Fragile Wingsby AnonymooseChaptersChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter SixEpilogueChapter OneI’m cold. Why am I cold? Oh, I’m on the floor. Why am I on the floor? Well, I am kind of sleepy. But silly pony, I'm not supposed to sleep on the floor! That’s what beds are for. But I am sticky, so maybe it’s better to sleep on the floor. Icky sticky. Like that time I went to bed with taffy in my mane and Mrs Cake didn't know how to get taffy out of the bed sheets. Or my mane. Why is Mrs Cake screaming? Is it cause I hurt myself? Might be. Or she might be thinking of taffy. She certainly screamed when I showed her my sheets with the taffy on them. But I think this is a different kind of scream. And now Mr Cake is yelling too. I don't think he has a problem with taffy. Heehee, it would be nice if I was laying in pools of taffy right now. Instead of this icky-stickiness. Icky-sticky. It hurts. But I am still sleepy. Maybe if I go to sleep, the hurting will go away. Ж Cream coloured walls. Cold linoleum floor. Pale blue blanket draped across white sheets. Birds chirped merrily outside the window. The pink mare got off her bed, and made her way to the window. She looked out at the scenery: the bright green leaves of the trees, the blooming flowers, the bees buzzing about collecting pollen for their hives. Squirrels playing on the branches and birds singing. Pinkie Pie couldn't look at the birds. They filled her heart with sorrow. And the party pony didn't do sorrow. So she closed the curtains, her room now lit by the bulb above her bed. What this room needed was balloons. And candles. And streamers! Instead, Pinkie returned to her bed, and pulled out the latest Daring Do book: Daring Do and The Return of the Curse of the Creature's Ghost. Twilight had left it for her a week ago when she came to visit. The door to her room opened, and in strolled a pale yellow pony, wearing a small white nurses cap. “Good morning Pinkamena, it’s good to see you up and about.” The nurse trotted towards the closed curtains. “Why don't we get some light in here, hmm?” “No!” Pinkie shot forward. “I mean, no, please. I just closed them.” The nurse shook her head, her pale blue mane bobbing as she did. “Okay, deary. We can leave them closed. “Now let's have a look at those forearms of yours, hmm?” The mare moved towards the bed, and carefully unwrapped the bandages. A strained look crossed her features. “Pinkamena!” The nurse gave the pink mare a sharp gaze. “Have you been touching these again?” “It was itchy.” A sheepish look crossed Pinkie Pie’s face. “Pinkamena Diane Pie,” the nurse chastised the young mare, “your injuries won't get better if you don’t stop touching them.” “Sorry Nurse Coldheart,” Pinkie Pie replied, visibly deflating. “Sweetie, you just have to let them get better. Your skin will itch as they are healing. You just need to be a brave little pony. Can you do that for me?” “Yes, Nurse Coldheart.” “There’s a good girl. Now, lets get some clean bandages on those arms, and go have breakfast. The girls have even put a little cup of jello on your plate.” Nurse Coldheart gave Pinkie a playful wink. “Jello!” Pinkie Pie bounced, leaving it difficult for the nurse to rebandage Pinkie’s arms. With some difficulty the nurse managed to finish her job. “Okay, Pinkie. Lets get your gown on and go have some jello.” Ж Pinkie carried her tray to a table in the small dining area. Three other ponies were in the room, Sugar Forest, Brawny Charger and Meadow Peach. Brawny always sat by himself, he was a grumpy-grump saddy-mcsad-pants; he had made sure Pinkie was aware he didn’t want to be friends. If she had her welcome wagon she might have been able to make him smile… but she wasn’t allowed her wagon here, the nurses and doctors wouldn't let her. Sugar Forest and Meadow Peach were nice though. Sugar also liked cakes, and he’d spent a lot of time talking about cakes. And Pinkie also talked about the Cakes. Meadow knew Mr and Mrs Cake from her days in school. She always seemed sad, but the elder mare would brighten up any time Pinkie would talk to her about Sugarcube corner. Sugar laughed as Pinkie sat down; he’d eyed the large cup of green jello. Meadow joined with a week smile. “♪Gooooooood morning, everypony♫” Pinkie sung, followed by a snort as her jello wibble-wobbled in its cup. “G-Good morning, P-Pinkie!” Sugar beamed. “Good morning, Pinkie,” Meadow Peach whispered. “How are you this morning?” “Peeeachy keen!” Pinkie answered with another giggle. Meadow responded with a blush. Their conversation was interrupted by crying behind them; the three ponies turning around as one. Brawny was slumped, sobbing into his breakfast again. “I’ll g-go get one of the nurses,” Sugar pushed away from the table, trotting to the nurses station in a hurry. He returned to the table quietly as two nurses attended to Brawny. They struggled to help the stallion to his hooves; he was very aptly named. Pinkie thought he could have been a slightly shorter brown-coated Big Mac. The three ponies returned to their breakfast in silence. Pinkie prodded her jello with a spoon, watching the surface ripple. She didn’t like this place. Chapter TwoPinkie was back in her room. The same cream coloured walls surrounded her. She sat on the small recliner, once again settling down to read the adventures of Daring Do, when a knock at the door roused her. “Pinkamena?” Nurse Sweetheart asked, as she quietly stepped into the room. “You've got some visitors, dear.” Visitors! Pinkie perked up. Friends! She bounce about the room, stopping only long enough to put her gown on as Sweetheart had instructed her, then dashed down the hall. “Who could it be?” she mused to herself. Maybe it was Rainbow Dash. Or Applejack. Or Rarity. Or maybe it was Twilight and Spike. No no no. They'd be too busy right now. Maybe it was Flutter— She rounded the corner to see a white unicorn and an orange earth pony. “Applejack! Rarity!” Pinkie bounded towards them, wrapping them both in a big Pinkie-hug. “Oh I've missed you so much.” Pinkie Pie let them go with a yelp, and grabbed at her left forearm, while Rarity and Applejack looked at her with concern. “You okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked. Pinkie Pie nodded silently. “Are you sure, sweetie?" Rarity struggled to hide the concern in her voice. " We can get a nurse to come and—” “Nope! I'm okie-dokie,” she answered, ignoring the pain… and their stares. She shifted in her gown until the sleeves covered all the way to her forehooves. “It’s just so good to see my good friends again.” She led them to the small lounge. She waved to Sugar Forest; the young colt was sitting in the corner listening to some music. When he saw the two other mares enter the room his smile vanished, and he trotted out the door to the gardens. “Oh my! Did we do something wrong?” Rarity asked, seeing the colt running away outside. Pinkie smiled. “Oh, don't worry about Sugar Forest. He’s just a little shy.” Applejack plopped down into the worn old sofa. Rarity sat on a recliner across from Applejack. Pinkie launched herself in the air, aiming for the spot next to Applejack. “Pinkie, wait—” Applejack shouted, panicking at the rapidly approaching pink projectile. Impossibly, Pinkie seemed to slow down mid air, and landed softly on the couch next to Applejack. “How?” “Shhh!” Pinkie hissed, holding a hoof to Applejack's lips. “This is a hospital; you have to be quiet!” After a second of seriousness, Pinke broke into a fit of giggles, while Applejack shook her head with a smile. Rarity cut in. “So, Pinkie, how have you been?” “I’ve been…” Pinkie looked to the ground for a few seconds, before looking back up at Rarity. “…great!” “Really?” Applejack beamed, “Well ain't that jus' great‽” “Well...” Pinkie hesitated, she didn't want to worry her friends. “…maybe I have been just a little bit—” She stopped herself. No! She shook her head; she would not worry her friends about this. Applejack gently put a hoof on Pinkie’s. “A little…?” “It’s okay, Sweetie,” Rarity added. “We're your friends, and we are here for you. You can talk to us.” “Well…” Pinkie continued to look intently at the floor. “I may be just the teeniest, teensy-weensy bit…” She stopped herself again. She looked up at them, the two mares both wore a look of concern on their face. “Lonely,” she finally finished, in a whisper. A orange forearm wrapped around her shoulder. “Ah'm real sorry bout that, Sugar.” “We're all trying to come see you as much as we can.” Rarity looked away. Pinkie shook her head. “Nope nope nope! My friends are here to see me. No time to be sad! Tell me: what’s been happening at Sweet Apple Acres. Or the boutique? Oooh, have I missed anything fun?” Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up. She desperately wanted to hear about what was happening in the outside world. Well, not the outside outside world. But she wanted to hear all about what her friends had been doing. “Ooh-ooh-ooh!” Pinkie bounced with excitement again. “Have you heard from Twilight and Spike? Has Dashie learned any new tricks?” Rarity winced under the barrage of questions hurled their way. Applejack smiled, answering Pinkie’s questions. “Twilight and Spike are good. Gotta letter yesterday that she’d be comin’ back real soon. Everythin’s goin good at the farm, though the chicken coup is a bit of a mess after the crusaders last mishap,” Applejack chuckled. “Ah never seen Big Mac so mad; made Apple Bloom fix it all by herself. She did a pretty bang-up job of it too!” Rarity joined in. “Yes,” she said with some irritation, “those girls do have a habit of causing trouble. You know what happened to those eggs they took?” Applejack shook her head. “Well, let's just say I have some expensive silk that I can’t use.” Rarity scowled as she spoke. “And they won’t be getting their cutie marks in making Fabergé eggs either.” Pinkie Pie burst into laughter. “Well, it was expensive silk.” Rarity grimaced. “But I supposed if it makes our Pinkie smile, then it might have been worth it.” “How is Dashie?” “Uhh,” Applejack stammered. “We ain’t seen too much of RD, lately. She’s been stayin' up at Cloudsdale a lot.” “Will she visit me soon?” Pinkie deflated. Applejack pulled Pinkie into a hug. “She’s just having a hard time of things lately.” “You know how Rainbow Dash is,” Rarity said softly. “She’s just got a lot on her mind. And, uhh, you know she doesn’t like hospitals.” Pinkie sniffled, nodding. “And what about—” “Shall I get us some tea?” Rarity asked, looking around the visiting room and trotted over to the vending machine. “Applejack, would you like tea, or an apple juice?” “Ah’ll take an apple juice, thanks. Pinkie?” “Juice please,” she whispered. “She said juice,” Applejack called out. Ж Rarity sipped at her tea. It was not the best tea— in fact far from it— but tea was tea and she was in desperate need of it. Applejack turned her nose up at the vending machine apple juice, muttering something obscene as she downed it in a single gulp. Pinkie just sat there, looking at the cup of amber liquid. “Fluttershy is still mad at me, isn’t she?” Pinkie Pie’s lip started to quiver, and tears welled in her eyes. “I didn’t mean to, I was only trying to help—” Applejack and Rarity looked at each other, weariness in their eyes. Rarity heaved a sigh. “Pinkie…” Applejack pulled her pink friend in for a big hug. “You know Fluttershy don’t blame you.” Pinkie started to sob; it wrenched at Applejacks heart to see her friend like this. “You were trying to help,” Rarity added. “Fluttershy loves you. She wouldn’t be happy if she knew you were beating yourself up.” “Then... why... won’t she...” Pinkie asked, struggling to breath, “come... see... me?” She burst into wailing tears, and slunk to the ground. Applejack and Rarity got of their chairs, holding their friend in a tight group hug. Nothing they could do could console the crying mare. The nurses quietly slipped into the visiting room. Two nurses lead Pinkie away, back to her room, while the third nurse stayed to talk with Rarity and Applejack. As soon as Pinkie was out of sight, Rarity broke into tears of her own. Applejack held her as Rarity cried on her shoulder. “I know it is hard, but please,” the nurse smiled wearily, “you must stay strong. For her sake. We’ll give her something so she can calm down and sleep.” Applejack nodded, leading Rarity through the doors to the front of the building. At the threshold, she had to stop, and wipe a tear from her own eyes. Chapter Three“Good Morning, Pinkamena” the black-coated stallion greeted. “Come in, sit down.” Pinkie took the high backed leather chair across from the him. “How have you been?” He smiled, looking at her through thick-framed glasses. “Okay, I guess.” Pinkie looked down at her hooves; they were still covered in bandages. A pad and pencil hovered in front of Doctor Wits, glowing with the same fern-green aura that lit his horn. “Is there anything you would like to ask before we start?” “Can I go home?” Pinkie asked, staring intently at the floor. “Sorry Pinkamena, not yet… but hopefully soon.” “I just want to go home now,” Pinkie sighed. “That is why you are here right now,” he responded with enthusiasm. “Soon you will be healthy enough to go home, back to the Cakes.” Pinkie Pie feebly nodded her assent. “I know you don’t want to, but we need to talk about—” “No,” Pinkie burst out. “Please, no.” Pinkie started to shake violently, tears welling in her eyes. “Please don’t make me talk about it again. Please. Please?” “Pinkamena—” Pinkie interrupted him, sobbing loudly. Had anyone who’d known her see into the doctor's office, they would likely not recognise the mare. “Pinkamena. I know it is hard, but we must talk about it. You won’t get better until we do.” Pinkie shook her head vigorously, her flaccid hair whipping about around her. “I cannot force you,” he sighed. “But you have to face what happened. If you want to get better, you must work your way through it.” The sobbing slowed to a sniffle; Doctor Wits levitated a box of tissues from his desk and Pinkie took a few. He left the box of tissues on the small table next to her. After a minute, he asked again. “Do you think you might be able to talk about it today?” Silence continued for another minute. Pinkie nodded. Ж I was walking down the dirt road to Fluttershy’s house. I was super excited to see Fluttershy, she said she had a new friend. And so many of Fluttershy’s friends are really super cute. I saw Fluttershy, sitting under a tree in the garden. She was singing that tune that goes “Ahh-aaaa-aah-aah-ahh” that she always sings with all of her bird friends. I jumped up and waved to Fluttershy. Fluttershy waved back, and I skipped to see her. When I got closer, she put her hoof up to her lips. It was sneaky time! I went over to her, as quiet as I could. When I was close enough, she patted the spot on the ground next to her. She started singing again. And in her mane was a cute little yellow wagtail. It chirped the same song. “What did you talk to Fluttershy about?” We talked about the birdy; she was really happy to have him. “Isn’t he wonderful?” “What did the bird look like, Pinkie?” He was super pretty. He had a little blue stripes on the side of his head. And he was cute and yellow and soft-looking all over. And he had such a nice singing voice. Fluttershy grabbed my hoof and had me hold my arm out. The little bird flew down onto my arm— “What happened next?” I don’t want to! No. Please? “Pinkie, you need to be strong. Tell me what happened next.” He hopped— he hopped up my arm— chirping. That was when— “Control your breathing, Pinkie, just like we practiced. Slow breathes, nice and deep.” Twitchy tail! Twitchy tail! Pinkie sat in the chair, rocking back and forth; holding her rear legs with her forearms. Her eyes lost focus and her breathing became erratic. “Pinkie, listen to my voice.” No! I don’t want to listen. Go away! “Pinkamena Pie, slow your breathing. Listen to my voice. You need to calm yourself down. Practice the breathing exercise I taught you.” Pinkie Pie’s quickening breath had become short and sharp. She continued to rock in her chair, burying herself in her gown. Spasms started up her right side, and she fell out of the chair. His words couldn’t reach her now. They couldn’t hurt her anymore. With a quick flick of his magic, he was able to press the call button on his desk. Two orderlies came into the room, and pinned her to the floor. “Gentle now, don’t let her hurt herself,” he ordered, as he levitated a medical kit out of his desk drawer. He used a small alcohol wipe on the fur on her gaskin. He levitated a small bottle and a syringe from the kit, and filled the syringe with a clear liquid from the bottle. Pinkie gasped as the needle penetrated her skin. Soon after, she felt a warming sensation all over, and drifted into unconsciousness. “Take her back to her room. And tell Tenderheart I want her on 10 minute observations until she comes around.” The darkness overcame her. Ж She woke up, groggy and achey. Pinkie wasn’t sure what time it was. She tried to sit up, but the room spun. She fell face first out of the bed and landed on the cold linoleum floor. The door burst open. “Pinkamena! What happened? Are you alright?” Nurse Tenderheart rushed to her side. Pinkie sat up with the assistance of the nurse. “Silly pony,” she giggled, blushing. “I fell.” “Let’s get you back up into bed,” she said, guiding Pinkie back to the bed. “You just stay right there, and I will go get you some lunch.” “It’s lunchtime‽” Pinkie asked with glee. “Lunch finished about ten minutes ago,” she smiled over her shoulder as she walked through the door. Ж “Pinkie? You m-made it!” Sugar said, smiling at Pinkie. “I w-was w-worried you wouldn’t m-make it today!” “Silly pony, I wouldn’t want to miss out on Arts and Craft or spending time with the super-duperest bestest unicorn colt ever.” Pinkie sat down at the table, her eyes were alight with joy. This was her most favorite of favorite fantabulous fun time activities since she’d arrived here. This room had paints and coloured paper and ribbons and glue. And streamers. Streamers! “P-Pinkie?” Sugar coughed quietly, to get her attention. “C-Could you show me that p-paper trick you were t-telling me about?” “Okie-dokie-lokie. What colour do you want?” “That one,” he pointed to a sheet of purple paper. “Okay. So first you take the piece of paper like this. Then you fold it at the corners like this.” Pinky continued to give instruction. She folded the paper over and over, it slowly taking shape. Sugar Forest looked on with delight. “And there we go,” she handed it to him. A