A Certain Urgeby TheUnknownPersonChaptersI: PrologueII: ApologiesIII: Role-Reversal(18+)IV: Acceptance and AwakeningV: Friends and PlansVI: Black-OutVII: Caught(18+)VIII: Betrayal(18+)IX: LeavingX: RecoveryXI: GreetingsXII: Apologies and ControlXIII: ArrivalXIV: Night-Fall[Part I](18+)XV: Night-Fall[Part II](18+)XVI: EpilogueI: PrologueFive days days after the events of Ignorance is Bliss... Pinkie woke up from a surprisingly blissful sleep. Seems like Princess Luna was giving her a break, because Pinkie hadn't seen a bad dream. No nightmare, no flashbacks, nothing. Pinkie got up from her bed and stretched a little bit. She actually felt like life was back to normal even though those nightmares had mentally scarred her. Pinkie stepped out of her rooms to the loft hallway. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were getting ready for work. The Twins weren't out of bed yet(thankfully). Business as usual... Pinkie yawned as entered the bathroom. After a few minutes, Pinkie exited the bathroom with her usual smile plastered across her. She walked downstairs with Mr. and Mrs. Cake and started to make muffin batter. Hopefully this week'll be better than the last one... I never want to experience something about that again. Pinkie shivered at the thought of the memory. Pinkie had gotten better at hiding it over the rest of the week. In reality, she still felt a little tormented by her memories. She couldn't get the screams of that innocent filly out of her head. Pinkie was still shocked by the fact that her family or anypony would do that to another pony. Let alone a small filly. Pinkie shook her head and put those thoughts into the, "Do not think of/ Forget:" section of her brain and continued to make the batter. She then focused on all the good things her friends had done for her to comfort her. That's almost immediately what she goes to after she thinks of something like that. It calmed her, even if it was just a little bit. I really need to throw a party for the mares. They've helped me through this whole ordeal. Definitely not another sleepover, but just an hour or two sort of thing. Pinkie whipped the batter and then poured them into a muffin pan. She picked up the pan and put it in the oven and set them to bake. Pinkie began to think about the events from the last week. She didn't think to much about the dream. That was a memory she wouldn't miss. One part of the last week interested Pinkie. Why did I get so jealous of Pound? Pinkie really was intrigued. Why did I get this... this want to hurt him? Pinkie had already scolded herself thoroughly for that. But she just couldn't get that thought out of her head. I'd never really hurt Pound... would I? Pinkie remembered the night. She remember that she yearned to get the knife from under her mattress. I still have it under there... "Pinkie?" Mrs. Cake asked. Pinkie was so enveloped by her thoughts, she had forgot that Mr. and Mrs. Cake were in the kitchen with her. Pinkie, shook her head and looked at Mrs. Cake. "Sorry, Mrs. Cake. I just got caught up in my thoughts." "Oh, its fine." "Alright. Well, I'm going to get back to work!" Pinkie said, enthusiasm filling her voice. "Okay, Pinkie." Mrs. Cake said, happy that her party-loving worker was back. And with that short conversation, Pinkie started doing the work that she loves. ================= Pinkie took the final batch of cupcakes out of the oven. She had flour on her hooves and icing on her snout. Now I just need to wait for the cupcakes to cool... Pinkie leaned against the counter, letting herself relax. She noticed the icing on her snout. Pinkie used her hoof to swipe up the icing and licked it off. "Delicious!" Pinkie said as the taste of the icing hit her tongue. She looked around the now empty kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were out in the front of the shop, putting up signs for deals at the bakery. As she waited for the cupcakes to cool, she let her mind wonder. At first, her mind wondered to her happy daydreams. She imagined herself being trapped in a cupcake. And, as always, she'd eat her way out of it. But then her mind unfortunately drifted into the, "Do not think of" part of her brain. I wonder what Rainbow Dash would be like without her wings... Her usual response to the question would've been silence. But this time, her reaction was different. Sad. Even though she'd hate to admit it, she would be nothing without her wings. All of her work, for nothing... Pinkie shook her head, leaving the daydream. That was... strange. Pinkie, playing it off as if nothing happened. went over to frost the now cool cupcakes. Why have I been having so many thoughts like that lately? First it was Fluttershy, then Pound, and now Rainbow Dash?! What the hay is going on with me? ================= Pinkie put the cupcakes into the display case. She made sure not to tip over any. And... done! Pinkie was actually pleased with herself. She went into the kitchen and grabbed one of the surplus cupcakes that Mr. and Mrs. Cake had fixed accidentally. Nothing feels better than the taste of a cupcake! Well, maybe a good party, but still! Pinkie trotted up into the loft, cupcake in hoof. She had to babysit the twins while Mr. and Mrs. Cake went to a party to promote Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie begged them to bring her along, but they said she had to stay with the twins. Pinkie trotted though the narrow hallway of the loft, and looked for the twins. Mr. and Mrs. Cake had put them in their playroom before they left. There's no telling where those two are. As Pinkie searched through the halls, she began to worry if the foals had actually figured out a way outside. "Pound? Pumpkin? Where are you two?" As soon as she said that, Pinkie heard the familiar sound of a foal's laughter. Pinkie followed the voice to the best of her abilities, and eventually entered her bedroom. I need to get Twilight to make my door magic-proof. Pinkie braced herself and entered her. Her room looked like Discord himself had been through it. The twins had sprawled her bed sheets all over the room, they had gotten under her bed and to her secret stash of soda. There were at least 10 cans of soda on the ground. That was really bad. Pound was buzzing around the room, bouncing off the walls, he almost hit Pinkie when she entered. Pumpkin was levitating Pinkie nightstand. "Woahwoahwoahwoahwoah! Stop!" Pinkie said. Pound looked back at her as he bounced off the wall and Pumpkin stopped levitating the nightstand, which in turn caused it to fall. "Pumpkin!" Pinkie said as she galloped towards Pumpkin. She grabbed Pumpkin and pulled her out of the way of the falling nightstand. Pinkie replaced her spot with a small pillow, which surprisingly helped a bit. When Pinkie looked back to Pound and Pumpkin, she saw that they had gone down the hallway, presumably back to there playroom. Another thing I need to do: put a lock on my soda stash so this doesn't happen again. Pinkie walked down the hallway and walked down to their playroom. Laughter roared from the room. As Pinkie entered the room, she was accidentally hit by Pound. Apparently, he had decided to repeat his actions from Pinkie's room in their playroom. Laughter filled her ears as she felt Pound get up from her. Usually, Pinkie wouldn't have been angry. Hay, she probably would've laughed along with Pound. But, for some reason, she felt so much anger and jealousy towards Pound, she couldn't contain herself. Pinkie let out a frustrated snarl and yelled, "Pound!" Pound looked back at her, eyes filled with confusion and fright. "Why did you hit me?!" Pinkie asked, anger showing in her voice. Pound looked at Pinkie and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, why?!" Pinkie asked once again. She began approaching Pound, who was now hovering at the level of her face. Pound began to hover backwards. Pumpkin just watched on. "Ya know what?! I'm tired of this! You're always flying into me, pushing me around, and showing off your wings!" Pinkie said. She knew she'd regret it earlier, but she really couldn't stop herself at this point. "I'm sick of it! And you now what-?" Pinkie stopped for a moment, and realized exactly where she was. She was in Pound's face. Pound had backed against the wall, eyes filled with tears. Pumpkin had apparently been holding Pinkie back, trying to stop her from what she was about to do. "Pound?" Pound flew up and out of the room. Pinkie looked down at Pumpkin, who had an angry glare on her face. She stared at Pinkie for a moment more before leaving to try and find Pound. Pinkie sighed. She felt so bad for doing that. And the strangest part was she couldn't explain why she did it. I can't believe I did that to Pound... I don't even remember why I did it. Pinkie walked out of the playroom and tried to find the twins. "Pound? Pumpkin? Where are you?" Pinkie asked. She then heard the sound of loud hoofsteps on wood, "Pinkie? Are you up here?" Uh oh... Mr. and Mrs. Cake are back. "Um... yes, Mr. Cake!" Pinkie replied. "Come here!" Mr. Cake called back. Pinkie swallowed nervously then trotted down the staircase. ================= "Pinkie, please explain to us why you yelled at Pound." Mrs. Cake said, her motherly instincts kicking in. "Um... I can't," Pinkie said. "Oh, there's got to be a reason. So, do tell." Mrs. Cake said, putting emphasis on the word, "got". "Well... they got into my room, stole my soda stash, and then Pound hit me. And... I just snapped for some reason." Pinkie said. "So, let's get this straight, shall we dear?" Mrs. Cake asked Mr. Cake. "Of course. She became angry because of a temporary problem..." Mr. Cake replied. "... got angry because of an accident, and then scolded him for it." Mrs. Cake finished for Mr. Cake. "Pretty much." "I think this calls for a punishment," "Yes. Yes it does." Pinkie swallowed nervously and said, "O-ok. I'll take it." "You can't have any cupcakes after dinner." "What?! But-" Mrs. Cake gave Pinkie a cold stare that stopped Pinkie in her tracks " yes, Mrs. Cake." "Alright, dearie. You can go, but you have to go upstairs and apologize to Pound." "Gladly." Pinkie said as she got up from the chair and galloped upstairs in the loft. Pinkie rushed into the twins room. As usual, Pound and Pumpkin were playing with there toys until Pinkie entered the room. They both gave her an angry look before turning their heads away from her. "Heeeyyyyy, you two." "Look, I'm sorry. I-I don't know what came over me." Pinkie said. She still felt some form of jealousy against Pound, but her feeling of remorse and regret were much more powerful than jealousy. "I really am sorry, you two." Pinkie said, trying to convince the twins. She swore that she saw Pound turn his head so one I could see her, but Pumpkin moved his head back towards the wall. Pinkie trotted over to where they could see her, but they just turned to where they couldn't see her again. "Please you two. I'm trying to apologize..." They both let out a little, "Hmmf" and pouted. "Look, I'm sorry. How can I prove that to you two?" They both kept pouting. Pinkie then got an idea. A smile slowly crept across her face. She left the room. When she returned, she had two freshly baked, small cupcakes on a small plate. "I baked these a hour ago. They're for you two. I want to show you that I'm sorry." Pinkie said as she sat the plate down on the floor. At first they ignored the aroma of the freshly baked cupcakes, but after a peek or two at them, they both galloped towards the plate and ate up the cupcakes. As they were eating, Pinkie snuck up behind them and wrapped them both up in a big hug. "I'm really sorry you two! I don't know what came over me." Pinkie said as she squished the two foals with her hug. The two twins looked at each other before returning the hug. ================= Pinkie was lying down in bed. Her night had been a little bit better since the babysitting incident. She had cleaned up her room a little bit since the twins had messed it up. Why did I go off on Pound like that? I mean, I have been under a lot of stress over the last few days, but I wouldn't take it out on Pound. Pinkie remembered the feelings of jealousy that she had felt and are still feeling towards Pound. Pinkie felt a sudden urge to look under her bed. At first, she ignored it, but soon her resolve crumbled and she obliged. Pinkie got out of her bed and saw that the knife was still there. She pulled the knife out and laid back down in bed. Pinkie began to play with the small knife. I wonder why I'm so fascinated with this small, clean, beautiful... Pinkie stopped herself, realizing that she was rambling on about how a knife looked. She shook her head and stuck the knife back under the bed. Pinkie shut her eyes and drifted off to sleep. ================= II: ApologiesAuthor's Note Hello. Thank you for all the follows and like that I get on this story and my previous story. Hopefully you enjoy this. II: Apologies Pinkie forced her eyes open. She took a moment to collect herself after the very deep sleep. Once her body decided to wake up and join the rest of her, she realized that she felt something scaly on her chest and something wet on her hoof. Pinkie looked down and saw her beloved pet, Gummy snugged between her hoof and her chest. I hope that the wet feeling is from Gummy chewing on me. Not from something else... Not wanting to wake her lovable pet, Pinkie relaxed her body and laid her head back down. Pinkie turned her head to look at the alarm-clock on her nightstand. It read, "7:45 A.M". Today the shop's closed. I'm gonna get up in a minute. I'm just so tired. Pinkie shut her eyes and prepared to drift off to sleep. Unfortunately, Gummy wouldn't agree to that plan. He started to chew on her hoof. Pinkie moved her hoof away from his mouth, but he'd just move over in his sleep and begin to chew on it again. She then grabbed a small pillow and put it beside Gummy, hoping that he'd take that in place of her hoof. Thankfully, he did. Pinkie let out a small sigh of relief and continued to try and sleep. Pinkie then remember something that she had put on her check list of to-dos. Oh wait! I forgot! I was gonna make Fluttershy and Angel a huge carrot cake to apologize for... um... bucking her and Angel. Pinkie gently got up from the bed, being careful not to wake up Gummy. She tip-hoofed to door and gently shut the door. Pinkie then rushed down stairs towards the kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were already downstairs, sitting at the kitchen table talking. I'm sure that they won't mind if I use the kitchen for today. Pinkie picked up some sugar, flour, eggs, carrots, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla from the storage area. Not enough to where they'd need to order more supplies for tomorrow when the shop opens, but just enough to make a medium, sized cake. "And... time to bake a yummy cake for Fluttershy!" Pinkie said to herself. ================= Pinkie let out a small sigh as she pulled the cake out of the oven. She sat it out on the counter and waited for it to cool. How am I going to apologize to Fluttershy? I mean, I did buck her and her pet in the face... how do I word it? Pinkie leaned against the counter. She had to let the cake cool so she could frost it, so that gave her a good while to think an apology. "Hey, Fluttershy. I'm sorry about bucking you and Angel." Pinkie quietly said to herself, testing out that apology. Too short. It makes it seem insincere. "Hello, Flutters. You have no idea how sorry I am about hurting you. I feel so bad about it!" Pinkie tried again. No.... that'd make Fluttershy feel like she made me sad. "Hey, 'Shy. I made you a cake as an apology for hurting you and Angel in the face. I'm sorry about it. I don't know what came over me." Pinkie tried once more. Perfect! Pinkie went over to a small cabinet and opened it. Inside there were at least 20 different icings. She decided to grab the vanilla icing and some carrot icing. Pinkie opened a drawer under the cabinet and pulled out a cake-froster and a small spatula. She then proceeded to frost the cake with the vanilla icing and she spread it out with the spatula. Then, she used the cake-froster and the to write out in big lettering wrote, "I'M SORRY". It looked perfect. It looks so good! Good job, me! Pinkie mentally gave herself a high-hoof as she looked around for something to put it in. She found one as Mr. Cake entered. "Um, Pinkie? What are you doing?" "Oh, hello Mr. Cake! I baked a cake for my friend, Fluttershy. I'm just looking for something to carry it in..." Pinkie replied as she searched through cabinets. "Oh, well that was nice of you. There's some extra cake containers in the top-right cabinet." Mr. Cake said as he went upstairs. "Ok. Thank you Mr. Cake!" Pinkie said as she looked where Mr. Cake had told her to. He was definitely right... they have lots of extras in here. Pinkie carefully put the cake into the container and closed the top of the container. She draped the container's handle over her neck and made sure that the cake couldn't accidentally get knocked over inside of the container. "Mrs. Cake, I'll be back in awhile! I'm going to go visit my friend!" Pinkie called out. "Ok, Pinkie!" Mrs. Cake called back as Pinkie exited the bakery. ================= Pinkie walked down the path to Fluttershy's cottage. Her trip had been a long one, mainly because she talked to some of her friends she had met on the trip towards the modest cottage. I hope they like this. I feel so bad for doing that to her. As Pinkie approached the cottage, she saw a familiar red-colored pony exit the cottage. I wonder what Big Macintosh is doing at Fluttershy's cottage... "Hi, Big Macintosh." Big Mac nodded in acknowledgement. "So, I guess you were just talking to Fluttershy." "Eeyup" "Was it good?" "Eeyup." "What were you two talking about?" Pinkie asked, This seemed to strike a nerve with Big Macintosh. Big Mac remained silent for a moment. Pinkie swore she saw his the color of coat around his muzzle get even redder than it already was. "Nothin'" "Okay... well, I'm gonna go give her some cake I fixed for her." Pinkie said. "Alright." Big Macintosh said as he trotted towards the Apple Farm. I have a feeling there's something going on between those two... Pinkie walked up the porch steps and knocked on the door. After a few moments of waiting, Fluttershy opened the door. Well, she didn't open the door, she just cracked it slightly. "Oh, h-hello Pinkie." "Hi, Fluttershy! Could I come in?" "Of course." Fluttershy said as she opened the door. Pinkie walked in and trotted to the kitchen. She then sat the cake down on the counter and returned to the living room. "How's it going, 'Shy?" "Oh, all right... just helping Angel with his bed." "Oh, cool! Can I help?" "Um... me and Angel already finished. Speaking of him, where is Angel?" Fluttershy said as she looked around the room. Suddenly, Angel jumped out from under the couch and got in front of Pinkie. He had his paws up in a fighting position. "Oh, don't worry, silly! I'm not gonna hurt you or Fluttershy! In fact, I came to apologize for hurting you two earlier. I even got you two a present." Pinkie said as she lowered her head down to Angel. He had an intrigued look on his face, but he still had his paws up, slightly bouncing in place. "It's a cake..." Pinkie said. Angel stumbled for a moment, but quickly got back to his fighting stance. "Aw, Pinkie. Y-you shouldn't have." Fluttershy said, connecting the dots from when she came in with the container. "Its a carrot cake." Pinkie said in a playfully. In a moment's notice, Angel rushed into the kitchen. Pinkie and Fluttershy followed behind him. When they entered the kitchen, Angel Bunny was trying to pull the top of the container off. "I'll get it for you, Angel." Fluttershy said as she pulled the top of the container off. Angel jumped into the top of cake. A few seconds later, he popped out of the side. Pinkie laughed as she saw him. "Angel, please get out of there. I'll fix you a slice." Fluttershy said as she went over to a drawer and pulled out a dull blade. Like last time, Pinkie became scared. She immediately took her eyes away from Fluttershy and looked at Angel. He was excitedly licking the cake and icing from his paws. That seemed to distracted Pinkie, because she started to giggle. Then the giggle turned into full-blown laughter. "Pinkie, do you want a slice too?" "Yes!" Pinkie said through her laughter. Fluttershy obliged and cut three medium sized slices out of cake. She then pulled three small plates out from under the counter and put the slices onto them. "O-okay. Its ready you two." Fluttershy said as she picked up two plates and handed one to Pinkie and sat the other in front of Angel. Pinkie wiped tears away from her eyes before accepting it. Fluttershy and Pinkie decided to head to the living room. Things would be much more comfortable in there. They both sat down at the couch. For a few moments they just sat there in silence. "Um... Fluttershy..." Pinkie said nervously. "Y-yes Pinkie?" "I-I'm sorry about... bucking you and Angel." "Oh, i...its alright Pinkie. I know you didn't mean to." "Thank you. And Fluttershy, I'm sorry for scolding you. I don't know what came over me." "It's okay Pinkie. You were u-under a lot of pressure." Fluttershy said as she nibbled on her slice of cake. Pinkie felt a lot better now that she had forgiven her. A lot of weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Pinkie still had another question on her mind. "Flutters, there's another thing I have to ask you." "Okay Pinkie. Ask." "Why was Big Macintosh here?" Pinkie asked. Fluttershy's face became a light shade of red as the words left Pinkie's mouth. "Um... well... ah..." Fluttershy said, her voice reduced to a whisper. "Is it a secret?" Pinkie said as she leaned in towards Fluttershy, her curiosity peaked. "U-um..." Fluttershy stuttered. as she hid in her mane Pinkie, seeing that she was pushing her boundaries, relented and leaned back. "Sorry about that.." "Oh... i-its fine Pinkie. I-I just brought him over b-because..." Fluttershy trailed off. "You don't have to tell me, Fluttershy." Pinkie said, secretly yearning to know what they were doing. "Oh, its alright, Pinkie! He was just h-helping me get stronger." Fluttershy said, trying not to upset her friend. Oh... w-was it because of me? Fluttershy didn't respond. Now Pinkie felt really bad. I scared her into getting Big Mac to help her... Pinkie rubbed her eyes, making sure that Fluttershy doesn't see her tears, Pinkie's eyes trailed away from Fluttershy's face "I'm gonna go put my plate up. Are you done? I'll take your's with me." "Sure. I mean, if you don't mind." Pinkie walked into the kitchen and put the plates into the sink. She mentally noted that Angel was sitting on the floor, his stomach bloated. That did little to nothing to cheer her up, even though it was a comedic scene. Nothing could make her feel better. She had hurt a friend. Why did I have to have that dream? Why Luna?! Pinkie went to go back into the living room, but she stopped at the entrance. She began to look at Fluttershy's wings. And for some reason, she couldn't take her eyes off of them. They look so... so beautiful. Why couldn't I have wings like that? Pinkie started to get that urge again. The same urge she had with Pound. Ignore it, Pinkie! You've already hurt her. You're not doing it again! Pinkie entered back into the living room. She decided that it would be best if she left before the feelings escalated. "Hey, Fluttershy. I'm gonna head back to Sugarcube Corner." Pinkie said as she went towards the front door. "A-are you sure Pinkie? I don't mind having you here as company." Fluttershy said. "I know Fluttershy... but I really must go." Pinkie said with a ting of annoyance in her voice. "Okay, Pinkie. Thank you for the cake again." "You're welcome, Fluttershy." Pinkie said, the annoyance and jealousy a little bit stronger in her voice. Without another word, Pinkie opened the front door and left, shutting the door on the way out. ================= Pinkie entered her bedroom and collapsed onto her bed. After she came back from Fluttershy's cottage, the day had gone by painfully slow. I hope I wasn't too rude to Fluttershy when I left. I don't know why, but she really annoyed me for some reason. Pinkie felt something tugging on her mattress. She looked back down at floor and saw that Gummy was tugging on the bed with his gums, probably trying to get her attention. Pinkie picked up Gummy and put him onto the bed. She then pulled him two her chest and began to hug him, hoping that would cheer her up. It helped, but it didn't make her sadness go away completely. I feel really bad for what I did to Fluttershy. I scared her a lot more than any monster can. Well, that's probably not true, but I still scared her... Pinkie hugged Gummy even tighter. She began rubbing his scaly stomach. But, something stopped her when she hit a rough patch in his scales. Rougher than usual. Pinkie stopped hugging him and brought him up to her face to where she could fully she see him. He had a scrape on his scales. "Gummy, what happened?" Pinkie asked. Gummy wiggled his way out of her grip and looked down her bed. When she looked down to see what her was staring at, she saw the knife that was under her mattress slightly sticking out. "Oh! I'm so sorry Gummy! I didn't know that it was sticking out" Pinkie pulled Gummy back in for an even tighter hug. He must have cut himself climbing up here this morning. After a moment or two, she let him go. Pinkie then leaned to look down at the edge of her bed and carefully pushed the knife back into the folds of the mattress, making sure that the tip of the knife wasn't sticking out. She then laid back down in bed. Before nodding off to sleep, she felt Gummy affectionately nuzzled her. ================= When Pinkie opened her eyes again, she wasn't back in her bedroom, she was far from it. Pinkie was back the same barn that her parents had cut her wings off. Oh no... Something was different this time though. This time, Pinkie was standing over Maud. This time, she was the one in control. ================= III: Role-Reversal(18+)Author's Note Hello. I apologize if this chapter isn't as well written as the other ones. I wrote this while I was sick. I hope you enjoy it. (P.S: If you're wondering if this is the climax of the story, it is not. This is just the rising action.) III: Role-Reversal(18+) This is different... Pinkie stood over an unconscious Maud Pie. Maud had been strapped down to a table like the one her wings has been cut off. She had even been sat out like Pinkie was. Blindfold and all. Pinkie went to go tap Maud's stomach. When she did, Maud's hind-hooves began to stir. Pinkie ducked under the table, out of Maud's sight. After a moment or two, the sound of creaking wood stopped. Pinkie guessed it was safe to come out. That was close. Pinkie looked at Maud for a moment. She took a moment to try and fully understand her situation. Maud strapped down on a table in front of me... I'm to one who has the control. Pinkie didn't know how to react. She couldn't believe the situation she was in. This has to be a dream. Pinkie took the moment to inspect the room. There was a small wooden cart beside the table. It had knives on top of it, each one brandishing a different size than the other. Are... are those for me? Do I have to... am I going to have to... Pinkie backed away from the table. She tried to exit the barn, but something as blocking the door from the other side. Pinkie looked around for another possible exit-point. She tried everything. Pushing against the door, pulling on it, trying to force the windows open, hay, she even tried to cut her way out with one of the larger knives. Soon after, she realized that there was no escaping this. Maybe I can just wait it out until I wake up... Pinkie sat in front of the barn doors. She still had the large knife in her hoof. Pinkie then began to inspect the knife, noting every detail of it. She was fascinated with it. I wonder when I'll wake up... I just hope that this actually is a dream Because if Maud wakes up, she's gonna freak! ================= Pinkie had begun to make little marks on the barn doors with the knife. She had been counting the minutes she was in the barn. Right now, she had gotten to forty-five minutes. When will I get the hay outta here?! Pinkie then heard wood creaking again. When she looked back up at the table, she saw that Maud was pulling against the straps. A part of Pinkie kind of felt bad for her, but then the other part of her remembered what Maud had done to her. "Big meanie..." Pinkie muttered under her breath. "Hello?" Maud called out. Oh great... I got her attention. "Where am I?" Maud said in her usual apathetic tone. The situation felt very familiar to Pinkie. Mainly because it had happened to her. "Pinkie, if this is a practical joke, it isn't funny." Maud said. Maud continued to struggle against the straps. Now you know how I felt... Pinkie took one step towards Maud and immediately stopped. She then realized she was holding the knife upwards, towards Maud. Calm down Pinkie.... you aren't going to do what she did. Pinkie was having an internal conflict with herself. One part of her wanted this dream to end before things escalated. But another part of her wanted to hurt her like she did to Pinkie. Unfortunately, the latter of the two was more predominate. Pinkie slowly trotted towards Maud, her body not listening to her mind. I'm not sinking as low as she did! Pinkie stopped herself as she approached the front of the table. Her hoof shook as it approached Maud's skin. Stop, Pinkie! Her body seemed to ignore her brain's commands, because her hoof continued to go on without her permission. Once it brushed against her coat, Maud jerked away from the knife. "Who's there?" Maud asked. "..." Pinkie remained silent, deciding that now would not be the best moment to talk. Maud sighed as she tugged against the straps. "Sister, I know that its you." Maud said. "H... how?" Pinkie asked. "I just do. I can tell when something's going on with my sisters." Maud said. "So... you know about the knife?" Pinkie asked. "Yes. I felt it touch my coat. So, I guess this is some form of revenge?" Maud said. "Um... I don't know." Pinkie said, knife in hoof. "Is it for me cutting of your wings when you were little?" Maud said in a apathetic tone. She sounds like she doesn't even care... Pinkie let out an annoyed sigh and clenched her hoof with the knife in it. "Have I upset you, sister?" Maud asked. Pinkie couldn't tell if she was doing it to be taunting, or out of real concern. She still felt annoyed. "What do you think?" Pinkie said in a harsh tone. "Oh, I don't know..." Maud said. "Maud, are you taunting me?" Pinkie said. Maud didn't reply. This made Pinkie even angrier. "Sister, please don't annoy me. Must I remind you that I have a knife." Pinkie said. She didn't mean for it to sound like she was threatening her, but her anger began to take over. "I'm aware of that, sister." Maud said. "..." "..." "So... are you going to cut me out of here?" Maud asked. One part of Pinkie said, "Of course. You're my sister. I'm not gonna hurt you!" but another part of her said, "No. I want you to feel what I felt.". Pinkie was torn between the choice. Then, she began to feel that urge again. It seriously influenced her to chose a decision that the normal her wouldn't have chosen. "No." Pinkie said. "Excuse me?" Maud said. "I said no. Do you ever wonder what I felt like?" Pinkie said as she slowly trotted around the table. "Sometimes." Maud said. "Well guess what?" Pinkie asked. Stop Pinkie. Before this urge takes over... Pinkie tried to will herself to say, "Never mind... I'll cut you free.". Unfortunately, her will wasn't strong enough to affect the urge. "You're gonna find out." Pinkie said as she made a small cut on Maud's right hind-hoof. Maud sharply gasped. "You... you act like you don't even care." Pinkie said, her sadness quickly becoming rage. "..." "Well, do you even care?!" Pinkie said through her tears. "..." "Answer me!" Pinkie made another cut at Maud's left hind-hoof. Maud still didn't answer Pinkie. Pinkie was now blinded by rage. Unable to control herself anymore, she began to attack Maud verbally and physically. "You don't get it, do you? You removed something from me! Something special! You, mom, dad, no pony has the right to do that!" Pinkie said as she cut down Maud's frock. "..." Pinkie let out a growl and cut Maud's stomach. Maud jerked back, trying to get away from the blade. "Do you even care? Do you know what that did to me?! I've felt tormented ever since I found out!" Pinkie said, cutting Maud's chest. Maud didn't respond. She probably was too busy trying to get away from the sharp blade. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" Pinkie said in a mocking tone. Maud still didn't respond. I need to stop... Pinkie tried to will herself to move away from Maud. But, she couldn't stop herself at this point. She was no longer in control of her own body. It was like she was on auto-pilot. Pinkie leaned in towards Maud's mouth and put her hoof to her ear. "Huh? I can't hear you..." Pinkie said as she sliced her upper-right hoof. Pinkie felt Maud wince and did it again, but she did it painfully slow. "..." I-I can't control myself anymore. I WANT this to stop! Pinkie once again tried in vain to get herself away from Maud. She then made a deep cut from Maud's collar bone to the bottom of her stomach. Maud groaned in agony. "Aw... did that hurt? Now you know how I felt." Pinkie said. She was frightened by her own sadistic words, but it was beyond her control now. Maud choked out a small groan and weakly tugged against the straps. "Its futile to try to get out and you know it. The only way your going to get out is if I let you out." Pinkie said as she ran her hoof up and down the cut. "So, how does it feel? Do you feel like I felt?" Pinkie asked in a calm tone. Maud opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. The pain was so intense that she couldn't even for a sentence without flinching. "Hmm? I asked you a question." Pinkie said in a slightly harsh tone. Maud tried to speak again, but once again, nothing came out. "I asked you a question. Answer me!" Pinkie said. "Are you even listening to me?!" Pinkie said as leaned in towards Maud's face. She grabbed Maud's face and brought it close to hers, making Maud look at her directly in her eyes. Then, Pinkie saw something she never think she'd see in her entire lifetime. She saw Maud's eyes swell with tears. "I-it felt terrible." Maud said in a shaky voice. This was the first time Pinkie had ever seen her sister scared in her entire life. Pinkie, her will getting huge help from Maud, dropped the knife. She was back in control. Pinkie backed away from the table and went to the barn doors. She slid down the door until she was sitting. I... I can't believe what I just did... what kind of,,, of pony am I? Pinkie honestly couldn't explain it. She felt like she was some kind of monster. But something came into the back of her mind that would scare her more than anything that she's saw or felt in the last week. I... I think a-a part of me liked it. I liked being in control. ================= Pinkie jolted up from her bed. She even knocked Gummy off the bed. Pinkie's breath was fast and frantic. She tried to calm herself, but she still was panicked. "How could I do that to her?!" Pinkie said. "What kind of monster am I turning into?!" ================= IV: Acceptance and AwakeningPinkie had sat back down on her bed. It had been a few hours since she had the dream. She was too scared to go back to sleep. Something's wrong with me... I can't believe that I dreamed about doing that to Maud. Pinkie had her arms tightly wrapped around Gummy. He was probably the only thing that kept her from having a breakdown. She rocked in place on the edge of the bed as Gummy chewed on her hooves. I know that I was very upset and angry at Maud for chopping off her wings, but I'd never hurt her like that. Not in real life. Pinkie tried to convince herself of that, but why would she dream about doing that? Why would she hurt her sister and like it? She tried to stop thinking about it, but it just wouldn't get off of her mind. You didn't do it willingly, Pinkie... Pinkie's hind-hoof bounced on the ground as she began to think of how she lost control over her own body. Just thinking about it made her (understandably)nervous. She began to think about how much a part of her liked doing it. Why did I like it? Even if it was a little bit, its sadistic for me to even think about liking it. Pinkie continued to think about the reasons why. Maybe it was the power... or the reason she hurt me before. Hay, I don't know! Suddenly, there was a knock at Pinkie's door, pulling her out of her thoughts. "Pinkie, are you awake?" "Um... yes, Mr. Cake." Pinkie said. "Okay. I just wanted to make sure because Cup and I hadn't heard from you." Mr. Cake said. Pinkie heard Mr. Cake walk away from the door. I should probably get to work. At least it'll distract me. Pinkie got up from her bed and reluctantly let Gummy go. She made herself presentable and opened the bedroom door and walked downstairs to start her shift. Crazy dream or not, she wasn't gonna deprive the ponies of Ponyville of cupcakes. ================= Pinkie put the cupcakes into the display case and wiped her brow. Work distracted her from the dream. I have to babysit the twins after this. I just hope that this doesn't end like last time. Pinkie trotted upstairs and into the twins room. As usual, they were playing with there stuffed animals and other toys of that matter. Pumpkin was chewing on the turtle toy and Pound was buzzing around the room. "Hello you two." Pinkie said as shut the door. Pound and Pumpkin both came up to her and gave her a small hug before releasing her and returning to their previous activities. Pinkie sat down on the floor beside them and began to think about the dream again. Well, not specifically the dream, but why she liked it. She couldn't figure out why. Maybe its because I was so upset with Maud. Maybe I didn't like it, but it felt cathartic. I probably confused it. Pinkie believe that for a moment until she shot that down. Oh, who am I kidding. It was cathartic, but I still liked doing it. Meanwhile, Pound and Pumpkin were playing in front of Pinkie, trying to get her attention. They hopped up and down, Pound flew around Pinkie's head, Pumpkin touched her hoof with her magic, and they even bounced one of there stuffed animals off of her head. She was in her own little world of thought for a moment. Fortunately for the twins, Pinkie responded after a few moments. "Huh? Oh, sorry you two. Are you two a-okay?" Pinkie asked. They both nodded and stared at her. For a moment, they just stood there, staring at each other. "Um... why are you two staring at me?" Pinkie asked. The twins stared at her for another moment before backing up. "What's wrong?" Pinkie asked as she extended her right hoof towards them. This seemed to be to their dismay, because they looked away from it. They pointed to her right hoof, trying not to look at it. Pinkie stared at her hoof. It was a light shade of red. Apparently, she had been scraping her hoof against the floor absentmindedly. "Ow. Sorry about that, you two. I'll be back in a jiffy." Pinkie said, feeling the rawness of her hand. She got up from the floor and exited the room, making sure that the door was fully closed before walking down the hallway. They'll be alright for a moment. Pinkie entered the bathroom and opened the mirror-drawer and pulled out some ointment. Mrs. Cake always keeps this ointment for the twins for some reason... Pinkie squirted some of the ointment onto her hoof and rubbed it in. She felt rawness and tenderness leave her hoof as she let out a content sigh. Better. Now, back to the twins. Pinkie put the ointment back into the drawer and shut it. She walked back to the twins room and entered. Thankfully, the twins hadn't gone anywhere while she was gone. Pinkie went over to the same spot she was at last time and sat back down at it. She sat there, playing with the twins while thinking about the dream and trying to make sense of it. Maybe it was... maybe... oh I don't know! Pinkie ran out of reasons of why she could've had that dream. All while playing Hide 'n Seek with the twins. I just need to stop thinking of it for a while and just enjoy the day for right now. And Pinkie did so. She kept her mind off of it while she was with the twins. They don't need to be affected by my life anymore. I already hurt Pound's feelings earlier. I just need to decompress from this whole situation and try and think of the reason later... Pinkie actually felt relaxed for the first time since this whole ordeal began. Even though she had seen many terrible things done to ponies including herself, the twins kept her calm and sane. She wouldn't allow herself to her them again. ================= Pinkie laughed at Pound as he popped out of the clothes' bin. "Y-you have a piece of-" before Pinkie finished, she completely burst out laughing. Pound had as piece of underwear on his back with his wing coming out of the holes. Pumpkin was nearly laughing as hard as Pinkie. The dream was in the back of her mind, not to be worried about right now. Pinkie wiped her eyes as she finally started to calm down and tried to catch her breath. I haven't laughed like that in a week! She went over to Pound and took off the underwear and should them to him. He started laughing and actually tipped the bin over, causing Pinkie to start laughing again. She pulled the bin off of him as she laughed. His head popped out of the top of a pile of clothes in a comedic fashion. Pinkie leaned against the two's crib, unable to keep herself standing due to her laughter and the pain in her ribs. After a few moments, she finally calmed down. Her ribs would've cracked if she didn't. A warm realization passed through her. I haven't felt that urge toward Pound all day... finally! Pinkie went over to Pound and Pumpkin and sat in front of them. She felt truly blissful and wished that the moment would never end. Unfortunately, a cold dose of reality splashed her in the face. I just need to figure out why I had that dream... Her smile faltered. She really didn't want to think about the dream. Not right now at least. Unfortunately, the thought wouldn't leave her mind. I honestly don't know... I don't think I ever will. I'm not even sure I wanna find out. Before Pinkie could invest more thought into her decision, Mrs. Cake entered the room, interrupting her thoughts. "How's everything in here?" Mrs. Cake asked as she entered the room. "Great! Its been super-duper-fun babysitting them!" Pinkie responded truthfully. "Great! Well, dinner is ready down stairs so don't be too long!" Mrs. Cake said as she walked out of the room. They all looked at each other for a moment before walking out the room. ================= Pinkie entered her bedroom and looked around the room. Gummy came up to her and affectionately nuzzled her before chewing on her hoof. Pinkie picked him up and returned the nuzzle. "I'm glad that I took the time to get this whole thing off my mind. Even if its just for one day, I needed it." Pinkie said as she continued to nuzzled her beloved pet. She put Gummy down after a few moments and went over to her bed. "I'm going to bed Gummy. Have a goodnight!" Pinkie said as she got into her bed. Pinkie stayed in bed for a while, just sitting there, thinking. I just want to accept this and move on... She was still afraid to go asleep. Just accept it and move on... you can go asleep. Its not like this is going to happen every night. And Pinkie obliged. She closed her eyes and fell asleep after a few minutes. ================= I have awoken from my rest. And boy, is it good to be back... Author's Note I apologize for the shortness of this chapter. Its getting close to the climax and I want to save up for that. