//------------------------------//
// Libations? 
// Story: Why She Serves 
// by Natedogg2006 
//------------------------------//

'Take it off, take it off, take it off, take it off this looks so wrong!'

'It's not weird, it's just pretty. I can be pretty if I want.'

'Pretty is one thing, this is downright cutesy. Take it off!'

'Twilight got this for me. It's not quite my taste, but it looks OK on me.'

Fizzlepop stared at her reflection in the mirror. It was probably the longest amount of time she had ever spent continuously staring into a mirror in her life. She usually preferred to be dressed, but this was something entirely different. Wrapped around her solid frame currently was not the stiff binding of her armor thatching. The delicate fabric of a pretty emerald sundress currently brushed gently over her soft, fluffy fur. It was not an unflattering look, even if she didn't exactly have a build that made it flow over her the way she imagined it should. She had made peace with that much so far. 

The problem she had now was one that might just defeat her. It was a tiny strip of fabric tied intricately into a bow and secured to a hair clip. That hair clip was now woven into her mane, her mane that was brushed out and left to flow elegantly down her shoulders.

On the one hoof, it would give some distraction from her broken horn that was currently on full display. On the other, it was a pretty green manebow that wouldn't look out of place on a filly who had yet to receive their cutiemark. That fact left her; a warrior, a conqueror, a general of the highest caliber, nervous to the point that she could not find the resolve to apply enough pressure to latch the clip in place. Life could be weird like that she guessed. 

There was a knock at her door. She knew very well who it was. The melodic voice of her princess, her best friend, and the mare she was in unrequited love with, flowed into the room. "Fizz, hurry up. It's not like you to be running late."

She would like to think it was the sound of that voice and not just a frustrated moment of indecision that allowed her to press her hoof down until she heard a click. The deed was done, and she was ready. It wasn't her usual battle armor, but she decided it was, in a way, the same thing. It was the proper equipment for the battle she now faced. And at least she had one familiar comfort. 

She pressed the fabric of the dress into the gap of her haunch where she felt a familiar harness. It was lucky she wouldn't need it for the night, trying to draw it quickly like this would surely ruin the dress. But she did know it was the feeling of that handle that allowed her to finally speak. "I'm ready, just give me a moment."

To finish the look, Twilight had also gifted her a small bag the same color as the dress. She lifted it over her head and left it to hang at her side over her shoulder. Inside were all of the few bits she'd managed to procure in her time in Ponyville. She didn't really need them, her current lifestyle left her wanting for very little. But there was one thing she did want them for tonight. She took a step back to take in one last look at the whole outfit. 

'Good enough.' She turned to her door to face the lavender mare waiting behind it. Her horn sparked with mild discomfort as she pulled the door open. 

She found it made her happy that Twilight gave a reaction at laying eyes on her for the first time in this outfit. But she didn't linger on it as her friend's eyes only widened for just a moment in surprise. 

"Oh," she smiled a warm smile. "I didn't know if you'd get dressed up or not. I knew you could pull off those dresses if you wanted to." Fizzlepop felt a manageable heat come over her as the other mare casted a critical eye over her for a few seconds. "It's, nice. It's a really pretty look for you. Now I almost feel like I should go back and get dressed up."

Twilight was unadorned, wearing only a midsize bag over her shoulder. It was presumably stuffed with the bits she'd be using to cover their tab for the evening. Although Fizzlepop couldn't help but notice she seemed to be well groomed to start the night. Her coat and mane were well brushed, her mane slightly styled for the occasion. Fizzlepop smiled and pulled her gaze away before it started to linger awkwardly. 

"Nonsense. We are under no obligation to impress anypony tonight. I simply prefer to be covered and didn't want to argue with you about wearing armor in public again. And besides that, you are as beautiful as you always are." She didn't actually mean to include that last part. She had debated with herself for much longer then she cared to remember as to if she was going to treat tonight as a date. She had decided to let her instincts decide, and apparently they had. She brushed it off as they set off down the hall and spoke again before Twilight could offer a reply. "Where were we planning on meeting the girls? As I understand we aren't planning on leaving Ponyville for the evening."

Twilight had had the beginnings of a blush on her face, but the distraction had helped and given her something else to focus on. "We were going to meet up in the town square. Applejack is picking the place tonight so she was going to decide once we were all together."

Fizzlepop smiled at that. "So considering Applejack, I presume you already have some idea where we're going tonight?"

Twilight smiled back. "Applejack is nothing if not consistent. There's a bar here in town where the owner has a standing challenge to anypony who thinks she can out drink her. Applejack is determined to beat her someday."

"Ha, I might have to throw my hat into that ring someday. I might not be the heaviest drinker ever, but I know how to play it off. If I really focus I can pretty much keep acting sober, right up until I pass out."

"I wouldn't. I've literally never seen Berrypunch get past tipsy, even after draining the better half of a full keg."

Fizzlepop gawked at that. "What is up with Ponyville and reality breaking weirdos?"

"I basically said the same thing the very first day I was in Ponyville." They shared a laugh together before Twilight seemed to give her friend a devious smirk. "And by the way, don't you mean; throw your bow in that ring?"

It was a dumb joke, and Fizzlepop knew it was a dumb joke. It still made her reach up and brush the bow unconsciously. "Do you honestly think I'd throw away something you got me so needlessly? I'm sure Pinkie could just loan me one from some emergency cache she has hidden everywhere."

"Ah good, I see you've officially accepted Pinkie's randomness. You took my advice and stopped trying to figure her out right?"

"Actively yes. I still believe there may be some tactical and analytical advantage that can be rendered from her. I think the key is to find a way to do it passively, so I occasionally run a passive test on the depths of her ability."

"You're setting yourself up for headaches."

"Passive. Plan D level at best. Not something I'm relying or counting on. Call it... a passing curiosity."

"I don't get it."

"I'm dedicated, not obsessive. It's one of the major ways we differ, your highness."

Twilight glared at her as they went, but didn't press the issue. They had made it out of the castle at this point, and the town square was coming up. Already they could see their friends ahead, one waving enthusiastically as they approached. They were the last to arrive, so all attention came upon them at once. 

Rarity was the first to greet them, prancing up to Fizzlepop with a gleam in her eye. "Glad you could join us tonight Fizzlepop dear. I'm glad to see I'm finally not the only one who understands the value of a nice outfit."

