Earthworm Zim Chp. 20, part 2

Rocky's eyes slowly opened, at first she thought she was back in her own bed at home on Earth. Shifting her head on her pillow, she realized she was definitely on Irk, having slept on an Irken bed. She gazed across the room to see her sisters sleeping in their individual beds. Rocky and her sisters had a room just for them while their brothers had their own and so did their parents.

Slowly slipping out of her bed, quiet not to wake them, Rocky walked over and opened the door to the balcony. Gazing down at Irk before her, Rocky could only smile as she allowed the Irken wind to blow through her hair.

Yesterday was just so exciting, meeting the Control Brains, fighting Meekrobs, being introduced to a fellow invader, and now the Tallest were going to make a plan involving a celebration of Zim becoming third leader of the planet.

Rocky tried not to giggle as she reflected on last night's conversation with Zim and Apple Bloom. Almighty Smallest really suited Zim, considering she was taller than him, and it would make him a role model for short Irkens everywhere.

Though the Irkens trembled at the sight of them at first, Rocky was just happy they now enjoyed their presence as much as she enjoyed Irk's.

Rocky looked over her shoulder toward the PAK that was strapped around her. It never bothered her at all last night as she slept, and she barely noticed it was there at all, being the key to helping her breathe on Irk. It would take a while for her to master the PAK, such as using mind to bring out the robotic legs and such. But she was up for it, she was always up for anything.

And considering her dress had become dirty from yesterday's clean-up, she was up for the Irken attire the Tallest's tailors had made for her.
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Lol's eyes fluttered open and gazed beside her to see that Red wasn't there. Slowly lifting herself from the king-size bed, Lol gazed around the room, wondering where her Irken was.

She found him at his study desk, looking over papers. He must have woken up earlier to take care of some Irken business no doubt regarding Zim soon to stand by his leaders' side.

As well as she and Winn.

Lol had to be honest about all this important stuff. While Irk is great and it felt really nice to be looked up to and being served whenever she needed, she did feel nervous about one thing: being semi-leader beside Red.

When Red asked her last night about becoming his Chosen Beloved, as most Irkens call a woman who captures a leader's heart and automatically becomes somewhat a Tallest herself, Lol had quickly accepted the idea.

Though it was not a marriage proposal(not yet, anyway), Lol would stand by his side no matter what. She loved him, she wanted to help him protect his people.

Protecting his people was a huge responsibility, almost as big taking care of animals. While she has to help care for the Irkens, Lol had to juggle the responsibility with her job back on Earth. This was going to be hard...

Red looked up from his desk and smiled as he saw the lovely brunette walk over to him. "Good morning, love," he greeted.

"Morning," she greeted before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek and looked at his work. "Big day?"

"Probably," he sighed, "Purple and I still have to think of what kind of celebration we could make in honor of Zim." He looked at her. "As well as you..."

Lol smiled at him. "I'm still trying to get used to the thought. I mean, the responsibility that will come with it..."

"Responsibility?" Red questioned. Then he chuckled. "Oh, Lol, don't worry about that. I guess I never told you what Tallest's Chosen Loves do. They don't really do much."

Lol blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Well, as I've read from Miyuki's diary," Red pondered, "her many Chosen Loves just absorb the high-life, taking in the luxuries of the Tallest. Kind of like golddiggers."

Lol's face heated up. "I don't want your people to think I'm some golddigger."

"They would never think that," he assured her. "They know how much you care for the animals on Earth. Some even assume you could be Fluttershy's human sister."

"That would be cool if I was," she couldn't help but laugh.

"And also..." Red said quietly as his hand clasped with hers. "Golddiggers, in my opinion, are ugly and heartless..." He smiled at her. "But you...you're beautiful and with a heart of gold, and all of Irk knows that."

Lol's cheeks reddened at his words. Her fingers entwined with his two thin ones. She gazed at his fingers and a thought suddenly struck her.

"I won't have to lose fingers, do I?" She asked in a scared tone.

"Oh, no, sweetheart, no," Red assured her, running his fingers through her hair. "You're not a Tallest, or Irken for that matter. And even if they wanted to it would be over my dead body."

Lol breathed a sigh of relief. "But what about Zim?"

