//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: A Nightmare to Remember // Story: A Dramatic Turn of Events // by moviemaster8510 //------------------------------// The members of Dream Theater were no stranger to parties, despite how infrequently they attended them due to tours, not to mention the large amounts of time they spent writing and recording albums. However, this was not the party they had had in mind. An ideal party to them would be pleasant conversations, fine alcoholic beverages with hors d’oeuvres, and calm, serene music. This party was quite the opposite; it felt more like a child’s dream birthday party. In place of the pleasant conversations, the ponies in the banquet hall were conversing loudly, laughing, and acting a fool. Instead of the fine alcohol and hors d’oeuvres, there was a large bowl of punch and various pastries laid out on a large table along one of the longer sides of the hall, which included cake, pies, and strudels. And instead of the serene music, there was the sound of some poppy, cacophonous music coming from a single record player next to the band members’ instruments. The five humans were, at first, most nervous about the ponies handling their instruments without their permission. They were relieved to see that the nearest pony to the instruments was ten feet away. Normally, a human party of this caliber would have each attendant clamoring to play the instruments, but the ponies seemed to be vastly respectful. Before anyone could react to anything, Pinkie Pie popped up in front of Dream Theater, seemingly out of nowhere with rainbow colored confetti erupting from behind her and onto the humans. “Surprise!” she cheered. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you!” She began to bounce around on her hooves. “Were you surprised? Were you? Were you? Huh? Huh? Huh?” “Pinkie,” responded Petrucci flatly, brushing confetti off of his beard, “it’s us.” “Whoops! I usually throw these parties before I even meet the guests. I guess I throw so many that I just introduce myself all the time. Isn’t that hilarious?!?” “Very,” he responded sarcastically. "Uh, anyways, why are you throwing us a party? Wasn’t that welcoming song enough?” “Silly, I throw these parties for EVERYPONY who’s new to Ponyville! You’re nothing special. I mean, you are special, but you’re not. Are you mad? Am I confusing you? Please don’t be mad, I—” Jordan stopped her by putting his fingers on her lips. “We understand, Pinkie,” he said. “We really appreciate it.” “Thanks, Jordan. So, what do you want to do? Do you want to bob for apples? Or play Pin the Tail on the Pony?” The awkwardness began to rise amongst the humans.. “If it’s okay, we’re going to just hang around and maybe talk to a few of the townsfolk, get to know them.” The answer slightly startled Pinkie, as it seemed anypony else would have been excited to play such childish games. She was, however, very accepting of Jordan’s answer. “Alright, Jordan. If you change your mind, you know where to find the games!” With that, she darted off. “God damn, she’s random,” commented James. Whatever it was, it seemed Pinkie Pie pulled a fast one on them again. However, a party didn’t sound enough like an imposition that Dream Theater wouldn’t enjoy it. Feeling thirsty, the whole of the band made their way to the punch. It looked delicious, and considering how good everything else tasted today, they figured that the punch would be no different. Taking a glass from the multitude of cups around the bowl, each human took a ladle full of punch and poured the beverage into the cups. After taking the first sip, they knew they had been right. “This punch is great!” said Mike. “It's a damn good thing this punch doesn't have any booze in it, 'cause the amount I'll be drinking tonight would get me way too drunk.” “Drunk?” questioned Twilight from behind him. “You mean like alcohol?” “Well, yeah. There’s alcohol in this world?” “Not anymore. Princess Celestia banned alcoholic beverages almost 200 years ago. They’re extremely forbidden.” “Sounds like Portnoy’s ideal world,” quipped Petrucci. “Portnoy? Who’s that?” “Mike Portnoy. He was our original drummer for twenty years before he left the band. He was an alcoholic before he got himself sober about twelve years ago.” “Well good for him. Has your world ever tried banning alcohol?” “They did,” said Mike. “It didn’t work out so well.” “What happened?” Petrucci jumped back in. “We learned self-control and we legalized alcohol again. That’s all I’m going to say. What caused the banning of alcohol in your world?” “Ponies just didn’t seem to have the same ‘self-control’ as your race did, so Celestia had everypony quit cold turkey.” “That must have been rough.” “Sure, but it’s not like it’s a necessity here.” “I agree.” As Twilight and Petrucci continued their talk about Equestrian history, Mike went off to find Rainbow Dash. He eventually found her bobbing for apples with Applejack. He didn’t want to get involved in the game, but he would at least try to start a conversation. Rainbow Dash was