“Any sign of Starlight tonight?” Rainbow asked curiously as we sat in the Cutie Map room. I shook my head slowly and sighed. It’s been three years since Trixie died and Starlight still went out to hit almost every bar she could find. Well, more like she got wasted at the only bar in Ponyville, wandered around before going back into the same bar and Big Mac brings her home at the end of the night.
“Nope,” I sighed as I tossed a bit back and forth in my magic. “I expect either Big Mac or Applejack to bring her home soon. I would go but well I tried to help her stop drinking last week and let’s say that started a fight. Ponies need space and such.”
“True that,” Rainbow agreed. “It’s been what three years since Trixie died? You think she would have gotten past the alcohol phase by now.”
“Three years, four months, six days, seven hours, fifteen minutes and twenty seconds,” I corrected automatically and Rainbow gave me a flat stare.
“Do I even wanna know how you know that?” Rainbow asked. I gave a shrug as I levitated two cups of apple cider into the room and Rainbows eyes lit up.
“Starlight has been keeping track. I heard her mumble it this morning,” I explained as I sipped my cider. “And in her defense, Trixie was her first relationship, first friend other than us and first marriage. I knew she wouldn’t just get up one morning and be like everything is fine.”
“I’d be more worried if she did do that. Bottling things up is kinda her thing.”
“True that as you say,” I agreed. “Drunk Starlight is kinda fun. Sad and depressed Starlight isn’t. Makes me worried about what she would do if she’s alone.”
“Hey,” Rainbow abandoned her mug and flew over to me, placing a wing on my back. “Starlight won’t ever end things. She’s a strong mare. I like that about her among other things.” The door swung open and our ears flicked up to the sound of a pony being dragged.
“Well looks like Starlight is back,” I said as I stood up to greet her. I opened the doors with my magic and stared at Applejack and Pinkie in confusion. Starlight had her legs tied together and an apple stuffed in her mouth. “What in Celestias name is going on here?”
“She tried to fight us,” Applejack said simply. “Ya might have some townponies later askin ya if this qualifies as ponynappin by the way.”
“She’s reallllllyyyy drunk!” Pinkie exclaimed in what I’m trying to decide was her attempt to make us deaf or whisper. I’m honestly not sure.
“Oh by the moon,” I facehoofed. “Untie her please.” Applejack nodded and bit into the rope, untying the knot and Pinkie dusted Starlight off.
“There! Good as new!” Pinkie grinned. “How ya feeling Starlight?” Starlight shakily climbed to her hooves and glared at us all. Or well, attempted to. It looked more like squinting combined with holding back a sneeze.
“Well I’d be if I didn’t get ponynapped,” Starlight snapped as she swayed. “Royal Guards! Policeeeee!” I’ve been taken by a strange pony!”
“Uh Starlight? You’re in the castle. And Applejack brought you home,” I stepped in front of her. Starlight glared at me and I paused. “Are you feeling alright? I can get you some water.”
“Well if it isn’t my best friend Twilight,” Starlight hiccupped and I sighed. I reached out and placed a hoof on her back. She started swinging with a hoof and I jumped back.
“Careful,” Applejack warned. “She’s a mite angry.” I rolled my eyes and sighed. Talk about an understatement of the century there.
“Don’t touch me! Only Trixie can touch me,” Starlight growled and stumbled around. “You’re probably glad she’s gone. You hated her from the start. All of you did.”
“That’s not true and you know it,” I said gently. “You’re just drunk. Go to sleep Starlight.”
“Woah there’s a dozen of you,” Starlight mumbled as she tried to focus on me. “Getting off topic. You wished we were never friends and that we never got married? Jealous because nopony likes you?” My ears flattered against my head and I stepped back. I knew this was alcohol talking but it didn’t make it any less easier to hear. Or hurt any less. She was right though, nopony really ever showed any interest in me that way.
“That’s enough,” Rainbow snapped as she stomped a hoof on the ground, spreading her wings to seem bigger. “That’s not the case at all and you know it. Plenty of ponies like Twilight, she’s just too blind to see it or act on it. She probably has a book on it.”
“Hey!” I glared at her. “I’m right here you know.” Rainbow rolled her eyes and shot me an apologetic look.
“Go to sleep sugarcube,” Applejack said quietly. “Before ya say something that hurts both of y’all.” Starlight glared at her before sighing and hanging her head.
“Fine,” she groaned. “I’ll be in our wagon.” She stumbled out the doors and I vaguely could see her tail as she vomited into a bush. I really hope that it wasn’t my rosebush. Roseluck might kill us both if she did.
“I’ll go help her to the wagon,” Rainbow volunteered. I was about to but maybe it’s best if it is Rainbow or Applejack. “Did Berry Punch kick her out or something?”
“Yeah pretty much,” Applejack admitted. “She cut her off after Celestia knows how much shots. She also had a pretty high tab that we paid for her.”
“Thanks AJ,” I sighed as Rainbow flew out the door. “I’ll be sure to get you and Pinkie the bits in repayment.” Applejack waved a hoof dismissively.
“It ain’t a problem Twi.”
“Yeah!” Pinkie chimed in. “We’re friends. It’s what we do for each other.”
“If only we get Starlight some real help,” I sighed. “Drinking like this every night isn’t healthy. I’m honestly surprised she hasn’t died of alcohol poisoning yet.”
“Ya wanna know what Ma used to tell me?’ Applejack asked suddenly.
“What?”
“Ya can’t help somepony who ain't willin to help themselves.”