Living the Good Life: Chapter 14

>The two scramble out of their chairs and out the door. The two of them look around in hopes of finding you, but when they get outside you’re already out of sight.
>You’re walking at a brisk pace towards Sugarcube Corner. After what just happened you need to find a pony to hang out with. At least until today blows over.
>You just hope she didn’t see what you did to Fluttershy. Pinkie was probably friends with her too considering they were both elements. You possibly beat up one of her best friends.
>You sigh to yourself as your mind wanders over the events that occurred just yesterday. The image of Fluttershy’s beaten face and her sobbing only adds to the guilt.
>Twilight’s crying makes its way into your thoughts as well and here you were doing well, or at least you thought. Perhaps you messed up your ability to make friends when you took that factory job.
>Then again anyone who worked in that place became a husk of their former selves. When people weren’t on break they’d perform their tasks in a haze.
>It was like being a robot without the cool stuff a robot has. That is… until someone was stupid enough to perform their task wrong and lose a finger.
>You remember a guy who worked with you named Bob Hurst. He was a prick among pricks. He’d perform tasks wrong, he’d spread rumors, and he would love giving people the middle finger.
>One day when he was working on melting the metal being brought in. He was smoking on the job. You remember him gasping and reaching out for the cigarette he couldn’t keep in his mouth.
>He screamed at the top of his lungs. The moron reached into the liquid metal for his nicotine fix. When he pulled his hand back there wasn’t much left of it.
>You chuckle to yourself. You also remember what you said to him when he came into work some time later. “Hey Bob please tell me you fap with your left hand. If you don’t you’re fucked and not in the good way.” You smile as you recall how much he yelled.
>He was so mad at you, and you couldn’t have laughed any harder. He brought his injury upon himself. A pink and red ball of fur latching to your chest jerks you from your thoughts.
>Hooves wrap around your torso making whatever it is stay attached. You yelp before leaping a little from the feeling of this unknown entity grabbing hold of you.
>”Hi Nonny!” you hear it shout. Oh wait, it’s just Pinkie Pie. You look down to find her smiling up at you. Her eyes and parts of her mane are covered by the hood of the jacket you gave her.
>Hold on what did she just call you? “Wait did you just call me Nonny?” you ask, She responds by nodding her head rapidly. You swear you can hear something rattling within her skull.
>”Yes indeedie! So… why’re YOU all alone on Hearts and Hooves Day?” Pinkie asks, her eyes seemingly stretching out of her head as if to examine you closely. As if she wasn’t close enough, and did she really give you a pet name?
>You sigh before looking around. You find pony couples going about their day. Some are being confessed to with gifts, other ponies are sharing meals, and even some older ponies are sitting upon benches together content with just enjoying their day.
>None seem to be in ear shot however, as you turn back to Pinkie you say, “It’s a secret.” Pinkie’s eyes seem to light up before her smile widens.
>”Ooooh did you Pinkie Promise not to tell anyone the secret?” you shake your head, “Awesome! Tellmetellmetellmetellmetellmetellmetellme!” she says without stopping to catch a breath of air.
>”Okay fine! Just… calm down.” Anything to get her to stop talking. Pinkie stops her endless chatter and gives you her undivided attention. After taking a deep breath you tell her about your little date with Eris and Screwball… and about how they have the elements.
>Then you tell her about Eris shoving the muffin down your throat and pissing you off. Pinkie’s immediate reaction surprises you
>“That’s it?” The flat, disappointed tone throws you for a loop. “Y… yeah I guess that’s it.” You raise a brow when Pinkie starts to giggle.
>”Aw come on Nonny you can’t just get be a Grumpy Gus and storm off because someone’s being nice! Eris just wanted you to try a muffin silly filly!” You refrain from shouting the word “what” at the top of your lungs.
>You find it odd that she’s not acknowledging the part about the elements, or that you’re hanging out with Discord’s daughters. She’s only pointing out the fact that you’re alone.
>She let’s go of your chest and hits the ground on all fours. Suddenly one of her front hooves wraps around your wrists. You find yourself being dragged in the direction of the café.
>”I’m not gonna let meanie weanie Anoninie ruin his day!” Pinkie says happily as she drags you along. As you’re failing at prying your hand away you shout.
>”How the hell am I being mean?! I’m not the one trying to suffocate people with my food!” Pinkie giggle snorts at your reply.
>”Oh Nonny you’re so crazy. Nop0ny wants to hurt you! You should have just chewed your muffin silly!” you growl, your patience is wearing thin. Pinkie’s happy attitude isn’t helping either.
>“I can’t chew a muffin when it’s forced passed my god damn teeth!” you grind your teeth as you start trying to remove Pinkie’s hoof with improved vigor. You contemplate gnawing your hand off at the wrist.
>”See you shouldn’t be like that. Why are you so mad Nonny? You’re supposed to be having fun and shame on you for leaving your special somep0nies alone.” The muscles in your left eye twitch involuntarily.
