out
You stomp your whole self in
And you stomp yourself about
You do the Pony Pokey and you give a little shout

"COME OUT!" Fluttershy screamed at the top of her lungs as she waved her fore-hooves in the air.

[Pinkie Pie]

That's what I'm talking about

Pinkie starts ramming into the other musicians as she concludes her song.

You do the Pony Pokey
You do the Pony Pokey
You do the Pony Pokey
And that's what it's all about

Yeah!

Pinkie then finished her song by dancing, then does the splits, before raising with her fore-hooves in the air. The other ponies were most indignant.

"Young lady, this is not that kind of party," said Lyrica Lilac snootily. Pinkie just stared blankly for a second.

"Ohhhhhh..." said Pinkie, "They don't wanna a party. These ponies want a paaartay!" Pinkie gave a hoof-pump in the air as she hopped off the stage.

"Come on, Mario, let's show these ponies..." Pinkie then stopped when she found the chair empty and the ropes broken. Mario had managed to escape right as Pinkie was finishing her little song. Pinkie sighed.

"You did it again, Pinkie Pie," she scolded herself, "After he told you he doesn't see you that way, you had to do force him to be with you." Pinkie felt rather sad when a pony arrived using his magic to pull a try of fancy pastries.

"Oh, dessert time!" said Pinkie as she ran after the cart, seeming to have gotten over her guilt and Mario for the moment.

As for the young colt, he had managed to sneak out of the room, he then made his way into a disclosed room that wasn't being used for the Gala and shut the door before...

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"

Mario then left the empty room, looking composed, and headed towards the garden.

"I need some air," he said calmly.

Outside, Applejack was just standing by her little stand looking rather bored. Then she sees a familiar face and smiles excitedly.

"Two apple fritter please," said Rarity.

"Two apple fritters comin' right up," said Applejack as she presents the treats to them both, "That'll be four bits."

"Ahem," said Rarity to Prince Blueblood.

"Ahem," Prince Blueblood retorted back.

"Ahem!" said Rarity, getting irritated with his lack of chivalry, and was inwardly adding stingy to his last of bad character qualities in her head.

"Ahem!" the Prince shot back, getting irritated himself.

"I'm going to have to pay, aren't I?" said Rarity with a sigh.

"It's okay, Rarity," said Applejack, "I've got you covered."

"Thank you Applejack," said Rarity before giving the Prince a glare, "At least somepony here has good manners." The prince took one bit of the apple fritter, before he spat it out in disgust.

"Oh! Fritters! Dumplings! Caramel Apples!" he exclaimed, "My royal lips have touched common carnival faire! I'm going to the buffet for some hors d'oeuvres!" He walked snootily away as Rarity followed him in disgust. Applejack was most indignant.

"Well, no wonder nopony wants my food," Applejack said to herself, "They're filling up on those fancy schmancy vittles! Well, my down-home apples are plenty good enough for this crowd. I'll just dress 'em up a bit and prove it to 'em." Applejack then pushed her cart away. A short distance away, Prince Blueblood was still fuming.

"I can't believe you made me eat such common food," he complained as Rarity, who just bit her tongue to avoid saying anything undignified when the Prince collided with someone.

"Watch where you're going you..." Prince Blueblood stopped talking when he saw who it was. It was Mario, who had been looking at the roses when the Prince bumped into him.

"Well, well, well," he said pompously, "Look at what the dog dragged in...himself." Mario was indignant.

"And here I thought we could have an intellectual conversation," said Mario, using a snooty tone, "Oh silly me." Rarity covered a hoof not to giggle.

"I don't see what my aunt sees in you," Prince Blueblood said indignantly before glaring into Mario's face, "you're not even her son, she just took you in out of pity." Rarity gasped silently and felt her blood boil. She was also regretting dismissing Mario when he had told her Prince Blueblood looked down at him.

"Think what you want," said Mario annoyed, "This little "dog" as you called me is actually the seventh Element of Harmony! You'd know that if you actually tried to get to know me instead of talking down about me all the time to the elites, Prince Bluebutt!" The Prince was taken aback while Rarity smirked at Mario for having the courage to stand up to Prince's behavior and attitude.

