It was a beautiful sunny morning at Sweet Apple Acres, as Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield spent the day helping Applejack around the farm. They had both been working hard gathering basket after basket of apples gathered from the orchard. Spike was simply enjoying a comfy ride along Twilight’s back, apparently entertaining himself by separating the fresh apples from the… Not-so-fresh apples.

“No, nope, nope…” Spike muttered, tossing apples from Twilight’s basket.

“Thanks for allowing us to help on the farm today,” Storm Shield thanked.

“Thank you kindly, Twilight, for helping me out,” Applejack said. “I bet Big MacIntosh that I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he’s gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny’s girdles.”

Hearing the silly idea, Storm cracked up as a picture of Big MacIntosh walking around town in one of Granny Smith’s girdles played in his head.

“Boy, I’ll tell you what,” Storm chuckled. “I’d pay every bit in my saddlebag to see that.”

“No problem at all, Applejack,” Twilight said. “I’m glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.”

“I know, right?” Spike asked.

A tossed apple hits Twilight along the head. She turns around with a glare, as Spike smiled apologetically.

“Puh-lease, Spike,” She groaned. “You’ve been lounging on my back all morning while we worked!”

Just then, Storm Shield approaches Applejack hauling several four-wheeled wooden freight cars, each loaded to the brim with the remaining Apples she needed. Twilight and Spike’s mouths hung agape as he came to a complete stop, swatting the sweat off his brow with one hoof.

“Phew! This should seal that bet for ya, A.J.!” Storm declared.

“Yee-haw!” Applejack replied excitedly. “Now that’s wut I’m talkin’ about! But uh… How’d y’all manage tah gather up that many apples?”

“Oh, well that’s a little tricky. You see, back when Twilight and I still lived in Canterlot, I worked pretty closely with Princess Celestia for the last few days testing a difficult duplication spell. Eventually, I became good enough to duplicate myself as many times as I see fit. Basically, I made multiple copies of myself to buck as many trees as possible.”

This caused Twilight to snap her head in his direction, a shocked expression plastered on her face.

“Since when did you and the Princess start doing duplication lessons?” She asked.

“Uh… About a week or two ago?” Storm responded.

Twilight narrowed her eyes toward her best friend, trying to figure out if what he said was true.

“I don’t believe it,” She said skeptically.

Storm just gave a mischievous smirk, as he ignited his horn with his magic. Within a few flashes of bright red light, Storm stood amongst a small group of other Storm replicas.

“How do you like them apples?” All the Storms said in unison.

Twilight’s jaw dropped, as her eyes shrank to the size of pinpricks. Spike waved his claw in front of her face, trying to snap her out of it. But she remained in a daze, while Applejack and Storm shared a good laugh while exchanging a high hoof. He ignites his magic again, making all the duplicates disappear, and continued hauling the freight cars to the barn. Once Twilight finally snapped back to reality, she too let out a laugh.

“Now why can’t you be creative like Storm?” Twilight asked Spike. “We’re all working hard.”

“Exactly!” Spike said, missing her point. “You three were taking so long, I missed snack-time.”

Twilight was about to retort when her stomach grumbled loudly. She just laughed nervously.

“Eh, I guess we better get some food,” Twilight replied.

In the meantime, Spike kept digging into her basket searching for a good apple.

“Nope,” He mumbled. “Worm… A-ha!”

Spike pulled out a large sparkling, shiny red apple. Twilight could feel her mouth water at the very sight of the fruit in Spike’s claws.

“Oh Spike, that looks delicious,” Twilight said, eager for a bite.

Suddenly, Spike devoured the whole fruit into his mouth much to Twilight’s shock.

“Spike!” She called out, annoyed and disappointed.

You know, if that had been Storm, he’d have surrendered it to Twilight without a second thought!

Totally agree on that, man!

“What?” Spike asked, innocently.

Just then, he gave out a large belch. Twilight ducked as a green flame left his mouth and a rolled-up scroll appears before the two girls.

“It’s a letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight gasped.

Spike cleared his throat shortly before opening it.

“Hear ye, hear ye,” He read aloud. “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 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shield, and one guest.”

Applejack and Twilight just smile and gasp excitedly.

“The Grand Galloping Gala!”

Meanwhile, Storm Shield had just finished stashing away all the apples, got plenty of grumbling from Big Mac, and had just arrived back when he found the girls hopping up and down excitedly with Spike between them. Looking to one side rather puzzled, Storm Shield joins up with the girls and proceeds to hop along beside them.

“Hiya girls,” Storm replied, mid bounce. “What’s up?”

“The Grand Galloping Gala!” They cheered.

“Whoo-hoo!” Applejack added.

“Hooray! The Grand Galloping Gala!” Storm smiled, confused. “What about the Gala?”

While the three ponies were hopping about, Spike just looked indignant. He stuck a finger in his mouth until he burped again, as another scroll appears.

“Look, three tickets!” Storm said.

Storm Shield stopped bouncing long enough to catch the one ticket addressed to him.

“Sweet!” He exclaimed, holding the ticket with his magic.

“Wow, great!” Twilight said. “I’ve never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?”

“No, and I plan to keep it that way,” Spike said. “I don’t want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.”

“Now, hold on!” Storm replied. “I’ll have you know us boys like going to these events too, Spike.”

The next part Storm Shield speaks softly.

“Plus, it’s a great opportunity to ask some pony for a date…”

Storm smiled to himself as Twilight Sparkle spoke up.

“Aw, come on Spike,” Twilight said. “A dance would be nice.”

“I’d share a dance with you,” Storm said, up front. “I have been taking lessons.”

“Well, of course you would,” Twilight replied, looking at him. “You’re my best friend. I’d be happy to share a dance with you while the night is young.”

“Best friend?” Storm thought. “Of course!”

By now, the cow pony had just gotten the giggles out of her system and overheard her friends’ conversation.

“Nice?” Applejack said. “It’s a heap good more than just nice. I’ve love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin’ our tasty vittles ‘til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Hmm?” Storm Shield thought, scratching his chin.

