Disclaimer: I own only the following: Charles, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

Chapter 26: The Best Night Ever

"Ahh! I... can't... believe... the Grand... Galloping... Gala... is... tonight!" Pinkie Pie cheers excitedly as she jumps up and down on a trampoline while Twilight focuses on a spell book.

"Pinkie! Please stop shouting, I'm trying to concentrate." Twilight Sparkle ordered. Rarity comes out from her boutique and sees the commotion.

"Pinkie Pie! Stop that right now. It's time to prepare for the Gala and I refuse to let you put on your new dress when you're all sweaty." Rarity ordered and Pinkie halted her jumping seeing her point and hops off the trampoline near Charles and Spike watching Twilight carefully.

"What's Twilight doing?" Pinkie whispered.

"She's got an awesome magic spell she's been working on for the Gala." Spike explained.

"Where are the others? It's getting late." Rarity asked impatiently.

"Hold your horses, girl. We're here." Applejack announced with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy along with her.

"Perfect! I'm ready." Twilight confirmed closing her magic book.

"For what?" Dash asked excitingly.

"All right, Spike." Twilight said and Spike comes over with an apple and places it near her.

"An apple! Are we having pie?" Pinkie asked.

"Shh! Watch!" Spike said and Twilight focused her magic on the apple and just in seconds the fruit instantly becomes two times bigger and is now a carriage with a door, window's, and wheels instantly on it. The rest of the gang were impressed on the spell while complimenting Twilight.

"Thanks. But that's just the start. Fluttershy, did you bring your friends?" Twilight asked.

"Yes. Will they be safe, , Twilight?"

"You have my word." Twilight responded confidently. She focused on the four mice that stood in the ground below and worked her magic to instantly create the mice into stallions… well almost… Instead, their heads still had their mouse features, such as their ears, noses, and teeth…even their tails… "Ta-da!" Twilight presented. There was another collective from the girls, but instead, they returned surprised and slightly confused expressions as the mouse stallions squeaked. "Neat, huh? And don't worry. They'll be mice again at midnight."

"Opalescence, no!" Fluttershy shouted but it was too late as Opal clawed onto one of the horse mice and scared them sending Opal off and galloping away.

"Wait! Come back! Those horses were supposed to pull our carriage. How will we get to the Gala?" Twilight asked worriedly.

The girls remained silent for a moment until they turned towards the only stallion of the group. He confusingly switched his eyes towards each of them. "What?" Charles questioned.

Rarity cleared her throat. "Ahem. Charles. Would you so kindly pull our carriage to the Gala?" Rarity released a wide grin as she fluttered her eyelashes.

"Um, sure. I guess…" Charles replied.

"But pulling the carriage with ALL of us in it is would be difficult for Charles, and he's supposed to be enjoying the Gala with us too, you know?" Twilight commented.

Rarity returned an annoyed look and responded with a dramatic mock. "What ever shall we do?" She glanced over to Twilight with another annoyed expression and walked away, heading towards the group of colts hanging by and talking. Rarity walked up to a couple of colts and began talking to them. "Uh... ahem. Excuse me. Uh, would you boys mind pulling our carriage to the Gala?" Afterwards, Rarity grinned at them as they could only return nervous-looking smiles.

They return pulling the apple carriage showing Rarity's succeeded plan. "Oh. Yeah. Right." Twilight said sheepishly. "Well, you gentlecolts wait right here. We'll be out in a moment." Rarity told the colts who were going to help Charles bring the girls' carriage. "Well, come along then!" Rarity told the group. "We don't have much time before the Gala begins!"

Rarity led the group towards the boutique to prepare themselves for the Grand Galloping Gala. Rarity spoke to Spike and Charles as she had the girls enter a room. "You boys wait right here, okay?" Rarity looked towards Charles. "I'll be out as quick as I can to fix you up in your Suit."

"Okay…" He replied.

