Chapter 2

A night at the Librarian's

“I don’t have a heart?”

Twilight nodded. “I mean, you don’t have a heart heart. It looks like there is some crystalline structure replacing it." She began to lean forward, maybe to study it more. She didn’t have the chance though. I quickly pushed the thing aside.

“I quit.”

I smiled and began to stumble my way towards the door. Twilight seemed to be the only one who has recovered from the knowledge of a pony walking and talking without a heart because she quickly ran after me. “What do you mean ‘You quit’?” She was giving me a weird stare.

“It is quite simple, my dear Twilight. I quit. I am not playing this game anymore. I am leaving!” I got to the door and was fumbling with it. “I really don’t know what’s going on. This has really been too strange. A crystal heart? A sword through the chest? That weird mare.” I shook my head. Still can’t get the door open. “But the worst thing...The thing I can’t stand the most! I have been turned into a mother bucking female!!!” I growled, swinging around and bucking the door as hard as I could.

It was quite a feat for my inexperience, but my victory was very short lived. I am not sure what the doors in Ponyville are made out of, but through all my effort, I didn’t even make a notch in the thing. Instead, for the third time this day, I fell flat on my face. This caused my head to start throbbing. Twilight walked over to the door and turned the knob the opposite way I was turning it, allowing the door to slowly creak open. “Thank you” I said from the floor.

“Not a problem!” She said with a big smile. So adorkable. “I don’t think you should leave the hospital yet. There are some tests that might prove very useful.....” I had raised my hoof to stop her from talking.

“No...I just...I just need to leave. I need to gather my thoughts or something. This still feels very unreal to me.”

“Where are you gonna go? Couldn't you just do that here?” Seems the others seemed to recover, because it was a nurse asking me this. They all just stood there staring at me. That did nothing to help my comfort levels with the situation.

“I am incredibly uncomfortable with hospitals. As for where I will go...” Ok. They may have got me on this one. “I don’t know. I don’t know anyone in this world. I don’t have any money or a place to stay either....” I fell back on my haunches. “Wow...That kind of sucks huh?”

The room was in dead silence for a minute. The Doctor coughed and looked to the nurses. “We should...go check the other patients.” The nurses nodded and they all left the room in a hurry, leaving me alone there with Twilight and Fluttershy. Fluttershy flew over next to Twilight who was sitting in front of me.

“Nice to know I can count on the medical staff for help....you know, just in case I am missing a heart or something.“ I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Seriously, who abandons somepony with a serious heart problem.

“Don’t blame them. Ponyville doctors don’t usually tend to these sort of problems.“ Twilight had her gaze fixed on my chest. “Actually, I have never heard of something like this happening to a pony before.” Why do I feel like I am about to get dissected? “If you need a place to stay, I have an extra bed you can use until Celestia gets here tomorrow.“ I am pretty sure if I wiggle my chest, she would start drooling. Should I be subtle?

“Twilight...My eyes are up here.” Subtlety is overrated.

She blinked and looked up. “Oh sorry. I was wondering how you are able to live without a heart. It should be impossible. I mean, you have to take into account blood flow and mmpph!” I had shoved my hoof against her mouth.

“Twilight...I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Ok?” She nodded and I removed my hoof. “I just want to find someplace to clear my head.” My stomach decided that it was going to tell me right then that it had no food in it. The loud grumble it made actually echoed in the room. “How does grass taste?”

Fluttershy patted my head. “Oh you don’t need to worry. We can get you something to eat. Our friend Pinkie Pie works at SugarCube Corner. It is a nice place to relax.“ Twilight gave Fluttershy a stern look. “Oh...well..sometimes.” I knew the implications behind Twilight’s stare. I also knew I wouldn’t get any peace of mind there but the hunger gnawing at my stomach told me that was my next location.

Twilight smiled after my stomach growled. “We can take you there if you would like.” I nodded. “Alright then. I’ll help you with the release forms and we can get a bite to eat together.“ Oddly friendly. “Come on with me...I don’t think you’ve told me your name.” I opened my mouth to say Christian but I thought back on the strange mare’s words. My human name is really out of place in this world. What would be a good pony name?

