//------------------------------// // Wedding Adventures - The Party(1) // Story: World of Ponies: A Collection of Days // by ShadowWalking18 //------------------------------// Fluttershy - Bachelorette Party Fluttershy watched meekly as her friends all pointed and talked with excited voices over their little get together tea date. Normally, Fluttershy did not feel shy with talking with her friends. But this time things were a little different, because the topic of conversation was of a matter very personal to her. Her Bachelorette party. "We should totally hit Bucking Broncos! It's the best Stud House and Casino in Las Pegasus!" Rainbow Dash declared with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Ugh," Rarity scoffed, "Please Rainbow Dash, establishments like that are too seedy. I suggest a fine evening at a number of high class establishments. This is an important night for Fluttershy after all." "Umm, well...I just thought..." Fluttershy started, lifting a hoof. If any of the girls heard, they didn't make it known as Rainbow Dash glared at Rarity. "I know this is important, and that's why we gotta make it a wild night!" Dash said, "I mean come on, I'm sure Castus will be going wild. Especially with Discord heading his stag party." "Bachelor Party." Twilight spoke up. All the girls, but Fluttershy, looked at Twilight confused. Twilight blushed and chuckled nervously. "Uh well," the bookish princess said, "I mean, I talked with Castus about it once and he said that its called a bachelor party for humans." "Oh. Well, Stag or Bachelor a party is a party," Pinkie stated, "and any party has to be wild and fun!" Pinkie cheered, throwing her hooves out with a burst of confetti and horns. "Um, well maybe we could just-" Fluttershy started again, though her quiet voice was once more unheard by the others. "Try ta remember that some o' us can't be gettin' wild at the moment Dash," Applejack deadpanned, a hoof subconsciously trailing over her stomach, "And Fluttershy wouldn't be interested in somethin' like that." "Oh well, I mean it might be fun but-" The timid bride to be started again. But again her voice was lost as her friends started arguing about the party. Fluttershy hid herself in her mane a bit, unsure what to do. She was so nervous right now, that she nearly jumped out of her fur when she felt a hoof on hers. She looked and saw Twilight, gently patting her hoof with a smile. Fluttershy smiled back. "Now girls, this is Fluttershy's party. Maybe we should let her decide." Twilight spoke up, hoping to ease the tension and relieve her friend and herd partner. Though Fluttershy knew her herd mate meant well, the sudden feel of all her friends eyes on her made the whole situation a lot more tense for her. "Oh of course, I'm so sorry Fluttershy," Rarity said, placing a hoof on Fluttershy's, "This is your special night. We should seek your opinion." "Yeah, and I know you are just dying for a wild night on the town." Rainbow Dash declared, nudging her childhood friend with her elbow. "Oh, uh well..." Fluttershy started. "Now Dashie," Rarity scuffed, "You should know better then all of us that Fluttershy would prefer a more quiet and controlled evening out; and not in some crazy den of debauchery." "Well, I mean it could-" The timid Pegasus mare whispered again. "Debauchery!?" Dash gasped, the speedster shocked, "You mean fun! And what would you suggest?" Rarity giggled and flicked her mane, "Why I know of a delightful restaurant of high society in Las Pegasus that is situated next to an elegant theater house and art gallery opening night with works from all over Equestria and beyond on showing." "Ugh that sounds toooootaly lame," Dash groaned. Rarity scoffed, "Well, why don't we let Fluttershy decide." Fluttershy gulped, once more the center of attention. "Uh...w-well....I mean, I'm not really a heavy party mare." She started. "Ha!" Rarity laughed, sticking her chin up at Rainbow Dash who scowled. "-But," Fluttershy continued, "I- I mean it might be good to cut lose a little bit." "HA!" Dash laughed, pointing her hoof at Rarity who merely rolled her eyes. "Um, m-maybe we could try to do a little of both?" Fluttershy finished, hoping to be diplomatic. "Oh! That sounds awesome!" Pinkie cheered, shaking her hooves in excitement. "I reckon that could work. Then we won't 'ave ta hear either o' these two complainin'." AJ smirked, looking at Rarity and Rainbow Dash. "Well, it might need a little planning-" Rarity started, but was cut off by Twilight. "Oh! I can do that!" Twilight shouted, an excited, almost manic look in her eyes now at the thought of scheduling a duel themed event for her herd mate's bachelorette party. Dash huffed and crossed her hooves, "Fine." Fluttershy sighed and smiled, glad to see that the tension was past. While she had managed alright, she wondered how Castus was doing with his own party preparations. After all, he did have an.....unorthodox Best Stallion. Fluttershy bit her lip as she looked through the sample selections for flower arrangements that she had ordered from the Flower Trio's Flowershop. She had a number of ideas that had been sent, but she could not make up her mind. Casting a glance over to the table, where her husband to be sat with a cup of coffee in his hand and a scroll of some report from the Empire in the other, Fluttershy decided maybe he would know. “Castus, what do you think of these ideas for arrangements that Roseluck gave me. Do you think they might clash?” Fluttershy picked up the sample pictures and placed them in front of Castus to examine. Castus, set down the report from one of the Imperial Agents, concerning troop movement in the duchy of Silvertalons, the griffon duchy that sat on their northwestern border, and looked at the arrangement ideas, “I really wish I could tell you, babe. But, I haven't a clue. Couldn't you ask Rarity?” He paused to sip his coffee. Fluttershy sighed, “Oh I would but she has been super busy with the twins, plus she still needs to get all the dresses ready. I don't want to overload her.” Castus chuckled, “I suppose not… Those boys certainly keep her on guard, I imagine it's more chaos then she is use to.” “My ears are burning!” With a pop, Discords long serpentine head and neck popped out from Castus left ear, sending the human magus screaming and falling onto the ground as Discord struggled to pull himself out. “GAAAAH!” “Hold on. Tight squeeze. Give me a second. Scooch, scooch.” Discord grunted, before finally popping out and growing to his full size. “Nyaaaagh.” Castus rubbed his ear fervently as the serpentine lord of chaos righted himself and stepped in to the floor of the cottage. With a bow Discord went on, “Greetings everypony, and dear Castus too, speaking of which you might want to see a doctor. I've seen candle shops with less wax.” As if on que, the excited clatter of hooves rushing down the hall could be heard, as Moonlight and Azure Shadow burst into the kitchen and leap at Discord to wrap him in a hug on each claw. “UNCLE DISCORD!!” The girls cheered, hugging him tight. For a brief moment, a smile appeared on Discord's face that showed true, touched happiness as he wrapped his two adopted nieces into a hug and his head split into the two separate heads he had during the Gala, “Heeelllloooo, my little Angels of mayhem!” The two Discord heads