The Life of Derpy (Head Canon)

Chapters

Welcome Home
Life in Ponyville
Alone
New Beginnings

Welcome Home

“It’s a neurological problem called Strabismus.” said the doctor. “There’s no way to fix it?” asked Ruby, “Surely, out of all of Cloudsdale, there’s something you can do.” “I’m sorry.” Replied the doctor “We’ve done everything we can. There’s just no way to treat it. At least if there is, we don’t have the ability here.”

Ruby took the new born filly from the doctor and looked down upon the bundled up pony. She had a grey body and a soft golden mane. Then the little filly opened her eyes. Ruby, her mother, looked at it with a glare of disappointment. The little fillies yellow eyes were crossed and crooked. “Is there a father around?” asked the doctor. Ruby sighed, and looked up. “No. He thought his racing career was too much of an independent occupancy for us.” “Oh, I see.” replied the doctor awkwardly, “Well again I am sorry about your daughters condition.” “What does it do?” asked Ruby? “Nothing harmful.” replied the doctor, “It’s just that she may have a difficulty in vision and with that a bit of off coordination. Might I ask what you’re going to name her?” Ruby looked at the filly who was still peering back at her. “Nothing that talks the talk, but can’t walk the walk. So, Ditzy. Ditzy Doo.” The doctor looked at Ruby with a sour look, but wrote down the name onto a form.

Ruby was Ditzy’s mother and a successful WonderBolt. One of Ruby's closest friends, who was also former captain, was a mare named Spitfire. When they would meet up, Ruby's newborn and its condition was frequently a conversation starter. “I’m telling you Spats,” said Ruby one day, while talking to Spit Fire over lunch, “I just don’t know what to do with her. I’ve got a career to keep up and no school in Cloudsdale will take her because of her… You know... Condition”

CloudsDale was a place of business and perfection. Young Ditzy having her problem was in of itself a problem for CloudsDale. For such a perfectionist place to have a resident who was an outcast of sorts was something that could not be overlooked as just a simple characteristic flaw. Therefore no school or anything besides her mother, who was often quite reluctant, would watch over Ditzy.

“You’ve tried everything?” asked Spit Fire. “Yes!” replied Ruby, “and I just don’t know what to do.” “Well where is she now?” asked Spitfire. “I’ve got a friend watching her for the day.” It grew silent for a bit in the conversation. Then Spit Fire suddenly spoke up, “Hey what if…What if I were to say… You know take the kid off your hands for a while.” What do you mean?” asked Ruby. “You heard me.” said Spit Fire, sounding more exajerated now, “The kid can come live with me. You know I’m retired now and so I’ve got more time on my hands. Plus I’ve always wanted kids so it could be interesting in a way.” Ruby’s eyes brightened with glee, “I could privately teach her and...” “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you so much Spats!” cried Ruby, “You would really do that?” “Sure why not? It’ll be fun. It’ll give me something to handle during all this free time.” replied Spitfire. “Oh thank you so much!” Ruby hugged Spite Fire tightly, “No problem.” said Spit Fire. It it quietly dawned upon Spitfire that this type of gratitude was more for pity, and relief than it was actually meant for an act of helpfulness and friendship...

The day came when Ditzy was to go with Spit Fire to live with her on the other side of Cloudsdale. Ruby waved them off a bright smile, excited to get back to her successful career with no further distractions. Meanwhile Ditzy was utterly confused and a bit shaken. Being as little as she was she didn’t understand what was going on except that she was going away from her mother, the care taker who brought her into this big world, but yet was also supposed to be her protector. “Hey don’t look so down kid,” said Spitfire “You’re just gonna hang with me for a while. You’ll be back with your mamma before you know it.” At this she gave a wink and a friendly comforting smile to the little filly who was now riding on her back. Ditzy smiled back and continued to look in the direction of her home with her bright, hopeful, yet cheerful eyes.

For the next few years on the far ends of Cloudsdale Ditzy was raised by Spitfire as if she was her own filly. She cared for her and treated her with love and kindness for Spitfire was caring and patient unlike most popular Pegasus at the time. Ditzy would ask at times about returning home and when she would see her real parents again. Although Spitfire loved the company of Ditzy she would often contact her mother and ask if she had any interest in taking back the filly. She would get replies like “Just a little while longer.” Or, She’s just so busy right now but give it a month or so.” Spitfire felt sorry for Ditzy after a whileand was running out of excuses to give her for the delay of being with her parents once more. Ditzy would hastily ask after a phone conversation between Spitfire and Ruby, “Well. Can I go! Can I go see them yet? Pleeaase?”, Mnay a time Ditzy would look into Spitfire’s eyes, widened with hope and excitement. Spitfire would look back into her eyes and sometimes sheading a tear knowing that the answer would break Ditzy’s heart…

Spitfire gave Ditzy flying lessons and academic lessons just like any other teacher did and just as well as one too. Perhaps it was even better, considering that for the most part it was just the two of them therefore Ditzy had as much attention as she needed. She would learn to spell, count, all the simple things.

Since Spitfire didn’t have much of a clue on how to really praise kids for doing well on something since she never had kids of her own until Ditzy came along, she decided that a good way to reward Ditzy for good work was by a good treat. So each time Ditzy got a really big question correct in math or learned to spell out a certain word she would bake Ditzy a muffin. Muffins became Derpy’s favorite food. She liked all sorts of muffins and would want to bake them with Spitfire whenever she got the chance.

One year for Ditzy’s 10th birthday Spit Fire decided to do something really special for Ditzy. While Ditzy was playing in the clouds one day, gathering them up and throwing them everywhere or running straight into them and backing out again, Spit Fire baked a whole basket of muffins for Ditzy. There were all sorts of muffins, like Coffee, Blue Berry, Chocolate, and much more.

“Ditzy!” called Spitfire “Come inside!” Ditzy raced strait through the front door and almost crashed into the kitchen table, before being caught by Spitfire. “Careful!” exclaimed Spitfire, “Anxious are we?” Ditzy giggled and asked “Why do ya want me?” “Do you have any idea what day today is?” asked Spit Fire in reply, “Oh that’s easy,” Ditzy replied “Tuesday!” “Haha, yes but what else is today?” “I dunno.” Ditzy shrugged “It’s your birthday!” Exclaimed Spitfire, loudly “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, yes it is! Is it?” said Ditzy “Yes it is sweetie,” said Spit Fire, stroking Ditzy’s mane. “and I want you to close your eyes and slowly count to ten.” Ditzy nodded and shut her eyes tight. “One! Two! Three! Wait what are you doing?” she asked “You don’t worry about that,” said Spit Fire “you just close those special eyes of yours and ill be right back.” “Uh, Okay” obeyed Ditzy, “Three! Four!” Spit Fire backed away and went into the kitchen. “Five! Six! Seven!” Spit Fire returned with the basket behind her back “Eight! Nine! Ten!” she opened her eyes, “Surprise!” yelled Spit Fire and brought the basket out from behind her and set them down in front of Ditzy, “Happy Birthday sweetie!”

Ditzy looked at the basket with amazement. “Oh. My. Gosh! Muffins!” she shrieked. Ditzy started grabbing handfuls of muffins and started to chow down on them. Bits of crumbs littered the floor, but Spit Fire ignored the mess. She just loved seeing how happy Ditzy was, considering that this was probably the best gift Ditzy had ever gotten for her birthday. Other little ponies around Cloudsdale were normally from quite wealthy families. They would get things like whole doll houses or expensive accessories for their wings and things of that nature, But Ditzy didn’t care. She was just so happy to have the two things she loves most; Spitfire and muffins.

“Woah, woah there honey. If you don’t slow down with those you’ll get yourself a bad tummy ache” said Spit Fire. “Worth it!” cried Ditzy, and she continued with her muffins. Stuffing a whole one half way into her mouth and barely chewing it before swallowing it. “C’mon now Ditzy. Let’s save some for later okay?” said Spit Fire, slowing taking back the basket. “Awe” said Ditzy. She began to frown with a disappointed look in her face. “Hey now don’t worry!” soothed Spit Fire. She came closer to Ditzy, secretively looked around, and whispered, “I still have another surprise for ya.” “Oh my gosh, really?” shrieked Ditzy “What is it! What is it!” she began to jump up and down excitedly. Spit Fire laughed and from behind her, brought out two pieces of paper. “What are those?” asked Ditzy. “These..” exclaimed Spit Fire “are tickets to the Wonder Bolt Rally this Saturday!” “Woah! The Wonder Bolts!” cheered Ditzy, “That’s awesome!” Ditzy clapped but then stopped. “Wait.” She paused and gasped “Mommy’s a Wonder Bolt just like you were! So that means…” she paused and thought about this. “We get to see Mommy!” “That’s right Ditzy! We get to see Mommy!” Spit Fire repeated. The two mares jumped up and down excitedly. “Will she be happy to see me?” asked Ditzy. “You bet your little tush she will!” jeered Spit Fire “Oh thank you, thank you!” cried Ditzy as she gave Spit Fire a big hug and didn’t let go. “I can’t wait till I finally get to see Mommy!” Ditzy began to shed a little tear of joy. Spit Fire hugged back tightly shedding one as well.

The big day arrived and both Ditzy and Spit Fire left the cloud house to the Stadium. Spit Fire being a former Wonder Bolt was escorted to a private box in the crowd where many other V.I.P ponies were. “When are they coming?” asked Ditzy. “Don’t worry Ditzy. The show will be starting soon. After about ten minutes later drums began to play and a marching band flew swiftly in formation. They marched all around the inside of the stadium until they fully circled it. Then a single Pegasus came out a blew a trumpet.

All of a sudden drum roll started and he began to loudly speak, “Ladies and gentle colts. To commence the fiftieth annual Wonder Bolt Rally in Clouds Dale, please welcome Princess Cellestia!” Then high in the crowd on the other side of the stadium from Ditzy and Spit Fire, in a large show box curtains rolled back revealing the beautiful unicorn Pegasus princess Cellestia. She waved to everyone around the stadium and the approached a microphone and said, “Everyone, let the rally begin!” The entire crowd roared and then fireworks boomed in the sky and suddenly the squad of Wonder Bolts emerged from the light and flew all around the stadium as fast as a jet, leaving behind cloud trails.

The WonderBolts split up and preformed flips and spins all around the air. One of them would fly as high as possible and then jet down at amazing speeds but pull up at the last second. They flew through numerous fire lit hoops thrown into the air. They flew and spun blind folded and would swish past the crowds blowing every-pony back with great force. These type of aerobatics went on throughout the show.

Suddenly out of the blue, the drums played again and in the sky appeared a second squad of Wonder Bolts. They formed in a V-formation like birds they all doveinto numerous stunts of all kinds.

“Look! There’s Mommy!” cried Ditzy as she pointed to Ruby who was leading the squad. “Oh yeah, there she sure is look at her!” jeered Spit Fire. The squad did loops and spirals in the air and looped down into the stadium preparing for the finale. They spiraled down at great speeds all still in formation leaving behind rainbow trails making it look like one big rainbow tornado. The group split and traveled upwards, but Ruby free fell. Then each half of the squad swooped down to her and just as Ruby was a about to complete the maneuver by jetting upwards leading the squad in a sonic cloud burst, Ditzy cheered her mother on, “Go Mommy go!” “Ditzy?” said Ruby distracted in confusion.

