Fallout Equestria: Baltimare Heights

Waking up on the couch of some long dead officer felt kind of odd. I yawned and got to my hooves. Putting my saddlebags back on, I then turned my EFS back on and fiddled with my settings and explored the menus while I woke up. "I forgot about this." I turned on the options for. HUD Entities and Intent Recognition Protocol before changing to the radio. There were several new stations, but I was enjoying the silence by myself.

I opened the inventory sorter and a dialogue box appeared over it. StableTec/MAS foundational systems and framework upgrade request. Y/N?

I tapped yes and found my EFS shutting down as my pipbuck initialized the update and rebooted. A bit of time passed and a little blue pony trotted happily in place on my pipbuck screen. Another series of dialogue boxes appeared.

Framework Patch: FWMAS-SFS_3K_4.1.001

Feature Upgrades:
Eyes-Forward Sparkle Upgrade
Inventory Detection Expansion
Internal Database Expansion
Mapping Intuitiveness
Radio and BiComm Upgrade
StableTec/MAS Employee Accessories

A series of codes ran across my vision as my EFS came back to life. Finally, after the codes quit running, my vision displayed another text box.

Admin Account Created
Systems Engineer, Glimmer Stone
Welcome to MAS Framework 4.1.001

The box disappeared and my usual display returned and that all left me a little confused. "What… just… happened?" I asked the room. How did and why did it register me as a system engineer with administrative access?

"What's that even mean?" I asked no one.

I went back to looking at my pipbuck. The UI of the menus had a somewhat different look to it, it was sleeker looking than before. Looking at the items I was carrying, I noted that everything had been given an approximated value. I found the shotgun which was apparently called an IF-12 Combat Shotgun, valued at 1200 caps.

"Caps? Why? What about bits?" I asked the room again, and without an answer I continued to look at the rest of my very short list. Apparently more than half the potions I was given had been taken or used because I only had two of each kind remaining.

I selected the shotgun as a favorite item, moving it to the top of the list and realized that my pipbuck tracked bullets as well. Showing 3(18) Slugs by its ammunition type.

"Well, I guess I should probably reload that gun before I need it again." I mumbled standing back up and looking about the room.

The events of yesterday seemed like a blur, and not thinking about it would be a challenge for me. From the condition the mission team was in, to the deaths I had caused. Just don't think about it. I thought as I took a deep breath in a futile attempt to push it all from my mind, but all of it persisted.

Fear and anger twisted inside my chest; I couldn’t feel any shred of happiness right now. This wasteland will be a broken and unpredictable place. For Celestia's love and understanding… What has Equestria become?

I took the moment of peace and looked around the room I found myself in. It apparently belonged to the Chief of Security. Inside his desk was a large open bottle of premium Wild Pegasus whiskey in the drawer alongside a couple glasses and a few boxes of really old snack cakes. I took the bottle and the glasses beside it as well as the cakes.

In another drawer was a revolver of some sort. Turning it over in my magic, I could see that it was fully loaded and next to it was a box of ammo, .45 caliber was printed on the packaging. I really need to learn more about all this. All these guns and bullets makes me feel stupid.

Stowing the gun and the extra ammunition for it, I continued to think too hard while sifting through folders of paperwork and a variety of collectables and nic-nacs. I came to two conclusions; Chief Snow Crisp was a bit of a perfectionist and he apparently lived in this office. Everything in here had been kept in a very neat order. From the mundane paperwork of everyday events to the very particular way he displayed his wartime medals and accolades. Even his family photos were straight and meticulously cared for.

Inside a cupboard behind his desk I found a variety of unopened alcoholic drinks that I promptly took. I could see something metal set into the back of that liquor shelf. Taking a closer look showed me that it was a combination lock safe. A rather large one at that. Tapping a couple of its buttons and trying to open it only won me an angry pair of beeps. I closed the cupboard, deciding to come back to it later on. For now, I need to go check on Xeyal.