then kissed each girl on the forehead. “We missed you!” Azure giggled. “Can we do the crazy stairs? Puuuhwease?” Moonlight begged, her eyes wide and pleading. Discord released the girls and fused his two heads back into one as he rubbed his chin, “Weeeeeellllll, I dunno-sure!” With a quick snap of his finger, the kitchen was soon replaced with a scene remiscent of an Escher drawing, with staircases and doors going every which way. The girls cheered, and began running up and down stairs, going through one door and out others in totally random ways. Fluttershy could only giggle, as she flew down to the balcony that Castus was stuck on with Discord. It always made her happy to see her daughters having fun. The Lord of Chaos then clapped his claws together, “Sooooooooooo! I heard the news, congratulations are in order! Castus you old so-n-so! Finally popped the question the whole ‘cosmos’ wanted to know?” His confusion at his new surroundings forgotten, Castus chuckled and rubbed the back of his head nervously, “Heh, yeah I- wait, what did you say?” Discord looked away quickly, “Nothing-Fluttershy, my dear sweet friend, let me see!” Without asking, Discord lifted Fluttershy's hoof to see the bracelet that Castus had gotten her as part of his official engagement. Discord examined it with a jewelers eye, “Oh! It's lovely! And it's suits you so well!” “Thank you Discord. It's actually a good thing you're here.” Fluttershy said, smiling as she pulled her hoof back. Discord blinked, looking surprised, “It is?” “Yes. Castus, isn't their something you want to say?” Fluttershy looked at her husband to be expectantly. “Quite a few things.” Castus crossed his arms, looking at Discord critically. “Come, come now, my boy if it weren't for Dis-old-Coord, you wouldn't be saying anything at all.” Discord said, patting Castus on the back. The human magus sighed, “Yeah, yeah. I haven't forgotten. I haven't forgotten some other things too. But I have to admit, despite everything that's happened, it was you that made all this possible. I have a beautiful mare who I am going to spend the rest of my life with, two wonderful daughters I adore, a fledgling nation I am helping to prosper, and peace and harmony still reigns supreme.” The Spirit of Disharmony's face went green and he covered his mouth as his cheeks bulged for a moment, “Yeck. Don't remind me. It was all so much more interesting when you were trying to lay low and not blow yourself up from the inside out, all the while their was that “will-they won't-they” tension, between the two of you. I suppose there's always reruns,...or fanfiction. Oooooh! How do you feel about a taught romantic drama with you and Sunset Shimmer?” Castus raised a brow, confused, “I...don't...know who that is-anyway, what I am trying to say is; I have a good life, and I owe that in part to you.” “Oh golly you're gonna make me blush.” Discord gave a Goofy like chuckle, even as a red coated paint brush painted his cheeks red. “Right," Castus sighed with a shake of his head, "Well, it would honor me, and Fluttershy, if you would do us the honor of...being my best man?” Discord went still, eyes wide. “Wuh-what?” He stammered, mouth hanging open. With a poof, the kitchen returned to normal, leaving Azure and Moonlight floating in midair for a few moments before falling to the ground. With practiced skill from months of flying practice mishaps, Castus moved and caught Azure in his arms, while Fluttershy deftly snatched Moonlight up with her tail, before pulling her into a hug, out of the air eliciting a giggle from the little Thestral. “Y-you want......me...best man?” Discord asked again, sticking a claw into his ear and out the “Or best stallion, or...no offense, best-whatever you are.” Castus added with a shrug. “I-I'm a Draconequis,...do...do you mean that?” Castus sighed once more, rubbed his head, “I may regret it, but yeah, I do.” Discord looked to Fluttershy, who smiled and noded to him. Discord cheered and threw his arms out, “Doooooooh, come here yah big lug!” Castus stared to walk back, arms up, “Uhhhh, That's not necessar-WHOA!!!!” Before he could say more, the poor human was soon wrapped up in a big hug from the Spirit of Chaos himself, much to Castus dismay as he tried to struggle free of the grip. “I am sooooo touched you want little old me to be your best Stallion!" Discord started, before gasping, "there's sooooo much to do sooooo much to plan! First they're tuxes, the other grooms stallions, or men for you I suppose," another gasp, "THE STAG PARTY!!! No wait. Let's do a bachelor party, less speciesly, incentivity. First things first…” With a flick of his wrist, two big white gloves appeared and covered Fluttershy's, Azure's and Moonlight's ears, causing them to blink in surprise even as Discord went on, "how do you feel about exotic dancers, because I know these fillies, well fillies most of the time, sometimes they have fins, anyway, they sing and dance and I swear you are under their Spell.” “I-I uhhllllready, regret this.” Castus groaned, still trying to get free. “Oh don't be like that Cassie! I’ll promise I’ll be the best best stallion in the history of best stallioning.” “That's not a thing.” Castus stated. “Yes it is- I'll be your Robin to you're Bat Mane, your Peanut Butter to your Jelly, you Anakin to your Kenobi…” “Uuuhhhh…..” Castus gave Discord and uneasy look now. “I mean, before the unpleasantries, like all three of those prequels. OHOHOHO This is gonna be legen- wait for it...” Discord quickly added before snapping his tail hand. With a flash, Discord vanished and the Shy Family looked around, confused. Slowly Fluttershy and Castus set their daughters onto the ground as a knock came from the door. Castus and Fluttershy looked at each other, before haeding to the front door and opening it. "Mail call!". A gray, cross eyed mare declared, offering out a letter. "Thanks, Miss Hooves." Castus said, taking the letter. He looked at it confused, noting the address. "Sure thing, Mr. Cactus." Derpy said smiling. "It's not 'Cactus' its..., never mind." Castus sighed, closing the door as Derpy flew off and he headed back into the kitchen with the letter. "Mail? Is it from my mother." Fluttershy asked, moving over to look at the letter. Castus shook his head, "No this one is from..." "...Just open it." Fluttershy said with a giggle once she saw the mailer address. "We don't have to. We could just set it aside, worry about it in a few years?" Castus said, looking at his wife with wide eyes. Fluttershy shook her head at her husband, "He's just gonna send more until you do." Castus facepalmed, "yeah, yeah, I know. Okay." Slowly, he tore open the letter and with a burst of confetti, Discord burst from the letter with a cheer. "DARY!!!!!!" Castus brushed some of the confetti off of him and he looked at his soon to be wife, "....Is it too late to elope?" Discord could be a bit of a hoofful, but Fluttershy felt confident he could handle anything that Discord threw at him. Castus - Bachelor Party Castus was worried. Very worried. It was worrying enough that he had to have the Spirit of Chaos as his best man. But to have him plan his bachelor party was something else entirely. God knew what that mad mind would come up with. Castus feared even trying to guess, for fear of delving into madness on par with Cthullu. Yet so far, his