Featured song:

"The Royal Way" from Mira, Royal Detective (my niece loves that show)

Warning: there is a slight mention towards a very serious issue. If you've seen Law & Order SVU, you'll understand what that issue is. (I may have been watching a few too many crime shows lately)

____________________________

The entire royal family as well as the Bad Batch, Mila, and the horses gathered to speak with the royal family of Maamoh-Yah. Boba was happy to see his girlfriend again, but Omega was ecstatic to see Echo's face again. She only wished she could hug him right there, right now. Maybelle and Pinto were also happy to see Banjo again.

"I'm glad to see you too, Omega. Unfortunately, this call isn't for pleasure." Echo said.

Sultan Khalid stepped up to speak.

"All of you received invitations to the All Kingdoms Gala, correct?" he began.

"We did." Qui-Gon said.

The All Kingdoms Gala was legendary. There was said to be lots of food, dancing, and royals, politicians, and dignitaries from all the kingdoms came. And this one was different because not only was it the one thousandth All Kingdoms Gala, but it was also the first one where Jedi would be in attendance, and the first one to include the royal family of Solaris in a century. The whole family was so excited for it, and they spared no expense in getting their best clothes to wear, and everyone had dreams they hoped would come true at this gala. Except, there was a problem with the gala this year.

"I'm gonna guess the problem isn't that they don't have enough punch." Caroline said.

"You'd be guessing correctly. The problem would actually be this."

The sultan pulled out a picture of the tribal leaders of Tyachar, a tyrannical tribe of people who were descendants of folks who once lived in Maamoh-Yah, until they were banished for kidnapping young girls and forcing them into marriage. Even back when Maamoh-Yah practiced arranged marriages, they didn't go as far as forcing little girls into marriage.

The moment Indira saw that picture, she whinnied in a panic, being the only one who recognized the man in the picture. Hunter immediately got to her and started to pet her muzzle, but even with the petting, she looked terrified.

"This is Chief Aghati, the ruler of Tyachar. We have reason to believe he may be trying to infiltrate the gala. None of the other kingdoms are aware of this, but the Commission has agreed to let us notify you, given your new reputation in stopping people like him."

"What's he been doing?" Crosshair asked.

"Kidnapping young girls from all the kingdoms," said Sultana Lanaisha. "And then releasing them far away. According to those who've testified, he's been looking for Princess Kanti Mannan, who you may know as your friend Indira Ghoda."

"Wait a minute!" Boba said. He looked at Roya. "You knew Indira used to be a human?"

"We had to keep it secret." Roya said. "Not just for her safety, but yours too."

Roya's family were some of very few people who knew Indira was really born a human, and them being allies of Equinaro, they naturally were more than willing to aid in keeping her safe by withholding the secret of where she was, and ensuring Aghati never got to her, especially knowing he would kill anyone who got in his way. The sultan knew all too well the terror of being forced into marriage. Except, his case wasn't nearly as terrible as Indira.

Indira was shaking. Despite the fact that people of Tyachar didn't have magic of their own, given that their ancestors had their magic drained when they were banished, Aghati and his minions were very dangerous men.

"So, Aghati doesn't know where she is," said Padme. "And now he's looking for girls who look like her, but throwing them back when he finds out they aren't her."

"Exactly." Lanaisha said. "That's why we are enlisting your help in capturing him. The Commission has been targeting him for years. But, you'll need some undercover work."

According to the rules of access to the castle where the ball was occurring, the only people allowed in were invited guests, the commission members, and the guards overseeing it. If someone wanted to gain access to any jewels or anything of value, they would have to enter disguised as royal people. And this year, the gala was a masquerade ball, which would give people looking to sneak in the perfect opportunity.

"Given the high profility of your family," said Lanaisha. "The members of Clone Force 99 are the best choice. They will all need to go undercover... as princes."

"What?!" Hunter and Crosshair gasped.

Wrecker, who'd been still munching berries, just burped, and he had juice all over his face.

"Wrecker, manners!" Mila scolded.

"'Scuse me." Wrecker shrugged.

"No offense, Your Majesties, but how do you expect us to turn these guys into princes?"

"It can't be that hard." Teatra said. "A few minor adjustments of the hair, makeup, and wardrobe, and they can pass for princes."

"Looking like royalty won't be enough, though." Gabby pointed out. "They'll have to act like royal people too."

"That's right." Lanaisha said. "The gala is less than a week away. Do you think you can teach your friends to act like royals before then?"