small, purple paper crane. Sugar Forest lifted the paper crane with his magic, sending it soaring through the air. She watched as the neck and tail stretched and contracted in the air, forcing the wings to flap. He laughed and brought it into land in front of him. One of the wings was tilted, and the neck of the crane was ajar. “Aww,” Sugar Forest moaned. “The wings don’t move anymore.” She reached out a shaking hoof to touch the small crane. “Please move,” she asked, barely more than a whisper. Chapter Four“Y-your Majesty,” the nurse exclaimed as she bowed and scraped. “It’s an-an honour to see you here.” Nurse Tenderheart reeled at her own words. “N-not that I mean you should be here! I mean, like someone who needs to be here. I mean—” “It’s quite alright Nurse Tenderheart,” the alicorn chuckled. “I know what you mean.” Nurse Tenderheart remained prostrate before her. “Please, you can get up. You don’t have to do that, you know. I might be a Princess now, but I am still Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight hoped against hope that for just this once, somepony would believe that. “Y-yes,” Tenderheart stammered. “Of course your Majesty. I mean Twilight—” She recoiled at her own words. “I mean Princess Twilight.” So much for that hope. Another nurse came through the door, Twilight immediately recognised this pony. “Nurse Redheart! It’s good to see you again.” “Hmm?” Redheart turned to the voice. A look of shock crossed her face. “Y-Your Majesty—” Twilight groaned; she knew so many of these ponies from when she was just a simple librarian. Now everypony in Ponyville bowed and scraped as she passed. Well, almost every pony; Twilight was glad her friends hadn’t changed. Rainbow Dash calling her ‘Princess Egghead’ was actually a warm change. Twilight rolled her eyes, she would just have to cut to the chase. “I know it is late, but I was hoping I could see Pinkie Pie. I’ve only just gotten back.” The two nurses turned to each other. They argued quietly between themselves while glancing looks back at the princess. “I’ll just go get the doctor.” Nurse Tenderheart rushed down the hall. Ж Minutes later, a very nervous looking stallion trotted up the hall beside Tenderheart. “My goodness, my goodness. I didn’t believe—” He cut himself off and dropped into a bow. “Oh, I am so very sorry for my informality, Your Highness. I am Doctor Wits, Resident Psychiatrist here for Ponyville Hospital. Nurse Tenderheart has informed me you are here to see Pinkamena.” Twilight chuckled. So few people called Pinkie by her real name. “Yes, that’s true. I’ve just returned from Canterlot, and was hoping to visit.” “I am not sure she is able to take visitors, there were a few… complications today.” “I will have to see, uhh, if she is awake and wants visitors,” the nurse said as she moved down the hall. She turned back, “Doctor, do I remove—” “No,” he sighed. He looked up at the princess, then back to the nurse; a look of sadness on his face. “No, not yet. Not until she's safe. And for that, I am very sorry Princess.” Ж “Heya Twilight!” The normally exuberant voice was soft, groggy. “I’d get up and hug you, but… well.” Twilight looked down at the pink mare strapped to the bed, the Princess trying to mask her horror. Cuffs around Pinkie's pasterns kept her arms and legs secured. Her arms were freshly bandaged, but Twilight could still see the deep crimson stains along the bandage; they were fresh. Twilight moved to the head of the bed, and gently rested her cheek on Pinkie’s. “It’s good to see you Twilight.” Pinkie gave her a weak smile. “I’ve missed you.” “I’ve missed you too Pinkie,” Twilight replied, returning the smile. “It’s been too long since I’ve been to a Pinkie Party.” “I keep wanting to throw one in here,” Pinkie pouted, looking to Nurse Redheart still standing at the door, “but somepony won’t let me.” “I’ll… just be outside this door if you need me.” With that, Nurse Redheart closed the door behind her. Ж Twilight sat with Pinkie Pie, telling her all about her recent trip to Canterlot. Pinkie was particularly interested in the party Prince Blueblood threw that Twilight attended. Twilight had enjoyed spending time with Celestia and Luna; but the rest of the court had been utterly painful. “Did you know Blueblood asked my father for permission to court me?” Twilight shuddered. “He said it would be an advantageous relationship for both families.” This lead to snorting laughter from Pinkie. “I’m glad you find it funny!” Twilight couldn’t help but laugh a little herself. “He wouldn’t leave me alone all trip. Not until I… uhh, kind of teleported him. Head first into the fountain in Celestia’s sun garden.” Pinkie burst out with raucous laughter. “Princess Celestia admonished me. She told me such proposals are not uncommon, and I would have to learn to deal with such attentions in a more appropriate manner for royalty. And Luna just sat there holding her sides! I think she might have hurt something trying not to laugh. “The princesses do send their well wishes,” Twilight added feebly, “Luna said she hopes to see you again on Nightmare Night; probably wants to gobble you up.” She playfully nipped at Pinkies cheek, which elicited an excited squeal and a giggle from Pinkie. Twilight was gladdened; small displays like this still told her the pink mare on the bed was still Pinkie Pie. “Twilight?” Pinkie looked up at the Princess. “Do you think Fluttershy might come see me soon? I know she’s mad at me—” “Fluttershy isn’t mad at you.” Twilight cut her off; the letter she’d received from Rarity had prepared her for this question. “She knows what happened was an accident. Fluttershy can’t come see you, but I promise, when you get better, we can go and visit her.” “Okay,” Pinkie responded, dejected. She stifled a yawn. “Sorry Twilight. I’m still a little sleepy from the meds they gave me.” “That’s okay Pinkie,” Twilight answered, rubbing her cheek against Pinkie’s again. “I’ll come back tomorrow with Spike.” “Thanks Twilight.” Pinkie Pie was dozing before Twilight made it to the door. Chapter FiveTwilight kept her promise; Pinkie was the happiest she had been in a long time when she and Spike came to visit the next day. Well, the happiest she had been since Twilight had visited her the night before, and that was the happiest she’d been since Rarity and Applejack had visited… and so on. The girls visited her a lot; almost every day somepony came to see her. So did Mr. and Mrs. Cake, who brought along Pound and Pumpkin when they could; she was really happy to be able to play with them again. But the most super-terrific-most-wonderful-amazingly-happiest she had been was when a few weeks later all of the girls and Spike came to see her. Well, everyone except Fluttershy. She was probably still mad, but when she comes to visit it would be even more super-terrific-most-wonderful-amazingly-happiest she’d ever been. Pinkie gasped with excitement as they all walked through the front door, bouncing towards them in her excitement. “Everypony’s here! Well almost everypony is here… but this is so good— oooo you’ve brought a picnic basket and a blanket are we going for a picnic?” “Yup! Ah brought apple pie,” Applejack laughed. “And we have some daffodil sandwiches courtesy of moi,” Rarity chimed in. “I got some cupcakes!” Rainbow Dash beamed with pride. “The ones with the awesome sprinkles.” “And I brought something to drink,” Twilight said, holding up a bottle of soda. Pinkie Pie turned to Spike with a questioning glance. “Uhhh—” he stammered. “I brought... my appetite?” “When don’t you bring that, Spike?” Twilight asked, which made everypony laugh. Ж Pinkie Pie leaned in close to Dash; she was happy to just listen to the girls talk about what had been happening out in the real world. Rainbow Dash was explaining to Pinkie the trick she was going to teach Twilight; whilst Twilight was adamantly arguing that she would not be doing any ‘tricks’. Rarity had received a big order from Hoity Toity, and Applejack was explaining a new apple cider recipe she was trying out. Spike was dozing lightly next to Twilight. In all, it was a nice day. Pinkie hadn’t spent a lot of time outdoors since arriving here. To be surrounded by her friends was wonderfully liberating: she could almost pretend they were all out on a picnic, and she wasn’t stuck in this hospital. Almost. Her mind kept drifting to the scheduled counselling session with Doctor Wits that afternoon; he would want her to talk about the things that had happened again. She didn’t want to think about it, and she didn’t want to keep talking about it… but he always made her. Always! And it kept returning to the forefront of her mind. The thought had left her in a slightly sullen mood, and the girls had made numerous attempts to press her on what was bothering her, she refused to talk about it. She wanted just a fun day with her friends; was that too much to ask? Ж “I think Spike’s got the right idea! I could use a nap about now.” Rainbow Dash looked around. “And what do you know, there’s a nice big oak tree over there—” Pinkie grasped tightly onto Rainbow Dash’s forearm. “What, I’m not going far, Pinkie. I’ll still be here.” Pinkie shook her head with force; closing her eyes and holding Dash even tighter. “Ah think you can go one afternoon without napping, RD.” Applejack shook