The Wonder Bolt squad continued to dive down, but Ruby forgot to take the lead and all of them collided and crash into each other! Each pony was thrown with force in every direction, into the crowd and into each other. The finale was ruined… The crowd gasped and a scream was heard somewhere amongst them. But then the crowd grew silent, all glaring in the direction of Ditzy and Spit Fire, shaking their heads. “Uh oh.” said Ditzy as she cowered down behind Spit Fire. All the Wonder Bolt members moaned and groaned in deep pain.

Paramedics reached the scene with dollies and back boards and hauled each of them away one by one. The crowd shuffled and began to leave, for the show was obviously at its end. Ruby, very injured, flew up to the V.I.P box where Spit Fire and Ditzy was. “Look! Mommy’s okay!” cried Ditzy to Spit Fire. “Oh no.” said Spit Fire to herself quietly. Ruby approached them with a stern glare. “Hi Mommy!” said Ditzy as she got up to go hug Ruby, “I missed you so much!” Ruby dodged Ditzy, ignoring her and went closer to Spit Fire. “Do you see what you did! What are you doing bringing her here?” she asked sternly. “She wanted to see her Mother, who’s been rejecting her for so long if you may know.” scolded Spitfire. “Don’t you get the drift?” barked back Ruby, “No one needs her around. Not Me. Not my husband. No one!” she paused for breath then looked back at Ditzy who looked at Ruby with a sunken face. Tears began to emerge from Ditzy’s confused eyes. “A pony like her doesn’t belong here in Cloudsdale, or anywhere else for that matter. I saw this from the beginning, which was why I were so thankful for you to take her off of our hands.” She exclaimed. “But… Mommy?” whimpered Ditzy as more tears began to roll down her grey cheeks. She was soaking in every word her mother said. This might’ve been the first time Ditzy actually had understood fully of what was happening around her. Ruby turned back to Spit Fire. “You’re a monster.” stated Spit Fire, stiffly as she rose to Ditzy’s side. “Take her away from here.” said Ruby, she looked back to Ditzy who was silent. “Take that weird eyed freak away from me and all of Cloudsdale.” She turned to Spit Fire “And I don’t care if you ever come back either.” She finished. Spit Fire picked up Ditzy on her back. “I never knew you had this in you Ruby. All this time.” She spat at Ruby and fled off and out of sight...

It seemed like eternity after the incident. Spit Fire barely gave Ditzy anymore lessons for whenever they’d go out, there would be other Pegasus’ that flew by, teasing and mocking Ditzy. “Mommy, mommy!” they’d mock and coax. They’d laugh and shake their heads at Ditzy. “Piss off!” Spit Fire would say to these antagonists, “Since when are you ever perfect!” Often for numerous times a day, Ditzy would cry Shed even cry herself to sleep.

No comfort given to her from Spit Fire would ever get through the deep sadness Ditzy felt day on and day off. “Ditzy?” asked Spit Fire as she slowly entered Ditzy’s room, “You okay pumpkin?” Ditzy knelt beside her bed, arms crossed and head buried in them. “All…” Ditzy whimpered, “All I wanted was to see her again.” Ditzy cried, “So... So that we could, maybe, be a family again… But she doesn’t want me. No one does. No one likes me!” Ditzy cries and wails, “Ahh!” *sniff* “All because of my stupid messed up eyes. I hate them! I hate them. I hate them. I hate them!” Ditzy looked up out the window of her room. “Nopony else has them. Everypony else is smart and can see good and don’t mess up everywhere!” she continued to cry loudly. Tears rolled down her cheeks and her face was a bright red, filled with anger and frustration. “Hey!” snapped Spit Fire, “Ditzy don’t you say that! It’s not true.” She sat down with Ditzy against her bed and cradled her in her arms. “I love you. I want you in my life. Look at me Ditzy.” She turned her cheek so they were face to face. “You have the most beautiful eyes anypony could ever ask for. You ARE funny and you ARE smart and you are a very beautiful Pegasus over all.” She cradled her again tighter, now rocking her. “You are different Ditzy, but you’re unique and special and that is what everyone is jealous of.

You’re the strongest out of anypony” Spit Fire gently rocked Ditzy back and forth and began to sing, “Oh, Out of all the Pegasus around, Ditzy, you can fly the highest and don’t let them ever bring you down.” Ditzy fell asleep that night with a soft sweet smile which left a mark in her heart that would not easily be faded away.

Life in Ponyville

Spit Fire thought for a while from day to day about the struggles that were overtaking the lives of her and Ditzy, but especially Ditzy. Spit Fire wanted her to get away from all the chaos in Cloudsdale. All the teasing because of her simple imperfection, not to mention the little incident it caused at the rally. She didn’t want to keep her surrounded by all the hate that she was receiving by almost everypony around. It was just tearing the heart of the little filly. Until Spit Fire decided to take action.

“Yes. Yes Ms. Cheerilee. She’ll be ready. When could I bring her?” a voice was speaking on the other end of the phone. “Okay next Monday? Alright she’ll be ready. Thank you, goodbye.” Ditzy came into the room eating a muffin, “Who was that?” she asked with a full mouth. Spit Fire hung up the phone and turned to Ditzy. “Ditzy baby I need to talk to you.” Ditzy sat straight down happily listening while munching down on her muffin. “Ditzy how would you like it to go to school with other children?” Spit Fire said softly.

“No.” said Ditzy firmly, “All the other kids make fun of me.” “Oh no, no, no, these are different kids.” cooed Spit Fire, “You’ll get to see unicorns and earth ponies too! Wouldn’t that be exciting?” “I guess,” said Ditzy, “But unicorns and earth ponies can’t be in Cloudsdale.” “Oh well see that’s the thing sweetie. You wouldn’t go to school here in Cloudsdale.” Ditzy was confused, “Then where is this?” Spit Fire looked hard at Ditzy, “Ditzy, we’re gonna go to school in Ponyville.” “Ponyville?” Ditzy copied, “What’s that?” “It’s a lovely town on the ground below Cloudsdale where every kind of Pony lives together.” replied Spitfire. Ditzy thought about this. “Trust me you’ll love it! You can make tons and tons of great friends.” “No.” said Ditzy with a frown. “Nobody wants to be friends with me, because of my stupid eyes.”

Spit Fire sighed heavily, “Ditzy, don’t worry what everyone thinks about your eyes, they are beautiful, but no one else sees that because…” Spit Fire paused, “because there too blind themselves to see the real perfection in you.” Ditzy thought about this some more and with some uncertainty gave in, “Okay I guess. Let’s do it.” Spit Fire chuckled, “Don’t worry honney you’re gonna love it.” ,giving her a heart felt hug.

In following days, Spit Fire and Ditzy flew all the way down from Cloudsdale. As they descended Ditzy looked back up into the sky and saw her home fading farther and farther into the clouds. She looked down and saw the sight of Pony Ville getting bigger and bigger. They landed in the middle of the street. “Okay,” said Spit Fire, “The school should be right up here.” They walked down the street, passed lots of shops, and other different types of buildings past other ponies of all types. Ditzy saw Street Show Unicorns levitating objects and Earth ponies striding around carrying baskets of fruits and vegetables from one place to another. She even saw other Pegasus' flying around from place to place, but they were different than the ones in Cloudsdale... “This place is really different.” whispered Ditzy to Spit Fire. “I know hunny, believe me though you are going to love it here.”

As they strode others began to notice two things; The famous Wonder Bolt Spit Fire and her little googly eyed companion. Other ponies stared at them as they went by. “I think there staring at my eyes.” said Ditzy softly to Spit Fire. “Geeze, don’t get so self-centered.” teased Spit Fire, “Your eyes are cool but I’m famous too you know.” She winked at Ditzy. Ditzy smiled and moved forward.

They came across a tall building where several fillies and foals were playing in the fore grounds. One blue foal was chasing a pink filly, “Tag you’re it Pinkie!” yelled the blue pony. “Oh no you don’t!” exclaimed the little filly as she chased back after him.

“Is that school?” asked Ditzy. The sign clearly read “Ponyville Orphanage” but Spite Fire guessed Ditzy wasn’t able to read or she had not yet come across this term before. “Uh no.” said Spit Fire “That’s a place where ponies drop off their children for a little bit while they work. Like school, but not quite.” This little “lesson” was to be saved for some other time. “Why aren’t I going there?” asked Ditzy. “Cause you’re going to learn. Not play.” “Awe.” Ditzy frowned. “Don’t worry hun,” Spit Fire chuckled “you’ll get to play lots also.”

As they walked on Spite Fire looked back towards the Orphanage seeing all the children playing happily, especially the two blue and pink children. She thought of what it could’ve been like if Ditzy was among them, if she herself hadn’t jumped into Ditzy’s life... Thank Celestia...

They walked and then finally came to a red brick school house with a playground in front. Ditzy saw other kids walking in side and some playing on the swing set and monkey bars. They were laughing, and talking amongst themselves. She saw all sorts of different ponies. Some were tall and bulky and others were small and thin. She saw different colored Pegasus, like her, and unicorns. They all had different colors in their manes and all sorts of little accessories on them.

This was much different from Cloudsdale where everyone was mostly the same. Here Ditzy felt comfortable. She and Spit Fire walked inside and met a beautiful Pink Earth pony with a puffy cotton candy colored mane.

“Are you Ms. Cheerilee?” asked Spit Fire as she approached the desk. “Ah hello,” Cheerilee greeted them warmly. “I am,” She said “and you are?” “We talked over the phone a few days ago. I’m Spit Fire and this is…” “Oh yes I remember and you must be Ditzy!” Cheerilee turned to Ditzy. “I’m so glad to meet you sweetie. Why don’t you go play with some of the other kids and get to know them before class starts. Ditzy walked outside. Cheerilee turned to Spit Fire. “ I believe I remember you telling me about her little, um, situation” she said to Spit Fire. “Yeah I know we’ve had some troubles lately in Cloudsdale about it. You don’t think it’ll be too much of a problem here do you?” asked Spit Fire. “Well I have to admit,” said Cheerillee sympathetically, “I wouldn’t be surprised if she got a little word about it. But honestly, I don’t know about Cloudsdale ,but this sort of thing can be easily over looked. The other children might even look at it as more of her just being silly than what it actually is.” Spit Fire nodded at this. “But let me ask you,” Cheerilee continued, “How does she normally handle the whole thing?” “Well…” Spit Fire started, “It really isn’t the physical problem that gets to her. I guess it’s just the rejection that she faces so often that really counts. But the answer is that she’s gotten to a point where she takes it as an everyday thing. So it doesn’t really affect her as much as it use too.” Cheerilee nodded. “But that was only from afar.” Spit Fire continued, “This would be the first time that she actually interacts with others face to face. So I just don’t know.”

“I see.” said Cheerilee, “We’ll have to see what happens. Best thing to do is to let her overcome all this and learn look past it.” “We’ll see.”

Outside Ditzy approached a small group of fillies playing jump rope. “Hiya!” welcomed Ditzy. They all stopped and looked at her. “Uh, hullo.” One of them said. “Watcha doin?” asked Ditzy. “Playing jump rope.” said another. “Haha, your eyes are funny.” chuckled the third “Yeah! Pretty huh?” Ditzy said proudly. “Ha yeah sure.” said the pony,

“Can I try?” asked Ditzy. “Try what?” one of the fillies asked, “The rope silly!” Ditzy said. “Oh um, yeah sure.” They handed Ditzy the rope and Ditzy began spinning it. As she jumped she sang “Sugar plums toodaloo how many jumps can ya do. Can you jump and even stride before you reach the number five? One, two, thre…” As Ditzy attempted her jump she lost coordination and stumbled down, taking the rope with her. The rope was tangled around her wings and she struggled to get up. Ditzy laughed while slightly embarrassed “Hehe five.”

