It must have been really late by the time everyone finally got outside. The fall temperature was a lot chillier in the night than they were prepared for, and yet the alcohol flowing through their bloodstreams kept them warm. Some warmer than others.
"Woooh!" Applejack stumbled forward and bumped into Sunset's back. She chuckled and grabbed onto her back to keep herself from falling. "Sorry 'bout that. I musta forgotten my sea legs."
Sunset sighed and rolled her eyes. "We aren't on a boat, AJ." She grabbed Applejack by both shoulders and kept her steady in front of her. Sunset irritably looked at Rainbow Dash, who was a bit tipsy but seemed a lot better than Applejack. "I thought you were going to keep her under control."
Rainbow held up her hands in the air next to her head. "Hey, I was watching her the whole time, except for literally ten minutes." She walked forward and poked Applejack in the arm. "Next thing I know, she's in a drinking contest with someone I have never seen before," she explained with that tone of voice that usually meant she was lying in some capacity.
Sunset shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Okay, well it doesn't matter anymore." She looked around to make sure her friends were all still there. Everyone was in various stages of soberness, from Twilight’s near-complete sobriety to Applejack's complete drunkenness. It was a disaster. "Can someone call a cab?"
Twilight, who was already on her phone, nodded. "On it." She dialed a number on her phone and held it up to her ear. "Hello? Yeah, hi, can I get a cab?" She squinted her eyes, trying to make out the voice. "What? Yes, the late-night fee is fine. Yes, we have cash." She glanced over to Sunset who rolled her eyes in understanding. "Can you get a cab here as soon as possible?"
As Twilight kept arguing with whatever poor guy was stuck on phone duty that late at night, Sunset looked over her friends. "Okay, we can head back to my place since it's the closest one to here, other than Rarity's, but I don't have to worry about keeping everything tidy."
Rarity nodded, a pleased smile on her face.
Fluttershy leaned on Rainbow, who kept glancing at Applejack with an annoyed glare. "Um, are you sure? We can just go back home if you want."
Sunset shook her head. "No way. It'd be a bad idea to split up right now. Plus, I know the perfect cure to a hangover, so it'd be beneficial to you if you stayed."
Rarity clapped her hands. "That sounds just perfect, darling! I can't wait to get back." She rummaged through her purse and took out a pocket mirror and frowned at her reflection.
"Heh, darling," Applejack echoed. "I like that word." She continued to repeat the word, enunciating it differently each time. Rainbow groaned in annoyance, while Rarity just smiled, half in annoyance.
Sunset absolutely hated being one of the more sober ones. She probably drank as much as Applejack, probably even more, and she was just tipsy. Curse my ability to handle alcohol!
"Okay, I finally got the cab company to send a cab our way," Twilight groaned as she put away her phone. "I don't know why it was so hard, it's his job."
Applejack lunged forward, landing on Rarity who nearly slapped her in her attempt to catch her. It was almost funny if it wasn't for the fact that they both almost fell backwards. Or maybe that made it even more humorous.
Applejack frowned at Twilight. "Jobs are hard work, ya know. I work on the farm every day and it ain't easy."
Rarity patted Applejack on the head, adjusting her hat to sit neatly on it. "We know, dear." She moved Applejack to stand next to her instead of in front of her and put an arm around her waist for support.
Sunset's eyelid twitched. "Okay, this is a disaster. The cab better come soon." She turned to the road, watching for any activity, but other than other party-goers who disturbed the peace, there was no taxi in sight.
Twilight narrowed her eyes and looked out into the road. "Wait, I think that's the taxi!"
Sunset looked in the direction that Twilight pointed to see a yellow van with a glowing toplight displaying the company logo on the top of it. "Thank God."
The taxi pulled up as Sunset waved at it. The driver rolled down the passenger side window and eyed the group. Sunset smiled meekly. "Look, we just really need a ride. It's not far, but some of us," she glanced at Applejack, "are not suited to walk right now."
The driver shrugged and motioned for them to get in. Fluttershy and Twilight sat in the back. Rainbow Dash looked at Sunset expectantly, but Sunset shook her head. "Nope, I need to sit closer to the driver so I can tell him where to go. One of you needs to sit back there."
