//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: I, Dragon // by Psychomaniac //------------------------------// Chapter 3 “Sparky?” The world is fuzzy. I find this odd. Ah, that’s right. I slept above the water last night. I blink a few times to clear my eyes. “Oh, good. Would you like some breakfast? Harry has offered to share, if you like.” The world comes into focus. I see Fluttershy sitting next to a bear. I uncurl myself and rise. One good stretch later, and I am good to go. “Good morning, Fluttershy, and Harry?” The bear lets out a growl in what could be confirmation. I see a few fish next to him, and my mouth waters. “Oh, goodness. I forgot just how big you are. And yes, this is Harry. He caught a few fish this morning, and would like to share them with you, if that’s okay.” “That is very nice of you, Harry. Thank you.” I look at his catch. Five good sized fish. “Please, Harry, take the ones you want. I think you earned them, after all. Tomorrow, I will be sure to do the fishing.” Harry lets out another growl, and picks off two of the fish. Fluttershy smiles at him. “Thank you for sharing this with our guest, Harry. I will return later and give you another back rub.” Fluttershy then turns to address me, “The poor dear keeps winding himself in knots. It can make him very cranky, but he is so sweet when he is relaxed. Thank you for giving him first pick of his catch.” “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Like I said, tomorrow, I will provide breakfast. Actually, if you give me a number, I can catch it. I know I have seen a few otters around, and I bet Harry goes through quite a few fish himself.” “Oh, no. They enjoy fishing for themselves too much for me to take that away from them,” she says. “Catching fish is never a problem for my animals. They are actually always offering me some, but I just can’t. I will never deny a carnivore its habits, but I cannot bring myself to eat something that was once a living creature.” “You can communicate with animals?” “Yes. It’s my special talent. I can talk to them, and I understand what they want and need.” “That’s nothing short of remarkable, Fluttershy.” I pick up one of the fish. Fluttershy turns back to her cottage and starts walking. It’s pretty plain to see she doesn’t want to see me eating. Looking back at lunch yesterday, I feel bad about eating all that seafood in front of her. I start in on the fish I’m holding. As I’m chewing, Fluttershy turns back around. “We will leave for Rarity’s shop once you’re finished.” She smiles at me. “Enjoy your breakfast.” She turns around and enters her cottage. Well. So much for that fact. That smile was in no way a look of disgust. I finish my breakfast in quiet contemplation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A little while later, I change into my pony form, then Fluttershy and I walk over to Rarity’s home and workplace. “It’s called the Carousel Boutique. She designs and makes dresses there. Her designs are the talk of the elite. She has a real eye for beauty, and knows how to make connections everywhere she goes. Actually, I am looking forward to her reaction when she sees what you actually look like.” “Well then. If there is nopony in her shop, I would be happy to oblige. You don’t think she will be afraid, do you? I would hate to cause a panic.” “Oh, no. I will be there, and she knows I would never bring somepony, or somedragon, who would cause harm to her or her workplace. I think she will just want to design something based on your coloration. She takes inspiration from everything, and her ideas are simply wonderful.” We arrive at the boutique. Fluttershy walks in first, and, seeing nopony in the main room, nods to me. As I walk in, I revert to my natural state and shut the door behind me. Fluttershy flips the “OPEN” sign to “CLOSED” and waits. From the back room, I hear a voice coming near. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is OHMYCELESTIA! EeeeeeeeeeYES!!! Oh, Darling! Just look at you! Your scales! Such a lovely bronze color, and the blue on their edges, and oh! Please, forgive my manners. I am Rarity, and I am the proprietor of this boutique. Please, come, come. Fluttershy, Dear, wherever have you been keeping this fine specimen of a dragon? I just simply must know. Oh, goodness me, I have nowhere for you to sit. This simply will not do. Oh, dear I just…” I laugh. I literally roar with laughter. Fluttershy was spot on with her mannerisms. I look back at the yellow pegasus, and yes, she is blushing again. Oh, this is such a delight. “Miss Rarity, if I may call you Rarity?” “Yes, Rarity is fine, Darling.” “Thank you, Rarity. If you like, you could just bring a table over. I am sure you have many questions. I do hope I have as many answers for you. First, my name is Sparky. I would never have a lady such as yourself at a disadvantage. I will be staying here in Ponyville, and I would like nothing more than to make myself useful to the local population. Now, I understand you are a designer by trade?” “Yes, Sparky, was it? What an