Rarity nodded with a smile on her face and walked into what looked to be a dressing room.

Outside the door, the boys waited while they heard the sounds of dryers inside. Soon enough, Spike grew very impatient and began banging on the door for the girls to let him in as Charles leaned on the wall near him.

"Come on, you guys. Let me in!" Spike exclaimed.

"Sure thing, Spike." Rainbow Dash's voice responded from inside.

Suddenly, Rarity intervened. "Heavens no! We're getting dressed."

"Dressed? Uh, beg your pardon, Rarity, but, uh... we don't normally wear clothes." Applejack added.

Rarity sighed irritably and opened the door. "I'm sorry, Spike. Some of us do have standards."

"I still can't believe we're gonna be at Canterlot tonight." Spike walked in as he excitedly talked about the plans for the event. "Our home town, Twilight! And the best part is that we all get to hang out together all night long!"

The door remained open for Charles to walk inside, but he continued leaning by the doorway.

"Uh... I-I don't know, Spike." Rainbow Dash responded with a worried tone to her voice. She was laying on one of the chairs with a towel wrapped on her head.

"We'll just have to see." Rarity added as she just finished placing on one of her eyelashes from her makeup accessories.

Charles saw Applejack wearing a towel on her head as well. She was scrubbing Fluttershy's front right hoof as Fluttershy returned a light smile. However, Fluttershy transformed that smile into a slightly disgusted look when Applejack spat on her hoof. "We're gonna be a mite busy."

"Busy having fun!" Pinkie Pie joined as she just finished using the dryer. Her hair was straight and long like it was during that little…episode…, but it suddenly inflated again.

"Oh… Okay…" Spike replied with a depressive tone, placing his hands on his face.

"Don't worry, Spike. We'll all get to spend some time together." Twilight assured as she placed on the powder with a brush.

"Great!" Spike exclaimed and began running out of the room. "I know just what we're going to do!"

Once he left, the girls continued to get ready as Rarity finished placing on her dress and walked over to Charles. "Come on, Charles. Let's get you into that new suit!" She glanced over to the girls. "You girls finish getting ready while I work with Charles!" Afterwards, she grabbed his hoof and began leading him to another one of the dressing rooms.

The dressing room was empty except for a few different stands of clothes. Rarity walked Charles over to one of them which contained his suit. She pulled out each piece of clothing and gave them to him one by one. "Here, put them on."

Charles did so, with some struggles, but Rarity was able to help him with them. When Charles had finally placed them on in the correct order and fashion, Rarity observed him with glowing eyes as her mouth was agape with excitement. She walked around Charles, analyzing how it fitted him. She moved to the front of Charles and looked at Charles, observing the suit in front. She continued to lightly fix him up in the front. "You look smashing." She commented with a soft happiness in her voice. "I'm positively sure Fluttershy will be so happy to see you wearing this at the Gala…"

Charles blushed said "Thanks, Rarity…"

After Rarity finished with the slight touch ups, she stepped back a few feet and looked at Charles. "My, my, Charles. You really are such a handsome young star. I almost feel jealous that you're going to Gala with Fluttershy, instead of me." Rarity giggled. Charles began to feel a little more red as he slightly looked away in silence. Rarity noticed this. "Oh, Charles. I'm just playing around with you. Besides, I was hoping to find the Prince at the Gala." Rarity walked up to him and dusted his shoulders a bit. "There! We should get going to the Gala. We don't want to be late!"

Charles nodded and Rarity led him out of the room and the building.

When they were out, they saw the carriage filled up with excited shadows. It was already nighttime.

"Well, we're ready to go when you are." Rarity told Charles, forming a smile. Afterwards, she opened the carriage door and jumped inside, closing it after her. Charles thought about what he would tell his mentors about while at the Gala. Charles walked up to the front and began strapping himself in to start moving the carriage while Spike sat behind them in the coach's seat wearing a tuxedo as well, with a big red bow tie.