<>

Sure enough, as Applejack spoke, a dream sequence displayed a long line of Canterlot ponies as far as the eye could see. They all came together with bags of bits, more than enough to purchase all the apples and various apple goods the cow pony could sell.

“You could make bank, as the old term goes,” Storm answered.

“Exactly,” Applejack said. “Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin’ up ‘round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big MacIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip.”

Visions of run-down items instantly became brand new, a roof that made the whole farmhouse in solid shape and a plow as shiny and clean as a whistle. Then, there was Granny Smith, walking with a stretcher, until ‘POOF!’ her mane is fixed up, her expression is energetic, and with a swish of her newly repaired hip, she starts dancing and bucking like a young school filly again.

<>

Storm Shield nodded his head, lost in his thoughts as Applejack continued.

“Why, I’d give my left hind leg to go to that gala,” Applejack finished.

Twilight and Storm exchanged quick smiles to each other, before nodding with approval.

“Oh, well in that case,” Twilight began. “Would you like to—”

“Whoa!”

“Huh?” Storm turned. “OOOOMPH!!!”

Just when Twilight was about to ask Applejack to go with them, a certain blue Pegasus, from out of the blue, crashed upon all three of them. The impact knocked all the apples Applejack and Twilight had in their baskets onto the ground. Storm Shield grumbled as he got to his hooves and brushed the dirt off his coat.

“Rainbow Dash, do you have anything better to do than dive bombing us?” Storm asked.

“Ugh,” Rainbow groaned.

It didn’t take long for the Pegasus to quickly hop back into the air, while the others were still crouched onto the ground.

“Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack snapped, rising to her hooves. “You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin’?”

“No, I was busy napping,” Rainbow Dash replied.

It was then Storm noticed a pillow and blanket conveniently on a nearby tree branch. How that was there and how they never noticed was beyond him.

“Hmm… Sure you were,” Storm muttered, rolling his eyes.

“And I just happened to hear that you two have an extra ticket?” Rainbow finished.

“Yeah, but—”

“YES!!!” Rainbow cut off Twilight. “This is soawesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now…

“Three… Two… One…” Storm replied.

<>

A picture in her mind showed Rainbow Dash in her moment of glory. A Wonderbolts display was just underway when the audience gasped. Before their very eyes, Rainbow Dash appears from the sky.

“Everyone would be watching the sky,” Rainbow explained, between scenes. “Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!”

Over the cheering crowd, Rainbow Dash performs one of her signature maneuvers before the eyes of the ponies.

“I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut,” Rainbow continued. “Then I would mesmerize ‘em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!”

In her fantasy, Rainbow Dash performed all those maneuvers perfectly, although the Buccaneer Blaze is not seen. Still, the ponies cheered for her wildly and even the three Wonderbolts’ jaws dropped.

“The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.”

By the end of her fantasy, Rainbow Dash shakes hooves with all three Wonderbolts. Before long, she soon donned her very own Wonderbolt uniform, flying and racing with them into the clear blue sky.

<>

By which time, the thought across Storm Shield’s mind made his eyes roll. True, he supported her dream as much as any pony. Add to the fact that he’d want nothing more than to see her make the team someday. But deep down, he knew she needed some serious work on perfecting those ‘maneuvers’ of hers. Less dive-bombs upon him and Twilight, and she especially needed to quit bragging… Or else that was going to get her in trouble.

“Don’t you see, guys?” Rainbow asked excitedly. “This could be my one chance to show ‘em my stuff. You gotta take me!”

Rainbow was suddenly interrupted by a tug against her tail, which brought her down to the ground.

“Hold on just one pony pickin’ minute here,” Applejack said, with a hard spit. “I asked for that ticket first!”

“So?” Rainbow shot back. “That doesn’t mean you own it.”

“Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.”

The two ponies find a nearby stump and began to groan loudly trying to out-stretch each other. This didn’t go on for long when Twilight shoved them apart.

“Girls, these are my… Er… our… tickets,” Twilight said firmly. “We’ll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don’t you think?”

Twilight Sparkle turned towards Storm Shield on that last sentence.

“Sounds reasonable to me,” Storm Shield nodded, with a smile. “All right girls. What’s your proposal?”

“Drummin’ up business for the farm?” Applejack proposed.

“A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow proposed.

“Money t’ fix Granny’s hip,” Applejack added.

“Living the dream,” Rainbow added.

Hearing all those reasons at once, Twilight and Storm just exchanged nervous looks.

“Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren’t they?” She concluded, turning to Storm.

“Yeah… More than I thought,” Storm replied slowly.

Just then, both their stomachs start to rumble. The two unicorns chuckle toward each other.

“Listen to that, I am starving,” Twilight said, as Spike climbed on her back. “And Storm appears to be hungry as well, aren’t you?”

“Totally! I didn’t even have breakfast,” Storm nodded.

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decisions on an empty stomach.”

“Agreed, a full belly leads to a clear mind,” Storm replied, turning to the girls. “So we’ll, uh, think about it over lunch, and get back to you two, okay?”

“Plus I really need to speak to Twilight about the Gala… Alone…” He thought to himself.

“Okay,” Applejack and Rainbow said sadly.

Once Storm and Twilight left the farm, the Earth Pony and Pegasus glared at each other. Not wasting a second, they began to arm wrestle once more, determined to prove who’s the best.

<>

Meanwhile, the two Unicorns and Spike had made it back to town contemplating on the matter at hoof. They were just nearing a building known in Ponyville as ‘Sugarcube Corner’.

“So, who are you gonna give the tickets to, you guys?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know Spike,” Twilight admitted. “But I really can’t think straight when I’m hungry, so where should we eat?”

“Well,” Storm pondered. “I was talking to the Mayor just the other day, and she referred to this sweet little café just down the…”

CRASH!!!

“OOMPH!”