day had been frankly...surprisingly....well...nothing. Not even a memo. Not that he did not mind the lack of attention. A part of him kinda liked the idea of a surprise. It also helped him focus on his paper work. Dozens of reports, mostly surveyor reports of the various minerals, quarries and the like that were being planned for as the Lord Hunters took their clans to designated sectors of the empire to oversee as part of the larger establishment of the Imperial bureaucracy. But amongst those reports, were concerning sights from scouts on the border to the Griffon lands. It was probably nothing, but he would send a team to establish an outpost to keep a watch on them. Well with all of that to keep him busy, Castus couldn't bother to worry too much about Discord. Or so he thought. As he went to open the door to his office, instead of walking into his study of oakwood desk, chair and personal library of scrolls and books, he walked into a wide open room adorn with streamers and a big large flag with Castus figure sewn into it in a style of him holding a globe in his hand as a halo of gold surrounded his head and a ball and iron chain on his leg. A the center of the room was a large dance floor with tables around the edges with chairs. At the edge of that were large tables and coolers filled with drinks and food. "Surprise!" "AH!" Castus jumped as Discord, dressed in an orange tux and fedora hat. "Oh Castus, so glad you could get here," Discord said, slithering up to grab Castus into a hug, "I was just about to come get you. I hope you like the décor." "Uh...thanks Discord." Castus said, dumbfounded. "Oh, the other guests should be here right about.....now!" Discord tapped his watch, as dozens of doors suddenly appeared in the room and in walked dozens of surprised party guests. Shining Armor. Valen. Soarin of the Wonderbolts. A large yak, that Castus recognized from Twilight's story of the visiting Yak prince; Prince Rutherford. Spike. Big Mac. And dozens of others. "Welcome party guests! Let's raise the roof!" Discord cheered, to the surprised and perplexed newcomers. The various, and no doubt unwilling, attendents, all looked around confused and perplexed as Discord himself went about putting fedora hats on everyone's head. Castus himself got a big hat with a large feather that made Castus think of a pimp hat. "Oh the Captain of the Guard and consort to the princess of love," Discord said as he approached Shining Armor and placed a hat on his head as he snapped and made his guard helmet and armor disappear, "We're so honored you could attend this party." "Discord you have some nerve!" Shining Armor snarled at the draconequis, knocking the hat away. Only for it to reappear on his head with a flash; much to Shining's surprise. "Oh please Shoe Shine," Discord dismissed with a wave of his claw, "it's not like any of you were doing anything important." "I was in the verge of locating the rougue changeling hive!." Shining Armor shouted in a combination of anger and exasperation. "I had to spend weeks in the field to get that information!" Another pony in a similar guard attire. Castus slightly recognized him as Quillpoint, Applejack's fiancé. Though....Castus couldn't help but think he had seen the pony elsewhere. Though where and how he couldn't recall. "-pssssh- no you weren't. Also who are you?" Discord asked, looking at Quill Quill raised an eye brow "....seriously? We met when you helped Tirek for Luna's sake." Discord stuck a claw into his ear before pulling it out and flicking some wax away, "Oh well, its so hard to keep track of background characters." Quill's mouth fell open, eyes bulging. "Anyway," Discord laughed, "fellas it's like this. We are here to enter the bonds of brotherhood in honor of our dear friend Castus Thelonious Maxillious Meridious Smith." "That's your full name?" Spike said looking at the bemused human. Castus facepalmed and sighed, "No. It isn't." "Oh," Spike said, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous smile, "So uh...what is it then?" Castus sighed, "Its-" "-not important!" Discord declared, cutting Castus off, "I just want to make sure your send off into the suffocating stranglehold that is matrimony is done proper! And all your guy friends, plus who ever that guy is want to give you a night to remember." "I only barely know half of these guys. And I know I've never met the yak." Castus said, pointing to the Rutherford as he sampled some of the food. "Hey! Salsa not Kiwi Mango! Yak destroy!" Rutherford shouted, before destroying the salsa bowl, and the table. "Oh he does look like a fun one. We should totally take him to the casino." Discord laughed, snapping his tail hand to create a new table to replace the one destroyed. With the same food that caused its destruction. "Casino?" Soarin asked, looking at Discord confused. "Oh yes, oh and all sorts of bars, and dance halls in Las Pegasus. All the delights of the night life," Discord said with glee before leaning into another guard pony, "Even the naughty sides." The guards eyes went wide as a faint blush went over his face. "Uh, not to dash on the parade Discord," Castus said, stepping up, "But...how can we go to anything like that when we are in a room with no doors?" Discord blinked, then face palmed and laughed, "Oh silly me. I forgot the doors." With a snap of his lion claw, around the walls of the entire room, doors of various colors and sizes appeared with various designs. Some were simple and did not look out of place. Others looked like the doors of a casino, with a slot machine design, even the knob looked like a slot machine lever. Some were shaped like drinks, and one or two doors in particular were decorated in red lights, jazz music playing around them and empty stripper poles stood at the sides of the doors; few had to make a guess of what was behind there. "Pick a door, any door." Discord chuckled. "Ugh, look this is all too last minute," Shining Armor groaned, "We have to get back to work and find the Rogue Changeling Hive." Around him, Quill, Soarin and the other guards with them all nodded in agreement. Shining looked at Castus, "I mean, I don't want to ruin your night. If this was a different day I'd be glad to join your bachelor party, but this is all just too last minute." Castus held up a hand, "No problem. I agree. To be honest I was sort of expecting some better planning." The Spirit of Chaos crossed his claws over his chest with a pouty face, "Oh not you too Castus?" He groaned and looked at Shining Armor with a pouty face, "Oh fine party pooper. How about I make a deal with you?" Shining looked skeptically at Discord, "What kind of deal?" "If you all lighten up, and enjoy the party, then I'll tell you where they are." Shining did not seem convinced at Discords words, "....Exactly where they are? Currently? The Changeling Hive we've been looking for?" Shining Armor leaned forward, his brow raised skeptically but clearly tempted. Discord groaned, exasperated, "Yes, yes, the one run by that 'Love Child' between Chrysalis and..." "NOT ONE MORE SYLLABLE!" The pony captain forcefully cut the draconequis off, his horn pulsing with intent. His magic gripping Discords beard and dragging him down to eye level with the Guard Captain, a hoof straying to the sword at his side. A thin grin curved Discord's face as he narrowed his