When they arrived at Fredrick’s place, Ledger found his best friend and said friend’s brother. Along with Time Turner and… Big Macintosh?
“Well now, isn’t this a surprise,” Ledger said. “I never expected such a turnout for my bachelor party. Heck, until I was told I had to have one, I never expected one to begin with.”
“Well, it’s not something you have to have,” Shining nodded. “At least you got one though. Twilight put Spike in charge of mine… one he was bragging about having when Cadence and I were going to our honeymoon.”
“That, is quite unfortunate,” Fredrick said.
“Maybe we should make it a twofer?” Jonathan asked. “One fer Ledger here, and one for the one you didn’t get to have?”
“Nah, don’t worry about it-” Shining started.
“That’s a great idea!” Flash nodded. “Aw man, this party is gonna be sweeeet~”
“Ah great, the brats are getting rowdy,” Palette grumbled. “Well, let’s try some of this fancy griffon grub then.”
“Certainly,” Fredrick said. “Due to the size of our party, and the need to be quick, I prepared our dinner in advance. Come in, and I’ll pick it up from the kitchen and serve us all.”
“Does your mare know you swing that way bro?” Jon chuckled and clicked his beak. Fredrick responded by cuffing him upside the head with a wing. He laughed again and Grissom snorted in amusement as well.
“Well, I think some of us haven’t been introduced yet,” the Thestral nodded as he went to sit down. “So let’s start with names, and how we know this stallion here.”
“Fair enough, but first, let me seat you all,” Fredrick said, leading the stallions inside and to one of his larger tables, meant to host such a large party with ease. They moved to the table and took a seat. Once they were done, everypony was silent, deciding on who would go first.
“Eh,” the crystal stallion went first. “The name’s Painted Palette. I met him on his vacation to the Crystal Empire, and now I’m engaged to his little sister.”
“I am Fredrick,” the owner of the restaurant said. “I met this stallion a year ago, and he and I became fast friends when we started exchanging recipes.”
“Grissom, father of one of his mares. I don’t think I have to tell you which one,” he chuckled. “I helped this one out a few times. Particularly when he started his new business venture.”
“Th’ names Johnny,” Jonathan said. “I barely know the guy, but I know that crazy follows him around like fleas do a dog, so I’m steerin’ well clear of him and his herd.”
“The fact that you’re here means you’re not far away enough,” Flash laughed. “So yeah, names’ Flash Sentry. Captain of the Crystal Guard and Ledger’s other best buddy!”
“Also, probably the only stallion here that will actually remember tonight,” Ledger pitched in.
“True that, my superpower is for real,” Flash nodded. “Oh, and I totally have to thank you Fredrick-bro!”
“I take it things went well for you after you left my place of business last time?” the griffon said with a chuckle.
Flash winked and made a gesture with his wing. “All three.”
“Very nice,” Fredrick said, before turning to Shining and Time Turner.
“Well, I’m Shining Armor, and I first met Ledger when I arrested him in the Crystal Empire.”
“Yes, but I got better,” Ledger said. “That, and your wife called you out on what you were doing.”
“That too,” Shining nodded.
“Well, I suppose I am next,” Turner nodded. “Admittedly, I only met Mr. Ledger a few days ago. But I am honoured that I was invited to this night. It’ll be my first.”
“Eeeyup.” Mac nodded.
“Seriously, it’s like almost every male I had just a bit of contact with was asked if they wanted to attend,” Ledger said with a roll of his eyes.
“Friends come from strange places,” Shining nodded. “But just to be sure, who got a written invite from Princess Twilight?”
Flash, Turner, Mac and for some reason, Jonathan, all raised hooves/talons in response.
“Figured,” Shining nodded. “You’re marrying the Princess of Friendship. Expect this to happen a lot more.”
“Well, this promises to be...interesting,” Ledger mused.
“And on that note, I will be right back with our dinner,” Fredrick said before making for the kitchen.
“So, I’d like to hear what the groom thinks we have planned for him tonight,” Grissom nodded. “Just curious.”
“I honestly have no clue,” Ledger said. “Such parties aren’t...typical, for me.” He didn’t know if Jonathan knew, and didn’t want to give it away in public anyways.
“Ah well, then a night of drunkenness and debauchery awaits,” Grissom said and gave off a deep laugh. While he was an astute professional at work, he also enjoyed a night on the town when he was allowed to cut loose.
“I get tipsy easily, guys,” Ledger warned. “And Midnight’s already said that I’m not allowed to show off my more amorous side tonight, for fear of attracting yet another mare into my herd.”
There was a pause before everypony started laughing… then they stopped when they realised that Grissom wasn’t.
“You’re serious?” Flash said. “I mean, come on dude, even you can’t be that freakin’ lucky.”
“I don’t know what it is about me that attracts mares to me,” Ledger said with a shrug. “All I know is Drunk Ledger isn’t allowed to make any moves on any mares tonight.”
“But… it’d be funny,” Flash pouted then stiffened as Grissom glared at him. Okay, mental note. Thestrals were bucking terrifying.
“Eeyup,” Mac nodded again. That was about when Fredrick returned with a small cart. He started dishing out something that was very familiar to Ledger to the gathered stallions.
His casserole recipe.
“Mmm, this looks divine,” Grissom nodded, inhaling the savoury scent. “I still wonder how you aren’t the biggest restaurant in Las Pegasus with your skill.”
“I’m happy where I am, thank you,” the griffon replied as he took his own seat. “I have a job doing what I love, and I get to educate colts in what it means to be a proper stallion. Steady marefriend for the first time in my life. No, I think I’m good with what I have.”
“Aye, tis sad to see how far my bro has fallen,” Jon wiped a tear from his eye. “Uncle Zebby’d be rollin’ in his grave… if he were dead.”
“And what’s this I hear about you having a steady marefriend?” Fredrick riposted.
“Slander,” Jon replied, not making eye contact.
“Thith ith gud!” Flash said with a mouthful of food.
“It should be,” Ledger said as he took a bit, not wanting to inform them about where this recipe came from until after they’d finished eating.
“I don’t know, information from Midnight is usually pretty good,” Fredrick answered.
Jon just decided to remain silent.
“So, anypony know any interesting stories about our groom-to-be?” Shining smirked and Palette raised his hoof, smirking even wider. Critical had told him… things.
“I’m not going to like this, am I?” Ledger deadpanned.
“Well, not unless everypony already knows how you learned about the birds and the breezies,” Palette chuckled.
“That’s definitely not a story that I’m going to like being told to the others,” the drone said before digging into his own food.
“Do tell,” Shining smirked and Palette nodded, revealing the fact that he’d walked in on his parents… more than once and that had everypony in stitches.
“Laugh it up,” the drone said. “I could talk about the time Midnight kicked your behind with a sneak attack, Flash and Shining.”
“Let’s not forget that poor mare that tried to hit on you a few days after you and I first met,” Fredrick nodded. “It took days to get her back in a good mood.”
“Something I’m sure you ‘helped’ her with,” Ledger said, using his hooves for airquotes.
“Thoroughly,” Fredrick nodded without a hint of remorse. “She could do this thing with her tongue that—”
“And that’s something I don’t need to know,” the drone said, cutting Fredrick off. “I have more than enough mares myself, I don’t need to hear about the ones you had.”
“But, I have so many stories, and yet… none compare to some of the ones I could say about my darling Blossom~” Fredrick chuckled as he nibbled his food.
“Well, tonight’s off to an interesting start,” Palette chuckled as Turner and Mac sported slight blushes over the conversation topic.
“My fellow stallions, the griffons of Las Pegasus, tamed. Somepony tell the presses,” Ledger said with a sweeping hoof.
“Hah, hah,” Fredrick replied. “You actually getting a marefriend is much more newsworthy.”
“So what does that make me getting four marefriends?” Ledger asked.
“A lucky bastard!” All the stallions said simultaneously.
“I mean, seriously, HOW!?” Flash said. “I mean, sure, I kind a have this thing that I have no idea what it is with three mares. But still. What the hell man!?”
“Well let’s see,” Ledger mused. “I saved the life of one, the second one seduced me, then the herd started up. The third one had a crush on me for some reason, and the fourth one walked in the most awkward scene possible...and went with it. That’s where we are today.”
All the stallions just stared at him.
“Sooo… you plan on writing a book or something?” Turner asked. “I’d love to know your secret.”
“E-Eeyup.” Mac nodded.
“I’m not sure if there is a secret beyond ‘be yourself’ and ‘put her first,’” Ledger said with a shrug. “That’s the only thing I can say for sure works with all the mares. Simple pieces of advice, but they still ring true.”
“No, it’s the fact you got them to agree to all be together,” Flash nodded. “I’d think that a whole lotta mares wouldn’t agree to that normally.”
“How you got Twilight to agree is still beyond me,” Shining grumbled.
“I am wholly blaming Luna for putting the idea for herds in Midnight’s head,” Ledger said. “And don’t think for a second this herd thing is easy. It’s not. It’s a lot of work, making sure every pony is happy with things as they’re going. I have to keep four mares’ moods in mind every day. I have four times the work the average stallion has to do to keep a typical relationship. Take my advice, stallions. One is enough!”
