Broken Glassby UndercoverPanda14Chaptersonce you did notice it, you couldn't forget it.Our Little SecretDon't you know where they are?Her reflection was still smilingDon't let it change youThe last pieceonce you did notice it, you couldn't forget it.Early spring, the rain was pouring and forming large puddles across Ponyville. There were no ponies outdoors roaming the town, instead, they stayed in front of the fire to keep warm and cozy. This was all except Pinkie, who cantered through the puddles on her way to Sugar Cube Corner. She had come from the library, to see Twilight, though it had begun to rain just as she had left - Typical. The mare reached the shop cold and wet. Mrs Cake was behind the counter, as usual, while Mr Cake brought out the new sugary treats for display. 'Pinkie, we have something to tell you.' Said Mrs Cake, wearing a mother like smile on her plump little face. Pinkie looked up at her, straight into those light magenta eyes that completed her look. 'Is something wrong?' Mrs Cake shook her head and chuckled. 'No, Pinkie, me and Mr Cake are going away to Canterlot for a week to help make all the food for the festival.' She explained, as Mr Cake brought out a suitcase. 'We're leaving the shop to you, just until Sunday.' Mr Cake said. Pinkie smiled, a smile of excitement was set on her face after she had heard the news. 'You wont be disappointed!' Then, to a surprise, they brought out a few suitcases and wheeled them out the door. 'See you in a week, and take good care of the shop.' The door closed behind them, without another sound to be heard - and pinkie was alone.. Despite being trusted to run the shop, Pinkie trotted upstairs and into her room. She saw the curtains across her window, and slid them open. It was still raining, but Ponyville, as usual, was beautiful to her. The town was empty, but then again, who would want to be outside enjoying this weather? But it didn't matter to Pinkie, she loved every part of Ponyville, rainy days and sunny. She opened the window to behold the better view. The time seemed to fly past as fast as light. It had become dark and gloomy outside, and had been decided that Pinkie should go to bed. She knew she had a long day taking over the shop tomorrow, so pulled the cover over herself. She fell asleep fast, as usual. Moonlight oozed through the window without the closed curtains. It had also been forgotten, for Pinkie to close the window and a draft blew in, swaying the curtains. The night was not silent, the wind howled through the branches of tree's and a wolf's howl could have been heard from miles away. But this did not awaken Pinkie, she was sleeping silently. These noises had not effected her slumber, it was something else that woke her. She bolted upright in her bed, unsure of what she had heard that had woken her, but it did wake her, and alerted her. Then, she heard the same noise, remembering that it was that same noise that had been heard in her dreams. It was the scratching against glass, like chalk against a blackboard. But this noise had bloomed from the night's natural noises, and stiffened every other sound Pinkie heard as it scratched. She saw the window, opened and letting in a cold draft. Her hooves touched the floorboards of her room, as she pushed herself up. She walked over to it slowly, and gripped onto it as she tugged it down. It was stiff, but gave way and dropped. By now, she had expected the scratching noise to have been coming from outside, and had soon forgotten about it as she tucked herself back in. The morning dawned, letting sunshine flow in through the window and shine on a lump in the bed cover. Underneath, laid Pinkie, dazed and barely awake, but all the same, awake. She pushed the covers off her, wincing at the sudden light. She stretched her hooves above her head. Then looking around the room. Last nights dream still echoed in her mind. Something about a scratching noise? She couldn't clearly remember, and really couldn't care less. She walked over to the mirror on top of her dresser and stared at her reflection, she didn't look the best - as she usually didn't in the morning. The only thing she couldn't explain in her reflection was the scars and cuts across it's neck, but as she looked at her own, it was clear of scars or cuts. Her eyes had lost contact with the reflection, and widened abruptly. She saw it, and last night became clear. It was one of those things, that you wouldn't really look at, until you noticed it, and once you did notice it, you couldn't forget it... Last night, someone or something had scratched into her mirror the very words 'Over here'... Our Little SecretThis was not natural, was it..? No, of course not - she was imagining it all.... or so she hoped. Pinkie stood still, breathless, almost. Her heart had possibly skipped a beat. She looked at her reflection. It had changed. It was smiling at her, but she wasn't smiling back. It was less of a friendly smile, more a smile that said 'beware' and was smirked across this pony's face. This made her feel uncomfortable. No, she wasn't going to believe it, she was going to carry on with her day... but, how could you ignore something like this? 'Who are you...?' She asked with a try courage, though her voice was a cowardly whimper. The reflection widened her eyes, though the smile remained. The reflection didn't speak. It remained the same smirk of darkness across her muzzle. She turned away, trying to forget about it, shaking her head. Though through temptation, she took a glimpse look back at the reflection, the colourful, bright Pinkie had returned, this confused her more. But she didn't want to look at it anymore. The fog was still in the morning. It had covered Ponyville, though this didn't stop Pinkie from walking carefully to Twilight's Library. She wanted to talk to Twilight about it, and it was an urge to find the answer to her problems. She edged her hoof closer to the wooden door as she stood in front of it. Something was making her feel uncomfortable, and the more she thought about last night, the less she wanted to find out more about it. Finally, she leg go the tense in her front leg, and knocked. The door opened within seconds, and a familiar face waited behind it. 'Twilight, can we talk?' Pinkie's voice, firm and courage, but weak and quiet. Without questions, Twilight stepped aside for Pinkie to enter. She had a face of worry and confusion. Twilight, knowing Pinkie wouldn't have to be asked the problem, sat down and waited for her to begin. But Pinkie remained silent. To Pinkie, she could hear things around the room - she could almost hear her own voice. No, it couldn't be. She closed her eyes, and opened them. But a faint blur passed by her quickly. 'Pinkie, is everything alright?' Twilight's voice was only an echo from a distance to what Pinkie was really hearing. Her eyes flickered around the room. Nothing was there. She had to get out of there, or Twilight would be in the same trouble she was in. 