“Ummmm…R-Rainbow?  Is it really necessary for you to get some cider?” I asked in soft curious tone as Rainbow put me down on the pavement in front of the bar…with a sight out front that said…I…I don’t know I can’t read it…but I know I don’t want to go into some dirty bar after the great restaurant I just came from.

“Yes it’s very necessary!  After all the hell that I’ve been through I deserve a drink or five!” Rainbow Dash shouted back sounding almost desperate as she took my saddlebag off of her back and held it out to me.  She…She’s having a rough time?  O-Oh dear…I…I know she we’ve had an issue or two today but…it didn’t seem like it was enough to drive her to this point…I thought we were having a lot of fun at the restaurant until…O-Oh dear…I…I be it’s me!

“A-Am I causing problems for you?” I then inquired in a soft concerned whisper as I took back my saddlebag and put it on my back.

“Yes!”  She instantly shouted as she shouted back at me with an annoyed look on her face as she tore off the tie she was wearing at the dinner.  I…I knew it.  I looked down at the ground with my ears lowering as I hide behind my mane.  I started to regret coming here…if I knew I would be causing her so much grief…then it would be better if I just stayed behind…

“I mean no!” She then corrected in a louder yell as she threw the tie in her saddlebag, most likely after noticing my reaction and feeling guilty about it, “It…it’s complicated….” She then said in a lower tone after giving a disgruntled sigh.  I continued to stare at the ground knowing that she’s just trying to spare my feelings and not tell me that it’s my fault that she’s upset when it’s clear that it is.

“I…I’m sorry…” I apologized in upset tone as I felt tears start to form in my eyes, on the verge of crying my eyes out.  I thought we had a great time today, especially after the fake snake incident...she said I was her best friend…but…clearly that was a lie to make me feel better…I should’ve known that from the beginning…how could Rainbow ever possibly enjoy spending her time with somepony like me?

“I…I’m so sorry Rainbow!”  I then tearfully said as I collapsed on the cold hard pavement and covered my face up with my hooves.  My eyes stung as I tears freely fell from my eyes, down my face, and onto concrete grounding making a light dripping sound from it landing on it.

“Fluttershy…”  I heard the cyan Pegasus call gently as I could also hear hoof steps coming up to me.  “It’s not from anything you’ve done or said…it…it just…involves you somehow…” She then said as I felt two hooves gently wrap around me and bring me into a soft hug, I looked up and through my blurred vision I could see Rainbow right in front of me with a smile on her face.

“I…I don’t…” I said between sobs as I struggled to respond, but my feeble response was cut off when I felt Rainbow’s hoof gently move up behind my head and gently push it into her warm chest.  Her fur was slightly coarse but not uncomfortable and I could feel her heartbeat thumbing against the side of my face…it…it was actually soothing and helped me stop crying.

“Look….umm…it’s complicated but let me make it clear that it’s not your fault…it’s just…I’m on edge right now and I need something take the edge off if you catch my drift?”  The sweet daredevil then explained in a low tone as if sounding unsure of what she was saying.  I could tell she was struggling with something…it was an internal struggle…but…I could tell that she was being genuine in her statement and that even though it involved me…it wasn’t bad.

“A-Alright…I…I understand…” I contently said in a low tone as I closed my eyes, happy that Rainbow  isn’t upset with and even more happy that I’m this close to her…the warmth coming off her body is comforting and if I stayed like this for long I knew I would slowly drift off to sleep.  Unfortunately the serene moment came to an abrupt end as I Dash broke off the hug and then started to help me back to my hooves.

“Feel better?” She asked with a confident look on her face, knowing full well that I was feeling better thanks to her.  I backed away and looked at the ground again, my mane moving in front of my face so I could barely see her out of the corner of my unhidden eyes.

“Y-Yes…t-thank you.” I thanked an almost inaudible mumble as I rubbed my hoof against the ground, I’ve been in direct contact with Rainbow a lot lately and I’m finding myself…really enjoying them…almost hopelessly addicted to them as I wanted nothing more for her to hug me again or for me to hug her…and that slightly terrified me...Rainbow’s not very comfortable with that much contact between anypony and…isn’t it a little strange for me to want more from my best friend than what I’m already getting…I..I don’t know…

“Great!  So let’s go inside!” The athletic Pegasus then happily suggested as she walked up to me and then past me towards the entrance.  She’s really excited to get some cider…though when is she not excited for that…but then again…if she goes to get something to drink…and then has too much…how will I…oh no…

“Wait!” I immediately shouted in a…probably louder than necessary shout as I turned around to look at Rainbow Dash.  Thankfully she heard my shout and stopped to turn around looking at me with a bewildered expression on her face and an eyebrow arched. “I…I don’t know where our hotel is…and…if you have a lot to drink...I….I-”

“Say no more Fluttershy…I got you covered!” Rainbow Dash confidently responded before I could I finish, reaching into her saddlebag to get out both a pencil and the map she was using the entire day.  She put it on the ground and then started to scribble on it for a minute.  Then she put her pencil away and got out the room key.  She picked up the map and then held them both out for me to grab.

“Here…I’m giving you not only the key to our room but this map.” She informed with a smile as I reached up and took the items from her hoof.

“I’ve drawn a line on it from here to the hotel…” Rainbow Dash then explained as I looked on the map to see a squiggly line from a point that said ‘We’re here’ in horrible mouth writing leading to another point saying ‘Where we need to go.’…I really need to work with her and try to improving her mouth writing…maybe…if she wants to.

“Hopefully you can follow it and get us back just in case…I’m…you know…” The cyan athlete then said a bit nervously and embarrassed said as she raised a hoof and rubbed the back of her head looking away.  She’s ashamed that when she gets intoxicated she’s not that much help…but I’ve been in this situation countless times before and now that I have this map I know exactly who to deal with it.

“Yes…I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I pleasantly replied with a smile and a nod before I reached back and put the items in my saddlebag.

“Great!  Let’s go then!” She then enthusiastically shouted as she raised a hoof in the air.  Then she quickly turned around and went to the door, opening it for me enter first.  She’s been doing that all day…I really should tell her that it’s not necessary but I know she won’t listen to me.  So instead I nodded and entered the bar, with her following right behind me.

When we entered the place was surprisingly clean…though maybe that was rude of me to think that all bars are dirty…but it was actually nice looking.  There were fine expensive looking tables, nice bright red upholstery hanging on the walls, a glass ceiling so we could see the stars in the sky, and an overall pleasant atmosphere with very few ponies in the bar.  Dash trotted over to the hard would bar and sat herself on one of the lovely looking barstools next to a pony in a large coat enjoying a drink.  I sighed as I walked up and sat right next to her admiring the smooth looking texture on the countertops and vast assortments of drinks on the wall.

“Yo Scotch…where are you?” Rainbow called in a loud tone trying to get attention to the bartender here.

“Oh Solaris…I know that voice…” A husky voice replied in a teasing tone, then shortly afterwards a big white stallion appeared with light cerise eyes and a black mane.  He walked over to where we were setting with a smile on his face looking directly at Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash…I assume you’re here because of your bird escort duty right?” He asked her as he raised both his forelegs and set them on the countering, leaning against it as he looked at her…I guess they’re friends…she probably comes here all the time when she comes down here…so I guess it would make sense that she knows this guy…I mean she’s on a first name basis with all the bartenders back in Ponyville.

“Yep I’m back and I’ve come here to grace you with my awesome presence once more!” The cyan mare next to me superciliously stated as she grinned and rubbed her hoof against her chest which made the white stallion role his eyes.

“So how’s life been treating you Scotch?” Rainbow went on to ask in a somewhat playful tone as she was making small talk with the white stallion.

“Same ol’ same ol’…sick of running this bar after twenty years and being a bartender…”  He responded a bit seriously as he sighed and looked down at the counter.

“You know every year you say that and every year I feel less and less sorry for you…especially since you’re making a killing…” The athletic said in a snarky tone as she shook her head slightly at him not seeming to give him an ounce of sympathy…that’s a little mean don’t you think Rainbow?

“Yeah yeah…the usual right?”  The bartender responded leaning off the counter, brushing aside her brash behavior and asking her…I assumed what to drink which I guess he already knows and just wants to confirm it.

“You know me so well…” Dash teasingly answered nodding a few times and folding her fore hooves which made him shake his head and roll his eyes playfully.  When he did he spotted me and blinked a few times before his face turned to one of amazement.

“Wow…and who might I ask are you?” He asked me as he was impressed with how I looked.  I blushed as I looked down and noticed that I was still wearing that fancy dress from the restaurant…no wonder it caught his eye…if it can impress Rainbow it can impress anypony…but now I’m so nervous I don’t know if I can say answer him.

“I…I’m….I’m…F-Fl…Flu…” I struggled to say in a soft tone as I lowered myself little by little hoping to duck out of his line of sight.

“Black Scotch this is Fluttershy!” Rainbow then happily introduced as she reached over and raised me back up to my original height.

“H-Hello…” I nervously greeted with a forced smile as I raised my hoof up somewhat and waved at him…which caused him to nod back at me.

“And Fluttershy this is Black Scotch…” She then introduce as she pointed her hoof at the white stallion…that’s…kind of odd...he’s not black at all except for his mane and yet he has black in his name…oh I shouldn’t judge like that though…it’s very rude.

