//------------------------------// // Pinkie Parties, party cannons and Russian spirit // Story: Let's Rock! // by Takeo Moroi //------------------------------// The rest of the morning for Applejack and Rainbow Dash was pleasantly lazy. They walked around Ponyville, AJ pointing out the best stalls for fresh produce, recalling short anecdotes set in the shops they passed, and highlighting the best bars and clubs in town. Applejack may not have been the greatest party girl in the town, this title is held by Pinkie Pie, but if you wanted to find the best place to get hammered, she was your gal. Altogether the day was considered a success for Rainbow Dash, who grew really fond of the young farmer. Not romantically fond or anything, it’s just that AJ’s company felt... right? Like a relative or a friend you've known for years. They passed their time with competitions and stories, and didn't even realize how quickly the time had gone, and they had to part ways. When they both sat on the Sonic Rainboom and drove off towards the Sweet Apple Acres. On the way back Applejack relaxed more into the embrace around Rainbow’s waist. She also felt comfortable around the new girl. AJ let her hands feel Rainbow’s flat stomach muscles through her tank top while her thoughts drifted off. She didn't think about anything specific, instead, she had just let the ordeals of the day sink in, and enjoyed the feeling of the girl in front of her. Once again her daydreaming was stopped when they arrived at their destination. The sun was still high in the sky; it couldn't have been later than 2 in the afternoon when the new friends parted in front of AJ’s home. “See you at Pinkie’s tonight!” Rainbow said while receiving her helmet back. “See ya there, Rainbow.” And with that Rainbow Dash sped back towards the town, leaving behind a large cloud of dust. Tonight is gonna be awesome! She thought, while dodging cars in a manner practically asking for an accident. She whizzed past the streets in the rough direction she remembered Fluttershy’s home being. Another sharp turn left, a slalom between cars waiting for a green light, and the final straight before arriving in front of the cottage on the town’s outskirts. Rainbow knocked on the door, but didn't wait for it to open, instead shouted loudly as she entered. “Shy! Are you in?” A small squeak was heard from the kitchen, before a faint reply reached Rainbow’s ears. “I’m here Dashie. Hold on a minute.” Fluttershy soon entered the hallway holding a small bowl filled with lettuce and carrots, which she laid in a cage containing an irritated looking bunny. “I was just making a lunch for Angel. Sorry I couldn't give you a tour this morning, but Rarity and I have been planning to go to the spa for days now. I didn't want to disappoint her... Were you disappointed Dashie?” She looked at her friend with eyes full of worry and fear. “I don’t know...” Rainbow replied with a mocking pout on her face. ”I was sooo lonely I had to ask Applejack out for a date. Don’t worry Shy, you can make it up to me tonight. Pinkie said she’s throwing me a welcoming party. Wanna come with?” “A P-pinkie Party t-today?” Fluttershy’s voice was shaking a little. “If, if you w-want to go Dashie...” “Relax Shy. It’s gonna be rad and I get to meet all your friends I've heard so much about. Also, you were right about Pinkie, she’s mental. I love that kid.” “Glad to hear. But don’t be surprised if she goes wild tonight. Everyone knows Pinkie Parties are famous for two reasons.” “What are they?” Rainbow asked, clearly amused by Fluttershy’s reluctance to go out tonight. “Number one is the open door policy. Often she will actually drag random people from the street, saying that they have dangerously low levels of `fun` in their bloodstream.” “That’s cool. What is the `fun` you’re talking about?” “That’s the point number two. No one has ever left a Pinkie Party sober, or at least not since her 18th birthday.” At this point the embarrassed girl’s cheeks flushed red. “Her drinks are very sweet, but rarely below 60% proof. If she had the patience to stand at the door, she would probably do breath tests and refuse to let out anyone who can drive home.” “Whoah. This. Is. Gonna. Be. Awesome!” *** Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy walked together to the Sugarcube Corner at a