First to arrive of course, was Pinkie Pie. She brought lots of party supplies as usual. Balloons, streamers, and plenty of food from Sugarcube Corner. Most of it was the usual sugary confections, baked goods, ice cream, and sarsaparilla. There was even a big cake with the words ‘Welcome Draxy’ on it. Drax groaned, glad that his sugar problems seemed to have gone away with his poor eyesight. He was also glad there was no hay or grass, not sure he could eat it even in his pony form.

“Well I was gonna bring some black and purple balloons, like your colors.” Pinkie explained. “But then I realized it would be all dreary weary lookin like a funeral. So I brought lotsa bright colors instead!”

“That's fine Pinkie.” Drax gave her a welcoming hug, and began helping place the decorations. “I appreciate anything you bring. I may be many things, but ungrateful isn't one of them.”

“Yay! I like you Draxy waxy! I just know we are gonna be bestest friends!”

Drax winced again at the cutified nickname, then sighed. Pinkie Pie was Pinkie Pie. Then he felt his stomach growl. “Oh man, I hope the others get here soon. I haven't had anything since that muffin Derp.. err I mean Ditzy brought me.”

Pinkie Pie giggled at his near faux pas. “Don't let Applejack get to you Draxy. She’s just a bit touchy, and grouchy. Her and Ditzy were friends as foals, until she went to Flight School. Applejack used to look after Ditzy Doo, and beat up all the meany weany bullies that picked on her.” She bounced around the room, boxing and bucking imaginary enemies. “Ditzy doesn’t mind being called Derpy anymore, she is used to it, and even calls herself Derpy now. But Applejack never forgot.”

“Yea, well I still gotta remember. Last thing I need is an angry, orange pony bucking my ass.”

Twilight joined in, coming back from the kitchen with some more healthy snacks she was preparing in the kitchen. “Yea, it seems like not much of anything phases that little pony. She always has a smile on her muzzle and a muffin in her bag for everypony.”

“Yes, she seems as nice as the fans made her out to be, but she still worried me with that prophecy.“ He shook his mane. “If it really was about me, then something will happen that will make me choose, saving this land or destroying it. And I don't like either choice to be honest.”

“Why wouldn't you want to save Equestria?” Twilight looked puzzled.

“Well for one reason, I have never been much of an achiever. No big grand plans. Just happy to help my friends, and live my life.” He sighed and looked both ponies in the eye. “And the other reason is, it would mean that Equestria needs saving.”

“Woooohh.... “ Pinkie was wide eyed. “That’s deep! like meaning of life deep, n stuff.”

Twilight shook her mane. “You have a good point there Drax. I really think I should write the Princess tonight. We need her input on this.”

Drax shrugged. “Yea, yer right. I just hope she doesn't overreact, like everypony else has so far. Could you imagine a pissed off Sun Goddess? Or worse.. a scared one?”

“I’ve seen Twilight mad, and that was bad enough!” The pink pony replied with a shudder.

“It wasn't that bad Pinkie.” The unicorn replied.

“Umm.. You turned white, and your mane burst into living flame.” Drax broke in.

“Oh.. You know about that?” She laughed nervously, kicking at the floor with a hoof.

“Yeap, Episode 15, Feeling Pinkie Keen.” Suddenly he facehoofed, realizing what he had just said. “I am such a Nerd.”

Both fillies laughed at his self abasement. They went back to decorating as the others started to arrive. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash arrived next, with the yellow pony bringing flowers in a pot from the forest to Drax.

“Umm.. I.. ahh.. thought you might like these. Since you said you are good with plants” She hid behind her mane, blushing again, and not making eye contact. “I ..umm... hope you like them.” She squeaked.

He bent down and lifted her chin to look in her eyes again. “Thank you Shy, they are beautiful, just like you.”

She blushed again, and turned away from his gaze with a smile. Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes and giggled at the shy pegasus. “Why don't you two just kiss and get it over with already?”

Hearing this, the yellow pony meeped, and ran to stand behind Twilight. She peered from behind the purple unicorn, and stared longingly at the dark stallion.

He was busy glaring at the other pegasus. “You know, yer a real asshole sometimes, Dash. I may have to give you some lessons in discretion.”

She just stuck her tongue out at him. “Meh, I don't have time for that stuff. I’m too busy being AWESOME!”

He just shook his head and sighed, then smiling at Fluttershy he raised the plant in her direction. “Thank you Fluttershy. I hope I can help you work on that mask some more, k?”

She blinked, then tossed her mane away from he face to look at him directly. “Yes, sorry. I am still working on it. Thank you.” She smiled, sounding alot more confident.

He winked and grinned, “Right back at ya, Blue-eyes.” She giggled in response, and visibly relaxed at his bantering.