>It gets worse when you see a very familiar chimera and pony searching around buildings near the café. When Pinkie spots them she shouts out their names. You try desperately to get out and run for it but it’s no use.
>”Hey!” Eris shouts as she and Screwball approach. Neither seems to be sporting irate glares nor do they seem to be angry. In fact, they seemed worried until they saw you.
>Eris breathes a sigh of relief, “There you are!” Pinkie’s beaming at this point. She probably thinks she did a good job while you think she’s nothing but a dirty traitor.
>”Here you go!” says Pinkie as she pushes you over to Eris and Screwball. “Nonny was being crazy! He thought you two were trying to kill him!” Pinkie exclaims with a look of serious concern planted on her face.
>Eris avoids eye contact while laughing nervously, “Yeah… that’s crazy… yup.” Screwball snickers while you glare at Pinkie.
>”Well… thanks for bringing him back.” Eris seems reluctant to say anything to the pink party pony, let alone a thank you. You try to take a step away from Eris but her lions paw drapes around you before you can.
>You curse inwardly, “You’re welcome!” Pinkie shouts cheerfully. “Now… if you’ll excuse us,” Eris and Screwball turn to leave with you in tow but the party pony steps in front of them, blocking their path.
>”No can do. Nonny here ran away and is being a total grumpy frumpy lumpy! I’m going to stay and make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Pinkie trots over and stands with the three of you.
>”Besides he needs to learn how to be a proper special somep0ny. You can’t just run out on a date.” Pinkie adds. Eris giggles, “And I suppose you’re the pony for that job?” To everyone’s surprise Pinkie nods.
>”Yeah… nope.” Eris says before snapping her fingers. Pinkie’s body glows in a purple hue before she disappears from view. “There we go.” Eris says before leading you and Screwball away.
>Like with Pinkie you’re forced to go in whatever direction Eris is leading you in. What is it with these creatures and being stronger than you? It’s infuriating to feel so helpless.
>”So… where are we going and why hasn’t this date crashed and burned after your fuck up?” you ask the two, making sure to keep anger out of your voice. Regardless you still sound like an ass.
>”We’re giving you a second chance Anon. Please try not to buck this up.” Eris says with a smirk. ”Yeah!” Screwball adds. You look down to her to find her glaring up at you; her lower lip is stuck out in a pout.
>”And about what happened in the cafe... I’m sorry. I won’t do that again.” Your eyes widen a little before casting them towards the chimera. You were expecting something along the lines of verbal abuse… yet you got an apology.
>”Well… I didn’t think you’d say that.” You state in surprise. “Why not? You’re supposed to have fun. You shouldn’t have to be worried for your life or miserable. Why do you think we’re here and not in Canterlot?” Eris asks.
>”I thought you were supposed to be making this hard on me to make me earn the Elements.” you say in response. You grimace when Eris thumps the back of your head with her lion’s claws.
>”You really believed that banter Anon?” With that question comes more confusion. You nod causing Eris to groan when she realizes yes, you did believe her and Screwball.
>”For the love of… Anon, daddy found out we stole The Elements and he’s making us give them to you. It doesn’t matter how today goes.” Eris explains, obviously annoyed by your reaction.
>”W… what?” is all you can manage… Confusion is one of many words that could be used to describe how you’re feeling right now.
>”So… we’re just going to have fun today? No pressure?” you ask “That’s what we were hoping for yes. The muffin incident kind of put a damper on that.” Screwball says before giving her sister a glare.
>”And that ‘giving you a second chance shtick?’” you inquire “What you can’t take a joke?” Eris asks before winking and giggling. Well… that’s… a weight off your shoulders.
>And… maybe you could use a little bit of fun. Aside from the awkward stares, the immaturity of Screwball, and the near muffin suffocation today wasn’t all that bad.
>Besides Eris apologized and maybe you did over-react a little. After all, if you really were going to die by asphyxiation you’re sure either Screwball or Eris would have done something to help.
>You still remember how bad Screwball felt for hurting you with her water prank back when you were bedridden from your injuries.
>Yeah all of that could be possible… or you’re being too forgiving and this is a huge mistake. Oh well you’ll just wing it and see what happens.
>If something like what happened at the café happens again you’ll just call it quits and go about your day. You still get the Elements so what do you lose aside potential friends?
>Friends that were also your room mates… yeah you hope nothing else bad happens. Well, what’s the worst that could happen? The sound of a hard, repetitive beat catches your attention.
>Without even realizing it you’ve made it to the other side of town. How long were you walking with Screwball and Eris? You have really gotta stop putting yourself on auto pilot.
>One day you’ll probably walk off of a cliff and won’t notice until the ground is right there in your face. As the music grows louder you look between the two.
>You notice both are silent, hopefully you weren’t ignoring anything they were saying. You’re starting to feel quite nervous. “Hey guys… where are we going?” you ask.
>”I told you there’s a gathering in the marketplace. Ponies there are dancing, talking, and having a good time. I figured we should join em.” Eris says with a grin. “And you need to learn to pay attention.”