Leaving the office, the lobby of security was in a bit of a bustle. I could see Coffee Bean and his dad, Espresso Cream, were deep in conversation with Emerald Carrot and Vivid Glare. The four of them were standing around a stockpile of weapons, munitions and explosives. Rust Bracket and Flash Sprocket were talking about different supplies while sharing a terminal screen. My mom and Xeyal were nowhere in sight.

I chose to join Coffee Bean and as I approached them; their conversation died, leaving an awkward silence. Coffee Bean spoke to me first, “Hey there, Glimmer Stone... Are you feeling better?”

Sitting on the floor beside them, I couldn’t find a way to smile. “I’m feeling good. Yep, yep; just fine.” I told him, swinging a hoof in front of me. Still, I felt a bit groggy and now that I really thought about it; I couldn't actually remember falling asleep.

"Sure you are," Espresso said as he gave a dismissing hoof to both Emerald Carrot and Vivid Glare. The pair shared a look before moving off to continue their own discussion. "By the way, you hyperventilated and passed out after saving our asses. We were just as worried about you as you seemed to be about that zebra."

The way he sneered his last word made me hate him, just a little bit. He swept the room with his eyes before addressing me again. "I suppose I owe you a thanks for saving our hides. However, I have a question that my son here can't seem to answer. How did you come to find us? Because I imagine the Overmare hadn't sent you."

I gave a sigh and looked over at Coffee Bean. Fucking really? He had put his hooves up in a shrug with that cheeky grin he’d always worn when I’d order my end-of-shift coffee. It made my face warm up. Probably a fever, yeah… A fever.

Looking up at Espresso Cream made me feel small. I wasn't sure if it was because of his size, or the intimidation of his position. I also didn't know how to go about answering his question. “I was, uh- We were- The three of us had to come here to make sure you all were okay. Coffee had said that you all had little confidence in the safety of this mission and my mother told me the same. I had a feeling you all would need backup… and no, we didn't have her permission...”

Espresso looked from me to his son and back again with a scowl of disapproval. “You two are idiots… You know that by violating the law of the Overmare it means that neither of you nor that zebra will be allowed back into Stable 109.”

Did he just do it again? He did, didn't he? Sneering as though the word itself tasted bad.

He gave a huff and crossed his forelegs across his chest. “Not that it matters now. The two of you are here and there’s no turning back time.”

Coffee Bean still smiled. “That’s fine, we’ll just chase these nasty ghouls out and stay here in the tower. Being a barista wasn’t exactly my idea of a lifetime career anyway.”

How can he just smile like that! I wondered in pure annoyance. Ignoring that, I turned back to Espresso. “Aren’t you the chief of security down there? Wouldn't you be able to make her understand this sort of stuff? I mean it's a mission for the sake of the stable."

“This sort of stuff?” He pondered for a moment, scratching at his chin. “No, this isn’t the sort of stuff she would just overlook, even for the sake of the stable. You both used the teleporter without express permission and brought a zebra with you!"

His exasperated emphasis was really clipping my nerves, but he wasn't some pony I could speak willynilly to…

He continued, "I wouldn't be surprised if there are several other laws that were broken in that process. From my understanding, all three of you are on grounds to be decommissioned as non-essential.”

Rubbing a hoof behind his head, Coffee Bean began being honest. With a damnedable grin! “We were out long past curfew, and she was on shift." He explained flicking a hoof my way. "We set fire to a kitchen. Knocked out a couple guards. Oh, and the Overmare saw the three of us using the teleporter just as we poofed. I gave her a proper salute.” He mimicked the salute for his dad.

A salute? I don’t remember that. I sighed and knocked a hoof against the side of his head. “Idiot.” His dad just chuckled at that, but I didn’t care. Turning back to his dad, he rubbed his head with one hoof. "Sorry."

“You didn’t hear that, did you?” I asked Espresso, giving him the best smile I could muster.