“So, we are still missing two of the Mane Cast. Anyone know what’s taking them? I’m famished!

Rarity and Applejack chose that moment to arrive. Applejack was carrying some apple pastries from her farm, and Rarity had a beautiful purple and black kilt for the new stallion.

“This will suit your colors nicely, darling. I plan to also do one with some green, to bring out your stunning green eyes and cutie mark. I should have the rest done some time tomorrow.“

“Thanks Rarity! It’s amazing. How on earth did you get a purple and black tartan cloth on such short notice?” He let her put it on him, still not sure if his unique kind of magic was up to levitating. He would have to give it a try later.

Rarity beamed under the praise. “Oh, a girl has to have her secrets, you know.”

They all laughed. Drax walked over to Applejack and gave her a welcoming hug. Then they parted and pounded hooves. “Yer allright thar Draxie. Ya should come bah mah farm tomarra, and meet mah family.”

“I would love to. I love growing things, and mebbe I can give you a few ideas to use. Where I am from, we have some rather advanced techniques for farming that may help here.”

“Tha’d be mighty neighborly of ya, Drax. Ah look forward ta yer visit!” The orange pony beamed, and pounded him on the back. To his credit, he didn't flinch under the assault, but merely returned her smile.

Pinkie bounced up and down in excitement. “Yay! Everypony is here now! Lets start his PARTY!”

Drax cheered along with the rest, belting out a loud call of, “YAY FEWD!!”

They all settled in for the party feast. Pinkie Pie started a record player, with some party tunes. It sounded to Drax alot like Oktoberfest music, and he laughed as she tried to make up words to the beat. He was more determined than ever to try and get his iPod working somehow, so he could show them some music from his world. He has more than enough music and movies loaded to supply a party for days. If only he could get it to work!

After everypony was sated, the energy died down again with them all nursing full bellies and half-full drinks. Drax added alcohol to his mental list of things to recreate. ‘Candy is Dandy, but Liquor is Quicker!’ Even if the ponies didn't drink, he would hate to live without some beer!

Finally the party wound down, and the subject returned to him. They all sat around and stared silently as he began his story again, assisted by Twilight Sparkle on the parts he didn't know. Not a question was raised during the entire narrative, up to the point they reached Ponyville. Several glances were shot at Twilight and Rainbow Dash as their parts in the story were euphemistically glossed over. And Applejack exclaimed at Drax’s theory that Fluttershy possessed the powers of a fledgling druidess. Only Rarity seemed unaffected by the tale, keeping a straight face the entire time. Her “Professional Mode” was in full effect and she seemed to take it in stride, although Drax noticed an eye twitch a few times during the tale.

When he was done, the other ponies just stared at him, not wanting to be the first to talk. Then suddenly Twilight broke the silence. “Well? What does everypony think?”

All hell broke loose. Everpony began talking at once, and Drax put his head in his hooves until they quieted down. Rarity was the first to break the new silence.

“So what are you going to do? You say you can do magic, you claim to not know why you are here, and the Mailpony gave you a Prophecy?” She rolled her eyes in disbelief. “That sounds like the plot to a bad novel.”

“Yea, it sounds like one of those fan fictions you were telling us about!” Pinkie Pie jumped in, then slowly turned her head to stare at you, the reader. She has a knowing smirk on her face.

“What are you looking at, Pinkie?” Twilight asked.

The pink pony looks back, smiling brightly again. “Oh, nothing!”

“Well the one difference between a crappy story and a crappy life, is that I am living this, not reading about it.” He threw his hooves in the air. “You don't think I keep asking myself if I have gone insane? Part of me keeps waiting for me to wake up in my bed, and get up for work. Part of me would not be surprised if I was in a coma from drinking too damn much. There is probably some idiot watching the show on a TV in the next room, and all you ponies are just a part of my diseased mind trying to survive.”

“Well Ah dunno bout you, but Ah feel real ta me.” Applejack responded. “Iffen you is havin a dream, then Ahm havin one too.”

“Meh. I’ve seen too many strange things in my time to dismiss this all out of hoof.” He shook his head. Real or not, I am actually quite happy with this reality. It’s better than my old one, and if I am dying somewhere, then I hope I die still asleep there, here with my new friends.”

After a moment of silence, Pinkie pie let out a mighty cheer. She was joined by the other ponies as they all rushed the startled stallion for a group hug.

“Thanks guys. You all make this old cynic happy.” He tried to hold back tears of happiness, but was unsuccessful.

Rarity leaned closed and took a deep breath. “Oh my! You were right Applejack, he does smell DIVINE!”

“DAMMIT TO HELL!” was all Drax could say to that, still embraced by the herd of fillies.