>You open your mouth to retort… but Eris is pretty much right about that. Seriously what’s wrong with you? Screwball’s giggling at your sudden realization causes you to narrow your eyes at her.
>”What? She’s right you know.” She says in between giggles. As the stands along the outskirts of the market come in to view you see the crowds of ponies near the center of the area.
>Dozens of ponies are dancing upon a red and pink tarp that covers the poker cards. A long rectangular table to the left of the “dance floor” has assorted sodas, snacks, and candy.
>Seems like Hearts and Hooves Day is a holiday that helps support bad eating habits. It reminds you so much of Earth. People on Valentine’s Day couldn’t get enough candy either.
>As you, Eris, and Screwball get closer to the crowds of ponies having a good time the ones who notice you start getting the attention of the other ponies around them.
>They point to your small group as you draw near. The ponies on the dance floor part like the sea for the three of you. You hear the music end abruptly with a record scratch.
>You awkwardly glance at the staring points. It seems like this kind of situation is going to follow you wherever you go. The whispering among themselves starts… then the glares… then the shaking of heads in obvious disappointment.
>The silence goes on for a few more moments before you hear Pinkie call out among the figurative sea of ponies.
>”Aw come on everyp0ny let them have their fun!” she shouts before climbing upon a random stallion. She trots over the heads and backs of various ponies.
>Her eyes are set on the record player located near the concession table. After she fumbles with the record for a moment the beat picks right back up yet again.
>While you appreciate Pinkie’s willingness to help you out, you can’t help but wonder what she’s doing here. Eris teleported Pinkie away somewhere… maybe it was just somewhere close?
>You turn to Eris to ask, but it seems as though Eris already knew what was coming. “Anon I sent her to a town twenty miles from here I have no idea how she got back here in fifteen minutes.”
>You shrug in response, “I guess the best way to explain it is… she’s Pinkie Pie. I figured she was a bit different.” You say before watching Pinkie
>Eris rolls her eyes, “I think I might be losing my touch.” Once the music starts getting faster Pinkie goes from pony to pony. She gets them to move in sync with the beats of the music playing.
>”Get those flanks moving everyp0ny! Nothing to see here but ponies with their special somep0nies!” Pinkie shouts over the music as she continues to make other ponies dance.
>Her infectious attitude seems to cause the ones staring at you to finally stop and go back to dancing. Though it doesn’t stop them from casting the occasional glance your way it’s better than what it was.
>You watch as Pinkie comes trotting up to the three of you. She bobs and weaves around various ponies, dancing all the while until she finally appears at your feet.
>”You too Nonny!” Pinkie yells with a grin before wrapping her hooves around the three of you. Your group is forced to the center of the dance floor.
>None of you dare try to break out of Pinkie’s iron grip. For one if Eris’ magic didn’t do its job it will probably fail again. The second reason would be because her gripping you alone is breaking all kinds of laws of physics.
>When she finally lets go she tries to get the three of you to move just like the other ponies are. Screwball seems to be a fan of trance so she gets into the beat without too much trouble.
>Eris won’t take her suspicious gaze off of Pinkie, but she herself becomes engrossed with the music. Soon she’s dancing without a care… aside from the occasional glance at Pinkie of course.
>You can’t blame her. Where you in Eris’ metaphorical shoes you’d be suspicious of the pink party pony too. Now you’re the only one not dancing among the sea of ponies.
>”Come on Anon move those legs!” Pinkie exclaims before lighting tapping both your knees with a hoof. You shake your head no before attempting to move off of the dance floor.
>You don’t mind if Eris and Screwball dance that’s their thing let them have fun. You however aren’t much of a dancer. The snacks and pop are calling your name though.
>Pinkie won’t have it. You feel her hooves wrap around your legs at the thigh. She forces you to turn to her dancing form. She alternates between hopping around you and dancing on her hind hooves.
>”Come on Anon don’t ruin the fun! Get to dancin!” Judging by how Pinkie seems to be attached to your hip there’s no way you’re getting out of this without at least dancing a little bit.
>You sigh to yourself before your shoulders slump. You really didn’t want to do this, you were hoping to avoid dancing altogether, but Pinkie just had to step in.
>Fine if Pinkie wants you to dance you’ll dance. You start moving back and forth in repetition in hopes of getting into sync with the music.
>Eventually your shoulders, arms, and legs are all moving in beat with the music. Pinkie nods in approval. Luckily trance is easy to dance to and no one around you is silently judging you… you hope.
>You don’t dance often and you’re a little self-conscious about it, but nop0ny around you is paying you any mind. That helps you get further into the music.
>Soon the only thing occupying your mind is the beat that reverberates through your very core. Your ears are alight to the sharp sounds of the tune playing through the record player.
>You almost stop questioning as to how a record player is capable of playing any sort of techno beat. An untold amount of time passes before you open your eyes and really take a look around.
>You find Eris and Screwball dancing together just a few feet away while Pinkie hasn’t move from her spot in front of you.
