//------------------------------// // The Summer's End Celebration (Part One) // Story: Fifty-Three Pickup // by blowngasket //------------------------------// The Summer's End Celebration (Part One) It was nearing an end for the restful vacation of the off duty T.E.S.T. member. His final days resting in Ponyville before going back to work coincidently lining up with a popular party and celebration day to commemorate the transition from bright and sunny to cold and breezy. Catacomb planned to make it a day like no other. “This…is…awesome!” Catacomb yelled out as he pointlessly ran around the small house. “You’re starting to scare me.” Perry said, sitting on the couch and out of the way of the hurricane scampering in seemingly random directions. It came to a sudden stop, Catacomb standing in front of Perry, eyes full of joy and wonder. It was similar to a small child in a toy store. “You would never understand the fantastic wonders that we as men are about to experience today.” Catacomb boldly stated. Perry sighed and got up, heading towards his room to get ready for the day now that there was officially no more risk of being trampled. Catacomb followed him, still in a state of blissful happiness. “Don’t you have to get ready as well for this?” Perry asked, annoyed as his soon to be ex-roommate continued to stalk him. “Changelings are always ready!” Catacomb proudly said to the masked man. Perry sighed, and dug through his belongings, stuffing clothes into a bag. “That is good for you, but I actually have to change my outfit, so if you don’t mind…” Catacomb nodded and left his room, shutting the door. Unfortunately for Perry, Catacomb refused to shut his mouth as well. “Seriously, this is gonna be the best day ever. Definitely one hell of a way to end a vacation if I do say so myself!” He explained from across the door. Perry wouldn’t mind being a changeling right now, simply to remove his ears from existence for a little while. “Only a pervert like you would be this excited about a beach.” Perry responded with a small chuckle. “I deny nothing. Anyways, you can’t tell me that you aren’t excited too. Imagine it. Fluttershy removing her shirt and pants, revealing a light pink two piece bikini, and the blush and smile on her face as she asks you ‘Do I look alright?” Catacomb grinned as he stood quietly from his location. The house was quite, no noise from either side of the door. Catacomb could pretty much taste the reaction from his spot, but chose the subtle route this time around. Finally the door opened, and behind it was a Perry packed up and ready to go. “Not a word…” Perry said as he walked towards the exit of the cottage, more of a spring in his step than even he probably noticed. “Yeah…thought so.” Catacomb said to himself, following after him. Perry may try to be Mr. Goody Two Shoes, but he is still a bad guy at heart. Psychos were more fun to hang out with anyways. ---------- ---------- ---------- “Perry…I love being alive.” “I should discourage your behavior, Cata, but this one time, I cannot disagree.” The two stood at the entrance, the water crystal clear and shimmering as if diamonds laid across the surface. The sky was completely clear, the weather teams workings to make sure that the last day of summer was going to be as astounding as the first. The air was cool as the wind dragged moisture from the large lake and into the large mass of beach goers. And those beach goers. Catacomb nodded in approval as he scanned the entire area. Beautiful woman as far as the eye could see, most showing more skin than they normally would with underwear. “So…you don’t disagree with me when I say…damn…” “Catacomb, we have been friends for quite some time. I would be horrible to lie to you after so long.” Perry said, refusing to admit to anything, but giving enough information to satisfy his friend. “We should be on our way, though. We have plenty of time to speak of trivial topics later.” “Is that your way of saying ‘Let’s go check out those beautiful women?” Catacomb asked, jabbing his elbow into Perry. He didn’t answer, and instead elected to silently make his way into the changing room. Catacomb chuckled and smiled, following him into it to get ready himself. Granted, he didn’t need more than a second, but a secondary thought hit him, and he would need to make this day perfect. ---------- ---------- ---------- Awaiting at a nice spot, not too crowded, but not out of the way, eight beach goers stared blankly at the two individuals making their way towards the group. More or less one than the other. Perry, one of said creatures less than the other. In comparison, he was normal looking. Swim trunks with smiley faces all over them, an odd combination of cute and creepy, nothing out of the ordinary for him. His shorts even let in a small glance of his cutie mark on his lower thigh, though not enough to get a good look of it. With them, however, his normal mask was still firmly in place on his face and most likely leaving an even deeper tan line by the end of the day. This was easily normal in comparison to the scandalous outfit donned by the perverted partner. A red speedo, leaving very little to the imagination, had left his own self-created mark on display for the world to see. A red heart with a bull’s-eye painted on it, appropriate to those who knew him. “Told ya this would work.” Catacomb said, walking proudly, his hair flowing freely in