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Ch. 5, The Ball

Inside the practice room, Antonio and his sisters were practicing some singing but....let's just say it was about as attractive as screeching crows. Even Tom was absolutely annoyed and held his ears. "Ahhhh! That so-called singing hurts my ears!" He yowled.

He quickly slipped out of the room since it was less ear piercing outside. Downstairs, he heard a perfectly harmonious voice from Pepito as he was scrubbing the floor. He seemed better after that meeting with the bull. Jerry and Speedy thought it was nice seeing their friend with a smile. From behind, a little gray mouse named Tuffy wondered up. "Who's singing, Uncle Speedy?" he asked. "Señor Pepito is making that sweet music," said Speedy, "I think he's found his amor verdadero." The little mouse tilted his head in confusion. Speedy sighed. "True love," he replied.

Tom then smirked as he found an idea to make Pepito miserable and then slid down the stairs and kicked the bucket, also running around and left wet paw prints in the floor.

But then Speedy came up behind the cat and yelled at him making him jump about 10 feet in the air. "Serves you right, gato estúpido," yelled Speedy as he sped around cleaning the paw prints in a matter of seconds.

Tom then growled as he unsheathed his claws, "Ooooh! Why you little!" He then began to chase Speedy, intent to catch him for real this time.

But the Spanish mouse proved why he was called Speedy Gonzales as he ran circles around Tom making him feel dizzy.

Tom then groaned and fell flat on his face, passed out due to how dizzy he was. Then a knock on the door perked Pepito's ears up

"Open in the name of the king," said a small chihuahua as Pepito answered the door and was given an envelope, "An urgent message from his imperial majesty."

Pepito nods and then smiled, "Of course. Thank you." Then he turned to his little mice friends, "I guess I better interrupt, the 'lesson.'" He said as he walked up the stairs, Speedy, Jerry and Tuffy running up as well.

In the music room, Felicia was vocalizing while Cecilia was playing the flute. That is, until her finger got stuck and every time she tried to pull it free, it kept hitting Felicia's chin that made her voice sound choppy.

And soon them and Antonio began arguing, since it was clear they were being irritated with each other during their whole lesson.

"Children, children," said their father, "Remember, above all, self-control." He was about to continue playing the piano when there came a knock on the door. The stepfather banged the keys angrily. "Yes?" he growled.

Pepito stepped in shyly and held the letter. "A letter came from the king, the Grand Duke said it was urgent." He said softly.

"The king!" exclaimed the children as they snatched up the letter but they started bickering again.

Until finally the stepfather grabbed it and began to read it and the children were even excited thinking they were eligible but....let's be honest, they weren't, not in the slightest.

"Does that mean I can go to?" asked Pepito, his tail wagging happily when the children burst out laughing.

"Well I would love to dance your highness..." Felicia mocked. "Would you hold my broom?" laughed Antonio as he and Felicia danced with each other laughing all the way.

Pepito felt like cringing but since his meeting with Ferdinand, he managed to find his courage. "Well, why not?" he said and all three step siblings stopped, "After all, I'm still a member of the family. And it says 'By royal command, every eligible youth is to attend'." The stepfather looked at the invitation. "Yes, so it does," he said and smiled as he said, "Well, I see no reason why you can't go. If you get all your work don." "Oh, I will," said Pepito, his tail wagging, "I promise." "And if you can find something suitable to wear," added the stepfather. "I'm sure I can," said Pepito, "Oh, thank you, Stepfather." With that, he closed the door behind him.

The three were dumbfounded. "Father are you insane?!" Felicia yelped. "Yeah, he'll just try to embarrass us when he gets there!" Cecelia said. "Why would you do that?!" Antonio squeaked.

"I know what I said," replied the stepfather, "I said 'if'."

They began laughing as they realized what he meant by "if".

Later, Pepito pulled out a dark tuxedo. "Isn't it wonderful? It was my father's," he said to the mice.

"It's beautiful Pepi!" Jerry smiled. "Absolutely gorgeous!" agreed Tuffy.