eyes, meeting Shining Armor's murderous glare with one of his own. "Soooooooo~?" Shining Armor regarded this creature before him, all the while weighing the options. This was more than likely a trick or Discord would find a way to slither out on delivering what they actually wanted, but after three months chasing false leads and finding only recently abandoned caverns, the Equestrian guard clearly needed a break. "....fine..." He relented with a huff. "WONDERFUL!!" With a snap of his claws, the guards and Wonderbolt members with them, all had their armor and uniforms replaced with casino suits, informal party wear and some with party hats and party streamers. One guard had both and blowed on the streamer in confusion. "Hey, not bad." Soarin noted, the second in command of the Wonderbolts taking time to examine his new suit. "Uh, sir," Quillpoint spoke up, "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Shining Armor, now decked in a wide brim Fedora hat and suit, sighed and looked at his solders as he ordered up a huddle. "This seems a bit out of place sir." One guard brought up. ""If any pony knows where the rogue hive is, it would be Discord." The Guard Captain muttered. "We may not have a choice." "Sooooo your saying that we NEED to play along and get blitzed?" Lt. Commander Soarin added, failing to hide the anticipation in his voice. Looking around at his subordinates, Shining then looked at the hall they found themselves in, rife with exotic food, drink, and how some of the other, non military, guests were now peeking into one of the doors that looked like the entrance of a Red Light distract business, and rush in with a cheer. Others were now drinking, talking, and some going into what sounded like Casinos when they went through other doors. "We can't give him an excuse to go back on his word, so I suppose we should..." His voice trailed off as he turned back to find himself standing alone with Quill, and a few dust clouds. Shining blinked, looked to Quill who shrugged before walking over to the drink table, and leaving Shining alone. The oldest of the Sparkle family sighed. He hoped this wasn't a bad idea. Fluttershy - Bachelorette Party Rarity Rarity sighed in pure bliss as she lifted her opera glasses to her eyes to watch the final scene. Beside her, Fluttershy and Twilight watched, though Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all sat in different degrees of boredom. Pinkie and Applejack both at least tried to seem interested, but Rainbow Dash looked absolutely miserable. Rarity could only roll her eyes. Honestly, Dash could try to at least enjoy a little culture. This was one of the top ranked operas in all of Equestria. But, such was the way of things. She certainly did not feel sure of whatever Rainbow Dash had planned for the second half of Fluttershy's Bachelorette party. She still remembered what they all finally decided upon. Fluttershy, the dear sweet mare, unable to possibly disappoint her friends, came up with an idea that took both hers and Rainbow Dash's ideas. They would use the day and evening at a five star café that Rarity knew in Las Pegasus, followed up by a light dinner and a stop at the Opera house before returning to their hotel room for a change in clothes and hitting the night life where Rainbow Dash would take command. No doubt with a list of seedy joints in hoof. Well, she would have to endure. Something she had gotten very good at since the birth of her two jewels. The thought of her two sons made the fashionista mare smile fondly, and her motherly mind wondered how they were doing. It seemed like only yesterday she was holding them in her hooves after their birth. For a few moments, her life seemed so blissful and pure. Until she got home. Rarity prided herself as being able to stand out in the world as a confident and independent mare, but raising two boys alongside of her career was a challenge she had never faced before; and it had certainly not been easy. Perhaps the most memorable was the feedings, sometimes for hours her breasts would feel sore after either pumping or directly breast feeding the boys; who only seemed to get hungrier by the hour. Not to mention the fact that she had to resize all of her clothes to take into account for her increase in chest size due to producing milk. Or the aches it caused her back. Thank Celestia they were moving up to soft foods now. But then there were other challenges. The nearly constant waking up in the middle of the night, planning immunizations, keeping on eye on them once they had started to crawl. Not to mention the piles of bits on clothes, food and other supplies; not that she had to worry about money given her success in the fashion world. Still, with all the extra work she was glad to have such devoted friends and family. Pinkie Pie, being skilled in watching young colts with her experience with the Cake twins, made an excellent babysitter when her parents were unable to watch the twins. And Celestia knew it could be a challenge to pry them away from her mother when she visited; something that would certainly be even more of a challenge since she had left the boys with her parents for the whole day she was gone. But still, though the days had been tough and challenging, Rarity wouldn't give up those two gems for the whole world. She had a whole bank of precious memories, some even rather humorous when she thought back on them. Like the time Spike had come over to help with the boys during an especially busy season. She certainly made a better attempt to label things in her fridge after that. Or the time when she came home to her whole house covered in cake batter, with Pinkie trying her best to clean the boys who were covered in buttercream frosting; she still never did learn how THAT had happened. Still as much as she loved her sons, it was good to get a break and enjoy herself and her friends. Especially on such an important day as this. She always knew that she would one day partake in her friends bachelorette parties, but she never expected Fluttershy's to be first; or that she would be marrying a creature years ago she had considered as savage, wild monsters. It was certainly a bit of gossip in town, something that Rarity nipped in the bud when it entered into grounds she considered rude. Though she still found it hard to fully grasp the changes that have occurred in humans, she wasn't going to deny that when she saw Fluttershy and Castus together she saw a real and passionate love between the two. She was almost jealous at times. Though she herself found it an odd match, she would support her friend's choice. Fluttershy was happy, something that Rarity was glad to see after those years of near constant abuse from all of Ponyville. And Castus, though certainly with a rough history, was certainly a gentlecolt....or gentleman. Though as she and the other girls all let him know during a private talk after he and Fluttershy had publicly announced their engagement, if he did anything to hurt their dear, timid friend he would wish he was locked away in Tartarus for his own safety. As the opera came to an end, Rarity found herself out of her thoughts and she clapped alongside the audience with Fluttershy and Twilight. Ah Twilight. There was another odd match. When the bookish princess had come to her for relationship advice and help, Rarity