Indeed, among the assembled mares they were the only ones dressed. Unless one counted Applejack's hat. Looking over her fashionista friend made Fizzlepop force a smile. She knew her friend pulled the look off much more appropriately, but she decided not to dwell on it. She decided to turn herself to the side to display her efforts, to a few playful catcalls from the assembled group.

"Not exactly my usual look, but what does Ponyville's premiere fashion expert think?"

The mare gave her a casual once over, taking in the look. She scrunched her face up in thought for a moment before giving a nod. "Not the look I would have chosen for you, but you pull it off well enough. It is the perfect color for you, and I love the bow. I think it's the perfect accent."

"I'll say," Applejack came up beside Rarity. "She shines up like a new bit. Glad Twilight invited ya'. Maybe Rarity can focus on gussin'up y'all and not worry about me fer' once."

Rarity rolled her eyes as her farmer friend gave her a hip bump. "Quite the contrary Applejack. Much like dear Fizzlepop, I still prefer a challenge. And obviously she needs very little guidance. So perhaps instead she'll help me in wearing down your resistance and we can finally get you into something more appealing." Applejack glared at Rarity. Rarity smugly smiled right back. 

Rainbow Dash cut in before Fizzlepop could decide on how to comment on their banter. "Oh not this again. Would you two just get married so that you can get divorced already." 

Both mares she addressed rolled their eyes in unison. Both glance to one another, deciding not to address how closely it seemed Fluttershy was staying to her and how unperturbed Rainbow seemed by it. 

Fluttershy decided to end the argument. "It's good to have you with us Fizzlepop. I'm glad to see you and Twilight here together." Fizzlepop allowed herself to smile at the comment, even if she could sense Twilight tense up from close beside her. 

"Well, since it's my first night out with all of you I'll try not to drink everypony under the table." She gave a confident smile that mostly wasn't for show. 

Amazingly it was Twilight who decided to take the bait on that. "Hey, Alicorn here remember. Literally don't even know if I have an upper limit on how much I can drink or if I can succumb to alcohol poisoning."

At this Pinkie seemed to materialize in front of Twilight. Fizzlepop managed to not instinctively swing in her general direction at the movement even she didn't fully catch. 

"Oooooo, having Fizzlepop along brings out Twilight's competitive side. Things are gonna get spicy." The excitable mare now turned, raising a hoof as she exclaimed, "Let's get this party started! Applejack, lead the way."

The whole group smiled at the antics. "Like y'all don't know where we're going," Applejack replied. 

"Well no uh'doy. But you still get to lead the way." She said this while coming up behind the much sturdier earth pony and attempting to hurry her along. "Now come on, come on, come on. We can't party our flanks off out here. Well we could, but I didn't bring any decorations."

The group now followed behind the impromptu, two mare, earth pony conga line. Already all attention seemed to be on them, and Fizzlepop was actually somewhat impressed with the amount of hoof traffic they came across. They were getting an early start, presumably because the establishment they were heading to only allowed for challenges at the start of the night. So one could not call what they passed through now to be the local nightlife, but it was close enough. 

Before long an establishment with a large neon berry lit up out front came into view. Seeming to be very familiar with the establishment, Applejack still led the way and slammed the door to the bar open. 

"Berrypunch, tonight's the night y'all are going down."

A mare behind the bar didn't seem taken by surprise by this at all. She turned to the entering group from behind six already assembled glasses on the bar. "Applejack, great to see you. I was hoping to add a new addition to the bar soon, but it seems I haven't taken quite enough of your bits yet." She smiled smugly before seeming to notice the newcomer. "What's this now? When did Twilight finally get a pretty little marefriend to bring along?"

Not betraying any reaction at all, Fizzlepop just trotted up to the bar. "I'm actually her pretty little interim commander of the royal guard."

"Oh no way. So you're the notorious Tempest Shadow then?"

"You seem remarkably undisturbed by that," Fizzlepop responded, slightly impressed. 

"It's kinda a weird town. I regularly serve two former evil dictators and the living embodiment of pure chaos. What's your drink commander?" She asked while lining up another tall glass. 

"Off the clock, so Fizzlepop if you don't mind, and give me a second on that." The mare nodded as Fizzlepop turned to the mares she'd come in with. "Not to start the night on a dower note, but may I take a moment to tell you all something?"

The bar was largely empty save for some stallions who had come in not long after them. Not surprising considering the still early hour. So Fizzlepop decided it was the proper time for her to try something sappy in public. Her friends didn't seem to mind the delay on their night, all of them nodding their approval. 

Fizzlepop smiled and tried her best to not focus on a particular mare as she began. "I've never had friends like all of you before. I'm not good at expressing myself, but I just wanted to tell you all that coming out with you tonight means more to me then I can ever say. So I hope you'll all allow me one little gesture to show how much I appreciate all that you've done for me over the past months." There were more nods of approval, and a warm smile that made her face feel warmer. She smiled as she lifted the bag from over her shoulder. She opened it and turned to dump a pile of bits on the bar behind her. "The first round is on me."

Whoops and hollers of approval came from most of the assembled ponies as the bartender had apparently already filled most of their glasses while Fizzlepop's back was turned. Only two glasses were empty. 

"What's it gonna be tonight Twilight?"

The lavender mare seemed to consider for a moment. "It is a special occasion. What's that special drink you always recommend?"

"The Berry Punch. You gonna finally mare up and give it a try?" With mild hesitation Twilight gave a nod. "And what about miss tall, dark, and sexy."

The others seemed to acknowledge the comment in various ways, including Twilight quirking an eyebrow at the mare mixing her drink. Fizzlepop merely nodded to the drink she was preparing. "Is that your own specialty?"

"How did you ever guess?" The mare asked sarcastically. 

Fizzlepop just smiled back. "Make it two."

The pair turned to find the rest of their friends waiting for them. Fizzlepop was slightly confused, especially when she turned to see Twilight smiling mischievously at her. She had a flare up of an old instinct to use her magic to set off an explosion and tactically retreat through the nearest non-solid surface available. But she figured that would be some kind of party foul, not to mention the proprietor of the establishment would probably be upset. So instead she raised her eyebrow at the assembled mares in question. 

Pinkie was the one to explain, somehow appearing beside her and wrapping a foreleg over her shoulder. "Since it's your first time joining us, we all thought you'd like to decide what we're drinking to tonight."