“Wow Dash…she’s quite a catch…but I didn’t expect you to go for this type…I mean she looks like she just walked out of the palace!” Black Scotch replied in an impressed tone as he leaned back on the counter with a hoof on his chin looking over me…which made me feel even more embarrassed and made my face heat up as I tried to duck again…I-I don’t like it when random ponies are looking over me…it makes me feel uncomfortable!

“Sh-She’s my friend from Ponyville!” Rainbow Dash practically shouted with a stutter, sounding a little uncomfortable herself…though I don’t know why she would feel weird when he’s talking me and not her.

“Friend?  Just a friend?” He then asked as I looked up to see him giving her a doubtful look…I looked over at Dash who was now looking very nervous at this whole situation…though I’m still not understanding why though.

“Fine…s-she’s my best friend!  You happy now?” Rainbow then declared sounding both angry and embarrassed as she almost got out of her seat…oh I get it now…she was just feeling awkward because she was having trouble admitting that…I can understand…I would have trouble saying that to somepony as well…not to mention almost everything else unfortunately.

The stallion didn’t respond and just stared at Rainbow Dash with an eyebrow arched giving off a very doubtful expression. “Look can you just give me my drink already?” Rainbow asked in a menacing tone as she narrowed her eyes at the white stallion, who proceeded to chuckle in response to this.

“Alright alright…no need to get defensive.” He teasingly replied as he reached under the counter and brought out a big empty glass.  He then walked over to a barrel on the edge of the back wall and poured the cider into it.  He walked back over to Dash, the drink fizzing in his hoof as he held it out to her. “And here you go Dash.” He kindly said as Rainbow reached out and grabbed it, proceeding to take one long drink that must’ve lasted a good ten seconds.

“Ahhhh…thank Celestia I really needed that!” The now happy mare next to me declared as she lowered the now half empty glass, wiping away some of the cider on her upper muzzle with her free hoof.

“And what do you want missy?” The white stallion asked with a smile as he looked at me, Rainbow Dash proceeding to take another long drink.  

“W-Water please…” I answered in a stutter, though sounding louder than before.  He blinked at me a few times before he shook his and looked at me like I was crazy.  I eeped as I ducked my head, fearing I made a horrible mistake.

“Really?  You come to my bar with all its varied and exotic drinks and ask for something you can find in a public toilet?” He almost shouted sounding very offended as he turned around and motioned his hooves around all the bottles behind him.  O-Oh dear…I shouldn’t have said anything...or at least ordered whatever Rainbow ordered, “Come on girl!  Think big!” He then encouraged in a loud excited tone which honestly sounded a bit weird thanks to natural low and rough tone.

“W-Well…I…I…ummm…” I struggled to response as I fully hid behind the counter, not knowing what to order since I don’t know what they serve here….or if what I’m ordering he won’t understand since I bet all the drinks here are called something else thanks to the different language…oh dear…maybe I’ll just ask for nothing…that will work right?

“Lay off her Black Scotch…she’s not much of a drinker…just give her what she wants…” I heard Rainbow Dash defend, feeling a hoof grab me again and pull me back up to face the stallion who was looking at Rainbow weirdly again. “Oh and get another drink for me as well!” She then said happily as she held out her empty glass…oh dear that’s drink one…and it took her less than a minute to finish.

“Ok ok…another round coming up…” He said with a sigh as he grabbed the empty glass, and then turning around to head back to the barrel to fill it up. “Though…I’m a little curious now…” The bartender began as he started to pour more cider into the glass.

“Do you always bring her when you go drinking in Ponyville…I mean it seems like you two do this a lot…” He finished, both asking his question and filling up the glass.  He turned around and walked back over to her with a mischievous grin on his face as his light cerise eyes seemed to beam at Rainbow Dash…almost like he was interrogating her.

“Oh yeah…Fluttershy’s my drinking buddy…” Rainbow confidently answered with a grin as she reached over with one hoof and tapped my shoulder and used the other to reach out towards the white stallion, awaiting the cider to be given to her.  I sighed slightly as for some reason her calling me her ‘drinking buddy’ almost seemed demeaning in some way…I don’t know what I expected though…we’ve been going out to drink together since the very start…although with me certainly having much fewer cups of cider than her.

“But you said it yourself…she’s not much of a drinker…” He pointed out as he gave her the drink and then bent below the counter to get out another glass, “So why did you bring her…and don’t tell me it’s to because she helps you home because I know you...you’ve stumbled in and out of this place enough times that I can tell that you can make it back no matter what…” He then questioned as he went over to a part of the counter and got out what looked like a cool water bottle, then emptying it out into the glass.  Isn’t it obvious?  It’s because I don’t drink that much so she can have more cider…that’s the real-

“Well...she’s kind of the first pony I ever drank with…hell she was the first pony I was with when I first had a drink period…” Rainbow answered with a sigh before immediately taking a drink from her refilled glass.  W-Well…that’s true…so I guess it’s because of her loyalty that she brings me along…maybe I should tell her she doesn’t have to do that for me.

“Oh really?” The bartender replied back in a mischievous and almost teasing way as he smirked and walked over to me with the glass of water in hoof, putting it down in front of me.

“Yeah….remember Fluttershy?” She asked me as she looked at me after taking yet another drink from her glass…though her drinks are not as much or long like when she had her first glass.  She’s asking me about that time back when were in our teens?  A moment I’ll never forget no matter what?  Of course I remember it!

“Y-Yes…I do…it was when…when High Rise invited me to a party at his house while his parents away….only to…only to…” I started a little nervous before I stopped abruptly….not able to go on and instead I just looked down at the glass of water and felt myself starting to tear up slightly at the memory.

“Ditch you in a cruel way in front of a lot of ponies…pulling a cruel joke on you…” Rainbow finished for me in a low growl, angry at that memory unlike me who was upset by it.  I thought I was starting to be liked by other ponies…but I was so wrong…so wrong…

“Yeah…” I simply said as I slightly nodded to confirm her statement.  A tear escaped my eye and starting to slide down the side of my face.

“Then the flankhole went and invited me to his little bash…even try entice me by telling me that he’d got ahold of a whole barrel of cider to celebrate even though he was still technically underage.” Rainbow then went on sounding more enraged with each passing word while in the meantime I just got sadder…I think High Rise either wanted to make sure I was friendless or to try and have Rainbow to himself…because I was sure I saw him looking at her from time to time…that thought upset me more now.

“So what happened?”  The bartender then asked curiously sounding like he was getting invested in our tale.  I smiled and raised a hoof to wipe the tear away as I knew what was coming next.

“I told him to go to hell along with a whole bunch of other choice words.” The kind Pegasus next to me proudly yelled as she raised her glass and hit the table with it as if to drive the point home.  “Afterwards I went over to his house before the party started, broke in, and stole that barrel…just to get back at his flank!” She then explained sounding like her usual self, almost sounding proud of the fact that she broke into somepony’s house and committed a theft.

“You’re lucky you didn’t get in trouble Rainbow…” I pointed out, although a bit teasingly as I looked up at her and gave her a smile.  She looked back at me and blinked a few times in return before she smirked and raised her eyebrow at me.

“Pfff…what was he going to do?  Report that he…a minor…had possession of cider and that somepony stole it…yeah right….that prissy little suck up couldn’t risk it!” She explained before looking forward and taking another drink from her glass.  I giggled at that response, as did the bartender, and even the pony next to Rainbow in the coat laughed slightly at that point

“And then I brought it back to Grams and we spent the whole night laughing and drinking the barrel…knowing that they had nothing and were probably having a lame party…like they deserved!” She then went on after she put down the glass now sounding like she was reveling in her victory over them…even though the cider she stole wasn’t that good…

“The cider tasted awful….” I reminded her still slightly giggling…my first experience with cider at a young age and it was probably the worst thing I ever tasted ever…that’s probably why I’m not a big drinker today.

“Yeah it tasted like shit!” Rainbow agreed cackling at what I said…though was it necessary to go to such lengths in terms of vulgarity?  Oh dear…she’s starting become influenced by the cider isn’t she?  “It wasn’t until later that I found out that it was the cheapest brand of cider you could get…what a cheapskate!” She then said insulting the colt who I’m sure doesn’t even remember us right now…is this what we call an empty victory?  Oh well it was still a good night…even when her grandma found us drinking cider.

“And remember when your grandma walked in on us and caught us…” I then reminded her smiling at her even though Rainbow wasn’t looking at me.  She took another drink, nodding her head over and over again while doing so in acknowledgement that she remembered.

“Yeah I thought we were dead…she even began to scold us saying things like ‘I couldn’t believe you would do this’ and what not before walking up and pouring herself a glass and walking out saying ‘be sure to leave some left over after you’re done.’” Dash recalled with a wide grin on her face as if she could see it right in front of her eyes.

“What a grandma…” The bartender commented in a slight chuckle as he shook his head slightly in shock most likely that a caring grandma would do that…letting her grandfillies drink cider when they were under aged…

“She was the awesomest grandma ever…she just turned that great night into an awesomely amazing night!” The cyan Pegasus shouted as she raised her half empty glass up in the air like she was celebrating the completion of a new trick.  Yeah…I have to agree with what she said…even if it was a bit much.

“It was a good night…if a little bit…you know…weird and…illegal…” I added smiling and closing my eyes…now understanding why Rainbow always brought me along…and even though it was for the sake of tradition…I guess I don’t mind being dragged along with her.

