Chapter 1: Ponyville
“Have you ever wondered what I wonder, Blinkie?”
“What’s that, Inkie?”
“Have you ever wondered if this is a dream, or not?”
“I’ve… Never thought about things like that, sis…”
“Do you miss Pinkie…?”
“Everyone misses Pinkie, sis…”
“I miss her… And mom and dad…”
“I know, sis… I know…”
Blinkie Pie gasped, waking up in her bedroom in a cold sweat. She sighed, putting a hoof on her head. “Not that dream again…” She muttered, before sitting up in her bed, looking down at her blank, grey blanket that was over her hind legs. The rock farm had fallen apart a long time ago. Blinkie couldn’t bring herself to leave as easily as Inkie and Pinkie. This place was her home. If she left, it would be abandoned.
The Pie parents had passed away about a while ago. It’s been six years since Pinkie Pie left, and four since Inkie Pie left. Inkie was the youngest of the three siblings; Pinkie Pie was the oldest, leaving Blinkie in the middle. “Why can’t things be the way they were before… When Pinkie threw that party for us… When we were all happier with our lives…” She muttered, before slowly slipping out of her bed.
Blinkie lives just outside of a small group of homes, on the rock farm that she and the rest of her family used to maintain. The rock farm was there for those who needed decorative stones, for gardens or even castle courtyards. It used to be the best service that anypony could ask for, even if the three fillies didn’t know it at first. Now, the place was nearly abandoned, as Pinkie had moved to Ponyville and became a hero to all of Equestria as the Element of Laughter, while Inkie left to go to Manehatten, and become a teacher.
Blinkie walked to the kitchen, and picked up a snack bar for breakfast. Nothing too sweet, it was at least healthy. The problem was that it was all she ever ate around here, snack bars and tap water. The ponies that lived in the small gathering of houses outside of the farm were somewhat worried for Blinkie. One of the elderly mares had actually come and told Blinkie that, maybe, it was time to pursue happiness, rather than wait for it where it will never return.
That exchange happened just yesterday, and Blinkie had thought about it. Maybe it would help with these restless nights she’s been having lately. The recurring dream of when Blinkie and Inkie were younger, after Pinkie dashed off to Ponyville to become a baker and party planner. Their father, Clyde, had passed away a year before the eldest sister left, and their mother Roxy passed on a year after. Blinkie still remembers as if it were yesterday: she and Inkie sitting on their bed, talking to one another. Inkie missed their family, and Blinkie was the eldest there. She had to take care of things. Maybe that mindset has remained, and that’s why she wants to keep the rock farm in her daily routine.
However, today, she would have to beat that darkness. It clouded her heart with sad emotions, in herself and in every pony around her. The small gathering of houses outside was full of worried ponies, of all ages. The foals were afraid that Blinkie might go crazy, while the older ponies were worried about her after losing so much. Blinkie had her things packed in a matter of minutes, as she had very little to herself anyway. She put white sheets over the furniture. She wanted to preserve what she could, in case she lost heart and wanted to come back.
She stepped out the front door, and looked around. A gentle breeze was about, which would cause a mild flow to her somewhat raggedy mane. It was strange that Blinkie’s mane had retained its flat, somewhat droopy manner. Inkie’s had gotten a sort of crimp, while Pinkie’s inflated like a balloon. Blinkie looked at the sky. It always seemed so bleak here, but it was home. It was where she belonged, right?
She didn’t want to dwell on her memories here, the good ones nor the bad, and started to walk along down the path. Her hooves were silent since the ground was a powder-like substance, somewhat thicker than sand, but not quite dirt. It only ever made sound when one galloped on it, which Blinkie was nowhere near inclined to do. She continued walking towards the small set of houses, all nice and calm outside the entrance to the farm.
Blinkie’s parents were friends with quite a few of the residents here, and Pinkie was friends with all of them. Inkie and Blinkie had kept to themselves most of their lives, and weren’t as ready to abandon that as Pinkie was that day. However, Inkie had warmed up and started to talk to the ponies that lived here. Blinkie was still quite secluded at the time. She looked around the small sort of village, with a little over a dozen ponies living in it, including families. There were only seven houses, not including the farm. Blinkie was approached by the mare who spoke to her yesterday, and elderly one named Grandma Rivet. She was a repair-pony back in her day, and was called Simple Rivet at the time due to the simplicity of the repairs she was able to make.
Grandma Rivet looked at Blinkie Pie, and gave a gentle smile as she approached. “How are you, my dear…?” She asked, before noticing the saddlebags on Blinkie’s back. “You… Thought about what I said?” the elderly mare asked. “All night,” Blinkie told her, before looking at the broken sign that marked the entrance to the Pie family’s rock farm. Blinkie frowned gently, a tear in her eye as she said “I belong here… But happiness doesn’t… I need to find it… Maybe I can even bring it here when I do…” “I’m sure you’ll find it wherever you go, dear,” the old mare said.