Rainbow smiled awkwardly. "I'd love to but—"
"I want to sit next to Rarity and Rainbow Dash!" Applejack whined as she grabbed both of them by the arm and brought them closer to her. She pouted at Sunset.
Sunset rubbed her temple. She was not drunk enough for this. "Okay, so you three sit in the back and I'll sit up front with Fluttershy and Twi."
Rarity shook her head. "I cannot stand sitting in the back of the car. It makes me feel ill, and having ingested alcohol will certainly not help my case." Applejack nodded in agreement, sticking out her tongue with a frown. Rainbow shrugged, seemingly indifferent.
"Oh my fucking… Okay, fine. We'll do it your way." Sunset climbed in first, followed by Rarity, then Applejack, then Rainbow. It was incredibly uncomfortable. Sunset was pressed up on the window as Applejack wrapped her arms around Rarity and Rainbow Dash's necks. They both rolled their eyes, but a hint of a smile betrayed them. Sunset was just annoyed.
Sunset rubbed her shoulder as she got out of the car. At least they were home, or nearly there. She didn't live on campus, but she had an apartment to herself, which was nice. She said her thanks to the driver, and apologized for Applejack's rendition of "A Hundred Jugs o' Cider on the Wall". The driver repressed a laugh and drove away.
They stood in the elevator, Applejack down to eighty-four jugs on the wall. Sunset was ready to call it a day, and it seemed that Fluttershy and Rarity were in agreement. Twilight mentioned wanting to study how Applejack was responding to the alcohol for science. Sunset shrugged it off as Twi being Twi.
And finally, they were inside. Sunset shut the door behind them with a sigh of relief. Of course, nothing was ever as good as it seemed. Rainbow Dash ran to the bathroom and vomited into the toilet. Fluttershy ran in behind her, murmuring assurances and closed the door to the bathroom. If Rainbow had drunk enough to warrant throwing up, she certainly didn't show it before.
Applejack, who certainly showed it, passed out on the couch she had chosen to throw herself on as soon as they got in. Rarity frowned at Applejack's intoxicated state, but still sat on the floor near her head, rubbing her cheek with a worried expression. Twilight sat on the loveseat adjacent to the two and looked at her phone, but occasionally glanced up at them.
And Sunset was definitely not drunk enough for this. She contemplated popping open her own bottle of rum but decided that it was better for her to stay sober. The thought was extremely tempting, though. While she gave it a second thought, she heard a buzzing come from the counter in the kitchen. She walked over to it, not sure if it was real, or her head being fuzzy from the alcohol.
It was the book. Sunset had never felt more glad to be receiving a message. She loved talking to Princess Twilight and all, but she desperately needed a distraction from the mess that happened behind her. She opened up the book to the most recent page as words started to appear.
Dear Sunset Shimmer,
I know we talked recently, but there's been something on my mind for the past few days. I recently came across a book about dark magic and the content seemed somewhat familiar. Don't take this the wrong way, but it reminded of that time back in your Canterlot when you took my crown. The book contained a spell that claimed to give the user more power.
That was definitely not something that Sunset was expecting. She was reading it correctly, right?
Don't worry! I didn't use it, I'm not stupid. No offense. But now I've been hearing a voice in my head.
A pause. Was that it? Because if so, then Sunset was extremely worried. Hearing voices was never good.
Okay, I know that sounds weird, but it's not really my voice, although it sounds like it. I don't know how to explain it, and I don't know how to get rid of it. Does it sound familiar to you at all? You might be better versed in this topic.
Your friend, Twilight Sparkle
Sunset blinked, trying to process what she had just read. Whatever tiny effect the alcohol had on her completely cleared up. The shock and confusion were sobering, literally.
She looked at the digital clock on the counter, then grinned at the book. Leave it to Twilight to stay up reading, even if it seemed to be a slightly concerning subject matter.
Twilight, you do know it's like three in the morning, right?
Anyway, it's fine, I just came back from a party so you didn't wake me.