leisurely pace, enjoying the nightscape of Ponyville. It wasn't as impressive as their home city, to which Fluttershy affectionately referred to as Manehattan, but it had a very cute, country charm. The night air blew through their hair while stars and the moon shone high above their heads, brightening up the path. Rainbow held Fluttershy’s hand, the same way as she did since school, intertwining their fingers together, while laughing to her heart’s content at Fluttershy’s relation of her day. Along the way, Rainbow kept stealing glances at her friend. Shy was wearing a tight fitting canary yellow dress `from Rarity`, which showed off her slim, pretty figure. Her flowing brown hair was tied up in a loose bun, from which a few flirtatious dark locks already escaped and framed her delicate face. It made Rainbow chuckle every time Fluttershy would pull on the dress, embarrassed by her own body being shown by the revealing clothing. Rainbow herself hadn't changed for the party, staying in her old leather jacket and ripped grey jeans. It was almost a shame the walk had to end when they arrived at the Sugarcube Corner. Very quickly Rainbow understood why the Pinkie Parties were so famous. The entire street was shaking due to speakers blasting some jumpy nightcore number, sending vibrations down Rainbow’s spine. The windows leaked shifting rays of light, hues ranging from green to orange, and the doors revealed the entire ground floor packed with people. Just as Fluttershy predicted, the new arrivals were greeted by Pinkie handing them both shots of a neon pink liquid, a similar shade to her own hair. “Good to see you guys. Rarity and Twilight are already inside, getting some `fun` in their system.” “What are those, Pinkie?” Fluttershy asked while holding up her glass. “Try it first.” The girls drank the strange potion, Rainbow in one gulp, while Shy slowly sipped at hers. Both let out a loud gasp and began to cough, before looking at tonight’s host in awe. “I call them the Party Cannons. Gives a kick start to the party, don’t you think?” “Dude, it tastes great, but burns like hell. You could knock out a horse (or a pony) with this.” “Not quite. From the way Caramel drank I can say it takes roughly 6 of these for you to take an unexpected nap on the dance floor. Anyway, get inside guys. Applejack will be here soon and we can begin the introductions.” Rainbow Dash nodded and walked straight onto the dance floor, dragging Fluttershy along by her hand. Once in the center, she released the grip and began to move in rhythm with the music. Shy looked rather uncomfortable at the beginning, but soon joined her partner and jumped to the beat thrown by DJ Pon-3. When the soundtrack slowed down, Rainbow wrapped her hands around the childhood friend, who blushed in a brilliant shade of red. The new song was calmer than the previous track, aimed at the couples that came to the party, but the girls enjoyed themselves, trying to catch up on the experiences missed over the past two years. Fluttershy’s hands slowly made their way behind Rainbow’s neck, bringing her close enough for their breath to mix. They kept on slowly shaking their hips in time with the music, adding an occasional skip or a twirl. One Rainbow’s hands landed on Fluttershy’s hip, and the other’s fingers drew circles between her partner's shoulder blades. “I really missed out on a lot. Where did you learn to dance like that, Shy?” “Rarity enjoys this sort of thing. She said that dancing can be one of the best weapons for a girl during a ball.” “I really have to meet this girl, but now, I want another dance, Shy.” Rainbow said softly into Fluttershy’s ear. They kept this intimate position for a few more minutes, before the music changed and they separated, but both kept dancing close to each other. Eventually the music stopped and the lights moved to a small ball of pink energy next to the blue haired DJ’s table, holding up a microphone. “Hi Guys!” Pinkie Pie shouted into the mike, causing the floor to vibrate. “Today we say a huuuge welcome to a new Ponyvillian, Rainbow Dash. Babe, you are awesome, and officially our friend, so let’s get smashed and celebrate!” Pinkie gave a signal to the DJ, and the loud music filled the room. “Gotta admit, she has a talent for speeches.” Rainbow smirked to her friend, as they slowly moved