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Description
(Here is a small story dump that sorta takes place after this. Y'all should check out RosarianArt !!!)

----------Top Image's Story-----------
Abyss has seen how hard Dreamcatcher has been working to help pull the Gala together. Her stress levels must be through the roof by now! And she's even taken some extra time to give him much-needed coaching on proper pony etiquette. All of this means one thing and one thing only; he must wow her with an amazing gift. Not any gift will do for his wonderful princess...it must be the best of the best.
So he does some asking around for ideas. Finally he stumbles across something that would actually be plausible. Filled with newfound purpose, he immediately rushes to his artistic sister.
"Dust ! I need your help!"

Dust looks up from her pencil sharpener. "Of course! What's up Abyss?"

"Have you ever drawn up designs before?" Abyss hovers in awkward excitement.

"Hmm only rarely. Why?"

"Well, I was sorta hoping you could maybe possibly sketch me up a good blueprint for someone special to me..." He leans in and whispers his thoughts to her. Dust lights up.

"Aw Abyss, that's so sweet! I'd be happy to try." She squees and starts doodling right away. Abyss pokes his nose rudely into her space many times before he sees a shape that interests him. Dust doesn't mind. She knows how excitable he can get.
After the final touching up of the drawing she gently rips it from the paper pad. Abyss very carefully rolls it up scroll-style to save for later.

"Thanks Dust, I really appreciate this. I'll pay you back sometime!" Abyss scurries for the door.

"A deer haunch would be pretty nice thank you!" Dust calls after him. He most likely will forget but it's nice to think that she would have an impact on the finished product. She coos to herself and goes back to sharpening pencils.

----------Middle Image's Story-----------
The dimension portal appeared precisely on schedule. Abyss clenches his eyes closed before stepping through the pulsing mass of purple energy. It's odd to think that another entire continent existed completely untouched by Equestria...that and his half sister recently got coronated Queen of this place. This oddly alluring land: The Nightmare Zone. He's not quite sure what the citizens of this place are called. All he knows is that they're distant relatives of Umbrums. Sort of like how he's vaguely related to Changelings. Once you get past the random shrill screams that resonate through the air it's really not too bad of a place. Everyone's generally peaceable, it's always dark, and the temperature is perfect in humidity. Today the portal led directly into the ballroom so he doesn't get the chance to sightsee this time.
"Ah Abyss. How fares thee?" A slippery deep voice murmurs in greeting.

Abyss instinctively drops into a bow. "Really well Your Darkness. I apologize for my initial shock; I was expecting my sister Uma ." He sneaks a glance at his brother-in-law. Who just so happens to be the benevolent King of Nightmares. He's truly a sight to behold with his multiple eyes and gaps in his cheeks. But there's an odd beauty about him too. He obviously carries himself with elegance. His mane is always luxurious and flowing with millions of shifting sparkles. Right now his long face is scrunched up in confusion.

"Erm...I generally am not addressed in such a manner..." This seems to trouble him.

"With all respect Uma- uh I mean- your Queen insisted that's what you preferred." Abyss stops bowing since his back was starting to protest.

This makes the King light up in delight. "Ah my silly little turtledove! She has successfully fooled us both. I shall commend her on that later. But never mind. Come come, we have much to cover! My crown is off; therefore there is no need for such formalities." He chuckles to himself while ushering Abyss into the center of the room. "My beloved is at a doctor's appointment at this moment so I shall be substitute. What would you like to attempt first?"

Abyss thinks about this. "Weeellll I'd like you to look over my basic Gala dance moves. Then we could move onto some freestyle?"

"Your plan is agreeable." The King dips his head. With a sharp motion of his tail an invisible band bursts into life. The music is a bit different than the typical ballroom type, but it'll serve the purpose. The Nightmare easily and elegantly bows to Abyss. Abyss, trying to stay in his best form, bows deeply in return. In one fluid movement the centipony is swept into a flawless waltz.
"I do hope me leading is not troublesome for you."