"Sí, señor," said Speedy, "But it looks old." "Well, maybe it is a little old-fashioned, but I'll fix that." "How're you gonna do it?" asked Tuffy. "I'm sure there are some ideas in here," said Pepito as he pulled out an old catalog, "Uh-huh. This one." He showed them all a better version of the tuxedo with a sash for a belt and an ascot for the neck, complete beaded trim along the sleeves and collar flaps. Pepito pointed to the different items. "Well, I'll need a sash, an ascot..." "Pepito!" called Antonio. "Oh, now what do they want?" groaned Pepito. "Pepito! Pepito!" yelled Antonio and the stepfather. The dalmatian got up and looked at his suit. "Oh, well," he sighed, "I guess my suit will just have to wait." "Pepito! Pepito!" yelled Felicia and Cecilia. "All right, all right," grumbled Pepito, "I'm coming." He left the room leaving the mice with the suit.

"Oh poor Pepito, they always screaming his name! 'Pepito! Pepito!' He never gets a single break!" Jerry screeched.

"Sí, amigo," sighed Speedy, "You know what? Señor Pepito won't go to the ball. You'll see. They'll fix him. Work, work, work. He'll never get his suit done." Tuffy sighed as he looked at the suit. But then he smiled as he said, "Hey! We can do it! Maybe we can make his suit for him."

The mice and all the animals smiled, it'd be a present from them to Pepito after all the nice things he'd done for them.

"Speedy? Can you go see if there's some stuff around the house we can use for the suit?" asked Tuffy as some eagles flew in to offer a lift to some mice who needed to reach some tall places.

"No promblemo amigo." Speedy winked and used his speed to gather up sewing materials but then he and Jerry walked out to find something that'd go with the outfit.

It was in the room where Pepito was being given a whole load of clothes to take care of.

His stepsiblings began complaining of the clothes and accessories they had and soon enough, that gave Speedy and Jerry an opportunity to get ideas for Pepito's outfit.

Speedy grinned as he pointed at a crimson red sash. Once the step family left, both mice crept in unaware that Tom was asleep on a foot stool. They reached the sash and Speedy chuckled, "We can use that, señor." But then Speedy saw Tom up on the foot stool and put a finger to his lips at Jerry. He pointed at the cat before the mice covered themselves in the sash and ended up putting it in a roll to get past Tom.

But Tom soon woke up and yawned then saw the sash and smirked, he then puts his paw on it, stopping the mice in their tracks.

The mice gasped and pulled the sash out of Tom's paws and pulled the whole thing inside the wall before the cat could get to it in time.

Tom yelped and then eeped as he pulled his nose out and his snout was comically enlarged in a hole like shape.

From another hole, Speedy and Jerry poked out to see the perfect ascot for Pepito to wear. Unfortunately, Tom noticed it too and he sat on it.

Tom smirked, "Heh, you can forget what you're planning...cause you're getting nothing for that wretched dog." Tom snipped then laid on the ascot.

"You know, Señor Jerry," said Speedy winking, "I tawt I taw a puddy tat. But that couldn't be. All I see is a big lumpy sweater with a few strings loose." He sped up to Tom pulling one of his whiskers and sped off to a far off corner. "What's the matter, Señor Pussy Cat," he called, "Mouse got your whisker?"

Tom screamed as he felt his whisker get pulled off then grew angry and began to chase Speedy, "Give that back! That's my good whisker!"

"You have to catch me, Señor Puddy Tat," teased Speedy as he zoomed into a chest of drawers and Tom had to find which drawer Speedy was in while Jerry got the ascot.

Jerry smiled as he grabbed the ascot and snuck off while Tom was busy with Speedy. "I ain't no dumb puddy tat!" Tom screamed, enraged.

Once Jerry got the ascot through the hole, Speedy popped out and pulled another one of Tom's whiskers. He whooped and yelled as he sped off to the hole too.

Tom screamed in pain and in rage as he chased after Speedy but then yelped as his face hit the hole and soon gave up.

Upstairs, all the animals were rushing like mad to get Pepito's suit finished in time for the ball.

Finally Speedy and Jerry returned with the supplies and later Pepito came in, "Hello? Guys? You there?" He asked then gasped at what he saw.

"Surprise!" they all shouted. "Uh, happy birthday," said Tuffy but Jerry shook his head at him.

"No no no!" Speedy said annoyed. Pepito smiled happily, "Oh my gosh...you guys! This is so sweet!"