“My name is...Crystal Blossom.”

“That was bloody idiotic!” Fluttershy flinched but that couldn’t stop me. “Just who the hell do they think I am? What kind of guy would treat a lady like that?! I thought that this world would be a bit more reserved in that aspect!” Why was I yelling? Well, while we were at the front counter, I was pretty much violated by a stallion. He leaned up to me saying “I find that blank flank sexy. Wanna find your talent?” He said, rubbing my backside. Luckily, the stallion was not a hospital door. Unlucky for him, that's what he was going to be spending a better part of a month behind. Twilight and Fluttershy had to drag me out of there before I could beat him up some more.

Still felt good to let off some steam though. “He is lucky I didn’t geld him right there. I swear...” I huffed, feeling my rage starting to leave me. “At least I got walking down a bit....” The trick to walking like this was actually easier than I was making it out to be. You just had to do a sort of crawling motion, only modify it a bit.

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh yes. You are doing a very good job.“ I was getting a bit annoyed at Fluttershy. She kept talking to me like I was some child. Oh yeah it was cute in the show, but it’s kind of annoying when it’s directed at you.  "If you want, I would be able to teach you how to fly.”

“No.” She looked hurt. “I mean, that is a very generous offer, Fluttershy. But I am not sure the type of training I want is the kind you could give.”

“There is SugarCube Corner.” Twilight piped in. I was starting to worried about her as well. Ever since the hospital, she has been acting overly cheerful. I think she was actually holding herself back. “You should watch out for Pinkie Pie, Crystal. She can be a bit over the top at times.” She let out a laugh that could be compared to the one in the third episode of season two.

“Uh yeah.” Creepy. “I’ll watch out for her.” I knew full and well Pinkie’s antics. I walked up the steps, smiling. I know how to handle her.  I opened the door...and my world exploded into a colourful blast of confetti and streamers. I screamed and fell backwards back down the steps, landing on my back.

“Oh Celestia! Crystal! Are you alright?” Twilight’s, Fluttershy’s and Pinkie’s faces came into my view. I could feel my face redden as I started breathing in quick breaths. “Crystal? What’s the matter? Are you hurt?”

“Nnnnn I think peed myself!” Each of them looked down and then made a face.

“Ew..” Twi and Pinkie backed away as Fluttershy took to the air. Twi seemed to noticed that ponies were staring and shot them a look. “Would you mind? Some privacy would be nice.“ The ponies looked embarrassed and continued on their chores. Pinkie and Twilight helped me up and into Sugarcube Corner. Once inside, they led me upstairs while Fluttershy went to explain to the Cakes about what was going on.

“I am sorry. I saw a new pony coming to my shop and I got excited.” Pinkie’s ears were flattened and she had her lips stuck out in a pout. Her mane was still poofy so I felt safe when they led me into the bathroom.

“It’s fine, Pinkie...” I watched as Twilight started up a bath. Pinkie gave me a smile but didn’t say anything. “I may have gotten a bit overconfident...” I could still feel my face as red as ever.  Keeping my tail plastered between my legs, I walked over to Twilight. “I am sorry. I think I may have caused some unintended embarrassment for your friends.” She just smiled and put a hoof around my neck while staying clear of my back end.

“Don’t worry. We stick together. It is what friends do. Now, The bath is ready. How about jumping in?”

“And any friend of Twilight’s is a friend of mine!” I watched as she poured copious amounts of bubble bath into the water. I watched as the bubbles began to form even though nothing was stirring up the water. I figured there may have been a bit of magic involved but I think it would probably be best to stop comparing things to our world.

“And now that we’re friends, I totally have to throw you a party! I’ll invite everypony. We’ll have cake and icecream and there will be balloons and streamers and punch! Ooo! I could also make my super special Cherrychimichangas...or should I call them Chimicherrychangas? BerryPunch has this new recipe that I think would go great with them! Oh, how old are you? What’s your name? Do you like cherries?”