“So that’s why you always take her along huh?” The white stallion then asked wanting to confirm if that was the reason or not.  Which I’m pretty sure will-

“No not that…” Rainbow immediately denied sternly.  I opened my eyes and saw her shaking her head at him before raising her hoof and taking another drink…i-it…it’s not…then what is it? “It’s because…well…I’m not…that me most calm and cool headed mare around…especially after having something to drink…”  She then admitted in a softer tone, a bit ashamed for saying that out loud…oh no you’re not that bad Rainbow you…you can just be a bit…ummm…impulsive at times…

“Oh I can testify to that…there wasn’t time I can remember where you weren’t trying to start something here…” The bartender agreed as he nodded frantically in agreement…oh dear…I can only imagine the problems she caused when she’s really under the influence…she’s really hard to control but I’ve never seen her do anything in front of me…oh if only I was there at those times I could’ve…could’ve….oh…I get it now...

“Yeah…and that night…I was still…kind of pissed at High Rise for doing that to Fluttershy…and after a while of drinking…I…kind of wanted to go back and beat his flank into the dirt…” Rainbow then elaborated in a soft tone as she leaned back and looked up through the glass ceiling up at the stars.  Oh yes I remember…the state she was in…if I didn’t do anything she surely would’ve went out and hurt somepony…or herself for that matter…

“But Fluttershy stopped me…she calmed me down and prevented me from doing that or anything else for that matter.” She then went on as she looked down at the glass with barely any cider in it.  It…it wasn’t that big of deal…I just talked to you and you thankfully calmed down.

“So that’s why I always taker her with me…not just because it’s like our tradition…not just because I enjoy this time with her…but because I know Fluttershy will keep me in check and won’t let me do anything to hurt myself or anypony else for that matter.” Rainbow Dash then admitted as she looked at me with a gentle smile, her face relaxed and calm unlike before when it was tense and angry…was that me or the cider?

“R-Rainbow…” I simply said as I felt my cheeks warm up from what she said.  She then chuckled and looked away before taking another quick drink.

“Heh…now that I think about it…that might be where it stared…” The kind mare then began seeming to come to a realization about something.

“Wh-Where w-what started?” I asked curiously and nervously, wondering what it is she just discovered…feeling my hoofs shake slightly at what she was going to say.

“You keeping me in a calm state of mind…you always manage to keep me cool in the bar and even outside of the bar…there have been many times this week where I wanted to murder somepony but…you always managed turn my anger into peace…I don’t know how you do it Fluttershy but…I think it’s safe to say I’d probably be in jail…or worse without you…thanks…” She admitted before looking at me and putting a hoof on her shoulder, generously thanking me for something that I’m sure I didn’t deserved to be thanked over.

“A-Anytime Dash…” I whispered back as I turned my head away and hide my fully warm feeling face away, knowing that I most likely had a deep blush on my face.  

“It seems you two have a very special kind of bond…” The bartender teasingly pointed out upon seeing our little conversation.  Y-Yes…I would agree with that…but I don’t think I can speak at the moment…

“That’s what we call ‘Best Friends’ Scotch…now give me another drink….” Rainbow happily declared as I felt her hoof leave my shoulder.  I gasped slightly at what she said…yes…best friends…I should be happy about that…but…I’m not that happy…I should be ecstatic but instead…I feel like I want more than that…what more could I want though?

“Alright…round three coming up!” The bartender replied with a chuckle as I looked back to see him gently take the empty glass away from her.  I looked down and finally took my first sip of water…wanting to distract myself from these thoughts.

I focused on my water…which was ok…water is water after all.   I noticed lights starting to shine in from above us.  I looked up and noticed that the lights in the buildings around us where starting to come back on.   I guess this means the return of the birds festival is over…I sighed as wished I could’ve seen the full thing with Rainbow instead of the start.  Though this isn’t bad either I guess…as long as we’re together I don’t mind.  I then saw that the statue of the Pegasus without feathers lit up.  I titled my head at the statue and at how it’s wings and fore hooves was outstretched…

“Say Rainbow…” I called curiously as I decided I wanted to know the history behind that statue…I just hope Rainbow knows what the backstory is behind it.

“Yeah?” She said back after taking a sip from her glass, looking at me both curiously and…not looking like she usually does unfortunately…her eyes were starting to lose their normal luster and it won’t be long until she eventually loses her stable mind…I should probably ask my question quickly before I lose her to the cider.

“Why is there a giant statue of a featherless Pegasus on that large hill?” I asked inquisitively as I pointed up through the glass ceiling at the Pegasus statue that was being lit up by all the nice colorful lights.

“Oh that’s the statue of Gentle Breeze...”  Rainbow answered in a matter of fact fashion as I looked at her to see her giving me a surprised expression as if stunned that I didn’t know it before hoof.

“Who’s Gentle Breeze?” I asked as I titled my head a bit, now wanting to know who this pony is that warrants her having a huge statue overlooking the city.

“Well…a long time ago in a distant land she was a Pegasus born with only one source feather…” Rainbow started in a serious tone as she looked at the statue….oh good she isn’t inebriated enough that she can’t tell the story for me…that’s good....but what’s bad is how sad the story started out.

“Oh dear…that….that’s awful...” I said in return as  I looked at my barely touched glass of water…a Pegasus with only one source feather…it’s a rare disorder that can affect any newborn Pegasus without rhyme or reason…and if a Pegasus is born with only one source feather….well they might as well have not been born a Pegasus at all…

“Yeah….as you know…the source feather is the first feather that grows on a Pegasus foal’s wings…it allows all the other feathers to grow and it contains all the magic needed to fly and  even manipulate the weather…there’s always two…one on each wing…” Rainbow Dash explained as she looked down and took another drink.  Why…yes I did know…and…you even knew that I knew…so…ummm…you didn’t have to explain it for me…but I guess I should’ve seen that coming since your state of mind is starting to slip.

“And since she was only born with one source feather she was doomed to never fly in the sky or reliably stand on clouds without falling…a Pegasus with just one wing…a curse I couldn’t even imagine bearing.” She then commented in a sorrowful tone before giving off a sigh…oh yes if you only had one reliable wing Dash I couldn’t imagine how much you would be suffering right now…

“I feel so sorry for her…” I said before I took a small sip of water hoping that this wouldn’t be a sad story that would make me cry…I don’t like sad stories…or scary stories…or almost any kind of story that isn’t a romance story of some kind.

“Yeah…and what’s worse is that she born in a royal family with high esteem…and knowing that she was only born only one source feather filled them with disgust and hatred…” She then went on continuing the story, not instilling me with much hope…oh no parents that dislike their foal…I can only fear what’s going to happen next.

“W-What happened?” I asked in a fearful tone...as I looked at her and cringed as if expecting a blow to strike me.

“They disowned her at a very young age…gave her to another royal family to be a servant and maid without a second thought.” She answered as she closed her eyes…finding it difficult to answer my question…Oh…Oh dear….

“Oh my…that poor girl…she must’ve been so heartbroken…” I said in a low sad tone as I looked away, feeling tears starting to well up in my eyes…why is it that bad things always happen to good ponies that don’t deserve it?

“She was hurt…yes…but didn’t let it crush her spirits and smiled throughout the entire thing…taking the punishment without letting it affect her.” The story telling Pegasus beside me said in a reassuring tone.   I looked at her to see her smiling back at me…trying to lift my hopes so I don’t start crying.

“She sounds like a strong girl…I can kind of relate to having a troubled family and still being able to smile.” I commented as it worked…I was starting to feel a bit better…but that was thanks to Rainbow…she’s my support…just like in the past…she’s what kept me from my spirits breaking…I can’t imagine what she had to keep her spirits up.

“Yeah…but that’s not all.” The mare with the rainbow mane then said with a smirk, looking like the story wasn’t even close to completion, “The family she was given to quickly became appointed as rulers of this far away land.” She then said as she nodded a bit before taking another drink from her glass.  So she became a part of a family that ruled over an entire kingdom?

“Oh my, that’s good…I guess…” I said very reluctantly…I guess it’s ironic that the family that abandoned her saw their foal becoming a part of the most important family around…but she was still a maid to them so nothing really changed for her…

“And then soon after that…the family she served had a daughter…with only one source feather.” Rainbow then said as she looked back at me looking a bit more intoxicated unfortunately…but still keeping a sound mind thankfully.

“Oh dear.” I simply said as I raised a hoof to my muzzle…starting to imagine another bad outcome.

“The family was humiliated and unlike Breeze’s first family…didn’t give her away and instead hid her away…as if they never had a daughter at all…” The cerise eyed Pegasus then explained in a harsh tone as she looked forward with disgust on her face.

“Oh my goodness…that’s almost as bad as the first family!” I commented feeling almost as disgusted as she was.  I don’t know which is worst…giving away your foal or locking her away…it’s almost the same thing!

“Yes…and Breeze was assigned to look after her since they both shared the same curse…Pegasi with one feathered wing and one featherless wing…” She agreed before telling more of the story…well…I guess that’s ok because at least they have each other.  “Breeze and the daughter weren’t that far apart in age and eventually as the daughter grew up became good friends…the best of friends…like sisters…” The brash mare beside me then went on, finally telling me a happy part to the story.  I sighed in relief as I was worried this was only going to be a sad story.

“Then one day the father and mother decided to have another foal…one that would become their true heir and surpass their first daughter.”  Dash then said in a low tone as my short respite came crashing down with that one statement.

“That…That’s awful…why couldn’t this be a happy story?” I said very loudly and upset feeling myself about to cry again…why couldn’t Rainbow lie and just tell me it was a happy story about love and kindness?  Not this story of abandonment and mistreatment!