>”I see you’re having fun Nonny! I’m also having fun myself!” Pinkie giggles and snorts before going back into her little world of dancing. She’s thrown flank shaking into her repertoire of dance moves.
>You can’t help but laugh as she shakes her flank in exaggerated movements, almost as if she were a child trying to copy an adult’s way of dancing.
>You don’t know how but she can hear you laughing over the music. She turns around and blows raspberries at you.
>”I know I look silly, but I’m having fun!” she says, not breaking out of her dance routine. You point to her and say nothing. You simply smile before shaking your head.
>Sometime later she yells out, “I saw what you did to Fluttershy.” You freeze in your tracks before looking to Pinkie with wide eyes.
>Of course she knew she knows what happens to everyp0ny… at least that’s what Twilight told you. Pinkie’s smile is gone, but she doesn’t appear angry with you… she just seems sad.
>You open your mouth to speak but she cuts you off, “I know why you did it… she was being mean and nasty to Twilight… that really wasn’t Fluttershy so I’m not mad at you.”
>You wipe figurative sweat from your brow in relief, you try to go back to dancing but Pinkie’s frown and sad stare stops you.
>”Was I that bad? I remember being mean to everyp0ny too… especially you… but I don’t remember everything I did. I can remember you coming into Sugarcube Corner… but I don’t remember anything after that until you threw powder at me… and the mess.” Pinkie looks to you for an answer.
>You shake your head. “All you did was make me clean up that huge mess. Fluttershy had me bedridden for days. You weren’t bad compared to her.” You tell Pinkie before trying to get back into your groove.
>Pinkie nods before her frown starts to melt away. “Hey Anon?” she asks while bouncing around. “Yeah what is it?” you ask, finally finding the groove you were in prior to Pinkie’s questions.
>”Are you really Special Somep0nies with that meanie Eris or Screwball?” she asks. “Nope. Not at all.” You say without putting much thought in to the answer.
>After all since you’ll be getting your reward no matter what happens there’s no need to lie. You have no idea if you should even consider this a real date or not.
>Right now it’s just you having fun with your room mates and friend. Pinkie’s smile seems to get a little bigger from your answer. She starts bouncing around you in a circle. She performs poses in the air at the peak of each bounce.
>”Well. Then. How. About. Being. My-“she tries to ask between bounces. She’s cut off by a combination of both Screwball and Eris knocking her away with a hip bump.
>You watch as Pinkie goes flying in some random direction. She’s caught by a sea of ponies. You see her point a hoof in anger at Eris and Screwball before being forced to ride the wave of dancing ponies.
>Soon Pinkie is out of sight. ”Hey Anon!” Eris and Screwball greet you with a smile. “Isn’t this beat great!” Scewball asks before grabbing hold of your hand with a hoof.
>Eris mimics Screwball’s actions, taking your free hand in hers. Together they lead you to the opposite end of where Pinkie is at.
>”Uh… yeah it is.” You say, a bit thrown off by their actions. While you’re curious as to what Pinkie was trying to ask you, you’re sure that if it was important she’ll find you and ask you again.
>Until then, you’re going to enjoy the rest of your time here on the dance floor. An hour or two passes with you either dancing with Eris and Screwball, or taking a break to get a few drinks in you.
>When the next song ends there’s a ten second pause before a voice rings out from the record player. A deep, booming voice calls out the ponies.
>”This next one’s gonna take you way back. You party animals are gonna get thrown for a loop. You better grab your special somep0nies for this one.” How is that record player doing all of this?
>As a combination of clarinet and violin, along with various other instruments begin their concerto, you're awestruck.
>This masterpiece... you've never heard anything like it. Light, yet commanding and unyielding. The way the symphony carries itself just makes you feel airy, weightless even
>It makes you want to move, not in the way the trance was earlier. No... this... you couldn't just move in beat with the music.
>What your hearing is something you had to feel, to taste, to play with and enjoy. you find yourself moving unconsciously.
>It's almost as if the music itself is embracing you. To carry you away from the culmination of anger and fear that wells inside.
>The indecision of who to side with, the thoughts that dwell upon Fluttershy and Twilight... it all fades away as the melody rises in volume... in strength.
>You allow the music to flow through your very being. To become entranced by this... is so relaxing. The world seems to give way to an abyss filled with the notes from the music being played.
>It's almost as if the labor from dancing these past few hours has melted away... with a lazy, contented smile playing upon your features you continue to move with the music, oblivious to those around you.
>That is until Eris taps upon your shoulder. You turn around to find her staring you up and down with a raised brow.
>”What was that just now… and what’s with you?” she asks. She doesn’t sound concerned at all, just utterly confused. You smile and weave with the music.
>”I was going to see how in the world a simple record player could DJ, select music, and talk all at the same time. But now, now I think I just need to enjoy this.” You say before closing your eyes and entering your wonderland of melody for a second time.
>Eris rubs her griffin arm with her lion’s arm nervously while glancing back and forth at the various ponies dancing with their significant other.