had never guessed it was Castus she was infatuated with. Oh sure, she suspected, but to actually hear about it was certainly surprising. Though while Fluttershy and Castus were more open with their relationship, Rarity noted that Castus and Twilight seemed to keep theirs more private. Something she suspected was due in part to the politics involved between the two. She could only imagine the gossip and scandal that might occur if the general public learned that one of the princesses of Equestria was with the human who had years ago been one of the most wanted criminals in all of Equestria. "Ugh, finally. Lets get back to the room and get changed. This dress is making my muscles stiff." Rainbow Dash said, plucking at the formal dress Rarity had made for her and the girls for the occasion. "Oh come on Rainbow Dash. It wasn't that bad." Twilight said, offering her friend a smile. "Yeah. It was worse." Dash groaned, stretching and rubbing her back, "wait till we get changed. I'll show you all what a real party is like." Rarity rolled her eyes, "Obviously Rainbow Dash, you will never understand real culture. Still, at least you kept in your seat this time." Dash stuck her tongue at her friend for a moment before they all walked out of the Opera house and headed toward their hotel. As they walked, Rarity looked at Twilight once more and could not help but frown as another thought came to mind. Though Twilight had explained the reason why she and Castus kept their relationship secret to most ponies, in her eyes Rarity could see the desire to openly express it for all the world to see; regardless of what they thought. And perhaps most importantly, to openly marry the stall- er man- who made her happy. And yet she couldn't. Twilight noticed Rarity looking at her, and looked back curiously. "Rarity? Something up?" The princess asked. Rarity quickly smiled, "Oh, nothing darling." Rarity focused on reaching the hotel now, and changing into more....casual clothing. Something she wouldn't worry about getting stained by countless amounts of alcohol from countless silly mares and stallions who thought it wise to dance in crowded groups with drinks in hoof. Something dark, yes that would be best. No doubt many ponies would be wearing dark or black colored clothing, but really only a pony of lose morals would wear anything that could end up see through when wet. Yes a simple black gown. That would be suitable for the decadence sure to come. Rainbow Dash "Awww yeah, now this is where the real fun starts." Dash cheered, pumping her hoof as she and her friends stood before one of the biggest strip joints and nightclubs of Las Pegasus. The Gelded Stallion. The loud music, the lights, the drinks. Dashie took a moment to breathe it all in, and her wings twitched in excitement. "Well what are we waiting for, lets go." Dash called to her friends, as she led the way for them all to enter. The first thing that hit them was the warmth given off by the combined body heat of mares and stallions, followed by the smell of alcohol and sweat with the sight of scantly cladded stallions and mares dancing on poles. Some carried trays, dressed in skin tight latex clothing and wearing bunny ears. "Ugh, really Rainbow Dash your choice of venue could be a little less....uncouth." Rarity said, as the girls found themselves a table. "Oh get the bridle out of your mouth Rarity." "Oh, I-it isn't that bad," Fluttershy said, though the evident blush on her face as she saw a mare dry humping a stallion as he gave the mare a lap dance made it clear that the shy mare was way out of her comfort zone. "This is certainly an...interesting look in the more liberal actions of Equestria." Twilight said, adjusting the glasses and dress coat she wore to hide her wings, herself blushing yet at the same time looking curiously in a way that Rainbow Dash knew as Twilight's Must Study look. "I think this looks super, duper fun!" Pinkie cheered. "Long as we all 'ave a good time I say lets go for it." Applejack said with a smile. "That's right," Dash said with a nod, "Lets make this night one to remember!" It was not long after arriving that the girls had all sorted into their own little niche for the night at the strip joint. Rainbow Dash was into her third cider, and was excitedly shoving some bits down a stallions under wear, while Rarity sat with Applejack at their table; the cow pony herself was drinking water, given her pregnancy. Twilight was with Rainbow Dash and, much to Dashies amusement actually taking notes of ponies around her. "Twilight, the point of a strip joint is to have fun ya know." Dash pointed out. "I-I know," The disguised princess stammered, "I mean...I'm just taking notes to better blend in with ponies here." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "Well if you want to blend in..." Taking out some bits from her purse, Dash called over to one of the dancers, "Hey, my friend here could use with a lap dance!" She called as she tossed the bits to the stallion who caught them with practiced skill and proceeded to Twilight. "W-wait! D-Dashie!" Twilight stammered, blushing viciously as the stallion proceeded into the dance. Twilight's mouth fell open and she looked around, feeling insecure and unsure. Dash could only chuckle at her friends predicament as she got up and went over to the bar to find Fluttershy. It wasn't hard to find the shy mare, as she was trying without success to quietly assert herself to the bar passed a crowd of ponies; but always letting somepony else get ahead of her. With Twilight taken care of, Rainbow Dash had one more friend to mess with. And besides this was Shy's bachelorette party. "Hey Fluttershy, I got a surprise for you. Come on." Dash said, grabbing her friends hoof. "Huh?" Fluttershy asked confused, even more so as Dash took her to one of the private booths. "Wait here." Dash said, setting Fluttershy down in the booth. "W-wait, Dash whats going on?" The shy mare asked, but Dash ignored her as she quickly gathered a ground of stallions and mare dancers and brought them all up to the booth. At least seven in total. "Aright everypony, the little filly here is tying the knot soon so lets give her a send off she won't forget." Dash shouted to the dancers. The dancers cheered and moved into the booth, with Dash smirking as she watched Fluttershy's eyes go to pin pricks. "O-Oh my-" Fluttershy gasped, hiding in her mane. Dash laughed as she released the curtain of the private booth and went off to grab some more cider. She was going through her bits rather quickly, what with the drinks, the lap dances and the private session for Fluttershy but as she saw it; it was all worth it. "Hmmm, I wonder where Pinkie went?" Dash pondered, realizing the party mare was no where to be seen. It took time for Dashie to finally find Pinkie, who much to the wonderbolt mare, was carrying two heavy bags of bits now. "Wha? Pinkie Pie, where did you get all those bits?" Dash asked, her mouth hanging open in shock. "Oh," Pinkie clenched and shook the bit bags, "Well you know that funny pole game on the dance stage? Well when I went on it, bits started flying onto the stage by my hooves, and then as I started dancing, more bits fell. So I danced and danced, and danced and before I knew it I had all these bits." Dash's eyes bulged and her mouth hung open, "Uh