While I can't say I'm completely sure I know what you're talking about, I can recognize the warning signs. If you still have the book, I recommend you get rid of it or destroy it. I think it might be affecting you somehow, and you'd better stop it before it gets out of hand hoof. The last thing Equestria needs is someone as powerful as you getting messed up by some dark magic.
By the way, what's the book called? Maybe I've heard of it.
SS.
Sunset put her pen down next to the book and turned around, knowing that it would take a little while for Twilight to respond. She watched the scene in front of her. Applejack remained on the couch and drooled onto her throw pillow. Mental note, take that pillow to the dry cleaner. Rarity leaned her head back on the cushion, and Applejack's hand rested on her shoulder. Sunset couldn't help but smile.
She looked further to the right. Rainbow and Fluttershy exited the bathroom, Fluttershy let Rainbow lean on her, and they both looked relieved. Sunset knew exactly how relieving, and horrible, it felt to throw up after a long night. Twilight remained on the loveseat, halfway into one of Sunset's books. How she even read that fast, Sunset would never understand.
The book buzzed behind her after a few moments, and Sunset turned to read it. Despite it being so late, she was at her full attention. Twilight needed her help, and Sunset just had a bad feeling about the whole thing.
I can't say I'm surprised that you were out this late. I was just doing some late-night reading, which probably isn't that surprising to you either.
I thought about your idea to get rid of the book, but I realized that there's so much I still haven't learned, and while I don't plan on using the knowledge, it's still good to have. Besides, I don't want the book getting into the wrong hooves or anything. I'll just keep it with me in the meantime.
I won't let the situation escalate, and if it does get out of control, I promise I will get rid of it and ask for help. My friends are pretty great, as you know. Nothing bad will happen, so there's no need to worry.
Speaking of friends, how is everything over at CHS? Any news?
The first thing Sunset noticed was that Twilight avoided the question about the book's name. Or maybe she forgot. It was for certain that she was trying to change the subject though, but Sunset decided it would be better not to push it. Twilight was always a capable pony, after all. Definitely smarter than Sunset when it came to these things.
She chuckled at Twilight's message still and appreciated her curiosity in their friends’ lives. She looked around the room, and everything was calm, although it was the type of calm that was somehow even more draining than the storm. The TV was now on; the only ones who watched were Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash. It was mostly infomercials though.
Twilight was now on a different book. Sunset was sure that there was no way she was actually reading. Nobody could read that fast, it would be preposterous. She shrugged and pulled out her phone. It was definitely way too late to text anyone. The only people who would ever be awake were the people at the party, and Sunset decided that she had enough drunk energy between Applejack and Rainbow Dash to warrant not texting anyone.
Still, her phone buzzed. She checked the notifications but found nothing. In a moment of confusion, she opened her email, her messaging app, and all of her social medias. Nothing new. The buzz continued, though.
"Oh! I'm so stupid," Sunset muttered to herself. She turned to the book, nearly slapping herself in the face. "What else would it be?" Maybe she was a bit drunker than she thought.
An arm slung around her shoulder as a lot of weight suddenly threatened to bring her down. "Who are ya talking to?"
Sunset took a moment longer to place the voice than she did to turn to actually look at the person it came from. "Applejack? Weren't you just asleep on my couch?" I think I preferred it that way.
Applejack nodded eagerly, unaware of Sunset's unenthusiastic tone. "Yup! Good power nap's all I needed, though." She swung her arms from side to side as if to accentuate her point.
Sunset took a deep breath. "Okay, well I'm talking to Twilight—"
"Twilight?" Applejack expressed loudly. Twilight looked up from the book she read, which could not possibly be another different one. Did Sunset even own that many books? "Now, Sunset, I think ya had too much alcohol. Twi's right there!" She pointed at Twilight who rolled her eyes and looked back down at the book.
Sunset bit her lip in frustration. "Not that Twilight. Princess Twilight." She gestured to the book. "It's important, so you should go back and sit with Rarity. She seems to miss you, I think." She looked over to Rarity, who was asleep on the floor in a sitting position with her head on the cushion.