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this. V: Friends and PlansWell, that rest was certainly a long one. Hopefully I can get the chance to release some of her anger before I have to return to my rest. She has a lot of this anger pent up inside of her due to recent events that would rather not be mentioned. Maybe I'll even get the chance to... well, you really shouldn't know. It would make Nightmare Moon seem like the schoolyard bully. Now, if you'll excuse me dear, I need to take the time to plan this. Sweet dreams Pinkie. Hopefully things won't be too bad for you when you wake up... ================= Pinkie woke up from (thankfully)a normal dream. She got out of her bed and prepared herself for the day. I'm glad that I'm not having anymore of those dreams. Well, besides last night... Pinkie snapped away from the thought of the dream and continued to get ready. Gummy was still asleep. He was curled up in little ball on top of a pillow and was slightly snoring. "D'awwwww..." Pinkie quietly said. She grabbed a small blanket from the edge of her bed and put it on top of him, much to his delight. He looks so cute when he sleeps... Pinkie quietly opened the door and exited the room, shutting the door behind her. She went down stairs and saw that the kitchen was filled with ponies that had has medical masks on. Mr. Cake was standing beside the group. "Is it bad?" "It's nothing mayor, but you'll have to stay out of the kitchen for a couple of days at the least." The pony asked, his voice muffled by the mask. "Mr Cake? What's wrong?" Pinkie asked as she approached him. Mr. Cake turned to Pinkie before saying, "Oh, hello Pinkie. I'll tell you about it in a moment. Just go back upstairs with the twins.". Pinkie tried to get a look inside the kitchen, but every time she'd try, he would block her view. "Okay..." Pinkie said, slightly worried. As she trotted up the stairs another one of the unknown ponies spoke. "How, the hay can somepony do something like this?" I wonder what the hay is going on... Pinkie trotted upstairs and waited for Mr. Cake to come up stairs. After what seemed like a lifetime, Mr. Cake entered the hallway. "Hello Pinkie." Mr. Cake said, sounding very nauseous. His skin around his face was a light shade of green. "What happened? Is everything okay? Where's Mrs. Cake?" "Calm down, Pinkie. Let me take you through it step by step." "Sorry..." "Its fine, dear. Now, onto the story..." Mr. Cake said. Pinkie listened in intently. "Cup and I woke up this morning and prepared the shop for the day. Business as usual until Cup realized we were out of cake icing. She went to the storage area and found..." Mr. Cake stopped and put his hoof over his mouth. His skin tone became two shades darker. Is he gonna throw up? What the hay happened to make him so sick?! "What did you find?" Pinkie asked cautiously. She swore she heard Mr. Cake gag when she asked the question. "...she found s-some small pieces of meat on the floor..." Mr. Cake said. He looked like he would pass out at any moment(the sentence isn't completed yet, so there's no need to capitalize the first letter in. Just pointing that out). Oh Celestia... "...she decided it'd be best to try and dispose of the meat. Then we found the rest of it..." "we found the carcass... it had been cut up and mutilated beyond recognition!" Mr. Cake said, almost throwing up when describing the carcasses. "Oh Celestia... that sounds terrible!" Pinkie said as she trotted towards Mr. Cake and gave him a supportive hug. Who would do such a thing?! You're not much better. You did dream about cutting up your sister until she submitted. I'm trying to move on from that... from everything! Pinkie shut the conversation in her mind down at that point focused on Mr. Cake as he composed himself before speaking. "Cup and I became sick when we saw it. We called the guards when we found it. They pulled Cup outside and they're asking her some questions right now. The shop's going to be closed for the next couple of days to clean it up and investigate." Mr. Cake said, his voice a bit calmer now that he wasn't thinking about the dead animal. "Sorry if we awoke you." "It's alright, Mr. Cake. You didn't wake me up. Hay, even if you did, I'd still understand after what you just told me." Pinkie said in an understanding tone. "Thank you, dear. We've sent Pound and Pumpkin to my mother's while we sort out this whole situation, so you won't have much to do for the next few days." "Carrot, get down here quick! They may have found out who did this!" "Coming dear!" Mr. Cake said as he walked down stairs. Pinkie wanted to follow, but her body wouldn't follow her command. She decided to try and listen in on the conversation from the staircase. At first, hoofsteps and indecipherable chattering ruled over the room. Until two voices she finally recognized spoke up. "What?" "There's no way she would've done this..." They sound upset... Pinkie heard hoofsteps the coming from the stairwell and decided that now would be the best time to return to her old position in the hallway. "Pinkie..." Mrs. Cake said as she reached the top of the staircase. Mr. Cake wasn't fair behind. "Yes, Mrs. Cake?" "What is this doing in the storage area?" Mrs. Cake said as she showed a small piece of Pinkie's confetti. It was stained with blood. "I don't know! I haven't been down there since yesterday!" Pinkie said as she got up and inspected the piece of confetti. "Do you know anyone that could have access to your confetti, Pinkie?" "I make it myself, so no." Pinkie said. After a moment, she realized just what she said and face-hoofed. "It wasn't me, you two. I Pinkie Promise!" Mr. and Mrs. Cakes' faces were riddled with confusion and suspicion. They looked at each other, then the confetti, then Pinkie, and finally came to a decision. "Alright Pinkie... we trust you." Mrs. Cake said. Pinkie felt relieved. "Thanks for trusting me. It feels nice to know I have you two trusting me." Pinkie said as she gave the two an affectionate hug. She released after a moment. "Just think of this as a vacation. It'll go by faster that way." "Yes, Mrs. Cake." "..." "..." The air in the room became tense in the room. Pinkie, wishing to break the tenseness in the room, spoke up. "I'm going to go out for a while. I'll be back this after noon." "Okay, dearie." Mrs. Cake said as Pinkie went down stairs and grabbed her saddlebag before exited the bakery. ================= I can't believe someone would do that... Welcome to the real world. Also, remember earlier? Maud, cutting, submission? Yes... I'm trying to accept it and move on, so please shut up. Pinkie walked down the streets of Ponyville. The events at Sugarcube Corner ruled over her thoughts. Pinkie decided to travel to the Farmer's Market. She was going to pick up some apples for Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Now that the kitchen was sealed off, they'll have to eat from here for the next few days. I'm glad that the twins don't have to deal with this. Pinkie walked through the crowds, trying to find Applejack's stand. It should be somewhere around... here! Pinkie found the Apple's Stand and trotted over to it. "Howdy, Pinkie! What can I get ya today?" Applejack said in a welcoming manner. "Hi Applejack. I need some apples." "Alright. How many do ya want?" Applejack asked as she went behind the stand. "Six will be fine!" Pinkie said in a cheerful manner. "I'm guessin' ya feel better since that dream?" Applejack said as she gathered the apples. "Yep. I'm just gonna try to accept it and move on..." "Great. Hope it all turns out well turns out for ya." Applejack said as she came back to the counter and gave Pinkie the apples she requested. "Thanks! How much do I owe you?" "It'll be 8 bits." Pinkie pulled out her bit-pouch and opened it. She then pulled out thirteen bits and sat them on the counter. "Keep the change. Think of it as a temporary thank you for helping me with that dream. I'm gonna get all of you something a bit better." "Are you sure Pinkie? Ya don't have ta give me any extra bits." Applejack said, offering the five bits back to her. "A hundred fifty percent sure!" "Ok, well thank ya, Pinkie!" "No problem-o!" Pinkie said as she put the apples into her saddlebag and trotted out of the Farmer's Market. I won't be able to host that thank you party until the kitchen is opened again. Won't be able to make any goods! Pinkie trotted over to the Golden Oak's Library. She guessed she could read, "Daring Do" since she wouldn't have too much to do for the next few days. Pinkie knocked on the front door of the library. "Come in!" Pinkie opened the door and entered. When she entered, she saw Twilight in the middle of a pile of books. "Um... Twilight?" "Yes Pinkie- oh. You're probably wondering about this. I've been looking for more information on the origins of the Tree of Harmony. If Spike would get up and put up these books after me, it wouldn't be so messy." "Huh? I-I'm coming Twilight!" Spike sluggishly walked into the room and began picking up the books burying Twilight's lower body. "Thank you." "Yeah... you're welcome." "Oh, hello Pinkie." Spike said as he made a complete circle around Twilight. "Hello, Spikey." "So, did you need anything, Pinkie?" Twilight asked as she tried to stand up. "Actually, yes. I need some books so I won't be completely bored for the next few days." Pinkie said. Twilight looked a bit surprised. "Oh, you don't know about what's happening at the shop. Silly me!" Pinkie said as she face-hoofed. She probably shouldn't know all of the details. If this got to the press, Mr. and Mrs. Cake would get in some deep trouble. "They found something in the storage area and they need some days to clean it up. So, the shop will be closed while they do so." Pinkie said, sparing the details. "Oh... is it safe?" "Yeah, they just need to clean it up." "Oh, alright. Is there a specific book you'd like to read?" "Daring Do will be good with me." "Ok. They're in the bookshelf over... there!" Twilight said as she pointed to a bookshelf over in the corner. "Alright. Thank you!" "You're welcome." Pinkie walked over to the bookshelf she pointed out and looked for the books. After a moment of searching, she one of the books and put it into her saddlebag. "Oh Twilight, I almost forgot. I've got a little surprise for you and the girls in the next few days..." Pinkie said as she approached the exit. "Alright. I'll be there." Twilight said without any protest. "Thanks Twilight!" Pinkie said as she exited. "You're welcome!" Twilight called back. Pinkie shut the door as she exited the library. I've already told two of my friends about the party. Why not tell everyone else? Pinkie went over to the Carousel Boutique. She had to give Rarity a hint about the party as well. Plus she forgot one of the containers she brought over to the sleepover there. Pinkie knocked on the door of the dress-shop. A few moments later, Rarity opened the door. "Hello, welcome to the Carousel Boutiqu- oh, hello Pinkie!" Rarity said, slightly dropping her professional tone in the middle of the sentence and changing to a welcoming tone. "Hello! Could I come in?" Pinkie said, slightly shivering when she thought about the dreams. "Sure. Come in." Rarity said, stepping out of the door path. Pinkie walked in and went to the kitchen. If Rarity hasn't moved anything, then it should be right here... "Do you want anything to drink?" "No, thank you. I actually came over to grab a plastic container I forgot at the sleep over." "Alright. So, how have things been?" Rarity said, standing a the kitchen doorway. "Super great now that I've learned not to dwell on the dreams and just accept it." "Oh how marvelous!" Rarity said, delighted that her friend was better. "How has thing been for you?" "Oh, wonderful! I gave Opalescence a new collar with a beautiful ruby and Sweetie Belle's been doing wonderfully in school!" Pinkie continued to look around for her containers while she listened in. "Great." Pinkie said. A few moments of silence went by until she finally found the container. "I found it!" "Great." Pinkie put the container into one of the pockets of her saddlebag and walked towards Rarity. "Oh, Rarity, just to let you know, I'm gonna be doing something as sort of a thank you for helping me with the dream." "Oh, marvelous. I can't wait to see what it is!" "Great. I'd love to stay longer, but I really have to go right now." "Oh, its all right, darling. I understand." Rarity said in an understanding tone. "Okay. Well, bye Rarity!" Pinkie said as she left the Carousel Boutique. "Ta-ta!" Rarity said as she shut the door behind Pinkie. Three down, two to go. ================= Pinkie entered her bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. She had been trotting around Ponyville all day, visiting her friends and hinting the party at them. Today's been such a long day. But its been fun as well. Pinkie laid back in bed and closed her eyes. After a few moments of watching the back of her eyelids, she fell asleep. ================= Good thing I got some of that rage out earlier in the morning. I'm honestly surprised that I got Pinkie to do that in to those birds this morning. For such a hyperactive pony, she is a really heavy sleeper. I just got her to sleepwalk and blam! Wings torn off. Now for her friends. But which one? Which one would be the easiest? I think I have the answer... ================= Author's Note Hello. Thanks for sticking around with me for this long. I had to go in and fix some stuff because I derped out VI: Black-OutRainbow Dash is too strong to subdue. Twilight's magic is too powerful and it'd be almost impossible to kill a princess without it being noticed. So that leaves one possible choice... heh... she'll piece of cake. ================= Pinkie slowly rose from her bed. For some reason, she was more tired than she usually was this morning. She let out a slow yawn as she got ready for the day. I just need to go downstairs and start wo- oh yeah... dang. Pinkie finished getting ready and went out into the hallway and trotted downstairs. "I'm not sure dear. I mean, I trust Pinkie. Its just, why would her confetti be in there?" "I don't know, Cup. I know that she wouldn't do something like this, but with that being in there with blood stained on it makes me suspicious." Pinkie stopped in her tracks and listened to the conversation. I don't even know how to respond to that... they think I did that? I'd never! "She said that she didn't do it, but... never mind." "Go on..." "But why?! I mean, why would Pinkie have any reason to be there? Let alone that she could've done it." "Maybe she came in and saw it, panicked, dropped some of her confetti on ground, and ran upstairs?" "But then why wouldn't she have told us about it? I doubt that she'd actually do it, but- I've already explained this to you..." I honestly don't know why my confetti's there... it just was. Don't know how it got there and I honestly don't what to know. "I-I don't know dear. If Pinkie did it, and that's a big if, then why?" "We'll find out. Maybe it wasn't even Pinkie and was just someone else's confetti or someone tried to frame her..." THUMP Pinkie looked back at the source of the sound. Apparently, Gummy had pushed the door open to her bedroom and tripped and fell on the last step. She was about to scold Gummy, but she held her tongue. "Pinkie, is that you?" "Um... yes Mr. Cake! I just tripped." Pinkie said as she came out from behind the corner. "Oh, okay dear. Carrot fixed some muffins for breakfast. We saved some for you." Mrs. Cake said as she motioned Pinkie to come and sit at the dining room table.Pinkie trotted over to the table and sat down beside her. There was a small bowl of muffins in the middle of the table. She grabbed a small muffin from the top of the bowl and sat it down on the table. "So, how'd you sleep?" Mrs. Cake asked. "Good. I've been better now that I've accepted that nightmare I had." Pinkie said as she nibbled on her muffin. "Great." Mrs. Cake said after sipping on her cup of coffee. "So, what were you two talking about earlier?" Pinkie asked. Mr. Cake seemed to choke on a piece of his muffin. "Oh, nothing." Mr. Cake said as he coughed. "We were just talking about a book that I read that I told Carrot about." Mrs. Cake said with a small, nervous smile across her face. "Oh, ok." Pinkie said as she bit the top of the muffin off. I'm not that gullible... Pinkie felt pressure on one of her hind-hooves. She ducked under the table and saw that Gummy was chewing on her. "Oh, sorry Gummy. I forgot about your breakfast." Pinkie said as she shoved the muffin into her mouth and swallowed it in one big gulp. "I'm sorry to rush out, but I've got to get my little Gummy some food!" Pinkie said as she went upstairs to grab her saddlebag. "Its fine, Pinkie." Mr. Cake said as he got up from the table to put up his cup. Pinkie came back downstairs and rushed outside into the streets. ================= Fluttershy sat down on the wooden bench in the small space between her house and the Everfree Forest. She watched on as Big Macintosh performed a strong buck against a log that he'd set up, knocking the log completely off of the stump they had set it up on. Big Macintosh set the log back up on the stump before approaching her. "Try it." Big Macintosh said as he trotted over to the bench and sat down. "Okay." Fluttershy said as she got up from it. Angel Bunny watched from the bench beside Big Macintosh. She still felt a bit nervous about doing it in front of them, but she knew they were just trying to help. Fluttershy rallied it up and then bucked towards a small log. She had managed to get it halfway off the stump. "Aw..." Fluttershy said, slightly embarrassed. Big Macintosh nodded at her. Angel Bunny face-pawed. "Ya did alright." Big Mac said as he got up from bench and pushed the log back to it's original position. "Ya just gotta hit it in the right spot..." Big Macintosh said as he bucked at it, hitting it square in the middle. He knocked the log down with much ease. Once again, he sat the log up and motioned for her to try it out as he went back over to the bench. I'm glad Big Macintosh has been helping with this. I've been wanting to learn this for awhile, but never got the courage to ask him. But after Pinkie bucked me in the snout, I couldn't wait any longer and just asked him. Fluttershy bucked back a little higher at the object and it tipped over. "Yay!" Fluttershy whispered as she let out a small victory yell. Angel Bunny clapped as she let the whisper-yell out. Big Macintosh nodded in approval as he got up. Fluttershy went over to the bench and sat beside him. It seemed like the day was going to be a peaceful one. ================= "Fluttershy? I'm here to grab Gummy some food." Pinkie said as she knocked on the door to Fluttershy's cottage. Maybe she's in the backyard feeding her animals. Pinkie trotted to the backyard and saw Fluttershy and Big Macintosh sitting on a wooden bench. They just sat there beside each other. She trotted up behind them. "Hey!" Pinkie said. This seemed to surprise Fluttershy, because she jumped up from the bench. Big Macintosh simply looked back at her. "Oh, h-hello Pinkie." Fluttershy said, a slight blush crept across her face. "So, what are you two doing?" "Oh... um..." Fluttershy said, suddenly at a loss of words. "Ah was just helpin' her." Big Macintosh said, standing up and trotting to the other side of the bench. "Oh, right. She asked you to help her since somepony hurt her." I hope she didn't go into the details with Big Mac. If so, this could get really awkward. "Eeyup." "Well, I just wanted to see if Fluttershy has any food for Gummy that I could borrow." Pinkie said as she looked at Fluttershy. "Of course. It's in the cottage. Let me go get it." Fluttershy said as she stood up and trotted to the cottage. Pinkie stood patiently as Fluttershy went into her house. "So, has everything been good at Sweet Apple Acres?" "Eeyup." "Good." After a moment or two of silence, Fluttershy returned with two bags of soft animal food. "Here you go." Fluttershy said as she gave Pinkie the bags. "Thanks! How much do you want?" "What do you mean?" "How many bits, silly!" Pinkie said in a playful tone. "O-oh, Pinkie, you don't owe me anything." "You sure 'Shy? I don't mind." Pinkie said as she put the bags on her back. "I'm sure. Thank you though." "Well, thank you!" They all sat there for in silence for a few moments. "I hate to rush out as fast as I came in, but I've got to go feed Gummy. I'll see you two later." Pinkie said as she trotted away from Fluttershy and Big Macintosh. "Ah should probably get goin' too." Big Mac said as he got up from the bench and trotted behind Pinkie. "Oh, okay... bye you two." Fluttershy said as she walked over to the bench and sat beside Angel. Pinkie walked down the path back to Ponyville. After a few minutes of walking with the two bags balanced on her back, she stopped for a moment. Not because she had been fatigued, but because she felt very nauseous. "Jeez... what did Mr. Cake put in those muffins?" Pinkie asked as she sat down, sitting the bags beside her. She began to have a splitting headache as well. I feel so dizzy... my head feels like its about to explode! Pinkie's face turned pale green and rested her head on the bag. Maybe if I rest for a minute or two it'll go away... Pinkie let herself relax. Her vision dimmed and it seemed like she was asleep. She rose after a moment, but something was different. Something was... off I'm back in control. Now, to release... ================= Author's Note Ello. Its getting about that time... time for it to take control VII: Caught(18+)Author's Note Note: I may come back and set put this as an 18+ chapter due to the ending scene(not gonna spoil it for those who haven't read it). Regardless, I hope you enjoy it! VII: Caught(18+) Fluttershy put up the broom and sat down on the couch beside Angel. The day had gone on as usual since Pinkie and Big Macintosh left. Angel Bunny was asleep in his little bed. All was normal. I didn't think I'd be able to do that correctly. I'm so glad that Big Macintosh helped me... Fluttershy got up from the couch and went into the kitchen. She needed to fix dinner for her and her animals. Angel could have some carrot stew, I could pick off some bread for the birds, the squirrels can have some of the carrot stew, and I'll just have some of the carrot stew as well. Fluttershy pulled out a cooking book from a cabinet in her kitchen. She began to flip through it and look for a recipe on carrot stew. Equestria's Basic Cook Book! Basic Carrot Stew Recipe What you'll need: 2 Cups of Water ... Seems easy enough... Fluttershy read the rest of the page put a pot into the sink and pulled a cup out from a drawer and poured two cups of water into the pot. She pre-heated the oven as the pot filled. Fluttershy pulled a cutting board out from under the sink and began to chop away at a couple of carrots. I hope the animals enjoy this. Fluttershy put the newly filled pot onto the oven to boil. She finished slicing up the carrots and put them into the pot. After a few minutes of putting different seasoning(and making sure that they were all safe for the animals) Now I've got to let it boil for awhile. Fluttershy leaned against the kitchen counter. She had a few minutes to burn. I'm glad that Pinkie's gotten over that terrible dream... I couldn't have handled that. Well, maybe with some help from the girls, but still... CRRRREEEEAAAK Fluttershy stopped as her heart skipped a beat. She swore that she heard her door open. "A-Angel? Did you open the door?!" Fluttershy called out. THUMP Fluttershy became more scared. The noise sounded like it was from the living room. "I-is somepony there?" THUMP Fluttershy cowarded as she stood in the kitchen. It sounded like it was near the entrance of the kitchen. Oh Celestia, please just let it be an animal or one of the girls. THUMP Fluttershy went behind the kitchen counter and ducked under it. The noise really sounded very close to kitchen. THUMP Fluttershy whimpered from under the counter. Then she heard a slight whimper. She managed to gain the courage to peek over the counter. She couldn't believe what she saw. I-its... a baby cub? Fluttershy got up from behind the counter. The baby cub had apparently pushed the door in looking for help. It had its paw raised above the rest. "Aw... what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked as she slowly approached the cub. When Fluttershy tried to grab it, the cub growled. "It's all right, little one. I'm not going to hurt you..." Fluttershy said in a gentle tone. The cub seemed to relax for a moment, but some of it's defenses were still up. Fluttershy reached out to the cub and scratched it's right ear, to which the cub rubbed against her hoof. Fluttershy took this chance to take a good look at the cub while rubbing it's ear. It had cuts and bruises on it's body. "I'm gonna take a look at your paw now, okay?" Fluttershy said. The cub stiffened up for a moment, but it didn't try and attack her. Fluttershy gently grabbed the paw and began to inspect it. There was a piece of metal sticking out of it. "Poor thing... I'll fix that up. It may sting for a moment, but you'll feel a whole lot better afterwords, ok?" Fluttershy said. The cub nodded and braced it's self. Fluttershy grabbed a hand-towel from a drawer and pulled the metal out fairly quickly. The cub howled for a moment, but then groan of relief. Fluttershy wrapped the towel around the wound. "There you go, little one. You can stay here until we find your mommy." Fluttershy said as she affectionately rubbed the pet with her hoof. The pet returned the affection and nuzzled her hoof. "You go back into the living room while I fix dinner" Fluttershy said. The cub nodded and went into the living room. Fluttershy took the moment to look over the bloody metal piece. It looks like the tip to a knife... Fluttershy deposited the metal piece into the trash and continued to cook the carrot stew. ================= Oh, it has been fun to mess with Fluttershy's animals. I'm glad that I hid that knife in Pinkie's saddlebag. Too bad it broke on me when I tried and cut off that cub's paw. It broke off the second I put it in... oh well. At least I've still got the main course... ================= Fluttershy dipped a wooden spoon into the pot and tasted the carrot stew. It tastes great. Now I just need to get a couple of bowls for the animals. Fluttershy reached up into the cabinet and grabbed a few bowls for the animals. Angel Bunny came into the kitchen and was tapping his hind-paw on the ground. "What's the matter, Angel?" Fluttershy asked as she sat the bowls down and began to pour the soup into them. Angel Bunny got on all four of his paws and began to walk around like a bear. "You like the cub? So do I. She's just staying here until we find his mama." Fluttershy said. Angel Bunny face-pawed and shook his head. "You don't like her? I'm sorry Angel, but he's gotta stay here until we find her mama." Fluttershy said. Angel Bunny rolled his eyes and hopped away. "Wait, Angel. I'll have your dinner ready in a moment." Fluttershy said. At this, Angel stood under Fluttershy and began to wait for his food. Fluttershy poured a small amount of the stew into the bowl, making sure that there were some carrots in it. She sat it on the ground next to Angel. He picked up the bowl and hopped into the living room, making sure not to spill any of his meal. Fluttershy then proceeded to pour the stew into different bowls, amounting them differently with each animal. After a few minutes, she had six bowls of stew lined up. That should be enough as long as the animals share. Even if they don't, I'll have enough for a few much bowls... Clank "Angel? Did you spill your bowl?" Fluttershy asked after she heard the noise. Eek Angel Bunny quickly hopped into the kitchen, covered in his carrot stew. He ran behind Fluttershy and cowered. "Angel? What's wrong?" Fluttershy asked. Angel pointed towards the living room. "O-okay Angel. What happened?" Fluttershy asked. Angel did a motion that would be akin to a murderous pony-killer. Fluttershy gulped. The cubs still in there... I can't leave it in there. Fluttershy reached into one of her kitchen drawers and pulled out a small knife. Even though she probably wouldn't use it, it made her feel a little bit safer having it. She slowly tip-hoofed towards the living room, knife in hoof. Her hind-hooves began to cower as she approached the entrance. She heard somepony trotting around the room. Oh Celestia... please help me... Fluttershy entered the room, hooves cowering. She saw a dark-pink colored pony standing over the cub, trying to grab it's injuried hoof. The pony's hair was drappeed on one side of her face, blocking The cub was trying to get away from the pony, curled up in a small brown ball. "Aw... what's the matter, little one? You scared? So was I..." Is that Pinkie? Her voice sounds lifeless... did something else happen? Pinkie grabbed the cub's paw. The cub jerked away from her and ran behind Fluttershy, revealing Fluttershy. "Oh, hello Fluttershy. I didn't see you there..." Pinkie said, her voice missing her usual upbeat and peppy tone. For some reason, it made a chill go down Fluttershy's spine. "Um... h-hello Pinkie." "Heeelllllooooo..." "W-why are you in my house? Not that I mind, b-but I just didn't know..." "Oh, its simple really..." Pinkie said as she approached Fluttershy, her face still blocked by her hair. Is she Pinkamena again? "I'm just here to release..." Pinkie said, getting in close proximity to Fluttershy. Her tone was chilling. "W-what type of r-release?" "... a type of release that wouldn't be enjoyed be the receiver." Pinkie said, her snout nearly touching Fluttershy's. "A-are you Pinkamena?" Fluttershy asked. Pinkie stood there for a moment, but then burst out laughing. Fluttershy didn't know if she should be happy or scared. "You'll wish I was after I'm finished with you..." Pinkie said as she slapped Fluttershy. Tears formed in Fluttershy's eyes as her right cheek stung. "P-Pinkie... please don't..." Fluttershy said as she backed away from Pinkie. Pinkie followed her. "Oh, but you don't understand, dear... I'm simply doing this for that party-obsessed pony." Pinkie said as she calmly trotted after Fluttershy. They had made their way into the kitchen. "Pinkie, I-I don't wanna hurt you... just please don't make me..." Fluttershy said as she held the knife in her trembling hoof. Pinkie smacked her hoof holding the knife, cause Fluttershy to fling it across the room. Fluttershy held her hooves in front of her face. "Oh dear... it seems like you're all out of things to defend yourself. Hm... how unfortunate." Pinkie said as she walked past the boiling pot. Fluttershy then got an idea. "Pinkie, I-I'm warning you..." Fluttershy said as she stopped at the boiling pot. "But it's so much fun to toy with you... just like I did with those birds." Pinkie said. She went to slap Fluttershy, but Fluttershy pushed the pot over onto her hoof. "Owwww!" Pinkie said as she jerked away from the boiling stew. Her right hoof had been severely burned, the bottom part of her right fore-hoof's coat seared off. Fluttershy took this moment to gallop away to try and get help. Unfortunately, her plan would come back to bite her. Pinkie picked up the pot and flung it at Fluttershy's hind-hooves, successfully stopping her. "Oh... I'm going to cut off your hooves for that..." Pinkie said as she trotted calmly towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy tried to get up, but she was so panicked that she couldn't move. It was like she was frozen. Fluttershy had come to a realization. This wasn't the party loving pony that Fluttershy knew and loved. This was a monster. Angel then hopped over in front of Fluttershy and tried to shield her from Pinkie. Pinkie laughed at this. "How cute..." Pinkie said as she picked up Angel and flung him a near by wall. Fluttershy, seeing that her beloved pet was being hurt, flung into action. She bucked back at Pinkie like Big Mac had taught her. Instead of being met with skin, she was met with something cold and sharp. "Ah!" Fluttershy howled as she jerked her left hind-hoof away from the object. Apparently, while Pinkie was on the ground recovering from the boiling water, she had picked up the knife that she had knocked out of Fluttershy's hoof. Fluttershy tried to limp away from Pinkie, but it was all in vain. Pinkie grabbed the hoof that she had just stabbed and began to stab into it more and more, each stab getting deeper and deeper into her hoof. "Pinkie, stop!" Fluttershy said as she tried in vain to pull herself away from Pinkie's attacks. Fluttershy heard a slight whimper. The cub was looking from behind the corner, cowering. "Huh? Why should I? They never gave us any sympathy..." Pinkie said, her voice cold. "P-Pinkie, I know what happened to you. a-and I'm sorry! B-but you can't take it out on e-everyone in Equestria!" Fluttershy said, trying to convince Pinkie. It seemed to work for a moment, because Pinkie stopped stabbing her hoof for a moment. Fluttershy tried to push herself away from Pinkie, but she had an iron-grip on her hoof. Her hooves slipped on the remnants of the carrot stew as she struggled to pull away from Pinkie. "I'm sorry Fluttershy..." Pinkie said, still holding Fluttershy's bleeding hoof. Did I get through to her? "... but I need this." Pinkie said as she got up and let go of Fluttershy's hoof. Fluttershy scrambled towards the backdoor, but before she could reach the door, she slipped on the watery-remnants of her carrot stew. "Don't say I didn't give you a chance." Pinkie said. She grabbed Fluttershy by the mane. "Please, don't--" Pinkie slammed her face into the ground, snout-first. Fluttershy fell unconscious as Pinkie dragged her away. ================= VIII: Betrayal(18+)Author's Note Hello. Hope you enjoy the chapter. This chapter was proof-read by Basic Information. That is all . VIII: Betrayal(18+) Pinkie's going to hate what I'm about to do... but I need this. She's pushing all her rage and depression onto me and its becoming really, really uncomfortable. I really need it to stop. I'm sorry Pinkie, but they just keep coming back and pushing me tightly, squeezing the life out of me. And I just can't control these emotions anymore. Well, I can, but I'm just choosing to get rid of it before it becomes too much for me to control. And trust me, that's worse than anything that Maud could do... ================= "Owwwww..." Fluttershy groaned as she leaned up. She had been beaten and thrown around like a rag-doll. Where am I? What happ- oh no... Angel... Fluttershy remembered what happened. "Angel!" She quietly said as she tried to get up. Unfortunately, the cloths would disagree. It seemed like they were tied around her, keeping her from leaving. Fluttershy continued to