"Zim gets to keep his fingers," Red said. "Lucky kid..." He muttered under his breath. He looked up and smiled at her. "You just need to wear something nice for the celebration. And from that moment on you won't be just Lol. You'll be..." He gave it some thought.

"Tallest Lol?" She asked. The name wouldn't completely work, considering some Irkens were taller than her and Winn, and she seemed short compared to Red.

Red's eyes lit up in realization as his lips curved into a soft smile. "Almighty Loveliest." He smiled at her as he held her hand close to his lips. "Almighty Loveliest Lol." And he kissed her fingers.

"I like that better," she laughed.
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Dib awoke and smiled as he saw Pubert beside him in his bed, his little fly body curled in a fetal position as he nuzzled against the large pillows. The young fly had gotten scared about sleeping in a big bed all by himself in a new place away from home. Dib had assumed he would have went to Mr. and Mrs. Pesky, but he went to Dib instead. That made his heart melt; he always wanted to have a loving sibling.

And Gaz...she refused to share a room with Maggie, baby Bella, and Desiree, and Maggie completely agreed, showing no affection for the usually unimpressed girl. Gaz had a room all to herself while Dib stayed in a room with both Aldrin and Dib.

After the past events leading them to today, Dib had almost forgotten that Gaz was his sister at all. She didn't care about him, she hated the sight of him, and she seemed to have forgotten about their barely-at-home dad.

Instead, he accepted Pubert as his little fly brother, just as he accepted Mrs. Pesky as the mom he never had. The entire Pesky family was his family to hold and cherish...he only felt a little remorseful that he decided to push Gaz  and his father out of the circle.

His father would never come home, and Gaz would still be heartless, but at least Dib had people who loved him. And friends. Zim was his best friend now.

Dib smiled as Pubert's eyes slowly opened, smiling up at the human boy he looked up to the way he looked up to big brother Aldrin.

"Morning," he said quietly.

"Hey, buddy," Dib greeted, "how'd you sleep?"

"Really good," Pubert smiled. He rubbed his eyes. "This bed is so soft and so big. Bigger than my bed back at home." He looked at Dib. "How'd you sleep?"

Dib smiled at him. "Let's just say that after I met you guys, I've slept better from then on."
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Zim muttered and moaned as he emerged from the covers, his antennas messy. He didn't sleep much last night on account of he had been practicing the speech he would give when he was sworn in as leader. His Earth parents insisted he go to bed, assuring him he would do fine on that day. While they slept, Zim shone a flashlight under the covers of his bed and recited his notes over and over for hours.

"Good morning, master!" Gir chirped, trotting across the room, excited for a new day.

"Yeah, yeah, morning..." He muttered as he fixed his antennas. He smiled a bit as he looked out the window of his room. "Good morning, planet Irk."

It felt good to be back at his home planet, though Zim did feel a little homesick for Earth, having become used to everything it offered Zim; he had began loving the planet ever since he met the people that changed him.

If it weren't for them, he wouldn't be here on Irk right now, awaiting to become what he was destined to be.

Though the Tallest have become more considerate for short Irkens, Zim was determined to make his title as Almighty Smallest, he took Rocky's name into consideration, admired. He would show how even small Irkens could be as big as tall ones, not by height but by heart.

He came to the balcony and looked over Irk. He smiled to himself. "This is Zim, Irk. Here he comes."
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Milo opened the door quietly, peeking out and gazed left and right, making sure not to wake up his brother. When the coast was clear, Milo quietly cleared out and tiptoed toward Twilight's room.

In his hand was a red ribbon.

It was the red ribbon Twilight had tossed aside out of sadness and frustration the day after she witnessed Red kiss Lol, thus having her heartbroken and depressed. Milo had held onto it since the day she threw it away, unable to gaze at the color. The beta fish had taken care of it ever since, his heart aching because of Twilight's sadness.

But now she was happy, happy to just be a sister figure to Red and accepting that he chose Lol over her. Milo was glad to see her eyes sparkle and her smile brighten again.

Now he knew he needed to give back her ribbon. She looked so cute when she had in her hair the first time. She must have been wondering where it was this whole time she had been depressed and was living with Mordecai and the others at that time.

Quietly knocking on the door, Milo smoothed his top fin and checked his breath before standing like a gentleman, awaiting for his unicorn to open the door.