The window above the group of stallions in hoodies was the closest thing available and she could clear it in one jump if she used Applejack as a steady springboard. Wait, they had probably anticipated that, if there was anypony among them who could hold her it would be Applejack. 

 'Stop being dramatic, it's just a toast.' 

'Yes, but I have no idea what to do. I'm usually a loner.'

She was taken aback by the offer, but the presence of six encouraging smiles settled her down.  But what did she want to drink to? She looked at Twilight. 

'Not that!'

"It wouldn't be too cliché for the Elements of Harmony to drink to friendship, would it?"

Smiles of various types passed among the girls, including an eye roll from Rainbow Dash. It ended up being her that replied. "That'll work, but you'd better have something more original next time."

The words were encouraging, so Fizzlepop lifted her glass followed immediately by the rest. "To friendship then."

"Friendship!" They all exclaimed, followed by the sounds of chugging. 

Watching the various actions of her friends felt oddly satisfying to Fizzlepop. Rarity and Fluttershy had only taken dainty sips of their drinks, apparently favoring to savor the experience. Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie apparently preferred to start off the night by seeing who could chug their drinks the fastest. It was Pinkie by a good margin, with Applejack and Rainbow finishing at almost the same time. Meanwhile Twilight and herself had apparently decided to be a little more cautious with their mystery drinks, taking decent enough pulls to get a good taste of them. Their bartender got their attention as an argument of the places of the chugging contest was already starting. 

"So, what's the verdict ladies?"

Twilight and Fizzlepop both smacked their lips. The princess answered first. "That is tasty. I expected it to burn a lot more." Berrypunch smiled mischievously. Fizzlepop smiled knowingly. 

"Yes, it's a very appealing mixture of sweet and tart." She took another small sip with a satisfied sigh. "Which does a fine job masking the taste of the frankly staggering amount of alcohol in it."

Twilight seemed confused by this. Berrypunch seemed surprised. She then let out a barking laugh. "Ha. Most ponies don't catch that until they're three in and already propositioning bar stools. Careful Twilight, if you ever decide to dump her I'll definitely catch her on the rebound."

Twilight was taken aback by this, starting to stutter out a reply she clearly didn't have. Fizzlepop cut her off with a laugh of her own. "Ha. Flattered, but I'm usually far too busy to be thinking about courting anypony. My vacation that Sparky here has so graciously granted me is nearly over, so I'd prefer to think about how many more of these specials I can get in me before the night is over."

The bartender was already at work, laughing as her hooves seemed to be working on autopilot as she poured two more hard ciders and something sweet looking into three presented glasses. The argument had apparently been decided and more drinking was to be commenced.  She poured an extra cider as Applejack took a seat in a barstool and squared up to the bar across from Berrypunch. 

"If y'all will excuse us, we got a score to settle."

"Oh Applejack, you sure know how to get a mare in the mood."

Fizzlepop turned away to give them their privacy, deciding to inquire with the others. "Do I want to know what that's about?"

Rainbow laughed before speaking. "The strongest drinks in town isn't the only reason AJ likes this place. She's got a weird thing for ponies who know what they like and can make a living off of it. That and they do a lot of business together." She raised her glass. "This place goes through a lot of Apple Family hard cider." She took a big swig. "And it's just as good as their regular cider."

"I've heard their cider is very good. But I'd imagine the nonalcoholic variety is in shorter supply."

Twilight seemed to remember something and seemed excited by it. "Oh right, cider season is coming up soon. We all usually help the Apple family out with it so they can provide more cider to the town. With the town's population going up so much the demand is going to be higher than ever. You should definitely stick around to help out. You get all the cider you can drink and it's actually a lot of fun when you work with friends."

Fizzlepop laughed at the offer. "Well of course I'm going to stick around. The only question will be if I can count it towards my community service. Maybe then I'll be able to pay it all off before I need to retire. Count me in." 

While Twilight was smiling tentatively at that, Rainbow seemed excited. "Hey, you hear that AJ," the prismatic mare called out to her farmer friend. "You're going to have some military efficiency to help with this year's cider season."

There were already a number of empty mugs around the two mares, more on the opposite side from Applejack. She looked over, already looking a little shaky, but noticed who Rainbow was pointing to. She smiled a slightly dopey smile. "I am definitely puttin' a down payment on a new apple cart, that's for sure. A real big one like Mac's been wantin' fer' years."

"I'll drink to more Apple family cider." Berrypunch added, raising another glass to the wobbly mare.

"Here here," Applejack clink them together and they both downed another. She smacked her lips a few times as she finished. "You know Berry, I don't think I've ever noticed what pretty pink eyes ya' got."

"Oh Applejack, yes you have."

"And I'm good,'' Rainbow declared. She turned back to her newest friend. "Hey Fizzlepop, you ever played pool? Since AJ is usually distracted I never have anypony to compete with. You in?"

Fizzlepop finished off her drink before pretending to think it over. "Hmm, pool? I do think I've heard of that before. You'd have to show me how to play though."

Having apparently caught a look Fizzlepop still didn't know how to hide from her, Twilight shot her a skeptical glance. Rainbow didn't seem to notice. 

"Ah yeah. This'll be cool. Just a sec." She grabbed all their glasses to get a refill from their currently no worse for wear bartender. She then flew them over to the side of the now filling bar to get a spot at the table. 

"Fizz, are you going to scam her?" Twilight asked incredulously as they approached the table. 

"Are you going to rat me out Sparky?" Fizzlepop asked while directing what she hoped was a flirtatious smile to her. 

It did its job as Twilight blushed slightly. "Just don't completely rip her off."

Fizzlepop stuck her tongue out teasingly. "But if I did, then it would just be something else Fluttershy could console her about at the end of the night."

Twilight noticed Fluttershy joining Rainbow Dash on the other side of the table, apparently ready to cheer her on. Twilight looked back and forth between them, then back to Fizzlepop, looking impressed. "Are you sure you can beat her?"

Fizzlepop smirked. "Pool is one big math problem. Once you get the angles down, you can't lose." For some reason Twilight's cheeks seemed to take on more color at that reply, but Fizzlepop decided to attribute it to the already half empty glass of extremely alcoholic liquid floating next to her. "Cheer me on, ok." She gave the mare a wink before trotting over to Rainbow. "So, how do you hold one of these sticks?


***


Four games and six ciders later and Rainbow Dash was feeling very confident. It was around that time that Pinkie Pie rejoined the group. 