her head, frowning. “Y'all get enough sleep as it is!” “Hey! You have no idea how exhausting it is being awesome all the time,” Rainbow protested, “… and it’s so warm out here. Perfect weather for napping.” Twilight frowned. Catching Rainbow Dash’s eyes, she looked to Pinkie, then shook her head. Rainbow Dash looked down at the pink mare beside her and sighed. “Fine, I guess I can take a nap later.” Pinkie’s grip lightened, but not by much. Ж Rainbow Dash was snoozing on the blanket next to Pinkie by the time the nurse came to find her. “Pinkamena. It’s time to say goodbye to your—” She stopped in her tracks. “Oh, Your Majesty! I’m sorry for interrupting, I hadn’t realized—” “It’s okay, Nurse Tenderheart.” The reaction was starting to get on Twilights nerves. “Perhaps we can reschedule Pinkamena’s session for—” “No!” Twilight shouted, then smacked a hoof to her head, seeing the cowering nurse in front of her. “No,” She tried again, quieter this time, “Pinkie’s treatment has to come first.” “Aww,” Pinkie moaned. “I don’t want you girls to leave.” “Sorry, sugarcube,” Applejack interjected, “but we gotta go. Twilight’s right, your treatment comes first, and we’ll be back soon enough.” “I don’t want to talk to Doctor Wits,” Pinkie whispered. Twilight pulled Pinkie into a tight hug, which Rarity and Applejack joined. Rainbow Dash snorted in her sleep. “Pinkie,” Rarity whispered, “you have to be strong. I know it is hard, but please.” “We all want ta see ya come home soon. Life around Ponyville ain’t been the same without ya!” “You have to try. Not just for us, but for yourself.” After a thought, Twilight added, “I’ve read some of Doctor Wits papers. I’ve also been to one of his lectures at Canterlot University. He’s a very good Doctor and he really knows what he is doing. Actually, his last research paper on the benefits of cognitive behavior therapy for victims of—” “Princess… egghead,” Rainbow Dash snorted in her sleep, before rolling away from the sleep-interrupting sounds. Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity giggled at Dash’s outburst. “Well, we must really be going dear.” Rarity pulled away from the hug. “Applejack, be a dear and wake that one up.” Applejack nudged Rainbow Dash, only to be rewarded with a bat to the head. “RD! Ah am not your alarm clock. Git up now, we gotta go!” Rarity gasped at the unladylike mutterings Dash let out as she got up from her nap. “Man, I only just got to sleep.” She stretched her back and wings. “I think I’d prefer a nice tree branch, or a cloud. I don’t know how you ponies can do it.” Pinkie Pie flinched. Twilight maintained her hold on Pinkie. “It’ll be okay. Be brave, and you can come home soon, okay?” Chapter Six“Now Pinkie, I want you to think back.” “Do I have to, Doctor?” “I am afraid so Pinkamena. It is the first step to getting better.” Doctor Wits smiled at his patient. “You need to be strong. Now, tell me about when you went to visit your friend.” Ж I remember the walk to Fluttershy’s house. I was walking down the road- “What was the weather like?” -umm, it was sunny, I think. Yup, that’s right. I was really, really excited to see my friend. She had a new birdy. He was really cute. I think she called him a- ummm, I don’t remember. Fluttershy was singing with the little birdy on her head. “Tell me about the bird.” Do I have to? “Yes, Pinkamena. Please. What did he look like?” Well, he had yellow feathers… a-and blue stripes. “What type of blue?” Umm- I think it was like a light-blue but not totally light-blue like the sky but a little green but not green. “And what about the feathers.” Umm… they were yellow. “Just yellow?” Yeppers! “What happened as you were approaching Fluttershy?” Oooh, I saw the birdy so I knew I had to be sneaky. I didn’t have my sneaking gear with me, so I had to sneak over. “Did Fluttershy see you?” No, I was being sneaky. “So Fluttershy didn’t see you?” Ummm— Oh, wait! No. She waved to me. I was being sneaky for the bird. That’s right! “What happened when you got there.” I listened to the birdy singing with Fluttershy; he was so pretty. Cheep-cheep-cheep. “What did you talk about while you were sitting there?” Umm, I think we talked about— umm. I can’t— “Then do you remember what Fluttershy was wearing?” Huh? “Was Fluttershy wearing anything special?” Nopey-dopey! Fluttershy doesn’t wear anything around the house. “Do you remember what you were talking about?” Ummm- no... “What was the bird doing?” He was hopping up and down and chirping. “What happened next? I want you to really think about it. Try to paint me a picture.” I don’t have any paints. Or paper. Or brushes. Oooo, you should have paints and paper and brushes in here. You have so many nice paintings- “With your words. I want you to paint a picture with your words. Describe it to me as if I were going to paint the picture for you.” Ummm, I think I told Fluttershy how lucky she was: I would love to have little birdy friends like she does. She reached out and grabbed my hoof. She told me to hold still. I sat stiller than the time I had to watch paint dry. The little birdy hopped over to my arm. I watched him and was so excited but Fluttershy said I have to sit really really really reeeeally still. I was sitting as still as I could even though I wanted to jump up and dance. And sing. And throw a cute-little-birdy-on-my-arm party. With teeny-tiny birdy cakes. “How long were you watching the bird for?” I don’t know. Umm, maybe a minute. Maybe longer. He was reeeeally cute. “What was Fluttershy doing while you were watching the bird?” She was… watching me? She still held my hoof. She was smiling. She said thank you. “What was she thanking you for?” It-It was for the hairpin I bought her. A little silver hair pin with a butterfly on it; she had it in her hair. “You said earlier she wasn’t wearing anything? Oh, umm— I was probably thinking about clothes. Not hairpins. They’re not clothes, though you do wear them. In your hair. “What happened next?” ... “Pinkamena?” Do I have to? “Yes, Pinkamena.” I was watching the little birdy, he was dancing up my arm. It tickled… and Fluttershy kept looking into my eyes. I felt— ... “What did you feel?” Twitchy tail. “Calm your breathing Pinkamena. Slow, deep breaths.” Okay. “Now, go on.” My tail was twitchy, which usually means something is going to fall. I heard a crack. And I— ... I pushed Fluttershy out of the way. It almost hit her; the branch almost hit her! It would have, really! I didn’t mean— “Here, take some tissues.” Doctor Wits levitated a small box of tissues over to the mare. “Tell me what happened after the branch fell.” The birdy. His neck… He hit that rock. I didn’t mean to push him into that rock… I didn't know, I didn't see it there… I tried to wake him up, but he wouldn't move… I tried to pick him up, but his head lolled to the side— No. No. No! Nononononononono. No! “Pinkamena, slow deep breaths. Remember?” The doctor demonstrated. “But he won’t sing anymore. I broke him, and now he’ll never sing again.” Pinkie Pie hyperventilated as she spoke. She clutched at the neck of her gown. “I know it is hard,” he said sympathetically, “but I need you to keep going. Was the bird breathing?” No. He wouldn’t move. His neck was… twisted. It was— the rock had— I didn't see it there— I didn't mean to! I shouldn't have pushed her— "What was Fluttershy doing?” Nonononono. She was so mad at me. She flew away. “Fluttershy loved her animals, didn’t she? You told me that.” **Yes!* She loves her animals! That is why she was so mad!* “Would she leave one of her animals like that?” No, she wouldn’t. Well— she did. She was so mad, she just flew away. “Where did she fly?” Away. She just flew away. “Does that seem like something Fluttershy would do?” Well, no. Maybe. “I want you to tell me about the bird. What colour was it?” Yellow. It was yellow. It’s little yellow wings. It’s soft little yellow belly. “What colour were it’s eyes?” Blue! I told you. They were blue! “Birds don’t have blue eyes.” They were! They were blue! I remember they were blue! “Pinkamena. What was on the ground in front of you?” Little yellow wings. Little yellow belly. “Breathe, Pinkie.” Little yellow- hooves. Little blue eyes. No. No! Nononononononononono. “Pinkie, who flew away?” -nonononononononononononononononononononononononono- “Pinkie, what flew away?” The bird. He flew away. And it’s all my fault! And now she’ll never sing again! EpilogueCream coloured walls. Cold linoleum floor. Pale blue blanket draped across white sheets. Sunset drifted into the room. Twilight Sparkle, newest princess of Equestria, sat holding the fragile, pink hoof of one of her best friends. Her friend had not said a word since Twilight had been called in. Her friend just sat silently, looking out the window. For all the lessons Twilight had learned about friendship, nothing had prepared her for this. Should she speak? Should she remain silent? They had all had to deal with their grief over the past few months, and though it still lingered, they’d had to go on. Pinkie Pie broke the silence. “Fluttershy can’t come and see me anymore, can she?” “No,” Twilight breathed heavily. The pain was still fresh. “I’m sorry—” “Pinkie,” Twilight whispered, pulling the mare into an embrace. “I’ll miss her singing,” Pinkie sobbed. “So will I,” Twilight cried. “So will we all.”