'Nevermind, I'll t-talk to you later..' Pinkie stuttered, standing up and walking out the door, paying more attention to the blur and echoes around her. She burst through her door, circling the room and watching for anything. Then, it broke down in front of her, her world broke down - her sanity, or at least what was left of her sanity.. She heard it. 'You can't run from your true self, you know..' As fast a s a bullet, Pinkie flung her whole self around to see the mirror at the back of the room. The reflection had changed back to the straight maned, dull eyes Pinkie. For a moment, Pinkie remained silent. Was this real? She tried to speak, but couldn't find the right words.. 'Take your time, I'm not going anywhere.' The cold, mysterious like voice of her reflection echoed around the room, and all Pinkie could do was stare. 'Who are you?' Her words were said with bravery. The reflection put her hooves up against the surface of the mirror, with that horrible smirk still across her face. 'I'll be bad luck if you're not careful, kid.' She leaned her head forward, to give her the luck that she was looking down on Pinkie. A shadow formed beneath her eyes. 'What do you mean?' Curiosity was beginning to get the better of her fears. It didn't seem as strange anymore to her, though it still felt worryingly new. Pinkie saw a gesture given towards her, the reflection had slightly pointed her hoof towards the window for a brief second. She turned around, and took a few slow steps towards the view. The outside was still foggy, and empty of sight for another pony. The sun had been hidden behind grey clouds, that were gently spitting droplets of rain, trickling down her window glass. 'I -I don't understand..?' She turned her head round, keeping her hooves firm in the position facing the window, and she looked back at the mirror still scratched the words 'Over Here', but she could only see her real self, stare back into her bright blue eyes. 'Oh, and one more thing,' Only around the room could be heard of this mysterious voice, 'You were wise not to tell Twilight, our little 'Secret.'' Don't you know where they are?'Our little secret?' Pinkie narrowed her eyes, she couldn't see the straight maned, dull eyed Pinkie in the mirror anymore - Where had she gone? The sun fell below the horizon swiftly that evening. Pinkie's thoughts had past time quickly by. She hadn't bothered to go to bed, or even exit her room. These past few days had gotten her thinking, she hadn't even bothered with the shop - there were bigger issues. For the time being, Pinkie would close the shop and keep it that way until Mr and Mrs. Cake returned. She walked down the steps, it was dark - but her eyes had adjusted, making it an ease to see through the darkness. The shop was exactly how she had left it. Pinkie made her way over to the display window. She could hear the rain outside and lighting strike every so often. With one hoof, she flipped the sign over hung in the window, from 'Open' to 'Closed.' It would stay that way for the next week. What was to become of this? Was it just Pinkie's mind playing games, or was this all true, did her eyes really lie to her when she looked in the mirror? Pinkie wandered back up the stairs, and decided another night's sleep would take her mind off of it. She tucked into bed, unable to look across at the mirror in the far corner of the room. The rain was still tapping on her window. The rain, it was...no, it wasn't - it wouldn't be the rain. That noise, it was a hoof tapping. It was a hoof tapping on glass, it was a hoof tapping on her mirror... She closed her eyes, she feared the night. It wasn't real, she didn't believe it. Her bed cover had been pulled up to her ears by the time the sounds had stopped, but she was asleep - and not thinking of sweet dreams, they were nightmares. She woke up the next morning, still remembering the tapping. Pinkie sat up in her bed, last night's dreams again echoed in her mind, repeating the same thing. 'Over here.' 'Rise and shine.' Pinkie looked outside, it was misty, but not raining. Though there were large, boggy puddles. Pinkie threw the covers from over her, they landed on the floorboards as she pushed herself up, galloping downstairs. The shop was empty, as expected. The sign still said closed - good. She looked out the display window. The mist looked quite haunting. Hey eyes drifted off over to a pony wandering in the distance. It was Twilight, heading for the shop. 'Pinkie pie, are you in?' It was obvious Twilight had seen the sign in the window, but Pinkie wasn't sure whether Twilight had seen her or not. Pinkie didn't answer after several knocks from Twilight. She saw her ending up walking away. Pinkie opened the door when Twilight was far enough not to hear it's hinges squeaking. There was a letter left for Pinkie on the doorstep, getting damp. Pinkie scooped it up with one hoof, closed the door and put it on the counter. She hadn't bothered to read it - nor had she bothered to look at it before she walked upstairs, she had expectations in the letter. It was probably something to ask Pinkie what was the matter, and why was she acting so strange? Pinkie knew she didn't have time to worry about her friends, if only her friends would stop worrying about her for a while. At the top of the stairs, Pinkie debated in her head whether or not to open her bedroom door. This reflection thing was beginning to drive her insane, and she didn't want to stand for it anymore. With a nervous expression, Pinkie slowly opened the door. She focused on the mirror, it was fine. Nothing would stop her from walking into her bedroom now. She looked out the window. 'I wish they could see why I act this way..' She mumbled to herself as she stared through the glass. For a moment, Pinkie felt like she was looking down on everypony. She felt like she wasn't in this world - she was only looking at it, like an old picture. This wasn't what Pinkie usually felt like, no, this was lonesomeness. 'Peekaboo.' The voice dragged on slowly like a talking doll with flat batteries. Pinkie hadn't even bothered to turn her head to look at the mirror. She looked out the window, becoming inpatient as ignored the nagging voice. The low light peeking through the clouds created a silhouette around Pinkie from the mirrors view. A few silent, uncomfortable second went by for her. 'I see you, Pinkie pie.' The words had been like a whisper, like they had dropped from her cold lips. This was to no surprise for Pinkie, she finally turned around quietly, making no sound as she walked across the wooden floorboards. 'Were are your friends, Pinkie?' She asked with a voice that contained no sympathy. Where were her friends? The vision of them laughing about Pinkie ran through her mind. Pinkie looked into the mirror, the reflection had her hooves up against the glass again, with that cruel smirk. 'They're not here.' She replied, holding her chin up, as if she hadn't been thinking about her friends. 'Don't you know where they are..?' This was not a concerned face, 'Because I do.' Pinkie's eyes widened ever so slightly, she wondered where they were, but tried not to show it. The reflection of Pinkie's dark side faded into an image of her friends, outside - at a picnic. How could this be? It was still damp outside. But it wasn't where they were sitting. 