up, and she had her head dunked in the water. She emerged with a red apple held firmly in her teeth and munched it in one bite. She turned her head to the various ponies cheering her on to find Mike standing there. “Hey, Mike!” she called. “You’re just in time to bob for some apples!” “No, no, no,” protested Mike politely, “I don’t do that kind of thing.” “Come on, don’t be a square!” “I’m no square. I just wanted to talk with you.” “Talk, huh? Tell you what? You pull out one apple with your mouth, and I’ll ‘talk’ to you. Deal?” Mike wanted to continue to protest, but he was interrupted by the ponies chanting, “Mike. Mike Mike.” “Alright, when in Rome,” relented Mike. He took his shirt off so his new clothes wouldn't get wet. He then knelt by the large bucket of water, sporting a face that read, “I can’t believe I’m actually bobbing for apples.” Saving himself any more awkward waiting, he dunked his head into the water, swishing it around to try and find an apple to bite into. Thankfully for him, he was able to grab hold of one and pulled it out of the water with his teeth as the ponies cheered his success. Mike was surprised to find that, for as childish as it was to bob for apples, it was rather fun all in all. “That was awesome!” said Rainbow Dash. “I thought you said you didn’t bob for apples back at home.” “I don’t,” answered Mike. “That’s usually a game reserved for children, or foals in your terms, back where we’re from.” “Who're you calling a foal?” she asked, annoyed. “I’m not. If ponies consider bobbing for apples a normal party activity, that’s fine with me. Humans just tend to outgrow those kinds of things earlier in our lives.” “Well, you humans don’t know what you’re missing.” “Yeah, I guess not.” “So anyways, what did you want to talk about?” “I just thought I get to know you a bit more. What’s it like, being a pegasus?” “That depends. What’s it like to be the drummer to your band?” “It’s probably the greatest feeling in the world.” “Well, looks like you just answered your own question,” Rainbow Dash responded with a smile and wink. “I see.” “Did you even have to try out for the band or what?” “I did, actually. The band’s original drummer quit the band after twenty years, so I, along with six of the world’s best drummers came to audition for the open seat. After a great audition and an intense waiting period, I was accepted to join.” “Lucky! I’m sure you’ve never heard of them, but there’s this pegasi flying group I’ve always dreamt of joining called the Wonderbolts.” “Okay. Are you any good?” “Any good? I won the Best Young Flyer competition a couple of years ago because of my sonic rainboom!” “Sonic rainboom? Is that where you break the sound barrier and it creates a rainbow or something?” he asked sarcastically. “Yeah! I’ll have to show you sometime.” Mike was blown away yet again. This pegasus could supposedly fly faster than Mach One, and she was speaking of it as if the act was as easy as walking. “Could you show me really quick?” “It’s a little too dark out for that. Plus, you haven’t shown me your drum solo yet.” “Right. Maybe when the party dies down.” “Oh no, buster. You’re playing for all of us. No way I’m going to deny these ponies a good show.” “I suppose it is better playing for a larger crowd...” “That’s the spirit! By the way, I noticed that you still have your shirt off.” Sure enough, Mike was topless and his shirt was being held in his hand. “Sorry, my hair got wet from the apple bobbing and I didn’t want to get my shirt wet.” “Alright, let me help you with that.” Rainbow Dash began to fly circles around Mike, forming a small tornado in the process, not strong enough to pick up Mike, but enough for the wind to pick his hair up. “This is what I call a ‘Rain-blow dry’! No need to thank me. Just helping out a friend…” She stopped talking when she looked at the result of her work. In place of a wet head of long hair, Mike’s hair was now formed into an afro. Rainbow Dash was smirking and trying to contain her laughter, but it proved useless, as she was rolling on the ground, laughing loudly. Mike felt his new hairdo, getting a clearer idea of what Rainbow Dash was laughing at. He wasn’t all too happy. “Where’s Rarity when I need her?” he muttered to himself. ______________________________________________________________________________ Off on the other side of the party, near the punch bowl, Jordan and Rarity were having their own nice little chat. “...And because of the work I did with Liquid Tension Experiment,” concluded Jordan, “I proved myself worthy to join Dream Theater, where I’ve been ever since.” “That’s wonderful,” responded Rarity. “And what made you want to become a fashion designer?” “I’ve always considered it a very rewarding career path. I’ve made dresses for many celebrities and had them featured in magazines. I mean, what’s not to love?” “I see.” “In fact, my passion for fashion is what led me to get my cutie mark.” “Right. I actually wanted to hear a story about how someone got theirs.” “Excellent. Well, it all started when I was a filly