James woke up in the morning feeling very well rested. He got up from the bed and looked at the calendar. There was a day that was circled but James couldn’t remember what was so important about it. He got out of bed and headed for the shower knowing that it would come to him soon. James was in the shower until he heard a knock. Rarity was on the other side of the door and told him that his tuxedo was finished. James thanked her and finished up his shower. He looked at the tuxedo and then it hit him like a ton of bricks. Today was the day of the Grand Galloping Gala.

James shook his head as he wasn’t really up to going to the Gala. He never cared much for big fancy parties. The only reason why he was going was because some of his marefriends had obligations to go. James said that he would go but he was going to go in some casual clothing. That was a bad move on his part since he got chewed out by Rarity about not dressing up for it. After several minutes of Rarity’s persistence to wear a tuxedo he gave in. James picked up the tuxedo and looked it over to make sure that it wasn’t some over the top tuxedo.

The tuxedo was simple in design and it wasn’t over the top. The tuxedo was black with a red trim along the sides and it held the cutie marks of his mares. James smiled at the tuxedo glad that Rarity was at least kind enough to listen to his request. The tuxedo was made a little larger on the inside so that if he wanted he could wear clothes underneath. Rarity asked why James wanted it to be that loose and he said that he just wanted it to be comfortable. He remembered the old tuxedos that he used to wear and how tightly they hugged his body. There was also another reason but he kept that to himself so that he wouldn’t make her nervous.

James for the past while was having a really bad feeling about the upcoming Gala. Now that the day has come for the Gala James was nervous beyond all reason. He felt that something bad would happen especially with Shadow. James remembered Shadow had friends now that were trying to help him get free and the Gala would be the perfect place to make an appearance. James gave a huge sigh as he pulled out his harem t-shirt and a loose fitting pair of jeans. With his underclothes on he opened the secret compartment in the drawer and pulled out his revolver and his double daggers.

James placed the daggers in their sheath and tied it around his waist. James opened the cylinder to his revolver and took out the six bullets. He looked them over to make sure there were no cracks or scratches on the bullets. After their inspection he reloaded his gun and pushed the cylinder back in. James put the revolver in its holster and wrapped it around his lower left leg. Now that he was ready he went over to the tuxedo and carefully put it on. With his tuxedo on James looked himself over in the mirror to make sure that his weapons couldn’t be seen.

Rarity did a good job on making it slightly larger. There was no evidence that he was carrying any weapons and hid his underclothing. James walked over to the picture of him and his squad along with the group photo of him and his harem. James kissed his two fingers and placed them on his group harem picture and said that he loved them. He then looked at his squad photo and saluted them. He told the picture that he would do them proud and that they were still his greatest friends that he ever had. James didn’t know this but his door was slightly cracked and there were two mares watching him.

Trixie and Spitfire watched James do everything that he did before putting on the tuxedo. They looked at each other worry in their eyes as they watched James do his thing. When he was at the pictures and did his ritual they couldn’t help but smile. Sure they were worried about his safety and everything but he seemed to be putting them above his own. They wanted to let James know that everything would be okay and that there wouldn’t be any problems but even they had their doubts. The two mares walked off to join the other mares in the living room. The two of them were greeted as they sat around waiting for James to come along.

Once James was finished he left his room and took one last look around. He smiled at the memories that he made in the house and during his time in Equestria. He walked down the hallway and joined his mares in the living room. The mares got up and wrapped James in a warm embrace. They know that he isn’t too enthusiastic about going but were glad that he was coming along. James looked around and couldn’t find Spike anywhere. Before he could ask if Spike was coming or not his front door open. In the doorway Spike came walking in with his three mares.

James could see that Spike was as enthusiastic as he was about going but did it more for his mares. James and Spike gave each other a good fistbump as they said hello. They stepped aside as they let their mares walk out first ahead of them. The mares all giggled at how they were acting like such gentlecolts and took the friendly gesture. The mares were now outside and the dresses that the mares were wearing were sparkling in the sunlight. James and Spike smiled at how beautiful their mares looked and told them they looked very beautiful. The mares blushed at the comment and tried to avert their gazes from them.

James and Spike chuckled at their embarrassment as they exited the house. James locked the door and gave a loud whistle. Braveheart and Lightning Bolt came running towards him. James gave them both a pat on the head glad that they came on the first call. James asked if he could bring his pets with him since they would be worried sick if they weren’t with him. At first the mares were nervous about him brining the pets but Twilight said that he could as long as they stayed in the garden. James gave her a big hug glad that he could bring his pets. James looked at his pets and said that they were coming with him on a trip but if they wanted to stay they had to stay in a garden that he would show them.

James was answered with a bark and a growl from his two pets. He really wished that he could understand what they said. He looked over at Fluttershy and she said that they understood what he was saying and they would stay in the garden. James looked at his pets and pet them on the head. With everything in order they all headed for the train station. They walked along the path and were joined by Big Mac and Cheerilee along with Applejack, Soarin, Bonbon, and Carrot Top. The mares all walked ahead of them as the guys stayed back having their own conversations and enjoying the view.

