bittersweetby thepinkpartyChapterspart 2part 3part 4part 1part 2It’s already been a week since the funeral, and life in Ponyville had seemingly gone back to normal. Derpy Hooves delivered the mail every day, Bon-Bon and Lyra could be seen chatting in front of the bakery, and all in all everything seemed perfectly fine. However, if somepony looked closer at the scene, they would notice less spring in Derpy’s step, a more hushed conversation from Bon-Bon and Lyra, and a much more solemn atmosphere overall. The loss of Ponyville’s party pony struck deep in the hearts of everypony in Ponyville, even in the ponies that barely came in contact with Pinkie Pie. But it was the ponies closest to Pinkie Pie that felt the most loss… “Where’s that cotton-pickin’ stripey-maned pegasus?! Ah thought there was s’posed to be a rainstorm t’day! Mah crops need waterin’!” Applejack stormed down the street in town, stopping each pony as she passed. “Y’all seen Rainbow Dash ‘round here? How ‘bout you over there? You three? No?” She stamped her hoof in frustration, moving over toward the Library. “Twilight! Spike? Either o’ y’all home?” The door opened and a tired looking purple unicorn stepped out. “Applejack? What’s up?” “Ya seen Rainbow Dash? It was s’posed to rain t’day, and ah ain’t even seen a drop!” Twilight sighed, shaking her head. “…I haven’t seen her since… you know. She’s seemed a bit… distracted since then.” Applejack’s expression softened. “I’ll go talk to Fluttershy, AJ. She can go check on Rainbow Dash, and it’ll give her something to do. She was pretty broken up, but is taking it well. I guess her time with animals has shown her how to deal with such things…” Applejack nodded. “Thanks, sugarcube. Listen… ah… gotta go back to the farm. Ah’ve got lots o’ waterin’ to do, so ah’ll see ya ‘round, right?” Twilight nodded, waving a hoof as Applejack wandered off. On her way back, the farm pony paused to look at Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s bakery, black ribbon hanging across the door. With a sigh, Applejack shook her head and continued home. As soon as Applejack left her sight, Twilight Sparkle sighed and stepped back into the library to stick a bookmark inside the book she had been reading. Ever since the funeral, Twilight shut herself off from the rest of pony society, occupying her mind with studying textbooks. It’s already been a week since the funeral, but Twilight could still picture the funeral as if it only happened a couple hours ago. “How many more books are you going to read until you go outside, Twilight?” Spike asked as he picked up some of the stray books Twilight left strewn across the floor. “I know it’s tough, but you gotta lighten up a little, y’know? It’s already been a week after all, and Princess Celestia wouldn’t want to see her favorite student moping around.” “Spike! I…” Twilight stopped herself before she said anything venomous to Spike. Because he was a dragon, albeit a baby one, he was built with tougher stuff than the average everyday pony. Besides… he wouldn’t throw away his dragon pride to openly mope around like Twilight Sparkle and the other ponies. Twilight sighed. “Yeah… you’re right Spike. But you have to understand that these things take time to get over, and not everypony can be as tough as you.” “Well… Princess Celestia didn’t send you to Ponyville to hide away all day. You should be outside with your friends!” “Yeah… I guess.” Twilight magically inserted a bookmark onto the page she was on, and then promptly shut it closed. “I was going to head out right now anyways to see how Fluttershy’s doing, so you clean up all this mess, okay Spike?” Spike grumbled. “Yeah, yeah…” Twilight let off a small giggle. It was good to see some normalcy despite the somber atmosphere that hung about the Library. Twilight Sparkle took a deep breath before going off on her way towards Fluttershy’s house. -- “C’mon… git down ya stupid apple!” Applejack yelled, repeatedly smacking the apple tree with her hind hooves. “Why ya gotta be so darn stubborn?!” “You’ve been workin’ awful hard the past few days, AJ. Shouldn’t you take it a bit easier?” asked Big Mac, switching the piece of hay he was chewing on to the other side of his mouth. “Won’t do anypony no good to burn yerself out.” “Who asked you, anyways?!” snapped Applejack, finally knocking down that single apple. “Ah’m just fine! Now where’s that waterin’ can? Ah’ve got work t’do! Get outta mah way!” She stomped off, barely missing bumping into Applebloom. “Somepony’s got ta make sure this farm keeps goin’!” “Big Mac? What’s wrong with sis?” Applebloom asked timidly. “She’s yellin’ all the time these days…” Big Mac gently patted the young filly’s head with one of his hooves. “Nothin’ to worry yer little head about, she’s just got a lot on her mind.” “Does it have anything ta do with Pinkie Pie’s vacation the other day?” Big Mac smiled nervously. He told Applebloom that Pinkie Pie was just going on a vacation a while, not wanting Applebloom to deal with the harsh reality of death just yet. He chewed slowly on his piece of hay, debating whether to tell Applebloom the truth or not, when finally… “Eeeyup. AJ’s just kinda worried ‘bout Pinkie Pie. Ah’m sure she’ll be back to her normal self in no time. Now why don’t you go play with yer friends a while and let AJ work?” Applebloom nodded and trotted away to go play with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders. As Big Mac saw her off, his heart tightened at the thought of breaking the news to a little filly like Applebloom. He knew he couldn’t hide the truth from her forever, but once he started lying about Pinkie Pie, it became harder and harder to bring himself to tell Applebloom the truth. Big Mac sighed. “It can’t be helped ah guess. Ah’ll just have ta find the right moment to tell l’il Applebloom…” -- Twilight Sparkle took her time trotting over to Fluttershy’s house, taking in the fresh air of Ponyville. It has been a while since she last stepped out of the library, and the fresh air did improve her mood just a bit. Although the large black ribbon tied around the Cake’s bakery painfully reminded Twilight of Pinkie’s absence. “The greetings is to the muffins!” Everypony’s favorite mailpony suddenly came crashing down in front of Twilight Sparkle, causing Twilight to recoil in surprise. “The muffin stuck on tree falls down to the grass! “Oh, uhm… hi, Derpy…” Twilight said nervously. She didn’t really interact with Derpy Hooves that much, considering Spike handled most of her mail. But she did know that Derpy was a really kind mailpony with an unfortunate disability and a strange manner of speaking. Not that those things ever got in the way of her job of course, Derpy was as diligent as a mailpony could get. “Salutations is to the muffins! The sun and moon fly away many, but rainy sprinkles hail down on sparkles!” “Uh… sure Derpy.” Twilight could never really make heads or tails of what this mailpony was saying, and it gave her a headache to even try. “Listen Derpy, I’d love to chat with you for a moment, but I really have to go someplace, so if you have something important to say—” “Important is the rainy skies! Fly away sprinkles with the sun and moon! Party over, but heart goes on! Muffins to the good feelings!” “Party… are you talking about Pi-Pinkie Pie?” It’s been so long since she said Pinkie’s name that Twilight stumbled over her words. Derpy nodded enthusiastically in response. “Sprinkles fly away, but sugar still in heart! Good feelings to the muffins!” Derpy reached into her mailbag and pulled out a muffin. “Farewell to the sprinkles with sun and moon, but helium stay with the muffins!” She placed the muffin in Twilight’s hooves and flew away as suddenly as she came. “Salutations is to the muffins!” Twilight Sparkle had absolutely no idea what just happened, but looking at the blueberry muffin in her hooves… she thought Derpy just tried to comfort her. Tears welled up in Twilight’s eyes, thinking about how Derpy comforted her regardless of the fact that they barely talked to each other. “She’s… a really kind mailpony.” Twilight said to herself as she nibbled on her muffin. “There you are darling!” called a familiar, sophisticated voice. “You’re just the pony I was looking for! Uh… is that a muffin you’re holding there in your hoof?” Wiping the tears from her eyes, Twilight Sparkle turned around and smiled meekly at Rarity. “Uhm… yeah.” Twilight quickly downed the rest of the blueberry muffin Derpy handed her. “What’s going on, Rarity?” “Well, I do believe I’ve found a way to clear up all this dreadful dreariness around here. Of course, it would take a fashion genius such as moi to come up with such an elegant way to cheer everypony up.” That’s great to hear, Rarity!” Twilight perked up, looking hopeful. “What’s the idea?” Looking at one of her hooves, Rarity let out a slight laugh. “It’s laughably simple, really. I can barely even take credit for this thing. Who is the best at cheering other ponies up, I asked myself? Oh how I thought on this. And the answer came to me as I was looking to a shipment of fabrics I had obtained! Who is more cheerful than Pinkie Pie, I said to myself.” Twilight’s smile drooped slightly. “… but Rarity… Pinkie is—” “Yesyesyes,” Rarity interrupted, “But what if you could fix that? Come now, Twilight Sparkle, I’m willing to pay anything you might want, and I’ll go get you anything you need to do so. “Rarity? …what are you saying?” Letting out another haughty laugh, Rarity looked Twilight in the eyes. “It’s simple, really darling. I’d like for you to bring Pinkie back to us.” Twilight’s smile faded to nothingness as she shook her head. Rarity’s smile cracked just a bit. “C-come now, Twilight Sparkle… Let us not be selfish here. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. You’re the most powerful pony in Ponyville after all. Surely with your magic you’d be able to—” Twilight cut her off. “I’m sorry Rarity… but… it’s not possible. I may be good with magic, but even magic has its limits. I’d like to see Pinkie again as much as the next pony, but…” “Well, what about Princess Celestia? You’re on good terms with her, darling, surely you can write a letter to her and—” Another shake of Twilight’s head. “If it were possible, don’t you think I would have tried that already? Do you know how many ponies try to ask Celestia to bring somepony back? Even with how powerful she is… it’s beyond her ability. As much as it breaks my heart to say this… ponies should be left to rest.” Rarity shook her head, then huffed and tossed her mane out of her eyes. “Hmph! Well, now we see who Pinkie’s real friends are, hm?” “Rarity, I—” “No, no, it’s fine! Keep your little secrets, Twilight Sparkle. You may have given up, but I’m certain there is a way. I just have to find it. And if you won’t help, I’ll just have to find a way myself. Good day!” Turning and lifting her nose to the air, Rarity trotted away. Twilight Sparkle looked after the purple and white unicorn, debating whether to follow her or not. Shaking her head and wiping the tears forming in her eyes, she refrained from following the other unicorn. Bringing back the dead was something everypony thinks of doing one day, but given enough time, they’ll realize it’s best to let sleeping ponies lie. Rarity just needs some time to accept the fact is all. Twilight Sparkle let out a sad sigh and continued on her way to Fluttershy’s. Hopefully she won’t be too depressed… -- “That Twilight Sparkle,” Rarity said to herself in a huff, “I can’t believe she didn’t even consider my idea. Honestly, you’d think a pony like her would do anything to help out one of her friends…” Rarity sighed. “…maybe I was asking too much of her. After all, Twilight Sparkle’s really is the type who would do anything to help out one of her friends. The dearie probably wasn’t lying about not knowing a spell to revive Pinkie. But still! I can’t believe she wouldn’t even try to look up a spell for that!” Rarity hoofed at the ground in frustration. Pinkie Pie’s absence had an abnormal effect on Rarity’s business. Rarity always complained that Pinkie Pie kept her from getting any work done, and that without Pinkie around her business would go ten times more smoothly. But… there was just something… off when Pinkie wasn’t around to interrupt her hard work. Every piece Rarity tried to design since her funeral was absolute tripe! A lack of inspiration, a lack of motivation, Rarity just didn’t know what was causing her creativity to run dry! “Ahh, it’s just so frustrating having something missing from somepony’s life!” Rarity lamented to herself. “Oh, woe is me, woe is Ponyville now that Pinkie’s departed! But no worries, Rarity’s on the case, she’ll find a way to bring normalcy back into little ol’ Ponyville!” She said that, but honestly she had no idea where to even start. She was sure Twilight Sparkle would have the answer to Ponyville’s problem. She always seemed to have it after all! Rarity continued wandering aimlessly around Ponyville, pondering whatever in the world she’s supposed to do next. “I haven’t seen Sweetie Belle in a while…” Rarity said to herself, “Oh, I do hope she’s not too distraught over these recent happenings. Oh well, I’m sure everything will go back to normal as soon as I bring back Pinkie Pie, oh yesyesyes!” Suddenly, another dash of inspiration hit Rarity as soon as she thought of Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie Belle… the Cutie Mark Crusaders… Applebloom… that’s it!! Zecora! I’m sure that zebra has a trick or two to bring Pinkie Pie back! I’m sure of it!!” Rarity pranced excitedly towards the Everfree Forest, but as soon as she reached its outskirts, her wave of enthusiasm deteriorated. “Oh… it sure is drabby in there… maybe I should bring somepony else to assist me… oh!” Rarity smacked her front hooves together. “Rainbow Dash! She’ll escort me through the Everfree Forest! And there’s absolutely positively no way she’ll refuse! But… where is that pony anyways? I haven’t seen her since the funeral…” Rarity hoofed at the ground again, pondering over