Pinkie..." "What?" Pinkie asked, smiling. Dash closed her mouth and shook her head, "Never mind. Now, did you get the special surprise ready?" "Of course!" the bit heavy party mare cheered, "Just another twenty minutes and it should all be ready." "Perfect," Dash clapped her hooves together and rubbed them with a sinister smirk, "I'll keep Fluttershy busy till then." Pinkie saluted and left off to the bar, with her bag of bits. Rainbow Dash chuckled and went back to her seat. She decided to get her own entertainment, turning some stallion into her servant! Using some of her few remaining bits, Rainbow Dash got herself a personal dance from a rather hot looking stud of a stallion and a few other drinks. It was only when it was time for Fluttershy's session to be over with that she had to shove the stallion away and go get her friend. Rainbow Dash chuckled, "Hey Fluttershy, I'm back, How...are..you....doing?" Dash started, slowly going quiet as she pushed aside the curtain. What she saw was...not what she had expected. "...I just wish ponies he would understand my point of view. I know what I do isn't glamorous, but when the light's on me and the music starts I feel like im a young buck again instead of thirty two." One of the male dancers said, rubbing his eyes with a pink handkerchief that Fluttershy offered. "Dude, don't let what others think get to you. The only reason I started working here was because of you." Another stallion said, moving over to pat the older stallions shoulder. "R-really?" The older dancer said, surprised. "Yeah. Corset as well, right?" The younger stallion said, looking to a mare, dressed in a tight corset. The mare nodded, "Yeah. You're a legend in the business and even though all my friends said I should look for something more respectable, you just seemed so free and happy, and I wanted to feel that too. I don't have any regrets." "I...I don't know what to say...I just thought you youngsters were just out to replace me." The older stallion said. "What?" The younger dancer said, shocked, "No way man. We all love you. You're like a mentor too all of us." Around them, the other dancers, mares and stallions, all nodded. "You see, sometimes all you need is time to just talk and you will see that you have more friends then you thought." Fluttershy said, smiling as she sat in the middle. Fluttershy turned as the curtan was opened and smiled toward Dash. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, do you think you could give us a few more minutes. We just had a major break through here, and I know Corset has somethings to say to a certain pony here." Fluttershy offered a motherly smile to the mare dancer, who blushed slightly and nodded shyly. Dash just stood their, mouth hanging open, "Uh...sure Shy." Rainbow Dash reached for her purse, only for one of the male dancers to hold up a hoof. "Oh, please allow me." The stallion said as he reached into his jockstrap and pulled out a hoof full of bits, which he handed to Rainbow Dash. They felt warm, and somewhat sticky....Dash tried not to think about why. "Uh..thanks." Dash said, before stepping back to pay for the extra minutes. As she did, she tried to wrap her brain around it all. How had Fluttershy, shy, bashful Fluttershy, turn a private dance at a strip club into a....a...well into a council meeting for strippers to talk about their feelings. Applejack Applejack groaned inwardly as her hoof delicately traced over her stomach. Though she wasn't far along into her pregnancy, she was starting to show a visible bump, and she could tell ponies around her could notice. It made her feel a little awkward, that and this dancing and drinking wasn't her thing. Oh sure, she liked a mug of cider at the tavern with friends, but nothing like this environment. In a tavern a pony could hear themselves think, unlike in this loud music that sometimes a pony had to scream to even be heard by the one next to you. That and since she had to subsist on water, it made the night rather difficult to enjoy. What she needed was something to do. Applejack sighed as her eyes scanned around, doing her best to keep her eyes on her friends in case they got to drunk. As she scanned around, her eyes spotted a lone table in the corner of the club, where a crowd of stallions and some mares were gathered. A loud cheer from some of the stallions, as they parted to show one stallion besting another in a hoof wrestle. The loser slammed his face to the table in shame before moving off; with the winner standing with his hooves raised in a challenging way. Applejack smiled and got up, this might just be what she needed. A good hoofwrestling match would make the night a little more fun. Besides, she'd like to see what any of these Las Pegasus bucks could do. See if they could put up a match against the hoof wrestling champion of Ponyville. "Howdy there. Mind if I join?" Applejack asked, stepping up. The crowd of ponies all looked at her with surprised eyes, before a number of them snickered while the winner of the last match openly laughed. "Hey, uh lady. Don't you think you should be taking it easy? I mean I wouldn't want to put any stress on a mare in your condition." THe stallion laughed, pointing at Applejacks baby bump. "What, surely a strong stallion like yerself is afraid o' little old me? If ya want, I can go easy on ya'll." The cowpony taunted, knowing how to get under this stallions skin. As she suspected, the stallion looked at her crossly, before laughing again. "Ha, I like your guts. Well, if you're up for it. Go ahead. Take a seat." The stallion offered the seat opposite of his as he sat down, a cocky, confident smirk on his lips. Applejack smirked, and eased herself into the chair, perhaps leaning back and holding her stomach a bit more then she really needed. She didn't consider herself a jokester, but she did find it fun in throwing the wool over the eyes of overconfident stallions. The stallion put his hoof on the table, and Applejack gripped his. "Now, try not to strain yourself. I don't want to make you go into labor." The stallion said snidely before laughing again, just as the match started. The laughing stopped when Applejack slammed his hoof onto the table in an instant. The stallions, and the ponies around them, eyes bulged. "Why, I think I won." Applejack said, innocently. Trying not to smirk. The stallion looked at Applejack and slammed his hoof up. "I went easy on you. This time for real." The stallion snarled. AJ shrugged and took the stallions hoof again. "Go." The Stallion shouted, and pushed immediately on Applejacks hoof. The sudden force took her by surprise, but she stopped the downward motion of her hoof half way and began pushing the stallions hoof the other way. Till finally his hoof hit the table. Once more. The ponies eyes all bulged, staring again speechless at the victory. "Anypony else?" Applejack asked, chuckling as she rubbed her baby bump. Pinkie Pie and Rarity Rarity sighed in contentment. Delicately twirling the wine glass in her hoof before sipping the red tincture within. She was rather surprised to find wine at such an establishment as this. Oh it certainly was not top quality, but it would have to do. It was certainly better then the normal swell that most bars sold. Rarity slowly set her glass down to examine the area for her friends, spotting Dash near the