“Ahahahahaha!” laughed the girls at Ditzy, pointing at her in the tangled mess. Other kids who saw what had happened also chuckled to themselves. The girls walked away as Spit Fire and Ms. Cheerilee came out. “Oh my…” exclaimed Cheerilee “Oh…” sighed Spit Fire, both she and Cheerilee looking at Ditzy, “Well I um, better get going.” said Spit Fire, “Have a good day and um good luck, if anything happens you know, give me a shout.” “Oh Ms. Fire” called Cheerilee “If anything does occur where might I find you?” “Oh well I’ll just be around, but more specifically we bought a place on Cherry Bloom Lane, near the old inn. I’m having some movers helping me out so I’ll just be, you know, around.”

The bell rang and all the children began to go into the school and got ready for class. Ditzy finally got untangled from her binds of jump rope and walked in with the other fillies and foals.

“Okay class.” said Ms. Cheerilee as she approached the front of the class with everyone in their seats. Ditzy was sitting quietly with a smile. “Now even though school has been in session for a while, we still have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Ditzy…” Cheerilee looked at a paper on her desk, “Doo Hooves. Please welcome Ditzy Doo Hooves, Ditzy?”

Ditzy proudly got up from her desk and did a small gallop to the front of the class room. She smiled proudly among everyone else. “Now Ditzy here,” continued Ms. Cheerilee “Is from Cloudsdale. Isn't that correct?” “Yup and my um… aunt, is a Wonder Bolt.” added Ditzy. “Wow a Wonder Bolt! That’s so cool!” cried a blue Earth Pony named Berry Swoosh. “Now if any of you have questions for Ditzy they may be asked after class.” “What’s wrong with your eyes?” blurted an orange Earth filly “Are all Pegasus is Cloudsdale like that?” “Carrot Top!” snapped Ms. Cheerilee. “Oh it’s okay Ms. Cheerilee.” soothed Ditzy. Then she spoke to the orange filly. “It’s actually a problem with my brain. I can get a little clumsy sometimes and my eyes are just a little affect I think.” “It’s weird.” said Carrot Top, “Carrot Top!” snapped Ms. Cheerilee, “Just saying…” “I want you at my desk later young lady.” said Ms. Cheerilee scowling at her. Ditzy sighed as she went back to her desk. “Yeah, I know.” She responded under her breath.

“Now class I’m going to tell you your assignment to work on for the next few weeks.” announced Ms. Cheerilee. “You all know that Nightmare Night is almost here, where we have fun and games and get candy.” “Yeah!” cheered the class. “Well,” continued Ms. Cheerilee, “Were going to host the Nightmare Night Talent show. I want each and every one of you to come up with a skit, a song, or a little performance of your chosen talent. Who knows? This might be the chance some of you earn your cutie mark.”

Ditzy smiled. All the kids started talking amongst themselves about the possibilities of earning a cutie mark. “Now along with your acts, I want you all to come dressed in an elaborate, creative costume. I just know all of you can come up with something spectacular!” Several of the students started talking about what they were going to wear. “I’m going to dress as a witch!” cried one foal. “I’m going to be a serpent!” cried another. As Ditzy walked home after class she passed by kids talking about all sorts of costume and talent ideas. That and, the weird eyed new kid.

Ditzy approached the building that she and Spit Fire were staying for the time. She entered and climbed a stairwell inside that let to their apartment. It was a very nice, clean cut place.

“So? How was your first day!” asked Spit Fire as she warmly greeted Ditzy. “Oh it was good.” replied Ditzy gloomily, “Oh, c’mon.” teased Spit Fire “Something’s up. What is it?” Ditzy was lead into the kitchen, “Well Nightmare Nights coming up and we’re doing a Nightmare Night Talent Show for all of Pony Ville.” They both sat down at a table. “Wow!” jeered Spit Fire, “That sounds exciting! What ya gonna do?” “That’s the thing.” frowned Ditzy, “I don’t know what I can do. I can’t do anything.” “Awe cheer up kid.” said Spit Fire. “You’ll find something. There’s gotta be something out there for you to think of...anything. Every pony has a special something that wows everyone. It’s what defines them and this could be your chance to prove it.” “I don’t know.” sighed Ditzy, “We also have to wear a costume.” “Even more fun!” exclaimed Spit Fire. “What ya gonna be?” “I don’t know that either.” Ditzy pouted. “Don’t worry. I know you’ll think of something. Experiment with new things and you’ll see.” comforted Spit Fire

For the next few weeks Ditzy tried and tried to come up with something to preform or wear. All the other children were already practicing their routines after school. Some ponies by themselves and others in small groups. Ditzy tried different things, but would just make a fool of herself due to the lack of "proper coordination".

She tried jump roping, hoola-hooping, and even a magic act, but nothing fit. The time started to grow near and Ditzy grew frustrated in fear that she wouldn’t be ready in time.

It was the night before Nightmare Night. Ditzy sat in her room discouraged. Her mind was racing more than ever. She began to lose hope. “You really haven’t come up with anything?” asked Spit Fire as she entered Ditzy’s room. “Nothing.” said Ditzy, “I can’t do anything like what the other kids are doing.” She said, “Well kid. The idea wasn’t to come up with something everyone else is doing.” explained Spit Fire, “It’s a talent show. You choose something that only you enjoy doing. Something that you want to show off to them that defines you. It’s not that hard. Choose something different and unique.” “Different and unique” echoed Ditzy. She thought about it for a minute then jumped up, “I’ve got it!” she squealed. “You do? That was quick. Let’s hear it.” “Nope.” snapped Ditzy, “What? No? Why not?” asked Spit Fire. “It’s a surprise!” exclaimed Ditzy, “You’ll see tomorrow.” “A surprise?” repeated Spit Fire, “Yep! Now, I gotta get ready.” Ditzy shooed Spit Fire out of her room. “But Ditzy,” stopped Spit Fire, “Are you sure you’ll be able to pull it off by tomorrow?” “Yes!” answered Ditzy, “But what about a costume?” “I’ve got it down.” said Ditzy as she shooed Spit Fire out of the room and closed the door behind her and went to work.

The next day came and the evening soon fell upon Pony Ville. Children went from house to house gathering candy, dressed in all sorts of costumes. The darkness began to fall and everyone gathered in Pony Ville square near Town Hall. In the center a brightly lit stage was in place with shiny red curtains on either side. A big banner was hung across the stage in multiple colors that read “Nightmare Night Talent Show”.

Ponies of all sorts, young and old, were chatting amongst themselves as they waited all gathered in front of the stage for the show to begin.

Back stage Ms. Cheerilee was in a bundle, organizing and placing all the students. They were huddled together around their props for their act and in their costumes; So many different creations displayed. Ponies were dressed up as witches, dragons, and other creatures. Many of the children’s costumes were quite elaborate and well put together.

It soon became time for the big show to begin. An ocean of ponies, were gathered in front of the stage. Ms. Cheerilee began taking role and organizing the kids into stage turns. “Okay children,” said Ms. Cheerilee, “now this is it. Is everyone here and ready?” The children started excitedly rambling to each other.

“Now everyone we need to be organized about this. You all are going to preform one by one and I have the order of which you will be preforming. Trixie you will be going first with your magic act I presume?” “That’s right Ms. Cheerilee.” stated a blue unicorn, who was dressed as a wizard, “The great and Powerful Trixie is ready to wow the world!” she declared. “Right.” said Ms. Cheerilee, “Well next after Trixie is Bongo with your drum solo and then Fire Stride with his fire performance, and then we’ll just go on from there.” Trixie began to ready herself on the stage before the curtains opened up. “Now remember every one,” said Ms. Cheeerilee, “Go out there with courage and smiles, do your best!”

The curtains rolled back as a drum roll played, “I am the Great and Powerful Trixie!” said Trixie, “Prepare to be mystified. Tonight as I use the forces from the great beyond, granted from Nightmare Moon herself!” The audience listened intently and watched in complete awe as Trixie preformed many strange acts, such as, sawing another pony in half, making a bucket of vegetables levitate, disappearing and Re-appearing again, and many other magical things.

Soon her act ended leaving the crowd in much of an awe struck attitude. Next a chubby little foal dressed as a rocker preformed a very loud and quick drum solo with his drum set and was quite good until he tried to do a drum stick spinning move and it flew off into the crowd... That was the end of his act.

Next a Pegasus named Fire stride was to preform but there was a small “technical” accident with some of his fire props and could not go on. Therefore three little fillies dressed as princesses took the stage and jump roped for a good while to happy little tune. It was cute and good enough for the crowd.

Many other students preformed numerous and even impressing acts. This was indeed a very good show, after every act the children would check to see if a cutie mark had yet appeared, but many were disappointed for none was to be found.

“Alright everyone now we’re coming to our next and final act of the night, and let’s see who we’ve got left.” Ms. Cheerilee checked her roll sheet, “Ditzy! Has anyone seen Ditzy? Cherry Bloom do you know where Ditzy is?” asked Ms. Cheerilee. “Sorry Ms. Cheerilee.” replied the little pink filly, “I haven’t seen her all evening.” “Oh dear…” said Ms. Cheerilee. “Don’t worry here I am!” said a soft voice. Ditzy stepped out into the light. “Ditzy! There you are and oh, where’s your costume?” asked Ms. Cheerilee. “This is my costume.” declared Ditzy proudly, “What do you think of it, pretty cool right? It’s different and unique.” “Well…” said Ms. Cheerilee, “It’s different alright and as for unique… well I guess it could be a little bit of that too.”

Hesitant for a second, “Okay now go get ready as soon as Octavia’s done your next.” The second to last act of Ditzy’s was a beautiful cello solo played by an earth pony named Octavia with dark hair and olive colored skin. She finished and took a bow as the audience gave a standing ovation.

Spit Fire approached the crowd quietly as everyone was clapping for Octavia. “Oh no,” she said to herself, “I’m so late!” she shuffled her way through the crowd idling her way to the front. “Excuse me, pardon me.” she says, “Excuse me sir?” she tapped the shoulder of a brown pony and asked, “Have you seen a grey Pegasus preform yet?” hoping she had not been too late and that Ditzy had already gone. “I’m not sure.” replied the brown pony, “There coming up on the very last act. It’s been a great show so far.” Spite Fire watched the stage up front frantically waiting for the last act praying that it would be Ditzy. “Now for our last and final act of the Nightmare Night Talent show,” Ms. Cheerilee’s voice boomed from the microphone, “Please give it up for our last but not least treasured performer, Ditzy Doo!”

The curtains opened revealing Ditzy standing alone on stage. The crowd bustled with slight confusion. “Oh Ditzy.” sighed Spite Fire. Ditzy stood there in the center of the spotlight, smiling at the crowd; wearing a brown paper bag over her head with eye holes cut out as well as four more paper bags around her hooves. The crowd waited, then Ditzy began to fly. She rose above the stage still smiling and then she stopped and just halted in her place still hovering above everyone. She reached behind her and pulled out a bottle of…bubbles. She unscrewed the lid and took out the wand and began to blow.