'Didn't you invite Pinkie to come, Twilight?' Rainbow dash's voice was an eerie echo. 'I left her a letter, but she seems a little...off put.' Twilight replied, making Pinkie offended by her opinion. 'How so?' 'She's been acting slightly...insane, and she was pale - I have to admit, she was making me feel a little uncomfortable.' Twilight's voice then faded out, as Pinkie's true reflection reappeared. It echoed quietly around the room in a mysterious way. Pinkie flattered her ears against her cranium. 'Insane...?' It all seemed so real to Pinkie, and it was... as she could just see her friends silhouettes in the distance of the mist having fun without her. Her reflection was still smilingThe night was dark, it was clear of fog or mist. But there were few clouds overlapping the moons shine. Pinkie was still awake, and thinking about her friends. She looked into her mirror, her dark side wasn't showing. But she could here a creepy mumbling sound around the room, which was easy to be ignored. By morning, Pinkie had a black underline for her eyes. But she wasn't tired. This was it, she was going to get things straight between her and her friends. They had to know the truth. Without a moment to loose, Pinkie galloped out the door and over the hills. She saw her friends all together. 'Pinkie, are you okay?!' Twilight trotted up to Pinkie, worry in her voice. But Pinkie held up her chin, in attempt to hide the black eyes, that seemed to have turned dull and colorless from her lack of sleep. 'I'm fine, but I have to tell you something.' She could tell that the sudden ache from her head had something to do with her reflection, all the same, she proceeded. 'I've been seeing things in the mirror, and it's not me!' There was another painful ache. 'Pinkie, you look tired, maybe you just need rest.' Replied Rainbow Dash, hovering above the ground slightly. Pinkie became impatient. 'Believe me!' She looked Rainbow Dash straight into her magenta eyes, 'I may be tired, but that doesn't change what I see!' She knew this could possibly be a lie, but her tired feeling gave her the urge to be right. Rainbow's voice was heard again. 'Listen Pinkie, I think you need to go back home.' This had been taken in the wrong way for Pinkie. 'What sort of friend are you meant to be?' She said in a stern voice. 'Hold on there Pinkie, I'm sure Rainbow didn't mean it in that way.' Rarity had appeared in the corner of her eye. It seemed like her friends were teaming up to prove her wrong, the fact they didn't even try to believe her made it better. Pinkie pulled out a firm, serious face - which also showed her anger. But her friends kept their looks of confusion. 'Fine,' Pinkie turned back, walking back to the shop, 'you'll all see..' As she opened the door, she felt like breaking down and crying. What if her friends were right, and she just left like that? They would still think she was insane. She looked towards the crumpled, damp invitation still thrown on the counter. She picked it up and took it from it's envelope. Pinkie, We are having a picnic near Sweet Apple Acres if you would like to join us. If you'd rather do other things, we'd understand completely. Hope to see you there, Your friends. It was final, her friends thought she was crazy and untruthful. She dropped the letter from her hooves slowly, and wandered up the stairs. She looked into the mirror, of course, it was her dark side. They both stayed silent. 'It's because of you..' Pinkie finally spoke, edging closer to the mirror. 'You've lost your friends trust, Pinkie.' 'And it's because.. of you.' Her voice was raising. 'Face it, Pinkie pie, you're nothing without them - they don't care for you.' 'They'll always care for me!' 'Then where are they, where are your friends now, Pinkie pie?' The last words trickled from her mouth - echoing across the room walls as silence fell for a moment. Pinkie, becoming impatient, abruptly lost all her sanity, and reared herself up, smashing her hooves against the mirror. They had their hooves pressed together as the glass cracked, as lines cracked straight around the mirror. Why, why was she smiling? Why did she have that stupid, hated smirk still lying across her face. A question asked, and answered - as Pinkie lifter her hooves from the mirror - and smashed them, once again, onto the mirror. This time, her success had shattered the mirror - as the pieces fell onto the floorboards, along with Pinkie. This was the reason her reflection was still smiling... Don't let it change youListen to that, the birds were tweeting. Pinkie could feel a sun beam over her cover. This felt different, was it because there was no scratching of glass, or whispers and mumbles to begin her morning? Probably, whatever it was, it was nice to have a peaceful morning, alone, with a nurse at the end of her bed, scribbling something on a clipboard. Ah yes, she closed her eyes again...wait! She saw a doctor, and Twilight next to her bed, probably imagining she'd be asleep. So, she pretended she was. Dare she move, as she laid with her eyes closed, though listening. 'She has shown signs she might be.. insane,' Twilight proceeded, 'She's always acted a bit random, but never this bad.' 'Yes, we've come across these situations before, it's almost certain of her insanity.' What on earth was happening? She was more concerned of what really was happening then the conversation. Pinkie saw them all leave the room, accidentally leaving the door ajar. She immediately sat up, it was obvious her mane was straight, by the way it swayed over her shoulders as she moved. But this wasn't the thing that mostly bothered her, it was the sharp pains across her neck. She looked down - bloodstained. There were scars and cuts across her neck - and across her stomach, written with a sharp piece of broken glass, only just could have been read the words 'Over here.' She flung the covers off from over her, close to bringing tears - but she refused to cry, not now. She got up, and limped into the lavatory attached into a corner of the room. She opened the door, without waiting, stared into the mirror. She saw the dark side of her again. 'What have you done?!' She screeched almost quietly, but just so she wouldn't be heard. To her surprise, the reflection followed her every move - not one delay. Was this a game her reflection played? No... this was truly her, the dull eyes, the straight mane, she could even remember the exact same scars across her neck. 'Pinkie, are you awake?' Twilight had just walked in - it was obvious she had seen her out of bed. Pinkie slowly came back into the room, and sat on the side of her bed. 'Twilight, what's going on?' 'It's going to be alright, Pinkie, you're safe here.' She could tell Twilight was just trying to help, and held back her fury inside for her friends not trusting her. 'Where is everypony else?' 'They will come and visit you.' 'Why aren't they here right now.' Pinkie's voice was not becoming louder, but she was speaking faster - as if she longed for the answer. There was a short silence from both of them. 