The day was as beautiful as it was young. The sun rose quietly, creating a dazzling array of colors; one would be awed by the indigo, violet, and golden hues created by the morning light. A beautiful dim light shone across a slumbering Ponyville, allowing all who were awake to see it’s elegant glory.
The light slowly bled into the windows of Sugarcube Corner as the day began. The velvet curtains doing little to nothing shield Pinkie Pie’s eyes from the incoming sunshine. She attempted to fight the sensation of awareness, but it was a losing battle. She had to make due with the little rest she had been able to obtain.
It was time to wake up.
Pinkie Pie hesitantly moved from the loving embrace of the warm blanket wrapped around her. She stretched her legs and neck in a simple daily ritual that gave her some of what little contentedness she still had in her life.
Pinkie slowly trotted to her mirror, something that showed her what little life was left in her now dark and gloomy room. She looked at the mirror, seeing a curious, rusty little nail that held up the heavy artefact. How could something so old and worn out hold so much weight?
She pondered her question as she looked deeply at her reflection. What she saw was not the happy pink earth pony she once knew. Sure, on the surface she was the same, vibrant party pony. But inside, there was nothing but an empty shell of the pony she had been her whole life, and eyes worn from years without rest.
Why are you doing this…? She thought to herself. You have to stop doing this, Pinkie, you’re gonna run yourself into the ground.
She looked deeply at the plain, brown door before her. It was the one thing that she had left to hide her secrets from the outside world. She looked at the portal in fear for what felt like an eternity, interrupted only by the sudden knock coming from the other side.
“Are you awake yet, Pinkie?” The warm, comforting voice of her surrogate mother rang in Pinkie’s ears. Her voice had gotten rhaspy with age, but she still had the same warm, loving tone that she had on the day that they had first met. She’s lived with the Cakes for so long, she loved all of them more than any other pony in the world, including herself.
Especially herself.
“Just one tinsie-winsie minuet, Mrs. Cake!” The words echoed heavily in Pinkie Pie’s mind. She knew she couldn’t keep up her charade for much longer.
She was so tired, so ... lonely.
Sure she had friends, but none of them were ever really close. She might as well not have any friends at all.
“Hurry up in there, Pinkie!” Pinkie Pie listened as the calm, mother-like voice receded into the distance. “Me and
Carrot are making a delivery to Canterlot, so help Pound and Carrot set up shop!”
Just remember Pinkie, She thought to herself one last time before leaving the dark, dusty room, smile. Smile and everypony will be happy! She began to get discouraged. Right?
She sighed, then proceeded to walk out of the gateway that showed her as nothing more than the pink party pony that she used to be.
Pinkie Pie slowly wandered down the hallway, as she did every morning for years now. The paint had been done several times over, and the current shade of sky blue eased her mind, but the feeling soon passed.
Smile. Just smile and everything will be all right. She tried with everything she had to force a smile. A smile that was empty and meaningless as she felt her life to be. But at least it made others smile. She tried not to cry.
The floorboards creaked underneath her hooves, showing off their age, the same with the stairs. Such old structures, how were they still able to hold up the weight of entire ponies, when they’d been through so much? Pinkie Pie could relate.
She walked into the kitchen to see a unicorn filly and a pegasus colt starting a food fight.
“I’m gonna get you!” yelled Pumpkin, playfully tossing a freshly made blueberry pie at her twin brother. “There’s no way you’re getting away from this one!”
“Oh, yah! Well I-” Pound was quickly silenced by the force of a pie hitting him in the face. He quickly recovered and armed himself with a cake to retaliate. “Yah, well taste THIS!”
The two shared an enraged stare. Anger quickly transitioned into awkwardness and fear as they saw their older sister looking down at them. For some reason, she carried the same quirky smile she had every day.
“What are you two doing?” Pinkie stated, her comical expression varying greatly from her stern tone.
She started to shake, thinking to herself. Just keep smiling, Pinkie, please keep smiling.
