Of all the days I had to start doing this, why did it have to be on the hottest day of the month? Twilight grunted in an annoyed manner as she walked towards her home, pulling a medium-sized cart, fully laden with items covered by a single white tarp. The sweat was rolling down her forehead as she finally reached her home, wherein she took a moment to catch her breath. Oh, I can't wait for my magical reserves to get bigger. Then, boom! Teleport from there to here! Chuckling to herself, Twilight put a hoof to her forehead. Okay, calm down, Twilight. Remember, this is important. She turned to the cart, looking upon a spot where the tarp gave way, revealing a pile of books underneath. These old tomes will be useful for helping me with my spells. I already know them of course, or rather, my future self made me know them, but still, the chance to see the source they were drawn from, that'll be a big help. Smiling a little, Twilight reached forward and grabbed onto the knob of her door, opening it and starting to walk inside. As she did so, she struggled a little to get the cart in with her.

In time, however, she managed to get inside, after which she finally started using her magic, lifting the tarp off to reveal many ancient-looking books and artefacts. A look of pride formed on her face as she looked upon them all. So much magic is contained in these old things, I can feel it. Spells and enchantments that ponykind has forgotten even exists. Even the brightest minds of Canterlot's best arcane orders would be flummoxed by some of this stuff. Stepping forward, Twilight brushed aside some of the dust covering the book at the top of the pile. As she looked upon it, she called forth her memories of old languages to decipher the glyphs that adorned it. Hmmm...How to Double Your Spells with Half the Effort? Sounds promising. Though I will say those old unicorns back then certainly needed help with making titles. Turning around again, she pulled the cart over to the door of the basement, using her magic to open it before starting to enter. However, it was here that she stopped, hearing a voice from above her.

"You're back!"

Looking up, Twilight smiled to see Spike coming down the stairs. When he finally reached her, he looked at her with great enthusiasm.

"How was the forest? Still scary?"

Twilight giggled a little, patting him on the head slightly before giving him an answer.

"It's not so bad in the daytime, Spike. Besides, I wasn't alone."

Spike gave a nod to that before turning to see that cart she'd brought in. Curiosity gripped the young dragon as he walked over to it, eying the strange books and items that laid there. Twilight let out a sigh as she watched him. It's good that Zecora was there on that path. I wasn't planning on meeting her just yet. Still, best to get these introductions done early I suppose. Having her as a guide certainly helped. Besides, it'll be good for when I take her to see the others. Once Spike had seen enough of the books and other relics, Twilight began moving forward again, ready to enter the basement. However, she was stopped yet again by the sound of knocking on the front door. Turning, she raised an eyebrow before unbuckling herself from the cart, walking over to the door and opening it. Her eyes widened with surprise to see that it was Applejack, waiting there with a smile on her face.

"Howdy, Twi!"

Although taken aback by the sudden arrival of her friend, Twilight was nevertheless pleased to see her, and put on a genuine smile for her. Standing aside, she used a hoof to gesture for her to come in, which she did. After closing the door again, Twilight faced her friend completely before speaking.

"What's up, Applejack?"

The earth pony titled her head a little before answering.

"Don't ya remember? Y'all said you'd help me with picking apples today."

Twilight's eyes snapped fully open, her head spinning into the direction of a nearby calendar. Sure enough, today's date had the words "help AJ" written in bright red pen. Looking back to her friend, Twilight slapped her forehead with frustration and let out a grunt of annoyance.

"Ugh! I am so sorry, Applejack! I guess I just got caught up in my work today!"

But, in contrast to how she thought Applejack would react, the farmer merely chuckled.

"Heck, it ain't no worry, Twi! Ah just popped over to see where ya were. There are still some trees untouched if y'all are available now."

Twilight smiled at that nodding her head.

"I'd like that, Applejack."

However, a look of realisation crossed her face as she considered that.

"Oh! Spike? Would you mind putting those things down in the basement for me while I'm gone? I may be some time."

The young dragon gave a salute at that, after which he began to move towards the cart. It was in this moment that Applejack herself actually noticed the thing, prompting her to look at it with some curiosity. However, before either she or Twilight could talk about it, they were stopped as Spike suddenly clutched his stomach, his cheeks swelling up like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter. Twilight knew what this meant, and so took a step forwards, ready to receive what came next. Sure enough, Spike let out an almighty belch of green flame, which immediately became a scroll, bound with the royal seal. Twilights looked upon the scroll with a look of utter disdain. Oh no! Applejack needing help on her farm, and now this? I know what that scroll says. As she dwelt on that, her young dragon assistant instinctively took the parchment, opening it and reading it's contents out loud.

"Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the twenty-first day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest."

To emphasise that final point, Spike picked up two shining golden tickets, which had come with the scroll, and waved them in front of the two mares. Twilight, however, was not pleased. The Gala? Ugh! I still remember how sore my hoof felt at the end of it the first time around. Turning, Twilight looked upon Applejack, whose face had broken out into a massive smile, all while she seemed to be daydreaming about something. Here we go. She's probably imagining all the money she can make to help her family. I know her heart is in in the right place, but she has no idea what she's getting into. Turning away from her, Twilight let out a sigh. None of them get it, at least not yet. The first time this happened, it was a near disaster for me, even more so when we actually got there. A steely look crossed her face. Not this time. Clearing her throat, Twilight soon gained Applejack's attention, after which the young unicorn began to speak up.

"From the look on your face, I'm guessing you want to go?"

Oblivious to the dour tone in which Twilight had said that, Applejack simply smiled and nodded her head.

"Sure do!"

Twilight let out another sigh before turning to Spike.

"I think the cart will have to wait, Spike. Right now, I need you to go out and fetch the others. Tell them I need to meet them here as soon as possible."

Although confused at this reaction, Spike nevertheless nodded and started walking out of the door, leaving behind both an annoyed Twilight and an also-confused Applejack. Well, Twilight thought, let's see if they'll listen to me.

It took a while, but Spike eventually managed to find all five of Twilight's friends, all of whom were now waiting in the main chamber of her library, bearing looks of great confusion. It was not something she could really blame them for. I know they're friends, but having me ask them all to come here unannounced and without explanation? It's not the kind of thing I want to do on a regular basis. However, that concern was swept aside by the far larger one she knew she had to deal with. Look at them all. When I tell them about this, they're each going to come up with what they think is going to be their dream night. A night of wonder and happiness, where all their fantasies come true. And here I am, the one that’s going to dash those dreams completely. She sighed as she thought on that. But I have to do it. It's for their own good. If they knew this party like I did, they'd thank me for this. Turning, she looked upon each of her friends, several of which were becoming visibly impatient at this point. Well...no point putting it off any longer.

"Okay...a few hours ago, I received a letter from Princess Celestia. It was an invitation...to the Grand Galloping Gala."

Immediately, all of the mares' faces lit up, displaying their clear excitement, even Applejack, despite already knowing about it. It was not something that made Twilight feel any better about this. Quite the reverse in fact. Still, she waited for the excitement to die down a little before speaking up again.

"I was also given a second ticket, to give to whomever I chose. With you being my closest friends, you are the ones I would most likely wish to invite along."

The glimmer in their eyes only brightened after hearing that, prompting Twilight's ears to drop down somewhat. I know Celestia would be willing to send extra tickets, but I'm not going to allow that to happen. The Gala will just make them all miserable, and I'm not willing to allow that just because almighty sun-butt wants some excitement that night. Frowning a little, Twilight continued.

"You should know...I'm going to say no to the invitation."

And in that moment, the smiles simply vanished from the mares' faces. They looked to each other as if their unicorn friend had gone mad. In time, it was Rarity who spoke first.

"You're...you're...you're going to refuse?! Darling! What in the world would compel you to do such a thing?!"

Twilight looked away slightly, thinking over the words she would use here.

"I've never wanted to go. And I say this to all of you...I don't think you should go either."

However, much to Twilight's surprise, she heard a laugh at that, causing her to turn and see Rainbow Dash, who was smirking at her.

"No offense, Twilight, but are you nuts? This is the biggest party of the year? Why wouldn't we want to go?"

Twilight frowned once more.

"I've never been...but my brother has. He works security detail there every year and it's clear from what he's told me about it that it's the last place I’d want to go to."

Applejack raised an eyebrow at that.

"Y'all have a brother?"

Twilight nodded.

"Shining Armour."

She then looked to Rarity, who spoke up next.

"And you say he works security. Is he...oh my...he is, isn't he? He's a royal guard?!"

The others all looked to Twilight with shock on their faces, and while she would have loved nothing more than to downplay her brother’s position, Spike, sadly, got his word in first.

"Not just any guard! He's the Captain!"