struggle against the cloth, but they were tied very tightly against her hooves. She looked around the room, searching for anything or anyone that could help her get out of the sheets. Fluttershy tried to push herself up from the bed, but her hind-hooves buckled under her. It felt like her left hind-hoof was being ripped away from her body. "Ah!" Fluttershy howled as she collapsed back onto the bed. She bit her lip to keep herself from screaming. I hope Angel and the other animals are alright... I'm not going to be able to get to them for a while. ================= Pinkamena picked up Angel. The poor creature had been knocked out as soon as he hit the wall. One of his ears were bent in a peculiar way. Meh... rabbits aren't that fun to toy with anyway. Pinkamena dropped Angel as if he was a toy. She then looked down at her burned hoof. That hurt... I'm going to pay her back for that. But, before that, I must make sure that her doors are locked so no one will interrupt my "fun". Pinkamena wiped some of her hair out of her eyes as she walked back into the living room. The cub scurried under the couch as she entered. She trotted up to the front door and shut it and proceeded to lock it. Now for the back door. Pinkamena trotted into the kitchen and locked the back door. She took the moment to survey the kitchen. The carrot stew covered the floor and some of the counter, there was a little bit of blood mixed into the carrot stew. I really cut up her hoof. I'm surprised I didn't sever it. Pinkamena picked up the knife from the ground and walked into the living room. She sat down for a moment to recompose and collect her thoughts before she'd go to attack Fluttershy. Pinkie's gonna hate me for this... for everything I've done. Huh? What am I doing in Fluttershy's house? I though I left here earlier... Hello. Um... hello. Why can't I control myself? Oh no... not another dream... This is more than a dream... Just let yourself drift off, Pinkie... Wait, what? Please tell me that this is just some crazy day-dream... Pinkamena didn't answer. She decided to ignore her because things would be easier that way. Pinkamena picked up the knife and began to look at it. The blade of it was dull and there was some carrot stew on handle. What did you do with Fluttershy?! Pinkamena ignored her again, flipping the knife to the other side and she began to inspect it. You can't ignore me for ever... I can, I have, and I will continue to do so. Oh, really? I'm trying to be nice, so just please tell me what you did with Fluttershy... Pinkamena got up from the couch and began to pace around the living room, biding her time. It also helped her to ignore Pinkie. You're really gonna try and ignore me? Yes. Okay. I guess I'll just have to make you pay attention... Pinkamena pondered what she meant by that. She'd soon find out. Please, Pinkamena. Show me where she is. Pinkie said. She repeated this a few times. Pinkamena tried to ignore her, but that party-animal could be so annoying sometimes. Please? I just want to see her. Will you be quiet... Not until you show me where she is! Pinkamena thought she could ignore it, but Pinkie continued on with it for what seemed like an eternity. You do realize how foalish you're being, right? Yep. Pinkamena groaned as Pinkie continued her assault. "Will you shut up..." Pinkamena asked. Not until you show me where Fluttershy is. Will you show me where she is? PLEASE! "Fine! You wanna see her?! You really do, huh?! You'll get to see her!" Pinkamena said, trotting to Fluttershy's room. She opened the door and walked towards Fluttershy who was struggling against the cloths. Blood stained the lower part of the cloth. She yelped as Pinkamena entered and looked away from her. W...what did you do to her? I nearly cut off her hoof. And that's the least of what I'm about to do to her. "U-um... Pinkie, p-please don't hurt me." Fluttershy said, her voice sounded like she was terrified. "Don't worry... I won't make it too long." Pinkamena said, trotting up to Fluttershy and tracing up her left hind-hoof with her knife. Fluttershy let out a groan and turned away from Pinkamena. She was trembling in fear. Don't hurt her... Why? You're not the one in control... I can do whatever I want to... and I'm going to do this. Pinkamena cut Fluttershy's left fore-hoof. Fluttershy tried to jerk away from it, but the cloths wouldn't budge. Please! What has she done?! Nothing, really. She's just the pony I could subdue the easiest. I need to get rid of those feelings you've been pressing onto me. Remember those evil urges that you had for Maud? For Pound, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash? You've been pushing them onto me... I just need to get rid of it before it really does become an even bigger problem. "Pinkie... w-why? Why hurt me, Angel, anypony?" "The dream... its too much for me to handle." Pinkamena said, pretending to be like Pinkie. "The dream? I-I thought you accepted it and wanted to just move on." "I did. But then... I began to get this itch." "What itch?" "An itch to... to hurt something or somepony..." Pinkamena said. Fluttershy nervously swallowed. "W-why me?" Fluttershy said, tears swelling in her eyes. "Simple. You were the easiest to subdue." Pinkamena said. This seemed to hurt Fluttershy's feelings, because she let out a few silent tears. You big meanie... You're not much better. The dream... Maud... cutting her until she submitted. Pinkamena felt her body stiffen up and her hoof holding the knife move away from Fluttershy. "Oh no you don't..." Pinkamena quietly said, regaining control of her body. Come on! You can't do this to her. You can't control me. Not now... Pinkamena brought her hoof back up to Fluttershy and stabbed into the same hoof. Fluttershy's wings convulsed as she tried to fly away. Unfortunately, the cloths wouldn't agree and she fell back onto the bed. Please... stop. Pinkamena began to cut down her hind-hoof. The same one that Pinkamena had stabbed earlier. Fluttershy tightly shut her eyes and bit down onto her lower lip. Pinkamena stopped at her chest. "P-Pinkie! Stop! I-it hurts!" Fluttershy said, her voice trembling. "Yeah... I know." You monster! I know I'm one. And you know what's the best part? What?! What so great about hurting somepony?! You're a monster as well. I'm you, and you are me unfortunately. And you're stuck with that. Pinkie became quiet at that moment. Her world had been rocked. With the few moments for silence Pinkamena would have away from Pinkie, she began to slice her other fore-hoof. "Ah!" Fluttershy called out as Pinkamena sliced her hoof. She tugged against the cloths restraining her, desperately trying to break away from the bed. "Oh... I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" Pinkamena asked. Fluttershy groaned and silently cried into her pillow. Pinkamena felt her hoof stiffen up again, but quickly stopped Pinkie. You're starting to annoy me again. You really need to stop... Pinkamena stabbed deeply into Fluttershy's stomach. Fluttershy sharply gasped and clenched her hooves. Okay, okay! Just stop hurting her! I won't try it again! Good. Pinkamena extracted the knife from her stomach and set it aside for a moment. "So... does it hurt? How does it feel to know what I've known?" What'd you think? Don't make me stab her chest... "Y... ye-" Fluttershy was about to finish, but she gasped and arched her back. "I'll take that as a yes. Good." Pinkamena said as she picked up the knife. "P-please... no more." Fluttershy said, her voice low. "Oh, but why?" Pinkamena asked as she rubbed the blade against her chest. "B-because... we're friends..." Fluttershy said. Pinkamena stared at her for a moment, and then laughed. "Oh... that's precious." Pinkamena said as she wiped away tears that had collected in her eyes. "W...what's so funny?" "Oh nothing its just that you..." Pinkamena took the moment to collect her breath before talking again. Don't you dare... you've already hurt her badly enough. I know. "... you thought that we were actually friends!" Pinkamena finished as she continued to laugh. "Y... you're not Pinkie. She'd n-never be like this..." "Are you sure about that? I'm doing it right now..." Pinkamena said. That was the final blow. Fluttershy turned her head away from Pinkamena and began to bawl. "Y-you can't be her. She would do this to me! She wouldn't do this to anypony!" Fluttershy said through her tears. It's not me, Flutters... I'm so sorry. "Denial. How cute." Pinkamena said as she picked the knife back up and aimed it above her chest. Fluttershy turned her face up to the knife. "No... please Pinkie..." Fluttershy said, trying to pull her body away from the blade's direction. Please. She's already been scarred for life. Isn't that enough?! No... Grrrrrrrrr Pinkamena looked back for a moment and saw the baby cub in a defensive position, ready to strike. Pinkamena laughed at the display. "You're honestly gonna try that? Really?!" Pinkamena said, looking down at the cub condescendingly. The cub suddenly bit her fore-hoof holding the knife, causing Pinkamena to drop it. "Ahh!" Pinkamena yelled as she jerked her hoof away from the cubs teeth. She flung the cub against the wall and it landed beside Fluttershy, knocking it unconscious. Her hoof had three deep bite marks, that had began to bleed. Pinkamena picked up the knife and held the knife above the cub. She was about to stab it, but Fluttershy covered as much of it with her body. "No!" Fluttershy scolded Pinkamena. Pinkamena backed away for a moment, surprised by the outburst from the seemingly timid pony. "You can hurt me! You can cut off my wings! But I'm not letting you hurt another one of my animals!" Fluttershy said, her heart suddenly filled with courage. "Hm... fine. I guess I'll just have to take you then." Pinkamena said as she stabbed into Fluttershy's chest. Fluttershy wailed in pain. Pinkamena covered her mouth with her hoof, her courage quickly fleeing and being replaced with fear. No! "Shhh... it'll be over in a moment." Pinkamena said as Fluttershy's breath slowed. Pinkamena's whole body stiffened. I'm still not finished. Pinkamena took the knife out of her chest. She then stabbed her left wings, causing her back to arch. Stop! You've already done enough! You'll thank me later... Thank you?! If I had the chance, I'd... I'd... Fluttershy suddenly coughed up blood. Her tears began to mix with it. "P-Pinkie..." Fluttershy quietly said. "Yes, Fluttershy?" "I-if it means anything... I l-liked you while we were still f-friends." Fluttershy said as her eyelids began to slowly close. No... Fluttershy! "..." Pinkamena didn't say anything else. She stabbed her other wing as Fluttershy's eyelids fully close and her breath slowed even more. It is done... you can take control. Pinkie regained control of her body as Pinkamena went into the back of her mind. "Fluttershy!" Pinkie called out as she pulled the knife out of Fluttershy's wing. She trotted up to Fluttershy with her eyes filled with tears, and hugged her limp body. Maybe she's still alive! Pinkie put her ear against Fluttershy's chest and listened. ... Her eyes widened in horror. There was nothing. No beating heart, no breath, nothing. No... no! Pinkie hugged Fluttershy and buried her face into her hair. Tears were freely flowing out of her eyes. "I-I'm so sorry, Fluttershy!" Pinkie said as she hugged her seemingly lifeless body. After a moment or two, she released her, and immediately collapsed to her knees. She vomited, the contents of that morning's breakfast spilling out on to the floor. Pinkie had just killed one of her best friends first hand. She looked down at her fore-hooves, seeing Fluttershy's blood stained her coat. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she shivered in fear and sadness. She wiped her hooves on her coat, only spreading the blood further. It's everywhere! Get off! Pinkie stumbled to her hooves and went into the kitchen, surveying it. The carrot stew was almost completely evaporated and the only thing left of it was the carrots on the floor. She saw Angel in a small pile. He was still unconscious. She picked him up and put him on her back. "Y-you'll stay with F-Flutte-" Pinkie stopped herself. She would've broken-down if she hadn't. Pinkie trotted to Fluttershy's room in silence. She sat Angel in Fluttershy's hooves. "I'm so sorry..." Pinkie whispered as she exited her room. She didn't wait a moment more before exiting the cottage. ================= Pinkie sadly trotted down the path while crying. Above her was Luna's star-filled night sky. She couldn't bare to look at it, knowing that Luna would say something to her. I am a terrible pony... I can't stay here anymore. Not for right now at least. Pinkie knew that once someone found Fluttershy, they'd start an investigation and they'd find out who did it. This must be a nightmare. Pinkie looked around her surroundings, making sure not to look into the sky. The narrow path to Ponyville was filled with trees along the sides. Thankfully no one was there to see her. She began to stare at her burnt hoof, seeing most of her coat had seared off from the burn. It would most likely scar. I deserve it. Pinkie looked back down at the ground and continued to trot. I've got to leave Ponyville. Not because I don't want to be caught, but because it has so many now-painful memories... ================= A Couple Minutes After Pinkie Left Fluttershy's house was silent. No animal was making a sound. Nobody cleaning up or cooking, no pony taking care of the animals, no pony. Silence ruled over the area. Coughuh... The coughing died out as quickly as it started. Silence regained rule over the area once more. ================= IX: Leaving Dear Friends in Ponyville, ~~I must regret to~~ I hate to tell you that I must leave Ponyville ~~the time being~~ for ~~the next couple of weeks~~ until further notice. These few weeks have been ~~the worst of my life~~ bad to say the least and I think that it'd be best that I'd leave Ponyville for awhile. ~~If I could, I'd stay here~~ I don't want stay here while I work this whole ordeal. At least for a while until I can accept this whole stressful situation. ~~Please~~ don't ~~try to find me~~ I'm probably going to be gone for a few months. I ~~am sorry for everything I've done~~ be able won't talk to you guys for awhile... I just hope you'll understand ~~and forgive me~~. Love, your ~~former~~ friend Pinkie Pie Pinkie wiped the tears away from her eyes as she signed the paper. She knew she wouldn't be able to return Ponyville for awhile. Not after what she did to Fluttershy. She had grabbed a stray piece of paper blowing on down the path to Ponyville. I-I can't back out now... Pinkie held the note in her hoof as she began to walk towards Ponyville for the last time for awhile. Hercheeks were had been stained with tears. She felt so much guilt for what had happened while she had blacked out. I'll leave the note with Twilight. She'll know what to do with it. Pinkie slowly trotted into Ponyville, passing by the Carousel Boutique. Then by Sugarcube Corner. Memories flooded her mind. Some good, some bad, but then a thought drifted around that worried her. How are the twins are gonna react? How is everyone gonna react? Pinkie began to think about it. The twins would probably be upset, Mr. and Mrs. Cake would probably understand. Rarity would probably wonder why, Twilight and Apple would understand as well, Rainbow Dash would be angry, and Fluttershy- She stopped for a moment and wiped her eyes. Its painful to even think about her... Pinkie started to walk again and neared Golden Oak Library. Her heart was pounding in anxiety. She slowly folded the note and pushed it under the door. Pinkie stood there for a moment, taking in the her surroundings of Ponyville for the last time for awhile I'm gonna miss you guys... all of you. Pinkie turned away from Golden Oak Library and began to trot towards the path away from Ponyville. She didn't care where it went; so long as it wouldn't be there. ============ "Ohhh... Celestia." Fluttershy tried to lean up, but intense pain caused her to retreat back onto the bed. "I-is she gone?" Fluttershy quietly said to herself as tried to free her hoof. Most of the muscles in her body ached. She felt incredibly weak and she could barely breath. Why would Pinkie do that to me? Fluttershy heard something fall over and jumped with a small, "Eep!". Her wings hurt as soon as she landed back onto the bed. "Please P-Pinkie! No more!" She called out, bracing herself for the stab of a knife. But nothing came. She looked back over to where she thought the noise came from. Nopony was there. She's gone... she can't hurt you now. Calm down... "Angel, are you here? Please tell me your okay..." Fluttershy softly called out. She couldn't yell too loudly because of her weakness. Thump Fluttershy looked down at the floor and saw her beloved pet rabbit bouncing lightly on the floor. "Angel..." Fluttershy said, feeling a little bit of relief now that she knew at least one of her animals were okay. A small smile slowly grew on her bloody and bruised face. Angel seemed happy to see her as well, because he was lightly bouncing in place. "Can you come up here and help me?" Fluttershy quietly asked politely. Angel nodded and tried to hop up to her. Unfortunately, he couldn't hop all the way up there. "Y-you can't reach?" Fluttershy asked. He pointed down to one of his legs and there was something protruding from under his skin. "Your leg's hurt? Poor thing... okay, stop hopping. I don't want you to hurt yourself anymore. We can figure another way to get me out of these sheets." Fluttershy said to Angel. He nodded. For a few minutes, they sat there, thinking about ways she could get out. Then Fluttershy felt something wiggle around beside her. "Huh!?" Fluttershy gasped as she slightly moved away from the object. But then the object whimpered. She remembered that Pinkie had flung the baby cub against the wall beside her. "Oh, h-hello little one. Are you all right?" Fluttershy said. The cub just stared at her for a moment, surveying the wounds on her. "Oh... I'm sorry. P-Pinkie did this to me..." Fluttershy said as tears collected in her eyes. The cub gave her a look of pity. "C-could you help me get out of these cloths?" Fluttershy asked the cub. The cub nodded and went over to the cloth on the fore-hoof closest to it and began to chew on it. Its teeth were slightly dull, but they could still cut. This may take a while... Fluttershy began to think over the night. How normal it was before Pinkie did that to her. She tried to kill me... Fluttershy let out a few silent tears as the cub continued to gnaw at the cloth. It has to be somepony else. There's no way Pinkie Pie would've done this to me- to anypony in her right-mind. She groaned as the cup tugged against the left sheet, her left hind-hoof aching. My animals... Fluttershy thought, worried for their sake. I know she wouldn't be so cruel... she wouldn't be this mean to anypony. Ssssnap Fluttershy felt the pressure pulling against her hoof decrease immensely. She looked up at the cub and saw that he had chewed half-way through the cloth. "Good j-" Before Fluttershy could finish, she felt a sharp pain in her chest and arched her back. It hurts so much! After a few moments, the pain subsided and she laid flatly on the bed. She heard Angel hopping up to try and check on her. Even the cub stopped chewing on the cloth "I-its okay. Just a l-little bit of pain." Fluttershy said softly. It was a severe understatement. I don't know if I'll be able to forgive Pinkie... it'll take awhile if I do... ============ I need to think of some good friends that might let me stay with them for awhile. At least until I can get up enough bits to stay at my own place. Pinkie walked down a large dirt path. She began to think of ponies that she could stay with for awhile. Mom and Dad is an obvious no. I still don't trust them after what they did to me... Pinkie pasted by a road sign. She looked back at it for a moment. Ponyville ==> Canterlot ====> <=== Las Pegasus <====== Trottingham <==Rest Areas======> I think I know who I can ask... ============ "You're doing a good job... you're almost there..." Fluttershy softly cheered on the cub. It had almost completely chewed through the cloth. Snap Fluttershy tugged her left fore-hoof away. It had finally been freed. Fluttershy released a sigh, happy she had been released. She rubbed the cub's right ear and he returned the affection. She'd wince every time the cub hit her wound, but she wasn't going to complain. At least I have the animals to comfort me through this. I don't know if I'll be able to tell them. Fluttershy said, thinking of Twilight and the rest of her friends. She began to feel light-headed as blood leaked out of her stomach. Oh no... She thought. I have to get to the Pony Hospital. She shook her head and began to try and untie her other hoof, being careful not to hit the wounds on either of her hooves. I wonder if I'll be able to even trot... Fluttershy began to worry about that. She turned her head away from her other fore-hoof and looked outside. It was almost dawn. Big Macintosh or Rarity will be will be here in awhile. T-they have to be here soon. I can't trot to the Pony Hospital with my hooves cut. Fluttershy turned back to her hoof and began to untie her hoof. The cub pushed her hoof aside. "Its all right, little one. I... I can get it." Fluttershy said, trying not to make the animal do what she could, no matter how weak she was. The cub walked over to the cloth and began to chew on the cloth. "Uh... okay." Fluttershy said, resting her hoof. She let her eyes close. Hopefully a short sleep will help... Fluttershy wanted to try and at least sleep for a few minutes, but her mind was filled with memories of the terrible night. Her hooves shook, still fearful despite Pinkie being gone. I don't know how I-I'll be able to sleep again. A few more tears rolled down Fluttershy's muzzle. Snap "Good job, little one..." Fluttershy said as she rubbed the cub once again. Fluttershy's eyes immediately opened and looked up at the cub. He had gnawed his way through the other cloth. She gave him a soft smile before reaching down to her hind-hooves and pulling them out. Pinkie didn't tie down my hind-hooves? Fluttershy asked. I got lucky. Fluttershy moved herself to the side of the bed. She reached down with her hind-hooves and tried to support some weight on it. Her right one could support some weight, but the other one could support nothing. Maybe I could make it to the living room and then use the wall to support myself... "Ah!" Fluttershy called out as her hooves hit the ground, pain shooting through every nerve as she fell to the ground. My hooves! She thought, howling in pain as her left hind-hoof burned with pain. She thought for a moment that she had actually ripped it off the bone. She looked down, and thankfully, her hoof was still intact. "Oh Celestia, please help me..." Fluttershy said as she tried to get up. She managed to get to the wall and was able to support herself. She kept her left hind-hoof away up from the ground. Angel helped her as much as she could. Don't think about it Fluttershy... just make it to the couch and wait for Big Mac or somepony to come and help. Angel kept her hoof off the ground as she slowly trotted towards the couch. Once they reached it, she collapsed onto the couch. "Thank you so much Angel..." Fluttershy said. She motioned for him to come up to her. He did so and hopped onto the couch. Fluttershy picked him up and began to look at his leg. It seemed like his leg had been dislocated when Pinkie threw him against the wall. "This might hurt Angel..." Fluttershy said as she gave him a moment to prepare. After a few seconds, he nodded. She quickly pushed the bone back into place with a sickening pop. Angel Bunny winced for a second, but then he let his body relax. Fluttershy sat him back down beside her and she let herself relax with him. "A-Angel, I'm gonna try and get some rest, ok? Please wake me up in awhile." Fluttershy said. Angel looked at her and nodded. She let her eyes close and let her mind and body drift off. She hoped that Luna wouldn't let her have a nightmare. ============ Pinkie entered the small rest area. It had everything a basic rest area would have: a phone, a convenience store outside, and a restroom. Ok... it has been awhile since I called him. Pinkie walked over to the phone and put a bit into the coin-slot. She dialed in the number and waited for someone to answer. Beeeeeeeep Beeeeeeeep Beeeeeeeep Will he answer?! Pinkie thought, impatient. Beee- "Hello?" "Hey, can I talk to Cheese Sandwich?" "He's speaking, silly." "Oh, sorry... hey Cheese, its Pinkie Pie." "Oh, hey Pinkie. What's up?" "Well, I have sort of a question for you..." "Ask away..." "Some things happened in Ponyville and I was wondering if I could... maybe... sort of stay with you for awhile." "Uh... well..." Please say yes... "Sure!" "Really?!" "Of course, Pinkie! Anything for the pony who inspired me." "Thanks! Well... where should I meet you?" "I'm in Las Pegasus. Go to 1375-Trotting Street." "Alright! I'll be there tomorrow! Thanks again!" "No problem! I've gotta go right now, Pinkie. Bye!" "Bye. Cheese!" Pinkie hung up the phone. That went along easier than I though. I'm glad Cheese let me stay with him... She trotted outside and went inside the convenience store. There was a mare standing at the counter, chewing on a piece of hay. "Hi, could I have some muffins?" Pinkie asked as she approached the counter. "Yes." The mare said. She pointed over to a small stand with boxes of packaged muffins. "Oh... ok. Thanks!" Pinkie said as she walked over to the stand and picked up a few boxes of the muffins. She walked back over to the counter and sat the muffins in front of the mare. The mare picked up the packages and began sliding them over this scanner. "How much?" Pinkie said as she pulled out her bit-pouch. "That'll be... fifth-teen bits." The mare said as she pushed the muffins towards Pinkie. It probably won't be as good as the one at Sugarcube Corner, but its good enough. Pinkie opened her bit-pouch. I have just enough... She sat the bits on the counter in front of the mare and stuffed the muffins in her saddlebag. "Thanks!" Pinkie said as she exited the store. ============ Rarity walked towards Fluttershy's cottage. The path was completely empty. Not a noise was heard beside a small gust of wind. I'm excited for Fluttershy's and I's spa day. Its always nice to catch up with a good friend during a soothing massage. As Rarity approached Fluttershy's cottage, stepped in some sort of red liquid. "Hm...?" Rarity said as she felt a squishy feeling on her hoof. She looked down and inspected the liquid. "That's... strange. Somepony must've spilled something whilst trotting down the path." Rarity said, thinking aloud, as she took out a handkerchief of her saddlebag and wiped the liquid off of her hoof. She continued to walk towards Fluttershy's cottage, thinking about what that goop might've been. Possibly Pinkie brought some punch with her and she spilled it on her way back... Rarity trotted up the front door of the cottage. She was about to open the door, but she saw more of that red goop on the handle. This is beginning to look suspicious... Rarity knocked on Fluttershy's door. "Fluttershy? Are you in here, dear? There is this red liquid on your door handle." "..." "Fluttershy? Are you alright, darling?" "Huh..." "I'm coming in, dear." Rarity said. She immediately regretted her decision. Fluttershy was lying on her couch, a trail of blood coming out of her mouth, and stab wounds all over her body. There was a trail of blood coming from her bedroom. "Oh my... Fluttershy!" Rarity said as she galloped over to Fluttershy and shook her. Fluttershy's eyes jolted open. "Rarity... please t-take me to the hospital." ============ Pinkie walked down the dimly-lit path. She had been trotting all night without a rest. Her hooves ached and there were bags under her eyes. It was easy to say that Pinkie was very tired. I need to find a place to stay. I feel like I'm about to pass out... Pinkie began to look around for something to stay in. Anything. Whilst looking, she saw a road sign. Welcome to Las Pegasus! Only twenty hoof-steps away from your destination! I need to rest... I don't think I'll be able to get to where ever Cheese Sandwich is. She continued to trot on wards. If she could just make it to Cheese's place, she'd be able to rest there. Pinkie took out the last packet of muffins and opened it. She took out one of the muffins and tossed it into her mouth. Hopefully some sugar will keep me awake. Thankfully, the muffin gave her a little bit of an energy boost. She trotted towards the city. As she entered the city, she saw many buildings of different shapes and sizes. "Woah..." Pinkie said as her gaze shifted from building to building. She continued to walk down the path, passing by many different ponies. "Amazing, isn't it?" A stranger pony said beside her. Pinkie looked back at him. The pony was a unicorn with a light-blue coat. "Huh? Oh yes." Pinkie replied back. The unicorn said as he walked ahead of her "Wait, can I ask you a question?" Pinkie asked. "Sure." The unicorn said. "Do you know where Trotting Street is?" "You need to go up about two blocks from here and take a left. That should take you there." The unicorn said as he looked back at her. "Great. Thanks!" Pinkie said. "No problem." The unicorn said. Pinkie passed the unicorn and began to follow the unicorn's directions. ============ Fluttershy woke up on the back of somepony big. As she began to stir, she heard somepony talking. "Do hurry, Big Macintosh! I'm going to hurry and get the rest of the mares! We'll meet you at the hospital!" "Yes, ma'am." Fluttershy heard somepony gallop away from her. "Uhhhh..." Fluttershy managed to open one of her eyes. Her vision was blocked up by a huge, red object. "B-Big Mac...?" "Hello, miss Fluttershy. I'm takin' ya to the hospital." Big Macintosh said in his usual stoic manner. "Okay..." Fluttershy said. Immediately after, she fell into unconsciousness, unable to stay awake any longer. ============ Pinkie tiredly walked down Trotting Street. Celestia's sun had risen and was high in the sky. I can't wait to lie down. I've been trotting all day and night. Pinkie looked at the houses that lined the street. They all were pretty generic except for one. One of the houses was colored yellow. Party streamers lined across the doorway and there was even a small banner that looked like it had been torn down. "I think I know which one is Cheese's." Pinkie said as she looked at the postal number on the mailbox of the house. It read, "1375" "Yep. That's definitely his house." Pinkie said as she trotted towards the door. She noted that there were some cups crushed in front of the door. Pinkie knocked on the door. "Huh?! Oh, coming!" Pinkie heard stumbling from the other side of the door. She waited there, waiting for somepony to open the door. Please hurry up Cheese... I'm about to pass out from exhaustion. After a few moments, somepony granted her request. "Oh, hey Pinkie! Come in!" Cheese said as he motioned her to come inside of his house. He had a small party-hat on his head that said, "Congratulations!" "Thanks again, Cheese." Pinkie said as she entered and sat down on the couch. It was cluttered cans and cups. "So, how's things been?" Cheese asked as he sat down on the couch beside her. "Good." Pinkie said, untruthfully and enthusiastically. Cheese gave her a suspicious look, but soon after shrugged it off. "Well good. I'm sure you must be tired. The guest bedroom is upstairs." "Yes... thank you. I'll tell you about what happened later." Pinkie said as she tiredly got up from the couch and trotted towards the stairs. "No problem. If I'm not here when you wake up, I'm probably helping somepony with their party." "Okay. Well, I'm gonna go to bed before I pass out." Pinkie said before she trotted upstairs. "All right. Well, goodnig- morning." Cheese said. Pinkie didn't respond, too tired to care. She sluggishly trotted upstairs and looked for the guest bedroom. The upstairs was lined with different pictures of Equestria that Cheese had been to, it was painted green, and had another hall that diverged towards the bathroom. There was two doors at the end of the room. She trotted up to them and opened the one to the right, seeing a neatly made bed. She stepped into the room and closed the door before collapsing onto the bed. Thank you Cheese... The bed was warm and extremely comfortable. Pinkie was surprised she didn't fall asleep immediately. Unfortunately, her thoughts kept her awake. How could I be such a terrible pony... I should've stopped Pinkamena. I should've done something more! I could've stopped her! Pinkie hit her hoof against the bed in frustration. The frustration would soon desolve into sadness. "Why... I'm such a terrible pony. I feel so... so dirty." Pinkie said quietly. She looked down at her hooves, seeing some blood stains faded blood stains on the bottom of her hooves that refused to come out. Her blood is on my hooves... Pinkie let out a few silent tears as she closed her eyes. Those thoughts filled her mind for the few minutes she would be awake. But one thought was more predominant than all of them. "You're a monster as well. I'm you, and you are me unfortunately. And you are stuck with that." ============ Author's Note I apologize for the lateness of this chapter. It may not be as well written as the others. The main reason being I haven't had a chance to proof read it due to the site being down all day. Hope you enjoy it. X: RecoveryAuthor's Note Sorry for the lateness of this chapter. I injured my forearm whilst riding on an ATV. I won't go into too much detail, but I can tell you that I jammed it and couldn't write for a day. Regardless, I hope you enjoy it. X: Recovery Fluttershy awoke inside a white room, with a blue rectangular stripe circling in the middle. There were all sorts of devices strapped to her body. Bandages were wrapped around most of her body. She had a needle sticking into her hoof connected to a fluid-bag. Her wings were kept in a small cast-like device, keeping her from moving them anymore. "Hello? We need to see our friend Fluttershy!" "I'm sorry ma'am. You'll need to wait until its visiting hours." "What?! Come on! You've gotta let us in! We're her friends!" "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but you'll need to wait awhile." "Please, miss. She's seriously injured and we must her!" "I'm sorry ma'am, but its protocol." "Please miss. We have ta see her." "Ma'am, I'm not going to explain it again." "Please let us in. I'm sure you could make an exception for us." "Princess Twilight!? Oh, I-I'm sorry! She's in the room over there." "Its alright. Thank you." Fluttershy heard hoofsteps approaching her hospital bedroom. What will they think when they see me? She thought, her insecurities taking over. Fluttershy covered her face with her mane before they came into the room. "Fluttershy? Are you okay?! Who did this to you?!" Rainbow Dash rushed over to her bed and grabbed her. "U-um... I'm all right I guess..." Fluttershy said softly as her face became flushed as she tried not to wince. "I swear I'll make who ever did this regret it!" Rainbow Dash said as she let go of her. "I-its fine." Fluttershy said, still in a soft voice. She couldn't speak very loudly due to the stab wound in her chest. "No, its not!" "Rainbow Dash, calm down. This is not the time to be thinking about that." Twilight said as she and the rest of the girls entered the room. "Well what else am I supposed to do? Wait here and watch my friend suffer?!" Rainbow Dash said defensively. Twilight trotted up to her. "No... but we need to make sure she's okay." She whispered into her ear. "I agree Twilight." Rarity said as she went to the side of the bed opposite to Rainbow Dash. "Ah can see where you both are comin' from. We need to make sure we find who did it ta her, but we also need ta take care of her as well." Applejack said quietly, as if Fluttershy couldn't hear her. After that, there was nothing but silence. They all just sat there, letting the tension in the room rise. I'm not liking this... I hope they'll make up and forgive each other. Twilight sighed. "I'm sorry... I'm just really stressed out right now. First the letter from Pinkie and then this..." Twilight said. Fluttershy burrowed deeper into her mane. "Um... dear. I don't intend to intrude, but what letter are you mentioning?" Rarity said. Twilight stiffened up for a moment, realizing that she had let it slip. "I'll tell you all about it later." "All right..." Rarity said giving Twilight a suspicious stare before breaking it off and looking at Fluttershy. "So, Fluttershy, are you all right dear? Do we need to fetch anything for you?" "N-no... I'm fine." "What happened?" Applejack said. Fluttershy groaned. "I... I really don't wanna talk about it right now." Fluttershy said, tears slowly leaking into her eyes. "All right, sugarcube. Just know we're here if ya need anything." Applejack said. "Thank you." Fluttershy said. After that, the uncomfortable tension returned to the room and reclaimed it. I can feel them staring at me. Fluttershy tried not to move too much. Her body was riddled with aches and pain, either from the doctors or from Pinkie. "So, Fluttershy, how do ya feel?" Applejack said with a concerned look on her face. "I-I'm doing all right." Fluttershy said. She didn't want to worry her friends. "Sugarcube, we ain't gonna hurt ya. You can tell us what you're feelin'." Applejack said, compassion filling her voice. "Okay, well... I've been better." "Hopefully y'all get better soon." I hope so... I'm gonna need to check on the animals soon. Silence retook the room again. "You want to talk?" Twilight asked in a friendly voice. Fluttershy knew that it was all with good-intent, but Fluttershy still felt very upset just thinking about it. "I..." Fluttershy stopped, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry, Twilight. I r-really don't wanna e-even think about it." Fluttershy said, letting a few tears out into her mane. "Oh, I'm sorry Fluttershy." Twilight said. The silence returned once again. You're gonna have to face it sooner or later... "I-I'll talk about it..." "Alright sugarcube. We're here for ya..." Applejack said, leaning towards her. Fluttershy unwillingly removed her face from her mane and looked at the girls. Each one of them had similar responses. Applejack and Twilight eyes widened in shock. Rarity gasped but soon after covered her mouth, realizing that it was rude. Rainbow Dash's face filled with compassion, but that compassion would soon evolve into vexation. ======== So Pinkie, how does it feel? Shut up. I hate you. You killed Fluttershy! It was just a small price to pay for- Small price?! A small price! She was one of my best friends! But think about it for a moment. Would you rather me kill one of your weak, pathetic friends, or go on a murderous rampage and kill every pony that I see? Neither! And Fluttershy was not pathetic. Sure, she may not have been strong, but she was better than anything you are! Unfortunately, that is a choice that you made for me. I couldn't handle it anymore and I just broke out. Good thing I was able to hold off on it and plan it before I actually snapped. And its a good thing you had a friend as weak as Fluttershy. You are a