I couldn’t help but start laughing as I climbed into the tub. “ My name Is Crystal Blossom.” I really like that name. “And yes I like cherries.... as for my age...” This is where I wasn’t sure what to say. I am not sure how long ponies lived for. I know in my world most animals don't live for all that long. “I am not sure how it would translate but...I am of age, if that is what you are asking.“ I didn’t know which was scarier. Pinkie’s smile or Twilight’s.

“Okie dokie loki! I am going to go get this party started! I want you to be here tonight, ok?” The smile is just infectious but it was kind of hampered by Twilight staring me down. “Alright!” Pinkie Pie bounced off before hearing my answer.

I relaxed in the warm waters. I think  this the first time I was actually relaxed naturally since I been here. That was until I was aware Twilight was still staring me down. I looked up to her with a worried frown. “Spread your wings out.”

“Huh?!”

“If what you and that mare were talking about earlier is true, then you are not used to having wings. It was kind of confirmed earlier when you hit me in the face” Yay, guilt. “And with that, you wouldn’t really know how to take care of them right, would you?”

“And you would?”

She nodded happily. “Yeah. I read a book about it!” Ok. I would usually be very skeptical but this is Twilight Sparkle we are talking about. “It is something I have always wanted to try. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy won’t let me clean they’re wings. I really don’t know why.“ I slowly opened my wings.

“So I am a test subject?”

She blushed. “Well...I guess if you had to put it like that.” I laughed, just turning my back to her so she would have easier access. I didn’t mind truthfully. I would rather have someone who actually read about something like this do it. I would probably mess them up or something. I could feel her running her hoof through my feather.

“These are the primaries. These, the secondaries. Tertiary.” I shivered as she ran her hoof over them. “Oh...Sorry.” I waved a hoof at her.

“Do you mind if they just get cleaned? This is a bit weird for me already.“ It was true. I don’t remember Twilight being this friendly in the show and it was kind of creepy. I couldn't put my hoof on it, but something was off.

“Oh...Ok.” She said cheerfully and started washing. I relaxed and stopped questioning Twilight’s friendliness. So let’s get a clearer view. I am a pony. This isn’t really a bad thing for me. I am a mare. I have a problem with this but I can not really do anything about it can I? Those who cannot accept change will always have a bad time, right?

Now about the whole no heart and sword thing. I can’t do much about that either, except maybe whine and cry over it. I guess I’ll have to wait until Celestia gets here tomorrow to get some answers. Celestia! I mimicked Twilight’s little ‘mystery solved’ hoof clop from earlier. That’s why Twilight is acting so friendly. Celestia is coming to investigate me, so if she sticks next to me and is my friend, she’ll look good in Celestia’s eyes. I started giggling like mad.

“You alright? Is it really that ticklish?”

“No no. I just...thought of something funny. Twilight....Thank you.” I turned my head back to face her. “And not for just right now. Last night too. You were crying for me. You had no reason to, yet you showed compassion for a complete stranger. I appreciate it, dearly.” Ha ha, score. The blush that spread across her face was so cute. I knew watching animes weren’t a total waste.

“I...I..” Twilight stuttered. “It’s...”

“It’s time to get something to eat, I think.” The growl from my stomach punctuated my statement. “I think I am clean enough. Thanks again, Twilight. I probably would have messed my wings all up.”

“It’s no problem.” She almost sounded like Fluttershy. Maybe I did lay it on a little thick. She reached into the tub to pull the stopper as I got out. I stood there for a second looking around. “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you drying yourself off?”

“I would but I don’t see a towel anywhere.”

Twilight gave me a stern look. “You really don’t know anything about being a pegasus. Interesting.” Her horn glowed and I could feel the water being extracted from my fur. Twilight deposited the excess water into the tub and headed for the door with me right behind.

The next few events were rather uneventful. I was quite thankful for this as it let me piece together my thoughts a bit more. Twilight ordered some bearclaws and sandwiches for us. I guess SugarCube Corner sold a bit more than just confectioneries. After that she led me through the town to a little park nearby. During our walk, I was too enrapture with all the sight of the town to noticed Twi’s changed behavior.