where to find Rainbow Dash. But little did Rarity and the other ponies know, Rainbow Dash was dealing with problems of her own… part 3“C’mon Rainbow Dash, pick up the pace!!” The blue pegasus pony zoomed over the ground, swerving around the trees that stood in her way. Once or twice a branch clipped off a feather or two from Rainbow Dash’s wings, but Dash just kept on flying despite the recklessness with which she flew. After swerving through the trees, she quickly shifted her weight so her hind-hooves kicked off a wall, propelling her into a cloud up in the air. “Is that all you got Dash? Seriously? Thought ‘Equestria’s greatest young flier’ would have more skill than a little newborn filly!!” Rainbow Dash scowled. “I’d like to see you do better, Gilda!” Gilda the Griffon grinned wildly at the pegasus pony. “Oh Dash, you know I can do better. Check it, you and me to that cloud up there. Think you can out-fly me with that speed of yours Dash?” Rainbow Dash grinned bitterly. “Who do you think I am, Gil? I’m Rainbow Dash! The greatest flier in all of Equestria!!” “Oh yeah? Prove it!” Gilda quickly lifted off, leaving Rainbow Dash back in the dust. “Hey! No fair Gilda!!” Rainbow Dash chased after her. The two fliers sped through the sky, Gilda in the lead with Rainbow Dash trying to keep on her tail. They both hit the cloud at the same time, although Rainbow Dash had a bit of trouble braking. “Haha! I beat you there Rainbow Dash!” Gilda boasted. “Yeah right, anypony could see that I clearly beat you by a hair!!” Dash retorted. “More like lost by a hair!” “Whatever, Gil!” The two fliers let out a short fit of laughter at their pointless quarrel. However, while Gilda’s laugh was full, Rainbow Dash’s was somewhat strained. “But man Rainbow Dash, was I surprised when I saw you roll into town the other day!” Gilda said, slapping the pony on the back. “What made you ditch those dweebs back at Ponyville anyways?” “Oh… you know. I guess I just felt like they were crampin’ my style, you know?” Rainbow Dash lied. “Besides, the most awesome pony in Equestria is more suited to the city life then life in a little backwater town, right?” “Well Dash, you’re about 20 percent cooler now that you’ve ditched all those lame-o’s back in Ponyville and started hanging with me out in Fillydelphia!” “Uh…yeah, haha.” Rainbow Dash looked sadly out in the distance, back in the direction Ponyville was in. After Pinkie Pie’s funeral, Dash ran away from Ponyville, hoping to get away from everything that reminded her of Pinkie Pie. She just couldn’t spread her wings if every time she flew up into the air, the Cakes’ bakery entered her field of vision and brought with it those painful memories. Luckily, when Gilda visited Ponyville before she left Dash some contact information so she could reach her, so Rainbow Dash packed her belongings and hightailed it to Fillydelphia. “So Dash, why’s your flying been so messed up lately?” Gilda asked. “It’s not like you to be so sloppy when flying. Did those dweebs keep you from practicing or something?” Rainbow Dash put on a strained smile. “Yeah… that’s it.” Ever since she arrived in Fillydelphia, Gilda thought insulting Dash’s old friends was free game now that Dash ‘ditched’ them. Besides, it’s not like she totally ditched them anyways, she was just taking a little unannounced vacation from Ponyville to recuperate, that’s all! Sure she left without warning… and sure she didn’t tell anypony about her leaving… but it’s not like she’s planning to stay in Fillydelphia forever! Gilda playfully smacked Rainbow Dash on the back again a couple times. “Well whatever dude! We’ll get you back on your wings in no time, just stick with me and it’ll be just like our old days back at Flight Academy in Cloudsdale!” Rainbow Dash flinched at the mention of Flight Academy. “Oh… what’s this?” Gilda said upon seeing Dash’s reaction. “Don’t tell me you’re still sore about what happened back in Flight Academy! That was years ago man, you should be over it by now!” “W-what are you talking about, Gilda?!” Rainbow Dash hurriedly said. “Why wouldn’t I be over that lameness back in Flight Academy?” “Sure you are, Rainbow Crash,” Gilda said sarcastically. “Look dude, I’m cool if you’re not over it, I know you have a really hard time dealing with tough things like that. I was your best friend for all those years in Flight Academy after all!” “Uh, yeah…” Gilda sighed. “Look bro, I can’t be seen hanging with somepony who’s all mopey-eyed and crap over stuff that’s happened years ago. So how ‘bout this?” Gilda grinned mischievously at Rainbow Dash. “Why don’t you and I go over downtown and nick some cupcakes from one of the vendors over there?” Rainbow Dash froze at the mention of cupcakes. “U-uhh… I’m not sure I’m too cool with that…” “C’mon Rainbow Dash, you and I used to nick things all the time back in the day!” Gilda criticized, not noticing what was actually bothering Rainbow Dash. “Don’t tell me that somepony’s lost all their backbone after living in a soft-hooved place like Ponyville for all this time! What happened to that cool Dash that was down with anything, huh?” “I-I’m down with it!” Rainbow Dash hurriedly said. “I’m just… allergic to cupcakes. That’s all. No biggie.” “You’re… allergic to cupcakes.” “Yeah! I’m allergic to cupcakes, can’t stand the sight of them! You got a problem with that Gilda?!” “Woah dude, chill.” Gilda lifted off from the cloud and spread her wings. “Well if you can’t eat cupcakes, let’s just nick some apples or something. Unless you’re gonna say that you’re allergic to apples or something like that too.” Gilda sneered. “No way, Gil! I’m totally down with stealing apples!” Rainbow Dash lied. “Now that’s the cool Rainbow Dash I knew! C’mon, maybe after we’re done eating I can show you some cool hangout places, you dig?” “Sure, Gil!” Rainbow Dash lifted off and hovered next to Gilda. “Let’s go!” “Oh, and Rainbow Dash?” “What is it Gil?” Gilda placed a talon on Dash’s head and ruffled up her mane. “Don’t stress so much about what happened in Flight Academy man. You ran away from it years ago, so put that behind you and get over it already! It’s not like you have to run anymore after you did that sonic rainboom of yours, after all!” “I-I didn’t even run away from it in the first place, Gilda!” Dash shouted. “Sure Dash, sure.” Gilda teased as she suddenly zoomed ahead of Rainbow Dash. “Just keep telling yourself that, broski!” “Don’t call me broski!!” Dash called out angrily, boosting forward to catch up to Gilda. No matter what anypony said about her fallout from Flight Academy, she did not run away. She was just too cool to hang at a place like Flight Academy, that’s all! Who did Gilda think she was anyways? Just because she knew Dash for many years doesn’t mean she knows everything about her! After all, she was Rainbow Dash! The greatest young flier in all of Equestria! A future member of the Wonderbolts! And somepony like her… somepony like her… Somepony like her would never run away from a challenge, right? -- “Ooh little Angel Bunny… won’t you come out to eat your lunch?” Fluttershy was crouched over Angel’s tiny rabbit-hole, trying to coax the bunny to come out to eat his lunch. “I got the freshest little carrot for you Angel, and if you don’t come out then it’ll go bad…” Angel groggily crept out of his home and shot a grumpy look to Fluttershy. “Ooh, there you are Angel,” Fluttershy said, completely ignoring the look Angel shot her. “Here’s a nice yummy carrot to fill up your little bunny belly this afternoon!” Fluttershy brought a carrot out from her saddlebags and gave it to Angel. The bunny began appraising the goods, gingerly felling the texture with his paws and giving it a cautious sniff. He then took a cautious nibble from the carrot, before throwing it down haughtily in disgust. “Oh… no Angel, you can’t waste food like that.” Fluttershy nuzzled the carrot closer to Angel with a gentle smile on her face. “Come on, be a good little bunny and eat your lunch.” Angel crossed his paws and stuck his nose up in the air as if to say, “You interrupted my afternoon nap for this?” “Come on Angel… come on, little bunnies like you need to eat their food if you want to grow nice and healthy…” “Hi Fluttershy!” “EEP!” Fluttershy jumped in surprise, scattering the carrots and other vegetables in her bag all over the place. Angel quickly took advantage of the opportunity and grabbed as many as the vegetables as he could before hurrying back into his den. “O-oh no Angel ,you can’t take all that food, it’s for the other animals…” Twilight Sparkle quietly stepped next too Fluttershy. “Sorry, Fluttershy, I thought it’d be good if I greeted you energetically this afternoon…” “Oh, no Twilight, it’s not your fault.” Fluttershy mumbled, staring at her hooves. “It’s my fault for being such a scaredy-pony all the time. Don’t blame yourself. Please. Don’t.” “If you say so Fluttershy,” Twilight said, “Say, do you think you can spare a few minutes to talk for a bit?” “Oh, I was feeding the animals right now… but it’s okay Twilight!” Fluttershy hurriedly added, seeing the expression on Twilight’s face. “Angel took most of my food anyways, so, um, I’d have to wait for him to finish eating so, um, well… I have time.” “That’s great Fluttershy!” Twilight Sparkle replied enthusiastically. “Not about Angel stealing your food though, that’s horrible.” “Oh, no, it’s okay.” Fluttershy said. “Angel does this all the time, so I’m used to it, so, um, he’ll give back what he doesn’t eat, which is usually most of it, so, um… yes.” Twilight grinned nervously. “So…” “So…” Fluttershy hoofed shyly at the ground. “…so…” “…so…” “Uh…” Twilight wasn’t exactly sure where to start. It’d be rude if she just asked Fluttershy where Rainbow Dash was right off the bat after all. “um…” “So Angel Bunny!” Twilight said, breaking the awkward silence. “How long have you been looking after him anyways?” “Oh, Angel Bunny?” Fluttershy suddenly perked up after being asked about Angel. “Well, you see, I’ve been looking after Angel for the longest time, I was there when he was born and watched him grow up ever since!” “E-ever since he was born, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked nervously. Fluttershy’s sudden bouts of enthusiasm always left anypony unsure of how to react. “Mhmm, ever since he was born.” Fluttershy smiled, looking back on her memories. “You see, back when I was a little filly, my mommy and daddy looked after me and the rest of the animals. And cute little Angel Bunny’s parents were a pair of those animals.” “Ah…” Twilight Sparkle smiled at the thought of little filly Fluttershy playing in a flower field with her parents and the animals. “So you’ve taken care of Angel ever since you were a filly?” Fluttershy nodded. “My mommy and daddy let me take care of Angel Bunny and his parents, so Angel is actually the first animal I started taking care of.” “Is that why you never use the Stare when it comes to Angel?” Fluttershy’s happy expression faded away after hearing Twilight’s question. “Is something wrong, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “Oh, no, not really, well… kind of.” Fluttershy timidly shuffled her hooves. “You see… I was a shy little filly, even shyer than I am now actually… and, well, um… “Angel’s parents died.” “Oh… I’m so sorry Fluttershy.” “No, don’t be, it’s okay, well it’s not but, well, it was a long time ago so… yeah.” Fluttershy brushed her mane out of her eyes, revealing a distant expression. “I was broken up for a while after that; I couldn’t talk to anypony for days. My parents tried to coax me out of hiding, but… it didn’t work.” Twilight hesitated before asking, “So… how’d you get over it?” She hoped she wasn’t prying too much into Fluttershy’s life. “Oh… well, you see… Angel Bunny saved me.” Upon hearing her name once again, Angel stuck his head outside of his burrow and gave Fluttershy a look before giving back most of the food he stole. The bunny gave a little ‘hmph’ noise as if to say, “It’s not like I did it for you or anything, I just wasn’t hungry is all.” Fluttershy gave a small smile to Angel and nuzzled the small bunny. Angel gave off an annoyed look, but did nothing to stop Fluttershy’s nuzzling. “You see, Twilight, little Angel Bunny here cheered me up by giving me a bouquet of flowers.” Fluttershy explained. “He reminded me that there were still things I needed to take care of, and I shouldn’t hide away all day. His flowers gave me the courage to face the world again, you see. Although…” Fluttershy blushed. “… I still hide away from everypony a lot.” Twilight smiled warmly at Fluttershy’s story. “I guess you’ve dealt a lot since then huh?” “Oh yes, Twilight,” Fluttershy said, “With all the animals I look after, I’ve learned a lot about the circle of life and how to cope. Especially after my parents departed—” Twilight let out a small gasp of shock. “—to Trottingham to look after the animals over there. Is something wrong Twilight?” “Oh… no.” Twilight said sheepishly. “Oh… well, since then I’ve looked after the animals in Ponyville myself, and had to deal with a lot of things myself, but it always hurts to lose one of my little animal friends no matter how often it happens…” “Yeah… cope.” Twilight Sparkle gave the pegasus in front of her a hug. “Um… Twilight?” “Oh, um, I’m sorry!” Twilight quickly got out of the hug and hoofed at the ground, embarrassed. “Didn’t mean to…” “No, that’s okay, it was… nice.” Fluttershy smiled. “So…I actually came here for a reason.” Twilight Sparkle admitted, changing the subject. “I know it’s kind of rude to come over and spring a question like this on you but…” “Oh, no, I’m sure it’ll be no trouble, really, go ahead.” “Well… have you seen Rainbow Dash around?” Twilight asked. “Applejack’s looking for her, apparently Rainbow Dash hasn’t been performing her weather duties lately…” “Oh, Rainbow Dash? I, um…” Fluttershy bit her lip timidly. “I… no, I haven’t seen her.” “… you sure about that, Fluttershy?” “Honestly, truly!” Fluttershy insisted. “Oh, um, I’m sorry Twilight, I probably disappointed you…” “No, don’t