'They'll come..' She walked out, leaving her just a smile - which almost forced her to beg her to stay. She watched her walk around the corner, unable to be seen. Pinkie felt the lonesome pang in her chest again, as she swallowed - an ache in her head occurred, this was still another sign that she felt lonely. 'Now what?' A voice came from the other side of the room, behind a curtain as a hoof from the other side pulled it to one side. It was an elder pony, though he didn't look too old. His mane was white, and messy, he wore the hospital gown. It was obvious he shared this room with Pinkie. This came clear to her, that she was in a mental hospital. 'Hu?' 'I said 'Now what'.' He repeated, sarcastically. 'Yeah, I heard you, I just don't understand what you meant.' She replied, swapping which side she hung her hooves over. 'Well it's clear you don't belong here, you're like me.' 'Like you?' This came out more rudely then Pinkie had meant it to be. But the old pony chuckled. 'All my friends thought I was crazy too, you know - but I told the truth about the things I saw.' Pinkie knew what he meant, he didn't seem insane. 'So, now what?' He repeated, in a friendly way. Pinkie sighed, looking down at the floor. 'I..don't know, anymore..' She seemed ashamed to say this, like she had given up. 'Then go and find out!' He offered a persuasive smile. Pinkie smiled back, looking out the window next to him. It all seemed so dull....it all seemed so dull, her reflection! It had struck her that she had broken the mirror, what had happened after that she didn't know, but she was, quoted, going to go and find out. 'Don't let it change you, kid.' He said, just before she had been able to gallop through the door, throwing the gown onto the bed. She briefly looked back at him, he was right, this reflection was starting to change her, the eyes, the mane, the scars, but it didn't change her friendship - it couldn't, and she wouldn't let it. She galloped out of the hospital easily, the gown would have been a distraction, but now she blended in with the visitors. She was still new, so her face wouldn't have been recognized by the staff. The outdoors wind flew past her, it was gorgeous. She hadn't had time to enjoy it for so long. Where would her reflection be? Only now, it wasn't her reflection - it was a cold hearted, blooded pony rampaging through the town, harming as she pleases and destroying many things in her way. Probably. The Everfree forest was a few meters away from her position, she could see it's dark mist and fog, with branches sticking out as if there were strange creatures lurking between the tree's. This was what gave the game away, the nagging, mumbling voice that begged Pinkie to come closer into the forest. This time, she was far from scared anymore. As Pinkie slowly wandered past the many overhanging branches and thorns, her mind still echoed worries and cautions. It all went silent. It may have seemed strange, but the silence was the main thing that told Pinkie she was set in the right place, it lingered on for a while - until she heard another voice. The first time Pinkie had been even slightly startled for a while, was when she heard that clear voice. It didn't echo, it didn't mumble or nag, it was clear as daylight, and awaiting her to find it. This was the real thing, that had to be noticed.. 'Over here...' Pinkie shot round, spinning on the spot. She could only see fog. 'Over here...' This time, the voice was beginning to feel misty and echo. She turned round again, there was more fog. 'Leave me alone!' She yelled into the forest. There was another silence. Had her darker side obeyed? 'Peekaboo.' That was it, Pinkie turned straight around as the last word had been heard to drip from her cold lips. She was there - stood with that smirk, again. That stupid smirk. The last piece'I'm over here, Pinkie pie.' Pinkie saw her edge closer. 'Get away from me.' Pinkie snapped. She stopped dead, still wearing that smirk. 'But why, I'm your only friend.' This wasn't true, 'All your other friends think you're insane.' Pinkie became impatient again, but she didn't know what to say - all her friends did think she was insane. But this wasn't how it ended. 'They think I'm insane because of you!' Pinkie screeched. But the reflection seemed to have wiped that smirk from her face completely, and give a confusion look of anger. 'Look at yourself Pinkie,' She stared at Pinkie's straight mane, dull eyes, scars and cuts, 'I am you.' Her voice got quieter, and hissed, almost, towards the end. Pinkie would have denied it, but it was true. They were both exactly the same. She sat down and lowered her head. 'It's true...' Her reflection smiled again. 'You'd look in the mirror and it would all become clear to you.' Leaving her only that, Pinkie looked up to see her gone. 'Become clear to me..?' She was regaining hope again, and stood up. The door was thrown open, almost swinging off it's hinges as Pinkie ran up to her room in the shop. The glass pieces were still smashed, and there was only the frame left of the whole mirror. Pinkie stared into one piece of broken glass, and saw her eyes slightly brighten up to the idea. Pinkie waited for a moment, hiding the mirror behind herself. She had puzzled the pieces back together, all except one - which seemed to be lost. It was the one that marked the word 'Over.' As Pinkie looked over to one side of the room, there was a faint shadow effect over one ponies eyes. One ponies dull eyes. 'You'll be finished with.' Pinkie said to her. Her voice had gathered up bravery once again. 'Finished with?' That smirk had returned, 'I'd like to see you try.' 'You're pathetic, hated, you can't even begin to harm me.' Pinkie had never acted this way before, as she tilted her head. 'Oh yeah, let's see that you're wrong!' She bent her legs down and lowered her head, in a charging position. It was almost obvious where this was going. 'Go back to where you belong!' This was the last words Pinkie had to shout, before the darker Pinkie had been pounding her hooves across the bedroom floor. She pounced, her front hooves lifted, aiming at Pinkie pie - only to watch her leap to one side, falling on her side. At that moment, everything had seemed to slow down for a brief moment, which gave her darker side time to look at Pinkie as she lunged aside, with confusion, then look back at the mirror - with horror. She screamed, her whole body sinking into it's reflective surface as the whole mirror glow white, igniting the room with a misty, brightest light. Pinkie covered her eyes, holding them closed. Pinkie gasped, sitting upright in her bed. The day was here, though she could hear her heart pounding hard against her chest. She looked around the room. It was very slightly blurry, as she rubbed her eyes. She remembered everything - the mirror, the reflection, even the hospital. It felt like a dream, but that could be questioned, as it didn't fully feel right. Pinkie looked at her clock, hung high on her wall. '9:22' It told her. But when she looked down again, there was that something that could almost not be noticed, but she did notice it. The last piece of the mirror, and that very one word that told her everything was over.
