> This Is Not How I Expected My Week To Go > by TheKing2001 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Surely the princess will listen to me..... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight groaned under her breath as she leaned against her tree, reading one of the many books piled around her, almost like a fort of knowledge that made her feel comfortable and away from prying eyes of ponies around her. While Twilight didn’t necessarily hate ponies as a whole, she certainly hated when they tried to force themselves into her personal space like a certain Minuette or Lyra liked to do. She only really knew their names because Princess Celestia continuously mentioned them around her. “What in Equestria are the elements of harmony?” Twilight muttered to herself as she turned the page of one of the many books she was reading. “I swear I’ve heard of them elsewhere. If I’m gonna have books on it, it’s gonna be in my house. Knowing Spike, he probably already has it somewhere in case I need it or asleep. Probably asleep.” Twilight levitated all her books around her, stuffing as many as she could into her saddlebags till they threatened to break as she stood up, taking a few shaky steps forward till she was certain she wasn’t going to fall over from the sheer weight of her saddlebags. Twilight broke off into a slightly faster trot away from the park she spent a majority of her time reading at if the weather was nice enough like it was today, ignoring Lyra and another unicorn wave at her as she continued her gallop. “Hey Twilight!” Twinkleshine called out as she, Lemon Hearts and Minuette paused in front of her on a bridge Twilight was galloping on. “Moondancer is having a little get together in the west court yard. Wanna tag along?” The three looked at her hopefully as Twilight inhaled nervously before scuffing a hoof against the road as she pushed down a panic attack. She hated the fact she always got them when being around ponies or the thought of large crowds. “Sorry girls I uhm gotta put Spike down for bed! And study!” Twilight said as she shifted her weight, eyes flicking up at them as Lemon Hearts glanced at the sun in confusion. “At twelve in the afternoon?” Lemon asked curiously as she raised an eyebrow, turning slightly to look at the other two. “Bany dragons and all!” Twilight answered hastily and she inhaled before teleporting away with a pop behind the three, galloping. Minuette let out a frustrated growl as the three glared at the retreating Twilight. “I think that mare cares more about books than she cares about friends,” Twinkleshine huffed as she looked away. “Let’s go. She can go be alone and do whatever she wants. I don’t know why Spike puts up with her. She treats him like a slave instead of a baby.” Twilight groaned as she continued trotting up the long spiraling staircase up to her house next to castle her parents never used, kicking up the door as she dropped her books next to the coat hanger. “Spike!” Twilight screamed as she slammed the door. “Spike!” Spike weakly stuck a claw up from the pile of books Twilight had accidentally flung him into. He idly reminded himself not to stand behind doors, especially around Twilight as she levitated him out of the pile with a small smile and set him down. “Sorry about that. Can you get me a book please?” Twilight asked as she paused and examined the present Spike had stuck on the end of his tail. “The book is Predictions and Prophecies. What’s that for?” “It was for Moondancer but well, not anymore I guess,” Spike sighed and shook his head as he tossed it off into a nearby trash can. “I’ll give her a gift card to the library or something.” Twilight rolled her eyes but said nothing as Spike waddled away to search for the book she she had requested, leaving Twilight to her private thoughts. She didn’t necessarily know why Moondancer had even wanted her or Spike at that party. Twilight didn’t necessarily know the mare but she did certainly respect the mare for her hard work she did. That mare damn near read as much books as Twilight and was her rival but certainly not as intense as some others in the school. Moondancer did strike her as a bit weird though, even going as far as copying Twilight’s mane style which made her feel slightly uncomfortable around Moondancer. Normal ponies don’t just copy the mane style of a classmate they sit next to every day. That was the main reason she wasn’t going to the party. “Here you go. Are you okay Twilight?” Spike asked and held out a large book in front of her with a concerned expression. “Yeah I’m fine Spike. Thanks,” Twilight shook her head to clear her head and took the book with her magic. She opened it and started flipping though as Spike sighed, starting to put away all the books she had dropped in the doorway. “! Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Elements of Harmony, see Mare in the Moon?” “Isn’t that a folk tale or something?” Spike chimed in from his ladder curiously. “Allegedly. Mare, mare... The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal! Spike! Do you know what this means?” Twilight dragged him down with her magic and squeezed his cheeks with her hooves. “Uhm, that it’s gonna be dark for a few years?” Spike offered as Twilight gave him an unimpressed look, dropping a letter and quill in his lap. “What’s this for?” “I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia immediately. It’s important she knows about this now Spike,” Twilight levitated books and shoved them in their spots. “I don’t know. Isn’t she super busy with the celebration planning?” Spike pointed out and picked up the quill, eyes never leaving Twilight. “You’re right. Letter she might miss. We will go see her directly. Hold onto something,” Twilight warned as her horn glowed brightly and Spike groaned. “This isn’t gonna end well,” Spike grumbled as he and Twilight teleported away with a loud pop. Spike kissed the ground repeatedly of the throne room floor as Twilight rolled her eyes in annoyance before approaching Princess Celestia tilting her head slightly to the right. “What can I do for you Twilight?” Celestia gave the two a warm smile as she shifted on her throne, setting her crown down next to her. Twilight inhaled and told Celestia everything she had found, from Nightmare Moon all the way to the elements of harmony. Celestia sat quietly as she listened, idly watching Spike snore on his back before Twilight nudged him awake accidentally with one of her flailing hooves that she was using to get her point across. “And you really think canceling the Summer Sun Celebration is the way to avoid this folktales return?” Celestia asked curiously as Twilight nodded. “Thousands of ponies are going there. I can’t just cancel it on a dime. And besides, it’s just a tale. You need to quit reading those dusty old books. There’s more to a mares life than books.” Spike burst out laughing as Twilight sat down on her plot in shock. Out of all of the things she expected, this was the last thing she saw coming. “I’m sending you to Amethyst Harbor to catch up with Sunset Shimmer. She’s been there for about a day and a half doing most of the heavy lifting. According to this last letter she sent me about thirty five minutes ago, all you have to do is do some final check ups on the towns work,” Celestia placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder with a smile as Twilight scowled. Twilight didn’t necessarily get along with Sunset that well. Sunset was fond of her jokes that were borderline very dirty and was lax about her work. Twilight wasn’t entirely sure why Celestia had taken her on as a student before she had found Twilight last year. “I don’t know why you took her as a student. She’s cocky, loud, makes rude jokes, and takes forever with her work.” “I know you and Sunset don’t necessarily get along all that well, but she’s a good pony who means well. And she has a lot of potential. I’m quite proud of how far she’s come in life, given her past. It’s actually only you who doesn’t like her. She doesn’t have an opinion on you really,” Celestia explained with a slight frown. “She may be a bit unorthodox in her methods but she always get whatever tasks I ask for down by the deadline, fully completed. Sunset is going to play a large role in Equestria very soon, I’ve seen the signs.” “I like her a lot,” Spike chimed in as the two glanced at him. “She’s really nice to me and funny. She helped set up my birthday party that one year. And she’s pretty.” Twilight decided to ignore that as she looked back up at her mentor. “Fine. I will go see whatever it is Sunset did and pray she didn’t mess up,” Twilight sighed as she stood up. “I still think we should prepare in case.” Celestia watched as the two left before glancing up at the sun with a sigh. “Hopefully everything goes as planned,” Celestia muttered and looked at a old window with her and Luna depicted. Twilight thanked the two stallions that had flown her and Spike from the castle away from Canterlot. Spike had long since fallen asleep an hour into the flight. Twilight stood and curiously looked around the somewhat small town that had ponies trotting all around, some setting up finishing touches to the decorations before she glanced at the scenery of surrounding area. It was pretty much what she pictured on a post card from a resort town. “Well, if it isn’t Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight jumped slightly and glanced over at a orange unicorn with a fiery mane leaning against a wall with a confident smile as Twilight scowled at her. “Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight commented back as Sunset trotted to her slowly, maintaining her smile. “Been a bit. Hey Spike!” Sunset rubbed his head with a hoof, tossing him a smile as he jumped up to hug her and she eagerly returned it with a nuzzle. “How’s it hanging, buddy?” “Pretty decent. You’re a sight for sore eyes. Been stuck with book worm all day,” Spike joked as Sunset giggled behind a hoof and Twilight glared at him. “Up high!” Spike held up his claw as Sunset high hoofed before Spike dropped his claw and she repeated her actions with a grin. “How was Moondancers party? Told her I was sorry I couldn’t go because I had my orders. She was thankfully understanding. Gave her a gift before I left for this lovely little town,” Sunset gestured around with a smile. “Word of advice.” Twilight and Spike both were slightly taken aback at her sudden shift in tone from playful to serious in mere seconds. “Yes?” Twilight asked as Sunset inhaled. “Don’t go into the woods after dark. It’s really dangerous. A stallion went missing a few days ago in them. I’ve alerted the royal