“Breeze thought this was horrible treatment of their daughter and her best friend…and believed she deserved the throne and to be the heir…but knew she would never be accepted with her lack of a wing…” Rainbow continued in low tone as she looked into her half empty glass of cider…why yes…I think so too!  What awful parents…abandoning their daughter and tossing her aside like that!

“So Breeze, in her kindness and generosity…gave the daughter her only source feather.” She then said seriously before taking a quick drink of her cider.  She…She…

“O-Oh my…” I simply said in a whimper as I lowered myself in my seat…not expecting her to do…something so distract…because now she…she’ll have two featherless wings since the source feather is needed to continue the support of the other feathers….so soon she’ll look…just like the statue.

“The daughter’s flightless wing quickly grew usable feather while Breeze lost all of hers.  The daughter was quickly able to fly and take to skies like any other Pegasus while Breeze would never experience such pleasures…but it was something she accepted with glee and with a smile…all she wanted was her best friend and sister to have a bright future unlike her…” Rainbow then said happily and with a smile as finally the story got…somewhat brighter…Breeze didn’t seem to have that bright future like the daughter would but at least she would happy…If I where her I think I’d do the same thing.

“And it worked too, she was then soon accepted by her family…and the right to the throne even after the second daughter was born...deciding that they would rule together.” The cyan mare then said as she looked down at the glass of cider again…twirling it slightly to make the liquid spin in the glass.

“I’m so glad…” I said in relief as I put a hoof to my chest…now glad that this was getting happier instead of sadder…w-wait…two daughters…ruling together…c-couldn’t be…could it?

“However…” Rainbow then started in a low melancholic tone, oh dear…please tell this won’t- “Back then…the giving of a source feather to another was considered an act of divine love and commitment…like a wedding proposal.” She explained, continuing that low tone as she closed her eyes and lowered her head.  R-Really?  Exchanging of source feathers was that important and eventful…I…it doesn’t happen now as I don’t ever hear about that anymore…times were certainly different back then I guess…

“If word ever got out that the princess had another Pegasus’ source feather…a mare’s source feather no less…there would be a scandal and she would once again be tossed aside…” Rainbow then unfortunately informed me, getting back into the sad territory again…w-wait…if it’s like that…then…then…

“No…please….please don’t tell me-“

“So…to protect her friend and her future….Breeze left…”  Rainbow sternly said, cutting me off and confirming my worst fear…no...why did it have to be that way?  “She smiled and said her goodbye to the mare she’d known and loved like a sister for so long.  Then without anypony else noticing or knowing…she left the far away land and went as far as she could…which led her here.” Rainbow then finished in a depressed tone before taking another drink, leaving only a little bit of cider left in the glass.

“No…that….that’s not fair…” I said upset as I looked down at the counter, feeling the tears well up in my eyes, making it certain that I was going to cry this time…nothing was going to stop it this time.

“She then built a house on that hill over there…and tried her best to start a life on her own…in exile…adapting this new unknown land…and eventually after some time she mastered the art of living alone and in a foreign place” Rainbow continued, not noticing my upset position.  I felt tears roll down my eyes as she was exiled to live all by herself even though she helped her best friend and probably gave the kingdom a great ruler…it’s…it’s just cruel….

“However…after many years…traveling ponies looking to settle in new lands came across her…” Rainbow still went on continuing the story and was actually sounding a bit more positive than before. “They visited her…and asked for help in this unknown land…” She then said as she looked up through the ceiling and at the hill where the statue was on.  W-Well at least she wasn’t alone anymore.

“Breeze was much older then but was still a kind and gentle mare…and helped them in any way she could, especially to the foals and young ones…she gave them food, water, and anything else she could give them…including toys and trinkets to the little ones…” She then informed as a slight smile appeared on her face.  It started to appear on my face as well…even though she exiled herself and was alone for so many years…she was still a generous and giving mare like before…not even that could damper her kindness.

“Some travelers that came across her ended up coming back to her for more help…and then would come back again as they continued to struggle in this unknown land…until eventually they settled in what would become this city next to her…relying on her help and kindness to start their own lives…” The cerise eyed mare said as the smile faded and she looked down.  Well…I guess that explains the origin of this city…but…why is Rainbow not looking happy about it…I think this story is finally getting brighter and I can start to see why there’s a statue of her on that hill where she lived.

“More and more ponies settled around her and she did her best to help them…the foals loved her and would always play with her and help her….she was like the queen of this unintended city to them because without her there would be no place they could call home.” Rainbow went on as she moved the glass on the table as if to simulate the travelers coming in and settling in this new born city that Gentle Breeze seemed to create out of nowhere…

“She continued to help them and support them…and…when she eventually passed all the foals and young ones where devastated…but by then the town that formed around her was more than capable of supporting themselves on their own…all thanks to that wingless Pegasus known as Gentle Breeze…” Rainbow Dash then said softly, finishing the story and taking one last drink of her cider.  I smiled as tears still seemed to slowly fall down the sides of my face…not from sadness but from happiness…it was a happy story in the end…I couldn’t be more thankful.

“That…That’s so sweet…she really was a kind and gentle mare…” I commented in a thankful tone as I wiped the tears away from my eyes and looked at Rainbow with a smile on my face.

“Yeah…she reminds me a lot of you…”  She agreed as she looked back at me with a smile on her face as well.   O-Oh…I…I know I said I would do the same things as she would but…I…ummm…

“I…I…no…I’m not…” I struggled to say as I felt my face heat up.  I looked away and hid behind my mane in embarrassment…there’s no way I could be that nice right?  R-Rainbow’s just…under the influence…that’s why she said that.

“Fluttershy…you two have a lot in common…without her this city would be nothing and without you I would be nothing…” She then said in a soft tone which shocked me as I turned to look at her with my eyes wide as I saw her looking down with a tint of red on her face.

“R-Rainbow…I…I…”  I struggled to say as I didn’t know what to say in reply to that…is…is she really saying all that because she’s intoxicated or…is she saying that because she genuinely means it…

“Yeah…and because of that it makes me sad.…” She then admitted in disgust and in a low growl as she moved forward and put her hooves on the counter, looking down at it as if ashamed of herself

“S-Sad…h-how…w-why?” I asked in nervous stutters as I was confused as to why it would make her sad…did…did I upset her somehow?

“Because…from her birth she had a miserable life and towards the end…when she finally started to get some peace…ponies came along and abused her generosity and kindness that she continued carry with her no matter what…never paying her back and only using her to help establish their lives…hell she lived on a hill and they lived down here…” Rainbow said in a low menacing tone as if really upset but this.  T…They didn’t abuse her…if she wanted to help them…she wanted to help them and…I…

“They took advantage of her kindness and gave nothing in return…they were like parasites…and that makes me really sad…not only for what happened to her…but what might happen to you…” She then said as she pushed the glass away and bit her lower lip starting to shake slightly in either anger or regret.

“R-Rainbow?” I simply called as I moved my hoof towards her wanting to comfort her by saying that it will never happen to her…especially if she’s with-

“You’re too kind for your own good…it’s easy to take advantage of…and sometimes I even feel like I’m using you!” She then admitted almost shouting it out loud stopping me in my place and preventing me from touching her, she also caught the bartender and the pony next to her attentions with her outburst.  “And that makes me sick to my stomach…I…I don’t want to rely on you so much that I’m a burden to you…” She then said in a much softer tone as she put her head on the countertop and put her hooves through her mane as if genuinely hating herself at the moment. R-Rainbow feels as though she’s using me…for support…to the point where she thinks she’s hurting me…but…that’s not true…I…I’d even say it’s the exact opposite!

“Rainbow…no…you would never do that to me…not ever…if anyone’s using their friends for support it’s me…not you…” I said reassuringly as I pushed my hoof forward and then made it to her shoulder.  I then moved it to her back almost touching her wing as I tried to encourage her that it’s ok and it’s not like that at all.

“I’m sure she would say the same thing…so kind that it blinds her from the truth in front of her very face…that they were hurting her for their own selfish gains…” The upset mare said, her soft tone slightly muffled by her head being against the countertop.  I stopped and returned my hoof as I was unsure of how to respond to that…I…I know I’m not blind and that…that I…

“All they did for her was make her a statue…much later after she died…by then she was already buried and her house tore down…that’s not a statue memorializing her or idolizing her…but a statue of shame…shame that all they could do for her was build her that one statue after her death…and right now I can’t do anything for you to repay your kindness…and I don’t think I ever will…I’m just like them…” She then said as she grabbed her rainbow mane and sounded angry…angry at herself for reasons that aren’t true….that could never be true…I’m not blinded by kindness…she’s just blinded by cider…

“Dash…” I simply called as I felt myself tear up again…not sure how to consul my poor friend who might be so inebriated right now…that… that no matter what I said my words of encouragement could not reach her.

“I…I’m sorry Fluttershy…” She apologized, sounding very sincere…giving me the most unnecessary sincere apology I have ever heard…I closed my eyes and looked away…not sure of what to do next.

“Shame isn’t the reason that statue exists…its regret…”  A third voice said in a low slightly rough tone.  I opened my eyes and looked to my left to see that it was the colt next to Rainbow Dash in the large coat saying those words.  Rainbow got up off the table and turned her head to look at the colt that said that.