the wind. “You’re an idiot.” Perry said with a groan, carrying his belongings over his shoulder. “Oh man, those outfits…” Catacomb said, pointing to the group happily. Perry didn’t say anything, just nodding along with his friend. His eyes, though impossible to tell, were glued onto the figure of the light pink haired woman. It wasn’t nearly as revealing as Catacomb initially implied, but the light green one piece suit hugged her body in all the perfect places, making him happy to be alive at this point in time. “Did I ever tell ya I love the beach?” “Yup…” Perry agreed halfheartedly, unable to take his gaze away. “Hot, huh?” Catacomb said, quickly taking notice of the object of his attention. “Yup…” Perry agreed without thinking. Catacomb snickered, bringing him back into reality. “I mean…it is a scorcher today, the sun and all. Perfect day for a swim, am I right?!” “You’re just the cutest when you’re embarrassed.” Catacomb teased, skipping ahead to avoid the repercussions for his actions. “Get back here!” Perry said, following Catacomb quickly. He stopped, finally noticing the group staring at them. “Before you kill me, just enjoy this moment.” Catacomb said, spreading his arms out as to reach out and grab the view. “Rainbow Dash, sexy yet sporty. Swim trunks and a short and tight tank top really suit her. Never could figure out what her obsession with that blue is though. Definitely one of the women in this world who could make the whole lack of assets thing work to their favor.” “You do know you’re dating Twilight, right?” Perry asked, reminding his friend of his current commitment. “Shush…and just bask with me for a few more seconds…” Catacomb said, his voice low, yet a tone that almost seemed too philosophical for his own good. “Some things just never change.” Perry said with a chuckle. “Next we have the radiant Rarity. Definitely one to flaunt her own beauty, and man does she look good doing it. Makes me wonder if that white bikini of hers is see through when wet. Spiky sure seems to be enjoying it. Gotta say, whatever you have been doing with that kid sure is working. You have easily turned him into a teenage heartthrob all by yourself.” “I have to blame strong genes for that one.” Perry said, refusing to take all the credit for Spikes current physique. “Wish he would grow out of that purple, though.” “Coming from the killer dressed like hearths warming eve…” Catacomb jested. Perry couldn’t deny nothing, as he was technically right. “Speaking of purple, Twilight definitely does that color justice. It is like she was born to wear it. She should dress like that more. Her mother gifted her in all the right places. If she ever wore anything like that, I doubt that the other guys would have let her be. I would be fightin em’ away left and right. I mean, just look at them!” “Will you quit staring at her cleavage please…She still is like a sister to me, after all.” Perry asked politely, not really expecting him to listen. “I am more surprised that she is wearing a two piece at all. I kinda see her as a full body wetsuit kinda girl.” “Ya know…that actually sounds sexy.” Catacomb said, letting the images sail through his head. “Of course you would think that…” Perry said, shaking his head in defeat. “AJ also surprises me. Half expected the jean shorts, but that top. Damn, is that hot! She definitely works that orange well.” Catacomb said, making sure to let out all of his opinions here and now to prevent future bodily harm. “Pinkie, on the other hand, a stunning clash of child and adult, refusing to meet at the midpoint, pink and frilly, yet sexy and showy. Tell me you are not enjoying this…Perry?” Catacomb looked to his side, no Perry to be seen. He turned back towards the group to witness him already talking amongst the group. In his place though, was someone else. Catacomb did a double take, making sure that he wasn’t going crazy. “Twilight wanted me to tell you to quit staring you perverted nut ball.” “Thanks, Ark…” Catacomb said, his buzz quickly extinguished by the presence of captain killjoy. “By the way, what the hell is up with your outfit…it is…well…there goes one of my fantasies. I will never be able to enjoy it now…thanks.” Catacomb stared at the grey suit, covering Arks entire body, minus his head, hands, feet, and wings. “It is comfy.” Ark lazily responded, walking back to the group. “Of course it is…” Catacomb said with a sigh, shaking his head, following the winged man back to the group. He was greeted by the friendly faces of all the friends he had made, along with the blushing glare of the one that he fell in love with. “You look ridiculous, Cata.” Twilight said, trying to keep her eyes from focusing on the small shred of fabric covering her boyfriend. “Yeah, I know how ridiculously awesome I look.” Catacomb grinned. Twilight just smiled, knowing that whatever she said wouldn’t matter. “Speaking of awesome, you look fantastic. I mean, just…and…yes!” Catacomb’s odd expression left Twilight’s face red, not that she minded the odd string of compliments. “Hey Cata, ya up for some beach volleyball? Guys versus gals.” Applejack asked while she and Rainbow began setting up the net. “You playing as well?” Catacomb asked Twilight. She shook her head and smiled. “Sports aren’t my thing. Go have fun, okay?” Twilight said to Catacomb. “Sounds like a plan, then!” Catacomb said happily. Twilight walked over to the large umbrella set