Title: The Seventh Element
Rating: T
Chapter: Chapter 8 Evil plots and the Gala
AN: I’m hurt. I got only 1 review since I last updated, and it wasn’t even for the actual chapter! I can understand not everyone and their mother liking my story, but I know I got some readers. It doesn’t hurt to leave a review. Please? Just one? I DON’T CARE IF IT’S JUST ONE REVIEW!! It just shows me that you all care. :(
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Rarity was in her studio, working on a ball gown. The Grand Galloping Gala was in another 28 hours and she was almost done with the last of the gowns, Twilight’s gown. It was like the gown she made her for last year’s Gala, except now she would be able to fit in it now.

“Now, the gloves need to shine, just like the fabric.” She turned to Big Mac, who was now returning with a roll of shining blue/silver fabric. “Ah yes! That should work out wonderfully.” She grabbed a pencil and etched out the shapes needed for the gloves. Big Mac watched as her hands moved, how delicate they looked yet at the same time, how strong they could be when creating all the things she creates.

Big Mac shook his head, No. Ah can’t. He scooted away from her without her noticing. He didn’t know why he still came here every day, just to help her. He knew he had to stay away, so Apple Jack would be able to get closer to Rarity. In fact, after Hearths Warming Eve, Apple Jack had started to come for Rarity at 4pm every day, so they could spend time together and walk to dinner together.

Big Mac knew about this and when Apple Jack picked her up the first time, she asked why he was there. “Well, Rarity has a lot to do. So ah thought ah could help her. Honest!” Apple Jack bought it and accepted that as his honest answer. Her brother never lied to her.

Until now.

Big Mac lied so badly. He didn’t know why he was there anymore. But I guess it wasn’t really a lie. More of a half lie. He did genuinely want to help out Rarity, but the other half of him just… was a complete mess. His feelings were out of whack, his body was doing strange things to him, he just… Couldn’t act like himself!

Big Mac sighed as he stared at Rarity, as she was now cutting the material, he felt a smile grace his face, but he soon wiped it off. He needs to control himself!

“Uh, Rarity?” Rarity made a ‘hmm’ sound in acknowledgement, “Ah don’t want to be rude or nothin’, but…”

“But what Mac?”

He stopped, he hadn’t heard his name being spoken without the Big in front. He hadn’t heard it like that since… He shook it off and cleared his throat, “ah been wonderin, what do you an Apple Jack do? Ah mean, what do y’all do when you leave?” He fidgeted, not wanting to come off as suspicious.

Rarity giggled, “Why? Does it make you curious?”

He casually shrugged, “well, ah always come here every day an-”

“You don’t have to. You know that?” Rarity softly smiled as she started to hand stitch the gloves. “You don’t have to come here every day, I’ll be fine.”

Big Mac sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, “no, ah want to come and help y’all.”

“And why is that?”

Big Mac shrugged, “Ah don’t know. Ah just…” He stood, “ah got to go.” He then quickly walked out of the studio. Rarity finished the gloves and added silver and blue stars to them, she sighed as she heard his footsteps fade away and turn into Apple Jacks’ footsteps.

Somewhere else in the palace…

Lunar was sitting in the library with Twilight, he was done with his pile of books, and so was Twilight. She had gotten exceptionally good at deciphering and reading Latin, so well, that sometimes she needn’t look at the dictionary. Lunar was actually proud of Twilight, he was able to show her that it was possible for her to do things herself. She learned Latin without Spike’s help.

He took a deep breath as Twilight was going over the notes she collected for the day, she refused to take a day off, even with New Years Gala in 28 hours. Though, he did notice that she has been having trouble since she gave her quill to Braeburn on Hearth’s Warming Eve. “Twilight?”

Twilight looked up, “yes?”

Lunar swallowed, “doth thou remember thine Quill?”

Twilight nodded, “Yes, I gave my Quill to Braeburn. Why do you ask?”