As He finished getting ready, Spike commented on how he looked. "Wow, you look great, Charles!"

"Thanks…" was all Charles could really reply with.

The couple of other colts and Charles began walking, pulling the carriage towards their next destination: Canterlot.

Spike began talking to the girls in the carriage as he sat behind Charles and the colts with the reins with him. "Oh, tonight's going to be so great! You wanna know why? Cause I planned out my insider's tour of Canterlot. I've gotta show Rarity the crown jewels. And Applejack the Princess's golden apple tree. And Pinkie, we gotta go to my favorite doughnut shop." Spike looked over to the heart shaped window where the girls sat inside speaking to each other. However, the girls didn't seem to be too interested in Spike's plans. Nonetheless, Spike remained excited. "Then let's get moving! Hyah!" Spike slapped Charles and the colts with the reins he had.

The colts instantly reacted by stopped, which also caused Charles to stop. "Excuse me!" One of them exclaimed, angrily.

"Um... I..." Spike tried to respond to them, nervously.

"If you weren't friends with our neighbor Rarity..." The other one added, shaking his hoof. "Hmph!"

"Easy, guys…" Charles stated.

The two of them began walking again, however, looked back at Spike coldly. Spike wiped the sweat off his forehead and released a breath in relief. They continued on our way to Canterlot as we passed a waterfall on a bridge.

When they arrived at Canterlot, they saw many ponies outside, gathered in groups and talking. As Charles began to release his strap, Spike excitedly bounced off the seat he was in and landed by the door. He quickly opened it and jumped off, bowing. As Charles finished removing himself from the strap, he heard footsteps near him. Charles turned his head to see all the girls in their dresses, looking absolutely amazing…especially Fluttershy… Spike had reacted for Charles.

"Wow! You all look... amazing!"

Fluttershy noticed Charles and rushed over to him, softly excited.

"Fluttershy… you look so…beautiful…" Charles could hardly express as he remained in awe at her.

Fluttershy blushed as she looked at Charles while rubbing her hoofs shyly. "Thank you…"

Fluttershy and Charles walked over to Twilight and the others who were all standing very excitedly in front of the entrance to the Grand Galloping Gala. "I can't believe we're finally here. With all that we've imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this... The Best Night Ever!"

