Chapters “Hi there! I’m Pinkie Pie! You must be new here! I haven’t seen you before!” An excitable pink pony said as she attacked me with her excitement.
“Yeah, I am! Hi there, I’m Inkwell, but you can call me Inky if you want. Pinkie Pie, right?” I said.
“Yeah, but you can call me Pinkie if you want! You know what? I have a sister named Inky, too!”
“Weird coincidence! See ya round!”
I tried to walk away, even though I knew I was being rude. I didn’t want to, but I had to go see Twilight Sparkle before anyone else saw me. I didn’t want to be rude to Pinkie, because she seemed like a pretty nice pony, but I had to be somewhere.
“So, what’s a little filly like you doing walkin’ around Ponyville all by yourself?”
“Actually, I need to be somewhere, if you don’t mind….”
“Hey! I know Ponyville like the back of my hoof! I could take you where you wanna go!”
I thought about it for a second, and I figured that Pinkie seemed pretty nice, so I agreed. Having a friend wouldn’t be all that bad after moons in a castle with only royal guards to play with.
“Okay, sure!” I said.
“Okey dokey lokey then! Where do you need to go?” Asked Pinkie.
“I have to go the…library, I think. I have to see the Princess. Twilight Sparkle. Do you know her?”
“Do I know her?!” Exclaimed Pinkie. “She is my beessstttt friend! I can take you to the library easy-peasy!”
And with that, Pinkie and I walked to the library together. I told Pinkie I wanted to go straight to the library, because I had to see Twilight immediately. She begged me to let her throw me a party and introduce me to everyone, but I said she could after I met up with Twilight. She said she could at least show me around Ponyville, and as much as I would have loved to go on a tour with her, I couldn’t. Pinkie agreed, brought me to the library, and knocked on the door.
Twilight opened the door after a couple seconds.
“Yes? I am studying! Oh, hello, Pinkie. I can’t come to a party right now, I have some things to do.”
“Okay, but Inky here says that she need to talk to you.”
“Inky….,” Twilight says. “I don’t know an Inky.”
“Hi!” I say. She looks down at me. I didn’t think I was that short. After all, princesses usually grew faster.
“Inky! I was wondering when you would come. The Princess said that it would be around next week. Since I wasn’t expecting you, the place is going to be a bit of a mess. But it’s you! I haven’t seen you in moons!”
“Twilight! I was scared that you didn’t remember me for a minute there!” I said, relieved.
“Of course I do, silly filly! Now, come inside and we can talk.”
“Okay!” I said. “Bye, Pinkie! Thanks! See you sometime around.” I waved my hoof and Pinkie waved back and skipped away. I was really starting to like Ponyville.
===
So, Twilight welcomed me into her house and we sat down to talk. She introduced me to Spike, but I didn’t like him too much. For some reason, he was just obnoxious. But back to the explaining.
“So, why did you come early?” asked Twilight.
“Well, Luna was getting really busy in Canterlot, and she decided to send me early.” I responded.
“Luna and I haven’t talked for a while now. Remind me again why she sent you?”
“Well, Luna said that she wanted me to get out and see Equestria, and she knew that I would love Ponyville, so she sent me to you. She said she would come and visit me, but that it was very busy in Canterlot while she was dealing with some problems.”
“Alright!” Said Twilight.
I liked Twilight. Of course I had met her at her coronation, but I hadn't really talked her. She seemed smart and intelligent.
“So, what am I going to do about school?” I asked.
“Oh, yeah! Your mother has made arrangements for you to go to school in Ponyville, where Miss Cheerilee will be teaching you. And don’t worry about your friend situation. I have picked out a couple fillies that I think you will really like.”
“Oh. Okay.” I said with a small smile, trying to fake it.
The truth is, I really didn’t want to go to school. I was home schooled when I lived in Canterlot, so nobody ever thought anything about it. But I am afraid that if I go to school in Ponyville, the foals will make fun of me for being a princess. They will think that I can do everything, and I really can’t. That’s not it, though. I don’t even have my cutie mark. That’s a major point. But I had already known that this would happen, so I planned ahead.
“Twilight, can I unpack my bags? I am living with you, right?’ I asked.
“Of course! Where else would you live, silly? You can unpack your bags in the room behind that door over there.” Twilight pointed to a plain wooden door.
“Alright, thanks!” I walked in, and set my pouch down on the bed. It was a nice room, with windows nice floors. It had a bed with a pretty quilt on it, a nightstand, and a dresser. Of course, it was nothing compared to the rooms I had in Canterlot, but I didn’t care. You see, this is where a lot of people would say that I am just a snotty princess. But they wouldn’t believe me if I told them that I was actually really down to earth. I notice the differences between Canterlot and Ponyville, but it doesn’t change anything and I don’t expect anything more from the ponies that live in Ponyville.
I unpacked my clothes, even though all I had was a dress for special events and my cloak. I threw on my cloak, because that way it would hide my blank flank and my wings. That way, ponies would think I was just a normal unicorn. I put my hair up in a bun so it wouldn’t look so magical and wavy. I almost forgot to take my crown off before looking into the mirror of the dresser. If I forgot-- now THAT would be a big mistake. I set my other belongings down and put them around the room. A picture of Canterlot, one of Luna, and one of my Aunt Celestia.
===
I walked out of my room.
“Twilight, should we go meet those fillies now?”
“Huh?” Said Twilight as she looked up from her book. “Oh, sure! While we’re at it, I can give you a tour of Ponyville, too.”
“Okay, sounds good!” I replied. I was happy. I knew I would be fine with my cloak. At first, I was worried that it would look weird that I had a cloak, but it matches my coat so well. I am navy blue with markings on my hooves that make it look like I have stepped in black ink. That’s why my name is Inkwell. I have pretty blue, wavy, starry hair, just like Luna, but I don’t have any bangs. Because my cloak is black, just like my markings, it will look just like a good fashion choice.
Twilight and I trotted out of her door, and she drew me a map of Ponyville with her hoof in the dirt.
“Here is Sugarcube Corner—this is where Mr. and Mrs. Cake live with their two foals—Pumpkin and Pound. They run a bakery. Pinkie Pie also lives there with the Cakes. Okay, here is the Sofa Shop,” she pointed to a square on the crudely drawn map with her hoof. “They also sell quills. And then here is Fluttershy’s place—you haven’t met her, but I will introduce you—and then there’s the Everfree forest, where Zecora, our zebra witch doctor lives, and Rarity’s dress shop, and Sweet Apple Acres, and…..” Twilight kept going, and I thoroughly learned the location of every building in Ponyville, inside and out. She said she’d introduce me to everybody she had mentioned, so that would be fun. I hope.
===
The first place Twilight showed me was Sweet Apple Acres. I met Granny Smith, who was so cute and old, and Big Macintosh, Applejack, who seems super cool and fun, and then I met Apple Bloom. Twilight and Applejack went over to talk, so Apple Bloom and I were alone.
“Hi, I’m Apple Bloom!” She said. She seemed very confident and stuck out her hoof. And she had such a charming southern accent! I loved it.
“Hello. I’m Inkwell, but you can call me Inky.” I said, just as confident.
“Ooh! That’s a cool name you got there! Where ya from?”
“Me? Oh… I….I’m from…..uhhh….Cloudsdale!”
“Cloudsdale? But you’re not a Pegasus.” Said Apple Bloom, confused.
“Did I say Cloudsdale? I meant Baltimare.” I replied nervously, putting the biggest smile I’ve ever made on my face.
“Oh….well, okay!” Said Apple Bloom. “I think we’re gonna be best buddies, 'cause you seem pretty nice! That's a nice cloak you've got. Gotta cutie mark under there?” Apple Bloom pulled up my cloak before I could stop her.
“Uh, yeah! I..uh…totally!” I said.
“No you don’t! And you’ve got wings, too! But you have a horn….you’re an ALICORN?” Apple Bloom said, now yelling at me.
“Whaaaaaaaattt?” I said. “Noooooo… how did those things get there? I…uh… well, I… yes. I’m an alicorn.” I said, giving up.