away from the dance floor and towards the bar, at which in the crowd a small group of girls had gathered. Amongst those girls Rainbow already recognized Pinkie Pie and Applejack. AJ wore the same clothes as in the morning, but Pinkie changed into a tiny pair of pink shorts, over which she wore a shade brighter oversize sweater, revealing her pale shoulders. She added to this mid thigh length pink stockings and a pair of converse in, you've guessed this, pink. It is probably fair to say at this point, that a theme was emerging in her choice of clothing. Accompanying them were two more girls, roughly 20 years old. One of them was stunningly beautiful woman, with dark, silky skin, adorn in a flowing white dress, accentuating her long limbs and tiny waist. Her smooth dark hair curled slightly as it fell onto her back in an elaborate manner. The other girl looked less ostentatious, but still quite cute. She wore a little black dress and her perfectly straight black hair was tied with a purple ribbon in a long ponytail, leaving only her fringe to partially cover her eyes. They were soon noticed by the group and Pinkie Pie quickly gestured to hurry up and join the circle. “Hello there, beautiful.” The host of the party giggled. “How are you liking the town then?” “It’s rad. ‘Sup guys.” Rainbow said while giving a small wave to the two unknown girls. “Dashie, this is Rarity and Twilight.” Fluttershy said while pointing at the dark skinned beauty and the cute girl beside her respectively. She then proceeded to grab Rainbow’s hand in a reassuring embrace, bringing a small smile to her colorful friend’s lips. “Heard a lot about you guys. Thanks for taking such good care of Shy for me.” “Well darling, it was our privilege to be friends with Fluttershy.” Rarity gave Rainbow a scrutinizing look. It would appear Applejack was not the only person who struggled to believe Fluttershy would associate with a person like Rainbow, but her expression warmed up seeing the exchange of intimacy between the girls. “Pleasure to meet you, Rainbow Dash.” “Yes, it is so nice to finally meet Fluttershy’s famous childhood friend.” Twilight said with voice full of excitement. “Is it true you have already got a flying licence?” “Yeah, I got one. Interested in a flight session Twilight?” “Hell yeah!” The girl smirked, but soon broke into giggles. Twilight’s cheeks were already flushed due to some amazing cocktails that Pinkie Pie kept putting in her hands. “Sounds like a plan to me then. Pinkie, I can’t help but to notice that I am awfully sober right now, and I have been assured that you are the best barman in town. Fancy testing your skill?” “Ah agree.” Applejack joined in. “Ah only got one of yer Party Cannons, and Ah don’t even feel a buzz yet.” “Oh, let’s make this a challenge. Rainbow, will you dare to take on the current champion?” “Yeah, are ya man enough, Rainbow Dash?” “You kidding me? You’re going down, AJ!” *** The two girls were sat around one of the few tables left in the Sugarcube Corner function room with a small crowd gathering around them. Tension grew until Pinkie Pie finally approached the table holding a glass bottle and two shot glasses. She had set both in front of the contestants and turned around to speak to the audience. “Ladies, gentlemen and other nutters! We are about to see the new girl, Rainbow Dash, take on the current champion, Applejack, in a drinking contest.” Many cheered at AJ’s name and shouted words of encouragement to Rainbow. “The weapon chosen by me today is of the highest caliber. “Silence spread in anticipation. “Russian spirit, 98% proof!” The crowd went wild. Pinkie was visibly satisfied with her speech and turned around to face her friends, who eyed each other with only determination in their eyes. “This is the last chance to back out girls.” “Hell nah!” Rainbow and AJ shouted in unison. Pinkie opened the bottle and poured the innocent looking clear liquid into the two shot glasses, which they've hit together before lifting up high into the air. “Cheers!” The drink burned an inferno as it slid down Rainbow’s throat, but she was used to this sort of sensation. She had many competitions in the past against fully grown guys when out on the town with Gilda, and although this was a little stronger than usual, there was no way she’d show this. Applejack on the