//------------------------------// // The Ponyville Experience Part 2 (Revised) // Story: A Demon In Ponyville // by Terciel1249 //------------------------------// A Demon in Ponyville Ch. 9: The Ponyville Experience Pt. 2 Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to MLP, all other characters are my own. Uh! That pretty much summed up this situation. Pinkie Pie stormed around the room, asking each and every pony who had told Matthew about his surprise party. Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh were grouped close together. Matthew’s eyes followed Pinkie Pies’ pursuit to find the perpetrator. Is Pinkie Pie’s gonna have smack a bitch? “Pinkie Pie, no one told me about the party!” Matthew yelled, finally having enough to Pinkie Pie’s accusations. Pinkie Pie froze in place, her face pushed against Fluttershy’s. Slowly, ever so slowly, the pink mare slowly turned her head in Matthew’s direction. Her blue eyes penetrated the air, focused all on Matthew standing in front of the Sugarcube Corner. Inside, he was considering bailing on this scene. Why can’t you be not creepy? “Really?” What’s with that voice? The voice from that pink muzzle wasn’t a female party pony, but the executioner of souls awaiting to dine on her unsuspecting prey. Matthew shivered, a cold chill flowing up his spine, “Yes Pinkie Pie.” “Then how did you know?” Abort mission. Run like hell man! Just let whatever’s wrong with Pinkie mutilate them and leave their asses behind! “Short version: evil demonic powers,” Matthew responded. Why can’t you just listen? We wouldn’t be in half the messes you find yourself if you had just listened to me. “Okie-Doki-Loki” Pinkie Pie smiled, automatically accepting Matthew’s replay. She seriously bought that? I hope their booze at this party. I really need a drink. Pinkie Pie latched her foreleg around one of Matthew’s, dragging the reluctant stallion into the center of the room. Good god, this looks like it was designed for a four year old girl. I swear if I lose an ounce of masculinity someone’s gonna get an ass-wooping. Pinkie Pie moved Matthew to the center of the dance floor, her hoof waving at the colorful streamers and confetti hanging from the ceilings. A large cake was pushed towards the edge of the room, yellow frosting outlined by thin edges of bright red next to various pastries and punch. That’s a big cake. Three levels of sweet sugary goodness tempted Matthew to jump head first into the desert. I don’t know whether to eat it or make sweet-sweet love. Um… I think I need to sort out my priorities first. Many ponies surrounded the sides of the room, most Matthew did not recognize. All of the ponies looked towards Matthew with a wide open smiles. Are they smiling at me, or out of fear of what Pinkie Pie would do to them if they didn’t? “Um, Pinkie Pie?” “Yes?” Pinkie sweetly answered, sending another shiver down Matthew’s spine when she turned her blue eyes on him. “What exactly is this all for?” “Oh!” Pinkie Pie gasped, “I thought you would have noticed the banner.” Pointing towards the wall opposite the door, Matthew read ‘Welcome to Ponyville Mr. Alien’ My last name’s not alien. Matthew couldn’t respond, his mouth hanging slightly open. The party may be very childish, but to actually take the time to set up a party for him of all people. Matthew couldn’t respond. The idea of a party just to welcome a complete stranger was just too foreign to penetrate that thick skull. Pinkie Pie’s smile faltered. Matthew’s reaction differently than she had originally intended. Silence. “Um, Matthew?” Pinkie Pie asked, jerking him from his revelries. “Oh. Sorry about that,” Matthew turned to Pinkie Pie. “Did you say something?” “Are you surprised?” Pinkie Pie asked timidly. Her ears pulled back and her eyes filled with uncertainly. How can I be mean to those eyes? Well I could, but I’m afraid of what she’d do to me afterwards. Maybe cut me up and put me into cupcakes or something. Matthew answered with half-smirk, “Yes, Pinkie Pie. I am very surprised.” “YEAH! Let’s party ponies!” The occupants of the room released their pent up breaths. My god! She’s an evil tyrannical overlord! All of these ponies fear the pink wrath! Matthew thought absentmindedly, being engulfed in the