As the night progressed and the partying intensified, more and more people had begun to let loose and have fun, many at the expense of their dignities. The party had ramped up to an uncontrollable chaos that Professor Discord would have found exciting.

However, Sunset wasn't fazed by this in the slightest. While there was an uncomfortable vibe about the craziness of the people participating in the festivities, it wasn't anything that Sunset hadn't experienced before. In the parties that she'd attended with Rainbow Dash, this was just how things were.

She'd reassured Flash a few times that things would be fine as long as they paced themselves. Only partaking of the lightest of beverages the party had to offer, while jamming out to the Mu Pi’s DJ’s song selection, which consisted mostly of lively rock songs and hopping pop songs. In fact, they had been jamming out and singing along as a well known song came over the loudspeakers.

“Hey now you're an all-star
Get your game on
Go play
Hey now you're a rockstar
Get the show on
Get paid

All that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold”

Sunset and Flash had their arms around each other's shoulders as they were filled with laughter in their fun while taking in the bombastic atmosphere around them in which many were doing the same.

“See? I told you everything was going to be alright." Sunset said as she removed a balloon hat off her head and placed it on some girl passing by.

Flash nodded in concession with a slight chuckle, both at himself and at the fact that Sunset just placed a balloon on some stranger’s head. “Yeah, yeah. You were right. I was being a worry wart. Sorry for doubting."

“You're forgiven. So are you going to keep talking or are you going to kiss me already?" Sunset fluttered her eyes and grinned flirtatiously at Flash.

Flash, who normally would have been taken by surprise at Sunset’s advances, was not as repressed as he could be at times this time around, so he shrugged and smiled as they pulled each other close for a kiss.

For a moment, they paid no mind to anything going on around them, the music itself being drowned out. When their lips separated, Flash looked at her with a smile, causing Sunset to do the same. She laughed in her elation and rested her head on his chest for a minute. Flash wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace.

“I'm so glad we came here tonight.” Sunset said as she lifted her face back up to make eye contact with him. “It's nice to have something that I can be excited for myself for a change.”

“I hear you loud and clear." Flash said, moving a stray strand of her hair back. “This whole thing… with us. It’s better than before."

“Totally." Sunset said. “We're not the same miserable people we were the first time. Not trying to be something that we’re not, not trying to be the center of attention… I've had more fun with you on this first day back together, than I think we did the entire first time we dated."

“Maybe we should stop bringing it up, then. And look to the future.” Flash said with a wink.

A warm sensation came upon her as she realized that he was right. “I couldn't agree more. Moving forward."

“I don't know about you, but all this moving has me working up an appetite.” Flash said with a wink.

“Way to kill the mood.” Sunset jested with a wink to make sure he knew she was kidding. "I'm feeling a little bit hungry myself. Let's go see the fondue that Pinkie was raving about earlier.”

“You read my mind!” Flash said, following her to the refreshment tables.

As they worked on gathering some of the various items of food selection. There was fondue, slider sandwiches, nacho chips with cheese dip, and even some risky items like some dried spicy peppers.

Flash, trying to show off, downed one of them without thinking twice. That had been a mistake as his eyes started to water and his mouth felt like it was on fire.

Sunset quickly grabbed him a cup of milk that had been one of the premade drinks sitting near the peppers for that reason. Flash quickly drank the milk and the burning sensation dissipated over the next few minutes.

“No more peppers, Flash.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” He coughed and took another swig of milk.

Over the next few minutes, they had finally gotten Flash feeling good enough to keep trying items from the snack table, making a mental note to bypass anything else that was spicy. But it was then that they were surprised by the sudden appearance of the one who'd invited them to the party.

“Sunset Shimmer.” Jake said, addressing her as he emerged from a crowd of people. “I see that you and Flash decided to accept my invitation. Glad you made it.”

“Glad to be here. I won't lie, we were a bit nervous at first, but it's been really fun so far. “

“As it should be.” Jake said with a crooked smile that had a slight edge that Flash just barely caught. “I do hope you’ve found our party to be enjoyable. And I do want to apologize for the behavior of my peers yesterday. It was quite inappropriate.”

“Water under the bridge, right Flash?” Sunset looked over a Flash with a smile, and noticed him looking at Jake with a hint of suspicion. She raised an eyebrow at him when she’d noticed it, and Flash quickly shook his head and nodded to her.

“Right. Under the bridge.” He said with a nervous chuckle.

Jake didn't respond any further to that, but instead changed the subject. “I’m heading back upstairs to partake of a celebratory wine with some of my friends to officially usher in the summer season. Care to join us as a display of goodwill and no hard feelings?”

“Sure!” Sunset said graciously, grabbing Flash by the arm. “We would love to.”

“Yeah, I guess that would be okay.” Flash said, trying to get rid of his suspicions. Perhaps he’d misjudged. Jake seemed to be genuinely repentant on behalf of Jock and Muscles. Aside from a few questionable glances he’d made towards him, Jake seemed to be genuine in his approach. Flash quickly decided to take it easy, and relax his tensed body as Jake motioned for them to follow him into the house.

Once inside, they walked through the living area and they were led by Jake to the staircase that led to the highest level rooms for the highest ranking of their house. Once upstairs, they were led into the ‘house leader’s’ room, where Jock, Muscles, and Moose had been waiting for them. Flash tensed up again at the sight of Jock and Muscles, not going unnoticed by Jake.

“Ah, yes. I forgot to mention that our friends joining us are two you’re familiar with. Not to worry, Flash. They’ve promised to be on their best behavior for now. Right boys?” He said as they walked into the room and Jock and Muscles were sitting on the couch, waiting for them.

Jock and Muscles didn’t say anything with words but they nodded. For some reason, Muscles was grinning as if he was anticipating or was excited about something. Almost like he’d heard an inside joke. A quick and stern glare from Jake curtailed this, however.

Odd, thought Flash. Though those thoughts were short lived as Jake pulled out an unlabeled glass bottle with a maroon colored substance within it and began pouring it into the glass cups he had set out. Moose passed them out to everyone. Once everyone had one, Jake held his out, and everyone mirrored him.

“A toast, to… friendship”

“….to friendship” they chorused.

Flash had been wary of this but noticed how there were no signs of foul play, and that the cups they all were drinking came out of the same bottle, so it was clearly safe. He quelled those thoughts quickly as everyone else had started to drink their glasses, so he quickly followed suit.

Perhaps, he thought as he looked over at Sunset, who was clearly having fun. Perhaps this was going to be okay after all.

“Okay, so what should we do?” asked Rainbow, noting that Twilight was showing signs of loopiness due to drinking the spiked punch.

Fluttershy looked over at Twilight, who she was sitting beside, and noticed that she’d perked up a bit. “I don’t-…”

“Hey, hey girls…” Twilight said as she shot up suddenly, cutting off Fluttershy. “Let’s just have a little bit of fun…” her eyes were slightly widened and she began to smile awkwardly, and her nervous demeanor appeared to have vanished. All while she awkwardly tried to straighten up her glasses but to no avail due to how out of it she was. “I mean that is why we’re here, right? To have some fuuuun?” Her straight playing, by the book demeanor quickly changed to a carefree, not thinking before you act demeanor. Catching the others, especially Rainbow way off guard.

“Yeah but, you drank that spiked punch, are you really sure it’s a good idea for you to-…” Pinkie started.

“Shhhhhhhhh.” Twilight said, suddenly putting her finger over Pinkie’s mouth, letting out a lazy laugh. “I’m fine. Let’s just forget about it and have some fuuuuuuun. Oh, look!” Twilight said, pointing at the ‘bucking bull’ ride that Pinkie was surprised that Applejack wasn’t in line for. “We should do that.”

“Yeah, no. Bad idea Twilight. That thing will throw you into the ocean blue if you try to ride it. No offense. ” Rainbow said, stopping her bookworm friend dead in her tracks as she started towards the ride. “Besides…” Rainbow said as she finally reached over and fixed Twilight’s glasses straight, as it was starting to bother her. Had Twilight been in her right mind, that would have really bothered her, and how strange it was that Rainbow suddenly found herself caring about it. “We wouldn’t want anything to happen to your glasses.”

“Fine…” Twilight said in a pouting stance, but she quickly perked up again when she noticed a conga line forming with some bouncy music playing in the background. “Let’s do that instead!”

Fluttershy would be the next to speak up. “I don’t see any harm in that. It actually looks like fun.” She giggled at the thought.

Rainbow nodded. If Fluttershy thinks it’s okay, then surely it would be fine. “Okay, yeah for sure! Conga lines are a blast!”

“Then what are we waiting for?!?” Shouted Pinkie, getting swept up in the moment. “Leeeeeet’s CONGA!”

Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Twilight all jumped into the line at the same time and began to enjoy themselves once again.

For a second there, things appeared to be taking a bad turn, but thankfully the conga line saved their nights. For now.

Elsewhere, things appeared to be going alright for Rarity. Applejack had stuck around to support her, but Rarity noticed that AJ had just started her second bottle of Hard Apple Ale.

“Yes, I do hope you follow my page on social media. It’s called ‘Carousel Boutique’. I’ve got my Summer Line well underway with more to come. I have a small store in Canterlot Town that I hope to expand into a larger one soon. If you have any questions, my DMs are always open. Thank you so much for your interest.” Rarity said to a couple of girls who’d been at the party. They appeared to be genuinely interested in what Rarity had to offer, and were willing to follow her on social media.

“Oooh! This is so wonderful!” Rarity cheered gleefully. “Nothing like a calculated risk paying off. I can't wait to show Dusk when he arrives!”

Zephyr had been sitting nearby watching as Rarity and Applejack had been talking to them. Normally, he would have been eager to flirt, but he recognized these girls. Two of them had been in that trio of girls he’d struck out with on the first day they’d arrived at Waytona. He narrowed his eyes as he looked up and down at the one who’d punched him in the eye.

“Snooty little… grrrrrr…”

Zephyr sourly watched on, leaning against a wooden post sticking up out of the ground. He scoffed at how friendly those were being to Rarity, feeling a bit bitter that they treated him like dirt. Even though, in actuality he definitely deserved it. Having seen enough, he bitterly trudged off in search of someone else to woo.

“Oh, Applejack! This has been a simply wonderful experience! The girls here have been so nice. That’s been my fifth and sixth contact that I’ve made now.” she paused as she saw Applejack chugging a bottle. “Uh, Applejack? Are you alright darling?”

“Couldn’t be better!” AJ chuckled after downing the last bit of what was in her second bottle.

“Eh, I think maybe you’ve had enough.”

“Hey… y-y’all don’t tell me when Ah’ve had ‘nuff. Ya hear?” She said with an awkward grin on her face, her face as red as the apples she picked back home.

“Oh, Applejack…” Rarity shook her head.

“Calm down, Rarity.” AJ chuckled playfully. “Ah’m jist joshin’… sorta.” She said as she tossed the empty bottle in a nearby trash receptacle. Her aim was precise as ever, so clearly she was still somewhat in control.

“Right…” she said, rolling her eyes. As glad as she was that Applejack was there, her drinking antics were eventually going to become a problem, and she wasn’t looking forward to it. She only hoped that Dusk and Ray would make it before that happened.

Speaking of them, Rarity had been understanding after Twilight gave her reasoning as to why she had asked them to stay behind to make sure Singer made it alright, but her texts to them had gone unanswered, and there was no sign of them anywhere and she was beginning to grow concerned.

Had she been paying attention behind her, however, she would have seen Singer trodding by a few minutes ago, and she had literally just missed Ray and Dusk as they ran by, still desperately trying to track Singer down.

The dynamic duo of Ray and Dusk had finally made their way to the party. The former had been skimming through the crowds of people that were partying, trying to find Singer, while the latter was worried about his girlfriend, Rarity.

Ray noticed Dusk frantically trying to find her, and quickly picked up on this. It was his duty as his best friend to help him get back on the right track.

“Hey, bud. Real talk. Rarity’s gonna be fine. I’m sure once we explain everything, she’ll understand.”

“I… I know. It’s just that I should have been here with her.”

“I’ll give you credit for even agreeing to come here.” Ray said, patting Dusk on his shoulder. “It takes a good deal of effort to even come to busy places like this,especially if you’re not exactly a people person. But you roughed it out not only for Rarity, but for your friends, too. And you’re a good friend for that. But right now, one of our friends is out there and he needs us.”

“Thank you, Ray.” Dusk said, smiling genuinely at him. “You’re right. Though, there isn’t a part of me that wouldn’t like anything more than to go back to the hotel and hit the pillow.”

“You and me both dude.” Ray said as his gaze diverted off to the right. “Wait, is that a bouncy house? I freaking love bouncy houses!”

“Ray…”

“Right. Find Singer first... Then, bouncy house?”

“Then bouncy house.” Dusk echoed with a hint of a chuckle as he worked on loosening up, followed by a squee from Ray.

“Please forget I did that.”

“Forget you did what?” Smirked Dusk.

“Good man.” Ray said as they both moved along.

With that, they pressed on searching through the crowd. Just barely missing the conga line making its way through where they just were.

Sunset’s opinion on the drink they’d partaken in wasn’t favorable, but she tried, for the sake of politeness, to seem as thankful as she could. Though, she’d noticed that Jock and Muscles didn’t appear to like the drink either.

She stood with Flash by the door, making sure to smile whenever any of the others addressed her. Flash looked like he’d cut loose slightly and began to enjoy himself a bit. His guard was down and he’d even made conversation with Jock and Muscles, who admittedly were still acting a bit strange, but Sunset dismissed it as probably being part of their natural behavior.

The tone began to shift when Jake broke the conversations and demanded attention.

“As fun as this exchange has been, Jock, Muscles. I believe you two have matters to attend to.”

“Oh, yeah. Right.” Jock said as he motioned for Muscles to follow him. “Let’s go.” And with that, the two frat guys hopped up from their chairs and filed out.

Flash cleared his throat as he awkwardly shuffled one of his feet. “Hey uh, Jake? I hate to ask, but is there a restroom I could use?”

“Yes, downstairs near the entrance to the kitchen.” Informed Jake.

“Thanks.” Flash said as he kissed Sunset lightly on the cheek. “I’ll be back in a few.”

“Don't take too long." she said before blushing. “I mean, take as long as you need. Not that it's any of my business." She stopped herself as she noticed Flash was trying not to laugh." Okay, stop you!”

Neither of them noticed that Jake was standing off to the side, rolling his eyes. “Give me a break” he muttered to himself.

They exchanged an awkward moment of silence before Flash couldn't wait any longer and had to go.

A smile stayed on Sunset's face for a few moments more before she diverted her attention back to Jake." Sorry about that, I got caught up in the moment there.”

“It's fine.” Jake said, hiding his irritation well. He picked up his glass and walked over to the window that led out to the balcony. “I'm quite happy that you came tonight, Sunset. I hope you've enjoyed yourself."

“Yeah, this party was awesome." she said. “You frat guys know how to party.”

“It's not just our fraternity. Waytona is far more than a tourist town with a beach. We are the home of a proud and prestigious university. We aim to be the best and win."

“Admirable…" Sunset said, finally putting her wine glass down. “But uh, isn't that kind of the goal of every university? To ‘be the best’? Kinda redundant isn't it?"

“Hmmmm… I suppose it is…" he said softly, drumming his fingers on the table next to him. “But few can actually back up that claim.”

“I suppose so.” Sunset said, taking a seat on one of the chairs. “What are you getting at?"

“I'm only letting you know that we are one of those few."

“I'm sure you are.” Sunset said, joining him out on the balcony. “But everyone has their day. I'm sure even you guys have your slumps in one aspect or another."

“Not really. We pretty much do what it takes to win and we do it well. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it? Winning?"

“I'm failing to grasp where this is heading, Jake. Why are you telling me all of this?"

“At Waytona University, Waytona Downtown, and the Mu Pi Fraternity house, we strive for excellence, and results. No matter what. Something that I know you’re all too familiar with.”

“Uh…”

“I heard there was once a time where you yourself would do anything to get what you want, yes?” Jake looked at her with a side eye and a smirk.

That last part didn't sit well with Sunset. Especially from the tone he'd used when he'd said it. She nervously swished the glass of wine around while she thought of something else to say. She could tell that this conversation was about to get uncomfortable and starting to go downhill fast.

Outside, the partying continued on. Bobbing for apples, beer pong, ball pits, bouncy houses, even piñatas filled with who-knows-what. There were no shortages of things to do, or things to get lost in with all of the people hanging around the party.

As Singer stumbled along, somehow managing to miss making contact with anyone he knew, to many people he walked by, he was just another college guy dealing with the side effects of partying. His vision was starting to get a little wonkier by the moment, seeing pink elephants and everything looking distorted at times. His awareness of his surroundings dissipated more and more. He stumbled along, unwittingly collecting a few souvenirs as he went. Many came in the form of glow stick rings that were being placed on him by some crazy people that he'd passed by.

Even in this state, his thoughts still came back to Twilight. He wanted to find her so bad, mostly because he really wanted a hug. She gave him the best hugs. Don’t tell his mom, but it was true.