>”Hey Anon,” you open an eye when she says your name. “Ya know… all these ponies have a partner, and I know you don’t HAVE to be around us today if you don’t want to…” you can see where she’s going with this already.
>”But can I dance with you? It looks a little awkward, what with the two largest things out here dancing alone.” She finishes with nervous laughter.
>You take a quick glance around to find that you and Eris are literally the only ones out on the dance floor without a partner.
>Is she really hinting towards dancing with you? Admittedly you're a bit reluctant to do so. She did nearly suffocate you with a muffin.
>While you're making a grand attempt at pushing that image of you choking in the back of your mind. It still resurfaces.
>She can feel sorry about it all she wants, but doing something like dancing with her doesn't sound like the greatest idea.
>What if she ends up dipping you while you dance? God forbid she bends you so far back she snaps your spine. She can’t just “sorry” something like that away.
>Or what would happen if she spun you? She obviously doesn't know her own strength. Her tossing you into the pool like a ragdoll attests to that. She might make you spin around like a top.
>Naturally you'd end up smacking in to other ponies in the process. You don't want to make these party pony patrons hate you any more than they already do now.
>"Well then find someone. I'm having fun here." you say before turning your back to Eris and getting back in to the music.
>Eris shakes her head in disbelief, “I was referring to us; as in, you dancing with me?” Eris explains. You wave your hand in a dismissive fashion.
>”Yeah I’m not dancing with you. I’d like to stay in one piece.” You say, not breaking out of your repetitive movements.
>”Oh come on I said I was sorry and I really meant it that time!” Eris exclaims in anger. When she realizes you won’t acknowledge her beyond that she becomes so angry her body shakes.
>”Fine! I’ll find somep0ny else to dance with, then you’ll be all alone out here.” Eris shouts before crossing her arms and floating away from you.
>You shrug, no skin off your bones. With her gone you can finally have the peace and quiet you were hoping to get for this music.
>Over the next few minutes you find yourself lost to the symphony of sound being emitted from the blessed record player.
>That is until you hear one of the stallions shout, “Hey let me go!” your peace and tranquility is broken when you open your eyes to find Eris dancing with a stallion.
>By dancing you mean she’s got him off of the ground and at her level. His hind hooves dangle helplessly as Eris leads in a dance fit for something more your size than a pony’s.
>Your eyes widen when you find that this stallion has an hour glass cutie mark. What was the name of that stallion Bon Bon mentioned… Time Turner was it?
>You look next to the dancing duo to find Bon Bon fuming over the sight of her partner dancing with Eris. You can see the muscles in Bon Bon’s eye twitching.
>Within a minute you know Bon Bon is going to drown Eris in her righteous fury, but Eris seems none the wiser. In fact when she turns to look at Bon Bon she merely sticks out her tongue.
>You sigh in exasperation. It looks like you’re going to have to be the one that administers damage control. Hopefully you can do something to end the impending storm of rage that’s billowing on the dance floor.
>You walk over to the three, “Bon Bon… anything I can do to help?” you ask with a nervous grin. Bon Bon’s ice cold gaze turns to you.
>You shiver with fright; you’ve yet to see a pony give such a look. Big Macintosh’s glare from back then was nothing compared to this. It’s like death was behind her eyes just waiting to strike.
>”Get… that FREAK… away from Time Turner,” her angry tone causes you to shrink back. Bon Bon notices this but she doesn’t seem to care.
>”Please,” she says with malice dripping from her voice. You gulp before nodding. With the possibility of severe retribution in mind you make your way over to Eris and tap her on the shoulder.
>”What do you want? Can’t you see I’m dancing?” Eris turns to you obviously annoyed by you cutting in. You point to her partner who’s in obvious distress to the angry Bon Bon.
>Eris giggles, “Okay, so she’s angry. Why should I care?” she asks you. Here’s the part where you need to come up with something quick, something believable.
>An idea comes to mind, but you really didn’t want to do this. The last thing you wanted to do was stroke Eris’ ego, but it’s either that or Bon Bon’s fury. You sigh to yourself.
>”Eris… this isn’t about her.” You say, trying to sound as convincing as possible. Eris stops dancing, she turns her head to face you but she doesn’t let go of Time Turner.
>”Then what’s it about?” she asks, “I’m… jealous. It shouldn’t be him dancing with you. It should be me.” You explain. You see a small smile form on Eris’ muzzle.
>”Besides, I’d probably make for a better partner anyway. After all I’m closer to your height than he is.” You say while pointing to Time Turner.
>You could feel a part of you die inside as Eris’ smile grows. You can see her fangs poking out from her lips. She thinks to herself for a moment before dropping Time Turner.
>”Yeah… you're right.” Eris’ voice trails off. “Besides he was boring anyway,” Eris adds before grabbing your arm and dragging you off to another part of the dance floor.
>You couldn’t hear Bon Bon if she thanked you or not, but she better. She has no idea how much you’ve sacrificed in order to get Eris away from her special somep0ny.