swirling color of ponies and voices. Everypony took the opportunity to introduce themselves to Matthew. Matthew was forced to being passed around like worn-out football. “Hey.” “How’s it going?” “Don’t know you.” “Don’t care.” “Don’t care.” “Still not caring.” Matthew methodically went through the greetings, realization sitting in on just how big these pony’s eyes were. They’re like huge man. Deciding to be nice, Matthew offered each one a wide warm smile. Does a smirk even count as a smile? In a flurry of pink, Matthew found himself assaulted by the most horrifying thing he could think of. A man who has walked through rivers of blood, fought thousands of enemies, has seen the worst life had to offer. Today, Matthew met the stuff of nightmares. Today, Matthew heard his first Pinkie Pie song. ”Welcome welcome welcome A fine welcome to you Welcome welcome welcome I say how do you do? Welcome welcome welcome I say hip hip hurray Welcome welcome welcome To Ponyville today All of us are here To welcome you today!" Matthew stared at the pink abomination. She bounced around the room like a kangaroo hyped up on sugar. The song continued, Pinkie Pie singing whilst she defied the laws of physics by bouncing on the walls and roof. The ponies attending moved in rhythm to the jaunty song, not paying any attention to Matthew’s twitching face of despair. It’s in my head! Make it stop! Make it stop! Matthew slowly backed away. Until a wall of ponies preventing him from creating any more distance between him and the pink evil. Pinkie Pie finished her welcome song with a high note and a finale of colorful confetti raining from the sky. Breathing heavily, Pinkie Pie looked expectantly towards Matthew to see the happiest face imaginable. Instead, Matthew stood silently with his mouth hanging open. If there is an adult in the room, I think I need them right about now for what my brain just went through. Pinkie Pie walked up to Matthew, looking directly into his horror filled eyes. The stallion remained unresponsive. Even when Pinkie Pie’s eyes almost touched his own. Taking a step back, Pinkie tried to elicit a response by waving her hoof rapidly in front of Matthew’s muzzle. Still the look of open mouthed horror remained on his face. “Hmmm,” hummed Pinkie Pie, “Oh! I know what to do.” In a flash, Pinkie Pie returned to the frozen stallion with a slice of cake in her hoof. Pinkie tantalized Matthew with the sugary cake. Waving the cake under his nose to ensure he could smell the sugar. No immediate response came from Matthew. “Rrrr,” Pinkie Pie growled. This pony is being ridiculous! Ponies watched with various range of humored expressions. Applejack and Big Mac chuckled softly. Pinkie Pie decided to resort to drastic measures. Pushing the cake into Matthew’s open maw, Pinkie waited patiently for a reaction. Matthew remained unmoved, yellow frosting and bits of cake covering his muzzle. Pinkie Pie sighed, using two hooves to force Matthew’s jaw up and down. “Mmmmmmmmm.” Pinkie Pie smiled. Matthew’s expression turned from shocked horror to bliss, warmth filling him from his hooves to the tips of his ears. This has to be the best cake I have ever tasted. But I will not be blinded by this sugary treat! I now have a mission to complete: to defeat the evil party pony, to save all of these folks from her evil and end the greatest threat to this world. Is that pin the tail on the pony? During Matthew’s reveries, Pinkie Pie led the distracted Matthew towards a small poster taped to the wall of a pony with no tail. Faster than Matthew thought possible for a pony, Pinkie Pie had already wrapped a blindfold around his eyes and pushed the tail into one of his hooves. Oh my god she’s a ninja. Fear Ninja Pinkie! “Now Mathy, let’s play a fun game of pin the tail on the pony!” Pinkie Pie cheered happily, giving Matthew a playful shove. Swallowing the remaining cake in his mouth, Matthew asked in a deadpanned voice, “Can you not call me that?” “Nope,” Pinkie responded with a smile. Matthew swore he could see it through his fabric blindfold. I will reign fire and destruction on you head! You have officially made the number one spot on my list, right above Cadence. Deciding it would be best not to upset Pinkie. Matthew moved to