The mares knew that they were being watched and instead of calling them out they decided to put on a show. The guys rubbed the back of their necks as they watched the way the seductively walked and tempted them. In the long run though this was good for the mares since they could get together and hang out. James was glad that Applejack was doing better since he was able to get her and the others to hang out more often. This left James alone more often than he liked but as long as his mares were happy then he was happy. Soarin thanked James for helping with Applejack and James told him it was no problem. The only thing that James asked for was that Soarin enjoyed a good few drinks with him before going off with his mares. Soarin gave a huge smile as he grabbed James in a headlock and rubbed his head.

James broke free of the grapple and they all enjoyed a laugh as James tried to fix his hair. They arrived at the train station and the guys went to buy the tickets for everypony. The mares took all the seats leaving the guys standing for the train. James was going to take a seat on the ground but then he felt a shiver go up his spine. He looked around to see where this cold stare was coming from and then he found Rarity. James almost pissed his pants when he saw the stare that Rarity was giving him. It was a cross between sheer anger and murder intent. James quickly righted himself and walked away a little whistling to himself.

Rarity gave a smile that James stopped himself in time before he ruined the tuxedo. The other mares saw what Rarity did to James and couldn’t help but laugh. The mares went back to their conversations and when James was certain that Rarity wasn’t staring he went back to join the others. The train finally arrived at the station and everypony showed their tickets to the conductor and boarded. Big Mac sat alone with Cheerilee. Spike sat with Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo. Soarin sat with Applejack, Bonbon, and Carrot Top. Twilight sat with Rarity, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie. Rose sat with Aloe, Lotus, and Fluttershy. Spitfire sat with Lightning Dust and Rainbow Dash. Lyra sat with Vinyl and Octavia.

James took a seat by himself so he could take some time to think. The sound of the train whistle signaled that it was time for the train to get going. James didn’t get a good look but he saw a unicorn get in two cars down with a bunch of mares following him. James didn’t think much about it since he pretty much did the same thing. The train started to move and James watched out the window at the passing scenery. James could hear that everypony was having a good time and couldn’t help but smile at their happiness. James prayed that the bad feeling that he was having meant nothing and he could enjoy his time at the party.

Night Slash

Night Slash woke up from the rising sun and got out of bed. He headed over to the bathroom so that he could get his shower taken. As he headed for the bathroom he saw the tuxedo that he was going to be wearing to a god awful party that he was attending. The party was called the Grand Galloping Gala and the name alone made him cringe. To him this party would be the same as all high class parties that he saw before. A bunch of rich snobs or nobility would show up and kiss the feet of their rulers to gain some kind of foothold. This just made Night Slash shake his head that he would go to something like this.

Night Slash entered his shower and let the water slowly run over his body. He could feel the nervousness that his body had and it was weird. Back in James’ mind he had more control so a lot of actions he had certainty on. Now though with his freedom there is more uncertainty than ever and it was only going to make this tough. He finished his shower and dried himself off as he put the tuxedo on the bed. He summoned the dagger that he was given and set it aside. Night Slash summoned a pair of normal clothes to wear under the tuxedo so that he could fight better. Once his t-shirt and jeans were on he sheathed the dagger and strapped it to his side. Once on he grabbed his pistol and strapped it to his side in its holster.

Night Slash then put the tuxedo on over everything and looked himself over in the mirror. There was no indication that he was carrying any weapons and he smiled. Night Slash walked out of the room and headed for the living room for where all the mares were waiting. The hooded figure left behind fifteen tickets so he could get them in. Along with the Gala tickets were train tickets for the first train to Canterlot. The party had no real start time so guests could arrive whenever they wanted. The party would last all night until the next morning and then it would be time to leave. It didn’t matter anyway to Night Slash since it will be one wrecked party before then.

Night Slash arrived in the living and saw his mares, Nightmare Moon, and the figure all waiting for him. The figure approached Night Slash and whispered into his ear that he would bring the two animals himself when the party got started. Night Slash nodded his head and the figure poofed out to get ready. Night Slash walked over to Nightmare Moon and shook her hand glad that she was there. Nightmare said that she would be hiding among the party guests until things start to get heated. Night Slash gave her nod and one last hand shake before she headed out.

Night Slash looked at his mares who were all dressed very beautifully for the party. Night Slash opened the door and the mares started to walk out. Once he was outside he closed the door and locked it behind him. They all walked towards the train station and Night Slash couldn’t help but grin. He still couldn’t believe how real this all felt. He still felt as though he was in some kind of dream and he would wake up. They arrived as the train pulled into the station and showed the conductor their tickets as they went to go sit down.

Night Slash was able to get a quick look to see James two cars ahead of him on the train. Night Slash kept his head low as he took a seat by himself so he could think. The mares sat in groups conversing with each other about some silly topic. The train started to pull away from the station and head for Canterlot. Taking this time Night Slash went back to sleep so he could get more of his energy back. As he fell asleep he cracked a huge grin at how much fun this party was going to be in a few hours.