Now Playing: At The Gala

At the Gala♪

At the Gala♪

At the Gala. In the garden.♪

I'm going to see them all.♪

All the creatures. I'll befriend them at the Gala.♪

At the Gala♪

All the birdies. And the critters.♪

They will love me big and small.♪

We'll become good friends forever.♪

Right here at the Gala.♪

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

At the Gala. (It's amazing.) I will sell them. (Better hurry.)♪

All my appletastic treats (yummy. Yummy.)♪

Hungry ponies. (They'll be snacking.) They will buy them. (Bring your money.)♪

Caramel apples. Apple sweets. (Gimme some.)♪

And I'll earn a lot of money for the Apple family.♪

All our dreams and our hopes from now until hereafter.♪

All that we've been wishing for will happen at the Gala. At the Gala.♪

At the Gala. It's my chance.♪

To see my old friends.♪

At the Gala.♪

I'll tell them what I'm been doing.♪

And how strong I've become right here at the Gala.♪

Going to see old friends.♪

To reconcile stuff at the Gala. At the Gala.♪

At the Gala. All the royals.♪

They will meet fair Rarity.♪

They will see I'm just as regal. At the Gala.♪

At the Gala.♪

I will find him. My Prince Charming.♪

And how gallant he will be.♪

He will treat me like a lady. Tonight at the Gala.♪

This is what we've waited for to have the best night ever.♪

Each of us will live our dreams. Tonight at the Gala. At the Gala.♪

Been dreamin'. I been waitin'♪

To fly with those great ponies.♪

The Wonderbolts, their daring tricks.♪

Spinning round and having kicks.♪

Perform for crowds of thousands.♪

They'll shower us with diamonds.♪

The Wonderbolts will see me right here at the Gala.♪

All we've longed for. All we've dreamed. Our happy ever after.♪

Finally will all come true right here at the Grand Gala. At the Gala.♪

I am here at the Grand Gala. For it is the best party.♪

But the one thing it was missing was a pony named Pinkie.♪

For I am the best at parties. All the ponies will agree.♪

Ponies playing. Ponies dancing. With me at the Grand Gala.♪

Happiness and laughter at the Gala. At the Gala.♪

At the Gala. (At the Gala.) With the Princess. (With the Princess.)♪

Is where I'm going to be. (She will be.)♪

We will talk all about magic and what I've learned and seen. (She will see.)♪

It is going to be so special. As she takes time just for me. (This will be the best night ever.)♪

Into the Gala we must go. We're ready now. We're all aglow.♪

Into the Gala. Let's go in. And have the best night ever.♪

Into the Gala. Now's the time. We're ready and we look divine.♪

Into the Gala.♪

Meet new friends.♪

Into the Gala.♪

Sell some apples.♪

Into the Gala.♪

Find my Prince.♪

Prove I'm great.♪

As a Wonderbolt is.♪

To meet.♪

To sell.♪

To find.♪

To prove.♪

To whoop.♪

To talk.♪

To reconcile.♪

Into the Gala. Into the Gala.♪

And we'll have the best night ever.♪

At the Gala.♪

End Song

The group then entered the main hall and looked around in fascination as Spike slides on the carpet in a rock star style.

"Yeah! This is gonna be the best night ever. You know why? Cause we're all gonna spend time at the Gala to... gether. Or not." Spike muttered after noticing the group left out to find their destined dreams. Charles went to the Musketeer pony area. He saw his teachers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis.

"Athos, Porthos, Aramis!" Charles greeted happily.

"Charles nice to see you again." Athos said.

"Nice to see you again champ!" Porthos said.

"Hello again Charles." Aramis said.

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

"We love to hear all about your time with The Princess's sudent." Athos said.

"Sure thing guys It all started when Twilight read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon...." Charles started his story.

Three minutes later...

"..... and that's that." Charles finished his story.

"Wow you became an Element of Harmony!" Athos said.

"Well that sums it up." Charles said.

"Hey Charles Aramis told us that you made new friends and Me and Athos would like to meet them." Porthos said.

"Okay sure Porthos is any of you are hungry?" Charles asked.

"Yes!" Athos, Porthos, and Aramis answered.

"Then I know who you meet first." Charles said as he led his teachers out of the Musketeer pony area.

Charles and his teachers were walking when they heard a sigh. "This ain't what I expected at all…"

They turned their heads to to see Applejack who was leaning on her cart of apple treats looking very disappointed and down. Charles walked over to her to see what was wrong.

"Hey, Applejack… what's wrong?" Charles asked.

She sighed again. "I've only made ONE sale for the entire time I've been here…"

Charles knew this is a perfect time to introduce her to Athos and Porthos. "Applejack I would like to introduce you to my teachers Athos and Porthos." Charles said as he pointed to the Earth and unicorn ponies.

Applejack forget that one sale "Well, howdy-doo, Mr. Athos and Mr. Porthos. A pleasure makin' your acquaintance. Ah'm Applejack. Any friend of Charles is a friend of mine."

"Hey Applejack would you like to sell some of your apple treats to my teachers?" Charles asked "They'er are hungry."

"Of course I'll sell some." Applejack answered.

Athos, Porthos, and Aramis did some food request and ate the food.

"Mmm-mmm. That was the best meal we ever had." Athos, Porthos, and Aramis said.

"I can't thank you enough, Charles. I really hope you have a great time with your teachers you really deserve it…"

"Thanks… Applejack. I hope you sell as much as you can."

They left Applejack to go meet the others "So Charles who will we meet next?" Athos asked.