After the other ponies had left for the night, only Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie were left to finish cleaning up. Drax carried the rest of the trash outside, getting laughs from Twilight at his clumsy attempts at telekinesis.

“It makes me feel better there is finally magic I can do better than you.” Twilight snickered playfully.

Drax just chuckled. “Well I can think of a few other things I am better at, after last night”

Pinkie Pie just giggled as Twilight blushed, and used her magic to throw a half eaten cupcake at his retreating flank. “You missed one!”

After he returned, he broached the subject of sleeping arrangements. Pinkie Pie jumped up and down and grabbed him in a hug. Oh ooh oh! you should totally come to my place at Sugarcube Corner! The Cakes are out of town on a vacation for a few days and there’s plenty of room! Then tomorrow I can make you the most awesomest, yummiest, supertasticular breakfast EVER!”

Twilight spoke up, “Actually that wouldn't be such a bad idea. I need to write my letter to Princess Celestia, and I want to do some more research on what went wrong with the spell.” She grimaced, glancing over at the runes that stood as testament of her miserable failure. “I really cant afford the .. umm.. distraction, tonight. I need some time alone to think this out.”

Drax looked over at the pink pony, who was practically vibrating with excitement as she smiled hugely and shook her head like a rag doll. “Umm.. well if you think so, Twi. How bad can a night with Pinkie be?”

‘Lord have mercy on my soul...’ he thought to himself.

“Aww.. you don't have to put it that way...” The earth pony frowned, just for a moment, then perked back again. “It’s ok. We can have lotsa fun!”

Drax laughed. “That’s what I’m afraid of...”

Even Twilight, already picking up a book, had to pause to laugh at this, as the odd couple walked out of the door into the night.

She levitated over a quill and a blank scroll, and set about writing her letter. She would get Owelicious to deliver it before dawn.

Dear Princess Celestia,

As they arrived at the bakery, Pinkie ran around the shop, making sure everything was settled down for the night and ready for the morning. The Cakes had hired a temporary baker to handle the bulk of the morning duties, leaving Pinkie Pie to work on projects like deliveries and special orders. After making sure everything was right she led the stallion upstairs. He trudged slowly behind her, dreading what was in store. He always liked the pink pony, while at the same time finding her constantly happy personality a bit irritating. He did his best to keep a happy face on, not wanting to upset the energetic party pony.

After the way all the other fillies had been reacting to him he was not surprised to find she was leading him to her own room, where a massive four poster bed was centered. The room was entirely in shades of pink, with only photos of her friends, and a sad pile of rocks wearing a party hat in the corner breaking the color scheme. Gummy was nowhere to be found, and he assumed the pet gator had other living quarters in the house.

He shied at the entrance to the door, not liking where this was leading. He was just as male as the next guy, and didn't mind the attentions of attractive females, but this was getting to be a little much. He just wasn't used to this much positive female attention.

‘Dammit man, you are the luckiest Brony alive, what the fuck is wrong with you?’ He thought to himself. ‘Gah, too many times being the nice guy, not enough time being a player.. that’s what was wrong.’

He rolled his eyes and sighed. “Pinkie, why do I only see one bed?”

She bounced on the bed and did a flip in the air. “Because I only have one bed, silly! Now come on over and lets get cozy for the night.”

He grimaced. “Really Pinkie? I don't think that’s such a good idea. I’m not sure you are thinking clearly. Haven’t you noticed the way everyone reacts around me?”

The pink pony frowned a bit, stopping in mid bounce. Somehow she remained in the air just a bit too long, before flopping down on her rump, a confused expression in her face. “Umm.. Well, Twilight and Dashie look at ya funny, and everypony says ya smell nice, and I really like you Draxy! But I don't see what’s wrong with that. Don't you like me?”

Drax rubbed his forehead with a hoof, looking down. ‘Oh fuckin great, here it goes.’ He thought to himself. ‘Ok, Pinkie, you wanna do this? Let’s do this.’ He had been dreading this moment, but steeled himself for what had to be done.

When he looked up, Pinkie Pie was staring at him with her straight-browed serious face. The one that most ponies never noticed, but he had. They only saw the smiling, happy Pinkie Pie that she wanted them to see. But he had been studying people all his life, and he knew better. He could read this like a book.

Looking her straight in the face he replied. “No. I don't like Pinkie Pie.”

Her face collapsed. Her mane started to uncurl, and the color faded slightly from her coat.

“Y-you d-don’t like me?” She stammered, her lip trembling. “B-but... I thought we were gonna be bestest friends!”

He kept his tone neutral, even though his heart was breaking at what he had to do. “That’s not what I said. I said, I don't like Pinkie Pie.”

A tear rolled down her cheek. “But I AM Pinkie Pie.”

“No. You’re not.”