"Hey Pinks, how's the pickings tonight?" Rainbow asked as she racked up the balls again. 

Pinkie seemed to put on a serious face as she made a display of considering her response. "Hummmm. I'd say only so-so."

"Really, what's wrong?" It was Fluttershy moving in close to Rainbow that inquired. 

Pinkie took a sip of her latest drink before continuing. "The fact that there's so many new ponies in Ponyville to be friends with is superdooper great, but it also means there's more meany-mean pants around too. Those stallions in the corner and those ones hanging out by the jukebox didn't want to talk or be friends at all."

Twilight spoke up next. "It's probably OK Pinkie. There's usually a few ponies at a bar who just want to drink their troubles away."

Pinkie waved her hoof as she took another drink. "Yeah yeah, I remember. Not everypony necessarily wants to be friends. At least not right away. Besides that, I've already made seven new friends tonight. And I'm going to plan one of their birthdays in twenty-seven days. It's gonna be fun."

Fizzlepop looked up while apparently still struggling to hold her pool stick correctly. "I should have figured that's what you were up to. You won't rest until you can throw a party for everypony will you?"

Pinkie smiled an only slightly devious smile. "No I won't." She said in an almost chilling tone. 

"I'll never tell Pinkie. I don't need a party and you girls do more than enough for me as it is."

Pinkie looked at her with challenge in her eyes. "Well my Pinkie sense tells me that you told somepony, so we'll just see about that." She then transitioned back to one of her usual smiles. "So if you 'should have' guessed what I was doing was what I was doing, what did you think I was doing before I told you what I was doing?"

Fizzlepop shrugged her shoulders at that while taking another sip of her drink. She had switched to cider after her second Punch, it really was hiding an obscene amount of alcohol and even she would have started feeling it a little too much by now. She was honestly concerned that Twilight was on her fourth. "Honestly, the way you were moving between the various stallions and the bar,  I thought you were flirting with all of them. Whether for free drinks or some companionship for later, I wasn't really sure."

Pinkie smiled even more brightly. "A mare can do more than one thing." Before anypony could inquire further she moved on. "So what are you girls all up to over here?"

Rainbow seemed to miss the suggestive tone in the always surprisingly observant mare's voice. "Oh, I'm just kicking her flanks at pool while Fluttershy continues to be the best cheering section ever and Twilight keeps making it easier for me to win by trying to turn the game into egghead stuff."

Fizzlepop suppressed a devious smile. "You're hardly kicking my flanks. I was starting to figure it out during that last game."

Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Yeah, that's because I was taking it easy on you. Twenty bits says you don't sink more than three balls this time around."

Twilight was currently turned away from Rainbow Dash, so Fizzlepop had to suppress a smile again at the eye roll she now shot her. "Oh yeah, well forty says I win this one."

Rainbow's eyes flashed with challenge while Fluttershy looked concerned. "Oh yeah? You're on."

Pinkie smiled a knowing smile to Fizzlepop and Twilight. "Sounds like you girls are having fun. That's all that matters, so if you'll excuse me, it looks like Rarity needs a wingmare with a few cuties over there." 

Pinkie Pie departed while Rainbow Dash rested her pool stick over her shoulder in a cocky manner. "Well, you ready."


***


Three games and one hundred and sixty bits later and Twilight had decided they'd all had enough pool for the night. She had scolded Fizzlepop briefly about taking advantage of ponies, but Fizzlepop was having way too much fun to be discouraged and Twilight had known it. 

They had managed to join Applejack at the bar, where she'd apparently been staring at the same glass of cider for the past twenty minutes. It seemed like she couldn't figure out exactly why the drink didn't seem appealing at all to her at the moment. It was also fairly clear that she wasn't moving due to her body realizing more than her mind that if she moved her forehooves from where they were on the bar, then she'd likely end up on the floor. 

The bar being full now meant Berrypunch was only paying a passing attention to her challenger for the night. She made some lighthearted jabs at her every now and then to make sure she was still OK. Applejack's face seemed to get redder with each one. 

Rainbow Dash had finally slowed down on the ciders as well. She currently was nursing her wounded pride along with another one Fluttershy had had to purchase for her now that she was much lower on bits for the evening. Fluttershy seemed to have had enough Shirley Temples to feel bold enough to drape a wing over her friend's shoulder as she did her best to assure her that she was still the coolest mare ever. 

Not far away Rarity and Pinkie Pie were busy letting some stallions try to teach them how to play darts. Fizzlepop was sure they were doing their best to try to let the sets of mares have their time alone. She did appreciate it. But all the assembled mares, as well as some other patrons of the bar, suddenly had to turn to pay attention to an odd sound. 

A high, almost piercing laugh came from Fizzlepop. It was loud enough that it could easily be heard over the rather loud music the stallions by the jukebox had been keeping going for some time now. The laughing seemed to become infectious as the intimidating mare it was coming from now seemed to weeze with the strain of the action, pounding her hoof on the bar heartily as she did so.

"You cannot tell Shining Armor I told you that story though. He would kill me. Then you, then probably himself just for good measure."

Fizzlepop struggled for breath as she tried to respond. "Bwh-hahaha... you can't be serious if you think I'm not going to use that. Hahaha... and you too!!! He took your chemistry set as a joke, so you...bwahahahaha, just, created an x-ray vision spell. Just created it, at age 10, like it's nothing. And it accidentally fixed your eyes when you freaked out because you accidently found his..."

She finally stopped as she felt hooves clamp down on her muzzle. The frantic look in the eyes of the mare in front of her did little to abate her good mood. She snickered through her restraint. 

"Not one word! He made me swear not to tell anypony about that."

"Eh Mumph dungh mef..." Twilight removed her hooves and Fizzlepop started again. "I don't know. I'm not sure if I'll be able to stop myself from snickering around him the next time we have any sort of joint military activity."

"And just like that Equestria is going to have to cut all political ties to the Crystal Empire."

"And just like that I'm going to have to declare war on them." 

"You can't declare a war just to laugh at my brother about being caught with Playcolt magazines."

It was at that moment that Twilight became more aware of the sudden lack of other sounds in the bar. Despite that the town had already adjusted to the former tyrant Tempest Shadow no longer being quite so threatening, it apparently still drew attention to hear her surprisingly feminine laugh ringing quite so openly in public. It was now apparent to Twilight that a fair bit of the now very much lively bar had been paying them at least some attention. And a fair bit more of them definitely were now. 