“AWESOME! Wait a second….that means that you’re a princess! Not only that, you’re from Canterlot! And you’re a blank flank!”
Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Oh, sorry. I just got kinda excited there for a second.”
“Yeah, all of that’s correct. My mom is Princess Luna, and I am a princess, but Luna has kept me a secret for all these years because she didn’t want me to live in the bad side of fame, too. She said she would tell the rest of Equestria when the time was right. She sent me here because it is getting to busy at the castle and she wanted me to spend some time with Twilight.”
Apple Bloom just stood there, mouth hanging open. Yep, I had ruined it for myself. Now Apple Bloom was only going to talk to me about me being a princess.
“Another blank flank!” She said.
“Well, that kinda hurt,” I muttered.
“Oh, sorry. But look.” She turned around and showed me her left flank. “I’m a blank flank, too!
It was true. Her flank was just as bare as mine.
“Wait, you don’t care that I am a princess? I mean, you still want me as a friend?”
“No, of course not! It just makes you awesome! But I wouldn’t show Diamond Tiara.”
“Who’s Diamond Tiara?” I ask.
“Diamond Tiara is the meanest filly around. Her dad is Filthy Rich, the richest pony in Ponyville. And if she saw that you were a princess, she would be REEALLLY jealous! But since you’re a blan- I mean, you don’t have your cutie mark, than you can be part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
“What the hay are the Cutie Mark Cru…whatevers?”
“ CruSADERS. Alright, my friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo don’t have their cutie marks either, and we are a band of fillies trying to get our cutie marks by going on AWESOME adventures!”
“Woah! I would love to join, then. We will get our cutie marks in no time! So, will Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo go to school with us?”
“Yeah, of course!” Said Sweetie Belle.
“Inky! We have to go meet Rarity and her little sister, Sweetie Belle! Are you coming?” Yelled Twilight from the living room.
“Yeah! Umm...can Apple Bloom come with us?” I yelled back.
“Sure, now let’s go!” Apple Bloom and I walked out of the room and into the living room.
“Ready?” Asked Twilight.
“Yes-indeedy-doodle!” Yelled a voice that certainly wasn’t mine. I looked at Apple Bloom, but she looked just as puzzled as I was.
Twilight turned around. “Pinkie! How long have you been here?”
“Just the past fifteen minutes!" Pinkie said as she jumped out from behind the couch. "Can I come with you? Oh, pleasepleaseplease?”
Twilight looked at Apple Bloom and then at me.
“Sure!" We said simultaneously.
“Okey-dokey-lokey! Let’s go!” Exclaimed Pinkie.
Three friends already. Maybe being a blank-flanked princess wasn’t so bad.
Meeting the Cutie Mark Crusaders
When we got to Rarity’s dress shop, I was amazed. Her clothes were more beautiful than anything I had ever seen in Ponyville. Rarity had to be a skilled pony with high tastes, no doubt.
“Rarity? Are you here?” Twilight yelled when we entered.
Apple Bloom turned to me. “I am SO excited for you to be part of the Crusaders! Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo will be thrilled.”
“I know I'm thrilled!” Said Pinkie, jumping out from behind Twilight.
“Coming!” yelled Rarity from her workroom. She walked in, carrying a beautiful hat in her hooves.
“Hello, Rarity,” said Twilight.
“Hello, darlings,” Rarity said as she laid down the hat on her table, filled with spools and a sewing machine. “Oh, who is this?” Rarity said, pointing at me.
“Hello! I’m Inkwell. Your dresses are beautiful,” I said, putting my hoof out for her to shake. She shook it with a very firm grip. She seemed like a Canterlot pony.
“Thank you! I am Rarity. Where are you from?”
“Me? I’m from…uh…”
“She’s from Canterlot! She’s Princess Luna’s daughter, but she’s been hidden away all these years and Luna said she would introduce Inky when the time was right and so it was busy in Canterlot, so her mom sent her here with Twilight. Aaaannnnnddd…she’s gonna be part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders because she doesn’t have a cutie mark, either! And she has wings! ‘Cause she’s an alicorn!” Pinkie Pie said, faster than I had ever heard anypony say anything before.
"Pinkie!" said Twilight.
“No, Twilight, it’s okay.” I said. “She was bound to find out anyway, if we are gonna tell Sweetie Belle, right?”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry, Inky.” Said Pinkie, smiling.
“Oh my!” Exclaimed Rarity. “ANOTHER princess in Ponyville! Soon we’ll really be on the map! Sweetie Belle will be thrilled that you’re here. Sweetie Belle!” Rarity yelled to upstairs.
“What do you want, Rarity? Scootaloo and I are working!” yelled Sweetie Belle.
“Scootaloo? Without me? SWEETIE BELLE!” screamed Apple Bloom.
“Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo ran down the stairs, followed by Sweetie Belle. “What are you doing here?”
“I don’t know, SCOOTALOO! What are YOU doing here?” Apple Bloom said with a menacing stare.
“I, uh. I, we, were…uh. Working on homework! Yeah, that’s the ticket!” Scootaloo replied nervously.
“Mhmm. Sure.” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and ran upstairs as fast as possible. I followed her.
We got up to Sweetie Belle’s room, and right in the middle was a mannequin with something that looked like a dress on it. It had a green pattern with red and yellow apples, and it looked more like a sack than a piece of clothing.
“Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo…what is that?” Apple Bloom said.
“We were making you a dress for you birthday, and it was gonna be a surprise. It's a work in progress. But now...I guess the surprise is ruined.” Scootaloo said sadly.
“Guys, it’s okay. Sorry for being so…invasive. Thanks,” Apple Bloom smiled.
“Oh, It’s okay!” said Sweetie Belle.
“Yeah, you can still bring it together. I am sure Rarity will help,” I said.
"Yep! My birthday's not for another half moon, anyways," said Apple Bloom.
“Who’s this? Said Scootaloo, pointing her hoof at me.
“Apple Bloom, would you like to do the honors?”
“Sure!”
===
So, after lots of explaining, and lots of questions, I was officially part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Scootaloo pushed the dress out of the way. Apparently I was more interesting now.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stared at me with amazement. "Wow," said Sweetie Belle. I've never met a princess before..."
"Sweetie Belle, Twilight's a princess," stated Apple Bloom.
"Oh. Yeah."
"Okay, so, we have school tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah. That reminds me-- you will have to avoid Diamond Tiara," said Scootaloo.
"Mhmm. I know. And Silver Spoon."
"You know," started Sweetie Belle. "Now that I think about it, you have a really nice cloak. And it looks like a Canterlot cloak. If Diamond Tiara notices, that could be a problem."
"Oh, you're right! Do you think Rarity could make me another one by tonight?" I asked.
"Definitely!" Exclaimed Sweetie Belle. "RARITY!"
"YES?" Rarity yelled from downstairs.
"WHAD'JA SAY?" Sweetie Belle screamed.
"Maybe we should go downstairs," I suggested.
"Yeah," Sweetie Belle smiled, and we trotted down.
"Yes?" Asked Rarity.
"Inkwell needs a cloak, and I think that as a 'Welcome to Ponyville' gift, we should make her one."
"Oh. All right, that should be easy! What color?" Rarity said with a smile.
"Yay! I would like a black one. And quality doesn’t have to be your top priority. Thank you so much!” I replied to Rarity.
"All right!" said Sweetie Belle. "Now we shouldn't have to worry about Diamond Tiara at all!"
===
"So, where are you from and why are you here?" said Scootaloo, quizzing me about what I will say to other ponies at school.
“I am from Baltimare, and I am here because my mom was working real hard on the farm and she sent me to see her best friend Twilight in Ponyville.” I said, monotonously.
“Good,” said Sweetie Belle. It had been about half an hour, and Applejack, Twily, Pinkie, and Rarity sat downstairs talking while Rarity sewed my cloak. We were all sitting in Sweetie Belle’s room.
“So, let’s hear something we didn’t know about Canterlot,” said Apple Bloom, interested.
“Okay…um, let’s see…Oh! Did you guys watch the wedding with Cadence and Shining Armor?” I asked.
“Yeah!” said Scootaloo. “Who didn’t?”
