My Guardian Angel

Chapters

Surprise Surprise!
Why Can't You?!
A Diagnosis
Ponyville
'Mane'ly Luck
A Bit Odd
Gummy
Twilight and Candy Apples
Surprise Reprise
Angel
Worry

Surprise Surprise!

I mope along, a never ending frown upon my face. My flat, dark pink mane hangs limply from my neck, covering half my face. I sigh openly. Nopony’s there to hear it; they’re all inside, eating. I don’t want to eat with them. They’re no fun. I kick a rock idly. My light blue eyes are starting to well up with tears as I walk along, dirty hooves scuffing the sandstone.

Oh, sorry, I guess I forgot to introduce myself.

My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie. I’m only eight years old. I live on a rock farm with my family. They’re the only ponies I’ve ever known. I have two sisters, Marble and Limestone Pie. My father’s name is Igneous Rock and my mother is Cloudy Quartz. They may be my family, but they’re nothing like me, I can tell.

All my life I’ve wanted to be happy. I’m not sure what that feels like, as my whole life has been nothing but an ever going void of unhappiness and despair. I’ve also never seen somepony smile. My parents and my sisters never smile, ever. Since they don’t, I’ve just learned that nopony does, I guess. Smiling is pretty much prohibited here.

So I mope along wherever I go. Not like it matters. I’ll never be happy. I don’t even know what it feels like to be loved. It’s like since I’m pink, that I’m the outcast of the family. My Granny Pie and Nana Pie said that I shouldn’t feel like that. I think they might love me, actually, now that I think about it, but I guess I’ll never know. Dad doesn’t let them come around anymore.

I’m sure you don’t want to hear my complaints the whole time, do you? Sorry. It’s just me being me.

Well, sun’s about gone. I better head inside.

I walk inside, halfheartedly pushing the door open. Upon entering, I see my family has already finished eating. The table is clear and washed, not a single crumb visible on the wooden surface. I sigh and go over to the fridge. I grab a few carrots and a juice box; apple, my favorite, then sneak upstairs, being extra careful to let my hooves step lightly, as not to alert my family of my presence. Our stairs creak a lot.

The house is black. I can barely see anything, but since I do this on most days, I’m now used to the depressing darkness. I enter my room. I have my own since my sisters have their own that they share.

My room isn’t very big. It’s really nothing but a large closet. I have a small bed in one corner. The sheets are grey. The pillows are grey.

I have a small, rickety table next to it, with an old dusty lamp sitting on it. It serves a dual purpose—as a nightstand, plus as my work table. I don’t go to school, so I don’t do homework on it. I draw. I draw my feelings. I have a special sketch book. I also have some more expensive artist pencils. I snuck into town one day and bought them with a gem I found. I’ve only ever found one, but it was well spent. I’m glad I bought the bigger packet of pencils. I’ve already used up three. I still have five left.

That’s pretty much the gist of my room. There’s a shelf along the other side of my room that holds a few knickknacks I’ve collected, but other than that, my room is empty.

I yawn slightly, but ignore it. I keep my light off and jump up into my chair. I idly sip on the juice box and crunch on my carrots as I fiddle with a small, shiny rock I found in the fields today. It feels kind of warm as I run my hooves over it. I think I’ll keep it.

The small clock on my desk reads five to ten. I feel my eyelids droop slightly and I get up from my desk/nightstand. I scramble into bed and stare up at the white ceiling. I can see faces. Evil faces. I think of what Granny Pie told me.

“Giggle at your fears, Pinkie Pie. Laugh at them. Don’t let them beat you. They’re not really there at all,” the wrinkly old mare would tell her while patting her head. “Yes, Pinkie, don’t worry. It’s all going to be okay.”

I like that nickname. It makes me seem fun and carefree. Although I’ve never had fun. I could pretty much see the mare now, her graying indigo mane and wrinkly, blue fur. Her eyes, a bright, shining, sky blue—same as mine—always full of kindness and cheer.

I feel a small twitching in my lips. I quickly frown. What was that? Am I getting sick? I decide to ignore it and instead lean over to switch off my lamp. The darkness closes in on me immediately and I shudder. I try telling myself it’s nothing, but I can’t help but feel I’m being watched. I pull my blankets up around my neck and curl up in a ball. I shiver involuntarily as I slip into my dreams.

“Pinkamena! Get out of bed!” a shrill voice commands. I jump slightly as I hear it. The sun filters in through the small window beside my table. I see my mother’s grey-blue tail exit the room as I sit up in bed. I run my eyes and push the blankets off. I crawl out of bed and head towards the bathroom. I sullenly brush my teeth and my dull pink mane. Suddenly, I feel shivers go up my spine.

There’s that feeling again! I know somepony’s watching me, I’m sure of it. I glance around and a confused frown works its way over my muzzle. I see nothing.

I cautiously exit, searching for any members of my family that could’ve been watching me. I go downstairs and grab a light snack. Oops. I always eat after I brush my teeth by accident. Oh well.

I trot outside and begin my job. My sisters work silently beside me. We push the rocks with our muzzles to the other side of the field. It’s a boring and pretty much useless task. I mean, who wants to buy boring old rocks? I have no clue, but I don’t want anypony to hate me anymore than they already do, so I do it, although begrudgingly.

The sun hits midday. I can hear my father yelling for lunch. I turn around and see the family going inside. The others are sitting at the kitchen table eating sandwiches. They ignore me as I grab mine from the table and leave. I head towards my secret spot in the East Field. It’s a nice, relaxing place. It’s located closer to a forest than the other fields, so I like it. A small creek runs along the edge of the forest. I sit here and eat my lunch every day. It’s a place I can be free of my suppressing family. They don’t know about it.

I sit down in a patch of soft grass and eat my sandwich. I’m nearly done when I get a tingly feeling in my spine. I spin around, fear growing in my stomach. The light wind blows the tall grass causally, the stalks brushing against each other. I let myself relax. What was this feeling I was getting? I don’t know. Maybe I’m actually sick for real. Then out of nowhere, I hear hoof steps. I jolt upwards from my belly and look around furiously. Has somepony found my secret spot?

A small, white pegasus sits on a large boulder, tail wrapped around her hooves. It’s a filly, obviously. I’m genuinely surprised and I gasp. The filly is staring at me with caring, purple eyes. I stare right back, mouth open. After a few moments of silence, the pegasus stands up and flutters off the rock. I can’t move, I’m so shocked. I find myself comforted by the presence of this filly for some reason I can’t explain. She approaches me, the long grass getting trampled under her white hooves. She looks so light. She stops about a foot in front of me, just looking into my eyes. I’m dimly aware my mouth is still hanging open and close it.

“Hi, Pinkie Pie,” she says. I stumble for words; she knows my nickname!

“Yes, I know your nickname. I’d have to, having my specific occupation,” she giggles.

“What? Who are you?” I ask numbly.

“I’m Surprise.”

“H-hi Surprise. How did you find me here?”

“I’m always there. I follow you wherever you go,” she states.

“How?” I question in shock, stumbling backwards a few steps.

“I’m your guardian angel, Pinkie. I look after you.”

“Guardian . . . angel? So, it’s your job to make sure I’m okay?” A strange twinge of something in my mouth made me frown in perplexity.

“Yes! Exactly!” Surprise jumps in the air, wings buzzing. I study her a bit more. She has white fur, bright purple eyes, and a stunning yellow mane and tail; both of which were fluffy and bouncy. Her small flank was adorned with three purple balloons, matching the color of her eyes.

“Wow! You’ve even got your cutie mark!” I exclaim, pointing. Then I look at my flank, which is as blank as a piece of white paper. I frown. “I wish I had mine . . .”

Surprise perks up, one ear twitching. She smiles slightly and blinks. “Don’t worry. Give it time.” I feel a small hoof caress my cheek. “I’ll always be here, Pinkie Pie. I’m your guardian angel; I will always love you.” At those words, I look up, tears in my eyes. Surprise is gone.

“Wait! Surprise! Come back!” I yell. In vain, it seems, as nothing happens. The wind floats through the stalks of grass.

I sit at my desk. I have a pencil in my mouth and I scribble furiously with it. A box of crayons is sitting next to me. I exchange my pencil for a yellow and continue my work. After that, I grab a purple. A few moments later, I sigh and look at my work.

I drew her. I drew Surprise. I drew her just as I remember her, just as beautiful and delicate as she is. I feel my mouth wobble and put a hoof over it. I blow air from my nose and take the drawing in my mouth. I feel around in my desk drawer for a tack and pull a yellow one out. Perfect. I take the two items and go up to my wall, just next to the door, so that when anypony sticks their head in my room, they’d have to be leaving to see it. Luckily nopony ever comes in here.

I press the paper to the wall and stick the tack in. I take a step back and admire it. My eyes water and I run a hoof along my cheek, coincidently just where she had touched me.

I turn my back and check the clock on my desk. It’s nearly eleven pm. I go towards my bed and tuck myself in. I close my eyes in peace and exhale. Tonight the monsters don’t scare me.

Because I have a guardian angel.

Author's Note

Attempt at first person. Critique is welcome!

Why Can't You?!

“Pinkamena!” my mother shouts loudly. I look away from the window and see her in my doorway. Of course, the look on her face isn’t approving. I sigh and hop off my chair, away from where I was thinking.

“Coming, mother,” I mutter. She narrows her eyes at me and turns around to leave.

“We need to rotate the East Field rocks to the South Field,” Marble informs me as she walks past my room with Limestone. I press my ears to the back of my head and start after them slowly.

I follow the family out and begin. I nudge rocks and pebbles around the fields, not really caring. They’re just rocks. They don’t have feelings, like ponies. A few hours pass in silence. The lunch whistles ring out loudly. I see my family walk inside. I dawdle and look up slowly, only to see my father giving me a disappointing looking glare. He turns around and the door slams closed after him. I sigh and turn back to the rock in front of me.

I blink and roll it away with some other rocks. I glance up and suddenly a huge explosion shakes the ground. I jump in shock, my mouth forming a deep grimace. A strong gale blows me back, my mane puffing up like a balloon. I blink in surprise as I look up. A huge rainbow circle spreads out across the sky, followed by a long streak of multicolored beauty forming soon after. It’s single-hoofedly the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen! My lips twitch once and I feel the corners of my mouth turn up. A huge smile forms on my face. I can’t believe it! I'm smiling! I'm really smiling, for the first time in my life. I beam proudly as my eyes sparkle in the spectacular rainbow spreading across my line of sight. Sadly, only a few moments later, the wonder dissipates into thin air before my eyes.

I glance around and tap my chin in thought. Smiling was great! I want to make everypony else smile too! I grin and hop off, the gears in my mind spinning like wagon wheels.

"We better harvest the rocks from the South Field," my father says as he exits the house. I quickly hurry to finish what I'm working on in the barn. The music is heard, muffled, but heard, slightly from outside.

"Pinkamena Diane Pie! Is that you?" my mother calls as they walk towards the barn.

"Mom! I need you and dad and the sisters to come in. Quick!" I yell as I stick my head out the door. The music blares loudly for a moment before I pop back in. A minute later my family walks in. They stop and gape in surprise.

"Surprise! You like it? It's called. . . a party!" I exclaim, a smile so wide on my face I feel like it's going to fall off. They don't answer, but just sit there trembling as they stare around the decorated room. Streamers are hung across the room, balloons float from chairs, and cakes and treats are all over the various tables.

"Oh. You don't like it." I turn away sadly and hang my head in shame. I knew it was too good to be true. I muster a glance back at them. They all suddenly burst out smiling like crazy. I beam proudly. "You like it! I'm so happy!" I grab my mother's hoof and start dancing. As I throw myself in different positions I'd never thought I'd ever be in, I grin. A sparkling sound breaks me from my joy and I glance around.

My flank shimmers. I stop dancing and my eyes widen. Three balloons, two blue and one yellow, decorate my pink flank. I beam proudly and feel tears in my eyes.

"Pinkamena, you got your cutie mark!" Limestone yells, pointing. I peek another glance at it. Then I smirk, seeing my family watching me.

"Call me Pinkie Pie," I whisper.

"Surprise! Surprise! I got my cutie mark!" I yell loudly as I sprint to my secret spot. I don't see anything at first, but then the white pegasus pops into view from behind me as I turn around. I smile and hold my back leg up, showing it off.

"Oh, wow! It's just like mine!" Surprise exclaims. She holds hers up too. I gasp, remembering back to just the other day.

"That's awesome! We're cutie mark buddies!" I begin to hop around like a madpony, my tail waving out behind me.

"Hey! We're all matching now, too!" Surprise runs a hoof through her thick, curly mane. I stop jumping for a moment and reach my hoof up to check.

I gasp. "We do!" I smile and laugh. "I'm so excited! This is the best day of my life!" We proceed to bounce around each other.

"It's getting dark, Pinkie," Surprise starts, her eyes on the sky, "we better go inside."

I glance at the sun's position and agree; it's already getting closer to the ground.

"Right. Come on, Surprise, let's go," I say. I turn around and we start walking inside; well, technically Surprise is flying next to me.

"I think I should introduce you to my family! I'm sure they'd like you," I tell her.

Surprise stops. "I'm not sure about that."

I turn to her. "Why not? Are you scared?"

"No, no, it's not that. . . It's just. . ." She turns her eyes to the ground and scrapes her hoof along the dirt.

"A little shy? Don't worry! I'll be right there!" I reach out and take Surprise's hoof in mine. Hers is smaller than mine by quite a bit and it's really delicate feeling, as if I gave it a squeeze it would break in my grip. "Your hoof is small."

"Oh, yeah," Surprise mutters. "It come from the fact I'm a pegasus. Our race has to be smaller and lighter to fly."

"That makes sense," I say. I grin. "Come on, let's go. I want them to meet you."

Surprise looks up. "Okay, fine. But only for a minute or two. I'm supposed to be watching over you in secret, remember?" She gives me a small smile and I return it. I let go of her hoof and lead her inside. My family are in the living room playing a board game. Wow, my party has really changed them.

"Hello, Pinkie Pie," Limestone greets me. She grins and waves her hoof at me. I stare at them in silence and wait for a few moments.

"Is something wrong?" Cloudy Quartz asks me, worried.

I'm a bit puzzled as to why they haven't asked about the pegasus that was obviously standing right next to me.

"Pinkie? Why the long face?" Marble questions. My whole family is staring at me now.

"Aren't you gonna ask?" I wonder.

"About what?" Igneous Rock asks.

"About Surprise!" I point at her and she squeaks, trying to get as small as possible.

My family exchange glances and return to me.

"Who now?" my mom inquires.

"My friend, Surprise. She's right here, you guys. She's my guardian angel, you know!" I announce proudly, sticking out my chest. Surprise waves her hoof shyly at the ponies.

My mom seems to understand now. "Oohh, I get it." She winks at my dad. "Well, hi, Surprise. Seems Pinkie Pie has made a new friend. It's great to meet you." She reaches out her hoof.