Applejack snorted. "Rarity don’t need me," she argued. "Besides, I wanna say hi to the other Twilight."
Sunset shook her head as she decided to open the book. "I need to respond to her."
She picked the pen back up, tapping it against her chin for a moment, then began to write. Applejack stared intently at her.
If you think you can handle it, I believe you. Just be careful, it's easy to get carried away with magic. I would know.
Things are pretty good over here. We don't go to the same college, but all of our schools are pretty close together, so we get to hang out a lot. I think high school graduation was the lamest thing I've ever been to, but the rest of the girls seemed to have fun which is all that matt
Sunset was forced off her feet by Applejack, who despite her drunken state, was still a lot stronger than Sunset. Applejack took the pen from her hand and began to scrawl in the notebook as her tongue slid out of her mouth in concentration.
hoooowdyyyyy! its applejack. how you be
"Applejack!" Sunset shoved an unsuspecting Applejack over and caused her to stumble, cutting her off mid-sentence. Sunset wrestled with her for the pen for a moment and eventually won once Applejack got bored.
Sunset sat on Applejack's torso on the kitchen floor. Applejack laid under her, an upset look on her face as her arms laid crossed over her chest. Sunset put her hands on her face, taking another deep breath as she gathered herself. "Rarity!"
There was a shuffling sound accompanied by a startled squeak. "Y-Yes, darling?"
"Could you come get your girlfriend?"
Rarity groaned as she walked up to the situation. Applejack grinned widely at Rarity from the floor. Rarity did not return the smile. She sighed instead and ushered Sunset off of Applejack and forced Applejack to get up. "Come on, dear. You're far too drunk to be here. I insist on taking you home now."
Applejack snorted. "Rares… You can't just say that in front of Sunset!" She motioned to Sunset with her head.
Rarity blinked once, her cheeks tinted with red. "Applejack." She shook her head. "My word, whatever shall I do with you," she muttered.
Applejack shrugged, mumbling something under her breath that caused Rarity to slap her softly on the chest. Applejack laughed in return as they approached the door. They both turned to face everyone.
"We'll be off now. I trust we will see each other tomorrow, then?" Rarity glanced at Sunset. "You must save some hangover cure for Applejack. She's going to need it."
Sunset flashed her a thumbs up. "Sure thing, no problem."
"Well, then au revoir." Rarity waved at everyone with one arm wrapped around Applejack.
"That's fancy for goodbye," Applejack whispered loudly at everyone. "See y'all later!" With that, the two of them left and left the apartment in a much quieter state.
Everyone shrugged and went back to doing what they were doing. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy took the couch that had been left open since the others' departure and flipped through TV channels. Twilight seemed to be materializing books from out of nowhere, and Sunset turned back to the journal, drawing a line through what Applejack wrote with a slight smile.
Sorry about that, Applejack stole my pencil. I think she had too much to drink. I managed to get Rarity to take her back to her place, though.
I promise we're responsible.
She shook her head in amusement and turned away from the book. She scrolled through SnapGab. Most of her feed was filled with blurry pictures of the same party. She rolled her eyes and opened the camera app instead. The mystery as to where her phone had been during the party was resolved as she scrolled through an apparently endless supply of Rainbow Dash and Applejack selfies. It seemed that Rainbow was the one enticing Applejack to drink. Figures.
She heard a buzz, which actually happened to be her phone that time. She opened her messaging app to a message from Pinkie Pie. She was sorry to have missed the party and wished she could have fought off laryngitis quicker. Attached was a picture of her laying in bed with a wink and a thumbs up. The lighting suggested her lights were off, but flash was used to take the photo. Sunset asked her why in the world she was still awake, and Pinkie simply replied with "Reasons."
Sunset forced Pinkie Pie to go to sleep after a ten-minute phone call which was mostly her as she spoke sternly into the phone and Pinkie being silent since she couldn't respond. Sunset hung up the phone and placed it on the counter. She decided it was enough for the day, and turned back to the book. Too much time had passed, and Twilight probably started to get worried.