The two were concerned for their sister. She seemed so... off today.
Pound was the first to break the silence. “Ummm, Pinkie, are you alright?”
Pinkie Pie began to twitch fiercely, buckling under a false expression of joy.
Please. Keep everypony happy...
“Pinkie?” This time, he was much more concerned.
Pinkie Pie started to choke in an attempt to speak, but the only thing she could let out were bitter tears.
All of her hardship, her pain, her sadness, every bit of her repressed self being unleashed before the terrified eyes her beloved siblings. But she could not stop her tears, nothing could.
She was far too tired.
“Umm, ummm...” Pumpkin held her sister’s hoof in an attempt to comfort her, but she soon felt tears welling in her eyes as well. Her brother was soon to join her.
Please, smile...
Pinkie’s heart wrenched.
Literally.
Pound and Pumpkin Cake watched in pure terror as their sister collapsed. They had no idea what to do.
“Mom! Dad!”
Smile, make everypony happy, I beg you... the same, repeating thought faded as Pinkie Pie slipped into unconsciousness...
One could swear they heard the sound of shattering glass.
Author's Note
A thank you to Sir Barton for all the help with proof reading/editing.
The day continued, as each day did. Clouds blocked the natural light from view, the only remains a dark, gloomy portrait of pure despair. Threatening rain through a bright, shiny day. They held no joy, no remorse, no emotion of any kind. They were nothing more than blobs of vapor that would be forgotten into time.
The mood the sky was emanating left one with a true feeling of dread, a perfectly good day ruined in it’s prime.
The rain poured over the gloomy little village, leaving a smooth, calming rhythm in one’s ears. The only good thing to come of the otherwise terrible day.
Little did anypony know how important and life-giving a force rain truly was. Just as important as the beautiful, always-present sun that held it’s place high above in the immortal sky.
The hospital was cold, silent. Dreadful in every possible way. An otherwise booming symbol of hope, now a void of silence, stillness, and fear. The one place that was meant for healing in the world, now a testament to the fear that all hold in the darkest pit of their souls.
The waiting room was as gloomy as the outside world. It was barely furnished, the only furniture a table, a magazine rack, and several benches that seemed to be randomly placed around the brightly lit room.
It was clean. So sickeningly clean that it left one with the horrid feeling that it was the dirtiest, darkest place in the whole of creation.
Tears fell as the rain, falling in perfect synergy with the drops of dirty water. Several silent figures waited in worry, as the medical staff carried on their business.
Twilight Sparkle carried a look of pure mortification, shedding silent tears onto the floor, as she peered upwards into the eyes of Spike. She loved him like a mother throughout his entire life, and felt a slight calm in how well he was handling the situation.
He had grown so much in the years past, his body now twice the length of the mare that had raised him. Twilight carried immeasurable pride in every action he made, but the only thing she cared about now was having somepony there to comfort her.
She cared about him immensely, as he, too, felt for her.
*THUD*
Twilight had woken, wearily, to the sound of Rainbow Dash crashing through her window, as well as her night table, her staircase, and one of her bookshelves.
“What do you want, Rainbow Dash?” She questioned her unwelcome visitor, annoyed.
“You-you need to come, fast.” Rainbow Dash barely managed to speak, exhaustion wore at her every word. Her eyes were puffy and red, filled with past tears. “Something’s really wrong with Pinkie Pie.”
“Wait, what?” Twilight shot out of bed in a mixture of surprise and fear. She was shocked by the words that her friend was saying, and didn’t know how to respond. “What happened?”
“I don’t know, the only thing I remember is Applejack telling me what happened, and I went to find all of you guys.” She paused, fatigued, and took several quick, heavy breaths. “She said Pinkie Pie needs to go to the hospital, and I just started flying to find you guys.”
“What’s goin’ on?” Spike rose from his basket at the end of the bed. He was much too big for such an unconventionally small bed. He was still half-asleep. “Oh, hey Rainbow, what’s up?”