unusual name for a dragon. Not that I disapprove, Darling, but I would never have guessed it.” I laugh again. “Yes, I do admit it is an unusual name, and you may rest assured it was given to me in an unusual way. Do you know a mare by the name of Pinkie Pie?” “Ah, say no more. Just one moment, Darling, while I retrieve a table for us. Oh! And where are my manners, would you or Fluttershy care for some tea?” We both nod our agreement. Rarity turns around and walks to the other room. I grin at Fluttershy and polymorph into my pegasus form. She just smiles and shakes her head. I walk into the other room and see Rarity struggling with the table. “Allow me, Rarity.” I say. She turns around. “Oh! Thank you, Darling. I don’t know if… I’m sorry, do I know you? Forgive me if I have forgotten. Actually, I have guests at the moment. Would you please excuse me?” “Of course, Rarity. It would be my pleasure. Oh, and I happen to like peppermint tea. Would you have any perchance?” I move under the table and lift it easily with my wings. “I would hate to be a bother. Whatever you have will be fine.” Rarity stops all activity and looks back at me carrying her table. She follows me into the other room, and notices a distinct lack of a dragon. After setting down her table, I take my spot next to fluttershy. She closes her eyes for a few seconds. Upon opening them, she sees her friend, and me, the dragon, again. She swiftly turns around and returns to her other room. She spends a few minutes making the tea, then returns to us. Fluttershy, of course looking like Fluttershy, and me, looking very much like a pegasus colt. She calmly sets down the tea, summons her couch to her, and passes out on it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Really, If you moved your couch so easily, I think you could have managed your table just fine.” A few minutes have passed, and Rarity is stirring. Her eyes open, and she sits up. “I enchanted it long ago. It’s so nice to be able to move my couch around without too much effort. My table, on the other hand, has not moved in quite some time. I see you are a pegasus now. Will you be staying like that, or will you continue your little game?” “Please forgive me, it’s in my nature to tease a little bit. I apologize for distressing you..” “It’s quite alright, Darling. You actually remind me of my friend, Rainbow Dash. She can be quite a prankster herself.” Rarity gets up and sits on the other side of Fluttershy. I notice she chooses to sit quite close to the yellow pegasus. I smile at her. “If it makes you feel any better, you are far from the only pony I have played a joke on since my arrival. Actually, just last night I pulled one over on Fluttershy here. We had a good laugh over it.” “Fluttershy, Darling! Are you quite okay? This mean dragon didn’t make you cry, did he? I swear if he did, I will END HIM!” And just like that, my life is in Fluttershy’s hooves. Please, be merciful. “Oh, goodness, no. It wasn’t like that, Rarity. He um, well, um. It was harmless, Rarity. I…” It’s remarkable just how easy her coat goes from yellow to that red yellow coloration. “You! What did you do to my dear Fluttershy!” The look of anger on her face does not bode well for me. “Eeep!” Fluttershy is not helping. “I swear, we were laughing about it last night!” Rarity looks ready to jump over the table at me. I get up and back slowly away, trying to disarm the situation. Then something bad happens. When I am in my dragon form, my weight is spread out over a much wider area. Thus far, my switching back and forth has not given me any trouble. I was fortunate enough to stay over support beams in the floor. Unfortunately, my luck ran out. My weight on four much smaller areas causes Rarity’s floor to buckle into her basement. Rarity pokes her head into her new basement portal. “Are you injured, Sparky?” “Only my pride.” My eyes adjust to the lower levels of light, and I make a startling discovery. “My, my, Rarity, you have quite an extensive collection down here. I never would have guessed you had it in you.” Rarity blushes deeply. She can clearly picture what I am seeing right now. “You must understand, darling, that is my private collection.” “I can imagine, Rarity, I just never would have thought you were the type to make these.” Her blush only deepens. “Please, not another word. I beg you!” “But these designs, they’re so…” “No, please, don’t say it!” pleads Rarity. “OLD!” I exclaim. I revert back to my dragon form and poke my head through the hole. Crimson in face, Rarity gasps. “AH! No! They are not old. You misunderstand! When my muse speaks, I must listen. Even when it calls me to make something ‘Retro!’ I simply cannot ignore it! Oh, my life is over. Where ever shall I go? Whatever shall I do? The scandal is simply too much to bear! Oh, Fluttershy, what must you think of me.” She runs over to the pegasus and throws herself at her hooves. “Umm, it’s okay, Rarity, I could never think badly of your designs.” She lowers herself next to the unicorn and embraces her with her wings and hooves. Rarity finds herself face to face with Fluttershy, their noses almost touching. Her blush doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Fluttershy’s blush deepens again. Oh, this is too fun. But, alas, I feel the need to stay quiet. I duck my head back down and survey the damage. It’s bad. I took out several cross beams, and a support post. This might be beyond Twilight’s abilities. I have seen her repair a still living tree, and a step made of crystal. From the look of things, though, the wood in Rarity’s floor will likely need to be replaced. Worse, this is Rarity’s workplace and home. The hole is in her main showroom. This will cost a lot of time and bits for her. Well, time, anyway. I will provide the funding. Actually, this is ideal. I might be able to turn this situation around. It just depends on if Rarity is up for a little trip. Maybe a week or so. I poke my head back up. I see Rarity and Fluttershy still holding one another. Neither seems inclined to let the other go. At least their natural coloration has returned. “Rarity, may I speak to you? Alone?” Rarity disengages with Fluttershy, much to their mutual disappointment. As she comes over, she does her own damage assessment. I can tell she isn’t pleased with the state of her floor. As she makes her way over, she steps into a weakened area. I quickly lift the offending beam before she involuntarily joins me in the basement. She feels the floor shifting and quickly backs up. “How bad is it, Darling? Do you think it can be repaired?” “I can assure you, it will be taken care of. I do have an idea, however, it would require a bit of travel on my part. Or our part, if you are interested?” I inquire. “Whatever do you mean, Darling? “I cannot in good conscience leave your residence and business in this state. My local funding might be limited, however, I am not limited to my local funding, if you catch my meaning. I was actually planning to make a return trip soon anyway. This merely speeds up the timeline.” “Are you suggesting I sojourn to places unknown with a dragon I have just barely met?” “I will let you have your pick of my hoard,” I offer. “I shall pack at once. Actually, I shall pack later. I am expected somewhere for lunch. I would very much like it if you were to accompany me, Darling. You as well, Sparky.” I chuckle at her use of my name and her offering to Fluttershy her term of endearment. At least she isn’t my outright enemy, unlike my pegasus nemesis. “Oh, another lunch date? I’m not sure, I mean, I cannot leave my animals for too long.” “Oh, but I insist! I simply… What is this about another lunch date, Dear? Has somepony been courting you?” A brief look of jealousy crosses her face, but it’s quickly replaced with a neutral expression. “Oh, my, no. I had lunch with Twilight and Sparky yesterday. I am not sure if anypony is… is… Eeep!” There she goes again. She lowers her face and hides behind her mane. If this keeps up, I fear we shall break Fluttershy. I clear my throat. “Twilight invited us to lunch after I first met Fluttershy. It was a splendid location that I will be visiting quite frequently. Actually, I am finding myself hungry again just thinking about the place. Where are we going, Rarity?” “Well first, you are going to get out of my cellar. Can you manage without further damaging my floor?” I chuckle a bit at her priorities. I polymorph into a large eagle. I am a bit bigger then a foal in this form, except for my wings. Hmmm. Well, I guess I could just take the stairs. I just don’t know if my stamina will be able to keep my form for very long after. In order for this to work, I will have to adjust my mass. I am not looking forward to the next couple of hours. I morph to my pegasus form and walk across Rarity’s basement. The stairs are easy enough to find, however, what I am about to do will not be pleasant. “Is the door to your basement unlocked? I really cannot maintain my mass for too long. A few seconds at best, really,” I call out. “Just a moment, Let me make sure.” The door at the top of the stairs opens. I get the feeling if we hadn’t checked, it would have been locked. “Could you open your front door as well, and make sure the coast is clear? I will meet you outside.” “Alright, Dear. Please, be careful. The hole is directly in the path from the basement door to the front door. I get the feeling you can’t try this more than once. We will see you outside.” I wait a few seconds, and hear what I think is the front door opening. I play it safe and wait another 10 seconds. Then I begin. I collapse my mass down. It hurts. It HURTS. I haven’t done something like this in decades, and it shows. It’s not something that gets easier with practice. It’s not a skill or ability that fades with age. It just gets more and more difficult as a dragon grows larger. I rapidly lose my reserves of energy and it’s all I can do to not think only of the pain. I am in a vice that is on fire. I am being compressed from all sides inside and out. My blood boils. I start to run as I start to scream. I am up the