Suddenly, something only Storm would describe as ‘the pink blur’ barreled into them at high speed. The quick impact made the tickets float from Spike’s hands and landed right on Pinkie’s nose.

“GAH!” Pinkie shouted, dashing about. “Bats! Bats on my face! Help!”

In the midst of her excitement, Pinkie Pie came to a stop when she noticed the front of the tickets, looking very closely.

“Wait, these aren’t… tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!”

“Oh no…” Storm muttered, rolling his eyes. “Here we go again!”

<>

This time, they were all drawn into Pinkie’s mind, as she imagined the Grand Gala as one big party, with all the wonderful things she could imagine.

“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!”

As if that wasn’t enough, Pinkie began singing.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Hip hip
Hooray!
It’s the best place for me,
For Pinkie…

And the party pony kept ranting between lyrics, just as she normally would:

“With the decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and pinatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sunbeams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!”

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
‘Cause it’s the most galarrific superbly-terrific gala ever
In the whole galaxy!
Wheee!!

<>

Storm Shield just stared blankly towards Pinkie Pie during that whole number, which he felt coming from a mile away. Meanwhile, Spike picked up the tickets.

“I’m going to tell her,” Storm stated bluntly.

“Don’t you dare!” Twilight scolds.

“Oh thank you, Twilight and Storm,” Pinkie said happily. “It’s the most wonderful-est gift ever.”

“Um, actually—” Twilight tried to explain.

“GASP!”

A pony startled Spike from behind. He turns to see it was just Rarity the fashionista from the Carousel Boutique.

“Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, yes, yes!” Pinkie answered. “Twilight and Storm are taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.”

“The gala?!” Rarity exclaimed. “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.”

That last word Rarity spoke with a rather dreamy tone.

“Him!” Pinkie copied her tone, appearing puzzled. “Who?”

“Him…”

<>

Rarity soon imagined herself at the Gala, all eyes from every pony were upon Rarity, in a beautiful golden yellow dress. She slowly marches down the aisle, approaching the regal Princess Celestia in all her glory.

“I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, ‘Who is that mysterious mare?’. They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville.”

Before the Princess, Rarity bows before her and she seems quite pleased with the display.

“Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself,” Rarity continued. “And the Princess would be so taken by the style and elegance that she would introduce me to ‘him’, her nephew: The most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot.”

As Celestia stepped aside, there beside her was the ‘eligible unicorn stallion’. With alluring light brilliant arctic blue eyes, his perfectly combed light amber mane feathered and lethal, with the front of a tux with a white flower and matching blue bow tie along the light grayish coat, with a compass rose for a Cutie Mark. Indeed, the way he posed and the way he smiled, he looked like a fairy tale prince come to life.

The two unicorns soon dance regally together amidst the sea of the high-class ponies in attendance. This goes on until he bends on one knee, offering her the most beautiful diamond ever crafted for a mare of such flare.

“Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt,” Rarity said dreamily. “Our courtship would be ‘magnificent’! He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, ‘Yes!’”

The last scene shows Rarity and the stallion upon the altar, all the ponies in Equestria gathering to bear witness to holy matrimony. The perfect wedding for the perfect bride and her perfect groom.

“We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is…” Rarity giggled. “… What I would become upon marrying ‘him’, the stallion of my dreams.”

<>

“Oh please,” Storm mumbled, under his breath. “Blueblood’s not that amazing.”

“You know who she’s talking about?” Twilight asked, overhearing him.

“Prince Blueblood? The ‘great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great…’ Phew, a lot of greats… ‘great-great nephew’ on Celestia’s and Luna’s mother side, 52 times removed, roughly speaking… Yeah, I know all about that pompous jerk.”

“What did he do that was so bad?” Twilight asked, curiously.

“Well… At first, it was nothing,” Storm explained. “I met him during one of Celestia’s royal gatherings. The princess asked me to converse with him, I guess she figured we’d be good friends or something. But the moment I start talking with him, and no pony else was looking, he used his magic to make my mouth disappear.”

Twilight and Spike covered their mouths to hide their snickering.

“Yeah, yeah… Yuck it up,” Storm frowned, folding his hooves.

“Well, I’m sure he was just teasing, darling,” Rarity assured.

“Maybe…”

“But Storm, and Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can… party and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph.”

Rarity turned her head with a huff. Before Twilight and Storm could answer, Spike noticed a white bunny come up and snatch the tickets from his claws.

“Hey!” Spike called out.

But the bunny had already dashed away, straight towards… Fluttershy. He climbs upon her head, presenting the tickets from above which made her ‘GASP’.

“Angel, these are perfect,” Fluttershy replied softly.

Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie shot dirty glares at each other. Well, mostly Rarity, as Pinkie Pie bounced about like a beach ball.

“Uh, listen you guys,” Twilight said. “We haven’t decided who to give the extra ticket to.”

“You haven’t?” Rarity and Pinkie retorted together.

“Trust me when I tell you this Rarity,” Storm warned. “You’re better off marrying a Windigo than Blueblood.”

Rarity gasped loudly, looking quite offended by his remark. Before she could retort, however, Fluttershy approaches them slowly. She proceeds to come into view between Pinkie Pie and Rarity.

“Um, excuse me, Twilight, Storm,” Fluttershy said, gently. “I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven’t given it to someone else…”

“You?” Rarity exclaimed, knowing what the Pegasus was asking. “You want to go to the gala?”

“Oh, no,” Fluttershy replied.

That answer received a swift jab from Angel Bunny insisting on the Yellow Pegasus to go on.

“I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…”

A sigh escapes Storm Shield’s lips, as he points his hoof to the side signaling for a scene change.

<>

A vision of Fluttershy in a beautiful garden takes the scene. An abundance of colorful flowers not often seen by the ponies beyond the castle. Not to mention the assortment of wondrous critters that appeared and gathered all around the shy Yellow Pegasus.

“… It’s not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance,” Fluttershy explained. “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!”

<>

The scene shifts back as Fluttershy hovered happily before Storm and Twilight, as she cuddled Angel in her arms.

“Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds… beautiful…?” Twilight asked, unsure of herself.

“Actually, the gardens are beautiful,” Storm replied. “I’d go there a few times when I needed a study break.”

“Oh! Do you know if everything I said is there?” Fluttershy asked excitedly.

“The flora, yes. But all the fauna… Well…”

“Wait, just a minute!”

A familiar raspy voice made Twilight and Storm look up, as Rainbow Dash stared down at them from the roof top of a nearby house.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight retorted angrily, as the blue Pegasus flew toward them.

“Have you been following us all day?” Storm asked, in the same tone.

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe…” Rainbow stumbled. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t risk a couple of goody-four-shoes like you two…”

“Excuse me?” Storm retorted, offended.

“… giving that ticket away to just anybody,” Rainbow finished, ignoring Storm’s glare.

“Wait just another minute,” Applejack called out, approaching Twilight.

“Applejack,” Twilight replied sternly. “Were you following us too?”

“Are you following us too?” Storm asked, heated.

“No,” She replied quickly.

“Thank goodness…”

“I was followin’ this one,” Applejack motioned to Rainbow Dash. “To make sure she didn’t try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket.”

“Your ticket?” Rainbow retorted.

“But Twilight and Storm are taking me!” Pinkie shot back.

Before Storm or Twilight could protest, all the other ponies started arguing over each other. Their voices grew louder and louder, nearly smothering the two unicorns before Twilight and Storm finally had enough.

"QUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!" They both screamed as they stood on their hind legs.

“And then I said, “Oatmeal, are you craz—”

“AHEM!” Storm cleared his throat.

Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped once she realizing that the arguing had stopped.

“Oh…” Pinkie said sheepishly.

“Girls, there’s no use in arguing,” Twilight pointed out.

“But Twilight…” Rarity tried to protest.

“Zip it!” Storm hissed, holding a hoof to her mouth. “This is our decision; we’re gonna make it on our own.”

“And we certainly can’t think straight with all this noise…” Twilight added.

Just then, both stomachs of Twilight and Storm’s grumbled loudly.

“Not to mention hunger,” Storm grumbled.

“Now go on, shoo!” Twilight finished.

“And no more fighting with each other,” Storm added.

The five mares either walked or flew away, grumbling to themselves.

“And don’t worry, we’ll figure this out…” Twilight added.

But the mares had already disappeared, leaving Twilight alone with Spike somewhere to the side, out of sight, and Storm Shield, who merely sighed.

“… Somehow…” Storm added quietly.

He turns toward Twilight, who looked rather upset. Storm gives her a side hug.

“Come on,” Storm ushered. “Let’s grab some lunch, my treat.”

Twilight just gave a small smile as he guided her… And Spike, who had caught up and was about to climb upon Twilight.

“Take my back for a change, Spike,” Storm offered. “Twi needs to rest.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Spike did just so as they headed towards the café Storm recommended.

<>

Upon arrival, neither Twilight nor Storm could relax, not with the most important decision on their minds. Twilight was slouching on her seat, while Storm sat next to her with his front legs bent as if he had elbows on the table.

“Oh Spike, what are we gonna do?” Twilight asked worried. “All five of our best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala.”

“Best friends?” Storm asked, sitting up. “We’ve really gotten that close that quickly? Or… Maybe it’s just you girls…”

“Of course we’ve gotten that close!” Twilight answered. “And don’t say that. That includes you too. Why wouldn’t you be included?”

Storm felt a tad flustered as he answered.

“Uh… Well, I… Uh…” Storm stammered. “I’m a guy?”

“Being a boy doesn’t matter, you’re part of our group. Which makes you my best friend too.”

Storm Shield nodded, as Twilight put her train of thought on her other friends. Using her magic, she pulls the petals off one of the table flowers.

“But who do we choose? Applejack, or Rainbow dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity… Oh, who should go with us?”

Twilight’s stomach grumbled again, as she used her tongue to eat up the petals. Storm just watched her as their waiter, Savior Fare, approached the table.

“Have you made your decision?” He asked, with a French accent.

“I CAN’T DECIDE!” She bellowed.

Every pony turned and stared at the unicorn sitting straight up, her hooves in the air. Storm face-hoofed himself, hiding from the embarrassment.

“Twilight, he just wants to take your order,” Spike points out, toward the menu.

Twilight blinked a few times before recomposing herself.

“Oh,” She replied, calmly. “I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.”

“I’ll take the toasted hay burger on sourdough please,” Storm requested.

“Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked.

The only response from the Professional waiter was an indignant glare.

“No? Okay…” Spike sighed, tossing the menu behind him. “… I’ll have the hay fries, extra crispy.”

Savior Fare was already walking away before Spike finished placing his order. As Savior Fare went back inside, the group had a brief moment to talk.

“What do you think, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I think we have to try another restaurant,” Spike answered. “I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?”

“Spike, only you can eat gemstones,” Storm answered. “Ponies can’t; it would break their teeth. They prefer them for currency… And in Rarity’s case… fine couture…”

“I mean about the gala and the ticket and who I should take!” Twilight snapped.

“Oh, you’re still on that?” Spike asked annoyed.

“Spike, listen,” Twilight insisted.

She leans toward him on the table with her front hooves, knocking the flower vase off the table.

“How do we choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at us? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies.”

“Even if I gave up my ticket, we’d still have two disappointed ponies to deal with,” Storm added. “There’s no good solution with this!”

“What if we…”

Just then, Twilight was cut off when Savior Fare reappeared with their order.

“Ah, your food,” He replied, setting the plates on the table.

Spike was already munching away, while Twilight and Storm smiled at their food.

“Merci,” Storm said.

“Oh thank you,” Twilight sighed. “This looks so good. I’m sure everything will be much clearer once we eat.”

“Down the hatch!” Storm nodded in agreement.