other hand had let out a small gasp as the alcohol hit her stomach. She was more used to cider or occasional whisky over pure spirit, but as an experienced and strong drinker she did not let it get in the way of the competition. “Ready to give up, Sugarcube?” “Screw this! Pinkie, next shot.” The crowd continued to scream and cheer as the second round began. Both competitors swallowed the liquid fire in one smooth motion without letting out even a cough. “So, how does it feel to be drunk AJ?” “I’ll let ya know tomorrow when ya wake up. Hit me, Pinkie.” Another glass was poured. “This is easy.” Rainbow said through her usual smirk, but inside she began to feel the effects of the second shot. Applejack also felt the unfamiliar type of alcohol kick in, and enjoyed the feeling of warmth that started to spread across her face. “Bottoms up!” People watched in amazement as the girls went through their third shot of the alcohol so strong, its smell had spread to every corner of the large function room. A few guys asked Pinkie to give them a try as well, but neither could handle even a sip of the burning liquid, causing numerous sniggers and full blown roar from the now slightly flushed Rainbow Dash. “So, Rainbow, where ta hell did ya learn to drink like tha’?” Applejack’s accent grew stronger as she began to slur her words a little. “Ah can’t imagine a cute little city girl like ya was allowed to stay up for long enough to find drinks like this.” “Sorry to disappoint you AJ, but your ass will get handed to you by this cute girl once you hit the ground. Plus, if anyone is a surprise it’s the devoted child of a respectable family getting wasted with a girl she met today.” Rainbow winked at her opponent, causing a wave of anger to spread over AJ. She was not about to lose to that stuck up, narcissistic jock. “At least Ah didn't begin drinking a child. Seriously, how short are ya?” A few `ooooh`s went around the room, mostly from other intoxicated fools, giggling away between each other. “Hey, I’m not short but propor...propotc... the right fucking size. It is you that grew weirdly tall, and those two are just rubbing it in.” She pointed at Applejack’s breasts, as though she had a grudge against them. Pinkie gave them both the next shots, shaking violently in laughter at the argument. “Complexes ‘bout yer boobs ah see.” “Complexes? I am flawless! Everyday people look in the mirror and hope to see this face.” Rainbow grabbed her drink and downed it with a quick flick of her wrist. Applejack followed suit and began to laugh at Rainbow’s claims. “Ta face might be easy on ta eye, but Ah wouldn't go that far. Plus, right now yer `perfect` face is redder than any of ta apples on mah orchard. Ah’m gonna win this soon.” Applejack might have sounded confident, but the alcohol had finally hit her head, causing her vision to slightly blur and spin. “The hell you will! Pinkie, keep them coming. I’m gonna be here all night long if I have to.” The fifth and the sixth drink wend down smoothly while AJ and Rainbow Dash continued to insult each other, causing the audience to laugh and join the banter. Seventh and eighth shots caused some trouble to Rainbow, to whom the room had began spinning. Everyone had thought that the competition would end for her in the next drink, but the finish came as a surprise to everyone. Applejack, who had kept the most stable in her chair suddenly turned red, and before anyone could confirm she was okay, she began to fall backwards. Rainbow, although intoxicated, was the only person who reacted fast enough and jumped over the table to grab her friend before hitting the floor. Of course, her balance was thrown off due to the activities of the past hour, and both of the girls ended up tumbling backwards. When Pinkie had bent over to check on the girls, she found a very uncomfortable Rainbow Dash, trapped in a steel embrace of the now unconscious Applejack. “Rainbow Dash wins by a knockout!” The roar of the party guests nearly deafened everyone inside of the Sugarcube Corner. People wanted to congratulate Rainbow on her victory, but she simply could not escape AJ’s arms, and instead lied flat on the floor with her. The festivities returned to their normal course, leaving Rainbow and Applejack in the corner of the function room, as both fell asleep in their warm embrace.