The family thought about it. Gabby had taught Boba to act like a prince when she was only three, and she also had help from Obi-Wan in that respect. Shmi also had to learn a lot about etiquette now that she was a queen. And the family had even taught Comedia, a royal pony who acted more like a jester, to act like a princess. How hard could teaching a few clones be?

Mila had plenty of books about etiquette too. She'd been to plenty of parties back home, and didn't feel like this would be too different than attending a quinceañera.

"We'll do it." Qui-Gon said. "We shall begin lessons immediately."

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Except, the Batch didn't think this made sense. They'd been to balls before and had fine manners.

"This isn't like a birthday ball or a family get together." Padme said. "This is a big, fancy gala with many important people in attendance. And, as princes, you'll need to act the part."

"And not just theater acting, boys." said Teatra. "You need to make everyone believe it."

And so, crash course prince lessons began for Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, and Crosshair, and Mila was getting a crash course exam in how she behaved as a princess.

Garrett got the newest students to sit in some desks as he and Mariposa showed them visual aids on the musts of being royalty. Technically being a royal himself, Garrett knew a thing or two about how royal people of all kinds behaved, and learning how to greet each kind was essential for the gala.

"As you may know, most of the royal family of Solaris grew up as commoners. That being, once they learned they were royals and passed their coronations, every single one of them needed to develop new behaviors for important events such as the gala." Garrett said.

"In order to pass as royalty at this event," said Mariposa. "You'll need to learn these main concepts. Etiquette, speech, and balance with your outfits."

"It feels hard at first," said Omega. "But there's nothing to it."

"I doubt that they can do it." Boba teased.

Officially, lessons began.

Carmine and Anakin began teaching the group about posture, an essential part of royal etiquette.

Carmine:

Let's start off simple

You'll need to stand up straight

Anakin:

Balance at least nine books

Wrecker and the other boys collapsed under the extra weight on their heads though. Carmine balanced just one on his head.

Carmine:

I think just one works great

Mila tried on some jewelry and tiaras, only to nearly collapse herself. The royals must've had incredibly strong necks to be able to wear such heavy things on their heads.

Mila:

Whoa. This Jewelry's heavy

Padme:

Don't wobble when you walk

Caroline tried teaching Crosshair to smile more because royal people had to smile a lot. Crosshair wasn't the happy go lucky type, and all the smiling practice in the mirror kinda made his cheeks hurt.

Caroline:

You've got to nod and smile

And speak clearly when you talk

What was extra tricky though, was remembering which utensils to use. And Wrecker had to receive a lot of reminders for his manners. No burping, no talking with his mouth full, mouth closed when chewing, no stuffing his face, napkins go on the lap, and no slurping.

Royals:

You've got to learn the way
Hunter:
Which way?

Kids:
It's the Royal way
That's how you'll save the day

Tech started to get better at practicing eye contact instead of relying on his tablet. But just in case he got anxious, Carmine gave him a stress ball. He used to squeeze one before a big test in high school to calm down. He was practicing his walk with his wife, which seemed so effortless.

Tech:
I think I've got it!

But Tech tripped and fell down over Maybelle's long tail.

"Oops!" Maybelle blushed.

Kids:

It's a royal way

Now that the Batch learned etiquette, they also needed to be measured for their costumes, and practice their royal entrances

Qui-Gon:
You'll need a royal entrance
All eyes will be on you

Ms. Susy:
Saunter, stroll, sashay
Just don't run whatever you do

But Crosshair tripped when he tried a royal walk. He was still learning about dancing too.

Constantine:

Memorize each name

Constantine held up pictures of all the different royals and dignitaries for the batch to memorize.

Shmi:
Your manner must be graceful

Hunter walked up to Shmi like he was greeting a royal. Then he bowed, kissed her hand, and greeted her.

Hunter:
Your highness. So lovely to meet you

Everyone:
A-ha We've made a breakthrough

Now, the Batch felt more confident about acting as royals, and day by day, they and Mila each got better and better at acting as royalty. All they needed now were outfits for the gala.

You've got to learn the way

Which way?

It's the Royal way

It's how you'll save the day

Wrecker:

I think I've got it

Everyone:

It's the Royal way

It's the Royal way

"They're ready." Qui-Gon confirmed.

And good thing too, because the gala was tomorrow. Everyone went to get the final fittings in for their outfits.

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Hunter admired the cherry red and gold suit he was trying on, but the guys could all tell something seemed to be bothering him.

"What's wrong?" Anakin asked.