Many gentle bubbles drifted over the crowd. Ditzy blew again, and again, filling the air with lots and lots of bubbles. “You call that a talent?” someone in the crowd mocked, “For real.” said another voice, “my grandma can do that!” “Yeah and some costume too.” said a third female voice, “Where’d she make it, the garbage dump? Boo!” “Boo!” the entire crowd started.

Some ponies even threw trash at Ditzy but missed. “Hahaha! Look at Ditzy.” stated all the kids from Ditzy’s class, looking at her and teasing her. “What kind of costume is that?” they copied, laughing together. “Listen you creeps!” thrashed Spit Fire as she got on the stage, “For crying out loud she’s just a kid! It’s not like you have any more guts than she’s got anyway.” “Back off grandma!” yelled a voice, “What? I’m only thirty five, Grandpa!” spat back Spit Fire. Ditzy looked over everyone confused and disheartened, and even cowered down a little bit, still looming in the air.

Ditzy was about to fly off when suddenly her left thigh began to glow, she looked at it with question and confusion of what was happening. Everyone stopped and looked at the small phenomenon. Little rays of light began moving around still on her thigh. “Wha– what’s happening?” asked Ditzy. “She’s getting her cutie mark.” stated Spit Fire, as she stared at Ditzy. It grew silent for this was catching every ones attention. Just then the glow stopped, but in its place were seven bubbles scattered yet in a small pattern. It shined with great brilliance..

“Bubbles?” asked Ditzy to herself. “Bubbles.” copied Spit Fire. “Are you kidding me?” shouted a man’s voice, “Bubbles, as a cutie mark? Come on!” “There is something seriously wrong with that filly.” stated a woman “I simply can’t believe our children are exposed to this.” “Aren’t you all happy she got her cutie mark?” asked Spit Fire furiously. “Oh please, that’s hardly a cutie mark.” said one man, “The only type of talent that filly has is the ability not to have talent.” The crowd teased and laughed at Ditzy. Everyone mocked her and kept making remarks that Celestia herself would’ve banned.

Ditzy looked over everyone and cowered not knowing what to think, nor what to do. Tears began to roll down her flushed cheeks. She looked at her cutie mark, and her costume and began to feel anger and frustration with herself. She clenched up and began to shed more tears, but held it in with anger.

“Ditzy!” Spit Fire called. “Ha! Her names Ditzy?” said a male voice, “What kind of name is that?” “Yeah.” said another, “Might as well change it to Derpy! It suits her better.” Everyone, kids and all, roared with laughter and continued to tease Derpy, I mean…Ditzy...

Finally Ditzy broke down in rage, kicking off her costume articles and flew away. “Ditzy wait!” called Spit Fire, but she was already gone into the distance.

Spite Fire searched everywhere that night for Ditzy. She asked for help from many other ponies, but each time she asked if they had seen Ditzy their reply would be, “You mean Derpy?” and would walk off laughing once more.

Finally after Spite Fire nearly gave up the entire search she decided to try to look once more before checking at home. She decided to look around the outskirts of Pony Ville when she saw her... She saw Ditzy sitting right at the edge of Evergreen Forest, staring emotionlessly into the dark brush.

“Ditzy!” called Spit Fire as she flew by Ditzy’s side, “Where on earth have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” “You mean where I was or where I’m going to be.” Spit Fire gave Ditzy a blank confused look, “What do you mean?” she asked.

“I should just walk right in there.” she pointed towards the forest, “I should just walk right in there and then everything will be behind me forever. I could go in there and live with all the other stupid, wild, weird creatures like me. That’s where I belong. I could live with them or die. Either way I’m sure there aren’t any objections from anyone.” Spite Fire stared in shock at Ditzy. “Ditzy young lady you did not just say what I think you did.” “Well it’s true.” Ditzy replied back. “Ditzy it is not true! It’s not like you are some deformed creature like what’s in there. You belong here and here is where you’ll stay.” “Why? So everyone can make fun of me again? I told you I’m no good at anything. I’ll never be like anyone else.” “Ditzy.” Spit Fire began, “If anything you are way better than any of them” Spit Fire turned Ditzy away from the forest to face her, “All of what happened back there is a response of the fact that they’ve never seen what you have. The truth is that you have a gift. A gift of showing everyone that being different isn’t bad. In fact it’s what shows variety in all of us. No one sees that but they are beginning to and this is just a response to something so…new.” “I don’t understand.” said Ditzy, “Of course you don’t.” sighed Spit Fire. Spit Fire knew Ditzy was too young to understand.

From Ditzy’s view all she understood was that everyone laughed at her because she was clumsy and mentally dis-abled towards some points, and it was all due to her eyes. That’s all what Ditzy knew and could take from the previous events in her life. “Look Ditzy.” said Spit Fire, “You’re different in a good way. I know you’re probably too young to understand this but what happened back there tonight was incredible. You got your cutie mark!” Ditzy looked back at her freshly born cutie mark. “How many other kids have gotten their cutie mark yet huh?” “Nun.” Ditzy said softly. “Exactly!” stated Spit Fire “You don’t think they’re not at their homes right now crying and complaining about how out of everyone you were the one to get your cutie mark first?” Ditzy began to smile.

“Don’t think you’re worthless Ditzy.” continued Spit Fire, “Because all cutie marks mean something special about that certain pony. Maybe you don’t have some sort of show case talent but that doesn’t matter because what you have is something that truly means something more. Someday you’ll figure that out. For now all you gotta do is just ignore them and know that they don’t know what matters and what doesn’t matter in this world. Keep your head high and keep walking. Look at it this way. There can’t be a rainbow without a little rain. Trust me...” Spit Fire gave a half smile and a wink to Ditzy. Ditzy looked at her cutie mark and then gave a small smile back.

Monday came and Ditzy walked to school taking a different route than what she would’ve taken with the other kids to avoid all the teasing that she was sure to receive. In the class room everyone sat in their seats giggling with each other and talking as usual. Ditzy entered the classroom and silently took her seat. “Hey look everybody, its Derpy!” said one colt. “Hahah” the class laughed.

“Hey Derpy!” said another filly, “Nice act on Friday. Planning to go on tour?” Once again the class laughed, but Ditzy just sat there patiently with a calm expression, not retaliating to any of this. “Hello class.” said Ms. Cheerilee brightly as she entered the class. “Hello Ms. Cheerilee.” the class replied back. “Now today everyone,” started Ms. Cheerileee, “We will be talking about a very important matter. Cutie marks!” “Again?” complained one filly. “Yes.” said Ms. Cheerilee, “Because as you all should know last Nightmare Night was a very special night for one of our very own class mates!” The class began to look around at each other. “Ditzy.” said Ms. Cheerilee, “Would you come up here for us?” Ditzy proudly strode to the front of the class and stood before everyone.

“Woah!” exclaimed one colt. “No way!” said another in amazement. “What?” said one filly in the front row shocked, “Derpy got her cutie mark?” “Now Rose Bud.” snapped Ms. Cheerilee, “I believe you mean Ditzy.” “Oh it’s okay Ms. Cheerilee.” said Ditzy. “Derpy’s catchy I kinda like it. It fits me.” she said smiling.

This of course was a lie, but Ditzy thought about Spit Fire’s “words of encouragement" and decided to have a whole new view upon things. “Well um, okay then.” said Ms. Cheerilee, “Anyway we all or… most of us saw that excellent performance of yours at the Nightmare Night Talent Show last Friday; you all did very wonderful by the way. Every one of you received an A plus; But anyway Ditzy we also saw that you earned your very own cutie mark!” Ms. Cheerilee began to clap and motioned for the rest of the class to do the same. “Would you mind telling us what your cutie mark means or what your special talent is?” Ditzy froze for a second or two. “Well um…” she hesitated, looking back at her seven bubbled mark, “I’m actually not sure…” “Hahahah!” the whole class laughed and giggled. “She doesn’t even know what her cutie mark is!” chuckled one little filly. “Ditzy.” said Ms. Cheerilee, “You really don’t know what it means?” “I really don’t” replied back Ditzy, a little more sullen now. “I guess it might be because of my bubbly personality” she smiled again. “Or maybe because all she can do is blow bubbles.” teased Rose Bud again. Ms. Cheerilee gave her a stern look. “Well Ditzy.” said Ms. Cheerilee, “I guess that could be part of it.” She admitted discouraged.

Alone

Years passed. Ditzy’s embarrassment at the Nightmare Night Talent show was forgotten. She would always remember that night ,but it never really bothered her as much anymore.

It was the day she got her cutie mark. Who wouldn’t be happy about a memory like that?

Though the worst part of the night was left in the dust her new name of Derpy seemed to stick with everyone around town. It even grew on Ditzy eventually.

She would still have some trouble at school with some teasing and names but she was use to it. Her clumsiness and silly nature became a quality that brought happiness and laughter to other students and earned her a few new friends. It soon approached the special year. The time where all fillies and foals would graduate from school and head off for work anywhere that was needed to be another helpful soul to Equestria.

Ms. Cheerillee looked over the whole class. It was the day before the big graduation ceremony. She gave a warm smile and said, “Class. You don’t know how wonderful and what an adventure it has been being your teacher through these years. Seeing you grow up and mature into what you are today is just the greatest thing anyone can do. Your parents have a true gift and so do you.” She paused to take a breath, “By next week you all will be out into the world doing what you do best for Equestria. Your cutie marks can lead you on that.” By now everyone had received there cutie marks, but Ditzy was still envied over being the first to get hers. “Now tomorrow is your graduation.” continued Ms. Cheerillee, “Your family will be in the crowd as you get your diplomas and then well…That will be it. Then the world is yours.” she gave a small laugh.

Class dismissed and Ditzy walked along the road with her long time companion Carrot Top, an orange pony with a poofy orange mane.

“So Derpy.” said Carrot Top, “What do you wanna do as a career?”

“Oh I don’t know.” responded Ditzy, “My stupid cutie mark doesn’t help at all in that question. I’ll just have to look around for what’s needed.”

“Are you going to move back to Cloudsdale?”

“Not likely.” Ditzy said looking up at the sky, “It’s so peaceful and friendly here and up there it’s just so busy and crowded. Plus I here there’s this test that you have to take if you’re a Pegasus that hasn’t gotten very many good reviews. They never say what happens if you fail it.”

“Oh yeah I’ve heard about that.” said Carrot Top, “So then no work up there then?”

“Yup.” said Ditzy, “But I mean surely Spit Fire’s got some connections so she can help me out getting somewhere.”

“Yeah see there ya go!” said Carrot Top. “So what do you wanna do?” asked Ditzy.

“Oh I'm going to work for the Pony Ville Green House and Gardens."

"Oh awesome!" said Ditzy, "I knew I could always see you going into something agricultural."

“Well yeah!” Carrot Top exclaimed, “I’ve got a friend who’s got some connections with that.”

“Great!” said Ditzy happily. They approached Ditzy’s home, “Well I’ll see you tomorrow Carrot.”

“Later Derpy.” waved Carrot Top. Ditzy waved back and went inside. She climbed the steps to the top floor and went inside the apartment. Spit Fire was in the kitchen with her old Wonder Bolts uniform on.

When she saw Ditzy she put on a wide smile, “There’s my special girl!” she said excitedly. “Hello.” replied Ditzy stiffly giving back a smile. “Why do you have on your uniform?” “Just trying it back on for fits.”

“Why?” asked Ditzy curiously.

“Well that’s what I want to talk to you about. Here have a seat” beckoned Spit Fire towards the table, “The Wonder Bolts have asked me to join the force again as The Head Recruiter for Incoming Members of the Academy. Isn’t it exciting?”