the wall and pushed the pin into the poster. Several laughs filled the room. When Matthew removed the blind fold, he found out what the ponies where laughing at. Matthew had completely missed the poster by four inches. Curse you evil demonic powers! Why can’t I see through solid objects? I know a guy who could, so why can’t I? Smiling it off, Matthew ripped the pin from the wall for the next pony to take a turn. Matthew moved next to Applejack and Big Mac asking, “Is Pinkie Pie always like this?” “Eeyup.” Matthew groaned, a pink mane and blue eyes moving directly towards him. It’s official. Pink is now my least favorite color. Pinkie Pie’s smile grew three sizes when she got to Matthew, Here we go again. “Just wait Mathy, this is just the start of your very own Pinkie Pie Welcome Party!” If there is a god, he’s probably laughing his a** off right now. For the next couple hours, Matthew found himself being dragged from one end of Sugarcube Corner to the other. Matthew became introduced to many party games and pranks that he would spend the rest of his days trying to suppress the memories. Music filled the air, ponies dancing the night with Matthew watching. How does a civilization of ponies create techno? I mean sure they have electricity, light bulbs, trains and stuff, but what are the odds of my world having a similar taste in music? I can’t personally stand techno. It’s not bad, just not my cup of tea. I wonder if they have rock here? Matthew watched in surprise at Pinkie Pie spinning through the air over the heads of everypony on the dance floor. I need a drink. Scanning the crowd, Matthew’s eyes fell on a strange sight. Yes, even stranger than Pinkie Pie flying through the air. Twilight was dancing. It’s like she’s having a seizure. The purple unicorn swung her head out of rhythm while flailing her legs and wings. Bizarre did not cut it here. Matthew smirked at the dancing alicorn, reminded him of the saying ‘White folks can’t dance.’ I may have insulted myself, but it’s the truth. Twilight looked up, catching Matthew’s eyes on her. Walking towards him, Twilight asked, “Aren’t you going to dance?” “Not really the dancing type.” Twilight raised a bemused eyebrow, “Why not?” Matthew responded, “I don’t want to mentally scar all of these innocent ponies.” Twilight giggled, OMG! Why does she have to have such a cute giggle? That’s just unfair. Matthew couldn’t help but chuckle. Twilight decided to grab Matthew’s leg, Matthew remaining stationary while Twilight pulled in vain. “What are you doing?” “We are going to dance!” Twilight answered. “Why me?” Matthew asked. Twilight doubled her efforts, but was still unable to move him. “Because it’s your party and the guest of honor should at least have one dance,” Twilight responded, letting go of Matthew’s hoof and resorting to levitating him off the ground to join her in the flashing lights of the dance floor. Matthew thought about disappearing, but Twilight was giving him a look that said ‘Do it and I will find you.’ The music faded. The last song ended on a high note. The DJ, a white unicorn with red shades, started the next dance with something slow. Ponies began to take a partner in their hooves, moving in rhythm to the beat as one. This is going to be fun. Matthew offered Twilight his hoof, not even bothering to conceal his grin. Twilight blushed red, her own game being turned against her. Taking the hoof, Twilight lead Matthew in a traditional two-step - Wait, isn’t it four step since we have four legs? The pair moved in the dance floor in a circular fashion, basically the equivalent of a slow dance for equines. Seriously? You’re just going to ignore me. The lights dimmed, the mood becoming more personnel. Oh you do not ignore me! Matthew decided to change things up a bit. With a quick movement, Matthew wrapped a foreleg around Twilight’s lower back while pulling her closer. Twilight blinked in surprise, feeling weird at standing on her hind legs while Matthew held onto her. Her blush deepened when she realized both of their torsos were barely an inch away from touching. Looking up into the stallion’s eyes, Twilight didn’t see the smug stallion before. Right now, Matthew wore a broken smile. A worn smile. His eyes weren’t seeing her though. Those