With a glance Twilight confirmed that the rest of her friends were now staring at her in various states of shock. Except Rainbow Dash, who was clearly over her losses at the pool table. Her cheshire grin was only beaten out by Fizzlepop's. 

"Ok Sparky, I promise I won't tell your brother that you told me about this story."

"I hate you so much." Twilight slumped onto the bar. 

"I knew you would eventually. Berrypunch, get her another one of those fruity abominations. On Rainbow Dash," she added as she dumped a more than generous amount of her winnings on the bar. 

Twilight attempted to use her magic to slide the bits back, but their bar keep was faster. Her glass was refilled before she could protest. 

"Fizz, you don't need to use your money on me. I brought enough for both of us and extra if the girls needed."

"I'll take another cider," Rainbow cut in with more than a little slur to her words. The act of attempting to grandly gesture to Twilight as she did so caused her to lose balance on her stool and end up slumped against Fluttershy. 

Fluttershy looked over to Twilight as she begrudgingly attempted to right the other pegasus. "She's cut off." She directed her gaze back to Rainbow Dash. "You can finish the one you have, but that's it Rainbow Dash."

"Oh come on Shy, I'm good. I could still fly a lap around Equestria in ten seconds flat if I wanted to. I'm just that awesome." She said this as she took what she clearly thought was a heroic pose. 

Fluttershy rolled her eyes, looking down to hide her smile. "Did you mean to fan both of your wings out for that?"

Rainbow looked confused. "Why...?" She turned and noticed she had only opened one of her wings. She proceeded to manually push it out with her hoof, only to notice the other fold back in. The collective ponies at the bar watched in amusement as she repeated this several times. The rainbow mare finally let out a snicker of laughter. "I might need some help getting home tonight."

"Isn't it inherently dangerous to be drunk in a cloud home?" Fizzlepop decided to helpfully ask.

Seeming to catch on to what was going on, Twilight chimed in as well. "She's right, it makes you statistically more likely to cause damage to the clouds and fall."

Fluttershy managed to suppress a smile, but a little color did manage to spread into her cheeks. "They're right Rainbow Dash. Plus I had a drink too, I can't fly you home. You can spend the night wi.. at my cottage."

The blush on Fluttershy's face became more prominent as Rainbow now decided to lean in and try to give her friend a drunken hug. "Thank you so much Fluttershy, you're the best."

Others now seemed to start looking away, giving the pair their privacy. Twilight and Fizzlepop did as well, Twilight turning and speaking low as she did. "You got them further in one week than the rest of us have in years."

Fizzlepop turned her nose up in a show of mock indignation she had clearly learned from Rarity at some point. "How rude of you to accuse me of such a thing. I would never meddle in the love lives of my friends. I simply stated the truth that it would be unwise for Rainbow to go home alone tonight. If Fluttershy wishes to do something with that information then it is by her own will."

"What about that thing you did at the spa? Did that not count as meddling?"

"Not according to Fluttershy, so that's the story I'm going with."

Twilight smiled and took a sip of her drink before replying. "And you still try to act like you haven't changed at all."

Fizzlepop gave a low laugh that could barely be heard over the now even louder music that one of the stallions who'd been standing by the jukebox had put on. She finished her own drink with one big swig. "It is entirely possible that I truly haven't. I've spent most of my life around creatures I could break through sheer force of will. Maybe this is just what I'd be like if I had been able to live my life among ponies I respect." She threw down another few bits on the bar, presumably the last few she had won from Rainbow. "One more Punch, and another for her when she's finished."

"Fizz, I've got it. I only just realized you don't have an income which I'm definitely going to have to address. Don't waste your money on me."

"You pay me in room and board as well as not being in prison. And besides, there's no other pony I'd rather spend my bits on. My lovely princess."

Color flared up in Twilight's cheeks. She finished her drink to wash it away. "You still should have some bits for if you want to go do stuff on your own." She stopped to think for a moment, which seemed harder for her to do at this point in the night. "Where did you get the bits you used for everypony earlier if you don't have any income?"

"I sold all my belongings." She took another drink, pretending not to notice Twilight's jaw drop next to her. 

".... What?" Twilight managed to catch herself and keep her outburst from being too loud. 

"Everything I came to Ponyville with. I managed to find some shops in the new shopping square that had some eclectic tastes and wanted some items from very far off places. Everything that didn't sell, I threw away."

"Fizz. Why? You can't just get rid of everything you own."

"I have a lot more now, thanks to you. I had no use for any of it anymore." She turned fully to the other mare. "I don't try to hold onto things I don't need or want. You've given me a new life, so I thought it was time to make a clean break."

Twilight looked taken aback. Her cheeks were redder than they were before but she seemed to be keeping her composure. She seemed to track her gaze over Fizzlepop before she responded. "The way you say it seems almost sad, but I'm still happy. I've... I've been worried for a while now about what would happen when you didn't have to be here with me."

"Not that we have to worry about that any time soon, but I don't plan on leaving your side by my own power if I have any say in the matter." 

That was the moment Fizzlepop realized that they both must have had much more to drink then either of them noticed. After Fizzlepop had turned to face Twilight, it had apparently prompted the other mare to do the same. In their slightly more inebriated state than they thought, apparently they had slumped forward on the squishy barstools. And had leaned forward. And why were Twilight's eyes half closed? And why did it feel like hers were too?

Something happened that should have been incredibly painful to Fizzlepop. Without realizing it, she had gotten close enough to her princess that the tip of her horn poked into the blunt base of Fizzlepop's broken one. Rather than a shot of searing pain, an odd feeling of contentment came with the sensation, giving her an odd sense of euphoria. 

"Twilight..."

"Yeah Fizz?" Why did her voice seem so far off at the moment? It couldn't be just because of the drinks. 

Even though she had told Fluttershy she would wait, her pegasus friend had also left her with no defenses left to fight this feeling. Her fight or flight instincts were hammering on overdrive like they never had before. She paid attention to nothing and everything all at once. 

"... There's something..."

Across from them, Rainbow Dash seemed to be nearly passed out while pressed against Fluttershy. Just beyond them Berrypunch served Applejack another glass of water while drinking down another glass of cider against her. 

Twilight's breath tickled her nose.

