Rags To Riches

Party till we're purple

Cold water stung my hands as the particulate from cooking disappeared and apple scented soap filled my nose. Granny had me make "Special" fritters that had a special ingredient of some kind of alcohol, my job was beating the crap out of the dough so the other processes were lost on me, but I did have fun with my menial task. Granny was now wrapping and stuffing the overabundance of desserts into a ratty old red back pack. I hopped up on the counter and talked about the nonexistent drinking age for humans and my rather ambiguous age that could be anything from 19-23 as I stared out the window. The sun dipped below the trees and the golden sky became increasingly dark. As the last light faded from the sun the bag was tossed into my lap and I was pointed to the door and to my surprise Granny hugged me as we said good bye.

"Stay smart tonight Sun, don't get dragged into any beds you're not familiar with." I chuckled and put the back pack on awkwardly in the front so I could fly.

"The only bed I know around here is the loft in the barn." I had twinge in my spine remembering Fluttershy's cabin in my hallucination from up north. "Ill see you tomorrow", leaping from the porch my feet slapped against the ground no more than four times and I was airborne. My flannel was flapping in the wind as I soared high above the trees and the village came into view with all its lights and decorations but surprisingly no ponies to be seen. I slowed down and stood upon a cloud looking down upon the string and street lamp lit village. I hopped from my fixed position and elected to glide atop a stage placed in front of town hall. I hung my legs over the ledge and kicked them as I pulled off the bag in search of its contents. Pulling out an apple fitter I did mental gymnastics to justify my first time consuming alcohol and honestly who cared anymore because I sure didn't. Sinking in my teeth the strange flavor filled my mouth and burned my throat, cinnamon whiskey. I made quick work of it and as I reached for another, the feeling of being watched caused me to turn my torso to look at the big curtain that slightly parted and revealed a bottle that began to roll towards me slightly glowing purple. Getting close enough to grab I stared at the bottle to the curtain and back, picking it up it read hard cider ten percent refined magical alcohol. The anticipation in the air was palpable. Leaning over I smacked the top of the bottle on the corner of the stage and the cap went flying. I raised it and the hidden figures must of held their breaths and for the laughs I put it down. In a flash of blue the rainbow headed mare was upon me shoving the bottle in my mouth. I squirmed at the mighty grip of the mare.

"Stop fussing so we can get this party going." The contents of the bottle slid down my innards and imbued me with a healthy warmth in my chest. Everyone in Ponyville jumped out and I think even a couple fireworks went off as everyone filed out in front of the stage. I spit out the bottle and grabbed the mare and looked deep into her eyes

"Shots later", I turned away from Rainbow and began to scan the crowd of ponies. I honestly felt like a rock star with everyone staring up at me. "How's it going Ponyville!" the crowd hollered back at me. I could here the voices of my friends behind me and spinning around the curtain was parted revealing the enormous sound system of Vinyl scratch along with the other five of the elements all dressed to the nines. Twilight rushed up to me with a bottle of wild pegasus whiskey along with a microphone outstretched. I grabbed the mic and the bottle, tapping the mic the speakers reacted reflexively, "This is no speech by any mean but everyone who has something to raise, raise it and toast to the best night of my life so far." The crowd cried out and I bit off the top to my bottle and began chugging which elicited more excitement and laughter. My throat burned and by the time I lowered the bottle the contents were a third gone, I threw up a salute to vinyl and the music began to bang. I jumped down into the crowd and began dancing with the many ponies that made all the hard work worth it.

Under the crescent moon Ponyville was probably the happiest place on the planet with no conspiracies or tragic back stories everyone just existed and had fun for the sake of having fun, I think for a night I can act my own age. A dance circle soon formed and many talented dancers were filling the circle with moves I couldn't even explain. I felt a shove from the back and I found myself in the center with no way out. Moving to the music my moves were really goofy and earned laughs but a challenger emerged from the crowd a mint green unicorn I remember being named Lyra began leaning in towards me and reflexively I leaned back, I began leaning forward and she leaned back, we were in a duel of footwork and sliding past one another we grasped hands and spun. The song was faster than I'm used to but by no means club music and as I spun and dipped my partner the crowd oohed and awed and as the song began to end I lifted Lyra for a grand finally and as the final note rang out the crowd cheered and I lowered the mare who was grinning rather widely.

"Not everyday you get to feel like a princess thanks for that Sun, or should I say prince Apollo Sun."