once you did notice it, you couldn't forget it.Early spring, the rain was pouring and forming large puddles across Ponyville. There were no ponies outdoors roaming the town, instead, they stayed in front of the fire to keep warm and cozy. This was all except Pinkie, who cantered through the puddles on her way to Sugar Cube Corner. She had come from the library, to see Twilight, though it had begun to rain just as she had left - Typical. The mare reached the shop cold and wet. Mrs Cake was behind the counter, as usual, while Mr Cake brought out the new sugary treats for display. 'Pinkie, we have something to tell you.' Said Mrs Cake, wearing a mother like smile on her plump little face. Pinkie looked up at her, straight into those light magenta eyes that completed her look. 'Is something wrong?' Mrs Cake shook her head and chuckled. 'No, Pinkie, me and Mr Cake are going away to Canterlot for a week to help make all the food for the festival.' She explained, as Mr Cake brought out a suitcase. 'We're leaving the shop to you, just until Sunday.' Mr Cake said. Pinkie smiled, a smile of excitement was set on her face after she had heard the news. 'You wont be disappointed!' Then, to a surprise, they brought out a few suitcases and wheeled them out the door. 'See you in a week, and take good care of the shop.' The door closed behind them, without another sound to be heard - and pinkie was alone.. Despite being trusted to run the shop, Pinkie trotted upstairs and into her room. She saw the curtains across her window, and slid them open. It was still raining, but Ponyville, as usual, was beautiful to her. The town was empty, but then again, who would want to be outside enjoying this weather? But it didn't matter to Pinkie, she loved every part of Ponyville, rainy days and sunny. She opened the window to behold the better view. The time seemed to fly past as fast as light. It had become dark and gloomy outside, and had been decided that Pinkie should go to bed. She knew she had a long day taking over the shop tomorrow, so pulled the cover over herself. She fell asleep fast, as usual. Moonlight oozed through the window without the closed curtains. It had also been forgotten, for Pinkie to close the window and a draft blew in, swaying the curtains. The night was not silent, the wind howled through the branches of tree's and a wolf's howl could have been heard from miles away. But this did not awaken Pinkie, she was sleeping silently. These noises had not effected her slumber, it was something else that woke her. She bolted upright in her bed, unsure of what she had heard that had woken her, but it did wake her, and alerted her. Then, she heard the same noise, remembering that it was that same noise that had been heard in her dreams. It was the scratching against glass, like chalk against a blackboard. But this noise had bloomed from the night's natural noises, and stiffened every other sound Pinkie heard as it scratched. She saw the window, opened and letting in a cold draft. Her hooves touched the floorboards of her room, as she pushed herself up. She walked over to it slowly, and gripped onto it as she tugged it down. It was stiff, but gave way and dropped. By now, she had expected the scratching noise to have been coming from outside, and had soon forgotten about it as she tucked herself back in. The morning dawned, letting sunshine flow in through the window and shine on a lump in the bed cover. Underneath, laid Pinkie, dazed and barely awake, but all the same, awake. She pushed the covers off her, wincing at the sudden light. She stretched her hooves above her head. Then looking around the room. Last nights dream still echoed in her mind. Something about a scratching noise? She couldn't clearly remember, and really couldn't care less. She walked over to the mirror on top of her dresser and stared at her reflection, she didn't look the best - as she usually didn't in the morning. The only thing she couldn't explain in her reflection was the scars and cuts across it's neck, but as she looked at her own, it was clear of scars or cuts. Her eyes had lost contact with the reflection, and widened abruptly. She saw it, and last night became clear. It was one of those things, that you wouldn't really look at, until you noticed it, and once you did notice it, you couldn't forget it... Last night, someone or something had scratched into her mirror the very words 'Over here'...
Our Little SecretThis was not natural, was it..? No, of course not - she was imagining it all.... or so she hoped. Pinkie stood still, breathless, almost. Her heart had possibly skipped a beat. She looked at her reflection. It had changed. It was smiling at her, but she wasn't smiling back. It was less of a friendly smile, more a smile that said 'beware' and was smirked across this pony's face. This made her feel uncomfortable. No, she wasn't going to believe it, she was going to carry on with her day... but, how could you ignore something like this? 'Who are you...?' She asked with a try courage, though her voice was a cowardly whimper. The reflection widened her eyes, though the smile remained. The reflection didn't speak. It remained the same smirk of darkness across her muzzle. She turned away, trying to forget about it, shaking her head. Though through temptation, she took a glimpse look back at the reflection, the colourful, bright Pinkie had returned, this confused her more. But she didn't want to look at it anymore. The fog was still in the morning. It had covered Ponyville, though this didn't stop Pinkie from walking carefully to Twilight's Library. She wanted to talk to Twilight about it, and it was an urge to find the answer to her problems. She edged her hoof closer to the wooden door as she stood in front of it. Something was making her feel uncomfortable, and the more she thought about last night, the less she wanted to find out more about it. Finally, she leg go the tense in her front leg, and knocked. The door opened within seconds, and a familiar face waited behind it. 'Twilight, can we talk?' Pinkie's voice, firm and courage, but weak and quiet. Without questions, Twilight stepped aside for Pinkie to enter. She had a face of worry and confusion. Twilight, knowing Pinkie wouldn't have to be asked the problem, sat down and waited for her to begin. But Pinkie remained silent. To Pinkie, she could hear things around the room - she could almost hear her own voice. No, it couldn't be. She closed her eyes, and opened them. But a faint blur passed by her quickly. 'Pinkie, is everything alright?' Twilight's voice was only an echo from a distance to what Pinkie was really hearing. Her eyes flickered around the room. Nothing was there. She had to get out of there, or Twilight would be in the same trouble she was in. 'Nevermind, I'll t-talk to you later..' Pinkie stuttered, standing up and walking out the door, paying more attention to the blur and echoes around her. She burst through her door, circling the room and watching for anything. Then, it broke down in front of her, her world broke down - her sanity, or at least what was left of her sanity.. She heard it. 