They both use their magic to lift the sandwiches to their mouths when the other ponies galloped passed them and into the indoor section of the café. The two unicorns drop their sandwiches back on their plates, turning in confusion.

“Em, madam, monsieur?” Savior Fare replied, concerned. “Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?”

“It’s not raining…” Twilight replied.

BOOM!

A thunderclap caused the trio to look around, noticing how everywhere, minus their table, was getting a large downpour.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“Okay, which weather-pony goofed and brought this over here?” Storm demanded.

It was then, in a small hole in the clouds, a very familiar blue Pegasus appeared. The moment he saw her, Storm gave her a stern glare.

“Hi there, best friends forever I’ve ever had!” Rainbow said, sweetly. “Enjoying the sunny weather?”

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked suspiciously.

“Whaddya mean?” Rainbow replied innocently. “I just saw the smartest, most generous ponies about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep them dry so they could dine in peace, that’s all.”

Storm and Twilight shifted looks from Rainbow, the surrounding rain, their food, to each other, and at Rainbow once more.

“Rainbow, you’re not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing extra special favors, are you?” Twilight asked.

“You’re not the type to swallow your pride like that,” Storm added slowly.

“Me?” Rainbow chuckled. “No-no-no, of course not.”

“Uh-huh,” Twilight said.

“Sure…” Storm added.

Suffice to say, neither pony believed her.

“Seriously, I’d do it for anypony,” Rainbow added.

Just then, the other ponies were running to find cover and failing miserably. The two unicorns look toward Rainbow Dash, clearly seeing that the seen exposed her bluff.

“Heh, heh, eh…” Rainbow gulped.

“Rainbow Dash, we’re not comfortable accepting unwanted favors,” Storm told her.

“So, I’d appreciate it if you closed up that rain cloud right now,” Twilight added.

“Ugh, fine,” Rainbow said.

The cyan blue Pegasus quickly zipped the hole. Storm just groaned, turning to Twilight indignantly.

“That’s better,” Twilight sighed, pleased with herself.

“Uh hey, Twi,” Storm spoke up. “There’s one more thing I wanted to ask you while we were here.”

“What is it Storm?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Well you see, in regard to the Grand Galloping Gala, I wanted to know if…”

Two seconds later, Storm, Twilight, and their sandwiches were soaked from the oncoming downpour. Both Twilight and Storm groaned in agitation.

“Moment ruined,” Storm thought.

Spike covered his mouth trying not to laugh, having already finished his food. Just then, Rarity arrived carrying a large purple umbrella.

“Twilight! Storm! It’s raining,” She said plainly.

“No, really?” Twilight retorted sarcastically.

“And we thought someone was dumping the world’s largest bucket of water all over us,” Storm added, in the same tone.

“Come with me before you catch a cold,” Rarity said.

The fashionista pulls Twilight away, as Storm watched the two girls disappear.

“Whelp! Guess I’m the one catching a… WHOA!!!”

Rarity drags him with her magic toward shelter within Carousel Boutique.

<>

As soon as they were both inside, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield shook the water off their coats and mane. Once dry, they looked as sharp as ever…. Except for Rarity, who got soaked to the bone from all the shaking about and glared at the two.

“Heh-heh, oops, sorry,” Twilight said apologetically.

“Yeah…” Storm chuckled timidly. “We probably should’ve just asked for a towel.”

“Oh no, it’s quite all right,” Rarity replied. “After all, we are…”

Suddenly, Rarity was completely dry and nuzzled Twilight’s side.

“… The best friends, are we not? And you know what best friends do?”

“Uh…”

Based on their expression, both Twilight and Storm were afraid to find out.

“Makeovers!” Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity shoved a dressing screen in front of her and Twilight, knocking Storm and Spike aside as Rarity roughly dressed up Twilight.

“Ugh, Rarity, ow!” Twilight groaned. “This really isn’t fixing it. I mean, thank you, but, ooh, that’s too tight!”

As the screen was removed, Twilight was fitted in a glittery little dress.

I don’t know… Looks more like a fancy saddle for horse shows…

Oh, what do you know about fashion?

I don’t.

“There,” Rarity said. “Oh, you’re simply darling.”

Twilight looked at the dress and smiled.

“Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn’t it?” She replied.

“You look very pretty in it,” Storm added, with a sly smile.

Twilight just blushed and smiled back. Spike made a face, sticking his finger in his mouth. Rarity rushed into him, causing him to stick his entire claw inside his mouth.

“And you,” Rarity exclaimed. “Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent.”

Storm snickered, wondering what Rarity had in mind.

“I didn’t forget you, handsome.”

Storm stopped laughing, before he and Spike were shoved behind a screen.

“D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!” Spike yelped.

“Oh, hey, ouch, oomph, too tight, ye-ow!” Storm screamed. “Use a shoehorn next time!”

Once the screen had moved, Spike was dressed in a very traditional renaissance style blue suit with a blonde wig. Storm was in a similar suit, albeit being dark red with a white powdered upper-class wig and some boots clearly too tight for his hooves. They both stood indignant and embarrassed.

“Oh, Spike… Storm…” Twilight giggled.

“Now you just need a hat,” Rarity said, plopping it on Spike’s head.

“Ugh, I told you, I don’t want any part of this girly gala gunk,” Spike whined. “See you back at the library!”

The baby dragon quickly dashed right out of his clothes and out the boutique.

“Oh, who needs him anyway,” Rarity said, with a laugh.

As the fashionista brought a mirror, Twilight just looked at herself contently. Storm just looked rather miserable since Rarity added a matching hat to his attire.

“This is all about you, and how fabulous you two will look at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Storm and Twilight both blinked at one another in realization.

“Wait, the Grand—” They said together.

“And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence!” Rarity explained.

The way she went on, Storm and Twilight knew exactly what Rarity was trying to do.

“I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches Twilight to a T…”

Rarity soon held Twilight close as they gazed into the mirror before the fashionista took full dominance of the reflection.

“We would be the bells of the ball, you and I… Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know who, the most beautiful, the most talented, the most sophisticated in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!”