sick pony! If I'm a sick pony, then you're one as well. Remember, you did as much as I did. N-no I didn't! You took control of my body! There's a key-word there; my. Your body is as much mine as it is yours. The blood is on our hooves, no matter how much you try to delude yourself. No... it wasn't me! It was you! Keep deluding youself. You'll soon learn to love it. How can I love hurting another pony?! I bet you'd love to get your hooves on Maud. Just stop talking! I never want to hear you ever again! Being evasive, are we? Answer. I.. I wouldn't... But think about how badly she treated you. Think about how much pain and grief she has caused you. Why would you dream about cutting her up if you didn't want to hurt her? Its blatantly obvious. I... I-I... "I" what? You want to hurt her. I know your thoughts. I-I don't! Quit lying you big jerk! You're the one who is lying. I am the one who treads on your thoughts. Just let me out of this dream! Oh dear... you've got to sleep a little longer. Too bad... Buck you, you jerk! ======== "The p-pony stabbed into my wings and I passed o-out..." Fluttershy said as she wiped the tears away from her eyes. Everypony in the room stared at her. Some were shocked, one was angry, but they all shared one same emotion. Compassion. "I woke up on Big Macintosh's back. A-and then I was here." Fluttershy finished as she sobbed into the hospital bed-sheets. She covered her mouth and tried to stop her quickened breathing, but the task was too great for her. Especially in her weakened state. "Wow... that's..." Twilight said. Even she was having trouble taking in the information. It all felt so surreal. She simply trotted to her bedside and rested her right fore-hoof on her left fore-hoof. "I'm so sorry dear..." Rarity said as she trotted to her bedside. "I-its-" Fluttershy could barely speak. Mainly because she was sobbing too hard. She felt betrayed by her dear friend. A traumatic experience can do a lot to a pony. Especially one like Fluttershy. "I'm sorry dear... I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling." Rarity said. Applejack trotted to the side of the bed opposite to Rarity. "No. She couldn't have done it." Twilight muttered, trying to connect the elongated dots. "This isn't the time, Twilight..." Twilight quickly muttered afterwords, trotting towards the bed. "I'm really sorry, Flutters'. Do you want us to do something to help you?" "N-no..." Fluttershy said through her sobbing. "Ah'm mighty sorry. Ah could get ya some apples from the farm while you're here." Applejack offered. "I-I don't know." Fluttershy said. Thump Fluttershy jumped as the sound bounced around the room. "N-no!" Fluttershy called out as she put her hooves in front of her face, trying to protect herself. Everypony looked towards the origin of the sound and saw Rainbow Dash, with one of her fore-hooves against the wall. "Who would do this?! When I find out..." Rainbow Dash said, anger filling her voice. "Rainbow Dash..." Twilight said. Rainbow Dash looked down at the floor before sighing. "I'm sorry... I'm just- why would anypony do this?." Rainbow Dash said whilst trotting towards the group. "Fluttershy, do you know who hurt you?" Twilight asked, turning back to her. Fluttershy froze. I... I don't know what to do. "I... I... uh." I don't know! What I should do?! "I-I..." Fluttershy muttered once again, tears gathering in her eyes. "It's all right. You don't have to tell us now. Just know that we'll be ready when you are." Twilight said, dropping the subject. "Thank you..." Fluttershy said, letting the anxiety drop. The room became silent once again, the only sounds were the beeping from the heart monitor. Rarity leaned towards Twilight's ear and whispered something to her. "Um... Fluttershy, me and the mares'll will be back in a moment." Twilight asked as she and Rarity grabbed Rainbow Dash and Applejack. "Wait, what?" Rainbow Dash said, confused. "Uh... ok." Applejack said. They all went out into the hall and began to talk. "I need to tell you all about something I found this morning..." ========= I don't wanna hurt Maud... I don't wanna hurt anypony. Pinkie, will you be quiet? I don't wanna hurt Maud... Shut up... I don't wanna hurt anypony. Shut up! ... You've been muttering that for the last hour. It's true, you know... What is? I don't wanna hurt anypony. You're lying. No I'm not. Oh trust me, you are. You'd just love to teach Maud a lesson. No I wouldn't. Yes, you would. You'd love to teach your entire family a lesson for being so selfish, wouldn't you? ... Well, what's your answer? Yes... What was that? I said yes... I still can't hear you... Yes! Okay, yes! I'd like to teach them all a lesson! Are you happy now?! Very. Just remember, don't push it onto me or I'll do it for you. =============== Pinkie opened her eyes from an uneasy sleep. She slowly arose from the bed. "I'd like to teach them a lesson... but not in that way." Pinkie told herself. After a moment, she shook her head. "...yes I would. I'd love to give them a taste of their own medicine. But I'm not. I'm sinking to her level." Pinkie told herself as she prepared for the day. ==================== XI: GreetingsAuthor's Note Hello. Hope you enjoy it. That is all(once again) XI: Greetings Pinkie exited the guest bedroom and walked out into the unfamiliar hallway. She didn't pay too much attention when she trotted through it the last time. Mainly because she was so tired. I'm glad Cheese Sandwich let me stay here until everything in Ponyville blows over... I'm so sorry Fluttershy. Pinkie shook off those thoughts and walked downstairs. It was cleaner than the last time she was in there. There was no sign of Cheese. Guess he's out. Pinkie trotted towards kitchen and began to look around for something to eat. She hadn't eaten since she got to Las Pegasus. Let's see... Pinkie opened up the refrigerator and was greeted by all sorts of things. It was filled with sugar, eggs, flour, chocolate chips, berries, butter, vanilla extract, and all sorts of other things. I guess I could make some pancakes. Pinkie grabbed the sugar, flour, eggs, and some of the butter and then shut the refrigerator door. She then took out a mixing bowl, a whisk, some measuring cups, and a bag baking soda from a bow on top of the fridge. Then she sat the bowl out on the counter and began to pour in the correct amount of ingredients. ================= Fluttershy sat in her hospital bed quietly, waiting for something, anything to happen. The girls still stood outside in the hall, talking about something. She waited for them to return. They had been out there for awhile. "Pinkie's gone?! Why?!" That caught Fluttershy's attention. "She didn't really explain it. It says that she thought it'd be best if she left for awhile. I think that she just wants to decompress." "I don't know why... if something was wrong, she would've told us." "What's up with the weird look on your face?" "Oh, nothing. Just thinking..." "Ah think she's just scared and wants ta try and figure out why she had those dreams." Pinkie's gone? Where?! Is she gonna attack me again?! Fluttershy began to panic. Her thoughts filled with the possibilities of what Pinkie could do to her. She began to hyperventilate, causing the heart-monitor to beep faster. Beep Beep Beep Calm down, Fluttershy... she won't attack you while there's people around. Not in daylight... Fluttershy tried in vain to try and calm herself. She continued to hyperventilate. "Do y'all hear a beepin' noise?" "Now that you mention it, yes. I do hear something similar to that." "It sounds like it's coming from Fluttershy room." Fluttershy heard a set of hoofsteps trot down the hallway and tried to calm herself. But she was unable to. "Fluttershy? Calm down, dear! No one's going to injure you." Rarity said. Fluttershy continued to hyperventilate. "Fluttershy, you're gonna pass out if you don't calm down! We're here for you! We aren't going to let anypony hurt you!" Twilight said, making sure that her voice wasn't in a scolding tone, but in one of compassion. It calmed Fluttershy a little bit, but she was still slightly hyperventilating. "Fluttershy, we ain't gonna let another pony hurt ya. Not now." Applejack said. Fluttershy's breath slowed. "Flutters', you know that I- we aren't gonna let anypony hurt you." Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy finally became calm and stopped hyperventilating. "T-thank you. And sorry." "Its all right, sugarcube. What friends're for." "Thank you. Really." Fluttershy said. Everypony nodded to her. "I-I'm gonna get some rest." Fluttershy said as she turned her head away from her friends. "All right Fluttershy. One of us will be here when you wake up. Just let us know if you need us. Have a good rest." Twilight said as she motion the group to leave the room. After a few moments, there was nothing but the beeping of the heart-monitor in the room. I hope they keep to there word... I don't think I'll be able to handle something like this again. =============== Pinkie Pie took a bite out of her pancakes, the sweet taste doing nothing for her sorrows and regrets. Stupid Pinkamena... I wish that this was all just a dream... Pinkie took the last bite of the pancake and swallowed it. She then proceeded to go over to the kitchen sink and clean off the dish. After finishing, Pinkie trotted around Cheese's house, taking in the surrounding. After all, if she was going to be living here for awhile, she'd need to get to know her surroundings. The walls were painted yellow and the floor was a dark-brown carpet. It didn't look bad... I've got to give it to Cheese Sandwich, he has some good tastes in designs. Guess that'll be his back up job. Pinkie poked fun at the subject for a moment before dropping it and letting it slide into the back of her mind. She trotted upstairs and repeated the process. The walls upstairs were dark-green and the floor was identical to the one downstairs. Pinkie went through the rooms. There were four upstairs. The first one closest to the staircase was the guest bedroom, the second one next to the first and it was a bathroom, the third was opposite to the first and it was a half-full closet, and the fourth was opposite to the second. Pinkie went to open the door, but heard something shuffling from the inside. Snnnhuhhh... Is that Cheese? I sure hope so... cause if not, this is about to get ugly... Pinkie gently trotted up to the door and softly grabbed the door handle. Then she pushed the door open, trying not to make it creak. She saw Cheese Sandwich, laying in the middle of his bed, wrapped up in bed sheets. His mane was in a tangled mess and he still had on that party hat that he had when Pinkie first came to the house. Apparently, it was just him snoring. Snnn... huuuhhh It sounds so weird... and funny! Pinkie covered her mouth and bit her tongue, trying not to giggle. Unfortunately, that solution wouldn't work for long. She quietly tip-hoofed back, pulling the door and shutting it once she got outside of his bedroom. After that, Pinkie burst into a giggle-fit. It took her mind off of her current situation. That was... so funny... Pinkie trotted back downstairs, her ribs aching. She sat down on the couch and began to think over her current state. I'm won't let Pinkamena influence me anymore. I just need to ignore her and do the right thing. You can try. Just know, you can't escape me. I'll just find another way. Pinkie grumbled as Pinkamena interjected into her thoughts. Do you mind? Kind of. It's fun messing with you Will you just leave me with my thoughts? No. I'm not going for a long, long while. Well guess what? I'm not gonna listen to you, so you can just go away. Don't say I didn't warn you... Pinkie felt her body stiffen as Pinkamena tried to take control, taking her off guard. No! Stop! If you don't want to listen to me, then I'll make you listen! Pinkie returned the force that Pinkamena was using. She felt like one half of her body was being torn away from the other. Stop! It hurts! I will when you stop trying to ignore me. Pinkie grabbed the cushion from the couch and held it tightly, trying to focus on anything beside Pinkamena or the painful feeling. Wait, stop! Pinkie felt Pinkamena slightly stop for a moment. What? Are you to submit? I.. I... Pinkie felt tears roll down her face. She grabbed her hair with the other hoof and squeezed it tightly. I'll... I won't- "Pinkie? You down here?!" Pinkie stopped for a moment. She felt Pinkamena stop her attack and go into the back of her mind. "Cheese? Oh, yeah." Pinkie said, thankful that Pinkamena had stopped her assault, but she was also frightened. I can't let Pinkamena hurt him... Pinkie ignored her comment as Cheese Sandwich trotted towards the couch. I think he noticed that I was crying... "Pinkie, everything a-okay?" Cheese asked as he sat down beside her. "Um... its nothing. I just h-had a bad dream." "That sucks." "Yeah..." "All right... well, I'm gonna fix breakfast. You want any?" Cheese said as he got up from the couch and trotted towards the kitchen. "No thanks. I already fix something to eat." Pinkie said, keeping her face pointed away from Cheese. "Oh, okay. Well, I'll be in here!" Cheese Sandwich said in his usual tone. I need to make sure Pinkamena doesn't hurt him. I refuse to let her to hurt another one of my friends. =============== "No, Pinkie!" "Oh, but why, Fluttershy? Its so fun to toy with you. You're so weak. So pathetic." Fluttershy felt cold steel drag against her left fore-hoof. "Pinkie, p-please! We're friends!" Fluttershy begged. This seemed to upset Pinkie, since she felt the knife drag against her skin more aggressively. "Oh my- how many times do I have to tell you before you get it through that thick skull of your's?! We. Are. Not. Friends!" Pinkie said. Fluttershy felt the knife leave her skin. She then felt the knife stab into her bandaged wound. She wailed in pain. "Ah!" Fluttershy called out as an old wound was opened and a new one was created. "Aw... did that hurt?" Pinkie asked in a mocking tone. Fluttershy whimpered. "W-what do I need to do?! How do I need to c-change to make you stop this!?" "You see, there's nothing you can do! Because at the end of the day, you'll still be the same-old scared pony that you've always been!" Pinkie called out. This hurt Fluttershy immensely. "I have never cared about you! You're too useless to be cared about!" Pinkie said as she continued her verbal assault. Fluttershy cried as the words hit her eardrums. "I-I'm not useless..." Fluttershy muttered through her tears. "Oh really? What happened when the changelings invaded? You hid in the crowds, refusing to fight!" Pinkie said, giving an example. "Um..." "Admit it, you're useless." Pinkie said as she brought the knife to Fluttershy's neck. "Uh... I-I'm..." Fluttershy stuttered once more. I... am I really useless? "I... I'm not." "What was that?" "I'm n-not useless." Fluttershy said, standing her ground with what little courage she would have for the moment. "Too bad... I was actually gonna let you go if you agreed." Pinkie said as she circled the blade at Fluttershy's chest. Fluttershy saw Pinkie lift up the knife and- ================== Fluttershy eyes jolted open. She was still in her hospital bedroom. Thankfully, no one was standing over her. Not Pinkie, not anyone. She looked around the room. In the corner of room was Rainbow Dash, sitting in a chair. I'm glad that they kept their word for now. Fluttershy turned her head back towards the wall and wiped the tears away from her eyes. Please Luna, let me have a good dream... =================== XII: Apologies and ControlAuthor's Note Hello. Now I'm caught up and back on schedule. Hope you enjoy this chapter. XII: Apologies and Control Pinkie sat at the couch, letting her nerves calm. She let go of the cushion and rested her head on both of her hooves. I can't handle this anymore! Pinkie let a few tears leave her eyes as she contemplated her options. I don't think I can to stay here. Pinkamena's getting worse, and I can't control her anymore. She could hurt anyone of my friends if I give her the chance... she could hurt Maud and my family... Even though Pinkie didn't trust her family anymore, she still thought they still didn't deserve that. "What am I gonna do?" Pinkie quietly asked herself. She felt like she was a danger to everypony she has ever met. Maybe I should just become a loner. Just travel Equestria by myself... Pinkie pondered that option for a moment, but then she dropped. No! I can't just stay by myself! Maybe Zecora could help me... yeah... that's a possibility. Zecora has a potion for everything! Her spirits were slightly lifted by the option, but she continued to think of more options. Maybe I should just try harder to control her. No... that wouldn't work. Like she said, she'd just find another way. Pinkie continued to think, but found that Zecora would be the best bet. She sighed as she got up from the couch and looked at the clock. It was midday. Dang, I need to hurry and prepare to go to Zecora's. Pinkie half galloped upstairs. Looks like I'll be heading back to Ponyville for the day. Pinkie entered the guest bedroom and grabbed her saddlebag. She rushed down the staircase and out of the house. ==================== Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes. Her rest was (thankfully)more peaceful than the last. She had a dream about her being out of the hospital and her taking care of the animals. Unfortunately, it was nothing more than a dream and she wouldn't be able to see her animals for awhile. She knew she'd worry about them, but she also knew that her friends would take care of them if she asked. The room was quiet. Almost peaceful. Unfortunately, that quietness would be broken. "Okay... heart-rate normal. Blood-pressure normal." Fluttershy looked over at the noise and saw Dr. Horse, standing over at her heart monitor, writing numbers on a piece of paper attached to a clipboard. He looked over at her. "Oh, hello Fluttershy." Dr. Horse said as he put his pen into one of his coat pockets. "Um... h-hello doctor." "So, how do you feel?" "Fine, I guess." "What about your wings or your left hind-hoof?" "My wings are ok, b-but my hind-hoof still hurts." "Well, I'm sure I could do something about that." Dr. Horse said as he trotted closer to her and pointed his horn towards her. A small beam of magic hit Fluttershy as a healing warmth washed over her body. There was little to no pain in her body now. "T-thank you." Fluttershy said, relieved. She relaxed. "Anytime. Well, do you need anything else?" "Um... actually, y-yes. I want to know, h-how long will I'll be in here?" Please don't let it be too long... "Well, you'll need be in here for three to four days at the least. After that, you'll be able to discharge. And after that, you'll have to return for physical therapy." I wish that I could get out of here quicker... I miss the animals so much. "Ok... well, w-will I be alright after this? C-could you give me the full diagnosis?" "Well, your attacker thankfully missed any vital muscles or veins when they stabbed into your wings, so you'll be able to fly again. Your hooves won't be one hundred percent until you come back for physical therapy and even after that, they'll still need to heal. The attacker once again missed vital organs when they stabbed into your stomach, but the attacker punctured your lung when they stabbed your chest. We stitched you up and you'll have to come back to get them removed." Please Celestia, don't let her attack me again... Fluttershy thought. I-I won't survive next time. "Thank you." "Anytime. Well, I have to get to other patents. If you need anything, there's a button on the side of your bed to get a nurse's attention. " Dr. Horse said as he walked towards the door. "Alright... thank you." Fluttershy said as Dr. Horse left the room. She took the moment to look over the room once more. Rainbow Dash was still in the chair, but she was asleep with her hooves kicked up against the chair beside her. Her mane was messier than usual. "Thank you, Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy quietly said. ================= "Hey, Cheesie. I forgot something back in Ponyville. I'm gonna head back and grab it and then come back." Pinkie said, shutting the door behind her. "All right, Pinkie. I'm not gonna be here when you get back, so I'll leave the door unlocked for you. Have a good trip!" "Thanks!" Pinkie said as she exited his house into the humid Las Pegasus air. She continued to trot down the path that she had traveled on not 24 hours ago. Pinkie began to feel anxious I can't be noticed. I just hope that the news hasn't gotten out to the press yet... She opened her saddlebag and looked inside, seeing she had a white, small towel in her saddlebag. I got this from the Sugarcube Corner. This'll do. Pinkie closed her saddlebag and continued to walk away from Las Pegasus and traveled towards Ponyville. However, before she got too far away, an idea popped into Pinkie's mind. She wanted to honor Fluttershy's memory with something. I know that it won't be much, but its the least I can do to say sorry... Pinkie continued to walk down the long path to Ponyville, hopeful her idea would work. ================= Fluttershy sat in her hospital room, bored out of her mind. The day so far had gone by agonizingly slow. The only thing keeping the room from being completely quiet was Rainbow Dash's snoring and the beeping of the heart-beat monitor. I wish Angel was here. Fluttershy missed her animals immensely. She hadn't seen them in two to three days and she was very worried about them. "Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy quietly called out. "Huh?! What?! Oh- sorry Fluttershy. What do you need?" "Would you go check on my animals and f-feed them please?" "Of course. I have to check on Tank anyway. I'll get one of the others to stay with you while I go and check on them." Rainbow Dash said as she got up from the chair. "Okay... thank you." Fluttershy said as her nerves began to relax. Rainbow Dash exited the room. ============ Pinkie walked down the same empty trail once again. She passed by the rest-stop that she had seen the first time. I probably shouldn't stop. I'm already half-way back to Ponyville in half the time it took me to get to Las Pegasus. Pinkie continued the path, more determined than ever. I hope this all isn't for nothing. ============= An Hour Later Pinkie walked into Ponyville with the white towel cloaking most of her body. She made sure that if anything, her cutie mark was covered. That would be the easiest way to identify her. She walked towards a small rose-bush and picked a flower from it. It was simple, but hopefully it would honor Fluttershy. I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I'm so sorry. Pinkie walked towards the path towards Fluttershy's Cottage, rose in hoof. ================== Fluttershy leaned against the pillow, half asleep. She never thought she'd be this bored. I hope somepony gets here soon... I'm starting to get worried. Fluttershy looked around the room, and began to focus on the window. Suddenly, some birds landed in front of it. They were blue jay birds. Fluttershy looked at them intently. Maybe I could... could maneuver myself over to it. Fluttershy moved her hind-hooves off the bed and stood herself up. The cast-like device on her wings wasn't attached to the bed, so she could move around the bed. It wasn't easy, but she really wanted to get over to the blue jay. Okay... please... Fluttershy slowly put her hind-hooves down onto the ground. The muscles in her hooves were very stiff. At first, they didn't hurt, but when she tried to move them, her muscles painfully tightened and her hoof went back to its prior spot. "Ah!" Fluttershy quietly called out as she waited for her muscles to relax. She tried once more, and was met with similar results. Maybe I should just climb back into bed... Fluttershy didn't relent and continued to try and get rid of the tightness in her muscles. After a few minutes, she tried again. Her muscles were still slightly tight, but they didn't hurt as much. Fluttershy braved through the pain and slowly trotted towards the window. "Hello, little ones." Fluttershy said as she sat her fore-hooves in front of the windows. The birds looked at her with intrigue and they became slightly defensive. "Its alright, little ones. I'm not gonna hurt you." Fluttershy said softly. The birds continued to look at her from behind the window. I wish I could pet them... too bad that the window is locked. I wonder when Rainbow Dash's gonna be back. Hopefully she or somepony shows up here soon. "At least I have you two to keep me company..." Fluttershy said as she smiled at the birds. ===================== Pinkie trotted towards the front door to Fluttershy's house. She had kept her eyes looking towards the ground as she walked up to the door. It is gonna be hard... Pinkie let out a sigh as she opened the door and and walked inside. A flood of bad memories entered her mind as she looked around the room. She looked down at the blood trail that lead towards the couch. "Wait... what?" Pinkie said as she looked at the unfamiliar trail. Did I leave this when I left? She followed the trail. It lead into Fluttershy's room. Pinkie entered the room and was greeted with a familiar sound. Grrrrrr... The cub was in the center of the bed, lying in a dried pool of blood. "Wait, I'm not gonna hurt you!" Pinkie said as she looked at the empty bed. "Where is she?! I thought she was..." Pinkie words trailed off as she began to think. Is she alive?! "Fluttershy!?" Pinkie called out to the house. "Fluttershy, I'm not gonna hurt you!" Pinkie continued as she exited the bedroom and began to searched through the house. She continued to search for what seemed like forever. Suddenly, Pinkie felt something grabbing her left hind-hoof and tugging at her coat. When Pinkie looked back, she was greeted by an angry Angel Bunny. "Angel? Where's Fluttershy!?" Pinkie asked, panicked. Angel angrily punched her hoof. "Please Angel... I'm sorry." Pinkie said as she went to grab Angel. Angel's courage faltered and he hopped away, scared. She angrily stomped her hoof and grunted. "Who's here?!" Pinkie slightly jumped and accidentally dropped the rose. She quietly dashed into the kitchen and out the back door. Oh no...! Pinkie galloped past the house and went towards the path back to Ponyville. I can't let her see me! She pulled the towel over her face as she ran away. After Fluttershy's house was out of sight, Pinkie finally calmed down and stopped galloping. Oh no... that was too close. Is Fluttershy alive? I don't even know, but I hope so... Pinkie's heart slightly leaped with joy. The possible of Fluttershy being alive was something that hadn't crossed her mind. Okay... now I just need to get to Zecora's. =============== Fluttershy quietly talked through the glass to the animals. She had been there for at least 15 minutes. I'm glad that I have these two to talk to... Fluttershy put her hoof against the glass, looking outside at the birds and the trees. It was so peaceful. Well, it was until a multicolored beam flew into the hospital and entered her room. "Fluttershy, you're never gonna believe what I saw!" =============== Pinkie walked through the wooded path to Zecora's hut. Let's hope Zecora has something. Pinkie walked up the steps and knocked on the door. "It is open!" "Hey, Zecora. I needed to ask you for something..." Pinkie said, entering the door. She didn't want to be there for too long in case Pinkamena got control again. "Alright... let me guess. You need a potion, yes?" "Actually, yeah. You see, I need a potion that can help me get rid of Pinkamena. Not literally, but just to get her away from me for like two days. If it works, I'll come back and get another one." "I wouldn't try it, Pinkie. It may be to your dismay." "Please, Zecora. I need this..." Pinkie said in a pleading voice. Zecora sighed. "Alright. I may have potion, but it'll make you have confused motions." "All right... well, go ahead and mix it up please." Pinkie said as she waited for Zecora to mix the potion up. AFter a few moments, Zecora handed her a potion. "Here you go." Zecora said. Pinkie took the potion and drank it. A flash of light filled her vision. Once her vision returned, her muscles quickly stiffened and relaxed before returning to normal. Did it work? "It worked, yes?" "Yes.... I don't feel Pinkamena anymore. Thank you, Zecora." Wait, what?! Pinkamena exited the hut without another word. No! No, no, no! Oh yes... thank you Pinkie. Now, lets go get your family, shall we? It'll help you. No! Don't! ================ XIII: ArrivalPinkamena walked down the gravely path towards the Pie Rock Farm. She was certain of what she was about to do, and Pinkie didn't like it. Pinkamena, stop! No pony deserves what I got! Not even your attackers? Excuse me, but do you have the memory of that stupid alligator that you call a pet?! You told me yourself that you'd love to get your hooves on them. I'm simply doing what you can't. You're welcome. I... you don't know... I feel like I'm going insane. Please... I don't care what I said, no pony deserves this. I know, trust me I know. This is going to help you and me both. Please Pinkamena, I'm begging you... I can't do this anymore. I hear Fluttershy screaming when I think about it.... I hear myself screaming when I think about it. This'll help us. Just trust me. No! Buck no! You aren't hurting my family! Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it? Watch me? There's nothing you can do! So you can just sit there and whine and plead all you want, but I am doing this! Pinkamena angry stomped towards the farm. Pinkie stilled tried to persuade her, but Pinkamena just ignored her. Nothing would stop her at this point. I've got to do something... Unfortunately for you, my dear, there is nothing you can do. You specifically asked Zecora to give you a potion that would make me go away for two days. Fortunately for me, it backfired and I'm going to be in control for the next two days, and there's not a bucking thing you can do about it. No! T-there's gotta be something I can do! You're starting to annoy me... Come on, Pinkie, there's gotta be something you can do... Pinkie, you're being irrational now. There's nothing you can do. You're just going to need to accept it. Who knows, you might enjoy it with me... Enjoy it?! You're a sick pony! Pinkamena ignored that comment as she approached the house. Pinkamena, please. Just turn around... It'll help us. Trust me. How can I trust a pony who possibly killed my friend and is still a danger to everypony?! You'll learn to... Pinkamena walked up to the front door and opened it. "Hello? Who is it?" "Its me, mom!" Pinkamena called out. Cloudy came out from a hallway and trotted up to her. "Hello Pinkie, darling." "Hello, mom." Pinkamena said. A few moments of awkward silence passed by. Just need to act like her until they fall asleep. Don't you dare hurt them! "So... how have things been in Ponyville?" "Super-duper-great!" Pinkamena said, acting like Pinkie. "Well, good..." "So, where's everypony?" "Well, Maud is in Ponyville, trading in our usual shipment of rocks, Marble and Limestone are outside with your father. He's showing them how to search through the fields for rocks better." Cloudy said simply. She seemed a bit nervous nervous talking around Pinkamena. "Well, good. I have to ask you a question..." Pinkamena said, pretending to be nervous about it. Hook... "Okay. Ask." Line... "Some stuff happened in Ponyville and I need to stay here for awhile. Do you mind if I stay here for awhile?" "Of course, dear. Anything for a daughter of mine." ... and sinker. "Really?! Thanks!" Pinkamena said as she reluctantly gave her a hug. She tried to ignore it, but she was filled with disdain and disgust from simply touching her. I hate to even touch her... Then leave! Nah. This solution'll be funner. I'm excited to get back at her for all the things she did to m- us. Pinkamena released Cloudy. She stepped back a few steps. "Well, do you or dad need any help? I wanna make it up to you and him for letting me stay here." Pinkamena said, trying her best to make it sound like she was sincere. "I don't need any right now, but your father might need some. And you don't have to make it up to us dear." "Okay. I'm going to go check if dad need's any help." Pinkamena said as she trotted towards the door. "All right, darling." Cloudy said as Pinkamena exited and walked towards the fields. Too easy... this isn't going to be difficult if everyone in this family is as gullible as her. If you lay so much as hoof on them and I promise you... I Pinkie Promise you, I'll find a way to get back at you. I'm quivering in my fictitious boots. ============== "I tried to chase after them, but Angel wouldn't let me. I just wish I did..." Rainbow Dash said, finishing the story. Who was in my cottage?! Was it Pinkie?! "Um.. d-did you get a look at the pony?" "No... they had some towel covering their head. But they did leave a rose." Rainbow Dash said as she pulled it out and handed it to Fluttershy. Why would they leave a rose? Fluttershy inspected it for a moment before setting it aside. "Well... thank you for telling me. Are Angel and the other animals all right?" "Yeah. Angel seemed like he was spooked, though." Rainbow Dash said as he trotted to the corner of the room and sat down in one of the chairs. "Poor thing... I feel so bad..." Fluttershy said in a worried tone. "Its all right, Fluttershy. You'll be outta here in no time!" Rainbow Dash said, trying to cheer her up. "I hope so..." Fluttershy said as she picked up the rose and began to inspect it again. I wonder who left it... ============= "Now pull!" Pinkamena tugged against the ropes. They were tied against a huge, plow-like device especially made to pick up rocks and sift out dirt. She pulled it for a few feet. "Okay, you can stop now. I think they get it." Igneous said. Pinkamena did as she was told. "Whew. Its been awhile since I've done that!" Pinkamena said, trying to be as enthusiastic as Pinkie usually was. "Certainly has, dear." Igneous said as he walked over to Marble and Limestone Pie. "Okay, so that'll be what you'll have to do next week. So you may want to practice." Igneous said to Marble and Limestone. They both nodded. They began to trot over to her, Limestone leading in front of Marble. Great. I'm glad they're coming over here. They're only two ponies in my family I actually love or trust. I... I can relate. But that doesn't mean you have to hurt the others. Yes, it does. I'm not letting them hurt another pony. They aren't going to hurt another pony! How do you know that they wouldn't hurt Marble or Limestone if they already haven't?! Because they haven't done anything wrong. Correction; they haven't done anything wrong yet. It'll only be a matter of time until they get up into that age where they start to disobey them and don't do their chores. They'll do it again. They wouldn't do it again! They could barely do it last time! Maud could. She didn't mind cutting off your wing. Before Pinkie could respond, Marble and Limestone stopped in front of her. Pinkamena wrapped them both into a large hug. "I'm so glad to see you two... it's been too long." Marble nodded. "It has. How have you been?" "Good. The Sugarcube Corner is as popular as ever. You two could come some day, when you're older." "Mmhm..." "We've found some more cool rocks." "Great. How have things been at home." "Quiet. No thanks to Marble." Limestone glanced back at Marble. Marble's face flushed as she nodded in acknowledgement. "Yeah, but it's been the usual. Nothing special." "That's good. Are you two still good?" "Of course. Sure, Marble might not talk a lot, but nothing bad has happened." "That's great." "Hey, do you want to my rock collection? I've been collecting for months now" "Sure!" Pinkamena said. Limestone nodded, trotting towards the house. Marble and Pinkamena followed behind. I just need to wait until night fall... =============== Fluttershy stared at the window, looking at Celestia's slowly descending sun. For some reason, she felt uneasy. Like something bad was about to happen. Please Celestia, don't let Pinkie hurt me again. Celestia would grant that request, but at a price. ================= XIV: Night-Fall[Part I](18+)Author's Note Hello. I split Night-Fall into two parts because A: I had to make the three day deadline I set up for myself and B: To get the atmosphere going... So, I apologize if I disappointed, but I hope you enjoy it. XIV: Night-FallPart I Pinkamena sat down at couch in the center of the living room. The day had gone by slowly, causing Pinkamena to get more and more excited for the night. Her patience had become thinner and thinner over the day, I'm becoming impatient. Pinkamena, just leave... please. I'm begging you. I'll let you have control for as long as I live if you just leave and don't hurt my family! No. They didn't willingly do it! You need to just accept it! I can't, okay?! Do you honestly think I was like this before- Pinkamena stopped herself. What were you about to say? Nothing... Pinkamena dodged her question. She looked out the window in front of her, seeing Luna's moon rise slowly into the sky. Pinkamena, tell me. At least give me a hint of why you want to do this. No. Pinkamena felt sadness for the first time in a long time. Usually when someone would bring up the topic of their wings being cut off, she'd either get angry and avoid it or just ignore it. I need to do this. They took something away from me. Something I can't get back. They need to know what I felt! Those monsters took my wings away! Don't you mean our wings? No, you waste of thought! My wings! Do you honestly think I was always like this?! I used to be like you! Then, they took away my wings! So you have to take it out on Fluttershy!? I needed to get rid of some of the rage before I lost control... I want to hurt them. And badly. And you couldn't take it out on something else!? I tried to. I was the one who killed the animals and I left them in the storage area at that establishment you worked at. It never satisfied me. You were going to let me take the fall for that?! What do you think? Click The lights in the hallway turned off as hoofsteps were heard stepping away from the living room. The time is coming near... prepare, Pinkie. You thought what I did to Fluttershy was bad? You wait. Pinkamena, I know you're hurt, and I can't change that. But please-- please don't hurt my family... Don't worry about it. You'll enjoy seeing it. I won't... please, I'm begging. I don't want to see my family hurt. Yes, you do. If I want to, then you'll definitely want to. I don't! You'll enjoy it once you see it. Pinkamena let the minutes pass by as she waited for the family to fall asleep. She didn't want to be caught. Her hind-hoof began to slightly bounce in place from excitement. Come on... Pinkamena looked over at the dark hallway. No noises could be heard from inside the house. I think its safe. Please, somepony wake up... It's not gonna happen. Pinkamena quietly sat up on the couch and got up from it. She quietly entered the kitchen. Let's see... where do those parents of ours keep a blasted knife... I'm not telling you anything. Pinkamena opened a drawer that contained cooking and eating utensils. She looked around for a moment before grabbing a small, sharp bladed knife. Wouldn't have needed you to. Pinkamena, please, I'll