Chapter OneI’m cold. Why am I cold? Oh, I’m on the floor. Why am I on the floor? Well, I am kind of sleepy. But silly pony, I'm not supposed to sleep on the floor! That’s what beds are for. But I am sticky, so maybe it’s better to sleep on the floor. Icky sticky. Like that time I went to bed with taffy in my mane and Mrs Cake didn't know how to get taffy out of the bed sheets. Or my mane. Why is Mrs Cake screaming? Is it cause I hurt myself? Might be. Or she might be thinking of taffy. She certainly screamed when I showed her my sheets with the taffy on them. But I think this is a different kind of scream. And now Mr Cake is yelling too. I don't think he has a problem with taffy. Heehee, it would be nice if I was laying in pools of taffy right now. Instead of this icky-stickiness. Icky-sticky. It hurts. But I am still sleepy. Maybe if I go to sleep, the hurting will go away. Ж Cream coloured walls. Cold linoleum floor. Pale blue blanket draped across white sheets. Birds chirped merrily outside the window. The pink mare got off her bed, and made her way to the window. She looked out at the scenery: the bright green leaves of the trees, the blooming flowers, the bees buzzing about collecting pollen for their hives. Squirrels playing on the branches and birds singing. Pinkie Pie couldn't look at the birds. They filled her heart with sorrow. And the party pony didn't do sorrow. So she closed the curtains, her room now lit by the bulb above her bed. What this room needed was balloons. And candles. And streamers! Instead, Pinkie returned to her bed, and pulled out the latest Daring Do book: Daring Do and The Return of the Curse of the Creature's Ghost. Twilight had left it for her a week ago when she came to visit. The door to her room opened, and in strolled a pale yellow pony, wearing a small white nurses cap. “Good morning Pinkamena, it’s good to see you up and about.” The nurse trotted towards the closed curtains. “Why don't we get some light in here, hmm?” “No!” Pinkie shot forward. “I mean, no, please. I just closed them.” The nurse shook her head, her pale blue mane bobbing as she did. “Okay, deary. We can leave them closed. “Now let's have a look at those forearms of yours, hmm?” The mare moved towards the bed, and carefully unwrapped the bandages. A strained look crossed her features. “Pinkamena!” The nurse gave the pink mare a sharp gaze. “Have you been touching these again?” “It was itchy.” A sheepish look crossed Pinkie Pie’s face. “Pinkamena Diane Pie,” the nurse chastised the young mare, “your injuries won't get better if you don’t stop touching them.” “Sorry Nurse Coldheart,” Pinkie Pie replied, visibly deflating. “Sweetie, you just have to let them get better. Your skin will itch as they are healing. You just need to be a brave little pony. Can you do that for me?” “Yes, Nurse Coldheart.” “There’s a good girl. Now, lets get some clean bandages on those arms, and go have breakfast. The girls have even put a little cup of jello on your plate.” Nurse Coldheart gave Pinkie a playful wink. “Jello!” Pinkie Pie bounced, leaving it difficult for the nurse to rebandage Pinkie’s arms. With some difficulty the nurse managed to finish her job. “Okay, Pinkie. Lets get your gown on and go have some jello.” Ж Pinkie carried her tray to a table in the small dining area. Three other ponies were in the room, Sugar Forest, Brawny Charger and Meadow Peach. Brawny always sat by himself, he was a grumpy-grump saddy-mcsad-pants; he had made sure Pinkie was aware he didn’t want to be friends. If she had her welcome wagon she might have been able to make him smile… but she wasn’t allowed her wagon here, the nurses and doctors wouldn't let her. Sugar Forest and Meadow Peach were nice though. Sugar also liked cakes, and he’d spent a lot of time talking about cakes. And Pinkie also talked about the Cakes. Meadow knew Mr and Mrs Cake from her days in school. She always seemed sad, but the elder mare would brighten up any time Pinkie would talk to her about Sugarcube corner. Sugar laughed as Pinkie sat down; he’d eyed the large cup of green jello. Meadow joined with a week smile. “♪Gooooooood morning, everypony♫” Pinkie sung, followed by a snort as her jello wibble-wobbled in its cup. “G-Good morning, P-Pinkie!” Sugar beamed. “Good morning, Pinkie,” Meadow Peach whispered. “How are you this morning?” “Peeeachy keen!” Pinkie answered with another giggle. Meadow responded with a blush. Their conversation was interrupted by crying behind them; the three ponies turning around as one. Brawny was slumped, sobbing into his breakfast again. “I’ll g-go get one of the nurses,” Sugar pushed away from the table, trotting to the nurses station in a hurry. He returned to the table quietly as two nurses attended to Brawny. They struggled to help the stallion to his hooves; he was very aptly named. Pinkie thought he could have been a slightly shorter brown-coated Big Mac. The three ponies returned to their breakfast in silence. Pinkie prodded her jello with a spoon, watching the surface ripple. She didn’t like this place.
Chapter TwoPinkie was back in her room. The same cream coloured walls surrounded her. She sat on the small recliner, once again settling down to read the adventures of Daring Do, when a knock at the door roused her. “Pinkamena?” Nurse Sweetheart asked, as she quietly stepped into the room. “You've got some visitors, dear.” Visitors! Pinkie perked up. Friends! She bounce about the room, stopping only long enough to put her gown on as Sweetheart had instructed her, then dashed down the hall. “Who could it be?” she mused to herself. Maybe it was Rainbow Dash. Or Applejack. Or Rarity. Or maybe it was Twilight and Spike. No no no. They'd be too busy right now. Maybe it was Flutter— She rounded the corner to see a white unicorn and an orange earth pony. “Applejack! Rarity!” Pinkie bounded towards them, wrapping them both in a big Pinkie-hug. “Oh I've missed you so much.” Pinkie Pie let them go with a yelp, and grabbed at her left forearm, while Rarity and Applejack looked at her with concern. “You okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked. Pinkie Pie nodded silently. “Are you sure, sweetie?" Rarity struggled to hide the concern in her voice. " We can get a nurse to come and—” “Nope! I'm okie-dokie,” she answered, ignoring the pain… and their stares. She shifted in her gown until the sleeves covered all the way to her forehooves. “It’s just so good to see my good friends again.” She led them to the small lounge. She waved to Sugar Forest; the young colt was sitting in the corner listening to some music. When he saw the two other mares enter the room his smile vanished, and he trotted out the door to the gardens. “Oh my! Did we do something wrong?” Rarity asked, seeing the colt running away outside. Pinkie smiled. “Oh, don't worry about Sugar Forest. He’s just a little shy.” Applejack plopped down into the worn old sofa. Rarity sat on a recliner across from Applejack. Pinkie launched herself in the air, aiming for the spot next to Applejack. “Pinkie, wait—” Applejack shouted, panicking at the rapidly approaching pink projectile. Impossibly, Pinkie seemed to slow down mid air, and landed softly on the couch next to Applejack. “How?” “Shhh!” Pinkie hissed, holding a hoof to Applejack's lips. “This is a hospital; you have to be quiet!” After a second of seriousness, Pinke broke into a fit of giggles, while Applejack shook her head with a smile. Rarity cut in. “So, Pinkie, how have you been?” “I’ve been…” Pinkie looked to the ground for a few seconds, before looking back up at Rarity. “…great!” “Really?” Applejack beamed, “Well ain't that jus' great‽” “Well...” Pinkie hesitated, she didn't want to worry her friends. “…maybe I have been just a little bit—” She stopped herself. No! She shook her head; she would not worry her friends about this. Applejack gently put a hoof on Pinkie’s. “A little…?” “It’s okay, Sweetie,” Rarity added. “We're your friends, and we are here for you. You can talk to us.” “Well…” Pinkie continued to look intently at the floor. “I may be just the teeniest, teensy-weensy bit…” She stopped herself again. She looked up at them, the two mares both wore a look of concern on their face. “Lonely,” she finally finished, in a whisper. A orange forearm wrapped around her shoulder. “Ah'm real sorry bout that, Sugar.” “We're all trying to come see you as much as we can.” Rarity looked away. Pinkie shook her head. “Nope nope nope! My friends are here to see me. No time to be sad! Tell me: what’s been happening at Sweet Apple Acres. Or the boutique? Oooh, have I missed anything fun?” Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up. She desperately wanted to hear about what was happening in the outside world. Well, not the outside outside world. But she wanted to hear all about what her friends had been doing. “Ooh-ooh-ooh!” Pinkie bounced with excitement again. “Have you heard from Twilight and Spike? Has Dashie learned any new tricks?” Rarity winced under the barrage of questions hurled their way. Applejack smiled, answering Pinkie’s questions. “Twilight and Spike are good. Gotta letter yesterday that she’d be comin’ back real soon. Everythin’s goin good at the farm, though the chicken coup is a bit of a mess after the crusaders last mishap,” Applejack chuckled. “Ah never seen Big Mac so mad; made Apple Bloom fix it all by herself. She did a pretty bang-up job of it too!” Rarity joined in. “Yes,” she said with some irritation, “those girls do have a habit of causing trouble. You know what happened to those eggs they took?” Applejack shook her head. “Well, let's just say I have some expensive silk that I can’t use.” Rarity scowled as she spoke. “And they won’t be getting their cutie marks in making Fabergé eggs either.” Pinkie Pie burst into laughter. “Well, it was expensive silk.” Rarity grimaced. “But I supposed if it makes our Pinkie smile, then it might have been worth it.” “How is Dashie?” “Uhh,” Applejack stammered. “We ain’t seen too much of RD, lately. She’s been stayin' up at Cloudsdale a lot.” “Will she visit me soon?” Pinkie deflated. Applejack pulled Pinkie into a hug. “She’s just having a hard time of things lately.” “You know how Rainbow Dash is,” Rarity said softly. “She’s just got a lot on her mind. And, uhh, you know she doesn’t like hospitals.” Pinkie sniffled, nodding. “And what about—” “Shall I get us some tea?” Rarity asked, looking around the visiting room and trotted over to the vending machine. “Applejack, would you like tea, or an apple juice?” “Ah’ll take an apple juice, thanks. Pinkie?” “Juice please,” she whispered. “She said juice,” Applejack called out. Ж Rarity sipped at her tea. It was not the best tea— in fact far from it— but tea was tea and she was in desperate need of it. Applejack turned her nose up at the vending machine apple juice, muttering something obscene as she downed it in a single gulp. Pinkie just sat there, looking at the cup of amber liquid. “Fluttershy is still mad at me, isn’t she?” Pinkie Pie’s lip started to quiver, and tears welled in her eyes. “I didn’t mean to, I was only trying to help—” Applejack and Rarity looked at each other, weariness in their eyes. Rarity heaved a sigh. “Pinkie…” Applejack pulled her pink friend in for a big hug. “You know Fluttershy don’t blame you.” Pinkie started to sob; it wrenched at Applejacks heart to see her friend like this. “You were trying to help,” Rarity added. “Fluttershy loves you. She wouldn’t be happy if she knew you were beating yourself up.” “Then... why... won’t she...” Pinkie asked, struggling to breath, “come... see... me?” She burst into wailing tears, and slunk to the ground. Applejack and Rarity got of their chairs, holding their friend in a tight group hug. Nothing they could do could console the crying mare. The nurses quietly slipped into the visiting room. Two nurses lead Pinkie away, back to her room, while the third nurse stayed to talk with Rarity and Applejack. As soon as Pinkie was out of sight, Rarity broke into tears of her own. Applejack held her as Rarity cried on her shoulder. “I know it is hard, but please,” the nurse smiled wearily, “you must stay strong. For her sake. We’ll give her something so she can calm down and sleep.” Applejack nodded, leading Rarity through the doors to the front of the building. At the threshold, she had to stop, and wipe a tear from her own eyes.
Chapter Three“Good Morning, Pinkamena” the black-coated stallion greeted. “Come in, sit down.” Pinkie took the high backed leather chair across from the him. “How have you been?” He smiled, looking at her through thick-framed glasses. “Okay, I guess.” Pinkie looked down at her hooves; they were still covered in bandages. A pad and pencil hovered in front of Doctor Wits, glowing with the same fern-green aura that lit his horn. “Is there anything you would like to ask before we start?” “Can I go home?” Pinkie asked, staring intently at the floor. “Sorry Pinkamena, not yet… but hopefully soon.” “I just want to go home now,” Pinkie sighed. “That is why you are here right now,” he responded with enthusiasm. “Soon you will be healthy enough to go home, back to the Cakes.” Pinkie Pie feebly nodded her assent. “I know you don’t want to, but we need to talk about—” “No,” Pinkie burst out. “Please, no.” Pinkie started to shake violently, tears welling in her eyes. “Please don’t make me talk about it again. Please. Please?” “Pinkamena—” Pinkie interrupted him, sobbing loudly. Had anyone who’d known her see into the doctor's office, they would likely not recognise the mare. “Pinkamena. I know it is hard, but we must talk about it. You won’t get better until we do.” Pinkie shook her head vigorously, her flaccid hair whipping about around her. “I cannot force you,” he sighed. “But you have to face what happened. If you want to get better, you must work your way through it.” The sobbing slowed to a sniffle; Doctor Wits levitated a box of tissues from his desk and Pinkie took a few. He left the box of tissues on the small table next to her. After a minute, he asked again. “Do you think you might be able to talk about it today?” Silence continued for another minute. Pinkie nodded. Ж I was walking down the dirt road to Fluttershy’s house. I was super excited to see Fluttershy, she said she had a new friend. And so many of Fluttershy’s friends are really super cute. I saw Fluttershy, sitting under a tree in the garden. She was singing that tune that goes “Ahh-aaaa-aah-aah-ahh” that she always sings with all of her bird friends. I jumped up and waved to Fluttershy. Fluttershy waved back, and I skipped to see her. When I got closer, she put her hoof up to her lips. It was sneaky time! I went over to her, as quiet as I could. When I was close enough, she patted the spot on the ground next to her. She started singing again. And in her mane was a cute little yellow wagtail. It chirped the same song. “What did you talk to Fluttershy about?” We talked about the birdy; she was really happy to have him. “Isn’t he wonderful?” “What did the bird look like, Pinkie?” He was super pretty. He had a little blue stripes on the side of his head. And he was cute and yellow and soft-looking all over. And he had such a nice singing voice. Fluttershy grabbed my hoof and had me hold my arm out. The little bird flew down onto my arm— “What happened next?” I don’t want to! No. Please? “Pinkie, you need to be strong. Tell me what happened next.” He hopped— he hopped up my arm— chirping. That was when— “Control your breathing, Pinkie, just like we practiced. Slow breathes, nice and deep.” Twitchy tail! Twitchy tail! Pinkie sat in the chair, rocking back and forth; holding her rear legs with her forearms. Her eyes lost focus and her breathing became erratic. “Pinkie, listen to my voice.” No! I don’t want to listen. Go away! “Pinkamena Pie, slow your breathing. Listen to my voice. You need to calm yourself down. Practice the breathing exercise I taught you.” Pinkie Pie’s quickening breath had become short and sharp. She continued to rock in her chair, burying herself in her gown. Spasms started up her right side, and she fell out of the chair. His words couldn’t reach her now. They couldn’t hurt her anymore. With a quick flick of his magic, he was able to press the call button on his desk. Two orderlies came into the room, and pinned her to the floor. “Gentle now, don’t let her hurt herself,” he ordered, as he levitated a medical kit out of his desk drawer. He used a small alcohol wipe on the fur on her gaskin. He levitated a small bottle and a syringe from the kit, and filled the syringe with a clear liquid from the bottle. Pinkie gasped as the needle penetrated her skin. Soon after, she felt a warming sensation all over, and drifted into unconsciousness. “Take her back to her room. And tell Tenderheart I want her on 10 minute observations until she comes around.” The darkness overcame her. Ж She woke up, groggy and achey. Pinkie wasn’t sure what time it was. She tried to sit up, but the room spun. She fell face first out of the bed and landed on the cold linoleum floor. The door burst open. “Pinkamena! What happened? Are you alright?” Nurse Tenderheart rushed to her side. Pinkie sat up with the assistance of the nurse. “Silly pony,” she giggled, blushing. “I fell.” “Let’s get you back up into bed,” she said, guiding Pinkie back to the bed. “You just stay right there, and I will go get you some lunch.” “It’s lunchtime‽” Pinkie asked with glee. “Lunch finished about ten minutes ago,” she smiled over her shoulder as she walked through the door. Ж “Pinkie? You m-made it!” Sugar said, smiling at Pinkie. “I w-was w-worried you wouldn’t m-make it today!” “Silly pony, I wouldn’t want to miss out on Arts and Craft or spending time with the super-duperest bestest unicorn colt ever.” Pinkie sat down at the table, her eyes were alight with joy. This was her most favorite of favorite fantabulous fun time activities since she’d arrived here. This room had paints and coloured paper and ribbons and glue. And streamers. Streamers! “P-Pinkie?” Sugar coughed quietly, to get her attention. “C-Could you show me that p-paper trick you were t-telling me about?” “Okie-dokie-lokie. What colour do you want?” “That one,” he pointed to a sheet of purple paper. “Okay. So first you take the piece of paper like this. Then you fold it at the corners like this.” Pinky continued to give instruction. She folded the paper over and over, it slowly taking shape. Sugar Forest looked on with delight. “And there we go,” she handed it to him. A small, purple paper crane. Sugar Forest lifted the paper crane with his magic, sending it soaring through the air. She watched as the neck and tail stretched and contracted in the air, forcing the wings to flap. He laughed and brought it into land in front of him. One of the wings was tilted, and the neck of the crane was ajar. “Aww,” Sugar Forest moaned. “The wings don’t move anymore.” She reached out a shaking hoof to touch the small crane. “Please move,” she asked, barely more than a whisper.