"Um, hi," Surprise says and shakes the hoof warily. I can't help but notice her hoof and my mom's hoof aren't even in sync.

"I like her mane. . .?" Marble squeaks warily.

"Thanks."

"It's very. . . pink?" Limestone adds uncertainly.

"Surprise's mane isn't pink. Are you even paying attention?" I demand, stomping my hoof.

My family give me black stares.

It's then that it hits me. "You. . . you can't see her?" My ears fall flat.

"I'm sorry, Pinkie. But imaginary friends are called that for a reason," Cloudy says sadly.

I gasp. "I imaginary! Surprise isn't imaginary! She's as real as you or me!" I take a step back in shock.

"Pinkie, she may seem real, but she's not," Igneous says.

I hook an arm around Surprise, who's hiding in her mane, and pull her close. "Fine! Be ignorant! But Surprise is real!" I take her delicate hoof and we go up the stairs towards my room.

"I can't believe them!" I shout angrily, pacing my room, "I can't believe they have the nerve to say you aren't real!"

Surprise waits. "I'm sorry. I knew it was a bad idea."

I close my eyes and scream loudly, "They are such liars!" I sigh and turn back to Surprise.

She's gone.

Author's Note

Not as good, I know, but I wrote it on my IPad so forgive me.

A Diagnosis

I sit at my desk, doing homework. I'm now twelve. A year ago, my father enrolled me and my sisters in school for the first time. I have to say, I really like it! The work isn't always easy, but I try and manage to get A's. I especially like art. At the beginning of the school year, we had to draw pictures of our families. The teacher thought mine was so good that she displayed it in front of the class. She had me tell who all the ponies were. The only part I got slightly worried about was when she asked about Surprise. My guardian angel was hopping over me, chasing a butterfly, while I was laying in the ground, nibbling on a rainbow lollipop. I said she was a friend that didn't go to school here.

They believed me.

Right now, I'm working on math. I think I'm good at it. We're working on adding and subtracting fractions. I don't like subtracting that much, but oh well. I'm stuck on this one problem. Seventy over ninety-four minus fifty-two over four hundred seventy. Sigh.

I slowly finish my math and check to see what time it is. Nearly ten. I should probably get to bed, but instead I spin my chair around and see the drawings on the walls, covering much of the space.

"Whatcha thinking 'bout?" a voice asks from behind me. I blink and look up and over. Surprise is hovering above my desk, arms crossed and rump in the air as she floats. Obviously, she's grown with me. Although she's still smaller, as she's a pegasus, we're the same age.

"Oh, nothing. I was just getting to bed," I say to her, smiling.

"Okay. . . " Her ears drop slightly.

I give her a worried glance, one ear falling. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

She looks at me. "I don't know. ." She then gives me a mischievous smirk. "I was just thinking we should play a game." She flitters around my head.

I grin. "Oh, I think I can arrange that." I then pounce on her tail, dragging her down to the floor with a light thump. She lets out a squeak as I pin her delicate wings down so she won't get away.

"I don't think so!" she growls playfully, sticking her flanks up to knock me off balance. I tip slightly, but that's enough for her smaller body to squeeze out from under me. She does a quick go around of the room and tackles me from behind. I stumble forward and twist, landing on my shoulder. I lean forward and bite her soft white ear, eliciting a small squeak from her.

"That's cheating, Pinkie!" she squeals, shaking her head to dislodge me.

I keep my light grip. "Nuh-uh, there's no cheating in this game!" I respond, voice muffled by the ear in my mouth.

"Oh yeah? Well, two can play at that game!" Her wings tip down near my stomach. I see what she's going to do and my eyes go wide. The feathers of her wings start wiggling, delicately touching my tummy. I giggle. She grins and goes faster. I let out a full laugh and release her ear, letting her go. She backs off.

"You're evil, you know that?" I tease, giving her a mock glare from the other side of the room.

"Yes, I do know. It's my specialty. It's why I'm here. All my life, I've been told: "Make Pinkie Pie lose in games of wrestle!"" she replies cheekily.

"Lose? I haven't lost!"

"Then come and get me~" She skips around, an inch off the floor, shaking her rump.

"You're so on!" We go head on and lock our flailing hooves together. We fall over, twisting in each other's grip. I manage to pin her down again and keep her there.

"I win! I'm the earth pony, so I have an advantage!"

"Okay, well, I give you that. I am smaller than you, if you haven't noticed." She sticks her tongue out at me.

From behind us, the door opens. My mother walks in and frowns, seeing me laying on the floor.

"Pinkie Pie? What're you doing?" she asks.

"I'm wrestling with Surprise," I say, eyes wide and innocent. The white filly under me waves a hoof.

Cloudy Quartz frowns deeper. "Now, Pinkie, you've had this imaginary friend for four years now. Isn't it time to move on?"

"Move on? Surprise is real. You may not be able to see her, but she's here. I've told you guys that." I step off the angel and she rolls into a sitting position, hair frizzier than normal.

My mother shakes her head, leaving.

"I guess it's past your bedtime. I better go. Bye, Pinkie Pie," Surprise says. I look away from the door, and to no surprise, the other filly isn't there anymore. She never lets me see her leave.

Today is Saturday. I'm downstairs eating breakfast when my mother and father enter the room, worried looks on their faces. I think little of it and continue eating. They seat themselves at the table and watch me. I stop, looking up from my bowl of cereal. The spoon stops a few inches from my mouth.

"Yes?" I ask.

Igneous is the first to speak. He puts his hooves on the table. "Pinkie Pie, we've noticed that you still haven't gotten over that imaginary friend."

"She's not imaginary, I said. I've said that so many times. Just because you can't see her, doesn't mean she isn't real." I glare at them.

"Pinkie, dear, she isn't real. You're nearly thirteen now, and I think you should give up this friend and have some real ones," Cloudy says gently, putting a hoof on my shoulder. I push it off, standing up in my chair.

"Surprise is real, I tell you! Now leave me alone!" I shout, slamming my hooves on the table angrily. I jump off the chair and stomp towards the door. My dad stops me with a hoof.

"Pinkie, since you haven't stopped with an imaginary friend, we've booked you a visit with a psychiatrist," he says to me somberly. I take a step back, shocked.

"A-a psychiatrist? You mean the kind of pony that does stuff to foals with problems?"

"The kind of pony that helps other ponies when they have problems with their heads, sweetie," Cloudy says softly, running a hoof under my chin and into my mane.

My mouth is open, tears forming in my eyes. "You-- you think there's something wrong with my head?"

"I don't know, Pinkie. We just don't know."

I'm currently sitting in a room of some office. There's a chair and a desk for the doctor, and a couch for the patients, which is where I'm at. I'm sitting up. I want to know exactly who this pony is right when the walk in the door.

After a few more minutes, the door swings open quietly. A young grey mare walks in. She has a white lab coat on. Her mane is blue and short. A pair of wings are folded up at her sides.

She sits down in the chair, smiling at me. "Hi, you must be Pinkie Pie. I'm Doctor Skies." She sticks out her hoof and I shake it. "Now, Pinkie, why don't you tell me a little about yourself?"

"Well, I'm twelve, and I like parties!" I cheer. "I got my cutie mark from having a party." I point at the balloons on my flank.

"Oh, cool! So, what is your special talent?"

"Making ponies smile! I don't want to do anything in this world except make others happy!" I grin.

She jots something down in a notebook that I just noticed she had in her hoof. I try to look, but she sets it down in her lap before I can.

"So, Pinkie Pie, tell me about this imaginary friend." She leans forward, steepling her hooves, elbows on her knees.

"Well. . ." I shift uncomfortably. "Her name is Surprise. She's a pegasus. She's my guardian angel."

"Like me?" She opens her wings. I nod and she folds the appendages back.

"Can I draw what she looks like to you?"

"Of course! Here you go. Take all the time you need." She flips the notebook to a different page and sets it down in front of me, sliding the pencil with it and a box of crayons she pulls from her coat pocket. I take the pencil in my mouth and begin drawing. After a few minutes, I show her the image.

"Wow; that's-- that's very detailed," Doctor Skies observes. She nods and takes the drawing back. "How long have you been seeing Surprise, exactly?"

"Four years. Ever since I was eight," I reply.

She looks surprised. She quickly writes in the notebook and looks towards me again. "Pinkie Pie, would you mind telling Surprise to come here?"

"I can't really. She just comes and goes, mostly. Usually when I'm alone."

"I see." More words are scribbled in the notebook. "Okay, Pinkie, we're going to do an exercise. . ."

"I'm afraid Pinkie Pie has schizophrenia disorder."

I freeze in my spot. The world slows down, going in slow motion. My parents hug each other, my mother crying. My mouth hangs open slightly. As soon as I hear those words from Doctor Skies' mouth, my heart skips a beat. I don't believe it! I don't! How can I have schizophrenia? I'm not delusional! I can tell what's real and what's not!

"If it goes any longer, you could be seeing more than just hallucinations. I'm prescribing loxapine and chlorpromazine three times a day."

Medication? I don't need any medicine! I'm perfectly fine!

"You're lucky she hasn't become worse. Tell me: has she ever had difficulty expressing emotion?"

"Yes, when she was younger. She never smiled or talked. I mean, we didn't really either, until she got her cutie mark. After that, well. .

"That's when she starting seeing her imaginary friend."

My mother's words cut through my heart like daggers.

"I see. So this has been going since early childhood?"

"Yes."

I don't cry. Why should I? They're not right, after all. I don't have any mental disorder. If they don't believe me, then fine.

"Alright. Here's the prescription."

Doctor Skies hoofs over the piece of paper. Igneous takes it and looks at it, forlorn.

"Don't I get any say in this?" I ask, fed up with them acting like I wasn't here.

"Sweetie. . ." Cloudy starts, putting her hooves on my shoulders, "mental disorders aren't something you can really control. If you need this medication, then you're going to take it to help yourself."

"But I'm not crazy!" I slap her hooves away angrily, closing my eyes and looking away. "I'm not! I'm not. . crazy!"

"Of course you're not, Pinkie Pie. Don't listen to them," Surprise says, suddenly behind me. I look up and grin, eyes sparkling.

"Hi, Surprise! I'm so glad you're here! They're trying to say I'm crazy!" I laugh. I then point backwards at the assembled ponies.

"Pinkie, you're far from crazy. I'm real. I'm your guardian angel. Would I lie to you?"

"No. You would never." I shake my head to emphasize my words.

"Then tell them that!"

I glance back and see the adults looking at me, startled.

"I don't have schizophrenia. Surprise is real, and I know so. She said she was real. She would never lie to me," I state firmly.

Doctor Skies blinks, mouth open. She then turns to my parents. "Anyway, treating schizophrenic disorders doesn't happen with just medicine. Treatment it is a lifelong process. She'll need to come in five times a week."

My mother nods. "Of course."

I sit there with my mouth open, startled. They don't even care! They don't care that I know for a fact I'm not crazy! I growl, lip curling in a snarl.

"Fine, fine! Just ignore me then! Don't listen to me! I don't care! It's your fault, your fault!" I scream loudly, stomping my hooves. "Just lock me in some crazy house! Leave me there to rot! Who cares about Pinkie Pie?" I feel myself getting angrier and angrier.

"Pinkie, calm down," Doctor Skies says.

"No! I. . . I don't want to." I suddenly sit down. I don't know what's wrong with me all of a sudden. I was feeling just fine. But now. . I don't know, something just isn't right. I let my ears drop limply on my head.

"It's going to get worse. Why don't we start tomorrow? After school, from three to five sound good?" Doctor Skies asks.

"That sounds good," Cloudy says, nodding.

"That's that then." She smiles, perking up. "You'll just need to go get the medication."

"Now, Pinkie Pie, you're never going to get better if you don't answer my questions."

I look up, glaring. It's my third visit this week and I've barely said a word, I'm so angry. I shouldn't be here. I'm not a crazy pony.

Doctor Skies rubs her temples, sighing. She looks at me and frowns. "Pinkie. If you're going to get over this then we need to talk."

"No," I say simply.

"And why not? Don't you want to overcome this? Live a normal life?"

"I am normal. I don't have schizophrenia. I've said that already." I cross my arms.

"You can't argue with science, Pinkie."

"Yes you can."

Doctor Skies' eyebrow twitches. She takes a deep breath and holds it in, then releases it slowly.

"Listen. I'm not going to make you talk to me. If you want to remain silent, then fine. But you're never going to get past your schizophrenia if you don't."

"If I had it, maybe I would worry."

"That's the thing, Pinkie. You don't know you have it. You never knew. You just thought you were normal, a normal little filly with an imaginary friend and a cutie mark for making ponies smile. But that's not it. You've been hallucinating. The way you got your cutie mark? There was no giant rainbow explosion. Your mane didn't become curly from it. You simply changed your style. You received your cutie mark from making your family smile by throwing them a party. Your life has been changed because of this, Pinkie. You need to accept that." She pats my hoof gently.

I look at her, eyebrow raised. What she said did make some sense. What if. . . what if my whole life has been a lie? What if all this time I've been hallucinating? But then. . . what about the rainbow explosion? How could've I imagined that? Could I have thought up something that beautiful? I'd never seen a rainbow before. . . at least I didn't think I had. Oh no. I'm doubting my memories.

I do have schizophrenia.

I gasp, ears falling behind my head. "I. . I have it. I'm a crazy pony."

Doctor Skies shakes her head. "You're not crazy. It's not something you can control. It's not you. It's your head that's messed up. But that's doesn't mean you can't have a complete normal life."

"Then. . half of my life has been a lie." I sit there blankly.

"No. You just thought it was real."

"I don't even remember if it's real or not anymore. A few months ago, I was so sure. Now. . . I don't even know myself anymore."

Ponyville

I stand staring in the mirror. I'm now fifteen. I'm not the same filly I used to be. Ever since being diagnosed with schizophrenia at age twelve, ponies look at me differently. My mane has long since deflated. I'm not treated the same as I used to. When I walk by, dozens of eyes are on me. I hear whispers all the time. Sometimes I don't even know if I'm just imagining them. Perhaps I'm just imagining everything. Maybe nothing's real at all.

I mean, who's to say anything's real when you've been diagnosed with something that says you don't know reality from imaginary?

"Pinkie Pie," I hear from behind me. I shift my head slightly to the side and see Surprise standing there. She comes into focus and I turn around to face her.

"Hi. I haven't seen you in a while," I say to her, no emotion held in my voice. Surprise takes a few steps towards me.

"I know, I'm sorry. It's. . . been a rough few weeks."

"Weeks?" I scoff. "I haven't seen you in months." I glare at her dully.

She looks surprised, her mouth opening. "Months? Oh, Pinkie, I'm so-"

"Stay away from me!" I back up from the advancing pegasus and hit my rump against the mirror. "You aren't welcome here anymore."

"But Pinkie. . ." She looks heartbroken, her eyes filling with tears already. She weakly extends a hoof towards me, but I turn away.