“Yup,” Palette agreed. “You wouldn’t believe the crap I have to deal with. Critty has turned my life upside down… mostly for the better mind you. Just wish she’d stop hiding all my liquor.”
“She has a good heart,” Ledger said. “It’s just buried under her thinking she knows what’s best for everypony else.”
“Don’t I know it,” Palette sighed as he finished off his food. “Damn Fredrick, you need to give Critty the recipe for this.”
“Or I could,” Ledger said as he noticed everypony had finished their food. “Seeing as how it’s my recipe.”
Everypony looked at him, then turned at looked at Ledger.
“Well, you did say you swapped his recipes,” Shining said.
“This wasn’t one I gave him,” the drone said simply.
“This was one his marefriend gave me,” Fredrick nodded, throwing Midnight under the carriage. “In exchange for chocolate cake I believe.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t need to break out a mango,” Ledger said with a sigh.
“Nope,” Fredrick smiled and passed him something. “My cheese risotto recipe, as recompense my friend.”
“Ah,” the drone said, before sending it off to his study with a quick burst of teleportation. “I’ll add it to my cookbook later,” he said with a nod. “Thank you.”
“Well, once our meal is done, we should be off,” Grissom said. “A merry night awaits us friends. And yet, I cannot help but wonder what our mares might be up to.”
“Probably something equally debaucherous,” Ledger said as Fredrick started gathering up their empty plates.
“I’d like to think that Twilight and Cadence will keep them in line,” Shining nodded.
“Clearly you’re underestimating the influence Midnight and I are on her,” Ledger said. “And as for your wife keeping them in line...yeah, fat chance.”
Shining just blinked and stared at Ledger. “What kind of influence…?”
“Midnight’s taken to calling her the Princess of Friendship with Benefits,” Ledger deadpanned.
Shining just stared at him. If looks could kill, Ledger’d be six feet under already.
“Okay, so the moral integrity of Ledger’s mares aside,” Flash said. It was kind of unsettling he was the reasonable one here. “Let’s go and get our party on!!”
“You are going to make me regret this night, aren’t you?” Ledger asked as Fredrick gave the empty cart to a passing colt to take back to the kitchen.
“Only if you remember it,” Grissom nodded as he started herding Ledger towards the door. That was when they were greeted by two more stallions. A tall blue unicorn and a slightly smaller earth pony.
“Hello there,” the unicorn nodded. “I trust we aren’t too late?”
“You just missed dinner, and introductions,” Ledger said.
“My apologies. I am Balanced Scales, and this is Sweet Tooth, our marefriends happen to be friends of yours and asked us to come tonight. I hope that isn’t a bother?”
“The more the merrier,” Ledger said as he waved them into their party. “Plus, this just gives us more chances to remember tonight.”
“True enough,” Scales nodded. “Well, pleasure to meet you again Mr. Ledger. Perhaps if I say that we both have worked for Master Fredrick, that you might recognise us?”
“Aaaah,” the disguised ‘ling said as he looked at them. “Now I know why you looked familiar. Yes, I remember you both now. Well, welcome aboard.”
“More whippersnappers huh?” Palette chuckled. “Well alright. Let’s get this trainwreck under way.”
Scope Lens paced around Twilight’s lab, a small smile still on her muzzle over Critical being knocked out by an apple, something Twilight had apologised profusely over. It’d been a while since the Changeling returned to Ponyville, waiting for everypony to get ready so she could escort them all through the portal to Las Pegasus.
“Come on, come on,” she muttered. “How much make-up do you mares need?”
“Not all of us are gifted with shape-shifting Lens dear,” Twilight Velvet replied as she entered the room. “So it takes more than a few seconds for us regular mares to get ready.”
“Well then what’s her excuse?” Scope said, pointing to her fellow changeling, who was still in front of a full-body mirror, checking and rechecking her illusion disguise. “For crying out loud Critical. It’s fine!”
“Pardon me if my illusions are my pride and joy,” the Green nymph said over her shoulder. “Some of us turn around in a mirror more than twice to make sure our disguises hold.”
“You’re showing some chitin,” Scope said dryly, pointing at her flank. Critical took note of that and recast her disguise. Again. And started the whole process of checking herself over once more.
Scope idly wondered how long it would take her to realise she was only joking…
“Sorry, sorry,” Cadence said, trotting into the room. “It took longer than I thought, I hope I didn’t keep anypony waiting?”
“Nope, just letting my old age kick in,” Scope replied. “Right, so is this everyone?”
That was also when Twilight’s friends came in, the charge led by Pinkie Pie. Scope yelped at the sight of a Pink and hid behind Cadence.
“Silly Scopey, Princess Cadence is pink as well,” Pinkie giggled.
“Really, well my wings do have a violet hue to them,” Candence replied, not realizing what she was insinuating. Scope decided to hide behind Twilight next. Surely she wouldn’t throw her to the Pinks!
“Glad everypony could make it,” Twilight smiled. “Now, just take care going through the portal. Things tend to come out the other side a bit faster, so take it slow and be careful not to trip—”
Pinkie barrelled through the portal at her usual pace, rocketing out the other side and straight into the barrel of a larger changeling nymph. Pinkie stared up at her Violet eyes and grinned.
“Heya! I’m Pinkie Pie!”
“Well aren’t you an interesting one,” Sugar said before looking over at Moondancer, about to ask a question.
Moondancer peeled the pony off of her wife and sighed. “This is one of Twilight’s friends,” she explained. “And speaking of…” The portal shimmered as the large party came through. “Hello everypony.”
“Hi Moondancer!” Twilight beamed and hugged her friend, before offering Sugar a friendly smile. Sugar just pulled Pinkie into a hug and asked the question she’d meant to ask.
“Moonie, can we keep her? She looks like such fun!”
“No,” Moondancer replied dryly.
“Silly Sugar, I’m a pony, not a puppy!” Pinkie giggled. “But we can still be friends… AMY!” Sugar found herself grasping at a dotted outline of the pony as she all but teleported over to the Pink ‘ling, glomping her to the ground.
“Pinkie!” Amy said, somehow gaining the upper hoof and returning the hug with all her might. “I was counting the days when I’d get to see you again!”
“Well, that looks like something that could break the world,” Rainbow chuckled. She looked at Sugar and nodded. “Sup? I’m Rainbow Dash. Best flyer in Equestria.”
“And I,” Sugar said, deciding to go for an equally hammy entrance. “Am Sugar Darling. Leader of the local Violet ‘lings. Heir Apparent to the Violet Throne.” Then she pulled Moondancer into a hug. “And happily married to this mare right here.”
“Stoppit,” Moondancer blushed, trying to push her wife away from embarrassing her.
Twilight smiled and introduced her other friends, though Fluttershy seemed to shy away from Sugar, the mare reminding her quite a bit of Chrysalis.
And speaking of, a pair of chitinous hooves snaked their way around Sugar’s form as Chrysalis chuckled in her ear. “Ohh~ Are we scaring the little ponies sister? Can I help~?”
“You might want to pull the Pink ones apart before they start breaking the fabric of reality,” Sugar said. “As it stands, I think we might be close to a perpetual magical machine if they keep feeding each other’s enthusiasm like that.”
Chrysalis’ horn shone as she pried the pink ponies apart, before releasing Sugar and replacing the object of her hugging with Amy. “Mine.”
“Yup, as long as you don’t forget who owns you,” Amy said as she did her best to return the hug.
“The mighty queen Chrysalis, now hugging a Pink ‘ling,” Sugar mused. “I wish I had my camera.”
“Go suck a cactus,” Chrysalis replied and poked out her tongue. “Besides, I’m not a queen. Guess I never was really. So, just call me Chrysalis.”
“About that,” Twilight asked her. “I’ve been meaning to ask. Is that your Changeling name?”
Chrysalis flinched and shook her head. “No… it’s not.” There was no way in bucking Tartarus she was telling anyone about that. Even Amy.
“Aw come on,” Amy said. “It can’t be all that bad...unless you didn’t earn one…”
Chrysalis flinched again, before chuckling nervously. “Pfft. Not even. My name is a secret is all...” That Pink was way too observant.
“If you say so~” Amy sang. “Though, we are going out to get drunk tonight - those of us that can, anyways. So you might wanna get all your embarrassing secrets out now before the alcohol helps, mares.”
There was nothing but silence, seems some secrets were going to stay buried for the time being.
And then the last of the large group showed up. Midnight, Cider and their mothers. As well as Apple Fritter.
“Hey ladies.” Midnight said and looked around. “So many cute mares. I think I’m in heaven~”
“I know, right?” Sugar said before kissing just below Moondancer’s horn. “But I already have mine, so I have to abstain from partaking of the favors...or is that guests?”
“Either one,” Midnight replied, giving Twilight, Cider and Scope kisses. Fritter pouted and the thestral rolled her eyes, giving her and Moondancer one on the cheek. She looked up at Sugar. “You want one too?”
