//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: An Equestrian Tour: Pt. 3: Cloudsdale // Story: Son of the Sun // by Buckeye49 //------------------------------// *Realized some goofs a little bit plus improving content so revising this too. (Revision Take: 1) Also~.......!@#$%^& HASBRO!!! You dare throw another curveball?!?!? You little...(They name her later so another edit.) (Edit: 3/31/16) We now were heading to Cloudsdale home of the Weather Factory, the source for Equestria's weather and the Wonderbolts; it was my next location in my covert tour of my native country that will be under mine and my sister's rule. Due to the current hour lunch was in order so we headed to a Cafe Rainbow liked to visit when in Cloudsdale, which also doubled as a bar; the Cafe was called 'Cumulus Cafe' the bar was called 'Golden Phoenix'. "The cafe has the best food you will ever have! It has the best sandwiches and salads in Cloudsdale! Thirsty? Check out the 'Golden Phoenix', a bar even the Wonderbolts hang out," Rainbow boasted. "Something tells me we should head there last," I chuckled while thinking of what chaos would occur visiting there. "You would be right, to some level though; let us not get crazy this time Rainbow," Applejack advised. "Aw!~ Come on! Why not?" Rainbow protested. "Cause this is meant to be a calm tour not a joy ride tour," Applejack retorted. "A wise statement Applejack," Celestia complimented. "Actually I would not mind it having a little chaos," I replied. "Don't let Discord hear you say that..." Luna said rubbing her neck recalling the dog collar Discord put on her yesterday. "You okay Luna?" I asked looking concerned. "Yes "Bold" I am well, no real harm done other than to my dignity," Luna responded with a smile. "That was distasteful despite it being a tad humorous," I said. "A little, but Discord should work on curbing his less than appropriate humor," Sunset stated. "You are correct Sunset, I will help him with that," Fluttershy said. "Excellent," my mother replied. "So? Where should we head to first upon getting to the Weather Factory?" Rainbow asked. "How about where Snowflakes are made?" Twilight suggested. "Oo!~ That sounds like a wonderful idea Twilight!" Rarity chimed. "Good choice Twilight," Celestia said. "It is a start...it will make an impression of Equestrian Weather Making," I said. "That it will, wait til you see how they make Thunderstorms!" Rainbow said excitedly. "I trust I should bring ear plugs for that." "You'll get those if needed, also lab coats and hard hats are a must even though; for safety," Rainbow advised. "Just don't drink the liquid rainbow....it's spicy..." Pinkie advised cringing at the memory of when she did just that. "I promise Pinkie, I learned from your mistake," I chuckled in part Pinkie's face and the poor mare's experience. "Good!~" Pinkie chirped. "After the Weather Factory we can then head to the Golden Phoenix," Rainbow stated. "Sounds like a plan," I agreed. "Good; first stop, 'Cumulus Cafe'," Rainbow announced. We stopped at Cumulus Cafe at last and upon arrival Rainbow found us a spot and seats then we designated the ones who would make the orders for the rest of the group and themselves; the 'waiters' assigned by the group were Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie, since I was guest I stayed with the rest. "So whadda ya hungry for Bold?" Rainbow asked. "Hmm not sure..." I admitted as I gave the menu a scan trying to decide what looks best and tasty for my first Equestrian Fast Food though it was a cafe so higher quality. "How 'bout this bruschetta sandwich?" Applejack suggested. "Absolutely! My 'Aunt' Jennifer made regular bruschetta and it was amazing!" I said near salivating at the thought of the food item. "Okay then!" Applejack said chuckling at my reaction. "I can see why you would jumped at the mention of bruschetta Bold," Celestia giggled. "It is obvious I know," I said looking half embarrassed. "It is wonderful you have a familiar food here in Equestria nephew," Luna said to me talking softly so to not be heard by onlookers staring at 4 Princesses outside a humble cafe in Cloudsdale. "I lucked out I suppose," I reasoned. "I'll say; I will have a Cucumber, Zucchini, and tomato sandwich," Sunset selected. "Daffodil Sandwich please," Twilight said. "A Hurricane Salad will do with Red Vinaigrette and apple slices," my mother selected. "Same as her Applejack and Rainbow," Luna said. "You got it; what else?" Rainbow asked. "An omelette please," Rarity asked. "A basic salad please," Fluttershy chimed in. "Oke-doky-loki!