Blinkie nodded, before turning her head to look at the old mare. Grandma Rivet stood on a rather brightly colored path, which was really just really light dirt, and lush grass surrounded the houses that were there. On the other hoof, Blinkie Pie was still standing on the powdery path, which was a light grey, and surrounding it on the rock farm property was stone, as they had to dig out a rather large hill to get to the rocks that they made their livelihood from.
Blinkie hadn’t noticed the possible symbolism that could come from her stepping off of the dark pathway for the first time in what could be years. She was stepping away from her old home, Stepping away from her memories, leaving them behind underneath those white sheets, to be kept alive until she returned, so she may bring her own happiness to her old home, where she’s lived her entire life. She hasn’t thought about where her search will begin, but she’s decided that she’ll start with the happiest pony she knows.
“Is your grandson still going to Ponyville?” Blinkie asked, looking at Grandma Rivet as she finally steps away from the grey path completely. The old mare nodded, saying “Yes. He’s going to fix a broken stove… I think it’s at the bakery your sister works in.” “Then could I get a ride with him…? He’s taking his cart, right?” Blinkie asked, hoping that he indeed was. Bolt was always taking that cart when he went to go to any job. Nut was the one who didn’t. “He is. He says that if you’d like, you can say good bye to everypony here before leaving. He’ll wait,” Grandma Rivet said, to which Blinkie let out a weak chuckle. “You act like I’m not coming back…” She said.
“It’s not a sure thing… But it’s good to be safe,” Grandma Rivet told Blinkie. The grey mare nodded, and said “Alright then. Thank you.” She walked past the old mare, who smiled before heading into her home. Blinkie went to the first house that came to mind: the Clef family. Their daughter had left to become a cello player, and was actually quite successful, actually playing at the Grand Galloping Gala annually. Blinkie knocked on the door, and Octavia’s father, Bass Clef, opened the door. “Oh, hello there, aren’t you Clyde’s daughter? I thought you went to Manehatten,” The old stallion said. Blinkie shook her head, and told Bass “That’s Inkie, Bass. I’m Blinkie, her older sister.” “Ooh, that’s right, I remember now. You never really left, hm?” The old stallion asked. “That’s right, sir. But today, I kind of am…” Blinkie said, hesitating to do so. It was tough to get used to the idea that she was leaving.
“Oh, you’re goin’ away too, hm? I hope things go well for you, don’t forget to visit, okay?” Bass Clef said, making Blinkie smile warmly. She was glad that somepony wanted her to visit, even if they didn’t know one-another. “Tell your wife Treble that I said good bye. I’ll visit someday,” Blinkie said, before turning to walk away. “Hey, wait,” Bass said, causing Blinkie to look over her shoulder. The old stallion said “Could you hold on there for a minute? I just remembered somethin’ that Octy wanted me to give you.”
Octavia left the same year that Roxy, Blinkie’s mother, died. What could Octavia have left behind, or even sent, for Blinkie? They were somewhat good friends when the two were younger, a year after Pinkie threw that party. Their mother and father decided to start letting them socialize with others around here, and Blinkie met Octavia. It was that same year that Blinkie got her cutie mark, which was like her fathers, a pickaxe; however there was a star just below the lower point of the head of the axe. Probably so they were a little different. It was one of those other things that made Blinkie want to stay at the farm.
Bass Clef caught Blinkie as she was in thought, and looked at him. The old stallion was holding a keychain with a bass clef and treble clef on the end of it. “Here you go. She sent it to you after spotting Pinkie Pie at the Gala last year, but I haven’t seen you around…” Bass Clef said. Blinkie smiled, and accepted the keychain, saying “Thank you, sir.” Bass Clef smiled, and said “You be good, okay?” “I will,” Blinkie told him, before saying good bye once more and walking away.
After a few more, less eventful visits with other residents, Blinkie found Bolt with Nut at the cart. She approached, saying “Nut? Bolt? I’m ready to go.” “Alright Blinkie, let’s get going,” Bolt, a somewhat larger stallion thanks to his work in moving and repairs, hitched up to the cart as Blinkie climbed on. Nut climbed on as well. He was a little small than Bolt, which made him average size for a full grown stallion. Being the younger brother, he’s always looked up to Bolt, which was obvious as they were both in the family business, with Nut following Bolt’s example.
Blinkie was silent for most of the trip. Her mane was somewhat long, and flowed in the gentle breeze of their movement in the open cart. Her eyes watched the scenery. It wasn’t as bleak and grey as the farm, it was sort of nice to see the things that she only really cared to see in pamphlets in the mail, and books around the house. She glanced over, and through her mane she caught Nut staring. She rolled her eyes playfully, although clearly the stallion on the cart didn’t see it because of her mane.