and— WAH HA HA!” she screamed, her eyes widened at a figure in front of her. Jordan turned around to see Mike with his new afro hairdo. “Jesus, Mike,” Jordan said, “what the hell happened to you?” “Rainbow Dash,” was all that Mike said. “I figured as much,” spoke Rarity. “Let me fix that.” With her horn glowing, Rarity used her magic to simply pull all of Mike’s hair back, which somehow brought it back to normal. Mike felt his head and was happy to find it in its original condition. Mike could now put his shirt back on. “Thanks Rarity. You’re a lifesaver.” “You’re welcome, darling. Go and enjoy the rest of the party.” “As long as I don’t have to bob for any more apples, I should be good.” “Wait,” stopped Jordan, “you went bobbing for apples?” “Yeah. I wanted to talk to Rainbow Dash, but she said I had to bob for an apple first. My hair got wet dunking my head in the water, so she tried drying it for me by flying around me really fast.” “What’s next? Are you going to do Pin the Tail on the Pony with Pinkie Pie?” Jordan joked. “You know what? I just might. I had a lot of fun with Rainbow Dash and I’m going to try and enjoy myself to the fullest tonight. Yo, Pinkie!” he called, before heading to the Pin the Tail on the Pony game. “What’s gotten into him?” asked Jordan. “He’s just enjoying himself,” said Rarity. “Perhaps you should too. Maybe after he performs his drum solo, you go up and play some more of that keyboard.” “Sure, that sounds like fun. Now, what were you saying about your cutie mark?” “Oh, right. Anyways, when I was a filly, I was the costume designer for our school play…” ______________________________________________________________________________ Myung was helping himself to a slice of cake from the table. He was slightly disappointed that it, along with the other desserts, were the only things being served at the party, which wouldn’t make a filling or nutritious dinner. However, the cake that he was eating was at least very tasty. Over his helping of cake, he spotted Fluttershy as she walked up to him. She looked like she was trying to strike up a conversation, but seemed far too nervous to. Myung continued to observe her as he continued chewing his bite of cake. “Um, hi,” he finally spoke after he swallowed his cake. This seemed to get the conversation going. “Oh,” she exclaimed silently. “Hi John. I was just going to try and talk to you. It’s just I haven’t heard you say much at all today. I figured you were just shy like me, so I thought I’d try to talk to you.” “It’s not that I’m shy, I’m just very soft-spoken. In fact, the fact that I talk very little is a running joke amongst our fans.” “Well, that’s not very nice.” “Eh, it’s all in good fun. I mean, if you can’t learn to laugh at yourself, right?” “Oh. I guess so.” “Listen, don’t sweat it. By the way, this cake is delicious. I’m guessing the Cakes made this too?” Fluttershy’s sad frown brightened slightly into a smile, brightening the conversation. “Mmhm. You know that ‘large order’ that they were talking about?” “Let me guess. It was for this party.” “That’s right. You must be very smart.” “I have my moments.” “And that instrument you play.” “My bass? What about it?” “It’s just that I’d love for you to play it. Would you be interested in coming to my cottage tomorrow and playing a little for me?” “I don’t see why not. I should be using my time here to practice anyways.” “That sounds wonderful. How about you come any time after breakfast?” “That works for me.” “Would you like me to get you some punch, John?” “I don’t mind getting it myself.” “Oh, okay then. I’ll see you later.” Fluttershy walked away from Myung to merge back into the crowd. John, finding himself pleased by the yellow pegasus’ presence, decided to set his plate on the table and follow her. ______________________________________________________________________________ James was absently walking around the party space, observing his surroundings, when he found himself near the record player where several ponies were dancing. The music felt too silly and girlish for him to dance to and not feel equally silly and girlish. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie popped out in front of him in her usual fashion. “Hey, James!” she called, pulling him into the dance floor. “Let’s dance!” “No,” James calmly protested, “I’m good.” “Don’t be such a party-pooper. Come on, let it loose!” Pinkie Pie and James were now in the middle of the dance circle, being observed by the other ponies who had been dancing. Pinkie Pie held on to James despite his reluctance to stay. He realized that escape would not be possible if he didn’t play along, so at first, he let her lead. Pinkie stood on her back hooves while she spun James around like a crazed ballroom dancer. James felt initially strange about being pulled into the dance like this, but he began to hear the ponies chanting his name. As they continued to encourage him, despite how awkward he may have looked, James felt more and more comfortable as the dance went on. His confidence continued to rise until