>When Eris finds a proper place she finally stops dragging you around. The two of you stand in that spot for a few moments… well you stand, she floats. She smiles to you happily while yours is forced beyond belief.
>It doesn’t take long for the same question to work its way through both of your minds. After all it’s only natural for the two of you to be curious. As realization washes over the two of you the two of you ask:
>”Are you going to lead?” you both ask each other at the same time. “I thought you were going to lead!” the two of you exclaim at the same time.
>”Okay here, hold on.” Eris says, with a quick shift of your hands and hers you’re able to get into the proper position for what you think is the waltz; but there’s a problem. One you don’t know what you’re doing and two…
>”Eris?” you ask, “Yes?” Eris asks in response, “How are you supposed to lead when you’re feet aren’t on the ground?” you ask while looking at Eris’ lower half.
>Eris typically floats and flies from place to place. You’ve seen her feet touch the ground maybe once during the entire duration of your stay.
>”Give me a moment and I’ll show you.” Eris stands straight. As soon as her Minotaur and lizard feet touch ground her limbs and torso elongate and contorts in order to mimic your height.
>Soon she’s eye level with you. “That’s better.” She says before she re-adjusts her claws positions. While her griffin talons interlock with your fingers her lion’s paw rests upon your shoulder.
>Your take your free hand and place it where you believe her hip would be. You’re hoping your hand isn’t trailing any lower than it should.
>Since you haven’t been slapped yet you believe you have your hand in the right place. And so you begin. While the dance you are doing should invoke passion that would reflect the sheer beauty of this song… you’re instead showing these pony couples just how little you knew about dancing.
>Even with Eris leading you’re stuck looking at her feet in hopes of moving with her. Multiple times you’ve stepped upon her lizard foot. Lucky for you, you can’t exactly step on a hoof.
>You’d alternate between looking at her and giving her an awkward smile coupled with an apology, to looking at her feet hoping you wouldn’t step on her foot.
>At least you aren’t the only one having problems. On more than one occasion Eris jerks you a little too hard in her direction, causing you to bump in to her.
>She in turn ends up hitting one of the pony couples trying to enjoy their time. They cast you two an angry glare. “Sorry.” You mutter before you and Eris get back to your train wreck of a dance.
>Five minutes pass before your barely passable dance becomes smooth enough for you to take your eyes off of Eris’ feet. When you look to Eris’ face you’re met with laughter.
>”We look ridiculous don’t we?” she asks before attempting to dip you. You nearly lose whatever balance you had and Eris is forced to lean in order to keep you from falling on a unicorn.
>When she pulls you into a standing position you answer, “Yeah we do, but who cares? Are you having fun?” She nods. “Then don’t worry about it.” You say with a grin.
>Unknown to you a few ponies within the crowd watches you and Eris as you move. Your lack of grace and odd dancing style catches their attention.
>They’ve never seen a human dance before and yet here you are dancing a half assed waltz with a chimera. You have really set the bar for human dancing talent.
>”So… what happened to Screwball?” you ask as you scan the crowd for the little cap wearing pony. Your own question is answered when you find her sipping punch over by the concessions table.
>You guess she doesn’t dance to this sort of music. When she catches you looking her way she wiggles her eye brows before winking. You shake your head before turning your attention back to…
>You’re no longer dancing with Eris. At some point Pinkie replaced her; you look down to find that Pinkie appears to have stilts on her hind hooves so she can match your height.
>”Hey Nonny.” Pinkie says, her grin becoming ever so prominent upon her muzzle. “You look so weird dancing like this how do you humans do it?” she asks before dipping you like Eris did.
>Unlike Eris Pinkie’s hooves are able to stretch with you and keep you secure. Pinkie doesn’t even have a humanoid body yet she’s able to accomplish something Eris couldn’t do.
>When you’re back on your feet you shrug, “Pinkie I have no idea I just go with it… and where’s Eris?” you ask, “I dunno something about an alligator in the tub.” Pinkie answers with a giggle.
>”Pinkie that doesn’t… make any…sense.” Your eyes widen when you look around Pinkie to find Eris stomping towards you and Pinkie.
>She’s completely soaked and her once disheveled mane now lies flattened due to the water. You find a small alligator has latched itself to a strand of her hair. Its soulless eyes stare off into space.
>When Eris gets to you she growls before pulling you and Pinkie apart. You wince at how tight of a grip she has on your shoulder. She stares menacingly into Pinkie’s eyes.
>”What do you think you’re doing?” Eris asks ending her question with a low growl. Pinkie gives Eris an oblivious grin before answering her.
>”I’m just having fun with Nonny! See, I was trying to be nice because I thought you were each other’s special somep0nies but since you aren’t I was thinking Nonny’s up for grabs!” You’re thrown into confusion yet again. Before you can ask what Pinkie means she continues her explanation.
>”Then I thought ‘Pinkie you should totally get him to be your special somep0ny’ and I told myself ‘you’re crazy Nonny wouldn’t go for it.’ So I decided to try it, after all what’s the worst that could happen?”  Pinkie shrugs when she finishes.