rose deep, dark irises looked into another face. Into a pair of green eyes he could only remember. Twilight merely watched the lights flicker in Matthew’s eyes. She watched the emotions fly through those luminous orbs. Sadness passed through those luminous orbs. Twilight felt her weight suddenly leave her hooves. Matthew’s wings lifting both of them a foot above the ground. Slowly they hovered in the air, Twilight recovering from her shock to feel the strength in the legs holding her. Iron limbs holding her in a steady warm embrace, but no crushing her. Twilight asked, “Are you alright?” Pushing these emotions away, Matthew responded, “Yes.” Twilight attempted to regain control of the situation, “Tell me, is this a dance customary to your people?” “Sure, let’s go with that.” “Is it common to hover in the air while dancing?” “Wait, what?” Matthew’s eyes widened in surprise. Matthew just realizing his hooves were no longer touching the ground. To Twilight’s shock, and Matthew’s, his wings froze causing the two to crumple onto the dance floor. Twilight suddenly found herself lying on said stallion, her muzzle smacking into his. Twilight scrambled to her hooves, cheeks burning and flustered. Matthew responded by chuckling, his laugh low. Picking himself off the ground, Matthew looked to the blushing Twilight, “Well that was fun.” Twilight’s eyebrows twitched in irritation, throwing him an annoyed look. Her efforts earned her another chuckle. Stallions, she groaned in her head. Deciding its best to leave the dance floor, Matthew motioned with his head towards the wooden bar. Twilight followed Matthew towards two familiar ponies holding large mugs of fizzing cider, Applejack and Big Mac. Applejack couldn’t help but snort into her drink of amber liquid, “Having fun?” Twilight nodded with a blush, Matthew moving to grab a mug. “What kind of drink is that?” Matthew asked. “This here is our Apple Family Hard Cider,” Applejack said. “Does it have alcohol?” “Eeyup!” Finally! My goddess has returned to me. To deliver poor Matthew from the grips of reality. Let it be heard from the highest mountains to the lowest plateaus! Let all rejoice in triumph and tremble in fear! For I, Matthew, Defeater of Hell and all around badass, will be getting my drink on tonight! “Careful,” Big Mac warned. Matthew’s hoof wrapped around the large wooden mug and a tall bottle labeled ‘Apple Family Hard Cider.’ “That’s our 35% distilled cider. It’s heavy stuff, normal ponies water it down.” Matthew raised a bemused eyebrow at Mac’s mug, “Did you water your mug down?” “Nope.” “And neither will I,” with a smirk, Matthew poured the liquid to the very top of the wooden mug. Simply ignoring the protesting Applejack, Matthew brought the drink to his lips. Twilight, Big Mac and Applejack starred in surprise. Matthew chugged the most potent Apple Family cider. Warmth filled his belly, the liquid burning as it travelled down his throat to leave a pleasant tingle. The amber liquid was a delicious mix of the freshest apples with just a hint of peach. The three ponies were surprised when Matthew placed his mug on the counter, shrugging, “It’s not that strong. Good taste, but doesn’t have much of a punch.” Applejack’s eyes narrowed, “Are you saying mah family’s hard cider isn’t strong enough for you?” “I thought that’s what I just said,” Matthew said. In a flurry of motion, Applejack shoved her face into Matthew’s, “Now ya’ll have done it. You and me! Right here! Right now!” Matthew looked into Applejack’s green eyes, enjoying her hatred. “What exactly will we be doing?” “Drinking contest!” That sounds awesome! Applejack challenged, pointing towards Big Mac. “Big Mac, grab the stuff.” Big Mac sighed in discontent, reaching behind the counter before pulling out a large square glass bottle. The contents were a deep burgundy, sealed at the top with tight metal screw cap. Applejack announced, “This here is the Apple Family Whiskey, the hardest drink in all of Equestria!” That’s quite the claim, Matthew mused. “So let me get this straight: you want to challenge me to a drinking contest because I insulted your drink?” “Sure am!” Matthew’s smirk widened, “I’m game.” With no time at all, Matthew found himself sitting across Applejack and for