“Yes, I did. Although, it’s nothing Mrs. Beets doesn’t already know about.” He looked from me to his son and back before looking up away from us. As quick as I could think 'huh?' I heard a door close somewhere behind me. Turning around, I saw my mom come out of another office.

I waved her over before turning back to Espresso, "you said Mrs. Beets, that's the Overmare, right?"

He nodded, "I know she doesn't like her name, but Sweet Beets isn't a bad pony. Strict as all hell, but she truly cares about the stable."

Just then my mom took to sitting beside me. She now had her lab coat over her gray pelt and she had fixed her mane. She didn't look at me. Not even a glance. "I've managed to stabilize the zebra, she took one bullet to the shoulder as well as two in the neck and chest, getting the rounds out wasn't difficult but even with healing potions, they tore her up. A collapsed lung and a punctured artery."

Espresso stood. "Right. You and your daughter should stay here with the zebra and my son. Rust, Flash and I are going to scout for storage and clear out the zombies we come across. Vivid Glare and Emerald Carrot are going to keep the halls on this floor guarded."

I started to speak, but Coffee put a hoof to my muzzle, then my mom answered him. "Considering our goals for this mission, that isn't a bad idea. Chances are that the supplies we need will be found on the floors below us. The zebra will still need another day of rest but should make a full recovery.

Espresso gave a nod. "Right, off we go then." With that he stood and joined Rust Bracket and Flash Sprocket by the exit.

My mom looked over at me but rather than saying anything she simply pulled me into a very snug hug. "I'm so happy you came for us; I knew something terrible would happen. When we were separated and captured I just… all I had was a little hope that you were on your way."

I squeezed her tight, taking in her familiar smell, even if she smelt sweaty. She still smelled like she always had, and just having her here now was comforting. "I was so worried!" I could feel tears dampening my cheeks and her shoulder.

When we separated, I levitated her pipbuck out of my bag and gave it to her. "So, I met Grandpa and Grandma, they told me about what I am and why you had to hide it from me. They gave me healing potions and told us that we had to come find you."

She looked over at Coffee Bean. "Please stay here. Glimmer, come with me." She stood and I followed her back to the room she came out of. Inside I saw Xeyal laying on her side across the desk. Everything was thrown off it and all the spare pillows as well as a blanket were tossed on it to make her as comfortable as possible.

"Mom?" I asked as she magicked the door closed behind me. I took a deep breath. "What's going to happen once this is all over? How did you know this would be so dangerous? Why did you ask me to follow you here?"

She didn't answer immediately, opting to find herself a comfortable spot on the carpeted floor to lay down on. Above her, Xeyal sturred and gave a soft groan.

"It's a heavy burden to bear, but I've never liked the way our stable is run. The separation of zebra and pony wasn't supposed to happen. The Overmares have kept themselves in power and forced such separation in a farcical attempt of diplomacy and peace, but all it has accomplished is driving the two groups apart despite being one stable we all should be able to call home." She looked over as one of Xeyals' hooves fell off the desk and hung limply. Using her magic, she gently tucked the hoof back up against Xeyal.

Mom turned back to me, an intensity in her eyes that I'd never seen before. "I helped to organize the zebra rebellion twenty-five years ago. The same one that took your father from me." Her breathing had become more rigid, but her eyes stayed focused. "It was all my fault. All I want is for our stable to thrive as one. The plan moving forward from here is to open this tower to all the ponies and zebras and to force a change in how the stable operates."

Despite the icy chill that ran down my spine, I could agree with that. "So, you believe the Overmare would just step down and let the stable move into the tower? Come on, Mom. We both know how difficult that would be and how everyone else will react to such a situation." I could clearly imagine the skepticism the zebras would have and the paranoia the ponies would feel. None of this would play out like she hopes.

"That may be true, but the zebras of our stable are in no way, shape or form responsible for the atrocities that came about Equestrian soil. Those ponies believe and act like they're living above a curse. Despite the zebras keeping us all alive and healthy." She sighed and looked away. "I know you've seen it. It might have been wrong of me to put you in Talisman Maintenance rather than having you apprentice as a medical pony, but it was for your own good."