>Wait Pinkie of all ponies wants to be your special somep0ny? Why what did you do? Besides it’s only been a week that title shouldn’t come up from ANYTHING living on this planet when it regards you.
>Before you can voice out against Pinkie’s explanation Eris does it for you.”Not gonna happen.” Eris says before snapping her fingers.
>A large pink cannon appears where Pinkie once was. “Ooooh what’s this thingy?” you hear Pinkie call from within the cannon.
>Eris smirks before aiming the cannon; her target is Sweet Apple Acres. With a pull of a string the cannon fires Pinkie into the air. You hear Pinkie shout with joy as she leaves the cannon.
>You watch as a blur of pink is launched to the farmlands in the distance. Upon impact Pinkie leaves a small mushroom cloud of pink smoke in her wake.
>”W… what?” you manage to say. Your jaw hangs slack upon your face, pony patrons around you stare at the smoke as it slowly dissipates. When it finally does they go back to dancing as if nothing happened.
>”Don’t worry about her she’ll be fine.” Eris says before taking her place back. You seem unsure when it comes to Eris’ claim, but if Pinkie could come back to P0nyville almost instantly after being sent to a town many miles away… she might come back from that.
>When Eris places her claws upon your hand and shoulder the two of you try to get back into what little groove you had, but there was a slight problem.
>”Eris… you have something in your hair.” You say before pointing to the alligator hanging from her locks. Eris’ eyes cast a quick glance over it before looking to face you.
>”Oh don’t worry Anon it’s just an alligator…” her voice trails off as she processes what she just said to you. Her eyes widen in fear before she shouts, “OH CELESTIA THERE’S AN ALLIGATOR IN MY HAIR!”
>Eris pushes you away before flailing her arms wildly in a hopeless attempt to knock the alligator off of her hair. She flies around in a panic, knocking over ponies in the process.
>You should find this funny… but the angry glaring of the party ponies is keeping you from doing so. You hope Eris can take care of her problem.
>Finally she manages to swat the alligator and the poor thing goes flying into the punch bowl. A poor unsuspecting pony is now covered in fruit punch colored liquid.
>”What the heck was that?!” the pony asks before investigating the punch bowl. The curious pony is rewarded with the alligator latching to his snout.
>”IT’S ON MY FACE! IT’S ON MY FACE!” the pony screams before taking off in a gallop away from the marketplace.
>Eris is hyperventilating by the table, Screwball is dying of laughter, and each pony around you looks like they want to kill you. You gulp nervously before tugging at the collar of your shirt.
>”I uh… I think we should get going.” You say to no one in particular. You waste no time in picking up Screwball. She laughs in to your ear but you ignore it.
>You grab hold of Eris’ arm and help lead her away from the dance floor. Lucky for you neither is putting up any resistance.
>Eris remains floating while muttering to herself about reptiles and Screwball is busy trying to get in a breath of air from all the laughter she emitted.
>You have no real destination in mind, but anywhere that isn’t the marketplace or café sounds good to you right about now.
>While you’re busy with your handfuls of trouble. Rarity the seamstress is having problems of her own. Like the night prior to this one she paces about the foyer of her shop lost in thought.
>She casts an occasional glance over to a large boulder that has taken residence in the corner of her shop. Sweetie Belle’s words play in her mind like a broken record… as do Applejack’s.
>When Rarity made her way to Sweet Apple Acres she found Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom playing on the front porch of her friend’s home.
>When the two fillies saw Rarity coming Apple Bloom ran inside to get her sister while Sweetie sat and waited for Rarity to get to her.
>When Rarity stepped on the porch the pits of Tartarus seemed to open up for her. Sweetie didn’t want to have anything to do with Rarity.
>Sweetie screaming in such a shrill voice felt like nails upon a chalk board for Rarity. She cringed when her little sister started naming off the things Rarity has done.
>Sweetie covered topics from as far back as she could remember: Rarity taking Sweetie’s food under the premise of Rarity owning the food since she spent her bits to get it.
>That, along with her constantly stealing from other ponies while leaving Sweetie to take the heat was taking its toll on the little filly.
>Rarity gasped in abject horror when she saw the bandage around Sweetie’s leg. Rarity wanted to examine it, she wanted to see if her little sister was okay, but Sweetie wouldn’t have any of that.
>Sweetie was sure to stay as far away from Rarity as she could. All the while Sweetie kept listing off each and every wrong Rarity has done to her and other ponies.
>Each thing Sweetie Belle brought up cut into Rarity like a cold, unforgiving knife. Rarity felt as if her heart was being wrenched and torn asunder inside her chest as her little sister continued to scream through the tears now pouring down her face.
>Soon enough Rarity herself was in tears. She couldn’t stand it anymore, this… greedy pony… this thing she’s become, it isn’t her… it isn’t her at all. Rarity would never willingly put Sweetie Belle through that.
>For the first time in a long while Rarity herself broke down on the Apple Family porch that night. The sheer atmosphere of it all brought Rarity to her belly.