He kept looking but had no luck in finding her. He wasn't aware of where she was or what she was currently going through, he just knew that he wanted to be with her. Had he turned around, he would have seen her in the conga line passing behind him where several people including her, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy were currently having fun, going by equally as oblivious to his presence as he was to theirs.

“Ugh… where are you, Twi?” he said as he pulled out his phone, only to be reminded that his phone was dead. “Dang it…”

Dusk and Ray, after several minutes of looking, had finally gotten close to their wandering friend and Dusk pointed him out as soon as he saw him just ahead of where they were standing.

“Singer!" Dusk called out, catching his attention.

Their red haired friend turned around upon hearing his name. However, his mind was playing tricks on him as the blinking lights mixed with the darkness of the night distorted their images, making them looking like goons sent to get him.

“Come on, Singer!" Ray called out. “We gotta find the others.”

Singer gasped in fear as the two figures he didn’t recognize as his friends drew closer to him. They looked more like flashing ghosts due to all of the flashing lights shining on and off of them, giving them a shadowy appearance. How in the world did they know his name?

“Get away!” he recoiled in a panic. “I'm warning you, I know karate!" He bowed up and took a fighting stance to try to intimidate them, but all he managed to do was confuse them.

“What?” Dusk inquired, a bit surprised by this reaction, as he momentarily stopped. “Singer, quit playing around, we’re just trying to help!”

“Liar!” Singer shouted in a slightly different voice he had in his mental catalog, sounding like a drunken Anakin Skywalker. “I knew the government was after me! You’ll never take me alive!”

“Crap!” exclaimed Ray. "He’s losing it. It's only a matter of time before he takes it out on some younglings. We need to get him fast.”

Dusk just stared at him blankly. “What?" A moment passed before he figured out what Ray was referring to.

“You know…”

“Oh, right. How silly of me.” Dusk said as he shook his head as it dawned on him.

“Really, dude. You’re the bigger Star Wars nut than I am… we’re getting off track. We need to go!”

Dusk needed no further instruction as he and Ray darted after Singer, causing him to retreat.

“You gotta be kidding me!" Ray said as he ran alongside Dusk.

Singer slipped between groups of people, running the best he could. One advantage that Dusk and Ray had was that they hadn't had any alcohol to drink and they weren't being inhibited by the stuff. But Singer was surprisingly spry and nimble in spite of his condition. This made it a little difficult as they gave chase.

He'd managed to momentarily give them the slip a few times, only for the people he'd hid behind to move out of the way, exposing his position again. In one instance, he’d hid behind a romantic couple making out on a bench, in another he hid behind a golf cart that moved almost as fast as he hid behind it. But every time they’d catch him in the act of hiding terribly, he’d still manage to give them the slip.

This endless cycle continued on. Which was bad news for Dusk and Ray as this would start to tire them even more than they already were if it perused too much longer.

Singer managed to duck under a limbo stick ahead of the person who was going next, who didn't seem to mind. Dusk and Ray just split and each ran one direction around the group, promptly apologizing for their friend's antics as they passed by the confused limbo-ers.

Soon, Singer had found himself trapped because they found a less dense area due to the lack of people at the moment, they were able to catch the slowing Singer, and cornered him at the entrance of the ball pit.

“Alright, Singer…” Dusk said, catching his breath. “Not… another… move…"

“You're… coming… with us…” Ray said in the same manner.

Singer nervously looked around as Dusk and Ray continued to close on him, before smirking as he turned his face back towards them.

“What's he doing?" Ray said.

“Singer… No…" Dusk barked.

“Don't do it, dude!"

Singer crouched down and lunged like a cat into the ball pit, garnering collective groans from Dusk and Ray.

“Well, you wanted to get in the ball pit, Ray." moaned Dusk.

“Bouncy house, Dusk. I wanted to get in the bouncy house…"

“Same difference…”

“No it's not!”

“Ray…”

“Fine! We both go!” Ray said as he jumped head first into the ball pit with Dusk following suit.

Both of them looked around for a moment after emerging from the multicolored plastic balls that resided in the pit. There was no second entrance or exit. There was no way he could have escaped.

“Where is he?" Ray huffed begrudgingly.

Dusk looked around and saw nothing. “Surely he didn't escape. There's no conceivable way he could have evaded us that fast.”

“Bazinga!” Singer said as he popped up from behind him.

Dusk and Ray for a split second looked at each other and then to him and abruptly started to rapidly push the plastic balls out of the way as they moved closer to him. But to their foil, he sunk back down. No longer there when they reached where he'd been standing, he popped up again at another corner of the pit. "Bazinga!”

“Come on!” Ray shrieked as he pounced and unfortunately missed his target. He was too fast.

“I'll go this way, and you go that way.” Dusk said. "He can't keep this up for long.”

Ray nodded and the two friends parted ways and waited at a different part of the ball pit, only for Singer to appear right at the center right in between where they were standing. “Bazinga!”

“Gotcha!” Ray said as he and Dusk both lunged forward.

This proved to be to their detriment as Singer ducked down again, right before they met causing them to crash into each other head to head.

“Ow!" they both said as they sunk down into the pit, stunned by the collision.

Singer popped up to see that they'd disappeared, so he took this moment to escape, going back out the entrance he came in through.

Dusk and Ray both rose up, both fuming with anger and feeling the agony of defeat, and their head on collision.

“He was right there…” Ray said. "Right there!”

“Come on…” sighed Dusk. "If I have to spend another moment in here, I'm going to lose it.”

“Right there with you, buddy.” Ray said. "Do you realize how many germs could be in this thing?”

“Well I wasn't imagining it until you said something…” Dusk said sourly.

“Sorry.”

Dusk sighed. "No, no, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be taking this out on you. This isn't your fault.”

“It's okay. I get it. This is a frustrating situation. But we will get through this.”

“You're right. Boy do we look ridiculous, though. ” laughed Dusk, who got a laugh in return from Ray. Though they still remembered their problem and their laughter was sadly short lived.

Dejected and slightly embarrassed, they exited the ball pit. Their fortunes were about to change as they happened across the paths of two ladies that they were more than happy to see.

“Dusk?” asked a familiar and soothing voice to Dusk’s ears as he and Ray removed any stray balls that might have hitched a ride on their way out of the pit.

“Rarity!" Dusk exclaimed happily as he rushed to embrace his girlfriend upon seeing her, with her returning the favor. Applejack brought up the rear behind her. “I'm so sorry about everything that's happened this evening. It's been a rough night.”

“I can see that." Rarity said as she started fixing Dusk’s hair and briefly looking past him for a second to acknowledge Ray. “You alright, darling?"

“I'll live. Thanks Rare…" Ray said, taking another minute to catch his breath.

“What? No snappy comeback?" Rarity asked, seemingly surprised.

“No friendly fire for now. I'm happy to see you too.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Rarity said, looking around, noting that the whole point of them lagging behind was to show up with Singer. “Where’s Singer? I thought he was with you.”

“About that…." Ray said.

“Oh, I assume he’s already found Twilight and they’re enjoying a nice romantic evening… er as romantic as a frat party can be.”

“Not exactly.” Dusk said shyly.

Rarity picked up on the guys’ forlorn demeanors and knew something was wrong. “Oh my goodness, what happened?”

“It's kind of a long story.” Dusk added.

“Okay, so what now?" Rainbow said after they'd finished their fun in the conga line, trying their luck with the piñata, and hitting the snack table again.

“Um, I don't know. Twilight isn't looking so good." Fluttershy said as she rushed to Twilight’s side when she'd noticed her starting to wobble, and feeling weak at the knees.

“Probably too many sweets, as well as being on her feets… hey that rhymed!” Pinkie said, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

“That felt a bit forced, Pinkie." deadpanned Rainbow.

“Well excuuuuse me, Dashy… “

“Girls…” Fluttershy said sharply, diverting their attention back to Twilight.

Twilight looked green in the face and was beginning to look weak on her feet, holding her hand over her mouth. Pinkie quickly helped Fluttershy hold her stable, while Rainbow guided them to a nearby bush.

“Let's take her behind here so she can keep some of her dignity." Rainbow said as they helped Twi down to her knees behind the bush and let her do what she needed to do.

As Twi heaved and dispelled what was making her stomach ache, Fluttershy could be seen behind the bush patting her on the back. “Poor Twilight…"

Pinkie quickly ran to fetch her a bottle of water, and then they helped her to a chair.

“Twi, are you okay?" Rainbow asked with concern.

“Oooooh…” she moaned with her hand draped over her forehead. “Never trust the butler. It's always the butler…"

“Still loopier than a rollercoaster…" Pinkie said forlornly. “This is my fault. I should have been more careful about party drinks. Some people just like to ruin everything! “

“Hey, it's not all your fault.” Rainbow said."If anything it's all of ourfaults for coming here with the whole group. Of course some of us weren't going to be cut out for this! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid Coming here was a stupid idea!”