Except that there was no response. Sunset was the one who was worried instead, but not much. Maybe Twilight was still thinking of something to say?
Twilight.
No response. She still wasn't worried.
Twilight?
Still no response.
Twilight!
Did you fall asleep?
Twi?
Did the book do something?
I'm kidding by the way.
Unless it was the book.
I hope you're just asleep.
Just as Sunset was actually starting to get worried, the book buzzed again. Sunset watched in relief as words started to appear quickly. Maybe she was just a bit worried all along.
Sunset! Sorry! I got distracted. Not asleep, in fact, I'm more awake than ever.
That was a relief, if not a bit concerning. Why was Twilight wide awake anyway? Late night studying session, probably, but that was a bit excessive.
Sounds like a fun party, although I can't imagine Applejack drinking. I'm glad that you guys are still friends, you definitely look out for each other. To be honest, I would have thought that you'd be the first to get wasted.
Are Rarity and Applejack still dating? I can't imagine them getting together here. They're always at each other's tails.
Despite Sunset’s worry, she couldn’t stop the smile that grew on her face. She didn’t know much about the pony versions of Applejack and Rarity other than what Twilight had told her, but they certainly seemed like they bickered a lot more than their human counterparts. Twilight assured her that they were in fact friends, they just knew how to push each other’s buttons. Kind of like this world’s Rainbow Dash and Applejack, Sunset noted.
It was interesting to see the similarities and the differences between both worlds. Both versions of each person were very similar, appearance-wise and personality-wise, although they still had differences. The main difference that Sunset could notice based on her limited knowledge of the pony versions of her friends is their relationships with one another. In both worlds, they were all close friends, but some pairings got along differently in one world compared to the rest. Maybe someday she could go back to Equestria to make proper notes of the discrepancies.
In the meantime, she figured she should probably respond to Princess Twilight. Her body slowly began to feel more tired, despite her attempts at the opposite. She turned around to face her friends, who had now fallen asleep on the couch and used each other as pillows. Sunset sighed and walked over, grabbing a blanket off of the side and threw it on top of them.
“So, can I stay here tonight?”
Sunset flipped around and stared at Twilight who stared back at her and adjusted her glasses. “Twi. Oh my God. You scared me.”
Twilight giggled, putting her phone beside her. “Sorry, I have a habit of doing that. People always forget I’m there because sometimes I’m so quiet,” she noted. “I mean, I got really dragged into your books.”
Sunset quirked her head. “Oh yeah, I wanted to ask. Every time I looked over you seemed to have a new book. Do you speed read or skim or..?”
Twilight shrugged. “I’m just really good at reading.”
“Right.” Sunset looked over at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who were still asleep. Rainbow Dash let out a snore and Fluttershy mumbled something in response. Sunset turned back to Twilight. “Uh, so I guess they’ve got the couch. You can sleep on my bed, and I’ll take the floor.”
Twilight tapped on the arm of the couch with her fingers. “Well, if you want, that’s fine. I don’t want to be a bother though.”
Sunset waved her hand dismissively. “You aren’t, trust me. I’d say we could share the bed, but honestly, it’s barely comfortable enough for just me.” She rubbed the back of her neck, embarrassed by her cheap bed.
Twilight smiled at her. “Don’t worry about it, really. Thanks for the offer. Now, you should probably get back to the other Twilight before it gets too late,” she suggested as she pointed at the book on the kitchen counter.
“Oh right.” Sunset chuckled. “Thanks.” She walked back over to the book and picked up the pen.
Someone’s gotta take care of our friends, right? Figured it’d be me tonight, even though Rarity and Fluttershy are both perfectly fine. And Twi, but she’s kinda doing her own thing really.
And yeah, they are still dating. Team Rarijack for the win! I don’t know about the pony versions of them, but here they are perfect for each other. They squabble a bit, but who doesn’t? They get through it pretty quickly and come out even stronger yet.
She continued writing about all her friends and filled Twilight in on the happenings in the human dimension, while Twilight filled her in on the happenings in Equestria. At that point, Sunset decided she had to go back to Equestria for a visit sometime.