"Hum how bout Pinkie Pie." Charles said.

"Okay!" Athos, Porthos, and Aramis answered.

After a moment of more walking, they spotted Pinkie Pie who held her head on a table where she sat by herself, almost like Applejack… Charles walked over to her.

"Pinkie Pie… is something the matter…?" Charles asked.

"Yes…" She answered gloomily. "This party is totally not what I thought it would be…"

"How so?"

"Well… you know… it's not… super happy… like any of my parties…"

Charles face-hoof and said "Pinkie, this is my teachers Athos and Porthos." Charles said as he pointed to the Earth and unicorn ponies.

Pinkie took Athos and Porthos hoofs and shook it. “Friend of Charles huh? Well Okie Dokie Loki then” she bubbled away happily. "I’m Pinkie Pie and I’m the best party planner in aaaaaallll of Equestria. And any friend of Charles' is a friend of mine.”

Charles then answer to the question. "Sorry… I don't really know what to say…but you're good at making parties right? Well, why don't you see if you can 'liven' up the place?"

Pinkie Pie immediately gasped and pulled her head up. "You're totally right, Charles! Thanks!" She gave him a quick hug and rushed off to start her party plan.

"She's quite a active one isn't she?" Porthos asked.

"Yeah She's is also insane like that one time.. oh never mind."

"So Charles who will we meet next?" Athos asked as they left the dance floor.

"Hum how bout Fluttershy." Charles said.

"Okay!" Athos, Porthos, and Aramis answered as they head to the gardens where Fluttershy is.

As they head to the gardens when they heard Fluttershy screamed "COME OUT!" Athos, Porthos, and Aramis saw Charles on top of a tree, shaking.

"Charles what are you doing up there?" Athos asked.

"hunahahghf." Charles said.

"Charles!" Athos sighed as he 'bring' Charles down the tree.

"Charles what just happen and who screamed?" Porthos asked.

Charles didn't wanna to answer the first question "I think that's Fluttershy come on."

They reach the gardens when they saw Fluttershy. Charles could only stare in disbelief as she try to trap animals. This isn't Fluttershy… this isn't Fluttershy! This isn't the Fluttershy I know! How could have she changed so significantly? What happened to the Fluttershy I know? …I miss that Fluttershy… so dearly… I don't know this Fluttershy… I don't… I don't… It's like if the Fluttershy I knew was replaced by the complete opposite… I don't like this Fluttershy… I'd do anything to have the old Fluttershy back… anything… this is not the Fluttershy that I truly—

"I'll catch you yet, my pretties." Fluttershy spoke across them as she stood in front of a net she made to trap animals. She looked at all the animals hiding as her eye continuously twitched. "Oh yes. As soon as one of you little birds or monkeys or bears touches this net... you'll be MINE! MINE!" Fluttershy began laughing… no… cackling… so frightening that Charles couldn't believe that it was her voice… he couldn't believe it… Fortunately, she lost her balance and fell into the net. "Whoa!" The net trapped her and had her hanging on a branch. At least the anger ended for the moment… A bunny had hopped below her under the net as she could only just see it and sigh.

Charles had walked up to the net and looked up at her. She noticed and called out to him. "Oh, hey Charles… um… do you think you can cut me down?"

Charles had a bit of an angry and depressive expression on his face. "If I cut you down, will you stop acting like this?"

"Um…" Her eyes moved left to right. "Yes."

Charles sighed. It wouldn't matter anyway… He couldn't just leave her there. He walked over to the rope and cut it with his 'magic horn blade'. After, he cut it the rope, but quickly grabbed it with his hooves so Fluttershy wouldn't fall. He slowly released it as Fluttershy was lowered carefully towards the ground. When she was set on top of the grass, Charles walked over to her and tore the net.