stairs in 2 seconds. I am still screaming. I lose a precious second getting my bearings, then locate the front door. The pain in my lungs matches the rest of the pain. I fly across her showroom to avoid the hole in the middle. I touch down just in front of her front door and charge through it. I collapse on the other side, outside, and it’s all I can do to stay a pegasus. I cannot stop screaming. My mass snapped back as I crossed the threshold, however the pain is still there. I’m just gonna lie here for a while and suffer. My body is on fire. The vice is gone, but the heat will linger for a while longer. I swear to everything, I will never alter my mass again. Celestia, Luna, Bahamut, Discord, I invoke your names and hereby swear to eat my own tongue before I ever alter my mass again. My tongue guides my bolts, my bolts are my lifeforce given form. I am swearing to give up what makes me a dragon before ever altering my mass again. To eat one’s tongue is to wander forever alone, shunned and shamed until death. The pain lessens after a few minutes that pass as hours. I stayed awake, barely. Had I passed out, my form would have reverted. I cannot be known just yet by the general public. I regain feeling in my body and limbs, and feel bodies covering my own. Two of the most lovely ponies ever are holding me, whispering to me. General nothings that don’t mean anything to me just yet. I focus on the voices. One is apologizing. Rarity. Tears escape my eyes as I hear her beg for forgiveness. I cannot tell her yet that there is nothing to forgive. I cannot find my words. I think I stopped screaming some time ago. Ah, Yes. There it is. “Rarity, I’m okay. I just need a moment longer.” I try moving a limb. It’s a foreleg. Left side. It responds to my command, but refuses to bear weight. I am so heavy. I feel myself slipping. I open my way too heavy eyelids and try to focus. An apple is in front of me. I eat it whole. Another appears. I make it disappear. The darkness at the edges of my vision recedes. Apples keep coming. I banish them to my stomach. After a moment, I am able to regain my hooves. I do so, and retreat back into the boutique. I stay well away from the hole, and let my form slip. My head is swimming, but I no longer feel heavy. I lay down, and see the two mares in front of me. Rarity is crying. Why? Oh. She blames herself. This cannot do. I will not allow it. I pull both the mares to me. “Thank you, both of you. I will be alright. It was my foolishness, my pride that left me like this. I will heal.” Rarity stops crying. I feel a bit sick, but I keep everything down. I turn down the offer of another apple. I want to just lie here. I don’t want to move. I want these two mares to stay with me. I release them instead. I attempt to stand. Pain shoots through my limbs. I rise, letting the burn take its course. I move my forelegs, keeping my weight on them as I do. It hurts, but they loosen. I repeat the process with my rear legs. I twist my head and neck until it hurts. Then I twist further. Each back and forth motion restores mobility. I move my tail around. I usually don’t even think about moving it. Now I have to give individual commands to it. Up, down, left, right, twist, circle, back and forth. I flex and arch my spine. Rarity and Fluttershy give me general encouragements. I am able to keep upright. The food I have eaten is staying where it is most needed. I am weak, but functional. I cannot change my form. I don’t even want to try. “Rarity, I’m afraid I simply cannot make it to lunch today. Actually, I fear I will need to sleep here tonight. I am sorry if this is an inconvenience to you. I cannot go outside as I am.” “Actually, I was going to suggest the same thing, Dear. If I had known what you were going to go through, I would have ripped out my floor myself. I would have torn down my Boutique. You silly, silly fool. Nopony, nodragon, should go through what you just did, Darling. The fact that you did speaks volumes to your character. Never, ever, EVER do that again. If you do, I will be most cross. Am I understood?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Incorrect.” “Yes, Rarity.” “Much better. Fluttershy, would you be a dear and watch over our fool for me? I have an errand I must attend to. Once I return, you may take your leave for your animals if you wish. Can you do this for me?” “O-of course, Rarity.” She looks at me. She stares at me. She STARES at me. “Please do not move, Sparky. I just need a moment, if that’s okay with you.” My eyes are locked on to hers. I can only nod. My world centers around her gaze. She looks away, and I lie back down. Nothing could move me from this spot, except for a yellow pegasus. Rarity and Fluttershy go outside. I decide staying awake is overrated. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My eyes shoot open. Ponies. My head shoots up. My body denies my attempt to change it. I look around. “I see you finally decided to wake up,” says Twilight. “You burned yourself out. I would recommend at least 2 days before attempting to polymorph again. You are lucky to be alive.” “What were ya thinkin’, Sugercube? You done scared the wits outta everypony here. I got half a mind to buck ya into your lake, ya lunatic,” says Applejack. “Not so big and tough now, are ya. You are just lucky I won’t buck a downed dragon. Don’t think you’ve seen the last of me, either.” Rainbow Dash. I’m surprised she’s here. Not that she stays. Once she chews me out, she flies out the door. I could almost detect a hint of worry coming from her. She probably just wants to beat me herself. “Two days, Sparky. Two days. I have been trying to get you to come to your party for two days, but every time I get set up, you don’t come. First, you sleep at Fluttershy’s instead of going back to your lake and then, you agree to follow Rarity to Sugarcube Corner, but you no show because you decided to be a silly head and hurt yourself. Now I brought you to the party by bringing the party to you.” Pinkie Pie takes a party horn out of her mane and blows into it. “Lets get this party started!” Music plays from every corner. Confetti is everywhere. Rarity cringes at the mess, but she still smiles at the antics of the energetic Pinkie. Fluttershy is off to one side. She looks like she is enjoying herself, talking to Rarity. It seems they are standing very close. I cannot help but wonder if they have decided to start seeing each other. It might make things easier if they have. I see a purple glow coming from Twilight’s horn. A matching half sphere surrounds the hole in Rarity’s floor. “Can you do anything for it, Twilight?” I ask. “I already am. This barrier will prevent anypony from getting too close. Other than that, It will require repair from a specialist.” She replies. She lets go of her magic, and the barrier stays stable. “You mentioned this town has seen its fair share of problems. Any chance you know who best to hire? Bits will be no problem at all. I will even pay extra if they will defer payment until Rarity and I return.” “You and Rarity? Where are you going?” “I was planning to go back to my hoard. I asked Rarity if she would accompany me. I kinda made her an offer she couldn’t refuse,” I reply. “Will she be okay there? I don’t want her running into any hostile dragons.” “The area we are going is pretty isolated. The only dragons who know the general location of my hoard are my parents and siblings. We inform each other when and if we are planning to take an extended leave.” “Alright, I will trust you,” she says. “Just please let me know if you have any problems. You are able to send messages, right?” “I can, however, it might not be pleasant for Spike to receive it. The message would arrive as a very small bolt of lightning. More like a very bad static shock in the mouth. I have been told that numbness and tingling of the mouth, lips, and tongue are the usual result of receiving a message this way. I cannot imagine I would want fire in my mouth, either.” “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind. I doubt Spike would enjoy that. So, I have a few ponies I can talk to about Rarity’s floor. I will make sure they know that payment is guaranteed. I give them a lot of business, so I doubt haggling will be much of an issue. I wish I could give you an estimate, but I never was good at those kind of rough estimates. I much prefer precise numbers to general ones.” “I have no problem with you doing the negotiations for me. I doubt they would take the word of a young colt anyway. Thank you for taking care of that for me,” I say. “I was planning on leaving early tomorrow if Rarity agrees. It will have to be before dawn if we want to leave that soon. I will also be bringing back those books I promised you. There will be a lot of them, so I hope you have room.” Upon being reminded of her expected books, Twilight gets giddy. She starts bouncing around me, repeating “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!” Her friends all look over and just smile and laugh. I guess this is a common occurrence to them. No matter. I call out to Rarity. She and Fluttershy walk over. “If it’s okay with you, I would like to leave tomorrow before dawn.” Noticing I am talking to Rarity, Twilight stops bouncing. She has a sheepish look on her face. She sits calmly in front of me. “I see no problem with leaving tomorrow, Darling, however, how will you exit my door?” “I…” I draw a blank. This is a problem. Fortunately, Twilight has the answer. “I should be able to teleport you outside. I have already levitated you, and for me, teleportation is not too much harder than levitation. I can meet you here tomorrow when you’re ready to leave. I just need to know the time.” “I believe 4:30 should do, Darling. I am in no rush, however. Do we have to leave tomorrow?” “I cannot stay here too much longer, Rarity. I took a risk even coming back in here. I have no idea how your floor will handle my weight if I remain on it for an extended period. I would also try to minimize your down time. I cannot imagine you wanting to be out of work for long. You making this