"Sun's fine, and you're welcome anytime," I smiled and the mare sped off into the crowd. I picked up my bottle and took another swig that opened up my lungs and I made my way through the crowd. Many smiling faces, pats on the back, and a few smacks on the ass by drunken mares and I found my self in an alley taking a leak. Two mares were making out and the idea of kissing caused me to grin as I finished up and zipped my pants. I wonder how the girls are... I was hit in the head by a bottle cap, looking up Rainbow was on the roof grinning.

"Enjoying your alley neighbors Sun?" I whipped my head to the mares and back to Rainbow.

"N... WHY ARE YOU WATCHING ME PISS", She laughed and fell off the roof landing in my arms. "Its time for shots Rainbow." Her face lit up and she jumped from my arms grabbing me by the hand and dragged me into the crowd. My face was super red as the realization that everyone who was looking just saw me and Rainbow come out of the alley. Rainbows destination was the bar set up next to the stage which was impossible to see when I originally landed earlier in the night. Slamming her hand down on the bar.

"Royalty here demands 6 shots for him and his blue companion," She was laughing so hard she almost fell over. The bartender was Big Mac slid the six shots over. Locking eyes with Rainbow the whiskey disappeared quickly and she grabbed my hand leaning close, "I think you should come..." The song changed and the blue mare whipped around, "This is me and Pinkies song ill be back in a bit." She zoomed off and I looked at Big Mac.

"Can I get an orange pop with vodka?" he turned around and started pouring before sliding me the orange liquid, "Thanks."

"Eeyup." I think its about time I gave the Dj a visit. I protected the orange liquid as I navigated the crowd and hopped up to the stage. The Dj was surrounded by lasers and smoke machines from what I knew just regular Dj stuff. I climbed up to perch where Vinyl was throwing another disk on.

"How's your evening almighty slayer of disks." She pushed her glasses up and chuckled.

"Quite enjoyable slayer of evil, besides becoming the sweetheart of the Crystal empire anything new?"

"Well I'm a prince I guess so that's kinda dope."

"Well has the prince had enough to drink that he would be willing to sing a few songs."

"You are funny if you think I can sing but maybe if a mare as pretty as yourself asked id consider it." She blushed a little but rolled over my comment.

"All my friends that work in castle said your singing in the shower was quite lovely, and a mare as pretty as me is asking." My face was red or more red than it was previously.

"If I can pick the song you might have a deal."

The speakers fell silent and the lasers stopped but the fog rolled out in a higher intensity and the curtains shut. My white shirt lay on the ground while my flannel was tied at my waist. The beat began to start and my heart swelled with a strange anticipation and fear. I picked the only song I knew well enough to sing, and it was either going to be awesome or a complete flop.

(1:15 Seconds ) The curtains remained closed as I began to sing nearing the high first high note the curtains flew open revealing the crowd of ponies all gathered around the stage like a concert and in a short couple seconds of just instrumental I rushed to the front of the stage and continued singing my heart out as many drunk ponies reached up towards me. My voice filled the night commanding all attention and from the short glances I took across the crowd everyone was going nuts. My friends eventually found themselves at the foot of the stage and out of the bottom of my eyes I could see them smiling up at me and in that moment I actually felt like a rock star and that's something I honestly never thought was possible.

I pointed up to the moon and mentally thanked Luna for such a beautiful night and for such amazing friends. I know there are many things still hiding in my future but for tonight I'm just a part time farmer/rock star who's friends are all smoking hot and older. I'm not a knight , not a prince, just a dude who's going to get hammered with very attractive friends.

As the song crept towards the finale I spread my wings wide and shot my arms up. The beat dissipated and Ponyville roared probably loud enough to shake Canterlot. "Me and Vinyl are going on tour as soon as I can bring world peace," I laughed and ran up to the set up hugging Vinyl, "If you ever need a feature let me know."

"You definitely didn't disappoint I might have to take you up on that." With the alcohol very in my system I kissed her on the cheek and childishly ran away, looking back she had her glasses over her eyes again and was shaking her head. I ran jumping off the stage and opened my wings gliding up towards a cloud that sat directly in line with the moon.

"I don't know where you are right now but thank you Luna for giving me even more things to fight so hard for." The music not by me resumed and everyone below me began dancing again. I pulled my flannel from my waist and buttoned it up. I could hear a gentle flapping of wings beside me, glancing I saw Fluttershy in a yellow hoodie with the hood up looking at the sky. "Yo Fluttershy come sit with me." Her head whipped around to stare at me her pink hair partly hanging out of the hood.

"Are you okay with that?" I smacked my face.

"Yes I'm sure." Floating over she sat down on the cloud criss cross apple sauce while still looking up at the sky. "You having fun tonight?" She remained looking up.