“Well playing the blame game isn't going to help either.” remarked Pinkie.

“Rainbow, I really want to go back to the hotel." Fluttershy said shyly. “This is all a bit much for me.”

“Yes! Back home! All the way up to the mooooooooooon!” Twilight shouted, obviously still delirious.

“Great idea. I could honestly use a bit of rest now too.” Rainbow agreed. “I don't know about you, but this is starting to get me anxious, and not a lot of things do that. I just don't have a great feeling about this place the longer we stay here."

Unlike most parties she’d been to, she would have been more than happy to stick around and run with the wildest of the lot regardless of how tired she felt, but with her friends around, including the two that she was very protective of, it was different and it was hard for her to have fun knowing that they weren't having fun alongside her, so she felt obligated to stay around and make sure they were okay.

“Let's round everyone else up and…-” Rainbow was cut off by suddenly being grabbed and put in a burlap sack by a couple of random Mu Pi frat guys who sneak attacked her. Moose could be seen among them.

Subsequently, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were grabbed also, barely giving them time to make a squeak. Twilight was simply just picked up by Moose, noticing that she wasn’t looking too good, as he and some of the Mu Pi’s hauled the rest of them towards the decorated stage for the aforementioned ceremony hosted by Jake Featherstone.

“Where do you come off bringing up my past?” Sunset asked angrily, starting to back away from Jake. “What’s it to you, anyway?”

“Anyone who interests us, we look into them. Part of our recruiting tactics.”

“That’s a little creepy.”

“What can we say? We see something or someone we want, we do what we can to get whatever or whoever it may be.”

“Even cheating?”

“In order to get results, sometimes you have to take before you can give. Even if it means you bend a few rules here and there.”

“Then it's not really a win is it?"

“It's enough for us. We do whatever it takes to win, that’s how it should be! I’ve done some research on that college of yours, and I even know a bit about you. You're a rare commodity that any school would be lucky to have. Smart, athletic, talented, and you have a fire in your belly. You definitely have what it takes to be a Waytona student. You should consider transferring here. Work with us, and you will be the best.”

“Hard pass!" She crossed her arms in protest.

“Oh come on, what are you really giving up here? Your friends? Bunch of softies from what I can tell. And Flash? Please, you can do better."

“Better how? You mean with you?"

“To be frank, yeah. Look at me. I'm the complete package. I've got the abs, the hair, the money, as well as the grades and an athletic career path to back it up. And that’s without mentioning my sleek sports car and my yacht.”

“And an ego to match…" she sneered.

“Come on, Sunset. Every beach has a king and every king needs a queen." he said, trying to take her by the hand.

“Forget it!" she said, jerking her hand back. “Are you listening to yourself? I’ve got friends who only have some or none of those things and from what I can tell, they’re twice the people that you and your gang are. You can’t seriously think that you can just push your way into getting whatever you want."

Jake said nothing for a moment but then he started to speak again."You used to. You can't seriously be declining an offer to join our high end college. Just imagine the power couple we'd be.”

“Funny, there was a time when I might have taken you up on that, but now… That's not who I am anymore.”

Jake signed in disappointment. “Such a letdown. So you'd rather stay with your friends then? Remaining in your squalor surrounded by mediocrity?"

“Yeah, they're much better company than an egotistical beach jerk. And I’ll have you know that my friends are some of the smartest, most talented, some of them are highly athletic, and all of them are all great people to be around.” It wasn't that she really felt like she needed to defend her friends here, but her irritation with Jake and his hubris had reached its boiling point.

“That's nice, but is that really what you want? You could have so much more here!"

“You can't tell me that everyone here in your frat house lives up to your incredibly snooty standards.”

“No, but those who don't do so know their place.”

If Sunset wasn’t gobsmacked before, she was flabbergasted for sure now. She hadn’t heard this much egotism since, well ever. Not even the worst people she’d come across were as arrogant as this guy. “You're just an egotistical jerk! And I’ve got a newsflash for you, I’m no better than anyone else. I have flaws and I make mistakes all the time. And you're ignorant if you think that you and your little club don't have your own!”

“That's how you feel, then?"

“The answer is ‘no’. I would never consider coming here.” she said pointedly, crossing her arms for emphasis.

“If that's truly the way you feel, then you can join your friends. I’ll be sure you reunite with them at the ceremony."

“Wait, what?”

Jake snapped his fingers and Jock and Muscles quickly swooped in and put her in a burlap sack as well, taking her presumably where her friends were being corralled to. “Round them up! It's showtime, boys!”

After Dusk and Ray explained what had happened to Rarity, she nodded with understanding and gave Dusk a hug.

“Well you certainly did all you could. I suppose we should probably help you in finding him.”

“More eyes and ears would definitely make a significant difference. Thank you, Rarity.”

“It would be my pleasure. Though I must admit, I’m getting a little worried about Applejack.” Rarity nodded towards AJ, standing off to the side drinking down another small bottle of hard apple cider.

“That was good.” Applejack said with a slight belch. Her eyes were a bit distorted and she hobbled slightly when she made steps forward. “Howdy boys, wut brings ya?” She hiccuped.

“AJ, how many of those have you had?” Ray asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Enough…” she smiled lazily. “Heeeey…” Applejack hobbled over to Ray. “Strike, have ya been workin out?” She squeezed his arm muscles slightly, making Ray’s face turn a shade of red.

“Uh, no?” Ray said apprehensively. “I mean, you do work me pretty hard on the farm… poor choice of words, you know what I mean… but no additional work outside of that." He hoped that making this remark would snap her back into her bickering mode so they could exchange jabs and be done with this. However, it didn't work this time.

“Coulda fooled me.” AJ leaned against him and placed her arm around him. “Ah dunno what it is about ya, Ray. But yer kinda… kinda cute.” Applejack smiled crookedly, fluttering her eyes at him.

“Um, Applejack. I think you are right. You have had enough.” Ray said nervously, as he gently removed her arm from around him and gently helped her stand up straight.

He didn’t want Applejack to do or say anything else that she’d regret. Though he also couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed somehow. She’d had more to drink tonight than she'd had that night that they had their heart to heart talk on her porch the night of her family reunion. His mind kept going back to their aforementioned heart to heart conversation a few weeks back. And then the night before on the Ferris wheel. He still wasn't completely sure of what to make of it. Taking himself out of his thoughts for the umpteenth time, he noticed a couple of empty chairs and helped her sit down in one and he took the one next to her.

“Thanks Ray… Ah know Ah give ya grief sometimes, but ya really are a good feller. One a’ the best." AJ said sleepy eyed and tipsy-like.

Dusk and Rarity had finished talking among themselves and the former spoke up. “Ray, I don’t think Applejack is well enough to aid in our search for Singer. I think it might be best if Rarity and I go search for him and you take a break with Applejack.”

“Yeah, I agree. You go on, you deserve a little one on one time with Rarity after tonight. I'll make sure AJ is okay. And if I see Singer,I'll grab him too. ” Ray said as Applejack suddenly leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder, causing him to blush a bit. He didn't try to move her though, he was content to sit there with her and support her.

“Very good, and thanks Ray.” Dusk said as he and Ray exchanged a silent nod to each other before Dusk turned off with Rarity.

Dusk knew that he and Applejack had a connection that went deeper than most of his other friendships, and he could see it on his face that he was concerned for her wellbeing. This also presented an opportunity for himself to spend some time talking to Rarity. For a second, Rarity fixated on Ray as if she was contemplating something, but smiled and moved along with Dusk.

“So…” he said as they walked together, grinning at her.

“So?” She said, giggling and brushing up against him.

“How has your night been? I’ve gone on enough about mine, I’d love to hear about yours.”

“Well, fancy you should ask. I had a great time leading up to meeting up with you and Ray, up to this point.”

“So you were having fun until we showed up?” Dusk said playfully.

“Ha, you know that’s not what I meant. I would have thought my public display of affection would have gotten the message across, but it wouldn’t be the first time you didn’t pick up on something the first time.” Rarity quipped.

“Ouch. You definitely had me there.” Dusk said with a quick bit of laughter. “Please continue, sorry.”

Rarity tittered and then continued. “Well, I was actually having some success making connections with people. Getting a few people to follow my social pages for ‘The Carrousel Boutique’, and one of them even sent the contacts to a few members of her family and her friends.”

“That’s great to hear! It can’t hurt to get the word out. Your work is too good not to be seen by as many people as possible.”