The trip was silent, and eventually that breeze died down as they started to approach the town. “We’re almost there. Nut, can you get me the clipboard? Should be right next to the toolbox,” Bolt said. Nut grabbed the clipboard using his magic, as he was a unicorn while Bolt was an Earth Pony, and said “Here ya go, Bolt!” Bolt took the clipboard with his teeth, nodding before they finally entered the town. Blinkie smiled at the somewhat bustling scene around her. This town was rather busy, it would seem.
The three of them made it to Sugar Cube Corner, the bakery where Nut and Bolt had to make repairs to the stove. Blinkie got off of the cart, saying “Thanks, you guys.” “Not a problem, Blinkie. Don’t forget to visit,” Bolt said. Nut remained silent, and Blinkie went inside as Bolt went to the back door, where the kitchen was obviously. Blinkie approached the counter, and the mare standing there looked at her. “Why hello there! How may I help you?” The mare asked. She seemed to be middle-aged, and in Blinkie’s eyes a little overweight. The bakery was decorated in a bright, playful color scheme. A more emphasized version of the rest of the town.
Blinkie looked at the mare at the counter, and asked “Hi, could you tell me where Pinkie Pie is?” “Pinkie Pie? She’s upstairs in her apartment, why do you ask?” The mare asked. “I’m her sister, I came to visit—“ Blinkie was interrupted by an excited squeal before being hit by a sort of tackle-hug. A familiar, yet changed voice shouting “SISSY! You’re here!! I’m so happy!!” Blinkie couldn’t help but actually laugh, for the first time in a very long time, as she hugged her pink sister back.
Pinkie and Blinkie hugged for some time, but eventually the two of them were separated as Pinkie asked “What brings you here? I don’t even know where you went after… Well…” “I never left. I stayed at the farm,” Blinkie told Pinkie Pie, which made her elder sister blink a few times. “How did you stay? That place is pretty Bor-ing!” Pinkie said, before Blinkie sighed, looking at the floor some. “It… It’s home. I could barely drag myself away to come here, Pinkie. And I have something to ask you,” Blinkie said, looking at Pinkie with a begging expression. She could see Pinkie was worried, and she asked “What’s up, sis?” “Could you let me stay here? Until I find what I’m looking for?” Blinkie asked, to which Pinkie quickly shouted “Of course, sis! It’ll be like a big sleepover!” She gasped, and started to rant on about everything they could do while Blinkie was there.
Blinkie spaced out partway through the rambling. Her mind brought her back to the exchange she and Inkie had after their mother died. It wasn’t long after then that Inkie decided that she wanted to be a teacher. Blinkie hoped that’s what happened, but has barely heard from either of her sisters since they left. She couldn’t help but feel powerless when Inkie asked those questions. Inkie wanted everything back to the way they were when they were all a family, when they were all happier than then. Blinkie couldn’t do that, it wasn’t in her power.
Blinkie had vowed that things would get better after that.
After Pinkie and Blinkie caught up a bit, Pinkie took her sister upstairs to show her the apartment. It was actually fairly sized, and Pinkie lived up here for somewhat reduced pay in the bakery downstairs? An odd concept, Blinkie thought, but she didn’t question it. Pinkie then told Blinkie that she wouldn’t have to really pay rent, but if she felt inclined to contribute the bakery was always looking for help. Blinkie was glad for the offer, and knew she would consider helping out. She couldn’t rightly stay here for free.
Blinkie put her saddlebag down beside the spare bed that Pinkie had, and looked at a nearby door. They were on a second floor, what could a door outside lead to? She approached it, and nudged it open with her nose, looking at the balcony. This was nice, just a little space for taking in the outdoors without having to go far. This would be a good sanctuary for Blinkie to enjoy herself. She looked out at the bright blue sky, a smile on her face as the wind swept her mane to the side. The flowing was similar to when she was on her way to this town, however this time she had a smile on her face. She had a good feeling about this trip. So good she did something unusual for her.
The climbed up onto the railing of the balcony, standing on her hind legs, she spread her front legs in a sort of embrace, taking in the breeze. That’s when she felt her hoof slip. She slipped, and saw herself fall to the ground. While she was expecting a tumble to the ground, instead, as she made contact with the dirt path, everything shattered around her like glass, and she felt like she’d landed in water. She fell down in this strange sensation, before looking down. Far below, was a large circle of light, apparently stained glass. The pattern was a picture of her. She looked like she was laying down, her mane spread about, but her legs looks like she was floating in the air. She felt herself gently land on the ground, and looked at the stained glass. It was solid, at least.
All around the circle of light, was pitch black. Like a beacon of hope in darkness. That’s when she heard a voice. It was cheery, like Pinkie Pie’s, but it wasn’t her at all. In fact, it was a male voice, and it sounded like it belonged to someone quite little but mature. “Welcome,” The voice said. It wasn’t foreboding. It was almost as friendly as her sister, even. “W-Where am I?” Blinkie asked, looking around again. The regal decorations on the stained glass were quite ornate, but at the same time, somewhat depressing and bleak.
“Don’t be afraid,” The voice said, “Step forward.”