Later, the stepfather and his children were all dressed for the ball. They were making their way to the door when they heard Pepito calling. "Wait! Please, wait for me," he called as he walked down in his new tuxedo, "Isn't it wonderful? Do you like it? Do you think it will do?"

The children began to complain to their father because Pepito looked more handsomer and cute

"Children, please," said the stepfather, "After all, we did make a bargain. Didn't we, Pepito?" The pup smiled and nodded but frowned as the older dog stepped forward. "And I never go back on my word," said the stepfather, "How very clever. This ascot, it gives it just the right touch. Don't you think so, Felicia?" "No, I don't. I think he's..." she paused and growled, "Oh! Why, you little thief! That's my ascot. Give it here." She yanked it off Pepito's neck as the pup cowered away. "Oh, no," whimpered Pepito. "And, look, that's my sash," said Cecilia as she tore off the sash, "He's wearing my sash."

And soon Antonio joined in as he, Felicia and Cecilia began to tear Pepito's outfit apart piece by piece until finally their father called to them.

"Children, children," he said, "That's quite enough. Hurry along now, the three of you. I won't have you upsetting yourselves." Pepito stood there in shredded rags. His right pant leg was torn off, the left sleeve of his coat was torn in half. His shirt, which was all nice and together, now had a big hole which made him look bare chested. "Good night," said the older dalmatian as he closed the door.

With that, Pepito began crying hard, the whole experience absolutely terrified him and scarred him. He ran outside and ran to the bench, kneeling down and cried against it. The mice feeling sorry for their friend who felt so happy now fell to sadness.

Worse than that, it felt like he would never see Ferdinand again. "It's just no use. No use at all," sobbed Pepito, "I can't believe. Not anymore. There's nothing left to believe in. Nothing." "Nothing, my dear?" said a calm, gentle voice and a hand gently stroking the pup's head, "Oh, now you don't really mean that." "Oh, but I do," whimpered Pepito. "Nonesense, child! If you'd lost all your faith, I couldn't be here. And here I am," said the voice. Pepito looked up and gasped as he saw a human woman dressed in green with long sleeves, golden flowers in flowing red hair and sparkling blue eyes. She had lips as red as roses as she smiled at the pup. "Oh, com now," she chuckled, "Dry those tears. You can't go to the ball looking like that."

Pepito gently sat up and sniffled as he wiped his tears away and looked the woman, "W-Well yes, but, who are you?"

"Who am I? I should think you've figured that one out," she said smiling, "I am Mother Nature, but for now, just call me your Magical Godmother. Now, we have to hurry because even miracles take a little time." She rolled up her sleeves and she held up her hand but did a double take at her empty right hand. "What in the world did I do with that magic wand? I was sure..." she said in thought, "Oh! I forgot. I put it away." She held up her right hand and pulled down a long, golden wand out of thin air.

Pepito was amazed and shocked, "W-Wow...I never knew I'd have a Magical Godmother…"

"Of course, Pepito," said Mother Nature, "You've been so kind and brave through all the trials you've gone through. It seems only fitting to have your dreams come true. Now, let's see. Hmm. I'd say the first thing you need is, um... a pumpkin." She pointed at a pumpkin in the garden. With a wave of her wand, the pumpkin bounded over to them and started to grow until it was transformed into a beautiful carriage.

Pepito's eyes widen at hearing that, "A pumpkin?" He said dumbfounded then watched as it was transformed.

"Now, with an elegant coach like that, of course, we'll simply have to have... mice!" said Mother Nature. "Mice?" asked Jerry as he, Speedy, and Tuffy were there along with another mouse. Mother Nature waved her wand and soon, there were three elegant horses. "Gracious, what did I do? I was sure there were four," she said, "There should be one more." She looked over to see Jerry hiding behind one of the carriage wheels. "There you are," she chuckled pointing her wand at him. Jerry was making a run for it when Tom appeared with a bowl to trap him.

But then Tom yelped as he sees Jerry turn into a full grown horse who was glaring at him.

Jerry whinnied at him and then Mother Nature sent a ball of light to chase Tom away. "Oh, poor Tom," chuckled Pepito. "Serves him right, I'd say," said Mother Nature and then smiled as she turned a brown bear and turned him into a coachman. "Well, that does it, I guess, except for... Oh, yes! The finishing touch," said Mother Nature, "And that's you. Yes, Spike, that's right, you'll be footman tonight." She waved her wand and the bulldog was turned into a footman.