When she was free, she slowly stood up and shook her head, even rubbing it a bit. She looked at him and then lowered her head after noticing his expression and possibly the way she's been acting. "I'm sorry, Charles… I didn't mean to do any of this… It's just…it's just…" She sighed. "There's something I need to tell you…" She began rubbing her foreleg. "I…" She paused. "I…uh…" She paused again, causing him to be concerned about what she was trying to tell him. "You see… I… I really… I really l—

She had suddenly stopped and stared at something as if she had been hypnotized.

"Fluttershy…?"

She began speaking in broken sentences. "The… the… animals. They… they're hugging each other… I... want to… no… I need to… join them."

Charles immediately placed his hooves on her. "Fluttershy. No. Don't go after them. Snap out of it!"

"I…I…I… have to… I need to!" She instantly ran off and charged toward the animals.

"Fluttershy! WAIT!" Charles cried out to her.

She instantly alerted the animals and caused them to run away while Charles, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis could only try to run after her to stop her. All the running and stomping caused the ground to actually shake. Then, Charles realized that they were headed towards the inside of the dancing hall. No!

"Fluttershy!" Charles called after her but it was too late.

The animals burst through the door while Fluttershy could only remain there panting. "You're... going to LOVE ME!" She screamed out loud, causing the entire dance hall to transform into complete chaos. All the animals Fluttershy had scared into the dancing hall were running wildly inside. All the ponies were freaking out and running along with them as well. Some ponies even had some of the animals on them. Charles could only stare… "Mother" he said in a quite voice.

All of a sudden, a whistle broke him out of his trance. Charles looked to see where it had come from. It was Twilight, who whistled them to get out of here as fast as they can. All of the ponies realized this and began to run out of here. Charles, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis was the last ones to reach the staircase.

All the ponies ended their fleeing at a doughnut shop.

A pony behind the counter greeted them, Spike looking up from a coffee. "Twilight Sparkle, Charles! Ha, ha. Long-time no see."

He ran up to meet them. "Hey, how was the Gala? How was your best night ever?"

The girls had gathered around a table while they explained briefly what happened. "That sounds like the worst night ever!"

"It was!" The girls exclaimed in unison and began laughing after that. Charles could only look away… and remain quiet.

"I just hope Princess Celestia isn't upset with us for ruining the Gala…" Twilight hoped.

"That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!" Princess Celestia and Athos, Porthos, and Aramis had walked in the doughnut shop, unexpectedly.

"Princess Celestia?" The girls cried out her name in surprise.

"Athos, Porthos, and Aramis?!" Charles cried out their names in surprise.

"Pardon me, Princess, but tonight was just awful." Twilight noted.

"Oh, Twilight. The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful." Princess Celestia responded in a cheerful tone.

"It is?"

"That is why I was thrilled you were all attending. I was hoping you could liven things up a bit. And while the evening may not have gone as you planned, I'm sure you'll agree that in the end it didn't turn out so bad for this group of friends."

Charles scoffed mentally.

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

"Yeah! Hanging out with friends!" Rainbow Dash added.

"Talking!" Fluttershy added as well.

"Laughing!" Pinkie Pie held her hooves out.

"You mean doing exactly what I wanted to do the whole time?" Spike boasted.

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

"As horrible as our night was..." Applejack began.

"...being together here has made it all better." Rarity completed the sentence.

"In fact, it's made it..." Pinkie Pie set up.

"...the best night ever!" Every girl exclaimed.

Once more, they all shared a laugh. Charles had enough…

He immediately sat up and began walking out the doughnut shop, but Rarity called after him. "Charles? Where are you going?" She asked.

Honestly, He didn't want to answer…but Charles didn't want anypony to worry, so he made an excuse. "I… I just feel like having a fresh breeze…" After, Charles exited the shop. He sat down outside and stared at the moon. He felt really angry… but… it wasn't because of how the Grand Galloping Gala ended… it was Fluttershy. She made him feel really scared…because… she was a completely different pony… He just couldn't believe it…

"What is wrong, Charles?" Athos' voice startled Charles, but he didn't look back. "Are you not having fun with your new friends?"

