Heaven on Earth

Chapter 3: Foe's Debt

The ballroom of Celestia's palace glittered with light and sound. The crystal chandelier sparkled from the lights wrapped among the ivy around the pillar, reflecting the light across the many guests in their jewelry and finery as they entered, bringing in the stars shining in the sky through the windows.

At the sound of the trumpets, Celestia entered in her white dress with long flowing bell sleeves, golden trim, and a rainbow sash. Luna followed in a dark blue off-the-shoulder dress with satin black sleeves and wrap, the silver trim like moonlight. Shining Armor was next, dressed in a red jacket with all his medals and trim.

Lastly came Princess Twilight, dressed in a gown with a lavender bodice, a purple-red skirt with a dark purple wrap and trim, double-puffed lavender and maroon sleeves with purple-pink lace. Her hair was braided and put in a bun with the braid like a tail. She pushed her glasses up her nose as Celestia launched into the traditional speech welcoming everyone to the Friendship Ball.

Within the crowd stood two young men. One had yellow-orange skin, blue hair, and blue eyes. The other had tan skin, green hair, and jade green eyes. The former was Flash Sentry and the latter was Timber Spruce.

"Oh man," Flash muttered. "Twilight looks beautiful."

"She's perfect," Timber agreed. "Perfect for me."

"In your dreams, Timber." Flash slugged him on the arm.

Timber blocked the hit. "Tell you what: let's flirt with Twilight. Whoever she picks at the end of the night wins."

"And whoever loses has to do the other's laundry for a month." Flash quipped back.

"Deal." Timber shook Flash's hands. "May the best man win."

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"Do I have to wear this?" Sonic rolled his eyes as he held the amber charm out in front of him.

"Yes, if you want to walk into that ballroom and not be caught," Knuckles grunted. "This charm will make it seem to everyone that you're one of the Canterlot folk, not a Mobian."

"It's the same reason you're wearing black pants. Lest anyone get any ideas," Tails added.

"Ugh. Don't remind me," Sonic groaned as he fastened the charm, tucking it under his suit collar. Instantly, the spell took effect, changing his skin to a lighter blue, his quills into dark blue hair, and his muzzle disappearing into the rest of him.

Now he looked like a regular Canterlot resident. And coupled with his navy blue and gold dress coat, a perfect prince. Why, the only thing that might've tipped people off about his real identity might've been his red high-tops.

"Better?" Sonic asked, hands on his hips.

"Yes." Knuckles adjusted his own charm. Tails and Shadow likewise activated their charms and tucked in their shirts before slipping inside through one of the side doors.

"Whoa......" Sonic's emerald eyes glimmered with wonder. "What a place! I can't believe I'm here." He freely mingled through the crowd, almost dizzy with glee. "I never want to leave this place. Ever." He spun out onto the dance floor, arms wide and upward as he always did at a gala.

It was a habit of his, as Sonic loved the feel of a ball more than the actual event. Forget the glitz and glamour. Sonic loved the way the music and the light swirled with the sparkle of everyone, creating this atmosphere of fun wrapped in a glorious symphony for the senses.

"Hey, Flash?"

Sonic stopped spinning at the sound of the voice behind him. To his surprise, he met a beautiful pair of purple eyes hidden behind black glasses. The figure stepped back, shock written all over her face as she clasped her hands. "I-I'm sorry, I thought you were-"