guards and I’ve searched in the day light with em but we haven’t found anything yet,” Sunset stared out at the nearby woods. “I’m not usually scared easily but even I’m a bit afraid of them. Something doesn’t really sit right with me about them.” Now Twilight was a bit concerned. While she didn’t really see eye to eye with Sunset, Sunset did have a reputation of not being easily scared. If something had her scared or worried, then Twilight knew to be wary. Sunset also had a reputation of being a playful mare who enjoyed making others laugh around her but also was stern and serious when necessary and had an anger issue. Twilight can only think of a few times when she’s seen Sunset truly mad and it was enough to know she didn’t want to be on the receiving end of the fiery maned unicorns practically legendary ire. Especially Blueblood once he tried touching Sunset’s flanks and she quickly put him and everypony in the room in their place. Twilight had admittedly found it amusing. She didn’t entirely like Blueblood herself, nor did many in Canterlot. “Anyway!” Sunset stomped her hooves on the ground. “Let’s get a move on, shall we? I’ll show you and Spike to where I was ordered to take you. Celestia left quite a list of things to do and we are burning day light!” “Princess Celestia,” Twilight correct instantly with a frown. Sunset rolled her eyes and wagged a hoof carelessly. “Yeah, yeah! Anyway, let’s go. You can lead the way if you want,” Sunset gestured forward and gave Twilight a mischievous grin. “I’ll just watch your flanks. It’s been a while.” “Absolutely not!” Twilight snapped as she blushed red. “Fine fine. You can look at my fine flanks instead then,” Sunset snickered as she trotted forward and swayed her hips more than necessary, causing Twilight to blush harder than before. “And believe me, I know they’re fine. Silvy tells me that often.” Celestia kill me now, Twilight thought to herself and fought to control her blush. “Hurry up slowpoke!” Sunset shouted over her shoulder as Sunset looked back at the mare with Spike riding on her back. “You’re a bit behind me!” Twilight rolled her eyes before hastily galloping to catch up. She had a feeling this was gonna be a long day. > Drug smuggling and more > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight followed Spike and Sunset through narrow alleys, dodging most of the clogged market streets as Twilight glanced out at the harbor where she faintly made out a ship in the distance. “So what does this town do exactly?” Spike asked curiously as he peered over Sunset’s mane. “Well, it’s called Amethyst Harbor for a reason because it’s well, a harbor,” Sunset chuckled. “Town makes most of it’s money from ships coming around Equestrian towns and foreign cities. Got a few griffons in town. Town is pretty popular with pegasi due to the fishing that goes around here. It’s a nice town, good culture but there is a pretty big problem with the smuggling.” “Smuggling?” Spike echoed in confusion. “Cocaine,” Sunset and Twilight answered in unison. “Bastards love to bring it in from out of Equestria. Pretty heavy royal guard presence at the port due to it but ponies and creatures are smart as hell.” Twilight nodded absent mindedly as Sunset grinned suddenly, waving eagerly at a white earth pony with a green mane and a red beret, black cutie mark of a music note standing next to a stand of paintings and a chart of prices, a paint brush over her ear. “Hey Watermelody,” Sunset levitated Spike off. “I’m gonna go say hey to my friend, you two stay here. Or come with, up to you.” Twilight groaned internally as she sat down on a nearby bench, opening her saddlebags to pull out a mystery novel she was reading. “So who’s the friend?” Watermelody asked as she leaned over her stand to examine Spike closer. “Woah, a dragon. Don’t see too many of your kind around here often.” “This is Spike, that boring mare over there on the bench with the book is Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset explained as she leaned on the stand with a foreleg as Twilight scowled over at her. “I heard that!” Sunset snickered and rolled her eyes as Spike continued examining some paintings. “See anything you like? Small ones are fifteen bits, medium sized paintings are twenty and large are forty five. I also take commissions but those are more expensive,” Watermelody pointed to her sign with a hoof. “I always set up here. The tourists coming off the boat always come down this way and I can convince them to buy some paintings or paint them with their family.” “Where’s this one?” Spike pointed a claw at oil painting of a light house on a hill over a lake with the sun setting behind it. “Over there,” Watermelody pointed a hoof behind him and Spike turned to look at a tall lighthouse. “It’s a hundred and thirty years old. Been here forever. It’s practically this towns most well known landmark. Named after the pony who founded the town, Autumn Magic. I believe I got a painting I did of him around here somewhere.” Twilight continued turning a page of her book, her ear flicking as she listened curiously to the other pony talk. While she may not have wanted to interact with her, she did like learning more about the town she was temporarily residing in. “Here we are!” Watermelody announced as she gently pulled out another oil painting of a grey