Off to the side Pinkie seemed to be leading a drinking game with some ponies she'd just met. Rarity had apparently decided to play referee to it. 

And her princess smelled so sweet. 

The music had changed up again to something even louder. And the stallions hanging around there seemed to be spreading out to dance to their selection. 

Just an inch away. 

"...I think I need..."

A stallion from the group that had been there almost as long as them had apparently been picked from his friends to get the next round. He seemed to be making his way up to the bar, but seemed to be in no condition to do so. He stumbled and staggered heavily as he went, nearly bumping into several ponies as he did. One brushed against him as he almost made it to his destination, causing a lock of blond mane to fall free from his hoodie as he lingered to catch his balance. 

He lingered half a heart beat too long. 

Behind Twilight. 

In the span of less than a second several things happened. There was a sound of ripping cloth which immediately accompanied a sound like something slicing the air, followed closely by a metallic clang. Then a sound like a hoof impacting a face. A gutteral shout of a drill instructor broke through the atmosphere of the bar, seeming to cut the blood alcohol level of everypony in an instant. 

"ASSASSINS IN THE BAR! PRIMARY TARGET IS THE PRINCESS! ELEMENT BEARERS LIKELY SECONDARY! AS MANY AS NINE ASSAILANTS!

Twilight's eyes had gone wide, along with most of the bars at that moment. Fizzlepop didn't have any time to focus on it as she took a defensive stance in front of her charge. 

The stallion had come from the table at her two o'clock position, and they all seemed to have stood after her declaration. The assassin had been knocked across the floor of the bar, but not as far as he should have been; her hoof also stung from the impact more than it should. Luckily his cheap knife had been broken in the confrontation and lost somewhere to the bar floor. He was currently being helped up by some of the stallions that had been lingering around the jukebox, who were now advancing from her nine o'clock. 

Her primary objective was as secure as it could be behind her. Secondary objective:

"Fluttershy, Rarity. I need you to get all non-combatants out of the bar safely. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, defend them while they do so.  Pinkie Pie. Fast as you can. Go get some guards, we need them here now."

The group had sobered up considerably in just a few seconds, and while they took to their tasks quickly they were still obviously concerned. 

"What about the two of you?" Rarity asked while lighting her horn to magically shove some still stunned ponies in the right direction. 

Two stallions were still advancing from her nine. She switched her knife from her hoof to a magical grip that crackled and hissed. Before they could lunge forward with their own knives drawn, they were hit by bolts of magic coming from behind her. 

Twilight had jumped on top of the bar to give herself an elevated shooting position. "Berrypunch, you need to get out too. We'll try to keep collateral damage to a minimum, go with Applejack and Rarity."

Fizzlepop allowed herself a moment to look away from the advancing attackers and give her friends a smug smile. "We'll be fine. We're just going to keep their attention on us for a while so you all can get everypony clear."

Pinkie was apparently already gone. There was luckily enough airspace in the bar for Fluttershy to take to the air to grab the few patrons of the bar left between the two advancing mobs. Any attack sent her direction was met with a vicious kick from a blue hoof coming from a target too fast for any of the attackers to retaliate against.  

Making sure not to move out of a defensible position from Twilight, Fizzlepop advanced enough to cut off whatever attack she could before it was even made. The group in the hoodies moved to try to stop the escape of the rest as the Elements got them out of the door as quickly as possible. Twilight threw up a shield.

"Hurry, get them as far away from here as possible. Guards will be here soon, so stay with them."

One of the attackers pulled something from his pocket and slipped it around his horn. 

"Sparky, their clothes have magical defenses and they seem to be carrying combat enhancers."

"No wonder that guy was able to stand up after you hit him." A familiar blond stallion shot off a wave of magic into Twilight's shield. "Military grade, not bad." She pumped more energy into her spell. "But I was breaking those when I was twelve."

Feedback from the shield hit the stallion hard, shattering the ring around his horn and blasting him back into the wall. This seemed to end their attempts to go after the others in the bar. All nine, eight now, turned to the Princess of Friendship and the Commander of the Royal guard. 

"You think that because your magic is strong that you are a true Alicorn. Only the purest may lead, that is why your mere existence is a blight on..."

"Are you really doing a villain monologue right now?" Fizzlepop asked, almost letting a laugh escape her lips even as the group all brandished weapons now. 

"Hornless freaks like you do not speak in the presence of true believers."

He was blasted through a wall with the force of the next shot Twilight let loose. "Don't you dare talk to her like that."

"Abominations!"

Twilight was already overcharging another blast when a hearty laugh from Fizzlepop made her reconsider. 

"That's right. I am an abomination. I'm the stuff of your worst nightmares. The only reason you aren't all already dead even with those enchantments is because I have a strict no kill order from the Alicorn kicking all your flanks right now."

Two advanced on her at the same time while another tried to move around her to Twilight. 

She blocked the first stallion's weapon with her own, while delivering a blow to the face of the other that made a crunching noise. She used the momentum to feint away from the first, but only to drop low and get his momentum over her. With a swift kick she sent him flying over her and into the third before he got another step closer to Twilight.

"Enchantment versus Enchantment." She had already righted herself as she gestured to the two stallions that had knocked each other out cold. "Not to mention your faces are still free game." She wiped her hoof off against the now tattered hem of her dress. 

"You can not stop the tru.."

"Guards will be here soon and I don't think I'm getting any Intel from these wack jobs. You want to wrap this up Twilight?"

"With those enchants on I'd have to use a level five restraint spell, and I can't hit them all at once with that unless I have some kind of prism to split the beam." 

Fizzlepop laughed smugly. "Ariel can lend us some assistance." 

Though she heard a noise of confusion from behind her, Fizzlepop still proceeded with confidence. She stood on her hind legs, taking her knife into both her forehooves. She held it high above her, exposing herself to any attack they might decide to make. And it looked like they would take the chance, If a beam of magic didn't hit the blade at nearly the same moment. 


***


"You know, for 'pure' ponies, you sure do whine a lot."

Nine stallions lay on the ground, most moaning in pain at the magical bonds that had blown their magical guards off before subduing them. The guards, as well as Applejack and Rainbow Dash, had arrived just a few moments after Fizzlepop and Twilight had wrapped up the fight. Their presence had at least made it easier to get the group out of the bar for processing. 

One of them had been much chattier than the rest, apparently taking on the role of their leader. One of the blond stallions that seemed to have been stalking Twilight and Fizzlepop all week now lay before her and responded in as condescending a tone as he could muster. 