worry about it, just thought I’d ask.” Twilight smiled warmly at the yellow pegasus pony. “I got to talk to a friend again after all. Sorry I’ve been cooped up this whole week.” “Oh, no, don’t be, everypony copes in their own way. But they feel better eventually.” Fluttershy smiled shyly. “I hope you feel much better Twilight.” “Oh, I do, and your story helped a lot.” Twilight Sparkle glanced at the sky. “Well, I guess I need to go head over to Sweet Apple Acres to tell Applejack I couldn’t find Rainbow Dash. And I should probably talk to Rarity a little bit later on too…” “Oh, wait, sorry, Twilight?” Fluttershy stopped Twilight before she set off to Applejack’s farm. “What is it Fluttershy?” “You’ve got a little… something… on your lip… um…” Fluttershy put a hoof on Twilight’s lip and brushed something off it. “Oh, it’s a muffin crumb. Did Derpy give you one of these earlier today?” “Derpy? Yeah, how did you know?” Twilight asked, confused. “Oh, um, it’s just, well, Derpy gave everyone muffins the day after, um… the funeral… so, um, I guess she just gave you yours now since she never got your mailing address is all, I think.” Well… Twilight never did turn in her residency application to Ponyville since Spike handled all her transactions… “So… that pony kept my muffin ready until she saw me?” Fluttershy nodded. “Um, yes, she did. Derpy’s a really nice mailpony…” Twilight let out a warm smile. “She really is… maybe I should use the Ponyville Post Office more often, give Spike a break sometimes… oh!” Twilight quickly turned tail. “Sorry Fluttershy, look at the time, I have to head over to Applejack’s! I’ll see you later!” Twilight Sparkle galloped off into the distance. “Twilight’s such a nice pony…” Fluttershy said to herself. Angel pretended to gag as if to say, “You fillies and your friendship, it makes me sick.” “Don’t worry Angel Bunny, I haven’t forgotten about you.” Fluttershy warmly nuzzled Angel Bunny. The small rabbit let out a small ‘bleh’ sound as if to say, “Don’t think you can get all touchy-feely now that we’re alone. Honestly, geez.” But Angel still did nothing to get away. “Oh Angel, you’re such a silly bunny… oh?” Fluttershy squinted out into the distance. She thought she could spy a purple and white pony trotting towards her… part 4“Ah can’t believe ya’d lie ta me Big Mac!!” Applebloom shouted fiercely, tears streaming down from her eyes. “Now Applebloom,” Big Macintosh said slowly. “It’s not that ah wanted ta lie to ya, but—” “Ah see how it is Bic Mac!” Applebloom cut off. “Ya’ll think ah’m too much of a li’l filly to handle the truth! Well ah’ll show ya Big Mac! Ah’ll show ya that ah’m a big pony! Ah’ll show all o’ ya’ll!” Applebloom turned tail and sprinted away, leaving the red stallion by himself, wondering what to do. Big Mac sighed. “That Applebloom… don’t wanna be treated like a filly yet not ol’ enough to be treated like a full grown pony… guess I should let her alone for a bit for her to cool off.” He turned around to head back to the field, when he bumped into a certain purple unicorn. “Eyaa!” Twilight Sparkle let off a startled yell before she fell over. “Oww…” “Oh, well if it ain’t Twilight Sparkle.” Big Mac said, shifting over the hay in his mouth to the other side. “Sorry ‘bout that, didn’t see ya there.” “No, no, it’s quite alright.” Twilight picked herself back up and brushed some of the dirt off her mane. “It’s my fault for not calling out to you right away.” “Oh… ah guess you saw the whole thing then?” Twilight kicked around a hoof sheepishly. “Well… uh… just a bit. I didn’t catch the whole thing… is something wrong with Applebloom?” The large stallion sighed again as he started chewing on a new piece of hay. “She’s jus’ a li’l sore that ah hid from her the fact that Pinkie Pie… ah, well, you know. Didn’t think she could take it, being the li’l filly she is. But ah guess it’s my fault for treat’n her that way. Now that her friends gone and tol’ her ‘bout the whole thing, ah guess ah’m bein’ punished for tryin’ to shelter her too much.” “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Big Mac.” Twilight said, “You just did what anypony would do to protect their kin. But you do have to realize that Applebloom can’t be your little filly sister forever you know, she’s going to grow up someday.” “Ah guess… but ah’m pretty sure you didn’t come here to Sweet Apple Acres to talk to this here stallion, Twilight Sparkle.” Big Mac pointed out. “Ah can handle mah own problems, Twilight, so why don’t ya go ahead and tell me what’s brought ya here today.” “Oh… well, I’m looking for Applejack. Do you know where she is?” Big Mac hesitated. “Well… ah know where she is, but ah’m not sure if ya wanna talk ta her right now though.” Twilight Sparkle tilted her head. “Why not?” “Well… AJ’s been a bit on the edge lately since the funeral.” Big Mac explained, “And she prob’ly ain’t cooled down enough yet ta talk prop’ly.” “I’m sure it can’t be that bad.” Twilight said. “Ah guess you’ll see for yerself then, Twilight.” Big Mac pointed her hoof towards the apple fields. “AJ should be somewhere in that direction, you’ll know yer close when ya hear her gruntin’.” The stallion turned his back on Twilight. “Now if ya’ll excuse me, it’s a slow day on the job, so I s’pose I should talk ta li’l Applebloom right ‘bout now.” “Yeah, okay, see you later Big Macintosh!” Twilight waved the red stallion goodbye and headed into the apple grove to find Applejack. As the season mandated, the apple trees were blooming beautifully, with lush apples of every color growing from the branches of every tree. The tart scent of apples filled the air, and Twilight Sparkle could almost taste the apples from their scent. She couldn’t see how anypony could be cross when surrounded by such serene beauty. Twilight heard a hollow clopping sound out in the distance. That must’ve been Applejack bucking apples off the apple trees. Twilight Sparkle quickly started trotting towards the sound, hearing the sound grow louder and clearer with each hoof she put forward. As the unicorn finally entered the clearing, she spotted Applejack bucking trees just a couple of meters in front of her. The orange earth pony looked worn out. Her mane was all frazzled and her saddlebags were already overflowing with apples. Next to Applejack was a wagon containing a bunch of the same saddlebags filled to the brim with apples. It looked like Applejack already did enough work for the entire week, yet the earth pony was still working as if harvest season was just around the corner. “Uhh, Applejack?” The earth pony continued bucking the tree she was working on. “Applejack?” Twilight Sparkle repeated. She still paid no heed to Twilight. “APPLEJACK!!” “I GON’ HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME!” Applejack bellowed. “Can’t somepony see when another pony is workin’?! Honestly!” She turned around and saw Twilight with a hurt expression on her face. “Oh… Twilight, didn’t know it was you sugarcube. Sorry ‘bout that.” “Um… no worries… you okay Applejack? You seem kinda… worn out.” “Worn out? Naw, ah’m as energetic as a parasprite at an all-you-can-eat buffet!” Applejack reassured Twilight. “So ya find Rainbow Dash yet, sugarcube?” “Uh… sorry, Fluttershy didn’t know where she was. It seems nopony has even seen her since the funeral either.” “Shucks… guess ah should call up Cloudkicker and get that pony up on cloud duty.” Applejack went back to bucking the apple tree she was working on. “Well thanks anyway, sugarcube, sorry ta take up yer time.” “Oh… it’s no trouble at all Applejack.” Twilight Sparkle stood around, hoofing awkwardly at the ground. “You still here, sugarcube? Somethin’ botherin’ ya?” “Well… not me per se but,” Twilight hesitated. “Is something bothering you, Applejack?” “Didn’t we go over this?” Applejack asked. “Ah’m totally fine, jus’ got a huge order ah gotta fill up. Now if you’ll let me alone sugarcube, ah gotta git back ta work!” “Okay Applejack, I guess I’ll go now…” Twilight said dejectedly. However, before she even took two steps, a thought suddenly surfaced in her mind. “Wait a minute… Big Mac said that it was a slow day today!” Applejack’s kick missed her target, causing the pony to lose her balance and fall over. She quickly picked herself back up and brushed back her mane. “O-oh! Ah guess ah forgot to let Big Mac know ‘bout the order! Guess ah’ll have ta let him know earlier, t-thanks for remindin’ me Twilight!” “… Applejack, don’t all the orders for Sweet Apple Acres go through Big Macintosh?” “I-Is that so?!” Applejack stammered, her voice noticeably going up a pitch. “W-well, Big Mac’s been letting me handle the las’ couple orders, jus’ so ah know what ta do in case somethin’ happens to him!” “Who ordered all these apples?” Applejack was thrown off by the sudden question. “Well, ah, uh… the apple bakery down at… Coltsdale?” “Uh-huh. Right Applejack.” “What’s it to ya anyways, Twilight Sparkle?!” Applejack huffed. “What ah do is mah business, and ponies like you should keep their hooves outta it!” Twilight flinched at Applejack’s harsh words. “Applejack, if you have a problem, you can just come out and say so.” “Mah problem is that somepony can’t figure out when she ain’t wanted here!” Applejack fiercely bucked at the apple trees. “Applejack, it’s not like you to be so tense.” Twilight worriedly put a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “You sure you’re fine?” “Gosh darn’it Twilight Sparkle,” The orange earth pony shook Twilight’s hoof off her shoulder. “Ah already told ya that there ain’t NOTHIN’ wrong with me!” “You’re a horrible liar Applejack.” Twilight pointed out, her eyes tearing up. “You’ve been spending all your time at the farm for the past week! It’s nowhere near harvest season, and I’m pretty sure no major order just happened to come in right after Pinkie Pie’s funeral—” Applejack stomped her hoof down, causing the unicorn to meekly shut her mouth. “Now you listen here Twilight Sparkle, what in the name of Celestia have you been doing the past week? Wastin’ the time of everypony in Ponyville, spendin’ all day in that library of yers while everypony else was doin’ their jobs! And you got the nerve ta call me out!?” “Applejack, I-I—” Twilight choked on her words, trying to fight back the stream of tears. “That’s what ah thought.” Applejack turned her back on the sobbing purple unicorn. “Now go git and let me do mah job, jus’ like everypony who’s name ain’t Twilight Sparkle!” “A-Applejack… I…*hic*… I… I’m sorry!” Twilight Sparkle turned tail and ran off crying, leaving the orange earth pony by herself. Applejack went back to bucking the apple tree she was working on. She bucked once, twice, three times, apples falling with every buck. The earth pony kept bucking and bucking, trying to get the very last of the apples from the tree. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. She spent several minutes driving her hooves in the bark of the tree, when suddenly, her aim slipped, throwing her to the ground beside the apple tree. The earth pony slowly picked herself back up and glanced at the tree she was working so hard on. The apples were already long gone, and have been for the past while. Applejack stared blankly at the apples that lie on the ground, and saw her distorted reflection on the apple. Drops of water fell onto the apple. Soon enough, rain started showering all over the grove. “Ha… haha… ha…” Applejack laughed bitterly. She tilted her head up to look at the sky, and saw a pegasus pony push the last of the rainclouds over Sweet Apple Acres. “Guess Cloudkicker went ‘n did Rainbow Dash’s job for her…” Applejack collapsed back to the ground and buried her head in her hooves. “Ah guess… now that it’s rainin’… ah don’t hafta worry ‘bout anypony seeing me cry… ha… haha… *sob*… ha…” Under the cover of the clouds and rain, the earth pony openly let her tears flow. This moment was the only time she allowed herself to show her weaknesses, away from anypony who might see. Her tears contained every emotion she tried to hide the past week. The sadness from Pinkie Pie’s departure. The anger from not being able to do anything to prevent it. And most of all… The regret from hurting one of the best friends anypony could ever hope to have. -- Fluttershy and Rarity were venturing through the Everfree Forest towards Zecora’s place. The yellow pegasus pony had absolutely no idea how she even got roped into following Rarity, she just knew she couldn’t get in a single word to object to Rarity’s proposal to venture into the Everfree Forest. Everything just happened so fast that she didn’t even know what Rarity was proposing! “Come on, darling, Zecora’s house is only a few more minutes away!” Rarity said cheerfully, trotting at a brisk pace in front of Fluttershy. “Um… R-Rarity…? I, uh, um—” “Hush hush hush, darling!” Rarity exclaimed, holding a hoof out in front of Fluttershy. “You wouldn’t want to alert any of the nasty creatures that might be lurking around here!” “… you’re the one who’d probably alert them.” Fluttershy muttered. “Hmm, what was that darling?” Rarity inquired. “N-nothing…” the pegasus pony squeaked. “W-why do you need me anyways…?” “Because, you silly filly, what if I get attacked?” Rarity dramatically put a hoof to her forehead. “Oh, just think if one of these creatures got a hold of little old me! They’d tear me apart in a heartbeat! Oh no no no, we can’t have that, can we?” “B-but… I don’t think I could protect you Rarity…” “But darling you have the Stare!” “B-but…” “Not another word! See,” The unicorn pushed back a bush, revealing Zecora’s hut. “We’re already here!” The Rarity took the lead and burst through Zecora’s door, Fluttershy gingerly following behind. They were greeted with Zecora mixing up another strange brew, and the two already learned not to question the strange things Zecora did. “Oh if it isn’t my two little ponies, what compels you come here on this journey?” “Oh Zecora, it’s been too long, darling.” Rarity flipped back her mane, aiming her sight directly at the zebra. “Now tell me, how’s life been for you in this forest?” “I can tell you want something from the look on your face, so why not skip the greetings and cut to the chase?” Zecora clopped her hooves and gave her full attention to Rarity. “Oh that’s what I like about you, Zecora, getting straight down to business!” Rarity cleared her throat. “Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the trouble Ponyville has been going through for the past week, with everypony being all doom and gloom all the time. I was sifting through some fabrics the other day and thought to myself ‘oh, whatever shall I do to rid this town of its gloominess.’ And then, the perfect idea came to me to elegantly resolve all of Ponyville’s problems! “Why not just bring back Pinkie Pie?” Rarity exclaimed. Fluttershy’s eyes widened at the sound of Rarity’s idea. “U-um, excuse me, um, I think I, um, are you sure that, um, uh, well—” “Oh Fluttershy, I’m quite sure of my brilliant idea!” “B-but, um, I—” “Shush now, darling.” Rarity brushed off Fluttershy’s frantic stuttering. “Now I tried asking Twilight Sparkle for some assistance, but the little darling didn’t know of any spell to bring Pinkie Pie back! So that’s why I come here, to ask you if you know of any spell or incantation to bring laughter back into Ponyville!” Zecora put a hoof to her chin, pondering over Rarity’s request. “You do know in your unicorn head, that the spell that you seek is to bring back the dead?” “Yesyesyes, I already know that. But there’s always been a spell for everything else, so why not a spell to bring loved ones back to life?” Rarity smiled awkwardly. “There is such a spell, right darling?” The zebra was silent, deep in thought. She carefully surveyed Rarity’s expression, debating over whether or not to answer the unicorn’s question. “U-um, I guess there is no spell then.” Fluttershy awkwardly cut in. “I’m so sorry to have wasted your time Zecora, come on Rarity, let’s go. She, um, doesn’t have an answer so—” “No!” Rarity stomped her hoof. “I am not leaving until Zecora gives me a definitive answer!” She firmly looked Zecora in the eye. “Is there a way?” Zecora sighed. “There is a way to get what you seek, but the method to obtain it is not for the weak.” Rarity’s eyes gleamed at the new information. “So there is a way! Tell me what it is, darling, quickly!” “I myself do not hold the solution, but by taking a detour you will reach your conclusion.” Zecora pointed towards the west. “You must pass through all that hinders, and arrive at the Ruins of the Ancient Pony Sisters.” “Why?” Rarity asked excitedly. “Is there a book there? A secret artifact? What’s there, darling?!” Zecora shook her head. “All I can do is point you the direction, everything else is up to your discretion.” “Well I suppose I just have to settle for that then!” Rarity turned on her heel and headed out the door. “Come on, Fluttershy, let’s head over to the Ruins!” “U-um, w-wait!” Fluttershy followed Rarity outside of Zecora’s hut. “I-I don’t think this is a good idea Rarity!” As soon as the door shut behind the two ponies, the zebra sighed went back to brewing her stew. “That little pony is going in over her head; I do dearly hope she doesn’t fall in with the dead!” -- Outside Zecora’s hut, the two ponies could be seen heading deeper into the forest, the yellow pegasus pony failing to get her words through Rarity. However, unbeknownst to the both of them, a sinister presence was watching their every step… “Is that the pony? The one right there?” A gruff voice asked. A shadowy figure responded to him. “Yeah, that’s the pony, the one with the purple mane.” The gruff voice cackled. “Lucky for us she ventured in the forest herself. That makes our job much easier!” The gruff voiced one attempted to move out of the clump of bushes he was hiding in, but paused. “What should we do with the yellow one? Tear her apart? Have her as a snack?” The shadow shook his head. “No, this isn’t our territory. If we kill anyone in Equestria that Princess will know we’re here… We signed a treaty, no wolves allowed in Equestria.” The shadow bared its fangs. “Knock the yellow one out and take the purple one. We’ll then take as many jewels as we can and hightail it back to our homeland.” “Won’t taking that purple pony over the border break the treaty?” The shadow smirked. “Not if nopony knows she was taken over the border… A lot of scary things live in the Everfree Forest, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of those things came up and spirited that pony away…” “Kehehe, you’re great boss!” The gruff voiced wolf exclaimed. “So should I go get her now?” The shadow paused, and then nodded his head. “Make it clean though, I don’t want that yellow pony harmed too badly.” “I’m on it boss!” The other wolf jumped from the trees, and descended on the two unsuspecting ponies… part 1Diabetes is a terrible thing. Rainbow Dash slammed through Pinkie Pie’s window, knocking the cookie from her friend’s mouth. “Pinkie! You can’t! You know what the doctors said! Just one more binge could kill you!” Pinkie looked up at her friend. Smiling with tears in her eyes, she gave a weak laugh. “It’s… it’s okay, Rainbow Dash. I’m… I’m not afraid.” Rainbow Dash settled down to the floor, blinking at a crunching noise beneath her hooves. She looked down, a look of horror spreading over her face at all the crumbs. “And… it’s… not like one cookie would make much difference now anyways.” “Pinkie! Wh… what have you done!” Rainbow Dash sped to turn the room apart, looking for that needle thing the doctors gave Pinkie. “I already used that yesterday. I… It was torture Rainbow Dash… terrible. Haha… can you imagine it? What if you suddenly weren’t able to fly anymore? What if Applejack suddenly became lame? Haha… ha… I couldn’t help myself Rainbow… I… haha…” “It’s going to be okay, Pinkie! You’re gonna be okay. We’ll get you to the doctor. They can fix this. We can make you better.” Pinkie looked at the floor, mane hiding her eyes, laughs starting to sound more like sobs. “Can… can you do me a favor, Dash? …can… can you hold me a bit? I… I keep laughing… but… it’s not working as well as it used to… haha… ha… ha…” Rainbow Dash took a hold of Pinkie Pie. “Don’t worry Pinkie Pie, I’ll get you to the doctor as fast as I can, just—just stop talking okay! Save your strength, please!” “Aha… ha…” Pinkie Pie let out a weak cough. “Hey… Rainbow Dash…? I… I…” -- It was truly a beautiful day for a party. They’d spared no expense this time, all the beautiful decorations covering the event. They’d held it outside, of course, and a surprising amount of people had come out for it. Dash could even see the balloons from here. Pinkie Pie always had the best parties, and this was no exception. Dash usually sped into Pinkie Pie’s parties with great enthusiasm, ready to play pranks on whatever unsuspecting pony that happened to walk into them. However, today was different. Instead of gliding excitedly towards the partygrounds, Dash proceeded with a slow trot. A tight knot wound itself in Rainbow Dash’s stomach, making Dash feel slightly sick as she made her way towards the party. “Thanks for coming, Dash!” Pinkie said, trotting alongside her friend as soon as she saw her. “I know you didn’t want to come, which is kinda weird since you always loved to come to my parties, ready to play a prank on somepony, like the hot sauce in the punch prank! I always loved that one, it’s always so funny, and you’re always so funny Rainbow Dash! Even when you’re kinda a grump like right now, which is fine since anypony can be grumpy sometimes, except for me, because if I was a grump I wouldn’t be able to throw these super-duper fantastic fantabulishous parties all the time! And look!” Pinkie said, bouncing in her step. “You got all dressed up!” Rainbow Dash laughed to herself. She didn’t like to get dressed up, it wasn’t her kind of thing. But today, she’d done it for Pinkie. “Yeah, well… I guess it’s the least I can do for you.” Pinkie just smiled at her in response. But very suddenly, her expression changed to one of worry. “… listen, Dash… There’s something I need you to do for me.” “Sure thing Pinkie!” Dash said as they stopped in place, surprised at Pinkie’s uncharacteristically mellow response. “What do you need? I’ll get it done super quick!” “You need to forgive yourself for what happened the other day.” Pinkie tilted her neck down so that she could look up at Dash, smiling at her sadly. “Dash… you’ve always been my bestest best best friend, and I know you tried your hardest. So… no more frownie frown face, okay?” “Pinkie Pie…” Dash just laughed again in response, shaking her head from side to side in disbelief. “You are so… random.” “Yeah yup yuh-huh!” Pinkie said, still smiling. “So you’ll try? For me?” “Yeah, yeah… fine.” Was the only thing Dash could muster, smiling back, if only so it would shut her up. Unable to think of anything else they could say to each other, they simply stood there for awhile, sharing a moment together. But before too long it was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming up behind them. Embarrassed to be caught in such a way, Dash lifted her head back up, smiling at her best friend Pinkie Pie. “So… aren’t you going to go get started?” “On what?” Twilight Sparkle’s voice asked, from somewhere close behind her. “On the party!” Dash turned around, grinning.” Y’know, chowing down, singing songs, playing pranks, bouncing around making sure everyone’s having a good time. The whole routine!” For a moment, Twilight looked at Dash with concern. “… where do you think we are?” Dash’s smile faded as she looked at the purple pony. The way her mane was combed so neat today. The way she was all dressed up in formal wear, just like Dash was. Slowly, Rainbow Dash turned around to look at the party. At all the people who had gathered there today. The beautiful decorations, all centered around the casket, with the three balloons tied to one of its handles. It was truly a beautiful day for a party. Only one thing was missing. Pinkie Pie was gone. -- Rainbow Dash was lounging around on a cloud, blankly staring into space. The funeral ended sometime ago, and Dash fled the scene before anypony could see her cry. After all, she was Rainbow Dash, the toughest, fastest flier in Equestria, and if other ponies saw her cry it would destroy her reputation! Rainbow Dash did what she could to hold back her tears during the funeral, but she was unable to stand it when they lowered Pinkie’s casket into the ground, causing her to hideaway in this cloud ever since. “You’re so stupid Rainbow Dash…” the pony said, muttering to herself. “You’re Pinkie Pie’s best friend, you should’ve caught her sickness before it got so bad…” With all the sweets Pinkie Pie ate on a regular basis, it shouldn’t have been a surprise to anypony that she contracted diabetes. Ponies usually could handle their sugar, and it seemed that Pinkie Pie quickly burned through all the sugar with her randomness. Pinkie and sweets together just seemed normal, just like Twilight Sparkle with her books or Fluttershy with her animals. Nopony thought they needed to stage an intervention for Pinkie, and it was that mindset that caused this tragedy to happen. By the time Rainbow Dash and the other ponies found out Pinkie had diabetes, it was already too late to heal the disease with magic. Pinkie had long past the point where she could be easily cured, hiding her illness the entire time to not make anypony worry about her. Rainbow Dash shook the thoughts of Pinkie out of her head. What’s the point in worrying over what happened in the past anyways? What happens, happens, right? It just totally wasn’t in her style to dwell on the past, she was Rainbow Dash! Speeding forward into the Wonderbolts and into the future! Not letting anything or anypony slow her down! Giving this pep-talk to herself, Rainbow Dash sped out of her cloud to do some exercises. If she spent all day moping around, her spot in the Wonderbolts would disappear! Dash flew up into the air over Equestria, reached her peak height, and then performed a nosedive straight to the ground. “C’mon Rainbow Dash… just like always, show Equestria who’s the greatest flier around here!” She prepared her wings to maneuver around the clouds to spin them around, when suddenly, the image of Pinkie Pie’s frail smile came back into her mind. “I keep laughing… but… it’s not working as well as it used to…” Dash shook her head to get rid of the voice in her head, but by the time she did she plunged headfirst into the cloud, breaking her momentum. Rainbow Dash tumbled clumsily out of the cloud and roughly planted her face into another cloud right below her. And another. And another. Before she knew it, she already hit the ground. “Argh… what’s wrong with me?” Dash muttered, throwing herself back into the sky. “If I can’t pull of a simple maneuver like that, I’ll never get into the Wonderbolts!” Frenetically, Rainbow Dash flew through the skies again, attempting to skillfully weave around a row of clouds. “Can… can you do me a favor, Dash? …can… can you hold me a bit?” Rainbow Dash repeated her previous maneuver, crashing through a series of clouds before painfully landing back on the ground. “AAARGH! Why can’t I do this!?” Rainbow Dash cried out angrily. “Alright, one more time!!” She sped back up in the air, even higher than she did previously, the harsh wind stinging her eyes. She was going to do it. She was going to perform a sonic rainboom. As soon as she hit the highest a pony could possibly go, she dived right down towards Equestria. Rainbow Dash sped as fast as she could, pushing her wings to the absolute limit until she could feel the sound barrier giving way to her speed. “Hey… Rainbow Dash… I… I…” The sound barrier suddenly ricocheted Rainbow Dash away from the ground, launching her straight into a faraway cloud with its force. “DARN IT!” Rainbow Dash hoofed angrily at the clouds she landed on. “Why can’t I do my normal tricks?! Why can’t I do a sonic rainboom anymore?! Why… why…” A steady stream of rain started falling down from the cloud she was on. “Why did the party have to end, Pinkie Pie?”