~" Pinkie chirped in her usual peppy tone. "And we will make our choices there; what for drinks then?" Rainbow asked; the group then made their choices one by one. "Be back soon" Applejack stated before the 3 left to place orders. "So what plans do you have for Christmas in your adopted world?" Rarity asked. "Well my human dad's mother is holding a Christmas gathering with many or as many as can come of the family," I stated. "How nice," my mother commented. "I helped her put up lights just 2 weeks prior on December 2 if I recall," I stated. "Wow quite early for that," Sunset observed. "Well it is so to have plenty time and perhaps personal reason on their part; plus I was asked because them being up in years and a type of cancer survivors they can not do much themselves anymore," I explained. "Aw I'm sorry about that," Twilight said kindly with a soft expression. "My 'Grandpa' fared well after surgery due to his high Iron content in his blood; he has a not that healthy Iron level, it is a blessing it helps you overcome the after effects of surgery by helping your blood sugar from being too low and helps counter blood loss," I explained. "He is right; that is how having high Iron helps you through surgery, though health wise you should avoid high Iron levels," Twilight agreed. "Whoa, that is crazy," Sunset observed. "The wonders of your world's medicine and science in one; praise be to God," Rarity remarked. "Indeed; a reason Equestria even though it has good medical knowledge and resources is being taught and given your adopted world's knowledge and resources," my mother informed. "That will be wonderful; oh I heard Cadence will have her Sonogram before our Winter Holiday," I commented. "Oh yes she will be timing it with the holiday to make it extra special," Celestia remarked. "That is really sweet," I said. "I am excited to see what my niece or nephew looks like," Twilight said just bubbling at the thought of seeing The Sparkle family's newest addition. "Any name idea's?" Sunset asked. "A few....I think if a colt he will be Shining Night, or Silver Armor; if a filly it will be either Velvet Jewel, or Harmony Bliss," Twilight said. "Lovely names," Rarity said in her adoring tone. "I think either way Cadence and Shining will be proud parents," Luna stated. "In addition since Cadence is Celestia's niece it make you and your future nephew/niece family," I observed. "That's right; so that means another family member for you," Rarity said. "Lucky me huh?" "Me too 'Bold'," Sunset commented. "Of course," I replied. "Sorry but there was a line," Applejack said as she brought each of our drinks; my Mom and Aunt got glasses of wine 2 whites which goes with the salad she chose. Rarity got a simple glass Orange juice; why having an omelette for lunch? Unsure but I guess it can be done. Twilight got Cranberry juice for her and my sister a soda as did the rest of us. For what Aj, Rainbow, and Pinkie's food they ordered which is being made still along with our food is in order of mention was Aj: A Lettuce Sandwich; Rd: A 10 inch Sub sandwich with olives, spinach, honey mustard, tomato and sprinkled pepper; finally Pinkie ordered a breakfast item herself which was a 'Strawberry Shortcake Pancake'. "Thank you girls," Luna said sipping her wine which was a lovely one for its type, with a sampled sip it was not overly fruity and really smooth not sharp; as I found out they steel barrel here too so the principle remains that if a wine is smooth it was wood barreled, if tangy or a bit sour in a 'sharp' way it was steel barreled which is not as desired as wood barreled. "Thank you," Twilight said sipping her drink; the rest thanked our 'waiters' and sipped on their drinks while waiting for our food. "So....you said you had a stint in television huh?~" Rarity chimed coyly. "Only 3 times....one as recent as in mid November...I hope to find it soon," I said. "What was it you did?" Celestia asked. "Total I did 2 commercials and one episode for a British TV Series...the show did so-so but the commercials were good as far as I care, my first one payed me $350, this one payed me $240 or $220 I believe," I stated. "Whoa! Making money huh?" Rainbow said in her impressed tone signature to her. "Yes but some of that was spent here and there," I admitted looking shyly guilty. "Can't blame you, if you have to or want to spend on yourself that is alright; it's your money," Rarity sympathized. "Yes but some was tithed and I admit should be done