“Well, you know how Luna wasn’t there for most of it?”
“Yeah, she was on night duty, right?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“Nope. She was watching me while I was sick. Everypony thought she was guarding Canterlot from the Changelings, but they forgot that they were already defeated. I had a terrible stomach flu and Luna was taking care of me.” I said, smiling.
“Woah,” All the ponies said simultaneously.
“Yep,” I nodded with a smug expression on my face.
"HEY RARITY!" Sweetie Belle yelled.
"WHAT?" yelled Rarity back.
"DID'JA FINISH THE CLOAK?"
"YES!"
"WHAT?"
"I SAID YES!"
"OH. OKAY!"
"WOULD YOU FILLIES LIKE TO COME DOWN AND SEE IT?"
"WHAT?"
"YOU KNOW WHAT I SAID!"
"YEAH, I DO!"
I tapped Sweetie Belle on the shoulder.
"You two can finish your conversation downstairs," I said.
"OKAY! Sorry. Okay," Sweetie Belle smiled.
===
The cloak was absolutely perfect for me. It didn't have the Canterlot look to it, because the design was different. Everypony who knew Rarity's designs would know she made it, I'm sure. It had a hood with perfectly hemmed edges, and the other part fell perfectly on the mannequin. It even looked thick enough so that it would cover my wings and not show an outline of them. Rarity was a genius.
"Rarity.....it's....it's....perfect!" I was beaming with joy.
"Well, I am glad you like it. I could have made it better, but you said about an hour."
"Better? How is that even possible?" I asked, still smiling.
“Oh, you’re too sweet. But I did make a cool addition. Why don’t you try it on and look in the mirror?” She asked.
“Oh, okay!” I replied.
When I put the cloak on, it was even better than I had imagined. It was silky, soft, and comfy.
“Wow, Rarity! This is really nice!” I said.
“Turn around and look in the mirror,” she said smiling.
“Okay…” I turned around, and on my left flank, where my cutie mark should be, was a blue logo with a yellow filly in the middle of it.
“Cool!” I said. “What is it?”
“It’s the Cutie Mark Crusaders logo!” said Apple Bloom.
“When you weren’t looking, we asked Rarity to put it there,” explained Scootaloo.
“Wow, guys. Thanks! This is SO cool,” I said to them.
“Well, I am glad you like it,” said Rarity. “I even made one for each of you, so it wouldn’t look odd!” She handed them out to each of the other fillies. Apple Bloom’s was red, Scootaloo’s was pink, and Sweetie Belle’s was purple.
“Rarity, this is awesome!” Sweetie Belle smiled.
“Good. You fillies can go upstairs now. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie and I will talk for about an hour more, and then I think it will be somepony’s bedtime!” Rarity explained.
"Yepperdoodles!” said Pinkie joyously.
“Okay…” complained Apple Bloom.
“Wait a second!” I said. I ran over to Twilight and whispered, “Can the Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle sleepover? We will be extra quiet!”
Twilight looked at me and rolled her eyes. “Quiet? You four fillies? Oh, please! But sure. They can sleepover,” Twilight said with a smile.
"YES!" I exclaimed. "You guys!" I said, walking over to the cutie mark crusaders. "We can have a sleepover at the library!"
"Awesome!" They all said in response.
===
When we woke up from the sleepover, we were all dead tired. We had stayed up talking all night, and we were definitely NOT quiet. Twilight woke us up by knocking her hooves on the door and having Pinkie sing us her 'Evil Enchantress' song, wherever that came from. The Crusaders and I stretched and got out of bed. Right as I was just starting to wake up, Scootaloo was buzzing around my room and looking through my dresser drawers. She pulled out on drawer, and picked up my tiara that I had put away.
"Woah! What's this?" She said with excitement.
"That's my tiara, Scootaloo," I replied.
"Awesome! And look at your hair! It's so magical and flowy!"
I had taken my hair out during the night to sleep, of course. I had had it in a bun the day before, because I didn't want people to see how magical and cool it was.
"Oh, yeah. I'll have to put it up to go to school. And put my tiara up, please," I said.
"WHOA! Let us see that!" Apple Bloom said excitedly. She and Sweetie Belle ran over to Scootaloo and they started talking about it. While they did this, I put my hair up and packed my bags. Inside the bag, I packed an apple that Twilight had given me, a notebook, a quill, and an extra maneband, just in case my other one broke. I was prepared!
When Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were done looking at my tiara, I put it back it the drawer and shut it. I put on my cloak, and it felt even better than it did the day before. The other Crusaders got ready, put their cloaks on, and with Twilight's help with breakfast, we were out the door. Spike, of course, was asleep the whole time. Dragons.
"Alrighty! Let's get this show on the road!" Exclaimed Scootaloo.
"Wow, Scootaloo," I said. "Who knew you were such a morning filly."
"Well, it's really just because I had A LOT of sugar last night," she explained.
"Scootaloo! You said that Spike ate the chocolate!" Sweetie Belle said.
"Hey, a little white lie won't hurt now and then."
"Wow, great ethics, Scoots," I rolled my eyes.
At least the walk to school was funny. But meeting Diamond Tiara was NOT.
When we got to school, my hooves were burning. I couldn't believe that we had to do this EVERYDAY. I guess I just wasn't used to it.
After we entered the classroom, Miss Cheerliee welcomed me and I sat down in an empty seat behind Sweetie Belle.
"What are you dorks wearing? And who is this? Another BLANK FLANK?" Asked a filly who I assumed to be Diamond Tiara.
"We are wearing cloaks that Rarity made us herself! And we're not dorks! We've even got a princ-" Apple Bloom started before Sweetie Belle covered her mouth.
"What Apple Bloom was saying was that Inkwell here, is from Baltimare, and her mom is good friends with Princess Twilight, so she sent her to stay with her while it was busy at the farm."
"The farm? Please, there are no farms in Baltimare." Diamond Tiara retorted.
"The outskirts of Baltimare," I smiled.
"Whatever," she replied rudely.
I leaned over to Scootaloo. "Now I know what you're talking about," I said.
So, I caught on to what Miss Cheerilee was teaching, and school was easy. We were dismissed at around 3:00, which was late for me. I guess being home schooled took a lot less time. Diamond Tiara really didn't bug me until we were out on the playground after class let out.
"So," she said. "You're from Baltimare, huh?"
"Umm, yeah," I responded quietly.
"Oh, well, you know, those Crusaders are total dorks, right? Silver Spoon and I are the top dogs. You have to have a cutie mark, come on!" Diamond Tiara was about to check under my cloak, I think, but I stopped her before she had the chance.
"Um, no. I don't have a cutie mark. Bye!" I ran after the Crusaders, trying to get away from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon as fast as possible.
When I caught up to the Crusaders, they told me that we were going to their clubhouse. I was surprised that they had one, but they told me it was just a buncha wood thrown together. When we arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, we said hello to Granny Smith and Applejack, then walked to the clubhouse. It was nicer than Apple Bloom had described, and it had cute furniture inside. After we climbed up the ladder and sat down, Sweetie Belle asked what we wanted to do. I shrugged.
“Tell us about your history. Who’s you’re dad?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well, guys, it’s actually a long story,” I explained.
“Um, does it look like we’re doing anything else?” Apple Bloom said.
“Okay, sit tight then. So, I guess I should start out and say that I am not Princess Luna’s actual daughter. I wasn’t adopted, but one night when Luna was on night duty, she found a tiny foal in a basket crying, right in the middle of the Everfree Forest. Oh, the foal was me, by the way. So, anyway, Luna picked me up from the basket and stayed with me the whole night until the sun rose. She walked back to the castle, carrying the basket in her snout. She pulled a blanket over me so that nopony would question it. She knew that she had to get to Aunt Celestia. Aunt Celestia set out a search for my parents all over Equestria, but they found nopony. So, Celestia suggested that Luna raise me as her own. So, she has.”
“But…bu…. but you look so much like the Princess!” Sweetie Belle told me.