'You can't run from your true self, you know..' As fast a s a bullet, Pinkie flung her whole self around to see the mirror at the back of the room. The reflection had changed back to the straight maned, dull eyes Pinkie. For a moment, Pinkie remained silent. Was this real? She tried to speak, but couldn't find the right words.. 'Take your time, I'm not going anywhere.' The cold, mysterious like voice of her reflection echoed around the room, and all Pinkie could do was stare. 'Who are you?' Her words were said with bravery. The reflection put her hooves up against the surface of the mirror, with that horrible smirk still across her face. 'I'll be bad luck if you're not careful, kid.' She leaned her head forward, to give her the luck that she was looking down on Pinkie. A shadow formed beneath her eyes. 'What do you mean?' Curiosity was beginning to get the better of her fears. It didn't seem as strange anymore to her, though it still felt worryingly new. Pinkie saw a gesture given towards her, the reflection had slightly pointed her hoof towards the window for a brief second. She turned around, and took a few slow steps towards the view. The outside was still foggy, and empty of sight for another pony. The sun had been hidden behind grey clouds, that were gently spitting droplets of rain, trickling down her window glass. 'I -I don't understand..?' She turned her head round, keeping her hooves firm in the position facing the window, and she looked back at the mirror still scratched the words 'Over Here', but she could only see her real self, stare back into her bright blue eyes. 'Oh, and one more thing,' Only around the room could be heard of this mysterious voice, 'You were wise not to tell Twilight, our little 'Secret.''
Don't you know where they are?'Our little secret?' Pinkie narrowed her eyes, she couldn't see the straight maned, dull eyed Pinkie in the mirror anymore - Where had she gone? The sun fell below the horizon swiftly that evening. Pinkie's thoughts had past time quickly by. She hadn't bothered to go to bed, or even exit her room. These past few days had gotten her thinking, she hadn't even bothered with the shop - there were bigger issues. For the time being, Pinkie would close the shop and keep it that way until Mr and Mrs. Cake returned. She walked down the steps, it was dark - but her eyes had adjusted, making it an ease to see through the darkness. The shop was exactly how she had left it. Pinkie made her way over to the display window. She could hear the rain outside and lighting strike every so often. With one hoof, she flipped the sign over hung in the window, from 'Open' to 'Closed.' It would stay that way for the next week. What was to become of this? Was it just Pinkie's mind playing games, or was this all true, did her eyes really lie to her when she looked in the mirror? Pinkie wandered back up the stairs, and decided another night's sleep would take her mind off of it. She tucked into bed, unable to look across at the mirror in the far corner of the room. The rain was still tapping on her window. The rain, it was...no, it wasn't - it wouldn't be the rain. That noise, it was a hoof tapping. It was a hoof tapping on glass, it was a hoof tapping on her mirror... She closed her eyes, she feared the night. It wasn't real, she didn't believe it. Her bed cover had been pulled up to her ears by the time the sounds had stopped, but she was asleep - and not thinking of sweet dreams, they were nightmares. She woke up the next morning, still remembering the tapping. Pinkie sat up in her bed, last night's dreams again echoed in her mind, repeating the same thing. 'Over here.' 'Rise and shine.' Pinkie looked outside, it was misty, but not raining. Though there were large, boggy puddles. Pinkie threw the covers from over her, they landed on the floorboards as she pushed herself up, galloping downstairs. The shop was empty, as expected. The sign still said closed - good. She looked out the display window. The mist looked quite haunting. Hey eyes drifted off over to a pony wandering in the distance. It was Twilight, heading for the shop. 'Pinkie pie, are you in?' It was obvious Twilight had seen the sign in the window, but Pinkie wasn't sure whether Twilight had seen her or not. Pinkie didn't answer after several knocks from Twilight. She saw her ending up walking away. Pinkie opened the door when Twilight was far enough not to hear it's hinges squeaking. There was a letter left for Pinkie on the doorstep, getting damp. Pinkie scooped it up with one hoof, closed the door and put it on the counter. She hadn't bothered to read it - nor had she bothered to look at it before she walked upstairs, she had expectations in the letter. It was probably something to ask Pinkie what was the matter, and why was she acting so strange? Pinkie knew she didn't have time to worry about her friends, if only her friends would stop worrying about her for a while. At the top of the stairs, Pinkie debated in her head whether or not to open her bedroom door. This reflection thing was beginning to drive her insane, and she didn't want to stand for it anymore. With a nervous expression, Pinkie slowly opened the door. She focused on the mirror, it was fine. Nothing would stop her from walking into her bedroom now. She looked out the window. 'I wish they could see why I act this way..' She mumbled to herself as she stared through the glass. For a moment, Pinkie felt like she was looking down on everypony. She felt like she wasn't in this world - she was only looking at it, like an old picture. This wasn't what Pinkie usually felt like, no, this was lonesomeness. 'Peekaboo.' The voice dragged on slowly like a talking doll with flat batteries. Pinkie hadn't even bothered to turn her head to look at the mirror. She looked out the window, becoming inpatient as ignored the nagging voice. The low light peeking through the clouds created a silhouette around Pinkie from the mirrors view. A few silent, uncomfortable second went by for her. 'I see you, Pinkie pie.' The words had been like a whisper, like they had dropped from her cold lips. This was to no surprise for Pinkie, she finally turned around quietly, making no sound as she walked across the wooden floorboards. 'Were are your friends, Pinkie?' She asked with a voice that contained no sympathy. Where were her friends? The vision of them laughing about Pinkie ran through her mind. Pinkie looked into the mirror, the reflection had her hooves up against the glass again, with that cruel smirk. 'They're not here.' She replied, holding her chin up, as if she hadn't been thinking about her friends. 'Don't you know where they are..?' This was not a concerned face, 'Because I do.' Pinkie's eyes widened ever so slightly, she wondered where they were, but tried not to show it. The reflection of Pinkie's dark side faded into an image of her friends, outside - at a picnic. How could this be? It was still damp outside. But it wasn't where they were sitting. 'Didn't you invite Pinkie to come, Twilight?' Rainbow dash's voice was an eerie echo. 'I left her a letter, but she seems a little...off put.' Twilight replied, making Pinkie offended by her opinion. 'How so?' 'She's been acting slightly...insane, and she was pale - I have to admit, she was making me feel a little uncomfortable.' Twilight's voice then faded out, as Pinkie's true reflection reappeared. It echoed quietly around the room in a mysterious way. Pinkie flattered her ears against her cranium. 'Insane...?' It all seemed so real to Pinkie, and it was... as she could just see her friends silhouettes in the distance of the mist having fun without her.