“Thanks for the offer, but you really shouldn’t tempt me like that,” Sugar said, waving the batpony off. “So, I have a destination in mind. Who here likes watching colts serve them delicious food?”
There was an almost unanimous show of hooves. Rainbow, Fritter and Moondancer kept their hooves on the ground. Sugar raised an eyebrow, already mentally adjusting tonight’s itinerary.
“Well, I know of a restaurant that hires colts and serves some of the most delicious food in the city,” Sugar said. “And then the real fun can begin~”
“So, she’s the one in charge then?” Applejack asked as she shared a hoofbump with her cousins. “Should be interestin’.”
“Eeyup,” Cider nodded. Sugar knew, thanks to the collaborating she and Ledger’s father had done last time he was here, that by now the colts would have left Fredrick’s.
Which led to her leading her herd of mares to the restaurant.
“So… we’re going to Fredricks?” Midnight blinked. “Well, I guess he does have a bunch of cute colts working there.”
“By far, this place is one of the jewels of Las Pegasus,” Sugar said as she held the door open with her magic. “Either for the cute waitstaff, or the delicious food.”
When the mares walked in, two of the waitstaff on duty stared at them as one ducked out back.
“Boys. Code RED! We have a Code RED!!”
“Does one of you have a reputation?” Sugar asked as she brought up the rear of her gaggle of mares, counting to make sure she hadn’t missed any.
Everypony just stared at Midnight and Sugar.
“Define reputation,” Twilight eventually said.
“A previous trip that ended in them being given reason to fear you,” Sugar clarified.
Again, Midnight and Sugar received dubious stares.
“Psst!” Midnight leaned closer and stage-whispered. “They’re onto us.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sugar said. “I didn’t do anything terrible to that colt, and you can’t prove otherwise.”
“No, but I can,” Moondancer replied with a smirk. “I’ve memorised that little notebook of yours~”
“Are we going to have to go elsewhere to get service?” Critical asked with a raised eyebrow as she took notice of their banter.
“No, I think we’ll be fine dear,” Velvet smiled. “I think the young colts are just a tad flustered over so many pretty mares. Let’s make this a night to remember hmm?”
“Ohh, that sounds marvelous,” Rarity tittered and walked up to the one serving colt that didn’t flee. “Hello there~” she said with a silky tone and bat her eyes at him. “I do hope a party of our size isn’t… intimidating?”
“We’ll have to use the special occasions room, but I think we can handle you all,” the colt said as he decided to grab as many menus as he could before leading them into the restaurant.
“Ohh, I just bet a strapping young thing like you really could handle so many mares~” Velvet joined in, giving him bedroom eyes.
“MOM!!” Twilight blushed. “Really!?”
The colt, for his part, didn’t react, and kept leading the mares to the room that was usually reserved for privacy. Fredrick had refit it to handle large parties, as he had gotten the sneaking suspicion that his staff would have to handle a group of mares without him.
“Will this do?” the colt asked as he showed them the room.
“This will do just fine,” Velvet nodded and looked at Sugar. “Your thoughts my dear?”
“This should suit our needs perfectly,” the nymph nodded. “Shall we?”
The mares all took a seat and once the colt gave them their menus, he stood by, waiting for their drink orders. A round of cider and a pitcher of water was ordered and he was off to retrieve them. Then the next few minutes were spent on introductions and the like. There were quite a few mares that didn’t know one another after all.
“So Scope,” Rainbow spoke up. “How’s it feel that you’re marrying a Princess?”
“Like I’m marrying the mare that I shoulda been looking for for all the time I was in Equestria,” Scope said. “Her title and the others are just extras.”
Everymare paused and stared at her, before letting out a combined ‘D’aawww!’ Twilight blushed and her horn gave a pale glow, and to Scope, it suddenly felt like the alicorn had kissed her cheek. She rubbed it before grumbling and looking down at her menu again, looking for something she’d like to eat.
“I still can’t believe my little girl is getting married,” Velvet said, wiping her eyes. “She’s all grown up now~”
“What was I before then?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. “I’m twenty five for Celestia’s sake.”
“You’ll always be my little filly,” Velvet nodded. At that, the door opened and two more mares walked in. A white unicorn and a blue pegasus.
“Sorry we’re late,” the unicorn said. “My sister here decided a three hour shower was in order.”
“Well excuse me that I wished to be presentable,” the pegasus replied. “Sunny Skies and Starry Nights at your service by the way.”
Cadence had to choke down a snort. Sugar merely raised an eyebrow before gesturing to the table. “Do come and join us,” the nymph said. “We were just considering what we wanted to order.”
“Ohh, how delightful,” Starry said as she took a seat next to Pinkie. Sunny opted to sit next to Moondancer, who just rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“So Sunny? How’s Canterlot?”
“Same old, same old,” she replied. “A lot quieter now a lot of my friends have left. You really should come visit sometime.”
“If Moony and Twilight manage to create their portal network, something tells me travel everywhere isn’t going to be a problem anymore,” Sugar said.
“Sunset and I are just working out the logistics, this baby is all Twilight and Ledger,” Moondancer nodded.
“Sunset? You mean, Sunset Shimmer?” Sunny asked and looked at Twilight. The alicorn nodded and smiled as Sunny wiped a tear from her eye. “It’s good to see that she’s doing well.”
“So Amy,” Pinkie spoke up. “Is Chryssie getting married along with you and Acey?”
Chrysalis turned a bright red and decided that the ceiling was a good place to observe.
“Y’know, we wouldn’t mind,” Amy said before kissing Chrysalis.
“Pfft, oh yes, Queen Chrysalis at a royal wedding. What could possibly go wrong with that scenario?” she snarked.
“I dunno about queen,” Amy said. “Didn’t you just say not to call you that?”
“My point still stands,” Chrysalis retorted. “I doubt anypony besides you and Aerial would want me there.”
“Oh, why don’t we ask the one doing the marrying?” Sugar said before shooting a knowing wink at Starry Skies.
“How?” Starry sighed as she looked at the nymph. “Oh right, you’ve seen this disguise before…” She sighed again and peeled away her disguise, revealing Princess Luna. Sunny did the same as Celestia took her place.
“That, and you two had far too much energy for normal ponies,” Sugar said. Something Amy confirmed with a hum.
“I mean, they were well-crafted illusions and all,” Critical agreed. “But something like that is quite obvious to anypony who knows what to look for.”
“Well, we were only trying to fool the common pony,” Celestia replied as she and her sister took their disguises before the serving colt returned. “So we didn’t put a whole lot of effort into them for this.”
“They’re also easier to maintain,” Luna nodded. “Much better should we need to keep them all night.”
“In which case, I’ll refrain from pointing out any errors you might have made with them,” Critical said before the door opened and the colt came back with enough cider and water for everypony.
Chrysalis was glad that the conversation has steered away from her, as she floated over one of the ciders and popped the top, chugging it down.
“Still, this wedding is going to be quite the event,” Velvet nodded. “Are you all prepared for it?”
“Get dolled up, walk to the altar, say some lines, get married to the mare of my dreams, easy,” Scope said. “They already have my loyalty, this isn’t all that big of a step for me.”
“Mare?” Midnight said. “As in, singular? Cider dear, I do believe we have been forgotten about.”
“Mhmm, perhaps we should remind ‘er,” Cider replied and licked her lips.
“She didn’t mention Ledger either?” Twilight offered.
“Eh,” Cider and Midnight shrugged.
“Ahem,” the colt said as he levitated a pad of paper and a pencil out, ready to take their orders.
“Hmm, I wonder if we can get it served on the serving colts?” Apple Leaves mused.
“You’re not the first one to have asked that,” the colt said. “But we’re not that sort of establishment.”
“A pity,” Velvet smiled and gave him a hungry stare.
Midnight rolled her eyes. Time to show these mares how this was done. As the colt came around to her to take her order, she smiled, showing off her small fangs and licked her lips.
“I know of something I’d like to eat,” she purred, using a tone she usually reserved for the bed. The colt just rolled his eyes, used to this sort of treatment. Granted, she was good, but training under Fredrick had given him self-control.
Midnight pouted. She should learn not to do that in Fredrick’s place. His colts were just too damned immune to it. “Fine… just gimme the fish.”
The colt nodded and continued on his way around the table, taking orders from every mare before nodding once. “That...will probably take some time, but we will endeavor to have it all out in half an hour or less,” the colt said.
“Many thanks,” Velvet smiled. “We’ll try not to be too much trouble for you.”
“Yeah, I’ll believe that one,” the colt said before shooting a glance at Midnight.
“What?” Midnight said. “Oh sure, blame the pregnant mare.”
“And you still tried,” the colt said before ducking out of the room.
“Y’know,” Amy said. “You’re not the only one.” She tapped her glass of water for emphasis.
Everyone paused and stared at Amy. Well, Pinkie and Midnight already knew. But for the other Changelings present, namely Scope, Critical and Sugar. All they heard was. ‘The resident Pink is reproducing!’
As one, they all edged their seats away from her just a touch. Just in case.