I jumped to my hooves at that. "Really? It was you who put a stop to me following your hoof prints? You're the reason they pulled me from the Medic Specialist courses and forced me to take Talismans and Stable Maintenance courses. You do realize that being on the night shift has made it almost impossible for me to have friends, right?" I felt hot with anger, but I tried to keep my volume low; if only for Xeyal. My voice trembled with a slew of emotions.

I continued to vent my frustrations, "Do you realize how dysfunctional Talisman Repair is? We have only three unicorns in the entire stable who can enchant gemstones properly. Yet my department is the least recognized and we all work our tails off. None of us have the time or energy to do anything but work!" I paused to breath as my pitch rose. Bringing it back down, I continued with a different thought. "You know how badly I wanted to learn medicine? Of course not, because you and the educators determined my magic wouldn't be good enough. They told me I had half the magic reserves of a regular unicorn." I deflated and slumped into a sitting position, my hooves tucked and my tail wrapped around them.

"Was it because I'm half zebra? Is that why I wasn't good enough?" My eyes were squeezed shut and I allowed my head to hang, face hidden behind my mane. All I could manage now was to weep until it was all out.

"My Glimmy, you never told me any of this… I was always operating with a belief that you were happy working in maintenance." Her voice was as soft as could be. "I'm sorry for putting you through all of it… but I do need to say, I believe you would have made an excellent medical pony." With that I felt her hoof rest on my shoulder.

I dipped my shoulder letting it slide off. My mom continued, "Tell me this, Glimmer. Did you know that the zebras work two twelve-hour shifts? Did you know they don't have adequate bedding for everyone since all the lodging is on the upper three floors? Did you know they only have two communal shower rooms, both on the third floor?"

I just slowly nodded, That explains why they sleep at their stations.. "I know the unfair work load they're given and I do agree with you on the purpose of an equilibrium. They don't deserve forced servitude, or third-rate rations." I sniffled and rubbed at my leaky nose. "I get it, Mom. I really do… But you kept so much of my life a secret from me and I guess I just…" I inhaled deeply and held it for a moment.

Exhaling, I continued, "I guess I just thought we could have been closer… You've always been distant ever since I got my stupid cutie mark. As soon as I could have my own room. Do you know how that's been? Sure we see each other every few days, but it's always brief and you've always been saving some pony… I guess it just made me feel more worthless."

She pulled me into a tight hug and despite my better effort to stay mad with her, all I could accomplish was slumping into her, crying even harder. "I'm sorry but switching you from medical to maintenance wasn't my idea. I may have had a say in it as you would have apprenticed under me, but ultimately, it was necessary for the stable. I really wanted you to replace me one day, but this all has been coming for a long time. You had to be in Talisman Maintenance in order to ever meet your Dad's parents."

Wrapping my hooves around her, I sniffled and sobbed like a foal. "I wish I could have met him."

A stray cough cut the otherwise silent air and we both looked over to see Xeyal had been spectating. "I never got to know my parents. They both died trying to free us from the Overmare shortly after I was born" She coughed again. "The elders had taken me in and raised me. Having taken my father's position in security as soon as I was old enough to learn how to perform a takedown. They trained me in special combat tactics and I always believed I would have made him proud."

Xeyal gave another couple dry coughs but continued, "the time has finally come to free my family or die trying. That is why I offered my assistance to you. I believe you are the catalyst of change for our home."

"Xeyal…" was all I could choke out. Silver pulled away from me and rounded the desk Xeyal laid on. She pulled a bottle of water from her bag and using her magic, Mom elevated the zebra's head to make it easier for her to drink.

I stood and walked over just as Xeyal finished drinking and my mom gently laid her head back down. "Thank you Xeyal, for being here with me and helping like you have."