"Nah that's alright. I'd rather see how it's done first anyway!" Abyss pays close attention. How long has he done this? He makes it seem so easy! His long body doesn't seem to be an obstacle like it is for himself...
The King, for his part, seems rather bored. Focused, but bored. This is all second nature to him.

"You may proceed." The King encourages Abyss as the band starts a new song. Abyss shakily takes his place.
It takes a little to get into the swing of things; luckily stepping on his dance partner's feet is nearly impossible. They slowly spin in gangly circles for awhile until the song is over.

"That was pretty awful, huh?" Abyss grins sheepishly.

"It is...satisfactory. More can be done to improve, however." The King tilts his head. "Please show me another dance."
The training session takes a little longer than originally planned. By the end of it Abyss is panting slightly and ready for a break. He gazes pleadingly at his coach.

"C...can we be done for today?"

He ponders the request. "I suppose. Do have a seat." With a wave of his arm a table with large sofa-style chairs materialize for them to recline on.

Abyss collapses onto one with a sigh. "I don't know if I'll ever be up to par with royal standards for dance...my freestyle is like an eel having a seizure!"

"Fear not centipony. Anything embarrassing that you may cause will swiftly be overlooked by our presence at the event." The King daintily sips at some tea.

"OH! Uma did mention that in passing...are you really going to attend this year?" Abyss is interested. The Luna family generally don't get along with the Nightmares since their roles conflict. His arrival would cause a massive stir!

"As a general rule I usually do not. I have only been once as a freshly crowned royal. Incredibly uncomfortable may I add." The dark creature grimaces at the memory. "And yet an unstoppable force of nature has convinced me to accept this time. Normally I am sent an invitation just out of politeness; they may have forgotten that they do so by now. Forgive my ramblings, your sister and I shall go to the Equestrian Gala. She felt that it was politically necessary since I am no longer 'on the market' as they say." He grins. "Their approval means nothing to me you see, I just wish to amuse my beloved Queen. She has brought much joy to this world so I look forward to witnessing how she'll behave there. A trial run if you will."

Oh no poor Uma! The snobby royals will tear her apart! "Ah. Well, my next stop is that very castle...I guess I could tell them about your RSVP."

"That would be kind of you." The King nods.

"In return for oooone little thing..."

"Oh?" The Nightmare's face smirks in dark glee. He is generally entertained by deals and trickery. "What is your price, pray tell?"

"C...could you maybe forge this for me? I have a reference image here. It's going to be a present for my marefriend." Abyss laughs nervously as the ruler levitates his chair closer.

"A noble idea indeed." He studies the drawing seriously. "However, to make something this intricate I too require payment."

"Name it!"

"Three severe nightmares should be sufficient to generate the energy for this." The King's realm is powered off of imagination but fueled with bad dreams. Sort of like how love gives Changelings magic. At Abyss' approval he swiftly blows a bright green flame over an empty hoof. Once the flames disappeared he was holding a little box tied with a fancy red ribbon. "Here you are."

"That's absolutely perfect. I cannot thank you enough...uh...what do I address you as?" Abyss is incredibly grateful.

"Address me as Night or simply Realm. I sacrificed my birth name when I ascended." Night waves the thanks off. "Do not forget your end of the bargain. May your endeavors go in your favor."

"I won't! Thanks again!" Abyss waves as he re-enters the pulsing portal.

----------Last Image's Story-----------
"Oh Abyss, you shouldn't have!" Dreamcatcher gasps as she admires her reflection in a nearby mirror. The horn decoration fits perfectly; it's neither too heavy or too flashy. Just something graceful to wear to fancy events. It even has her favorite color as a gemstone! Turquoise. She's glad that he assured her that it is not a proposal gift before giving it to her. Centipony culture can be tricky in that manner.

"I absolutely did! Only the best for you." Abyss also admires her. She's gorgeous with or without jewelry honestly. "It's a promise ring."

"A what?"

"Well I wanted to give a meaningful gift. I asked around and someone brought up the idea of a promise ring! It sort of acts like an engagement ring but for those who are simply dating steady. A promise of their dedication while they work up to that step. You don't have to take it seriously at all though! Just keep it as a trinket if you're more comfortable with that." Abyss smiles at her sweetly. He isn't ashamed to admit his devotion to her. "No pressure okay?"