stallion with a black suit and a thick mustach with a top hat. “Created the town in eighteen ninety four AC. Created by yours truly a few nights ago. He’s buried over there in his family mausoleum. Only one of his relatives lives here and she’s turned down mayor multiple times adamantly which I respect.” Spike nodded as Watermelody watched him intently before shifting to continue talking to Sunset as Spike examined the harbor. Watermelody flicked an ear instinctively as a roaring sound got closer “Here comes the flyboys,” Watermelody commented with a bored expression and watched as four pegasi flew overhead in matching blue uniforms with smoke coming from behind them. “The Wonderbolts are here again? Huh, cool,” Sunset mused as she dropped some bits down on the stand and Watermelody nodded gratefully, pushing them into her register as Sunset picked up the lighthouse painting. “Isn’t your sister in the Wonderbolts?” Watermelody asked curiously as Sunset grinned proudly. “They’ve been here all week or so practicing.” “Both of my sisters are in the Bolts. I’ll probably see them sometime today after I visit Tennis Match and Blueberry Cake at the pub,” Sunset said coolly as she watched the Wonderbolts do a loop above them. “The Wonderbolts are cool. Which ones are you sisters? Over half of them are female,” Spike pointed out as Twilight cleared her throat. “Twilight is getting impatient. We should probably hurry up.” “She can wait five more minutes or she can be a big girl and come tell me herself,” Sunset shot back with an smile. “And besides, I’m just showing you to your motel that’s all. I tried to get you guys in the library because I know books help calm down her anxiety but the interior is being replaced so I couldn’t. My sway as Celestia’s student only goes so far unfortunately.” “You’re not staying with us?” Spike frowned as Sunset shook her head and Watermelody turned to assist a mare and stallion in bright floral shirts. “Nah, I’m staying at my marefriends house. She doesn’t know I’m here yet, been keeping it a surprise. I’ve been staying at Watermelodys house since yesterday. See you two tomorrow morning,” Sunset shrugged. “Head up straight down this road, hang a left on Council Street and you’ll see it after a five minute walk. It’s called Seaside Motel. I’ve already booked your room. Room number seven. Bye Twilight, bye Spike, bye Watermelody!” Twilight gave a huff as she closed her book, shoving it back into her saddlebags as she jumped off the bench. “Are you ready to go?” Twilight asked as Spike yawned, idly watching Watermelody close up her stand and start putting paintings away. “Because you need a nap, it’s past that time.” Twilight caught him in her magic before he could hit the ground, levitating him on her back with a small smile as she started trotting in the direction Sunset had given them. She didn’t necessarily trust anypony except Spike, Princess Celestia, her parents, Shining Armor and Cadence but she highly doubted Sunset would purposely send her away to be hurt or lost. Spitfire stretched out her wings as she and the other Wonderbolts stood on a large cloud over the empty market as most ponies and other creatures went to their homes for lunch. Spitfire glanced over the cloud and paused, leaning forward slightly to stare at a orange unicorn with a fiery mane talking to a dragon and a purple unicorn. “No way,” Spitfire whispered to herself. “She’d have at least sent a letter if we were gonna be in the same town. Blaze, Wave Chill!” The two Wonderbolts looked at each before trotting over to her, Blaze blowing on some bubble gum with a bored expression as she pushed the gum to the left side of her mouth. “Hey Sis-” Blaze started and paused as Spitfire tossed her a harsh glare. “Right, no calling you Sis in uniform. What’s up Captain?” “There’s a unicorn I want you to follow for me. I want to know where she’s staying. Can you two do that without the dramatics?” “What dramatics do you speak of?” Blaze asked innocently with a grin as Spitfire glowered at her. “You know damn well what kind I mean Blaze. You too, Wave Chill. I’m serious.” “Yes ma’am,” Wave Chill tossed her a lazy salute as Spitfire shifted her glare onto him and he visibly gulped. “So who exactly are we following again?” “Blaze will know when she sees her. And you better cover your ears because Blaze will scream your ears off,” Spitfire warned as she started hovering above them. “Get a move on, she was heading to the eastern side of the town towards the houses over there.” “What’s that about?” Soarin asked once Blaze and Wave Chill took off toward where Spitfire had pointed. “Spitfire?” “I’ll tell you after practice. Now come on everypony, we gotta perfect our failing leaf and our stall turn maneuver before the Celebration tomorrow night. Now move it!” Spitfire ordered as she took off with Fleetfoot on her left. “Sister in town?” Fleetfoot asked with a raised eyebrow as Spitfire spared a quick glance. “You only assign one or two of us to follow her once she is.” “Yeah she is. And Sunset didn’t even send me or Blaze a letter.” “Probably super busy. She is one of Princess Celestia’s students after all, remember?” Fleetfoot reminded Spitfire as the two led the other Wonderbolts into a barrel roll. “I’ve heard stories from some royal guards about how Sunset and Twilight work their