Chapter Four“Y-your Majesty,” the nurse exclaimed as she bowed and scraped. “It’s an-an honour to see you here.” Nurse Tenderheart reeled at her own words. “N-not that I mean you should be here! I mean, like someone who needs to be here. I mean—” “It’s quite alright Nurse Tenderheart,” the alicorn chuckled. “I know what you mean.” Nurse Tenderheart remained prostrate before her. “Please, you can get up. You don’t have to do that, you know. I might be a Princess now, but I am still Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight hoped against hope that for just this once, somepony would believe that. “Y-yes,” Tenderheart stammered. “Of course your Majesty. I mean Twilight—” She recoiled at her own words. “I mean Princess Twilight.” So much for that hope. Another nurse came through the door, Twilight immediately recognised this pony. “Nurse Redheart! It’s good to see you again.” “Hmm?” Redheart turned to the voice. A look of shock crossed her face. “Y-Your Majesty—” Twilight groaned; she knew so many of these ponies from when she was just a simple librarian. Now everypony in Ponyville bowed and scraped as she passed. Well, almost every pony; Twilight was glad her friends hadn’t changed. Rainbow Dash calling her ‘Princess Egghead’ was actually a warm change. Twilight rolled her eyes, she would just have to cut to the chase. “I know it is late, but I was hoping I could see Pinkie Pie. I’ve only just gotten back.” The two nurses turned to each other. They argued quietly between themselves while glancing looks back at the princess. “I’ll just go get the doctor.” Nurse Tenderheart rushed down the hall. Ж Minutes later, a very nervous looking stallion trotted up the hall beside Tenderheart. “My goodness, my goodness. I didn’t believe—” He cut himself off and dropped into a bow. “Oh, I am so very sorry for my informality, Your Highness. I am Doctor Wits, Resident Psychiatrist here for Ponyville Hospital. Nurse Tenderheart has informed me you are here to see Pinkamena.” Twilight chuckled. So few people called Pinkie by her real name. “Yes, that’s true. I’ve just returned from Canterlot, and was hoping to visit.” “I am not sure she is able to take visitors, there were a few… complications today.” “I will have to see, uhh, if she is awake and wants visitors,” the nurse said as she moved down the hall. She turned back, “Doctor, do I remove—” “No,” he sighed. He looked up at the princess, then back to the nurse; a look of sadness on his face. “No, not yet. Not until she's safe. And for that, I am very sorry Princess.” Ж “Heya Twilight!” The normally exuberant voice was soft, groggy. “I’d get up and hug you, but… well.” Twilight looked down at the pink mare strapped to the bed, the Princess trying to mask her horror. Cuffs around Pinkie's pasterns kept her arms and legs secured. Her arms were freshly bandaged, but Twilight could still see the deep crimson stains along the bandage; they were fresh. Twilight moved to the head of the bed, and gently rested her cheek on Pinkie’s. “It’s good to see you Twilight.” Pinkie gave her a weak smile. “I’ve missed you.” “I’ve missed you too Pinkie,” Twilight replied, returning the smile. “It’s been too long since I’ve been to a Pinkie Party.” “I keep wanting to throw one in here,” Pinkie pouted, looking to Nurse Redheart still standing at the door, “but somepony won’t let me.” “I’ll… just be outside this door if you need me.” With that, Nurse Redheart closed the door behind her. Ж Twilight sat with Pinkie Pie, telling her all about her recent trip to Canterlot. Pinkie was particularly interested in the party Prince Blueblood threw that Twilight attended. Twilight had enjoyed spending time with Celestia and Luna; but the rest of the court had been utterly painful. “Did you know Blueblood asked my father for permission to court me?” Twilight shuddered. “He said it would be an advantageous relationship for both families.” This lead to snorting laughter from Pinkie. “I’m glad you find it funny!” Twilight couldn’t help but laugh a little herself. “He wouldn’t leave me alone all trip. Not until I… uhh, kind of teleported him. Head first into the fountain in Celestia’s sun garden.” Pinkie burst out with raucous laughter. “Princess Celestia admonished me. She told me such proposals are not uncommon, and I would have to learn to deal with such attentions in a more appropriate manner for royalty. And Luna just sat there holding her sides! I think she might have hurt something trying not to laugh. “The princesses do send their well wishes,” Twilight added feebly, “Luna said she hopes to see you again on Nightmare Night; probably wants to gobble you up.” She playfully nipped at Pinkies cheek, which elicited an excited squeal and a giggle from Pinkie. Twilight was gladdened; small displays like this still told her the pink mare on the bed was still Pinkie Pie. “Twilight?” Pinkie looked up at the Princess. “Do you think Fluttershy might come see me soon? I know she’s mad at me—” “Fluttershy isn’t mad at you.” Twilight cut her off; the letter she’d received from Rarity had prepared her for this question. “She knows what happened was an accident. Fluttershy can’t come see you, but I promise, when you get better, we can go and visit her.” “Okay,” Pinkie responded, dejected. She stifled a yawn. “Sorry Twilight. I’m still a little sleepy from the meds they gave me.” “That’s okay Pinkie,” Twilight answered, rubbing her cheek against Pinkie’s again. “I’ll come back tomorrow with Spike.” “Thanks Twilight.” Pinkie Pie was dozing before Twilight made it to the door.
Chapter FiveTwilight kept her promise; Pinkie was the happiest she had been in a long time when she and Spike came to visit the next day. Well, the happiest she had been since Twilight had visited her the night before, and that was the happiest she’d been since Rarity and Applejack had visited… and so on. The girls visited her a lot; almost every day somepony came to see her. So did Mr. and Mrs. Cake, who brought along Pound and Pumpkin when they could; she was really happy to be able to play with them again. But the most super-terrific-most-wonderful-amazingly-happiest she had been was when a few weeks later all of the girls and Spike came to see her. Well, everyone except Fluttershy. She was probably still mad, but when she comes to visit it would be even more super-terrific-most-wonderful-amazingly-happiest she’d ever been. Pinkie gasped with excitement as they all walked through the front door, bouncing towards them in her excitement. “Everypony’s here! Well almost everypony is here… but this is so good— oooo you’ve brought a picnic basket and a blanket are we going for a picnic?” “Yup! Ah brought apple pie,” Applejack laughed. “And we have some daffodil sandwiches courtesy of moi,” Rarity chimed in. “I got some cupcakes!” Rainbow Dash beamed with pride. “The ones with the awesome sprinkles.” “And I brought something to drink,” Twilight said, holding up a bottle of soda. Pinkie Pie turned to Spike with a questioning glance. “Uhhh—” he stammered. “I brought... my appetite?” “When don’t you bring that, Spike?” Twilight asked, which made everypony laugh. Ж Pinkie Pie leaned in close to Dash; she was happy to just listen to the girls talk about what had been happening out in the real world. Rainbow Dash was explaining to Pinkie the trick she was going to teach Twilight; whilst Twilight was adamantly arguing that she would not be doing any ‘tricks’. Rarity had received a big order from Hoity Toity, and Applejack was explaining a new apple cider recipe she was trying out. Spike was dozing lightly next to Twilight. In all, it was a nice day. Pinkie hadn’t spent a lot of time outdoors since arriving here. To be surrounded by her friends was wonderfully liberating: she could almost pretend they were all out on a picnic, and she wasn’t stuck in this hospital. Almost. Her mind kept drifting to the scheduled counselling session with Doctor Wits that afternoon; he would want her to talk about the things that had happened again. She didn’t want to think about it, and she didn’t want to keep talking about it… but he always made her. Always! And it kept returning to the forefront of her mind. The thought had left her in a slightly sullen mood, and the girls had made numerous attempts to press her on what was bothering her, she refused to talk about it. She wanted just a fun day with her friends; was that too much to ask? Ж “I think Spike’s got the right idea! I could use a nap about now.” Rainbow Dash looked around. “And what do you know, there’s a nice big oak tree over there—” Pinkie grasped tightly onto Rainbow Dash’s forearm. “What, I’m not going far, Pinkie. I’ll still be here.” Pinkie shook her head with force; closing her eyes and holding Dash even tighter. “Ah think you can go one afternoon without napping, RD.” Applejack shook her head, frowning. “Y'all get enough sleep as it is!” “Hey! You have no idea how exhausting it is being awesome all the time,” Rainbow protested, “… and it’s so warm out here. Perfect weather for napping.” Twilight frowned. Catching Rainbow Dash’s eyes, she looked to Pinkie, then shook her head. Rainbow Dash looked down at the pink mare beside her and sighed. “Fine, I guess I can take a nap later.” Pinkie’s grip lightened, but not by much. Ж Rainbow Dash was snoozing on the blanket next to Pinkie by the time the nurse came to find her. “Pinkamena. It’s time to say goodbye to your—” She stopped in her tracks. “Oh, Your Majesty! I’m sorry for interrupting, I hadn’t realized—” “It’s okay, Nurse Tenderheart.” The reaction was starting to get on Twilights nerves. “Perhaps we can reschedule Pinkamena’s session for—” “No!” Twilight shouted, then smacked a hoof to her head, seeing the cowering nurse in front of her. “No,” She tried again, quieter this time, “Pinkie’s treatment has to come first.” “Aww,” Pinkie moaned. “I don’t want you girls to leave.” “Sorry, sugarcube,” Applejack interjected, “but we gotta go. Twilight’s right, your treatment comes first, and we’ll be back soon enough.” “I don’t want to talk to Doctor Wits,” Pinkie whispered. Twilight pulled Pinkie into a tight hug, which Rarity and Applejack joined. Rainbow Dash snorted in her sleep. “Pinkie,” Rarity whispered, “you have to be strong. I know it is hard, but please.” “We all want ta see ya come home soon. Life around Ponyville ain’t been the same without ya!” “You have to try. Not just for us, but for yourself.” After a thought, Twilight added, “I’ve read some of Doctor Wits papers. I’ve also been to one of his lectures at Canterlot University. He’s a very good Doctor and he really knows what he is doing. Actually, his last research paper on the benefits of cognitive behavior therapy for victims of—” “Princess… egghead,” Rainbow Dash snorted in her sleep, before rolling away from the sleep-interrupting sounds. Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity giggled at Dash’s outburst. “Well, we must really be going dear.” Rarity pulled away from the hug. “Applejack, be a dear and wake that one up.” Applejack nudged Rainbow Dash, only to be rewarded with a bat to the head. “RD! Ah am not your alarm clock. Git up now, we gotta go!” Rarity gasped at the unladylike mutterings Dash let out as she got up from her nap. “Man, I only just got to sleep.” She stretched her back and wings. “I think I’d prefer a nice tree branch, or a cloud. I don’t know how you ponies can do it.” Pinkie Pie flinched. Twilight maintained her hold on Pinkie. “It’ll be okay. Be brave, and you can come home soon, okay?”