“Yeah that’s great.” said Ditzy sitting down.

“Sure is!” exclaimed Spit Fire, “but anyway enough about me let’s talk about you. So are you excited for your big day tomorrow?”

“Uh yeah but I’m gonna miss a lot of my friends. Most of my class is going for work in Manehattan you know.”

“Really?” questioned Spit Fire, “Do you know what you want to get into?”

“Me and Carrot were just talking about it. She wants to work for the Green Houses.”

“Oh that’s interesting.” Spit Fire nodded,

“And for me I was wondering if you could help me get a job. Like you know, you being a former Wonder Bolt and all I thought you might have some connections.”

“Well yes Ditzy!” jumped Spit Fire, “Of course I can help you.”

“Really?” “Of course, but don’t worry about it just yet ,because I’ve spent all day baking a little gift for you.”

“Baking?” Ditzy asked.

“Look they're ready!” Spit Fire said as she opened the oven door and pulled out a cupcake pan filled with a dozen freshly made muffins.

“You made muffins!” jumped Ditzy with a wide grin across her face.

“Of course.” said Spit Fire, “Anything for the big grad, haha.” She set them on a plate then put them in front of Ditzy and sat down. Ditzy began to down big mouth fills of blueberry muffin. Spit Fire watched Ditzy intently.

“What?” asked Ditzy with a mouth full. “I know no pony who loves muffins as much as you Ditzy. What about them make you so happy?” Spit Fire asked.

“Oh well I dunno.” said Ditzy, “They just taste good I guess.”

Spit Fire chuckled. “You don’t know how proud I am of you Ditzy.” said Spit Fire, “Seeing you grow up all these years.” Spit Fire broke out some tears, “Being who you are I’m just so proud of you.” she smiled softly. Ditzy smiled back.

“Thank you Fire.” said Ditzy, “for all you’ve done for me.”

“Hey no problem kid.” Spit Fire said, “I’ve got another little thing to tell you.”

“Okay.” said Ditzy. Spit Fire took a breath “I’m giving this unit to you!”

“What do you mean?” asked Ditzy. “The apartment.” said Spit Fire, ”You don’t have to worry about going out and getting a place of your own because I’ve signed the apartment to you in ownership.”

“I still don’t understand. Where are you going? Isn’t it yours too?” asked Ditzy.

Spit Fire sighed, “I have to move back to Cloudsdale to work with the Wonder Bolts.”

“You’re leaving?” Ditzy asked a little taken back, “I don’t understand.”

“Look Ditzy sweet heart.” soothed Spit Fire, “It’s no big deal. I bought my old place back and I figured you liked it here better anyways and might want a place to your own. You can visit me anytime you want. I promise.” Ditzy thought about this and gave in though a little sullen. “I guess that’s good.” She said, “But I’ll miss you.” admitted Ditzy.

“Please don’t. I’m not really going far.” comforted Spit Fire. “Well…I guess it would be kinda fun having my own place.” said Ditzy.

“There ya go!” said Spit Fire happily. “So when do you move?”

Spit Fire froze and took a deep breath, “Well with the new recruiting season starts…Tomorrow...”

Graduation day came and all the students met in a small auditorium built outside the school house. With a Stage in front of the playground and several rows of chairs placed in front. Students occupied the first few rows and parents and other family filled in the back. Every-pony was dressed in their best suit or dress while the graduating foals were in regular graduation gowns. Ditzy was seated next to Carrot Top in the front row. Everyone was talking when the mayor of Pony Ville took to the podium.

“Mares and Stallions,” she started, “Fillies and Foals. It is my pleasure to introduce the 74th graduating class of Pony Ville and the 18th class with our beloved teacher Ms. Cheerille.” Everyone began to clap and Ms. Cheerillee began to speak as the mayor sat down.

“It has been a great honor seeing such bright fillies and foals grow up through the years here. Seeing them mature into the hardworking and spirit minded stallions and mares that they are today. We will be recognizing each student one by one and will ask them to come up and accept their diplomas.”

“First let us start off with Shoe Shine.” A short plump colt with a shoe polish bottle as a cutie mark rose from his seat, a few down from Ditzy, and did a little gallop up to the stage. He shook hands with mayor as everyone applauded and accepted his diploma. “Next lets have Octavia Melody.” A pretty formal looking mare with a musical note as a cutie mark walked up gracefully to the stand. Everyone once again applauded and she gave a small smile back and got her diploma.

“I hear she’s going off to Canterlot to join an orchestral band at the Princess’ palace.” whispered Carrot Top to Ditzy. “Wow.” responded Ditzy, “What about her?” asked Ditzy as she pointed to the next mare approaching the stage. “Who, Trixie?” replied Carrot Top. A blue unicorn mare approached the stage, very proud and uptight looking, to receive her diploma.

“I hear she’s kind of a show case pony in magic that can talk the talk ,but can’t walk the walk. I think she’s traveling around.”

“Pst! Hey, hey Derpy!” whispered a British sounding colt behind Ditzy and Carrot Top.

“Don’t pay attention to him.” said Carrot Top. “C’mon now I know you can hear me.” The colt continued.

“What do you want?” Ditzy finally gave in. “Where you going off to after today? To go work with the eye doctor or at the nut house?” he and a few other colts started laughing with each other.

“Grow up Hooves.” defended Carrot Top “Why don’t you go play in that stupid box you’re always toying around with.”

“Hey I’m only teasing around.” He shot back, “We are’nt going to see each other much after today you know.”

“Believe me it’s a blessing” said Carrot Top.

“Thanks.” winked Ditzy. “Anytime.” said Carrot Top. “Ditzy.” announced Ms. Cheerillee.

“Yes?’ replied Ditzy. “Um, come receive your diploma.” said Ms. Cheerillee a little befuddled.

“Oh right.” said Ditzy a bit embarrassed. The colts in the back of her began laughing hysterically. “Oh shut up!” Jasmine snapped. Ditzy slowly approached the podium looking at Carrot. Carrot waved and Ditzy waved back and then combed the crowd in search of Spit Fire. She was nowhere around to be seen. Ditzy’s heart stopped until she saw Spit Fire sitting idly in the far back row smiling at Ditzy. Ditzy began to smile again and vigorously waved at her.

“Alright Ditzy back to your seat now.” said Ms. Cheerillee. Ditzy obeyed and headed back to her seat. As she stepped down of the stage she lost balance and nearly tripped. A few ponies gasped ,but Ditzy continued on. As she sat down she looked back to see Spit Fire. She was no longer in her seat but was walking away. Ditzy wondered where she was going ,but then remembered...

After a few names later the ceremony ended and both Ms. Cheerillee and Mayor gave a last farewell speech. Then everyone dispersed. Ditzy walked passed families congratulating there fillies and colts.

Carrot Top caught up, “Derpy hey where ya going?” she asked.

“Oh I gotta get home.” She responded. “Oh well my folks are taking me and a few others out somewhere in a bit. Wanna join?”

“Oh uh maybe later.” said Ditzy, “See ya.”

Ditzy strode all the way back to her apartment. She opened the door to see Spit Fire hurrying around with a few packed boxes. “You left in hurry.” said Ditzy softly.

“I am in a hurry.” responded Spit Fire, “Gotta make sure I’m not forgetting anything.”

Ditzy nodded and looked down at her feet, “Seems fine.” She said a little disheartened.

“Hey.” said Spit Fire, “Don’t worry about it. I won’t be far.” Ditzy looked up at Spit Fire and gave her a hug, “The years have been great kid.” said Spit Fire, “I gotta go now.” she said looking at the clock, “I’ll send to come get my things.” She headed out the door then paused and gave Ditzy one last big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“One of these nights,” she said, “When things get all settled I’m gonna take you out somewhere nice.” With a wink she walked out the door closing it behind her. Ditzy went to the kitchen window and watched as Spit Fire flew up towards the sky. Ditzy sighed and rested her head on the window sill. All of a sudden a “ding” sounded from the oven. Ditzy walked over and opened it and gave a wide smile as she pulled out a pan full of freshly baked muffins. She looked up to the cabinet getting ready to get a plate when she noticed an envelope taped to the cabinet door.

She pulled it off and took out a note that read, “Ditzy, you’ve been a daughter to me through these years. Seeing you grow up has been quite an adventure. I love you so much and can’t wait to see you lift your very own life off the ground. I left you a list on the table of some people I want you to see later for a job and I left you a little gift inside the envelope. I hope this gives you a head start.”

Inside the envelope was a few hundred dollars. Ditzy’s eyes opened wide. She had never been given so much money. The she turned to the table and looked at a list full of a bunch of business names. The not continued to read, “I’m so proud of you Ditzy always know that I’m there for you. Good luck and enjoy the muffins my big grad! –Love, Your biggest fan, Spit Fire.

Ditzy smiled and looked out the window as she took a bite of blueberry muffin.

Ditzy awoke in her bed and went to the kitchen and was about to say good morning to Spit Fire ,but then realized that her presence was no longer around. She had been so use to coming in and seeing her in the kitchen making breakfast for her ,but she being gone hurt Ditzy. So suddenly too. It’s like she just got up and walked out for no reason and without another word, but Ditzy knew that was not the case.

Ditzy was a little hungry ,but instead of cooking something she just took out a muffin from the prior day and ate that. Ditzy went over to the window across the kitchen and looked out of it. Today was her first day of life... Of course not first day of living/breathing ,but the first day where the world was at her feet. She was expected to go out into Equestria and make use of herself and make a living from it. This was the real stuff. Ditzy walked over to the table where the list of job options that Spit Fire gave her sat.

“Okay.” She said to herself, “Let’s see what we’ve got.” She scrolled down the list of about ten jobs. There was the Bank, Cloud Clearer, the grocery store, Sugar Cube Corner, the Post Office, and a bunch of other jobs that seemed a little too boring or wasn’t really nescessary.

“Which one first...” asked Ditzy, “Hmm. Today let’s try the bank!” Ditzy got ready to look her best and in a short amount of time was headed right out the door.

Ditzy walked through the street and saw lots of other interesting shops along the street that Spit Fire never mentioned on the list. She thought maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try to look for work in one of them. Soon she approached the bank and went inside. She approached a grey stallion in front of a desk. “Excuse me?” she asked, “Do you know where I might find Mr. Rich?”

The stallion gave her an uneasy look and said, “Oh I don’t work here I’m just making a deposit.”

“Oh sorry.” she said a little embarrassed.

“May I help you?” said the mare clerk behind the desk, “Oh yes.” said Ditzy, “I’m looking for Mr. Rich?” “Oh yes.” replied the clerk, “He’s in his office in the back. Come right through.”

The clerk opened a little door attached to the desk and Ditzy stepped through and went to the office. “Mr. Rich?” Ditzy said, knocking on the door. “Yes come in.” replied a deep muffled voice.

Inside behind a desk sat a stallion with a black neatly combed back mane and three dollar signs for a cutie mark. “Hi Mr. Rich. My names Ditzy. I’m here for an interview that my guardian Spit Fire arranged with you.”

“Oh yes Spit Fire the Wonder Bolt. We talked about a possible job interview for you is that correct?”

“Yes sir!”

“Very well, sit down right there.” Ditzy sat in a chair in front of Mr. Rich's desk. He pulled out a paper form from his desk. “Now we best hurry with this. I’m expecting a very important call soon.”