"No." I stick my nose in the air.

"I'm sorry. . if I had known, I would've. . ."

"But that's the thing!" I shout, swiftly jerking around to look her in the face, "you wouldn't have! I've needed you more than ever, but you abandoned me. In my time of need." I feel tears running down my cheeks. She just weakly opens and closes her mouth.

I continue. "And you know what? You're not a very good guardian angel. You're just selfish. You tell me to say you're real, but then you leave me. They ask me if I see you anymore, but I can't really say that I do, can I?" I see the look of anguish on her face. "Can I?!"

Surprise shakes her head in disbelief, not able to say anything. "I. . .I. . ."

My mouth forms a snarl. "Can I?! Can I?!" I take a breath, not caring if the little white pegasus was crying or not. "Can I, Surprise?! Tell me!"

"N-no!" she cries, letting it out, "you can't! I'm sorry!"

"That's what I thought." I huff angrily. "You know, if you were any sort of 'angel', you'd be there all the time. You'd protect me. But you're not doing any of that, not at all. So, leave. I never want to see you ever again!" I let the final words rise in volume, allowing her to see just how angry I am.

Surprise swallows back more tears, glancing sideways for a moment. She then turns back to me, an angry shield forming around her. "F-fine! I don't care anyways! I never w-wanted to look after a depressed wimp like you! So, yeah, I'll leave, and I won't ever come back!" She opens her wings and leaps into the air. I blink. She's gone.

I harrumph, glad that she's gone. I nod my head firmly and turn away from where she vanished. It's only as I'm taking a step towards my door that I realize what I've done.

I'll never see her again.

"Well, bye family! I'll be sure to visit!" I call as I walk towards the door. My father nods at me, my mother waves, and my two sisters do the same. I stroll out into the sunlight, my eyes bright, saddlebags on my back. It's when I start walking that I feel the happiest I've ever been. My hair inflates in glee as I realize that I'm finally free. My schizophrenia is at the lowest it's ever been; I haven't had an episode in nearly a year.

Then why do I feel so empty without her?

Surprise was my best friend. Why did I drive her away?

No. She was ruining my chances of becoming normal, that's why. Stop thinking these things, Pinkie Pie. It's just going to make you relapse into your old ways.

I continue walking in silence. I bounce around, stopping to smell the flowers and eat them. Mmm, dandelions. Okay, well, they're not technically flowers, but still. It's still food.

As I approach the train station, I feel my excitement rising. The little town I've grown up around didn't have anything for me anymore. I used to be content with the little things here, but lately I've found that I don't. If my sisters are, that's fine with them, but I couldn't live like that. I just want a simple life, filled with fun, but this little old town was too simple. Ponyville seems just right.

"One ticket for Ponyville, please," I say to the pony behind the glass. She glances down and fishes around in a box. She returns her gaze to me, slapping a small green ticket on the counter.

"That'll be ten bits," she says. I blink.

"Ten? Are you sure? I mean, last week it was only five."

"Yes. It's ten bits or nothing."

I look at the seven bits in my hoof. I didn't have enough. I couldn't go back now! Then, I get an idea.

"How about five bits?" I ask, sliding up the money. She furrows her brow and looks at me.

"Ten."

"Five."

"Ten."

"Five!" I throw my hoof in the air.

"Ten!" she yells back, slamming her hooves on the counter.

"Ten!"

"Five!"

"Okay," I giggle, swiping the ticket off the counter and smiling, "have it your way! Five bits it is, then!" I try galloping off, but something grabs me from behind.

A large stallion has his hoof wrapped around my tail. I see a badge on his chest.

He glares down at me from over the top of his dark sunglasses. "I advise you return the ticket, Missy."

I peer back up at him, giving him a sheepish smile. "Sure will do, Mister Cop!" I toss the ticket at him and sprint off, not even taking care to get my five bits back. Sweat falls down my face and I wipe it away, letting my breath out. I then realize that I have only two bits left. For cinnamon's sake. I sit down on a rock. I'm only a bit outside town, but it's getting dark and I have nowhere to go. I can't go back to my house! Then they'd be right, saying that I wouldn't have been able to do it.

I sigh loudly, my mane going limp. It looks like a deflating balloon, half bubbly and half straight. I feel tears in my eyes and put my face in my hooves, elbows on my knees. I sit there for a while before I hear hoofsteps. I glance up, tears still hovering in my watery eyes, preparing to fall.

There stands the pony I never thought I'd ever see again. Surprise.

The pegasus looks upon me, her eyes forgiving and sorrowful. She sticks out a hoof in my direction.

"Hi buddy," she says sadly. I sit up straight, mouth open.

"Surprise?" I ask numbly.

"Yeah, Pinkie. It's me." She looks expectantly at me. I remember her hoof is still out and latch onto it. She heaves, using her light weight body to pull me up.

"I. . . I never thought I'd see you again. It's been a year." I look into her violet eyes.

"Just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not there. I've always been watching." Surprise glances away briefly. "I'm sorry. About everything."

"No," I say, shaking my head, "it's me who should be sorry. I'm the one who got mad and said the mean things first. I've been a real meany lately."

"It's alright. I shouldn't have said those things either."

We share an embrace, not letting go for a few moments.

"So," I say, "we friends again?"

She giggles, "Yeah, Pinkie Pie, friends."

I suddenly pull back. "But what am I supposed to do now? I have no money to get to Ponyville."

"You really think I only came to cheer you up? I'm supposed to help you too, you know." She shakes her head slightly, allowing several bits to fall into the dirt, little indentations around them as they hit the earth.

"You have money? How did you get money?" I ask, looking in awe at the coins laying at my hooves.

"I have my ways," she snickers mysteriously. She looks at me out of the corner of her eye as she turns slightly, a smirk on her face. She puts her hooves up near her mouth, trying to hide it - but only slightly - then opens her wings with a quiet ruffling of her feathers.

"Wait! Do- do you have to go so soon? It's been so long. I still want to talk to you," I say, reaching out for her.

She spares me a glance, but doesn't say anything right away. Surprise waits, her violet eyes falling to the ground, then focuses her gaze on me, still turned away slightly.

"Pinkie, you don't need me. You'll be fine; I promise, this won't be the last you see of me." She smiles sadly.

"Pinkie Promise?"

She blows some air out of her nose in amusement. "Pinkie Promise." She does the actions. I try to not blink for as long as I can, but I feel my eyes watering and let them shut. She's so fast. I'd never be able to watch her leave.

"Thank you."

The train ride is bumpy. I kind of like it. I watch the long curl of my hair that always hangs over my face bounce as the train goes along. It passes the time, at least, but inside, I'm in turmoil; Surprise is the only thing on my mind.

What if I only see her every other year, or something crazy like that. Ever since I'd gotten angry at her for being gone in long periods of time, I'd missed her. I didn't like to admit it, but it was true. She'd been a part of my life for eight years. I couldn't live without her. But even though she doesn't come around very often. . .

I still love her like family.

"Final destination, Ponyville! Please be careful exiting the train!" the conductor calls as he walks through the train cars. I snort, waking up from my slumber. I look eagerly out the window to see what the town looks like. I gasp in excitement.

I quickly grab my saddle bag and throw it on my back. I then scurry off the train, trying to go faster than all the slow ponies in front of me. I excuse myself several times before I finally make it to the door. I feel the sun on my coat, warming me.

"Ooh, I'm so excited!" I squeal, hopping in the air, hitting my hooves together. I bounce off. First thing on my mind: find somewhere to live.

My Pinkie Sense is tingling slightly. I never could explain it, but hey; I can't even explain why I'm pink and the rest of my family is grey.

I don't know where to go at first. I just decide to wander and hope that I'll find someplace. But as I walk into Town Square, an amazing smell draws me off course. The sweet smell of baked goods fills my nostrils, causing my hooves to switch direction. My eyelids flutter as the wonderful scent invades my senses, blocking out everything else. I blindly trot towards the source. . . and run into a door. The smell breaks away as I do, but I look up at where I'm standing.

It looks like a gingerbread house, but, ya know, an actual house. I grin and throw open the door, not caring what I was searching for but a few moments ago. It smells so great as I open the door.

"Why hello there! Welcome to SugarCube Corner! How may I help you?" a voice asks me, breaking me out of the sugary spell. I blink and look up, seeing I've meandered up to the counter.

"Hi! SugarCube Corner, huh?" I ask, smirking slightly. I let my eyes wander over the selection of treats for a moment. Everything looks so amazing. . . but eventually, I see the perfect snack. It's a simple cupcake, but it has layers of rainbow frosting piled on top of it, complete with a cherry.

"Oooh, what's that?" I point a hoof at the glass where the cupcake rests.

The orange stallion behind the counter smiles. "That's our Rainbow Swirl cupcake. They're a great one."

I grin, eyes shining. "How much?"

"Three bits." I glance into my bag. I have just enough left over from the bits I got from Surprise. I'm not sure. But what's better than a cupcake?

"Okay. Here you go!" I set the bits on the counter and he swipes them into his hoof and deposits them in a cash register. He then reaches down for the cupcake and sets it on the counter. I grab it, a huge smile on my face, say a quick 'thanks!', and scurry off to grab a seat. I sit myself down, taking my time to admire the treat. I feel my mouth watering, drool dripping down my chin. I don't realize I am until I feel a tap on my shoulder. I jerk out of the spell and glance behind me.

A light blue mare with a large amount of hair piled on her head - reminding me of frosting - smiles at me. "You have a bit of something, dearie."

"Oh, yeah. Sorry," I say, looking up at her. I return my gaze to the cupcake. "But this looks soooo good. I don't want to just eat it right away. I won't be able to get another one. I've gotta make it last."

The mare tilts her head at me. "Why ever not?"

"Oh, well, I'm not from here. I just got here. This is where I'm going to start my life. I don't have a place to stay or anything yet. In fact, I was looking when I smelt this place. I just had to follow it." I blink at her.

"That's nice. What ever made you decide to come to this little old town of Ponyville?"

"The place I was living in wasn't even big enough for a real name. Just a few buildings is all. And I'm not much of a city mare."

"I see what you mean. I think Ponyville is just right, too. Well, good luck on your search, dear. I must get back to work." She gives me a smile and I return it gladly. I then turn my head back to the cupcake. It looks so good. . .

So I smash my face into it. I yank my head back up, frosting and cake bits stuck all over my face. A stupid smile is on my lips. I then blink, looking at what I've done.

I didn't even know! Stupid schizophrenia.

"Oh no! I've done it again. ." I mutter sadly, my gaze settling sadly upon the smushed dessert. I wipe some off my face, then lick if off my hoof. My eyes grow huge and my tongue slides around my face, cleaning me up.

"Mmm. . ." I smile and finish the cupcake. I then hop onto my hooves. I'm really jittery now, one of the side effects of sugar with my mental disorder. It's just one of the unique things about me interlocking with the disease. Now I'm all hyper, so I might as well wait a bit. I won't be able to think straight like this.

"Excuse me. . . but, um, could you please. . ."

I jerk back in surprise, hearing someone talking to me. I glance around and see a small yellow pegasus near my hooves, cowering low to the ground.

"Yes?" I ask.

"Well. . um, you're, um, standing on my. . . oh, never mind. . ." She slides to where she's no more than a shadow practically. It's then that I realize I'm standing on something. It's her extremely long tail. I quickly hop off.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention."

"No, I wasn't. . . . sorry."

"No. It was entirely my fault."

"Okay. . sorry."

I sigh. "So. . . what's your name?"

"Fl. . ."

I lean down, one ear swiveling out to hear her. "Excuse me?"

"Flut. . " I look at her with my blankest face. "Fluttershy. . ."

I perk up. I grab her hooves and swing her to her hooves, giving her a huge hug. "Hiyah, Fluttershy! I'm Pinkie Pie! Wanna be friends?" I grin in excitement at her face, which is stricken with the most terrified look ever. I blink, not breaking my gaze.

"Sure. . . ." Most of her face is hidden behind her long pink mane. I hug her again.

"Alright! First friend here! I know we'll have so much fun!" I close my eyes for a moment, then turn my attention towards the window. It's getting dark again.

"Oh shoot! Sorry, Fluttershy, gotta run! Bye!" I exclaim in panic, setting her gingerly back on the floor and shooting off.

'Mane'ly Luck

I sigh, letting my head droop sadly. My mane loses a bit of its usual spunk and falls lower, nearly touching the dirt. Of course I messed up. If only I had any idea what to do. I have no shelter. No food. No money. Nothing. . .

"Hello? Darling, are you okay?" a voice says from behind me. I raise my head and look around. Behind me is a stunningly beautiful mare, around sixteen or seventeen. She wears a light purple top with a collar that's turned up slightly against the wind that had started up once the sun went down, along with a pair of dark fashion sunglasses propped up on her head, behind her horn. A set of saddlebags that match her shirt are sitting on her back, seemingly stuffed full of supplies.

"I'm fine. I just don't have anywhere to stay tonight," I respond, my voice sad.

"Oh, I'm sorry." The white mare casts her gaze somewhere else. I turn away again. Next thing I know, she's right next to me. "What's your name?"

"Pinkie Pie." I stand up a bit straighter. "Yours?"

"Rarity Belle, but you can just call me Rarity." She smiles at me. I return it, feeling my usual cheery mood returning.

"Well hiyah Rarity! What are you doing out here?" It has to be around midnight. I can understand why I'm out here, but a gorgeous young mare like herself? Why is she out on a cool night like today?

"Oh, that," she says. "I was just getting back from Canterlot."

"Ooh, Canterlot? Ponies say that place is huge!" I exclaim, my eyes rolling around in my head.

Rarity giggles, putting one amazingly polished hoof to her mouth. "Is it ever! It was my first time on business. I'm a designer, you see."

"Cool! I bet your outfits are amazing, Rarity!"

"Why thank you, Pinkie Pie. It means a lot." She gave me a small smile. "Say, since you don't have anywhere to stay, why don't you come with me to my place? I have plenty of space."

"Oh, I don't know. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Nonsense!"

"I'd feel like I'm using you. ."

"Now, darling, you are going to stay at the boutique tonight! No ifs, ands, or buts about it." She starts trotting off, her hooves lifting high in the air with each step. She definitely looks like a fashion star. With slight reluctance, I go after her. She's older, and therefore taller than I am. Her mane is beautifully curled, while mine is just puffy and all over the place. For a moment, I feel self-conscious, but it quickly passes.

"So, Pinkie Pie, darling, where are you from?" Rarity asks.

"Oh, just a little town, about fifty miles from Ponyville," I respond. "It wasn't really big enough to have its own name. Most of us just called it the 'Town.'"

"Why'd you come to Ponyville?"

"I wasn't happy there. I wanted to make a name for myself. Not a big name, like a celebrity or anything, just so ponies know me."