more and the rest should have been saved..." I confessed. "True nephew, as difficult as it is it is only right to do those two things," Luna stated. "One more than the other," I stated. "But which one?" Luna asked deep in meaning. "I know which one," I replied. "I would hope you which," Luna said sipping more wine slowly. "Making decisions on that level determines whether or not you can handle making mature, difficult, and personal decisions regarding you and your country," my mother advised. "I understand Celestia....I understand," I replied seriously. "Glad you do; but don't think because of this I will let you go alone, I still refuse to make you a prince going in blind," my mother informed softening her serious look. This consistent act of her telling me things as they are followed by baby stepping me definitely said to me that as much as becoming a Prince needed maturity and self-confidence, my mother naturally due to having lost the years of raising me from a baby, was not going to let me go into my Birthright cold turkey. "One thing I feel blessed with is you refusing to not walk me step by step," I said chuckling a little. "I lost you for almost 23 years...I'm not going to make you try to be a prince without help," my mother said with an emotional expression catching a few of us off guard when she spoke those few words. "I thank you for that, but you sound like you are being told not to help me," I said sounding concerned as to why Celestia is conflicted about whether she can or cannot help me. "Not literally I am being told....it is in an unexplainable way something I am grappling with," my mother said sighing show a startling and sudden face of exhaustion. "Sister? What is the matter? What is going on?" Luna asked speaking for the group in a sense out of now a shared concern for my mother. "Mom what is really going on?" Sunset asked hoping somehow that she would answer her own daughter at least if not her only sister. "If you must know...Parliament; they have been breathing down my neck about my son and his return to Equestria, as we discussed I had a field-day dealing with them after Sunset returned....and I have been losing sleep on what to do with you David," my mother said seeming to be ready to break into tears at any moment. We all could just look at each other after that and no one seemed to know what to do to try something to help Celestia overcome the vicious circle of her depression and stress, that was until Luna and Sunset both Just side-hugged her. "This is really doing a number on you Celestia...I wish I can do something..." I said feeling simply helpless seeing my mother looking like she was suffering from mood swings. "What can we do?" Twilight asked. "Yeah we can't just have Celestia work this out by herself! It is driving her nuts," Rainbow remarked. "She has not been alone on thinking Rainbow," Sunset stated, "Luna, Cadence, Twilight and I talked about this and we have nothing; I wish we did," Sunset finished. "I have one idea...this may be what is needed to solve this....better than a Gala...though that will be needed too," I spoke up; everypony then looked to me like I had offered to tell them the secrets of God's plan in detail. "What is your plan for this?" Luna asked looking as eager as all with Celestia though seeming to be looking to me as her hero. "It is a rather bat-schist crazy idea and may be a test for me but...how about I give an address to Parliament?" I suggested. "You'd really do that??" Sunset asked looking stunned at this very brave act. "You do know this is no easy thing you are suggesting?" my mother asked looking now unsure after showing so much hope which was on some level heartbreaking. "I do, this is scary, probably stupid, but honestly right I do this." "I am going to have to do this one day and I think it is best I start early so Parliament knows that I have serious interest in being heir to your throne," I stated seriously although deep down I am questioning myself as I spoke. "That's pretty ballsy dude, have you ever given a speech/address before?" Rainbow asked. "Yeah that sounds pretty reckless Sugarcube, and 'bout as crazy as a rodeo clown act with bulls'," Applejack remarked. "To be honest darling you should really think about this before you actually go through with it," Rarity advised. "Believe me I will...between now and when I expose my identity to Equestria; this I feel I must do, this sounds like the only way help you and myself at the same time," I reasoned. "Alright David....I trust you my