"Hmph, once a ruffian, always a ruffian," he remarked as he walked away, "You will never be a royal pony." Mario just glared as Rarity followed behind, but she did look back at Mario before they headed inside. Mario just rolled his eyes.

"I hope Applejack is...oh great..." Mario was hoping to get an apple treat since he was still hungry, and wasn't in the mood for any of the fancier items on the menu, only to find the orange pony had already left, "Sigh...so much for filling up my empty stomach. I guess I'll check on Fluttershy. I hope she's having a better time."

Little did Mario know that Fluttershy wasn't having a better time. In fact, Fluttershy was on the verge of having a mental breakdown as she set up a net trap in the garden.

"I'll catch you yet, my pretties," said Fluttershy with a twitch eye and sinister smirk on her face, making the animal even more fearful of her, "Oh yes. As soon as one of you birds or monkeys or bears touches this net...you'll be mine! MINE!" Fluttershy stood on her hind legs, laughing evilly and maniacally as some thunder clashed behind her. She was so into the moment that she lost her balance and fell right into her net trap, causing her to become trapped dangling from a tree as a bunny just crawls out and look at her. Fluttershy just sighed to herself. Mario had arrived in time to see everything.

"What in the name of the animal kingdom do you think you're doing, Fluttershy?" Mario asked as he walked, "This is no way to behave and you know better!" Mario was unaware that Fluttershy was seething with rage as he continued to speak.

"These creatures are very, very shy," Mario continued, "You simply need to stay still and let them know you pose no threat." Within seconds, the animal all gathered around him without any problem. Even the very meadowlark that Fluttershy was following arrived to rest on his fore-hoof. That was the breaking point for Fluttershy.

She had fury.

"See, that's all you..." Mario then stopped speak as he and the other creatures all looked up and paled at what they saw and zoomed away, leaving Mario alone, "Fluttershy...did...did you just break that net with your...Fluttershy please...I...I was only trying to...no...no...stop!..."

View of the garden from above the trees.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"

Back inside the castle, Pinkie was still trying to convince the other ponies to have fun her way as she brought a DJ turntable into the main ballroom.

"Come on, everypony!" said Pinkie, "You wanted a partay? Now it's a paaartaaay!" Pinkie then started to mingle with the other ponies.

"Yeah! Uh! Now that's a beat, yeah! Uh!" said Pinkie as she tried push and shove the other ponies about to make them dance with her, "C'mon, dance! Yeah, woohoo!" All Pinkie received were annoyed looks and glares as she made her way back to the stage. It was then Applejack entered the room, wheeling in a rather tall apple cake.

"Okay, all you high-class ponies," Applejack announced, "here's a highfalutin apple cake for your hoity-toity taste buds." But then there was trouble.

"Stage dive!" said Pinkie as she jumped into the air...and landed on the edge of the cart with the cake, sending it flying...right at Rarity and Prince Blueblood as they entered. They both screamed as the cake came at them. Prince Blueblood then grabbed Rarity to use as a shield as the cake went SPLAT all over her. That put Rarity temper to its limit as her face turned red and she growled angrily at him.

"You, sir, are the most uncharming prince I have ever met," Rarity yelled, "In fact, the only royal thing about you is that you are a royal pain! And as for my best friend, Mario, he is ten times the prince you'll ever be!"

"Ewww...! Uh, stay back!" said Prince Blueblood as he leaned against the door to keep his distance from her, "I just had myself groomed!" Now Rarity truly despised the Prince. Not only was he everything she had seen tonight, but he didn't listen to anything she said and he was quivering away from her like a big coward. So much for being a brave and strong prince.

"Afraid to get dirty?!" Rarity challenged as she began to babble and wiggled about, splattering cake all over him. Prince Blueblood tries to get away but ended up backing into the horse statue, which caused it to wobble dangerously.

"This is my chance!" said Rainbow as she flew as fast as she could, passed Soarin and Spitfire, and landed just under the statue as it fell into her back with a CLANG.