Lunar fished the package from an inner pocket in his sleeve, a small package wrapped in purple tissue paper with a crappy looking bow on top. He handed it to Twilight who was staring at him with amazement, “here.”

Twilight just stared, “Who had to die to make you want to get me a gift?”

“If thou don’t want it, I’d be happy to take it back.”

Twilight slapped her hands on it, “no! I mean, it’s okay.” Lunar chuckled, “really.” She opened the package, “nice bow by the way.” She moved the paper and saw a red phoenix feather quill lined with gold. And a small pot of enchanted ink. Twilight took the quill in her hand and examined it closely, “Lunar… this is so… beautiful… Where did you find it?”

Lunar smiled as he stood and walked to the entrance of the library. “I made it.” He turned, “by the way Twilight, art thou going to the Gala without thine escort?” She nodded, “not anymore. I shall escort thee.”

“What!?”

“Thou hast no choice.” He then briskly walked out of the room before Twilight could get another word in.

Night time soon fell, dinner was served and concluded. Many of the inhabitants had found escorts to the Gala, while others did not, and chose to stay as such. The other went to bed and soon, the countdown till the Gala started.

Though not everyone was asleep. Sure, Lunar was awake, but he was always awake through the night. He barely slept. But this time, two others were awake.

The Royal Gardens...

They stood in the gardens, hidden by the trees, and the moon boring down onto them. One was tall, the other much shorter. They both wore the same cloak, with no trace of an insignia.

“All is going according to plan, is it not?” The taller one said. His voice was jumbled, so as to throw eavesdroppers off.

The shorter one nodded, “yes. Everything is going splendidly. They are all so wonderfully ignorant of what is coming.” His head shook with silent laughter, “We can finally be rid of this pathetic race.”

The taller one shook his head, “only the ones with pure evil and hatred will be spared. And from those, we shall build anew.” The shorter one nodded in agreement. “They will all fall. And we,” He motioned to the both of them, “shall be the new rulers of this land. A land filled with hatred, fear, scorn, and evil.”

“However, it is actually taking them less time to get accustomed to their new bodies. I was almost positive they’d take longer.” The shorter one shook his head at the taller one. “They are learning how to use their new powers. I fear they may become too powerful all too soon.”

The taller one responded with, “That is unimportant. The Lost Ones are much too powerful for them to fight with the power they hold now.” The shorter one was going to respond, but the taller one continued, “as long as they cling to their pathetic Elements of Harmony, they will never be strong enough to fight. They will be crushed before their attacks will be blown away with just the Lost Ones’ breath.” He clenched a hand to the sky, “Elements of Harmony. That power is nothing. That power can do nothing. And it is only given to those who are nothing. As long as they never know about The Elements of Life, they shall remain as such. Nothing.”

The shorter one nodded, “I have done as you told me. I have ripped the page and scattered the remains. All are dyed to different colors and they all have been hidden in all the libraries.” They nodded to each other. “We must leave. Those fools might still be awake. Awaiting the Grand Galloping Gala.”

The turned away, and the taller one said before disappearing into the shadows, “I’ll let you know now my ally. One day, I may hold you at sword point, I will deny you. I will throw you to the dogs. Is that clear?” The shorter one nodded, “Good. Although, you know my plan, and our roles could be reversed. You may hold me to sword point. Until then, I bid you adieu.” They then disappeared.

The next morning… Rarity’s Studio…

Rarity stood inside the studio, in front of a red curtain. Her, and her five friends were all awaiting on stools in tank tops and shorts. Rarity stood before them and placed her hands on her hips. “Alright everypony. This is the Grand Galloping Gala. Now, I know all of you have told me that you shall attend this evening?”

Everyone nodded, except Pinkie, who was glued to her relic and writing continuously. “Pinkie!” Rarity called out.