"It's Indira. I'm worried about her." Hunter said. "I'm not so sure taking her to the gala is such a good idea with that madman on the loose and after her."

"I don't think we need to worry," said Tech. "She changed her name as well as her species. Therefore, unless one of us actually tells him that the girl he is looking for is in fact now a pegasus named Indira, he will be unable to locate her."

"And if he tries any funny business," said Pinto. "She'll have us to watch her over. All our riders too."

Anakin chuckled and scratched under Pinto's chin.

"I know we can always count on you, noble steeds."

"I can't imagine how we ever got along before the horses came along." Qui-Gon said, helping Remix scratch an itch on his shoulder.

"I don't know what I'd do without my people either." Remix sighed with relief as he was scratched, making the other guys laugh.

Hunter then blew hard as his shaggy hair got into his eyes when his bandana was removed. That was one major reason he wore it. He didn't like haircuts, but he didn't like his hair getting in his eyes either.

"Do I really need to take off my bandana for this?" Hunter said.

"No worries," said Carmine. He got out a hairbrush and started brushing Hunter's hair back so it stayed behind his ears and out from his eyes. "I've had plenty of bad hair days in the past."

Hunter had to admit, Carmine was pretty good at dealing with unruly hair.

"When you've had to take care of Lamenta's curly hair as much as I have, you end up having to spend a lot of time watching hair tutorials."

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Meanwhile, the girls were all getting fitted into their gowns for the ball. Comedia came over to see Emeraldi and to try on her new dress too. This was the first time the Evermare sisters were actually looking forward to going to the gala together.

"Ooh! I love this new gown." Comedia said, looking at herself in the navy blue gown she was wearing. It went really nicely with her tiara.

"Is the gala really super big?" Mona said.

"Bigger than the super mall." Emeraldi answered. "You need a map just to find the bathroom in that place. So, make sure you stay close to your parents."

"Are you sure it's a good idea for us to wear our crown jewels?" Gabby asked. "What if Mariverde clavatizes someone and they have easy access to them?"

"Garrett spoke with the Commission on that matter," said Mariposa. "They have bug zappers disguised as decor for that very event. Not to worry though. Mona, Goldie, and myself will be fine."

Someone else was worried though. Indira. No matter how lovely the pink, red, and gold saree she wore looked, she was worried about this gala, and the fact that her former groom-to-be was still looking for her. And it wasn't just those feelings she was dealing with.

Padme was quick to notice Indira seemed terrified.

"Indira? Are you okay?" she asked.

"I don't know." Indira confessed. "I don't think I should even be going to this gala. I'd only endanger everyone. You don't know Aghati like I do. To say he's a madman is being kind."

Indira started to cry as old memories started to fill her head, which caught the attention of the other girls.

"Indira, you don't have to be afraid." Sapphire said. "We're all here for you. If that man wants to harm you, he has to get through all of us first."

"You don't know him. Mr. Aghati will stop at nothing to get what he wants. And I never told you the horrible things he did to me in the days before our almost wedding."

"What do you mean?" said Kara.

Indira couldn't bring herself to say it, partially because children were present, but also because it was a traumatic experience for her.

"He made me do things I never would have agreed to then or now."

Indira spotted Gabby's teddy bear and Lamenta's sheep. She picked them up with her mouth and placed them beside each other, and then she made them face each other and pressed them together. That had all the women and teenage girls in the room gasping.

"He actually did that to a six-year-old?!" Mariposa gasped.

"That man is beyond sick!" Emeraldi agreed.

"If I come across him at that gala," said Kara. "I won't hesitate to use my lightsaber on him."

Of course, Diamond, Gabby, Lamenta, Mona, and Goldie, being children, didn't really understand what Indira was saying had happened. But judging by how scared she looked when she whispered into Padme's ear the full details, it was obviously something terrible.

"Mom? What's everyone talking about?" Gabby asked.

"Something you're a little too young to know about, Gabriella." Caroline said.

"What we can tell you now, Sweetie," said Padme, petting Indira's muzzle. "Is that this man, Mr. Aghati, he hurt Indira really badly when she was younger than you are now, and she was really scared. That's why we all need to be here for her."

Indira felt a little better as the children came up and hugged her. Their simple innocence, something she barely got to experience at that age, it somehow just felt right to be comforted by them. Children were a gift not just because they were new life and the next generation, but also because one thing all children have in common, they start out so innocent, and most often shielded from terrible hardships of the world. Sadly, as they grew older, some of those children lost that innocence, their curious mindsets, and the humility they were born to hold as many are led to believe that growing up meant giving up those things. But even worse, some kids weren't allowed to be innocent to begin with, like Indira. But somehow, Indira was blessed with a kind and determined spirit.