son," my mother said tenderly. "Doing what I can, for my family, friends, and country," I replied. "Words of a Prince David," Luna complimented. "Hear hear," Rarity toasted with her drink; the others did the same. Eventually our orders were finished and soon we retrieved our food and began our lunch eating happily as we once again made the effort to enjoy ourselves and relax. Lunch was amazing yet amusing when ponies came up to us and some just stared in surprise which made it funnier but then again seeing the 2 Heads of State and 2 other Princesses as well as the Elements of Harmony would turn a few heads seeing them at a simple cafe in Cloudsdale. Other than gawking on lookers the lunch went on with no more excitement and we eventually finished and prepared to begin our journey again to the Weather Factory. After a walk of a few more minutes we finally arrived, and it was as amazing as I recalled and better! This was awesome, as Rainbow would for sure remark. "So I can tell this is quite the sight for you huh?" Rainbow asked smirking as she hovered close by. "Better than one could imagine being a first time visitor," I confessed taking in the Greek/Roman design of the floating city. "Hey Rainbow!" I female figure called out to our right; there dressed in a leather flight jacket like coat, tight blue jeans, athletic build and healthy bust with flaming hair told me who she was. "Spitfire Mam!" Rainbow said saluting respectfully. "Please Rainbow no need to address me like that we're just ponies here," Spitfire said chuckling waving off Rainbow's formal greeting. "Oh, okay," Rainbow said floating down til she landed and walked over to greet up close her commander. "How have you been Rainbow?" Spitfire asked giving a firm handshake turning into a stallion hug which was while hands were clasped they pulled inward each other and patted each other's backs. "I've been well, just hanging with them," Rainbow said pointing to us of which to my amusement her eyes became a mile wide each when she saw the 4 princesses. "Welcome to Cloudsdale your Majesties," Spitfire addressed bowing lightly her head in respect. "Thank you, a pleasure to be here and greetings to you Capt. Spitfire," Luna addressed. "My the honor is mine Princesses, and hello to you," Spitfire replied in a friendly tone, "What brings you all here?" "We are giving our friend a tour of Cloudsdale," Celestia said presenting me by pushing lightly me front & center. "Hey handsome~ What's your name?" Spitfire playfully purred not being serious in her flirting tone. "Bold Heart-stone," I introduced shyly blushing as some were chuckling and giggling at my expense due to the seeming running gag of mares finding me attractive. "Hmm, interesting name; what's your talent if I may asked?" Spitfire asked dropping her fake flirting tone becoming genuine. "Best guess is being bold in certain actions and having the heart to act at all when a desire to act arises," I guessed off the top of my head of which my friends seemed to give me a look of genuine agreement which felt like a plus. "Not bad, I'm sure mares like that," Spitfire complimented not flirty but playfully and seriously complimentary in tone. "They meaning one does, but that is his business," Sunset spoke up pulling me to her side hugging. "You two close Princess Sunset?" Spitfire asked. "Old friends," she stated. "I see; well I am sure she must be a happy and lucky one," Spitfire complimented. "I would hope so," I said trying to hide the truth of the matter we were fabricating. "If you have problems chin up, mares love confidence," Spitfire advised. "I have been told...but self-confidence and self-esteem? I am crippled and lamed in that area," I confessed ears folded back drooping. "What happened? Bad experience? A mare emasculated you?" Spitfire asked in a compassionate tone. "Yes and no...." I said. "Long story short you are half right; he had a marefriend in his pre-teens and she dumped him out of embarrassment from a stupid rumor," Rarity explained. "Ouch!...." Spitfire said softly looking stunned. "Yeah it hit him purty hard later down the road when he went through his teens single," Applejack said solemnly. "I can bet; no offense but yes mares take rejection ugly, but stallions are done right sad when turned down," Spitfire said looking as though she has seen this. "Have you seen the average stallion after a mare dumps him?" Spitfire asked. "I have," Twilight said sadly obviously referring to the stallion she rebuffed politely and he killed himself. "What