flanks off following her orders.” “Yeah true. I just wanna go out for beers with her or something tonight. You know? With us traveling all the time and Sunset working under the Princess, it’s difficult to see her,” Spitfire sighed as she rolled her hoof subtly, watching Soarin and Rapidfire fly inches from each other with Soarin upside down, touching hooves before Soarin dived. “Can we be there too?” Fleetfoot asked hopefully. “I like Sunset too, remember? We all do.” “Of course. Meet me at Lacey Silks pub tonight.” Sunset trotted up to a silver house with purple shutters and a purple roof with an bow and arrow etched into the door, smirking slightly as she lifted her hoof and knocked on it. “Coming!” Sunset shifted on her hooves as she waited for the front door to finally open, making eye contact with a silver pegasus with a silver mane and bright purple eyes, a blue cutie mark of a bow and arrow on her flanks. “I’m home,” Sunset sang with a grin as Silverspeed flung her hooves around her and kissed Sunset. “Somepony missed me clearly.” “Mhm!” Silverspeed hummed excitedly as Sunset nuzzled her, closing the door behind her. “How long have you been here? You should have sent a letter, I’d have met you at the train station.” “Just a day. Been busy planning the celebration for the Princess. Got in about five am or so,” Sunset answered as she set her suit case down on the waiting room couch. “It’s good to see you. I love ya.” “Love you too. How was the train ride?” Silverspeed asked as she and Sunset sat down on the couch, wrapping a wing around her marefriend. "Long." It had been a few months since Silverspeed had last seen Sunset but the two sent letters to each all the time, often with explicit pictures of each other. “So Silver Spoon is off at Diamond Tiara’s house for a sleep over,” Silverspeed said casually as she leaned back on the couch and gave Sunset a lustful smile, narrowing her eyes. “So we have the house to ourself.” “Do we?” Sunset mused as she matched the look Silverspeed was giving her. Sunset pushed Silverspeed onto her stomach and nuzzled her wings. “Oh mhh,” Silverspeed groaned softly as Sunset continued preening her left wing, spitting out a broken feather into a waste basket. “You’re good at this.” “I’ve had practice,” Sunset whispered into Silverspeed’s ear erotically, making Silverspeed shudder slightly as Sunset finished on the left wing, running her hoof over the base of her wing and shifted to her right wing. “You got very beautiful wings, Silvy.” “I wish I had something similar to say,” Silverspeed mumbled with a blush as she rested her head on the pillow. “Your wings are in pretty poor condition. When was the last time you preened them?” Sunset asked as she smoothed down a primary feather and Silverspeed lifted her head to look back at her. “I’ve been waiting for you to come do it,” Silverspeed admitted as Sunset leaned forward and kissed her neck, biting down softly. “Oh, your sisters are here.” “I know,” Sunset mused as she laid next to Silverspeed and felt a wing get draped over her back. “Blaze and Wave Chill were following me the entire way here and I’m betting they’re watching at the window, about to knock on the front door.” Sunset raised a hoof as somepony knocked on the front door and Sunset gave a triumphant grin, levitating it open to reveal a blushing Blaze and Wave Chill. “Called it,” Sunset said smugly as she nuzzled Silverspeed before slipping out from under the wing and held out her forehooves. “Sunset!” Blaze exclaimed with a grin, shaking off her embarrassment as she hugged Sunset. “It’s been months! What have you been up to?” “Studying, reading. You?” Sunset asked as she returned Blaze’s nuzzle and hug happily. “Hey Wave Chill, been a while.” Wave Chill waved at her as Silverspeed stood up and hugged Blaze herself. “Spitfire and the others are headed to the pub on thirty eighth street. You two wanna come with us? They’d love to see you,” Wave Chill offered and watched the three separate, Sunset shooting Silverspeed a look. “I’d say yes but me and Silverspeed were taking care of something here,” Sunset answered as she gave Silverspeed a small smile. “And based on your blushes earlier, you two saw everything. Silver Spoon isn’t home and it’s been awhile since the two of us had some adult time alone.” “We can go,” Silverspeed interjected. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Spitfire. You owe me later though. Big time.” Sunset nodded as she leaned forward to kiss Silverspeed, Blaze snickering as Silverspeed kissed her older sister back. “I will rock your world,” Sunset winked and Silverspeed blushed as Sunset laughed, turning to follow Blaze and Wave Chill, flicking her tail under Silverspeed’s nose with a smug grin. Wave Chill pushed the doors of the pub open, bobbing his head slightly to the loud music coming from the corner as Surprise waved him over to a table in the corner with the rest of the Wonderbolts crowned around with various drinks without their uniforms thankfully. “Hey everypony, look who we found!” Wave Chill announced and the blue pegasus stepped aside with a grin to reveal Sunset and Silverspeed behind him. “I’ll be damned,” Misty Fly grinned as she trotted forward after setting her beer down and hugging Sunset. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. Hey Silverspeed.” “Hey you guys,” Silverspeed said as she and Sunset quickly went through hugging everypony at the table before sitting down next to each other. Sunset and Silverspeed both were damn near honorary Wonderbolts, with Spitfire being the Captain and Blaze being in the team too. Sunset internally felt pretty relieved she was as liked as she was by the whole team. Her and Surprise especially got along well while Silverspeed and Silver Zoom were close. “Hey Spitfire,” Sunset nudged her sister with a smile. “Sorry I didn’t send a letter. I didn’t even know you guys were here. I was stuck on a train damn near several hours.” “It’s all good. Happy to see you again Sunny,” Spitfire set down her beer. “And yeah, we weren’t supposed to be here. Princess Celestia herself came all the way to Cloudsdale to ask us to come here instead of performing there. Mayor ain’t happy but Solar Flare ain’t ever happy.” “It was weird,” High Winds mused as she swirled her wine around. “That doesn’t normally happen with us but hey, we get to be here and see you so it’s a win!” Sunset chuckled as she and Silverspeed both ordered some drinks from the waiter and leaned against her with warm smiles. “Where’s Silver Spoon at?” Soarin asked and yawned once he set down his glass. “She’s spending the night with Diamond Tiara. I don’t really approve of that friendship but Diamond Tiara is really the only friend she has and I needed time away for a night. Kid was driving me up the wall,” Silverspeed complained and took a long sip of her wine once it arrived. “Love her to death but she’s a handful like you wouldn’t believe.” Sunset chuckled and looked around the table of the laughing and half drunk ponies. While Silver Spoon wasn’t her kid and was a product of Silverspeed’s last relationship, Sunset did try to treat her as well as she would treat her own kid if she had one. Sunset and Silverspeed alike weren’t entirely fond of her arrogant attitude but that was a losing battle to break her out of it seemed. “Who’s that?” Sunset pointed her whiskey to a light green earth pony with a messy green mane and a cutie mark of a potted plant sitting at a table alone. “That’s uhhh,” Rapidfire scratched his mane and swayed slightly. “Wallflower Blush I heard? She’s new to town and is starting a flower business. Just got here a few days ago apparently according to town folk. Really shy and skittish but fairly nice once she speaks.” “Her sister is a bar tender here,” Fleetfoot chimed in as High Winds nodded. “So what you doing here? Work for the Princess?” High Winds asked as everypony looked at Sunset expectantly. “Yeah, showing this other student of Celestia’s around. She’s a bit of a jerk but at least her dragon friend Spike is cool. Spike is super friendly,” Sunset said fondly. “Cool dude. Only comes up to my barrel.” “She knows a dragon?” High Winds asked curiously as Sunset nodded. “Rumor has it she hatched him herself and her parents helped raise him. I’d be scared if she raised him alone. Probably turn out to be just as an outcast as she is,” Sunset giggled and leaned back in the booth. “I’m trying hard to be nice and shit, but lordy does Twilight make it hard. With her rude comments, if I was allowed to yell at her, I'd do it in a heart beat." “Now that’s a bit aggressive love,” Silverspeed nudged Sunset. “We’ve talked about your anger issues, not yelling at random ponies even if they deserve it.” “Fair,” Sunset answered as she kissed Silverspeeds forehead and felt the pegasus wrap a wing around her as the table all let out an exaggerated “awwww.” The table continued talking and laughing, occasionally ordering more drinks as Sunset kept giving Wallflower concered looks as the earth pony occasionally glanced over and smiled sheepishly, tipping a glass her direction. Twilight stood outside the window and chewed on her lip, wiping away a tear. A part of her was tempted to join them at least like Princess Celestia encouraged but only a very small part. She didn’t even know why she cared enough to feel hurt by Sunset’s comments she heard through the door. With a frustrated sigh, Twilight turned around and trotted back to her hotel room where Spike was asleep. Might as well catch up on reading and being an outcast. Maybe find a book on how to not be an outcast or something. > Happy places > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset yawned and shifted in bed, wincing slightly at the sun shining through the open window. She promptly yanked the curtains closed and nuzzled closer into Silverspeed snoring next to as Sunset felt the wing wrapped around her twitch slightly. Sunset sighed contently and shifted slightly as she wrapped her tail around Silverspeed’s instinctively. “You’re doing the tail thing again,” Silverspeed muttered and Sunset glanced at her. “You know what I mean.” “I know. You secretly love it,” Sunset teased and nuzzled Silverspeed again with a grin. “How did we get home by the way? Last thing I remember was us getting drunk with my sisters and her friends and the rest is fuzzy. I can certainly feel what we did last.” Silverspeed scrunched up her muzzle in thought and yawned, finally opening her eyes. “We got escorted home by Soarin and Firestreak,” Silverspeed answered after a moment. “And then we came up stairs and you practically shoved your face between my legs the second we got in