When the door opened, he was greeted by a still-sleepy Spike.

"Morning..." He muttered with a yawn. "Way early morning..."

"Uh, morning Spike, buddy..." Milo said uneasily. "Uh, is Twilight still asleep?"

"No, she woke up an hour earlier," Spike said. "She left to go walk with Dollarnator."

"What?" Milo cried. Then he pulled himself together, trying to smile. "Oh, okay, no biggie. You can go back to bed, buddy."

"Will do," the baby dragon muttered as he closed the door.

Milo quietly walked to his room, clutching the ribbon. "So she's with Dolly..." He shrugged like it was no big deal. "It's not like the metal man has a crush on her..."
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Dollarnator was glad he was made of metal or Twilight would have noticed him blushing as they walked around a corner of the city of Irk. Twilight had waken up a bit earlier than him, being the organized pony she was, she liked doing things bright and early.

And she had even prepared an outfit the night before. Dollarnator shifted his eyes in her direction as they walked. She wore a pink and white striped scarf along with an Irken jacket that was provided for her back in her room. Unlike Dollarnator, who was a robot, Twilight  wore her PAK. All the fleshed ones needed to wear a PAK or heck would break loose...

"Oh, Irk is just so beautiful early in the morning," Twilight said, her eyes sparkling as she gazed up at the sunlight. "If only Princess Celestia could see this..."

"Any reply from her?" Dollarnator asked, remembering she mentioned that she had sent the princess a message the night before.

"Nothing," Twilight shrugged. "I know that message could make it through thousands of miles of space..." She sighed. "I just wish I could spend some time with her. It's been so long..."

"She did pop in that at the party, remember?"

"Oh, yes," Twilight laughed. "Unfortunately, I had focused more on Red than I did her and Princess Luna."

"Amazing how much red you wore," Dollarnator said, choosing his words carefully while deep within his metal cheeks he was blushing like mad.

"I had been so obsessed with that color, I know," she laughed as she paced her trotting along with his slight jogging. "Red may be a good color on me, but blue will always be my favorite color."

"Speaking of blue," Dollarnator said. "You mentioned while you were staying with Mordecai and the others, he gave you a blue dress?"

"Oh, yes..." She sighed happily. "Mordecai had been so good to me during my time of depression. He didn't have to go to so much trouble, paying for my meals and showering me with gifts. But still..." She smiled to herself.

"Did you tell him that...?" The robot made a motion with his hands, particularly showing her surroundings.

Twilight gulped. "Even though they're our friends...it's just not the right time yet..." There were many friends in many regions, and some were unaware of  the aliens they had befriended.

"True, Benson would have flipped out more and Rigby would go Jackie Chan on poor Red..." The robot sighed.

"He does that and he will regret it..." Twilight muttered under her breathe, catching Dollarnator completely off guard. Twilight noticed him flinch and blushed a bit. "Still, maybe in due time I'll tell them...Mordecai will be first."

"You going to introduce them to each other, in the disguise?" He asked.

"Of course," Twilight said. "It will be wonderful. I know Mordecai and Red will get along well because Mordecai gets along well with everyone..."

"Except Benson, Muscle Man, Boog, and sometimes Rigby," The robot said.

"Okay, mostly everyone..." She rolled her eyes.
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"I'm going to get you!" Applejack laughed as she chased her sister and a few other kids around the wide gardens of the palace. The kids having woken up, they all went out outside to play, enjoying the beauty the Irken gardeners had poured their hard work into.

"Can't catch me, sis!" Apple Bloom laughed as she ran beside Mik, Dr. Arvel's son.

While Twilight and Dollarnator were out, Spike explained to the others how Dr. Arvel and his family were going to be cared for, soon to come back to Earth with them where Twilight would provide them shelter and care until their home on Irk was re-built.

The kids became fast friends with Mik, enjoying the younger Irken's presence and they played together. When Mik met with Zim, he not only bowed to his soon-to-be leader, he also hugged him, thanking him for all he's done...especially with the Tallest.

"You know, since you're going to be staying in Ponyville for a while," Scootaloo said as she scurried beside him. "Maybe you should go to school with us as well!"

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly. "It'll be fun and maybe if you're lucky you'll see us get our cutie marks!"