“There’s no time for smalltalk, Spike. We have to get to the hospital.”
The growing dragon obliged to his friend's wish.
Rainbow Dash nodded, then started towards the hospital.
She was soon followed by the form of a lavender alicorn who struggled to fly with the weight of the bulky, awkward dragon.
Rarity sat, crying in the embrace of her best friend. She looked away from Fluttershy as she continued shedding her loud, melodramatic tears, as she usually did when she was suffering.
But there was more to her tears; a deep, residual melancholy of utter torment and despair that were fitting to express the sadness felt by all in the room.
“...Rarity!” Rainbow Dash’s words echoed into the ears of Rarity’s sleeping form, as awareness slowly returned to her. “You need to get up!”
She was annoyed. What could be so important as to interrupt her beauty sleep?
Still annoyed at her early awakening, she used her magic to pour herself a glass of tea. She looked down at the boiling liquid. Pleased with the simple morning ritual, she started towards the window.
Rarity peered out her window, adorned in an elegant robe. She spoke calmly, despite her annoyance, as she started to sip her tea, “Why, what’s the matter, dear?”
The sound of Rarity’s voice caught the cyan pegasi’s attention. Without hesitation, she lept into the boutique window.
Rarity looked, unamused at her friend's uncouth behavior, as Rainbow Dash crashed in her room, nearly taking a potted plant and an expensive vase with her. Rarity felt a hint of dread, she had never seen Rainbow Dash so distraught.
“Rarity.” Rainbow Dash finally managed to break the silence. Exhaustion began to wear at her tired voice. Her tired, teary voice. “There’s something really wrong with Pinkie Pie! She’s in the hospital, and I think something’s terribly wro-”
Rainbow Dash jumped, interrupted by the sound of a tea cup crashing into the freshly polished floor, the hot liquid it contained spilling everywhere.
Before she was able to utter a single word, Rarity watched as the cyan pegasus flew towards the Golden Oaks library.
Fluttershy sat as she held her dear friend, shedding an immeasurable amount of tears. Yet in her eyes was the determination that she so rarely expressed, and it seemed to spread strength into those around her, albeit only a little bit.
The fact that such a cowardly pony could express so much strength in such dire circumstances surprised everypony. The sight gave them hope that such a terrible day could have any chance of redemption.
Fluttershy was wide awake, as she enjoyed the fresh morning air.
She loved this time of day, it was pleasant to look upon her animal friends, busily going about their morning rituals. Her attention turned, however, as she noticed a familiar blue pegasus heading towards her at break-neck speed.
Fluttershy screamed as her friend collided into her, face first.
She looked upon Rainbow Dash as they both managed to lift themselves up, slowly. The two shared an awkward silence that lasted an eternity.
“There’s a problem with Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash managed to break the silence. A fear of the future ripped at her every word.
“Oh, oh dear, I hope it isn’t something serious.” Fluttershy looked down at her friend in worry. Fear was written all across Rainbow Dash’s expression, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“She’s in the hospital, Fluttershy. We think it’s really bad.””
The yellow pegasus’s features changed from that of gentle concern to that of overwhelming dread as Rainbow Dash told her the grim news.
Fluttershy felt her heart sink into a deep, dark pit of despair.
Faster than a bolt of lightning, Dash started flying towards Carousel Boutique, unable to spend anymore time around her friend. She was ashamed to be unable to comfort her.
Applejack, however, was not as quiet as those around her. She had been the only pony able to give comfort to Pound and Pumpkin, still mortified by the horrible sight they had witnessed.
“Shhhh.. “ The orange earth pony tried her best to comfort the terrified children. “Pinkie’ll be fine, ya’ll just need to have hope.”
Applejack struggled to say the words, as her hope, too, was diminishing.
Applejack strolled down the streets of Ponyville, eager to deliver the large cart of apples to Sugarcube Corner, as she did on a weekly basis.