"You speak as though I'll die here, but that's incorrect. Now, if you two mares are done arguing; I would greatly appreciate some sleep." She smiled broadly at me before closing her topaz eyes. "Thank you, Silver Torrent. For all that you have done and will do."

"It's been worth it, now get some rest." Mom told her before turning and waving me toward the door.

No one was in the main room and the stillness reminded me of that hidden wall safe. "Hey mom, when I woke up, I gave that room a quick search and I found something I'd like you to see. It's in the other office -- this way."

We started toward the office I'd woken up in and she gave me a quizzical sideway glance. "What is it?" She asked as we entered the room. I guided her around the desk and opened the cupboard that hid the wall safe.

"I don't think it's been opened in a very long time." I told her as she examined the keypad. "I don't have a clue where to start, I looked around but I hadn't seen anything looking like a combination code."

She gave a thoughtful hum as she glanced around the room looking for something. She rifled through the desk, the filing cabinet and all the furniture, even looking under the couch and chair cushions. Turning to the terminal, she hooked her pipbuck to it and easily cracked its code. "Damnit. No unlock function. This Snow Crisp guy probably had his codes memorized."

"He seemed to be a perfectionist, everything's labelled and dated and organized." I walked around to the front of the desk. A hefty metal triangle that read, Chief Snow Crisp. Itsat centered at the front of the desk. Picking it up and rotating it in my magic. On the bottom it read 11095011 "Mom, I think I found it."

She looked over from the terminal and smiled. "Smart! I guess he never changed the combo. Shall we take a look?" She got down in front of the safe, "ready, read it out."

I did so and the door opened. Putting the heavy name plaque back in its place, I rounded the desk and pressed my cheek against hers so we both could peer into it.

"Can I have it?" I asked her sheepishly.

Inside the safe were a pair of orbs that swirled with thick silvery smoke. in front of them laid a weathered pistol and a box labelled .38 ammunition. On a smaller shelf just above that was a pile of folders and some paperwork on a clipboard.

"I don't know what they are." My mom said, using her magic, she took the pistol and inspected it. "I for one believe Mr. Crisp won't be needing this. It's pretty old and well taken care of, probably modified."

I could see an etching on the barrel. PVT S. Crisp "It must have been his first firearm." I told her before looking back at the orbs. On the other side of the barrel, it read Temptation.

Taking one of them in my magic, I looked into it a little closer and as I did so, the smoke seemed to reach out to me as the world fell away.

Okay. This is weird. I felt a sharp panic rising, but my heart rate retained its slow and steady beat. I took a mental note, this wasn't my body. For one, I was now taller. Secondly, I was a male unicorn.

Where the hell am I? I thought as I looked from a very pretty and healthy mare to a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. We appeared to be standing near the outskirts of a sprawling city and above it all, off in the distance I saw a castle standing tall, made of crystal. The mare next to me gave a giggle, "First time seeing the Crystal Empire?"

I turned back to her and felt a big grin cross my cheeks, In a voice much deeper than mine, "First time here. Baltimare keeps me rather busy." I took a deep breath, the cool clean air smelt of fresh grass and flowers, ponies with perfume, and the smoke of the coal powered train.

Is this what it was like? Is this what Equestria used to be? I was walking, the mare next to me matching my pace. "I'm excited for this vacation." We weaved between ponies and it surprised me that a lot of the ponies here looked like none I'd ever seen before. Ponies that twinkled as if made of precious stone.

She gave a giggle, "Well, at least you won't forget it with that silly looking recollector on your head." She bumped her rump against mine, "Our dinner reservation is at the palace in four or five hours, why don't we go shopping first?"

The pony I was in came to an abrupt stop and smiled at the cream coated mare. "Anything, love. Just point it out."

The mare looked down and rubbed her belly before looking back up, "I do need some new dresses, my others are hardly fitting right now." A giggle and a wink made my face warm up and that smile of hers got my heart rate up.