"What are cutie marks?" Mik asked.

"We'll explain later," Scootaloo said. "Right now, run! Run before big Applejack gets you!" She laughed as she and the other three ran faster, Applejack behind them.

Dr. Arvel and his wife watched as their son played happily with the Earthworm children. It was so hard to believe that just last night the Tallest were actually kind to them, and their friend, Twilight Sparkle, had offered her home to them, barely knowing them at all.

Whatever happened on Earth when their leaders were 'kidnapped'...Dr. Arvel was grateful.

"Here you go," said a voice as a clipboard was shoved in his face.

Dr. Arvel looked up and his ruby eyes widened. There stood Voltura, the new head of science.

Tall, human, gorgeous Voltura...

"I know I'm still new to this job," she said with a playful smirk. "But I'm sure if I knew my co-workers better I might be able to succeed."

"I think you're already there..." Dr. Arvel gulped, sweating as a nervous smile formed on his face. She was so much taller than him...her long, lean legs...

His wife angrily jabbed her elbow at his side, her face seething with jealousy.

"Oh, uh, have you met my lovely wife?" He said quickly, rubbing his side.

"Ah, yes, Tinea," Voltura gave a bow. "You are lucky to have such an intelligent man for a husband."

"Yes," Tinea said, flashing a warning smile at her husband. "I am."
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After playing for a while, the kids rested and enjoyed the beauty of the Irken gardens. Apple Bloom, still a little restless, decided to explore as she trotted through the galactic green grass and admired the exotic flowers that grew everywhere.

Everything was so beautiful, Apple Bloom wished she could make it even more so. Her eyes lowered a bit as she gazed at a few ruby red flowers growing before her. How they reminded her of the special flowers back in Ponyville. How she wished she could bring those special flowers here, in hopes of making the Tallest's gardens more wonderful to walk through, maybe even make Tallest Purple smile even more...

"Interested in the flowers?"

Apple Bloom turned and there stood Tallest Purple himself, work under his arm as he smiled down at her. She smiled back as she gazed back at the flowers behind her. "They're great, but..." Her voice trailed off.

Purple's smile faded. "Do they not please you, little Apple Bloom?"

"No!" Apple Bloom said with surprise. "They're really pretty, but..." She smiled a bit. "I really wish I could bring some flowers from home and grow some here along with yours. Especially Carol Loves."

"Carol Loves..." Purple stroked his chin. "Remind me what they are again, the only plant I remember is the one to avoid and that's Poison Joke."

Apple Bloom laughed. "It's a beautiful flower that grows during the spring-time. It represent beauty, peace, and even friendship." She scuffled a hoof on the ground. "It's the flower me and my friends gave each other the day we officially became the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Also, it was the flower that called a truce between Rodolfo and Voltura the day after that fight that put Voltura in the hospital."

Purple's eyes widened. Rodolfo never mentioned that.

"I sure wish I could have brought some of those Carol Loves to give to you," Apple Bloom said. "Then your gardens would be prettier, and all of Irk would be filled with beauty, peace, and friendship."

"Ah, yes, friendship," Purple chuckled, "that's the most important thing discussed about you ponies, especially Twilight Sparkle." He smiled as he recalled last night when the violet pony offered her home to Dr. Arvel and his family.

"Maybe if there were Carol Loves here on Irk the planet would be happier," Apple Bloom suggested.

"You know what?" Purple smiled. "I think you're right. Our gardens could use some change, and all of Irk praise you Earthworms for saving us from the Meekrobs." He took out a blank piece of paper and some pencil and began writing.

"What are you doing?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I'm making a note for our Irken gardeners to dig up some special places around Irk for when me and Red gather some Earth samples from your home," he explained. "We'll be collecting lots of Equestria samples, like your Carol Loves, maybe some carrots and apple plants as well."

"Really?" The filly's eyes brightened with excitement. "You really would?"

"Out of all the places on Earth," Purple said sincerely, "Ponyville is our favorite...because it's the place where a wonderful friendship had been born." He smiled down at her.

Apple Bloom blushed as she scuffed a hoof against the grass wit embarrassment. "I still feel kind of bad about spilling that gravy on you..."