It wasn’t until we were sat down that I realized she wasn’t staring at me like some prize anymore. She was now looking at me like I was some sort of puzzle she couldn’t figure out. I took a bite out of the sandwich she had given me and chewed slowly. For being a flower sandwich it wasn’t that bad. I watched her watch me so she knew i knew she was watching me. Finally, I couldn’t stand it anymore. “Hey, Twi, is everything alright? You’ve been acting a bit weird since the bath....”

She sighed and laid her sandwich down. “What are you and what exactly do you want?” The question caught me a bit off guard. “I mean, that mare back in the hospital said that you were the one who wanted to come here. That you came here on a grand adventure. So what exactly is your grand adventure? What are you here for?” She kept a narrowed gaze on me.

“I...I don’t know really.“ I rubbed the back of my head. “The last thing I remember before waking up in the Everfree castle was clocking in at work this morning. It’s a blank after that. I don’t know anything about an adventure but as for me choosing to be here...” I sighed. “Can I tell you something and you not freak out about it?”

“Yeah. What is it?”

“Pinkie promise?”

“How do you...” A stare from me made her sigh. “Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.” She finished by putting her hoof over her eye. “Now what is it?”

I took a deep breath. “The reason I know about Equestria and you and your friends is because in my world, the adventures you have with your friends is a show. A television show. I got hooked on the show about a year back and thought that coming here would be awesome. It looked like fun. That’s why I probably chose to come here.“ Twilight was giving me a skeptical look.

“You know how crazy that sounds? How would that be-”

“Season two, episode three: Lesson Zero. It showed you having a nervous breakdown as you went to your friends, desperately trying to solve a friendship problem before you were tardy. It also showed you talking to yourself in a puddle and your reflection talking back to you. Right after that you went to your friends for their help but they just thought you were overreacting so you went and made a friendship problem by casting the Want It, Need It spell on your old Smarty-Pants doll. Works every time.”

I watched her eyes slowly glaze over as the gears worked in her head. I could tell the moment it all clicked together for her because her eyes lit up with something that made my stomach turn. Fear. Before I could say anything, the unicorn’s horn flickered with magic and she disappeared in a flash of light. “So much for not freaking out.”

I took another bite of my sandwich and sighed. I could have ran blindly after her but that would have gotten me lost. Plus, what would it accomplish? She could just teleport away again. So I sat there and ate my sandwiches and bearclaw. I put Twilight’s half eaten one with her other and waited.

After about twenty minutes, I started getting anxious. That was probably a bit too much for the poor mare. I was regretting my choice on telling her now. Another ten minutes passed before I saw Twilight in the distances coming towards me. She had Applejack and Rainbow Dash with her. They looked unhappy.

I gave a weak smile and wave when they got close enough. This wasn’t going to end well. “Hi again AppleJack. Hey Rainbow Dash.” Before I could blink I had a face full of RD. She was pressing her nose against mine. It wasn’t in a cute way but more in a ‘I’m challenging you’ way.

“I don’t think so. Cut the pal crap. How do you know so much about Twilight, huh? Are you a spy?!” I think my heart would have skipped a beat if I had one. She smelled good too. I am not sure what I expected her to smell like, but definitely not like a fresh rain. But she was being pulled away from me before I could say anything.

“Whoa, Nelly. Hold yer horses, Rainbow. Let her explain herself before jumpin’ to conclusions.” AJ let go of Dash’s tail and turned to me. “She does have a good point though. How do ya know so much about Twi?” I sighed. Yeah. This isn’t exactly going good. RD’s little stunt now made the nearby ponies very wary.

“It’s not just her. I know a lot about all of you, I guess.” I chewed my bottom lip and thought. “Where should I start? This is actually more difficult than I thought it would be. I know about Nightmare Moon all the up to where Twilight be.....” I stopped and looked at Twilight. She was staring at me expectantly. “That was me going too far. Let’s just say I know Discord is now reformed.” Twilight narrowed her eyes at me. “Please don’t ask me what is about to come or all of what I know. It isn’t my place to say.” I looked at her pleadingly.

“So you’re telling us you know everything about us since Twilight’s been living in Ponyville?” Dashie looked at me skeptically. “I don’t know. That sounds kinda fishy to me. What do you think, Twilight?”