dancing poles cheering on a dancer who was engaging in a rather vulgar action with the pole with her tongue, and Applejack was over by a table having a hoof wrestle with a stallion; who had three other stallions pushing on his hoof to help him beat AJ who was smirking as she slowly pushed all four hooves down to the table. Twilight was by the table, writing something down. Rarity smiled and took her glass and moved over, giving a slight sway of her hips as she passed a few stallions; who of course watched her pass with their jaws on the floor. Rarity smirked as she settled herself onto the table next to Twilight. "Twilight, why are you sitting her alone?" Rarity asked. Twilight looked up with a shock, readjusting the glasses she wore as they became crooked, "Oh, Rarity uh well...I..I was just uh...well I was noticing how some of the dancers seem able to engage the stallions and mares uh.....sexual, erogenous reaction by their movements and I was just...oh well I was taking notes in the...." Twilight blushed viciously now as she started rubbing her hooves together nervously, "I thought....Castus might like it if I did it to him." Rarity blushed, but chuckled, "Oh Twilight, darling, there are far more couth and subtle ways to making a stallion, or human in your case, a drooling mess in your hooves. Don't demean yourself to this level." The fashionista quickly snatched up the paper of notes, and to her horror several well drawn diagrams, and crumpled it up and tossed it into the recycling bin near the door. "If you really want to know the true art of seduction, then I can arrange for us to go over a few when we have time." Rarity offered, "A true lady should always strive for the best." Twilight blinked, "Uh well...okay." Rarity nodded as she tipped her glass back for another drink, when a bright pink and curly maned pirate suddenly jumped onto the table, causing her to drink her wine down the wrong way and send her into a coughing fit. "Arrrrgh!" The pink pirate scowled, "Avast ye landlubbers. This place be filled with booty!" The pirate then giggled. "Wha? Pinkie!" Rarity and Twilight said aghast, as they soon realized it was Pinkie Pie wearing an eyepatch.... ...no wait.... "Uh....Pinkie Pie, what are you wearing over your eye?" Twilight asked. Pinkie grabbed the jockstrap, which she wore as a makeshift eye patch, "Oh I got this from the stage." "Pinkie, darling, that isn't-" Rarity started, only to shake her head. This was Pinkie Pie after all. "Pinkie, why don't you take that off and sit down with us." Rarity offered. Pinkie paused, thinking. "Um..okay. Just for a bit, I have to go check on Fluttershy's big surprise soon." Pinkie said, before tossing the jockstrap off and away and sitting down across from Rarity and Twilight. "Yes. What is that anyway?" Rarity asked. The party mare giggled, "You know I can't tell you that silly. Anyway, what are you girls doing?" "Oh, I was just agreeing to teach Twilight the finer ways of seducing a stallion." Rarity put in a she sipped her wine once more. "Pfft, that's easy. All I have to do is just put some cupcake icing on me and Cheese Sandwhich goes nuts." Pinkie said, causing both Twilight and Rarity, who coughed once more on her wine, to look at Pinkie in surprise. "Uh....where exactly?" Twilight asked, blushing. Pinkie smiled, "Oh well sometimes I put some on these," Pinkie cupped her rather large breasts and jiggled them a bit, "And sometimes I put some down-" Rarity quickly shoved a hoof into Pinkie's mouth, "Pinkie Pie!" Rarity coughed, "Darling...uh...maybe you should keep that private. A-A lady doesn't talk about such things so openly after all." Pinkie shrugged, as Rarity removed her hoof. "Pinkie, I hope you are taking proper precautions when you engage in uh.....intimate acts," Twilight said, "Especially if your in heat. You don't want to end up with a foal until you're ready." Pinkie seemed to twitch. It was subtle, almost unknowable. Twilight didn't seem to notice, but Rarity had a long history of reading even the faintest body movements or language. Pinkie was bothered by something. "Oh," Pinkie started, biting her lip, "Uh..y-yes. Uh...I need to go check on that surprise now. Excuse me!" Pinkie quickly took off, much to Twilight's surprise. "D-Did I say something wrong?" Twilight asked, worried by her friends sudden exit. Rarity shook her head, "Don't worry darling. It wasn't you. Though I will go and see if she is alright." "Should I go too?" Twilight asked. "No, no. This is a delicate matter. Don't worry, I can handle this." Rarity said as she stood up and followed after Pinkie. Rarity found Pinkie in the bathroom, wiping at her eyes. "Pinkie, darling. Are you okay?" Rarity asked, walking up to her friend. Pinkie turned, surprised and she quickly rubbed at her red rimmed eyes, "Oh R-Rarity. I must have gotten something in my eye from that eyepatch." "Both eyes? I believe you only had one covered." Rarity pointed out. The party mare smiled nervously, "Uh...w-well..." Rarity placed her hooves on her friends shoulder, "Pinkie Pie...is something wrong?" "N-No...why would you say that?" Pinkie said nervously, her eyes darting around avoiding Rarity's. "Pinkamenia Diane Pie." Rarity said softly, "You can tell me. I'm your friend. I know something is wrong. I noticed your little twitch when Twilight brought up pregnancy and foals." "You saw that?" Pinkie looked down, her body starting to shake. "Pinkie?" Pinkie shook more before throwing her hooves around Rarity and started to cry. "I can't! I can't!" Pinkie wailed, her legs giving out from under her and Rarity had to struggle to keep them both from going to the ground. "You can't?" Rarity asked, though she suspected. "Foals....I-I can't have foals!" Pinkie gasped between her sobs, tightening her grip of her friend, "I went to seven different doctors, and they all told me the same thing!" Rarity rubbed her hoof down her friends back to sooth her. She was not sure what to say for such a thing. For Equestrians, given their population ratio problems, the ability to have foals was an important one. Though less problemantic in today's world, there was still a large social stigma around inability to conceive. To learn that terrible fact....especially a pony like Pinkie Pie, Rarity was not surprised her friend was so devastated by it. "What do I do?" Pinkie muttered, digging her face into Rarity's shoulder, "Cheese and Party Favor...they don't know. What if they leave? What if other ponies find out?" Rarity sighed and nuzzled her friends head, "Pinkie Pie. Your stallions love you, if or not you can give them foals. And you can always adopt. And who cares if other Ponies find out. It isn't their right to judge." "But-" Pinkie started, only for Rarity to hush her with her hoof once more. "No buts. Now...we need to fix your make up a bit. It isn't right for a lady to be found out crying." Rarity started as she opened her purse to get her make up kit. Pinkie sniffled, but did not stop her friend as they spent time fixing her appearance. Once Pinkie was what Rarity considered presentable, Pinkie gripped her friends hoofs once more. "What do I tell them?" She asked softly, Rarity could guess who. "The truth. If they really love you, they will stay no matter what. And if they don't, they were beneath you." Rarity stated, "And no matter what, your