“Okay.” replied Ditzy.

“Now Derpy have you…” Ditzy cut him off. “Oh I beg your pardon ,but it’s Ditzy, not Derpy.”

Mr. Rich looked at her with a confused look. “Yes that’s what you said before but I thought you misspoke.”

“Oh well no it’s Ditzy.” she replied a little awkwardly.

“Are you sure?” he asked “Um yes I’m pretty sure Ditzy’s my name.” she said with a reassuring tone.

“Well it says here on the form I received from Spit Fire that your name is Derpy.”

“Oh,” chuckled Ditzy, “She must’ve gotten it mixed up with my real name. See a lot of my friends and some other people I know call me Derpy as a little nickname ,because of obvious reasons.”

“Oh yes.” said Mr. Rich, “I noticed that. Can you see well?”

“Oh yes. It’s just a neurological defect I was born with. But I mean sometimes my vision gets a little blurry and a can get a little off track and clumsy.”

“Clumsy and off track?” repeated Mr. Rich. It now occurred to Ditzy that this was an interview for a job at the bank where numbers and precise managing was done and mentioning such flaws would not be a desired aspect for such a job. But it was too late.

“Well.” said Mr. Rich stiffly getting up from his desk and walking to the door. “I’m sorry to say that this concludes our little meeting.” “W-what?’ asked Ditzy a little taken back.

“I’ll tell Spit Fire that we had a nice little chat ,but we best keep looking for a better dealing.” “But I don’t understand.” said Ditzy almost whimpering, "You never asked me questions or anything yet.”

“No need.” responded Mr. Rich, “One thing that you must understand and that I will give to you straight is that such qualities as yours just aren’t fit for this kind of job or any other that I know of to be honest.”

"B-but.” stammered Ditzy. “It’s simple Miss Hooves. Having a job of any kind requires focus, concentration, and to be keen. All of which you frankly don’t seem to withhold. So with that I bid you good luck and have a nice day.”

Ditzy frowned and slowly walked out sullenly. “Oh well thanks anyway.” she said.

“Don’t be upset. It’s just business.” Ditzy started heading out the door. “There is a quality that is kind of jovial about you though.” added Mr. Rich.

“Really?” said Ditzy turning back.

“Yes, yes.” said Mr. Rich, “Your name of course.”

“Ditzy?” asked Ditzy confused.

“No no.” said Mr. Rich, “The other one. What was it? Oh yes, Derpy! The name Derpy. It’s catchy and it’s the first name I’ve heard of that truly fits its owner, besides me. Seriously though, I know of no one else who fits that name better than you. Good job!” he chuckled to himself and with that closed the door on Ditzy.

“Oh, um thanks.” said Ditzy softly as she left...

For weeks Ditzy interviewed for other jobs and positions in Pony Ville. She tried all other things on the list Spit Fire gave her but all turned her down because of the same reasons as Mr. Rich. Some employers had turned her down nicely ,but others were just as bitter of taste as Mr. Rich at the bank.

Ditzy sighed, “Mr. Rich was right.” she said as she walked down the street. She passed by shops and businesses that she saw some of her fellow class mates working in. “Because of my stupid eyes I can’t do anything.” She said grimly frustrated and disappointed.

She walked back home and as she entered her apartment she was greeted with Spit Fire sitting at the table in the kitchen in her Wonder Bolt uniform. Next to her was Carrot Top. “Spit Fire! Carrot!” she exclaimed shocked, “What are you doing here?”

“Well I just wanted to see how everything was going. Seems like you haven’t burned down the place…yet.” She chuckled and so did Carrot Top.

“How’s everything doing?” she asked, “How’s your little job hunt? Have you been going down the list I left you? Carrot Top here has been telling me about how great the Gardens are.”

“Oh how’s that?” asked Ditzy. “Oh Derpy it’s great! I’m around wonderful aromas of all sorts!”

“Oh that’s good.” said Ditzy, a little jealous of her. “What about you?” asked Carrot Top.

“Well to be honest, both of you, things haven’t been going very good.”

“What do you mean?” Spit Fire asked.

Ditzy began crying, “All because of my stupid eyes I can’t get a job anywhere! They even all remember what happened at the talent show and all because of that and my problem I can’t get a stupid job. I thought it was going to be over by now and every-pony would look past this but no! Mr. Rich at the bank, Mrs. Coat, and every-pony!” Spit Fire put her hooves over Ditzy and tried to comfort her, “Oh Ditzy…”

“Did you try in CloudsDale?” asked Carrot Top, “You’re a Pegasus and they’ve got lots of jobs up there.”

“No.” Ditzy responded, “If I go back I’ll have to take that flying test allowing me to do anything up there and every-pony knows I wouldn’t pass that test if my life depended on it.”

"Oh, I know!” exclaimed Carrot Top ecstatically, “You could work at the Green Houses with me! We’d be together all the time and…”

Ditzy cut her off, “I’m allergic to a lot of things. Remember that was why I couldn’t go to the farm field trip at Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Oh right.” responded Carrot Top, slightly embarrassed.

“Haven’t any of your other class mates been able to help you out in any way at all?” asked Spit Fire.

“No.” replied Ditzy grimly.

“Ditzy, hun. You’re a smarter mare than you look like. I’m sure that there is something out there for you to do.”

“Not likely.” Ditzy replied, “I tried everything on your list.”

“Everything except the Post Office.” stated Carrot Top, looking at the checked off list ,then showing it to Spit Fire and Ditzy.

“What?” asked Ditzy. “Well I mean it’s the only one that’s not crossed off.” said Carrot Top.

“Oh, I was thinking about heading there today but thought it was no use.”

“What are you talking about?” said Spit Fire, “You don’t know that. You should go quick before they close.”

“Why?” resisted Ditzy, “So I can just get shunned out again?”

“Ditzy, for me, please go.” Ditzy looked hard at Spit Fire and thought about it then obliged. “Fine.” she said, “I’ll go.” And with that she left.

Ditzy went inside the Post Office and knocked at the door of the manager’s office.

“Come in.” a shy voice said. Ditzy entered the room and at a small desk a very plump stallion sat.

He was an old stallion wearing a mail carriers hat and had on a pair of large eye glasses. One of which was missing a lens.

“Hello, I’m Ditzy.” said Ditzy cautiously entering the room, “I’m here to apply for a job as a mail carrier.” “Oh yes Derpy I’ve been expecting you. I’m Mr. Bumble, head mail stallion.”

“Excuse me Mr. Bumble” Ditzy said, “Where did you get Derpy from? Did Spit Fire get it mixed up with…”

“Who’s Spit Fire?” asked Mr. Bumble, but before either of them could answer Mr. Bumbled continued, “You just seem kind of Derpy.” Ditzy rolled her eyes at this ,but as she did so her eyes ended up rolling in all directions like a pair of googly eyes.

“Hahaha” Laughed Mr. Bumble immused, “Look at e'm things go!” Ditzy was just about to turn back out the door to leave when Mr. Bumble asked, “Can you see with those things?”

“Yes.” replied Ditzy annoyed, but surprisingly it ended at that.

“Wow.” exclaimed Mr. Bumble, “Truly impressive.” Ditzy nodded at this awkwardly. “Now Derpy,” Ditzy opened her mouth to say something ,but closed it again realizing this guy wasn’t “quite right in the head” such like herself, so therefore she ignored it.

“As for that mail carrier position,” Mr. Bumble continued, “There is only one position open and it is you and one other mare who also happens to be a Pegasus. The way we usually settle things like this is by having a small contest of who can mail three letters to residents around Pony Ville and report back in the quickest amount of time.”

“Really?” asked Ditzy shaky at this.

“Yes.” replied Mr. Bumble, “Now we’ve been getting an over load of mail lately so we must get started and determine the winner very quickly.”

“Oh.” Ditzy was a little taken back. She was coming here for a simple interview but instead she was being told that she had to race for position as mail carrier. Since this obviously required direction and persistence, two t out of many things that Ditzy was not good about at all, things were not going good for her so far… But there was still chance being offered up she realized. It all just depends on who her competitor was.

“All right.” said Mr. Bumble, let’s send in this other mare. Mr. Bumble pressed a button on an intercom, “Leash, could you send in Rainbow Dash for us please?” The lady on the other end responded.

“Yes Mr. Bumble ,she’s on her way.”

A moment later a blue Pegasus with a colorful rainbow mane came in the room.

“You wanted to see me Mr. Bumble” she asked.

“Yes. We are going to have a race for the new position of mail carrier. “What!” she exclaimed, “But Mr. Bumble you said that position was mine!”

“I said we’d see.” Mr. Bumble snapped back, “and with that stubborn attitude of yours, your chances are already slim.”

“Fine.” gave in Rainbow Dash. “Now this is your competitor.” said Mr. Bumble, introducing Ditzy to Rainbow Dash.

“Hia!” greeted Ditzy cheerfully, “I’m Ditzy, but as everyone else does I guess you can call me Derp…”

“Ha!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, interrupting. ”This is who I’m up against for the stupid position? Look at her eyes!” Ditzy ignored this and continued, “I’ve heard around Pony Ville you’re a pretty good athlete.”

“Pretty good?” snapped back Rainbow Dash, “I’m one of the best! But yeah thanks, and I know you too Derpy.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah I hear you’re quite the show case pony.” Ditzy assumed this remark was directed towards the Nightmare Night performance years back.

“They still remember that huh?” asked Ditzy sarcastically.

“Yup.” replied Rainbow Dash, "Clear as day."

“Okay now girls, enough chat and let’s get started.” said Mr. Bumble hurriedly, “Now here are your bag of letters and here are your routes and addresses.”

He gave each of them a satchel containing the letters and a paper attached to a clip board for each of them listing their routes and addresses. “Now.” Mr. Bumble paused, “Let’s make this quick so… Go!” With that Rainbow Dash bolted out of the office, through the front door, and out of the Post Office before Ditzy even left the room.

On her way out Mr. Bumble called after Ditzy. Ditzy turned back and Mr. Bumble said, “One thing she never can really get is that slow and steady wins the race.” as he winked at Ditzy, “Good luck!”

“Oh, thank you!” said Ditzy. Then she sprung out of the Post Office and went straight to work.

New Beginnings

Ditzy looked at her route paper, “Alright let’s see, 1234 Oak Briar. Alright that’s not too far from around here. She flew as fast as she could down the street past shops and children playing in the street and then made quick turn down Blue Berry road. “Excuse me, pardon me, sorry!” she said as she came to near misses colliding with other ponies. Then she finally turned to Oak Briar and approached the house she was to deliver to. She approached the mail box then shuffled through her bag for the proper letters. “Let’s see.” she said to herself, “Ah! Here we go.” She opened the lid of the mail box and put the letters in.

“Alrighty. One down!” As she was about to leave she noticed across the way at the neighboring house that Rainbow Dash was making her delivery. Rainbow Dash bolted through the yard and as she approached the mailbox. Without looking, she grabbed letters out of her bag and without stopping, swung them into the mailbox and kept flying.

“Wow she’s fast.” Ditzy said to herself. Then took off to her next location. “Alright let’s see what’s next.” She skimmed the paper, “Ah, ha the school’s next! That should be easy.” she said and then flew off. She turned off Oak Briar and then turned right sharply onto Pond Lake. She flew as fast as she could and then finally approached the school. She saw many foals playing on the playground. Ditzy approached to drop the letters in the box when suddenly Ms. Cheerilee came out.