Oh! She's pregnant. The two of us continued walking, my eyes focused on the castle in the distance. The whole thing glistened in the warm sunshine. Some of the ponies we passed snickered at us and the mare leaned close to me and whispered, "you might want to take that tiara off."

"Yeah, it is a bit weird." I told before using my magic to remove the recollector. Wait!

I blinked and awoke slowly. "W- What in Luna's dream just happened?" I found myself laying on the couch and my mom sitting next to me.

When she realized I was awake, she thanked Celestia, "I'd like to know that too, one minute you're talking to me and the next you were asleep on the floor."

I rubbed my forehead as I thought about what had happened. "It was weird. I was Chief Snow Crisp… I… He and his wife were vacationing to a place called Crystal Empire. There were ponies there who had crystalline bodies and I guess he recorded his experience using a special thing called a recollector. At least, that's what the mare he was with called it."

"You were asleep for almost an hour. You still talk in your sleep by the way." My mom smiled and turned around. Standing up, I went over to the desk where everything had been moved. "I pulled it all out and have been reading through the documents."

Off to the side with the two orbs, lay a clean blank envelope with a piece of twine securing a key to it. Despite my curiosity, I didn't mess with it. "Anything we should know about in them?"

She nodded slowly; her brow furrowed. "This MAS Hub had been used for testing experimental magic." She flipped open one of the thick folders. "Incident reports that were deemed classified."

"Really? Like what?" I asked as I pulled over one of the folders.

"Everything from zebra weapons and tools to experimental spells and unique enchantments. There are some pretty dangerous things here, and this barely scratches the surface. This hub is used to store anything magical with the intent to understand and reverse engineer it. We have megaspells here too."

"Megaspells? What's a megaspell?" I asked her. All she could do was give me a shrug.

"I would have to guess, and I really don't want to. All I do know is that they were the ultimate weapons that ended the war." She opened the drawer of the desk and put the documents in it. "Now, about these orbs, you said it put you in a memory?"

"Yeah. It was one of Snow Crisp's memories. It was of him and his wife taking a vacation." I walked over to the wall of photos, "She looked a little younger than I am now, and she was pregnant."

"You know, they look happy together." She indicated the row of photographs that hung on the walls.

"You should view the memory too. The beauty of old Equestria… It was wonderful -- besides being a guy." I chuckled a little.

"I'm curious about the other one. Can I?" I asked, putting a hoof on one of the orbs.

"I don't see why not. We have plenty of time with not a lot to do." She smiled and took to sitting at the desk. "I'll study the tower from here." She told me as she began browsing the chief's computer terminal.

"Sounds good, but before I take a nap… What's up with the letter and key? Weren't you curious about that?" I asked her as I hoofed the unviewed orb onto the couch. It bounced but settled into the corner of the cushions.

She magicked the key and envelope up. "I haven't a clue to be honest, I figured the key goes to something not here, so why bother with it?"

Taking the letter out of the air, I opened it and pulled out the single sheet of paper.

To my lovely Crispy Snowball,

If you've received this note, then I never returned from my mission. Please take good care of our son and make sure he knows his mother loved him dearly.

Attached to this is a very important key that opens a door no pony can see, even though you have looked right into it. We had fun, you and me. You were my love, my life; and nowhere else could I find the peace you brought me. Beyond my flower of you and below the hemlock grove, you'll find it there.

Just know that whatever happens and regardless of what happened to me… I'll always be with you.

Forever yours, Crème de Menthe

That made my heart hurt a little. "It's a riddle in a love letter." They were clearly in love and then the war destroyed it.

Trotting over and laying on the couch, I used magic to levitate the orb like before, but continued to look at the photos around that decorated this room. After a minute of silence, I looked into the swirling orb and closed my eyes. I felt my senses dull for a moment as everything drifted away.

This time I was immediately aware of the body I was in. A male unicorn… checking himself out in a mirror. The white pony with a crisp icy blue mane that was chopped short. I smiled and looked over myself once more, correcting my off centered tie. On top of my head sat a tiara. I would have to agree with Crème. That recollector device looked ridiculous.

