MLP: The Portal 2

Chapter 23: Announcement

After the argument last night, Alex was feeling pretty guilty.

Some of the things that he had said about Fluttershy were especially weighing on his mind. After all, he had helped Fluttershy when she had come to his home seeking shelter along with the others. For him to flip on her now would be pretty gross.

Spending the night reflecting on it, he found in himself a need to fix his attitude on the matter, and realize that everyone operates differently than him. For him to insinuate things that aren't there was wrong to do, and it made him out to be a bad friend.

Even though Rainbow Dash was the only one who had heard the things he'd said, he still intended to make things right in his own eyes.

As he made his way towards Rarity's boutique, he found Fluttershy already on the beaten path to get there. He slipped through the crowd and hurried to catch up with her. He called to her as he fell in step next to her.

"Hey, Fluttershy!"

"Oh, hello, Alex. How are you doing this morning?" She asked with a smile. Alex nodded to her.

"I'm doing alright. How are you?" He asked.

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking. I spent all morning readjusting the animals in my cottage since Discord had misplaced certain things; well, most things," She giggled. "But everything is in order now."

"That's good to hear. Uh, Evan wanted me to let you know that he won't be able to come by today." Alex informed her.

"Oh," She nodded, looking disappointed by this. "That's okay. I'm sure he's busy. Do you know when he'll come back though?" She asked, looking up at him.

"Uh, I think his next off day is in like two days? Whenever his next day off is, he'll be coming." Alex said.

"Oh okay. Please let me know."

"Sure."

"Do you know if he likes tea?" Fluttershy asked suddenly. Alex tilted his head a bit.

"Umm, yes he does like tea." He answered with a nod.

"Oh, good! I was thinking about preparing tea and sandwiches for his next visit, so we can just sit and relax." She explained with a fond smile. Alex smiled a bit.

"I'm sure he'd really enjoy that." He said.

"I think so too." She agreed. Alex took a breath before getting to what he wanted to say.

"Ahem… So, uh, I was actually hoping to catch up with you before everyone else arrived. I wanted to talk to you." Alex said.

"Okay. Is something wrong?" She asked.

"Uh, well it's difficult to explain, but very recently I said some things regarding you that were…well, they weren't good. I made some harsh judgments, and thinking back on it, I wanted to apologize for it." Alex finally said. Fluttershy stopped, turning towards him.

"Did I do something that made you mad?" She asked.

"Um, not exactly…?" Alex hesitated.

"What did you say about me?" She asked.

"It's really not worth repeating." Alex answered.

"Okay…?" Fluttershy said slowly.

"I know it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, it was just bothering me. I mean, I consider you a good friend, and good friends don't necessarily have to agree on everything, but there needs to be mutual respect, and I do have a lot of respect for you."

"I have a lot of respect for you too, Alex. And if you ever need to talk, let me know. But I accept your apology." Fluttershy said, giving him a hug. Alex returned it with a sigh.

"Thanks. So, do you know why Rarity called all of us in today?" He asked her now as they resumed making their way to Rarity's boutique. Fluttershy shook her head.

"I have no idea. She just said that it was urgent news, and that all of the Pony Tones needed to come. Whatever it is, it must be important." She presumed as they approached the boutique. Alex opened up the door for her.

"I guess we'll find out." He said as they entered.

"Fluttershy! Alex! Finally you two are here!" Rarity exclaimed as they entered. Big Mac, Toe Tapper, and Torch Song were already there waiting for the two of them.

"How kind of you to finally join us." Toe Tapper teased them with a chuckle.

"Sorry about the delay. It was a busy morning." Fluttershy said, brushing her mane back as she sat with them. Alex did the same.

"It's quite alright dear. Is Evan close behind?" Rarity asked.

"Actually, he isn't gonna be able to make it today. I'll be sure to pass everything on to him." Alex said with a nod.

"Good, please do. He'll need to be filled in as well." Rarity nodded.

"What's going on, Rarity? Why did you call us all in here so suddenly?" Torch Song asked, turning towards her.

"I have very big news for everypony!" Rarity exclaimed, clapping her hooves excitedly.

"What's up?" Alex asked.

"What is up is that I have received word from Canterlot. The princesses have requested a performance!" Rarity announced with an excited squeal. Everyone lit up in amazement and excitement.

"The princesses?! As in the princesses?!" Torch Song asked in disbelief.

"Yes, the princesses!" Rarity answered with a grin.

"That's amazing!" Toe Tapper said with a laugh.

"They must've heard all of the positive reviews." Fluttershy said.

"Indeed they have." Rarity nodded.

"So…when is this performance supposed to be?" Alex asked, both excited and nervous at the very thought of performing for such a dignified audience.

"At the Grand Galloping Gala!" Rarity answered. Again, the Pony Tones were thrown into a fit of excitement and disbelief.

"The biggest event of the year?!" Toe Tapper exclaimed in shock.

"We'll have to practice to make sure we're extra perfect!" Torch Song said.

"And that is precisely why I wanted all of you here so I could break the news. The Gala is in two weeks, everypony, which means that we will need to get serious about practices. I will also take the liberty of preparing extra dignified outfits for the show." Rarity said.

"Perfect." Toe Tapper grinned.

"This is going to be the best show ever!" Fluttershy said with a wide grin.

"It no doubt will be when we're ready. The invitation also came with the tickets. There's one for each of us." Rarity added, pulling the tickets out of a letter and passing them around.

Alex looked down at his ticket with some disbelief. He wasn't sure what this Grand Galloping Gala was, but based off of what he had heard, it was a huge deal. So why had the princesses invited them knowing that he was a part of the group?

He wasn't sure if it had to do with the success of the group or if it had more to do with him being from another planet. The thought of that gave him a feeling he couldn't quite describe.

"We'll have our first practice session the day after tomorrow, so be here on time so we can make the most of the time that we have." Rarity said as the other members began to get up and leave, excitedly holding their Gala tickets.

"We will! Thanks, Rarity!" Toe Tapper said, waving her off as he, Torch Song, and Big Mac left.

"Haha, oh no, thank all of you. See you then! Ta ta!" Rarity waved them off.

"Isn't this exciting, Alex? We get to perform for the princesses and who knows who else." Fluttershy said to him, nudging him.

"Yeah, that is pretty exciting. So, uh, what is this Gala?" Alex asked.