do anything you want me to, just don't hurt them. There's nothing you could ever do to make me change my mind. Pinkamena slowly shut the drawer, making sure that it wouldn't creek or make any other noises. She quietly trotted out of the kitchen and went towards the dimly-lit hallway. Who should we go after first? I don't know about you, but I'm feeling like we should get Maud. No! Pinkie's efforts were all in futile. PInkamena quietly entered the room. Maud was asleep. She had a large bed in the middle of her room and there was a wooden table beside the bed. The walls were desolate of any decorations or portraits. The only exception was for a small shelf at the middle of the room, above her bed, holding her pet rock, Boulder. She cares more about that bucking rock than she does about me... Pinkamena squeezed the knife in her right fore-hoof. She trotted into the room quietly. Don't! Pinkamena felt her whole body slightly stiffen. You're not going to take control. Not for another day. She pushed pass Pinkie's efforts and began to trot over to Pinkamena's bedside and aimed the knife at her body. Pinkamena lifted up the knife and prepared to strike. "Sister, what are you doing?" Yes! Oh, horseapples! "Um... I-I..." Pinkamena tried to think of an excuse. She stumbled over her words for a moment more before she punched Maud in the face hardly. She didn't make another sound. That was too close. No! Don't worry, Pinkie. Your sister's all right for now. I've got to make sure she doesn't try that again. Pinkamena grabbed the cloth and pulled it off of Maud's bed. She began to rip the cloth into five individual pieces, four of them being large and all of the same size. Pinkamena began to tie Maud's hooves down to the bed, tying them in a not against the wooden frame of her bed. Pinkamena, just stop right now. I don't like where this is going... Pinkie, for the last time, its not going to happen. Pinkamena finished tying down Maud. She picked up the knotted piece of cloth and tied it around her face, covering her mouth, and making sure that the knotted piece was inside her mouth. Now its time for mother and father. Please Pinkamena, don't hu- You ask me that one more time and I'll burn them alive after I'm finished slicing them up. ... That shut you up pretty quickly. Good to see you have some semblance of intelligence. Pinkamena quietly shut the door on her way out of Maud's room. She quietly trotted towards her parent's room and entered. Crrreeeeeeeek Pinkamena froze. She waited for her parents to get up out of bed and catch her, but they never did. Bucking door... Pinkamena tip hoofed over to the corner of the room. Her parents always kept a blanket in the corner of the room. She picked it up and quietly took it outside. Pinkamena took it into the living room and began to rip it in a pattern similar to the one she had done with Maud's cloth. After all the cloths had been ripped apart, there were ten long pieces of cloth, and two pieces that had been knotted. Pinkamena entered the hallway and was about to reenter her parents room. Thump Something or somepony had moved in Marble and Limestone's room. Oh no... Pinkamena looked over at the door, hoping that no pony would come out. I need to find something to block the door. Please come out... Pinkamena looked over at the dining room. She got an idea and trotted over to one of the wooden chairs. This should work. Pinkamena picked up the chair and went over to Marble and Limestone's bedroom door. She propped up under the door handle, making sure the door wouldn't open easily. Pinkamena.. Yes, Pinkie? I'm scared... so very scared. Pinkie's voice was trembling in fear. I know... but this will help us. Pinkamena trotted pasted by the chair as she went into her parent's room. She proceeded to tie there hooves down to the bed like she did with Maud and Fluttershy, making sure not to wake them. After that, she tied the knotted pieces around there mouths, making sure that the knotted pieces were in there mouths as she did with Maud. Pinkamena let out a quiet sigh as she finished. Okay... since I'm in a good mood, I'll let you chose Pinkie. Who should I attack first? Nopony... I'm afraid that's not a choice. Now, choose one. ============== Pinkie was clawing at the mental barriers, keeping her from taking control of her body. She had been at it for hours and hadn't even made a dent in it. "I don't know!" Pinkie called out. But you must choose. Which of these people do you hate the most? "None of them!" Pinkie called out once more. We both know that that's a lie. Now, choose! Pinkie stopped clawing at the barrier and sat down. She was torn; she wanted to get back at her family, but not in this way. Nothing could change the situation she was in right now. And she hadn't been this scared since she had seen her family cutting off her wings, and she had no idea what to do. "Please Pinkamena... don't make me chose..." Pinkie said as she let the tears roll down her cheeks. Choose. Now! Pinkie's mind was racing. Pinkamena was honestly going to make her choose who to hurt between her family. She was in tears, almost sobbing, Come on, Pinkie... I'm beginning to lose my patience. Pinkie had to chose. There's no way she could get out of this situation. She couldn't bear to chose any of them. Suddenly, she got an idea. It wasn't the best idea, but its the only one she could think of. "Hurt Pebble." Pinkie asked. Who? "Pebble. That pet rock I had." Pinkie said, slightly calmed down. Are you serious?! "Yes..." Pinkie said. Are you kiddin- oh... I see what you're trying to do... You're trying to make me angry at you so I won't focus on them. It's not going to work. Choose. Pinkie hit her hoof against the barrier in frustration. "You're such a big jerk!" Pinkie said. Why, thank you. Choose who I shall hurt first. Pinkie put her hooves on her forehead. I'm gonna regret what I'm about to do... I just need to buy some time for them to wake up. "Take me." Pinkie said, her words filled with courage. Good choic- wait, what? "I said take me. Just stab yourself. It'd be best for Equestria..." I'm not that stupid! "Please... I don't want to see another pony hurt... even if that means I never see another one again." Pinkie said, sorrow filling her voice. You're starting to annoy me... that's not good for your family. "Good. I'm glad I'm annoying you. You deserve it." I deserve it!? Those two monsters took away my wings! "And that makes it okay to take it out on every animal and pony you see?!" No... but- "Exactly! They didn't deserve it!" You did as much as I did- wait a moment... Oh no... I think she knows. You've been stalling! You know what?! Forget it! I'll choose myself! And just for that, I'll make it extra painful for all of them! "No!" Pinkie called out as Pinkamena ended the internal conversation. =============== Pinkamena, thoroughly frustrated with Pinkie's stalling, trotted up beside Igneous and stared at him for a moment. "At least you were sympathetic..." Pinkamena quietly said, dismissing him as the first victim she would stab. She trotted over to the opposite side out the bed, and looked down at Cloudy. "I thought you'd protect me... both of you." Pinkamena quietly said as she sat one of her fore-hooves on the bed. "You didn't stop Maud.... and I'm scarred for life because of it. I'm going to make you all pay." Pinkamena said as she squeezed the sheets that covered the bed. "But you two aren't going to be the first. Maud's gonna get it much worse than you two." Pinkamena quietly said as she let go of the bed sheet and trotted out of the room, shutting the door on the way out. "You're gonna feel so much pain Maud. And Pinkie and I are going to enjoy it." Do you feel the excitement, Pinkie? The anticipation of getting back at someone who hurt you very badly? No... But why? I'm about to get revenge the person that scared us for life. How could you not be excited to get back at her? Pinkie didn't answer Pinkamena as she entered Maud's room. She shut the door and trotted towards the bed and looked at Maud. Please! I'm sorry for everything I've ever done to you! Just don't hurt her! No, Pinkie. I'm doing this, whether you like it or not. Pinkamena let out a short sigh before lifting up the knife and pointing in towards Maud's left fore-hoof. She put as much force as she could into the knife and stabbed Maud's hoof. A small grunt escaped Maud as her eyes slowly opened and met with Pinkamena's. She tried to ask her something, but her words were blocked by the knotted piece of cloth. "Aw.... did that hurt?" Pinkamena asked. Maud didn't react in any way. "I know what you did to me..." Pinkamena said, letting her now deflated hair hang in front of her face. Maud's eyes widened for a moment, but then they returned to normal. "Why?" Pinkamena asked. Maud didn't answer. "Why were you the one to cut off my first wing? Did you enjoy putting me through pain?" Pinkamena asked once more, her voice trembling from the painful memories. And just like last time, Maud didn't answer. Pinkamena stabbed her other fore-hoof, causing her body to jerk away from the knife in an effort to escape. She kept the knife inside her hoof. "Let me ask you again. Did you enjoy it? Blink once for yes, twice for no." Pinkamena said as she held the knife inside the wound. Maud still didn't answer. Pinkamena began to drag the knife down her hoof, tearing through her skin and scraping against her bone. Maud's eyes widened and her back arched. "It doesn't feel good, does it?" Pinkamena said. Maud couldn't answer. Pinkamena continued to drag the knife through her skin until she reached her chest. She pulled out the knife and held it above her left fore-hoof that she had stabbed previously. "Ah dimmnt ehoy at." Maud muffled through the gag. Pinkamena looked over at her. "What was that?" Pinkamena asked as she dragged the knife up and down her fore-hoof. "Ah dmmnt ejohy it." Maud said. It took a moment for Pinkamena to decipher the muffled sentence, but she finally understood what she said. "You're lying! Why did you stab me willingly then!?" Pinkamena said as she painfully pierced Maud's skin with the knife. Maud flinched and shook her head vigorously . "Nahh..." Maud said, muffled once again. Pinkamena began to repeat the process that she did with the other hoof, cause Maud to jerk against the cloths. Blood splattered the sheets as Pinkamena sliced through a muscle and began to leak out of the wound. She had probably cut through a small vein. "Oh... that can't be good." Pinkamena said mockingly. You monster! Aren't you enjoying this? She's getting back what she did to us so many years ago! No! I think you're lying. I-I'm not! Sure you aren't. As blood continued to leak out of the wound, Maud's eyes began to close. "Oh no you don't." Pinkamena said as she slapped Maud, causing them to jolt open. "I'm keeping you awake for as long as I can. Make you feel what I felt." "Ahm sorry, sistahhr." Maud said, her words muffled. "I am too. I'm sorry that you, mother, and father took away the only thing I've ever been good at." Pinkamena said as she aimed the knife above her stomach and stabbed it forcefully. Maud let out a loud grunt. "Shhhh..." Pinkamena said as she twisted the knife around in Maud's stomach, causing Maud to quietly wail in pain. She could feel her organs and bones grinding against the knife. I think I'm gonna be sick... Pinkamena began to drag the knife up her chest, going over one side of her ribs. Maud tried to jerk away from the knife, but was unable to. She stopped in the middle of her chest, causing the two lines from her fore-hooves to intersect. Maud's eyes slowly shut. "Hey. wake up!" Pinkamena said as she slapped Maud. Maud didn't respond. No... no! "Wake up!" Pinkamena said as she stabbed Pinkamena in her left hind-hoof. She still didn't respond. Maud! You evil monster! I am one. And you are too. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy that. N-no Pinkamena! I d-didn't enjoy it! Sure you didn't... Pinkamena let out a sigh of relief. She had killed the pony that had haunted her for years. ============= Pinkie sat against the barrier. She had been sobbed into her fore-hooves. "You're an evil monster!" If I'm one, you're one as well. The blood are on our hooves, Pinkie. No matter how much you try to deny it. Pinkamena didn't answer. On the ground in front of her, she had written out the same message multiple times. "I didn't enjoy it" Pinkie looked down at the messages she had wrote. She had been trying to delude herself. Pinkamena was breaking her. She had already been pushed to her limits with Fluttershy and seeing her own wings being cut off. And now Maud... "Pinkamena, please. I can't handle this anymore..." Well too bad, because I still have two more left.... Pinkie was afraid. Very afraid. She felt like her sanity was beginning to chip off and fail into an endless void, never to be seen again. And the worst part is that the night wasn't even over yet. =============== XV: Night-Fall[Part II](18+)Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.XVI: EpilogueFluttershy woke up from a surprisingly blissful sleep. She turned her head to the corner of the room where Rainbow Dash usually sat, but she wasn't there. "Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy called out as she slowly leaned up from the bed. Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. She tried to listen outside to see if she was doing something or talking to somepony, but the hospital was unusually very busy. However, Fluttershy able to point out at least one voice in the busy hospital outside of her room. "Hello, madam. May I see my friend Fluttershy?" "Let's see... you'll have... at least a couple of hours with her before visiting hours are over. She's in the room over there." "Marvelous. Thank you." Fluttershy waited for a moment for Rarity to enter the room. "Hello, Fluttershy. How are you feeling, darling?" Rarity asked as she entered the room. "Better. I-I'm not hurting as bad as I was." Fluttershy said as she began to stroke her mane softly, straightening her messy mane out. "Wonderful. The Weather Patrol requested she come in and work for the time being, so she sent me over to stay with you until she gets finished up there." Rarity said as she sat in one of the chairs in the corner, crossing her hind-hooves as she sat. "Okay..." "Do you need or want me to grab anything for you?" "Um... if you don't mind, I'd like something to eat or drink." "I don't mind at all. I'll be back in a moment with some refreshments." Rarity said as she got up from the chair and went outside. The room actually became peaceful for a moment. "Dr. Horse, please report to the front desk." Fluttershy relaxed her head and rested her eyes. She began to wonder about why they needed Dr. Horse. Rarity reentered the room, holding a small, plastic plate with a few berries and an apple with a milk carton at the side. :"Here you go, dear." Rarity said that she sat the plate in front of Fluttershy. "Thank you." Fluttershy said as she picked up the apple and bit into it's core, the sweetness of apple giving moister to her previously dry throat. "We have three code blues coming in from the Pie Rock Farm." Fluttershy choked on a chunk of the apple as the message went over the intercom. She quickly opened up the milk carton and took a gulp out of it, washing down the pieces of the apple. "Everything fine, darling?" "Um... y-yes." Isn't that Pinkie's family farm? What happened there?! =============== Pinkamena sat down in a small embankment beside a small gravely path. The sun had risen and was almost overhead, and the shadows of the road above enveloping her in darkness. Strands of her mane stuck out of place, displaying her exhaustion. Well... are you happy?! ... You've hurt my entire family and mentally scarred one of my younger sisters. So, tell me, was it worth it? Pinkamena didn't know the answer to that question. Pinkamena just sat there, staring at the gravel. I... I don't know... What do you mean, "I don't know"? You went through all that trouble, injured my entire family, and you have no idea what you feel?! I just don't know, Pinkie... I thought I'd feel better. Hay, I thought I'd be rejoicing that the people who's haunted my memories for so long would know what I felt, but I don't even know what I'm feeling. Pinkamena picked up a small rock and inspected it. She began to continuously toss it up into her hoof. catching it each time. Do you realize what you've done to Marble? She's scarred! You've showed her something that she'll never forget! "Shut up..." You've done something to her that she'll remember forever! "Pinkie, shut up..." Pinkamena said, her patience wearing thin. You've done to her what mom, dad, and Maud did to you! "I said shut up!" Pinkamena said as she threw the pebble towards the embankment. It smashed into small pieces. Pinkie stopped talking. "Do you honestly think that I wanted to do that?! That I wanted to scar her?! I feel terrible, okay?! Is that what you wanted to hear?! Yes, I, Pinkamena Diane Pie, feel terrible for scarring her!" ... Are you happy now?! I mean, you just killed my older sister, scarred one of my younger ones, and injured my mom and dad... I was crying while you made me watch them. "I... I don't know anymore Pinkie." Pinkamena said as she ran her hooves through her hair. You killed my sister... "I know..." =============== Pinkie sat in the corner of her prison, silently crying. She had just saw her sister being brutally stabbed to death. "I'm sorry Maud..." Pinkie quietly said. Pinkie's will remained strong, although her sanity had been beaten and bruised. Pinkamena hadn't broken her just yet. They deserved it... "Are you serious right now?! Marble didn't deserve to see that! No pony deserved what I got!" Pinkie called out, her voice echoing. ... ================ Pinkamena didn't know how to respond. She just sat there, staring at the rocks. "We need to get these ponies to the hospital fast. They aren't gonna surv-" A stallion with a brown, short mane and a black coat said, pulling the cart. Pinkamena got as low to the ground as she could. She made sure she wasn't in sight from the road. "Shh!" The mare scolded her stallion counterpart. "It's all right, you two... they'll feel better once we get them to the hospital." A mare with a long, parted green mane and a yellow coat said. She was trotting beside the stallion, pulling the cart with him. The squeaking of the old cart's wheels were hidden behind her voice. "T-thank you..." A mare stood up on the back off the cart, her grey coat splattered with blood. Her mane covered the right side of her face, and had somehow managed to remain clean. Is that Marble?! "Hey, are they gonna be okay?" And Limestone... "I... I don't know what to tell you. All I can say is that they'll have a better chance if we get them to the hospital as soon as possible." The mare said. Her voice began to grow distant from Pinkamena. After a moment or two, she peeked over the embankment. She saw a mare and a stallion, pulling a wooden cart with Marble and Limestone on the back of it. They were blocking her view of the other passengers on the cart. Pinkamena presumed that it was Maud, Cloudy, and Igneous on the back. She ducked back under the embankment. Please let them make it to the hospital... It isn't looking very likely. I know... I just hope that they make it. After a few minutes, Pinkamena climbed back onto the main road and began to slowly trail behind the cart. What are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself caught? You know another way to Las Pegasus besides this one? ... That's what I thought. Pinkamena continued down the path, making sure that the cart and her had as much space as possible. She stayed close to the embankment in case she needed to get out of sight quickly and made sure to stay out of the sight of Marble and Limestone. Suddenly, Pinkamena felt her whole body become stiff. Not yet, Pinkie. Not just yet. You've already done enough... please. Could you just let me have control? You aren't getting control back until tomorrow unless I let you, and that's not gonna happen. "Sister, do you see th-that p-pony?" Pinkamena jumped back down to the embankment and ducked down. "Now that you mention it, I thought I saw somepony following us." Oh no. "Everything okay back there?" "Uhhhh... where are we?" ============== Marble looked back at the row of injured ponies, her father being the closest to her. "F-Father--" "Father! Are you okay? What happened?" Limestone interrupted Marble and nearing knocking her and Igneous' hate off the cat, leaning onto her father. Igneous groaned in pain, causing Marble and Limestone both to jerk away. "I-I've been better, my fillies. Please don't touch my chest." "S-sorry." Marble said as she backed away from her father. "It's fine... where are we?" Igneous said as he began to look around. His eyes widen as he saw his wife and his first daughter laying beside him, both of them being battered, bruised, and cut. "Cloudy... Maud..." Igneous said as he weakly reached one of his fore-hooves towards them both. He suddenly felt a bolt of pain shoot through his hoof and jerked it back to its prior position. "Father, don't over exert yourself. We found someponies that'd help us." "Okay. Lean in towards me, both of you. I have to tell you something." Igneous whispered. Marble did as she was told and leaned in towards his mouth. Limestone followed. "Are you sure we can trust these ponies?" "They were the only one's we could find so quickly. We wanted to find somepony else, but they were the only one's passing by." Limestone said. Igneous nodded. "It's all right, dear. But if anything happens that seems suspicious, I want you and Limestone to run away from them as fast as you can." . "Oh, you don't have to worry about that father. Trust me." Limestone twisted her neck, releasing some cracks from the joints. "F-Father, are y-you all gonna b-be all ri-right?" Marble managed to speak up. The whole situation had made her social anxiety worse. "I don't know dear... I wish I could say for certain, but I honestly don't know." Igneous said. Marble and Limestone both became slightly scared by this. It seemed to put a damper on their conversation. ============ Pinkamena followed behind in the embankment. At least dad's awake... Pinkamena ignored Pinkie and continued to follow behind them. ============= Fifteen Minutes Later Marble sat back down at the back of the cart beside Limestone. The ride had been quiet ever since they realized that their family may not make it through the day alive "Marble... can I ask you a question?" "Mmhm." "What do you think will happen?" Limestone asked. Marble sat there for a moment and thought about it. "I-I don't kn-know... I-I hope they'll be all right." Marble said honestly. "Oh... okay." Limestone said as she looked at the dirt on the ground below. "..." "..." Marble began to scratch her hind-hooves against the cart. It kept her mind off of the situation she was in. Unfortunately, some thoughts of what she saw Pinkie do slipped through the cracks. Why did she do it? She didn't seem angry earlier... Marble looked back at her family. She saw how much pain had been inflicted on them. I just hope they'll be better once we get to the hospital. "Okay everypony, we're almost at the intersection that leads into Ponyville, so we'll be there soon!" Marble looked at the pair of ponies pulling the cart. "Thank you... both of you." "It's all right, sweetheart. We'll get your parents and your sister to the hospital soon." ============== Pinkamena entered the intersection along with the cart. Just gotta let them pass by first... The cart did as it was predicted and passed by Pinkamena. She let a few moments pass by before she got back up on the path and looked at the road sign that she had seen the first time she had entered Las Pegasus. You'd better not even think about hurting Cheese Sandwich or another one of my friends. Don't worry, Pinkie... my blood-lust has been sated for now. Besides, I have no time to waste. Pinkamena began to walk down the long path back to Las Pegasus. She knew Cheese Sandwich would get suspicious if he didn't hear from Pinkie soon. ============ Fluttershy leaned back and felt the pillow hit the back of her head. Her thoughts were clear and her mind was calm. The room was quiet, aside from Rarity occasionally flipping through the pages of a fashion magazine. I'm so glad that the mares have been here for me through this whole thing... I might be ready to tell them that it was Pinkie. At least one o them. Fluttershy's mind began to fill with the memories of the night. They disturbed her. I still can't comprehend why Pinkie would do that to anypony... Fluttershy began to try and think of reasons why Pinkie would do such a horrendous act, but every time she never really could come up with a clear explanation. Suddenly, she heard something come over the intercom. "Three code blues coming via cart. E.T.A five minutes." Were those the same ones as earlier? The ones from the Pie Rock Farm? Fluttershy began to wonder if Pinkie had done something to her family. She did have that dream, but she'd never do something like that to her own family. She agreed with that statement for a moment until she realized something that contradicted it. She did it to me. ============= Marble looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. The large amount of different ponies they passed by overwhelmed her for a moment, staring at them. She stuck close to Limestone, allowing her shoo them away. "Okay, we should be at the hospital any minute now..." "Thank you... you have no idea how much my family appreciates it. Both of you." Igneous weakly said. A few moments later, they were met with different doctors and nurses putting them on to stretchers and levitating them into the hospital. ============= Fluttershy sat calmly in her room. Rarity had to go outside for a moment to see what was going on the hospital. It had just had a surge in activity in the past half-hour. "Hello again, madam. I have two questions I must ask you. When are the visiting hours over and what's causing that commotion over there?" "Well, you'll have a hour before visiting hours are over and I can't go into to much detail about what's going on over there. All I can say is that someone got stabbed." "Oh my... that's terrible!" "Quite. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to help the doctor.: "Okay, thank you! Ta-ta!" Rarity reentered the room and sat down at the corner. "So... i-is everything okay out there?" "Well... there's apparently someponies who's been stabbed. But don't worry, we're safe here." "Who was it?" Fluttershy asked once more. "I don't know. It may have been those ponies that the nurses were announcing earlier." Rarity said. Suddenly, lots of nurses and Dr. Horse pasted by. They were pushing three stretchers with three dull-colored ponies laying on it. The commotion died out as quickly as it had begun. "Well, that certainly doesn't sound well." "Yes... it didn't." ============== Marble and Limestone had been lead into a small room with a glass window that showed the front office. The room was filled with grey chairs, nearly empty. The room lacked any color, except the for the red letters stuck on the window that showed it was a waiting room. They took a seat in front of the door, sitting beside each other. "..." "Sister?" Limestone asked as she sat down in a small chair at the side of the room. "Mmhm?" Marble sat down beside her "Do you think they'll be all right?" "I-I think that they'll be better now that we're in the hospital." "Okay." Limestone said. She began to fiddle around with her hooves. For awhile, they just sat there, nervously thinking about their parents and their sister. Marble hadn't been this scared in her entire life. "I'm scared, Limestone..." Marble admitted, her voice trembling. "Don't worry, I kinda am too." Marble and Limestone sat quietly, both very fearful. "Marble... can I ask you a question?" "Mmhm." "What did you see when you went into mother and fathers' room?" Limestone asked. Marble glanced away, unwilling to talk about it. She shook her head. "What happened? Tell me." Limestone asked. Before Marble could answer, the nurse who had taken them to the room entered and came up to them. "Hey you two... I have some news to tell you." The nurse said. From her tone, the news wasn't something to become happy about. "Okay." Marble and Limestone said simultaneously. "Your father is all right. He'll just need to get stitched up and get disinfected and he'll be good. As for your mother and sister..." The nurse trailed off, obviously dreading the upcoming conversation. "Tell us." "Your mother and sister needs to go to surgery. Look, I'm not trying to be harsh or be the bearer of bad news but... you may need to say goodbye to them." The nurse finished. It hurt her to say those words, especially to the two young mares. Marble's eyes welled with tears. Limestone shook her head. "No... no! I don't believe this!" Limestone kicked the chair in protest. "This can't be happening..." Limestone sighed, wiping her eyes. Disbelief washed over her. "Once again, I'm so sorry, but we need to see them now before they go into surgery." "O-okay. Show us to them. "Okay. Follow me please." The nurse said as she began to lead them outside of the room. Marble and Limestone followed behind. After a few moments, they reached a room with their mother and their eldest sister. "Hey you two..." Cloudy said, her voice soft from her weakened state. Her hooves, stomach, and head were wrapped in bloody bandages. Marble looked at her injured mother, her eyes filled with tears. "I... I'm gonna leave you two. Make sure not to hit any of the tubes or wires connected to her." The nurse said, her voice filled with sorrow and compassion. The nurse left the room, closing the door behind her. "How are you two?" "Um... I-I..." Marble stumbled over her words, struggling to keep tears from pouring from her eyes. "Its all right, dear. Come here." Cloudy said as she motioned for her to come closer. Marble immediately rushed up to her, wrapping her in a hug. Limestone stayed back, as she somehow managed to keep her composure. "M-mother... I'm afraid... I-I'm so afraid." Marble sobbed, tears flowing down her face. She could no longer contain herself. "I... I am as well... but, I want you to be brave. I know you have it in you, my sweet mare." Cloudy kissed her daughter's forehead before glancing up to Limestone. "It's all right, Limestone. You can come over here too." Limestone didn't wait a moment more. She rushed to her mother's right side, nearly collapsing at her side. Cloudy held her right fore-hoof as tears rolled down her snout and splashed onto the bed. "I-I'm so sorry mother. I should've done something." "Don't blame yourself, dear. There was nothing you could've done." "I can't believe this is happening..." "Don't worry, my dear. We'll be fine and back at the rock farm before you know it." Cloudy said. Limestone nodded. "I love you both, so much. But your time's almost up here, so I want you two to go speak with Maud before the nurse comes back in, okay?" Cloudy said. They nodded, and began to move over the Maud. Maud's condition was incredibly bad; there was a breathing tube that was stuck inside her mouth, her hooves had been bandaged extensively, her head had been wrapped in bandages, and her stomach and chest were wrapped in bandages. "Maud?" Marble asked, trying to grab her attention if she could hear her(somehow). "Maud, if you can hear us, we love you." Limestone said as her and Marble gave her a small hug. Marble swore she felt one of Maud's hind-hooves move. "Well... goodbye, Maud." Marble said as a few tears leaking from her eyes. After another moment savored, Marble and Limestone jumped off the bed and went over to the nurse. She had wiped her tears away and appeared to recompose herself. "C... could we see our father?" "Of course, sweetheart. Follow me." The nurse said as she walked out of the room. Marble and Limestone followed behind. After a moment of walking through the busy hospital halls, they arrived at their father's room. "Hello, you two." Igneous said as he sat in his bed. His missing ear and stomach was wrapped in bandages and his usual hat sat on the table beside him. "H-hello father." Marble said as she and Limestone entered the room. "So... how's your mother?" Igneous asked as he leaned up. Limestone trotted up to him. "She's... not too good, to be honest father." Limestone said, coming within proximity of her sister. Marble wiped her eyes. Igneous noticed her. "Come here." Igneous said as he slowly leaned down. Marble trotted up to him and wrapped him in a hug. "F-Father..." "Yes, child?" "Will m-mother be all right?" "I... I don't know child. All we can do is hope..." ================== Pinkamena entered Las Pegasus after a long day of trotting through a dusty road. Finally... Pinkamena looked around for the street Cheese Sandwich's house was on, but she couldn't find it. Do you know where Cheese's house is, Pinkie? I do, but I'm not telling unless you give me control. Pinkamena let out a groan of annoyance. Pinkie... just tell me. How do I know that you won't hurt him?! Because, I've been satisfied. I'm not going to kill anypony for now... Still not telling you. You hurt my entire family, whether it be directly or indirectly! Grrrr... no. You aren't going to get me angry. I just need to look for that street-sign. Pinkamena began to walk past dozens of ponies, looking for Trotting Street. After a few minutes of searching, there was no sign with that name. What do you want me to do... Seems like the roles have been reversed. I want you to apologize for hurting my family. "I'd never..." Pinkamena quietly said. Looks like you aren't getting the street name then... I'll apologize for hurting Marble and Limestone, but I'll never apologize for doing that to Maud and the rest! They deserved every ounce of pain they got! Well... I'll be fair... they did deserve some sort of punishment, but not something so horrific! The only way to teach them what they did wrong is to give them a taste of their own medicine. Say that Gummy or whatever that dumb alligator is called grew a tooth and began to bite you. Would you just sit by and let him do it, or would you give him a smack to teach him not to do it? Well... I wouldn't smack him... but I'd teach him not to do it. You're impossible to argue with... just give me the street name! I could say the same about you, and no. Pinkamena groaned and began to trot down the sidewalk, looking for some sort of road sign that told her where she was. Look, I'm sorry for hurting Marble and Limestone, okay? Fine... I'll give you one-fifth of the street name then. Tr... Jeez... thanks. That'll help me so much. I hope you're annoyed. I honestly do. You deserve this and more... Pinkamena began to look around for any street sign with, "Tr" in it. After a moment she finally found a street sign that contained the two letters. Trotting St. Finally... Pinkamena, just don't hurt him... I'm not, Pinkie. He hasn't done anything to deserve my scorn. Pinkamena trotted down the street and went towards Cheese Sandwich's house. She walked up to the door and knocked. No pony answered. She entered the house and began to look around. "Cheese? Ya here?" Pinkamena called out, pretending to be Pinkie. Once again, no pony answered. Guess he's out. Pinkamena shut the front door and trotted upstairs. Once she reached the top of the stairs, she trotted into the guest bedroom and laid down on the bed. Looks like you're gonna be stuck with me for awhile. I've already been stuck with you long enough... just let me have control. Please? Not happening. That potion won't wear off until tomorrow. ============== Marble woke up in a chair beside her father and her sister. They had apparently fell asleep. The ordeal had taken a lot out of them both. She stared up at her father's face and saw that his face was stained with tears. "What's wrong, father?" Marble asked in a soft voice. "Oh, sorry dear. Did I wake you?" "No, father. What's wrong?" Marble asked once more. "Well... the nurse just came in here and told me some news about your mother and your sister." Igneous said. Marble felt a lump form in her throat and she began to get a bad feeling. "W-what did she say?" "Well... your mother's surgery was successful. She just needs to rest for awhile. But your sister..." Igneous stopped and covered his mouth with his left fore-hoof. "... your sister is asleep." Igneous said. Marble looked up at her father, her vision clouded by tears. She felt tears pour down her face. "No, no! Not like that!" Igneous said, trying to make his daughter feel better. He quickly hugged her, trying to correct his mistake. "She's in a... a coma." "What's that?" Marble asked, feeling her sadness slightly dull. "She's not gonna wake up for awhile, but she's alive." Igneous said. Marble felt some of the weight lift off of her shoulders. "That's good, father." "Yes... it's not very good, but its better than her not being with us." ============ I wish I had control! I swear... if I could get my hooves on you... ... Can you even imagine how much you hurt Marble and Limestone?! No... Exactly! You've hurt my friends... my family... countless animals... I don't even know how to cope with this. I just wish that you'd just go away! I could say the same about you. I wish I would've thought of you... Likewise... wait. What are you talking about? I'm the one who's always been here. No, I'm the one who's always been here. I'm just the more serious and mature. Well, I am now. I wasn't back then. No, you haven't. Yes, I have. I just thought of you as an imaginary friend. You're messing with me... No, I am not. After what those monsters did to me, I couldn't handle reality without my wings. They made me forget that night for a long while, but they could never make me forget of when I had my wings. So, I came up with an imaginary friend. You. Stop lying! I've always been the one who's been here! You were my coping mechanism. Whenever I'd think of my wings, you'd appear. You'd always try to make do such stupid and silly things that I'd forget about how much pain I was in... then, you wanted more control. Stop! You became more predominate in my personality and my life. After you got your cutie mark, I pretty much pushed into the back of your mind. I tried to regain control, but you'd always best me in some way. After awhile, I went into a deep sleep, never to be seen again. Well, until you remembered that dream. You're lying! The funny thing is dear, I'm not. Shut up! I've always been here and I always will be! Or so you think. If I can regain control of you and keep control of you for a certain amount of time, lets say a few days to a week, you'll fall into a deep sleep like I did. Stop lying, you big jerk! Imagine that, being in total darkness for an unknown amount of time while having somepony you don't like control every aspect of your life. Scary, isn't it? Shut up! And unless you can put up a big fight, its going to happen to you. You're lying! You'll have to put up a big fight to conquer something like that. The real question is, are you up to that fight? Because I certainly am. ================ Author's Note There is the possibility of another sequel, but it isn't coming immediately after this story. There's another dark story I've been working on behind the scenes. I hope you enjoy this.