"Yes," Rainbow said triumphantly, until she realized just how heavy the statue was and began to teeter about, "Whoa!" Rainbow tries as best as she could to regain her balance, but then she ended up bumping a nearby roman style column, which toppled into another, then another, and another. In total, six pillars were sent crashing to the ground around her and the statue on her back broke into two pieces beside her. It was then Princess Celestia and Twilight, having finally finished with the greetings, enter the room and gasped silently at the mess. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow all looked at the two ponies with worried and guilty faces. Princess Celestia was agape and Twilight said the worst thing you could say in a situation like this.

"Well..it can't get any worse."

Guess again Twilight...because right when she said that, there was loud rumbling as a stampede of animals burst through the main ballroom door. Mario came flying into the ballrooms backward and launched high into the air.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! UGH!" Mario screamed as he landed hard on his stomach before passing out not too far away from Twilight and Princess Celestia, who flinched when he landed.

(Lose a life fanfare)

Princess Celestia and Twilight cringed at the sight. Poor Mario was badly beaten up, his mane, tail and fur were messy, his suit torn and tattered, and even his Fedora had been given a hole in it as well.

It was a second later when Fluttershy entered inside growling like a raging bull.

"You're...going to LOVE ME!" Fluttershy bellowed as everyone else began to scream in panic and fright.

"Um, um, uh...Eugh..." was all Twilight could say before Princess Celestia leaned into her ear.

"Take Mario, and run," she said simply. Twilight didn't need another second before she scooped Mario into her back and gave a loud whistle. Her five friends just look at her before getting the message to make a break for it, even Fluttershy snapped out of her rage to followed her friends out of the ballroom and out of the castle. As they made their way down the stairs, one of Rarity's glass slippers fell off.

"Ooh! Rarity, your glass slipper!" Pinkie pointed out, "Now your prince is sure to find you."

"No! Ugh!" Rarity shrieked as she rushed up the stairs and smashed the glass slipper. Pinkie just looked at the remained with confusion.

"Let's go!" said Rarity as she pulled Pinkie away.

After all this ruckus, many must be wondering what happened to a certain little dragon. Well, after being left alone, he had ditched his tux and was now sitting at the counter of his favorite donut shop. He was apparently eating donuts and drinking cocoa to deal with his loneliness.

"Hey, Pony Joe," said Spike sadly, "Another donut." Spike requested as he slammed his cocoa cup on the counter.

"Don't you think you've had enough?" Joe asked with concern.

"Another donut!" Spike snapped, slamming his cup and spilling some of his cocoa on it, "Extra Sprinkles!" Spike just leaned his elbow on the counter when the ringing of the shop door is heard behind them.

"Twilight Sparkle," said Joe, "ha, ha. Long time no see." Spike turned around to see the Mane seven behind him. Well, six of them were standing before him, their outfits were all tattered from the chaos, including their manes, and some of them had either a missing shoe or wearing a damaged one.

"Hey, how was the Gala?" Spike asked eagerly, "How was your best night ever?" He then noticed Mario out cold on Twilight's back and flinched back.

"Whoa...what happened to Mario?" Spike asked curiously. A loud whimper could be heard as Fluttershy was on the verge of tears and looked away. An obvious clue she was to blame for Mario's condition. Twilight just gazed on her direction before looking at Spike.

"It's a long story," she said plain and simple.

It wasn't much longer before Spike had been told everything that had happened at the Gala as they sat around a table with some donuts in the middle. Mario had also been revived as was sitting next To Twilight looking rather drained as he quietly ate a donut to fill his empty stomach. He spent a good fifteen minutes calming down a weeping Fluttershy who felt awful for beating him up. Fortunately, the worst of his injuries were a few bruises and sore muscles. Ironically, Mario didn't bother to say anything about his date with Twilight as they brought Spike up to speed. Fortunately, the look on his face and Twilight's sheepish giggles was a clue that didn't go well either.

"That sounds like the worst night ever!" Spike replied after everyone was finished.

"It was!" said Everyone, then everyone minus Mario began to laugh.

"I just hope Princess Celestia isn't upset with us ruining the Gala," said Twilight worried with Rainbow giving a sheepishly smile nearby.