happened to him?" Spitfire asked. "He painted a wall in his home with a pistol," I said seriously. "Damn..." Spitfire said wincing giving Twilight a sympathetic look. "Twilight was a mess afterwards, blaming herself for weeks," Celestia told her. "It took all we knew to help her out of her funk," Rainbow added. "Even I had a hard time putting a smile on her face," Pinkie said sagging from the memory of Twilight's depression. "I even took time to help her with caring for her owl and helping with Spikes efforts," Fluttershy recalled. "Wow...." Spitfire said again. "On a lighter topic...what were you doing before we ran into you?" I asked of course to keep things from going off on a negative topic. "I was just out and about, going to the market for necessities," she replied. "Oh, okay then; other than that you doing anything?" Rainbow asked. "Nothing else really, after that I have nothing today; then tomorrow I have to head to The Academy for work," Spitfire said. "Would you maybe join us for the day?" Rainbow asked. "I am afraid she cannot not do that Rainbow; it is complicated Spitfire," Celestia stated grimacing at the idea of turning down a friendly invite. "Eh I understand; whatever it is I am sure you have a good reason, I know not to question royalty on some things," Spitfire said respectfully showing her understanding. "Thank you; we will be happy to repay you for the inconvenience," Twilight said. "No need Princess Twilight; I am okay," Spitfire dismissed kindly. "Okay Spitfire," Twilight replied. "See you later Spitfire," Rainbow said as she gave a goodbye hug and fist-bump. "You too Rainbow," Spitfire said as she turned to head to the mentioned market. The rest of us then headed on to the Weather Factory to begin our tour of Cloudsdale, once there we donned lab coats and hard hats and then walked through the complex. "How do you not get lost in here?" I asked looking about. "You learn quick, it takes a while but no worries; not like you will get lost as long as you stick with the group Bold," Rainbow remarked smirking. "I get that Rainbow...so like all places just memorize," I guessed. "That or look for the signs," Rainbow chuckled pointing at a directory sign on a wall. "Oh." "No sweat dude," Rainbow said being less smart-alec and softening her expression. "Thanks nevertheless," I replied with genuine kindness to which she nodded. The tour of the weather factory kept for a few hours exploring each place with the Snow Department being first; after that we decided to leave and as we consented on eventually we headed to 'Golden Phoenix' for drinks. "So Bold? What ya thirsty for?" Rainbow asked. "Not sure, have to see what they have here," I replied looking over the beverages on tap and shelved. "You able to hold yer liquor?" Applejack asked. "I believe so." "Bold?~" Celestia chimed in a warning tone like a parent would her child. "I am fine, I will let Rainbow and Applejack make fools of themselves," I replied hoping my response would satisfy my mother's concern. "You had better," Sunset replied so to take the suspicious attitude Celestia displayed toward me away from her. "I will sister~" I said in a sarcastic tone which nearly caused Luna to spit her drink in response while the others laughed yet each gave me a variation of 'are you crazy?' expression, of which I made a mix between 'It is fine' and 'What I do?'. "I know it was a joke but that was a little risky a joke...." Rainbow whispered. "How? There is nothing to say it is true," I whispered back. "Yes but say you let it slip when you're drunk," Applejack said in defense. "The times I drank at home and felt tipsy, I never spoke anything off my head or let things slip," I said confidently, "Besides I savor full drinks so you are lucky to get 2 drinks into me." "Well if that is the case then I think we're good," Rainbow said. "Very well, you are an adult and I should trust you," Celestia said quietly giving a implied consent as she sipped her wine. As you would guess an Alicorn or pure Half-blood Alicorn's alcohol tolerance is much higher than the norm, but the next best would be depending on case but Unicorns believe it or not top Earth ponies, then Pegasi are at the bottom but can differ also. "I know what I'm doing" Rainbow said cockily. "You thinkin' what I think yer thinkin'?" Applejack said with an expression a mix between 'You serious?' and secretly 'You wanna have some fun?'. "Maybe~" Rainbow cooed as she gave her signature impish smirk. "Rainbow?