>"Anonymous!"
>Luna's melodic voice fills your ears as you groggily come to your senses.
>For someone who is the princess of the night, she sure does get up early nowadays.
>She is practically standing atop you on the bed when you crack your eyes open.
>"Early? Why, it is one in the afternoon!"
"Five more minutes."
>You feel yourself being lifted and dragged out of bed.
>"There is not a moment to spare, Anon. While you are in the shower, I will find you something nice to wear."
"What's the big occasion? And please put me down."
>She gently set you on your feet and releases you from her magical grasp.
>"Celestia has decided it is time to learn more about your world, so she has invited you to dinner at the castle."
>You grab the doorsill as Luna continues to push you towards the bathroom.
"Why do I need to get all fancy for that?"
>She stops pushing you, spinning you around instead.
>Her face is rather gruff.
>"You want to look good for sister, Twilight and I, right?"
"I never have before."
>You are pushed fully into the bathroom before the door is shut.
"I'm guessing that was the wrong answer?"

>About two hours later, the two of you are strolling through the halls of Canterlot Castle.
"So, is there a reason why you're a bundle of nerves today?"
>Luna feigns a smile, trying to hide her anxiety that's been obvious all day.
>"Nervous? Anonymous, what makes you think I am nervous on this fine day?"
"Well, you haven't exactly been talkative, and you didn't seem to enjoy the drive here, which is the oddest thing. You always get excited when we go for a cruise. And why did you have me park out in the middle of buttfuck nowhere, normally we just drive up to the main gate."
>She stops and sits abruptly before the door leading to the main atrium, sighing.
>"Anon, I must be truthful with you. You are not here for a private dinner with Celestia."
>It is your turn to feel a pang of anxiety.
"Okay, so why are we here?"
>"Promise you won't get upset with me for lying?"
>Seeing no other choice in this sudden question, you nod.
>Without a word, she rises to her hooves, opening the doors.
>The sound of it hits you before you even see what lies beyond the door.
>Probably close to a hundred ponies are chatting amongst themselves in scattered groups, dresses in formal attire.
>Classical music softly echoes through the murmuring as well.
>Tables lined with food and beverages sit around the room.
"Luna, what the hell is this?"
>"Anonymous, what a pleasant surprise!"
>You turn to your right to see Celestia walking towards you, in what seems to be her normal regalia.
"Uh, yeah. Hello Princess Celestia, what is all of.... this?"
>She looks beyond your shoulder to Luna, who still stands behind you.
>Luna looks away, averting her gaze.
>Smiling, Celestia turns her focus back to you.
>"Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala, Anonymous. This is one of Equestria's biggest gatherings each year, and it give ponies a chance to freely mingle within the castle and speak with my sister and I.
>Your heart skips a beat.
>Crowds.
>You fucking hate large crowds, gatherings, all of it.
>"Are you all right, Anonymous?"
>Celestia seems to notice your sudden inner turmoil.
"Fine. Just fine. Just surprised to see so many ponies in one place."
>"Okay then, just let me know if there is anything I can do for you, I will be around."
>As Celestia trots off, you feel a prodding in the back of your mind.
>[You are okay, right?]
[Fine, just fine. Aside from being in a room filled with people, I'm grand.]
>[Ponies, I assume you mean. I never took you for one to have a fear of large gatherings.]
[It hadn't come up yet, not even when I was you.]
>[If you want to leave, we understand.]
>She gives you a pouty face.
"Well, we're already here. You are such a brat, I can tell you're the little sister."
>Luna giggles, her face back to a beaming smile.
>Her attention is drawn to someone calling for her across the crowded room, drawing a sigh from her.
>"Unfortunately, I have a feeling I will be dragged away on more than one occasion tonight. Why don't you get something to eat or drink, I will return shortly."
>As she walks away, you turn and walk towards the table with the punch bowl nearby.
>Reaching it, you find a familiar face already there, engorging on a plate full of appetizers.
"Hey Spike, what are you doing here?"
>The purple dragon thankfully takes a few seconds to chew and swallow before answering.
>"Hi Anon! I came here with Twilight, but what are you doing here?"