he eventually took the lead. Pinkie and John were both happy in their enjoyment of the dance. Pinkie Pie then spun James away from her, much like what would be done in a cartoon. He was stopped by a familiar orange pony in a brown cowboy’s hat. “Shall I have this dance?” asked Applejack. “Sure thing,” responded James. James and Applejack began to do-si-do to the music as it continued. ______________________________________________________________________________ Despite Pinkie Pie having moved from the games to the dance floor, Mike still had company in Rainbow Dash and the Cutie Mark Crusaders at the Pin the Tail on the Pony game. Rainbow Dash had finished her turn, despite having pinned the tail far from its intended target. “Alright Mike,” called Rainbow Dash. “It’s your turn.” Mike had his blindfold placed over his eyes by Rainbow Dash, rendering his vision completely useless. He then felt the hair of the tail in his hand. As he gripped onto it and tried pulling it up to try and pin the tail on the pony poster, he felt that the tail was anchored to something. “Now hold on,” said Rainbow Dash’s voice. Mike then felt himself being pulled by what he correctly assumed to be Rainbow Dash’s tail through the banquet hall. Being led about without seeing where he was going was making Mike very apprehensive. “Where are you taking me?” he asked. “Relax, dude,” she told him. “You can trust me.” “If you say so.” After being led through what he considered to be the entirety of the banquet hall, he was stopped after running into a Rainbow Dash, who stood still in front of him. “You can take your blindfold off now,” said Rainbow Dash. Mike did as he was told, and with his vision restored, he found himself behind his massive drum set. “Is this what I think it is?” asked Mike. “Sure is,” she answered. Rainbow Dash went to the record player and moved the needle off the record, eliciting unhappy groans and complaints from the party guests. Rainbow Dash flew to James’ microphone and made an announcement. “Fillies and gentlecolts,” she cheered. “Put your hooves together for the amazing Mike Mangini!” There was more confusion in the room than Rainbow Dash or Mike would have cared for, but it was only going to get more uncomfortable and confusing if Mike were to continue standing around. Plus, he had a promise to keep. He quickly got to his stool, sat down, and grabbed a pair of drumsticks from the bag that was set next to the stool. Rainbow Dash and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were already pumped to hear what Mike could do. It was only until Mike took out his drumsticks that the other ponies began to get excited for what they were about to hear. And so, Mike began, playing a beat consisting of eight simultaneous hits of his bass drums and two of his toms. After that, he began playing complex rhythm with his snare and one of his hi-hats. Mike giggled slightly at the ponies’ failure to dance to his intricate playing. The ponies themselves decided to stop dancing and instead observed what else this human could do with his drums. Mike continued this beat while periodically moving to his four octobans placed in the center of the top bar of his drum cage. Mike then wowed the ponies with some fast rolls from a combination of his toms and bass drums. Rainbow Dash, being a speed aficionado herself, was highly impressed with how fast this human could move with his arms. Mike flew his sticks left and right, hitting his toms and octobans with short three-hit rolls until he resumed his standard hi-hat/snare beat, resulting in a rush of cheers from the ponies watching. Rainbow couldn’t keep herself from beaming at his prowess. Needless to say, the least impressed of all inside the banquet hall were the rest of the members of Dream Theater, who had seen Mike’s solos countless times before. To every other pony, Mike was truly a sight to behold upon his signature instrument. After a repeat of his introductory tom/bass beat, Mike opted to impress the ponies further. He began playing fast triplets on his right splash cymbal with his right hand while keeping the beat on his snare and bass pedal. He further amazed the crowd by effortlessly switching from the splash cymbal on the right to the splash on his left with his other hand. It seemed there was no limit to his talent. After another impressive round of rolls on his toms, he began to make a simpler beat with his hi-hats, and, on occasion, his snare. He complicated it even more by including his octobans again, creating another stunningly complex rhythm. Once he finished with that, he moved on to his next special surprise. In 2002, Mike had broken the record for World's Fastest Drummer, a record set at 1203 beats per minute, and a record which he still held to this day on Earth. Mike figured it was time to show that part of him to the crowd. Mike began with a very simple and slow snare roll, his bass drum keeping the beat. Now the ponies felt compelled to chant Mike’s name in the rhythm he was playing. Mike, feeling pumped from the crowds growing