"You know, Pinkie, I think your dreams are fairly close to what mine are. I've always wanted to move to Canterlot and become a star. It's been my dream for as long as I can remember." Rarity's eyes shine in the stars above, the brilliant sapphire glinting. "I hope to achieve that goal some day."

"I hope you become a star, Rarity."

"Thank you. Oh, there's Carousal Boutique!" Her gaze lights up and she hurries towards it, leaving me struggling to keep up at the sudden increase in speed. I've always had rather short legs, and I can see that the unicorn's in front of me are long and thin. That's why I often hop places. I begin my swift jumping and catch up to Rarity.

Her establishment is a house and business all in one. Her living quarters are upstairs on the second floor and the first is where her customers are allowed. It's like SugarCube Corner.

"Welcome to my boutique!" Rarity coos as we trot in the door, the bell above ringing.

"It's so amazing!" I squeal. Everything, from her decor to the outfits hanging on mannequins and racks, is glorious.

"Thank you, Pinkie. Although I'm not sure you'll say the same about upstairs." She goes towards a door and we head up the steps. As soon as we reach the top, I see many boxes and generally just clutter.

"I'm still unpacking. I haven't gotten the chance, with me going to Canterlot. I just bought this place. Not quite finished yet." She levitates a few boxes out of the way of a door and strains to push it open. She manages to get a small portion open and then moves the boxes to the side. She slides in and I follow.

"Here you go, dear. Don't mind the stuff in the corner. This is going to be my little sister's room when she gets here. The guest room is actually packed full, so you'll have to stay in here. I hope that's not a bother," Rarity says. There's a medium sized bed with a green comforter on it, along with an array of pillows in all shapes and sizes.

"It's absolutely fine, Rarity! You're already being so generous. I couldn't ask for more. Thank you," I say to her, giving her a quick hug. She pats me on the back and gives me a smile.

"You're welcome. I'm just glad you like it."

"And don't worry, I should be out of here tomorrow. I just need to get a job and a place to stay."

"You stay as long as you need. I just ask you don't have any parties." We share a laugh and she begins to turn around. "Well, goodnight. The bathroom's down the hall on the left."

"Thanks! Goodnight!" I give her a small wave as she leaves and closes the door behind her. As soon as she's gone I turn off the light and hop into the bed. It's really soft and I fall asleep almost instantly.

The sound of birds singing wakes me up. I blearily blink open my eyes and sit up, the sheets clutched in my hooves. I yawn and push myself out of bed, falling onto the floor. As I wearily drag myself out of the room, I hear Rarity downstairs. I smile and head for the restroom with a towel draped over my back and a bottle of shampoo I quickly grab from my saddlebags. Entering the bathroom, I turn on the light and take a quick shower. The water feels good on my fur. As soon as I'm done, I shake my droopy mane and tail, water splattering everywhere, and my hair springs up into its usual style. I quickly get ready and compose myself and head downstairs. Rarity's working at her sewing machine.

"Good morning!" I call out with a wave. She says a quick 'morning' and continues with her work. There are bags under her eyes and I realize she hasn't slept all night. I stop and walk backwards towards her. "Have you stayed up all night?" She mumbles something and I sigh. "You have to sleep, silly! No new friend of mine will do that to themselves on my watch!"

"I got work to do. . ." Rarity sighs, hooves working almost mechanically. I look with doubt at her.

"Work can wait, can't it?"

"No, Pinkie Pie, it can't. Now, if you'd please just let me work." She sounds grouchy, but I don't blame her. I slowly walk towards the door, casting a single, sad glance back at her, but continue on my way.

Today's gonna be a good day. Yeah, good day. I'm trotting down Main Street when I see SugarCube Corner. As I'm about to look away, I see a sign in the window.

NOW HIRING

I leap in the air, hooves flailing, and take off. Perfect!

"Oh, the perfect job for me, the perfect job for me~" I sing, bouncing in through the doors. I land at the counter, stopping. I ring the bell once when there's nopony there. The blue mare appears, her smile bright.

"Oh, hello, again!" she says, chipper.

"Hi! I'm here about the job?" I give her a somewhat sheepish smile.

"Oh, yes! We just lost our only employee yesterday. She'd been unhappy for a while and quit out of the blue. Sad, to see her go."

What a coincidence. Well, not my problem! "So, um, do you need information or something?"

"Oh, yes! Right." The mare slides a few papers over the counter. "If you'd just fill these out."

"Okie-dokie-lokie!" I bounce off to an open table. I dig a pen from my mane and begin filling in the information. My name, easy, gender, easy, my birthday-- easy peezy! When I get to the medical page, I slow down with my writing. I'd never thought about this. What if my schizophrenia makes me unqualified for the job? I mean, I can bake and do anything like that just as good, or even better, than other ponies. I know I have to be honest, so I check the 'mental' under the "Illnesses" section and on the line under it, I write--very carefully-- the name of my disease. It'd always been a hard one to spell. I quickly finish the rest, like the medicine I rarely ever take but am required to list, and sign my name on the bottom. I'm about to get up when I realize there is another page. I shuffle the papers to see it and begin to read. When I finish, I grin widely. If I get this job, I'll have a place to live! It's all part of my contract.

I trot up to the mare behind the counter and set the papers there. The mare takes them and gives each one a brief glance. I wait in anticipation as she skims them. When she gets to the one with my medical needs on it, she furrows her brow. I gulp, my forehead getting sweaty.

"Well, I'll need to talk it over with my husband, but I think you look like a very skilled young mare," she says with a smile on her face. I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding and nod.

"Thank you," I sigh in content. She smiles and turns around to walk into the kitchen.

"Pinkie Pie?" I hear. I recognize it as the owner and am over to the counter in a second.

"Yes?" I ask, my heart beating rapidly.

The orange stallion that I saw yesterday at the counter exchanges a glance with his wife. "We've looked over your paperwork, and we decided that we'll hire you."

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! You won't be disappointed! I Pinkie Promise!" I yell, doing the motions swiftly.

"But we'll need to discuss your schizophrenia in more detail before you can begin," the blue mare adds.

"Of course. I understand, I mean." Ears slightly drooped back on my skull, I sigh.

"Will you meet with us after work hours?"

"Yes, definitely."

"Oh, and by the way, I'm Mrs. Cake, and this is my husband, Mr. Cake."

I enter the establishment and see the Cakes waiting for me. I follow them upstairs and we sit down in their living room. I fold my hooves on my lap politely to resist touching everything.

"So, Pinkie Pie, about your schizophrenia," Mr. Cake starts.

"What do you need to know?" I ask.

"Is is bad? Do you have fits, or freak out?" Mrs. Cake asks.

"No, never. I haven't done that since I was small. I've got it completely under control. I mean, yes, I do see, uh, things, every once in a while. But there's really nothing to worry about."

"What kind of things?"

"Well, I always see this one pony. Her name is Surprise. She says she's my guardian angel. That's mostly it, but sometimes I feel like something's watching me. That's pretty much the extent of it. Like, if I don't take my medication for a long time, I'll get really angry or something, but that never happens, either."

"So it wouldn't affect your working?" Mr. Cake asks. I shake my head.

"Good. Well, if that's it, Pinkie Pie, I think you're going to be a great employee," Mrs. Cake says. She shakes my hoof and so does her husband. All the while, I'm grinning.

"Have a good night, Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" I cry as I trot out of the shop. I decide to take a night out on the town, as a little treat for me successfully working at SugarCube Corner for three months. I visit Rarity often, but sometimes she's busy. I never see Fluttershy. I've made friends will everypony in Ponyville now, though. I know everypony, and everypony knows me. I just met a new friend about a week ago, too. . .

"Right. Apples. That's the last thing on my list." I stare down at my shopping list that the Cakes gave me. It was not my first time out shopping for them, but it was my first time visiting the apple stand. I know all the other vendors.

The young orange mare standing behind the booth is wearing a cowboy hat. Her blonde mane is tied into a ponytail, along with her actual tail.

Heh, a double ponytail.

"Howdy, partner!" she greets with a southern accent. "Haven't seen you here before." She tips her Stetson, shadowing part of her face. Her nose is dotted with a few fading freckles, while her cheeks still have very clear ones. She looks as old as Rarity, but actually a little smaller. She must be a year younger than her. Probably closer to my age and Fluttershy's, though the pegasus is older than me by a year.

"Hello," I say, grinning. "I work down at SugarCube Corner. I've only been here a few months--three actually. I think you're one of the only ponies in Ponyville that I haven't met yet. I'm Pinkie Pie."

"'s good to meet ya, Pinkie Pie. Ah'm Applejack." She is leaning heavily against the wood. "Ah'm guessin' there's a reason ya came down to my stand."

"Oh, yeah. I need three bags of apples, please." I drop my bits, ones that I had gotten from the Cakes, onto the wooden box. Applejack quickly sweeps them into a chest with one hoof and reaches down next to her, craning her neck. She lightly tosses three bags onto the counter and looks back at me.

"Here ya go. Need any help carryin' 'em?"

I shake my head. "No, I got it. Thanks, Applejack!" I hit my flank against the wood and the bags bounce and land on my back. I start trotting off, a hop in my step. "I hope we meet again soon!"

"Ah'm hopin' that too, Pinkie Pie!" She waves as I go off.

A little place just on the edge of town is the hottest place in Ponyville. They serve alcoholic drinks, so that's why, if you were wondering. I've never been, but I decided it was time a few days ago.

As I approach, I can already hear the cheering and music playing from within. I tentatively step through the doors, nearly expecting everypony to stare at me. Thankfully, I make it up to the bar without a casualty. I order a cider and am waiting for it when I hear a loud ruckus, scaring me out of my dazed state.

"I win again! In your face!"

The yelling dies a bit as the initial shock wears off. I see a pair of wings, and that's pretty much all. There are too many ponies to see clearly. I grab my cider and jump off the stool, going towards the crowds, then push my way to the front.

A light blue pegasus is arm wrestling with anypony willing to go a round. At first, I'm a bit shocked, but as I finished my drink, I find myself enjoying it more. The little blue mare hits yet another hoof against the bar table, earning a loud cheer from the crowd. I find I'm yelling along, my voice raising high.

"That'll be ten bits," the mare says cockily to the loser, a large stallion. I snicker at how he could lose as he hands her the money. She's demanded a fee if they lose every time. She must be making a lot of money. After around five more rounds, she backs off and shakes her hoof. "I'm done. Barkeep, get me a round of triple ciders!" she yells, one hoof raised in the air as she pushes her way through the crowd.

I smile and follow her, wanting to talk to her. I find her at the bar, downing shot after shot. I plop my flank down in the seat next to her, watching as she finishes.

"Hello!" I yell loudly.

She takes a breath and looks over at me. "Wassup." She spins her chair around to face me. Her mane has all the colors of the rainbow, and is mussed up. Her multicolored tail flicks idly behind her as she gives me a confident grin. I can see she's older than me, too. When she sees my smiling face, she blinks. "If you think the colors mean I'm gay, you can go ahead and leave." She catches a cider tossed at her from the bartender, and takes a long drink.

I shake my head, still smiling. "No, no. I just wanted to talk. I can't help but notice you're new here. Staying in Ponyville long?"

"Just moved in from Cloudsdale." She finishes her drink and tosses it off to the side. I watch.

"Cloudsdale, huh? Sounds cool."

"Yep. But I wanted to know more than just air, so I moved down to Ponyville, got myself a job as captain of the weather team, and here I am, on a celebratory night on the town." She shuffles her wings. "You?"

"I moved from a little town a ways from here to earn a living." I stick out my hoof. "I'm Pinkie Pie. What's your name?"

"Rainbow Dash." She roughly shakes my stuck out appendage and then scratches the back of her head. "It's been nice talking to ya, Pinkie Pie. Hope we see each other again soon. You seem pretty cool." She snaps her tail at me as she spins around, opening her wings and taking flight.

Author's Note

I heard somewhere that Rarity and Applejack were the oldest, and I think Rarity would be the oldest of the group. Here are the ages so far:

Rarity: 17
Applejack: 16
Fluttershy: 16
Rainbow Dash: 16
Pinkie Pie: 15

A Bit Odd

There's a tray balanced on my dark pink, fluffy mane. It bounces slightly as I trot happily through the establishment. SugarCube Corner is quite busy today, as there's a young filly's birthday party going on. Her name is Sweetie Belle. I met her a few days before when I was meeting up with Rarity. Sweetie Belle is her little sister. She's turning ten today.

There are pink and purple decorations hung up all over the room; streamers dangling down from above, balloons floating lazily from where they're tied to chairs and tables. I readjust a dark purple streamer that's starting to undo itself from the rafters and continue onward, knowing full well that the birthday filly is anxiously waiting for her cake. I just need to get this dirty dish that's riding on my head to the kitchen and retrieve the baked good from where it is oh so carefully sitting on the counter.

I enter the kitchen though the swinging, saloon style doors and skip over to the sunk. I tilt my head so the silver tray falls off my mane and into the warm dish water that's eagerly awaiting the platter. There's a constant smile on my face, as there always is. I never go a day without smiling, even on my worst days. Everypony's just so nice. Who would ever want to frown?

Pink hooves already in the action of putting the cake on my small dessert cart (I'm always extra careful with birthday items), I clear my throat, getting ready for singing the Birthday Song to Sweetie Belle. I sing it to all the young ones, and even the older ponies I get, unless they request it not to be sung, which is the rare occasion.

The large, circular cake on the tray is a bright white, with light purple frosting in a twirling pattern trim along the top and bottom. In a stunning green, written with a gel icing pen, right across the center of the cake, slightly curved as to look nice, is Happy Birthday Sweetie Belle. I wrote it in my best cursive, just as Rarity requested it. She said to make sure that there was a lot of loops and swirls, so I added that all in. Along with the words, there were a few little golden bells tied together with blue ribbons in all the corners. I also drew them on with gel icing. I've always like gel icing the best; it's just so shiny and colorful, like water standing still.

"Ooh, here she comes with the cake!" I hear as I emerge a few moments later from the kitchen, walking on my hind hooves so I can push the cart with my fore hooves. I see it's Rarity talking, trying to get the kids to notice. As soon as the words come out of the white unicorn's mouth, the heads of all the fillies and colts swivel my direction. They're all smiling and grinning ear to ear; it makes me smile wider. To me, the only pay I'd ever need to receive is a smile from a friend. That's all I want in life. They make me truly happy.

"Come on, everypony!" I declare as I finish rolling the cake to Sweetie Belle, who's seated in the middle of the tables, "let's all sing Happy Birthday to Sweetie Belle!" I throw my hooves in the air and get a huge cheer in response.

"Alright, here we go!" I see Sweetie Belle shrink down a bit in embarrassment, her white cheeks flushing slightly red. Her older sister gives her a smile and pats her back affectionately.

"Happy birthday to you!"

Clap

"Happy birthday to you!"

Clap

"Happy birthday dear Sweetie Belle!"

Clap

"Happy birthday to you!"