James

The train arrived at Canterlot and everypony got off the train. Once off James took a few minutes to stretch his back since he fell asleep on the train ride. Lyra, Octavia, and Vinyl gave James a quick kiss before they left to go join the orchestra so they could get set up. Once they were gone Spitfire, Lightning Dust, and Rainbow Dash gave James a quick kiss since they needed to go check on the other Wonderbolts. James didn’t know why Rainbow was going since she wasn’t training with them or a part of their team but he didn’t argue. Lightning had a reason since she was training with the Captain after all so that made sense. James just told them to be careful and they flew off. Soarin followed behind them unless he wanted to get yelled at by Spitfire. Twilight then came up and gave James a quick kiss as she left to go talk with her mentor. Applejack followed close behind so she could set up shop.

James looked at who was left and then gestured for them to continue. They walked down the streets of Canterlot getting a few strange looks mainly most of them at James. He still had no idea what they hated about him but he could care less what they thought at the moment. He wasn’t going to let a few snobbish people ruin his good time with his mares. After walking for what felt like forever especially in dress shoes they made it to the castle. One by one everypony showed their ticket and was granted entry. When James walked up and showed them his ticket they blocked his path with their spears. James looked at them very sternly since these guards knew who he was and wanted to know why they stopped him from entering.

“Sorry sir but the princess has asked for your presence for a few moments.” The mares looked at James worried that he did something but he waved them off.

“Then lead the way please because I came here to enjoy my time with my marefriends and I would hate to keep them waiting.” The guards nodded as they called in another set of guards.

The new set of guards took James inside of the castle and headed for the princess’s chambers. They stopped at two huge golden doors that had the picture of the sun on them. The guards knocked and motherly tone allowed them entry. The guards pushed open the door and gestured for James to go inside. James nodded to the two guards and walked inside. Once he was inside the doors were closed behind him and he was left with Celestia and Twilight. Twilight looked a little nervous and Celestia was looking at him questioningly. James knew that Celestia didn’t know about the books he had taken so he waited to see what he was in trouble for this time.

“James welcome back to the castle. I apologize for stopping you so abruptly but I needed a word with you. Please have a seat this won’t take long.” James took the offered seat and Twilight was quickly by his side. Celestia took the other seat and looked at James.

“Before I allow you to attend this joyous occasion why did you beat up my nephew Prince Blueblood?” Celestia asked in a stern tone that contrasted her motherly look.

“I beat him up because he was being an ungrateful prick to my mares.” James answered but was confused as to why Blueblood would lie to her. Then again that thought was pushed away since he was completely snobbish and wanted to get rid of James.

“Even then he came back with a few broken bones and bleeding pretty badly from the nose and mouth.”

“I may have gone overboard on his beating but I just wanted to make sure that he understood the message.”

“Well since this was in the past and I do loathe my nephew can you make me one promise?” Celestia asked James as she stared into his eyes deeply.

“What is it that you would like me to do?” James asked Celestia waiting to hear what the promise was.

“You can attend the party if you keep your hands to yourself and stay away from him.” James got up from the seat and shook the princess’s hand agreeing to her terms.

The princess bid him farewell and James left the bedroom. Once outside James headed down the hall trying to find his other mares. He walked around for ten minutes and he ended up lost. James was surprised that he got lost since he had been at the castle for so long. As he looked around though he noticed that he was in another part of the castle. This side of the castle was a little darker than the part that he was in. James kept walking forward until he ran into a pair of large dark doors. The doors had the moon etched into them showing that this was Luna’s room.

Luna was still asleep around this time since it was morning but James needed help. He knew there was a possibility for him to go deaf but knocked on the door. There was a few seconds on silence and before he knocked again he heard some shuffling. James waited for the shuffling to reach the door so he could see who was in there. The shuffling stopped and the door slowly creaked open. James saw part of Luna’s face and gave her a friendly wave. Luna opened the door the rest of the way and gave a big yawn. Luna gestured him into her room and he entered.

“What can I help you with dear James?” Luna asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“Sorry for waking you up but I need help getting back to the front of the castle. I got lost trying to get back.” Luna covered her mouth as she tried to suppress a giggle. James gestured for her to continue so she could get it all out. Luna released all of her giggles as she laughed at his misfortune. Luna started to calm down from her laughing fit and spoke to James again.

“Don’t worry about waking me up. If you didn’t I probably wouldn’t have gotten up in time for the Gala. Just give me a few minutes to get changed and I will help lead you back.” James nodded towards Luna and she left to get changed.

After waiting for ten minutes Luna came out wearing her dress. James complemented her looks from the dress and Luna thanked James. The two of them left the room and headed for the front of the castle. Once at the front Luna took her leave to make sure that everything was going well. James was tackled to the ground as the mares wrapped him in a hug. James calmed them all done saying that it wasn’t anything major. Celestia just wanted to make sure that he behaved himself and the mares nodded glad that he was okay. They all headed for the dining hall to take a seat and wait for the party to get started.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to ErikTheSoulReaper for the idea on this chapter.