Charles remained silent for a moment, but then finally replied. "I don't know… I sure don't feel good inside so… I must not be…"

"Why is that?" Athos lowered his head closer to Charles with concerned eyes.

Charles sighed and took a deep breath. "I saw somepony turn into something I thought I'd never see her as in my life…"

"Let me guess… Fluttershy?"

Charles sighed again. "…You know me well…"

"I've known you ever since you were little, Charles. Of course, I would know you well and that is why I'm telling you that you need to tell her how you feel."

Charles slowly looked back at Athos. "…what?"

Athos returned a warm smile. "Come with me." He led Charles back into the doughnut shop. "Sorry, everypony. Everything is alright; we just wanted to talk before you all had to leave."

Everypony understood and began getting ready to leave back to Ponyville.

"But, Athos… How did you…?"

Athos placed a hoof on Charles' and smiled. Then, he moved his head closer to Charles and whispered. "Trust me." Charles looked at his face and slowly nodded. "Go now then… You should get back home. It's been wonderful nice to see you again, truly."

"Thanks… Athos…"

"Goodnight, Charles."

"Goodnight, Athos."

Princess Celestia and Athos, Porthos, and Aramis waved as the girls Spike and Charles walked back to the carriage. Charles strapped himself to pull the carriage along with the other couple of colts who were going to help. Charles looked back at Athos and noticed how he continued to send Charles a heartwarming smile. Charles waved and turned the carriage around to begin going back.

Athos had destroyed the little bit of anger Charles had left… but there was still sadness in him. A lot of sadness…

Charles pulled the carriage in silence as he heard the girls talk to each other in the carriage.

When They arrived back in Ponyville, it must have been really late. Spike jumped off the carriage to open the door for the girls as Charles removed himself from the strap. The colts did the same and then they walked over to Rarity.

"There you go, Rarity. Anything else we can do for you?" They asked.

"No, thank you, boys. You've done quite enough." Rarity replied.

"Okay. You have a goodnight, Rarity." They began walking away.

"Yes, Goodnight." Rarity then walked over to me and smiled. "And thank you, Charles."

"No problem…" Charles slightly looked away as he could only keep thinking on how Fluttershy was a completely different pony…

Rarity noticed Charles behavior and pushed her head towards him in concern. "Is something wrong?"

"Um…" Charles responded without moving his head. "I'm just tired…you know…?"

"Of course… I should let you go to sleep before I keep on rambling about the Gala." She giggled again. "Um, go ahead and keep the suit at your home. I can probably come by tomorrow or some other time to wash it and make it good as new."

"Okay, thanks, Rarity."

She smiled and nodded. "Goodnight, Charles."

"Goodnight…"

Afterwards, Charles, Spike, and Twilight turned to the library and began walking.

Later that night....

A soft knock on the door of the library woke Charles up. He was crying he wiped his eyes with his hooves and then walked to the door. Charles opened it to see Fluttershy. She was looking at the ground, a bit sadly as well.

"Hi, Charles…" Fluttershy said quietly.

"Fluttershy, what is it…?" Charles said quietly also.

"Can we talk…?"

"Um, sure…"

Fluttershy grabbed Charles' hoof and led him out of the library. She continued holding on to his hoof as she walked Charles over to her cottage in silence.

When they arrived, Charles could only feel confused.

"Fluttershy… what are we…"

She hugged him "I'm sorry."

"Huh…?"

She pulled him to the table and sat down. Charles sat down as well.

"Listen, Charles… I'm so sorry I ruined everything at the Gala… it was supposed to be the best night ever… I was too obsessed with making friends with the animals that… I guess I just lost control of myself…"

Charles looked at her and sighed. "I just missed you so much Fluttershy…" Fluttershy's head immediately lifted up after she heard him say this. "You were a completely different pony… like… if I had lost the old Fluttershy forever… you weren't you… and that made me…really scared."