“And just who the hell do you think you are?  Cutting into our conversation…huh?” Rainbow shouted, obviously offended that this colt said something to her…I’m thankful that she’s not sad anymore but this…isn’t a great alternative…

“Rainbow…please calm down…” I said as I got up and went next to her, putting a hoof on her shoulder hoping it would relax her and prevent her from doing anything…drastic…

“I’m just somepony here to tell you that you’re wrong about that statue and that it wasn’t constructed because of shame…but out of regret.” He answered, giving a vague response as he didn’t give a name or really tell us who he was.  He just said he was just somepony before he took a quick drink from his glass of cider.

“That’s a load of crap…if it was out of regret for her loss they would’ve built it right after her death to memorialize her…but now they waited a good twenty years before they finally put one up!” Rainbow shouted back to him as she thankfully remained her place and instead just scowled at him, “That’s not regret…that’s shame…” She then finished huffed as she angrily pointed at him.

“I didn’t say it was regret for her loss…” He responded still keeping his cool as he still remained where he was, looking down at his glass, “…its regret for what they couldn’t do sooner…” He then clarified before taking another drink from his mostly empty glass of cider.  R-Regret for what they couldn’t do sooner?

“Huh?” The cyan mare simply said confused as her mouth gapped open and her eyebrow arched as far as it could go…giving off a very peculiar expression.

“You’re not wrong…the ponies that where living near her abused her kindness and took advantage of it…”  He then admitted as he nodded slightly and looked at the counter.  Oh dear…I was hoping he would say that because I don’t want to think of her as an abused pony.

“Well of course I’m not wrong!” Rainbow arrogantly agreed as she smirked, closed her eyes, and folded her fore hooves while giving a quick nod at him.  Well…at least she’s not angry at him.

“But she let them…she did it because she wanted to help them and more importantly make sure that the foals were taken care of…” The colt then explained as he turned to face us with his green eyes, letting me see his face finally.  He was a white unicorn with a multicolored mane…though I couldn’t make out all the colors…just yellow and orange.  His horn looked a little longer than a typical unicorn’s now that I looked at it.  

“Yeah but still-”

“You said yourself…the foals loved her…the young ones adored her even if the parents didn’t…” He pointed out in a slightly loud tone as he cut off Rainbow from retorting, “And they didn’t forget her…how could they forget her…they wanted to memorialize her as soon as they could but they were too young and the adults would have nothing of it…” He then explained he titled his head at us a slight smile forming on his.  Though it wasn’t amusing Rainbow as she was starting to look upset again…she did not want to be cut off by this guy it seems.

“They built that statue as soon as they all came of age…regretting that they couldn’t do it sooner…” He then finished in a softer tone as he looked up through at the ceiling at the statue that was still lit up.  I looked up at it as well…I see…she couldn’t be properly respected and appreciated because the ones that truly loved her had no way of showing their love and appreciation…they had to wait until they were fully grown to show it…and they showed it in the biggest way they could.  I smiled as it bet she’s very happy with that statue…and probably embarrassed over it as well.

“That doesn’t make it all right though…that doesn’t make it better…” Rainbow countered in a rough tone as she was still upset at him for cutting her off.  I looked down at her to see her biting her lip and was worried that she would do something aggressive soon.

“I’m not saying it does…I’m just saying that’s what they did…they corrected the mistakes of their parents and regretted not doing it sooner…a very common thing in life…” He replied seeming to concur with what she said and adding more to it…which unfortunately didn’t please her as she still looked a bit angry.  

“It’s always like that…the old generation makes mistakes and the next generation is left with their mistakes and are forced to fix then…only to create new mistakes to be passed down to the generation after them and then the cycle repeats…it’s a never ending flow of mistakes and regrets…” He then said a bit softly as he looked up through the ceiling and up at the stars twinkling above our heads.   I looked down at the ground because of what he said...I don’t think what he’s saying is right…I live my life free of my parents mistakes…but then again…I don’t think he’s wrong as I’m sure there are ponies that are tied to the mistakes of their parents and their past…it must really be dependent on the pony…

“Tsk…you’re sounding like an overdramatic flank!” The cyan mare bellowed as she snarled at him and narrowed her eyes at him…though he didn’t seem to notice her as he still looked up at the stares as if hypnotized by their glow.

“In the end though…it’s for the best…we as a society and species grow in the process and in the end I’d like to think that one day we will keep making mistakes and fixing them until there are no mistakes left to fix…” He then eventually said as he looked down at the table.  Then he took one last drink from his glass and got up from his seat.

“Now you’re ignoring me you son of a-!”

“Rainbow please!” I shouted as I grabbed Rainbow and held her down from getting up…or finishing that sentence for that matter.

“Though…that’s not going to happen anytime soon…because for me personally…I have some past mistakes to correct…and hopefully the mistakes I make aren’t as difficult to fix as the ones I’m forced to deal with.” The coated unicorn then said almost in a whisper as he turned and trotted past us, heading to the door.  Needless to say…Rainbow was not the least bit pleased by this.

“Get back here!  I’m so going to pound you into the walls!” She shouted at him as he opened the door and left the bar.  I did my best to keep Rainbow in her seat so she wouldn’t go after him and do something she would regret later.

“Dash…please…just calm down!”  I advised in a soothing voice as she resisted and tried to get up to chase after him.

“Who the hell was that and why did he look so familiar?” She then asked most likely not even caring who he was, she was just angry and yelling anything she could as she ignored my plight and tried to escape from my grip.

“Rainbow!” I shouted as I moved my face at her and stared at her.  She looked into my eyes and blinked a few times before her hazy looking cerise eyes finally seemed to ease from their previous dilated state.

“S-Sorry Fluttershy…” She apologized sincerely and in a soft tone as I felt her body relax from its once tensed state.

“It’s ok Rainbow…” I replied happily and with a smile as I let go of her and returned to my seat, knowing that she had finally calmed down.

“Another drink please!” She then cheerfully said as I saw her turn forward and hold up her empty glass.  Oh dear…we’re already at phase one of Rainbow’s descent into intoxication…I don’t know how much more she can take before I have to carry her back to the hotel!

The bartender came over and gave her another glass filled with cider, taking the old one away to go wash it.  I was still working on my first glass of water while Rainbow was now on her fourth drink!  I sighed as I picked up my glass of water and took a quick sip as Rainbow took a drink from hers.  I continued to take small quick sips every now and again while in the meantime Rainbow seemed to take bigger drinks more frequently than me.

“Hey Fluttershy…” I then heard her call in a slightly dazed tone…oh dear…did we reach the second phase?

“Y-Yes?” I replied nervously as I looked back at her to see her whole body starting to move around slightly from side to side as if she was starting to have difficulty sitting up in her seat.

“…your head’s big.” Rainbow said a bit cheerfully as she pointed at me with her hoof.  Yes we have…we’ve reached the second phase of happy confusion and the of balance control.

“Yes…thank you Rainbow.” I thanked softly with a sigh as I looked forward, this isn’t the first time she’s said this to me…and I bet it won’t be the last.

“No really…I don’t know why but your head looks bigger than it should.” She then insisted as I felt her hoof rub the side of my head…and now she’s touching me…you know strangely enough...I know I said I wanted more direct contact with Rainbow…this isn’t exactly what I had in mind…though it honestly did feel a look good for her to lightly touch the side of my head.

“I know…you’ve told me this before.” I pointed out with a giggle as a small smile appeared on my muzzle. I was really enjoying this more than I really should.

“And then sometimes when I look at it looks normal…I wonder if it’s because of the angle I’m looking at it in...” She then theorized as she moved my face around test her theory.  My gaze shifted around the whole bar she moved my head around before she finally moved my head to face her.

“Who knows…” I teased not stopping her and just letting it out of her system.  Her face had an extremely puzzled look as she moved her other hoof to her chin as if seriously trying to figure it out in her deluded state of mind.

“Maybe it’s just illusion given off by your pretty pink mane or your bright beautiful eyes…” She then speculated as I felt her hoof move up and stroke my mane slightly before she moved it back down and stroked the side of my face next to my suddenly widening eyes.

“Eh…U-Uh…I…I guess…” I stuttered in an embarrassment as I moved away from her hoof and looked down at my drink, feeling my face light up like it was on fire.  Sh…She really thinks that about me?  N-No…it…it’s just the cider talking…bu…but even still…I…I want to hear her say it again.  “Y…You really think my mane-”

“Another drink Scotchy!” She loudly declared as I looked over to see her with the empty glass on top of her head...now making it visually clear that she was well past phase two of her inebriation.

“Coming right up.”  The white stallion replied with a chuckle as he went over to get another glass.  I looked down and away, hiding behind my mane as I didn’t want the bartender to see my most likely very deep blush residing itself on my face.  Y-Yeah…it’s just the cider…she’s not in the right state of mind…w-what was I thinking…Fluttershy I think you’re starting to lose it.

The bartender came back with her drink and put it in front of her.  Rainbow wasted no time and dived right into the drink….metaphorically of course.  She picked up and instantly started to guzzle it down almost as quickly as she could.  Oh dear now she’s not even pacing herself…this isn’t good.  I can sense our departure time soon arriving as it won’t be long now before we enter phase three of her drunkenness…I mean…intoxication…sorry.

“Hey…what the…what the hell is that stallion doing?” I heard Rainbow then a bit angrily, her words being slurred.  I looked over to see her head now wobbling as she looked over at a corner behind me.

“H-Huh…what stallion?”  I asked frantically as I turned around to the general direction she was facing, hoping it wasn’t that one colt that left a while ago…if he came back it’s only going to cause more problems…especially since Rainbow is in a less stable frame of mind.