“Well, thank you Dusk.” She said as she grabbed his hand walking beside him. “Having the support of you and the rest of my friends definitely makes me feel like I can be a success.”

“Of course you’ll be a success. You already are in my eyes. Just look at what you’ve been able to do thus far.”

“You’re absolutely right, Dusk.” She said as she stopped talking for a second and began to look around. “I don’t see him anywhere.”

“Believe me, he’s around here somewhere.” Dusk said with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

“I do hope you don’t hold his antics against him. He really is a nice person. And he’s good to Twilight. He’s just not in his right mind at the moment.”

“Oh, I know.” Dusk said. “Trust me, I understand. I’m not so much frustrated at him as I am with this whole situation. I mean who puts alcohol in a punch? Let alone hard alcohol. Poor Singer, I hope we find him again soon.”

“It does sound even more repulsive when you say it out loud, doesn’t it?” Rarity shuddered. “Unfortunately with these crazy parties, people do outlandish things. I can’t say I would have blamed you had you ultimately decided not to come tonight.”

“I’m trying to branch out a bit. This time may have come back to bite me, but when it comes to spending time with you, as well as our friends, it’s worth the effort.”

Rarity smiled at this, and tugged Dusk closer for a side hug, to which he happily returned. Dusk then turned his attention outward again, remembering that they were still searching for their friend.

They continued their search as they wandered into a small crowd of people, but they stopped when they noticed that they had all turned around upon seeing them approaching, and they were staring at them.

Dusk and Rarity rightfully looked at the frat guys suddenly surrounding them and noted that their facial expressions weren't exactly the friendliest anymore. There was a mixture of stone faced glares and mischievous grins.

“Here's a couple more of them. Take them to the stage." Said Jock, who was among them. He walked out from among the group of people towards Dusk and Rarity and grinned menacingly at them. “Kyle’s got a little surprise for you, and he hates waiting."

“Wait, who?”

“Come on!” Muscles said, shoving Dusk by pushing against his chest.

“Come now, gentlemen. Perhaps we can talk this out like adults here…" pleaded Dusk with his hands in the air, but his words were met with mocking laughter.

“Nope! Grab them!" Jock said.

Dusk and Rarity both were promptly grabbed by their arms and held back so they wouldn't escape.

“Unhand me you… you… RUFFIAN!" Rarity protested.

“Leave her alone!" shouted Dusk.

“Oh my gosh, be quiet!" Jock shouted. “Put a bag over them or something."

Dusk and Rarity were both subsequently placed in large burlap sacks like the others had been, though trying as they might to fight back, they were powerless against that many frat guys. They couldn't see anything, they could both only shout, or in Rarity’s case, scream as they were hauled away.

Ray and Applejack, who weren't far away, could also be seen getting scooped up by the Mu Pi’s and hauled off to their center stage. Bearing witness to this was Zephyr Breeze, who stood there observing the barbaric way that Futtershy’s friends had been wrangled and hauled off. He sipped his drink in his hand nervously as he felt like he was being watched. He looked around and jumped at the sight of someone approaching him.

The rustling of feet behind him betrayed the tall and robust form of Moose, who was standing with the bouncer from the front door, who'd recognized Zephyr as one of the Canterlot members, and had just ratted him out.

“Wait! Wait! You don't want me, right? I'm just a brother. I don’t claim any of these jokers. Except my sister, I suppose. Why not let both of us walk and the rest of them can stay for whatever crackpot initiation this is. Maybe release Rainbow Dash too, if you don't mind. "

“You're with Canterlot…" said Moose. “You come with us…"

“Crap!" Zephyr said, making an attempt to run, but Moose was too quick for him and he grabbed Zephyr and tucked him under his arm as he carried him back with the others. “This isn't fair! I'm not even a college student!”

Zephyr’s protests were ignored by the MuPi’s apparent enforcer, and they had all been corralled and dragged away to the stage. All except one, who'd managed to fly and stay under the radar and was right under their noses. Little did they know, the watchful reddened (both angry and drunken) eyes of Singer Case continued to grow more intense as he witnessed his friends being carted off forcibly. His mental state at this point in time was still unstable but he was lucid enough to realize what was happening. He clenched his fists as he watched the crowd of people heading towards the stage.

“This…” he said with a pause. “This just got personal…"

One by one, the burlap sacks that covered most of the Canterlot friends, save for Twilight, Zephyr and Singer (the latter who was not among them), were taken off. Sunset first, then the rest quickly followed. She looked over to her left as she was the furthest one to the right as her friends were placed on the stage. She found that they had buried their feet in a few whipped cream filled cheap plastic wading pools, about four of them, each whipped cream filled pool holding three of them, save for one because Singer wasn't there, and didn't even seem to be a thought for these guys.

Sunset found herself standing in a pool with Applejack and Flash, Ray was standing in one with Zephyr and Pinkie, Rainbow was helping Fluttershy hold Twilight up in one(she was once again awake and alert but still very loopy), and then Rarity and Dusk were in a tight embrace in the last pool. Sunset gritted her teeth in anger and began shouting at Kyle, who was dressed in an orange suit with a like-colored top hat, like he was a game show host, but it was also a tribute to his favorite actor.

“Hey! What's the big idea? Why are you doing this to us?"

Kyle smirked as he danced behind them. “Isn't it obvious? You and your buddies have just walked into a hazing initiation! Our special ‘guests of honor’ are nothing more than a bunch of le-hoo-za-hers from a rival university!” He waved his hands in the air to garner forced laughter from the crowd.

“A bunch of what now?" Pinkie said.

“Yeah! What the heck did you just call us?" Rainbow Dash inquired gruffly.

“He called you a bunch of LOSERS!" taunted Muscles from the side with Jock and a few other members of their fraternity echoing it along with them.

“Yeah, you guys suck!" shouted Blackjack out in the crowd.

“Shut up, Blackjack! NOBODY ASKED YOU!" Kyle shouted in a tantrum before quickly calming down.

“You know what? Screw you guys! I'm outta here!" the voice of Blackjack shouted from the background. And apparently after a minute of awkward silence he could be heard slamming the door behind as he went into the frat house to retrieve his things.

“Sheesh! Someone has thin skin, am I right?" Kyle playfully elbowed Zephyr, who immediately jerked away from him. “Ooooh… touchy…"

“KYLE!" Shouted Jake Featherstone, slamming the arm of the chair he was sitting in with his fist. “Enough with your preening! I want to see justice bestowed upon these… these… inter loafers!"

“Inter loafers?" Ray shouted bemusedly. “We're not here to take part in some asinine turf war, we’re on vacation. One that we would love to get back to, so if you don't mind…"

“Save it, Ray…" Sunset said. “You can't reason with these guys. They have a one track mind…" She shot a glare directly toward Jake, who returned one to her in kind.

“You will regret the day you ever came to The Mu Pi’s Beach!" Screamed Jake.

“Already am regretting it!” complained Flash.

“Public beach, dude…" Rainbow Dash retorted. “You don't own jack squat, let alone a public beach."

“That's where you're wrong, my technicolor-haired friend.” Jake said with a smug grin on his face. “Mu Pi has been the King of the Beach since the fifties. You are on our turf, which means… You are at my mercy.”

“How merciful are you feeling, chief?” Kyle grinned smugly.

“I say we teach them a lesson they'll never forget!” Jock said holding up a water balloon.

“You're speaking out of turn again!” Jake hissed, making Jock recoil slightly. "However, I agree with you. They've offended us with their very presence here! Pelt them with balloons!”

The group of friends braced themselves. Sure, they could try to run, but they'd surely slip in attempts to get out of the whipped cream filled pools and they'd just get grabbed by the crowd of people surrounding them. It would take something clever or just as insane to get them out of this mess.

“Why are these gorillas laughing at us?" Twilight asked in a groggy voice.

“Be strong, Twilight!" Fluttershy said in a clammery voice, as she and Rainbow held themselves and Twilight tightly. “This is all just a nightmare that we will wake up from soon!”

“Gross…" Rainbow Dash complained, looking down at her shoes. “What is with frat guys and whipped cream? It's not even funny."

“And such a waste of it, too." added Rarity.

“You guys have defiled the sanctity of sweets!” Pinkie shouted angrily.

“Don't question my genius!” snapped Kyle.

“Or rather, insanity!" shouted Flash, earning an early hit with a water balloon to his arm.

“On my signal…" Jake said as the countdown began, and dozens of frat guys and guests alike held their water balloons, ready to throw them. All but one, Timber Spruce had been standing in the crowd but was not holding any balloons in his hand, just a scowl on his face.

“This isn't hazing, this is plain bullying. I’ll take care of this.” Timber said with resolve as he slithered on out of the crowd and off to behind the stage.