She was caught by anxiety as she heard two familiar, yet terrified voices.
“Mom! Dad!”
Applejack was unsure as to what was happening, but Pound and Pumpkin cake had never sounded so terrified. She had to help them, however possible.
As she abandoned her cart, she couldn’t shake the dreadful feeling that something was horribly wrong.
Pound and Pumpkin were both mortified, the sight of their older sister, twitching relentlessly on the ground was far too much for them to bear. The two sat, crying out wails of utter misery as an orange earth pony busted through the door.
She looked down at the collapsed form of Pinkie Pie, terrified.
Distraught and welling with immeasurable tears, she turned to Rainbow Dash, who had just wandered in, confused.
The most peculiar sight of all was that of Rainbow Dash. The normally cool, confident pegasus sat silently in the corner of the empty room.
Despite her exhaustion, she was wide awake. Fear and anxiety tore at her every feature. Her eyes red and swollen with tears.
Rainbow Dash flew high over Ponyville, busily carrying on her job. She was the best pony for the job, after all.
Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she continued to destroy the tiny balls of grey vapor scattered across the sky, her rainbow-hued mane flowing in the wind.
She stopped, quizzically, as she witnessed something very peculiar. Why was Applejack bashing through the door to Sugarcube Corner?
It didn’t make any sense. She had to investigate.
The sight she saw was the most horrifying thing she could imagine.
Directly in front of her, stood Applejack. Below her lay the barely moving body of Pinkie Pie, being needlessly shaken by Pumpkin and Pound Cake.
Applejack turned to face her friend, tears beginning to well in her eyes. She managed a deep sigh, and spoke.
“We need to get her to the hospital, fast.”
She hadn't spoken another word before Dash flew off into the distance, distraught. She, too, began to cry.
She hadn't cared about the day’s work anymore. Her only thoughts were on the lifeless form of Pinkie Pie, and how she abandoned Applejack with her.
She couldn't bear to see it.
In the distance, she saw as Applejack carried a collapsed Pinkie Pie on her back, followed by a pegasus colt, and a unicorn filly.
The door to the waiting room tore open as Doctor Stable stepped into the quiet room. He wore an expression of guilt and fear, unprofessional for somepony in his position.
“Well.” He felt it hard to let out the words, choking on how to deliver them.
The group of ponies watched in utter torment as the doctor began to speak. They hung on his every word, waiting in morbid anticipation for him to continue.
Doctor Stable took a deep, uncertain sigh. As he released his breath, a collective silence overtook the room.
There were no more tears, no more words.
Nothing but the cold chill of dread deep in the hearts of those listening to the horrible words.
“I’m afraid your friend Pinkie Pie has had a massive heart attack.”
One could only hear the overbearing sound of pouring rain.
Author's Note
I would once again like to thank Sir Barton for his help.
I would also like to spread thanks to those who have already liked, fallowed, and favorited.
I hope not to dissapoint.
Something about today felt… dark. There was something huge missing from the world and nopony noticed it. The sky was dark and gloomy, leaving nothing but the calm rhythm of the rain trickling down the moving window.
The train moved forward; alone, forced on a single, desolate track that determined the entirety of it’s existence, and it would be forced to ride on, eternally, until it’s final day. Such a voyage-filled with the deep sorrow and exuberant joy, a testament to a thousand trips.
The two sat, silent, in the brightly decorated cabin; such an old machine still managed to look good. It had been through so much hardship, yet it still managed to keep moving. It was comforting, yet the memories of the day still ate away at them like a parasite.
A glorious array of blues covered the midday sky as the train arrived in Canterlot, it’s tall buildings and beautiful spires radiating in Celestia’s beautiful sunlight. The trip had been long, and the passengers were relieved to finally arrive.
The station was decedent; covered with streaming ribbons, artfully crafted golden and ivory pillars, and carved archways that left the viewer knowing they were in Equestria’s capital. The Cakes stepped out of the train, looking in awe at such a glorious sight.