Her reflection was still smilingThe night was dark, it was clear of fog or mist. But there were few clouds overlapping the moons shine. Pinkie was still awake, and thinking about her friends. She looked into her mirror, her dark side wasn't showing. But she could here a creepy mumbling sound around the room, which was easy to be ignored. By morning, Pinkie had a black underline for her eyes. But she wasn't tired. This was it, she was going to get things straight between her and her friends. They had to know the truth. Without a moment to loose, Pinkie galloped out the door and over the hills. She saw her friends all together. 'Pinkie, are you okay?!' Twilight trotted up to Pinkie, worry in her voice. But Pinkie held up her chin, in attempt to hide the black eyes, that seemed to have turned dull and colorless from her lack of sleep. 'I'm fine, but I have to tell you something.' She could tell that the sudden ache from her head had something to do with her reflection, all the same, she proceeded. 'I've been seeing things in the mirror, and it's not me!' There was another painful ache. 'Pinkie, you look tired, maybe you just need rest.' Replied Rainbow Dash, hovering above the ground slightly. Pinkie became impatient. 'Believe me!' She looked Rainbow Dash straight into her magenta eyes, 'I may be tired, but that doesn't change what I see!' She knew this could possibly be a lie, but her tired feeling gave her the urge to be right. Rainbow's voice was heard again. 'Listen Pinkie, I think you need to go back home.' This had been taken in the wrong way for Pinkie. 'What sort of friend are you meant to be?' She said in a stern voice. 'Hold on there Pinkie, I'm sure Rainbow didn't mean it in that way.' Rarity had appeared in the corner of her eye. It seemed like her friends were teaming up to prove her wrong, the fact they didn't even try to believe her made it better. Pinkie pulled out a firm, serious face - which also showed her anger. But her friends kept their looks of confusion. 'Fine,' Pinkie turned back, walking back to the shop, 'you'll all see..' As she opened the door, she felt like breaking down and crying. What if her friends were right, and she just left like that? They would still think she was insane. She looked towards the crumpled, damp invitation still thrown on the counter. She picked it up and took it from it's envelope. Pinkie, We are having a picnic near Sweet Apple Acres if you would like to join us. If you'd rather do other things, we'd understand completely. Hope to see you there, Your friends. It was final, her friends thought she was crazy and untruthful. She dropped the letter from her hooves slowly, and wandered up the stairs. She looked into the mirror, of course, it was her dark side. They both stayed silent. 'It's because of you..' Pinkie finally spoke, edging closer to the mirror. 'You've lost your friends trust, Pinkie.' 'And it's because.. of you.' Her voice was raising. 'Face it, Pinkie pie, you're nothing without them - they don't care for you.' 'They'll always care for me!' 'Then where are they, where are your friends now, Pinkie pie?' The last words trickled from her mouth - echoing across the room walls as silence fell for a moment. Pinkie, becoming impatient, abruptly lost all her sanity, and reared herself up, smashing her hooves against the mirror. They had their hooves pressed together as the glass cracked, as lines cracked straight around the mirror. Why, why was she smiling? Why did she have that stupid, hated smirk still lying across her face. A question asked, and answered - as Pinkie lifter her hooves from the mirror - and smashed them, once again, onto the mirror. This time, her success had shattered the mirror - as the pieces fell onto the floorboards, along with Pinkie. This was the reason her reflection was still smiling...
Don't let it change youListen to that, the birds were tweeting. Pinkie could feel a sun beam over her cover. This felt different, was it because there was no scratching of glass, or whispers and mumbles to begin her morning? Probably, whatever it was, it was nice to have a peaceful morning, alone, with a nurse at the end of her bed, scribbling something on a clipboard. Ah yes, she closed her eyes again...wait! She saw a doctor, and Twilight next to her bed, probably imagining she'd be asleep. So, she pretended she was. Dare she move, as she laid with her eyes closed, though listening. 'She has shown signs she might be.. insane,' Twilight proceeded, 'She's always acted a bit random, but never this bad.' 'Yes, we've come across these situations before, it's almost certain of her insanity.' What on earth was happening? She was more concerned of what really was happening then the conversation. Pinkie saw them all leave the room, accidentally leaving the door ajar. She immediately sat up, it was obvious her mane was straight, by the way it swayed over her shoulders as she moved. But this wasn't the thing that mostly bothered her, it was the sharp pains across her neck. She looked down - bloodstained. There were scars and cuts across her neck - and across her stomach, written with a sharp piece of broken glass, only just could have been read the words 'Over here.' She flung the covers off from over her, close to bringing tears - but she refused to cry, not now. She got up, and limped into the lavatory attached into a corner of the room. She opened the door, without waiting, stared into the mirror. She saw the dark side of her again. 'What have you done?!' She screeched almost quietly, but just so she wouldn't be heard. To her surprise, the reflection followed her every move - not one delay. Was this a game her reflection played? No... this was truly her, the dull eyes, the straight mane, she could even remember the exact same scars across her neck. 'Pinkie, are you awake?' Twilight had just walked in - it was obvious she had seen her out of bed. Pinkie slowly came back into the room, and sat on the side of her bed. 'Twilight, what's going on?' 'It's going to be alright, Pinkie, you're safe here.' She could tell Twilight was just trying to help, and held back her fury inside for her friends not trusting her. 'Where is everypony else?' 'They will come and visit you.' 'Why aren't they here right now.' Pinkie's voice was not becoming louder, but she was speaking faster - as if she longed for the answer. There was a short silence from both of them. 