I: PrologueFive days days after the events of Ignorance is Bliss... Pinkie woke up from a surprisingly blissful sleep. Seems like Princess Luna was giving her a break, because Pinkie hadn't seen a bad dream. No nightmare, no flashbacks, nothing. Pinkie got up from her bed and stretched a little bit. She actually felt like life was back to normal even though those nightmares had mentally scarred her. Pinkie stepped out of her rooms to the loft hallway. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were getting ready for work. The Twins weren't out of bed yet(thankfully). Business as usual... Pinkie yawned as entered the bathroom. After a few minutes, Pinkie exited the bathroom with her usual smile plastered across her. She walked downstairs with Mr. and Mrs. Cake and started to make muffin batter. Hopefully this week'll be better than the last one... I never want to experience something about that again. Pinkie shivered at the thought of the memory. Pinkie had gotten better at hiding it over the rest of the week. In reality, she still felt a little tormented by her memories. She couldn't get the screams of that innocent filly out of her head. Pinkie was still shocked by the fact that her family or anypony would do that to another pony. Let alone a small filly. Pinkie shook her head and put those thoughts into the, "Do not think of/ Forget:" section of her brain and continued to make the batter. She then focused on all the good things her friends had done for her to comfort her. That's almost immediately what she goes to after she thinks of something like that. It calmed her, even if it was just a little bit. I really need to throw a party for the mares. They've helped me through this whole ordeal. Definitely not another sleepover, but just an hour or two sort of thing. Pinkie whipped the batter and then poured them into a muffin pan. She picked up the pan and put it in the oven and set them to bake. Pinkie began to think about the events from the last week. She didn't think to much about the dream. That was a memory she wouldn't miss. One part of the last week interested Pinkie. Why did I get so jealous of Pound? Pinkie really was intrigued. Why did I get this... this want to hurt him? Pinkie had already scolded herself thoroughly for that. But she just couldn't get that thought out of her head. I'd never really hurt Pound... would I? Pinkie remembered the night. She remember that she yearned to get the knife from under her mattress. I still have it under there... "Pinkie?" Mrs. Cake asked. Pinkie was so enveloped by her thoughts, she had forgot that Mr. and Mrs. Cake were in the kitchen with her. Pinkie, shook her head and looked at Mrs. Cake. "Sorry, Mrs. Cake. I just got caught up in my thoughts." "Oh, its fine." "Alright. Well, I'm going to get back to work!" Pinkie said, enthusiasm filling her voice. "Okay, Pinkie." Mrs. Cake said, happy that her party-loving worker was back. And with that short conversation, Pinkie started doing the work that she loves. ================= Pinkie took the final batch of cupcakes out of the oven. She had flour on her hooves and icing on her snout. Now I just need to wait for the cupcakes to cool... Pinkie leaned against the counter, letting herself relax. She noticed the icing on her snout. Pinkie used her hoof to swipe up the icing and licked it off. "Delicious!" Pinkie said as the taste of the icing hit her tongue. She looked around the now empty kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were out in the front of the shop, putting up signs for deals at the bakery. As she waited for the cupcakes to cool, she let her mind wonder. At first, her mind wondered to her happy daydreams. She imagined herself being trapped in a cupcake. And, as always, she'd eat her way out of it. But then her mind unfortunately drifted into the, "Do not think of" part of her brain. I wonder what Rainbow Dash would be like without her wings... Her usual response to the question would've been silence. But this time, her reaction was different. Sad. Even though she'd hate to admit it, she would be nothing without her wings. All of her work, for nothing... Pinkie shook her head, leaving the daydream. That was... strange. Pinkie, playing it off as if nothing happened. went over to frost the now cool cupcakes. Why have I been having so many thoughts like that lately? First it was Fluttershy, then Pound, and now Rainbow Dash?! What the hay is going on with me? ================= Pinkie put the cupcakes into the display case. She made sure not to tip over any. And... done! Pinkie was actually pleased with herself. She went into the kitchen and grabbed one of the surplus cupcakes that Mr. and Mrs. Cake had fixed accidentally. Nothing feels better than the taste of a cupcake! Well, maybe a good party, but still! Pinkie trotted up into the loft, cupcake in hoof. She had to babysit the twins while Mr. and Mrs. Cake went to a party to promote Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie begged them to bring her along, but they said she had to stay with the twins. Pinkie trotted though the narrow hallway of the loft, and looked for the twins. Mr. and Mrs. Cake had put them in their playroom before they left. There's no telling where those two are. As Pinkie searched through the halls, she began to worry if the foals had actually figured out a way outside. "Pound? Pumpkin? Where are you two?" As soon as she said that, Pinkie heard the familiar sound of a foal's laughter. Pinkie followed the voice to the best of her abilities, and eventually entered her bedroom. I need to get Twilight to make my door magic-proof. Pinkie braced herself and entered her. Her room looked like Discord himself had been through it. The twins had sprawled her bed sheets all over the room, they had gotten under her bed and to her secret stash of soda. There were at least 10 cans of soda on the ground. That was really bad. Pound was buzzing around the room, bouncing off the walls, he almost hit Pinkie when she entered. Pumpkin was levitating Pinkie nightstand. "Woahwoahwoahwoahwoah! Stop!" Pinkie said. Pound looked back at her as he bounced off the wall and Pumpkin stopped levitating the nightstand, which in turn caused it to fall. "Pumpkin!" Pinkie said as she galloped towards Pumpkin. She grabbed Pumpkin and pulled her out of the way of the falling nightstand. Pinkie replaced her spot with a small pillow, which surprisingly helped a bit. When Pinkie looked back to Pound and Pumpkin, she saw that they had gone down the hallway, presumably back to there playroom. Another thing I need to do: put a lock on my soda stash so this doesn't happen again. Pinkie walked down the hallway and walked down to their playroom. Laughter roared from the room. As Pinkie entered the room, she was accidentally hit by Pound. Apparently, he had decided to repeat his actions from Pinkie's room in their playroom. Laughter filled her ears as she felt Pound get up from her. Usually, Pinkie wouldn't have been angry. Hay, she probably would've laughed along with Pound. But, for some reason, she felt so much anger and jealousy towards Pound, she couldn't contain herself. Pinkie let out a frustrated snarl and yelled, "Pound!" Pound looked back at her, eyes filled with confusion and fright. "Why did you hit me?!" Pinkie asked, anger showing in her voice. Pound looked at Pinkie and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, why?!" Pinkie asked once again. She began approaching Pound, who was now hovering at the level of her face. Pound began to hover backwards. Pumpkin just watched on. "Ya know what?! I'm tired of this! You're always flying into me, pushing me around, and showing off your wings!" Pinkie said. She knew she'd regret it earlier, but she really couldn't stop herself at this point. "I'm sick of it! And you now what-?" Pinkie stopped for a moment, and realized exactly where she was. She was in Pound's face. Pound had backed against the wall, eyes filled with tears. Pumpkin had apparently been holding Pinkie back, trying to stop her from what she was about to do. "Pound?" Pound flew up and out of the room. Pinkie looked down at Pumpkin, who had an angry glare on her face. She stared at Pinkie for a moment more before leaving to try and find Pound. Pinkie sighed. She felt so bad for doing that. And the strangest part was she couldn't explain why she did it. I can't believe I did that to Pound... I don't even remember why I did it. Pinkie walked out of the playroom and tried to find the twins. "Pound? Pumpkin? Where are you?" Pinkie asked. She then heard the sound of loud hoofsteps on wood, "Pinkie? Are you up here?" Uh oh... Mr. and Mrs. Cake are back. "Um... yes, Mr. Cake!" Pinkie replied. "Come here!" Mr. Cake called back. Pinkie swallowed nervously then trotted down the staircase. ================= "Pinkie, please explain to us why you yelled at Pound." Mrs. Cake said, her motherly instincts kicking in. "Um... I can't," Pinkie said. "Oh, there's got to be a reason. So, do tell." Mrs. Cake said, putting emphasis on the word, "got". "Well... they got into my room, stole my soda stash, and then Pound hit me. And... I just snapped for some reason." Pinkie said. "So, let's get this straight, shall we dear?" Mrs. Cake asked Mr. Cake. "Of course. She became angry because of a temporary problem..." Mr. Cake replied. "... got angry because of an accident, and then scolded him for it." Mrs. Cake finished for Mr. Cake. "Pretty much." "I think this calls for a punishment," "Yes. Yes it does." Pinkie swallowed nervously and said, "O-ok. I'll take it." "You can't have any cupcakes after dinner." "What?! But-" Mrs. Cake gave Pinkie a cold stare that stopped Pinkie in her tracks " yes, Mrs. Cake." "Alright, dearie. You can go, but you have to go upstairs and apologize to Pound." "Gladly." Pinkie said as she got up from the chair and galloped upstairs in the loft. Pinkie rushed into the twins room. As usual, Pound and Pumpkin were playing with there toys until Pinkie entered the room. They both gave her an angry look before turning their heads away from her. "Heeeyyyyy, you two." "Look, I'm sorry. I-I don't know what came over me." Pinkie said. She still felt some form of jealousy against Pound, but her feeling of remorse and regret were much more powerful than jealousy. "I really am sorry, you two." Pinkie said, trying to convince the twins. She swore that she saw Pound turn his head so one I could see her, but Pumpkin moved his head back towards the wall. Pinkie trotted over to where they could see her, but they just turned to where they couldn't see her again. "Please you two. I'm trying to apologize..." They both let out a little, "Hmmf" and pouted. "Look, I'm sorry. How can I prove that to you two?" They both kept pouting. Pinkie then got an idea. A smile slowly crept across her face. She left the room. When she returned, she had two freshly baked, small cupcakes on a small plate. "I baked these a hour ago. They're for you two. I want to show you that I'm sorry." Pinkie said as she sat the plate down on the floor. At first they ignored the aroma of the freshly baked cupcakes, but after a peek or two at them, they both galloped towards the plate and ate up the cupcakes. As they were eating, Pinkie snuck up behind them and wrapped them both up in a big hug. "I'm really sorry you two! I don't know what came over me." Pinkie said as she squished the two foals with her hug. The two twins looked at each other before returning the hug. ================= Pinkie was lying down in bed. Her night had been a little bit better since the babysitting incident. She had cleaned up her room a little bit since the twins had messed it up. Why did I go off on Pound like that? I mean, I have been under a lot of stress over the last few days, but I wouldn't take it out on Pound. Pinkie remembered the feelings of jealousy that she had felt and are still feeling towards Pound. Pinkie felt a sudden urge to look under her bed. At first, she ignored it, but soon her resolve crumbled and she obliged. Pinkie got out of her bed and saw that the knife was still there. She pulled the knife out and laid back down in bed. Pinkie began to play with the small knife. I wonder why I'm so fascinated with this small, clean, beautiful... Pinkie stopped herself, realizing that she was rambling on about how a knife looked. She shook her head and stuck the knife back under the bed. Pinkie shut her eyes and drifted off to sleep. =================
II: ApologiesAuthor's Note Hello. Thank you for all the follows and like that I get on this story and my previous story. Hopefully you enjoy this. II: Apologies Pinkie forced her eyes open. She took a moment to collect herself after the very deep sleep. Once her body decided to wake up and join the rest of her, she realized that she felt something scaly on her chest and something wet on her hoof. Pinkie looked down and saw her beloved pet, Gummy snugged between her hoof and her chest. I hope that the wet feeling is from Gummy chewing on me. Not from something else... Not wanting to wake her lovable pet, Pinkie relaxed her body and laid her head back down. Pinkie turned her head to look at the alarm-clock on her nightstand. It read, "7:45 A.M". Today the shop's closed. I'm gonna get up in a minute. I'm just so tired. Pinkie shut her eyes and prepared to drift off to sleep. Unfortunately, Gummy wouldn't agree to that plan. He started to chew on her hoof. Pinkie moved her hoof away from his mouth, but he'd just move over in his sleep and begin to chew on it again. She then grabbed a small pillow and put it beside Gummy, hoping that he'd take that in place of her hoof. Thankfully, he did. Pinkie let out a small sigh of relief and continued to try and sleep. Pinkie then remember something that she had put on her check list of to-dos. Oh wait! I forgot! I was gonna make Fluttershy and Angel a huge carrot cake to apologize for... um... bucking her and Angel. Pinkie gently got up from the bed, being careful not to wake up Gummy. She tip-hoofed to door and gently shut the door. Pinkie then rushed down stairs towards the kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were already downstairs, sitting at the kitchen table talking. I'm sure that they won't mind if I use the kitchen for today. Pinkie picked up some sugar, flour, eggs, carrots, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla from the storage area. Not enough to where they'd need to order more supplies for tomorrow when the shop opens, but just enough to make a medium, sized cake. "And... time to bake a yummy cake for Fluttershy!" Pinkie said to herself. ================= Pinkie let out a small sigh as she pulled the cake out of the oven. She sat it out on the counter and waited for it to cool. How am I going to apologize to Fluttershy? I mean, I did buck her and her pet in the face... how do I word it? Pinkie leaned against the counter. She had to let the cake cool so she could frost it, so that gave her a good while to think an apology. "Hey, Fluttershy. I'm sorry about bucking you and Angel." Pinkie quietly said to herself, testing out that apology. Too short. It makes it seem insincere. "Hello, Flutters. You have no idea how sorry I am about hurting you. I feel so bad about it!" Pinkie tried again. No.... that'd make Fluttershy feel like she made me sad. "Hey, 'Shy. I made you a cake as an apology for hurting you and Angel in the face. I'm sorry about it. I don't know what came over me." Pinkie tried once more. Perfect! Pinkie went over to a small cabinet and opened it. Inside there were at least 20 different icings. She decided to grab the vanilla icing and some carrot icing. Pinkie opened a drawer under the cabinet and pulled out a cake-froster and a small spatula. She then proceeded to frost the cake with the vanilla icing and she spread it out with the spatula. Then, she used the cake-froster and the to write out in big lettering wrote, "I'M SORRY". It looked perfect. It looks so good! Good job, me! Pinkie mentally gave herself a high-hoof as she looked around for something to put it in. She found one as Mr. Cake entered. "Um, Pinkie? What are you doing?" "Oh, hello Mr. Cake! I baked a cake for my friend, Fluttershy. I'm just looking for something to carry it in..." Pinkie replied as she searched through cabinets. "Oh, well that was nice of you. There's some extra cake containers in the top-right cabinet." Mr. Cake said as he went upstairs. "Ok. Thank you Mr. Cake!" Pinkie said as she looked where Mr. Cake had told her to. He was definitely right... they have lots of extras in here. Pinkie carefully put the cake into the container and closed the top of the container. She draped the container's handle over her neck and made sure that the cake couldn't accidentally get knocked over inside of the container. "Mrs. Cake, I'll be back in awhile! I'm going to go visit my friend!" Pinkie called out. "Ok, Pinkie!" Mrs. Cake called back as Pinkie exited the bakery. ================= Pinkie walked down the path to Fluttershy's cottage. Her trip had been a long one, mainly because she talked to some of her friends she had met on the trip towards the modest cottage. I hope they like this. I feel so bad for doing that to her. As Pinkie approached the cottage, she saw a familiar red-colored pony exit the cottage. I wonder what Big Macintosh is doing at Fluttershy's cottage... "Hi, Big Macintosh." Big Mac nodded in acknowledgement. "So, I guess you were just talking to Fluttershy." "Eeyup" "Was it good?" "Eeyup." "What were you two talking about?" Pinkie asked, This seemed to strike a nerve with Big Macintosh. Big Mac remained silent for a moment. Pinkie swore she saw his the color of coat around his muzzle get even redder than it already was. "Nothin'" "Okay... well, I'm gonna go give her some cake I fixed for her." Pinkie said. "Alright." Big Macintosh said as he trotted towards the Apple Farm. I have a feeling there's something going on between those two... Pinkie walked up the porch steps and knocked on the door. After a few moments of waiting, Fluttershy opened the door. Well, she didn't open the door, she just cracked it slightly. "Oh, h-hello Pinkie." "Hi, Fluttershy! Could I come in?" "Of course." Fluttershy said as she opened the door. Pinkie walked in and trotted to the kitchen. She then sat the cake down on the counter and returned to the living room. "How's it going, 'Shy?" "Oh, all right... just helping Angel with his bed." "Oh, cool! Can I help?" "Um... me and Angel already finished. Speaking of him, where is Angel?" Fluttershy said as she looked around the room. Suddenly, Angel jumped out from under the couch and got in front of Pinkie. He had his paws up in a fighting position. "Oh, don't worry, silly! I'm not gonna hurt you or Fluttershy! In fact, I came to apologize for hurting you two earlier. I even got you two a present." Pinkie said as she lowered her head down to Angel. He had an intrigued look on his face, but he still had his paws up, slightly bouncing in place. "It's a cake..." Pinkie said. Angel stumbled for a moment, but quickly got back to his fighting stance. "Aw, Pinkie. Y-you shouldn't have." Fluttershy said, connecting the dots from when she came in with the container. "Its a carrot cake." Pinkie said in a playfully. In a moment's notice, Angel rushed into the kitchen. Pinkie and Fluttershy followed behind him. When they entered the kitchen, Angel Bunny was trying to pull the top of the container off. "I'll get it for you, Angel." Fluttershy said as she pulled the top of the container off. Angel jumped into the top of cake. A few seconds later, he popped out of the side. Pinkie laughed as she saw him. "Angel, please get out of there. I'll fix you a slice." Fluttershy said as she went over to a drawer and pulled out a dull blade. Like last time, Pinkie became scared. She immediately took her eyes away from Fluttershy and looked at Angel. He was excitedly licking the cake and icing from his paws. That seemed to distracted Pinkie, because she started to giggle. Then the giggle turned into full-blown laughter. "Pinkie, do you want a slice too?" "Yes!" Pinkie said through her laughter. Fluttershy obliged and cut three medium sized slices out of cake. She then pulled three small plates out from under the counter and put the slices onto them. "O-okay. Its ready you two." Fluttershy said as she picked up two plates and handed one to Pinkie and sat the other in front of Angel. Pinkie wiped tears away from her eyes before accepting it. Fluttershy and Pinkie decided to head to the living room. Things would be much more comfortable in there. They both sat down at the couch. For a few moments they just sat there in silence. "Um... Fluttershy..." Pinkie said nervously. "Y-yes Pinkie?" "I-I'm sorry about... bucking you and Angel." "Oh, i...its alright Pinkie. I know you didn't mean to." "Thank you. And Fluttershy, I'm sorry for scolding you. I don't know what came over me." "It's okay Pinkie. You were u-under a lot of pressure." Fluttershy said as she nibbled on her slice of cake. Pinkie felt a lot better now that she had forgiven her. A lot of weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Pinkie still had another question on her mind. "Flutters, there's another thing I have to ask you." "Okay Pinkie. Ask." "Why was Big Macintosh here?" Pinkie asked. Fluttershy's face became a light shade of red as the words left Pinkie's mouth. "Um... well... ah..." Fluttershy said, her voice reduced to a whisper. "Is it a secret?" Pinkie said as she leaned in towards Fluttershy, her curiosity peaked. "U-um..." Fluttershy stuttered. as she hid in her mane Pinkie, seeing that she was pushing her boundaries, relented and leaned back. "Sorry about that.." "Oh... i-its fine Pinkie. I-I just brought him over b-because..." Fluttershy trailed off. "You don't have to tell me, Fluttershy." Pinkie said, secretly yearning to know what they were doing. "Oh, its alright, Pinkie! He was just h-helping me get stronger." Fluttershy said, trying not to upset her friend. Oh... w-was it because of me? Fluttershy didn't respond. Now Pinkie felt really bad. I scared her into getting Big Mac to help her... Pinkie rubbed her eyes, making sure that Fluttershy doesn't see her tears, Pinkie's eyes trailed away from Fluttershy's face "I'm gonna go put my plate up. Are you done? I'll take your's with me." "Sure. I mean, if you don't mind." Pinkie walked into the kitchen and put the plates into the sink. She mentally noted that Angel was sitting on the floor, his stomach bloated. That did little to nothing to cheer her up, even though it was a comedic scene. Nothing could make her feel better. She had hurt a friend. Why did I have to have that dream? Why Luna?! Pinkie went to go back into the living room, but she stopped at the entrance. She began to look at Fluttershy's wings. And for some reason, she couldn't take her eyes off of them. They look so... so beautiful. Why couldn't I have wings like that? Pinkie started to get that urge again. The same urge she had with Pound. Ignore it, Pinkie! You've already hurt her. You're not doing it again! Pinkie entered back into the living room. She decided that it would be best if she left before the feelings escalated. "Hey, Fluttershy. I'm gonna head back to Sugarcube Corner." Pinkie said as she went towards the front door. "A-are you sure Pinkie? I don't mind having you here as company." Fluttershy said. "I know Fluttershy... but I really must go." Pinkie said with a ting of annoyance in her voice. "Okay, Pinkie. Thank you for the cake again." "You're welcome, Fluttershy." Pinkie said, the annoyance and jealousy a little bit stronger in her voice. Without another word, Pinkie opened the front door and left, shutting the door on the way out. ================= Pinkie entered her bedroom and collapsed onto her bed. After she came back from Fluttershy's cottage, the day had gone by painfully slow. I hope I wasn't too rude to Fluttershy when I left. I don't know why, but she really annoyed me for some reason. Pinkie felt something tugging on her mattress. She looked back down at floor and saw that Gummy was tugging on the bed with his gums, probably trying to get her attention. Pinkie picked up Gummy and put him onto the bed. She then pulled him two her chest and began to hug him, hoping that would cheer her up. It helped, but it didn't make her sadness go away completely. I feel really bad for what I did to Fluttershy. I scared her a lot more than any monster can. Well, that's probably not true, but I still scared her... Pinkie hugged Gummy even tighter. She began rubbing his scaly stomach. But, something stopped her when she hit a rough patch in his scales. Rougher than usual. Pinkie stopped hugging him and brought him up to her face to where she could fully she see him. He had a scrape on his scales. "Gummy, what happened?" Pinkie asked. Gummy wiggled his way out of her grip and looked down her bed. When she looked down to see what her was staring at, she saw the knife that was under her mattress slightly sticking out. "Oh! I'm so sorry Gummy! I didn't know that it was sticking out" Pinkie pulled Gummy back in for an even tighter hug. He must have cut himself climbing up here this morning. After a moment or two, she let him go. Pinkie then leaned to look down at the edge of her bed and carefully pushed the knife back into the folds of the mattress, making sure that the tip of the knife wasn't sticking out. She then laid back down in bed. Before nodding off to sleep, she felt Gummy affectionately nuzzled her. ================= When Pinkie opened her eyes again, she wasn't back in her bedroom, she was far from it. Pinkie was back the same barn that her parents had cut her wings off. Oh no... Something was different this time though. This time, Pinkie was standing over Maud. This time, she was the one in control. =================
III: Role-Reversal(18+)Author's Note Hello. I apologize if this chapter isn't as well written as the other ones. I wrote this while I was sick. I hope you enjoy it. (P.S: If you're wondering if this is the climax of the story, it is not. This is just the rising action.) III: Role-Reversal(18+) This is different... Pinkie stood over an unconscious Maud Pie. Maud had been strapped down to a table like the one her wings has been cut off. She had even been sat out like Pinkie was. Blindfold and all. Pinkie went to go tap Maud's stomach. When she did, Maud's hind-hooves began to stir. Pinkie ducked under the table, out of Maud's sight. After a moment or two, the sound of creaking wood stopped. Pinkie guessed it was safe to come out. That was close. Pinkie looked at Maud for a moment. She took a moment to try and fully understand her situation. Maud strapped down on a table in front of me... I'm to one who has the control. Pinkie didn't know how to react. She couldn't believe the situation she was in. This has to be a dream. Pinkie took the moment to inspect the room. There was a small wooden cart beside the table. It had knives on top of it, each one brandishing a different size than the other. Are... are those for me? Do I have to... am I going to have to... Pinkie backed away from the table. She tried to exit the barn, but something as blocking the door from the other side. Pinkie looked around for another possible exit-point. She tried everything. Pushing against the door, pulling on it, trying to force the windows open, hay, she even tried to cut her way out with one of the larger knives. Soon after, she realized that there was no escaping this. Maybe I can just wait it out until I wake up... Pinkie sat in front of the barn doors. She still had the large knife in her hoof. Pinkie then began to inspect the knife, noting every detail of it. She was fascinated with it. I wonder when I'll wake up... I just hope that this actually is a dream Because if Maud wakes up, she's gonna freak! ================= Pinkie had begun to make little marks on the barn doors with the knife. She had been counting the minutes she was in the barn. Right now, she had gotten to forty-five minutes. When will I get the hay outta here?! Pinkie then heard wood creaking again. When she looked back up at the table, she saw that Maud was pulling against the straps. A part of Pinkie kind of felt bad for her, but then the other part of her remembered what Maud had done to her. "Big meanie..." Pinkie muttered under her breath. "Hello?" Maud called out. Oh great... I got her attention. "Where am I?" Maud said in her usual apathetic tone. The situation felt very familiar to Pinkie. Mainly because it had happened to her. "Pinkie, if this is a practical joke, it isn't funny." Maud said. Maud continued to struggle against the straps. Now you know how I felt... Pinkie took one step towards Maud and immediately stopped. She then realized she was holding the knife upwards, towards Maud. Calm down Pinkie.... you aren't going to do what she did. Pinkie was having an internal conflict with herself. One part of her wanted this dream to end before things escalated. But another part of her wanted to hurt her like she did to Pinkie. Unfortunately, the latter of the two was more predominate. Pinkie slowly trotted towards Maud, her body not listening to her mind. I'm not sinking as low as she did! Pinkie stopped herself as she approached the front of the table. Her hoof shook as it approached Maud's skin. Stop, Pinkie! Her body seemed to ignore her brain's commands, because her hoof continued to go on without her permission. Once it brushed against her coat, Maud jerked away from the knife. "Who's there?" Maud asked. "..." Pinkie remained silent, deciding that now would not be the best moment to talk. Maud sighed as she tugged against the straps. "Sister, I know that its you." Maud said. "H... how?" Pinkie asked. "I just do. I can tell when something's going on with my sisters." Maud said. "So... you know about the knife?" Pinkie asked. "Yes. I felt it touch my coat. So, I guess this is some form of revenge?" Maud said. "Um... I don't know." Pinkie said, knife in hoof. "Is it for me cutting of your wings when you were little?" Maud said in a apathetic tone. She sounds like she doesn't even care... Pinkie let out an annoyed sigh and clenched her hoof with the knife in it. "Have I upset you, sister?" Maud asked. Pinkie couldn't tell if she was doing it to be taunting, or out of real concern. She still felt annoyed. "What do you think?" Pinkie said in a harsh tone. "Oh, I don't know..." Maud said. "Maud, are you taunting me?" Pinkie said. Maud didn't reply. This made Pinkie even angrier. "Sister, please don't annoy me. Must I remind you that I have a knife." Pinkie said. She didn't mean for it to sound like she was threatening her, but her anger began to take over. "I'm aware of that, sister." Maud said. "..." "..." "So... are you going to cut me out of here?" Maud asked. One part of Pinkie said, "Of course. You're my sister. I'm not gonna hurt you!" but another part of her said, "No. I want you to feel what I felt.". Pinkie was torn between the choice. Then, she began to feel that urge again. It seriously influenced her to chose a decision that the normal her wouldn't have chosen. "No." Pinkie said. "Excuse me?" Maud said. "I said no. Do you ever wonder what I felt like?" Pinkie said as she slowly trotted around the table. "Sometimes." Maud said. "Well guess what?" Pinkie asked. Stop Pinkie. Before this urge takes over... Pinkie tried to will herself to say, "Never mind... I'll cut you free.". Unfortunately, her will wasn't strong enough to affect the urge. "You're gonna find out." Pinkie said as she made a small cut on Maud's right hind-hoof. Maud sharply gasped. "You... you act like you don't even care." Pinkie said, her sadness quickly becoming rage. "..." "Well, do you even care?!" Pinkie said through her tears. "..." "Answer me!" Pinkie made another cut at Maud's left hind-hoof. Maud still didn't answer Pinkie. Pinkie was now blinded by rage. Unable to control herself anymore, she began to attack Maud verbally and physically. "You don't get it, do you? You removed something from me! Something special! You, mom, dad, no pony has the right to do that!" Pinkie said as she cut down Maud's frock. "..." Pinkie let out a growl and cut Maud's stomach. Maud jerked back, trying to get away from the blade. "Do you even care? Do you know what that did to me?! I've felt tormented ever since I found out!" Pinkie said, cutting Maud's chest. Maud didn't respond. She probably was too busy trying to get away from the sharp blade. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" Pinkie said in a mocking tone. Maud still didn't respond. I need to stop... Pinkie tried to will herself to move away from Maud. But, she couldn't stop herself at this point. She was no longer in control of her own body. It was like she was on auto-pilot. Pinkie leaned in towards Maud's mouth and put her hoof to her ear. "Huh? I can't hear you..." Pinkie said as she sliced her upper-right hoof. Pinkie felt Maud wince and did it again, but she did it painfully slow. "..." I-I can't control myself anymore. I WANT this to stop! Pinkie once again tried in vain to get herself away from Maud. She then made a deep cut from Maud's collar bone to the bottom of her stomach. Maud groaned in agony. "Aw... did that hurt? Now you know how I felt." Pinkie said. She was frightened by her own sadistic words, but it was beyond her control now. Maud choked out a small groan and weakly tugged against the straps. "Its futile to try to get out and you know it. The only way your going to get out is if I let you out." Pinkie said as she ran her hoof up and down the cut. "So, how does it feel? Do you feel like I felt?" Pinkie asked in a calm tone. Maud opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. The pain was so intense that she couldn't even for a sentence without flinching. "Hmm? I asked you a question." Pinkie said in a slightly harsh tone. Maud tried to speak again, but once again, nothing came out. "I asked you a question. Answer me!" Pinkie said. "Are you even listening to me?!" Pinkie said as leaned in towards Maud's face. She grabbed Maud's face and brought it close to hers, making Maud look at her directly in her eyes. Then, Pinkie saw something she never think she'd see in her entire lifetime. She saw Maud's eyes swell with tears. "I-it felt terrible." Maud said in a shaky voice. This was the first time Pinkie had ever seen her sister scared in her entire life. Pinkie, her will getting huge help from Maud, dropped the knife. She was back in control. Pinkie backed away from the table and went to the barn doors. She slid down the door until she was sitting. I... I can't believe what I just did... what kind of,,, of pony am I? Pinkie honestly couldn't explain it. She felt like she was some kind of monster. But something came into the back of her mind that would scare her more than anything that she's saw or felt in the last week. I... I think a-a part of me liked it. I liked being in control. ================= Pinkie jolted up from her bed. She even knocked Gummy off the bed. Pinkie's breath was fast and frantic. She tried to calm herself, but she still was panicked. "How could I do that to her?!" Pinkie said. "What kind of monster am I turning into?!" =================