"Don't worry, little Apple Bloom," Purple chuckled, "it still tasted delicious." He finished writing his note. "Looks like you kids will soon be playing in a garden full of a lot of flowers by the end of the week if we're lucky."  

"Maybe the day of Zim's celebration party?" The filly asked excitedly.

"It's make it even more beautiful," he winked.
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After she and Dollarnator came back from their walk and enjoyed the breakfast the Tallest's servants prepared for them, Twilight trotted around the outsides of the palace, enjoying its concept and beauty. It reminded her of the inside of a computer, like a digital Canterlot castle.

After having removed her walking outfit, Twilight had dressed in the Irken attire provided by the Tallest's tailors. They were quite lovely, and Twilight enjoyed the outfit that matched well with her PAK. She wore a light red Irken jumpsuit and skirt complete with velcro belts and buckles and silver and red boots for her hooves. Twilight loved her Irken look, and she thought it made her look more convincing about being the Tallest's second advisor.

"Twilight!" Before she knew it, she was tackled by her friends. Laughing, she got up and saw Pinkie Pie holding her in a tight hug. "Hey, guys."

"My word!" Rarity gasped in amazing as she gazed at Twilight in her Irken attire. "Such gorgeous accessories! I simply must ask the Tallest about whoever does their clothes. It's simply lovely!"

Twilight laughed. She was the only one out of her friends that was wearing clothes. "It's beautiful, isn't it? I do hope they have it in my favorite color."

"I thought your favorite color was red now," Pinkie Pie said.

"Second favorite," she corrected, "my number one favorite color is blue."

"Good thing I knew that or I would have never gotten the color for your Gala dress right," Rarity chuckled.

Rainbow Dash flew by, laughing. "Hey, Twilight, we're all heading out of here  to enjoy that Irken spa a few of the ladies talked about. Come with us! It'll be fun!"

"Sure," Twilight said as she began to follow her friends.

"Uh, Twilight?"

The unicorn turned and saw Milo stand before her, hands behind his back. He looked a little nervous though he still smiled.

"Oh, sorry," he apologized, "maybe later."

"No, wait, Milo," Twilight insisted. She turned back to her friends. "I'll catch up with you in a bit."

Nodding, her friends left, leaving both Twilight and Milo to themselves. The beta fish gulped a bit as he gazed at the lovely unicorn, adorned in fabulous galactic attire that made those girls in the sci-fi movies look plain and simple.

"Hey, Milo," Twilight greeted, "need something?"

"Well, uh..." Milo began to sweat a bit. "Just wanted to see how you were doing. You know, after the whole Red thing and all..." Deep down, he was doing a shuffling dance of triumph.

"Oh, that," Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'm okay now, don't worry." She smiled sweetly at him. "It's so sweet that you're still concerned me. You're always so sweet, Milo."

Milo blushed, his cheeks heating up as he felt faint at the sight of her bright smile. "Thanks..." He shifted nervously. "Hey, that day you said you'd leave Ponyville...remember that day? Well, uh..." He took something out from behind his back.

Twilight's eyes widened as she saw something small, delicate, and red in his fins. "My red ribbon."

"Yeah," Milo said shyly. "You tossed it away while you were all depressed. I kind of saved it, wanting to ease your pain of the color." He averted his eyes, smiling a bit. "So I kept it with until the time came when you'd be okay."

During those last few days Twilight had been staying with Mordecai, Milo had taken good care of the ribbon. He cleaned it with lint rollers, smoothed it with his own hands, and even dry-cleaned it just so it could keep its beauty. He held it close to himself, having had fantasies about him and the beautiful unicorn every night.

"Oh, Milo..." Twilight said softly. "I...I don't know what to say..."

"Say 'Can you put it on me?'," he said with a smile.

Before Twilight said anything, Milo stood on his toes, reaching toward the top part of her mane. Smiling in agreement, Twilight bent her head down so he could reached better. Milo loved the smell of her mane, which was a scent of daisies and blueberries.

After finally placing the ribbon in her mane, Milo stepped back and enjoyed the addition he put to her beauty. The ribbon went so well with Twilight's red Irken outfit. He had to admit, she really did look good in red. At least she wasn't wearing that black ribbon anymore.