Rarity had stars in her eyes, until she turned toward Twilight and Storm, who gave her death glares.

“Ah,” Rarity laughed nervously. “And Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield, of course.”

“I see what’s going on,” Twilight said angrily.

“You’re just trying to butter us up, so we’d give you the extra ticket!” Storm added.

“Well, it’s not going to work,” Twilight said.

The two unicorns tossed the offered clothes back to Rarity, resuming their normal appearance.

“You’re going to have to wait for our decision just like everyone else.”

“And no offense, I mean really no offense,” Storm added. “I prefer a nice tux like any other chap. Something modern chic not… Old traditional.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me, we’ve been trying all day just to get some lunch,” Twilight said firmly.

They just turned to the open-door Spike left through, when suddenly.

“Did somepony say lunch?”

Some pony grabbed Twilight and dragged her outside. Storm stood there indignant.

“Three… Two… WHOA!!!”

Though slightly off, the voice grabbed him too. He and Twilight soon landed in front of a wooden wagon loaded with various apple treats.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Twilight exclaimed.

“It’s Day One of Ponyville all over again!” Storm grimaced.

It was then their culprit appeared before them: Applejack.

“I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, and apple Brown Betty,” She listed, showing off the last-mentioned dessert. “Uh, the dessert, not my auntie. What do you say there, best friends?”

Storm and Twilight stomachs grumbled, as they could feel their tempers slip and Storm’s eye twitched.

“Is that a yes?” Applejack asked.

“No, no!” Twilight snapped, making Applejack drop the last dish. “We don’t know who we’re giving the ticket to.”

“And all these favors aren’t making it any easier to decide!” Storm yelled. “In fact…”

“We’re less sure now than we were this morning!” They shouted together.

Groaning, the two unicorns high tail out of there. Applejack just looked stunned as they took off.

“So, that’s a maybe?” Applejack could only say.

<>

It was a short while before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield had a moment to calm down. At least enough to get back to the Grand Oak Library. But it was clear both ponies were frustrated and stressed out after a long day.

“What will we do? What’ll we do?” Storm asked, to no pony. “What are we going to do?!”

“Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors could be so aggravating!” Twilight retorted angrily.

Then they will REALLY hate cosplay conventions.

Storm nodded in agreement, as Twilight opened the door. Before her eyes, various animals dusted and cleaned the interior of the library. They heard a familiar yellow Pegasus humming a sweet tune (The first few notes to the show’s theme song), as she dusted the bookshelves.

“Seriously?!” Storm said aloud.

“Fluttershy, not you too?” Twilight gasped.

“Oh, well, hello Twilight,” Fluttershy greeted. “I hope you don’t mind, but we’re all doing a little spring cleaning for you.”

“It’s summer,” Storm and Twilight said, matter-of-factly.

“Oh, well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy replied, flying next to them. “It was Angel’s idea.”

The little bunny smiled, continuing to toss a salad nearby.

“You’re not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked, getting to the point.

“Oh no, I’m doing this because you’re my very best friends,” Fluttershy assured. “Right Angel?”

The little bunny just gave her a glare, which said otherwise.

“Oh yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.”

Storm’s jaw dropped completely to the floor, as Angel offered the salad.

“Unbelievable!” He remarked.

“No, no, no!” Twilight said firmly. “Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but we’re not accepting any extra favors until we’ve made our final decision, so we’re going to have to ask you to leave.”

Twilight opened the door when a huge burst of confetti blasted through the door.

“SURPRISE!!!”

Between shouts from the ponies and the trumpets blowing outside, Storm knew what was coming.

“STOP!” Storm shouted.

As if the scene was on a freeze-frame, Storm Shield walks over to Twilight Sparkle and wraps a foreleg around her. Suffice to say, Twilight looked puzzled.

“Go,” Storm said plainly.

The scene resumes, as they were both whisked away and tossed up and down by a bunch of random ponies, while Pinkie began to sing… Again.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Twilight and Storm are my bestest friends
Whoopie, whoopie!

“Pinkie…” Storm and Twilight said together.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They’re the cutest, smartest, all around best ponies, ponies!

“Pinkie…” They repeated.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!

“Pinkie!” They said louder.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They’ll give their extra ticket to the Gala to me!

“PIIIIIIIIIINKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!”

The two unicorns shouted so loudly, the ponies broke away and sent them landing hard on the ground. Well… Storm landed on the ground, on his stomach, and Twilight lands on his back.

“Why am I always the fall guy?!” Storm groaned painfully. “Why?! WHY?!”

Truth be told: Twilight Sparkle wasn’t very heavy. Still, she did land pretty hard on his back.

“Yes, Twilight? Storm?” Pinkie asked, batting her eyes.

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket,” Twilight said, as she got off Storm’s back.

“Boy that hurts,” Storm groaned. “I think I’ll just lay here for a while…”

“Wait, what ticket?” A pony named Drizzle asked. “What Gala?”

“Oh, didn’t you know?” Pinkie replied.

His eyes widen, Storm crosses a hoof over his throat several times and claps his hoofs together.

“Pinkie, shush, shush, shush!” Storm pleaded under his breath. “ZIP IT! PLEEASE!!!”

But the party pony was completely clueless to Storm’s pleas, much to his chagrin.

“Twilight and Storm have an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie finished.

“The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The nearby ponies exclaimed.

“We’re doomed…” Storm squeaked.

Storm and Twilight suddenly looked very uneasy as they were swamped by dozens of ponies. Ironically, they were all mares.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?!”

“I’ll wash your dishes!”

Soon they began suggesting favors left-and-right, as Spike managed to swoop in and help the two unicorns slip out the crowd. Unfortunately, they were stopped by some pony named ‘Daisy’.

“Would you like help with our gardening?”

“We don’t have one!” Storm answered quickly.

They tried to get away again before they were stopped again.

“I have a cartload of extra carrots,” A pony named Shoeshine proposed.