~" Twilight called in a warning tone. "Come on Twi, It will not be that bad okay? Lighten up!" Rainbow protested hailing the Barkeep over to serve them; the barkeep asked Rainbow & Applejack their choices then myself leaving me to decide whether or not to join them even though it was leaning toward not and letting Aj & Rd have their fun. "Well then I guess it is just us again; you still game?" Rainbow asked. "Yer on Rainbow~" Applejack taunted with a smirk. "Your on!" Rainbow retorted and they then took their shots; as they drank their shots I decided to get up and sit with the 'adults' of our company AKA the others. The peace was only temporary when then the Wonderbolts entered the bar! This should be interesting..... "Hey Rainbow!" a stallion called out, he looked like Soarin. "Hey Soar~" Rainbow cooed then stood up to walk over to him, yep and since they are dating it would explain her rather adorable tone. "How you doin' Rainy?" Soarin crooned back lovingly, too sweet I thought. "Fine Soarin, I'm having a drink with Aj here," Rainbow replied after sharing a quick kiss with Soarin. "Just a drink?" He asked with a raised brow and knowing smile which caused Rainbow to blush cutely and smile awkwardly knowing what he meant. "Okay okay I was about to have another contest," Rainbow confessed pouting a little. "Just don't get to crazy okay? Remember last time?" Soarin said placing his hand in her cheek trying to put himself in her good graces and a smile on her face again. "I know I know," Rainbow said relenting which earned a tender peck on her forehead, "Thanks," Rainbow replied after that. "Welcome Rainbow," Soarin replied softly; okay wow....Rd and Soarin are an adorable couple! What are the odds Twilight may be enjoying the same thing?.... "I'm gonna let you have fun okay? I'll be over here with the others," Soarin said pointing to a booth on the other end of the bar. "Sure Soarin, have fun yourself," Rainbow replied heading back, but not before.... "Soarin!~" Rainbow whined playfully after gasping suddenly, meanwhile Soarin merely laughed heading to his group completely proud of himself, oh you.... My mother watching this out of the corner of her eye seemed to have enjoyed and was amused but the romantic banter between Rd & Soarin, Luna was chatting with Sunset though I just sat enjoying my beer. "So what did Soarin mean about 'Last time'?" I asked her as she sat back next to Applejack. "Oh I uh...Well I over did a bit," Rainbow chuckled awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck. "She passed out after saying 'I can't hold my liquor'," Applejack filled in. "What you say?" "Game Over," Applejack said smirking, oh that is too funny! I simply broke at that and just said I thought it was priceless. "Haha, very funny Bold," Rainbow said sarcastically. "Actually on some level it was," Twilight said smirking coyly trying to push Rainbow's buttons. "Who asked you Twi?" Rainbow snapped. "Don't take my head off, I'm only messing with you," Twilight said defensively but in a calm way. "She's right Rainbow, just chill out there," Applejack retorted in addition. "Yeah Dashie~ Calm your wings," Pinkie said in a expressive manner, Fluttershy simply stirred her drink quietly using her mane to hide as she watched; feeling like she could use it I got up to sit by her which she seemed to appreciate right away and perked up. "I know you're drinking but show some decorum Rainbow," Rarity chided sipping her wine. "Alright Rarity I get it," Rainbow sniped before continuing her game with Applejack. "So how are you enjoying yourself Bold?" Fluttershy asked. "I am having fun, this is quite the day." "That's nice to hear, I am glad you liked the Snow Department of the factory," she said smiling brightly. "It was a peaceful place like you said, amazing to see Snowflakes being crafted," I said. "You had fun crafting some too," Fluttershy giggled smiling warmly. "I did, funny how I was a quick learner," I remarked thinking about it. "You are pretty smart Bold don't joke saying your not, you have a very sharp mind and even Twilight says this." "I get that from even my adopted family," I said thinking about it. "You're still worried are you?" she asked placing her hand on me. "I am...still beat up too," I said glumly with my ears flipped back. "Think of it like this, they still love you and are as much family to you as your birth family," Fluttershy said sagely in a comforting tone. "Thanks Fluttershy, I guess I just need reminders now and then," I said looking and feeling little better; Fluttershy then gave me a little hug which felt needed really. "What are friends for?" she said smiling kindly with a heartstrings plucking warmth, Alex you have a mare men would die for. "Too many things to say," I replied resulting in Fluttershy giggling adorably. "Can I get you another drink?" I asked seeing her glass empty. "Oh sure! Thank you," Fluttershy replied handing me her glass. "Be back shortly," I said heading to the counter to fetch another drink. "Hey there *hic* Bold~" Rainbow said clearly drunk off her hindquarters. "I think she had enough Apple-..." My words died when I saw Applejack was no better. "What's that? *'hup'* She had enough? That mean I win?