Pinkie finally looked up, “yeah?” Rarity pointed to the relic that she insisted on carrying everywhere. “Oh! Sorry!” Pinkie put it away and sat waiting for Rarity to continue.

“Like I was saying, this is the Grand Galloping Gala. And this is a very important party- Pinkie put your hand down!” Pinkie put her hand back in her lap. “Like I was saying, the Grand Galloping Gala is very important. And as such, we must dress the part.” She turned around and used her magic to pull the curtains apart. “I have spent every waking minute on these creations. So I hope you all love them, as much as I do.”

Rarity came to Twilight’s gown, “Twilight, I have prepared your gown for the evening. My inspiration was the night sky in last summer.” The gown was a floor length periwinkle gown with varying shades of darker blue, along with silver trimming, stars etched as constellations you taught me, and it comes with silver strappy sandals, and silver hairpin adorned with stars.” Twilight smiled happily at the creation. It reminded her of the night sky. Especially with whom she was going with.

Rarity stood next to two creations, one red, and the other green. “Now Apple Jack, I know you’re going, but I wanted to make something for Big Macintosh as well.” Apple Jack was going to object but Rarity raised a hand and cut her off. “I know what you’re going to say, but think of this as… an apology. We’ve been ignoring Big Macintosh for too long, he is not just some throw-away to bring in at will when we need him. He is another being. Therefore, I will ask if he would like to accompany us.” Good cover, Rarity thought.

Apple Jack nodded glumly, her hopes for spending the Gala alone with Rarity was crushed. Apple Jacks gown for the evening was a variation of what she wore to the Gala last time as a pony, except now it was fit for her form now. Big Macintosh had knocked on the door, “Hey, what’s goin' on here?” Rarity ran to him, and pulled him aside.

“Big Macintosh, we were all wondering if you would… well… would you like to accompany us to the Gala?” She raised her hands, “as our friend. Not an escort.”

Big Mac stared, trying hard to make sure he didn’t overly blush, it wasn’t at her words that made him blush, it was her attire. He had to look down to actually see her face, but at the same time, he could get a great view of what was inside her shirt. He gulped and nodded, trying to make it look like he was paying attention. “Oh that’s wonderful! Everypony! Big Mac shall accompany us!”

Everyone clapped happily, except Apple Jack, who was staring him down, trying to scare him off. “Uhh, Big Macintosh? Do you even know how to dance?”

Big Mac scratched the back of his head, “umm, actually, yeah, ah can dance. Why?” Apple Jack smirked.

“Well, ya’ll are gonna have to dance. In front of a whole lot of others! Think y’all can do that?” Big Mac nodded, he figured, if he could be near the ones he knows, he would be fine. But he had to make sure to stay away from Rarity at all costs.

Pinkie was still writing on her relic, not paying attention, just paying attention to the conversation she was holding. Spike had entered with a few pairs of shoes, along with Gummy who was helping him. “Alright! This time! We’re all going to be together, and have a great time as friends!”

Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity looked sheepish. Twilight spoke up, “Actually, I would really like to spend the gala with everypony, but… Lunar has made himself my escort. And I doubt he would leave me alone the whole night.”

Rarity giggled, “You don’t sound too happy about this.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, “no. He’s just too bipolar, too crazy and he gets huffy whenever I try to discuss anything that’s off topic. He just… frustrates me to no end.”

Rainbow spoke next, “I’m actually going to get more time alone with the Wonderbolts. And they wanted to hang and talk… about anything really. Anything that isn’t about their jobs.” She squealed, “I’m going to get all their attention! No more obsessions with weather!” She stopped and cleared her throat, “I know I haven’t spent much time with everypony, but I… I really want to…”

Everyone smiled at Rainbow Dash; she was finally getting her time with the Wonderbolts. What kind of friends would they be if they took that from her? “Don’t worry sugar cube, we won’t mind.” Apple Jack reassured her. Rainbow visibly sighed in relief.

