Old Man Ray

Ray was smiling, drink in hand, listening to music happily. Mac was relaxing, talking with some other stallion. Daniel was taking care of Ray with alcohol, because of his ‘trauma’.

The Boardwalk had few lights on at this time, and most light came from the stage, where what could only be described as flapper girls were dancing atop it. It was quite the sight, beautiful young girls, the music. Ray felt good, and warmth in his stomach, and a buzz in his head.

Ray took a sip of his drink. Daniel knew how to take those apples and make ‘em stronger. He clinched his fist, and sighed, “Daniel’s really makin’ ‘em good.” He said aloud, getting some agreements from other patrons.

Ray got a refill, swaying as he stood to approach the bar, “Oh dear.” “See the giant stand!” He heard others say, laughing with them. Mac came up beside him, helping to balance him, “Watch yourself Ray, you might fall.” He said, to which Ray smiled wider, patting Mac’s side, “You’re good frien’ Mac… I go- Urp… Friend…” He said, holding his chest.

Mac nodded, “I know Ray.” He said, helping Ray up on the chair, “Daniel… More of that Whiskey you made.” Daniel nodded, and Mac sat beside him. Daniel began pour Ray’s drink, Ray asked a question, “Hey… Daniel… Where the hell is Ruby? I wanted to meet her..?” He said, but it sounded more like a question, and Daniel looked over, “Ray, that was a morning show.” He said, trying be frank.

Ray stood, “You gotta be shittin’ me? I came he-” Mac placed a hoof on Ray’s chest, “Ray… Come on… We… There are still more shows…” He said, slowing his words to speak clearly. Ray stared at him, then looked at Daniel, “I… I’m just tired…”

Daniel got a look on his face, “Mac, here.” He gave Mac some keys, they had a tag on them, ‘VIP Room’, “Take him up there, and I’ll hook you up with a drink when you get back.” Big Mac got a look, “I don’t think that’d be a good idea.” Ray laughed, “Please…” Ray sighed, “Sure… I’ll go lay down.” Daniel smiled, “It’ll be a good rest Ray, trust me.”

Mac helped Ray with the ever so fun task of climbing the stairs, and got to the door, “Gimme the keys.” Ray said, holding out his hand, leaning against the wall. Mac stared at him, “It’s in your hand Ray.” He stated simply, staring at Ray, who looked in his hand, seeing the key, “Thank you Mac…” He said,

Unlocking the door, they both stumbled in once it opened, only to hear giggles coming from ahead of them. Mac looked up first, “Oh my.” Ray looked at him, “What?” He then looked up, noticing four mares laying on the Bed. Mac looked at Ray, “You’d not mind… If I joined ya right, Ray?” he asked, with almost pleading eyes.

Ray nodded, “I would, go get smashed.” And with that, Ray shoved Mac out of the room, and blacked out.

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Ray found himself standing in a field, and everywhere he looked, it stretched on for miles. Ray growled, “Where the fuck am I? What happened to those mares?!” He started to get upset, not really caring about volume at the moment.

“You should really calm down, sir.” he heard a voice behind him say, and whirled around stumbling to his left. Ray could feel magic wrap around him, and help balance him, “I see we’ve come at a bad time.” the voice said, and Ray looked at the source, finding a light purple mare was flowing purple hair. She was sitting in the grass, staring at him.

Ray reached up, running a hand through his hair, then smiled, “Hey honey, what’re you doin’ ‘ere?” he said, slurring his words, making a half-assed attempt at being charming. The mare shook her head, “My name is Luna.” she stated, looking flatly at him.

Ray walked around, stumbling every now and then, “Okay? I’m Ray Tanner, businessman hire!” He said, pointing a finger into the air. Luna only raised a brow, “Alright, relax, I can see that you are under the influence. Though, I don’t know what could have gotten you to this point.” she admitted, watching Ray carefully.