up for shade, and took a seat on one of the many towels. She took out a book and began reading, keeping an eye on the group. Her gaze went towards them more and more, as she hadn’t seen Catacomb over by the net at all. She began looking around, when suddenly she came face to face with the missing changeling, sitting right behind her. “Cata!” Twilight yelped out, causing him to grin slightly. “I thought you would be playing?!” “You told me to go have fun, didn’t ya? I don’t see a funner spot then right here.” It was cheesy and cliché, but she would be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy it. “I gotta head back soon. Sure, everyone else is fun to hang out with, but today should be special for us.” “I guess it is alright.” Twilight said, trying to not swoon over him right now. She simply leaned back into him, letting him wrap his arms around her, and continued to try and read. If anyone were to ask her what she had read though, she probably wouldn’t be able to tell you. ---------- ---------- ---------- “The matchup of the century! The amazing team Appledash Pie vs. challengers the Perryspike Ark!” Pinkie exclaimed, ready to serve. “No magic, though flying is allowed!” “You’ve met your match, Ark!” Rainbow yelled triumphantly. Ark stood there, unresponsive. “Oh too good for words?” Ark again didn’t speak up, and elected to remain silent. His silent demeanor started to shake Rainbow, who still had a hard time dealing with his lack of a desire for confrontation. In her eyes, it was him simply taunting her, but for him, it was a completely different problem. “You ready?” Pinkie calls out to the opposite team. Perry nods, with Spike jumping up and down, filled with energy. Ark’s lack of an answer was good enough, and the ball was served, Pinkie putting it all into making the perfect serve. The ball was airborne, heading towards Ark’s corner. Perry and Spike got ready, waiting for the setup. They would remain waiting, the ball bouncing off of his chest and falling into the sand. Perry and Spike remained quiet as the server cheered happily. “Ark, why did you let it hit the ground?” Spike asked, slightly disappointed. “I don’t know how to play.” Ark retained his title as the king of short sentences that hold the greatest impact. Spike and Perry gulped, looking towards the females on the opposing team. “Why did you agree to play if you didn’t know how?!” Perry exclaimed, baffled by the young man’s strange decision. “I didn’t. You grabbed me, told me to play, and pushed me here.” Thinking back, Perry’s memory confirmed that it happened exactly like that. “Okay, Spike. He might as well be a paperweight now, so it is up to us. We share a bond stronger than any team, and that is of teacher and student. With our connection, we shall conquer even the most difficult trial and pass any challenge!” “Woo! Go Rainbow Dash! You can do it!” Fluttershy began to cheer happily, though her tone wasn’t very loud. It was loud enough for Perry to hear, however. Leaving him feeling weak and feeble, he didn’t notice as the ball struck him on the mask, and bounced into the sand. “What about me?” Perry quietly moped, not even caring about being struck. “We’re doomed…” Spike said, dragging his hand across his face. Spike tried his hardest. Perry finally came back in the second half when Fluttershy started to cheer for him as well, but with Ark constantly catching the ball, and Perry’s mood swings depending on who his girlfriend was cheering for, he just couldn’t manage the game by himself. Before they even knew it, the game was over, twenty one to four. Spike could only hope that he at least looked cool on his own, not wanting his dream girl to think of him as a loser along with the other guys. “You tried your best, and that is all that counts.” Fluttershy said, smiling as she hugged Perry. “I must have looked like a fool. Never again will I let myself be discouraged by friend or foe alike!” Perry proudly decreed. “Wanna tell your past self that, so we can not lose horribly?” Spike said, a half smile on his face. “You make it sound like losing is a bad thing.” Perry said, an amused tone in his voice. “Losing will always be a greater learning experience than winning, my young student. A little loss every now and then can keep you humble, and point out your flaws, except Catacomb, but that is why we love him.” The man in question turned his gaze from his comfortable position with an eyebrow raised. Perry chuckled, and waved his hand about. “I jest, Cata.” Catacomb shrugged, electing to ignore him and go back to watching Twilight read. Ark stared out into the water, watching the waves created by the wind crash onto the shore. Rainbow, noticing Ark spacing out, walked up to him and leaned over onto his shoulder. He took mild interest of her presence, but mainly kept quiet. “Interested in swimming?” Rainbow asked, watching closely to try and gain some response. She wasn’t too satisfied with his light shrug, but chose to accept it. “Ya know how to swim, right?” Rainbow continued to question him about the subject. “No.” Ark admitted, staring into the water. Rainbow was a bit surprised by his answer. “Wanna learn?” Rainbow asked. Ark remained quiet, thinking the question through. It wasn’t like he was afraid of the water, but it seemed unnecessary to him. While in his thought, he didn’t take notice to the woman deciding for him, dragging him towards the water. Ark