Despite being old enough to be my own dad, I'd have to admit that Snow Crisp was a dashing unicorn. Fitted with a white tuxedo and a red tie over a black collared shirt with just the top button left undone. Turning and leaving the small restroom, Snow made his way to a dining table at the edge of a restaurant. I could see that the table had a waitress picking up plates. She left the table and I smiled, seeing the beauty of Crème de Menthe waiting. Her light mint mane was loosely tied back and decorated with lily flowers.

Snow's heart raced as she smiled and waved a hoof as he approached. Taking my seat and levitating a tall slender glass, he took a sip and I tasted an alcohol I'd never had before. It had a light burning sensation and my nose filled with a smell that cleared my sinuses. It smelt simply delectable, if not a bit fruity. I wanted more of it, but he put the glass down.

"My dear Crème. Please don't laugh at me for this." He told her as she chuckled into a folded hoof.

Her answer was just perfect, "It is a silly hat. Though, it suits you nicely, princess Snowdrop."

"I can agree with that."

Yes! He levitated the glass again and took another, larger, drink. Whatever it is, he likes it as much as I do. I could feel him flex as he took a deep breath. He stood and moved around the table to stand beside her. In a swift movement he bowed and was holding something up to her.

"My dear Crème de Menthe, will you marry me?" I asked with all of his confidence.

She took a bracelet decorated with rubies and emeralds from the box I held up and snapped it onto her foreleg's wrist. I looked up at her to see tears bubbling over in her eyes. A huge smile across her face. "Yes! Yes, oh yesyesyes! Of course I will! You are my Crispy Snowball after all."

I stood just in time to catch her as she dove forward into a hug. Feeling her warmth made Snow smile but left him speechless. The two separated a little but still held one another before sharing a long kiss.

1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10…11…

GET ON WITH IT! I thought as they slowly but surely transitioned their passion for one another into something hotter.

Finally, the two separated and she blushed intensely, Snow looked around the room and almost every pony sat in silence, some even ventured from their seats to create a semi-circle. Someone in the crowd started a slow clap that seemed to spread through the gathered ponies. Sure enough, it climaxed with a pony cheering too hard, he passed out, foaming at the mouth.

Both Snow and Crème were blushing profusely, She downed the remainder of her alcohol and I magicked over the bottle, refilled her glass and then took a swig straight from it. Looking at its label, it read Pinot Noir, Canterlot Peak Winery.

The pair smiled and Crème gave me a soft peck on the cheek. "Let's go back to my place, it's not far from here."

Looking her in the eyes, they were an even lighter shade of green than her mane and twinkled with something akin to lust. She winked at me and levitated her glass close by, refilling it nearly to the brim before refilling mine as well.

The crowd had backed off, a few helped the guy who got too excited. We exited to the street and wandered along for a bit, enjoying the silent calmness of the night. A few ponies walked and talked, others were closing up shops and only a few carts were moving through the streets. "It's a beautiful full moon tonight." She said in a much more relaxed voice. It was a sweet voice; one I could tell calmed Snow.

He took in a deep breath, the cool air outside smelt of baked goods and perfume. "It truly is the best night of my life. That bracelet does look wonderful on you."

"I have a gift for you when we get home." She said in a voice that was light and soft yet intimidating and made my whole body warm up… especially parts I didn't want to think about.

He and I shared the same thought then because he downed his glass of wine. "How much further? I don't think I've ever seen your home."

We must have been having a good time, because after only a turn or two, the building had shifted from shops to homes and she came to a stop in front of one that had a fence and a stairway leading up to a cosy little house, single story but in a great location. "Nice place." I looked up at the full moon and smiled.

She had opened the fence gate and was halfway up the stairs before she stopped and looked back. "You coming?"

He finally looked at her, "Of course." He took a drink and followed her up and into the house. She used her magic to turn lights on. The home was cozy and as soon as the door closed behind me, she had hooves around my neck and her mouth pressed to mine in a sudden lust.