“I know. It must have just been chance, because we are not related biologically. Because I’m an alicorn, my parents had to have been from another world. In the castle, there is a big family tree with every past ruler of Equestria, and none of them were my parents. I am an orphan, basically. What Luna always says is that something really bad must have happened to my parents if they gave me up. But it doesn’t affect me. Princess Luna is my mother all the same, even if it isn’t biologically.”
The other fillies were dumbfounded.
“Are you going to look exactly like her when you grow up?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Actually, that’s another story,” I started. “Because I am from another world, Luna and Aunt Celestia don’t know what will happen to me as I start to grow. Nothing crazy has happened yet, but, hey, look how Twilight turned out when she went to another world. Now, Luna knows that I won't turn out like that, but she thinks something is going to happen to my wings after I get my cutie mark or something. She says that my wings are shaped differently, and their color is different for some reason." It was true, my wings were shaped differently, like a normal pegasus, with more feathers, and bigger than the average filly's wings*.They weren't exquisite like a true alicorn, but in my opinion, they were pretty cool. I didn't see what Luna was talking about with the coloring of my wings, but Aunt Celestia said she saw something too. I guess I will find out when I am older.
"Woah! When I first met you, I didn't even notice your wings looked different!" Said Apple Bloom.
Yeah, because of the feathers, you can't really tell. Do you want to see them unfolded?" I asked.
"Sure!" Scootaloo said, excited.
I took off my cloak, unfolded my wings, and the Crusader's jaws dropped.
"Woah," Sweetie Belle said. "The color- it's-it's- woah."
"You see it, too? Aargh! I don't! What is it?" I asked, frustrated.
"I--I--I don't know," Scootaloo said, mesmerized.
"Sometimes I think that people just do this to bug me! Whatever," I closed my wings, and the fillies immediately shook out of their trance.
"Wow. They're so beautiful, Inky!" Sweetie Belle said. "Rarity would love them!"
"Oh, thanks. I like them, even if they aren't normal."
"Definitely, they are awesome!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.
"There are so many holes in your story, Inky. You don't even know who your parents are or where you're from?" Sweetie Belle questioned.
"Nope. Not at all. I am determined to find out when I get to be a mare, though," I responded.
All of the sudden, the conversation was cut short. First we heard a squeal, then a thud. I trotted outside.
"Diamond Tiara! Silver Spoon? What are YOU doing here?" Sweetie Belle yelled angrily.
"Umm..Uh...why do you care?" She snarked.
"Were you listening in on our conversation?" Apple Bloom asked intensely.
"Maybe I was," she said, brushing herself off. "And just so you know," she said, looking straight at me. "Everypony is going to know that you're an alien from another world." Diamond Tiara trotted off, along with Silver Spoon.
"What are we gonna do?" I asked frantically after they walked away together.
"Don't worry," Sweetie Belle smiled deviously. "I have a plan."
===
Diamond Tiara's jaws dropped. Silver Spoon's glasses fell straight off her face. Apple Bloom's bow fell out. Scootaloo's wings dropped. Sweetie Belle smirked.
"Well, well, well. Look at you, Inkwell," she said, still smiling. "Rarity did a great job on you."
"Thanks, Sweetie Belle," I smiled back. It was true. The night before, Sweetie Belle brought me over to her house and asked Rarity if she could 'beautify' me for this morning. Rarity agreed, and I came over early that morning. First, Rarity took my hair out of its bun. I loved it, because my hair looked so obnoxious in one. She took my hair out and let and let it flow, then decided that it looked too much like Luna. Obviously I hadn't explained to her that she wasn't my birth mom. But it didn't matter. So, she tied it with a little black bow at the bottom. She did the same with my tail. Rarity took off my cloak, and asked me to open my wings. At first I was hesitant, and then I let her see them. Like everypony else, she was amazed. I closed them, and she snapped out of it. Rarity told me that we would have to show them to everypony, but I refused. I told her that everypony would get in a trance, and I didn't want them staring at my wings the whole time. She agreed, but told me I would have to open them at least once, just for her. She put my Tiara on, fixed my hair, and put on some eyelashes for me. She asked me if I wanted any shoes, but I said no. I liked the marking on my hooves.
"But..how..you...and...what?" Diamond Tiara was, for once, speechless.
"That's right everypony!" I opened my wings. "I am a PRINCESS! Princess Luna's daughter, in fact!" Now everypony's mouths dropped open. At first I was scared about how they would treat me, but now I didn't care. I knew that I had a great group of friends with the Crusaders, and that they cared about me. I didn't care what anypony else thought. Sweet Celestia, I could have them banished for all I care!
I closed my wings, smiling. Everypony ran to me, save Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Before all the fillies and colts in the room blocked my view, I saw Diamond Tiara fume up, and I winked. Diamond Tiara knew now that I was cool.
===
"Wow! Today was awesome!" I said to the Crusaders. After all of the other fillies and colts in the classroom calmed down, Miss Cheerilee came in, and the day continued on as normal. I was now top pony. I didn't really want to be, but I knew it would die down after awhile.
The Crusaders and I trotted into my room in the library.
"Inkwell, you really pulled it off today," Apple Bloom commented.
"Thanks!"
There was silence for a couple seconds. "So, what do you guys wanna do?" I asked.
"Umm....Do you wanna go meet Rainbow Dash?!" Asked Scootaloo, full of excitement.
"Who's Rainbow Dash?"
"Rainbow," started Apple Bloom. "Is Scootaloo's hero. Scoots loves her and is her biggest fan."
"Oh. Alright then," I agreed.
"Yes! Let's go!" Exclaimed Scootaloo. I said goodbye to Twilight, and we were off.
On the way there, I stopped and asked the Crusaders who Fluttershy was, because I remembered that Twilight had mentioned her earlier.
"Fluttershy is one of Twilight's good friends, and she loves animals. We could go meet her if you wanted to," Sweetie Belle said.
"No! We're going to see Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo said.
"We can stop to see her on the way to Fluttershy's house," I suggested.
"Fine..."
===
When we arrived at Rainbow Dash's tree, a blue pegasus with rainbow-striped hair was sitting in one of the top branches.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo yelled.
"'Sup, little fillies? Hey, is this Inkwell?" Rainbow asked.
"Hello!" I said. "Did Twily tell you about me?"
"Twily, ha, that's cute. But, yeah. You seem like a pretty cool gal, by the way. So, I heard you've got wings?"
"Actually, I have wi--sorry, yes, I do."
"Alright! Let me see 'em!"
"Okay, but they are pretty different than most. It's kind of a crazy story."
"Whatever! Wings are wings, Inky."
I unfolded my wings.
"Dang! Nice, kid!" Rainbow Dash kept staring, and started to zone out, so I shut them.
"So, ya wanna go flying with me?" Rainbow Dash asked me.
"Actually, I don't know how to fly," I answered.
"What?" Scootaloo yelled.
"Oh, yeah. I didn't tell you guys? Mom said that when I got older, she'd teach me, but there has been a lot of chaos in Canterlot. After all, that's why she sent me here. Maybe you and Scootaloo can fly together, Dashy."
"Inky, my wings are too small. I can't fly yet," Scootaloo told me.
"Oh. I'm so sorry, Scootaloo."
"Nah, kid. Scoots here isn't too sensitive about that kinda thing, right? She knows that she can fly with me when she gets to be this awesome," Rainbow said, smugly.
Scootaloo looked up at Rainbow with big, happy eyes.
"Hey, you want me to teach you?" Rainbow said, staring at me.
"Actually, Rainbow, I was hoping that Luna could teach me, because she said it was something we could do together." We started to trot away, and Scootaloo started to whine. I could hear Rainbow Dash's voice behind me. "But I'm awesome!"
===
After we arrived at Fluttershy's house, she welcomed us in.
"Hello," she said in a quiet, quiet voice. "I...I've heard about you. You seem really nice," she smiled. I put my hoof out for her to shake, and she squealed. I took it back, confused.
"Fluttershy is really shy," Apple Bloom said. "Right, Scootaloo?" Scoots was still pouting in the corner about leaving Rainbow Dash.
"Fluttershy, dear, Inkwell is really nice," Sweetie Belle said.
"Okay... What brings you here today?" Fluttershy said.