The friends were all shaking where they stood, holding each other as they braced for the impact of water balloons about to be hurled right at them.

“Ready… Aim…"

This was it. Soon it would start. Sunset held her friends close as they anticipated what they hoped would be a swift rain fire of water balloons. Sure, it could have been worse, but thinking about saying that would have proved to be jinxing it. However, it was worse.

“FIRE!"

The first wave of water balloons were hurled right at them, and it made every one of them flinch upon impact, but what they discovered was very unpleasant and highly annoying. These water balloons were filled with a sports drink. Which meant that they would all leave there all sticky and yucky-feeling once it dried on their skin and clothing.

“No! No! Why couldn't it be water?” Rarity whined. “My hair, my outfit! Ruined!!!”

Without thinking, Dusk did something he wouldn't normally do, but did it for Rarity. He removed his shirt and covered the top of Rarity’s head to avoid any further coverage of the sports drink to her hair. Fortunately he had on a tank top undershirt, but it didn't make it any easier.

Rarity paused for a moment when she realized what Dusk had done, looking at him. Dusk had realized it too, which led to both of them for a solid few seconds blushing, Rarity's face turning red as she briefly checked him out.

“Oh… my…” Rarity said with her cheeks flushed red.

Dusk could only just chuckle sheepishly in response, all the while shyly blushing.

Ray quickly jumped out of the pool he was in and grabbed Applejack, who wasn't exactly in her right mind at the moment, and tried his best to shield her from the balloons. Her reflexes were at an all time slow at the moment, so Ray did what he could to minimize the sticky drink from landing on her, taking the brunt of the hits.

Similar acts of sacrifice were being made by the rest of the group towards those who had less defense against the assault.

However, the balloon throwing came to a halt when Jake raised his fist, signaling them all to stop. He then walked over to Sunset, who'd been crouched down in embrace with Flash and chuckled at the sight of them.

“Now you understand who you're dealing with."

“Not cool, dude!" Flash said with furrowed eyebrows and gritted teeth.

“Oh yes. You throw water balloons filled with a sugary beverage at people, wasting a perfectly good food product. I'm really impressed." sassed Sunset, crossing her arms defiantly as she stood up to face him. “I bet you and your puffed up buddies are all very proud of yourselves.”

Jake’s eye twitched. “I see that further hazing is required." He raised his hand again to signal the resumption of the pelting. “Let's continue…"

“Mu Pi! MU PI! MU PI!" The frat guys all chanted as they waited for the signal.

“Do you guys seriously think that chanting ‘My Pi’ is cool?" Taunted Rainbow Dash, who in turn received a few more balloons to the face, causing her to wipe it off with her hand. “Is that all you’ve got? Mooooooo!!!!"

“Jake, this has to stop!” Sunset began to plead, but Jake wasn't done.

“Sorry, but you've forced my hand…” Jake said as he was about to give the signal.

Suddenly the crowd grew quiet as the sound of a crowing rooster could be heard, stopping Jake and everyone else in their tracks. They looked over at the DJ, who had been knocked out and removed from his booth.

“What the…" Kyle shouted furiously. “Who-...”

Suddenly a shadowy figure emerged at the top of the frat house on the roof. Beating his chest and crowing like a rooster again. “ROOKA ROOKA ROOOOO!"

The figure then jumped off the roof, slid down their flag pole, but not without removing their purple and gold Mu Pi flag and dragging it with him as he darted onto the stage. To everyone's surprise, the figure revealed himself to be Singer… who had managed to find and put on a Chicken Onesie similar to the ones the guys had worn from losing their bet with the girls. Where he'd gotten that, no one knew but they were all glad to see him as visible in their expressions.

“Found him." Ray remarked, garnering a slight chuckle from Dusk. “At least now we know he's…debatably okay.”

Singer turned their flag into a cape and slid to the front of the stage and grabbed the microphone from the karaoke machine. His eyes bloodshot red, tongue hanging out and hair all a mess, he howled to the crowd, causing them to howl along with him.

“Who is this guy?" growled Jake.

“Our wildcard!” proclaimed Rainbow Dash proudly. “Get them, Singer!”

“Call me!” shouted a still very loopy Twilight upon seeing Singer go by. Everyone turned and looked at her with various expressions, causing her to blush furiously. “Whaaaaaaaaaat?" she cowered down behind Fluttershy.

Singer apparently hadn't heard it as he was focused on stopping this horror show, albeit very unconventionally. Once he had a moment, he stood on stage facing the crowd, stood up tall and started to talk to them. “Everyone listen up!” Singer said into the microphone. “I… I…”

“I like to move it, move it
I like to move it, move it
You like to…”

“MOVE IT!!!” Shouted dozens of excited frat guys.

The music commenced and Singer danced around as Jock and Muscles tried to grab Singer, but his dodges were too fast. Singer cartoonishly kept duping them at every turn, much like he'd done to Dusk and Ray earlier.

They went high, he dipped low and darted off to the side. They tried to grab him by the legs, he jumped on their backs and made them fall over. Moose wasn't any more successful in his attempts to grab him either as he was just too slow to catch Singer.

“Gonna have to move faster than that, Jack!" Singer said as he continued to be chased around the stage, and quickly coming face to face with Jake Featherstone, who’s face had turned red with anger.

“It's Jake, you moron! Get out of here!" Jake’s anger grew because of the antics of Singer and he just doubled down on it.

“Gotta move those feet to the beat!" Singer said as he continued to stylishly and cartoonishly evade the Mu Pi guys. “Like a-this!” Singer said as he swung his arms and accidentally knocked over one of the purple shirt guys who were close to grabbing him.

Unbeknownst to them, a second volunteer had joined the fray in Timber Spruce, while not having spoken with Singer, he'd been lurking around and was able to witness what the Mu Pi's were doing to Twilight and her friends and rushed in to help.

He grabbed a water hose and began to gently soak the captured group of friends in water like a front yard sprinkler long enough for them to get cleaned enough of the drying sticky sports drink that covered them (as well as the whipped cream from their feet from the wading pools they were standing in) so they could make their move. Not that the cool refreshing water didn't feel good on them given the fact that it was hot outside, even at night at this time of the year.

Rarity didn't seem to mind as her outfit was already “ruined” anyway. Pinkie, being Pinkie, stood there as the water fell on them and pretended like she was taking a shower.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?” Sunset asked.

“Just having some fun." she tittered and grinned, making Sunset and a couple of the other girls laugh at this.

In the background Rarity could be seen giving Dusk his shirt back, and it didn't take him long to put it back on. Rarity couldn't help but giggle at Dusk’s display of shyness there, as Dusk continued to blush. But now it wasn't time for that. She wiped her smeared mascara off her face and she and Dusk bolted off to help their friends up. Most of whom were still collecting themselves off the ground.

“Get that freaking chicken!!!" Jake shouted angrily as he watched Jock, Muscles and Moose struggle to catch Singer. Kyle was busy trying to keep Timber from dousing his suit in water.

However Pinkie ran interference occupying Kyle by throwing his own ammo at him, making him try to dodge them. Everyone else was too busy dancing to the song that Singer had started up. “Blackjack, get off your lazy… oh right. He left…”

“Hey Featherhawk…” Singer said as he taunted Jake, who was fuming.

“It's Featherstone!” Jake growled.

“Whatever… I hope you're thirsty!” Singer sang and laughed maniacally as he ducked while Timber aimed the water hose on full blast right at Jake, knocking him back and sending him careening off the stage.

“Bullseye!” Dusk shouted excitedly along with everyone else in the Canterlot group cheering.

Pinkie nodded at Timber who blew onto the now turned off nozzle like he was just shooting a pistol in a western.

“Nice shot, stranger!" Pinkie complimented.

“Thanks pard’ner!”

“Is someone makin’ fun a’ mah accent again?" Applejack blurted, but no one had time to respond to her.

Kyle, now soaked and angry, took charge and grabbed the microphone off the ground and shouted at his fellow partying frat guys. “HEY! DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY!”

Suddenly, the entire group was now surrounded. Timber nervously placed his hand on the nozzle of the water hose to ready it again, as the frat guys’ attention diverted back to the people they were supposed to be hazing.

Singer had finally gotten caught and was subsequently punched in the face by Muscles, which sent him reeling back and rendered unconscious once he hit the floor. Muscles, feeling proud of himself, wiped his hands and moved back over by Jock, who took delight in seeing the chicken boy taken down.

Twilight, all soaking wet just like the others, crawled over by Applejack, who looked a mixture of angry and tired. Fluttershy grabbed both of them and hugged them tightly as they all sat on their knees towards the back part of the stage.