"Yeah I'm definitely not the party pony but it's your party and everypony hanging out is always fun. Sun I have a question for you if that's all right."

"You're one of my closest friends of course you can ask me anything."

"How do you do all the scary stuff by yourself?" I paused to think about my answer.

"I'm not alone I've had you guys, Shinning Armor, Luna, and especially Spitfire to help me through everything. I'm not going to lie though even the past couple weeks my life has changed so much and all this fighting and politics is honestly pretty scary."

"What happens when you don't want to fight anymore?"

"I'll come back here and start a family I think I might rebuild the castle of the two sisters for myself and then Ill fill it with people and kids." I laughed at the idea of such a happy ending.

"All the girls are talking about it after this morning but are you even attracted to mares?" I started to laugh harder and she started to get red.

"Well I definitely don't like stallions if that's what you are asking." She pulled the strings of her hoodie tight

"I meant like....... vs human women." I thought back on the previous girls who had been in my life and sighed.

"I would have to pick mares but you can't tell anyone that." She looked into my eyes, "You promise?"

"I promise." Looking into each others eyes the distance between us rapidly began to disappear and right before impact she paused. "How many kids do you want?"

"A lot"

"Good"

"What's good?" A third voice appeared and Fluttershy jumped up and sped off leaving a pink trail of light in her wake. I laid back completely hanging my head off the cloud and coming eye to eye with Rainbow.

"Whats up chief?"

"We need you at sugar cube corner for a beer pong." I looked off to see no sign of Fluttershy then back to the frat pony, "Sure why not." I rolled off the cloud and opened my wings at the last moment to save my legs from unnecessary injury. I weaved through the crowd towards the bakery and was now at the door. The memories of the last party flooded my brain as the door flew open and I was snatched up by Pinkie and thrown in front of a plastic foldable table. To my left was Twilight who was in a skirt and a tube top, across the table was Rainbow in her athletic jacket and short shorts, to her right was Aj wearing a tied flannel and jean shorts, It was a drunk me paradise and I wasn't a hundred percent in the hole yet. plastic balls began to fly and drinks were rapidly disappearing. It was starting to look like me and Twilight were going to lose, If only I knew wind magic I could curve the ball in every time. Raising my hand and minding my elbows I released the ball and shortened the lead two to one. Acquiring the ball lazily lofted by the drunk princess Aj closed one eye and drained it and to add insult to injury Rainbow drained it. I picked up my drink and finished the already weaning contents.

"Stupid game." The comment stirred the other team.

"Arm wrestling then?" They both jumped at me.

"And the loser dose?" They both stared at one another.

Rainbow's eyes lit up, "Loser has to run with their partner to Sweet apple Acres and back, naked." I looked over at Twilight who gave me a thumbs up.

"Team royalty is going to kick your asses." Pulling up chairs I sat across from Aj as Twilight showed off against Rainbow. The two were in a stalemate and soon got the attention of the group within the store and cheering soon erupted. I was screaming and jumping up and down, in a miracle upset Twilight beat Rainbow. The whole crowd gathered and I began to pose as Pinkie came from nowhere with a microphone hollering out my height and weight and my stats and notable achievements and doing the same for AJ. Our hands locked and soon battled a stalemate as my arm still wasn't healed a hundred percent from Sombra smashing the bone to pieces. Her eyes said she was calm but her arm said otherwise, "Granny was so gracious to let me look into you diary ."

"SHE WHAT?!" Like a viper in the Appleloosian dessert I struck and her hand smacked the table. I jumped upon the table flexing and screaming my head off as the place went absolutely nuts. My opponent was still appalled not understanding it was a bluff, I plopped down in front of Aj and flipped her hat up.

"So element of honesty you want to kiss the victor?" I closed my eyes and I was hit so extremely hard I bounced off the ground. A boot was pressed to my head and my arms were tied behind my back. "What did you read you snooping vermin?" In my intoxicated state of mind I could only press the issue.

"Only the parts where you say I'm really cute and I'm a good role model for all the fillies and colts." The boot pressed harder and the knot became tighter. I switched to my best Shinning Armor impression,"I will not capitulate to this equine aggression." I rolled hard under the table and knocked AJ off me, lowering my hands I stepped over the knot bringing my hands to the front. Regaining her bearrings she tugged me forward and I lurched forward into her arms that crushed me in a bear hug.

"You're playing with fire Sun and if you want to keep your man parts intact you better start talking, and before you say anything Granny told me they were on the outside."