“Oh my Ditzy!” she said surprised, “How are you?”

“Oh hi Ms. Cheerillee.” said Ditzy, “I’m doing fine how bout you?”

“Oh I’m doing good. Got a bundle of joy to look after as always. What are you up too? Are you mail carrier now?”

“Oh no.” replied Ditzy hastily, “I’m actually in a big hurry. I’m competing for it right now.”

“Oh really?”

“Yep gotta run!” With that Ditzy flew off quickly.

“Good Luck!” shouted Ms. Cheerillee after Ditzy. Ditzy looked at her route paper and crossed off the second address. “Sweet!” she exclaimed, “Two down. I can do this!”

Just then Rainbow Dash flew over head of Ditzy. “Better hurry up Derpy!” she jeered, “I’ve got one more and then that job is mine!” she flew off hysterically laughing. Ditzy refused to be intimidated. She looked at her next destination... It was the orphanage all the way across town. But she refused to give up. In the sky, she hovered for a moment or two looking around for any short cuts that could be seen from above. “Ah, ha!” she laughed, “There!” as fast as she could she flew high over roof tops, over crowds, of people, and made a few wild turns through pony’s yards and turned from street to street.

Then finally she came to a clearing on across one street and there it was; the orphanage. It looked very torn and run down but was still active. She saw little fillies and foals playing games in the front of the building. She wondered what has happened to that one pink filly she saw playing in the front the first time she passed by here when she first came to Pony Ville. She approached the front sidewalk leading towards the door step and took out her last letters and dropped them into the mailbox. She waved to all the children as she flew off.

“Yes! I’m finally done.” She congratulated herself. She flew as quickly as she could to the Post Office, burst through the doors and went straight to Mr. Bumble’s office. She was so certain that she had it made. “Mr. Bumble! Mr. Bumbled!” she cried. Tears of joy filled her eyes. She had finally made it. Finally persistence pays off. She felt so happy when she entered Mr. Bumble’s office…”Mr. Bumble I made it…” she began but there she was... Rainbow Dash was in the office already. She stood proudly next to Mr. Bumble at his desk with a mail carriers hat resting neatly on her head.

“I’m sorry Derpy.” said Mr. Bumble, “It looks like Rainbow Dash here completed her task earlier. Therefore she is now the new mail carrier.”

Rainbow Dash smiled proudly, “Sorry Derps, looks like the Hair beat the Tortis this time. Hahaha.”

“Yeah it does.” Ditzy squeaked out. She turned to leave, “Congrats.” And with that she left the Post Office. She couldn’t believe it. She had gone there today for a simple interview, was given a golden opportunity, and blew it. She was certain that Spit Fire and Carrot Top were waiting for her to return with the news back at the apartment. It was late and she felt to ashamed to go home in fear, knowing that she had let down not only herself but Spit Fire as well.

She walked to Sugar Cube Corner as depressed as could be. Thankfully they were still open for it was growing late now and the sky was getting dark. She entered the building and behind the counter was Mrs. Cake. Spit Fire brought her here a few times when she was younger for her birthday. She took a seat at a table in the corner. There was no one else here.

Mrs. Cake approached her wearing an apron and a little note pad. “Hello hun.” she said brightly, “How are you tonight?”

“I’m okay. Could be better, but could be worse I guess.” replied Ditzy grimly.

“Oh haven’t we all had those days.” chuckled Mrs. Cake.

“Not quite like this.” Ditzy said.

“Oh.” Mrs. Cake was a little embarrassed, “So um, is there anything I can get for ya?”

“A Blue Berry muffin and a Chocolate Milk shake please.”

“One blue berry muffin and a chocolate shake coming right up!” Mrs. Cake said as she went back behind the counter. Ditzy thought long and hard about the way things were turning out. There was no job anywhere out there for her and she had let Spit Fire, her life-long provider and mother figure, down. Minutes later Mrs. Cake came with Ditzy’s muffin and milk shake. As she set them down in front of Ditzy she asked, “What’s wrong honey?”

Ditzy looked longingly at her and replied, “You wouldn’t happen to have a job opening here would you?”

Mrs. Cake frowned, “Well hun I…I wish we did and I mean we did, but we offered it up to a sweet pink mare that dropped by here earlier.”

“Oh. I see.” replied Ditzy.

“I’m sorry, I truly am.” Ditzy nodded, a tear trickled down her eye. “The muffin and shake are on the house.” Mrs. Cake added and then went back behind the counter.

Ditzy stayed there for a while and realized she should probably go and not keep the Cakes waiting for her; it was quite late for them too. She turned to the counter to thank Mrs. Cake, but she was nowhere to be seen. She decided she should just go, so she left. It was very late now. The sky was completely dark now except for the beautiful full moon and stars which shone brightly. The street lights had turned on and there was no one in sight. Everyone had gone home. Ditzy still felt scared to go back to Spit Fire and Carrot Top so she decided to take a walk.

She turned the corner and walked along-side Sugar Cube Corner. As she turned to the back where all the trash bins were and dumpster was she saw someoneby the dumpster. She couldn’t make out who it was because they were wearing a dark hooded cloak. “Hey!” Ditzy shouted, startling the mysterious creature, “What are you doing!” The creature looked quick at Ditzy then shut the dumpster bin and ran into the night. “What were they doing?” Ditzy wondered to herself. Then she jumped when she heard a shuffling sound coming from inside the dumpster. She waited a moment frozen in shock then it happened again. “What the…” She went closer to the dumpster and decided to open it and find out what was inside. She was certain it was a raccoon or some sort of small animal but then what was that, mysterious assumed pony, doing? Maybe she was feeding it. Ditzy approached the dumpster slowly and cautiously. She, inch by inch began to open it up, but then she heard a wimper. She opened it up completely and looked in to see what it was. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Her heart skipped a few beats… It was a baby…. a filly. That pony, whoever he or she was, dumped a little baby foal in the dumpster! It was a light purple unicorn with a golden mane like Ditzy’s. She had yellow eyes just like Ditzy had, except you know, these weren’t wall eyed. The filly was maybe a year or two old.

“Oh my Celestia...” Ditzy exclaimed. She was speechless. She didn’t know what to do. This poor little darling had just been abandoned. Just like Ditzy had… Ditzy looked into the eyes of the little filly. She was so small and was quite scarred. She looked as if she had just woken up and was obviously unaware of where she was. Ditzy’s mind flooded with questions. Who was that mare? Why didn’t she take the child to an orphanage? Should the Cakes find out that a baby was abandoned in their dumpster? But most of all, the big question was, what was SHE going to do. Leave? not a chance.

The little foal looked up at Ditzy with her little eyes, “Mm-mommy?” she cooed softly with a scared questioning look. This was it. Ditzy had to come up with a conclusion of what action to take next. Her heart beat rapidly. She shook at the thought of what her next move would be. But she stopped, took a deep breath, and jumped to it. “Yes.” she said softly, “I’m here.”

--------- ---------- ----------- ----------

Ditzy flew as softly as she could, wielding the child on her back, all cuddled up into a ball. But she was awake and was well aware of what was happening. Ditzy knew where to go now. She needed to get away to somewhere quiet. Somewhere to think and look for answers. She flew far to the outskirts of town, into a vast green meadow. Illuminated by the moon light, the tall grasses swayed in the cool night breeze. She landed in the middle of the meadow and lay down. She took the little foal off of her back and set her down beside her. She looked into the yellow eyes of this beautiful foal. More questions filled her mind. What was she to do now? Why did she take this child? Would this child ever remember what her birth mother was like? What was she to do with it? Give her to the orphanage or raise her as her own? Ditzy knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to raise this beautiful child as her own. She didn’t want to give her to the orphanage, where there are also poor innocent children that have been abandoned. No place for an innocent.

Now what made this struggle so hard? Because when Ditzy looked into the eyes of this child she saw herself. She remembered how like this filly her mother had too practically abandoned Ditzy when she was young. She had also once felt the pain of being forgotten and unwanted that this filly was to feel someday if she didn’t take her in. The difference between Ditzy and this foal was that someone else had been there for Ditzy when all went bad. Spit Fire. But if Ditzy didn’t do anything then this foal would have no one else to be there for her. Ditzy had another chance now to do something right. She dread the thought of leaving this foal alone with no one to defend her in the world.

If she did decide to take her in then what sort of life would she be providing for her? Ditzy had no job, was running out of money fast, and having a child to care for would just make things worse. She couldn’t raise a child having to eek their way through life desperately. She didn’t know what Spit Fire would think of it either.

Ditzy looked into the eyes of the filly, who had been staring at her this whole time. The baby looked over the sweet gentle face of her supposed protector and guardian. Ditzy looked back into the eyes of the little foal. “I’ll be here for you.” said Ditzy, “I’m going to name you… Dinky. Like Ditzy. How does that sound?” The little filly cocked her head to the side and gave a slight smile. Ditzy pulled Ditzy closer to her side with her wing. Dinky snuggled up as tight as she could to Ditzy. Ditzy looked at Ditzy and gave her a small kiss on the head, “At least your normal.” she said. “No.” Dinky squeaked back in her soft voice. “Don’t say mommy. You too.” Ditzy cuddled next to Dinky and began to weep.

They lay there for a while but then above the noise of the swaying grass Ditzy heard the sound of twinkling. From the sky she saw a strange formation of mist begin to form. The group formation of clouds drifted down into the field right in front of Ditzy and Dinky. Dinky was asleep but Ditzy watched in awe as from the mist an incredible white light grew and from it emerged Princess Cestia herself!

The Princess stepped forth and Ditzy was just about to get up and bow to the Princess when the Princess spoke up, “Stay laying child. You wouldn’t want to wake the little one.” she had the most Angelic tone of voice Ditzy had ever heard. “Pp…Princess Celestia.” Ditzy stuttered, “W…what are you doing here?”

“Ditzy.” The Princess started, “I’ve been watching you for all these years. Ever since the Wonder Bolt Rally.”

Ditzy was utterly confused, “But Princess why?” “Because I saw what happened between your mother and you that day. With a little filly as young as your self being belittled by no one other than your own mother I just couldn’t leave my sight on you assuring myself that everything would be fine. Especially with your little…gift.”

“Oh.” Ditzy said, “Yeah...right.”

“Ditzy.” Celestia continued, “Do you know why out of everything, bubbles became your cutie mark?” “Because I’m good at blowing as my special talent?” Ditzy popped in sarcastically. Celestia chuckled to herself, “No not because of that. It’s because of you being you. Out of all the struggles you’ve been faced with for all this time you have refused to give up and you still keep your chin high with no defeat. With all things happening around you, you also still manage to keep in mind others.” Ditzy smiled and nodded towards Dinky, “Ditzy not many ponies out there can say that they’ve lived there life happily through all of their hard ships…Mainly because a lot aren’t around to say it at all.” Ditzy nodded and thought about this. “I just want to tell you Ditzy that you are a very special pony with wondrous features that no one else has and that no one can take away. Always keep your head high and remember that young one. Though it may not seem like it at times, more souls care about you and love you than you think.” As Princess Celestia turned back into her cloud portal but just as she was about to disappear, Ditzy called after her, “Princess Celestia, thank you so much for everything but I mean… I’ve still got questions. Nothing is working out. I can’t get a job, I can’t bare to upset Spit Fire and I just don’t know what to do.” Ditzy began to cry because these thoughts were directed towards Dinky and Celestia knew this. “Don’t cry now. I have a feeling things are going to turn up sooner than you think. After all remember, you can’t have a rainbow without any rain.” And leaving it at that Celestia disappeared and the clouds did too. Ditzy felt so tired from all that happened that day and she closed her eyes drifting into a deep slumber.