"You think you've beaten us, you lesser pony. You don't know how things really work. We'll be freed soon enough, and we'll be back. We are an unstoppable cleansing light."

Fizzlepop gave a grunt of affirmation. "It's true, Equestria's legal system is much too forgiving for my taste. Luckily," she now said as she bent low and gave him a sickly sweet smile that made him cringe. "I have the word of a princess stating that if I ever saw either you or your buddy over there again, then any and all decisions on how you are apprehended, interrogated, and prosecuted," pause for dramatic effect, "falls to me."

He was visibly shocked, but was trying to maintain some level of stoicism. The one he'd been seen around town with just across from him however; "Oh sweet Celestia, no! I told you she hadn't gone soft. She's been onto us this whole time. She clearly wasn't even drunk, this must have been a set up."

"Quiet you whelp! We are superior ponies, we don't need..."

"Oh shut up Jerry! We are so screwed!"

Jerry now became frustrated as he tried to quickly talk over the other unicorn. "That is Grandmaster to you. Cease your chattering for the glory of..."

"I will roll on everypony here if you'd just please not hurt me."

"Dave you little turd, you said you wouldn't do this again." Jerry's voice now suddenly became much more whiny as he struggled against his bonds to glare at the other stallion. 

"Screw that. I told you, that's Tempest Shadow! She'll feed us to Timber Wolves just for fun. I'm done, I'm out."

They began to bicker back and forth, several of the others getting involved. Fizzlepop let it go on for a minute, gesturing to one of her guards to start taking notes on what they were saying. They were giving up a lot of information. "When they're done go ahead and free the squealer. Princess Twilight is busy so it will take at least six of you to break her magic. Be careful of the magical backlash." She whispered this to him as he diligently took his notes. 

"Yes ma'am, thank you ma'am. Where will you be if there's trouble?"

"I'm going to go check on the V.I.P.s. Although I'm sure you all can handle the situation from here."

He suddenly broke his composure, eyes going wide as his gaze turned slowly up to her. "Uh, thank.. thank you ma'am."

Fizzlepop gave him a salute. " I know you'll all make me proud."

He managed to get himself back on track as she left him and the other guards behind to deal with the official procedures. The Element Bearers, her friends, were close by down another small street. Although something seemed off. 

"Shy! Shy! What happened Shy? You guys, she's OK right?"

Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie stood aside looking concerned. Rainbow Dash lay on the ground next to an unconscious Fluttershy. Fizzlepop's pace quickened, leading her to sliding in on the opposite side of her fallen friend. 

"Fizzlepop, what happened to her? Do the guards have a medic? Is she going to be ok?"

Fizzlepop did her best to ignore the panic in Rainbow and herself as she carefully rolled the delicate pegasus on her back and pressed an ear to her chest. She then shifted to her face, lifting an eyelid and checking dilation. She then pressed the area of exposed skin at the base of her ear to see how quickly the color came back. 

She had to force herself not to let out an involuntary noise, it wouldn't help the situation. Fluttershy, by self admittance one of the biggest cowards in Equestria, had seen a literal threat to her life and the lives of the ponies she held dear and had faced it head on. Despite her fear she had done what needed to be done, heroically securing bystanders to allow Fizzlepop and Twilight the time and space needed to sort out those responsible.

And only then had she decided it was OK to faint. She'd be fine in mere minutes at most. "This isn't good Rainbow Dash." But a side of her she didn't even know existed until recently decided Rainbow Dash didn't need to know that. 

"WHAT!!! What happened? If any of them hurt her I swear..."

"There's no time for that now Rainbow." 'Because she's probably going to wake up soon anyway.' "You need to help her." 

Seeing that Rainbow's entire focus was on the mare before her, Fizzlepop directed her attention to the other onlookers, and gave them a smile. Their tension broke, but Fizzlepop did manage to signal for their silence. They managed to signal their understanding as Rainbow's attention now shifted to her. 

"What do you mean I have to help her? I only know about sports injuries."

"It has to be you Rainbow Dash. She needs resuscitation. I sprained my hoof, Applejack is too strong and Rarity and Pinkie aren't strong enough to give her chest compressions after if she needs them." Fizzlepop was sure if the rainbow mare in front of her wasn't so frazzled she'd realize how ridiculous that sounded. But with her brain firing in every direction at once, all it did was make a look of iron determination harden in her eyes. 

"Ok, just tell me what to do. Anything for Fluttershy."

"Good. Then place your hoof on the side of her face and lean her head back." It should be the forehead, but she didn't need to know that.

Rainbow fumbled for a second before leaning over her  fallen friend and reaching her hoof around the opposite side. Fizzlepop stole a glance to the others who were now all smiling slyly. And where did Pinkie get that popcorn? 

"Now I already checked her breathing, so all she needs is you to give her breath." 'Or to take it away.'

"Be Ok Shy," Rainbow said as she leaned close.

"Now lock your lips tight with hers." 

Rainbow Dash didn't hesitate, but unfortunately neither did Fluttershy. Their lips were only locked for a moment before her eyes shot open, then immediately began to flutter closed. The stirring was enough for Rainbow to notice and pull away before even one breath was given, which was probably for the best anyway. Though she was initially shocked, she luckily made the switch to excited quickly enough that she didn't realize she hadn't actually done anything. 

"Fluttershy, you're OK. Thank goodness." Rainbow wrapped her friend in a tight embrace. Tight enough that neither noticed Fizzlepop lightly pulling back and joining with the rest of the group to quietly back away. Fizzlepop did however keep an ear open as they tried to give them some privacy. 

"I don't know what I would have done if you got hurt Shy."

"It's Ok, I'll always be ok if you're around." There was a quiet pause where the whole group was sure they heard a sob. "Rainbow Dash, there's something I really need to tell you."

"So how did the rest of you fair?" Fizzlepop asked once they were far enough away. 

"We're fine sugarcube, just sorry we didn't get back in time ta' help out."

"Indeed. I know you're very capable but I didn't like leaving you alone with..." Rarity suddenly gasped as her eyes went wide upon finally getting a good look at her friend. 

"Relax, it's fine. Those guys were pushovers even with their magic gear. The longest lasting problem to take care of with this is going to be the paperwork. And considering how much Sparky loves that sort of thing, I'm perfectly happy letting her handle that." They all managed to exchange a smile. Fizzlepop had the distinct feeling she'd walked into something. 