"Oh!" Dream is at a loss for words. Her heart isn't sure how to comprehend this. So she gives him a solid kiss to make up for it.

Abyss makes a content gurgling noise at her slight sign of approval. He is beyond smitten with her; he's absolutely in love with the princess. If it takes hours of dance practice to make things work he'll do it. Anything to make her happy.
He really hates to ruin this tender moment by some not-so-happy news.
"With that out of the way there's something else you need to know."

"Yes?" Dream stops nuzzling his cheek to listen.

"Ahem. King and Queen of the Nightmare Zone cordially accept your royal invitation to the gala." Abyss announces grandly. Dream's face drops. Wait who invited them?! What would the others think?!
"Hey at least you'll be able to meet one of my non-bug sisters...she...uh...just so happens to be the Queen." Abyss shrugs helplessly. "I'm sorry."

"I'll have to let mother know, that's all. Thankfully guest lists are not quite my responsibility yet-" Dream is still slightly troubled. She absentmindedly pats at the promise ring. It twines in a colorful band around her horn and flashes slightly when it reflects some moonlight.
At that moment Elusive decided to pop in on them. He looks at Abyss' worried face and Dream's thoughtful expression while she touches her new piece of jewelry.
The son of chaos can only come to one conclusion:

"Whoa Dream! YOU'RE ENGAGED?!"
------------------------------------------------------
Long story short: Abyss wants to give his princess a cool gift and works hard for it. In the end it costs their sanity XD Now Dream has to worry about her terrifying political enemies appearing at the Gala AND carefully explaining to Elusive that she's not engaged before he blabs the rumor to everyone.
Abyss tried lol.
King Night is only slightly interested at attending. Uma is pretty sure that it'll be great practice for when she attends other more important events later on in their rule.

Wrote this late at night so there's probably typos. Will fix that tomorrow.

Dreamcatcher and Elusive belong to RosarianArt

Description
(Here is a small story dump that sorta takes place after this. Y'all should check out RosarianArt !!!)

----------Top Image's Story-----------
Abyss has seen how hard Dreamcatcher has been working to help pull the Gala together. Her stress levels must be through the roof by now! And she's even taken some extra time to give him much-needed coaching on proper pony etiquette. All of this means one thing and one thing only; he must wow her with an amazing gift. Not any gift will do for his wonderful princess...it must be the best of the best.
So he does some asking around for ideas. Finally he stumbles across something that would actually be plausible. Filled with newfound purpose, he immediately rushes to his artistic sister.
"Dust ! I need your help!"

Dust looks up from her pencil sharpener. "Of course! What's up Abyss?"

"Have you ever drawn up designs before?" Abyss hovers in awkward excitement.

"Hmm only rarely. Why?"

"Well, I was sorta hoping you could maybe possibly sketch me up a good blueprint for someone special to me..." He leans in and whispers his thoughts to her. Dust lights up.

"Aw Abyss, that's so sweet! I'd be happy to try." She squees and starts doodling right away. Abyss pokes his nose rudely into her space many times before he sees a shape that interests him. Dust doesn't mind. She knows how excitable he can get.
After the final touching up of the drawing she gently rips it from the paper pad. Abyss very carefully rolls it up scroll-style to save for later.

"Thanks Dust, I really appreciate this. I'll pay you back sometime!" Abyss scurries for the door.

"A deer haunch would be pretty nice thank you!" Dust calls after him. He most likely will forget but it's nice to think that she would have an impact on the finished product. She coos to herself and goes back to sharpening pencils.

----------Middle Image's Story-----------
The dimension portal appeared precisely on schedule. Abyss clenches his eyes closed before stepping through the pulsing mass of purple energy. It's odd to think that another entire continent existed completely untouched by Equestria...that and his half sister recently got coronated Queen of this place. This oddly alluring land: The Nightmare Zone. He's not quite sure what the citizens of this place are called. All he knows is that they're distant relatives of Umbrums. Sort of like how he's vaguely related to Changelings. Once you get past the random shrill screams that resonate through the air it's really not too bad of a place. Everyone's generally peaceable, it's always dark, and the temperature is perfect in humidity. Today the portal led directly into the ballroom so he doesn't get the chance to sightsee this time.
"Ah Abyss. How fares thee?" A slippery deep voice murmurs in greeting.