I end the song, giving a few small bows as the children laugh and applaud me, even though most of them were singing along. I wave my hoof at them, commenting nonchalantly on how it was no big deal. After all, I did do this for a living.

"Alright, who wants cake?" I ask suddenly. The room erupts in cheers and I grin;

Works like a charm.

"Goodnight, dear," Mrs. Cake says to me as I start towards my room on the second floor. I respond with a slightly weary:

"'night," and continue up the stairs. That party was by far one of my best ones; it had to be! It was for Rarity's little sister, and only the best for one of my best friends.

I felt a yawn coming and let my mouth open wide, sucking in air. I lick my lips idly as I trot into my room. I let the door shut behind me.

"Busy day?" the oh so familiar voice sounds from behind me. I stop in my tracks and turn around.

The small white pegasus is leaning against the wall on two hooves; one back hoof crossed over the other and front hooves crossed. She blows a small strand of bright yellow hair out of her face and drops onto all fours.

"You would know," I tease, scooping at the air with a fore hoof, my eyes swirling around in my head a moment. She smiles and nods.

"Yeah, I guess I would. I am always watching," she admits, gazing around my room.

I was just joking. Wait, wait one second! "Surprise, what do you mean?"

She stops looking at the few silly little drawings I had plastered over the wall. "What?"

"When I said 'you would know', I was joking," I push out, trying not to get emotional. "You're actually always watching?"

That seems to stop her. She freezes slightly and her tail twitches. "Well, yes."

"Then. . . why aren't you ever here?"

"Pinkie Pie. . ."

I feel angry tears welling in my eyes. "You could stop in and say hi whenever you want, but instead, you just leave me here, alone?"

"No, not at all," she argues, at my side in the literal blink of an eye. She puts her hoof around me. "I can't always be here, Pinks."

"Well, why not? Tell me that." My voice is thick with sadness and a tear makes its way down my cheek.

"It's. . . well, it's kind of hard to explain. . " she starts. She releases me from her grasp and decides to pace the room a bit.

"I'll understand. Just tell me," I say.

Surprise takes a breath and exhales it through her nose. "There's this energy, right? And I only have a certain amount of energy. It may take a while to manifest it, so sometimes that's why I'm never there. It was so much easier when you were little, as that's how big I was, too, so there was less energy to contain. As you get older, it takes longer to gain the energy. Soon, I'll barely be there. And I'm sorry for that, but there's nothing I can exactly do about it."

"Oh," I say slowly, "I see." I gaze at the floor for a few moments. "Is there anything I can do to speed it along? The energy gaining, thing, anyways."

Surprise ponders it, putting a hoof to her chin. "Hmm. . . I guess there is. I forgot about it, but yes, there is."

I perk up, my ears swiveling forward. "Alright, what is it?"

The pegasus digs in her curly mane and pulls out what looks like a charm that would go on a necklace. It stands out darkly against her white hoof. It's completely black, in the shape of a pony skull.

I frown. "That's it? What is it?"

"I know it doesn't look pretty," Surprise comments, approaching me on three hooves, "but trust me, it works."

"Well, okay then. How does it work?"

"Just keep it with you at all times. Your energy, your being, will help me manifest faster." She drops it into my outstretched hoof. The skull is made out of some sort of lightweight metal. It shines dully under the light.

I tuck it into my mane, deep into the curls, so it won't fall out. I glance back up at my angel. "So, do you feel any different?"

Surprise shuffles her wings. "A bit. More. . . rejuvenated, I guess, is the way to put it."

"I'm glad," I say, smiling in relief. "I hope to see you more often now."

"I'm sure you will. But for now. . ." She dips forward and kisses me gently on the snout. I feel as though a butterfly has landed on my nose and I close my eyes. I know what she's done that for; I can never see her leave. I think it's a terrible burden, no one ever being able to see you vanish.

Someday, I hope I'll see her go.

Mrs. Cake and Mr. Cake are leaving tomorrow. They have this trip to Las Pegasus planned, and they'll be away for a week.

I'm so excited. They trust me enough to leave me alone for that long! I never thought they'd ever be able to depend on me, because of my schizophrenia, but I guess I was wrong.

Right now I'm washing a few dishes in the sink. It's around eight at night, SugarCube Corner having been closed since seven, the usual closing time. I keep half of my attention focused on washing the little white dish in my hooves, while the other half is listening in on the Cakes' conversation out in the eating area. My right ear is swiveled towards their voices.

". . . I can't wait for our trip! We haven't been able to go anywhere since we opened this place," Mr. Cake eagerly says to his wife.

"Me neither. I know Pinkie will look after this place while we're gone," Mrs. Cake responds.

I smile at that; they definitely believe in me!

"There's just one thing I'm worried about," Mr. Cake comments uncertainly after a moment.

My smile vanishes. I falter in my dish washing.

"What's that? Is it about her condition? She's never had any sort of episode while I've been around, or that I know about at all," the little blue mare says.

"Well, after she went up to her room, I remembered I had to check on something, so I went upstairs. When I passed by her room, I heard her. . . talking to somepony."

"Well, it was in the privacy of her own room. I guess, as long as it's not a bother to anypony else, it's not a primary concern of ours."

I let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding, tensed muscles relaxing.

"Okay, as long as it's not a problem to you, dear. I just thought I should mention it," he responds.

"I think everything will be fine," Mrs. Cake soothes.

"Me too."

Mrs. Cake pops her head into the kitchen, startling me, but I quickly hide my surprise and pick up my dish washing speed. I turn my head towards her, blinking large, blue eyes.

"Pinkie Pie, dear, we're heading off to bed. It's an early train ride, so remember, we'll be gone before you wake up," my employer reminds me.

I nod firmly. "Yep, I remembered!" I throw a wet hoof at my face, slapping myself with the force. I give my head a quick shake, ignoring the slight sting from the hit, and keep the large grin that is currently plastered on my face.

"Alright then. We entrust you with the business while we're gone. If anything goes wrong, just close for the week. We don't want to lose customers." She gives me a smile. "Not that I fear for you, or anything. You're a fine young mare."

"Thanks, Mrs. Cake! I'll do my best!"

"That's nice." She pauses. "When you're done with that, you can go to bed. Goodnight, Pinkie Pie."

"Okie dokie lokie, 'night!"

Author's Note

This is where things get a bit odd. Don't worry, all shall be explained. . . soon enough. And Twilight's coming soon!

Gummy

It's been three days without the Cakes. So far, nothing bad has happened, which I'm glad of. I can't bear the thought of what would happen if something did. They'd be so disappointed. I'm determined not to let that happen.

As of now, I'm wiping down the counters and tables. It's been another long, yet satisfying day, here in SugarCube Corner. Since it's Sunday night, the Cakes having been gone since early Friday morning, I decide to go out. I don't want to go out out, but just get away from SugarCube Corner. It can get a bit boring sometimes, to be honest.

I finish cleaning and put the rag I was using in the sink. It slowly sinks under the water and bubbles, vanishing. I turn away, grabbing the keys from the small hook by the kitchen door. I let them hang on the front of my mane, the little hook at the end easily holding the ring of keys. I trot towards the front door and emerge from the establishment, then swing around to lock the door. There's the familiar click of the lock turning and I smile. Shoving the keys into the fluffiest part of my mane, as not to lose them, I hop off.

The night is still, peaceful, not a wind blowing or storm brewing. The pegasi have really made this a great night. It's warm and just a smidge humid, but that was to be expected at this time of year. It was the beginning of spring, the Summer Sun Celebration just around the corner, on the first day of summer.

I close my eyes in content as I hop through the town, heading for the outskirts of Ponyville. There's a little pond that's just on the edge of the town. It's where I put up my swing, so I can leap into the water. It's super fun, especially when I have a friend with me. One time I took Derpy out there with me and we had a contest to see who could jump the highest from the swing and into the water. Of course, she won, being a pegasus and all, but I still had a great time.

As I near the pond, I slow into a trot, taking a break from my bouncing. The dirt trail is worn beneath my pink hooves, and I can see all the different hoof steps from passing ponies. I see a few paw prints and think of Applejack's dog, Winona. I know they occasionally come up this way, as I've seen AJ walking her.

Soon enough, I'm at the small body of fresh water. Instead of just jumping in, I decide to lay down in a cozy spot of still warm sand. I curl my limbs under me and lay my head on my fore hooves. It's so relaxing here; even Ponyville is loud by comparison. As I drift in and out of a dream-like state, I hear the soft sounds of crickets and frogs chirping. I smile, my eyes still shut.

I snap out of my nap as I'm splashed with water. I'm barely wet, just my face has a few droplets scattered over the fur. I lick up a drop that's clinging to my nose, threatening to fall off. I lift my head up, flicking my ears.

Not sure whether to be angry or happy at my nap being disturbed, though it's probably the latter, I search the surrounding area. My sky blue eyes scan the proximity. I don't see anything, so I shrug and assume it was a frog escaping into the water. I carefully rest my chin back down on my hooves, eyes closing once again. I suck in a deep breath through my nose and slowly release it, nostrils flaring.

Splish

There's a disturbance in the water next to me. My eyes snap open, my head remaining on my hooves. I glance around, then settle my gaze onto the water right beside me. I roll onto my side and carefully watch the area. A few moments later, a few bubbles rise to the surface of the water, popping upon hitting the air.

My nose twitches as I lean my head in closer, neck stretching out. At its arrival, I'm greeted with a splash of water at my face. I slam my eyes shut as I'm hit. Water drips down my face, and I open my eyes, furiously blinking them. Scrunching my snout, I shuffle my body around so my flanks are sticking in the air, and plunge my head underwater. Within a moment, I lift my face out of the water. Though, it's hardly my face as there's now something clamped onto it. I blink open my eyes, shocked. I look, cross-eyed, at the thing on my face.

Two slitted purple eyes blink dully back at me. I gasp in surprise. Biting onto my face is the cutest thing I've ever seen; a baby alligator, about the size of my head. It looks about eight months old.

I sit up onto my haunches, reaching my front hooves up. I gently pull the small reptile off my face and hold it up at eye level. I don't say anything for a few moments, and the two of us just sit staring at each other for a bit.

"Aw! Hello, little guy," I coo, giving the gator baby a big grin. He blinks back in reply. "Yes, I like you, too." He flicks his tail. "Really? Of course you can come home with me!" I suddenly stop. "Uh oh, what if Mr. and Mrs. Cake don't let me keep you?" I frown, holding the baby gator to my chest. His scales press into the soft fur on my chest, the water dripping off him soaking into my skin, but I keep him there. "No, the Cakes are nice ponies. I'm sure they'll let you stay." I hold the alligator in front of me again. "You really want to come home with me? As a pet?" He stares. "I'm so glad you want to! We'll be the best of friends!" I give him a hug. "Oh, you want a name?" I yank him away from my face. He replies by slipping from my hooves and biting onto my mane, then my arm. I feel his wet gums attempting to bite into me and I giggle.

"That's it, I'll call you Gummy!" I cheer, plucking him from my arm and holding him above my head.

He flicks his tail and gives me what seems to be a smile. At least, the best an alligator could do for one.

"Alright, Gummy, why don't you and I go back to my place!" I let him jump up onto my mane. "Well, I mean, it's not really my place, but it's where I live. . ." I trail off as we head down the quickly darkening path, the sun going down in the sky. The light reflects off the few clouds far across the horizon, turning them pink, orange, and red. I admire them from where we are, a giant smile present on my face.

"You know, Gummy, I think we're gonna make a great team."

I'm bouncing on my hooves, eagerly awaiting the return of my employers, the Cakes. Other ponies are giving me weird glances, but I ignore them as I wait. I feel like I haven't seen the Cakes in forever and I really want to see them again. Well, that and ask if I can keep Gummy. For the last four days, he's been lounging in the bath and randomly following me around, or even biting onto my mane. I think he's adorable, but if the Cakes don't think so, then. . . I guess I'll have to let him go.

But so far, I don't think he'll be any trouble to keep around. He's quiet, neat, and potty trained. He also really loves being with me, I can tell. Though he can't utter a word, or any kind of comprehensible sound, I can understand him perfectly. And besides, I've already named him. Number one rule: you can't release an already named alligator back into the wild. Don't let anypony tell you otherwise.

The screeching of the train stopping pulls me from my thoughts and I rock back and forth on my hooves. The doors slowly open and ponies of all shapes and sizes flood out onto the boarding platform. I scan the crowd, searching for my employers.

I soon spot them exiting the train. I want to jump right over to them and question them about how their trip was, but I gracefully restrain myself (Rarity taught me that), and remain still. They seem to spot me and make their ways over to me.

"Hello, Pinkie Pie," Mrs. Cake greets me, her husband following with their few bags of luggage.

"Hi Mrs. Cake! Hi Mr. Cake!" I yell loudly, back into my hyperactive mood once again.

"H-hello, Pinkie Pie," Mr. Cake stammers, taken aback at my greeting.

"Can I take your bags for you?" I ask as I'm already grabbing the suitcases from his back.

"Why thank you, Pinkie." He looks flustered, as is the typical appearance for the shy earth pony.

"Now, dear, why don't you just simmer down a bit. You're going to give my husband a panic attack like that," Mrs. Cake jokes, nudging him in the ribs. He just blushes and smiles sheepishly at his wife before following me, as I'm already at the edge of the platform, eager to get back to SugarCube Corner.

"Sorry, Mrs. Cake! I'm just so glad you're back!" I explain, though I'm only giving half the truth.

"Well, I'm certainly glad we're back. Las Pegasus is a very big place. Ponyville is more my style." She smiles at me as we start towards the sweet shop.

"Yep, I remember you telling me that on my first day here," I say, trotting along. When we finally make it back to SugarCube Corner, I take the Cakes' things up to their room and set them on the floor. I quickly make my way back downstairs.

"Wow, it certainly looks as though you took good care of this place while we were gone," Mr. Cake admires, seeing the mopped floors and wiped down tables.

"Yessiree, I made sure everything was kept in order! Not a penny out of place!" I salute at them.

"We're grateful for that, Pinkie Pie. Maybe we should take vacations more often. Seems as though we're set," Mrs. Cake laughs.

When she's done talking, and nopony else interrupts, I decide I should tell them about Gummy. I scuff my hoof gently on the floor before speaking.

"Um, if you don't mind, could I ask you guys something?" I ask.

The Cakes look at me. "What is it, dear?" Mrs. Cake questions.

"Well, while you were away, I went out to the pond that's just outside of Ponyville, and I, well. . . I found something."

My employers blink at me.

"I'll be right back." I smile sheepishly at them before flying up the steps in a pink blur. I see Gummy lying on the bed, snoozing, and pick him up. He wakes and snorts wearily.

"Sorry, Gummy, but I have to show you to them so they can decide if I can keep you," I apologize to the baby gator. He blinks and latches onto my tail. I quickly go back downstairs where the Cakes are waiting in confusion.

"Alright, well, here's what I found," I say, turning sideways and bending downwards so my flanks and tail are in the air. Gummy blankly hung there.