"How did that come up?" My back and wings were given more pressure as her original question wasn't answered. "I never read it Granny jokingly brought it up when we were cooking and she was talking about your poems." The pressure disappeared and she pulled her hat down.

"Ill show you sometime but I better never catch you in my room." I smirked a little.

"Eeyup."She pulled her leg back and kicked me in the nuts, the group oohed as I crumpled and I swear I could feel some healing magic from my Sun tattoo going to my reproductive system. I was breathing heavy and rolling around as Rarity waved air to me. "You're an absolute doll Rarity."

"You Sun are quite the one with the silver tongue to get historically calm Apple jack in such a tizzy." I laughed through the pain.

"It's part of my charm." The party continued regularly and Pinkie even got me an ice pack which I politely declined. Many ponies began to trickle out and Fluttershy managed to trickle in very intoxicated, stumbling up to me she grabbed my arm and pulled at it. "What's up?"

"8."

"Eight what?"

"Our earlier conversation." My face went beat red as what eight meant rushed around my head. My wings popped open and everyone looked over to me my face red and wings wide while Fluttershy was whispering in my ear."

The voice of Rarity could be herd but not seen, "How bold Fluttershy!" She whipped her head towards the room.

"If you care what I'm doing you're not drunk enough." I began to laugh at the uncharacteristic outburst. Rarity came out from the hallway that led away from the sitting room that was filled with the elements.

The white unicorn spoke up, "I think its time for some truth or dare!" I groaned as I was dragged by the yellow pegasus and was thrown down coming to rest on the couch in between Aj and Fluttershy. Twilight rested her head against my knee as she sat on the floor, everyone else decorated the rest of the furniture.

"So who's going first?"

Rarity shot her hand up, "Ladies first of course." I started to stare at the ceiling as drunkenness seemed to effect my head the most. "Sun truth or dare?" I didn't take my eyes of the ceiling.

"Truth, I can't really move." The white mare tapped her chin evilly.

"Out of everypony in this room who did you miss most when you were in the Crystal Empire."

"You can't ask me that, any answer would hurt feelings or..."

Pinkie jumped in, "I think it's between Twilight, Apple Jack, Rainbow dash, and Fluttershy , just because of today events.

"That's not fair I love your parties and Rarity literally put the cloths on my back, I missed everyone equally." Pinkie just laughed and Rarity just rolled her eyes smiling. My memory of this mornings train ride and the embarrassing argument about heat crept into my thoughts.

"So Pinkie truth or dare?" The pink mare starred into the glass bottle as she twirled the contents.

"Sunny my human friend I pick truth." My grin stretched evilly.

"What time a year does heat happen in Ponyville?" The eyes of everyone were intensely on me, I looked down at my lap, "I'm just curious."

"It's in the spring right after wrapping up the winter all the males go into hiding and the mares roam the streets like hell mares." I could kind of imagine a zombie like scenario were anything male was ripped apart, spooky. I could imagine Luna making up some mission like protect the males of Ponyville and putting me out here just to see me run around. Pinkies attention went to the yellow pegasus clinging to my arm.

"Hey Fluttershy ,truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"I dare you to kiss..." Without the question being finished the lips of the once shy mare smacked against mine. She jumped up from the couch.

"Finally I kissed a guy, now you girls can't give me shit anymore!" Everyone was silent, followed by Pinkies laughing and rolling on the floor. "Rainbow truth or dare!"

"Dare!"

"I dare you to give me a foot massage!" Fluttershy while drunk gave zero fucks and it was kinda awesome.

"What ever you say Yellow menace." I decided to chime in.

"Does she always go this crazy when she drinks?" Everyone simultaneously nodded. She pounded her chest bottle in hand.

Rainbow finished rubbing the feet of the drunken yellow frat pony, "AJ truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Who was the first stallion you ever kissed?" The element of honesty was trapped in between a rock and a hard place as she was incapable of lying but was extremely embarrassed. She just pointed at me and the other girls oohed at her. "Raise your hand if you have kissed Sun." Four sixths of the room raised a hand with a red face, I sunk into the couch embarrassed.

"I think I need some air." I hopped up and darted for the door freeing myself from the strange atmosphere. The party was dieing down a lot and instead of mingling I flapped my wings and headed for a cloud, Ponyville was a very pretty place especially from a birds eye view. Thinking stuff like that is really starting to make me think I'm going soft. I made it to my destination and collapsed on the fluffy airborne mass, I think I'm going to tie a rope around them and make a bed one of these days.

I smiled harder than I ever had tonight and for some reason even now something was wrong. Where did Luna go, and why did Spitfire not come?