"I have to confess, despite my traumatic past with weddings, having seen the marriages some of you have gotten to have, I dream of having that myself someday."

"I'm sure someday you will." Shmi said. "It may have taken over twenty years for me, but when you're with the right man, it's well worth the wait."

"Yeah, it's easy for you. You've been a human all your life. Truth be told, I've never been sure if my true love was going to a human or an equine. I may look like a pegasus, but inside I'm still a human girl."

At first, it seemed confusing, but when they really thought about it, the other girls could see why Indira would feel confused about her love life.

"Didn't you say you were interested in someone earlier?" Teatra pointed out.

"Yes. Except, I feel like I might be going crazy for feeling it. I don't think it's possible for us to be together, even if he were interested."

"Why?" Comedia said. "Do your parents have a certain standard for who you can date? I've been there with my dad."

"No, my parents say any man or stallion I date, the only standard they have is that he treats me like a queen."

"Then is it that his parents wouldn't approve of you?" Caroline asked.

Indira shook her head. "He doesn't even have parents."

"Then what's the problem?" Padme said.

Indira felt embarrassed, but she could tell no one would let it go until she spilled.

"Nobody laugh." Indira said firmly. "Or so help me, I will bite!"

"Nobody is going to laugh at you, Indira." Kara promised. "Right, girls?"

The other girls all promised not to laugh at Indira, and then she spit it out.

"I think I'm in love with Hunter!"

Nobody was laughing, but they were definitely shocked. Indira was in love with her rider?

The others probably should've anticipated Indira's love interest might be a human or another biped species. She was still a human inside, after all. But Hunter of all people?

"How long have you felt like this?" Carousella asked.

"At least the last three months." Indira said. "I know it's odd, but... Hunter has so many qualities I've never realized I needed in a mate. He's charming, brave, handsome, and he's sensitive in more than just his mutations."

She sighed dreamily. Omega recognized that sigh. She'd sighed that sigh before, and she'd seen Mila sigh it many times before and after she and Tech were married. But, given the state of Indira's body now, it didn't seem likely she and Hunter could be together.

"That's the tragedy. Even if Hunter were interested, our love could never be." Indira said sadly. "And finding true love will be impossible if Aghati gets to me."

"Even if he knew you turned into a pegasus, how do you know he even knows what you look like now?" Lamenta asked.

"Because I have this." Indira lifted up her back left hoof to show she had a birthmark of some sort on the bottom. "I've had that birthmark since I was a human. It's one of three things that never changed about my body, after hair and eyes."

"Well, if we see anyone checking the bottom of any equine guests' feet," said Kara. "We'll get you out of there before they have the chance to even touch you."

Indira sighed; she had no doubts her friends could help her and they would risk life and limb for her, but she still felt scared. More scared of endangering her friends than anything else.

For what it was worth, Indira really hoped the gala went well and with any hope, she wouldn't run into Aghati again, and he wouldn't even recognize her.

____________________________

Mila met her husband Tech in the hall as they were finished getting fitted.

"This gala really means a lot to everyone, doesn't it?" Mila said.

"For many different reasons, by the look of it." Tech said. He then thought of something Mila had wanted to do earlier. "Did you take the test yet?"

"Si." Mila sighed sadly, taking out a little stick. Only one red line on it. "It's negative."

Tech sighed too. He knew how badly Mila wanted to be a mom. They both got tested recently and confirmed they were able to conceive and both of them were healthy enough to handle it. But Mila took a pregnancy test three times, and each of them came back negative.

"Don't fret, my dear. We will keep trying." Tech promised, and he kissed his wife.

Neither half of the couple seemed to notice Indira walking by. The pegasus had tears in her eyes when she saw this. She wanted that with her Prince Charming someday, but it seemed totally hopeless.

____________________________

"So, the Commission is having another gala, are they?" Mariverde chuckled. "And with this Aghati character amok, and a princess sad because she can never be with her true love... so many opportunities for my mariclavas."

But then, Mariverde thought of something.

"But... as long as they have those horses of theirs.... They may pose a bit of an obstacle."

Even Mariverde could see, the Jedi, the Batch, and the royals were all much better fighters with their steeds at their side. But what if they didn't have horses by their sides?

Mariverde mixed together some little phials of colorful liquids, and dripped a little bit onto a few mariclavas.

"You know what to do my pretties."

And off she sent them.