"Actually, I just wanted to say hello, but now that I see how many awesome animals you have, I was wondering if I could adopt a pet!" I said, hopefully.
"Oh!" Fluttershy said as a huge smile came onto her face. "I do have loads of animals! What kind of animal were you looking for today?"
"Hmm...how about a...let's see...a bat?"
"Oh yes! I LOVE bats! Actually, I was once a bat....long story. Would you like a girl or a boy?" She asked.
"A...girl, please."
"Okay! I will be right back." Fluttershy went out of the house for a second or two, then came back with three bats. One was white, one was black, and one was fuzzy and black.
"What about the fuzzy one?" I say.
"Oh, this is Guinevere. Her wings glow blue under the moonlight."
"Then definitely Guinevere," I said.
"Okay! Here you go!" Fluttershy took Guinevere off of her shoulder and handed her to me.
"How is...twenty bits?" I asked.
"Oh my! I wasn't going to charge you at all! That's too much!"
"Please! That's nothing compared to Canterlot prices!" I handed her the bag of bits out of my bag, and she thanked me greatly. After a couple of minutes sitting and talking, Fluttershy walked us out and we trotted back to the library.
"Wow. Guinevere is so cool! I can't wait until it gets dark, and then we can see her wings in the moonlight!" I said. It would be so fun to have a bat to have with me the whole time. Luna had never let me have a pet in Canterlot, because she said I would have to train it, and it would take to long. But now that I was in Ponyville, I could train her and then Luna couldn't make me give her back! She would be the perfect companion.
===
We stayed at the library, playing with Twilight and Vera, as I had decided to call Guinevere, until the moon came out.
"Twilight," I said. "Can we go outside and play with Vera?"
"Sure, little fillies, as long as you don't lose her."
"Okay!" We raced outside and let Vera out. She flew all around and then came back onto my shoulder. Her wings glowed beautifully and sparkled when she flew. Her soft, fuzzy fur felt so soft against my coat. She nuzzled against my neck, and I ran in a circle. She flew off of my shoulder and did a circle above me. Vera and I were going to be very close.
* This is what Inky's wings look like, without the magic, color stuff. This image isn't mine, by the way.
Finally, it was the weekend. I had made it through my first week of Ponyville. Everypony got over the fact that I was princess, except for Diamond Tiara. She didn't matter to me, though. I was writing about my week in my journal about how school wouldn't let me bring Vera, when I heard a knock on my door.
"Inky! A letter from Princess Luna!" Spike yelled.
"Okay, I'm coming!" I opened my door trotted out of my room. Spike opened the letter and began to read aloud.
"Dear Inky, We art writing to inform thee that we shalt be visiting Ponyville very lief after thou hast received this letter. We are coming to visit thee and to give a big surprise. We art also bringing Auntie Tia, Cadence, and Shining Armor. Prithee reply, and we shall see thee lief my dear. Love, Luna. P.S. This is to be read in the Royal Canterlot Voice, lovingly." Spike read. "Oops. Hey Inky, why did she say 'love, Luna' instead of Mom?" Spike asked.
I was super excited that Luna was coming to Ponyville, because I had really been missing her. I took time to explain it to Spike, anyway. "Oh, well, I always called her Luna, because she never liked the sound of 'mom', " I explained.
"Spike," I said. "Take a new letter." He pulled out a quill and a piece of paper. "Dear Luna, I am super excited that you are coming! Definitely bring Aunt Cady, Shining Armor, and Aunt Tia. Twily will be happy to see them. See you soon! Love, Inky."
"Got it!" Spike blew the letter away, and within minutes, I heard a knock on the door. Spike walked away and began his daily chores.
"Twilight! Somebody's here!" I yelled to her. She was too involved in her book to pay any attention to me. I trotted to the door and opened it, casually.
"Inky!" Luna almost knocked me down as she tackled me with hugs.
"Luna!" I hugged her back. Behind her, I saw Aunt Celestia, Aunt Cady, and Shining Armor, smiling. I ran into their arms and hugged them, too.
With all the commotion and hugging, Twilight looked up from her book. "Guys! What are you doing here?" Twilight asked, excited.
"We thought we'd surprise you two," Aunt Tia started. "But Luna couldn't keep her big mouth shut and blabbed to Inky about it! She was just so excited."
"Inky, how did I not know?" Twily asked me. She ran downstairs.
"Well, I tried to tell you, but-- never mind. Oh, guys, come in!" Everypony trotted in and sat down in the library, and Twilight hugged everypony.
"So, Inky, how art thou liking the quaint province of Ponyville?" Luna asked.
"I'm loving it, Luna! You have no idea what great friends I've made! And everypony likes me being a princess! Well, almost everypony. I even got my own bat! Speaking of which, where is sh-"
"A bat? Whence? We LOVE bats!" Luna exclaimed. She ran me over and started looking around the library.
"Oh, I thought you'd be mad! You never let me have one in the castle. Let's see, her name is Guinevere, but I am calling her Vera. Vera? Where are you?" She fluttered out of my room and landed on my shoulder.
"You'd think she would be needy, but she's pretty good," Twilight commented.
"She is absolutely marvelous! May we see her up close?" Vera flew over to Luna's shoulder. She played with her wings. "Prithee Inky, is this a Moonlight Blue bat?"
"Actually, yes!" I answered.
"Oh, Inky! These art the bats of the night! We had one of these as a foal! We named her Stella. She looked just like Vera. Such great fortune bestowed upon us!"
"I'm glad you like her, Luna. So, Aunt Cady and Shining Armor, how are you guys doing?" I asked, as Luna continued to play with Vera.
"We're just fine, Inky. Thank you for asking!" Cadence answered.
“Good. Aunt Tia, how is the castle?” I asked.
“Very good. It’s been different without you there, but somehow, we’re still operating,” she smiled.
I laughed. “That’s good.”
“How is Flash Sentry? I mean, that was his name, right?” Twilight butted in.
“Oh, Twilight, Flash is fine.” Luna answered.
“You know Flash, too? He was, like, my only friend at the castle!” I said.
“Oh, yeah. Flash and I are…. good friends,” Twilight blushed.
“Yes, really good friends,” Luna smiled.
“Oh, please!”
We sat around the library and talked for about an hour. I was going to ask Luna when I would be going home, but I liked Ponyville. I didn’t want to go home. We continued to talk, until Cady asked about the friends I had made in Ponyville.
“Well, there’s Apple Bloom, who is Applejack’s little sister, Sweetie Belle, who is Rarity’s little sister, and Scootaloo. We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders! In search of our cutie marks, we go on all sorts of adventures! Well, actually, we haven’t gone on any yet, but whatever! There’s one filly, Diamond Tiara, who isn’t the most pleased pony about me being a princess, but it doesn’t matter. And there’s one colt I sorta liked...Button Mash or something? Sorry, that’s not important. As you can see, I have a lot of friends.” I told her.
“We see. Couldst We possibly meet these fillies? The Crusaders of Cutie Marks, thou said? It would be most pleasant, we art certain,” Luna asked.
“Sure, Luna! In fact, we could have them over for dinner if you would like, Inky. I can invite my friends, too!” Twilight suggested.
“That would be great, Twilight! We can go get them now, if you want,” I replied.
“Sure! You can get Apple Bloom and Applejack and Scootaloo. I will get Rarity and Scootaloo."
Luna got excited. “LET US GO THEN! WE RIDE UNTIL DAWNFALL! Oh, excuse us, we mean—let us go!”
===
When we got back to the library, Twilight asked the Crusaders and me to set up the tables outside. One for the fillies, and one for the adults, she said. She trotted to the back of the library and pulled out two small tables using her magic. She lifted several chairs and set them up.
“Well, I guess I just did it for you, but what does it matter?” Twilight walked inside and talked to the mares and Shining Armor. The Crusaders and I sat down at the table and began to talk.
“So, how is Button?” Sweetie Belle asked, kidding. Button Mash was a colt in my class that I had a HUGE crush on. He was really cool, and he was a total gamer. I had always liked a gamer. He was so funny, and sweet, and…well, clumsy. But most of all, he was CUTE. He had a brown coat, and a mane with different shades of brown. And he wore this little hat with a pinwheel thing on it. And he didn't even have a cutie mark!