Twilight glared at him, letting him know right away that he'd just made a serious blunder there. By contrast, Twilight's friends all let out gasps, with Rainbow looking particularly impressed.

"Okay...so you're from Canterlot...you're Celestia's student...you have super-strong magic...and now you have a brother who acts as Equestria's top military stallion?! Seriously, Twilight, every time I learn more about you, you become even more awesome!"

The young unicorn fought against the blush that threatened to arise on her face, instead trying her best to focus and get back to the matter at hoof.

"Yes, well...regardless, you should take my word that this Gala isn't something you’d want to be a part of."

But, despite her words, it was clear from the looks on their faces that none of them were buying it. Twilight let out a sigh at that. Well...guess I'll have to make it even clearer than that. Looking up, she glanced at each of her friends, eventually settling on Applejack, before speaking up again.

"Applejack, I want you to tell me why you want to go to the Gala."

The earth pony put on a smile before giving Twilight her answer.

"Land sakes, if ah had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin our tasty vittles till the cows came home. Do y'all have any idea how much business ah could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin up round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big Mac could replace that saggy old plough, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip. It'd just help mah family something fierce, Twi."

Twilight gave a small smile at that. The same reasons as before. She really thinks she'll be able to go some good there. Turning, she then looked upon Rainbow.

"Rainbow? Your reason for wanting to go?"

Puffing out her chest, the Pegasus began explaining herself.

"The Wonderbolts perform at The Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. Everypony would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on The Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut! Then, I would mesmerize em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, The Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member. Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show em my stuff!"

Every one of Rainbow's descriptions had been punctuated with a dramatic motion, showing the kinds of moves she hand in mind. Still, Twilight had not said a word through it all, and instead gave her friend a nod before turning to Pinkie, who enthusiastically began speaking without Twilight asking her.

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

Seeing the massive grin on her friend's face made Twilight smile herself, albeit in a much smaller manner. Always in it for the fun, aren't you, Pinkie? Turning, Twilight looked at Rarity, who understood this as her chance to explain herself. So, clearing her throat a little, that was exactly what she did.

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

Pinkie turned to her and raised an eyebrow.

"Him? Him who?"

Twilight put a hoof to her forehead at that. Oh no. Here we go. Rarity, oblivious to her friend's frustration, answered Pinkie's question.

"Him! I would stroll through the gala, and everypony would wonder, "who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the Princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a Princess, which is what I would become upon marrying HIM, the stallion of my dreams!"

At this present moment, Rarity looked as if she'd utterly fallen into a dream-like state and as such some completely unaware of her friends, all of whom were looking at her nervously, even taking a step back from her slightly. Twilight, rolling her eyes a little, turned to the last of their number, Fluttershy. As expected, the timid pegasi mare took a moment to get going.

"You see, it's not so much The Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the Gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!"

As usual, the enthusiasm for animals was apparent on Fluttershy's face, which at this point was bearing a smile unrivalled by any she'd had since Twilight first arrived. Regardless, her friends had all said their piece, and were now looking at Twilight expectantly, waiting to hear what she had to say. Or, to be more precise, they were waiting for her to say which of them had the most worthy reason to go. So, she stood there in silence, thinking over how she would go about this. I have to be careful. I don't want to ruin their fantasies like this, but if it spares them having to endure one of the most unpleasant nights of their life, it's a choice I'll have to make. Looking up, she turned to Applejack.

"Applejack...you're not going to sell anything at the Gala."

The orange mare raised an eyebrow at that, prompting Twilight to explain further.

"Look...your food is wonderful. Some of the best I've ever had. But the Gala will be catered by some of the most famed and respected chefs in Canterlot. And please remember that it'll be nobles that attend this thing. No matter how good your food is, to them, you won’t be a cook worth paying attention to. They'll ignore you, thinking of you as somepony who doesn't even deserve to be there, much less give them food. It's wrong, and it's unfair...but it's the way they are."

Applejack saw her friend, recognising honesty when she saw it, and her ears dropped down. Twilight, seeing the clear disappointment in her friend, felt more than a little guilty at having done this, but she nevertheless steeled herself and turned to Rainbow.

"Rainbow...if you go around and interrupt the Wonderbolts' performance like that, it's more than likely that they'd just arrest you for it. No matter what your intent was, or how impressive, they'll just look at you as some attention-seeker. Worst case scenario, it'll be a stunt that'll keep the Wonderbolts from ever wanting you near them!"