Chapter Six“Now Pinkie, I want you to think back.” “Do I have to, Doctor?” “I am afraid so Pinkamena. It is the first step to getting better.” Doctor Wits smiled at his patient. “You need to be strong. Now, tell me about when you went to visit your friend.” Ж I remember the walk to Fluttershy’s house. I was walking down the road- “What was the weather like?” -umm, it was sunny, I think. Yup, that’s right. I was really, really excited to see my friend. She had a new birdy. He was really cute. I think she called him a- ummm, I don’t remember. Fluttershy was singing with the little birdy on her head. “Tell me about the bird.” Do I have to? “Yes, Pinkamena. Please. What did he look like?” Well, he had yellow feathers… a-and blue stripes. “What type of blue?” Umm- I think it was like a light-blue but not totally light-blue like the sky but a little green but not green. “And what about the feathers.” Umm… they were yellow. “Just yellow?” Yeppers! “What happened as you were approaching Fluttershy?” Oooh, I saw the birdy so I knew I had to be sneaky. I didn’t have my sneaking gear with me, so I had to sneak over. “Did Fluttershy see you?” No, I was being sneaky. “So Fluttershy didn’t see you?” Ummm— Oh, wait! No. She waved to me. I was being sneaky for the bird. That’s right! “What happened when you got there.” I listened to the birdy singing with Fluttershy; he was so pretty. Cheep-cheep-cheep. “What did you talk about while you were sitting there?” Umm, I think we talked about— umm. I can’t— “Then do you remember what Fluttershy was wearing?” Huh? “Was Fluttershy wearing anything special?” Nopey-dopey! Fluttershy doesn’t wear anything around the house. “Do you remember what you were talking about?” Ummm- no... “What was the bird doing?” He was hopping up and down and chirping. “What happened next? I want you to really think about it. Try to paint me a picture.” I don’t have any paints. Or paper. Or brushes. Oooo, you should have paints and paper and brushes in here. You have so many nice paintings- “With your words. I want you to paint a picture with your words. Describe it to me as if I were going to paint the picture for you.” Ummm, I think I told Fluttershy how lucky she was: I would love to have little birdy friends like she does. She reached out and grabbed my hoof. She told me to hold still. I sat stiller than the time I had to watch paint dry. The little birdy hopped over to my arm. I watched him and was so excited but Fluttershy said I have to sit really really really reeeeally still. I was sitting as still as I could even though I wanted to jump up and dance. And sing. And throw a cute-little-birdy-on-my-arm party. With teeny-tiny birdy cakes. “How long were you watching the bird for?” I don’t know. Umm, maybe a minute. Maybe longer. He was reeeeally cute. “What was Fluttershy doing while you were watching the bird?” She was… watching me? She still held my hoof. She was smiling. She said thank you. “What was she thanking you for?” It-It was for the hairpin I bought her. A little silver hair pin with a butterfly on it; she had it in her hair. “You said earlier she wasn’t wearing anything? Oh, umm— I was probably thinking about clothes. Not hairpins. They’re not clothes, though you do wear them. In your hair. “What happened next?” ... “Pinkamena?” Do I have to? “Yes, Pinkamena.” I was watching the little birdy, he was dancing up my arm. It tickled… and Fluttershy kept looking into my eyes. I felt— ... “What did you feel?” Twitchy tail. “Calm your breathing Pinkamena. Slow, deep breaths.” Okay. “Now, go on.” My tail was twitchy, which usually means something is going to fall. I heard a crack. And I— ... I pushed Fluttershy out of the way. It almost hit her; the branch almost hit her! It would have, really! I didn’t mean— “Here, take some tissues.” Doctor Wits levitated a small box of tissues over to the mare. “Tell me what happened after the branch fell.” The birdy. His neck… He hit that rock. I didn’t mean to push him into that rock… I didn't know, I didn't see it there… I tried to wake him up, but he wouldn't move… I tried to pick him up, but his head lolled to the side— No. No. No! Nononononononono. No! “Pinkamena, slow deep breaths. Remember?” The doctor demonstrated. “But he won’t sing anymore. I broke him, and now he’ll never sing again.” Pinkie Pie hyperventilated as she spoke. She clutched at the neck of her gown. “I know it is hard,” he said sympathetically, “but I need you to keep going. Was the bird breathing?” No. He wouldn’t move. His neck was… twisted. It was— the rock had— I didn't see it there— I didn't mean to! I shouldn't have pushed her— "What was Fluttershy doing?” Nonononono. She was so mad at me. She flew away. “Fluttershy loved her animals, didn’t she? You told me that.” **Yes!* She loves her animals! That is why she was so mad!* “Would she leave one of her animals like that?” No, she wouldn’t. Well— she did. She was so mad, she just flew away. “Where did she fly?” Away. She just flew away. “Does that seem like something Fluttershy would do?” Well, no. Maybe. “I want you to tell me about the bird. What colour was it?” Yellow. It was yellow. It’s little yellow wings. It’s soft little yellow belly. “What colour were it’s eyes?” Blue! I told you. They were blue! “Birds don’t have blue eyes.” They were! They were blue! I remember they were blue! “Pinkamena. What was on the ground in front of you?” Little yellow wings. Little yellow belly. “Breathe, Pinkie.” Little yellow- hooves. Little blue eyes. No. No! Nononononononononono. “Pinkie, who flew away?” -nonononononononononononononononononononononononono- “Pinkie, what flew away?” The bird. He flew away. And it’s all my fault! And now she’ll never sing again!
EpilogueCream coloured walls. Cold linoleum floor. Pale blue blanket draped across white sheets. Sunset drifted into the room. Twilight Sparkle, newest princess of Equestria, sat holding the fragile, pink hoof of one of her best friends. Her friend had not said a word since Twilight had been called in. Her friend just sat silently, looking out the window. For all the lessons Twilight had learned about friendship, nothing had prepared her for this. Should she speak? Should she remain silent? They had all had to deal with their grief over the past few months, and though it still lingered, they’d had to go on. Pinkie Pie broke the silence. “Fluttershy can’t come and see me anymore, can she?” “No,” Twilight breathed heavily. The pain was still fresh. “I’m sorry—” “Pinkie,” Twilight whispered, pulling the mare into an embrace. “I’ll miss her singing,” Pinkie sobbed. “So will I,” Twilight cried. “So will we all.”