“Oh sweet Celestia,” I muttered. “Button is fine. It’s just a little crush,” I lied. Little was the last word I would use.
“Okay then…” Scootaloo snickered.
“Really? You too, Scoots? What’s next? You, Apple Bloom?”
“Why? Are we pushing your…. Buttons?” The fillies laughed while I rolled my eyes, smiling.
Twilight walked out of the library, with plates of food levitating in the air trailing behind her. “Dinner is served!” Each plate had hayburgers and apple slices. She set them down on the table, and we each sat down.
“Wow, this looks great! Did Spike cook it?” Apple Bloom asked.
"Yes I did! Thank you," Spike replied as he waltzed outside and sat down.
I immediately dug into my burger. I was starving after my tiny daisy and daffodil sandwich I had had for lunch that day.
"Wow, Appul Bwoom, thith is willy good," I spoke as I chewed.
She laughed at me. "I'm glad."
"So, Twilight, how is it being a princess?" Shining Armor asked.
"It's really cool, but it's a lot of work, too. Actually...." Twilight started. I had heard her talk about it so many times before, and I started to drift off.
As I daydreamed, I saw Button. Boy, was he cute. That soft brown mane, the adorable hat...and what a gamer. I walked up to him. Hi there, Button, I said to him. He looked at me for a second and began to talk. Inky, I love you. Let's get married and have foals. Do you wanna play Space Invaders? My heart soared. Of course, Button! I ran into his arms, and we sat down and started playing. So, Button said. Do you like living in Ponyville, Inksy? I smiled and told him that I loved it. He clumsily leaned over to kiss me. I was surprised. I leaned in and......INKY!
I snapped out of my daydream. "Huh, what?"
"Wake up!" Scootaloo yelled.
"Oh, sorry. I was daydreaming about Button......." I drifted off, and Button and I leaned in again.
"INKY! Are you crazy? You don't have a chance with him! You realize Diamond Tiara likes him, too, right?" Sweetie Belle put in.
"WHAT?" I nearly exploded. "But I LOVE Button!"
"Woah, sugarcube, calm down. We'll get you two together. Right, guys?" Apple Bloom asked the other fillies.
"Yeah!"
===
When we finished dinner, we all gathered inside of the library with mugs of hot cocoa.
Luna began to speak. "Alright, everypony. Hark to us, for we have a large surprise to bring to the fillies."
The Crusaders and I exchanged excited looks and turned back to Luna.
"We shall be touring....... all of Equestria! And Twilight, thou art hereby allowed to endue all thy friends too! Inky, because thou art our daughter, we will allow thee to bring one other friend, along with the Crusaders, if thou shouldst like."
My brain rushed. This was some of the best news I had ever heard. I was going to go all of Equestria! I could bring Button as my one friend! Yes!
I ran into Luna's arms. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I exclaimed. This was going to be the best trip ever! I just had to knock up the guts to ask Button.
===
That night, the Crusaders slept over at the library again, and Luna and the other royalty (not Twilight, of course) left for Canterlot once again. We hugged and said our goodbyes, but it was sad. Luna said we'd start the trip next month. We talked the whole night about my Button fantasies, and we plotted upon how I should ask Button to come around Equestria with me. We were all going to ask him together at lunch, so that it wouldn't look like I was asking him out on a date. We were going to make sure Diamond Tiara wasn't there, and then we would be all set.
===
So, at lunchtime on Monday, a day after our sleepover, the Crusaders, and I got into the food line right behind Button. Luckily, Diamond Tiara didn't notice us.
"Hi, Button," I started nervously.
"Oh, hey INKY!" Button look didn't notice it was me until he looked up. For some reason, he looked nervous. I turned around and quickly looked at Sweetie Belle, who was directly behind me. She smirked and walked away, along with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. I was confused and nervous. What was happening? It didn't matter; I kept on talking.
"So..um...y-you know how, um, my mom is Luna, right? Well, um, she said that we were going on, um, a tour of Equestria and that I could bring, um, one friend other than the, um, Crusaders, so um, well, I though that, um, maybe you would, um, want to, um, come...maybe?" I smiled nervously.
Button looked dumbfounded. "Su-re!" His voice cracked. "I, uh, mean s-sure," he giggled nervously.
"Ok, alright then, see you later!" I walked away with my heart pounding out of my chest.
“O-ok! Bye!” Button waved after me.
I walked up to the lunch table and sat down next to the Crusaders. “He said yes!”
“Yay!” We jumped up and hoof-bumped in the air.
“Wait a second, why did you guys walk away?” I asked.
“Because you guys were having a moment!” Sweetie Belle said.
“Um, hello! It can’t be a moment if he doesn’t like me!” I exclaimed.
“But he DOES!” Scootaloo said.
“Wait, what?”
“Yeah,” said Sweetie Belle. “Button and I are really close friends, and he said that he DID have a crush on you! You couldn't see it?”
“REALLY?” My heart exploded. This was the best moment of my life!
View Online
What Happens in Las Pegasus Stays in Las Pegasus
"No, go up! Wait, back down! Up, up up! Go, go, go, go.....aw, man!" I was playing a game of Angry Pegasi on Button's JoyBoy, and he was commenting on the game.
"Okay, okay, my turn! Watch and learn, Inky," Button said, cockily.
"Ha, no way, little stallion! There is NO WAY in Equestria that you can beat my high score!" I replied, equally as cocky.
Button rolled his eyes. "Inky, your high score is six."
"Whatever!" I was going to hand Button the JoyBoy, but it slipped out of my hand. I reached down to grab it, and Button did too. Our hooves touched as we both grabbed the JoyBoy. I looked at him and he blushed. I did too, and then involuntarily reached my hoof back.
"Oh, sorry. You're fine! It's okay, it was my fault. I'm just so clumsy, and you're so cute, and-- wait, what?"
"No, you're fine. I'm gonna go get some sleep," Button giggled, as he picked up his JoyBoy and began to trot away. He stopped. "And for the way, you're pretty cute, too."
I literally fainted in my seat, but luckily Button was far enough down the aisle not to see me. Once he was gone, I jumped over the seat behind me and slithered in the seat next to Scootaloo.
"Did you hear that?" I exclaimed. "Button thinks I'm cute!"
"Yes, yes, yes! I know, you're in love with Button, I know he's in love with you, etcetera, etcetera!" She rolled her eyes.
"Who put a needle in your haystack?" I asked.
"I'm sorry Inky, I'm just upset that Rainbow Dash didn't come on the trip."
"What? Yes she did! She's just fell asleep on the first chair in the next car."
Scootaloo ran into the next car. "Thanks, Inky!"
"Ah," I sighed to myself. "Finally, some peace and quiet." I pulled a book out of my bag and began to read.
"I suggest thou should have some hours of sleep. It is indeed late, after all," I heard a voice say.
I turned around and saw Luna, smiling. "Hey Luna."
"Hello. You seem excited. Why?" She asked.
"Well, you know Button, right?"
"Yes, of course. Why? Dost thou have a crush on Button? Dost Button like thou back? Did Button possibly call thou cute? Thou blushed, did she not?" Luna said, getting excited. She always got excited whenever I had a crush on anypony. Luna loved romance, although she never really had any for herself.
"How did you know? You're not upset, are you?"
"We may eavesdrop from time to time. And why would We be upset? We are closer to friends with thou than a maternal influence. After all, We are not truly your mother, so why act like We are so?" She said, smiling.
I loved Luna. It was true, she never acted like my mom, because she wasn't. We were best friends. Not like the Crusaders, something else. Luna would always be my friend. She would always joke around with me and play with me at the castle, but it began to get too busy. Since this was her vacation week, she would play with me and be my friend again.
"That's true, Luna. I love the friendship we have." I hugged her as I looked out the window. "Your night really is beautiful. I love it. Sometimes I have sleepless nights because I can't think about anything while looking at the night. It's amazing. It's hard to believe that just one pony created that by herself isn't it?"
Luna hugged me back. "You have no idea."