“That stallion over there…I think he’s…I think he’s eying you up Fluttershy!” The cyan Pegasus next to me shouted in a stutter…sounding a bit confused actually.

“W-W-What?” I whimpered as I looked over at her in humiliation…w-why would they be doing that?  I don’t think I did anything wrong did I?  I saw Rainbow pointing with her hoof and turned to look again for this stallion…and when I finally did my jaw dropped at who this stallion was.

“Hey…Hey buddy!  Look the other way!  This mare right here is too good for you!” The obviously drunk…I mean...intoxicated mare shouted as she reached over and put a hoof around me as if trying to defend…even though it really wasn’t necessary.

“Ummm R-Rainbow…” I called softly, feeling my cheeks slightly heat up from the sudden contact…trying to tell her what she was shouting at.

“Hey!  Yeah you!  I’m talking to you!  Keep your creeper eyes off my best friend’s flank or else it’s going to be the last thing you ever see!” She then threatened as she pointed her other hoof at it with her glass of cider in her hoof…half empty by the looks of it.

“R-Rainbow…it…it’s just a promotional card board cut out of a stallion advertising some kind of cider…” I then explained to feeling my face heat up more because of the mention of my….ummm…you know…while pointing at the tall advertisement in the corner of the bar who was smiling, looking in our direction with happy eyes, and holding up a glass of cider that said…well….I can’t read it…but I assume it’s the product.  

“Oh…” Rainbow simply replied as she leaned in and narrowed her eyes at the object, trying to focus her vision…wow did she drink enough to where she needs her Pegasi-eye to see something that’s just across the room?  “He still needs to take his eyes of you…I can’t stand seeing flanks like him looking at you like that…” She then said as she removed her hoof and turned back around to face the counter.

“T-Thanks…” I gratefully thanked with a light smile on my face, “I guess…” I then added as I put a hoof to my muzzle not sure if she should be thanked for saving me from a card board cut out…oh well it’s the thought that counts.

“Hey…” I then heard a voice call from right behind me.  I turned around to see the smiling face of the bartender behind the counter.  “Thanks…” He then graciously said as he bowed his head slightly…h-huh?

“F-For what?” I asked with a stutter as I leaned my head back…completely taken aback by him thanking me out of nowhere.

“For keeping her under control…she’s on her sixth drink and she hasn’t once tried to fight somepony or destroy something or be a public menace…” He then clarified as he looked over at the mare who was taking another drink of her glass. S-Sixth?  But…I thought she was on her fifth…oh dear did she have another one when I wasn’t looking…oh this isn’t good.

“O-Oh it was nothing…she’s just a little defensive of things she cares about…once you reassure her that nothing’s wrong she’ll calm down.” I shrugged off; explaining how you can easily ease Rainbow’s aggression when she’s in that state of mind…it’s something I learned a long time ago…

“Hey!  Scotch!  Last time I checked you were a married pony!”  Rainbow shouted catching both of our attentions as she must’ve assumed that he was…ummm…how would Rarity call it?  ‘Trying to put the moves onto me’ or something like that...but in case she’s getting very paranoid for some reason…she was never this defensive over me before…what happened to her?  I haven’t seen her this on edge and worried since our first night of drinking where she wanted to beat up High Rise...something must be wrong…I just wish I knew what it was!

“Stop hitting on Fluttershy or else I’m going to start hitting on you!” She threatened with an angry glare as she gritted her teeth at the white stallion.  “With my hoof!” She added after a few seconds, raising her wing up and pointing to it…oh dear…she’s so confused she can’t even tell her hoof from her wing…that means it’s almost about time for us to leave…but first I need to calm her down yet again.

“Oh its fine Rainbow…he was just offering me a refill on my drink…” I calmly reassured as I smiled and raised my hoof and gently waved it at her.  She looked at me completely confused, slowly blinking as her glazed eyes tried to look at me as best they could.

“Alright then…just watch out…he’s faster than he looks when it comes to picking up random mares at his bar…” She warned in a sluggish tone as she turned back around…almost falling off the seat in the process…and took another drink from her glass of cider.

“Thanks Rainbow…I’ll be ok” I thanked gratefully as I giggled and looked back up at the smiling stallion. “See it’s easy to calm her down when you know how to do it…” I then said to him, using that as proof for my earlier statement…which made him chuckle in response to what I said.

“Oh no…I’ve never seen her calm down that fast before…Miss, you have some sort of magic over her…” He responded after he finished chuckling at me, giving me a sly wink and a smirk.  I-It’s not magic…it’s just…you know…when you’ve been around somepony long enough you learn these things.

“Oh…I…I wouldn’t know about that…” I said in return as I looked away and waved my hoof at him dismissively, finding it a bit embarrassing that he said I have some kind of ‘magic’ over her…like she’s my prisoner or something…that’s just silly.

“Oh but I think one day you will…” He then said sounding a bit serious, which caused me to look up at him in confusion.  I will what?  I don’t get it…

“Scotch!  Another drink!”  Rainbow shouted happily, causing us both to turn our heads to see her holding up her glass of cider…her half full glass of cider.

“Another one?  But you haven’t even finished the one you have right now!” Scotch pointed out in a teasing manner as he pointed to the glass in her hoof.  She looked at it with her head still moving around uncontrollably before looking back with a smirk on her face.

“Give me a sec!” The drunk Pegasus…sorry…inebriated Pegasus…brashly said right before leaning back and holding the glass straight up so it dumped all over her face…most of the cider in the glass getting in her mouth but some of it splashed on her face and onto the floor.  “Alright…t-there…good…another drink please!” She then happily declared as she extended her hooves as if completing a magic trick…losing her balance and falling backwards towards the ground.  I quickly moved up and caught her with my hoof, bringing her back to her seat.

“Oh no Rainbow…I think you’re done for the night…” I then said seriously, telling her that she’s definitely had enough…if she can’t stay in her seat anymore then it’s time to go.

“No way Fluttershy!  I’m just….I’m just getting started!” She denied as she shook her head and shook the empty glass in her hoof.  “I’m totally good to keep going…I could totally set back….like…sixty drinks before I keel over!” She then arrogantly said as she gave an unreasonable number of what she think she can drink.

“Really…then you wouldn’t mind me giving you…’the test!’”  I then teasingly asked as I got off my seat and raised an eyebrow at her…challenging her to something I knew she couldn’t win at…it was the test I always gave her to see how intoxicated she is…and she always gets it wrongs and agrees to leave with me after she fails it.

“Ha!  Try me Fluttershy!” She smugly replied as she put the empty glass on the counter and got out of her seat…almost losing her balance and falling on the floor…then looking at me with a confident look in her much distorted looking eyes.

“Ok then…how many colors are in your mane?” I asked giving her the question I knew she would always get wrong no matter what.

“That’s easy!  Six!” She replied arrogantly, giving a slightly laugh of victory….which almost made her fall over…again.

“Really…” I said confidently and with a smile as I trotted up to her. “Are you…sure?” I then asked as I grabbed the lower part of my mane that was hanging down.  

“Yeah!  Look!” She boasted as she looked up at her upper strands of her mane, raising a hoof and…once again almost falling over…though this time I held out a hoof to keep her balanced…the hoof that held my pink mane. “One…two…three…”  She began counting as she pointed to each color in the upper part of her hair.  Since she didn’t notice that I was holding her upright and was too busy counting the upper part of her mane, I quickly draped my mane over the back of her neck so it dangled next to the other colors on her lower mane right before she went to go count those colors.

“four…five…six…huh what the?”  She then stated counting as she pointed to each of her colors, stopping when she reached a sudden seventh color of bright pink. “When did I gain a seventh color?” She questioned as she looked at the strand of pink hair…then watched as I moved my head to remove it from her neck and put back where it originally was, dangling down from my head.  She slowly blinked as she looked at the pink strand before they widened in realization of what that meant.

“Ahh damn it!” She shouted angrily as she looked over to see my hoof holding her up….then she sighed as she lowered her head and admitted defeat.   She failed the test…it wasn’t guessing the amount of colors in her mane…it was seeing if she could stand upright, sufficiently count the number of colors in her mane, and not get confused upon seeing my mane next to hers…she fails it every time…and it’s the perfect way to get through to her that she’s…ummmm…well beyond deluded with the aid of cider…

“Alright alright...let’s go.” She then said in frustration and in a slurred tone as she put her hoof down on.  However, when I removed my hoof she still started to fall over again.  I moved it back to support her and she grumbled even more as her head was starting to wobble again.

“You’re in no condition to walk home and especially in no condition to fly…” I pointed out in concern, thankfully knowing that since I already got through to her…I would have little resistance in suggesting what I needed to do to help her back to the hotel.

“Yeah yeah…just make it quick…” Rainbow reluctantly agreed as she shakily raised her hoof up.  When she did I smiled at her before going through the open space and getting underneath her.  I positioned myself carefully and then when I felt my back fully secure underneath her I stood up and had Rainbow safely positioned on my back…positioned above my saddlebag and thankfully not touching my wings.

“Alright Rainbow…let’s go…” I then whispered as the heat from having her on my back, and then feeling her hold onto my so she wouldn’t fall of…was…well…the best experience since coming here so far…I wanted to have some contact with her and this was like having all my animal friends visiting me at once…I just kind of wished she didn’t smell like cider.