enthusiasm, began to quicken the beat of his snares, getting faster and faster each second. Just when it seemed it would get too fast for Mike, he continued to get faster, his face keeping a confident and pleasant smile all the while. The ponies stopped chanting at this moment, being more intrigued by just how fast he could possibly go. Mike had gotten to the point where his roll sounded more like a buzzing. With one final hit, Mike began playing his snare slowly with his left hand, cooling down slightly for his next move. Mike kept his right hand up high when he started playing another fast snare roll with his left hand. Any jaws that were left closed at that point were dropped now. “What?” breathed Rainbow Dash. “No way.” Rainbow Dash flew over Mike’s drums and saw that Mike was indeed playing the roll with one hand. She decided to use her new location to garner more cheers from the stunned crowd. As Mike switched to his right hand to do a one handed roll, Rainbow Dash shot her hooves into the air, finally ushering some cheers and applause from the stunned ponies. Mike then began to alternate hands again, hitting one of his crashes with his free hand as he did so. He repeated this again and again until he formed a rhythm. “Mike! Mike! Mike!” chanted the crowd upon each crash hit. Mike had been playing for approximately five minutes now and he knew that he had to do the finale. Mike began playing on his toms until he worked his way into the center. He then crossed his left arm over his right, playing the toms on his left and right with the opposite hands. Mike uncrossed his arms, but this time, he put his right over his left, once again, playing the left and right toms with opposing hands. Mike alternated again again until he was criss-crossing all over his toms, going faster each time he switched his arms around. Once the ponies’ applause was as loud as it could be, Mike began to slow down the speed of his drumming until he seemed to stop. However, Mike concluded with the same eight tom/bass hits that he used to open up his solo. With it finally being done, Mike stood from his stool and took a bow, receiving his loudest cheers yet. Upon leaning back up, he felt Rainbow Dash’s forearms wrap around his torso. “That was so awesome!” she told her friend. She held out her right wing to him while somehow flying to his level with her left wing. Mike assumed she was going for what would be considered a “High-Five,” so he opened his palm up and slapped her wing. Jordan and Petrucci, who were standing next to each other, gave a quick glance at each other and walked off towards their instruments. Rarity and Twilight gave excited looks to each other, knowing what was about to happen. Myung saw his two bandmates heading towards their gear and went along to join them. James was already very close to his mike, so he stood where he was. The ponies were excitedly clamoring to each other. Once all five members had their gear equipped and turned on, Rainbow Dash issued a challenge. “Play the hardest song you know.” James knew immediately what this song would be, so he decided to sit out. “Dance of Eternity?” asked Petrucci to his bandmates. “Dance of Eternity,” confirmed Jordan, turning on the introductory sample. Mike and Myung led in, followed by Jordan and Petrucci. The ponies were more inclined to listen again, as they figured the song would be as abstract as the drum solo. And they were right; the song was a collection of different time signatures and technical musicianship that the band was able to play perfectly, easily exciting and moving the audience. When the band got to a harder, but simpler section, Petrucci scanned the audience to find another familiar pony head-banging to the beat along with some others. There could be only one pony who would know this song as well as she would. It was Princess Luna, and she appeared to be having a ball. John smiled and continued his playing. It seemed that the other members didn’t pay too much mind to notice her. Twilight and her friends were too wrapped up in the music to notice Luna either. Twilight was highly impressed with everyone’s technicality. Rarity had her eyes locked on Jordan the entire time. She even swooned when Jordan played his famous ragtime solo. Rainbow Dash was also impressed with the others’ musicianship and found the speed of both Petrucci and Myung’s respective solos to be quite admirable. Of all Twilight’s friends, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were the first to notice Luna, and they opted to dance with her, despite their unfamiliarity with the song. Fluttershy was drawn in by John’s bass playing, giving gentle, unheard cheers to her new friend as he played. Rainbow Dash kept her focus back on Mike as he played through perhaps the most challenging part on the song for his instrument. As usual, she was thoroughly amazed. After another section of odd time signatures and key changes, the band finished the song with maximum success. Now that the rest of the band had the time to observe the cheering crowd they were