>Rarity shouted apologizes through her tears. She begged Sweetie to forgive her, but Sweetie would not accept a single apology, she couldn’t. Not while Rarity is the way she is.
>Eventually Apple Bloom came back outside with Applejack in tow. To see her friend in such a state frightened Applejack like you wouldn’t believe.
>While it hurt her to make this decision, she knew that Rarity couldn’t stay here and do this all night. Applejack had apples to buck and the two fillies needed to get their sleep.
>With tears of her own beginning to pool around her eyes Applejack had to lead a sobbing, hysterical Rarity off of the property.
>As Rarity looks back on it all she finds herself in tears yet again. She’s disgusted with herself, both for what she’s done to those she cares about, and about how she presented herself.
>Rarity considers herself a mare of class, regality, and of action. Not some sniveling, helpless mare. This greedy, cowardly persona she’s taken on is a false one… it took the harsh words of her little sister to make her realize this.
>Rarity looks upon the boulder yet again. Her eyes narrow in anger… she’s allowed herself to be tricked! How could she have been so foolish? That boulder she thought was something of value wasn’t at all!
>”Tom you’re nothing but a… a horrid boulder!” Rarity shouts before promptly turning her head away from the large rock.
>”While I would take great pleasure in forcing you out of my boutique I’m afraid I have matters that take a higher priority!” Rarity says to the inanimate boulder as she trots into her mannequin room.
>”I cannot allow such a travesty to continue. I have tarnished my good name enough to last a lifetime. It is about time I made a few alterations as to how I carry myself.” Rarity continues as she looks over the mannequins.
>She appears to be searching for something… her eyes light up when she finds a glorious red heart shaped ruby acting as a sort of pendant for one of her dresses.
>With a bit of magic she removes the ruby from the dress. She examines it for a few moments before nodding.  With a plan set she wipes away the tears upon her cheeks and a look of determination sweeps across her features.
>”And I know just where to start.” With her destination in mind she places the ruby in a saddle bag. With saddle bag in tow she makes her way out of her boutique and into the busy streets of P0nyville.
>While Rarity sets off to make things right you’re currently catching your breath while using the side of a building as support. Eris has finally calmed down and Screwball can’t giggle without yelping in pain.
>It appears as though her sides weren’t able to handle laughing of that magnitude.  Serves her right she did nothing to improve the situation. If anything Screwball made it worse.
>It looks like today has become a train wreck. The café was a bust and while you were able to dance for a while that too soured. Though the day isn’t over yet, sure the sun is starting to set… but you know the two daughters of Discord have another plan up their sleeve.
>It only makes sense considering bad things happen in threes. While you recover from your excursion Eris rubs her chin with her griffin talons in thought.
>The sound of somep0ny singing catches her attention. Her ears flick from the sound. She turns to find that the three of you are standing/ resting next to P0nyville’s Karaoke Bar.
>There’s a pony current singing… something. You have no idea what but judging by the fact that this pony can’t carry a tune she isn’t doing a very good job.
>You look to Eris to find her smiling at the front door of the karaoke bar. You turn your head to find Screwball smiling at you menacingly.
>The two seem to have the same idea in mind. “Oh no… no no no no.” you say while shaking your head. Screwball nods, her eyes never leaving yours.
>”Oh yes Anon. We’re gonna sing our hearts out tonight!” Screwball pumps a hoof in the air. “That we are.” Eris adds before she wraps her claws around the sleeve of your shirt.
>It’s your turn to be carried somewhere and that somewhere is through the threshold of the karaoke bar. You are absolutely dreading the terrible moment that is sure to come from this venture.
>The interior, like most of the buildings today, reflects Hearts and Hooves Day. The tiled flooring has a repeating pattern of Red, Pink, and White.
>The seven booths lining the right side have their cushions and back rests lined with red material while the tables in the center of each booth appear stark white.
>The bar opposite to the booths has barstools that match the booths themselves. The barstools have a red cushion and the pole keeping them planted upon the ground is white.
>The wooden bar and shelves behind the bartender stallion are all pink. At least the drinks lining the shelves aren’t matching the theme.
>The interior walls, much like the café’s, have hearts lining them. You’re getting sick and tired of seeing the same patterns and colors everywhere you go.
>A bar that you believe to be made for certain ponies to come in and forget about the day has now become a jolly, bright, and happy place to be.
>Judging by the exhausted look upon the bartender’s face he isn’t happy about the aesthetics of his bar… or maybe it’s because of the mare singing you don’t know.
>Speaking of which you’ve managed to figure out as to why the mare’s singing is horrible. You hear words being slurred in to the microphone. Whoever is singing… is quite inebriated.
>You get to your feet and dust yourself off. You’re thankful that Eris has finally let go of your shirt. As you remove the dirt from your jeans you look to the small white and red striped stage at the back of the bar to find a very familiar unicorn standing there.
>Her mint green coat gives it away. Lyra is standing upon her hind hooves; a bottle of Applejack Daniels in one front hoof, a microphone in the other.