Twilight stared at me long and hard. “I think we can trust her. I am not too sure of her story but I don’t think she would hurt any of us.” She smiled at me. I wonder how much of that decision was affected by my little thank you earlier. Applejack nodded but Rainbow Dash stared me in the eyes.

“I am only trusting you because Twilight says you’re ok. You pull any kind of funny business and I’ll make sure you wished Celestia would have sent you to the moon!” I couldn’t help but smile and nod.

“I understand, Rainbow Dash. Well now I have met all the Elements of Harmony except one. You think I could meet Rarity? I mean, only if that falls in the ‘not funny business’ category.” I smiled quickly at Rainbow Dash, who was glaring at me.

“Sorry, sugarcube. Rarity’s done gone to Canterlot fer some fashion show.” AJ grimaced at the thought. “She wanted me to come along, but there is just too much work on the farm.” She looked up and frowned. “But that’s me and mine own’s problem.”

“What’s wrong with your wings?” Dash blurted out. I quickly whipped my head around, horrified they were doing the whole limp-stiff thing again. They weren’t though. Both were folded snugly against my body.

“What are you talking about? They are fine.”

RD rolled her eyes. “Yeah, if you are letting some egghead study them.” I could see Twilight blush from beside AppleJack.  “I mean look at them. They’re all flat. That is totally not aerodynamic. You would look like a chicken trying to fly up there.“

“Uh...Dash...”

“What is it, AJ? I am trying to give this newbie a lesson.” Rainbow turned around, finally noticing Twilight’s dejected expression. “Hey Twilight, what’s wrong?”

Twilight looked up to Rainbow Dash with a pout. “I tried my best. I really did. I did everything just like the book said to, but even then I failed.“

Dashie finally saw the errors in her words. “Oh...” She flew down next to Twilight. “Hey Twilight. I didn’t mean it like that. You did really well, for a unicorn. A proper preening is just something you can’t learn from a book, ok? If she wants great wings, she is gonna have to learn from someone like me.” Dash thumped a hoof on her chest. “I mean, look at the beauties! You don’t think I learned to make them this good looking from some book, do you?”

Twilight seemed to lighten up a little. “I guess so, Dash. I thought it looked good though...” Twilight still sounded a bit down. I quickly thought up of something to sort of change the subject.

“Hey, Dash. How about teaching me how to fly?”

The three ponies gave me a look. Twilight more so, knowing the details of my situation. “Hah! Why would I do that? Teaching is so uncool.”

“Oh...So you are saying you can’t do it.”

“What did you say?”

I put a hoof to my chin. I already knew I had her hooked in. “Or you might be too scared. Yeah. I mean I would be. Just think if the Wonderbolts heard you couldn’t even teach the basics of flying. It’s alright. I understand your fear, Dashie.”

“Now you just hold on a second! I ain’t afraid of anything and I sure as heck can teach the basics of flying!”  It was a good thing she had her back turned to Twi and AppleJack. They knew what I was doing.

“Oh yeah? Then prove it!“ You don’t know how bad I wanted to glomp Rainbow Dash over the expression she made.

“I will! And maybe a little bit of my awesomeness will rub off on you.” She took to the air, hovering a few feet above our heads. “Come on. Show me what you got!” She taunted me with a hoof. I smirked and spread my wings.

“Whoa. Now hold on there.“ Applejack rushed over to my side. “Don’t y’all think ya should start off a bit smaller?”

“Yeah." Twilight had a worried look on her face. “She did just get out of the hospital after all.“ I growled, causing AJ to back away from me.

“I am not a she!” With a powerful stroke of my wings, I lifted off the ground. With another, I lifted even higher. I grinned goofily. I was flying! And now I was falling. I made the stupid move of trying to look behind me. This threw my balance off and my next wing stroke sent me tumbling through the air. I skipped off the ground, skidding to a stop on my side. “That....actually didn’t hurt...” I got to my hooves and looked myself over. Everything was in the right spot.

“You really don’t know how to fly, do you newbie?” Rainbow Dash was laughing from her spot in the air.