Before he knew it, Twilight had grabbed him in a heartfelt hug, nearly crushing him. But he didn't care. His face became more red than sea green as he absorbed in the hug of the lovely pony.

"Thank you, Milo," she said. "I'm sorry if I wasn't myself during that time..."

"It's cool," Milo said softly, resting his head against her shoulder as she continued hugging him. Finally, after she released him, the beta fish placed a fin on her back and ushered her toward the direction her friends went in. "Now go, that Irken spa isn't going to wait forever."

Twilight laughed as she gave Milo one more smile before galloping after her friends, the ribbon moving against the wind of her mane. Milo smiled as he watched her go.

"Oh, yeah..." He told himself with a smirk. "She is so going to become my future wife..."
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"Your son will be presented on Planet Conventia, there, he and you Earthworms will be standing at the front stage as Purple and I give our boring speech," Red said as Rita and Brian sat across from the Tallest out in the patio of the garden, forming a little group meeting. Zim was with the other kids out in the gardens.

"Is there anything specific we need to do?" Brian asked as he adjusted the glasses he wore while checking the paperwork.

"Just wear something a little formal," Purple said. He gazed at the human dog, who wore nothing a but a collar. "Or at least something..."

"What does our son have to do, again?" Rita asked. "Oh, God, you're not going to chop off his fingers like what they did to you when you became Tallest, are you?"

"I assure you, Rita, nothing like that will happen," Red assured her. "Neither will it happen to Lol and Winn after they are sworn in as the Almighty Loveliest."

"That's a smart name to choose," Brian observed. "Do have any idea what happens after all three are sworn in?"

Red and Purple looked at each other. They stared back at their friends and gave nervous smiles.

"We're working on it," Red said.

"We're still working on a name for this celebration as well..." Purple confessed.
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The ponies laughed as they enjoyed the relaxing motion of the hot tub they were in. The Irken spa reminded them of their spa back in Ponyville, and the workers were just as kind.

"More nuts?" One worker offered as he placed a bowl at the edge of the tub. He smiled at the ponies. "It's an honor to be serving the Earthworms."

"Seriously, are they going to be calling us that from now on?" Rainbow Dash sighed as she laid back against the edge of the tub.

"Can we have more cookies?" Pinkie Pie asked, having cleaned off the last plate of snacks, her face covered with crumbs.

"As you wish, ma'am," the worker bowed. He raised his head up and smiled at the ponies. However, his eyes were focused on a certain one. "And may I say, it is truly wonderful to also be serving such a beautiful creature. With eyes so dazzling and a horn that proves her strong nature yet delicate features."

Rarity's eyes sparkled, knowing she, indeed, had a horn and was usually delicate. "Why, thank you, darling!"

The worker looked at her. His dreamy expression fading into one of confusion. "Uh, I was talking about Earthworm advisor Twilight Sparkle."

Rarity's face fell as her eyes widened before turning to look at Twilight, whom blushed.

"Oh, uh, thank you..." Twilight said shyly, hiding her violet eyes underneath her mane with embarrassment.  

"With pleasure," he said as he gave another bow before returning to his work. "M'lady." And he quickly rushed off, his Irken face becoming red with glee.

"Wow," Rainbow Dash joked as she smirked at Twilight. "You couldn't get Red yet half the guys on his planet worship the ground you walk on."

"Rarity, are you okay?" Fluttershy asked as she turned to the white unicorn.

"Oh, yes," Rarity said as she exhaled. "I need to understand that every pony is beautiful..." She looked at Twilight, a sincere yet sad smile on her face. "Some more than others..." She added quietly.

A loud thump was heard and all heads turned and spotted a familiar Irken having tripped and landed on her face.

"Tuli!" Pinkie Pie squealed with excitement.

The Irken gasped before quickly picking herself up. She was dressed in a bathing suit and a towel was around her neck. She felt so embarrassed yet surprised. "You know my name?"

"Of course, sugar," Applejack laughed. "We met yesterday, remember?" She motioned a spot next to her in the tub. "Come join us."

"No, I shouldn't..." Tuli said quietly. "I shouldn't disturb almighties such as yourself with my pathetic presence."

"Pathetic presence?" Rainbow Dash repeated with shock. "Don't call yourself that!"

"Indeed," Rarity said, "no Irken is pathetic. All Irkens are alike."