"Oh my!" Mrs. Cake yelps, eyes widening, "what is that?"

"It's an alligator! His name is Gummy." I flick my tail a bit, jostling the gator. "I found him at the pond."

"Uh. . . Pinkie Pie, what do you intend to do with that thing?" Mr. Cake asks, raising an eyebrow.

I frown. "Well, if, if it was okay with you guys, I wanted to keep him." Gummy releases his wet grip on my tail and falls to the floor, scuttling around my body to stand in front of me.

The Cakes stare at the little reptile currently rubbing against me like a kitten.

"Pinkie. . ." Mrs. Cake says softly.

I let my head drop. "I knew you wouldn't like him. . ." I watch idly as Gummy rolls onto his back and wiggles against the floorboards, eager for a belly rub. I oblige, though the usual cheer of the motion is gone.

"Is he potty trained?" Mr. Cake asks suddenly. Mrs. Cake looks at her husband in alarm. "I mean, he doesn't even have teeth, and he doesn't exactly look like he could harm anypony."

"Yes, he is potty trained!" I say, nodding my head vigorously, my mane whipping up and down. I grin as wide as I can.

"Then I see no harm in it."

"Carrot? You really think having an alligator in here will be fine?" his wife asks, doubt clear in her voice.

"I don't see why not."

"But what if the customers see it?"

"I can make sure he doesn't get out! He listens to me," I pitch in, waving a hoof.

Mrs. Cake eyes the little gator. She grimaces and then finally sighs. "Well, I guess you can keep him."

I jump in joy around Gummy. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" I stop and give the Cakes a huge hug. "You guys are the best bosses ever!"

I'm happy. I just threw an awesome birthday party for Lyra. It was amazing, and she said she loved it so much. I'm glad she did. I'm cleaning up after the party at SugerCube Corner.

"Pinkie Pie. . ." the softest of voices calls, the words having a recognizable lilt of happiness on them. I spin around. There's nothing there.

"Pinkie Pie. . ." it calls again. Something about the tone draws me in, and I immediately start searching for the melodic voice.

"Pinkie Pie. . ." whispers the entity, the volume slightly louder this time. Now I recognize the voice fully.

"Surprise?" I say into thin air, still following the source. There was no reply. It sounded like it came from upstairs; up in my room. I hypnotically pad up the steps, my eyes straight forward. When I reach the door, something in me says not to open it. But my wanting to see Surprise overpowers it, and I bring my hoof up to the knob. I slowly turn it, and when I step inside, I find it's not my room any longer. It's just blackness.

Pitch blackness.

"Pinkie Pie. . ." Surprise says again, back down to the quiet beginning volume.

"Where are you?" I ask. I look back towards my door, but to my surprise, there's nothing there. Just more darkness. Turning my attention back to what's ahead, I begin walking. There's not even a floor, I notice, and I seem to be walking on thin air.

"Stop."

I do as I'm told.

"Good, now, turn around."

The little voice is back, my instincts desperately telling me not to turn around, but once again, I ignore it. I swivel around and see nothing. I'm confused; I thought Surprise would be here.

Run! Run, you fool! yells the little voice.

"Splendid," Surprise's voice purrs. "Now, stay right there. Don't turn 'round. Just stay."

Turn around. Turn around.

This time, I do as the voice says. And I immediately regret the decision. What I see is not Surprise.

A decaying pony carcass stares back at me, right in my face. I'm hit with a strong stench of death and I recoil.

"I told you not to turn around!" the carcass screams in a raspy voice, no longer the caring, gentle voice of the pegasus I'd known for most of my life. I scream and rear on my hind legs, flailing my front hooves in the air before yanking myself around and taking off. But as soon as I do, I hear the thing's steps, chasing after me.

"Are you scared of a little surprise?" it hisses.

"You're not Surprise!" I yell.

"Oh, yes," it whispers, voice dropping dangerously low. It appears right in front of me. I now notice that the carcass is white and the few bits of straggly mane barely clinging to the partially showing skull is a faded yellow. The two broken and battered wings that are outstretched at its sides are hardly covered, the skin pulled and the few feathers broken. A single purple balloon remains on its right flank, the others already having decomposed. "I am!"

In a flash, the dead pegasus springs at me, and I see nothing but black.

"No!"

I wake up in bed with a start, clinging to the pink sheets pulled up to my chin. I'm trembling, eyes wide. The moon's light shines down on me, flooding the room with pale light. I see the Mare in the Moon staring down on me.

I feel a nudging in my side and look over to see Gummy, who is looking worriedly at me with those large violet eyes of his. I pick him up and lay him down on my chest as I lie there in my bed, gently stroking his scaly head.

I can't get the image of the dead pony out of my head. There's just one question in my mind:

Was it really Surprise?

Author's Note

Man, time lines are hard. :/

Twilight and Candy Apples

I find my day isn't as cheery as usual. The nightmare is still fresh in my mind, and no matter how much I try to get it out of my head, it returns, and every time, there's more questions I do not have answers to.

I hope nopony notices my distress; then they'd probably ask what happened. I know I could just lie if I had to, but I was never a very good liar.

No, I think the only way to figure this mystery out is to ask the pony the nightmare was about.

After a mindless and dread filled day at work, I escape to my room. I lock the door securely behind me and begin to pace my bedroom. Gummy lies on my desk under a sun lamp. He needs to keep his body temperature up, being cold blooded and all.

"I know that your energy stuff might not be filled yet, and you can't. . . appear, or whatever it is that you called it, 'manifeasting'--something similar, anyways--but I really need you to come to me. I need to ask you some stuff," I say into thin air. This time, I actually feel weird talking to what seems like nothing, which usually never happens.

I'm not in shock when nothing occurs.

I lick my lips and look up, my eyes bleary with a few tears. I then quickly, and somewhat jerkily, reach up into my mane and take the black skull out. I thrust it into the air.

"I have the thing! I've probably poured so much love into it that it's overflowing, so come on out." I keep my hoof outstretched, looking around. I lower my arm.

A tear escapes my eye and drips into my hoof, which is down near my body, still upturned with the charm in it. The skull seems to glow slightly and before I know it, I feel like someone's watching me. My head lifts up.

"You called, madam?" Surprise quips as I turn around, and she takes a bow, one arm across her chest.

"Surprise!" I shout, relieved. "I'm so glad you're not a monster."

She looks shocked. "Monster? Pinkie Pie, what are you talking about?"

"See, that's the thing. . ." I explain my dream to her.

Surprise just stares at me, purple eyes wide. She then quirks an eyebrow.

"Oh, Pinkie, it was just a bad dream. You of all ponies should know that," she says, tilting her head.

I smile and feel the dread that had been weighing on me all day fade away. "I'm glad it was. For some reason, I thought it might have some ominous explanation behind it."

"Nah, just a harmless little nightmare." She hooks an arm around me. "We all have them from time to time."

"Even you?"

She tilts her head slightly to the side and gives me a small smile. "Yes, even me." She then perks up again. "So, what else is new? I see a cute little thing that wasn't here before," she giggles, changing the subject. I sigh in content, glad that she assured me it was just a dream. Seeing her flitter away, I look over and follow to where she's playing with Gummy. He looks. . . scared, somehow, his eyes wider. He opens his mouth and snaps it shut several times.

"How cute! What's his name?" Surprise asks me, grinning.

"Gummy. I found him in the pond," I answer, scratching at the base of his neck. He doesn't respond, which is odd, as he loves being scratched there, and instead just stares at my angel. "Hmm, he's acting rather odd. Maybe he's tired. We did just wake him up from his nap." I glance at the sun lamp. Its shine seems duller than a few minutes ago.

"Dang, must be nearly out of batteries," I mutter, banging on the head of the lamp with a hoof. It brightens slightly before flickering.

"So," Surprise starts, rubbing her white hoof down the scales on Gummy's back, the alligator all the while snapping at her arm, "Is the nightmare the only reason you called?"

I recoil. "What?"

Surprise looks startled for a moment, her wings splaying out behind her. Once she regains her composure a second later, she frowns at me, giving me this deadpan stare. "I don't mean like that."

"Oh. Good. . ." I scuff my hoof along the wooden floor. "Because I don't want you to leave yet."

She smiles, then, without warning, pulls me into a hug. "I don't want to leave either." We stay in our embrace for a while longer before she lets go. "So, who's your best friend here so far?"

"Well, I'm really good friends with Rarity! She makes tons of cool dresses and stuff, and she's really pretty! I think you'd like her if you could ever meet her."

Surprise gives me a sad smile and flicks her tail, which looks rather awkward as it's as fluffy as mine. A look of thought then comes over her features. She crouches, her wings spread out. The pegasus starts slowly approaching me.

"Oh, Surprise, we haven't wrestled since we were eight," I chide, following her every move. I see her smirk and before I can even think about getting out of the way, she tackles me to the floor. I yelp in shock as I'm forced into the ground. She puts her hooves on my shoulders, pinning me to the floor. I wriggle around and one of her hooves slips, allowing me to force her off with my back legs in a soft yet sturdy buck. She gives a small flap of her wings, doing a backflip to the other side of the room.

"You've gotten better, Pinks," Surprise comments, a smirk still on her lips. I make a silly face at her, sticking my tongue out and licking my eye. She quirks an eyebrow at me, and when she's distracted, I pounce, leaping through the air. I land right in front of her and grab her ears, then tug downward. She yelps and goes tumbling under my hooves. I release her head and fall.

"Do you surrender?" I ask the pegasus that is currently trapped under me. My fluffy pink tail is hanging over her face. Surprise snorts and lifts it out of her muzzle, wriggling her nose as the hairs tickle her snout.

"Fine. But I'll win next time," she growls playfully. "I usually won when we were little anyhow."

"You did not! You were tiny then and you're still tiny now!" I scoff at her obvious lie. We share a quick laugh.

"So, uh, care to get off me now?"

I feign pain and groan loudly, over exaggerating. "Oooh, I feel our little tussle has broken my bones. I don't think I can move." I throw a hoof over my forehead. I learned this bit from Rarity.

Surprise rolls her eyes, "Come on, you lazy bum." She rocks underneath me.

I roll off of her with a thump as I hit the wooden floor. She clambers back to her hooves, shaking her fur. She scrunches her nose, attempting to stifle a sneeze but failing. I put a hoof over my mouth, trying to stop myself from giggling.

The creamy white pegasus tilts her head. "What?"

"You sneeze like a kitten!" I gasp, falling over and kicking my legs. She frowns and rolls her violet eyes. A small smile graces her lips after a moment.

"I believe you've told me that before."

"B-but it's true!" I gasp some more, my light blue eyes watering as I hold my stomach.

"I don't see it."

"You can't see a sneeze, silly!"

"Oh, Pinkie."

I stand up, wiping the tears out of my eyes. Surprise watches me, a soft smile still on her face.

I close my eyes, sighing. "Surprise, I-" I blink them open once again. My ears fall flat. I should've expected it.

"Heyah Cherilee!" I call as I trot through Ponyville. The rosy colored earth pony waves back at me.

It's been a year. I'm about fully grown now, a bit taller than I was. I'm doing my regular skip through town, greeting ponies on all sides of me. You see, it's nearly time for the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration. This year, it's in Ponyville, which is such an honor. I can't wait to see the beautiful princess!

Everywhere around me, pegasi are flitting through the air, some holding banners and others just simply enjoying the day, eagerly awaiting the sun that was to come up tomorrow. I wave at some of them as I pass. They return the gesture.

Suddenly, I look up and see a purple colored unicorn standing in the street. I approach, studying her. She looks nervous, but the baby dragon-- IS THAT A BABY DRAGON?!-- standing beside her has his claws out towards me. I'm smiling at the mare, trying to figure out her name. WAIT, IS SHE NEW HERE?!

"Um. . . hello?" the unicorn asks.

SHE IS NEW HERE!!!!

I leap in the air, my mouth opening at the realization. A huge gasp leaves my mouth and I speed off in midair, breaking the laws of 'physics', whatever those are.

The unicorn looks puzzled, but I know she'll be so surprised later!

Wow, I'm the Element of Laughter! Holy smokies! I never thought that I'd be special enough for that! I just saved the world! You see, this Queen Meanie was terrorizing us, and Twilight-- that's the unicorn's name-- she knew who she was when the other ponies didn't! So, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and I followed her! Did I mention Rainbow Dash had to force Fluttershy along? Yeah, turns out they were friends before Ponyville! Like, BFFs! Dashie is so protective!

Anyways, we met up with Twilight-- she needs to learn how to use a library!-- and we headed after Queen Meanie into the Everfree Forest. Mmm, candy apples. . .

Oh, yeah, we beat the Meanie! But it turns out, Queen Meanie was actually Princess Celestia's long lost sister, Princess Luna! It was so sad! And sweet! Mmm, candy apples. . .

And we got necklaces! Mine is just like my cutie mark! Well, they're all like our cutie marks! Twilight's is super cool! And did I mention that I giggled at the ghosties? And candy apples!

Mmm. . . candy apples. . .

Author's Note

Next chapter is going to be special. It's going to be all from Surprise's perspective. Maybe you'll get some answers. . . ;)

Surprise Reprise

Hi. My name is Surprise.

You may think you know me . . . but you're wrong. I have a story to tell, and I intend to tell it.

I'm going to tell you what happened. I'm going to tell you everything.

The sun shines brightly down on the small Equestrian town of Moonlight. It's a peaceful town, full of cheerfully smiling ponies and pegasi fluttering high in the sky. Two certain mares, one pink and another white, speed around each other. The pink one races about in flashes of blue, easily outpacing the other.

“Firefly, wait up! I'm not that fast!” I yell, my purple eyes trying to keep track of the speedy pegasus.

Firefly comes screeching to a halt, her mane whipping out in front of her, tail flying up around her body. She wipes a bit of sweat off her brow and blinks at me, a smirk on her face.

“Surprise, you're no fun to hang with when you're so slooow,” Firefly complains. Her wings beat a slower rhythm than mine, which are practically buzzing.

Firefly is a pink pegasus with violet eyes and a curly blue mane and tail. Her cutie mark is two shining lightning bolts matching the color of her mane.

Our two sets of purple eyes meet and she cracks a smirk. “Ya know I'm just kiddin'.”

“Yeah, I know.” We share a laugh. “Hey, it's almost three. We have to meet the others later for lunch. You don't want to be late again, do you?” I ask, chuckling.

Firefly waves a pink hoof at me. “It's all good. I'm too fast to be late.”

I sigh. “Right, just like when you were twenty minutes late to Sparkler's picnic the other day.”

“Heh, heh, well . . .” She rubs the back of her head, her tail flicking a few times behind her.

“That's what I thought.” I turn around and begin flying away. “Race you!” I take off, hoping to get her to come after me. It works.

“You're so on!” she yells, speeding past me in a blur of pink and blue. I laugh as my mane and tail whip around me. I pick up the pace, wings flapping.