"Sharing chores already. My my, an attempted assassination does seem to push a relationship forward does it not."

"We li... we share a residence and she is my commanding authority. We've shared responsibilities ever since I arrived."

Applejack smiled smugly. "So how was it fighting alongside her?"

Fizzlepop rolled her eyes at the smile Rarity now gave at the question. "The gossip has been strong I see." The smile remained. "It was amazing. Knowing I had somepony like her at my back made me feel invincible. And that's coming from somepony who doesn't regularly feel intimidated in battle as it is."

"We were all hoping that giving you happy couples some time alone tonight would lead to something. It looks like we were right even if it happened a little differently than we thought." Pinkie Pie smiled brightly.

Fizzlepop smiled, but it was slightly downcast. "Unfortunately, it still doesn't mean things are going to turn out how you all might hope." Smiles turned to looks of encouragement. "I should go find Sparky. She might need help wrapping up the last of this mess."

Smiles returned as she turned away. Twilight would be back at the bar coordinating cleanup and transportation of all the assailants. Fizzlepop found her talking with a familiar mare. 

"Once again, we're sorry for the mess. Equestria's disaster relief programs should cover anything you need."

Berrypunch rolled her eyes as she absentmindedly looked over some papers Twilight had presented her with. "I live in Ponyville. Like I've never filled out disaster relief forms before." They shared a laugh at that. "Wait up, this wasn't caused by a world ending monster of any kind. Is it still the same form?"

"Just don't fill out anything from section 'E' on."

"So nothing after page sixteen, gotcha. Now I think your marefriend might want your attention."

Fizzlepop decided to feel encouraged that as Twilight was looking over her checklist, she seemed to not feel the need to correct the statement. Instead her ears perked up at the sound of approaching hooves. She turned, and smiled. Her eyes then went wide and she suddenly disappeared leaving her parchment to flutter to the ground. Fizzlepop's vision filled with light a second later and she was amazed she only reacted by feeling her cheeks heat up as she felt hooves suddenly on her. 

"Fizz! Why didn't you tell me you got hurt!? How bad is it?! We need a medic over here!!!" Twilight suddenly shouted without pulling away from where she was trying to examine the bloody spot on Fizzlepop's neck without touching any of the blood. 

Fizzlepop was looking down at a clearly panicking princess. And while she did think her worried expression was kind of cute, she did not want to prolong her distress. Using her clean hoof she reached up, catching Twilight's chin and forcing it up until she was looking her in the eyes. Their noses were also nearly touching, but she figured it was a necessary byproduct of the situation and didn't need to adjust. 

"Twilight, calm down."

"No! You're..."

"It's not my blood. I got it on me when I broke one of those guys' teeth out." She lifted her other hoof to rip away some of the tattered remains of her dress. She held it out so Twilight could see the soiled remains of the fight that still clung on. 

Twilight, having calmed considerably, sat back on her haunches and brought her own forehooves up to the offered one. She turned the hoof over dumping the torn fabric and examining the dirtied hoof instead. "It looks like you nicked up your hooves again, and after we just got them cleaned up for you."

The attempt at humor did its job well enough. Both mares smiled as the stress from the incident finally seemed to lessen from the shoulders of both mares. "Well if both of us weren't going to be buried in paperwork for the next ten hours or so, I'd say we earned some spa time."

"And apparently we need to commission Rarity to make you some combat ready dresses considering the state of this one. And a new bow too from the looks of it."

Fizzlepop pulled away from the embrace, her hoof going up to her mane. She unclasped the small green accessory, and groaned as it's now cut and dangling remains came into view. "Blast it all. I could have taken or left the dress, but I liked the ribbon."

Seeing the genuine displeasure in the other mare, Twilight raised her hooves up. She wrapped her hooves around the occupied one and pushed it down so Fizzlepop and herself were once again face to face. "Well then, it looks like I'll just have to get you another one."

"You don't have to..."

"Every time you say I don't have to, I'm getting you another one. As many as will fit in your room, the very next time we go shopping. 

Fizzlepop rolled her eyes. "So another trip to the spa and another day of shopping. But with your paperwork and me tracking down how these guys managed to get military hardware, that will be when? June or July, maybe August."

Twilight pretended to consider it. "Let's go with August, so we can make it your birthday present."

Fizzlepop rolled her eyes again,  but smiled. "Yeah, sounds great. It's a date."

Weight fell back onto them at the words. Both knew at a glance that those words needed to be addressed, but both knew they didn't quite know how. 

"Fizz..."

"Sparky..."

"....."

"....."

"Your highness."

"Commander Shadow."

Guards had approached both of them, multiple to each and each seeming to require their attention for different tasks. They began talking over one another as the mares struggled with their priorities. 

Duty and emotions battled in Fizzlepop's head. A look of concern came to Twilight's face, followed by her expression hardening. 

The princesses' wings flared out dramatically as a hoof went up to silence the assembled guards. "I need a minute to speak to the Commander of the royal guard alone. We will get this situation sorted out as efficiently as possible, for now I must ask you to return to your tasks."

The guards were taken aback, but all dutifully bowed before departing. Fizzlepop had to smile. "You've gotten way more assertive haven't you?"

"Fizz." The soft tone immediately brought Fizzlepop's full attention to Twilight. "We have some serious things to talk about, don't we?"

Fizzlepop smiled, but it felt more like a wince. "It's not anything you need to be concerned with. My duty comes first, so we can put..."

"Quit trying to tell me not to care about how you feel."

The words weren't loud but they still made the former villain stagger back as if she was struck. They stood in silence for a few moments before Twilight spoke again. 

"You told me you always leave Saturdays free right?" Fizzlepop nodded, it was all she could manage at the moment. "Then if you want to... No. Your princess demands that you be early to your meeting. As early as is convenient. Do you understand?"

"Yes your... Sparky." Fizzlepop was confused looking into Twilight's eyes at that moment. It was suddenly as if the entire week had never happened and she was once again unable to figure out what she was feeling towards Twilight. 

Her voice came out smaller than it ever had while she was in public. "Can... can I still bring my book with me?"

Twilight smiled, and Fizzlepop felt a weight lift from her instantly. "Of course. I'll have snacks."

With that both mares turned to the ponies waiting on them. They both worked with urgency, they had plans they would not put off.