“What, are you expecting it to burst out of her chest or something?” Chrysalis deadpanned. “Honestly, I don’t know why you’re all so scared of one little Changeling.”
“She’s a pink,” Critical said. “I grew up with one. The thought of there being more than one around scares me.”
“Well it’s also going to be part Aerial Ace,” Chrysalis nodded, causing Sunny and Starry to shudder as well. That was a…potent combination.
“Best of all, ours should be born around the same time, so they can grow up as the bestest of friends!” Midnight giggled.
“Yuppers!” Amy said. “And with your love of combat and Ledgey’s love of learning, your foal is going to be the perfect friend for mine!”
“They’re going to destroy the world,” Sunny replied in a flat tone.
“Ledger won’t let them, as long as his stuff still resides on the world,” Critical said. “At worst, they’ll probably have to pay several property destruction fines.”
“Perhaps we should see about dividing the Sparkle Fund,” Starry said. “We may need it.”
“...Sparkle Fund?” Twilight blinked.
“Insurance for anything that you and your friends destroy in Ponyville,” Sunny said. “It’s been used quite a few times.” Twilight had no idea how to respond to that.
“If you tell Ledger about it, he might invest in it now,” the green nymph said. “Just to save himself a headache further down the line.”
“We’ll make a note of it,” Sunny nodded.
“So Chrysalis,” Starry grinned. “You still haven’t said if you’ll be getting married or not?”
Chrysalis spit her drink and coughed. “W-Well… I.. uh…” Dammit, why couldn’t the bitch just drop it already. That was when Amy leaned over into her and purred.
“No! Don’t you dare use that face!” Chrysalis said. “It won’t work!” Amy gave her the best puppy-dog eyes and a little sniffle as well, still not saying anything.
“Nope! I know you’re faking it!” Chrysalis said, not looking directly at her. Then the Pink ‘ling started whining a little. It was a low thing, in the back of her throat, but it was still reminiscent of a puppy that wanted attention.
“Nopenopenope! I can’t hear you! Lalalalala!” Chrysalis plugged her ears and closed her eyes. She wasn’t caving. Then Amy pawed at her with a hoof, begging for attention more directly. She just knew that if Chryssy looked at her once, she’d cave!
Chrysalis did happen to look, hopefully the mare had given up— FUCK! She copped a full blast of Amy’s pouty-face.
“ARRGH! Dammit. Fine! I’ll be at the bloody wedding!”
“Will yew marry me, Chryssy?” Amy asked in the cute voice.
Chrysalis’ face exploded in a fierce blush and looked away. “W-Well… I…” she swallowed hard and then she discovered a way out. “W-We need to discuss it with Aerial. We’ll talk about it later.”
“Pwease?” Amy asked.
“I’m sorry, I don’t marry foals,” Chrysalis replied haughtily. Amy humphed and finally stopped the cute face, though she was pouting a bit more.
Chrysalis breathed a sigh of relief and then Starry spoke up.
“So… are you marrying her?”
God. Fucking. DAMMIT LUNA!
“I… but…” she looked at Amy and sighed. This was a battle she couldn’t win. “...fine.”
Amy cheered up very quickly and hugged Chrysalis from the side, before starting to plant an endless stream of kisses on her chitin.
“Bleh, your love is too sweet,” she said, poking out her tongue and blushing. She couldn’t help but smile lightly though.
“Well that means no invasions right?” Starry smirked.
“Oh that is it! I am ending you!” Chrysalis roared. Amy reached up with a hoof and booped the noble’s muzzle.
“Nope, no ending anypony before the party,” she said simply.
“Not even a little?” Chrysalis asked with her own pouty face. “I’ll only dismember her a little.”
“You can’t dance with three hooves,” Amy pointed out. “Well, not well at any rate. So no. Or I’ll tell Acey on you~”
“Mmm, fine,” Chrysalis pouted.
“So Amy dear,” Apple Leaves spoke up. “Do you have any family that will be attending. Parents? Siblings?”
“Nope, mom and dad are out studying dragons, and I’m an only child,” Amy said. “They did send a letter back, wishing they could come, but they’re sort of in the middle of their studies.”
“Well that’s a pity,” Velvet said. “A parent shouldn’t have to miss their child getting married.”
“So, are they Pink’s like you?” Midnight asked.
“Mom is,” Amy said. “Dad’s a Violet.”
“That explains a lot,” Chrysalis muttered. “And now I fear for this child of yours too, seeing as how it will almost certainly be a Pink.”
“Yup!” Amy said with a nod. “Sooo, how about you Princess Twilight? You all set to get hitched up to Ledger’s herd as well?”
“That’s… going to be an experience,” Twilight admitted. “I mean, I love each and every one of them, and adjusting to a herd dynamic was a lot easier than I expected. But of course, given that ponies used to do it a long time ago, I’d say there’s something to be said for genetics and hereditary memory. If we look back to the early Pegasopolian era—”
“That’s a lot of words for saying something as simple as ‘Of course I’ll join them, I’d like nothing more,’” Critical observed.
Twilight blushed, realising she’d gone off on a tangent again. “W-Well, yes. I am looking forward to it. But, I’m also a little nervous as well.”
“You aren’t the only one,” Midnight admitted. Moon Song glanced at her daughter, peeling away from the conversation she was having with Velvet. Even now, she knew her daughter might still be apprehensive deep down.
“Same here,” Critical said. “I mean, I know he only just proposed, but I’m just a little anxious about marrying Palette myself…”
“Tis the season for wedlock it seems,” Starry nodded. “Perhaps we should make a holiday of it sister. Something like… Marriage Day or something.”
“That… is just the most terrible name,” Sunny sighed.
“And while I appreciate the thought, don’t we already have Hearts and Hooves day?” Critical asked before looking over at the pink Alicorn at the table.
“But that’s just for love in general,” Starry said. Cadence snorted and waved her hoof.
“Oh come on Aunt Luna, love is wonderful in all it’s forms. You should have seen the wedding for Moondancer and Sugar. Such a grand evening. And Critical got engaged as well. I’d say that night was perfect!”
“I’m not doubting that,” Critical said. “I just think we could come up with a better name than marriage day. As is, don’t a lot of marriages get proposed on Hearts and Hooves day anyways?”
“Proposals yes, but we should have a day for marriages,” Starry nodded. “And we can’t forget the fun of consummating the marriage as well~ Hmm, best of luck there Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight ‘meeped’ and hid under the table as Midnight and Cider chuckled.
“Well, best of luck with that,” Critical said. “I suppose we’ll be hearing about Wedlock Day sometime in the near future.”
“We’re not having a ‘Wedlock Day’,” Sunny sighed. “Honestly Luna…”
“What?” Luna pouted.
Fluttershy finally spoke up about something. “I um, I hope Mr. Ledger and his friends will be alright.”
“He’ll be fine,” Scope commented. “Unless they get him too drunk, of course. Then he’ll be in trouble when he comes home.”
“W-Well, it’s just… a friend said he might crash their party is all…”
“Whelp, things just got more interesting for him,” Scope chuckled before she took a pull of her cider.
As Ledger and his group reached their next destination, they found two more stallions waiting for him. Well, one stallion at least as Night Light gave a polite nod to Ledger.
“Hey buddy!” Discord waved. “It’s about time you got here!”
“Hello Discord,” Ledger said with a polite nod. “I suppose we can take whatever plans we had and toss them out the window with you showing up.”
“Oh pish posh!” the Draconequus waved a paw. “I’m all for whatever the Daddies-dearest planned for you. I’m just here to see if we can be friends again. Burning bridges and the like,” he said as he snapped his talons.
Nopony knew why the Manehatten bridge burst into flames that night…
“I don’t recall us having done too much wrong by each other before we went our separate ways last,” Ledger said with a shrug. “I’d be more than happy to call you a friend again. Oh, and speaking of...There might be a bit of an upheaval in the days to come.”
“Upheaval?” Discord scratched his head as a lightbulb dinged, before he grabbed it and ate it. “Are you planning chaos? Without me!?”
“Of an Equestria-spanning scale,” Ledger said with a nod.
“Ohohohoho!!” Discord cackled. “Whatever it is. Count me in!!”
“Oh hell,” Grissom sighed. This couldn’t possibly end well. “I should ban you two from interacting like this.”
“You shouldn’t even need to do much, just sit back and watch once we’re ready,” Ledger said, before looking over at the others. “So, where were we going?”
Most of the stallions shrugged. Ledger’s father had made most of the plans, but he seemed to be absent.
“Well, we had a few ideas,” Flash nodded as he pulled out a list. “Lesse, first we had dinner. So that can be crossed off. Next was... “ He smiled.
“Ohh, we’re off in this direction,” Flash nodded. “We’re going for the ‘entertainment’ portion of our little outing~”
“Why does the sound of that fill me with dread?” the disguised drone asked aloud.
“Oh relax dude, the Captain is supposed to be the one with a stick up his butt,” Flash chuckled.
“Hey!” Shining said, ready to smack the pegasus one for that.