“It really is beautiful, isn’t it?” Carrot Cake said to his wife, trying to reduce his tension with smalltalk. His stress was obvious in his features.
“Yes, very, uh, beautiful…” Mrs. Cake was worried sick. She couldn’t help feeling… unnerved.
Is the shop fine? What about the twins? Is this order from the princess actually going to help our business? Worry kept pecking at her mind like needles piercing skin.
The two continued into the city, lumbering behind them a massive cake. A cake that would soon see the halls of the castle.
The streets of Canterlot were as busy as ever. Merchants called out attempting to make some bits, families enjoyed their outdoor lunches, viewing the nearby street, and some foals happily sang songs and jumped rope on the sidewalk.
Canterlot was happy, oblivious, even, to the world around it. It seemed as though nopony had a single care in the world, hiding from outside trouble inside their towering walls and beautiful buildings.
“Ooooh!” A little filly stared at the enormous pastry in awe, never has she seen such a marvelous creation as the one that towered before her. “That cake is HUGE!”
“It’s for the princess.” Mr Cake’s statement was as warm as the blue sky.
The filly’s eyes grew even wider.
“It’s a creation that deserves unconditional love and care. Something so unique should never be taken for granted. It takes hard work and loving care to get here…”
“And boy has it payed off!” Mr Cake made a glance at his wife for cutting him off mid sentence. “With how much time we put into it, it better be worth our time.”
The filly felt shock by the sudden change of tone, and turned back to her friends. They looked very eager, presumably hoping to get a piece.
“You know it’s not just the benefits we get that matter, just imagine how happy everypony will be!”
The aging mare glanced at her husband. Her could be noticed on her features, in her voice, and in her attitude. Becoming successful had changed her.
The filly stared at the couple as they continued to trot towards the castle. She swore she could hear yelling.
The walls of the castle were as decadent as the streets of the city, portraying the undying care that went into keeping the city beautiful. As such a symbol was the most important to keeping the Equestria’s harmony intact.
Princess Celestia watched as the Cakes walked into the hall, dragging behind them a massive cake. She looked as though she had just seen something dreadful. The two bowed to her, a formality she was none too fond of.
“Hello, your highness.” His tone was very formal. “We have the special cake you ordered for the Gala”
“Good…” She was almost silent. She felt ashamed to have withheld for even a moment. “There is something that I must tell you.”
The two could sense fear and tension in her voice. They were unsure as to what she could have meant.
Celestia swallowed. “I recently received a letter from my student, Twilight Sparkle, and her friends. It said that something terrible has happened. I have concluded to inform you to immediately.”
The hallways of the hospital were gloomy, ironically dark for a place that is supposed to provide hope. The only light a withering candle; the only sounds quiet tears, the beeping and buzzing of medical equipment, and the ethereal drumbeat of the pouring rain. The group looked down at the silent body of Pinkie Pie.
She was so quiet. So… different. The loudest, weirdest, most obnoxious, craziest, most bizarre, most excitable, friendliest, most exuberant,, happiest ponies alive.
Alive.
“S-s-so…” Rainbow Dash finally broke hours of silence. Her voice was quiet and raspy; It wasn’t normal for her to go more than ten minutes without speaking, let alone an entire day. The other ponies looked at her in mild surprise. “...do you think she’ll wake up?”
The others’ tears stopped. They had never considered the thought that she wouldn’t get up eventually. They thought she’d be up at any moment, with her happy self.
“Has a-anypony even considered that she might be here, like, f-forever?” She began to unleash loud, wailing tears.
Her friends saw her tense reaction and began to see the situation as it was, and gathered together in a group embrace. They, too, began to cry loudly.
One word replayed endlessly in the back of all their minds: forever.
The dark, desperate room felt even darker, and the rain continued to fall mercilessly.
Forever.
Author's Note
Well, finally. I thought this would never get done!
But I finally did it!
Please, any thoughts and feedback are welcome!