"Please, join us," Twilight asked as she beckoned for her.

Shyly, Tuli walked over and slowly dipped herself into the tub between Applejack and Twilight, enjoying the warm, rapid water as she sank herself, the water to her shoulders. "Mmm..."

"Sugar, I know you've been working under the Tallest so long before they up and changed themselves for the better," Applejack said. "But don't you worry none because now they're good guys and treat you all well as we do."

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie agreed. "They raised your salary super high!"

"I am grateful for that..." Tuli admitted. "They have ever been so kind since yesterday when they returned..." She smiled a bit. "I'm still surprised, however..."

"I don't blame you," Rainbow Dash laughed, "the first Tallest were jerks, and messed up the present Tallest's lives, and they took it out on you guys." Her expression softened. "But that's all in the past now, and now you have three new people to look up to."

"Four," Tuli corrected as she turned to Twilight. "Shruid was worried that he had been fired when the Tallest told him you were a new advisor."

Twilight chuckled. "I almost thought that as well..."
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After they relaxed and refreshed, the six ponies and Tuli emerged from the spa resort, talking and laughing as they enjoyed the scenery of Irk. Some of the their friends were around the streets as well, enjoying Irken company.

Heads bowed when the Tallest came by, having a simple stroll down the street. Twilight's eyes brightened.

"Red!" She exclaimed happily before dashing over to them. "My Tallest," she said more formally as she bowed her head.

"At ease, Sparkle," Red chuckled. "You don't have to do that."


"But I'm your advisor," she said.

"And my pony sister," Red winked.Twilight blushed a bit.

"You sure she's over Red?" Rainbow Dash whispered into Applejack's ear.

"Has everything been set?" Twilight asked. "For the initiation and celebration?"

"I believe so," Red replied as he looked over his work. "Though I'm not really sure what we could add."

"Hello! It's a party!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, standing behind them. "That means games and dancing and laughter and treats!"

"It's also a grand party," Rarity added, trotting over to them. "Filled with sophisticated people and charming royalty."

"Maybe a place where it don't matter if there's fancy food or not," Applejack added, scuffling a hoof against the floor. "You know, so they'd still buy treats out of generosity and all..."

"You still thinking about that night?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Hey, remember, I didn't get to hang with the Wonderbolts."

"I never got to be close to the animals," Fluttershy said sadly.

"I never got my Prince Charming!" Rarity whined.

"Prince Charming?" Tuli asked herself quietly as she watched them.

"I never got to talk with the princess..." Twilight said sadly.

"And I never got to have an awesome party!" Pinkie Pie screamed, making Irkens look toward their direction.

Red and Purple looked at each other before gazing at the ponies curiously.

"What was this celebration?" Red asked.

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" The ponies said.

"It was suppose to be the best night ever..." Twilight said, averting her eyes.  "But even though it didn't go the way we expected, it was still fun, because of friends," she said as she turned to the ponies.

Suddenly, something sifted through the atmosphere, and the Tallest could feel it as they watched the ponies. They got in a type of formation, all for Irk to see. Tuli watched in astonishment as they ponies shifted hooves in such graceful movement.

Her heart beat when they began to sing.

"At the Gala..." Twilight sang.

"At the Gala..." The other five chimed.

Irkens everywhere stopped what they were doing as they watched the ponies began some sort of entertainment. Fluttershy flew into the air, her pink mane flapping as she gazed around her as she sang.

"At the Gala, how I, anticipated that night so dear," she sang as she flapped her yellow wings gracefully. "I wanted to meet every animal, wanted to get so near."

Her face saddened a bit as she recalled that night at the Gala when she had spent her time in the gardens, wanting to meet all the animals. But they were terrified of her, and it really frustrated her. She became so frustrated with trying to make friends that she had gone into a rage, scaring them all. The yellow pegasus sang aloud about it, for all of Irk to hear.

But the animals, they feared me
They ran at my presence
I felt so angry
So frustrated
Desperate to see them
How I wished to have pet them
That night at the Gala

"At the Gala..." The other ponies sang as they trudged behind Fluttershy, whom landed in front of them.

Finally, Applejack came to the front, flipping her blonde mane as she removed her hat and sang.

