//------------------------------// // Drink // Story: Rainbow's Lonesome Road // by Centurion Pike-Wall //------------------------------// The flight back to Attaistown was super hard. Void and Tempest were sitting down at the bottom of the ship, a pot of coffee in between them. Both had emptied several cups of it, and there was only a little left. The coffee tasted horrible; they had no milk, cream, or sugar, and Void was never a fan of coffee anyway. But, it did help the two of them stay awake. They knew, void from experience, that they would only enter hell if they slept now. "So, I take it from your reaction, this isn't your first mission." Said void, after downing yet another cup of the nearly black substance. Tempest grunted. "You'd be right. My first mission was a while back. I got into a bar brawl, and several of the team back then we're out for a few weeks. I had to stay on for about five missions." She paused, before pouring more of it into Voids cup. " he is a evil pony. And his company are just as crazy. Even Zabartha. *Sigh*. So, where were you from? " "Cloudsdale." " Suburb of fillydelphia. " They sat in silence. After what seemed like an eternity, tempest spoke up again. "You know, I got a job offer. Working as a caravan guard for some company out of Beruska. Good pay, quiet work, plus it's in one of the safer parts of the Southlands. You want to come?" "Sure. After that, I need quiet. Plus, a reliable stream of SBs sounds right up my ally." "Cool. We can set out tomorrow morning. Hopefully before the others. Of course, I plan on getting absolutely knocked out-piss hole drunk. The 'Pike' is supposed to have some of its good ale." And neither one spoke a word the rest of the way back to the town. Not did they on the way to the Inn. Cold paid for one room, and told the group to put their stuff down in it. As they went, Void noticed that they were short one. "Hey, where's mercury?" Gerald laughed at this. "He's dead. Or did you not notice because you and your marefriend were too busy making out in the hold?" Tempest growled, "Shut up." they all went down the stairs and into the room. It was the same as the room she had been introduced to all them earlier. Like, actually the same room. It was then that Void noticed a problem with this arrangement.... "Where are we all supposed to sleep?" The twins answered for her. "Simple, we just.... ".... Sleep on the floor." "Well, then. Who gets the bed?" " who do you think....? " "....The boss. Now, let's go get...." " ....Some booze! " After setting down their things, and arranging who sleeps where (Void got a area where part of her would be sitting in a closet), they all went up stairs. They all settled into several booths in the main room, getting comfortable. Or, at least as comfortable as they could in a old, musty booth in an even older tavern. Soon, orders had been placed, and Void had a mug in front of her. The mug was simple, just a hollow wood cylinder with a handle. It was filled to the brim with a frothy brown liquid. The froth formed a cloud like layer over the top of it. It smelled faintly of cacti, and maybe wood. However, looking at it gave her a certain, nostalgia. She would often drink hard cider with AJ; she even had some contests with her. She pushed these thoughts aside. Applejack, and all those equestrian ponies could burn in hell for all she cared. However, she was still hesitant. Tempest noticed this hesitation, and layed a hoof over her shoulder. "Hey, drink up. First swig always goes down hard, but after that it's smooth sailin'. Takes ya' mind off yer troubles. Plus, it's already been *hic* paid for. So, bit of a waste to waste it, huh?" From the slurring of her voice and slightly redder cheeks, void would guess she was already a little drunk. Equestrian booze wasn't exactly strong stuff, so few ponies ever got, or were even capable of getting, drunk. It was a sensation even the cider addict Void had never experienced. So, with a shrug of her shoulders, she picked up the tankard and took a sip. The liquid was bitter, and kind of tasteless, but it gave her a certain, feeling. It was kind of hard to describe, but the best she could get would be a buzz. Whatever it was, it made her feel better. After a few seconds, she took another sip. This one went down a lot smoother, and Void was able to pick up flavors. It was a bit tangy, with a smokyish after taste. It tasted a lot better then even Sweet Apple Acres cider, and that was a tough thing to beat. Soon, despite having to tilt her head to prevent the liquid from spilling out of the hole in her cheek, Void had downed the whole tankard, and called for another. Tempest, who was now really drunk, was right. It did help; if not with her dreams, then at least it got her mind of it now. It was certainly good, but the kicker was the other affect it gave her. It made her feel better, more open; like her old self. For a few minutes, she even forgot she had lost a wing, and when she remembered, she didn't feel too bad. For the first time in almost half a year, she genuinely smiled. Soon, she had downed three full tankards. By now, the buzz that came from her first sip was now a full ringing. This stuff was great! Then, music began to fill the room. A few of the either more Drunk or less caring patrons got up, and began to dance. Void didn't, but still bobbed her head. Just to the beat, less so the words. In her adled state, picking out what they were saying would be too much hastle. (Salty seadogs tavern.) Before she knew it, it was just her and Tempest in the booth. Tempest said, "H-he *hic*, oh, Hey, you want ta, ta, oh, faust, I'm hammered. W-what I wanted ya as-ask was, ya want to, hoof, wrastle? Like, you know, just *hic*, have a nice time? " Even if she wasn't drunk out of her mind, Void would've said yes. She was known as the Hoof wrestling champion back in Ponyville. Just one of her many accomplishments. Meant nothing out here, but she still wanted to see how southlanders stacked up to AJ. Her response to this question, however, was a lot less eloquent. "*Burp* Y-yo-you kiddin'? I was da Best, hoof wrestler back in Po-po- oh Faust, what was it called? W-well, can point is ah am da best. Da Pony- *hic* -Ville champ. So, yeah! I'll 'est my luck. " The two mares set down their half full tankards, and readied themselves for their competition. A few of the other members of the crew, gathered around the two of them, eager to see how this would unfold. The two pressed their hooves against each other with their elbows fixed to the table. Tempest said, "Ok, ok, ok. On three, w-we doit. One. T *hic*, uh, two. Three!"