part 2It’s already been a week since the funeral, and life in Ponyville had seemingly gone back to normal. Derpy Hooves delivered the mail every day, Bon-Bon and Lyra could be seen chatting in front of the bakery, and all in all everything seemed perfectly fine. However, if somepony looked closer at the scene, they would notice less spring in Derpy’s step, a more hushed conversation from Bon-Bon and Lyra, and a much more solemn atmosphere overall. The loss of Ponyville’s party pony struck deep in the hearts of everypony in Ponyville, even in the ponies that barely came in contact with Pinkie Pie. But it was the ponies closest to Pinkie Pie that felt the most loss… “Where’s that cotton-pickin’ stripey-maned pegasus?! Ah thought there was s’posed to be a rainstorm t’day! Mah crops need waterin’!” Applejack stormed down the street in town, stopping each pony as she passed. “Y’all seen Rainbow Dash ‘round here? How ‘bout you over there? You three? No?” She stamped her hoof in frustration, moving over toward the Library. “Twilight! Spike? Either o’ y’all home?” The door opened and a tired looking purple unicorn stepped out. “Applejack? What’s up?” “Ya seen Rainbow Dash? It was s’posed to rain t’day, and ah ain’t even seen a drop!” Twilight sighed, shaking her head. “…I haven’t seen her since… you know. She’s seemed a bit… distracted since then.” Applejack’s expression softened. “I’ll go talk to Fluttershy, AJ. She can go check on Rainbow Dash, and it’ll give her something to do. She was pretty broken up, but is taking it well. I guess her time with animals has shown her how to deal with such things…” Applejack nodded. “Thanks, sugarcube. Listen… ah… gotta go back to the farm. Ah’ve got lots o’ waterin’ to do, so ah’ll see ya ‘round, right?” Twilight nodded, waving a hoof as Applejack wandered off. On her way back, the farm pony paused to look at Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s bakery, black ribbon hanging across the door. With a sigh, Applejack shook her head and continued home. As soon as Applejack left her sight, Twilight Sparkle sighed and stepped back into the library to stick a bookmark inside the book she had been reading. Ever since the funeral, Twilight shut herself off from the rest of pony society, occupying her mind with studying textbooks. It’s already been a week since the funeral, but Twilight could still picture the funeral as if it only happened a couple hours ago. “How many more books are you going to read until you go outside, Twilight?” Spike asked as he picked up some of the stray books Twilight left strewn across the floor. “I know it’s tough, but you gotta lighten up a little, y’know? It’s already been a week after all, and Princess Celestia wouldn’t want to see her favorite student moping around.” “Spike! I…” Twilight stopped herself before she said anything venomous to Spike. Because he was a dragon, albeit a baby one, he was built with tougher stuff than the average everyday pony. Besides… he wouldn’t throw away his dragon pride to openly mope around like Twilight Sparkle and the other ponies. Twilight sighed. “Yeah… you’re right Spike. But you have to understand that these things take time to get over, and not everypony can be as tough as you.” “Well… Princess Celestia didn’t send you to Ponyville to hide away all day. You should be outside with your friends!” “Yeah… I guess.” Twilight magically inserted a bookmark onto the page she was on, and then promptly shut it closed. “I was going to head out right now anyways to see how Fluttershy’s doing, so you clean up all this mess, okay Spike?” Spike grumbled. “Yeah, yeah…” Twilight let off a small giggle. It was good to see some normalcy despite the somber atmosphere that hung about the Library. Twilight Sparkle took a deep breath before going off on her way towards Fluttershy’s house. -- “C’mon… git down ya stupid apple!” Applejack yelled, repeatedly smacking the apple tree with her hind hooves. “Why ya gotta be so darn stubborn?!” “You’ve been workin’ awful hard the past few days, AJ. Shouldn’t you take it a bit easier?” asked Big Mac, switching the piece of hay he was chewing on to the other side of his mouth. “Won’t do anypony no good to burn yerself out.” “Who asked you, anyways?!” snapped Applejack, finally knocking down that single apple. “Ah’m just fine! Now where’s that waterin’ can? Ah’ve got work t’do! Get outta mah way!” She stomped off, barely missing bumping into Applebloom. “Somepony’s got ta make sure this farm keeps goin’!” “Big Mac? What’s wrong with sis?” Applebloom asked timidly. “She’s yellin’ all the time these days…” Big Mac gently patted the young filly’s head with one of his hooves. “Nothin’ to worry yer little head about, she’s just got a lot on her mind.” “Does it have anything ta do with Pinkie Pie’s vacation the other day?” Big Mac smiled nervously. He told Applebloom that Pinkie Pie was just going on a vacation a while, not wanting Applebloom to deal with the harsh reality of death just yet. He chewed slowly on his piece of hay, debating whether to tell Applebloom the truth or not, when finally… “Eeeyup. AJ’s just kinda worried ‘bout Pinkie Pie. Ah’m sure she’ll be back to her normal self in no time. Now why don’t you go play with yer friends a while and let AJ work?” Applebloom nodded and trotted away to go play with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders. As Big Mac saw her off, his heart tightened at the thought of breaking the news to a little filly like Applebloom. He knew he couldn’t hide the truth from her forever, but once he started lying about Pinkie Pie, it became harder and harder to bring himself to tell Applebloom the truth. Big Mac sighed. “It can’t be helped ah guess. Ah’ll just have ta find the right moment to tell l’il Applebloom…” -- Twilight Sparkle took her time trotting over to Fluttershy’s house, taking in the fresh air of Ponyville. It has been a while since she last stepped out of the library, and the fresh air did improve her mood just a bit. Although the large black ribbon tied around the Cake’s bakery painfully reminded Twilight of Pinkie’s absence. “The greetings is to the muffins!” Everypony’s favorite mailpony suddenly came crashing down in front of Twilight Sparkle, causing Twilight to recoil in surprise. “The muffin stuck on tree falls down to the grass! “Oh, uhm… hi, Derpy…” Twilight said nervously. She didn’t really interact with Derpy Hooves that much, considering Spike handled most of her mail. But she did know that Derpy was a really kind mailpony with an unfortunate disability and a strange manner of speaking. Not that those things ever got in the way of her job of course, Derpy was as diligent as a mailpony could get. “Salutations is to the muffins! The sun and moon fly away many, but rainy sprinkles hail down on sparkles!” “Uh… sure Derpy.” Twilight could never really make heads or tails of what this mailpony was saying, and it gave her a headache to even try. “Listen Derpy, I’d love to chat with you for a moment, but I really have to go someplace, so if you have something important to say—” “Important is the rainy skies! Fly away sprinkles with the sun and moon! Party over, but heart goes on! Muffins to the good feelings!” “Party… are you talking about Pi-Pinkie Pie?” It’s been so long since she said Pinkie’s name that Twilight stumbled over her words. Derpy nodded enthusiastically in response. “Sprinkles fly away, but sugar still in heart! Good feelings to the muffins!” Derpy reached into her mailbag and pulled out a muffin. “Farewell to the sprinkles with sun and moon, but helium stay with the muffins!” She placed the muffin in Twilight’s hooves and flew away as suddenly as she came. “Salutations is to the muffins!” Twilight Sparkle had absolutely no idea what just happened, but looking at the blueberry muffin in her hooves… she thought Derpy just tried to comfort her. Tears welled up in Twilight’s eyes, thinking about how Derpy comforted her regardless of the fact that they barely talked to each other. “She’s… a really kind mailpony.” Twilight said to herself as she nibbled on her muffin. “There you are darling!” called a familiar, sophisticated voice. “You’re just the pony I was looking for! Uh… is that a muffin you’re holding there in your hoof?” Wiping the tears from her eyes, Twilight Sparkle turned around and smiled meekly at Rarity. “Uhm… yeah.” Twilight quickly downed the rest of the blueberry muffin Derpy handed her. “What’s going on, Rarity?” “Well, I do believe I’ve found a way to clear up all this dreadful dreariness around here. Of course, it would take a fashion genius such as moi to come up with such an elegant way to cheer everypony up.” That’s great to hear, Rarity!” Twilight perked up, looking hopeful. “What’s the idea?” Looking at one of her hooves, Rarity let out a slight laugh. “It’s laughably simple, really. I can barely even take credit for this thing. Who is the best at cheering other ponies up, I asked myself? Oh how I thought on this. And the answer came to me as I was looking to a shipment of fabrics I had obtained! Who is more cheerful than Pinkie Pie, I said to myself.” Twilight’s smile drooped slightly. “… but Rarity… Pinkie is—” “Yesyesyes,” Rarity interrupted, “But what if you could fix that? Come now, Twilight Sparkle, I’m willing to pay anything you might want, and I’ll go get you anything you need to do so. “Rarity? …what are you saying?” Letting out another haughty laugh, Rarity looked Twilight in the eyes. “It’s simple, really darling. I’d like for you to bring Pinkie back to us.” Twilight’s smile faded to nothingness as she shook her head. Rarity’s smile cracked just a bit. “C-come now, Twilight Sparkle… Let us not be selfish here. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. You’re the most powerful pony in Ponyville after all. Surely with your magic you’d be able to—” Twilight cut her off. “I’m sorry Rarity… but… it’s not possible. I may be good with magic, but even magic has its limits. I’d like to see Pinkie again as much as the next pony, but…” “Well, what about Princess Celestia? You’re on good terms with her, darling, surely you can write a letter to her and—” Another shake of Twilight’s head. “If it were possible, don’t you think I would have tried that already? Do you know how many ponies try to ask Celestia to bring somepony back? Even with how powerful she is… it’s beyond her ability. As much as it breaks my heart to say this… ponies should be left to rest.” Rarity shook her head, then huffed and tossed her mane out of her eyes. “Hmph! Well, now we see who Pinkie’s real friends are, hm?” “Rarity, I—” “No, no, it’s fine! Keep your little secrets, Twilight Sparkle. You may have given up, but I’m certain there is a way. I just have to find it. And if you won’t help, I’ll just have to find a way myself. Good day!” Turning and lifting her nose to the air, Rarity trotted away. Twilight Sparkle looked after the purple and white unicorn, debating whether to follow her or not. Shaking her head and wiping the tears forming in her eyes, she refrained from following the other unicorn. Bringing back the dead was something everypony thinks of doing one day, but given enough time, they’ll realize it’s best to let sleeping ponies lie. Rarity just needs some time to accept the fact is all. Twilight Sparkle let out a sad sigh and continued on her way to Fluttershy’s. Hopefully she won’t be too depressed… -- “That Twilight Sparkle,” Rarity said to herself in a huff, “I can’t believe she didn’t even consider my idea. Honestly, you’d think a pony like her would do anything to help out one of her friends…” Rarity sighed. “…maybe I was asking too much of her. After all, Twilight Sparkle’s really is the type who would do anything to help out one of her friends. The dearie probably wasn’t lying about not knowing a spell to revive Pinkie. But still! I can’t believe she wouldn’t even try to look up a spell for that!” Rarity hoofed at the ground in frustration. Pinkie Pie’s absence had an abnormal effect on Rarity’s business. Rarity always complained that Pinkie Pie kept her from getting any work done, and that without Pinkie around her business would go ten times more smoothly. But… there was just something… off when Pinkie wasn’t around to interrupt her hard work. Every piece Rarity tried to design since her funeral was absolute tripe! A lack of inspiration, a lack of motivation, Rarity just didn’t know what was causing her creativity to run dry! “Ahh, it’s just so frustrating having something missing from somepony’s life!” Rarity lamented to herself. “Oh, woe is me, woe is Ponyville now that Pinkie’s departed! But no worries, Rarity’s on the case, she’ll find a way to bring normalcy back into little ol’ Ponyville!” She said that, but honestly she had no idea where to even start. She was sure Twilight Sparkle would have the answer to Ponyville’s problem. She always seemed to have it after all! Rarity continued wandering aimlessly around Ponyville, pondering whatever in the world she’s supposed to do next. “I haven’t seen Sweetie Belle in a while…” Rarity said to herself, “Oh, I do hope she’s not too distraught over these recent happenings. Oh well, I’m sure everything will go back to normal as soon as I bring back Pinkie Pie, oh yesyesyes!” Suddenly, another dash of inspiration hit Rarity as soon as she thought of Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie Belle… the Cutie Mark Crusaders… Applebloom… that’s it!! Zecora! I’m sure that zebra has a trick or two to bring Pinkie Pie back! I’m sure of it!!” Rarity pranced excitedly towards the Everfree Forest, but as soon as she reached its outskirts, her wave of enthusiasm deteriorated. “Oh… it sure is drabby in there… maybe I should bring somepony else to assist me… oh!” Rarity smacked her front hooves together. “Rainbow Dash! She’ll escort me through the Everfree Forest! And there’s absolutely positively no way she’ll refuse! But… where is that pony anyways? I haven’t seen her since the funeral…” Rarity hoofed at the ground again, pondering over where to find Rainbow Dash. But little did Rarity and the other ponies know, Rainbow Dash was dealing with problems of her own…