===
"So, let's talk about colts," Applejack giggled as she trotted in. It was around 10:00, and the train had stopped while Celestia raised the sun in a small town. Somepony had to do it, after all. The Crusaders and I were sitting in our beds, talking when Applejack came in.
"AJ, what are you doing here?" Apple Bloom asked angrily.
"Just checking in on you fillies. So, Inky, how is Button?" She grinned.
"How do you know about Button?" I asked her.
"Well, Luna doesn't exactly have what I'd call 'zipped lips'."
"Hmph," I grunted.
"Well, how is he? Do you know if he likes you?"
"He TOTALLY likes her!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. "He told me himself! They are SO cute together, donch'ya think?"
"Sweetie Belle, I keep telling you, we're not together!" I interjected.
"Um, you both like each other, so you sorta are, sugarcube. It's just not official, right gals?" Applejack smiled.
"Right, big sis!" Apple Bloom smiled back at her. "And now it's official!" Apple Bloom ran out of the car, grabbing Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo's hooves while she ran. "We'll be back!"
"Oh Celestia," I sighed. "They're going to get Button, aren't they? Wait a second; they're going to get BUTTON, Applejack! I look a mess!" I ran to grab my bag and began to brush my mane, tail, and coat. I put on my tiara, refluffed my wings, and threw on my cloak. Then, I casually sat down on the bed, pulled out a book, and waited for Button nervously.
"Well, somepony is in love!" Applejack commented, eyes wide open.
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, hush."
Apple Bloom burst into the room, dragging Button behind her.
"Button, Inky has something she wants to say to you." Apple Bloom said, staring intently at me.
"Uh, uh, uh, n-no I don't!"
"Yes you do!" Sweetie Belle said through gritted teeth, pushing me towards him.
"Um, okay. Here goes nothing. Button, I'm super in love with you and I reeeeaaaaaalllly like you. Would you, maybe, want to, um, go out or something? Like, if you want, you know, it's fine if you don't, but um, yeah." I spewed out quickly.
Button ran into my arms and hugged me. "Of course, Inky! I like you, too! I have been dreaming of this moment and I, well, I could never get the guts to ask you!"
I smiled bigger than ever before and saw Applejack's eyes with a 'go for it' look, then hugged him back. “I like you, too, Button.”
===
“FINALLY CHILDREN, WE ARE HERE!” Luna yelled, using her Royal Canterlot Voice.
“Luna, remembered what we talked about? Quiet,” Fluttershy told her meekly.
“Oh yes, We apologize.” Luna said insincerely.
“Wheeeeeeee!!!!!! C’mon Gummy, let’s go!” Pinkie Pie skipped out of the train car, then skipped on the path to the hotel. "Meet'cha guys there!"
"Spike? Do you have all of my books?" Twilight yelled into the back of the car, about to leap out.
"Yes, Twilight," Spike replied as he walked in, carrying at least seven books in his tiny dragon arms. I was about to offer him some help, but then I realized I had never liked Spike, so I watched, smirking happily.
"Hey Inky, do you wanna give me some help?" He asked, breathing heavily.
"Nope." I smiled. I trotted out of the car as Luna walked next to me.
She leaned over to me and whispered, "We hath never liked the minuscule reptile either. So obviously in love with the beautiful mare with the purple mane. Obnoxious, really."
Scootaloo flew out of the train car next, with Rainbow Dash leading ahead of her. Scootaloo's wings lost power, and she gingerly dropped to the ground.
"Alright kid, let's say we race to the hotel?" Rainbow Dash challenged her.
"You got it!" Scootaloo and Rainbow began to gallop.
Next, Apple Bloom and Applejack jumped out the car, followed by Fluttershy, being careful with all of the animals that she said she 'had to bring'. Followed by Fluttershy was Rarity, carrying at least five suitcases, with Sweetie Belle trailing behind her, almost crushed by the rest of Rarity's bags. "What did you bring?" She asked. "All of Maud's pet rocks?"
Rarity rolled her eyes. "Come, darling. Almost there." As they jumped out of the train car, Spike dropped all of Twilight's books, and she exclaimed. Spike didn't notice and ran over to Rarity. "Do you need any help? Here, let me take some bags."
"Oh, thank you Spike, but I think that Twilight still needs your help," she suggested.
"Gosh, sorry, Rarity." He apologized, blushing, and handed the bags back to Rarity. He picked up Twilight's books, and they began to walk down the trail.
"Dost thou see what We mean?" Luna said, leaning down again. I smiled up at her.
"Thou durst, indeed," I joked with her. She laughed, and we began to walk down the trail. Applejack and Apple Bloom ran past us, and Apple Bloom yelled that they were racing like Scootaloo as she trailed away.
"So, We heard that thou and Button are in quite the relationship," she said slyly.
"Maybe...." I giggled.
"Oh, stop it! We know you art. Applejack is honest, remember? As your best friend, We think We have a right to know! Oh, We shall be quiet now. Button is coming! Bye," Luna trotted away, laughing.
"Hey, Inky. How ya doing.....babe? I mean, sorry, I just, I, sorry. Anyway, how are you?" He said nervously.
"I'm good, silly. How are you .....sweetie?" I said, just as awkward. "Okay, this is weird. Let's just pretend we're friends....in love!"
"You got it! So, let's just talk about...y'know, whatever," Button said as he put his hoof on top of mine as we continued walking.
"Alright. Then, let's start with the basics. Um, do you ever want to get married? I mean, maybe not to me, but do you?"
"Yeah, it depends. I mean, sure. Alright, my turn. Mmm......do you ever want to have foals? I mean, maybe not with me, but y'know."
"Sure, maybe a couple. No more than two. Three is just too much for me. Alright, let's see........what's your absolute FAVORITE video game?"
"Oh, come on Inky, that's just cruel! That's like saying, 'who's your favorite....'. Okay, I don't have an analogy. But at the moment, I really like Flappy Pony. But it got shut down you know, because the creator thought it was getting to addicting for some ponies, so I'm playing the bootleg version, Flappy Pegasus." Button explained.
"Oh, okay. I like Pac-Pony. It's really fun. Okay, your turn again."
"Hmm...have you ever kissed anypony?"
"No. Have you?"
"Not yet. Do you want to?" Button stopped walking, picked up my hoof, and sat down on the trail in the woods. I sat down, too. He put his right arm around my shoulder, and began to lean in. I couldn't believe what was happening. This wasn't some dream. This wasn't a vision. This was real. I took my chance, and leaned in quickly. I kissed Button Mash.
The Hunt for Luna: Featuring Awkwardness
"So, I heard from Luna that you and Button were makin' out, huh?" Sweetie Belle smiled as we carried our bags up to the hotel room.
"Ugh! Does Luna see everything I do? And no, we were not making out ! You guys are gross! We just may have maybe kissed...maybe," I responded, getting defensive.
"Haw was it? Is he a good kisser? Ah've never kissed anypony before; is this yer first tahm?" Apple Bloom asked, excited.
"It was...great! I don't really know if he was a good kisser, because I've never been kissed before by a colt, so I have nothing to compare it to, y'know," I answered.
"Do you think you guys will kiss again?" Scootaloo asked.
"I mean, probably. Why wouldn't we? He's just so cute..."
"Did you like it? The kiss?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Yeah, duh! Why wouldn't I? I mean, Button's sorta my coltfriend now."
"Sorta?" Button asked, running up the stairs after us. He had already brought Pinkie's bags in along with his, so he was just coming back up from the lobby. "I thought we were a thing! That's what Luna said. But if you don't wanna be a thing, then, I mean, we can just be....whatever we are......"
"Luna just knows everything, doesn't she?" I smiled. "Of course we're a thing. We're together, right? I mean, y'know, if that what you think."
"'Course! Yeah, sure! Okay, I'm gonna go unpack my bags, but I'll grab yours and then we can all play some video games! Watch out for Sweetie Belle, though. She's nearly as good at Ponycraft as I am."
"Okay, but Luna has to explain the living quarters and junk to us, remember?" I yelled after Button, but he was already gone with my bags. He was so awkward, but it's not like I was any better.