“I am! I really am! Nobody can be as pink and as partyriffic as me!” She sobbed. “If I’m not Pinkie Pie, then who am I?”

Still using all of his strength to hold back from rushing forward to embrace the distraught mare, he maintained a neutral attitude. All he wanted was to make her stop crying, and comfort her, but he knew this needed to be done. “Let me put it a different way. I don't love Pinkie Pie. I love Pinkamina Diane Pie.”

The sobbing mare stopped a moment, more confused than ever. She blinked back tears, as her coat faded more and her hair went completely straight. “H-how? How do you know that name?”

“I know alot of things about you, your friends and this world.” He walked over to sit besides her on the bed. “I know who you are, I know what you are, and I know where you come from. I see alot of what I once was in you, but like me you hide it from the world.”

She continued to blink at him, still crying, but the sobbing had stopped.

“I am alot like you. We are social parasites.”

She cringed at this, but he continued.

“We feed off the emotions of others. We make others feel happy so that we can feel happy. Without our friends we wither away. I see that in you just as it is in me. But I found another way.”

He reached out and embraced her, holding her to his breast. “You see, you are alot like Fluttershy, but your problem is the opposite. Where she leaves herself open to the world, and must learn to create a mask to protect herself, you have lived your life behind the mask and no longer know how to show your true self.”

She looked up at him, tears still streaming down her face, still not understanding.

“I was once like you. I learned early that if I hid my true self away, I could no longer be hurt by others. But my mask became my prison. The world saw me as the friendly fool, willing to do anything to make my friends laugh and be happy. Everypony thought I was happy, but I wasn't. Deep down I was never happy. Everypony loved me, but I never loved myself.”

“You need to learn to love yourself Pinkamina. It is the real you that I love and respect. It is Pinkamina that I connect with the most. Pinkie is just the mask you wear to make people love you. But your true friends will love you no matter who you are. So doesn’t it make sense to be your true self around your friends?”

Her tears had slowed, as understanding dawned on her. She looked up to him and trembled. “B-b-but... I LIKE being Pinkie! Ponies love me when I throw them parties, and smile all the time. I don't want to be sad old Pinkamina!”

He sighed sadly, “But you are Pinkamina. You need to learn to accept that. Learn to love who you are. Pinkie is just a mask. Nothing more than a tool to use as needed, and then set aside. Be the happy pony at parties, if you have to, but be yourself around your friends. Let them love you, the real you. And most importantly, let yourself love the real you.”

At this the last barrier of resistance broke, and she clutched at him, sobbing uncontrollably. Years of repressed emotion and self loathing flowed forth to be spilled upon his ebony chest and flow into his indigo mane. “It’s s-so. So HARD! I-I--d-d-ont wanna be happy all the time!” She cried rivers as the pain and suffering of so many faked smiles and forced emotions flowed forth to be washed away.

He held her for what seemed like hours, letting her cry herself out. He just stroked her magenta mane and gripped her as she clutched against him in desperation. Finally the the sobs stopped, and the sniffling subsided. She looked up at him, and he saw the sight that made his heart leap for joy. The one thing that made all of this torture and pain he had put his dear friend through. All the pain he had himself endured. Being an Empath meant he shared the pain and emotions of those he was close to, and he shuddered to think how close the pink pony has come to engulfing him in her pain as it flowed forth.

But this was what made it all worth it. He looked down and saw Pinkamina Diane Pie. And she was Smiling.

His heart broke and rebuilt itself over again and his own tears started to flow with the happiness he felt for the now healed filly.

She looked up with a brilliant smile. No longer forced, no longer fake. It was the smile of a newborn child, seeing the world for the very first time. It was the smile of TRUE happiness. It was the first true smile of Pinkamina Pie. And it melted his heart.

“Thank you.” She replied quietly.

He responded by kissing her on the forehead, and she hugged him fiercely in return. The full force of the mare’s grasp made him wince, but he endured it happily.

“You are most welcome, my dear, dear friend.”

She wiped away the last of her tears, still smiling. “Whew! I really needed that! Thanks Draxy.”

Suddenly she grabbed him close for a kiss. It was fierce and quick, with all the passion of her new found self-worth behind it.

“I really needed that too!” She giggled, then grinning wickedly, she shoved him back onto the bed.

“Whoah there filly!” Drax exclaimed.

The pink pony ignored his protests, and climbed on top of him. “I really need this too.“ She threw back her head and gave a shout. “WHOO!!! Pinkamina finally gets to party tonight!”

She then turns to you, the reader, and winks. “Sorry folks, this here is private!” Then grabbing the curtains around her bed, she pulls them closed.

“Umm, Pinks? Who are you talking to?” Drax asked quizzically.

“Shut up, and FUCK ME!” Was all she replied.