IV: Acceptance and AwakeningPinkie had sat back down on her bed. It had been a few hours since she had the dream. She was too scared to go back to sleep. Something's wrong with me... I can't believe that I dreamed about doing that to Maud. Pinkie had her arms tightly wrapped around Gummy. He was probably the only thing that kept her from having a breakdown. She rocked in place on the edge of the bed as Gummy chewed on her hooves. I know that I was very upset and angry at Maud for chopping off her wings, but I'd never hurt her like that. Not in real life. Pinkie tried to convince herself of that, but why would she dream about doing that? Why would she hurt her sister and like it? She tried to stop thinking about it, but it just wouldn't get off of her mind. You didn't do it willingly, Pinkie... Pinkie's hind-hoof bounced on the ground as she began to think of how she lost control over her own body. Just thinking about it made her (understandably)nervous. She began to think about how much a part of her liked doing it. Why did I like it? Even if it was a little bit, its sadistic for me to even think about liking it. Pinkie continued to think about the reasons why. Maybe it was the power... or the reason she hurt me before. Hay, I don't know! Suddenly, there was a knock at Pinkie's door, pulling her out of her thoughts. "Pinkie, are you awake?" "Um... yes, Mr. Cake." Pinkie said. "Okay. I just wanted to make sure because Cup and I hadn't heard from you." Mr. Cake said. Pinkie heard Mr. Cake walk away from the door. I should probably get to work. At least it'll distract me. Pinkie got up from her bed and reluctantly let Gummy go. She made herself presentable and opened the bedroom door and walked downstairs to start her shift. Crazy dream or not, she wasn't gonna deprive the ponies of Ponyville of cupcakes. ================= Pinkie put the cupcakes into the display case and wiped her brow. Work distracted her from the dream. I have to babysit the twins after this. I just hope that this doesn't end like last time. Pinkie trotted upstairs and into the twins room. As usual, they were playing with there stuffed animals and other toys of that matter. Pumpkin was chewing on the turtle toy and Pound was buzzing around the room. "Hello you two." Pinkie said as shut the door. Pound and Pumpkin both came up to her and gave her a small hug before releasing her and returning to their previous activities. Pinkie sat down on the floor beside them and began to think about the dream again. Well, not specifically the dream, but why she liked it. She couldn't figure out why. Maybe its because I was so upset with Maud. Maybe I didn't like it, but it felt cathartic. I probably confused it. Pinkie believe that for a moment until she shot that down. Oh, who am I kidding. It was cathartic, but I still liked doing it. Meanwhile, Pound and Pumpkin were playing in front of Pinkie, trying to get her attention. They hopped up and down, Pound flew around Pinkie's head, Pumpkin touched her hoof with her magic, and they even bounced one of there stuffed animals off of her head. She was in her own little world of thought for a moment. Fortunately for the twins, Pinkie responded after a few moments. "Huh? Oh, sorry you two. Are you two a-okay?" Pinkie asked. They both nodded and stared at her. For a moment, they just stood there, staring at each other. "Um... why are you two staring at me?" Pinkie asked. The twins stared at her for another moment before backing up. "What's wrong?" Pinkie asked as she extended her right hoof towards them. This seemed to be to their dismay, because they looked away from it. They pointed to her right hoof, trying not to look at it. Pinkie stared at her hoof. It was a light shade of red. Apparently, she had been scraping her hoof against the floor absentmindedly. "Ow. Sorry about that, you two. I'll be back in a jiffy." Pinkie said, feeling the rawness of her hand. She got up from the floor and exited the room, making sure that the door was fully closed before walking down the hallway. They'll be alright for a moment. Pinkie entered the bathroom and opened the mirror-drawer and pulled out some ointment. Mrs. Cake always keeps this ointment for the twins for some reason... Pinkie squirted some of the ointment onto her hoof and rubbed it in. She felt rawness and tenderness leave her hoof as she let out a content sigh. Better. Now, back to the twins. Pinkie put the ointment back into the drawer and shut it. She walked back to the twins room and entered. Thankfully, the twins hadn't gone anywhere while she was gone. Pinkie went over to the same spot she was at last time and sat back down at it. She sat there, playing with the twins while thinking about the dream and trying to make sense of it. Maybe it was... maybe... oh I don't know! Pinkie ran out of reasons of why she could've had that dream. All while playing Hide 'n Seek with the twins. I just need to stop thinking of it for a while and just enjoy the day for right now. And Pinkie did so. She kept her mind off of it while she was with the twins. They don't need to be affected by my life anymore. I already hurt Pound's feelings earlier. I just need to decompress from this whole situation and try and think of the reason later... Pinkie actually felt relaxed for the first time since this whole ordeal began. Even though she had seen many terrible things done to ponies including herself, the twins kept her calm and sane. She wouldn't allow herself to her them again. ================= Pinkie laughed at Pound as he popped out of the clothes' bin. "Y-you have a piece of-" before Pinkie finished, she completely burst out laughing. Pound had as piece of underwear on his back with his wing coming out of the holes. Pumpkin was nearly laughing as hard as Pinkie. The dream was in the back of her mind, not to be worried about right now. Pinkie wiped her eyes as she finally started to calm down and tried to catch her breath. I haven't laughed like that in a week! She went over to Pound and took off the underwear and should them to him. He started laughing and actually tipped the bin over, causing Pinkie to start laughing again. She pulled the bin off of him as she laughed. His head popped out of the top of a pile of clothes in a comedic fashion. Pinkie leaned against the two's crib, unable to keep herself standing due to her laughter and the pain in her ribs. After a few moments, she finally calmed down. Her ribs would've cracked if she didn't. A warm realization passed through her. I haven't felt that urge toward Pound all day... finally! Pinkie went over to Pound and Pumpkin and sat in front of them. She felt truly blissful and wished that the moment would never end. Unfortunately, a cold dose of reality splashed her in the face. I just need to figure out why I had that dream... Her smile faltered. She really didn't want to think about the dream. Not right now at least. Unfortunately, the thought wouldn't leave her mind. I honestly don't know... I don't think I ever will. I'm not even sure I wanna find out. Before Pinkie could invest more thought into her decision, Mrs. Cake entered the room, interrupting her thoughts. "How's everything in here?" Mrs. Cake asked as she entered the room. "Great! Its been super-duper-fun babysitting them!" Pinkie responded truthfully. "Great! Well, dinner is ready down stairs so don't be too long!" Mrs. Cake said as she walked out of the room. They all looked at each other for a moment before walking out the room. ================= Pinkie entered her bedroom and looked around the room. Gummy came up to her and affectionately nuzzled her before chewing on her hoof. Pinkie picked him up and returned the nuzzle. "I'm glad that I took the time to get this whole thing off my mind. Even if its just for one day, I needed it." Pinkie said as she continued to nuzzled her beloved pet. She put Gummy down after a few moments and went over to her bed. "I'm going to bed Gummy. Have a goodnight!" Pinkie said as she got into her bed. Pinkie stayed in bed for a while, just sitting there, thinking. I just want to accept this and move on... She was still afraid to go asleep. Just accept it and move on... you can go asleep. Its not like this is going to happen every night. And Pinkie obliged. She closed her eyes and fell asleep after a few minutes. ================= I have awoken from my rest. And boy, is it good to be back... Author's Note I apologize for the shortness of this chapter. Its getting close to the climax and I want to save up for that. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this.
V: Friends and PlansWell, that rest was certainly a long one. Hopefully I can get the chance to release some of her anger before I have to return to my rest. She has a lot of this anger pent up inside of her due to recent events that would rather not be mentioned. Maybe I'll even get the chance to... well, you really shouldn't know. It would make Nightmare Moon seem like the schoolyard bully. Now, if you'll excuse me dear, I need to take the time to plan this. Sweet dreams Pinkie. Hopefully things won't be too bad for you when you wake up... ================= Pinkie woke up from (thankfully)a normal dream. She got out of her bed and prepared herself for the day. I'm glad that I'm not having anymore of those dreams. Well, besides last night... Pinkie snapped away from the thought of the dream and continued to get ready. Gummy was still asleep. He was curled up in little ball on top of a pillow and was slightly snoring. "D'awwwww..." Pinkie quietly said. She grabbed a small blanket from the edge of her bed and put it on top of him, much to his delight. He looks so cute when he sleeps... Pinkie quietly opened the door and exited the room, shutting the door behind her. She went down stairs and saw that the kitchen was filled with ponies that had has medical masks on. Mr. Cake was standing beside the group. "Is it bad?" "It's nothing mayor, but you'll have to stay out of the kitchen for a couple of days at the least." The pony asked, his voice muffled by the mask. "Mr Cake? What's wrong?" Pinkie asked as she approached him. Mr. Cake turned to Pinkie before saying, "Oh, hello Pinkie. I'll tell you about it in a moment. Just go back upstairs with the twins.". Pinkie tried to get a look inside the kitchen, but every time she'd try, he would block her view. "Okay..." Pinkie said, slightly worried. As she trotted up the stairs another one of the unknown ponies spoke. "How, the hay can somepony do something like this?" I wonder what the hay is going on... Pinkie trotted upstairs and waited for Mr. Cake to come up stairs. After what seemed like a lifetime, Mr. Cake entered the hallway. "Hello Pinkie." Mr. Cake said, sounding very nauseous. His skin around his face was a light shade of green. "What happened? Is everything okay? Where's Mrs. Cake?" "Calm down, Pinkie. Let me take you through it step by step." "Sorry..." "Its fine, dear. Now, onto the story..." Mr. Cake said. Pinkie listened in intently. "Cup and I woke up this morning and prepared the shop for the day. Business as usual until Cup realized we were out of cake icing. She went to the storage area and found..." Mr. Cake stopped and put his hoof over his mouth. His skin tone became two shades darker. Is he gonna throw up? What the hay happened to make him so sick?! "What did you find?" Pinkie asked cautiously. She swore she heard Mr. Cake gag when she asked the question. "...she found s-some small pieces of meat on the floor..." Mr. Cake said. He looked like he would pass out at any moment(the sentence isn't completed yet, so there's no need to capitalize the first letter in. Just pointing that out). Oh Celestia... "...she decided it'd be best to try and dispose of the meat. Then we found the rest of it..." "we found the carcass... it had been cut up and mutilated beyond recognition!" Mr. Cake said, almost throwing up when describing the carcasses. "Oh Celestia... that sounds terrible!" Pinkie said as she trotted towards Mr. Cake and gave him a supportive hug. Who would do such a thing?! You're not much better. You did dream about cutting up your sister until she submitted. I'm trying to move on from that... from everything! Pinkie shut the conversation in her mind down at that point focused on Mr. Cake as he composed himself before speaking. "Cup and I became sick when we saw it. We called the guards when we found it. They pulled Cup outside and they're asking her some questions right now. The shop's going to be closed for the next couple of days to clean it up and investigate." Mr. Cake said, his voice a bit calmer now that he wasn't thinking about the dead animal. "Sorry if we awoke you." "It's alright, Mr. Cake. You didn't wake me up. Hay, even if you did, I'd still understand after what you just told me." Pinkie said in an understanding tone. "Thank you, dear. We've sent Pound and Pumpkin to my mother's while we sort out this whole situation, so you won't have much to do for the next few days." "Carrot, get down here quick! They may have found out who did this!" "Coming dear!" Mr. Cake said as he walked down stairs. Pinkie wanted to follow, but her body wouldn't follow her command. She decided to try and listen in on the conversation from the staircase. At first, hoofsteps and indecipherable chattering ruled over the room. Until two voices she finally recognized spoke up. "What?" "There's no way she would've done this..." They sound upset... Pinkie heard hoofsteps the coming from the stairwell and decided that now would be the best time to return to her old position in the hallway. "Pinkie..." Mrs. Cake said as she reached the top of the staircase. Mr. Cake wasn't fair behind. "Yes, Mrs. Cake?" "What is this doing in the storage area?" Mrs. Cake said as she showed a small piece of Pinkie's confetti. It was stained with blood. "I don't know! I haven't been down there since yesterday!" Pinkie said as she got up and inspected the piece of confetti. "Do you know anyone that could have access to your confetti, Pinkie?" "I make it myself, so no." Pinkie said. After a moment, she realized just what she said and face-hoofed. "It wasn't me, you two. I Pinkie Promise!" Mr. and Mrs. Cakes' faces were riddled with confusion and suspicion. They looked at each other, then the confetti, then Pinkie, and finally came to a decision. "Alright Pinkie... we trust you." Mrs. Cake said. Pinkie felt relieved. "Thanks for trusting me. It feels nice to know I have you two trusting me." Pinkie said as she gave the two an affectionate hug. She released after a moment. "Just think of this as a vacation. It'll go by faster that way." "Yes, Mrs. Cake." "..." "..." The air in the room became tense in the room. Pinkie, wishing to break the tenseness in the room, spoke up. "I'm going to go out for a while. I'll be back this after noon." "Okay, dearie." Mrs. Cake said as Pinkie went down stairs and grabbed her saddlebag before exited the bakery. ================= I can't believe someone would do that... Welcome to the real world. Also, remember earlier? Maud, cutting, submission? Yes... I'm trying to accept it and move on, so please shut up. Pinkie walked down the streets of Ponyville. The events at Sugarcube Corner ruled over her thoughts. Pinkie decided to travel to the Farmer's Market. She was going to pick up some apples for Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Now that the kitchen was sealed off, they'll have to eat from here for the next few days. I'm glad that the twins don't have to deal with this. Pinkie walked through the crowds, trying to find Applejack's stand. It should be somewhere around... here! Pinkie found the Apple's Stand and trotted over to it. "Howdy, Pinkie! What can I get ya today?" Applejack said in a welcoming manner. "Hi Applejack. I need some apples." "Alright. How many do ya want?" Applejack asked as she went behind the stand. "Six will be fine!" Pinkie said in a cheerful manner. "I'm guessin' ya feel better since that dream?" Applejack said as she gathered the apples. "Yep. I'm just gonna try to accept it and move on..." "Great. Hope it all turns out well turns out for ya." Applejack said as she came back to the counter and gave Pinkie the apples she requested. "Thanks! How much do I owe you?" "It'll be 8 bits." Pinkie pulled out her bit-pouch and opened it. She then pulled out thirteen bits and sat them on the counter. "Keep the change. Think of it as a temporary thank you for helping me with that dream. I'm gonna get all of you something a bit better." "Are you sure Pinkie? Ya don't have ta give me any extra bits." Applejack said, offering the five bits back to her. "A hundred fifty percent sure!" "Ok, well thank ya, Pinkie!" "No problem-o!" Pinkie said as she put the apples into her saddlebag and trotted out of the Farmer's Market. I won't be able to host that thank you party until the kitchen is opened again. Won't be able to make any goods! Pinkie trotted over to the Golden Oak's Library. She guessed she could read, "Daring Do" since she wouldn't have too much to do for the next few days. Pinkie knocked on the front door of the library. "Come in!" Pinkie opened the door and entered. When she entered, she saw Twilight in the middle of a pile of books. "Um... Twilight?" "Yes Pinkie- oh. You're probably wondering about this. I've been looking for more information on the origins of the Tree of Harmony. If Spike would get up and put up these books after me, it wouldn't be so messy." "Huh? I-I'm coming Twilight!" Spike sluggishly walked into the room and began picking up the books burying Twilight's lower body. "Thank you." "Yeah... you're welcome." "Oh, hello Pinkie." Spike said as he made a complete circle around Twilight. "Hello, Spikey." "So, did you need anything, Pinkie?" Twilight asked as she tried to stand up. "Actually, yes. I need some books so I won't be completely bored for the next few days." Pinkie said. Twilight looked a bit surprised. "Oh, you don't know about what's happening at the shop. Silly me!" Pinkie said as she face-hoofed. She probably shouldn't know all of the details. If this got to the press, Mr. and Mrs. Cake would get in some deep trouble. "They found something in the storage area and they need some days to clean it up. So, the shop will be closed while they do so." Pinkie said, sparing the details. "Oh... is it safe?" "Yeah, they just need to clean it up." "Oh, alright. Is there a specific book you'd like to read?" "Daring Do will be good with me." "Ok. They're in the bookshelf over... there!" Twilight said as she pointed to a bookshelf over in the corner. "Alright. Thank you!" "You're welcome." Pinkie walked over to the bookshelf she pointed out and looked for the books. After a moment of searching, she one of the books and put it into her saddlebag. "Oh Twilight, I almost forgot. I've got a little surprise for you and the girls in the next few days..." Pinkie said as she approached the exit. "Alright. I'll be there." Twilight said without any protest. "Thanks Twilight!" Pinkie said as she exited. "You're welcome!" Twilight called back. Pinkie shut the door as she exited the library. I've already told two of my friends about the party. Why not tell everyone else? Pinkie went over to the Carousel Boutique. She had to give Rarity a hint about the party as well. Plus she forgot one of the containers she brought over to the sleepover there. Pinkie knocked on the door of the dress-shop. A few moments later, Rarity opened the door. "Hello, welcome to the Carousel Boutiqu- oh, hello Pinkie!" Rarity said, slightly dropping her professional tone in the middle of the sentence and changing to a welcoming tone. "Hello! Could I come in?" Pinkie said, slightly shivering when she thought about the dreams. "Sure. Come in." Rarity said, stepping out of the door path. Pinkie walked in and went to the kitchen. If Rarity hasn't moved anything, then it should be right here... "Do you want anything to drink?" "No, thank you. I actually came over to grab a plastic container I forgot at the sleep over." "Alright. So, how have things been?" Rarity said, standing a the kitchen doorway. "Super great now that I've learned not to dwell on the dreams and just accept it." "Oh how marvelous!" Rarity said, delighted that her friend was better. "How has thing been for you?" "Oh, wonderful! I gave Opalescence a new collar with a beautiful ruby and Sweetie Belle's been doing wonderfully in school!" Pinkie continued to look around for her containers while she listened in. "Great." Pinkie said. A few moments of silence went by until she finally found the container. "I found it!" "Great." Pinkie put the container into one of the pockets of her saddlebag and walked towards Rarity. "Oh, Rarity, just to let you know, I'm gonna be doing something as sort of a thank you for helping me with the dream." "Oh, marvelous. I can't wait to see what it is!" "Great. I'd love to stay longer, but I really have to go right now." "Oh, its all right, darling. I understand." Rarity said in an understanding tone. "Okay. Well, bye Rarity!" Pinkie said as she left the Carousel Boutique. "Ta-ta!" Rarity said as she shut the door behind Pinkie. Three down, two to go. ================= Pinkie entered her bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. She had been trotting around Ponyville all day, visiting her friends and hinting the party at them. Today's been such a long day. But its been fun as well. Pinkie laid back in bed and closed her eyes. After a few moments of watching the back of her eyelids, she fell asleep. ================= Good thing I got some of that rage out earlier in the morning. I'm honestly surprised that I got Pinkie to do that in to those birds this morning. For such a hyperactive pony, she is a really heavy sleeper. I just got her to sleepwalk and blam! Wings torn off. Now for her friends. But which one? Which one would be the easiest? I think I have the answer... ================= Author's Note Hello. Thanks for sticking around with me for this long. I had to go in and fix some stuff because I derped out
VI: Black-OutRainbow Dash is too strong to subdue. Twilight's magic is too powerful and it'd be almost impossible to kill a princess without it being noticed. So that leaves one possible choice... heh... she'll piece of cake. ================= Pinkie slowly rose from her bed. For some reason, she was more tired than she usually was this morning. She let out a slow yawn as she got ready for the day. I just need to go downstairs and start wo- oh yeah... dang. Pinkie finished getting ready and went out into the hallway and trotted downstairs. "I'm not sure dear. I mean, I trust Pinkie. Its just, why would her confetti be in there?" "I don't know, Cup. I know that she wouldn't do something like this, but with that being in there with blood stained on it makes me suspicious." Pinkie stopped in her tracks and listened to the conversation. I don't even know how to respond to that... they think I did that? I'd never! "She said that she didn't do it, but... never mind." "Go on..." "But why?! I mean, why would Pinkie have any reason to be there? Let alone that she could've done it." "Maybe she came in and saw it, panicked, dropped some of her confetti on ground, and ran upstairs?" "But then why wouldn't she have told us about it? I doubt that she'd actually do it, but- I've already explained this to you..." I honestly don't know why my confetti's there... it just was. Don't know how it got there and I honestly don't what to know. "I-I don't know dear. If Pinkie did it, and that's a big if, then why?" "We'll find out. Maybe it wasn't even Pinkie and was just someone else's confetti or someone tried to frame her..." THUMP Pinkie looked back at the source of the sound. Apparently, Gummy had pushed the door open to her bedroom and tripped and fell on the last step. She was about to scold Gummy, but she held her tongue. "Pinkie, is that you?" "Um... yes Mr. Cake! I just tripped." Pinkie said as she came out from behind the corner. "Oh, okay dear. Carrot fixed some muffins for breakfast. We saved some for you." Mrs. Cake said as she motioned Pinkie to come and sit at the dining room table.Pinkie trotted over to the table and sat down beside her. There was a small bowl of muffins in the middle of the table. She grabbed a small muffin from the top of the bowl and sat it down on the table. "So, how'd you sleep?" Mrs. Cake asked. "Good. I've been better now that I've accepted that nightmare I had." Pinkie said as she nibbled on her muffin. "Great." Mrs. Cake said after sipping on her cup of coffee. "So, what were you two talking about earlier?" Pinkie asked. Mr. Cake seemed to choke on a piece of his muffin. "Oh, nothing." Mr. Cake said as he coughed. "We were just talking about a book that I read that I told Carrot about." Mrs. Cake said with a small, nervous smile across her face. "Oh, ok." Pinkie said as she bit the top of the muffin off. I'm not that gullible... Pinkie felt pressure on one of her hind-hooves. She ducked under the table and saw that Gummy was chewing on her. "Oh, sorry Gummy. I forgot about your breakfast." Pinkie said as she shoved the muffin into her mouth and swallowed it in one big gulp. "I'm sorry to rush out, but I've got to get my little Gummy some food!" Pinkie said as she went upstairs to grab her saddlebag. "Its fine, Pinkie." Mr. Cake said as he got up from the table to put up his cup. Pinkie came back downstairs and rushed outside into the streets. ================= Fluttershy sat down on the wooden bench in the small space between her house and the Everfree Forest. She watched on as Big Macintosh performed a strong buck against a log that he'd set up, knocking the log completely off of the stump they had set it up on. Big Macintosh set the log back up on the stump before approaching her. "Try it." Big Macintosh said as he trotted over to the bench and sat down. "Okay." Fluttershy said as she got up from it. Angel Bunny watched from the bench beside Big Macintosh. She still felt a bit nervous about doing it in front of them, but she knew they were just trying to help. Fluttershy rallied it up and then bucked towards a small log. She had managed to get it halfway off the stump. "Aw..." Fluttershy said, slightly embarrassed. Big Macintosh nodded at her. Angel Bunny face-pawed. "Ya did alright." Big Mac said as he got up from bench and pushed the log back to it's original position. "Ya just gotta hit it in the right spot..." Big Macintosh said as he bucked at it, hitting it square in the middle. He knocked the log down with much ease. Once again, he sat the log up and motioned for her to try it out as he went back over to the bench. I'm glad Big Macintosh has been helping with this. I've been wanting to learn this for awhile, but never got the courage to ask him. But after Pinkie bucked me in the snout, I couldn't wait any longer and just asked him. Fluttershy bucked back a little higher at the object and it tipped over. "Yay!" Fluttershy whispered as she let out a small victory yell. Angel Bunny clapped as she let the whisper-yell out. Big Macintosh nodded in approval as he got up. Fluttershy went over to the bench and sat beside him. It seemed like the day was going to be a peaceful one. ================= "Fluttershy? I'm here to grab Gummy some food." Pinkie said as she knocked on the door to Fluttershy's cottage. Maybe she's in the backyard feeding her animals. Pinkie trotted to the backyard and saw Fluttershy and Big Macintosh sitting on a wooden bench. They just sat there beside each other. She trotted up behind them. "Hey!" Pinkie said. This seemed to surprise Fluttershy, because she jumped up from the bench. Big Macintosh simply looked back at her. "Oh, h-hello Pinkie." Fluttershy said, a slight blush crept across her face. "So, what are you two doing?" "Oh... um..." Fluttershy said, suddenly at a loss of words. "Ah was just helpin' her." Big Macintosh said, standing up and trotting to the other side of the bench. "Oh, right. She asked you to help her since somepony hurt her." I hope she didn't go into the details with Big Mac. If so, this could get really awkward. "Eeyup." "Well, I just wanted to see if Fluttershy has any food for Gummy that I could borrow." Pinkie said as she looked at Fluttershy. "Of course. It's in the cottage. Let me go get it." Fluttershy said as she stood up and trotted to the cottage. Pinkie stood patiently as Fluttershy went into her house. "So, has everything been good at Sweet Apple Acres?" "Eeyup." "Good." After a moment or two of silence, Fluttershy returned with two bags of soft animal food. "Here you go." Fluttershy said as she gave Pinkie the bags. "Thanks! How much do you want?" "What do you mean?" "How many bits, silly!" Pinkie said in a playful tone. "O-oh, Pinkie, you don't owe me anything." "You sure 'Shy? I don't mind." Pinkie said as she put the bags on her back. "I'm sure. Thank you though." "Well, thank you!" They all sat there for in silence for a few moments. "I hate to rush out as fast as I came in, but I've got to go feed Gummy. I'll see you two later." Pinkie said as she trotted away from Fluttershy and Big Macintosh. "Ah should probably get goin' too." Big Mac said as he got up from the bench and trotted behind Pinkie. "Oh, okay... bye you two." Fluttershy said as she walked over to the bench and sat beside Angel. Pinkie walked down the path back to Ponyville. After a few minutes of walking with the two bags balanced on her back, she stopped for a moment. Not because she had been fatigued, but because she felt very nauseous. "Jeez... what did Mr. Cake put in those muffins?" Pinkie asked as she sat down, sitting the bags beside her. She began to have a splitting headache as well. I feel so dizzy... my head feels like its about to explode! Pinkie's face turned pale green and rested her head on the bag. Maybe if I rest for a minute or two it'll go away... Pinkie let herself relax. Her vision dimmed and it seemed like she was asleep. She rose after a moment, but something was different. Something was... off I'm back in control. Now, to release... ================= Author's Note Ello. Its getting about that time... time for it to take control