Ray stumbled towards Luna, “I was helpin’ Danny at The Boardwalk, he makes Whiskey.” he explained, smiling. Luna nodded slowly then suddenly reached out, smacking him across his left cheek. This sent ray stumbling back ,and he staggered, falling backward, “Ow!” he yelled, holding his cheek, “The fuck was that for?” he yelled, sitting up, staring at Luna.

Luna towered over him, “You’re drunk.” she stated simply, glaring down at him, “I can see that it was a bad idea to visit your dream, Ray, since it was tonight you decided to get… hammered.” she continued, turning to leave.

Ray stammered, reaching out, “Wa- Wait!” He yelled, to which Luna sighed, and turned to him, “Yes?” Ray slowly stood, dusting himself off, stumbling slightly, “I… I’m sorry… I had a rough night.” he said, stopping at that. Luna gave him a flat look, “Of course, I’ll forgive you. I suggest you be dressed properly in the morning.” she continued.

Ray was confused, “What’re you-” he couldn’t finish as he was quickly plunged into darkness again.

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Ray awoke with a start, but couldn’t sit up, there was a weight on his chest, and when he looked, he very much regretted it. A mare was asleep on his chest, and he could hear more snoring to his left and right. Please, God, no… He risked a glance. More mares. I’m gonna kill Mac, Danny, whoever did this. He thought, angry that someone would let him do this.

To his horror, apparently the door to his room was not locked, “Why, of course, Princess, Ray is right in…” Ray could hear Daniel talking, and the door open, followed by a group gasping. Ray looked around the mare on his chest, looking at a large white pony, with a horn and wings, Celestia, he assumed.

Ray and the group stared at each other, the silence was daunting. Ray coughed, and decided to speak, “I… I’ll be down in a minute?” Celestia nodded, and the door closed. Ray sat there, before sighing. Great first impression. He thought to himself.

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Upon heading down the stairs, Ray noticed that the bar was empty, aside from Big Mac asleep on stage. He noticed that Celestia and how he could only assume was her sister, sitting at the bar.

Ray walked over, sitting down beside Celestia, “Good morning.” she said, looking down at him. Shes huge. Ray thought. Daniel brought over a bottle, ‘Daniel’s Whiskey’, good stuff. Celestia shook her head at the offer, but the other one, Luna, he seemed to find himself thinking, nodded. Ray tapped the counter before sighing, “Listen… I’m sorry about what you saw, but that’s not me, I try to be a respectable man.” Ray explained, looking at Celestia, who only nodded.

“I’ve heard good things about you, saving fillies, boosting up business, and other things. I wanted to come and meet you. Twilight said you seemed like a decent person.” Celestia said, looking down at Ray, causing him to feel a shiver up his spine. Those eyes…

Ray nodded, “Well, I thank you for coming down here to meet me, though I wish you could have seen me at my best, not my worst.” He said, glaring at Daniel, who slipped into the back room. Luna looked at him, “I too, wish we could have met at your best.” and she went back to her drink, downing it quickly, surprising Ray.

Celestia stood, “I’ll be heading to Twilight’s library, I’ll talk to you later tonight.” she said, leaving before Ray could say anything. Luna stayed behind, and moved to Celestia’s seat, staring at Ray. She was the same size as Mac, so they were at least eye level. “What are you doing in this town, Mister Ray?” Luna asked, getting in his face, making him lean away, “Trying to make a living?” He said, looking anywhere but at her.

Luna scoffed, “I’m sure, though I admire your brass.” she said, downing another drink, unaffected. Ray rubbed his face, then sighed, “I’m a businessman, I like to build things.” Luna nodded, “I’m sure, but when your business begins to affect these ponies?” she asked, giving him a quizzical look. Ray shrugged, “That’s what business does, sorry for those who get hurt along the way.” he said simply.

A smile graced Luna’s lips, and she stood, “Try to stay sober, I’d like to talk to you more often.” and she was gone.