'They'll come..' She walked out, leaving her just a smile - which almost forced her to beg her to stay. She watched her walk around the corner, unable to be seen. Pinkie felt the lonesome pang in her chest again, as she swallowed - an ache in her head occurred, this was still another sign that she felt lonely. 'Now what?' A voice came from the other side of the room, behind a curtain as a hoof from the other side pulled it to one side. It was an elder pony, though he didn't look too old. His mane was white, and messy, he wore the hospital gown. It was obvious he shared this room with Pinkie. This came clear to her, that she was in a mental hospital. 'Hu?' 'I said 'Now what'.' He repeated, sarcastically. 'Yeah, I heard you, I just don't understand what you meant.' She replied, swapping which side she hung her hooves over. 'Well it's clear you don't belong here, you're like me.' 'Like you?' This came out more rudely then Pinkie had meant it to be. But the old pony chuckled. 'All my friends thought I was crazy too, you know - but I told the truth about the things I saw.' Pinkie knew what he meant, he didn't seem insane. 'So, now what?' He repeated, in a friendly way. Pinkie sighed, looking down at the floor. 'I..don't know, anymore..' She seemed ashamed to say this, like she had given up. 'Then go and find out!' He offered a persuasive smile. Pinkie smiled back, looking out the window next to him. It all seemed so dull....it all seemed so dull, her reflection! It had struck her that she had broken the mirror, what had happened after that she didn't know, but she was, quoted, going to go and find out. 'Don't let it change you, kid.' He said, just before she had been able to gallop through the door, throwing the gown onto the bed. She briefly looked back at him, he was right, this reflection was starting to change her, the eyes, the mane, the scars, but it didn't change her friendship - it couldn't, and she wouldn't let it. She galloped out of the hospital easily, the gown would have been a distraction, but now she blended in with the visitors. She was still new, so her face wouldn't have been recognized by the staff. The outdoors wind flew past her, it was gorgeous. She hadn't had time to enjoy it for so long. Where would her reflection be? Only now, it wasn't her reflection - it was a cold hearted, blooded pony rampaging through the town, harming as she pleases and destroying many things in her way. Probably. The Everfree forest was a few meters away from her position, she could see it's dark mist and fog, with branches sticking out as if there were strange creatures lurking between the tree's. This was what gave the game away, the nagging, mumbling voice that begged Pinkie to come closer into the forest. This time, she was far from scared anymore. As Pinkie slowly wandered past the many overhanging branches and thorns, her mind still echoed worries and cautions. It all went silent. It may have seemed strange, but the silence was the main thing that told Pinkie she was set in the right place, it lingered on for a while - until she heard another voice. The first time Pinkie had been even slightly startled for a while, was when she heard that clear voice. It didn't echo, it didn't mumble or nag, it was clear as daylight, and awaiting her to find it. This was the real thing, that had to be noticed.. 'Over here...' Pinkie shot round, spinning on the spot. She could only see fog. 'Over here...' This time, the voice was beginning to feel misty and echo. She turned round again, there was more fog. 'Leave me alone!' She yelled into the forest. There was another silence. Had her darker side obeyed? 'Peekaboo.' That was it, Pinkie turned straight around as the last word had been heard to drip from her cold lips. She was there - stood with that smirk, again. That stupid smirk.
The last piece'I'm over here, Pinkie pie.' Pinkie saw her edge closer. 'Get away from me.' Pinkie snapped. She stopped dead, still wearing that smirk. 'But why, I'm your only friend.' This wasn't true, 'All your other friends think you're insane.' Pinkie became impatient again, but she didn't know what to say - all her friends did think she was insane. But this wasn't how it ended. 'They think I'm insane because of you!' Pinkie screeched. But the reflection seemed to have wiped that smirk from her face completely, and give a confusion look of anger. 'Look at yourself Pinkie,' She stared at Pinkie's straight mane, dull eyes, scars and cuts, 'I am you.' Her voice got quieter, and hissed, almost, towards the end. Pinkie would have denied it, but it was true. They were both exactly the same. She sat down and lowered her head. 'It's true...' Her reflection smiled again. 'You'd look in the mirror and it would all become clear to you.' Leaving her only that, Pinkie looked up to see her gone. 'Become clear to me..?' She was regaining hope again, and stood up. The door was thrown open, almost swinging off it's hinges as Pinkie ran up to her room in the shop. The glass pieces were still smashed, and there was only the frame left of the whole mirror. Pinkie stared into one piece of broken glass, and saw her eyes slightly brighten up to the idea. Pinkie waited for a moment, hiding the mirror behind herself. She had puzzled the pieces back together, all except one - which seemed to be lost. It was the one that marked the word 'Over.' As Pinkie looked over to one side of the room, there was a faint shadow effect over one ponies eyes. One ponies dull eyes. 'You'll be finished with.' Pinkie said to her. Her voice had gathered up bravery once again. 'Finished with?' That smirk had returned, 'I'd like to see you try.' 'You're pathetic, hated, you can't even begin to harm me.' Pinkie had never acted this way before, as she tilted her head. 'Oh yeah, let's see that you're wrong!' She bent her legs down and lowered her head, in a charging position. It was almost obvious where this was going. 'Go back to where you belong!' This was the last words Pinkie had to shout, before the darker Pinkie had been pounding her hooves across the bedroom floor. She pounced, her front hooves lifted, aiming at Pinkie pie - only to watch her leap to one side, falling on her side. At that moment, everything had seemed to slow down for a brief moment, which gave her darker side time to look at Pinkie as she lunged aside, with confusion, then look back at the mirror - with horror. She screamed, her whole body sinking into it's reflective surface as the whole mirror glow white, igniting the room with a misty, brightest light. Pinkie covered her eyes, holding them closed. Pinkie gasped, sitting upright in her bed. The day was here, though she could hear her heart pounding hard against her chest. She looked around the room. It was very slightly blurry, as she rubbed her eyes. She remembered everything - the mirror, the reflection, even the hospital. It felt like a dream, but that could be questioned, as it didn't fully feel right. Pinkie looked at her clock, hung high on her wall. '9:22' It told her. But when she looked down again, there was that something that could almost not be noticed, but she did notice it. The last piece of the mirror, and that very one word that told her everything was over.