“Wait…” Rainbow denied before I could start walking, looking up towards the stallion behind the counter “How much do I owe you Scotch? “ She then asked dizzily as I looked back to see one of her eyes half shut looking like she was about to pass out…I don’t think I even needed to give the test…she would’ve passed out soon and I would carry her home regardless…well better sooner than later.

“Nah forget it…seeing you like this is worth all the cider in my bar…” The stallion replied with a huge smile on his face slightly snickering…looking like he was about to burst into laughter.

“Don’t laugh…if you….if you do I’m…I’m…never coming….coming here again...” Rainbow threatened…or at least tried to as what she said was so slurred and soft that it sounded more like weak plea.  

“Alright alright…be sure to come back soon Rainbow…and…bring that mare with you as well…” He agreed as he shook his head at us before pointing to me not exactly saying my name…I guess he can’t remember it….

“Her names....names…Flutter…shy…” I heard her struggle to respond before she gently laid her head against the back of my neck…burying her face against my mane as I could feel her hot breath against my neck which made me tingle with every single gentle in and out of her breathing.

“Yeah…bring her…you need her because this is the first time I’ve seen you leave peacefully.” He then advised even though I’m sure she was asleep on my back…he was most likely telling this to me as I looked up to see him smiling at me.  “Take care of her…” He then said in a gentle tone which made me blink a few times in surprise…

“I-I will…” I simply answered as I felt a light heating sensation start to appear on my cheeks.  I started to walk to the door, wanting to leave so we would get back to the hotel as soon as we could.

“I know you will…and take care of yourself…I hope to see you again sometime.” I heard him say in a hopeful and supportive tone as I reached the door.  I looked back to see him waving at me with that smile still on his muzzle…w-wow…he has a lot of faith in me already and we just met tonight…and didn’t really talk that much…

“Th-Thanks…” I thanked gratefully and with a slight stutter as I opened the door in front of me with one of my hooves.  “B-bye….”  I then said trying to be as loud as I possibly could as I walked through the door and left the bar, the door shutting behind me.

When I left the bar I looked around to see the streets mostly empty.  I also felt Rainbow’s gentle breath still against my neck which told me she was still peacefully asleep.  I didn’t want to wake her…but I knew I had to get back to the hotel somehow.  Thankfully we had a contingency plan just in case this happened.  I reached into my saddlebag and pulled out the map Rainbow gave me earlier.  I looked at it and…even though it was very crudely made…I was still able to make out where I was supposed to go.

I took a deep breath, hoping Rainbow didn’t mess up the map somehow or if I wasn’t following it correctly.  I put the map in my mouth and then started to make my way…hopefully to the hotel.  I was stopping like every few seconds though to raise the map up with my mouth to double check where I was going…but so far it was going good…I think.  I did feel nervous as I turned onto different streets and started to see other ponies and zebras walking around.  But I swallowed the lump in my throat and persevered…I had to for Rainbow’s sake.

“mmmm…Fluttershy…” I heard Rainbow call in a rather…odd sounding tone as I felt her head rub against the back of my neck and my mane.

“Y-Yes?” I simply squeaked with the map still in my mouth as I wanted to look back but I didn’t want to risk her not being awake and just talking her in her sleep…besides I still had to pay attention to where I was going.

“You’re mane…it still smells just as awesome as that time back in Ponyville…” Rainbow complimented in a sweet tone as she continued to rub against the back me…which started to make me tremble slightly…especially after hearing her say that!

“T-Thanks Rainbow…” I gratefully thanked in a whisper as felt my entire face instantly heat up from what she said.  I looked up to see a bystander giving us a very awkward look.

“Hey!” I heard Rainbow shout sounding angry, which caught the attention of the pony idling standing by. “Quit giving us that disgusting look!” Rainbow snapped as she didn’t sound as slurred as before…though she’s probably really angry and more focused than before!

“Come on!  What you’ve never seen a pony ride before?” She then yelled, giving a rhetorical question as I walked past the confused and honestly not intimidated pony…he probably can’t speak Equestrian and has no idea what she’s saying. “Flankhole!” She then shouted as I turned the next corner…thankfully when I did I saw the hotel in the distance.

“Calm down Rainbow…we’re almost at the hotel…” I said in a soothing tone as I pointed to the hotel in front of us.

“G-Good…I…I’m…I’m starting to feel a little queasy right now …” I heard Rainbow advise in low slightly slurred tone as I looked back to see her putting a hoof to cover her muzzle…oh dear she drank too much cider too fast and now it’s starting to affect her!  Oh dear…I don’t think I could take her to the public bathroom…that would be…bad…especially if somepony saw us…I’ll have to take her to our room’s bathroom…if we even have one!

“Oh my goodness…hold on Rainbow!” I encouraged in a hopeful tone as I quickened my pace, though not too fast as I didn’t want to give her an unpleasant ride and risk her…getting worse.

I entered the hotel, thankfully the pony at the entrance opened the door for me, and trotted over as quickly and as steady as possible to the elevator.  The door was already open and I entered the elevator, quickly pressing the floor number where our room was located.  When I did the entire elevator started to glow a bright light blue from unicorn magic.  Then I felt the elevator start to rise suddenly and abruptly.  Which made Rainbow gag as I looked back to see her still holding a hoof to her muzzle as her face start to change to an unpleasant shade of green.  Oh my goodness…Oh my goodness!

“Oh dear, please just hold on a little bit longer Rainbow…we’re almost there!”  I said desperately, doing my best to encourage her.  She didn’t respond and simply nodded as she did her best to…umm…contain her inner bodily fluids.  Oh maybe taking the elevator wasn’t the best idea for somepony who drank too much!

Eventually the elevator reached the floor and thankfully stopped much more pleasantly compared to how it started.  The doors opened and I immediately left and looked down each hall.   Oh which room number is it again?  I reached into the saddlebag and pulled out the key and looked at it.  Four zero nine…got it.  I looked at the nearest door down the left hall and it said four two zero…and then I looked at nearest door down the other hall and it said four two one…ok so it’s down the other hall.

I put the key in my mouth and trotted down the hall being as steady as I could for Rainbow’s sake.  I saw a door already opened and a black Pegasus walking in followed by two bigger ponies with the door closing behind them…oh dear…are they going to do what I think they’re going to do?  No no…can’t think of that right now.  When I reached our door…which happened to be next to the door where the three ponies went in…I moved my head and put the key into the keyhole and turned it, causing the door to unlock and open.  I quickly entered and searched for the bathroom.  Thankfully I found it at the directly to the left of the entrance.  I opened it and went inside immediately laying down to let Rainbow Dash off me.

“T-Thanks Flutter-mpfh!” The sick daredevil tried to thank as she got off of me, before stopping and putting the hoof back to her muzzle to prevent her from...umm…g-giving me an unpleasant shower...as her saddlebag fell off of her from her motions.

“N-No problem Dash!” I shrugged off with a stutter as I stood back up immediately after she got off of me. “T-Take all the time you need!” I then said as I grabbed her saddlebag, turned around, and immediately went to leave.  When I left I put her saddlebag by the door and as I turned around to shut the bathroom door I saw Rainbow making it to the toilet…and no sooner did I shut the door did I hear the unpleasant hurling sound she always made whenever she drank too much cider…and the sound of the toilet bowl being filled by…well…not only the cider she drank earlier but also the food we ate at the restaurant.

The sounds were starting to make me sick…as they always did…no matter how many times I’ve done this with Rainbow it never gets any easier for me…I can’t help it…I worry about her too much.  I took the brief moment to take off the dress Rarity had me make and fold it up, putting it my saddlebag after it was off.  I took out the butterfly hair clip...I looked at it and smiled at it for a second before I placed it in the bag as well.  I then then placed it at the door right next to Rainbow's.  I then sighed as I could still hear the unpleasant sounds coming from the bathroom.  I looked around the hotel room in a desperate hope to slightly distract myself from the continued heaving sounds coming from the bathroom.

The hotel room was very nice…the walls were a nice shade of gold, with the ceiling being red and the floor being blue...though I think it would upset Rarity for some reason.  There were two beds with nice red blankets that looked like it was made from a fine fabric with what looked like a hoof carved headboard of Gentle Breeze’s featherless wings.  There was a fancy desk with a quill and ink in case we need to write something I guess.  There was a painted portrait of the city mounted on the wall and what surprised me the most was that we had a deck that led outside and overlooked the city…there wasn’t anything out there but it was still nice to have.  

All of a sudden I heard a violin playing in the background.  It sounded like it was coming in from a different room…and…it sounded awful.  Whoever was playing it sounded like they never touched a violin in their life…if Applejack were here I bet she would march over to where the room is and give her…‘what for’ for that bad violin music…I think I’d rather listen to Rainbow’s in the bathroom than this…wait…now that I think about it and actually listen…I can’t hear here at all…does that mean she’s finished?

“Rainbow?  Are you done?” I asked as I knocked on the door to be polite.  After I didn’t hear anything except the terrible music I decided to open the door and check on her.  “Dash?” I called as poked my head through the slightly opened door, only to find the athletic cyan Pegasus on the floor next to the toilet.

“Rainbow!” I shouted as I flung open the door and rushed over to her, fearing that something horrible happened to her.  “Are you ok?” I asked desperately as I bent down next to her, noticing her eyes barely open and seeing bits of digested food chunks and liquids on her mouth.

“No…” She answered in a weak tone as her cerise eyes slowly moved to look into mine.  I sighed in relief as she was ok…just recovering from the after effects of her awful ordeal.