~" Applejack asked tipsily. "No it means you two are done," I replied sternly. "Aw yer no fun!" Applejack said when suddenly to my horror and dismay Aj leaned in her seat and down she went, *THUD* "Ah Damn it Applejack!" Twilight said in a clearly PO'd & frustrated tone. "Oh no....I thought it would be Rainbow who would do this..." Sunset remarked. "Oh Applejack!...." Rarity groaned pinching the bridge of her nose in disgust while shaking her head. "HA! Who can't hold their liquor now?!~" Rainbow said with drunken pride. "Not now Rainbow," Twilight sniped getting up to check Aj for injuries. "How is she?" I asked. "She's fine," Twilight said shaking her head out of pity for her friends yet disappointment. "I'm just dandy Bold what-chu talkin about?" Aj said drunkenly. "Everything okay?" Soarin asked running over to see the commotion. "Oh nothing; only that I kicked Aj's ass this time!~" Rainbow said seemingly oblivious to what happened. "Not the time Rainbow, Applejack could have been hurt," Soarin told her. "Is she though?" Rainbow asked now looking genuinely concerned. "She is not hurt Rainbow." "I'm so sorry Soarin..." Rainbow said sounding guilty. "There there Rainbow," Soaring soothed her while hugging her, "Let this be the last time okay?" Soarin asked. "S-Sure thing..." Rainbow said. "I suppose I should deter this next time? No more Drinking Contests," the barkeep said to Celestia. "That would be wise," Celestia replied handing some Bits over for some coffee of which he refused as a compliment and coffee was fetched. "Sir may I have another of what she ordered for her?" I asked pointing at Fluttershy. "Sure thing sir; hope she's okay, Applejack usually holds her own well...Then again Applejack tried a little too hard to out do Rainbow cause she took more at once in between shots," He reasoned. "Well whatever happened I am glad it will not happen again," I said. "True," the barkeep agreed filling a glass of the drink I ordered before handing it over. "Thank you sir," I said nodding at him and walking back, he gave his 'welcome' with a nod in return; Fluttershy soon had her drink and later Aj got her coffee and was while helped onto a chair drinking it slowly. "How you feeling Applejack?" Sunset asked. "Like somepony hit me on the head...Oh my stomach..." Applejack groaned rubbing her head then reaching for her stomach. "No more drinking contests for you," Twilight said. "Agreed," she said with a moan of discomfort. "Aj! I am so sorry I caused this!" Rainbow then said near frantic running to Applejack. "I'm fine now Rainbow, just need a moment then I'll be normal again; just no more booze fer me the rest of the night," Applejack assured Rainbow. "Okay Aj, just making sure," Rainbow said looking still guilty about this. "I'm glad yer concerned Rainbow," Applejack replied smiling kindly. "This however was exactly what I wanted to avoid tonight," Celestia stated sternly yet with her cooled and calm tone she uses when expressing disappointment but not anger. "She warned you," Luna added. "Lesson hopefully learned this time," Applejack remarked. "I pray you do," Luna retorted, "It takes I will admit some type of pony, mare or stallion to take that punishment and repeat yourself, I will admit I have once reveled too much and never wanted to do it again," she added. "I get it..." Applejack replied respectfully. "Good," Luna replied back. After a while longer the group left the bar with Soarin helping a buzzed Rainbow while Twi & Sunset helped the hungover Applejack and the rest walked behind. "Other than what happened thank you all for today," I said with a smile to help lighten the mood a little. "Hey, no problem; it was still fun despite the chaos, so you & Discord are right about a little chaos being fun," Sunset said pulling me into her side. "Very true; for some reason there is a joke I would do but not sure about it." "What is