some reason Pinkie Pie was sitting on his right. I don’t even know why she wants to join. Sitting in front of each contestant, five glass shot filled with the magical alcohol waited to be consumed. Ponies surrounded the table, placing bets on who would be the victor. Surprising most ponies bet on Pinkie Pie. Twilight turned to Big Mac with a raised eyebrow, “I didn’t know Applejack drank.” “Normally no,” Big Mac said. “But us Apples won’t back down from a challenge. We can hold our liquor better than most ponies.” “Why aren’t you joining them?” a bemused Twilight asked. Big Mac groaned, “Because I’ll have to carry Applejack home when this is all over.” Allowing Applejack to start off, the orange mare took a single glass. Applejack downed the liquid, slamming a hoof into the table when the hard alcohol hit her system causing her skin to shiver. The drink burned and hit her like a rampaging bull. Applejack gently placed the glass upside down on the table. Matthew turned to Pinkie Pie, the mare taking her shot without any sign of being affected. She didn’t even look fazed. I probably should be worried about her, but who cares. Free booze! Matthew quickly downed his first shot, the liquid hitting his taste buds with apple fire. Matthew brought the glass down. Now that’s the good stuff. Shot for shot, Matthew matched the two mares. The contest went into full swing, shot after shot consumed. The first five shots went down without much difficulty. Ten shots, Matthew was surprised Applejack was only red in her cheeks. Matthew couldn’t complain, all the way from the tips of his ears to his hooves felt pleasantly warm. Pinkie Pie was Pinkie Pie. She didn’t have any redness or slurring of any kind, only her big, creepy smile. Fifteen shots… Things are starting to get good. Matthew smirked at the all too familiar buzzing just starting to form. Matthew was nowhere near his limits. Applejack however was teetering in her seat, “Why’z everypoooony spinning?” Pinkie Pie looked around, her hair whipping around her head like a whip. “They don’t look like their spinning.” Matthew rubbed his eyes, still seeing no change in Pinkie Pie. Twenty shots. Matthew’s smirk like an idiot, Ah think I’m starting to get drunk. Naw man! You’re crazy! Naw, you’re crazy! Can I join in? a very cheery high pitched voice entered Matthew’s mind. Pinkie Pie! Get the hell out of my head or I will eat your soul with a side of fava-beans! Applejack turned to Matthew with unfocused eyes, “Habla bacok wodul conslit?” (Translation: Pinkie Pie in your head? “Eeyup” Applejack nodded sagely, taking another shot. There’s a problem if this is a common occurrence. Matthew decided to drop the issue, taking his next shot. Twenty-seven shots. Applejack could hardly stay in her seat, her shoulders slumping and her head moving from side to side. That didn’t stop the two from having a good conversation. “Slck ad cote toa moshia goblaca dlaenk toadr?” (How is it that you’ve seen angels and demons, and yet you don’t believe in this God character that supposedly created them all?) Matthew was starting to feel it, his words slurring as they left his muzzle, “I believez in god az much as I’z believe in a raising the drinking age. I just can’t allow myself to believe in a divine influence.” “Why? Is it because you don’t believe in an afterlife, heaven or creationism?” Pinkie Pie asked. How is she still standing? “Nay, I just don’t believe in people more powerful than me,” Matthew responded. Applejack burst out laughing, I don’t think she’s laughing at me. Leaning to far back, Applejack fell from her chair giggling like a school girl. Big Mac sighed before throwing the drunken mare over his back. And now there were only two. Matthew thought reaching for the next drink. Pinkie Pie smiled happily at Matthew. I don’t know what kind of demon from hell you are, but I will prove my manliness and drink you under this table and probably throw up afterwards! Shots melted away. 40 41 42 43 44 45 Oh no I lost count. Matthew swayed in his seat. His eyes crossed holding the next shot in his hoof. Pinkie Pie watched Matthew with apprehension, “Are you all right, Matty?” “Ah’m not just alright, I’m super fabulous!” Matthew responded, talking the drink. Setting the glass