"Ummm, aren't you forgetting something?" Pepito asked Mother Nature.

"Oh, don't you worry, son," she said, "You look just... Good heavens, child. You can't go in that!" She then waved her wand and soon Pepito found he was in a suit of gold with a sparkling red sash belt, a red carnation in his button hole, and on his feet were glass flamenco shoes.

Pepito's eyes widen in pure happiness and felt very excited as he happily walked around. "Oh my gosh...this suit us absolutely beautiful and glass shoes! This is the most happiest day of my life!" The pup squealed.

"Yes, but like most days, well, I'm afraid this can't last forever," said Mother Nature, "You have only till midnight. On the stroke of 12, the spell will be broken, and everything will be as it was before."

Pepito nodded in advance and soon was escorted to the carriage and they were off to the ball since it was getting pretty close to midnight.

At the palace, each young person was being announced to Ferdinand and taking turns bowing to his royal highness while the king and grand duke watched from a balcony.

But honestly at this point, Ferdinand was absolutely bored and tired, obviously not wanting to be here at this moment since he glanced up at his father with an annoyed expression.

"Señor Antonio and Señoritas Cecilia and Felicia Lopez," announced the page, "Children of Lord Lopez." The three of them bowed and thought the prince looked familiar.

But Ferdinand wanted nothing to do with them. Then, Pepito soon came out and Ferdinand's eyes widen as he sees the pup.

The king was surprised to see this sight. For most of the evening, not once did Ferdinand move from his spot until this stranger in gold appeared.

And soon enough once Pepito and Ferdinand met, they began to dance, looking at each other deep in the eyes with intensity as they slowly began to dance a tango

"It's you, isn't it?" whispered the bull softly to Pepito. The pup blushed as he said, "It's possible."

"Hmmm...I've waited a while before I saw you again. And I finally see you..." the bull smiled.

"I missed you," said Pepito softly as they danced slowly and the music strummed up a tango for the two lovers.

"I missed you too..." Ferdinand said and twirled Pepito but then held him tight, dancing with the pup of his dreams.

They danced for a while in the ballroom until they danced out onto the terrace where they could be alone. The stepfather thought he recognized the pup in gold, but he was blocked by the Grand Duke.

And the two continued to dance even outside, holding onto each other nice and tight.

Soon, they came to a stop to kiss each other. "So... you work here in the palace? Where's the prince?" asked Pepito, who still didn't figure out Ferdinand's real identity.

"Well, I....work as the royal hunter and gardener for the prince and he couldn't attend because he was annoyed by the amount of bachelors and maidens."

"Well, surely, he can't deny an appearance to his own celebration, can't he?" asked Pepito, "But prince or not, I find you truly perfect as you are." They both kissed lovingly until Pepito heard the clock chiming. "Oh... My goodness," he gasped, "It's midnight. Goodbye." Pepito was turning to leave but Ferdinand kept a hand on him.

"Wait please, I want you to stay." Ferdinand pleaded. "You can't leave just yet."

"Please. I must go," said Pepito as he tried to come up with an excuse, "I... I haven't met the prince yet." Ferdinand was about to say something when the first chime rang out. "Goodbye," said Pepito as he ran off with Ferdinand trying to follow him.

"Wait! Stop! Please!" Ferdinand pleaded. Pepito kept running but yelped as he felt a shoe fall off but didn't have time for it, so he ran as quickly as he could.

The Grand Duke tried to stop him but the pup had already reached the pumpkin coach and was out of there like a shot. The chihuahua turned to the wolf troops. "Follow that Coach!" he shouted and they followed in hot pursuit.

But the carriage returned to its pumpkin state and everything was back to normal. Pepito sighed, "Well, the magic may have worn off...but, at least I still had a good time at the ball and I saw Ferdinand again."

"Señor! Look!" said Speedy pointing at one glass flamenco shoe that Pepito still had on his foot.

Pepitp gasped, "Oh...I must've left the other one back at the palace."

But he picked up the one he had and smiled. "Thank you so much for everything," he said to Mother Nature, wherever she was.