it Bold?" Sunset asked. "I love you guys~" I said with an exaggerated slur crossing my eyes and putting my weight on Sunset like I could not stand. "Oh haha Bold," Sunset said pushing me off her playfully before pulling me to her side again, "Love you bro," she whispered genuinely. "You too," I replied. We returned to Rainbow's home eventually and after a long day everyone wanted to chill for the night, soon we either headed to any available guest room, nearest couch, or used sleeping Bags on the floor; Meanwhile those who were awake chatted while Rainbow and Applejack hit the hay early due to one drunk the other hungover. "I think I shall be off early tonight Luna," my mother yawned rubbing her eyes. "That would be best; shame I have to leave you all suddenly but this can't wait," Luna said; during our time in the bar a guard came and gave a letter for the Princesses, all I knew was it required at least Luna to handle the issue but she most likely may not be with us the rest of the Mini-tour. "Such a shame this cannot wait," my mother remarked. "I hope I can resolve it quickly, I then if I can will return as soon as possible," Luna said hugging Celestia. "Good luck sister," Celestia said lovingly. "Thank you Tia," Luna said reluctantly breaking the embrace as she made her way out and into the night, but not before bidding those awake goodbye including Twi, Sunset, and I. "Enjoy the rest of your tour nephew," Luna said hugging me. "I will Aunt Luna," I replied warmly. "Hope to see you back before it is over," Sunset said giving her goodbye. "I will strive to hasten my return," Luna said turning her attention to her then turning to Twilight. "It this serious?" Twilight asked. "Not sure, all I know is that the Prime Minister wants a talk to either I or Tia about something," she said looking unsure. "Whatever it is I hope it be minor," I said. "As do I, for I know it could be his message that Parliament is getting impatient about your return," Luna said to me. "Great..." I groaned. "I guess this means an address to Parliament was a smart choice after all," Luna softly chuckled hoping to lighten the mood. "A good call I for once am disappointed I made," I replied looking insecure. "You are not alone, as your mother stated you will be backed by us and your friends," Luna assured tenderly placing her hand on my right cheek. "Love you my nephew" she said soothingly. "Love you too" I smiled weakly yet warmly back. Soon Luna left after a few more words and expressing her desire to see us relax and just continue to enjoy ourselves in her absence, after that Twi, Sunset and I curious about what could be the situation discussed the 'what ifs' and 'what could it's' of this talk with the Prime Minister. "How is the Prime Minister? What is he like?" I asked. "He is quite fair and actually friendly, Parliament members respect him even political opponents like him," Sunset said. "I may have an Ally." "You will with Prime Minister Jefferson Graceful-Pen," Twilight said, "He helped Sunset a great deal when she returned and when I became a princess" she added. "I hope he will be as instrumental with my return as for your's and for your promotion," I said perking up a little. "He will, but it depends on how much resistance Parliament puts in Graceful-Pen's way," Twilight stated. A little more of chat concluded with us heading to bed at last, the clock read Midnight so we were a little late into the night; once again I found myself bunking with Sunset but wasted no time in wanting to sleep, first however Sunset and I one after the other bathed, brushed teeth, then donned 'night clothes' before tucking in for the day. Upon laying down for some reason what was on my mind seemed to be on Sunset's mind as well, I do not know why but it seemed we sought each others company and soon I found Sunset and I holding each other cuddled up in a loving embrace, a moment of sibling bonding we felt somehow we needed in light of the thought of an agitated Parliament after my hide. "I'm here for you David, I'm not gonna let anyone bother my brother," Sunset said looking defensive as if she was protecting me from someone in the room. "I'm not gonna let you go through what I did," she added looking at me then wrapping her a wing in a protective manner. "Thank you sis," I replied softly nuzzling her her, "Sleep well," I added. "You too," Sunset said; the two of us seemingly aware of each other's mood again, saw each other calm at last, both of us then dosed off and were out in seconds. TO BE CONTINUED.