"That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!" said Princess Celestia as she entered the donut shop.

"Princess Celestia!" said everyone in surprise as she took a seat behind Mario.

"Pardon me, Princess," said Twilight, "But tonight was just awful."

"The absolute worst," Mario added quietly.

"Oh, Twilight, Mario," said Princess Celestia, "The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful!"

"It is?" said Twilight and Mario together in shock.

"That is why I was thrilled you and your friends were all attending," Princess Celestia answered, "I was hoping you could liven things up a bit. And while the evening may not have gone as you planned, I'm sure you'll agree that in the end it didn't turn out so bad for this group of friends." Everyone chuckles in agreement, though Mario's chuckle was a little hallow.

"You're right, Princess," said Twilight, "Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great."

"Yeah! Hanging out with friends!" said Rainbow.

"Talking!" added Fluttershy.

"Laughing" Pinkie said with a smile.

"I guess so," Mario replied quietly.

"You mean doing exactly what I wanted to so the whole time?" Spike said as a matter of fact.

"Yes, Spike," said Twilight, "You were right."

"As horrible as our night was...," said Applejack.

"...being together here has made it all better," Pinkie finished.

"In fact, it's made it..." said Pinkie.

"...The best night ever!" said the six friends and they all laughed happily together.

...until they noticed that Mario wasn't joining in.

"What's got you so down, my son?" Princess Celestia asked him, "Aren't you glad you have such great and wonderful friends?" Mario sighed.

"Of course Mom," said Mario, "these girls are amazing. Spike as well. It's just..." Twilight could feel the guilt growing inside her stomach and just looked away insecurely.

"I'm guess your date with Twilight didn't go well," Applejack asked. Mario just looked at Twilight, who was still trying not to look at anypony.

"You can say that again," said Rainbow for Mario, "he came to me by himself saying she ignored him all night. He was pretty down about it too." Princess Celestia blinked in surprise.

"Mario, you saw how busy I was," she said to him, "Why didn't you offer to take Twilight somewhere to pass the time until I was finished?"

"I did," said Mario, "But you know how hard it is to get the attention of someone whose star struck? You are the Princess of all Equestria after all." Twilight blushed.

"I'm sorry Mario," said Twilight, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just really wanted some one on one time with the Princess. I didn't mean to ignore you." Mario just looked at her quietly a Celestia leaned into his ear.

"Don't you have something you want to tell her?" she whispered. Mario looked a little nervous as he looked and everyone else gave him smiles. They wanted him to tell her. Mario just took a deep breath and sighed.

"Twilight, there is something I wanted to tell you," said Mario, "I had hoped it would have been after we had some fun together instead of...after a night like this."

"I...uhh...see...heh...what is it you want to tell me?" Twilight asked, feeling rather nervous as she smiled. Mario bravely reached out for one of her fore-hooves and held it, making her cheeks turn a soft pink.

"Remember when I told that when I first met you that I had a crush on you?" Mario asked her as Twilight nodded timidly, "I still do." Twilight blinked and even her fore-hooves grew clammy, but Mario couldn't tell because of her shoe.

"I'm not surprised if you didn't know," said Mario, "I never really tried to be too upfront about it. Mostly because I didn't want to embarrass you. I wanted to show you that I really do care about you so that these feelings would be genuine, honest, and sincere. The more time we spent together, as the years went by, those feelings for you grew. So what I want to say is..." He then pulled out a beautifully cut red rose that he managed to keep in good condition despite what he had been through,

"...I love you, Twilight Sparkle."

The other's smiled as Mario presented Twilight the rose. Twilight just looked at the rose and then at Mario. Twilight suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe and she could feel tears starting to prick the corners of her eyes. She did the only thing she could think of at that moment. '

Twilight ran away.

I don't plan on making a habit on adding to songs for Mario's sake, but this one did need a solo from. I'm not a music writer to please no bashing the lyrics okay.

And that concludes this chapter and the end of Season 1

I can see your faces, you're probably like...this can't be the end of this chapter?!

It is, but don't worry. There will be more. I'll be posting an bonus chapter before heading into Episode 201. So until next time...

Peace Pony Fans!