Abyss instinctively drops into a bow. "Really well Your Darkness. I apologize for my initial shock; I was expecting my sister Uma ." He sneaks a glance at his brother-in-law. Who just so happens to be the benevolent King of Nightmares. He's truly a sight to behold with his multiple eyes and gaps in his cheeks. But there's an odd beauty about him too. He obviously carries himself with elegance. His mane is always luxurious and flowing with millions of shifting sparkles. Right now his long face is scrunched up in confusion.

"Erm...I generally am not addressed in such a manner..." This seems to trouble him.

"With all respect Uma- uh I mean- your Queen insisted that's what you preferred." Abyss stops bowing since his back was starting to protest.

This makes the King light up in delight. "Ah my silly little turtledove! She has successfully fooled us both. I shall commend her on that later. But never mind. Come come, we have much to cover! My crown is off; therefore there is no need for such formalities." He chuckles to himself while ushering Abyss into the center of the room. "My beloved is at a doctor's appointment at this moment so I shall be substitute. What would you like to attempt first?"

Abyss thinks about this. "Weeellll I'd like you to look over my basic Gala dance moves. Then we could move onto some freestyle?"

"Your plan is agreeable." The King dips his head. With a sharp motion of his tail an invisible band bursts into life. The music is a bit different than the typical ballroom type, but it'll serve the purpose. The Nightmare easily and elegantly bows to Abyss. Abyss, trying to stay in his best form, bows deeply in return. In one fluid movement the centipony is swept into a flawless waltz.
"I do hope me leading is not troublesome for you."

"Nah that's alright. I'd rather see how it's done first anyway!" Abyss pays close attention. How long has he done this? He makes it seem so easy! His long body doesn't seem to be an obstacle like it is for himself...
The King, for his part, seems rather bored. Focused, but bored. This is all second nature to him.

"You may proceed." The King encourages Abyss as the band starts a new song. Abyss shakily takes his place.
It takes a little to get into the swing of things; luckily stepping on his dance partner's feet is nearly impossible. They slowly spin in gangly circles for awhile until the song is over.

"That was pretty awful, huh?" Abyss grins sheepishly.

"It is...satisfactory. More can be done to improve, however." The King tilts his head. "Please show me another dance."
The training session takes a little longer than originally planned. By the end of it Abyss is panting slightly and ready for a break. He gazes pleadingly at his coach.

"C...can we be done for today?"

He ponders the request. "I suppose. Do have a seat." With a wave of his arm a table with large sofa-style chairs materialize for them to recline on.

Abyss collapses onto one with a sigh. "I don't know if I'll ever be up to par with royal standards for dance...my freestyle is like an eel having a seizure!"

"Fear not centipony. Anything embarrassing that you may cause will swiftly be overlooked by our presence at the event." The King daintily sips at some tea.

"OH! Uma did mention that in passing...are you really going to attend this year?" Abyss is interested. The Luna family generally don't get along with the Nightmares since their roles conflict. His arrival would cause a massive stir!

"As a general rule I usually do not. I have only been once as a freshly crowned royal. Incredibly uncomfortable may I add." The dark creature grimaces at the memory. "And yet an unstoppable force of nature has convinced me to accept this time. Normally I am sent an invitation just out of politeness; they may have forgotten that they do so by now. Forgive my ramblings, your sister and I shall go to the Equestrian Gala. She felt that it was politically necessary since I am no longer 'on the market' as they say." He grins. "Their approval means nothing to me you see, I just wish to amuse my beloved Queen. She has brought much joy to this world so I look forward to witnessing how she'll behave there. A trial run if you will."

Oh no poor Uma! The snobby royals will tear her apart! "Ah. Well, my next stop is that very castle...I guess I could tell them about your RSVP."