"Let's just say a certain ruler of the night tricked me into coming."
>He chuckles as he resumes chowing down on his plate.
>You take the time to fill a cup with punch and take a sip.
>Holy crap, did they pour a whole bag of sugar into the bowl?
"So where is Twilight, anyway? Off somewhere wandering with her friends?"
>"Nah, we all came here last year and found this gala wasn't that much fun. Twilight had to come, being the new princess and all."
"So why are you here?"
>Another chuckle erupts from Spike.
>"You really think I want to miss out on all this free food?!"
>Taking a closer look at his plate, you notice more than a few odd items.
>Meat.
"Uh, I was under the impression ponies were not carnivores."
>Spike shakes his head and points.
>"No, but griffons are."
>Sure enough, a pair of griffons are seated at a table with a few ponies, chatting away.
"Geez, is there anything here that isn't real?"
>You catch sight of Luna across the room, in a conversation with a white stallion.
>You direct Spike's attention to the two of them.
"Who's that?"
>He squints for a second before replying.
>"Oh, that's Prince Blueblood. I don't really know much about him really. Supposedly he's a distant relative of the Royal Sisters, but I don't see the resemblance."
"Thanks Spike. You and me need to hang out more. I'll catch you later."
>The dragon returns to stuffing his face, waving as you walk towards where Luna is standing.
>Just as you reach the pair, you feel your cup being pulled out of your hand.
>"Ah, just as I was about to request a drink. These waiters are top notch, you have outdone yourselves this time, Luna."
>Prince Blueblood takes a sip out of your drink.
>No, you probably weren't going to finish it, but seriously?
>Luna seems to not be surprised.
"Excuse me."
>"Oh, I apologize, but I don't have any bits on me for a tip."
>The stallion finally looks at you, recoiling a bit in shock.
>"My word, what are you?!"
"I'm human. And I'm with her."
>You point to Luna, who suddenly has a slight smirk of amusement on her face.
>Blueblood relaxes a bit, turning to Luna.
>"Where did you get such an exotic servant?"
>You grind your teeth in frustration.
>"Yes, he is quite exotic. Anon, please get me a beverage as well."
>It's your turn to feel shock.
[What are you doing?]
>[Having a little fun?]
[At my expense? When you already dragged me here against my will?]
>"Well, you heard the lady, Mister Anon."
>Luna seems to take a bit of offense at Blueblood's biting tone, if her facial expression is to be believed.
>Blueblood doesn't seem to notice a bit.
[This is so much fun, thank you Luna.]
>"Er, nevermind that drink. Perhaps a walk outside is more in order. The air is becoming rather stuffy in here."
>You don't bother saying anything as the three of you walk through the castle and out the doors, following behind as the two of them make idle conversation.
>"So, where did this.... Anon come from?"
>Luna looks back at you, flashing another sly smile.
>What is she up to?
>"Oh, he just happened to drop in I suppose. I was put in charge of making sure he did not cause mischief."
>Blueblood cranes his neck to glimpse back at you.
>"He seems well-behaved for something that looks so.... odd."
"You do realize I can talk and understand everything you two are saying, why not just ask me?"
>Bluebloods scoffs while turning his head forward.
>"It would seems his mannerisms around nobility leave something to be desired."
>Fucking prick.
>Part of you wants to deck him no matter how important he is.
>Your sensible side keeps the urge in check for now.
>"Did I mention his contraption that came with him from this other world? It is quite astonishing."
>What the hell is she doing?
[Luna, I don't want this fucker anywhere near my baby.]
>She seems to ignore you as she turns and heads toward the side lot she had you park earlier.
>No doubt to keep you from seeing all the glitz and glamor the evening had in store.
>"Yes, here we are."
>As the three of you stop, Blueblood wrinkles his nose.
>"Ugh, well it certainly is not from this world, I'm sure the sentient beings here would have more taste in design."
>Your hands ball up into fists as you bite your tongue.
>"Anonymous says this is his world's mode of transportation. I'm sure he would love to take you for a short ride."
"Actually Luna, I-"
>[Humor him.]
>The strong, rather stern message is received loud and clear.
"-I think that's a good idea."