part 3“C’mon Rainbow Dash, pick up the pace!!” The blue pegasus pony zoomed over the ground, swerving around the trees that stood in her way. Once or twice a branch clipped off a feather or two from Rainbow Dash’s wings, but Dash just kept on flying despite the recklessness with which she flew. After swerving through the trees, she quickly shifted her weight so her hind-hooves kicked off a wall, propelling her into a cloud up in the air. “Is that all you got Dash? Seriously? Thought ‘Equestria’s greatest young flier’ would have more skill than a little newborn filly!!” Rainbow Dash scowled. “I’d like to see you do better, Gilda!” Gilda the Griffon grinned wildly at the pegasus pony. “Oh Dash, you know I can do better. Check it, you and me to that cloud up there. Think you can out-fly me with that speed of yours Dash?” Rainbow Dash grinned bitterly. “Who do you think I am, Gil? I’m Rainbow Dash! The greatest flier in all of Equestria!!” “Oh yeah? Prove it!” Gilda quickly lifted off, leaving Rainbow Dash back in the dust. “Hey! No fair Gilda!!” Rainbow Dash chased after her. The two fliers sped through the sky, Gilda in the lead with Rainbow Dash trying to keep on her tail. They both hit the cloud at the same time, although Rainbow Dash had a bit of trouble braking. “Haha! I beat you there Rainbow Dash!” Gilda boasted. “Yeah right, anypony could see that I clearly beat you by a hair!!” Dash retorted. “More like lost by a hair!” “Whatever, Gil!” The two fliers let out a short fit of laughter at their pointless quarrel. However, while Gilda’s laugh was full, Rainbow Dash’s was somewhat strained. “But man Rainbow Dash, was I surprised when I saw you roll into town the other day!” Gilda said, slapping the pony on the back. “What made you ditch those dweebs back at Ponyville anyways?” “Oh… you know. I guess I just felt like they were crampin’ my style, you know?” Rainbow Dash lied. “Besides, the most awesome pony in Equestria is more suited to the city life then life in a little backwater town, right?” “Well Dash, you’re about 20 percent cooler now that you’ve ditched all those lame-o’s back in Ponyville and started hanging with me out in Fillydelphia!” “Uh…yeah, haha.” Rainbow Dash looked sadly out in the distance, back in the direction Ponyville was in. After Pinkie Pie’s funeral, Dash ran away from Ponyville, hoping to get away from everything that reminded her of Pinkie Pie. She just couldn’t spread her wings if every time she flew up into the air, the Cakes’ bakery entered her field of vision and brought with it those painful memories. Luckily, when Gilda visited Ponyville before she left Dash some contact information so she could reach her, so Rainbow Dash packed her belongings and hightailed it to Fillydelphia. “So Dash, why’s your flying been so messed up lately?” Gilda asked. “It’s not like you to be so sloppy when flying. Did those dweebs keep you from practicing or something?” Rainbow Dash put on a strained smile. “Yeah… that’s it.” Ever since she arrived in Fillydelphia, Gilda thought insulting Dash’s old friends was free game now that Dash ‘ditched’ them. Besides, it’s not like she totally ditched them anyways, she was just taking a little unannounced vacation from Ponyville to recuperate, that’s all! Sure she left without warning… and sure she didn’t tell anypony about her leaving… but it’s not like she’s planning to stay in Fillydelphia forever! Gilda playfully smacked Rainbow Dash on the back again a couple times. “Well whatever dude! We’ll get you back on your wings in no time, just stick with me and it’ll be just like our old days back at Flight Academy in Cloudsdale!” Rainbow Dash flinched at the mention of Flight Academy. “Oh… what’s this?” Gilda said upon seeing Dash’s reaction. “Don’t tell me you’re still sore about what happened back in Flight Academy! That was years ago man, you should be over it by now!” “W-what are you talking about, Gilda?!” Rainbow Dash hurriedly said. “Why wouldn’t I be over that lameness back in Flight Academy?” “Sure you are, Rainbow Crash,” Gilda said sarcastically. “Look dude, I’m cool if you’re not over it, I know you have a really hard time dealing with tough things like that. I was your best friend for all those years in Flight Academy after all!” “Uh, yeah…” Gilda sighed. “Look bro, I can’t be seen hanging with somepony who’s all mopey-eyed and crap over stuff that’s happened years ago. So how ‘bout this?” Gilda grinned mischievously at Rainbow Dash. “Why don’t you and I go over downtown and nick some cupcakes from one of the vendors over there?” Rainbow Dash froze at the mention of cupcakes. “U-uhh… I’m not sure I’m too cool with that…” “C’mon Rainbow Dash, you and I used to nick things all the time back in the day!” Gilda criticized, not noticing what was actually bothering Rainbow Dash. “Don’t tell me that somepony’s lost all their backbone after living in a soft-hooved place like Ponyville for all this time! What happened to that cool Dash that was down with anything, huh?” “I-I’m down with it!” Rainbow Dash hurriedly said. “I’m just… allergic to cupcakes. That’s all. No biggie.” “You’re… allergic to cupcakes.” “Yeah! I’m allergic to cupcakes, can’t stand the sight of them! You got a problem with that Gilda?!” “Woah dude, chill.” Gilda lifted off from the cloud and spread her wings. “Well if you can’t eat cupcakes, let’s just nick some apples or something. Unless you’re gonna say that you’re allergic to apples or something like that too.” Gilda sneered. “No way, Gil! I’m totally down with stealing apples!” Rainbow Dash lied. “Now that’s the cool Rainbow Dash I knew! C’mon, maybe after we’re done eating I can show you some cool hangout places, you dig?” “Sure, Gil!” Rainbow Dash lifted off and hovered next to Gilda. “Let’s go!” “Oh, and Rainbow Dash?” “What is it Gil?” Gilda placed a talon on Dash’s head and ruffled up her mane. “Don’t stress so much about what happened in Flight Academy man. You ran away from it years ago, so put that behind you and get over it already! It’s not like you have to run anymore after you did that sonic rainboom of yours, after all!” “I-I didn’t even run away from it in the first place, Gilda!” Dash shouted. “Sure Dash, sure.” Gilda teased as she suddenly zoomed ahead of Rainbow Dash. “Just keep telling yourself that, broski!” “Don’t call me broski!!” Dash called out angrily, boosting forward to catch up to Gilda. No matter what anypony said about her fallout from Flight Academy, she did not run away. She was just too cool to hang at a place like Flight Academy, that’s all! Who did Gilda think she was anyways? Just because she knew Dash for many years doesn’t mean she knows everything about her! After all, she was Rainbow Dash! The greatest young flier in all of Equestria! A future member of the Wonderbolts! And somepony like her… somepony like her… Somepony like her would never run away from a challenge, right? -- “Ooh little Angel Bunny… won’t you come out to eat your lunch?” Fluttershy was crouched over Angel’s tiny rabbit-hole, trying to coax the bunny to come out to eat his lunch. “I got the freshest little carrot for you Angel, and if you don’t come out then it’ll go bad…” Angel groggily crept out of his home and shot a grumpy look to Fluttershy. “Ooh, there you are Angel,” Fluttershy said, completely ignoring the look Angel shot her. “Here’s a nice yummy carrot to fill up your little bunny belly this afternoon!” Fluttershy brought a carrot out from her saddlebags and gave it to Angel. The bunny began appraising the goods, gingerly felling the texture with his paws and giving it a cautious sniff. He then took a cautious nibble from the carrot, before throwing it down haughtily in disgust. “Oh… no Angel, you can’t waste food like that.” Fluttershy nuzzled the carrot closer to Angel with a gentle smile on her face. “Come on, be a good little bunny and eat your lunch.” Angel crossed his paws and stuck his nose up in the air as if to say, “You interrupted my afternoon nap for this?” “Come on Angel… come on, little bunnies like you need to eat their food if you want to grow nice and healthy…” “Hi Fluttershy!” “EEP!” Fluttershy jumped in surprise, scattering the carrots and other vegetables in her bag all over the place. Angel quickly took advantage of the opportunity and grabbed as many as the vegetables as he could before hurrying back into his den. “O-oh no Angel ,you can’t take all that food, it’s for the other animals…” Twilight Sparkle quietly stepped next too Fluttershy. “Sorry, Fluttershy, I thought it’d be good if I greeted you energetically this afternoon…” “Oh, no Twilight, it’s not your fault.” Fluttershy mumbled, staring at her hooves. “It’s my fault for being such a scaredy-pony all the time. Don’t blame yourself. Please. Don’t.” “If you say so Fluttershy,” Twilight said, “Say, do you think you can spare a few minutes to talk for a bit?” “Oh, I was feeding the animals right now… but it’s okay Twilight!” Fluttershy hurriedly added, seeing the expression on Twilight’s face. “Angel took most of my food anyways, so, um, I’d have to wait for him to finish eating so, um, well… I have time.” “That’s great Fluttershy!” Twilight Sparkle replied enthusiastically. “Not about Angel stealing your food though, that’s horrible.” “Oh, no, it’s okay.” Fluttershy said. “Angel does this all the time, so I’m used to it, so, um, he’ll give back what he doesn’t eat, which is usually most of it, so, um… yes.” Twilight grinned nervously. “So…” “So…” Fluttershy hoofed shyly at the ground. “…so…” “…so…” “Uh…” Twilight wasn’t exactly sure where to start. It’d be rude if she just asked Fluttershy where Rainbow Dash was right off the bat after all. “um…” “So Angel Bunny!” Twilight said, breaking the awkward silence. “How long have you been looking after him anyways?” “Oh, Angel Bunny?” Fluttershy suddenly perked up after being asked about Angel. “Well, you see, I’ve been looking after Angel for the longest time, I was there when he was born and watched him grow up ever since!” “E-ever since he was born, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked nervously. Fluttershy’s sudden bouts of enthusiasm always left anypony unsure of how to react. “Mhmm, ever since he was born.” Fluttershy smiled, looking back on her memories. “You see, back when I was a little filly, my mommy and daddy looked after me and the rest of the animals. And cute little Angel Bunny’s parents were a pair of those animals.” “Ah…” Twilight Sparkle smiled at the thought of little filly Fluttershy playing in a flower field with her parents and the animals. “So you’ve taken care of Angel ever since you were a filly?” Fluttershy nodded. “My mommy and daddy let me take care of Angel Bunny and his parents, so Angel is actually the first animal I started taking care of.” “Is that why you never use the Stare when it comes to Angel?” Fluttershy’s happy expression faded away after hearing Twilight’s question. “Is something wrong, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “Oh, no, not really, well… kind of.” Fluttershy timidly shuffled her hooves. “You see… I was a shy little filly, even shyer than I am now actually… and, well, um… “Angel’s parents died.” “Oh… I’m so sorry Fluttershy.” “No, don’t be, it’s okay, well it’s not but, well, it was a long time ago so… yeah.” Fluttershy brushed her mane out of her eyes, revealing a distant expression. “I was broken up for a while after that; I couldn’t talk to anypony for days. My parents tried to coax me out of hiding, but… it didn’t work.” Twilight hesitated before asking, “So… how’d you get over it?” She hoped she wasn’t prying too much into Fluttershy’s life. “Oh… well, you see… Angel Bunny saved me.” Upon hearing her name once again, Angel stuck his head outside of his burrow and gave Fluttershy a look before giving back most of the food he stole. The bunny gave a little ‘hmph’ noise as if to say, “It’s not like I did it for you or anything, I just wasn’t hungry is all.” Fluttershy gave a small smile to Angel and nuzzled the small bunny. Angel gave off an annoyed look, but did nothing to stop Fluttershy’s nuzzling. “You see, Twilight, little Angel Bunny here cheered me up by giving me a bouquet of flowers.” Fluttershy explained. “He reminded me that there were still things I needed to take care of, and I shouldn’t hide away all day. His flowers gave me the courage to face the world again, you see. Although…” Fluttershy blushed. “… I still hide away from everypony a lot.” Twilight smiled warmly at Fluttershy’s story. “I guess you’ve dealt a lot since then huh?” “Oh yes, Twilight,” Fluttershy said, “With all the animals I look after, I’ve learned a lot about the circle of life and how to cope. Especially after my parents departed—” Twilight let out a small gasp of shock. “—to Trottingham to look after the animals over there. Is something wrong Twilight?” “Oh… no.” Twilight said sheepishly. “Oh… well, since then I’ve looked after the animals in Ponyville myself, and had to deal with a lot of things myself, but it always hurts to lose one of my little animal friends no matter how often it happens…” “Yeah… cope.” Twilight Sparkle gave the pegasus in front of her a hug. “Um… Twilight?” “Oh, um, I’m sorry!” Twilight quickly got out of the hug and hoofed at the ground, embarrassed. “Didn’t mean to…” “No, that’s okay, it was… nice.” Fluttershy smiled. “So…I actually came here for a reason.” Twilight Sparkle admitted, changing the subject. “I know it’s kind of rude to come over and spring a question like this on you but…” “Oh, no, I’m sure it’ll be no trouble, really, go ahead.” “Well… have you seen Rainbow Dash around?” Twilight asked. “Applejack’s looking for her, apparently Rainbow Dash hasn’t been performing her weather duties lately…” “Oh, Rainbow Dash? I, um…” Fluttershy bit her lip timidly. “I… no, I haven’t seen her.” “… you sure about that, Fluttershy?” “Honestly, truly!” Fluttershy insisted. “Oh, um, I’m sorry Twilight, I probably disappointed you…” “No, don’t worry about it, just thought