When Ditzy awoke she was still in the field. Silently wondering if everything was a dream she looked down at Dinky who was still sleeping quietly next to her in the grass. She felt relieved and a broad smile brushed along her face. She heard the noise of the residents of Pony Ville shuffling their way around vibrantly as always. Ditzy put on a bright smile. Today did not feel like any other day she thought. Today was a new day with a new beginning. Suddenly she heard her name being called. She thought she was imagining it but then it continued and it drew closer too. Then across the meadow from the town she made out what looked like two figures running closer and closer. Her name continued to be called and then she made out who was coming. It was Jasmine and Spit Fire. Spit Fire flying towards her and Jasmine running. “Ditzy! Ditzy!” Spit Fire called, “Where the hay have you been? We’ve been looking everywhere for you since last night when you never came back.” “Oh hullo.” said Ditzy, Dinky was still hidden from sight on the other side of her. “We were so worried where you could’ve been.” added Jasmine, ”We were about to call the Ponice but then we thought maybe you just had a little trouble and you might come back over night so we slept but then you didn’t come back so we got worried again and then we got a call from Mr. Bumble at the Post office telling us about…” Jasmine gasped for air. “I’ll take it from here Jasmine.” said Spit Fire, “Yes Ditzy we were so worried about you! What are you doing out here?” “No wait.” said Ditzy still lying on the grass, Dinky yet to be noticed, “What did Mr. Bumble call about?” “What?” “You said Mr. Bumble called. What was it about?” “Oh yes! That’s another reason why we just had to find you!” exclaimed Jasmine, “He told us about some weird race that you randomly had to do for a job position at the Post Office and he said you won!” Ditzy was confused, “But I don’t understand…I lost the race. We had to deliver letters and I was too slow so I lost.” “Well yeah he told us about that too.” continued Jasmine, “But he also said that all night he had to stay late answering angry phone calls from people who, whoever you were up against delivered to because apparently that other mare got all of their mail mixed up so you automatically win because you got the mail right!” Ditzy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It seemed too good to be true. Her heart nearly burst, it was pounding so much. “Oh my Celestia!” Ditzy shrieked, as she sprung up from the ground, “That’s amazing! I can’t believe it! I got the job. I did it!” she flew in circles and hugged Jasmine and pranced around and then hugged Spit Fire and danced some more, “Yippee! This is amazing! I’m gonna be the new mail carrier!” “Um Ditzy.” asked Spit Fire stiffly, “Whose that?” she and Jasmine had both their eyes directed into the grass where little Dinky lay with her head perked up a little smile on her face as she watched her mother stop in mid-air from dancing wildly with a blank face also directed towards her.

“C,mon honey.” said Ditzy, beckoning for Ditzy to leave her toys and head out the door. Ditzy and Dinky stepped out the door of the house and started walking on the gravel path towards town. Yup, that’s right, a house. Over the past two years Ditzy had done a great job being the best mail mare in town and had received many tips and raises in her salary of bits and, with a little help from Spit Fire, bought a two story house near the meadow that she had spent the night in with Ditzy.

Today she decided to bring Dinky to work today. Dinky loved to go out and Ditzy tried to take her out whenever she could. Plus it was Dinky’s birthday. Ditzy had no idea when Dinky’s actual birthday was so she decided to celebrate it on the anniversary day that she found her. Today was going to be special. Ditzy would take Dinky with her on her mail route then stop by Sugar Cube Corner to get some ice cream and then take her on a walk in the park.

Ditzy and Dinky left the Post Office with her new bag of mail for the day. Thankfully Mr. Bumble had known what Ditzy planned on doing with Ditzy today and what the occasion was so he gave her very few letters than usual. She was to deliver about ten letters and a package.

After Ditzy and Dinky left their first two deliveries Ditzy decided to take Dinky to Sugar Cube Corner after lots of begging. Besides, she was hungry for some ice cream too. On the way Ditzy took Ditzy down Main Street past all the shops and other businesses. It was always bustling with vibrant ponies doing everyday things whether it was selling fruits from fruit stands or preforming tricks for a few Bits. Ditzy loved to go past and see all these things. Dinky would always say to Ditzy. “Mommy someday I wanna do that!” and Ditzy would laugh and reply with, “Maybe someday, but don’t you wanna be a mail mare like me?” and Ditzy, “Oh…Yeah that too!”

As Ditzy and Dinky were walking they passed by a group of colts across the street who were laughing amongst themselves. One of them caught Ditzy’s eye and turned to face in her and Dinky’s direction. “Hey look everypony!” he exclaimed and all the other colts turned, “It’s Derpy and her little guide dog!” All the other colts started laughing along. “What’s wrong Derpy? Can’t navigate yourself around town? Maybe you need a map! Or can’t you find that either?” All the colts raged in laughter and even a few other bystanders near them began joining in on the fun. “Why are those colts being so mean mommy?” Ditzy asked. “Oh it’s nothing.” replied Ditzy, “Just ignore them.” As they began walking some of the colts started following Ditzy and Dinky scavenging for more fun to have with the two. “Hey where ya goin Derpy?” one asked. Ditzy sighed, “Thank Celestia you’re at least normal. You’ll never have this problem someday.” suddenly Dinky stopped and looked angry. “Baby what’s wrong?’ asked Ditzy. “Don’t say things like that Mommy!” Dinky said loudly, “Don’t say that. You are normal!” Ditzy let out a tear and smiled, then nudged Ditzy on ward.

The colts began to speed up toward the mother and her daughter when all of a sudden, “Hey what do you think ya’ll are doing?” yelled Rainbow Dash as she flew straight down from the sky right in between Ditzy and the colts. “You got a problem with them? You take it up with me!” Rainbow Dash approached them in a manner that made her look ready to fight. The colts got scared, “Oh uh we weren’t doing anything.” one said. “Oh weren’t ya?” scowled Rainbow Dash. “Yeah.” another colt spoke up, “In fact we were just uh…Leaving!” and they all ran away as fast as they could. “Yeah you punks better run!” she called after them. Then Rainbow Dash turned to Ditzy and Dinky. “Ya’ll okay?” she asked looking at Dinky. “That was awesome!” shouted Dinky. Rainbow Dash laughed, “Well looks like you’re doing fine.” “Hey Rainbow Dash!” greeted Ditzy, “Thank you.” “Oh no problem.” replied Rainbow Dash, “So what you up too? Word goes around these days that you’re the best mail mare around.” “Oh.” blushed Ditzy, “Well I never got to say how sorry I was that you didn’t get the job.” “Oh psh! Don’t worry about it.” shooed Rainbow Dash, “Don’t worry about it. I’m having a better time as a cloud clearer for Cloudsdale anyway.” “Oh well that’s good.” smiled Ditzy. “Yup, well it’s about time I get back up there. Ya’ll stay safe now or I might have to be awesome again.” She winked to Dinky and then bolted straight up and out of sight.”

Ditzy and Dinky went to sugar cube corner. “Alright baby let’s get some Ice Cream then Mommy has to make one more delivery then we can go to the park.” said Ditzy “Okay!” replied Dinky excitedly. At the counter Ditzy didn’t see Mrs. Cake, but saw…Was it? Yes! It was the other pink pony that Ditzy saw at the orphanage and maybe it was the one Mrs. Cake said she had already given the job here to. Yes it had to be! ”Hi!” greeted Ditzy cheerfully. “Well hello there!” greeted the pink pony back as she looked up from doing whatever it was she was looking down at, her pooffy pink mane bouncing up and down as this happened. She had a cutie mark of three colorful balloons. This intrigued “What brings you around here?” she asked, “Oh,” said Ditzy, “Well um…” Ditzy motioned down to Dinky. “Oh my Celestia!” replied the pink pony getting the hint, “Is it someone’s birthday?” Dinky nodded excitedly with a bright smile. “Well that’s amazing! What can I get ya?” “Two double chocolate swirly ice creams please.” Ditzy responded. “Two double chocolate swirlies coming right up!” The pink pony turned to another counter and opened up a glass case and scooped up the ice cream from ice cream buckets filled with all sorts of tasty flavors. “There ya go!” she said handing the ice creams to Ditzy and Dinky. In Dinky’s there was a little colorful tab that read “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” and there were sprinkles on top of the little treat also. “Thanks!” said Dinky cheerfully. “No problem.” replied the pony, “Names Pinkie Pie by the way. You have a super doper Happy Birthday now!” Pinkie Pie, now that sounded like a fitting name, thought Ditzy. “Thank you!” said Ditzy as she and Dinky left. “Any time!” Pinkie Pie called back.

Ditzy and Dinky walked all the way across Pony Ville to Ditzy’s next delivery. Dinky sweetly asked “Mommy when can we go to the park?” “Right after this last delivery.” responded Ditzy. It was a rather large package for…Whooves. Ditzy remembered him from school! Of course mainly remembering times where he and other young colts had made fun of her at times but she didn’t mind. She had always had a small crush on him. Now she was anxious to see him again. He seemed like the type of dead beat that would always be traveling around Equestria. “C’mon baby.” Ditzy urged Dinky.

When they got to the house Ditzy noticed the large telephone box that Jasmine had always remarked him to be using for Celestia knows what. Ditzy knocked a few times while Dinky waited patiently by her side…Still no answer. Then Ditzy knocked again. This time she heard a shuffling sound from inside the house and then a few locks opening and the door opened, “Package delivery for Hooves.” Ditzy announced. “Yes but I believe it’s actually Doctor Whoo… Oh my, Ditzy is that you?” Dr. Hooves said. “Hello!” said Ditzy excitedly, brightly smiling. “Well you’ve certainly changed.” He said looking at Ditzy then at Dinky. “Yes so have you.” replied Ditzy. His dark mane was messily combed back and he wore a neat tie around his neck. His style had certainly changed since school. “Living the life of a mail mare are you?” Then looking at Ditzy, “As well as a mother too I see.” he smiled. “Oh well not quite like that.” said Ditzy softly. “Oh.” nodded Dr. Whooves getting a clue by what Ditzy meant. “Well um, here’s your package.” said Ditzy, handing over the package. “What’s in there if you don’t mind?” Ditzy asked. “Oh well it’s um, just some supplies for the Tardis.” he responded. “The Tardis?” Ditzy questioned, “Is that what you call that blue thing of yours?” “Yup! Neat isn’t she?” “Oh um, I guess.” “Well thank you for uh, the delivery.” Dr. Whooves said, catching eyes with Ditzy. He looked in awe into her golden eyes. He too secretly had once had a small crush on Ditzy even though of the teasing and now he knows why. It had always been of those “fascinating” gold colored wall eyes. Very unique he thought. Ditzy had caught his glare as well. Poor Dinky did not know what was going on. Ditzy continued to look into his dark brown eyes, but then snapped out of it. “Oh um, no problem.” she replied back and then started to head off. “W-wait.” Whooves said halting them. “Ditzy I was wondering.” Ditzy listened curiously, “If you’re not doing anything some time, would you possibly like to go out?” Ditzy’s heart pounded nearly out of her chest but kept calm. “You know maybe take the Tardis out for a spin.” Ditzy had no idea what this meant but then looked down at Dinky, thought for a second then turned around anyway, “I’d love to.”