trip with me just clears the way to having your home and workplace back to the way it was.” “I do appreciate your offer, Sparky, but is it really okay for you to be exerting yourself to this degree? That was quite an ordeal you went through on my behalf. I won’t have you injuring yourself permanently for any reason.” “I have a sort of magical burnout, Rarity. I experienced some physical backlash, but nothing some stretching cannot overcome. I just need to get a good night’s sleep and I will be fine. Waking at 4:00 will be no problem, and I am used to long distance soaring anyway. I even have a place on my back for you. I promise, I will be fine.” "Well, alright, Darling. Twilight, I will see you tomorrow. I must get ready for my trip. Given my mode of transportation seems willing to cause permanent injury to himself, I suppose it will be up to me to be sensible. It’s funny, really. I have Spike carry so much luggage usually, and now that I have this great big dragon, I will be bringing hardly anything.” “So you haven’t told Rarity your plan?” Twilight asks me. “What plan?” asks Rarity. “I will tell you all about it on our journey. It need not concern you for tonight. I will see you in the morning, Rarity.” “I will not be dismissed so easily, Dear. If you have been planning something behind my back, I would like to know now.” I sigh. I had hoped to talk to Rarity alone, however, she is determined learn the truth. I decide Fluttershy should be present after all. I am taking a chance by assuming they are a couple, but it seems a safe assumption. I have little doubt their friends already know one way or another, but I need to keep this quiet. “Twilight, would you excuse us? We shouldn’t be long,” I request. “Actually, I would prefer Twilight stay. She seems to know information on this plan, and I want complete answers,” states Rarity. I shake my head, smiling. Okay, Rarity, you asked for it. “Rarity, Fluttershy, have you two started dating yet?” Sometimes it’s best to rip off the bandage. Or so I’m told, anyway. Tape on scales is hardly a painful experience, going on or coming off. I am treated to a pair of blushing mares. Twilight may be blushing as well, however her coloration makes it hard to tell. “I hardly see how that is any of your business, Darling. A lady simply does not talk of these things.” “My plan concerns a small dragon’s infatuation with you. I am guessing it would make things easier if he could move past his crush. I will be taking him on to show him our ways. I also happen to know of a filly that currently feels for him the way he feels for you. For right now, I will show him how to get over his sadness.” “I simply cannot allow this. It would break his heart if he learns he could never be with me.” “It will only get worse with time, Rarity. He needs to move on. Your own relationship, whether real or perceived, cannot progress until this happens. I promise, he will be okay. This is why I approached Twilight about this. Spike is her family. Call him assistant, brother, son, Twilight means everything to him. She is his pony. I will provide what help I can, but she will be central in getting him through this.” “It’s true, Rarity. I believe Spike will be okay, especially with Sparky helping him through this,” adds Twilight. “I… see. Fluttershy, do you agree with them?” “I will support whatever decision you make, Rarity,” she says, extending a wing over her. “Twilight, I never wanted to hurt Spike. I just wanted him to be happy. I would have told him sooner, but every time I see him, I just cannot bring myself to hurt him. I had hoped his crush would fade, however, I cannot wait any longer.” She nuzzles Fluttershy. “It would not be fair to you, Love.” She looks back over to us. “If we can help Spike in any way, we will. You only need to ask.” “Yes, please do. I have always been fond of talking to Spike. If I can be of any help at all, I will do all I can.” “Thank you both so much,” responds Twilight. “We can discuss more tomorrow if you like, Rarity. For tonight, I am going to sleep early. We have a long flight ahead of us, and I want to be well rested.” I go towards the corner that is as far away from the hole as I can manage. I step carefully, and feel no shifting for my efforts. I bid each of the others good night as I pass them. They are confused at my early bedtime, however they all respond in kind. Pinkie seems the most distressed. “Did you not like your party, Sparky? I tried to make it super duper extra marvaltacular for you!” She is almost in tears. I smile at her, then laugh. “I definitely had a marvaltacular time, Pinkie.” She perks up a little. “Was it super duper?” “It was EXTRA super duper. I look forward to the next one, Pinkie. I just have to wake up early tomorrow. Good night.” I pull her over with one of my massive arms. Pinkie hugs me back as best she can, and manages just fine. “Okey dokey lokey! You better be ready for another party, big guy. You owe me!” I smile and nod. I lay down in the corner, and drift off to sleep with a bouncy pink pony guiding me.