on the table Matthew eyes swerved around the room, “I’m gonna call it good. I need to pee.” Rising from his chair on his hind legs, all eyes widened at Matthew’s ability to stand. That victory lasted for only a mere second, Matthew’s golden head smashing through the table he was using and into the floor. “Who put that table there?” Matthew’s muffled voice asked. Oh no, I can’t move. Brain, status report now. … … … Pickles. Twilight lifted Matthew off of the ground, moving him in the air to get a better look at his face. “But I hate pickles,” the drunk stallion murmured in his stupor. Twilight rolled her eyes, calling to all the ponies present, “Everypony, the parties over! Pinkie won the drinking contest!” Some ponies cheered, some groaned at losing their bits. Several bodies made their way towards the door, the small room echoing with the thunder of hooves. Twilight turned to Big Mac and the sleeping Applejack, the red stallion smiling widely. “What are you so happy about?” “Ah just got twenty bits,” Big Mac said, pulling a small change bag from behind his bag to show the princess. Twilight’s attention turned to a sad Pinkie Pie, “But I was just getting started.” Shaking her head, Twilight asked Big Mac, “Are you going to be alright taking Applejack home?” Big Mac nodded, “Of course, ah am, but what about Matthew there?” Twilight turned to the floating pony, “I’ll drop him off at the library. He can stay in the guest room. It’s closer and I don’t want you to pull something trying to carry two ponies. He’s heavier than he looks.” Matthew mumbled, “I’m not fat. I’ve got dense bones.” Sure you do, Twilight thought. The pair chuckled, Twilight beginning to ask, “Pinkie do you need any- Oh.” Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise, the entire room was spotless. Pinkie Pie waved a hoof, “Nah, I’m good Twilight.” Deciding to not question Pinkie Pie, Twilight dragged the stallion out of the room. The night air cooled the lavender coat, Twilight enjoying the empty streets of Ponyville. Big Mac silently followed her out the door. The two ponies and their charges silently trotted down the main street. Twilight saw her library. Bidding Big Mac goodbye, Twilight entered her dark library, the purple glow of her horn illuminating the walls. The alicorn could hear the silent snoozing of her Number One Assistant. Making her way up the worn wooden stairs, Twilight dropped Matthew off in the spare bed. Twilight chuckled, the stallion rolling himself into a ball. But something was wrong with him. The golden alicorn had a grim expression on his face, hard, cold and very serious. What’s going on in his head? Twilight asked herself, slowly exiting the room. Making her way to the main living quarters, Twilight was deterred by Matthew’s sleeping expression. If I remember right, alcohol is a depressant. He’s probably just having a bad dream. Going by how much he drank, he’s going to have one heck of a hangover tomorrow. Finally reaching her room, Twilight felt grateful as she slid under her soft purple sheets. Tonight, most ponies would be sleeping peacefully. Some would not be. 0 0 0 Celestia laid in her bed, sleeping in content. From her door, the changeling queen entered the room for the last time. Chrysalis’s horn glowed green. Celestia’s eyes opened wide, glowing bright green. The Ruler of the Sun moved from her bed to stand in front of the Changeling Queen. “What do you wish of me?” Chrysalis chuckled, “I want you to bring the Elements of Harmony here tomorrow. Nothing is wrong. You will tell them to meet you in the throne room. Is that clear?” “Yes.” “Good,” Chrysalis rubbed her hooves together. “Now go to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow.” Celestia turned around and returned to her bed as if nothing had happened. Chrysalis saw herself out, her fangs glinting through her wide smile. The plans are in motion. Now is the time for my revenge. 