At the Gala
I had been hoping
To sell my apple treats
I hopped ponies would stand in line
For my yummy sweets

She sang about her hopes to make money off her apple goodies, how she hoped she would make a lot of money for her family. And how disappointed she was when no one wanted her food but wanted the fancy food provided at the Gala. Those ponies were so snobbish...

But I never made any money
To provide for my family

"At the Gala..." Her friends sang, for all of Irk to hear.

Rarity gracefully came to the front, flipping her purple mane as she gave a sad expression. Then she began to sing.

At the Gala
My hopes of
Meeting Prince Charming
He was handsome
Oh so handsome
But his attitude was alarming

Rarity sang about her hopes of falling in love with Prince Blueblood, Celestia's nephew. Rarity had thought he was the pony of her dreams, hoping he would treat her like a lady and be oh-so-charming. But he was far from it.

I didn't treat me like a lady
But he treated me like a servant
How uncharming he was to me
That night at the Gala

"At the Gala..." Her friends sang.

The Tallest, Tuli, and the Irkens were amazed by such voices, and how they simply sang from the heart, no lyrics or anything. They watched as Rainbow Dash flew up, her wings flapping as she gazed at the sky.

I've been hoping for that night
To hang with those great ponies

She let her heart out about how much she wanted to spend time with the Wonderbolts. How disappointed she was that every other pony kept them for themselves. How much she tried to get their attention with her fast flying.

The Wonderbolts, everyone loves them
I've been trying to get them to notice me
I dreamed we would fly!
For crowds from up in the sky!
But I never got that chance that night at the Gala

"At the Gala..." Her friends sang as Rainbow Dash swooped down and went back in formation with her friends, sighing out her disappointment from that one night.

Finally, Pinkie Pie came out, and she bounced and pranced, with such determination on her face.

I wanted to enjoy the Gala!
For I thought it was the best party!
But I found out it was boring!
The ponies so different from me!

She sang about how much she wanted to play and dance with the others ponies. How disappointed and sad she was that the party was dull and no pony wanted to dance, just talk. She had tried many ways to get them into the party mood to no avail.

The other ponies thought I was crazy!
These ponies!
They're so boring!
All I wanted was to have fun at the Gala!

"At the Gala..." Her friends sang.

Tuli was amazed by their harmonic voices, how soothing the sound was as they sang their hearts out for a night that sounded horrible. Her heart thumped when Twilight came into view, her gracefulness looking more intriguing than ever. Some of the male Irkens in the crowd gazed at her with lovesick expression as her violet eyes sparkled, remembering that night. Then the pony sang.

At the Gala
All I wanted
Was to speak with the princess
But the other ponies
They were disruptive
I found myself in quite a mess

How beautiful her voice was! Though all the ponies sang wonderfully, Red and Purple thought Twilight had the most beautiful voice of all. Her voice sounded like an Earth dove, so angelic and wonderful.

The unicorn sang about how she just wanted to spend the night with Princess Celestia, catch up on so many things. How it never happened because they had been stuck in a greeting line, having to greet so many ponies that it was tiring!

I wished to have talked about my days in Ponyville
How things have gotten downhill
How I wished to have spent time with Celestia
That night at the Gala

"At the Gala..." The other ponies chimed.

"At the Gala!" They concluded, the group finishing with a pose.

To their surprise, the crowd of Irkens applauded their unexpected entertainment. Red and Puple hooted and hollered for such an amazing performance. Tuli clapped, tears in her eyes for having heard such a wonderful song from such wonderful creatures.

Twilight blushed before she and her friends smiled at each other, feeling a little embarrassed. Red watched as her eyes sparkled, how even though she sounded so sad and disappointed in her song, she still looked so happy. All she wanted was to chat with Princess Celestia...

All these ponies wanted was for a night to their full-liking, with hopes and dreams fulfilled...

"That was so beautiful!" Purple gasped with enjoyment. Then he remembered the work that needed to be done as he turned to Red. "But I still don't know about what we'll do for our celebration. We still don't have a name!"

Red continued watching Twilight and the others, absorbing the praise they were receiving from his people. He smiled as he thought.

"I believe we do," he said simply.

"Really?" Purple asked. "What's it going to be called then?"

Red smiled as he watched the ponies. "We'll call it...The Grand Galactic Gala."