The cyan Pegasus took in those words as if they were the most terrifying thing she'd ever heard. However, in moments, she seemed to accept that truth, and so gave a grim and solemn nod. Twilight nodded back before turning to Pinkie.

"Pinkie...when you think of a party, what's the first thing that comes to mind?"

Pinkie smiled at that.

"Well duh! Fun of course!"

But Twilight wasn't smiling, and instead maintained her look of seriousness.

"That is about as far removed from the Gala as you can get. The main reason anypony goes there is to lord it over everypony else. It's a gathering of some of the most snobbish, uptight and stuck-up mares and stallions you could ever meet. They wouldn't know fun if it came up to them and punched them in the face. Trust me, Pinkie. That event doesn't even deserve to be called a party, much less one that you should go to."

Much like Applejack, Pinkie Pie's ears dropped a little after hearing that. Every time her friends put on that sad face, Twilight felt worse and worse about it. But, as ever, she kept telling herself the same thing. It's for their own good. Next, it was Rarity's turn.

"Rarity...let me take a guess here. The Princess' nephew, Blueblood. I imagine everything you know about him is from magazines about Canterlot? Perhaps stories you've heard from your clients and other hearsay like that?"

Although looking somewhat guilty about that, Rarity nevertheless gave a short nod, prompting Twilight to continue.

"Then I can safely say you'll be disappointed. It didn't happen often, thankfully, but I've actually met Blueblood. And believe me when I say that you could not find a more egotistical, self-absorbed, uncaring and vain stallion as him. He treats everypony like they're a piece of mud he’s just happened to walk through, and it's an attitude not even Celestia has been able to get out of him. On the off-chance he actually stayed with you, and you were able to put up with him, you'd regret it for the rest of your life."

Rarity stood there, aghast at hearing those words about her fairy tale Prince. In time, however, she took on a look of disappointment, prompting Twilight to sigh. She's probably built up that guy for a while now. I'm sorry, Rarity. But you can do much better than him. Finally, it was Fluttershy's turn.

"Fluttershy...the animals near the Gala aren't the kind that should be approached. They come in from all over the world, mostly from places that barely ever sees a pony. They had to be handle delicately to even be brought here to Equestria, and are very skittish as a result. If you go to them, chances are you'd terrify the poor things, traumatize them even. And I’m sorry to say this…but not even your ability with animals would change that."

The yellow pegasus put her hooves to her mouth, shocked at the prospect that she, of all ponies, might actually frighten an animal. However, much like Applejack, she saw that Twilight was not lying about this, as evidenced by the seriousness she had on her face. And so it was that all of Twilight's friends looked utterly crestfallen, leaving Twilight feeling extremely guilty about all this.

"Girls...I'm sorry I had to tell you this...it's just..."

But, much to her surprise, she was stopped by a raised hoof from Applejack.

"No, Twi. Y'all have done good by us today. If what y'all say is true, we'd probably just end up miserable over there. So...thank ya."

Twilight looked at her with surprised, and as the moments passed, she looked to each of her friends, all of whom were giving her smiles of appreciation. It was a gesture that touched her a great deal, and soon she broke out into a smile of her own. I honestly didn't think they'd believe me about all this. But they do. Guess I can add that to my list. Successfully helped my friends avoid an unpleasant night. Chuckling to herself, Twilight looked down at a nearby table, where the two golden tickets laid silently. Frowning at them both, Twilight turned to Spike.

"Spike...take a message for me."

The young dragon nodded before fetching a nearby quill and parchment. Looking at his friend, he waited patiently for her to think up what she needed to say, which wasn't long.

"Dear Princess Celestia. While I appreciate your invitation, I regret to inform you that neither I nor my friends wish to attend the Gala this year. I apologise in advance if you're disappointed by this, but our decision stands. You will therefore have to find somepony else to give the tickets to. Regards, Twilight Sparkle."

Looking down, Twilight watched as Spike finished writing, after which he took the two tickets and rolled them up in the scroll, before taking a deep breath and blowing fire on it. As usual, the parchment was engulfed briefly before magically disappearing. However, with that deed done, Twilight's assistant looked up at her with some concern.

"Um...Twilight? I get you didn't want to go and all...but don't you think that message was a bit...you know...harsh?"

Twilight's expression softened for the sake of her assistant, and she patted his head once more.

"Sometimes, Spike...that's what it takes."