Soon the crowd had swamped the two again, shouting favor after favor.

“What are we gonna do?” Spike asked.

Their personal space began to dwindle rapidly; Storm and Twilight found themselves ready to panic.

“We’re…”

“… Gonna…”

"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNN!" Storm and Twilight shouted.

The unicorns jumped high in the air, dashing away at top speed with the mob in hot pursuit.

*Deploy Benny Hill Theme here*

On cue, some Benny-Hill style music plays as Twilight and Storm ran for dear life trying to escape the crowd, while Spike held onto Twilight from behind. Storm panicked so badly he actually ran on just his hind legs. They tried just about everything just to get away.

First, they behind the cart with all the apple treats. They watch the mob rush past while they hid, only to be spotted by a pony from the window and another pony popping out of the cart. Soon, they were running again as the mob raced after them, even knocking one towns-pony aside.

A passing elderly couple with a stroller slowly walks down the street as the mob of ponies dashed past them. But it turns out to be Twilight dressed in a blue cloak and Storm dressed like an elderly pony with a cane and giant beard over his face and Spike… Dressed as a baby, with a binky in his mouth. Suddenly, Storm felt the mustache part of his disguise tickling his nostrils as he tried not to sneeze.

“Ah… Ah… AH-CHOO!!!”

Storm sneezed so wildly, that his disguise flew off his face. It was so loud one of the girl ponies turns and points toward the group, forcing them to run away again. They quickly hide under a bridge by the canal, trying to hold onto the bottom. Just as they raced past them, Spike swiped a claw and sighed… Only to accidentally fall into the canal with a ‘SPLASH!’ exposing their hiding spot.

The mob kept racing after the group passing a window to a shop, where mannequins stood in a pose. But it turns out to be two ponies and a Dragon in Disguise: Twilight like a circus clown, Spike like a hula dancer (A girl one), and Storm dressed like a Christmas elf with a beard… A lot of beards.

Technically, the ponies don’t celebrate ‘Christmas’ in Equestria…

Details, buddy… Details…

Bottom line: Nothing worked for this trio. Soon, they ran until they were backed into a corner, as all the ponies approached shouting favor after favor at them. The only favor Storm heard clearly was:

“I’ll do your taxes!”

Storm tried to get in front of Twilight to defend her.

“HALT!” Storm held a hoof up.

But the approaching crowd started to make him nervous, so much that his legs quivered.

“Um… Please?”

But the pressure became so unbearable, for both Storm and Twilight, their horns began to glow brightly and they, along with Spike, disappeared. All the other ponies looked around, exclaiming shock and confusion.

“Where is she? Where’d she go? She’s disappeared? Where’s the handsome pony?”

<>

Fortunately, Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle didn’t get very far, as they had triggered a simple teleportation spell, which landed them right back inside the Grand Oaks Library. Both were quite frazzled from the trip and poor Spike was slightly fried.

“Ugh… Warn me next time you two are donna do that,” He groaned dizzily.

“I didn’t even know it was gonna happen,” Twilight protested.

“That’s the trouble with magical surges,” Storm added. “You never know when they happen or what they’ll do. They just trigger under moments of extreme stress.”

“Never mind the lesson,” Twilight snapped, standing upright with her arms spread out. “Now quick, lock the doors!”

Storm put his magic to good use, as the three quickly closed all the doors, locking the bolts, and shut off all the lights. They breathed a sigh of relief, slumping to the floor after finishing the job. Storm and Twilight even shook their hooves up and down.

Suddenly, a light came back on… They look up…

And their five best friends stared down at them, all smiles on their faces, near a high window. Storm and Twilight couldn’t take it anymore.

"YAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Storm and Twilight screamed.

“I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!” Storm screamed, tugging his mane.

“We can’t decide!” Twilight retorted frantically. “We just can’t decide!”

“We know it’s important to all of you and we can’t stand disappointing any of you,” Storm added. “And giving us gifts and doing us favors won’t make any difference.”

“Because you’re all our friends and we wanna make you all happy and we just can’t! We just CAN’T!” They said together.

The two unicorns crunch into the floor, their front hooves covering their heads. The five mares didn’t take long to realize how upset Storm and Twilight felt. In fact, a pair of tears trickled down Storm’s eyes as Applejack walked up to them. She pats a forehoof on Twilight’s back, but still spoke to both of them.

“Twilight, Storm, sugars,” Applejack said gently. “I didn’t mean to put so much pressure on the two of you, and if it helps, I don’t want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won’t feel bad, I promise.”

“Me too,” Fluttershy added. “I just feel awful that I made you feel so awful.”

“And me too,” Pinkie Pie cut in. “It’s no fun upsetting your friends.”

“Twilight, Storm,” Rarity joined in. “It was unfair of me to try and force you as I did.”

“Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha-ha!” Rainbow said, before singing and dancing in midair. “I got the ticket; I got the ticket—”

Rainbow soon stopped when Applejack, Fluttershy, and especially Storm shot her a dirty look. Twilight only looked up. Yet both unicorns were still crouched and their forehooves still covered their heads.

“You know,” Rainbow said sheepishly. “I haven’t perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don’t need that ticket either.”

“We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we couldn’t see how un-gun-ho we were making you,” Applejack pointed out.

“We’re sorry, Storm and Twilight,” The five mares said, in unison.

Storm and Twilight, slightly better, exchanged smiles and a single nod.

“Spike take down a note,” Twilight instructed.

Spike grabs a sheet of paper and a quill. Twilight proceeds to speak aloud, as she picked up the three tickets with her magic.

Dear Princess Celestia,
We’ve learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there’s not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though we appreciate the invitation, we will be returning all three tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.

“What?!” The other five mares exclaimed, in shock.

“If my friends can’t all go,” Storm concluded for Twilight. “We don’t wanna go either.”

The other ponies, still in shock over the decision, felt worse about everything.

“Storm, Twilight, you don’t have to do that,” Applejack protested.