>You pull the keys out of your pocket, opening the passenger door and allowing the stallion to tentatively slide in.
>"These seats were definitely not made for comfort, they are hard as a r-"
>You slam the door as soon as he's completely in, shooting Luna a dagger-like glare.
>She grins sheepishly at you as you circle around to the driver's side and climb in, Blueblood yammering on about something else he doesn't like.
>You put on your seatbelt, not bothering to tell Blueblood about his since he'll complain anyways.
>It doesn't matter, because as soon as you twist the ignition and bring the old girl to life, he's found something else.
>"Dear me, does it really need to be this loud?! What an awful commotion!"
>You pull away slowly, not saying a word as you flip the headlights up and cruise down a side dirt road near the castle maze.

>Ever the royal pain in the ass, Blueblood finds the ride too harsh as you continue on.
>You slam on the brakes, causing him to slide forward.
>"Do you mind warning us when you plan to stop? This thing is a deathtrap."
>You've had enough as you turn off the engine.
"Sorry, forgot something."
>You climb out of the car and kneel on the ground, grabbing a glove behind your seat and reaching underneath the Superbird.
>Fortunately, you made it almost as simple as pulling a cap off a bottle to uncork the headers, as you go around to the otherside and so the same.
>Climbing back in, you start her up again, this time coming to life with a eardrum-rattling roar.
>"My word, it gets lounder?!"
>You smirk at him as you rev it up and push the clutch in.
"What's that?! You want to go fast?!"
>Before he can answer, you grab first gear and dump the clutch.
>The engine, tires and Blueblood all scream in unison as you rocket ahead, slamming into second, then third gear.
"We're just having a grand fuckin time, aren't we?"
>You look over at Blueblood, eyes wide and face twisted into what can only be sheer terror.
>Through the setting dusk and the headlights, a bend in the road to the left appears.
>You slam the brakes as you jam the gearshift back to second, slinging the wheel to the left and dumping the clutch again.
>Blueblood is thrown against the passenger door as you veer to the left, quickly going through second gear and up to fourth.
>He tries to speak, but only manages a few words.
>"R-r-road.... ENDS!"
>Sure enough, a wooden fence quickly comes into view.
>The brakes get a good workout as you jam them, sliding to a stop.
>You hear a sigh of relief come from beside you.
"Damn. Well, I guess it's time to go back."
>You throw her in reverse and mash it, slinging the steering wheel to the right.
>Your own gut churns a little as the nose of the car whips around in a 180, and you grab first gear again, speeding back through your previous route.
>He doesn't scream like a girl, but Blueblood is close to that vocal range.
>Past the bend, you climb towards the top of fourth gear, the speedometer already giving up keeping track of your speed.
>You abruptly slam the brakes again, downshifting to help slow you down.
>The car comes to a stop near the edge of the castle maze.
>You cut the ignition and turn to the stallion next to you.
>He seems to be on the verge of tears. Or a nervous breakdown.
"Maybe you should try not being such a dick, especially when the person you are being rude to is taking you along for a ride. Now get the fuck out, the door handle pulls hard."
>With his magic, the stallion wastes no time in bailing out with his magic, quickly galloping away.
>You don't care about what consequences lay in wait, that royal douchebag needed a good comeuppance.
>"That wasn't very nice of you."
>You jump as Luna appears next to you, materializing from a haze.
>Shaking your head, your thoughts burst out in a flood.
"I don't care what you have to say about what I did, he pushed me past the edge. How do you even tolerate that dick? and why didn't you berate him for the way he treated me in the cas-"
>She leans in, hushing your rant from going any further by locking lips.
>"I never said I disapproved. Blueblood has always been rude and rather..... snobbish. Perhaps that will be a good lesson for him."
>The two of you sit in silent thought for a moment, before you snicker.
"You probably don't want me writing that in a report to Celestia like Twilight has told me about, huh?"
>Luna's slight grin grows much wider as she giggles.
>"Hm, perhaps it would be best to be a lesson between you.... and me."
>She leans in again, this time with even more vigor.
>You have a feeling the two of you aren't returning to the Gala tonight.




[Originally posted 18 October 2014]