“Oh shush, Dashie. It was my first time. Or should I mention flight academy? The show did have a fair share of flashbacks” Total bluff, but it worked. The colour seem to drain from Dash’s face. “Alright then. What did I do wrong? I felt pretty stable up there....”

Dash seemed to shake herself out of it and stared at me. “Are you kidding? What didn’t you do wrong? You were extremely off balance, your wings weren’t in sync and you got too overconfident.” Wow. That’s the pot calling the kettle black.

“Well then. This is where I get goin’. I have got a lot of work that needs ta be done before Pinkie’s party tonight.“ She tipped her hat. “Nice meetin’ ya again. I’ll see you all later.” She nodded and turned around, heading off in a direction I could only assume was Sweet Apple Acres.

“Oh yeah! Pinkie is throwing me a party.“ I clopped my hooves together gleefully. “I have always wanted to experience one. Are they as much fun as they look?”

“Yeah. Sometimes.“ Dash scratched behind her ear like she was confused with my question. “Now come on! I wanna see those wings pumping!”

I saluted her. “Yes, Ma’am.” I took to the air again. We went at it for quite a few hours. Dash seemed to like showing off how to do “simple things” as she called them, while Twilight stayed below and took notes. By the time I was sore enough to call it quits, the sky was beginning to turn orange from the setting sun.

I huffed as we walked towards the library. I could feel the tips of my wings dragging along the ground they hung limply as I walked. I didn’t care though. I was quite proud of what I accomplished. I think I was quite the fast learner. I couldn’t do any complex tricks but normal flying activity was a go. Twilight said it was probably due to some natural Pegasus instinct to fly but I am sure I had quite a hoof to play in the as well.

“You did pretty well, Newbie.” Dash still wasn’t calling me by the name I had given them. “At this rate, you could become a top notch flyer. Who could expect any less with a pony as awesome as me teaching you?” I just grinned and nodded. She may lay it on but she was a really good teacher. I am pretty sure if Dash had been a unicorn, Twilight would have had a run for her money.

“So I am guessing Pinkie’s party is set up at the library?” A nodded from Twilight confirmed. “She has everything set up by now, huh?” Another nod. “Well...at least I am ready for this one.” Golden Oaks Library came into view.

“This one? What are you talking about?” I flushed and Twilight shook her head. Dash shrugged but didn’t push the subject further. I was thankful that Twilight didn’t tell Dash about that, I probably wouldn’t have live it down.I took a deep breath as we got to the door.

“Are you ready for this?”

I nodded to Twilight. “Yeah. Let’s go on in....” She pushed open the door, giving way to a dark interior. I braced myself as we walked inside.

“SURPRISE!!!”

I was momentarily blind by the lights flashing on. When I could focus again, I could see the plethora of ponies throughout the room. Pinkie Pie popped into my line of sight.

“Welcome Welcome Welcome. We welcome you today!

It’s alright that you peed yourself, we just hope you enjoy your stay!

And Mmm mmm mmm mm....”

I shoved my hooves over her mouth and kept them there until she finished the song. I was entirely aware of all the eyes on me at this point. I may have forgotten about Pinkie’s lack of modesty.

“You peed yourself?” And Dash’s absence of subtlety. I could hear her trying to suppress a laugh. This day has been a rollercoaster. On a high one minute, dragging on the ground the next. I sighed and walked over to the punch bowl.

“Does this contain alcohol?”

Everypony turned to me from glaring at Dash and shook their head. Pinkie Pie bounced over next to me. “Silly Filly, that stuff isn’t until the after-party party, right AJ?”

Applejack frowned at being put on the spot. “Uh....eeyup.”

Pinkie gave me a hug. “So don’t worry and have fun!” Pinkie Pie did smell sweet like cupcakes and sugar but I was not about to stick her mane in my mouth to find out if it tasted like cotton candy.

I gave her a weak smile. “Aye. Turn the frown upside down? I can do that.“ I started pouring some punch as Pinkie bounced away. Despite the minor hiccup in the beginning, the party was a hit. I enjoyed myself a lot. I met a number of ponies I recognized from the show, most noticeably was Berry Punch.