As they walked, Night Light moved up next to Ledger. “Hello there,” he nodded. “I don’t suppose we’ve had the pleasure yet have we?”
“I don’t think we have, no,” Ledger agreed. “Level Ledger myself.”
“Night Light, Twilight Sparkle’s father,” the unicorn nodded.
“Pleased to meet you,” the disguised drone said. “I assume at some point tonight you’re going to give me a proper speech about how to treat your daughter correctly and all.”
“I could, but Twilight speaks quite highly of you,” the stallion replied. “And she’s a smart mare, so I trust her judgement. Though… the fact that you’re a changeling had me concerned at first. But Grissom there vouched for you.”
“I’m glad that you don’t intend to spread my secret all over Las Pegasus,” Ledger said. “Though it soon won’t be a secret any longer.”
“Relax, we all have secrets son,” Night patted him on the back. “Your head would spin if you knew some of mine. But for now, let’s enjoy the night hmm? I’d like to get to know my soon-to-be son in law.”
“Fair enough,” the disguised ‘ling replied before looking at Flash. “Where is this place you’re leading us?”
“It’s called the ‘Honey Pot,’ a gentlestallions club,” Flash nodded. “Much more upper-class and respectable than the strip joints around here.”
“Well suddenly, I no longer fear for my sanity,” Ledger said. “This sounds like a fine way to spend some time together.”
“Yup, alcohol, snacks, strippers, this night is gonna be great!” Flash nodded.
“This was most certainly his idea,” Grissom nodded. He glanced at Balanced Scales and Sweet Tooth. “You know, you two look familiar. I swear I’ve seen you around the castle lately.”
“I can neither confirm nor deny that I may or may not have been spending time in Canterlot,” Scales said.
“I just hope our marefriends don’t mind us going out tonight,” Sweet Tooth added. “It’d be a heckuva way to go out if they did…”
Some of the stallions gave them a curious look before Shining shrugged. “Well boys, I’m married to a Princess. So if I can be allowed, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“Quite, I’m sure one of my mare’s anger far outdoes what yours could be capable of,” Aerial nodded. He placed himself inbetween Jon and Fredrick. “A night out with my kinsmen! This will be GLORIOUS!!”
Scales and Sweet shared a look, before bumping hooves and coming to an agreement. “Afterwards,” they said together, before continuing on with following Flash.
After their meal, the mares left Fredricks restaurant, giving the colts within a much needed reprieve.
“So, what’s the plan Pervybug?” Midnight asked the Violet Noble.
“Well, I’ve got two plans in mind,” the noble said to their party. “Originally I was just going to lead you all to the strip club I have in mind that hires stallions for the viewing pleasure of mares, but I know two of you wouldn’t like that. So, I could just go ahead with it, or…”
“Or?” Moondancer asked.
“Or, you could lead the mares that would prefer it back to my club,” Sugar said as she gave Moondancer a kiss.
“So you wanna split up?” Midnight asked. “That sounds a little…”
“Hmm, I suppose that would make most ponies happy,” Velvet said. “But in the end, this is about five particular mares. This is their night after all.”
“True enough,” Apple Leaves nodded. She turned to look at Amy. “So what do you think about this dear?”
“I want ponies to be happy,” Amy said. “It’s sorta my thing. And if ponies would be happier at a different club, then I won’t hold it against them.”
“Figured you’d say that,” Midnight giggled and hugged the Pink changeling. “I’m fine with either. Though I wouldn’t mind something new.”
“Well, ah don’t wanna hafta split up,” Cider said. “Isn’t there something we could do?”
“Yes, I have a plan,” Sugar hummed. “There’s also a club that I know of that hires both stallions and mares. Something for everypony~”
“Well the why didn’t y’all jus’ mention that in the first place?” Applejack said. “Though… ah don’t know how ah’ll handle that sorta thing…”
“Me neither,” Fluttershy said.
“I guess we’ll see how the night goes,” Sugar said as she began to lead the pack again. “I can guarantee you’ll loosen up with a few drinks in you, dears. Just be glad we aren’t going to my club, the drinks there pack more than their fair share.”
Twilight and Chrysalis suddenly gulped and were very glad they weren’t going there.
Though that didn’t stop Chryssie from wondering what Amy would be like after a Mood Setter or three~
She wondered if she could buy a few bottles to find out.
“So mares,” Critical spoke up. “You’re marrying my brother. Frankly I’m surprised that he pursued a relationship in the first place, but at least I can count on you all to make sure he doesn’t do anything too stupid.”
“I wouldn’t be sure of that,” Scope muttered.
“Yeah, Ledger’s done a ton of stupid stuff since we met him,” Midnight nodded. “I don’t think anypony could stop him from doing that.”
“That sounds like him,” Critical sighed. “Well at least there are no dangerous secrets in Equestria for him to go about finding.”
Sunny and Starry remained perfectly quiet. There was a lot that only they knew about. Even Twilight had minimal knowledge of some of Equestria’s… darker secrets.
“Your silence fills me with so much hope,” the disguised ‘ling deadpanned.
“As it should, of course we have secrets, one that will remain buried,” Sunny nodded. “You can be sure that nopony will find them again.”
“Ledger willingly went into a crypt of undead ‘lings, just to see if they were really undead,” Critical illuminated. “Granted, he was dumber then, but that’s the sort of ‘ling that is in your lands.”
“The undead aren’t that bad,” Starry replied. “But here, let’s see if he’s willing to traverse Tartarus itself?”
“You are not tempting him with that,” Twilight deadpanned. “He’d actually do it.”
“Yeeahhh… I can see that,” Midnight nodded and Cider agreed.
“That’s not even his worst offense against common sense,” the green ‘ling said.
Everypony stopped and stared, before Midnight looked at Sugar. “Still want to have a foal with him?”
“It would still be a foal with a great amount of potential,” the mare said as she kept leading them. “Though, now I’m curious. What was his worst offense?”
“He willingly snuck into the Black Hive...for a book.”
Midnight paused. Yeah, she was totally going to smack him for that one.
“Ah… have no words,” Cider sighed.
“Mares, my brother. A moron when it comes to common sense and a secret he doesn’t know,” the green ‘ling said dramatically.
“...Was it a good book?” Twilight asked as Cider, Scope and Midnight, along with most of her friends and family groaned and facehooved.
“He said something about copying it into his book even though he couldn’t read it,” Critical said with a shrug.
“Must have been those black pages I couldn't read,” Twilight replied. She wondered if a translation spell would work on them… wait!
“That must have been the section we were studying when he turned Black himself!” She said. “It was the cure…”
“And if I know my brother, he probably translated it while he could,” Critical said with a sigh. “Because he would, for some reason, want to read it again.”
“It's like that,” Twilight nodded. Sunny made a note to get that information from him at some point. It could be useful for the future.
“So, where’s this club, Mexicolt?” Midnight asked. Sugar merely pointed out a sign further down the road.
‘Fond Desires,’ the sign read.
“Oohh~” Several mare cooed. This could be fun.
“I don’t understand what you see in ponies,” Discord said as he and Ledger watched one particularly flexible mare work a pole. “They're so… plain.”
“It’s what inside that matters,” Ledger said simply. “Any pony is capable of great feats if they try. And their very presence sustains me. True, they might not be as interesting as a ‘ling, but it’s their strength of heart that matters.”
“True enough,” Discord replied, his thoughts wandering to a certain pegasus, and for a moment that lasted the span of an eyeblink, Ledger could feel his chaotically shifting emotions settle in a single moment of… affection. Any other day, Ledger would have taken the moment and turned it on the draconequus...but his heart wasn’t in it. Instead, he just watched the mare for a moment longer, admitting she was quite skilled on that pole of hers.
Palette had opted to sit at the bar and drink every other stallion there under the table, saying that the stripping was demeaning to mares.
Flash was busy trying to pass a bit off to the mare. She took it gratefully, and made no small show of where she'd put said bit, before she winked as the bit popped out with quite a bit of force and bounced along the stage and out past the curtain at the back.
Balanced Scales and Sweet Tooth were doing their best to not ogle the mares too much, as they knew that if their marefriends ever found out they were here…
“You know,” Discord whispered as he slithered up inbetween them. “Tia and Lulu are enjoying some stallion eye candy right now. So you boys best enjoy yourselves too hm?”
“That’s different,” Sweet Tooth replied.
“We can’t call upon the magic they can if we catch them out enjoying themselves,” Scales said. “Whereas if they learn what we’re up to right now…”
“Oh lighten up,” Discord said as he snapped his fingers as the stallions started glowing. “Just think of it as… window shopping.”
“...I suppose I can do that,” Scales eventually conceded.
“Looking never hurt anypony,” Sweet Tooth added.
“Exactly!” Discord beamed. “Learn to live a little!” He also made a note to prank the heck out of these two at some point.
“So how's being ‘Father of the bride’ working out for you Night?” Grissom sipped at his drink.
“About the same as you I'd think,” Night nodded, sipping his own drink. “I still don't know if I'm prepared for this.”
“Well, you already married a guard off to a Princess,” Grissom chuckled. “Now you're marrying a Princess off to a guard.”