friends are here for you." Pinkie tightened her grip, and said in a soft, meek voice, "I'm scared." "I know. But, do you remember what you told us when we first went into the Everfree?" Pinkie smiled softly, "Giggle at the ghostie?" Rarity smiled and nodded. Pinkie smiled softly, "I'll try...thank you Rarity." "Of course darling. That is what friends are for." Fluttershy Fluttershy stepped out of the private booth and waved to all the dancers, especially Corset and Stocking. The dancers all waved and smiled goodbye. "See you later Fluttershy." The older dancer, Garder Shoe, said. "Thanks for everything." Corset said as she hugged Stocking, another mare dancer who blushed but also waved. "We hope we see you again." Stocking said, gripping Corsets hoof. "Be sure to come by and visit." The other dancers said, amongst their goodbyes. "Oh thank you. It was so nice to meet all of you. I'll be sure to write and visit again someday." Shy said, smiling. "Oh and congratz on getting married. Make sure you follow those pointers I gave you." One mare said, giving a wink which caused Fluttershy to blush. "Oh, oh dear I mean...I'll try but I don't know if he would like that." Fluttershy stuttered, blushing intensely. "Pfft," an older dancer said, "Honey human or pony, all guys love that. And you got the assets to make it work." "Go and make him your slave!" Another dancer shouted with excitement, cracking her crop on the table. Fluttershy blushed hard, but laughed as she gave a final goodbye and went to find her friends. The first she found was Rainbow Dash, who was starting to look a little flushed in the face. "Heey, Flutters. I see your done. Have fun?" Dash asked, before pulling back on her drink. "Oh yes, it was such a delight to talk with the workers here. They're such nice ponies." Fluttershy said, even as Dashie rolled her eyes. "Yeah, cause you're totally suppose to talk to the dancers at a strip joint," Dashie said, "But anyway, come on we got one more surprise for you." "Oh dear..." The timid bride to be said to herself, as her best friend took her to a private party room. In the room, seated in a circle with wide plush chairs, sat all her friends. "Hey! Are you ready for the funniest, most exciting surprise ever?" Pinkie cheered, jumping from her chair and wrapping Fluttershy in her special hug for a few moments. Fluttershy grunted with some effort to free herself from her friends chest, fixing her mane some before smiling meekly. "Grrreat!" Pinkie cheered, thrusting her hoof up before rushing out the door. "Where is she going?" Fluttershy asked, as Dash eased her into the center chair. "To get the surprise. Now just sit back and relax." Dash said, even as Pinkie returned with a rather large cake on a cart. "Surprise!" Pinkie called, as she set the cake in the center of the semi circle of chairs, much to Fluttershys surprise. "Oh my. Um, but isn't a cake a rather odd thing to have in a place like this?" Fluttershy asked, taking a small plastic cake cutter from Twilight. "Oh don't question it, and just cut a slice." Dash said, patting her friends back. Fluttershy still looked unsure, knowing that Dashie and Pinkie could often be pranksters, and slowly moved to cut a slice of cake carefully. Pinkie Pie Pinkie watched with excitement, and could not surpress the giggle rising from her tummy. Beside her, Dashie leaned in to whisper. "Hey good job on the cake design. Its gonna be so funny to see her face when the surprise pops out." Pinkie giggled, "I know. It's gonna be so much fun. I just hope I cooked the cake long enough. I know from experience that undercooked cake can be ...mushy." Dash chuckled, "Heh, yeah that's-" Rainbow Dash's eyes suddenly bulged and she turned to look right at her party planner friend with shocked and frightened eyes. "-Wait, you cooked a surprise cake with somepony inside it at 350 degrees?!" Dash whispered harshly, mouth hanging open. Pinkie blew at her mane, "Well duh. I mean what sort of cake doesn't need baking?" Dash looked to the cake, biting her hoof as Fluttershy cut into it. Would they soon find the crispy remains of somepony within? Just as the cake cutter touched the cake, from the top burst out an overly muscular minotaur who looked slightly golden brown and steam rising from his body as he collapsed onto the cake and floor, gasping for air. "Water!" The minotaur gasped, before planting his face onto the ground. Fluttershy, having jumped back in shock from the sudden emergence of the minotaur, and the rest of the girls all stared at the cooked minotaur in shock. Then at Pinkie. Pinkie looked around, then held her hooves up in a shrug, "What?" Twilight About an hour later, after an ambulance was called and the unfortunate minotaur dancer was taken away with a rather severe case of dehydration, and over cooked buns, the girls were once more heading back to the hotel to rest and call it a night. Applejack had won a large bag of bits from her hoofwrestle, having beaten ever stallion and even some mares in the game. She carried the bag with pride. Fluttershy and Pinkie had to work to keep Rainbow Dash up and moving, after the speedster mare had had a bit too much to drink. When all six of them had made it back to the hotel, they were all ready to relax. They all took quick showers, with Rainbow Dash herself being placed on her bed when it was apparent she was unable to keep herself awake. Even Pinkie and Fluttershy turned in for the night; followed by Applejack and Rarity. It was only when all her friends were asleep that Twilight herself was ready to turn to bed. But before she did, Twilight took a moment to watch her friends as they all slept in the three large beds their deluxe suite had. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie in one, with Applejak and Rarity in the other. She shared a bed with Fluttershy naturally. Twilight watched her friends sleep, and a melancholy smile came over her face. It was these moments she cherished the most. Days and nights having fun with her friends. Her time with Castus, their moments of passion. Her time with her family. So many memories. Each one precious to her. It made her both happy and sad. Because one day....all she would have left of them would be memories. She understood now what Celestia and Luna, even Cadence, must feel now when getting close to ponies since she became an Alicorn. That she had gained a near immortality. Like Celestia. Luna, and even Cadence, Twilight would live for perhaps thousands of years, four or eight at the most. Of all the lessons she had, this was perhaps the hardest to fully come to terms with. To know she would outlive her friends. Her mother. Her father. Even her brother. It was hard enough to think of that, and she could only guess how Cadence must feel. Sometimes she tried to ignore it. To forget about that fact. Yet now that she stood here, in the quiet while all her friends slept, she could not shake the sense of foreboding prophecy. That this silence that was only of sleep. Would soon be a silence of the grave. Twilight bit her lip, as she slowly slid herself next to Fluttershy and looking at the window. She had to make every moment count. Every memory. Because.... ...they would be all she had. One day. And as her eyes closed, she now understood what Castus had once told her. "Longevity, is the most terrible of curses."