"That would be kind of you." The King nods.

"In return for oooone little thing..."

"Oh?" The Nightmare's face smirks in dark glee. He is generally entertained by deals and trickery. "What is your price, pray tell?"

"C...could you maybe forge this for me? I have a reference image here. It's going to be a present for my marefriend." Abyss laughs nervously as the ruler levitates his chair closer.

"A noble idea indeed." He studies the drawing seriously. "However, to make something this intricate I too require payment."

"Name it!"

"Three severe nightmares should be sufficient to generate the energy for this." The King's realm is powered off of imagination but fueled with bad dreams. Sort of like how love gives Changelings magic. At Abyss' approval he swiftly blows a bright green flame over an empty hoof. Once the flames disappeared he was holding a little box tied with a fancy red ribbon. "Here you are."

"That's absolutely perfect. I cannot thank you enough...uh...what do I address you as?" Abyss is incredibly grateful.

"Address me as Night or simply Realm. I sacrificed my birth name when I ascended." Night waves the thanks off. "Do not forget your end of the bargain. May your endeavors go in your favor."

"I won't! Thanks again!" Abyss waves as he re-enters the pulsing portal.

----------Last Image's Story-----------
"Oh Abyss, you shouldn't have!" Dreamcatcher gasps as she admires her reflection in a nearby mirror. The horn decoration fits perfectly; it's neither too heavy or too flashy. Just something graceful to wear to fancy events. It even has her favorite color as a gemstone! Turquoise. She's glad that he assured her that it is not a proposal gift before giving it to her. Centipony culture can be tricky in that manner.

"I absolutely did! Only the best for you." Abyss also admires her. She's gorgeous with or without jewelry honestly. "It's a promise ring."

"A what?"

"Well I wanted to give a meaningful gift. I asked around and someone brought up the idea of a promise ring! It sort of acts like an engagement ring but for those who are simply dating steady. A promise of their dedication while they work up to that step. You don't have to take it seriously at all though! Just keep it as a trinket if you're more comfortable with that." Abyss smiles at her sweetly. He isn't ashamed to admit his devotion to her. "No pressure okay?"

"Oh!" Dream is at a loss for words. Her heart isn't sure how to comprehend this. So she gives him a solid kiss to make up for it.

Abyss makes a content gurgling noise at her slight sign of approval. He is beyond smitten with her; he's absolutely in love with the princess. If it takes hours of dance practice to make things work he'll do it. Anything to make her happy.
He really hates to ruin this tender moment by some not-so-happy news.
"With that out of the way there's something else you need to know."

"Yes?" Dream stops nuzzling his cheek to listen.

"Ahem. King and Queen of the Nightmare Zone cordially accept your royal invitation to the gala." Abyss announces grandly. Dream's face drops. Wait who invited them?! What would the others think?!
"Hey at least you'll be able to meet one of my non-bug sisters...she...uh...just so happens to be the Queen." Abyss shrugs helplessly. "I'm sorry."

"I'll have to let mother know, that's all. Thankfully guest lists are not quite my responsibility yet-" Dream is still slightly troubled. She absentmindedly pats at the promise ring. It twines in a colorful band around her horn and flashes slightly when it reflects some moonlight.
At that moment Elusive decided to pop in on them. He looks at Abyss' worried face and Dream's thoughtful expression while she touches her new piece of jewelry.
The son of chaos can only come to one conclusion:

"Whoa Dream! YOU'RE ENGAGED?!"
------------------------------------------------------
Long story short: Abyss wants to give his princess a cool gift and works hard for it. In the end it costs their sanity XD Now Dream has to worry about her terrifying political enemies appearing at the Gala AND carefully explaining to Elusive that she's not engaged before he blabs the rumor to everyone.
Abyss tried lol.
King Night is only slightly interested at attending. Uma is pretty sure that it'll be great practice for when she attends other more important events later on in their rule.

Wrote this late at night so there's probably typos. Will fix that tomorrow.

Dreamcatcher and Elusive belong to RosarianArt