She quickly moved over to him and embraced him. "I'm really sorry, Charles! I really am!" She slowly pulled away. "I can understand if you never want to see me again…"

"No…" Charles shook his head. "I do want to see you… I just don't want to see you when you're not you… I want to see the real you."

"Oh, Charles."

After Fluttershy and Charles got all that out of the way, he wasn't as sad anymore. He began seeing the Fluttershy that he missed for so long, which began to remove the sadness away from him.

Charles began to head back to the library when Fluttershy called to him. "There's still something I want to do before this night ends…"

"What is it?" Charles asked as he looked towards her.

She didn't answer but stood up and held her hoof out towards him. Charles grabbed it and she began walking him away from the table. She stopped when they were in an open grass area. She let go of his hand and walked over to a branch where several birds sat upon. She whispered to them and they nodded their heads happily afterwards. As Fluttershy began walking towards Charles, the birds began singing a slow song.

"Fluttershy, what are we…?" Charles tried to say.

She grabbed his forelegs and placed his left one on her shoulder while she placed his right one on her waist. After, she wrapped her forelegs around his neck and held on to him as she began moving. Charles unknowingly followed.

"We're having our dance." She responded softly.

"I… I don't really know how to dance…"

"That's okay… I'll help you. Just relax and follow my movements…" Charles calmed himself down and did so. It actually wasn't that hard to follow. Charles continued to follow her movements, softly. "There you go…" She announced very softly, sounding sleepy. "You're doing great…" She rested her head on his shoulder. "There's something I want to give you…after we finish our dance…"

Something she wants to give me…?

They continued to dance under the moonlight, still in their formal attire. As Charles continued dancing with Fluttershy, he couldn't help but feel really warm in his heart. It felt great… really great… He didn't want it to stop.

Finally, the birds finished singing, causing Charles to stop his movements. He looked at Fluttershy and saw that she still hadn't pulled away from him.

"Fluttershy?" Charles softly called to her.

She didn't answer.

Charles lightly lifted her to notice her eyes were closed and she was breathing softly. His eyes formed into understanding ones. She had fallen asleep…

Charles 'lifted' her from him and 'placed' her on his back. He carefully carried her to her cottage and walked inside. Then, he walked up the stairs to her room and opened the door. He turned on the light and walked towards the bed. He lightly placed her on there as she continued to breathe softly, soundly asleep. Charles was about to walk back, but then he noticed she was holding something in her hooves. He leaned closer to her to grab the object from her hooves.

When Charles softly and carefully grabbed the item, he noticed it was a hoof-crafted heart… It was made with many things from nature… This must have been the gift Fluttershy wanted to give to Charles… He continued to analyze the heart, feeling something even more special occur in his.

Charles looked at Fluttershy with caring eyes. "Fluttershy, you're so… amazing…" He softly muttered. Charles thought he should get out of her home, but there was something he was struggling to do before he left. Charles continued thinking if he should really do it, but he finally shook his head and prevented his negative thoughts from intriguing between Fluttershy and him. Charles leaned head over to Fluttershy's and slowly kissed her on her cheek.

Charles pulled away and continued looking at her. "Goodnight, Fluttershy…" He 'grabbed' the covers and pulled them over her. After, He began leaving the room, turning the lights off after him. Charles turned all the lights off in the home and walked out. He began to head back to the library feeling so much warmth in his heart than ever before…

When Charles arrived, he entered the library and walked upstairs to his bed. He spent some time taking off the suit and placing it somewhere neatly. After, He carefully placed Fluttershy's gift on the nightstand near the bed. He lightly lay myself on my bed and continued looking at the heart.

Everything bad that happened at the Gala seemed to vanish when Charles spent the rest of the night with Fluttershy. He slowly closed his eyes and began to think.

Maybe this was the best night ever…

Next Chapter: Chapter 27: Return of Harmony Part One Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 43 Minutes