bed.” “So that’s why my hoof is sticky along with our sheets,” Sunset mused and wiped her hoof on her fur. “What? I’m gonna shower today. Or together if you want.” “Together works for me,” Silverspeed answered and kissed Sunset as Sunset ran a hoof down her messy wings. “Right after I preened your wings too,” Sunset grumbled and froze as Silverspeed licked her horn with a smirk. “Oh Celestia have mercy.” “I forgot your horn was your soft spot,” Silverspeed teased and kissed her again. “Would you two just go fuck in the shower already?” Silverspeed and Sunset both gave each other confused looks, leaning over their sides of their admittedly bigger bed than necessary down at High Winds and Misty Fly staring up them from their makeshift beds of blankets, blinking a few times with High Winds holding her head with a pained expression. No doubt from her hang over, Sunset suspected. “Front of the bed,” High Winds pointed with her hoof. Sunset and Silverspeed both looked over the edge down at Spitfire glaring up at them. “Don’t scream. We didn’t join in on your guys adult time but you did let us sleep in here if my memory is correct. We have pretty bad hang overs.” “And it was difficult to sleep with you two screaming each others names,” Misty Fly scoffed. “I always forget how loud you two can be when you get going.” “Oh,” Silverspeed rubbed her mane with a blush. “We can take a shower but this was a bit of a mood killer. We really should have shoved them in the spare rooms.” Sunset nodded and rolled out of bed, narrowly avoiding stepping on High Winds wings as she yanked them closed hastily. “Sorry!” Sunset muttered and rubbed her head. Sunset trotted to the bathroom, shoving the door open as she dropped to her knees and vomited into the toilet. “Worst part of getting drunk,” Silverspeed agreed as she stood in front of the sink to brush her teeth. “High Winds gave me these pills, they’re for me and you. Adult strength Tylenol. Straight from the bottle.” Sunset eyed the pill Silverspeed was holding out suspiciously as Silverspeed rolled her eyes. “I saw her break the seal on the bottle. It’s safe and besides, do you seriously think one of your sisters teammates would poison you? Your sisters would go crazy in a heart beat,” Silverspeed pointed out flatly. “Spitfire honestly scares me more than Blaze. Remember when I first met them and both of them grilled me for an hour straight about us dating?” Sunset snorted as she stepped into the shower and closed the curtain before turning the hot water on. “I remember very well,” Sunset snickered as she levitated the pill onto her tongue and swallowed it. “It was Silverspeed’s birthday and I had gotten Spitfire to perform an air show for her. Blaze is the calm one of the family. Give her gum and she will be happy for hours.” Silverspeed hummed in response as she spit into the sink. “I’m almost done. When is Silver Spoon coming back home?” Sunset asked and started cleaning her mane. “Fuck me,” Silverspeed mumbled and Sunset laughed. “Again? My sister and her friends are here. You’re a bold one,” Sunset teased with a smirk. “I like that.” “You’re insufferable some days. You know that?” Silverspeed gave a quiet laugh and rolled her eyes. “Eh I know. It’s part of my charm.” Silverspeed poked her head around the curtain and Sunset jumped in surprise, covering herself with a hoof. “Woah!” “Seriously?” Silverspeed gave her a flat look before she stepped into the shower fully and smirked. “I’ve seen that part of your body multiple times.” “I like acting surprised. You know that,” Sunset answered and dropped back to all four hooves. Her mane and tail were plastered to her coat in a way that Silverspeed always loved. “True. We gotta hurry and go get Silver Spoon from the Rich’s mansion-” Sunset rolled her eyes and grumbled a curse word. “The puppy dog eyes aren’t working today. I know you don’t like them all that well and I don’t either really.” Sunset admittedly liked Filthy Rich, finding him to be the easier of the family to get along with. She was more than happy to get into a hoof fight with his wife if it wouldn’t reflect badly on Silverspeed. “And later on you can cast that soundproof spell on the bathroom,” Silverspeed said quietly and bit Sunset’s neck before licking the spot. “When I said fuck in the shower, I didn’t mean it!” Spitfire slammed a hoof against the door. “Or well, not when I’m here at least please. I don’t want a repeat of last night. That was the stuff of nightmares, hearing you two.” Silverspeed and Sunset both looked at each and laughed. “Okay fine!” Sunset called back and bit back another laugh. “And I’m the insufferable one?” “Mhm,” Silverspeed teased with a wink. “Definitely are.” Wallflower sighed as she rolled out of bed, tossing her blankets onto her bed as she ducked to avoid some leaves of her plants she kept. Her small house she had recently gotten was crowded with them. She nudged her door open and stepped down the stairs into her kitchen as a black lab stared up at her, wagging his tail. “Hey Rufus,” Wallflower accepted the dog jumping her and licking her cheek as she gave a faint laugh. “Hungry?” Rufus barked and Wallflower chuckled as she went about getting his food. While ponies didn’t eat meat, Wallflower was a bit more comfortable feeding her dog meat than others were. It’s not like she personally