Sometime during the party, she pulled me to the side.  Wrapping a hoof around my neck and pulling me in tight, she pressed a silver flask against my chest. “Hey...hey. It’s okay to have some fun.” She winked at me and went back to the party.

Confused, I popped the lid of the flask and took a sniff. I immediately crinkled my nose and pulled it away. It smelled good, fruity and tangy but the overbearing alcoholic stench made my eyes water. I heard a chuckle and turn to see it’s source. Bon-Bon.

“You might not want to drink that until the party is over. Trust me.” She gave me the same kind of wink Berry Punch did and walked off as well. I let out a chuckle and tucked the flask under my wing.

After a couple hours, the party started winding down. Most of the ponies started leaving, mumblings of work and chores muttered under their breath. Soon it was just me, the mane six minus Fluttershy and Rarity, Berry Punch and some mare I didn’t recognize. Applejack went into another room as Pinkie gathered us around.

“Alrighty, mares and mare-who-looks-like-a-mare-but-isn’t-really-a-mare. Time for our favorite game. Pinkie’s Punch Party!”

“Uh...Pinkie...I don’t think it can be called a punch party when we’re usin’ cider.” Applejack returned with a platter holding shot glasses and a large bottle of black liquid. It looked ominous.

Pinkie Pie just giggled. “You brought that kind of cider? Hope nopony is planning on going home tonight.” I was getting worried again. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust them, I didn’t trust myself.  The few times I have gotten drunk in my life have been...interesting. From what I am told, I am a very affectionate drunk. It was always left at that.

“I don’t know...I don’t think I would feel right playing this.  This seems like a game you would play with close friends.” I backed up a bit. “I think maybe I should just go lay down or something.”

“Haha! Don’t be a silly filly! This is a party for you!” Pinkie took the platter from Aj and passed out the glasses. “Now here are the rules. You get dared to do something by the last player. If you do it, everypony else takes a drink. If you can’t do it, you take a drink! It’s simple and fun!” I looked to the ponies next to me. Dash to my left, Berry punch to my right. This doesn’t seem that bad. “We go counter clockwise!” This seems really bad.

“You get to start, Twilight!” Twilight’s ear perked and she looked at Pinkie then to me, then back to Pinkie.

“Why am I starting? I thought it was Crystal’s party...”

“Because it is funner this way!” Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes. I knew she knew it was better not to question Pinkie Pie’s antics.

“Alright.....Pinkie...Can you tell me how the Fibonacci numbers relate to nature?” Twilight smirked.

“The Fibonacci numbers are nature's numbering system, silly. They are everywhere in nature, from the leaf arrangement in plants, to the designs of the florets of a flower. The Fibonacci numbers are therefore applicable to the growth of every living thing. Fibonacci numbers are practically the building blocks of life, Twilight. Everypony knows that.”

The room was dead silent. Twilight growled and filled her glass, quickly swallowing the black cider. I am sure if she had toes, they would be curling. Twi quickly passed the bottle on. Applejack and Berry Punch, the latter I suspect was already drunk, seemed to have no problem downing the liquid. I watched as Berry poured a glass for me with a smile.

I noticed everyone was looking at me as I raised the glass to my lips. “YOLO.” I said before tipping my head back and throwing the contents of the glass down my throat. The first thing I noticed was the overpowering taste of apples. This lasted a half a second at best. The fire that spread through my throat and lungs, it was unexplainable.

I tried gasping for air, dropping my glass. “Whoa nelly.” I could hear somepony say as I started coughing, falling to my side. I felt something reach under my wing and a couple seconds later, cold metal was pressed against my lips. Another liquid was being poured into my mouth. It was sweet and tangy, soothing as it flowed down my throat.

“I am glad I brought some of my special punch,” Berry Punch said as she pulled the silver flask she gave me earlier away from my lips. I took a deep breath and rolled on my back, looking up at the others who were staring down at me.