A few minutes later, we arrive. Though Firefly has been there for a good minute, idly examining her hooves in order to not brag.

“Let's go in, shall we?” I ask, fluttering down to the ground. She swoops down next to me, a pink feather or two shedding from her wings.

“Yep,’s go,” Firefly agrees. She lets me in first. We're at a little place called The Pudding Cup. It's pretty much where all the cool fillies hang out. Inside, brown tables with cream colored chairs are set up in strategic places around the business. The floor is the same color scheme, the pattern checkered. In the far left corner are our friends.

Twilight glances up, catching us in her violet eyes. She waves a pink hoof, beckoning us to come over.

“They're here,” the white maned unicorn announces loudly. I can hear her voice, even though it's a busy day in here.

“Ooh, finally,” Sparkler sighs, wiggling her flanks in her chair. Her back legs are crossed over one another. The sky blue unicorn runs a hoof through her lavender and red forelock that twirls in several loops around her head. She flutters her eyelashes at us as Posey and Applejack look over as well.

“I'm glad you're finally here,” Posey says. She's a small earth pony with a yellow coat and short pink mane. An earthy green bow sits at the base of her tail.

“Fin'lly. Seems like we've been waitin' forever!” Applejack declares, jabbing an orange hoof into the air. Her blonde mane cascades down her neck in a gentle curl, her tail doing the same on the ground below her. Freckles adorn her cheeks and nose.

“We aren't even late, hold your water,” Firefly retorts. She holds her head high as she strolls confidently over.

“Calm, 'fly. Just relax,” Twilight says, waving a hoof nonchalantly.

“Go read something.” We sit down at the two empty seats. I'm beside Firefly and Sparkler and on the other side of Firefly is Posey.

“So, what's up ladies? Anything new?” I ask. I brush a curl out of my face as I lean back in my chair.

“Well, I read this thing about—”

Firefly quickly stuffs a hoof in Twilight's mouth, stopping her. “Please don't.”

The unicorn yanks the pink hoof away from her face. “Rude.”

Quickly, Sparkler lights her horn in a dark blue aura and she pulls something out of her bags, which are sitting on the ground next to her.

“Ooh, Surprise, I know you've been seeking some extra bits to help pay for a new apartment, and I saw something great that maybe you'd like to do!” the cyan unicorn declares, her voice high and excited. She places a piece of paper down on the table in front of me.

My eyes scan the text.

The Cherry Ring is now hiring! A delivery pony is needed for the night shift. Work hours are eleven P.M. to six A.M. Pay is $12.60 an hour. Apply at the Cherry Ring, downtown Moonlight on Manestreet.

“Oh, wow, Sparkler! That's great pay!” I exclaim, voice high. “But the Cherry Ring? I don't know, it's a more adult place.”

“But you'll just be the delivery mare. Pick up the food and stuff, then bring it to the pony's house. Collect the bits, done. That easy,” the unicorn says with a nonchalant wave of her polished hoof.

“I guess. I'm just nervous about that kind of thing.”

“That's perfectly fine. You don't have to take the job if you don't want to. It was just something I'd picked up when I was out last night.” She levitated her drink in her magic and took a sip.

“That's awfully nice of you, Sparkler. Thanks.” I roll up the flyer and stick it in my curly mane. “I think I'll check it out later.”

I'm standing outside of the The Cherry Ring, apprehension making my pelt crawl. I subtilely twitch my hooves in the dirt, looking down. Should I, or should I not? I need the bits—not only to move out of my parent’s house, but to have a bit of responsibility. I'm kind of a lazy pony sometimes, and a bit messy.

So if I were to get a full time job, I could afford to pay the rent and all that other junk.

“Well, it's now or never,” I mumble, bracing myself as I pad forward. The inside is dim and there's music playing, but it's not too loud. A bar sits along one wall and ponies of all kinds are sitting there. I cautiously trot up to the front desk and see a young cream colored pegasus, about 21, with her messy maroon hair tied back in a bun.

“H-hi,” I greet her. She glances up at me from where she is writing in a reservation book with eyes the same color as her mane.

"Hello. Would you like a table?” she asks me.

“Oh, no. I'd like a job application please. I'm here for the delivery mare position.” I see her eyes light up quickly and she digs in the lower parts of the desk. She returns with the paper in her mouth. I take it from her grasp.

“Thanks,” I say.

The pegasus picks up her pen once more. “No problem.” She begins writing. I watch her for a slight moment before turning away, application in my hoof.

“I got the job!”

Sparkler clops her hooves together, eyes bright. “Darling, I'm so glad you did! I knew it'd be fine,” the unicorn goes on.

“Heheh, yeah. The manager really seems to like me. I also met a new friend. Here name’s Cherry Piper. She's the one who gave me the application when I first went in.”

“Oh, that's great.” I can't help but roll my eyes as Sparkler unattaches herself from the conversation, now only concerned in her mane, which she’s doing in the mirror. We’re inside her house, which she's transformed into a salon on the first floor.

“Uh huh. Well, I'm gonna go. Don't wanna be late for my first day of work, now do I?” I quip as I stroll towards the door. She hums in response, fluffing her red and violet curls with her hoof. I exit her salon—which she's dubbed as Mane Sparks—and take off into the air. The air is getting slightly cool as the sun’s warmth leaves the earth. Stars glitter idly above my head, the moon shining brighter than any of them. I allow a smile to flicker across my face.

“Hey, Surprise,” I hear a voice call as I land. I look around to see Cherry Piper walking from The Cherry Ring.

“Oh, hey, Piper,” I greet, calling her by the name she prefers—since she doesn't like the same names of her and our place of work. I fold in my wings. “Why are you leaving so early? I thought you had the night shift on odd days.”

She shrugs. “I got the night off—Mimi is taking my spot as of now.” Piper flicks her flowing tail casually. “Have fun on your first night.” She spreads her wings and flits off, vanishing into the low layer of clouds. I watch her go for a moment. Then I face forward and trot inside. The lighting is the same and nothing seems out of place. Although it does seem more subdued then last Saturday, when I came in for the interview. Mondays. I shake my head as I think of all the ponies who hate it.

“Surprise! There you are,” comes a voice. My boss, Snow, comes towards me from her office—that's the manager’s office—and she looks stressed, sky blue eyes wide.

“Oh, hi,” I reply.

“Quick! I know you're new and all, but I've got a delivery for you.” She uses her magic to place a small scrap of paper in my hoof. “We just got this huge order and they say the faster we get it there, the better.”

I blink at her words. “A-are you sure I have to do it?”

“Of course!” she declares. I flinch back. Seeing the look on my face, she softens. “Look, dear, I apologize. I'm just worried. Why having a party on Monday is a good idea, I don’t know, but it was dropped on us last minute. We’ve prepared the food and it’s ready to go. We’ll load your bags and you just go to the address, get paid, and leave.”

I nod quickly, swallowing. “Yeah, okay. I get it. Seems simple enough.” I give her a weak smile.

Snow pats me on the back. “That's the spirit! Come now—we've got some delivery bags for you.” She turns and trots off, hooves clopping on the floor. I follow swiftly after.

I’ve been working my job for nearly a year now. I'd gotten my own apartment, and even a pet hamster! His name is Almin, and I swear, his sole purpose in life is to annoy me out of my own place of residence. That chewing that goes on all night long (well, when I'm home, at least)! It'll drive me batty. Anyways, as of right now, I'm getting ready to go to work. After my first day on the job, I'd gotten a uniform to wear—a shirt with the name of the restaurant and a hat that matched it—along with the saddlebags. I place my hat on my head of curly hair and make sure my official name tag is properly set. I spare a glance over at Almin’s cage—it's really big. I can't lie; I've spoiled him.

“Alright, I'm off to work. See you in the morning, hammy!” I declare as I turn to walk out the door. He doesn't respond—he’s most likely eating—if I listen carefully, I can hear the nearly nonexistent noise of him chewing on a kernel of corn or sunflower seed.

I trot down the street with a spring in my step. My wings bounce along at my sides—I have no want to use them. I live fairly close to my place of work. Kicking a small rock that's in my path, I turn down another street and see The Cherry Ring up ahead. I stroll in the front doors.

Piper is waving off a young couple. Her voice is cheery and bright, and as she sees me, her smile becomes really genuine and she waits for me to approach her.

“Hello, coworker,” the cream coated pegasus teases.

“Hiyah, Pipey!” I greet.

She narrows her eyes playfully at me. “Touché.”

I laugh, “So, busy tonight?”

“Yeah, of course. It is Friday, after all.” She rolls her eyes as I head towards the employee’s room. “You ask me that every day.”

“Just wondering!” I yell back. I hear a snort of amusement from her and I walk into the room. I clock in and go to the kitchens, where another coworker, Fox, is waiting.

“Hi, Surprise,” he says to me.

“Hi, Fox,” I say with a smile. “What's here for delivery?”

He points a red hoof to a few styrofoam containers. “Those need to be delivered to the outskirts of town.”

“What are you going to take?” I ask.

Fox jerks his head back towards the kitchen. “Raspberry’s bringing me out an order.”

I nod. “Alright. Well, I'll just load up and be on my way.” I situate the containers of food in my company saddlebags and look at the address listed. It is located outside of town. I don't think I've ever been that far out. I shrug to myself and set off.

Author's Note

Birthday update!!!! Also, yes, there were a lot of time jumps, but there always is.

Stay tuned~

Angel

Well, this must be it, I think as I stop in front of the large house. Its windows are lit up brightly and music reaches my ears, though it’s dulled down from inside the house. I feel the warm food in my saddlebags and decide not to waste another moment. I stroll forward and knock on the door, then wait for somepony to open it. After about a minute, I frown. Maybe they couldn’t hear because I wasn’t loud enough? I search for a doorbell in the night and find it. My hoof presses down on it, and I wait again.

The door opens.

I prepare a smile for the customer . . . but there’s nopony there. My face falls and I stick my head just slightly inside the house.

“Hello?” I call, straining to be heard over the blasting music.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t lock the door, I guess,” comes a slurred voice. I jerk back as a snout is pushed into mine. The stallion gazes at me with a glazed expression.

“Uh, hi,” I start. “I’ve got your food.” The stallion glances toward the saddlebags on my back.

“Oh, that’s cool,” he says. I struggle not to cringe—he’s hammered.

“Yeah, uh, that’ll be 32.71.” I pause for him to register my words.

“You know, you’re really pretty.”

I start, blinking. “Uh, excuse me?” Well, that was sudden. “Th-that’s really sweet, but I’d like to get paid.” I don’t want to sound rude, but Snow said to hurry and deliver if the customer was drinking.

“I like you,” he continues. I begin to back away as he nears me. I can feel myself shaking.

“That’ll be 32.41,” I repeat, hoping he’ll come to his senses.

“Do you like me?”

I stammer, “I-I’m sure you’re a n-nice guy, but I have to do my job.” Suddenly, another stallion appears behind him. I see he’s drunk also. I flex my wings in preparation to fly.

“Dude, the food ‘ere yet?” he asks, mumbling the words.

“Yes, I’m the delivery mare. The total is 32.41,” I say to him, just wishing that he’ll pay me and I can leave this place. The first stallion turns to the other one, and whispers something to him.

“Oh, yeah, she is cute,” the second stallion agrees. I gulp and back away, trembling. “Hey, baby, wanna come inside?”

“Yeah,” the first stallion coos, “we can have a real fun time. You can skip work.” They’re both stumbling drunkenly over their words—I need to get out of here before anything happens.

“N-no, I can’t. If you’re not going to pay, I’m going to leave. Goodnight,” I respond, a bit more forceful to sound strong.

“Come on, baby, we’ve got a real nice bedroom upstairs.” The first stallion falls forward so suddenly I don’t have time to react as his arm is wrapped snugly around my shoulders.

“Let me go!” I shout, struggling away from his drunken embrace. I feel myself being pulled inside. My heart hammers inside my chest. My wings are pressed against me, and I can’t open them.

“You can’t say no to us,” the second stallion’s voice sounds. I want to scream. I don’t stand a chance—they're so much bigger than I am—I’ve never been very large.

“No! Please, just let me go!” I’m being tugged inside, and I feel a hoof wrap around one of mine. I stumble forward, farther inside. I feel the wooden floor pressing against my belly fur. The door closes behind me.

“Please! Please!” I scream, now being yanked to my hooves and upstairs. I can’t even land a hard hit—I’m too restrained. I struggle and kick my legs.

“Yes, you keep begging,” the stallion holding my whispers crudely in my ear. I shudder.

“Let me go!”

I’m being dragged up the stairs. The stallions are pressing against me, and I feel my saddlebags being tugged off, along with my uniform. The bedroom walls are suddenly around me. Unadulterated fear courses through my body, blood going cold. Suddenly, I’m tossed against the wall, hitting my head. I shake it off and spread my wings, finally free. I leap up, but am swiftly stopped. I scream again as I’m forcefully pushed into the bed’s mattress. The stallions are rubbing against me in the most inappropriate ways. I can’t move I’m so scared. Lips brush against my body. My arms are over my head, my wings and back legs spread out.

I’m screaming—

“Surprise.”

I open my eyes and find myself splayed across the floor. Except, it’s not my floor. Or any floor I recognize. In fact, I actually think I’m lying on a blanket of stars. I glance around shakily, pushing myself to my hooves. A figure stands—a blur—in front of me.

“H-hello?” I call wearily, voice tense. The figure comes towards me, its coloring black. I shy away, trembling.

“Surprise,” it hisses. Now I can identify it—it has the form of a mare with no legs, just a trail of smoke that seems to push it forward. Two glowing white orbs pierce through the darkness of its hood, like twinkling diamonds.

“Who-who are you?”

“Death.” It floats closer. I flatten my ears. “You have met an unexpected tragedy, I’m afraid.”

I sit up, startled. “W-what? I’m . . . dead?”

“Yes.” Death’s voice is like rocks grating together.

“But what about my family? My parents? My friends?” I struggle to accept the truth. I can’t be dead-!

“They will mourn, and demand you have justice.” Death crawls slowly around me. “You will have it. But your time in Equestria was not finished.”

Pushing away my grief over being dead, I look up to the misty pony. “What do you mean ‘my time wasn’t finished’?”

Death puts its muzzle close to mine, tilting its head, and replied, “I am not supposed to take you. It is far too early for that.”

“Then I can go back to my body?” I ask hopefully. My hopes are immediately dashed into pieces as Death makes a disbelieving sound, shaking its head just slightly.

“No, I cannot, even if I wanted to. I would not want to burden you with the aftermath of your tragic murder.” Death sounds wistful. “You have a very kind, good natured soul. You would have done many things.”

I feel tears welling up in my violet eyes. “So . . . are you going to take me away now?” I'm confused when, once again, Death shakes its head. “Then what is going to happen to me?”