Dusk, Ray, Sunset, Rarity, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash stood in front of them, ready for anything. Zephyr Breeze was nowhere to be seen, and Singer lay unconscious on the stage.

“Mu Pi! Mu Pi! Mu Pi!" They all chanted as they continued their assault on the Canterlot students.

Rainbow Dash, however, turned the tables and started to catch the projectiles and threw them back into the crowd.

The rest of the gang quickly caught on and each of them tried their best to catch them and fire them right back at the frat guys. Ray, Sunset, Pinkie Pie, Dusk and Rarity all began to catch them, and gave them back what they dished out.

“What?!?" Kyle screamed in anger. “No! No mercy!"

“Oh Kyyyyyyyyyleeeeeeeee…” sang Pinkie as Timber again readied the water hose, grinning ear to ear as she made eye contact with Kyle, the latter who was now frozen in fear. “Drink some water, it's better for you!”

“No! N-N-NOOOOOOOO!” Kyle pleaded desperately right before Pinkie, who had since taken control, grinned menacingly and pulled the trigger on the cartoonishly strong water hose, blasting Kyle screaming off the stag.

She then aimed the water hose at Jock and Muscles, with the water balloons they had both been holding falling out of their grips and bursting as they hit the ground on stage as the two fraternity twits were blasted off the stage alongside their comrades.

Moose stood there staring blankly at everyone else as he noticed the pink party girl scowling at him. Moose, being sensible enough, surrendered and decided to just throw himself off the stage, deciding that it wasn't worth the hassle.

“Now!" shouted Rainbow Dash, looking out at the rest of the frat guys. “We're leaving! Anyone have a problem with that?"

None of the other frat guys had anything else to say and slowly left the stage area and split off back to enjoy their partying. However, there was someone who wasn't quite done.

The anger in Jake's grip as he climbed back onto the stage like an angry spider was evident as he slowly made his way back up, pulling with all the strength that his regular workout routine could muster in his dazed state. He stood up with wobbly legs and pointed his finger at them.

“Nobody leaves… until I say so!” he shouted, still staggering a bit, making them all gasp as they turned back around. “You Canterlot Cowards aren't getting away that easily! I am Jake Featherstone! And you will not make the Mu Pi Fraternity look like a bunch of-...”

BAM! Pinkie came in clutch once again, taking Jake out once again by knocking him off the stage with the water hose for the second time.

“I've heard enough out of you…" Pinkie said as she tossed the nozzle of the water hose off to the side and ran to help her friends.

The rest of the frat guys, seeing that the show was over, decided to resume their partying.

“I can't believe I liked being around these guys. " Timber muttered under his breath.

“Thanks for the assist.” Rainbow said graciously. "I'm Rainbow Dash, by the way.” She extended her hand to him for a handshake.

“Timber Spruce.” the green haired guy said, shaking her hand. "Yeah, when I found out that you were all being targeted by these guys, I knew that I needed to help. It's just what a cool guy like me does when he spots trouble, ya know.” he flexed his eyebrows, hoping to get some sort of reaction out of Rainbow, which he did, but it was a deadpan look.

“Sorry…You guys didn't deserve what those jerks were doing to you. These Mu Pi's are nasty people. Have been for years. It's about time someone gave those Neanderthals a taste of their own medicine.”

“Frat guys… Puh!" Rainbow Dash said pointedly. "Nothing but a bunch of chumps.”

“Unfortunately, this is just going to make them mad and they're probably not going to leave you alone." Timber’s tone had a serious gravity to it.

“We can handle them." Flash said in response, while he and Sunset also approached him to shake his hand.

“Thank you for your help, Timber.” Sunset said.

“Not a problem. How about I help you get your unconscious friends on a bus out of here." he gestured to Twilight, Applejack and Singer.

“I think that would be a grand idea." Dusk said. “We will need all the help we can get."

Ray made it a point to be the one to help Applejack who had come to herself just enough to walk somewhat on her own when Ray helped her up, but just barely. Ray graciously obliged his services. Rainbow agreed to carry Fluttershy on her back as she was just plain exhausted due to her anxiety building up from the entire night. Meanwhile, Pinkie offered to take over if Rainbow needed it.

“Thank you, Rainbow…" Flutters said shyly.

“Don't sweat it, Shy. I got this!"

While Dusk and Flash volunteered to help Singer, Timber was given the task of carrying Twilight. He was reluctant at first, fearing that she might wake up, but that didn't appear to be happening as her drunken state had made her pass out cold. It was clear to him that Twilight had never mentioned him to anyone, so he was thankful for that. One less awkward conversation to be had, at least for now. He was still determined to make peace with Twilight, but he knew he needed to be smart about it.

There was so much going on at the time that nobody noticed that Zephyr had hidden underneath the stage during the calamity and stayed there, thus missing out on the others leaving.

The bus ride home from the party was a tiring one. Everyone had had their fill of their first experiences with the Mu Pi’s. Timber helped them get everyone situated on the bus and then took off after his own car. Everyone there had looked worse for wear, dealing with wet clothes, bruised egos, and hair that was probably going to require a double dose of shampoo to make it feel clean again. Sunset felt the worst out of everyone, for she bore the guilt of falling into the trap that the fraternity had set.

“Guys, I'm… I'm sorry for getting us into this mess.” Sunset said forlornly. “If I would have known that this is what would happen, I wouldn't have suggested we come tonight."

“Sunset, you couldn't have predicted what happened tonight.” Dusk said in her defense. “It's not your fault that these guys turned out to be…"

“Ruffians." Rarity said, completing Dusk’s sentence.

“Exactly. Absolutely repulsive individuals."

“Hey, we all decided it would be a good idea to go to this party. It's not all on just any one of us. “ Rainbow Dash said.

“I suppose that’s true.” Sunset said as she started to feel a little bit better.

“Well after tonight's rather, eh… weird escapade, I think I am going to just unwind on the beach tomorrow and take a much needed break from excitement.” stated Rarity, a sentiment that pretty much everyone else agreed with. “But not before a nice hot shower and a couple rounds in the washing machine for my ensemble.” Rarity said as she looked at her once beautiful light blue top and purple skirt.

“Me too, “ agreed Fluttershy. "Tonight was very stressful, and I'm totally exhausted. ”

“Well, we are on vacation, after all.” Sunset said. "I’ll try to keep any future ideas to myself.”

Rainbow moved over to Sunset’s seat and lightly jabbed her in the side with her elbow. "Hey, if you ever want to go and get revenge on those guys, just say the word, and we’ll do it!” Rainbow whispered.

“Honestly, I never want to see those guys again. They can keep their stupid tribal behavior and their fancy stuff. I don't need them. And if I never see them again, it'll be too soon.” Sunset said bitterly.

Flash reached over and grabbed her hand and smiled at her.

“Yeah, alright. Go ahead and brag on how right you were."

“Nah…" Flash said. “I think you've beaten yourself up enough for one day.” He bestowed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

“Thanks Flash.” Sunset said gratefully as she leaned over on his shoulder and took his arm and wrapped it around her, snuggling up to him while they waited to reach their destination.

Dusk and Rarity sat beside each other, content and happy that nothing worse ended up happening to them during this time, and that they were able to escape. Rarity could tell that Dusk was tired and let his sleepy nodding head lean on her shoulder a bit, while she held his hand. “My sweet Dusk…" she whispered.

Ray had something similar going on with AJ still out if it and didn't protest when her sleepyhead rested on him as well. He sat back and endured the remainder of the ride, though he wasn't bothered in the slightest. After all she'd done for him, he was happy to.

Sunset looked at the seat behind her where they'd helped Singer and Twilight sit together, with both of them leaning on each other as they slept. Sunset smiled and turned back around in her seat and exchanged one more smile with Flash. In spite of the craziness, there was finally peace.

After the night they'd all had, a nice quiet ending was the right fit, and luckily the ride back to their hotel was a comfortable one. Though, they couldn't help but think that maybe they were forgetting something.

Fluttershy’s flushed red face was telling to those who were paying attention when she realized who was not with them. “Oh… no…"

The aftermath of the party shenanigans had left the Mu Pi’s back yard a mess. People started to file and Jake Featherstone and his friends looked over the damage, which could have been much worse. Though, Jake's anger was for more than his hurt pride or the fact that their fraternity flag had been taken down and left draped over a fold up chair on their stage.

He was mad because Sunset Shimmer dared to reject his advances and used her friends to humiliate him in front of his Mu Pi subordinates.

As the crowd of frat guys, who were the only ones left, stood around waiting for Jake to blow up on them, they were surprised when he let out a few soft chuckles.

“Don't worry… That wasn't the last we will see of those Canterlot Wondercolts.” He said with a smile as Kyle and Moose walked up closer to him.