knew the cow that was killed to provide the food for her dog. Wallflower scrunched her muzzle as she started cooking the meat she had tossed into the pan and went about her normal daily routine of watering her plants, letting her dog out into the back yard and visiting the bathroom. By the time she was done, Rufus was back and she shut the stove off and slipped her hoof into a mitt, shoving the steak into his food dish. “I’ll be back later. Behave and don’t go use the bathroom inside,” Wallflower warned as she moved to the front door and quietly slipping out, inhaling with a smile. She always liked the smell of the salt water which was the main reason she chose the house she did. It also helped that she got a letter a few days prior at her apartment in Ponyville telling her about the property. But with enough flowers, Wallflowers only real happy places were her house and her shop she had managed to get. She didn’t know who had sent the letter but she did recognize the royal seal on it, along with directions to the house and a key. Most ponies would be a bit wary about just accepting a key and house from a stranger at the castle but Wallflower personally wanted to leave Ponyville so she and Rufus boarded the next train as soon as they could. “Hey there.” Wallflower jumped and spun around, making eye contact with a white pegasus mare with a blue mane and bright green eyes. “Easy. Didn’t mean to startle you.” Wallflowers eyes flicked around nervously as she scuffed a hoof against the dirt as the mare raised an eyebrow. “I’m High Winds. Sunset tasked me to check up on the floral decorations for her and Twilight. Lead the way?? High Winds gestured with a hoof followed by a warm smile. “S-sure,” Wallflower mumbled and hesitantly stepped ahead of her, continuing her trot to her store as she occasionally glanced at the pegasus next to her. “You’re not much for talking, are you?” High Winds broke the awkward silence as Wallflower shook her head slowly and High Winds gave a laugh. “That’s cool. I can respect that. I’m used to pretty chaotic ponies. If you know Surprise like I do, you gotta be ready for her crazy antics.” “Mhm,” Wallflower hummed in response as she and High Winds stopped in front of a small store. “We’re uhm here.” “And so is she apparently,” High Winds gestured to Twilight and Spike as Spike froze, staring at Wallflower. “If she becomes too much, let me know and I’ll have her take a few steps back.” “T-thanks,” Wallflower commented as she shifted in her place. “Why are you being so well, friendly? Most ponies don’t like talking to me because I’m shy.” “Because I’m nice like that,” High Winds shrugged with a wink at Wallflower before focusing back on Twilight and Spike. “Woah,” Spike mumbled and High Winds raised an eyebrow. “What is he staring at?” Wallflower asked nervously and took a hesitant step back. She didn’t know much about dragons, except that they were greedy and could easily kill her in a heart beat if they really wanted to. “He’s not uhm gonna kill me and eat me, is he?” “Eat you? Of course not!” Spike snorted and jumped off Twilight’s back. “I’m Spike.” “Wallflower Blush,” Wallflower eyed Spike’s outstretched claw before she hesitantly shook it. It didn’t feel as sharp as she had anticipated it being. “Uhm, I have the decorations all set up Miss Twilight. Do you wish to take them now?” Twilight eyed the cart full next to the store Wallflower was pointing at with a nod. She did have to admit, she did appreciate hard working ponies and well, Wallflower seemed to care about her flowers based on how well put together each one seemed. “Yeah sure. Uh thanks,” Twilight scuffed the ground before she levitated the cart behind her and slipped the harness around her with a grunt. “Spike?” Spike stared at Wallflower as the earth pony shifted nervously and turned faintly red. Wallflower didn’t really do well with attention in general, as she was used to being ignored constantly. “She’s pretty,” Spike commented and Wallflower blushed more as High Winds laughed. “Come on Casanova,” Twilight called back with an eye roll. “H-hey wait!” Wallflower called out and Spike paused along with the other two mares. Wallflower inhaled and trotted forward nervously, hoofing Spike a green rose before she galloped inside her store and slammed the door shut. “What was that about?” Spike wondered aloud and twirled the flower in his claws as High Winds nudged him with a grin. “Looks like somepony has a crush,” High Winds sang and hovered above him before she rubbed his head spikes. “Congrats!” “Why me?” “Maybe because you called her pretty and your probably the first to ever call her that,” High Winds suggested. “She did say most ponies didn’t even talk to her. That’s what happens when you flirt right out the gate, mares give you gifts. The rose matches your color pretty well too.” “Alright well we must be going. Goodbye!’ Twilight announced and she levitated Spike onto her back. “Say goodbye, it’s almost your nap time.” High Winds watched with a frown as she tilted her head to the side before shrugging. Could be worse at least, she mused to herself as she shifted on her hooves. “That is one unique mare,” High Winds commented aloud to no pony in particular. With a frown, she shoved off the ground and took off into the sky to catch up with the other Wonderbolts practicing.