Rarity sighed; both her hands clasped together, “how romantic!” Rainbow shot her a questioning look, “oh nothing.” Rarity then showed everyone else’s dresses, which were all just their old gowns, just remade to fit their new forms.

That night… The Grand Galloping Gala…

The Palace was lit up with a rainbow array of lights, shining it up in a new light, unlike any of the day time. There were carriages being pulled by bigger males, each carriage filled with guests for the Gala.

Party-goers all gossiped about how badly the last gala was, each party-goer practically praying that this time, the gala wouldn’t go under. Again. The Halls were decorated with their finest tapestries of famous scene throughout Equestrian history, since before Celestia herself. The entrance hall was decorated with shining, magically moving tapestries of the Princess, Prince and Lady of the palace, the animations looking around happily at the party-goers with high interest.

Celestia stood in her regal robes, atop the stairs, greeting the party-goers with a radiant smile upon her face. It was just like last year’s gala, meet and greet the party goers, talk about courtly affairs, talk about the latest gossip, and all that jazz.

Lunar was beside Celestia, greeting whoever actually noticed him there. No one could stand by him for too long, they kept seeing him as Nightmare Moon, or as his other side now likes to call himself, Dark Night. He stopped himself from cradling his forehead, the voices came back to him, they were getting faint to obnoxiously loud all day, all night. He tried to go back to his usual sleeping schedule, but his day time sleeping hours have been plagued with the nightmares.

Nightmares of dark shadowy figures. The same figures he would rather forget.

He sighed as another couple passed by him quickly. He was giving off that aura again, the aura of dark presence. He didn’t want this power anymore, he just wanted- “Lunar. They’re here.” Celestia took him pout o his thoughts. He turned and saw Twilight and her friends dressed for the gala. His eyes fell only to Twilight, who to him, looked like a goddess. So much more stunning than his sister could ever be. He left Celestia’s side and greeted them.

“Good evening.” He took Twilight’s arm, “I wish we could stay, but I am Twilight’s escort, and we must share a dance.” He led Twilight away from her friends, with her protesting.

“Lunar! Wait!”

“Not now.” Lunar pulled her onto the dance floor and brought her into position. “Tonight, you are mine.” Twilight blushed and tried to pry away from him, her face practically dripping with embarrassment.

“Don’t say things like that! The others will get the wrong idea!”

“Let them.” He then led in her a waltz as the music started, his arm around her waist, pulling her to him tightly.

“Lunar!” Twilight whispered, “They’re staring…” Lunar smirked, pleased at her reaction. Twilight tried to hide herself from prying eyes by getting as close to Lunar as possible, but that made her feel uncomfortable. She tried to put distance, but then everyone else could see her, so she continued with this weird distance, no distance dance. Lunar was amused with her feeble attempts at trying to figure out her situation, and for the moment, his mind had no voices.

“Interesting.”

Twilight looked at him, “what?”

“Nothing. Just that…” He leaned down and whispered into her ear, “just that thou looketh adorable.” He straightened and left her there on the dance floor when the song ended, “I am needed elsewhere. Go and have fun with your friends.

Twilight stood agape in that spot, her face flushed a deep red at the words and actions that took place. She hurried to the wall and leaned against it, “what? What’s wrong with him…?” She placed a hand on her heart and felt it thumping excitedly, “Who does he think he is…? Just… sweeping me away from my friends, dancing, calling me adorable… then just leaving me there alone!?” She growled, “what is his problem?”

Unbeknownst to Twilight, Celestia could see the whole exchange from her position, now at the bottom of the stairs, after greeting the last of the party-goers. “Oh Twilight.” She smiled to herself, “you still have much to learn my star pupil.”
DONE!
Wow, sorry this took so long, I didn’t have internet for awhile and I could figure out how to finish this chapter. And plus my mind has been clouded by plot bunny Nazis from HELL. Anyway, read, rate, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD REVIEW. Subscribe and favorite! That’s all I ask!