“Hah, there's one way of looking at it.” He whistled and motioned for Ledger to come and join them. The stallion picked his drink up in his magic and walked over, taking a seat at their table.
“You rang?” he asked.
“Indeed, come have a drink with your future in laws,” Night nodded, pouring him a more substantial glass of scotch. Ledger sniffed, scrunched his nose up, but took a sip anyways.
“Not bad,” he eventually said. “Though I think I still prefer cider.”
“Bah! Cider’s for mares and teenagers,” Night nodded. “Now this, this is a stallion’s drink. Might even put some hair on that chitin of yours hmm?”
“I very much doubt it,” Ledger said, taking another sip.
“We'll see,” Night Light chuckled. “So tell me son, what do you love about my daughter?”
“Gosh,” Ledger said, already a little loosened up. “I just love everything about her. From the moment I read about her ascension, I just knew that this was a mare I had to meet. She was living proof that hard work and dedication are rewarded. Now, I’m not expecting to suddenly wake up as an alicorn one day, but we...we just play off each other so well. Her drive and energy, and my way of thinking about things unconventionally. We fit together.”
Night nodded. He seemed satisfied with that answer. As long as he wasn't after her because of her title or solely her looks…
“Well, you passed that one at least.” He smirked and sipped his drink. “You lose points for saying ‘Gosh’ though~”
“Eh, I’ll live,” Ledger said with a shrug before he took another sip from the scotch he’d been poured.
“So,” Grissom looked at Night Light. “What’s the ex-captain up to these days?”
“Not a whole lot really,” Night Light said, swirling the liquid in his glass. “Mostly astronomy, enjoying the retired life I guess. I need a hobby though… without the kids around, the house is pretty quiet.”
“As long as you don’t pick ‘spoiling the grandkids’ as one, I think I’ll live,” Ledger said.
“Oh?” Night Light looked at him. There was a dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Don’t tell me you and Twilight—”
“No, but since she’s marrying into the herd, don’t technically all the kids any of them have also become your grandkids?” the disguised drone posed.
Grissom and Night Light finally realised what they’d be inheriting when this wedding happened. Dear gods above…
“Well… hopefully somepony doesn’t go overboard with giving us a mountain of grandfoals,” Grissom replied. “Oh, I probably should warn you as well…”
“Warn me about what?” Ledger asked.
“That the odds of twins and triplets are pretty high with thestrals,” Grissom said as he sipped his scotch. Ledger looked at him before pounding back the rest of his drink.
“Or not… I can’t remember,” Grissom chuckled.
“I swear, I end up with two foals to look after, I’m blaming you,” the drone said. “...Does that make sense?”
“No, that’d be the fault of genetics and such,” Night said. “Though, Griss here probably jinxed it… hmm, we may need a second opinion.”
“Opinion of what?” Aerial asked as he plopped himself down next to the table. Jon hadn’t been able to take his eyes off of the dancers, and Fredrick was soundly beating three other stallions in a card game.
“On whose fault it is if Middy has twins,” Ledger supplied.
“Well, I imagine the fault lies with the stallion, seeing as how he laid the seeds of life in the first place,” Ace nodded.
“Not helping,” Ledger grumped.
“Aww, there there,” Ace thumped his back. “You’re the one with four mares. I’d expect at least a half dozen foals out of you in the next year or two.”
“At which point, the mares and I will be outnumbered. I’d like to avoid that fate if at all possible,” Ledger said. “Otherwise they’ll outvote me constantly.”
“You have quite a few siblings yourself yes?” Ace nodded. “Like those brothers of yours. So the genetics are there. Who knows, you could get thestral filly versions of them.”
“At which point, we would just have to write off Las Pegasus,” Ledger deadpanned.
“Pfft, I doubt it’d be that bad,” Night chuckled. “I looked after a filly Twilight Sparkle. The same filly who turned her parents into potted plants during her entrance exam.”
“My brothers are demolition experts when somepony isn’t watching them at all times,” Ledger returned. “They’re not even allowed to sleep next to one another.”
“Heh, now imagine them with some of Midnight’s personality traits,” Grissom chuckled as he knocked back his glass.
“I am, and I’m imagining her training them,” Ledger replied. “The city would be levelled in a month.”
The mental image of little filly thestrals tearing apart a city had several of them chuckling.
“Midnight Song, destroyer of worlds,” Grissom laughed.
“Whelp,” Ledger said, raising his empty glass. “Here’s to my sanity. I’ll sorely miss it.”
“You’re marrying my daughter, your sanity has always been in question,” Grissom nodded as he waved at a bartender to refill their glasses.
“Could be worse,” Night Light said. “He could wind up having alicorn triplets.”
“If they’re Twi’s kids, you could just distract them with a library,” Grissom laughed and Night socked him in the shoulder before laughing as well.
“I’d be more pissed if it wasn’t true,” the unicorn said.
“To the future,” Ledger said, raising his glass that now contained more scotch. “And all the craziness it’ll bring me. May I somehow persevere.”
“To the continued survival of us all,” Night agreed as they raised their glasses.
“In all seriousness,” Grissom said as they lowered their drinks. “We’re glad you make our little girls happy. Just… take care of them okay?”
“I will do my best,” the drone agreed. “I can’t possibly catch everything, but I will do my best to keep them all happy.”
“As long as you try your best,” Grissom nodded. “Now where’d everypony else run off to…?”
On the stage, one particularly lithe mare had been dancing in front of Jon, though her face had been hidden by a veil the whole time. And as she turned and winked at him, the veil dropped to reveal Discord’s face.
“Hello pretty birdy~” he laughed.
“Gah!” the griffon said, jerking back and putting a claw over his heart. “Don’t do that to me!”
“Bahahahaha!” Discord resumed his normal form and chuckled as the bartender shook his head. The moment the spirit showed up, he knew tonight wouldn’t be normal.
“So…” Grissom cracked his neck. “Who wants to see if they can beat this old bat in a hoof wrestle?”
“Not it!” Ledger claimed, not foolish enough to even try.
Ace sat down in front of him and nodded. “I’ll take your challenge!’ he said in a loud tone. “Let the battle begin!!”
It was back and forth for a bit, but Ace won once he got bored. The thestral stallion wincing at his sore shoulder.
“A grand effort, but none can beat me,” Ace nodded.
“Eh, I probably could if I wasn’t so concerned about keeping my secret,” the drone replied flippantly.
Ace cocked an eyebrow and looked at him. “No offense friend Ledger. While your magical prowess is impressive… your physical… eh, not so much.”
“Dragon,” he said simply. “It’s an extreme sort of thing, but I’m pretty sure I’d beat you then.”
“Hah! I’d take that challenge anyday!” Ace roared. “Bring it on!”
“Maybe later, when I’m not concerned about my secret,” Ledger said with a wave of his hoof. “And I’ve got more magic stockpiled to hold it for long enough to beat you.
“I’ll hold you to that,” Ace nodded.
“So,” Ledger asked. “Everybody havin’ fun?”
“I’m waitin’ for Fred to beat those stallions!” Jon called out. “I need more bits for this sexy thing~”
“Spend your own bits,” his brother called out as he showed off yet another winning hand to the stallions. “I fully intend to buy Narrow something nice with these.”
“What a gip,” Jon frowned and turned his attention back to the sexy dancer.
“So, more drinks for everyone?” Flash asked as he poured some more shots of some pale-blue liquid. Shining grunted and took one, knocking it back. He was next up to challenge Ace, and the two seemed to be deadlocked for the time being.
“Oh, you know that your mare, whoever she is, would likely appreciate something shiny as well,” the griffon said before he dealt the next hand. “That is, if you intend to keep seeing her on a regular basis. Don’t think I don’t know where you go at night, you always fly off in the same direction.”
“Hey Ledger dude?” Jon asked. “Those crazy mares from the club are with the others right?”
“Probably?” Ledger said, his mind having a little trouble focusing. “I mean, Sugar’s running their thing, and I can’t see her leaving Moondancer behind...they’ve been practically joined at the hip since they were married…”
“I just remembered something I gotta do, you guys are fun, laters!” he tossed some more bits at the dancer and flew out of the door.
“Kinsman? I think your brother has flown the coop,” Ace called out as he soundly thrashed Shining Armor.
“And he says that he’s not in a steady relationship,” Fredrick said before folding, not wanting to lose too much in this hand.
“So, this is… interestin’,” Applejack replied as they watched some oiled up stallions dance on a raised stage. “Twi? Ah reckon y’all got some… interestin’ new friends.”
“That’s putting it lightly,” the princess nodded. Sweet Stars, look at those flanks! You could bounce a bit off of those.
“Whoo! Shake what your Mama gave ya!” Pinkie and Midnight cheered, slipping little coloured pieces of paper into the dancer’s thongs, the colours representing how many bits they were worth.
On the other side, Rainbow was oggling a mare dancing in a Wonderbolts uniform. Damn she could bend~
“O-Oh, um.. ohmy,” Fluttershy hid behind her mane, her face redder than Big Mac’s coat.