“That....was awesome!” I managed to croak out. Everypony laughed and Berry handed the flask back to me. We hadn’t made a full round yet before it was obvious the alcohol was taking effect. More so in me, having to take a gulp of Berry’s punch every time I took a shot.

The questions and dares were becoming less and less biased as a second round started. I was just about to have my second turned when Twilight let out a very loud laugh. All heads turned to her as she crawled across the room towards me. I used crawl because there was no way she could have walked the straight line to me. “YOU!”

“Meh?”

She nodded. “You...you are a Pegasus! But....you’re not one. You said you’re not one.” She was uncomfortably close. “I wanna find out! I’m gonna test on you!” Before I could react, Twilight was on top of me. “Lesse....You got pony hooves” She took one of my hooves in between hers and and examined it. “An’a pudgy pony belly.” She began rubbing her hooves all over my belly, causing me to giggle and laugh.

Suddenly, she clamped her hooves on my face and stretched my cheeks out in a smile. “An’ a pretty pony face!” She pulled harder, stretching my cheeks more.

“NnnN, Twi! That hurts.” She let go of my face with a frown.

“Sowwy, Crystal...” Her eyes lit up as she turned my face to the side. I gasped and squealed as she took my ear into her mouth and nibbled on it. “Ann soff pawny errs!” I don’t know how long she sat chewing on my ear and rubbing both of my wings, which were fully flared, before somepony started pulling Twilight off of me.

“Hey now, Twilight.” Berry Punch spit out a mouthful of Twi Tail. “Let’s not do something we’ll regret in the morning...” Twilight groaned and smacked her hooves on the floor in a little tantrum.

“But I hurt her! I have to make her feel good again,” Twilight said, yawning. Berry chuckled and helped Twilight up. “Come on...it’s bed time.” Twilight just nodded and let Berry carry her off to her room.

I just laid there on my back, legs pulled in against me and tail tucked in. My mind was racing with slurred thoughts as I closed my eyes. “I didn’t know Twilight was into other mares...” That was Dash. It was embarrassing enough to have them watch that but now they’re talking about it!

“She ain’t, Sugarcube. Sorry to burst your bubble.”

“Ugh. You know that’s not what I mean, AJ.” I could feel somepony rubbing my head. “You ok there, Newbie?” I opened my eyes to surprisingly find Dash was the one rubbing my head. “You look really scared.” She grinned at me.

I nodded. “I am not really sure what just happened. That was very...quick.” I slowly relaxed and folded my wings. The loss of their support made me rolled to one side. I yawned, mimicking Twilight’s action earlier.

“I think everypony just needs a good nights sleep.” Aj said, before yawning herself. “RD...Could ya take Crystal up to Twi’s room? She said she could use the guest bed.” I could feel myself being pulled up by Dash.

“Come on, Newbie. Let’s get you in bed.” Berry Punch just got down the stairs as we reached them. I turned back and waved at everypony except Pinkie, who was already snoring sprawled out on the floor. We made the long trek up the stairs, using each other for support. We finally made it up the stairs and into Twilight’s room.

Twilight was already snoozing on her bed. I don’t know what possessed me to say this next line. “So Dashie...Are you really into mares?” I saw her tense up and turned to face me.

“What did you say?”

“Are you into mares? You know, like me and Twilight.” Ok. I was hammered. Referring to myself as a female was confirmation of this.

“Drop the subject, Newbie.” Dash growled, warningly.

“Oh c’mon, Dashie.” I hugged her. “I ain’t gonna judge ya! Tell me.” I smiled to try to show her I meant well.

“I said, Drop it!” She tried to push me off of her but her aim was completely off. Her hoof caught me hard in the jaw and I began falling backwards. I flailed wildly, grabbing something as I fell onto Twilight’s bed.

The wind was knocked out of me as something hit hard against my chest. “Ow...” I looked down to see the rainbow-maned pegasus’ head rise and fall with my breathing. “Dash...you ok?” I was answered with a snore. Groaning, I tried to push her off of me but that bit of adrenaline from falling drained me of my last bit of strength.

My eyes began to close as I fought a losing battle against the fatigue of a stressful day. I was only able to mutter, “Night.” as I drifted off to sleep for the night.