able to see Luna cheering them also. Twilight and her other friends were also able to see Luna and talk to her. “Luna,” called Twilight, “what are you doing here?” “I came to deliver some things to the band members’ cottages,” answered Luna. “That’s when I noticed Mike playing one of his solos, so I came to listen.” “They really are amazing, aren’t they?” asked Rainbow Dash. “You have no idea.” James also noticed Luna, giving him an idea. He ran to his bandmates and whispered something to them. Luna was keen on finding out what they were discussing, but before she could wonder any longer, Petrucci and Jordan played the beginning to Under a Glass Moon. Luna squealed at finding out which song it was. “Do you like this song?” asked Twilight. “It’s my favorite by them!” “Favorite?” asked Applejack. “You know this band?” “It’s a long story,” explained Twilight. Luna was too wrapped up in the song to pay any more attention to anything. This song had a much more standard rhythm than the last song, so the ponies felt inclined to clop their hooves onto the ground in rhythm to the song. None of the ponies had listened to James sing yet, but upon singing the first few lyrics, he had girlish screams serenade him as if he was a member of a popular boy band. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight definitely seemed to enjoy this song. It was smooth, mystical, elegant, and at times, serene, especially around the verses. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie definitely preferred the songs harder choruses, moshing to them with Luna. Soon, it was soon time for Petrucci’s legendary solo on the song, and with a short prelude from Myung’s bass, Petrucci was off. Twilight could practically see Petrucci’s soul command his guitar as he brilliantly played the solo. After figuring and wondering how good of a musician Petrucci was, she could now experience it in all of its glory. After a final repeat of the chorus, Dream Theater played the outro and ended the song, producing more cheering. “Thank you, Ponyville!” dismissed James. With that, all of Dream Theater’s members, minus Jordan, left and rejoined the party, being praised and congratulated by the rest of the audience. Jordan was busy fidgeting with his iPad until he brought up his music library, making a small playlist for the rest of the party. Jordan hit “Shuffle,” and the first song that happened to come up was Universal Mind by Liquid Tension Experiment. Feeling energized by the night’s events, Jordan threw his hands in the air and yelled, “Let’s party!” The members of Dream Theater danced with their new pony friends: Petrucci with Twilight and Luna, Myung with Fluttershy, James with Applejack and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Jordan with Pinkie Pie and Rarity, and Mike with Rainbow Dash. Their joy and liveliness was incomparable. ______________________________________________________________________________ By the party’s end, all of the ponies left the banquet hall and headed for their homes, with Dream Theater bidding them good night and thank you in the process. “Good night,” called Petrucci to a mint-green unicorn and a cream-colored earth pony with a blue and pink mane and tail. “Thanks for coming.” “Thanks for the show!” responded the unicorn. Twilight and her friends, including Luna, finally filed out of the building. “Well,” said James, “that was quite enjoyable.” “I forgot to ask,” mentioned Petrucci, “where’s Spike?” “He started dozing off early into the party,” said Twilight, “so I put him in one of the cottages to sleep. In fact, I’ll go get him.” Twilight trotted off to get her draconic assistant. “So,” asked Rainbow Dash with ample enthusiasm to the band, “do you think you could do a full-on concert while you’re here?” Petrucci wasn’t sure how to answer this. “The thing is,” admitted Petrucci, “we could possibly be going home tomorrow, so…” “Yes,” interrupted Luna, “about that. My sister tried to charge a magic generator, but the largest one we had still couldn’t hold enough power to send you home. We now have to build one that’s large enough and then charge it, and that could take as long as a week or two.” Each of the human’s mouths dropped in unpleasant surprise. “A week!?!” shouted Myung, startling Fluttershy. Mike and James both grabbed their hair, trying to take all of it in. Twilight had come back with Spike in tow, the latter sleeping on Twilight’s back. Having not known what had been said, Applejack explained it to her. Twilight frowned as her ears sorrowfully drooped. “Please forgive me,” begged Luna, “I didn’t wish for this to happen.” Petrucci walked over to a cottage and slammed his fist against its wall. Having gotten most of his negative energy out there, he rested his head up against the wall, breathing heavily. Everyone just stared at him. “If there’s anything I can do,” said Luna, “I will be more than happy to do so.” “Unless you can send us all home right now,” panted Petrucci, “your assistance is no longer needed.” Mike, Myung, Jordan, and James were also visibly