Nononono! I could feel his shock and pleasant surprise. His body obviously knew what was to come next.

She pulled away and smiled. Taking the bottle in her hoof and took a drink to match my last one. "Time to take that stupid hat off." She said before turning away and walking away. "I'm going to go clean up. Please, make yourself comfortable." She gave a seductive look and a little smirk before dipping around a corner.

I could hear a door close and a moment later a faucet began running. Snow Crisp took the opportunity to case the home. She had a tasteful art on her walls, landscapes and abstract pieces. She seemed to be a minimalist, the furniture was sparsely placed and looked unused or just very clean.

Livingroom, kitchen, dinner nook, an office and her bedroom across from the bathroom she was currently using. He opted for the office, inside was a desk with several tools used for creating maps and charts along with several filing cabinets and a StableTec terminal. "Cartography? For StableTec?"

He left the room undisturbed and went to explore her bedroom. She had the same design schemes here, the bed was a comfortable queen size covered messily with pillows and blankets, there were several articles of clothing scattered across the floor and a desk with hair care products and different types of brushes.

He left the room and returned to the living room. Snow Crisp took a seat in an armchair beside the couch. Taking a swig of wine, he seemed to be thinking because he just swished the wine from cheek to cheek as he stared at the table in front of him. Nothing was on the table except for a vase that held a bundle of light blue mums.

Above the couch was a framed watercolor painting of a huge hemlock tree by itself surrounded by flowers and more distant trees.

A hoof ran along my shoulders and a second touched my shoulder. Snow Crisp leaned his head back and smiled up to a beautiful mare who kissed him gently on the forehead.

"You still have that stupid tiara on." She said quietly as I watched her round the chair. Using her magic, she undid his tie and jacket.

Crap… Here we go. I thought.

She pushed a lever and the chair readjusted. The backrest reclined and the bottom kicked out. She gave a smirk and readjusted on top of him. She wore nothing now and she made it very clear what she was after. She sipped at the wine as she began massaging his chest with her hooves.

He helped her out by magically removing the clothing himself and tossing it aside. With another firm kiss she pressed herself against his body. "I can't wait any longer, Crisp. Take it off already."

He laughed and removed it…

My eyes sprung open, and I leapt up from the couch. Landing on all four hooves I felt hot and sweaty. Mom was now sitting next to the couch, near where my head had been. She snickered, trying not to laugh. "You okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah, of course I am. How long was I out?" I asked as I sat. As soon as my ass hit the floor though I hopped back to my hooves. "Oh Luna, don't tell me…"

Looking under me I could see I was dripping. I sighed and looked over at my mom, laughing. "You just spent a solid half hour cooing and moaning in your sleep."

"It wasn't even that exciting!" I countered but felt a blush wash over my face. "Damn it…" I grumbled looking over at the huge wet spot on the couch where I'd been laying.

Giving up, I shrugged off the embarrassment. "Mom, give me a break." I sighed and levitated a bottle of alcohol out of my bag with the two crystal glasses. "Want to try this?"

She gave me her best fake frown, "Glimmer Stone, we're on a mission and that is contraband."

"Yeah? Well then, I'll drink this stuff on my own. Mission be damned, it's been too long!" Uncapping it and pouring myself a full glass, I sat the bottle next to us on the corner of the desk.

My mom gave an eye roll and levitated the bottle over to fill the other glass halfway. "As far as I'm aware, you've never drank before. So, since we have another day or so, I may as well share this drink with you. My beautiful daughter that I love oh-so much!"

I smiled broadly and the two of us clinked our glasses together. "Cheers, Mom!"

Footnotes:
Level Up! Lv. 3
Perk Unlocked; Rationale - Rank 1
You can think on your hooves! Especially under the influence.
+1 Strength, +1 Charisma, -1 Intellect when drinking or drunk. However, You ignore minor injuries and minor ailments.