“Relax dear,” Sugar said as she pulled up a cider for Fluttershy. “Have something to drink. I promise it’s just a normal cider.”
Fluttershy took the drink, but continued to hide behind a wall of pink.
“Shyshy is shy,” Pinkie giggled and hugged her friend. “But she’s adorable and we love her.”
“I can see that,” the nymph giggled. “She just needs to relax, unwind a little. Nopony here is judging her.”
“But.. I’m so… embarrassed,” Fluttershy said, blushing harder.
“Aww,” Pinkie hugged her again.
“Hey Sugar, are we allowed to keep them?” Midnight asked as she pointed at the dancers.
“Only if you can convince them to work for me,” Sugar replied.
Several dancers were curious at the bat mare. They’d never seen a thestral before, at least not one this close.
“Dang it Midnight, stop hogging all the sexy ones,” Rainbow said. Even some of the mares were flirting with the batpony.
“Midnight is as Midnight does,” Sugar commented. “Though...maybe if somepony were to show that she’s already taken…”
Scope caught the none-too-subtle hint and turned before planting a kiss on Midnight’s lips.
The thestral gave a muffled yelp of surprise, as the dancers all pouted a little, but returned to their job of entertaining.
“Just… how does she do that?” Rarity asked.
“You’ll have to be more specific,” Critical pointed out. She hadn’t strayed too far from Rarity at all tonight. The mare was practically a beacon to her.
“Midnight darling. How does she attract other so easily? I mean, she is a good-looking mare, but they’re like bees to honey when it comes to her.”
“She’s something we don’t see much of,” Critical explained. “That...allure of the exotic. The idea of something new. Something fresh and bold. Surely you understand?”
“I see,” Rarity nodded.
“Plus that’s just how she is,” Moon Song said as she took a seat next to the mares. “Midnight has a charisma that just draws others to her… despite her, eccentricities.”
“One might think her eccentric behavior is a boon in attracting mares to her,” Critical pointed out.
“And stallions.. griffons, dragons…” Moon sighed. She’d walked in on the mare way too many times. “Still, she’s a good girl. And I’m finally getting some grandfoals out of it~”
“Speaking of,” Apple Leaves said. “When am I getting some?”
“And me,” Twilight Velvet nodded.
“MOM!!” Twilight and Cider both blushed.
“If this is a herd marriage, aren’t technically all the foals your grandfoals?” Critical pointed out.
Velvet and Leaves looked at Midnight, who was now shooting a dirty glare at Critical.
Twilight and Cider were breathing sighs of relief.
“Ah reckon they’ll do that when they’re all good and ready,” Applejack nodded. She brought over another round of drinks and smiled. “So, who wants ta get to the presents?”
“Oooh, you brought presents?” Sugar said. “For who?”
“Fer the mares-of-honor a’course,” Applejack nodded. “Y’all… knew you were supposed t’get gifts right?”
“To be honest, Bachelorette parties and Bachelor parties aren’t necessarily a thing we have in the Lands,” Critical pointed out. “Marriages are mostly quiet affairs.”
“Ahh, that explains it,” Applejack said.
“I wouldn’t worry too much darling,” Rarity said. “It’s just a little fun really. These presents can be a little… risque.”
“Ah, then our choice of venue is apropos for such an occasion, is it not?” Sugar asked.
“True that!” Rainbow Dash said as they all took a seat around the corner couch and table. “So who actually brought gifts?”
Twilight’s friends, as well as the princesses raised their hooves. Moon Song also did and Midnight gulped. Her mother could have an… odd sense of humor sometimes.
“Alright then,” Scope said as she sat next to Midnight. “Hit us with your best shot, ponies!”
The first one was for Twilight, from Rainbow Dash of course. She also had one for Scope.
“You can go first,” Twilight said, poking her little changeling. The nymph opened the package to find a new Daring Do hat…
Then she also heard Rainbow snickering and saw that the size was meant for fillies, despite the fact it would be a perfect fit for her. She just put it on and smiled widely at the blue pegasus, holding her arms apart for a hug as she let her fangs creep into her grin.
“Scopey, be nice,” Twilight said and kissed her cheek. “Besides, you look very cute in that~”
“Aww, I promise I won’t bite,” Scope said, pausing for a second. “Much.”
Twilight leaned in and whispered into her ear. “Wouldn’t you rather go home and bite me instead~”
The nymph shuddered a little at the tone and the implications before lowering her forelegs.
“Come on, open yours TwiTwi~” Pinkie giggled as the alicorn rolled her eyes and opened her gift, carefully removing the wrapping paper. (What? you could use it later)
It was a blank book. Labelled: ‘Pony Sutra, Alicorn edition. Write your own.’
Twilight coughed and spluttered as she glared as a cackling Rainbow and Pinkie. “W-W-What the hay?!”
“Hahaha! Oh wow, the look on your face,” Rainbow fell off her chair, kicking her legs as she howled with laughter.
“I had been meaning to ask you about something along those lines,” Sugar Darling said.
“Ask me what?” Twilight said and then glanced at the book. She blushed and stared at the nymph. “I am not going to tell you about my sexlife!”
“At least one of you won’t,” Moon Song giggled, shooting a glance at her daughter.
“Aww,” Sugar said, actually pouting a little.
“Should we be concerned on the fact you wish to know such a thing about our daughters?” Apple Leaves asked the nymph.
“Violets have so little information on some of the more exotic species on Equus,” the nymph replied. “We only just got some information on Thestrals thanks to Midnight here. I would love to write the volume on Alicorns, but something tells me that Twilight will be...less than helpful.”
A pair of pink hooves snaked their way around Sugar’s neck as somepony hugged her from behind.
“Why didn’t you say so?” Cadence purred, nibbling her ear.
“Indeed,” Celestia said, having taken her true form now that they had some privacy. She sided up next to her as Luna moved to Sugar’s opposite. The nymph literally surrounded by alicorns.
“So girls, should we teach her?” Luna giggled.
“Ah, presents!” Sugar said. “Don’twehavemorepresentstogive?” That, had been unexpected.
Moondancer and Midnight just blinked. Was Sugar Darling, a Noble Violet, actually flustered over that?
There was a flash as Midnight lowered a camera. “Perfect~” she giggled.
“You try dealing with an absolutely overwhelming amount of Lust being directed at you by three alicorns,” Sugar grumbled. “See how you fare.”
The three princess giggled and moved away, but Cadence leaned in one more time.
“I never said I was kidding~” she whispered and then bounced over to the other side of the couch, sitting next to Chrysalis.
“Well, now I know to be careful what you wish for. As you just might get it,” Sugar said with a shudder. Hives...she would probably be fed for a month thanks to that.
Midnight was busy thanking Pinkie for the new camera, as Cider got a present too. She quirked an eyebrow and opened it, to reveal a set of bondage straps designed for adolescent dragons.
“Now you won’t break these ones in a hurry,” Midnight giggled as the earth pony turned a deep scarlet.
“Such a shame I haven’t used mine in so long,” Sugar sighed. The last dragon to come through Las Pegasus had been...memorable.
“Tell me about it,” Midnight sighed wistfully. “I wonder if Ledger wouldn’t mind a little… experimenting~”
“I call dibs if he says yes,” Scope said quickly.
“What, no way!” Midnight said. “I totally have first dibs on Dragon-Ledger.”
“And why are you making my brother turn into a dragon?” Critical asked. “I wasn’t even aware he could do that.”
“Well obviously, we’re gonna do it so he can buck us into the floor,” Midnight said shamelessly. “And yeah, he can pull one off for a little bit, though Scopey here can maintain a full grown dragon form for about an hour.”
“And I can kick your flank as it,” Scope said just as shamelessly.
“You tried to eat me!” Midnight replied. “You did eat me! You even swallowed!”
“That’s what she said,” Several mares giggled.
“I can’t help it you were so tasty, Mistress,” Scope replied. “It must have been all those mangoes you eat.”
“Thanks, but vore is one kink I don’t do,” Midnight nodded, then her eyes shone mischievously. “Heeey Scopey, wanna see level ten?”
“NO!” Moondancer shouted. “Bad Middy!”
“Awww,” the bat pouted.
“Let’s just open up more presents before she actually tries that on one of us,” Scope said.
“Whut in the hay is level ten?” Applejack asked.
“Something that probably involves a safeword,” Rainbow giggled as Midnight gave them all a predatory smile.
“Safewords are for kids,” she said, letting that sink in.
“Quickly, we need more offerings!” Scope tried to find another thing they could use to distract Midnight.
Midnight was faced with another present and opened it. “Let’s see what Mom got… me…” She pulled a very large double-ended dildo out of the box. “Uhh…”
“It’s mango flavoured,” Moon Song giggled.
“I think this might even be bigger than Ledger,” Scope pointed out. She would have to get them both in the same room for a comparison, though.
“We’re so comparing them later,” Midnight nodded as she put it away. “But hmm, who to test it on first~”
“That, we do not need to know,” Moon Song added.
“Is that it?” Critical said as she looked at the mares. “I honestly hoped for a bit more...originality with these presents.”