0 0 0 Two young soldiers ran through the dry grass of the plateau under a bright full moon. In the front was a golden alicorn of barely sixteen years of age wearing a black tactical vest followed closely by a tall slim fellow wearing pure black. The two were sweaty, tired and breathing heavily. The tall figure had a limp in his left leg. The past three days, the pair was hunted mercilessly. Matthew turned towards his companion, his face clean without any of the black writing of his older self. His voice broke, “We’ve only got three miles to go. Can you make it, Joe?” Joe groaned, “Yeah, I think so.” The pair continued to run, the limp becoming more pronounced. Matthew moved next to him, grabbing him under the arm on his injured side. Together they pushed through the rustling grass. The dry stalks brushed against each other, filling the air with their weaving the night’s song. Droplets of blood reflected the specks of moonlight, trailing behind the injured man. Matthew and Joe were so close to their destination, to their salvation. Joe was Matthew’s target, to rescue a captured comrade. The moon continued to illuminate the land with pale blue light. Ignoring the stitch in their sides, the two pushed through until they came across a bare open field. A knot formed in Matthew’s stomach, the breeze tickling his coat. Moving slowly towards the open patch, command said this would be the rendezvous point. It felt off. Something was wrong here. A whirring in the air caught his attention. Matthew’s head whipped around, the stealth helicopter barely seen by his eyes. Joe moved away from Matthew, leaving Matthew to stand alone in the tall grass. Joe’s boots crunched against the gravel in the bare patch of land. The land moved, gravel churning slightly. Matthew lunged forward, but he was to slow. Too slow. From the ground six dark writhing masses shot up, tentacles of some great beast. These appendages drove down at Joe, Matthew’s legs unable to reach him in time. Joe’s body was torn into many pieces, an inexperience Matthew rushing head first at this monster. Dark liquid quenched the dry earth. Black luminescent rubies raining from Joe’s torn torso under the full moon. The air became filled with the sounds of two howling beasts, Matthew snarling madly. 0 0 0 Matthew opened his eyes, the light burning them. His head pounded and his throat dry. Matthew remained in his curled ball. He did have the urge to cry. Tears for Joe had long since dried, only few memories caused his to weep. This was a hallowed pain. Just the pain Matthew had to go through. Matthew remained silent, pushing his senses out into the unknown house. To his surprise, he felt a very familiar life source. Twilight was below him. How’d I get to the library? Thoughts sluggish, Matthew removed himself from the warm bed. Nature called to him. Stumbling out of the room, his hooves smacked against the wooden floor. Their sound moved throughout the library. I can’t think with that banging going on. Matthew groaned, his brain being beaten like a bongo drum. Luckily, Matthew found his salvation. A small bathroom! Success! Twilight hummed to herself, it was still early and she had decided to make breakfast for Spike and their houseguest. The little dragon was still snoozing in his basket. Matthew’s blundering apparent even to a deaf pony. Oh goodie! Twilight smiled, ready to enjoy a health breakfast of egg and hay with a side of apple juice. Matthew flushed the porcelain bowl, turning towards the sink. The rushing cold water felt amazing splashed against his face, Aw water, if only I could get drunk off of you. Then I’d never have to leave the house. To replenish his bodily fluids, Matthew greedily drank from the small faucet to cool his burning throat. Twilight was surprised by the sudden burp and whoosh of flame from the upstairs room. Spike grumbled, grabbing the letter. “Twilight letter,” the purple dragon groaned. With a quick spell, Twilight summoned the letter. With swift hooves, she unrolled the scroll. Her eyes widened in surprise, The Princess need us. Why? Re-reading to find an answer, Twilight was taken aback by the lack of details. Twilight yelled up to Spike, “Spike! The Princess needs the girls and I in Canterlot! Watch the library while I’m gone! Also, Matthew slept over!” Spike rubbed the sides of his head, not knowing what to make of what he had just heard, “Did you two do anything?” “NO!” Twilight shrieked, not know what had just gotten into the young dragon. Deciding she’ll deal with it later Twilight left the library, leaving a confused Spike and Matthew alone.