“I’m sorry…”  I apologized as I helped her up off the ground and brought her to a sitting position on her haunches.  I gave her a hopeful smile as she still looked sick and unsanitary with the excess vomit…I mean…stuff…on her muzzle. “Come on…let’s get you cleaned up…” I then suggested as I looked around and found a wash cloth on the sink.  I got up to pick it up…noticing that she forgot to flush the toilet…and seeing all the…ughhh…I cringed as I took a quick moment to flush the toilet before returning to get the wash cloth.

“Everything’s gone to hell…” I heard Rainbow comment in a melancholic as I got the cloth and started to run it under the sink…oh dear now she’s depressed…well cider isn’t a depressant for nothing after all…

“It has?” I replied as I squeezed the rag to get excess water out.  “I-I’m sorry…” I then apologized sincerely and in a sweet tone as I started to dab around her mouth clean her up still hearing the bad violin music being played in the background.

“First I have to deal with Applejack and her roof crap…then I have to worry about the weather team’s constant lack of productivity…and when I come down here to relax with my best friend….I…I get really uncomfortable and have a drink…only to get sick and be punished like this…” She explained in a soft tone, stopping every now and again from me cleaning around her muzzle…oh she’s just looking at everything in a negative light…I should know…I do it all the time…but I can’t be like that right now…I have to be kind and supportive for her.

“I-I’m sorry about that Rainbow…” I apologized again; just trying to help her anyway I could as I finished cleaning her muzzle.  I reached up and grabbed a towel to try her mouth off before tossing it aside.  I looked at the rag and noticed that it looked…well…nasty and didn’t think the hotel would like seeing their rag like this…

“And on top of all that I have to deal with Twilight and all her shit!” Rainbow then shouted in a surprisingly frustrated tone as I went over to the sink to try and wash it out the best I could.

“W-What’s wrong with Twilight…are you talking about the library and helping her organize her books?”  I questioned softly and with a slight stutter as I started to run the rag under a stream of hot water.

“No…I wish it was that simple…” The poor Pegasus denied as I saw her lean her head against the wall.  I looked back and saw that I was about done finishing up with cleaning the rag and that it looked mostly normal now.  Oh dear…what could have Twilight done to make Rainbow this upset?

“She…She’s in love with me…” Rainbow then admitted in almost a whisper as...as…as…

“W-Wh…What?” I said in complete shock as I dropped the rag from my hooves and immediately looked at her with my eyes as wide as possible.  I…I heard her wrong right…or …it’s not what I think…she loves Dash…I mean we all love each other…but…she can’t be IN love with her right?  Right?

“She was waiting for me back in my house last night and…told me about her feelings for this special pony she’s had her eye for so very long…” Dash then explained a low dull tone as she didn’t like recalling this memory…so…so that’s why Rainbow was so tired this morning and was so frantic…it was because of Twilight…and she…she…she couldn’t have! “That pony was apparently me…” Dash then finished as she forced her eyes as he ears drooped down, finding it extremely difficult to say that out loud.  My breathing became heavy and erratic as I felt my whole body starting to tremble at the wards she was saying…Twilight’s…in…in love with her?  Honestly in love with her!?

“Then earlier today before we left she tells me to ‘Think about what we’re going to do’ and wants me to talk to her after I get back…” Rainbow then went on…recalling what happened before we left on our bird escort duty…so…so that’s what she needed to talk to Rainbow about…it was about their relationship…

“R-Rainbow…I…” I started, struggling to speak as I didn’t know how to respond to this…I…I didn’t know what to think of this…but…there was one thing I desperately wanted to know. “H-How do you feel about her…w-what are you going to say?” I asked sounding a bit frantic and desperate…does…does Rainbow love her back?  I…I have to know…because…because…I…I…she…she’s my best friend and…Twilight’s my friend and…my friends are important to me and.…I…I just have to know!

“I…I don’t know…” Rainbow answered in almost a whisper, shaking her head, rubbing it against the wall as she did.  I took a big breath and felt a wave of relief wash over me…then I blinked a few times in shock of this realization….w-why do I feel relieved and happy that Rainbow didn’t say she loved her back and is unclear…and why am I still kind of worried that might love her…w…why am I feeling this way?  

“I’m not cut out for this crap….my biggest concern should be trying to get into the Wonderbolts…not getting into the heart of another pony and loving them…” She then went on in a slightly louder but still depressed tone as she slowly opened her eyes to reveal what looked like tears starting to well up in them…she…she really doesn’t want to deal with this…it must be all new to her…I can’t remember her ever being interested in romance and brushing off every advance she ever got from other ponies back when we were younger…but this…coming from such a dear friend…it…it must’ve destroyed her…

“Rainbow…” I said in a soft understanding tone as I now understood the situation she’s in…and how she’s not ready to deal with it just yet…she can deal with being loyal her friends no matter what…except when it comes to the matters of the heart…that takes a new brand of loyalty and commitment she’s never felt before….

“I don’t know what I’m going to do…I don’t even know how to feel about this…” Rainbow began as tears slowly began to slide down the sides of her cheeks.  “This…this hasn’t happened to me…I…I don’t want it to happen to me…I don’t want to deal with this kind of this problem…”  She then admitted as she silently cried against the wall.

“I don’t want to go back and face her when I haven’t the slightest idea of how I feel…” She then said as she slowly slid against the wall towards the floor…

“Rainbow…” I called gently as I walked up to her and helped her up, then bringing her into a soft hug as I wrapped my hooves around her.  “It will be ok…don’t worry…no matter what happens or what you decide to do…I’ll always be here for you…always…” I said soothing to her as I hugged her as tight I could…letting her know that I’d be with her even if she was with Twilight or any other pony…even if the thought…upsets me slightly…

“F-Fluttershy…” Rainbow called with a stutter, surprised that I was doing this…then shortly after I felt her hooves wrap around me as she returned the hug. “Thank you…” She thanked in an almost quiet whisper as she pressed her face into the side of my neck, getting it soaked from her tears I didn’t mind.

“And sorry…for once again taking advantage of your endless kindness to support myself…” She then apologized, feeling bad for doing it…reminding me of what she said earlier about me and Gentle Breeze…but just like her…I don’t mind if she does that…I’ll never care…because I get something from her as well…

“Don’t be sorry…I feed of your strength for my support….so you can take as much as my kindness as you want…it’s a mutual relationship that benefits us both Dash…it always has been and always will be…that’s what makes us best friends…” I shrugged off, explaining our relationship as I pulled away from her and looked at her with a smile, which caused her mouth to drop at what I said.

“Fluttershy…I…I…” She began…looking like she wanted to say something…but couldn’t find the words to say it and instead looked away with a light tint of red appearing on her cheeks.  I giggled as now would be the best time for us to go to bed.

“Now come on…let’s get you to bed…” I suggested as I started to get up…since Rainbow’s hooves were still around me in the hug she got up as well.  I then supported her and slowly walked us out of the bathroom and to one of the beds as thankfully I heard the awful violin music stop...

“There you go...”  I said sweetly as pulled back the covers and started to help her into bed.  “Now I hope you have a good night’s rest…you deserve it after all you’ve-AHHH!”  I suddenly shouted as I was trying to wish her a good night’s rest but instead felt my body suddenly jerk and fall onto the bed.  I looked around and saw that Rainbow still had her hooves around me and forced me into bed with her.

“D-Dash?” I squeaked nervously as Rainbow pulled me closer to her, snuggling up to me in bed.  I felt my face turn red hot as I was pressed against her body in her grip…feeling her rough yet comforting coat against mine which was beyond angelic…

“I’m sorry Fluttershy…I…I just couldn’t let go…” Rainbow apologized weakly as I looked at her to see her eyes gently closing.  She…She must not want to be alone and did this because she’s still under the effects of the cider…I know if she was sober she’d never do this…ever…but I’m still rather thankful that I have a chance to be with her like this.

“I-It’s ok Rainbow…I…I don’t mind….” I dismissed with a smile as Dash needed this to relax and fall asleep.  Plus the longer I can stay like this the better…

“Fluttershy…” Dash called feebly before her eyes fully closed…then I heard her breathing relax and her fore legs loosen their grip around me…she was sound asleep.  I sighed to myself in relief as she was ok…and then I started to try to move away from her…but found that her grip around me was still pretty strong and I couldn’t break away without waking her up.

I looked back at her and…well…decided that this was for the best.  I get to snuggle up to Dash and be in her warm embrace and she gets to…ummm…relax and not be disturbed by me breaking away from her.  Whatever the case I moved one of my hind legs down to get the blanket and brought it up to my fore hoof.  I put the blanket up over my head and snuggled as close as I could to Rainbow…bathing in the warm and gentleness that I couldn’t get enough I sighed in content as I closed my eyes…giggling slightly as I remembered that I thought carrying her home was the best thing since coming down…well…this tops it without a doubt.

Then my thoughts returned to the topic of Twilight.  I…I should really be supportive of Dash and Twilight if they decide to…have a relationship.  But…for some reason…every time I think about it…I…I get really upset…e-even angry somewhat.  W-What’s wrong with me?  I…I shouldn’t be this way…but…but I hate to admit it…I…I don’t want to see my two friends get together…I… I don’t want Rainbow and Twilight to be together!  I…I…

I don’t want her to have Rainbow… Next Chapter: Chapter 11 Estimated time remaining: 11 Hours, 47 Minutes