I’d ask.” Twilight smiled warmly at the yellow pegasus pony. “I got to talk to a friend again after all. Sorry I’ve been cooped up this whole week.” “Oh, no, don’t be, everypony copes in their own way. But they feel better eventually.” Fluttershy smiled shyly. “I hope you feel much better Twilight.” “Oh, I do, and your story helped a lot.” Twilight Sparkle glanced at the sky. “Well, I guess I need to go head over to Sweet Apple Acres to tell Applejack I couldn’t find Rainbow Dash. And I should probably talk to Rarity a little bit later on too…” “Oh, wait, sorry, Twilight?” Fluttershy stopped Twilight before she set off to Applejack’s farm. “What is it Fluttershy?” “You’ve got a little… something… on your lip… um…” Fluttershy put a hoof on Twilight’s lip and brushed something off it. “Oh, it’s a muffin crumb. Did Derpy give you one of these earlier today?” “Derpy? Yeah, how did you know?” Twilight asked, confused. “Oh, um, it’s just, well, Derpy gave everyone muffins the day after, um… the funeral… so, um, I guess she just gave you yours now since she never got your mailing address is all, I think.” Well… Twilight never did turn in her residency application to Ponyville since Spike handled all her transactions… “So… that pony kept my muffin ready until she saw me?” Fluttershy nodded. “Um, yes, she did. Derpy’s a really nice mailpony…” Twilight let out a warm smile. “She really is… maybe I should use the Ponyville Post Office more often, give Spike a break sometimes… oh!” Twilight quickly turned tail. “Sorry Fluttershy, look at the time, I have to head over to Applejack’s! I’ll see you later!” Twilight Sparkle galloped off into the distance. “Twilight’s such a nice pony…” Fluttershy said to herself. Angel pretended to gag as if to say, “You fillies and your friendship, it makes me sick.” “Don’t worry Angel Bunny, I haven’t forgotten about you.” Fluttershy warmly nuzzled Angel Bunny. The small rabbit let out a small ‘bleh’ sound as if to say, “Don’t think you can get all touchy-feely now that we’re alone. Honestly, geez.” But Angel still did nothing to get away. “Oh Angel, you’re such a silly bunny… oh?” Fluttershy squinted out into the distance. She thought she could spy a purple and white pony trotting towards her…
part 4“Ah can’t believe ya’d lie ta me Big Mac!!” Applebloom shouted fiercely, tears streaming down from her eyes. “Now Applebloom,” Big Macintosh said slowly. “It’s not that ah wanted ta lie to ya, but—” “Ah see how it is Bic Mac!” Applebloom cut off. “Ya’ll think ah’m too much of a li’l filly to handle the truth! Well ah’ll show ya Big Mac! Ah’ll show ya that ah’m a big pony! Ah’ll show all o’ ya’ll!” Applebloom turned tail and sprinted away, leaving the red stallion by himself, wondering what to do. Big Mac sighed. “That Applebloom… don’t wanna be treated like a filly yet not ol’ enough to be treated like a full grown pony… guess I should let her alone for a bit for her to cool off.” He turned around to head back to the field, when he bumped into a certain purple unicorn. “Eyaa!” Twilight Sparkle let off a startled yell before she fell over. “Oww…” “Oh, well if it ain’t Twilight Sparkle.” Big Mac said, shifting over the hay in his mouth to the other side. “Sorry ‘bout that, didn’t see ya there.” “No, no, it’s quite alright.” Twilight picked herself back up and brushed some of the dirt off her mane. “It’s my fault for not calling out to you right away.” “Oh… ah guess you saw the whole thing then?” Twilight kicked around a hoof sheepishly. “Well… uh… just a bit. I didn’t catch the whole thing… is something wrong with Applebloom?” The large stallion sighed again as he started chewing on a new piece of hay. “She’s jus’ a li’l sore that ah hid from her the fact that Pinkie Pie… ah, well, you know. Didn’t think she could take it, being the li’l filly she is. But ah guess it’s my fault for treat’n her that way. Now that her friends gone and tol’ her ‘bout the whole thing, ah guess ah’m bein’ punished for tryin’ to shelter her too much.” “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Big Mac.” Twilight said, “You just did what anypony would do to protect their kin. But you do have to realize that Applebloom can’t be your little filly sister forever you know, she’s going to grow up someday.” “Ah guess… but ah’m pretty sure you didn’t come here to Sweet Apple Acres to talk to this here stallion, Twilight Sparkle.” Big Mac pointed out. “Ah can handle mah own problems, Twilight, so why don’t ya go ahead and tell me what’s brought ya here today.” “Oh… well, I’m looking for Applejack. Do you know where she is?” Big Mac hesitated. “Well… ah know where she is, but ah’m not sure if ya wanna talk ta her right now though.” Twilight Sparkle tilted her head. “Why not?” “Well… AJ’s been a bit on the edge lately since the funeral.” Big Mac explained, “And she prob’ly ain’t cooled down enough yet ta talk prop’ly.” “I’m sure it can’t be that bad.” Twilight said. “Ah guess you’ll see for yerself then, Twilight.” Big Mac pointed her hoof towards the apple fields. “AJ should be somewhere in that direction, you’ll know yer close when ya hear her gruntin’.” The stallion turned his back on Twilight. “Now if ya’ll excuse me, it’s a slow day on the job, so I s’pose I should talk ta li’l Applebloom right ‘bout now.” “Yeah, okay, see you later Big Macintosh!” Twilight waved the red stallion goodbye and headed into the apple grove to find Applejack. As the season mandated, the apple trees were blooming beautifully, with lush apples of every color growing from the branches of every tree. The tart scent of apples filled the air, and Twilight Sparkle could almost taste the apples from their scent. She couldn’t see how anypony could be cross when surrounded by such serene beauty. Twilight heard a hollow clopping sound out in the distance. That must’ve been Applejack bucking apples off the apple trees. Twilight Sparkle quickly started trotting towards the sound, hearing the sound grow louder and clearer with each hoof she put forward. As the unicorn finally entered the clearing, she spotted Applejack bucking trees just a couple of meters in front of her. The orange earth pony looked worn out. Her mane was all frazzled and her saddlebags were already overflowing with apples. Next to Applejack was a wagon containing a bunch of the same saddlebags filled to the brim with apples. It looked like Applejack already did enough work for the entire week, yet the earth pony was still working as if harvest season was just around the corner. “Uhh, Applejack?” The earth pony continued bucking the tree she was working on. “Applejack?” Twilight Sparkle repeated. She still paid no heed to Twilight. “APPLEJACK!!” “I GON’ HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME!” Applejack bellowed. “Can’t somepony see when another pony is workin’?! Honestly!” She turned around and saw Twilight with a hurt expression on her face. “Oh… Twilight, didn’t know it was you sugarcube. Sorry ‘bout that.” “Um… no worries… you okay Applejack? You seem kinda… worn out.” “Worn out? Naw, ah’m as energetic as a parasprite at an all-you-can-eat buffet!” Applejack reassured Twilight. “So ya find Rainbow Dash yet, sugarcube?” “Uh… sorry, Fluttershy didn’t know where she was. It seems nopony has even seen her since the funeral either.” “Shucks… guess ah should call up Cloudkicker and get that pony up on cloud duty.” Applejack went back to bucking the apple tree she was working on. “Well thanks anyway, sugarcube, sorry ta take up yer time.” “Oh… it’s no trouble at all Applejack.” Twilight Sparkle stood around, hoofing awkwardly at the ground. “You still here, sugarcube? Somethin’ botherin’ ya?” “Well… not me per se but,” Twilight hesitated. “Is something bothering you, Applejack?” “Didn’t we go over this?” Applejack asked. “Ah’m totally fine, jus’ got a huge order ah gotta fill up. Now if you’ll let me alone sugarcube, ah gotta git back ta work!” “Okay Applejack, I guess I’ll go now…” Twilight said dejectedly. However, before she even took two steps, a thought suddenly surfaced in her mind. “Wait a minute… Big Mac said that it was a slow day today!” Applejack’s kick missed her target, causing the pony to lose her balance and fall over. She quickly picked herself back up and brushed back her mane. “O-oh! Ah guess ah forgot to let Big Mac know ‘bout the order! Guess ah’ll have ta let him know earlier, t-thanks for remindin’ me Twilight!” “… Applejack, don’t all the orders for Sweet Apple Acres go through Big Macintosh?” “I-Is that so?!” Applejack stammered, her voice noticeably going up a pitch. “W-well, Big Mac’s been letting me handle the las’ couple orders, jus’ so ah know what ta do in case somethin’ happens to him!” “Who ordered all these apples?” Applejack was thrown off by the sudden question. “Well, ah, uh… the apple bakery down at… Coltsdale?” “Uh-huh. Right Applejack.” “What’s it to ya anyways, Twilight Sparkle?!” Applejack huffed. “What ah do is mah business, and ponies like you should keep their hooves outta it!” Twilight flinched at Applejack’s harsh words. “Applejack, if you have a problem, you can just come out and say so.” “Mah problem is that somepony can’t figure out when she ain’t wanted here!” Applejack fiercely bucked at the apple trees. “Applejack, it’s not like you to be so tense.” Twilight worriedly put a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “You sure you’re fine?” “Gosh darn’it Twilight Sparkle,” The orange earth pony shook Twilight’s hoof off her shoulder. “Ah already told ya that there ain’t NOTHIN’ wrong with me!” “You’re a horrible liar Applejack.” Twilight pointed out, her eyes tearing up. “You’ve been spending all your time at the farm for the past week! It’s nowhere near harvest season, and I’m pretty sure no major order just happened to come in right after Pinkie Pie’s funeral—” Applejack stomped her hoof down, causing the unicorn to meekly shut her mouth. “Now you listen here Twilight Sparkle, what in the name of Celestia have you been doing the past week? Wastin’ the time of everypony in Ponyville, spendin’ all day in that library of yers while everypony else was doin’ their jobs! And you got the nerve ta call me out!?” “Applejack, I-I—” Twilight choked on her words, trying to fight back the stream of tears. “That’s what ah thought.” Applejack turned her back on the sobbing purple unicorn. “Now go git and let me do mah job, jus’ like everypony who’s name ain’t Twilight Sparkle!” “A-Applejack… I…*hic*… I… I’m sorry!” Twilight Sparkle turned tail and ran off crying, leaving the orange earth pony by herself. Applejack went back to bucking the apple tree she was working on. She bucked once, twice, three times, apples falling with every buck. The earth pony kept bucking and bucking, trying to get the very last of the apples from the tree. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. She spent several minutes driving her hooves in the bark of the tree, when suddenly, her aim slipped, throwing her to the ground beside the apple tree. The earth pony slowly picked herself back up and glanced at the tree she was working so hard on. The apples were already long gone, and have been for the past while. Applejack stared blankly at the apples that lie on the ground, and saw her distorted reflection on the apple. Drops of water fell onto the apple. Soon enough, rain started showering all over the grove. “Ha… haha… ha…” Applejack laughed bitterly. She tilted her head up to look at the sky, and saw a pegasus pony push the last of the rainclouds over Sweet Apple Acres. “Guess Cloudkicker went ‘n did Rainbow Dash’s job for her…” Applejack collapsed back to the ground and buried her head in her hooves. “Ah guess… now that it’s rainin’… ah don’t hafta worry ‘bout anypony seeing me cry… ha… haha… *sob*… ha…” Under the cover of the clouds and rain, the earth pony openly let her tears flow. This moment was the only time she allowed herself to show her weaknesses, away from anypony who might see. Her tears contained every emotion she tried to hide the past week. The sadness from Pinkie Pie’s departure. The anger from not being able to do anything to prevent it. And most of all… The regret from hurting one of the best friends anypony could ever hope to have. -- Fluttershy and Rarity were venturing through the Everfree Forest towards Zecora’s place. The yellow pegasus pony had absolutely no idea how she even got roped into following Rarity, she just knew she couldn’t get in a single word to object to Rarity’s proposal to venture into the Everfree Forest. Everything just happened so fast that she didn’t even know what Rarity was proposing! “Come on, darling, Zecora’s house is only a few more minutes away!” Rarity said cheerfully, trotting at a brisk pace in front of Fluttershy. “Um… R-Rarity…? I, uh, um—” “Hush hush hush, darling!” Rarity exclaimed, holding a hoof out in front of Fluttershy. “You wouldn’t want to alert any of the nasty creatures that might be lurking around here!” “… you’re the one who’d probably alert them.” Fluttershy muttered. “Hmm, what was that darling?” Rarity inquired. “N-nothing…” the pegasus pony squeaked. “W-why do you need me anyways…?” “Because, you silly filly, what if I get attacked?” Rarity dramatically put a hoof to her forehead. “Oh, just think if one of these creatures got a hold of little old me! They’d tear me apart in a heartbeat! Oh no no no, we can’t have that, can we?” “B-but… I don’t think I could protect you Rarity…” “But darling you have the Stare!” “B-but…” “Not another word! See,” The unicorn pushed back a bush, revealing Zecora’s hut. “We’re already here!” The Rarity took the lead and burst through Zecora’s door, Fluttershy gingerly following behind. They were greeted with Zecora mixing up another strange brew, and the two already learned not to question the strange things Zecora did. “Oh if it isn’t my two little ponies, what compels you come here on this journey?” “Oh Zecora, it’s been too long, darling.” Rarity flipped back her mane, aiming her sight directly at the zebra. “Now tell me, how’s life been for you in this forest?” “I can tell you want something from the look on your face, so why not skip the greetings and cut to the chase?” Zecora clopped her hooves and gave her full attention to Rarity. “Oh that’s what I like about you, Zecora, getting straight down to business!” Rarity cleared her throat. “Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the trouble Ponyville has been going through for the past week, with everypony being all doom and gloom all the time. I was sifting through some fabrics the other day and thought to myself ‘oh, whatever shall I do to rid this town of its gloominess.’ And then, the perfect idea came to me to elegantly resolve all of Ponyville’s problems! “Why not just bring back Pinkie Pie?” Rarity exclaimed. Fluttershy’s eyes widened at the sound of Rarity’s idea. “U-um, excuse me, um, I think I, um, are you sure that, um, uh, well—” “Oh Fluttershy, I’m quite sure of my brilliant idea!” “B-but, um, I—” “Shush now, darling.” Rarity brushed off Fluttershy’s frantic stuttering. “Now I tried asking Twilight Sparkle for some assistance, but the little darling didn’t know of any spell to bring Pinkie Pie back! So that’s why I come here, to ask you if you know of any spell or incantation to bring laughter back into Ponyville!” Zecora put a hoof to her chin, pondering over Rarity’s request. “You do know in your unicorn head, that the spell that you seek is to bring back the dead?” “Yesyesyes, I already know that. But there’s always been a spell for everything else, so why not a spell to bring loved ones back to life?” Rarity smiled awkwardly. “There is such a spell, right darling?” The zebra was silent, deep in thought. She carefully surveyed Rarity’s expression, debating over whether or not to answer the unicorn’s question. “U-um, I guess there is no spell then.” Fluttershy awkwardly cut in. “I’m so sorry to have wasted your time Zecora, come on Rarity, let’s go. She, um, doesn’t have an answer so—” “No!” Rarity stomped her hoof. “I am not leaving until Zecora gives me a definitive answer!” She firmly looked Zecora in the eye. “Is there a way?” Zecora sighed. “There is a way to get what you seek, but the method to obtain it is not for the weak.” Rarity’s eyes gleamed at the new information. “So there is a way! Tell me what it is, darling, quickly!” “I myself do not hold the solution, but by taking a detour you will reach your conclusion.” Zecora pointed towards the west. “You must pass through all that hinders, and arrive at the Ruins of the Ancient Pony Sisters.” “Why?” Rarity asked excitedly. “Is there a book there? A secret artifact? What’s there, darling?!” Zecora shook her head. “All I can do is point you the direction, everything else is up to your discretion.” “Well I suppose I just have to settle for that then!” Rarity turned on her heel and headed out the door. “Come on, Fluttershy, let’s head over to the Ruins!” “U-um, w-wait!” Fluttershy followed Rarity outside of Zecora’s hut. “I-I don’t think this is a good idea Rarity!” As soon as the door shut behind the two ponies, the zebra sighed went back to brewing her stew. “That little pony is going in over her head; I do dearly hope she doesn’t fall in with the dead!” -- Outside Zecora’s hut, the two ponies could be seen heading deeper into the forest, the yellow pegasus pony failing to get her words through Rarity. However, unbeknownst to the both of them, a sinister presence was watching their every step… “Is that the pony? The one right there?” A gruff voice asked. A shadowy figure responded to him. “Yeah, that’s the pony, the one with the purple mane.” The gruff voice cackled. “Lucky for us she ventured in the forest herself. That makes our job much easier!” The gruff voiced one attempted to move out of the clump of bushes he was hiding in, but paused. “What should we do with the yellow one? Tear her apart? Have her as a snack?” The shadow shook his head. “No, this isn’t our territory. If we kill anyone in Equestria that Princess will know we’re here… We signed a treaty, no wolves allowed in Equestria.” The shadow bared its fangs. “Knock the yellow one out and take the purple one. We’ll then take as many jewels as we can and hightail it back to our homeland.” “Won’t taking that purple pony over the border break the treaty?” The shadow smirked. “Not if nopony knows she was taken over the border… A lot of scary things live in the Everfree Forest, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of those things came up and spirited that pony away…” “Kehehe, you’re great boss!” The gruff voiced wolf exclaimed. “So should I go get her now?” The shadow paused, and then nodded his head. “Make it clean though, I don’t want that yellow pony harmed too badly.” “I’m on it boss!” The other wolf jumped from the trees, and descended on the two unsuspecting ponies…
part 1Diabetes is a terrible thing. Rainbow Dash slammed through Pinkie Pie’s window, knocking the cookie from her friend’s mouth. “Pinkie! You can’t! You know what the doctors said! Just one more binge could kill you!” Pinkie looked up at her friend. Smiling with tears in her eyes, she gave a weak laugh. “It’s… it’s okay, Rainbow Dash. I’m… I’m not afraid.” Rainbow Dash settled down to the floor, blinking at a crunching noise beneath her hooves. She looked down, a look of horror spreading over her face at all the crumbs. “And… it’s… not like one cookie would make much difference now anyways.” “Pinkie! Wh… what have you done!” Rainbow Dash sped to turn the room apart, looking for that needle thing the doctors gave Pinkie. “I already used that yesterday. I… It was torture Rainbow Dash… terrible. Haha… can you imagine it? What if you suddenly weren’t able to fly anymore? What if Applejack suddenly became lame? Haha… ha… I couldn’t help myself Rainbow… I… haha…” “It’s going to be okay, Pinkie! You’re gonna be okay. We’ll get you to the doctor. They can fix this. We can make you better.” Pinkie looked at the floor, mane hiding her eyes, laughs starting to sound more like sobs. “Can… can you do me a favor, Dash? …can… can you hold me a bit? I… I keep laughing… but… it’s not working as well as it used to… haha… ha… ha…” Rainbow Dash took a hold of Pinkie Pie. “Don’t worry Pinkie Pie, I’ll get you to the doctor as fast as I can, just—just stop talking okay! Save your strength, please!” “Aha… ha…” Pinkie Pie let out a weak cough. “Hey… Rainbow Dash…? I… I…” -- It was truly a beautiful day for a party. They’d spared no expense this time, all the beautiful decorations covering the event. They’d held it outside, of course, and a surprising amount of people had come out for it. Dash could even see the balloons from here. Pinkie Pie always had the best parties, and this was no exception. Dash usually sped into Pinkie Pie’s parties with great enthusiasm, ready to play pranks on whatever unsuspecting pony that happened to walk into them. However, today was different. Instead of gliding excitedly towards the partygrounds, Dash proceeded with a slow trot. A tight knot wound itself in Rainbow Dash’s stomach, making Dash feel slightly sick as she made her way towards the party. “Thanks for coming, Dash!” Pinkie said, trotting alongside her friend as soon as she saw her. “I know you didn’t want to come, which is kinda weird since you always loved to come to my parties, ready to play a prank on somepony, like the hot sauce in the punch prank! I always loved that one, it’s always so funny, and you’re always so funny Rainbow Dash! Even when you’re kinda a grump like right now, which is fine since anypony can be grumpy sometimes, except for me, because if I was a grump I wouldn’t be able to throw these super-duper fantastic fantabulishous parties all the time! And look!” Pinkie said, bouncing in her step. “You got all dressed up!” Rainbow Dash laughed to herself. She didn’t like to get dressed up, it wasn’t her kind of thing. But today, she’d done it for Pinkie. “Yeah, well… I guess it’s the least I can do for you.” Pinkie just smiled at her in response. But very suddenly, her expression changed to one of worry. “… listen, Dash… There’s something I need you to do for me.” “Sure thing Pinkie!” Dash said as they stopped in place, surprised at Pinkie’s uncharacteristically mellow response. “What do you need? I’ll get it done super quick!” “You need to forgive yourself for what happened the other day.” Pinkie tilted her neck down so that she could look up at Dash, smiling at her sadly. “Dash… you’ve always been my bestest best best friend, and I know you tried your hardest. So… no more frownie frown face, okay?” “Pinkie Pie…” Dash just laughed again in response, shaking her head from side to side in disbelief. “You are so… random.” “Yeah yup yuh-huh!” Pinkie said, still smiling. “So you’ll try? For me?” “Yeah, yeah… fine.” Was the only thing Dash could muster, smiling back, if only so it would shut her up. Unable to think of anything else they could say to each other, they simply stood there for awhile, sharing a moment together. But before too long it was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming up behind them. Embarrassed to be caught in such a way, Dash lifted her head back up, smiling at her best friend Pinkie Pie. “So… aren’t you going to go get started?” “On what?” Twilight Sparkle’s voice asked, from somewhere close behind her. “On the party!” Dash turned around, grinning.” Y’know, chowing down, singing songs, playing pranks, bouncing around making sure everyone’s having a good time. The whole routine!” For a moment, Twilight looked at Dash with concern. “… where do you think we are?” Dash’s smile faded as she looked at the purple pony. The way her mane was combed so neat today. The way she was all dressed up in formal wear, just like Dash was. Slowly, Rainbow Dash turned around to look at the party. At all the people who had gathered there today. The beautiful decorations, all centered around the casket, with the three balloons tied to one of its handles. It was truly a beautiful day for a party. Only one thing was missing. Pinkie Pie was gone. -- Rainbow Dash was lounging around on a cloud, blankly staring into space. The funeral ended sometime ago, and Dash fled the scene before anypony could see her cry. After all, she was Rainbow Dash, the toughest, fastest flier in Equestria, and if other ponies saw her cry it would destroy her reputation! Rainbow Dash did what she could to hold back her tears during the funeral, but she was unable to stand it when they lowered Pinkie’s casket into the ground, causing her to hideaway in this cloud ever since. “You’re so stupid Rainbow Dash…” the pony said, muttering to herself. “You’re Pinkie Pie’s best friend, you should’ve caught her sickness before it got so bad…” With all the sweets Pinkie Pie ate on a regular basis, it shouldn’t have been a surprise to anypony that she contracted diabetes. Ponies usually could handle their sugar, and it seemed that Pinkie Pie quickly burned through all the sugar with her randomness. Pinkie and sweets together just seemed normal, just like Twilight Sparkle with her books or Fluttershy with her animals. Nopony thought they needed to stage an intervention for Pinkie, and it was that mindset that caused this tragedy to happen. By the time Rainbow Dash and the other ponies found out Pinkie had diabetes, it was already too late to heal the disease with magic. Pinkie had long past the point where she could be easily cured, hiding her illness the entire time to not make anypony worry about her. Rainbow Dash shook the thoughts of Pinkie out of her head. What’s the point in worrying over what happened in the past anyways? What happens, happens, right? It just totally wasn’t in her style to dwell on the past, she was Rainbow Dash! Speeding forward into the Wonderbolts and into the future! Not letting anything or anypony slow her down! Giving this pep-talk to herself, Rainbow Dash sped out of her cloud to do some exercises. If she spent all day moping around, her spot in the Wonderbolts would disappear! Dash flew up into the air over Equestria, reached her peak height, and then performed a nosedive straight to the ground. “C’mon Rainbow Dash… just like always, show Equestria who’s the greatest flier around here!” She prepared her wings to maneuver around the clouds to spin them around, when suddenly, the image of Pinkie Pie’s frail smile came back into her mind. “I keep laughing… but… it’s not working as well as it used to…” Dash shook her head to get rid of the voice in her head, but by the time she did she plunged headfirst into the cloud, breaking her momentum. Rainbow Dash tumbled clumsily out of the cloud and roughly planted her face into another cloud right below her. And another. And another. Before she knew it, she already hit the ground. “Argh… what’s wrong with me?” Dash muttered, throwing herself back into the sky. “If I can’t pull of a simple maneuver like that, I’ll never get into the Wonderbolts!” Frenetically, Rainbow Dash flew through the skies again, attempting to skillfully weave around a row of clouds. “Can… can you do me a favor, Dash? …can… can you hold me a bit?” Rainbow Dash repeated her previous maneuver, crashing through a series of clouds before painfully landing back on the ground. “AAARGH! Why can’t I do this!?” Rainbow Dash cried out angrily. “Alright, one more time!!” She sped back up in the air, even higher than she did previously, the harsh wind stinging her eyes. She was going to do it. She was going to perform a sonic rainboom. As soon as she hit the highest a pony could possibly go, she dived right down towards Equestria. Rainbow Dash sped as fast as she could, pushing her wings to the absolute limit until she could feel the sound barrier giving way to her speed. “Hey… Rainbow Dash… I… I…” The sound barrier suddenly ricocheted Rainbow Dash away from the ground, launching her straight into a faraway cloud with its force. “DARN IT!” Rainbow Dash hoofed angrily at the clouds she landed on. “Why can’t I do my normal tricks?! Why can’t I do a sonic rainboom anymore?! Why… why…” A steady stream of rain started falling down from the cloud she was on. “Why did the party have to end, Pinkie Pie?”