“That's the spirit, Jake! We are totally going to…”

“Hey Jake!” The shouting voice of Jock could be heard as the crowd split to let him and Muscles through while they were dragging a helpless Zephyr Breeze by the arms. They pushed him to the ground in front of Jake when they finally got him there.

“Looks like the Canterlot guys forgot one of their own." Jock remarked.

“So much for friendship, eh?" Jake smirked as he stared down the shivering Zephyr Breeze.

“Come on, guys." Zephyr pleaded weakly. “I've had a really crappy night, can't you please just let me go?"

Muscles raised his fist to strike him, but Jake intervened and pushed up on his fist with his hand to stop him. “No… Help him up."

“What?” Jock said with a hint of surprise in his voice as he watched Muscles help Zephyr up to his feet.

“Get him a ride back to wherever he's staying."

Zephyr looked surprised by this, but wasn't going to question it. “Oh… Uh… Thank you."

“I don't understand… Why-”

“Don't question me, just do it!" snapped Jake.

Jock recoiled for a second but did as Jake asked. “Let's go, hippie.”

“I'm not a hippie."

“Shut up!"

None of them moved for a few minutes after Jock and Zephyr left the scene.

“What's the play here, Jake?” Moose asked through his own wondering.

“Simple. We take their garbage back to them, we find out where they're staying.”

“Clever strat, Jake.” Kyle said sincerely.

“Indeed." Jake smirked. “Now clean your mess up or you become the new Blackjack.” Jake said with a frown as he and Moose walked back toward the house.

Kyle, along with the help of Muscles and some of the other frat guys began their rigorous night of cleaning up the remnants of the chaotic rager of a party. Though he cleaned frantically while taking the occasional break to clean off his suit that had been drenched in sports drink and water.

“That Timber Spruce better hope I don't see him again…" muttered Muscles as he used his claw grabber to start picking up the trash.

“Good news…” Fluttershy said, appearing to calm down. "Zephyr texted me and told me he found a ride back, so none of us have to go get him.” She, Dusk and Ray had been sitting outside the back door of Dusk and Ray’s hotel room, on the outside furniture.

“Good.” Dusk said with a hint of guilt. "I feel bad for leaving him behind. He may have caused a great deal of trouble for us, but he didn't deserve that.”

“Yeah, I can't stand the guy, but I'm glad he's okay.” Ray said.

“I'm going to have a serious conversation with him about etiquette moving forward." Fluttershy said. “I'm really sorry for all of the trouble he's caused.”

“It's okay, little sister." Dusk said to Fluttershy, who had become like an honorary sister to him over the duration of their friendship. “I think we are all learning to coexist with him and when to tune him out. Honestly, he doesn't seem so bad in comparison to the frat guys we just met.”

“Not sure if it's the guilt talking, but I kind of agree.” Ray said while reading something on his phone. “I have a feeling there's going to be a lot of things some of us will wake up and regret tomorrow.”

“Indeed. Us included."

“So is everything okay with the others?” Fluttershy asked. “I haven't heard much from Rainbow Dash or Pinkie.”

“Rarity told me that she was able to get Applejack to go to sleep for the night, and that Sunset said that she and Flash made sure Singer and Twilight made it to their rooms as well.” informed Dusk.

“All’s well that ends well, I suppose." Ray said. “I'm still disappointed I didn't get anything good to drink tonight. Or get to jump in the bouncy house."

“We got to jump into a ball pit.” Dusk said, garnering a giggle from Fluttershy.

“Not the same and you know it…” pouted Ray.

“You'll get over it.”

A knock on the front door of their room happened suddenly, grabbing Dusk’s attention so he went to answer it. To his surprise, it was Rarity, who had since cleaned up and changed into her pajamas that were still decent enough for being out in public, holding something behind her back.

“Hello my dear Rarity.” Dusk said quietly, since they were out in the hall. “What can I do for you?"

“Actually, it's what I can do for you that I'm concerned about." Rarity said, pulling out a couple of bottles of the Apple ale from the party from behind her back.

“Should we leave?” Ray asked playfully, catching Fluttershy beginning to blush a bit at what Ray had just been implying. “Aw, I was kidding, Flutters."

“Oh, okay.”

“No Ray, it's nothing like that. I actually brought these over for you and Dusk. After everything you were out through tonight, I'd say you've earned them. I managed to confiscate these from Applejack. She thought she could smuggle these out of that frat party and get one by me. Not today, sister!"

“I take back every snob comment I've made… from today.” Ray said, graciously accepting the gift when Rarity handed it to him. "You're the best, Rarity!” He then muttered to himself. “I just hope AJ doesn't remember that she grabbed those when she comes out of it, later.”

“I'll take it.” tittered Rarity, who was then kissed on the lips by Dusk. "And I'll definitely take that.”

“Thank you, Rarity.”

“You're absolutely welcome, darling.” she winked and walked out with Fluttershy in tow, quietly waving goodbye as she closed the door behind her. “Have fun. I'll see you tomorrow."

“Bye, girls."

Dusk locked their door and then joined Ray, who'd gone outside and sat down in one of the chairs. He pulled one around facing the same way so Dusk could sit next to him. They both sat in silence for a moment and watched as they saw the night sky hanging over the ocean. They said nothing, as they were taking in the peacefulness of the silence. The only sound they made was when they tapped the necks of their bottles together and nodded ‘cheers’ before they went bottoms up with their drinks.

Elsewhere in the night, while the Mu Pi’s next door may have run into disaster with their party, ‘The Dude’ and his party of his old fishing buddies had been a smashing success. Including an unexpected visit from some old friends.

Celestia and Luna had arrived not long after Dusk, Ray and Singer departed, dressed in their own formal party attire and they were greeted by ‘The Dude’ himself. He had been an old friend of theirs from a vacation they'd had when they were all kids and they never lost touch after all those years.

“Hello, Rod” greeted Celestia as she walked in wearing her casual night out attire made up of a white t-shirt that was emblazoned with her signature sun symbol and pink shorts, accompanied by her pink sandals.

Luna had dressed similarly to her sister, only dark blue and purple were her colors of choices for her outfit.

It had been several years since the last time they'd hung out, but they did indeed know each other from way back when.

“Tia, Lu Lu, it's been ages!” He was greeted with a hug by both sisters.

“Still going by your ‘The Dude’ persona, I see." Luna chuckled slightly.

“Yeah. It still rings true to this day. I see you two haven't changed…at all. Ha ha.” Rod aka ‘The Dude’ stroked his beard and gestured to the refreshment table. “Welcome to my party! I got tons of food and drinks, man. The selection is immaculate. Though I will warn you, stay away from the punch bowl. It's not for the faint of heart. "A few young bucks looking for the frat party next door had the misfortune of coming across it. So we put yellow tape around it as a warning."

“I too once had the misfortune of trying your cursed cocktail. My back still acts up from all the limbo records I broke under its influence." Luna recounted that memory bitterly.

“I will never forget that night. The night that you first pulled yourself out of your ‘concrete shoes’ and lived a little.” Celestia recounted the memory more fondly.

She pulled her phone out due to hearing it ringing in her pocket, and checked to see who was calling. Professor Iscorde again… She declined the call, due to the fact that she was about to be busy. She knew she would have to answer the call eventually.

Luna had paced her way around the room looking at all of her old friend’s fishing trophies and model ships when she came across a board that had multiple pictures of parties that he had. She noticed a picture of a few young men that looked familiar, but she almost didn't believe it was them at first. For all she knew that picture could have been months or years old, but then she saw the camera sitting on the table below the board and her suspicion intensified as the camera was one of those old fashioned picture print cameras.

“Uh, Rod… These boys in this picture here. Is this recent?"

“Oh yeah. Just came in today. My fishing buddy, Ol’ Shutterbug, likes to take pictures of interesting party guests we get and tacs them to his little bulitin board. I don't know why he does it, but who am I to cramp his style, right?”

“...right.” echoed Luna, with a grin. "Finally got out and let loose, eh Dusk?” she said to herself. "Perhaps I should follow your lead.”

“Anyone ready for some grilled cod?" called ‘The Dude’ as several of his buddies quickly got in line.

“You coming, sister?” teased Celestia, noting Luna fixated on the pictures on the wall.

“Coming…"

Author's Note

It’s been a long time. And I apologize for that, but I am still committed to finishing this story.

I hope this chapter was at least somewhat enjoyable. This chapter was a bit more challenging than I anticipated it being. That, along with my schedule being so busy the first half of this year, a rough bout of writer’s block and having to completely start over on this chapter played a part in it taking so long.

This next chapter should be a short one and will hopefully not take long to do. Thank you to all who like this story.