The Beckoning of Nature (Re-Written)

The trio of drunks were escorted home that night, making nary a peep during the trip. Yuuki was also silent, her mind going over the earlier events which had transpired. As soon as they got in the cavern, the three ninnies were escorted to bed without so much as a fuss from any one of them. The purple pegasus then trotted through the vast maze of cavern hallways until she found the metal door that had the white unicorn mare looking at her with worry.

“Did you find them?” She asked.

“Yeah. They were at a tavern in Las Pegasus. Some idiot kidnapped Tenmei and made him drink up a storm, and did the same to Rekka and Nagare when they went to fetch him...from what I heard, at any rate.” Yuuki replied, sighing despondently. “They’re gonna gripe in the afternoon tomorrow, I just know it.”

“And who was it that got them drunk off their asses?” The unicorn asked, brow arched.

“Some unicorn stallion named Brilliant Star.” Yuuki answered, pausing briefly. “Now that I think about it, you kinda look like him, Raki...apart from the mane and bloodshot eyes of a drunk loon, that is.”

Raki turned away. “I...see.” She muttered. “What happened to him?”

“Got detained by the guards for a whole list of charges, including--and I am not making this up--the kidnapping of a total of ten foals.” Yuuki replied, noticing the unicorn wasn’t looking at her. “Something wrong?”

Raki turned back to Yuuki. “It’s nothing. Just thought I heard a peep from Yoneko’s room.” She answered, an ear twitching.

“Alright. She asleep?” The purple pegasus inquired.

“Yep. Asleep like a baby.” Raki answered. “You off to bed?”

“Yeah. I’m just tired.” Yuuki replied, turning tail and going down the maze of hallways once more. When she reached the hall of wooden doors, she took one that was open, the shape of a yo-yo crudely carved into the frame. She disrobed and soon plopped on the bed, exhaustion quickly washing over her. Slowly, her eyes closed, and she was adrift in the land of sleep.

Raki, meanwhile, stood diligent in front of the door. As far as she knew and was concerned, the others were out like lights. Her horn flared in soft light blue, and from nowhere came a strange hybrid between a lightpost and a pony. Next to that was a trashcan with a pony’s face and front legs positioned at the sides. “Guard Yoneko while I rest. Do not disturb her, and tend to her needs as she requests them--unless it’s suicide.” She said, curtly.

The duo nodded, and they took her place in front of the door as she sauntered her way to the hall of doors. She entered a room whose door had the image of a pentagram carved in, closed said door behind her, and plopped on the bed as well. Before she went to sleep, she turned to the ceiling and narrowed her eyes as if it offended her. “Brilliant Star…” She mumbled to herself, “I can’t believe he’s still alive and kicking.”

A laugh that held not a hint of happiness escaped her lips. “In a tavern of all places...that explains everything.” She murmured, covering up and falling asleep shortly thereafter.

A few hours passed after that, night waning into dawn, and the first one to stir awake was Koto. She languidly crept out of bed, almost falling off it in the process, and proceeded to yawn as she steadied herself. Sauntering to the door, her hooves less wobbly than yesterday, she picked up the pace a bit as the door opened and she entered the hall.

Other than the crackle of the torch flames, she noticed the hall was silent. “Whose day is it to pay Kaguya and the others a visit?” She murmured, going back to her room. Hanging on one wall was a calendar, a series of x’s that were varying colors marking the boxes, save for the very last one. It was nearly if not the end of June, if the x’s on the calendar were anything to go by. Looking at the x’s, she noticed a pattern.

“Green…blue...gold...there’s no purple.” Koto murmured, taking a moment to sigh. “Guess it’s Yuuki’s day.” Her ears moved, catching the sound of another door creaking open in the hall. A faint groaning of discomfort hit her ears next, and the blue unicorn ventured out into the hallway to detect its source. In front of her open door stood Yuuki, mane frazzled and eyes bloodshot. She was swaying back and forth like a leaf in a breeze, and her wings hung at her sides as if broken.

Yuuki groaned again, collapsing within moments. She looked towards the unicorn as she approached. “Before you ask, no, I didn’t sleep good last night.” She said, her voice raspy and dry.

“What happened?” Koto asked, brow arched. “You look banged up.”

“I...just had a dream. That’s all.” Yuuki replied, shifting so she could get onto her hooves. “I’ll take a bath, not wear the garments, and head to town. Hopefully there won’t be trouble today.”

“Can I bathe with you?” Koto inquired, blinking as the pegasus rose to stand.

“Sure, just don’t try anything funny. Something went on last night, and hell nearly broke loose.” Yuuki answered, sauntering down the hallway. The blue-pelted pony followed her, worry flashing for a moment in her eyes. She was concerned for her friend, half of her hoping it was just a bad night’s sleep and nothing more. The other half wanted to know what exactly the pegasus meant by hell nearly breaking loose.

“What...happened last night?” Koto asked, finally.

“Quite a lot. I’ll explain it after the hot bath jolts me awake...maybe.” Yuuki answered, sighing afterwards. The two continued on their way throughout the maze of stone corridors, neither exchanging so much as a glance during the rest of the trip. Eventually, they came into a room that held simple bathroom utilities, albeit with the added decor of a great big portion lined with several shower heads, not unlike that found within a prison, considering its structure. The bathtub was also large, able to house up to ten ponies at most.

The two clambered in, turning the faucet knobs and watching water, chilling at first, drop down the spigot. The plug was put in, and soon the bottom of the tub was covered by a paper-thin layer of steaming hot water. Slowly, it filled up, but given the size of the tub, it would take a good while.