“Oh?” Rainbow asked. “So I take it that you got a better idea?”
“Maybe something they can use,” Critical replied. “Like baby things for Midnight.”
“That’s what the baby shower is for,” Velvet explained. “A night like this is usually reserved for gifts of a more perverse nature. As long as it’s fun anyway.”
Speaking off, Fluttershy actually had a gift. She nudged it towards Twilight, and when the princess opened it, she looked… confused?
“Um, this is a nice gift,” Twilight said as she pulled out four collars. “But, we don’t have any pets that would use them…”
“Something tells me Ledger will find a use for them alright,” Critical cackled.
“Does Ledger have a pet?” Twilight asked, still not getting it.
“Yup,” Critical said, staring at the mares in Ledger’s life. “I’m lookin’ right at ‘em.”
MIdnight facehooved as Twilight finally understood and blushed brightly as she looked at Fluttershy.
“Whoa, go Flutters,” PInkie giggled.
“Indeed, I didn’t think you had it in you darling,” Rarity agreed.
“Something tells me he’s gonna break us in the day after we break him in,” Scope said, nudging the bondage gear with a hoof.
“Oh, um, if you don’t like it…” Fluttershy stammered. Scope just rolled her eyes and used her magic to add the collars to the pile.
“Nah, we needed something new to try out in the bedroom anyways,” Scope said.
“Oh, um, ohmy,” Fluttershy blushed again.
Midnight was giving them a dubious look though. The last time a collar was put on her…
Nope! Not thinking about that! This was supposed to be a fun night. Scope, however, caught that whiff of soured emotions and moved to hug her.
“...Thanks,” Midnight replied as she returned the hug. “Sorry for being a sadbat.”
“It’s okay,” Scope said softly. “You know the big lug wouldn’t do something like that to you.” She then used one of her hooves to gesture for something, anything new to distract Midnight.
Cadence pushed a box forward and Midnight opened it, before snorting and then exploding with laughter. “Oh my gosh… I think it’s a bit late for this one,” she cackled as she pulled out a box of flavoured condoms.
“Still, at least now Ledger has options when it comes to the others,” Scope pointed out.
“True that, if they work on him,” Twilight nodded. “He’s very… generous.”
“That he is,” Cider nodded as several mares all shook their heads.
“That… is waay too much information,” Applejack grimaced.
“And us comparing him to the strap-on wasn’t?” Scope replied.
“Definitely, I didn’t need to know that about my brother,” Critical said dryly.
Celestia pushed her gift over. And Twilight unboxed it and blushed as she held up a copy of the Pony Sutra; Changeling Edition.
“Oh my~” Apple Leaves whistled. “Ah’d be watching out there little Scope~”
“Feh, it’s not like Ledger didn’t have knowledge of what to do to me anyways,” the little ‘ling replied with. “Now I’m just never going to get a break.”
Luna sent hers over to Scope. And she opened it to reveal the same book, only for ponies.
“It also has a special section I wrote for thestrals,” she winked.
“I know what I’m reading tonight~” the little ‘ling sang.
“Oh boy,” Midnight sighed. “Just don’t let Moondancer or Sugar read it. I’ll lose what leverage I have over them.”
“You had leverage over us?” Sugar asked.
“Do I?” Midnight asked. “I dunno. I know that you still know squat about thestrals~”
“So our little...research session didn’t reveal everything?” Sugar asked, before turning to the princess of the night. “Can I have a copy of that book please?”
“That’s the only one I’m afraid,” Luna shrugged. “Unless you paid a visit to Hollow Shades, though, I doubt they’d even let you in the front door.”
“Pity,” Sugar said before turning to Scope. “I may have to borrow that book for my own research purposes.”
“When Tartarus freezes over,” the smaller ‘ling shot back.
“Is that everyone?” Midnight asked. Applejack had given Cider a cute, frilly saddle and she’d gotten Twilight a book on how to tie knots. For… various reasons.
Rarity had given all four something interesting. A cupon for her new Canterlot boutique.
“Y’know, Changelings as a rule don’t typically wear all that many clothes,” Scope pointed out. “I suppose that explains my lack of one?”
“Which is why we must rectify that darling,” Rarity nodded. “Sassy Saddles runs that store for me. She’ll see to it that you positively shine!”
“Y’sure she won’t freak out about the whole, y’know?” Scope asked before gesturing to herself.
“I have made her aware that some of my customers are… unique,” Rarity nodded. “Why, it’s thanks to you that I’m able to follow this path. My new line of Changeling fashion will be my masterpiece~”
“If you say so,” Scope said, before looking at Pinkie. Both dreading and wondering what she could possibly have in store.
The mare whipped out a wide, flat box and plonked it down before pulling it out herself.
The board game ‘Twister for Adults’ could be seen on the front, along with a mar and stallion that should not be seen by children.
“Something tells me we’ll be getting a lot of mileage out of this game,” the small ‘ling observed.
“Could I get a copy?” Critical asked.
“Me as well?” Sugar pitched in.
“I do owe you a wedding gift,” Pinkie nodded as she pulled another one out of her mane and passed it to Sugar. “You’ll have to wait for your party though,” she said to Critical.
“I can wait,” Critical said. “I just wanted something new to try with my stallion~”
Sugar, meanwhile, was making bedroom eyes at Moondancer.
Said unicorn rolled her eyes as Pinkie nodded and passed one to Critical. “Well, Okie Doke. Consider this an early birthday present.”
“I can do that, though how do you know when my birthday is?” the nymph asked.
“I know,” Pinkie nodded. “Pinkie Pie always knows.”
“So is that everyone?” Scope asked. “We had the shy one, the walking buffet, the apple ponies, the fabulous one, the pink one, and even the pretty princesses. Plus the parents. Can’t forget the parents.”
“I’m afraid I didn’t bring anything,” Velvet said. And Apple Leaves agreed. Money had been a little tight lately.
“It’s the thought that counts,” Midnight nodded. “I’m just glad to have so many of my friends and family here.”
“And soon to be family,” Scope pointed out. “After all, this is a herd marriage. We’re all about to be one big happy family here.”
“True,” Midnight nodded and looked around. “Where’d Amy go? I haven’t seen her in a while.”
“Whoo!” the pink ‘ling said as she and Chrysalis were watching some of the stallions. “Yeah! Shake it!”
“That explains that,” Midnight nodded as she set aside a few gifts for the nymph. Then she smirked. “Hey Amy! Maybe Chryssie and Sugar should dance for us! We need some Changeling flank up there~”
“Didn’t we come here to relax?” Amy asked, turning back to the others with a curious expression on her face.
“Uh, ah reckon we’re here to watch ponies dance fer our money,” Apple Cider replied. “And Middy, those are our guests. What if ah asked yer Mom to dance?”
“Point taken,” Midnight replied. “Sorry…”
“Besides which, I’m happily taken,” Sugar pointed out. “If you wanted to see changeling flank, all you had to do was go to my club, after all.”
“True enough,” Midnight nodded. “Mind you, you sure we wouldn’t run into the boys there?”
“Highly unlikely,” the Violet nymph said. “After all, why would Ledger want to go to my place? He’s still a little uneasy around nymphs that aren’t little Scope there.”
“We are not going there, the last thing this already tipsy group needs is some of the Mood Setter drinks,” Twilight deadpanned.
“Oooh, now there’s an idea,” Sugar purred.
“No Sugar,” Twilight replied.
“Mood Setter?” Celesta, Velvet and Leaves echoed.
“A drink I brew with a little extra Lust and Happiness added in,” the nymph said. “It gives the drink that little extra kick that really helps ponies unwind…” She then looked at Fluttershy and winked. “Mmm, one glass of that would help even the most timid soul.”
“Ohmy,” she said and hid behind her mane again.
“Whoo! LET’S DO IT!” Pinkie cheered, happily going wherever the party was.
“I’ll not force anypony to attend my club that would rather not,” Sugar said. “That would be most rude of me.”
“I have an idea,” Midnight said. “A wonderful and glorious idea~”
“Run,” Scope said simply.
“Nonnonono, hear me out,” Midnight said. “We swing by Sugar’s place, pick up a case or two of those drinks. Then, we got to Twi’s castle for a sleepover. We’ll be in a place where if somepony gets too drunk, then we can be sure they’ll stay safe. Unless the thought of wandering the streets of this city totally sloshed is your idea of fun.”
“That...actually sounds workable,” the violet nymph hummed. “I think I can do that easily~”
“WOOHOO! Party at TwiTwi’s!” Pinkie cheered.
“Aw yeah, that sounds like fun,” Rainbow nodded.
“Y-Yes, it really does,” Fluttershy nodded, glad to be going somewhere familiar.
“So I can swing by the club and gather up two cases of Mood Setter, and I’ll meet you all back at the farm,” Sugar said. “Then we’ll hop through the portal and enjoy the fruits of my labors. Sound fair?”
“Sound like a plan!” Pinkie cheered as she started ushering ponies out of the door. She left a generous tip for the establishment as everypony was left wondering how crazy this night was gonna get.