“Nope, we’ve made up our mind,” Twilight said, as Storm gave a firm nod. “Spike, you can send the letter now.”

Spike released a green flame that ate up the letter, sending it on its way.

“Now you won’t get to go to the gala either,” Fluttershy said sadly.

“Forget about it, Flutters,” Storm brushed off. “It’s just a dumb party anyway.”

“It’s okay, girls,” Twilight assured. “We couldn’t possibly enjoy ourselves without our best friends there with us.”

“So, we would rather not go at all,” Storm added, with a smile.

The other mares shared a group hug together, chuckling with each other. Applejack gives Storm a one-on-one hug, leaning against his ear.

“I know yer just thinking about us, sugarcube,” She said to him. “But I know you’re disappointed you won’t take Twilight to the Gala as your date.”

Hearing her say this, Storm’s eyes went wide as a mad blush formed on his cheeks.

“Um—uh---wha---uh—” Storm stammered nervously. “What are you talking about?”

“Aw come on, sugarcube,” Applejack giggled. “Ah’ve seen the way y’all look at Twilight. Ah knew it was only a matter ah time before y’all asked her.”

“Yeah… But it’s just been so crazy today, trying to decide who to take with us, I’ve never got the chance to ask her.”

Applejack gave him a reassuring pat on the back with her hoof.

“Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, Storm. It’ll happen, one way or the other.”

"Hhg… hgh… urk… urk…”

Applejack turns as Spike began making faces as if he were grossed out. At least, that’s how Applejack interpreted his grunts.

“Well wallop my withers, Spike,” Applejack said, approaching the dragon. “Isn’t that just like a boy? Can’t handle the least bit of sentiment.”

“Hey, leave me out of this,” Storm retorted indignantly. “I’ll have you know I like hugs, expressing my feelings, and I’m not afraid to cry… DUCK!!!”

BURP!!!

“Whoa Nelly!” Applejack exclaimed.

She barely missed getting singed by the green flame Spike spat out between her golden mane and Stenson hat. The flame turns into another letter.

“A letter from the princess?” Twilight said surprised. “That was fast.”

“Guess Celestia must have had time to sort her mail today,” Storm replied.

Spike proceeds to open the letter and reads the contents aloud.

“My faithful students, Twilight and Storm, why didn’t you just say so in the first place?”

And low and behold, a familiar site met their eyes… But ten times greater.

“Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Spike announced.

All the ponies in the room gasped, excitedly.

“Now we can all go,” Twilight declared happily.

Amazed, Storm turns back toward Applejack, who gestures with her hoof to do what he needs to do. Taking a deep breath and nodding his head, he approached Twilight from behind.

“Uh, hey… Twi?” Storm said, tapping her back.

“Yeah, Storm?” Twilight asked, turning around.

Storm closed his eyes, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. His heart raced a million miles an hour; his breathing becoming labored. Finally, after a moment, he finally spoke:

“Howwouldyouliketogotothegrandgallopinggalawithme?” He blurted our rapidly.

Twilight just stared at him, clearly confused.

“What?”

Storm shook his head quickly, taking deep breaths before finally standing to his full height, looking at Twilight straight in the eyes.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Storm spoke, slower. “Would you like to be my date to the Grand Galloping Gala?”

After finally asking, Storm waited in anticipation expecting Twilight to turn him down. Already prepared for the inevitable heartbreak, he vowed to be a true stallion and accept it maturely.

“I’ve love to!”

His teal blue eyes widened to the size of tea saucers and he actually did a double take to make sure what she just said was actually true.

“Wait, what?”

Twilight just giggled, blushing before responding.

“I said I’d be happy to be your date to the Gala,” She smiled.

Storm released a breath, not realizing he had been holding it in. Storm Shield felt a thousand times lighter, smiling brightly and giddily that she actually agreed. As if everything felt right with the world.

“Of course, seeing as we’re both going to the Gala anyway, it only makes sense we might as well go as friends.”

Suddenly, that good feeling was sucked away instantly as Storm’s happy and giddy smile faded. However, seeing as how there were still five other mares and a little dragon looking at him, he quickly put a kind smile back on his face.

“Why yes! Of course! Yeah, just two best friends hanging out together and dancing. Just what I was thinking.”

Just then, his and Twilight’s stomachs growled. Twilight laughed nervously, while Storm snapped out of his current state.

“Allow us to treat you both to dinner,” Rarity offered.

“What a great way to apologize,” Rainbow declared.

Each pony collected their ticket, the lot of them hovering above their heads as they left the house.

Even if the recipient wasn’t a unicorn…

Yeah, I still don’t get how it works…

“And to celebrate!” Pinkie Pie added, while exiting. “Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!”

“I’ll be right out!” Storm called out.

As all the girls walk out of the room, Storm turned for a moment to let a disappointed frown form on his muzzle. Needless to say, the whole ‘Asking Twilight to be his date to the Grand Galloping Gala’ didn’t exactly go as expected. As he turns back, Twilight looked over her shoulder toward him and gave a happy smile as a slight blush came to her cheeks. This made a small smile form on Storm’s face again.

“Well, even if we are going to the Gala as friends,” Storm thought. “At least that’s a start.”

Spike held on to one extra ticket excitedly, until Applejack left. The ticket departed from Spike’s head and floated above hers.

“How come I don’t get a ticket to the gala?” Spike asked sadly.

HURK! BURP!

Applejack stopped moving when she heard the belch, as a green glow appeared behind her, and she turned back. Apparently, Spike received another letter from Princess Celestia.

“And one for you Spike,” He read.

Spike giggled happily as he held his ticket and left the library. Just then, he spots Applejack, standing casually with a sly smirk on her face. Spike froze for a second, before making a face.

“I mean, gross, I have to go too?” He remarked.

Eventually, Spike dashed away giggling again. Applejack merely chuckled, as she went to catch up with the rest of their friends. Who knows what made Spike change his mind? But in the end, with the Grand Galloping Gala only months away…

That night would be something they could alllook forward to.