came back to his senses when he felt the cold water against him. “What are you doing?” Ark asked. Rainbow smiled, and with a sudden jerk, threw him into the shallow part of the water. Everyone’s gaze turned on the two, watching Ark flail around slightly, trying to pull himself up from the sudden impact. Finally he managed to sit up, a large chunk of green something hanging from his head and over his eyes. He stared at Rainbow, a mildly annoyed expression plastered on his face. Everyone began snickering at Ark, who slowly removed the anomaly from him and plopped it back into the water. “Sorry, buddy, but that was priceless. Now that you’re in the water, let’s teach ya to swim.” Rainbow said, walking towards him. She held out her hand to help him up. He took it, gripping her hand tightly. As Rainbow went to pull him up, she was suddenly yanked towards him, falling into the water as well. She did as he did, flailing about from the sudden shock, trying to get her bearings back. She finally sat up, having successfully acquired the same headpiece that Ark had on previously. Everyone’s snickers became full blown laughter. Rainbow turned her gaze at Ark, her own annoyance peaking from her face. “What was that for?” Rainbow saw for what was a single second, the slight curl on his lips indicating a smirk of his own. It was gone the moment he spoke, but even she couldn’t help but laugh. “Priceless.” ----------- ---------- ---------- “Steak, bacon, chicken, pork chops. Out of everything they could ask for…veggie-kabobs.” Catacomb mumbled, standing over the grill that Pinkie had brought along. He respected Fluttershy and Perry’s general dislike of meat, but why should he have to suffer for their lifestyle. It just wasn’t fair. “Ark, you like meat, right? Oh please tell me you like meat!” Ark, who remained seated by the grill watching everyone else, nodded. “Yes! Finally someone else who appreciates the flesh of animals!” “Food is food.” Ark said quietly, still staring at the rest of the group. “Wow…Everyone just loves to kill my buzz today.” Catacomb sighed. He at least got to enjoy the view. Nothing screamed heaven like watching beautiful girls in swimsuits play in the water. “Makes you glad to be alive, right? I mean, you seem pretty intent on watching them. And here I thought you weren’t interested in anything.” Ark, though he didn’t respond, couldn’t hide the slight blush on his cheeks. Catacomb knew that even if he acted like an emotionless robot, he was still a young man with raging hormones barely kept under control. “So, what’s with the weird suit anyways? Why not wear something normal. I bet you have a sexy body.” Catacomb said, chuckling. “I don’t want to.” Ark answered. “Afraid someone would see your cutie mark?” Catacomb continued to bother him about it. “No.” “Then why?” “Why not?” Catacomb was getting nowhere with this line of questioning. He gave up, and continued to focus on the food instead. “Cata?” “And it talks again.” Catacomb sighed, having just given up when Ark began to speak again. “What’s up?” “Why does Perry’s mark look different?” Catacomb was a bit taken back by such an odd question, but it wasn’t like it was a secret. Anyone with a different mark on each side was bound to raise a question or two. “Why don’t you ask him that? I am sure that he will tell ya.” Catacomb said, not wanting to do something stupid just in case. Ark nodded and got up, walking over towards Perry, who was actively staring at the sand. Ark watched and listened, hearing what he recognized as an incantation. “Waters soak the world clean.” Perry muttered, focusing the water onto the sand in front of him, dampening it. He patted it, checking to make sure it is the right consistency. “What are you doing?” Ark asked. Perry turned around and held a finger in front of his painted mouth, telling the man to be quiet. “I am going to need total concentration…but if this works…” Perry giggled happily as he turned back towards the wet sand. He held both hands above the sand, glowing with a dark purple aura. Ark, being silent second nature, quietly watched the display waiting for what was to come. “So many tiny calculations, one wrong variable and it’s ruined.” Ark nodded, staring at the display. Never actually having seen his predecessor’s skill first hand, he was thankful he never became a target after witnessing the finale of the spell. From the sand arose a perfectly shaped sandcastle, complete with minor designs added in for detail. The thing wasn’t that big, but it made up for that in its sturdy looking craftsmanship. “Impressive.” Ark said, mildly surprised. “Thanks. Just felt out of practice, and wanted to make sure I still had it.” Perry said, admittedly embarrassed by the complement. “So how can I help you?” “Your marks.” Ark said bluntly. Perry remained quiet for a moment, before taking in a deep breath. “I guess it would be an interesting story, but after dinner. Besides, if there is one thing Cata can do right, it is grill up a delicious barbeque. I would also like to tell everyone else. It could be like a fun campfire story!” Perry said, regaining enthusiasm. Ark stared quietly, simply nodding and agreeing. Had he not heard the stories, he wouldn’t believe this to be the terror of death that could leave a trail of bodies in his wake. Ark shook his head and walked away when Perry stuck a flag into the top of the sand castle and declared it Fort Ress.