upset. Many shows would have to be canceled and many ticketholders would have to be compensated. Twilight and her friends wished they could help, but they were just as powerless to aid the situation now as anyone. Pinkie Pie, ever the optimist, walked up to Petrucci and jumped onto his back, hanging her forearms over his shoulders and wrapping her forelegs around his waist. “You know,” she said sympathetically, “sure you’re stuck here in a different world millions and billions and trillions and gazillions of miles away, but hey, you’re all still here, right? And it’s not like you’re not going home. You’re just going to have to wait a little longer, that’s all.” Pinkie’s encouraging words seemed to boost the morale of the other ponies to try and cheer up their friends. “Don’t you worry,” said Applejack. “We’ll be sure to take good care of all y’all.” “You bet,” agreed Rainbow Dash. “We won’t leave you hanging.” “I mean,” added Pinkie Pie, “what are friends for?” Pinkie Pie got off of Petrucci and cartoonishly roped all of the bandmates in with her arms and pulled them into a giant group hug, giggling as she brought them closer. There was something about Pinkie Pie’s childlike giggle that seemed to alleviate the stress that everyone was feeling right now, as if they somehow knew that everything was going to be alright. “Thanks, Pinkie,” said Jordan calmly. “You really have a knack for helping others see the best in situations like this. “Anything for my friends,” she chortled. “In that case, would it be too much trouble for us to get some sleep? It’s been quite an exhausting day.” “I bet,” spoke Twilight. “Plus, I’m sure you’ll like the surprise Luna gave you.” “Luna?” asked James. The five humans walked into Petrucci’s cottage, which was the closest of any of the band member’s cottages. When they got inside, they looked inside the kitchen to find an open medium-sized wooden box on the counter. Inside of it was eight rolls of gold coins. “What is this?” asked Mike. “When I heard about the generator, I decided to lend you some money for anything you might need while you’re here. There’s a box in each cottage for you. I meant to deliver them personally, but I had seen that the pink pony was throwing one of her usual welcome parties, so I decided to wait. When I heard Mike playing his drum solo inside the banquet hall, I decided to come and listen.” “I see,” said Petrucci. “Not to sound greedy or anything, but are all of these coins considered a lot of money?” “200 gold bits,” answered Luna. “More than plenty.” Petrucci ran his hand through his hair, surprised by Luna’s inhuman kindness. Petrucci turned around to thank Luna, but she held her hoof up to silence him. “No need for thanks, John. Your being in my presence is the greatest thanks I can receive from you.” As Petrucci gave her a kind smile, an exaggerated yawn from Scootaloo was heard in the back of the group. “Are we done yet?” she whined. “I’m getting tired.” “Scootaloo,” scolded Applejack. “No,” protested James, “she’s right. It’s about time we got some sleep. I know you don’t really wish to hear it, Luna, but thank you very much for your generosity.” “It’s no problem at all, James,” she responded. Twilight and her friends bid Dream Theater farewell and goodnight and left to go their separate ways. “Well,” said Luna, who still remained, “I hope you all sleep soundly tonight.” “You too, Luna,” said Petrucci. Luna ushered a smile before she unfurled her wings and set off back to Canterlot. “So,” began Jordan. “Looks like we’re just going to have to make the best of this… again,” finished Mike. After a short giggle, the whole of Dream Theater gave a friendly group hug, bid each other goodnight, and went inside their cottages sleep for the night. Petrucci wasn’t quite tired enough to fall asleep yet. He was still a little stressed over the prolonging of his stay in Equestria. Despite knowing that his return was guaranteed, his friends and family on Earth didn’t know this; for all they knew, he was possibly dead. Petrucci couldn’t imagine that his other bandmates weren’t thinking the same things. The night was warm, so Petrucci was comfortable taking his shirt and pants off as he slipped into bed. More thoughts began to cross his mind, these being more pleasant than his first. He could not have ended up in a better world: the inhabitants were kind, selfless, and hospitable. The world itself was beautiful and the food and language were one in the same. They appreciated his band’s music, and even offered to share their own. That reminded him of the books he received, so he got out of bed and went to the bathroom where he left the songbook. He picked it up and brought it back with him to bed. After reading more and more of the songs, Petrucci soon began to realize that his incidental trip here would be nothing but bliss and pleasure. Once he began getting too groggy to read any further, Petrucci set the book next to him on the bedside floor. Putting his head onto the pillow, it wasn’t long before he could gently lull himself back to sleep.