Chapter ___

Ponyville was a very odd town. Ponies not privy to the area might not even know about it. Although, with new, recent events, perhaps you might have heard of it. Most of the odd stuff happens in Ponyville. You'd find a surprising number of notable ponies living there, but none of them really celebrities. Their fame is legendary, to the point that formalities are often forsaken in favor of a more friendly greeting.

These ponies are, of course, the elements of harmony. Representing, and begin represented by the element of harmony that they represent the most.

Firstly, there's Twilight Sparkle. Starting out a young foal entranced by magic, then being taken in by Celestia herself for formal training in the arcane arts. Now, you can find her in her castle, solving friendship problems and the like.

Another familiar face might be Applejack, bearer of honesty, who currently runs and manages Sweet Apple Acres.

The element of loyalty, Rainbow Dash, is infamous from her affiliation with the Wonderbolts, and acts of heroism throughout Ponyville.

Rarity is an up-and-coming beautician,who bears generosity, and owns Carousel Boutique, which is often commissioned for work by famous photographers and models.

Perhaps the least well known is Fluttershy, though her brief stint as a model may have spread her name. She bears Kindness.

Last, but not least, is party planner extraordinaire: Pinkie Pie. Bearing laughter, she is known far and wide for her extreme party planning skills.

Today however? Nothing interesting is happening in Ponyville at all. That, and a long overdue vacation is planned by the only notable ponies in Ponyville. Where to, you may ask?

To the only bloody place more boring than a(n average) small town of course! They went on a camping trip.

To some, this may seem like its not all that bad. But, several of these ponies are well established in business, one's a princess, one's a vet, one's a hero, and one...

Well, one plans parties.

Its never bothered Pinkie, not having any real responsibility. After all, with that much freedom comes the task of keeping the whole town up in spirits. However, there is one thing she doesn't get.

Why couldn't she bring her party cannon?

"For the last time, Pinkie, ya aint bringin that thing on a campin trip. Now quit askin!"

Right, that's why.

It irked Pinkie to know that sometimes, her friends had the end-all opinion over what happens. She rarely, if ever, had any sort of dictatorial position. Though it was probably for lack of trying.

"Pinkie, are you alright dear?" Came the voice of Rarity. Pinkie jumped slightly at the question, but remained looking at the ground. Had she been looking at it the whole time?

"Er, Pinkie, are you awake in there?" Rainbow followed, after it became apparent Pinkie wasn't answering. That seemed to do the trick, as barely a split second later, Pinkie responded very shortly and quickly, "yes, I'm fine."

This was a blatant lie, and all she'd managed to do was turn the attention of everpony there onto her.

Suspicion evident in her voice, Twilight said, "listen, Pinkie. If you don't want to share, you don't have to. But its obvious that there's something wrong."

Pinkie accepted defeat with a drawn out sigh, and sat down. Eyeing each other, the five other ponies sat down in a semi-circle around, and Twilight stopped levitating their camping stuff.

"I just," Pinkie began, "never really thought about it before, but," she gestured to Applejack, "you have Sweet Apple Acres," to Rarity, "you have the boutique, you have the castle, and princess... stuff," She said, gesturing to Twilight in turn. "And you have animals, and you have wonderbolts, and-"

"Pinkie, I think I speak for all of us when I say: I get it. Though I don't quite get where your going with this." Applejack said, her eyes widening with love for her friend. "But I think telling us will help."

Pinkie just looked at all her friends, smiling widely, before spilling.

"I mean, what I'm getting at is; you all have responsibility: work. You all have something, a foundation for what you do. I'm just sort of sporadic; unpredictable and random, and I don't know what to do next. Sure, I have the cakes, and the bakery, and the two adorable little foals-" she cut herself off, not getting too off topic, "but in the end, I've got nothing solid."

All of her friends were looking at her with compassion and some, a new found respect for their friend. They gathered in for a group hug, and Pinkie just smiled.

"Pinkie, don't worry about any of that. You are our friend, and we'll help you find something to do. We'll work this out. Together."

"Thanks Fluttershy," replied Pinkie, and the hug broke shortly after. "Thank all of you, seriously. But, lets get back to camping!"

And so, they slowly pushed the issue into the back of their minds, at Pinkie's insistence. Games were played, and nice, fire-cooked meals were make. But, as with all good things, it was time to wrap up the fun; it was getting late, and the moon was nearing its zenith.

"Well, I think I'm gonna call it a night, sleep well ya'll," said Applejack, as she went into her pitched tent, courtesy of Twilight.

"Yeah, I agree, its far too dark to do much of anything at this point. Have a good rest!" Twilight said, already halfway in her tent.

A chorus of "good night"s and "sleep tight"s went around, and a total of five tents closed up for the night. A Pink tent was left vacant, but zipped up all the same. Pinkie needed time to think.

And time she would certainly get.