Death closes its eyes, light shining down under the eyelids so all I can see are two crescents. “Take this gift, and go.” My hoof moves against my will, and a small item drops into it. I stare down at the thing, confused. It's a little skull. I move my fearful and awed gaze back up to Death. Its eyes are still closed, and it moves towards me. I nearly shy away, but something inside me stops, and I feel an icy touch upon my forehead where Death presses its nose. My eyes are closed, but I open them just as the touch begins to fade away. The world is turning black and seems to drop away, the stars falling and laying in shattered pieces around me.

“Go . . .” I hear Death whisper one more time. An incredible feeling spreads through me; my back arches, and my wings open, fully extended. They reach across the once sparkling landscape, seeming to grow ten times their size. They fade away into light, and something glows above my head. My eyes are glowing—much like Death’s—and the world fades away.

I awaken on a flat plain. My wings are halfway unfurled at my sides, looking just as regular as they've always been. I stand up. At my hooves is the skull, sunlight reflecting off it. For a moment, I think I'm dreaming—that I've been dreaming—but the new lightness I feel rejects that idea. I glance around, searching for something I recognize. I find nothing, but spot a lake a few hundred meters away. Its surface is smooth and untouched. I soar towards it. Once I land, I approach the edge and look down at my reflection. I'm shocked by what I see.

My physical appearance is the same; what's new is the circular halo floating above my head. It shines brightly. I reach up a hoof and touch it, but I feel nothing. I study myself some more. My wings are huge once again. They spread dozens of feet to each side of me, just as graceful as Celestia’s. But there's something off with them—they're not there. I tear my eyes away from the surface of the water on which my reflection sits. My plain white wings answer my call. I glance back to the water. They're back. They seem to shimmer as they sit upon my back. I flap my wings, but I don’t feel them move.

I'm an angel, I realize. I've read about them—majestic and graceful, regal and righteous. How they appear as regular ponies, but are swirling with power on the inside. They aren't even ponies at all—they're some of the most beautiful beings in the universe. And I'm one of them.

Is this what Death meant when it said my time in Equestria wasn't finished? I ask myself. I study myself for a brief moment more, then turn away. But why the skull? I look down at it. I'd grabbed it before taking off. Now it sits, desolate, in my upturned hoof. I close my eyes and reach out with my consciousness, and discover it is pulsing with power. I open my eyes and sense they are glowing brightly. I blink several times to clear them, and then I place the charm into my mane.

I've got to help ponies. Death said my time is unfinished, so I must do good. I spread my wings and will myself to be in Moonlight. I feel the world moving around me so suddenly and I nearly lose my balance. I look around in shock to find that I am indeed in my hometown. Ponies walk by me, not even noticing. One walks right through me, and I cry out, a cold feeling tingling throughout my limbs. I breathe heavily for a few moments, heart hammering in my chest like a jackhammer.

Can I even be seen by them? I wonder. I turn and watch the pony that had passed through me. They continue on, not even aware of me. I frown and begin walking towards my old apartment. I enter the building and find several bouquets of flowers sitting at my door. I approach and see my picture sitting in the midst of them. My eyes well up with tears. The idea I'm dead is beginning to settle in again. And how I died . . . My frown of sadness becomes twisted with anger and fear. My wings click open in an act of aggression, blood roaring through my veins. I feel darkness welling inside my mind. But as soon as I notice, I clear my head, startled. I glance around. I'm still alone. Deciding to go towards the police station, I wish myself there and appear.

There's a pony sobbing over something as soon as I find my body. My fur is sickly pale, no longer a bright white. Several police ponies are off to the side, and there's another stallion in a lab coat that is probably the scientist that worked on my body, examining me. I go closer to my body and see blood on my fur. I remember the pony and turn my head; it's my mom. Her blonde mane falls over her eyes, hooves up on the table. Tears are running down her cheeks.

“Mom . . . I'm sorry,” I whisper. I find myself trying to touch her shoulder, but go right through her. I remove my hoof, disgusted. The two stallions—they're the ones who did this to me. Anger wells inside my mind and I don't hold it back this time. I rear up on my back hooves and unleash a roar of pent up agony. The ponies in the room stir, surprised. I calm down, panting, and notice their reactions. Their ears are pricked and eyes wide. The room is frequently dimming and brightening. I tilt my head up—the lights are flickering. I feel saddened as if I've bothered my mom. I vanish and appear outside of Moonlight. I sit on the edge of a cliff and dangle my legs over the edge.

I should kill those stallions. They've made my mom cry . . . I haven't even seen my friends yet. I wonder what they're feeling . . . I pop up in Firefly’s cloud home. I hear crying almost immediately. I search her house and find her in her room, pink figure curled up on her bed. Her shoulders are shaking and her tail is curled up around her body. I hear the sobbing.

I've just finished visiting my friends. They're crying. I looked at the date—it's about four days since I was . . . attacked. They must've found my body—though I don't know where. My heart burns in my chest. I can't let these acts go unpunished. Somewhere, inside of me, a little voice is telling me: don't do it. But I ignore it and search out the two stallions. They're in jail—no surprise there. I am transported there on a whim. I see them, hunched over and looking guilty, in their cell. I study them for a while, just watching. Something inside me discovers how to do it; how to appear. I flash into existence.

“What!” the first stallion shouts, falling off his cot.

“It's her! She's come for us!” the second yelled. “Please, spirit! Spare us!” The stallions crawl away, eyes wide. They both look as if they're on the verge of a panic attack.

“No,” I say plainly. “You have taken everything from me.” I'm feeling a sudden drain in my energy. I realize now that I am not supposed to appear—I've wasted more than I can afford. Suddenly, I remember the skull that Death gave me.

“Take this gift, and go . . .”

Gift? . . . A gift of life. I call upon it and absorb the energy from it. My eyes blacken and my halo crumbles away, wings blackening and imprinting on the floor. The stallions are screaming, but I ignore them and surge forward. Blood spatters under my hoof. I stand back, not even out of breath.

I feel good.

So that's it. I have forfeited everything Death gave to me, just to get revenge. I'm sitting on the ledge, staring out at the world. I'm weak—I'm no longer an angel, but a lost spirit, wandering this world for eternity. I feel like my soul has been tarnished and tainted. Part of me wants to go and undo it—so I can do better. But the other part of me would kill them again in a heartbeat.

What have I become . . .

A voice calls out to me. It's giving me hope, whatever it is. I'm suddenly feeling an urge to go towards it. I now know, I have another purpose in the world; a chance to redeem myself. I spread my wings . . . and leave.

Worry

So, I was trotting through Ponyville on this amazing day! I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I was alright with that . . . and that’s when the twitchies started!

I’d known for years about my Pinkie Sense, and I’ve always used it to my advantage. And others’. I can’t explain it, but who cares, right? Well, apparently to Twilight—who is my super awesome best friend now—really cares a whole lot! She’s been testing me all day! Who knew? Well, me, I suppose! Hehe, I crack myself up . . .

So right now, I’m pretending not to notice her totally creepin’ on me in the bushes. I’m practically a super actor in this position. I sniff a flower and enjoy its wonderful fragrance. I quickly cast a glance over at the binoculars poking totally-not-conspicuously from the bushes. Suddenly, I feel a combo going on; ear flop, eye flutter, knee twitch! Oh no, opening door! I hear a few pained noises and wince as Twilight falls into Applejack’s apple cellar that has mysteriously appeared out of nowhere.

Now it’s later, because I can do that. Twilight is still spying on me—and this time, she didn’t even bother to hide! I don’t know when she’ll stop, if ever. Maybe I’ll just have to deal with her really bad stalking for the rest of my life. For a super duper smarty pants unicorn, apparently she doesn’t realize that I’m not an idiot and can totally see her “hiding” spot! It almost feels insulting, but I allow it, since she’s been getting payback all day. Besides, I’m not responsible for her liability. But what—TWITCHY TAIL.

I quickly duck for cover and watch as Twilight is bombarded with items.

It’s a bit later—and for Twilight, a few hospital trips later—and I sit in the park entertaining myself. That’s when Applejack walks up, a barrel of apples balanced on her back.

“Hey, Applejack. Whatcha doin'?” I ask with an ever-present smile on my face.

“Takin' more apples to my new apple cellar. How 'bout you, Pinkie? Whatchu doin'?” she responds. I can’t help but cringe inwardly at her reply.

“Oh,” I say, “letting Twilight secretly follow me all day without me knowing.” Immediately, the purple unicorn walks forward, her steps looking painful as the Armadillo War.

“You mean you knew all along?! Why didn't you tell me?” Twilight demands. I giggle.

“Silly, that would've spoiled the secret!”

Twilight stomps her hoof in anger. Spike, who is standing beside her, looks at me.

“Tail . . . still twitching?” the little dragon asks.

“All done, clear skies from here on in, as far as I can tell—” Suddenly, as I'm answering, I begin to get this new combo! Like, whoa! Whoa as in holy smokies!

“Oh no, what does that one mean?” Spike asks frantically.

I'm actually a little worried. “Dunno, never gotten any like it before, but whatever that shudder's about, it's a doozy. Something you never expect to happen is gonna happen!” The combo comes on again, and it's stronger this time. How strange! “And its gonna happen . . . at Froggy Bottom Bogg!”

Applejack gasps. “That's where Fluttershy’s headed!”

“Oh no, is it about her?” Spike asks.

“Uh, I'm not sure,” I answer uncertainly.

“We better go and make sure she's okay,” Applejack says.

“Calm down, everypony. All we know right now is that Pinkie Pie just got a case of the shivers. That's all,” Twilight rejects in her usual serious and scientific manner. She's still against my Pinkie Sense, of course. Dang science.

Spike grunts. “Hey! I thought you didn't believe in this stuff?”

“I don't. I just want to be there to see the look on Pinkie's face when we find out nothing's wrong.”

I accept her answer noncommittally. “Okey-dokey!”

“Psst!”

I hear a strange noise as we walk to Froggy Bottom Bogg. I glance around, an eyebrow raised. The others don't seem to notice my reaction. I'm glad as I see pair of vibrant purple eyes glowing in the darkness through a few trees. I quickly fall back, letting the others go ahead of me, and sneak away.

“Surprise! What a time to show up!” I exclaim with a smile.

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry, but I can't stay long,” the white pegasus quickly says. A frown spreads across my face.

“Why not?”

“I'm not supposed to be here. I don't have enough energy.” As though on cue, her form flickers, and I can see the trees through her snowy pelt. She winces with that, and I instinctively move closer to her.

“Why are you here?”

“I know your Pinkie Sense is very reliable,” Surprise explains, “but you need to be careful about this . . . adventure you're on. Something bad is gonna happen. I'll try all I can to help, but it may not be enough.”

I absorb her knowledge. “Okay. Why tell me this, though? You've never done this before.” I cock my head at her.

“Because this is just weird. It feels different than normal. I'm not talking as in you can just use the Elements of Harmony to fix it, because something is seriously going to happen.” Surprise flickers again and I try to hold her up as she wobbles on her hooves.

“I've got to go,” my angel says abruptly. I try and keep my eyes on her, but I hear a voice calling my name. I immediately look to the source and realize my mistake just as quick. My eyes dart back to Surprise, but she's gone again.

“Pinkie Pie?” Twilight calls my name again, her voice slightly muffled by the branches around me. Admitting my defeat, I spring out into the open, right behind the purple unicorn.

“Hi! Sorry about that, I had to . . . follow this cute little rabbit I saw,” I lied with my usual enthusiasm. Twilight gives me a skeptical look (the one she uses when she's concerned for my mental state), and just shrugs.

It's just me being me to them, after all.

Well, turns out Surprise was right. There was something very off with the journey we went on. The hydra and the luck of it all . . . you think you've seen luck, but you really haven't until you saw what Twilight did with that bubble. Even I know bubbles don't work like that. And I don't think it's just the writers being weird.

“I'll try all I can to help, but it may not be enough.”

My mind drifts back to what Surprise said earlier. Did she . . . help Twilight? I'll have to ask her. She's been acting very . . . odd lately. I think she needs to go out more.

I’m surprised when Twilight shows up at Sugarcube Corner later. She's standing at the counter with a bit of a shy smile on her face. I blink once before I grin widely and trot forwards to meet her.

“Hiyah, Twilight! What brings you to Sugarcube Corner this late?” I ask, addressing the time. It was a bit past eight, and that's what hour we close. I had been cleaning up when I heard the chime above the door go off.

“Oh, um, I just dropped by to say sorry for earlier,” Twilight says.

“Sorry for what?” I cock my head at her and flutter my eyelashes.

“Well, for doubting you all day. Plus following you. It was rude of me, especially since it made me seem like I thought you were incompetent—which you aren't. I shouldn't have accused you of being ridiculous without knowing what the Pinkie Sense is all about.”

A frown briefly comes over my face, but it soon vanishes and is replaced by a smile yet again. “Please, Twilight, don't worry yourself! I know you just wanted some explanation for it! I'm not angry or anything; I'm just glad you're a believer now.” I reach up and pat her mane. Twilight laughs in response.

“I'm glad you're not upset. Just know that I never meant to be mean to you.” She smiles.

“Of course not, silly! I was a bit confused earlier too, since Surprise came to me and said something was off. She’s never done that!”

Twilight frowns suddenly and cocks an eyebrow. “Um, what?”

I blink and immediately regret my not paying attention to what I was saying. Twilight doesn't know about my schizophrenia, much less my guardian angel. I recoil slightly, putting a hoof to my mouth. “Oh, um, nothing! Nothing whatsoever!”

“Pinkie Pie? Who's Surprise?” Twilight asks hesitantly, concern in her voice.

“Surprise? I don't know who that is!” I respond quickly.

I can't let her know about my schizophrenia. Then I would have to tell her about Surprise and then she'd get mad because she’ll claim I haven't been taking my medicine—which is true.

But it's not like I need it. I don't have any problems without it. The only thing I supposedly imagine is Surprise, but she's real. She's the most real thing I've ever known.

“Um, sorry, Twilight, but I've got to get back to wiping the tables! You need to go!” I declare quickly as I begin to push my friend towards the door. I can tell Twilight is startled by my behavior, and she's trying to think of something to say, but she's out the door before anything else can happen. I lock the door. Twilight, standing very shocked on the other side of the glass, stares in at me. I swiftly point to the “We’re Closed” sign hanging in the window and give her a faked smile. I rush away after that, hiding behind the counter.

A few minutes later, I peek my eyes over the counter to see if she's still there. She's not.

I breathe a sigh of relief and let myself slide back down.

Author's Note

Okay, okay, I know: I'm really bad with updating this story. And even worse; the last chapter left you all angry and upset. But you'll understand, I swear! I'm not giving you all a giant 'screw you' and going all 'bleh' on the rest of the story. I still care a lot about this, if you can believe me.

All in all, this was a very uneventful chapter, I know. Things will be revealed soon. Just be patient with me, and allow me to get back into the groove of things. I'm kinda rusty with a lot of my stories. I've just been . . . preoccupied with a different one (bad, I know).