Ray looked at Daniel, who was in the backroom doorway, “I want to talk to you.” Daniel nodded, and stepped out, and took his place behind the counter. Ray sat upright, and looked at him, “I have another idea for a business, because you’ve clearly got willing mares.” Ray began to explain, Daniel looked interested, “I think you should start selling more than alcohol.” Ray said simply.

Daniel looked to be in thought for a moment, “Well… It’s your idea, so... How much money do you want out of it?” he asked, giving Ray some options. Ray smiled, “25-75, you in favor, after all, it’s your building.” he said, holding out his hand, and Daniel smiled, shaking it.

Ray stood, scratching his beard, “I need to head to the farm though… Aww, fuck.” he said, groaning, making Daniel look over at him, “What?” “I forgot about Fluttershy…” Ray explained, heading for the door, “I’ve got to go, see you later, Daniel.” he finished.

Ray made his way out of the bar, and began to head back to the farm, figuring the Mac would be fine on his own. On the way however, he ran into Aj, and she didn’t exactly look happy. She got right up close to him, poking Ray’s chest, “Where in tarnation ‘ave you been? Fluttershy is worried sick because you didn’t make it home! And where is mah brother?!” she asked, getting louder with every sentence.

Rubbing his ears, Ray pointed back over his shoulder at the bar, and Aj went past him, heading in, Ray used this moment to make his way back to the farm, walking along the dirt road. Ray couldn’t help be feel dirty, he couldn’t believe that Mac would let him throw down like that either. He shuddered. Glad I was drunk, don’t remember anything about it. He thought, one of the only ups.

Once he was at the farm, he walked up the stairs of the porch, and knocked on the screen door. After a few moments, Granny opened the door, “Well hello!” she said loudly, “Finally made it home did ya?” she asked, to which Ray nodded, making his way in, noticing Fluttershy asleep on the couch. Ray smiled and walked over, sitting beside her, “I’m here.” He whispered, to which Fluttershy’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked at him.

Ray suddenly found himself wrapped in a tight hug, which he returned, “Sorry that I’m… quite a few hours late Shy.” he said, sighing as she sniffled, “I thought you’d been hurt.” Shy said, pushing away from him, looking at his eyes, “Why do you smell?” she asked suddenly, scrunching her face up. Ray stood, “I’m gonna go shower really quickly.” he stated, heading upstairs to the restroom, where he splashed water in his face, “I should ring Daniel’s fuckin’ neck.” he grumbled, staring at himself in the mirror, his blue eyes looking back.

He sighed, stripping and took his shower, hoping to calm his nerves.

When he finished, he put on some new clothes he paid Rarity for. Black dress pants, purple dress shirt, new silver vest, and nice, sleek, black shoes. Ray would have to give his thanks later, but they were nice enough now.

Ray left the restroom, and headed back down stairs, where he found Fluttershy sipping tea with Luna. Seeing this caused Ray to stumble, causing a great deal of noise, making the two of them look over, “Oh, Ray, we were just talking about you.” Luna said, smiling behind her cup. Fluttershy was smiling, so he doubted it was anything bad, and made his way over, sitting on the floor.

Once he was down, a tea cup levitated to Ray and he took it out of the air, smiling as he nodded at Luna, “So, what were we talking about?” he asked, taking a sip, it was good. Luna chuckled, “Oh nothing of concern, just how silly you were in your dream, very interesting.” Fluttershy giggled as Luna explained.

They all talked a great deal, however, mostly Luna and Fluttershy talked, Ray only sat there monitoring what was said.

Eventually, Luna stood, stretching, “I believe I must take my leave. I think I’ve heard enough about you, Ray.” she said, smiling at him, and Ray nodded, “Yes, of course.” Once Luna was gone, Ray sighed, but the Fluttershy spoke up, “Tell me about Christianity.” Son of a bitch.

And so he began the long and annoying task of explaining the religion to Shy.