===
"We shalt rest in this room, along with Tia," Luna said, pointing to the floor. "Button and Crusaders, thou shalt rest in that room," she pointed to the door to her left. "Cadence, Shining Armor," she pointed to the door on the right. "And Twilight and friends shall rest in the large room across the hall. Thou mares and gentlecolts may now disperse into their respective rooms." And we did.
The Crusaders, Button, and I trotted into our room, and there were three beds. Two for all of the Crusaders (including me) to share and one for Button, since he was a colt and all.
"Wow, this is nice!" The Crusaders exclaimed.
That was odd. They were impressed. Had they never seen a room this nice before? At the castle, there were rooms a thousand times better than that. I was going to say something, but then I decided against it. It would probably be rude. I think.
"Uh...yeeaahh....totally!" I said, trying to look enthused.
"Inky, you're a bad liar. We know you've seen better," Sweetie Belle said, rolling her eyes and smiling.
"Oh, thank Celestia," I said, full of relief. "I thought I was gonna have to fake it the whole time!"
"Ah, please! We don't r'lly care. Applejack has already been HONEST enough with me." Apple Bloom sighed.
We were all confused. "What do you mean, Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo piped up.
"Uh, hello? Have ya MET Applejack? She's lahk a Candor! Sometimes, honesty is a burden." She explained.
"I know what'cha mean. Luna has....no boundaries," I smiled.
The Crusaders and Button giggled as we unpacked our belongings.
"So, Button," Sweetie Belle started. "How is it, having royalty as your mare-friend? Was it nice, making out together?"
"For the last time, Sweetie Belle, we DID NOT make out!" I said.
"But we will eventually, right, Inky?" Button grabbed my in his arms and dipped me like we were doing the tango. Then he dropped me, and that was the last thing I remember.
===
"Child, hath thou awaken?"
"Luna, please, show the least bit of kindness!"
"Forgive me if I withhold my sympathy."
"For Equestria's sake, Luna. Just go get her some ice, will you?"
"Fine, sister. It seems as if it is always Luna-- 'Luna, be my nurse, Luna, take a shower, Luna, you smell like dead fish,' etcetera, etcetera! What does a princess have to do to get some respect around here?"
My eyes began to open and I saw Luna trot away, huffily. Aunt Tia was sitting next to me, but I didn't know where I was.
"Hello, Inky, how are you feeling?" She asked.
"Oh, hello Aunt Tia, I'm just fine. My head hurt a little, but I'm still okay. Where am I?"
"You're in the Las Pegasus hospital. Button said that he...dropped you? And you were knocked out, so we took you to the hospital for good measure."
"Oh, alright. Hey, where is Button?" I asked.
Celestia smiled. "Ah, young love. I actually don't know. Really, I don't know where anypony else is. Only Apple Bloom. I'll go fetch her." She got up out of her seat and trotted away down the hall.
I was in a very nice room. I was sitting on a nice fluffy bed, not like the usual hospital beds. I had a pale blue comforter, with purple paisley designs on it. Two firm pillows were stacked behind me. I looked around. The walls were a nice yellow, and there were maybe three chairs that filled up the rest of the room. To my right was a nightstand with a stack of books and a glass of apple juice. Next to the glass, there was a note.
Feel better, sugarcube.
Your Gal,
AJ
P.S. I'M SORRY! FORGIVE ME! -From Button.
I sighed happily.Oh, Button.
"Inky, how are ya feeling? Button wanted me to tell ya this," Apple Bloom said as she pulled out a piece of paper. "ah'm so sorry! ah just, ah didn't mean to drop ya on the ground! Are ya okay? Please forgive me! ah mean, ah'll do whatever makes ya happy! We don't even havh ta be together anymore. It's fine, ah get it. Ah wouldn't like me either! Just, can we be friends?" She read. I rolled my eyes and jumped out of the fluffy bed.
"Yeah, I'm not even hurt. It's just my head, that's all. Actually, Luna was supposed to get me some ice. Where did she go?" I walked out into the hallway to Celestia
I turned to Aunt Tia as she put her golden coin into the vending machine. "Aunt Tia," I asked. "Do you know where Luna went?"
She looked at me, confused. "Actually, now that you mention it, I don't. You seem to be feeling better."
"Yeah, I am, thanks," I smiled. "Do you know where I could find her? Luna, I mean."
Celestia pressed 'F5' with her hoof and turned to me. "The ice is in the cafeteria, so you can check there if you want. Just be careful, you two."
I nodded in thanks. "C'mon, Apple Bloom!" I grabbed her hoof and we ran to the elevator so that we could go downstairs. You'll never guess what happened next.
===
"Hi, um, I'm looking for a tall, dark blue mare, she's pretty recognizable, um....Apple Bloom, help me out here," I said to a cafeteria pony who looked confused.
"She's a princess of 'questria."
"Oh yeah, thanks, Apple Bloom," I said.
"Actually, yes. She asked if she could go get some ice, but I haven't seen her since. She should be in the ice room, back there." The cafeteria pony said, pointing to a small pantry behind us.
"Alright, thank ya, sir!" Apple Bloom said as we trotted to the pantry.
I tugged on the door's handle, and we walked inside, only to find a room filled with nothing but ice. No sign of Luna, except for a small note on the floor. It read:
Dear Inky,
Thou hath most likely cometh to find Us, hath thou not? Well, We have thy ice, but We have forgotten where thy room is. We are going to ask the lobby pony.
Yours truly,
Luna
"Wow. Can you believe this, Apple Bloom? She's leading us on a scavenger hunt, I bet. Typical Luna! Well, I guess I'll just grab the ice now. It's gonna be a while," I said, pouring ice out of a large bag in to a smaller bag I found on a shelf. "Let's go."
===
We walked into the lobby and trotted up to the desk mare.
"Hello," Apple Bloom started. "Do you know where we could find Princess Luna? She sahd that she was goin' ta ask ya where our room was."
"Oh," started the desk mare. "She said that she was going to get her filly some flowers from the gift shop. Ask the florist."
"Not again, Luna! Let's go, Apple Bloom," I tugged at her hoof and we trotted into the gift shop, and then walked up to the florist.
Our snouts twitched at the mixed aroma of every flower in Equestria. "Do you know where we could find Princess Luna? She said she was getting flowers in here," I asked her.
"No, she left, but she did leave this note she said to give to two fillies who were described much like you. Here you go," the florist said, handing me a small piece of paper.
Inkwell,
It seems we have met verbally once again. We stopped to get thou flowers, and then remembered that it was time to check out of the hospital room. Please ride the train to the hotel that we checked into the other day. We hath moved all of thy belongings to the hotel.
Best wishes,
Luna
“Sweet Celestia!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Ah can’t believe her! Ah just—aw, buck it. Let’s go. “
===
So, we rode the train to the hotel room, and went to the lobby to get a key.
“Hi, um, we’re room number 798 and we need a key,” I said, out of breath.
The lobby stallion looked down at me from his high desk. “Ah huh. And I have a pet phoenix.”
“No, sir, r’lly, we’re room 798, with the princesses! Inky here is a pri—“ I clapped my hoof over Apple Bloom’s mouth before she had the chance to finish her sentences.
“Um, yes, sir, I’m Princess Luna’s daughter,” I said politely, letting my hair out of it’s bun to show him (yes, I’d been wearing my bun and cloak while I wasn’t in Ponyville).
“Oh, yes ma’am! I apologize, your highness! Princess Luna asked me to give you this key when you arrived. I’m so sorry, I was looking for an alicorn!” The lobby stallion said, with a nervous face. He handed me the key, and Apple Bloom and I trotted up the stairs.
===
We were out of breath when we finally reached the seventh level.
"So....uh.....phew.....whaddya think they have.....uh......planned....for us?" Apple Bloom asked, breathing heavily.
"I....uh......I don't know.......let's go....." I replied.
We walked down the hall until we got to room 787, then 788, then finally, 789.
"If thar's a note in here, ah swear ah'll kill somepony," Apple Bloom giggled.
I put the key in the door, and pushed it open. The first thing I saw was balloons. Then streamers. Then a bright pink shape jumping towards us.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, APPLE BLOOM!"