VII: Caught(18+)Author's Note Note: I may come back and set put this as an 18+ chapter due to the ending scene(not gonna spoil it for those who haven't read it). Regardless, I hope you enjoy it! VII: Caught(18+) Fluttershy put up the broom and sat down on the couch beside Angel. The day had gone on as usual since Pinkie and Big Macintosh left. Angel Bunny was asleep in his little bed. All was normal. I didn't think I'd be able to do that correctly. I'm so glad that Big Macintosh helped me... Fluttershy got up from the couch and went into the kitchen. She needed to fix dinner for her and her animals. Angel could have some carrot stew, I could pick off some bread for the birds, the squirrels can have some of the carrot stew, and I'll just have some of the carrot stew as well. Fluttershy pulled out a cooking book from a cabinet in her kitchen. She began to flip through it and look for a recipe on carrot stew. Equestria's Basic Cook Book! Basic Carrot Stew Recipe What you'll need: 2 Cups of Water ... Seems easy enough... Fluttershy read the rest of the page put a pot into the sink and pulled a cup out from a drawer and poured two cups of water into the pot. She pre-heated the oven as the pot filled. Fluttershy pulled a cutting board out from under the sink and began to chop away at a couple of carrots. I hope the animals enjoy this. Fluttershy put the newly filled pot onto the oven to boil. She finished slicing up the carrots and put them into the pot. After a few minutes of putting different seasoning(and making sure that they were all safe for the animals) Now I've got to let it boil for awhile. Fluttershy leaned against the kitchen counter. She had a few minutes to burn. I'm glad that Pinkie's gotten over that terrible dream... I couldn't have handled that. Well, maybe with some help from the girls, but still... CRRRREEEEAAAK Fluttershy stopped as her heart skipped a beat. She swore that she heard her door open. "A-Angel? Did you open the door?!" Fluttershy called out. THUMP Fluttershy became more scared. The noise sounded like it was from the living room. "I-is somepony there?" THUMP Fluttershy cowarded as she stood in the kitchen. It sounded like it was near the entrance of the kitchen. Oh Celestia, please just let it be an animal or one of the girls. THUMP Fluttershy went behind the kitchen counter and ducked under it. The noise really sounded very close to kitchen. THUMP Fluttershy whimpered from under the counter. Then she heard a slight whimper. She managed to gain the courage to peek over the counter. She couldn't believe what she saw. I-its... a baby cub? Fluttershy got up from behind the counter. The baby cub had apparently pushed the door in looking for help. It had its paw raised above the rest. "Aw... what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked as she slowly approached the cub. When Fluttershy tried to grab it, the cub growled. "It's all right, little one. I'm not going to hurt you..." Fluttershy said in a gentle tone. The cub seemed to relax for a moment, but some of it's defenses were still up. Fluttershy reached out to the cub and scratched it's right ear, to which the cub rubbed against her hoof. Fluttershy took this chance to take a good look at the cub while rubbing it's ear. It had cuts and bruises on it's body. "I'm gonna take a look at your paw now, okay?" Fluttershy said. The cub stiffened up for a moment, but it didn't try and attack her. Fluttershy gently grabbed the paw and began to inspect it. There was a piece of metal sticking out of it. "Poor thing... I'll fix that up. It may sting for a moment, but you'll feel a whole lot better afterwords, ok?" Fluttershy said. The cub nodded and braced it's self. Fluttershy grabbed a hand-towel from a drawer and pulled the metal out fairly quickly. The cub howled for a moment, but then groan of relief. Fluttershy wrapped the towel around the wound. "There you go, little one. You can stay here until we find your mommy." Fluttershy said as she affectionately rubbed the pet with her hoof. The pet returned the affection and nuzzled her hoof. "You go back into the living room while I fix dinner" Fluttershy said. The cub nodded and went into the living room. Fluttershy took the moment to look over the bloody metal piece. It looks like the tip to a knife... Fluttershy deposited the metal piece into the trash and continued to cook the carrot stew. ================= Oh, it has been fun to mess with Fluttershy's animals. I'm glad that I hid that knife in Pinkie's saddlebag. Too bad it broke on me when I tried and cut off that cub's paw. It broke off the second I put it in... oh well. At least I've still got the main course... ================= Fluttershy dipped a wooden spoon into the pot and tasted the carrot stew. It tastes great. Now I just need to get a couple of bowls for the animals. Fluttershy reached up into the cabinet and grabbed a few bowls for the animals. Angel Bunny came into the kitchen and was tapping his hind-paw on the ground. "What's the matter, Angel?" Fluttershy asked as she sat the bowls down and began to pour the soup into them. Angel Bunny got on all four of his paws and began to walk around like a bear. "You like the cub? So do I. She's just staying here until we find his mama." Fluttershy said. Angel Bunny face-pawed and shook his head. "You don't like her? I'm sorry Angel, but he's gotta stay here until we find her mama." Fluttershy said. Angel Bunny rolled his eyes and hopped away. "Wait, Angel. I'll have your dinner ready in a moment." Fluttershy said. At this, Angel stood under Fluttershy and began to wait for his food. Fluttershy poured a small amount of the stew into the bowl, making sure that there were some carrots in it. She sat it on the ground next to Angel. He picked up the bowl and hopped into the living room, making sure not to spill any of his meal. Fluttershy then proceeded to pour the stew into different bowls, amounting them differently with each animal. After a few minutes, she had six bowls of stew lined up. That should be enough as long as the animals share. Even if they don't, I'll have enough for a few much bowls... Clank "Angel? Did you spill your bowl?" Fluttershy asked after she heard the noise. Eek Angel Bunny quickly hopped into the kitchen, covered in his carrot stew. He ran behind Fluttershy and cowered. "Angel? What's wrong?" Fluttershy asked. Angel pointed towards the living room. "O-okay Angel. What happened?" Fluttershy asked. Angel did a motion that would be akin to a murderous pony-killer. Fluttershy gulped. The cubs still in there... I can't leave it in there. Fluttershy reached into one of her kitchen drawers and pulled out a small knife. Even though she probably wouldn't use it, it made her feel a little bit safer having it. She slowly tip-hoofed towards the living room, knife in hoof. Her hind-hooves began to cower as she approached the entrance. She heard somepony trotting around the room. Oh Celestia... please help me... Fluttershy entered the room, hooves cowering. She saw a dark-pink colored pony standing over the cub, trying to grab it's injuried hoof. The pony's hair was drappeed on one side of her face, blocking The cub was trying to get away from the pony, curled up in a small brown ball. "Aw... what's the matter, little one? You scared? So was I..." Is that Pinkie? Her voice sounds lifeless... did something else happen? Pinkie grabbed the cub's paw. The cub jerked away from her and ran behind Fluttershy, revealing Fluttershy. "Oh, hello Fluttershy. I didn't see you there..." Pinkie said, her voice missing her usual upbeat and peppy tone. For some reason, it made a chill go down Fluttershy's spine. "Um... h-hello Pinkie." "Heeelllllooooo..." "W-why are you in my house? Not that I mind, b-but I just didn't know..." "Oh, its simple really..." Pinkie said as she approached Fluttershy, her face still blocked by her hair. Is she Pinkamena again? "I'm just here to release..." Pinkie said, getting in close proximity to Fluttershy. Her tone was chilling. "W-what type of r-release?" "... a type of release that wouldn't be enjoyed be the receiver." Pinkie said, her snout nearly touching Fluttershy's. "A-are you Pinkamena?" Fluttershy asked. Pinkie stood there for a moment, but then burst out laughing. Fluttershy didn't know if she should be happy or scared. "You'll wish I was after I'm finished with you..." Pinkie said as she slapped Fluttershy. Tears formed in Fluttershy's eyes as her right cheek stung. "P-Pinkie... please don't..." Fluttershy said as she backed away from Pinkie. Pinkie followed her. "Oh, but you don't understand, dear... I'm simply doing this for that party-obsessed pony." Pinkie said as she calmly trotted after Fluttershy. They had made their way into the kitchen. "Pinkie, I-I don't wanna hurt you... just please don't make me..." Fluttershy said as she held the knife in her trembling hoof. Pinkie smacked her hoof holding the knife, cause Fluttershy to fling it across the room. Fluttershy held her hooves in front of her face. "Oh dear... it seems like you're all out of things to defend yourself. Hm... how unfortunate." Pinkie said as she walked past the boiling pot. Fluttershy then got an idea. "Pinkie, I-I'm warning you..." Fluttershy said as she stopped at the boiling pot. "But it's so much fun to toy with you... just like I did with those birds." Pinkie said. She went to slap Fluttershy, but Fluttershy pushed the pot over onto her hoof. "Owwww!" Pinkie said as she jerked away from the boiling stew. Her right hoof had been severely burned, the bottom part of her right fore-hoof's coat seared off. Fluttershy took this moment to gallop away to try and get help. Unfortunately, her plan would come back to bite her. Pinkie picked up the pot and flung it at Fluttershy's hind-hooves, successfully stopping her. "Oh... I'm going to cut off your hooves for that..." Pinkie said as she trotted calmly towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy tried to get up, but she was so panicked that she couldn't move. It was like she was frozen. Fluttershy had come to a realization. This wasn't the party loving pony that Fluttershy knew and loved. This was a monster. Angel then hopped over in front of Fluttershy and tried to shield her from Pinkie. Pinkie laughed at this. "How cute..." Pinkie said as she picked up Angel and flung him a near by wall. Fluttershy, seeing that her beloved pet was being hurt, flung into action. She bucked back at Pinkie like Big Mac had taught her. Instead of being met with skin, she was met with something cold and sharp. "Ah!" Fluttershy howled as she jerked her left hind-hoof away from the object. Apparently, while Pinkie was on the ground recovering from the boiling water, she had picked up the knife that she had knocked out of Fluttershy's hoof. Fluttershy tried to limp away from Pinkie, but it was all in vain. Pinkie grabbed the hoof that she had just stabbed and began to stab into it more and more, each stab getting deeper and deeper into her hoof. "Pinkie, stop!" Fluttershy said as she tried in vain to pull herself away from Pinkie's attacks. Fluttershy heard a slight whimper. The cub was looking from behind the corner, cowering. "Huh? Why should I? They never gave us any sympathy..." Pinkie said, her voice cold. "P-Pinkie, I know what happened to you. a-and I'm sorry! B-but you can't take it out on e-everyone in Equestria!" Fluttershy said, trying to convince Pinkie. It seemed to work for a moment, because Pinkie stopped stabbing her hoof for a moment. Fluttershy tried to push herself away from Pinkie, but she had an iron-grip on her hoof. Her hooves slipped on the remnants of the carrot stew as she struggled to pull away from Pinkie. "I'm sorry Fluttershy..." Pinkie said, still holding Fluttershy's bleeding hoof. Did I get through to her? "... but I need this." Pinkie said as she got up and let go of Fluttershy's hoof. Fluttershy scrambled towards the backdoor, but before she could reach the door, she slipped on the watery-remnants of her carrot stew. "Don't say I didn't give you a chance." Pinkie said. She grabbed Fluttershy by the mane. "Please, don't--" Pinkie slammed her face into the ground, snout-first. Fluttershy fell unconscious as Pinkie dragged her away. =================
VIII: Betrayal(18+)Author's Note Hello. Hope you enjoy the chapter. This chapter was proof-read by Basic Information. That is all . VIII: Betrayal(18+) Pinkie's going to hate what I'm about to do... but I need this. She's pushing all her rage and depression onto me and its becoming really, really uncomfortable. I really need it to stop. I'm sorry Pinkie, but they just keep coming back and pushing me tightly, squeezing the life out of me. And I just can't control these emotions anymore. Well, I can, but I'm just choosing to get rid of it before it becomes too much for me to control. And trust me, that's worse than anything that Maud could do... ================= "Owwwww..." Fluttershy groaned as she leaned up. She had been beaten and thrown around like a rag-doll. Where am I? What happ- oh no... Angel... Fluttershy remembered what happened. "Angel!" She quietly said as she tried to get up. Unfortunately, the cloths would disagree. It seemed like they were tied around her, keeping her from leaving. Fluttershy continued to struggle against the cloth, but they were tied very tightly against her hooves. She looked around the room, searching for anything or anyone that could help her get out of the sheets. Fluttershy tried to push herself up from the bed, but her hind-hooves buckled under her. It felt like her left hind-hoof was being ripped away from her body. "Ah!" Fluttershy howled as she collapsed back onto the bed. She bit her lip to keep herself from screaming. I hope Angel and the other animals are alright... I'm not going to be able to get to them for a while. ================= Pinkamena picked up Angel. The poor creature had been knocked out as soon as he hit the wall. One of his ears were bent in a peculiar way. Meh... rabbits aren't that fun to toy with anyway. Pinkamena dropped Angel as if he was a toy. She then looked down at her burned hoof. That hurt... I'm going to pay her back for that. But, before that, I must make sure that her doors are locked so no one will interrupt my "fun". Pinkamena wiped some of her hair out of her eyes as she walked back into the living room. The cub scurried under the couch as she entered. She trotted up to the front door and shut it and proceeded to lock it. Now for the back door. Pinkamena trotted into the kitchen and locked the back door. She took the moment to survey the kitchen. The carrot stew covered the floor and some of the counter, there was a little bit of blood mixed into the carrot stew. I really cut up her hoof. I'm surprised I didn't sever it. Pinkamena picked up the knife from the ground and walked into the living room. She sat down for a moment to recompose and collect her thoughts before she'd go to attack Fluttershy. Pinkie's gonna hate me for this... for everything I've done. Huh? What am I doing in Fluttershy's house? I though I left here earlier... Hello. Um... hello. Why can't I control myself? Oh no... not another dream... This is more than a dream... Just let yourself drift off, Pinkie... Wait, what? Please tell me that this is just some crazy day-dream... Pinkamena didn't answer. She decided to ignore her because things would be easier that way. Pinkamena picked up the knife and began to look at it. The blade of it was dull and there was some carrot stew on handle. What did you do with Fluttershy?! Pinkamena ignored her again, flipping the knife to the other side and she began to inspect it. You can't ignore me for ever... I can, I have, and I will continue to do so. Oh, really? I'm trying to be nice, so just please tell me what you did with Fluttershy... Pinkamena got up from the couch and began to pace around the living room, biding her time. It also helped her to ignore Pinkie. You're really gonna try and ignore me? Yes. Okay. I guess I'll just have to make you pay attention... Pinkamena pondered what she meant by that. She'd soon find out. Please, Pinkamena. Show me where she is. Pinkie said. She repeated this a few times. Pinkamena tried to ignore her, but that party-animal could be so annoying sometimes. Please? I just want to see her. Will you be quiet... Not until you show me where she is! Pinkamena thought she could ignore it, but Pinkie continued on with it for what seemed like an eternity. You do realize how foalish you're being, right? Yep. Pinkamena groaned as Pinkie continued her assault. "Will you shut up..." Pinkamena asked. Not until you show me where Fluttershy is. Will you show me where she is? PLEASE! "Fine! You wanna see her?! You really do, huh?! You'll get to see her!" Pinkamena said, trotting to Fluttershy's room. She opened the door and walked towards Fluttershy who was struggling against the cloths. Blood stained the lower part of the cloth. She yelped as Pinkamena entered and looked away from her. W...what did you do to her? I nearly cut off her hoof. And that's the least of what I'm about to do to her. "U-um... Pinkie, p-please don't hurt me." Fluttershy said, her voice sounded like she was terrified. "Don't worry... I won't make it too long." Pinkamena said, trotting up to Fluttershy and tracing up her left hind-hoof with her knife. Fluttershy let out a groan and turned away from Pinkamena. She was trembling in fear. Don't hurt her... Why? You're not the one in control... I can do whatever I want to... and I'm going to do this. Pinkamena cut Fluttershy's left fore-hoof. Fluttershy tried to jerk away from it, but the cloths wouldn't budge. Please! What has she done?! Nothing, really. She's just the pony I could subdue the easiest. I need to get rid of those feelings you've been pressing onto me. Remember those evil urges that you had for Maud? For Pound, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash? You've been pushing them onto me... I just need to get rid of it before it really does become an even bigger problem. "Pinkie... w-why? Why hurt me, Angel, anypony?" "The dream... its too much for me to handle." Pinkamena said, pretending to be like Pinkie. "The dream? I-I thought you accepted it and wanted to just move on." "I did. But then... I began to get this itch." "What itch?" "An itch to... to hurt something or somepony..." Pinkamena said. Fluttershy nervously swallowed. "W-why me?" Fluttershy said, tears swelling in her eyes. "Simple. You were the easiest to subdue." Pinkamena said. This seemed to hurt Fluttershy's feelings, because she let out a few silent tears. You big meanie... You're not much better. The dream... Maud... cutting her until she submitted. Pinkamena felt her body stiffen up and her hoof holding the knife move away from Fluttershy. "Oh no you don't..." Pinkamena quietly said, regaining control of her body. Come on! You can't do this to her. You can't control me. Not now... Pinkamena brought her hoof back up to Fluttershy and stabbed into the same hoof. Fluttershy's wings convulsed as she tried to fly away. Unfortunately, the cloths wouldn't agree and she fell back onto the bed. Please... stop. Pinkamena began to cut down her hind-hoof. The same one that Pinkamena had stabbed earlier. Fluttershy tightly shut her eyes and bit down onto her lower lip. Pinkamena stopped at her chest. "P-Pinkie! Stop! I-it hurts!" Fluttershy said, her voice trembling. "Yeah... I know." You monster! I know I'm one. And you know what's the best part? What?! What so great about hurting somepony?! You're a monster as well. I'm you, and you are me unfortunately. And you're stuck with that. Pinkie became quiet at that moment. Her world had been rocked. With the few moments for silence Pinkamena would have away from Pinkie, she began to slice her other fore-hoof. "Ah!" Fluttershy called out as Pinkamena sliced her hoof. She tugged against the cloths restraining her, desperately trying to break away from the bed. "Oh... I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" Pinkamena asked. Fluttershy groaned and silently cried into her pillow. Pinkamena felt her hoof stiffen up again, but quickly stopped Pinkie. You're starting to annoy me again. You really need to stop... Pinkamena stabbed deeply into Fluttershy's stomach. Fluttershy sharply gasped and clenched her hooves. Okay, okay! Just stop hurting her! I won't try it again! Good. Pinkamena extracted the knife from her stomach and set it aside for a moment. "So... does it hurt? How does it feel to know what I've known?" What'd you think? Don't make me stab her chest... "Y... ye-" Fluttershy was about to finish, but she gasped and arched her back. "I'll take that as a yes. Good." Pinkamena said as she picked up the knife. "P-please... no more." Fluttershy said, her voice low. "Oh, but why?" Pinkamena asked as she rubbed the blade against her chest. "B-because... we're friends..." Fluttershy said. Pinkamena stared at her for a moment, and then laughed. "Oh... that's precious." Pinkamena said as she wiped away tears that had collected in her eyes. "W...what's so funny?" "Oh nothing its just that you..." Pinkamena took the moment to collect her breath before talking again. Don't you dare... you've already hurt her badly enough. I know. "... you thought that we were actually friends!" Pinkamena finished as she continued to laugh. "Y... you're not Pinkie. She'd n-never be like this..." "Are you sure about that? I'm doing it right now..." Pinkamena said. That was the final blow. Fluttershy turned her head away from Pinkamena and began to bawl. "Y-you can't be her. She would do this to me! She wouldn't do this to anypony!" Fluttershy said through her tears. It's not me, Flutters... I'm so sorry. "Denial. How cute." Pinkamena said as she picked the knife back up and aimed it above her chest. Fluttershy turned her face up to the knife. "No... please Pinkie..." Fluttershy said, trying to pull her body away from the blade's direction. Please. She's already been scarred for life. Isn't that enough?! No... Grrrrrrrrr Pinkamena looked back for a moment and saw the baby cub in a defensive position, ready to strike. Pinkamena laughed at the display. "You're honestly gonna try that? Really?!" Pinkamena said, looking down at the cub condescendingly. The cub suddenly bit her fore-hoof holding the knife, causing Pinkamena to drop it. "Ahh!" Pinkamena yelled as she jerked her hoof away from the cubs teeth. She flung the cub against the wall and it landed beside Fluttershy, knocking it unconscious. Her hoof had three deep bite marks, that had began to bleed. Pinkamena picked up the knife and held the knife above the cub. She was about to stab it, but Fluttershy covered as much of it with her body. "No!" Fluttershy scolded Pinkamena. Pinkamena backed away for a moment, surprised by the outburst from the seemingly timid pony. "You can hurt me! You can cut off my wings! But I'm not letting you hurt another one of my animals!" Fluttershy said, her heart suddenly filled with courage. "Hm... fine. I guess I'll just have to take you then." Pinkamena said as she stabbed into Fluttershy's chest. Fluttershy wailed in pain. Pinkamena covered her mouth with her hoof, her courage quickly fleeing and being replaced with fear. No! "Shhh... it'll be over in a moment." Pinkamena said as Fluttershy's breath slowed. Pinkamena's whole body stiffened. I'm still not finished. Pinkamena took the knife out of her chest. She then stabbed her left wings, causing her back to arch. Stop! You've already done enough! You'll thank me later... Thank you?! If I had the chance, I'd... I'd... Fluttershy suddenly coughed up blood. Her tears began to mix with it. "P-Pinkie..." Fluttershy quietly said. "Yes, Fluttershy?" "I-if it means anything... I l-liked you while we were still f-friends." Fluttershy said as her eyelids began to slowly close. No... Fluttershy! "..." Pinkamena didn't say anything else. She stabbed her other wing as Fluttershy's eyelids fully close and her breath slowed even more. It is done... you can take control. Pinkie regained control of her body as Pinkamena went into the back of her mind. "Fluttershy!" Pinkie called out as she pulled the knife out of Fluttershy's wing. She trotted up to Fluttershy with her eyes filled with tears, and hugged her limp body. Maybe she's still alive! Pinkie put her ear against Fluttershy's chest and listened. ... Her eyes widened in horror. There was nothing. No beating heart, no breath, nothing. No... no! Pinkie hugged Fluttershy and buried her face into her hair. Tears were freely flowing out of her eyes. "I-I'm so sorry, Fluttershy!" Pinkie said as she hugged her seemingly lifeless body. After a moment or two, she released her, and immediately collapsed to her knees. She vomited, the contents of that morning's breakfast spilling out on to the floor. Pinkie had just killed one of her best friends first hand. She looked down at her fore-hooves, seeing Fluttershy's blood stained her coat. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she shivered in fear and sadness. She wiped her hooves on her coat, only spreading the blood further. It's everywhere! Get off! Pinkie stumbled to her hooves and went into the kitchen, surveying it. The carrot stew was almost completely evaporated and the only thing left of it was the carrots on the floor. She saw Angel in a small pile. He was still unconscious. She picked him up and put him on her back. "Y-you'll stay with F-Flutte-" Pinkie stopped herself. She would've broken-down if she hadn't. Pinkie trotted to Fluttershy's room in silence. She sat Angel in Fluttershy's hooves. "I'm so sorry..." Pinkie whispered as she exited her room. She didn't wait a moment more before exiting the cottage. ================= Pinkie sadly trotted down the path while crying. Above her was Luna's star-filled night sky. She couldn't bare to look at it, knowing that Luna would say something to her. I am a terrible pony... I can't stay here anymore. Not for right now at least. Pinkie knew that once someone found Fluttershy, they'd start an investigation and they'd find out who did it. This must be a nightmare. Pinkie looked around her surroundings, making sure not to look into the sky. The narrow path to Ponyville was filled with trees along the sides. Thankfully no one was there to see her. She began to stare at her burnt hoof, seeing most of her coat had seared off from the burn. It would most likely scar. I deserve it. Pinkie looked back down at the ground and continued to trot. I've got to leave Ponyville. Not because I don't want to be caught, but because it has so many now-painful memories... ================= A Couple Minutes After Pinkie Left Fluttershy's house was silent. No animal was making a sound. Nobody cleaning up or cooking, no pony taking care of the animals, no pony. Silence ruled over the area. Coughuh... The coughing died out as quickly as it started. Silence regained rule over the area once more. =================
IX: Leaving Dear Friends in Ponyville, ~~I must regret to~~ I hate to tell you that I must leave Ponyville ~~the time being~~ for ~~the next couple of weeks~~ until further notice. These few weeks have been ~~the worst of my life~~ bad to say the least and I think that it'd be best that I'd leave Ponyville for awhile. ~~If I could, I'd stay here~~ I don't want stay here while I work this whole ordeal. At least for a while until I can accept this whole stressful situation. ~~Please~~ don't ~~try to find me~~ I'm probably going to be gone for a few months. I ~~am sorry for everything I've done~~ be able won't talk to you guys for awhile... I just hope you'll understand ~~and forgive me~~. Love, your ~~former~~ friend Pinkie Pie Pinkie wiped the tears away from her eyes as she signed the paper. She knew she wouldn't be able to return Ponyville for awhile. Not after what she did to Fluttershy. She had grabbed a stray piece of paper blowing on down the path to Ponyville. I-I can't back out now... Pinkie held the note in her hoof as she began to walk towards Ponyville for the last time for awhile. Hercheeks were had been stained with tears. She felt so much guilt for what had happened while she had blacked out. I'll leave the note with Twilight. She'll know what to do with it. Pinkie slowly trotted into Ponyville, passing by the Carousel Boutique. Then by Sugarcube Corner. Memories flooded her mind. Some good, some bad, but then a thought drifted around that worried her. How are the twins are gonna react? How is everyone gonna react? Pinkie began to think about it. The twins would probably be upset, Mr. and Mrs. Cake would probably understand. Rarity would probably wonder why, Twilight and Apple would understand as well, Rainbow Dash would be angry, and Fluttershy- She stopped for a moment and wiped her eyes. Its painful to even think about her... Pinkie started to walk again and neared Golden Oak Library. Her heart was pounding in anxiety. She slowly folded the note and pushed it under the door. Pinkie stood there for a moment, taking in the her surroundings of Ponyville for the last time for awhile I'm gonna miss you guys... all of you. Pinkie turned away from Golden Oak Library and began to trot towards the path away from Ponyville. She didn't care where it went; so long as it wouldn't be there. ============ "Ohhh... Celestia." Fluttershy tried to lean up, but intense pain caused her to retreat back onto the bed. "I-is she gone?" Fluttershy quietly said to herself as tried to free her hoof. Most of the muscles in her body ached. She felt incredibly weak and she could barely breath. Why would Pinkie do that to me? Fluttershy heard something fall over and jumped with a small, "Eep!". Her wings hurt as soon as she landed back onto the bed. "Please P-Pinkie! No more!" She called out, bracing herself for the stab of a knife. But nothing came. She looked back over to where she thought the noise came from. Nopony was there. She's gone... she can't hurt you now. Calm down... "Angel, are you here? Please tell me your okay..." Fluttershy softly called out. She couldn't yell too loudly because of her weakness. Thump Fluttershy looked down at the floor and saw her beloved pet rabbit bouncing lightly on the floor. "Angel..." Fluttershy said, feeling a little bit of relief now that she knew at least one of her animals were okay. A small smile slowly grew on her bloody and bruised face. Angel seemed happy to see her as well, because he was lightly bouncing in place. "Can you come up here and help me?" Fluttershy quietly asked politely. Angel nodded and tried to hop up to her. Unfortunately, he couldn't hop all the way up there. "Y-you can't reach?" Fluttershy asked. He pointed down to one of his legs and there was something protruding from under his skin. "Your leg's hurt? Poor thing... okay, stop hopping. I don't want you to hurt yourself anymore. We can figure another way to get me out of these sheets." Fluttershy said to Angel. He nodded. For a few minutes, they sat there, thinking about ways she could get out. Then Fluttershy felt something wiggle around beside her. "Huh!?" Fluttershy gasped as she slightly moved away from the object. But then the object whimpered. She remembered that Pinkie had flung the baby cub against the wall beside her. "Oh, h-hello little one. Are you all right?" Fluttershy said. The cub just stared at her for a moment, surveying the wounds on her. "Oh... I'm sorry. P-Pinkie did this to me..." Fluttershy said as tears collected in her eyes. The cub gave her a look of pity. "C-could you help me get out of these cloths?" Fluttershy asked the cub. The cub nodded and went over to the cloth on the fore-hoof closest to it and began to chew on it. Its teeth were slightly dull, but they could still cut. This may take a while... Fluttershy began to think over the night. How normal it was before Pinkie did that to her. She tried to kill me... Fluttershy let out a few silent tears as the cub continued to gnaw at the cloth. It has to be somepony else. There's no way Pinkie Pie would've done this to me- to anypony in her right-mind. She groaned as the cup tugged against the left sheet, her left hind-hoof aching. My animals... Fluttershy thought, worried for their sake. I know she wouldn't be so cruel... she wouldn't be this mean to anypony. Ssssnap Fluttershy felt the pressure pulling against her hoof decrease immensely. She looked up at the cub and saw that he had chewed half-way through the cloth. "Good j-" Before Fluttershy could finish, she felt a sharp pain in her chest and arched her back. It hurts so much! After a few moments, the pain subsided and she laid flatly on the bed. She heard Angel hopping up to try and check on her. Even the cub stopped chewing on the cloth "I-its okay. Just a l-little bit of pain." Fluttershy said softly. It was a severe understatement. I don't know if I'll be able to forgive Pinkie... it'll take awhile if I do... ============ I need to think of some good friends that might let me stay with them for awhile. At least until I can get up enough bits to stay at my own place. Pinkie walked down a large dirt path. She began to think of ponies that she could stay with for awhile. Mom and Dad is an obvious no. I still don't trust them after what they did to me... Pinkie pasted by a road sign. She looked back at it for a moment. Ponyville ==> Canterlot ====> <=== Las Pegasus <====== Trottingham <==Rest Areas======> I think I know who I can ask... ============ "You're doing a good job... you're almost there..." Fluttershy softly cheered on the cub. It had almost completely chewed through the cloth. Snap Fluttershy tugged her left fore-hoof away. It had finally been freed. Fluttershy released a sigh, happy she had been released. She rubbed the cub's right ear and he returned the affection. She'd wince every time the cub hit her wound, but she wasn't going to complain. At least I have the animals to comfort me through this. I don't know if I'll be able to tell them. Fluttershy said, thinking of Twilight and the rest of her friends. She began to feel light-headed as blood leaked out of her stomach. Oh no... She thought. I have to get to the Pony Hospital. She shook her head and began to try and untie her other hoof, being careful not to hit the wounds on either of her hooves. I wonder if I'll be able to even trot... Fluttershy began to worry about that. She turned her head away from her other fore-hoof and looked outside. It was almost dawn. Big Macintosh or Rarity will be will be here in awhile. T-they have to be here soon. I can't trot to the Pony Hospital with my hooves cut. Fluttershy turned back to her hoof and began to untie her hoof. The cub pushed her hoof aside. "Its all right, little one. I... I can get it." Fluttershy said, trying not to make the animal do what she could, no matter how weak she was. The cub walked over to the cloth and began to chew on the cloth. "Uh... okay." Fluttershy said, resting her hoof. She let her eyes close. Hopefully a short sleep will help... Fluttershy wanted to try and at least sleep for a few minutes, but her mind was filled with memories of the terrible night. Her hooves shook, still fearful despite Pinkie being gone. I don't know how I-I'll be able to sleep again. A few more tears rolled down Fluttershy's muzzle. Snap "Good job, little one..." Fluttershy said as she rubbed the cub once again. Fluttershy's eyes immediately opened and looked up at the cub. He had gnawed his way through the other cloth. She gave him a soft smile before reaching down to her hind-hooves and pulling them out. Pinkie didn't tie down my hind-hooves? Fluttershy asked. I got lucky. Fluttershy moved herself to the side of the bed. She reached down with her hind-hooves and tried to support some weight on it. Her right one could support some weight, but the other one could support nothing. Maybe I could make it to the living room and then use the wall to support myself... "Ah!" Fluttershy called out as her hooves hit the ground, pain shooting through every nerve as she fell to the ground. My hooves! She thought, howling in pain as her left hind-hoof burned with pain. She thought for a moment that she had actually ripped it off the bone. She looked down, and thankfully, her hoof was still intact. "Oh Celestia, please help me..." Fluttershy said as she tried to get up. She managed to get to the wall and was able to support herself. She kept her left hind-hoof away up from the ground. Angel helped her as much as she could. Don't think about it Fluttershy... just make it to the couch and wait for Big Mac or somepony to come and help. Angel kept her hoof off the ground as she slowly trotted towards the couch. Once they reached it, she collapsed onto the couch. "Thank you so much Angel..." Fluttershy said. She motioned for him to come up to her. He did so and hopped onto the couch. Fluttershy picked him up and began to look at his leg. It seemed like his leg had been dislocated when Pinkie threw him against the wall. "This might hurt Angel..." Fluttershy said as she gave him a moment to prepare. After a few seconds, he nodded. She quickly pushed the bone back into place with a sickening pop. Angel Bunny winced for a second, but then he let his body relax. Fluttershy sat him back down beside her and she let herself relax with him. "A-Angel, I'm gonna try and get some rest, ok? Please wake me up in awhile." Fluttershy said. Angel looked at her and nodded. She let her eyes close and let her mind and body drift off. She hoped that Luna wouldn't let her have a nightmare. ============ Pinkie entered the small rest area. It had everything a basic rest area would have: a phone, a convenience store outside, and a restroom. Ok... it has been awhile since I called him. Pinkie walked over to the phone and put a bit into the coin-slot. She dialed in the number and waited for someone to answer. Beeeeeeeep Beeeeeeeep Beeeeeeeep Will he answer?! Pinkie thought, impatient. Beee- "Hello?" "Hey, can I talk to Cheese Sandwich?" "He's speaking, silly." "Oh, sorry... hey Cheese, its Pinkie Pie." "Oh, hey Pinkie. What's up?" "Well, I have sort of a question for you..." "Ask away..." "Some things happened in Ponyville and I was wondering if I could... maybe... sort of stay with you for awhile." "Uh... well..." Please say yes... "Sure!" "Really?!" "Of course, Pinkie! Anything for the pony who inspired me." "Thanks! Well... where should I meet you?" "I'm in Las Pegasus. Go to 1375-Trotting Street." "Alright! I'll be there tomorrow! Thanks again!" "No problem! I've gotta go right now, Pinkie. Bye!" "Bye. Cheese!" Pinkie hung up the phone. That went along easier than I though. I'm glad Cheese let me stay with him... She trotted outside and went inside the convenience store. There was a mare standing at the counter, chewing on a piece of hay. "Hi, could I have some muffins?" Pinkie asked as she approached the counter. "Yes." The mare said. She pointed over to a small stand with boxes of packaged muffins. "Oh... ok. Thanks!" Pinkie said as she walked over to the stand and picked up a few boxes of the muffins. She walked back over to the counter and sat the muffins in front of the mare. The mare picked up the packages and began sliding them over this scanner. "How much?" Pinkie said as she pulled out her bit-pouch. "That'll be... fifth-teen bits." The mare said as she pushed the muffins towards Pinkie. It probably won't be as good as the one at Sugarcube Corner, but its good enough. Pinkie opened her bit-pouch. I have just enough... She sat the bits on the counter in front of the mare and stuffed the muffins in her saddlebag. "Thanks!" Pinkie said as she exited the store. ============ Rarity walked towards Fluttershy's cottage. The path was completely empty. Not a noise was heard beside a small gust of wind. I'm excited for Fluttershy's and I's spa day. Its always nice to catch up with a good friend during a soothing massage. As Rarity approached Fluttershy's cottage, stepped in some sort of red liquid. "Hm...?" Rarity said as she felt a squishy feeling on her hoof. She looked down and inspected the liquid. "That's... strange. Somepony must've spilled something whilst trotting down the path." Rarity said, thinking aloud, as she took out a handkerchief of her saddlebag and wiped the liquid off of her hoof. She continued to walk towards Fluttershy's cottage, thinking about what that goop might've been. Possibly Pinkie brought some punch with her and she spilled it on her way back... Rarity trotted up the front door of the cottage. She was about to open the door, but she saw more of that red goop on the handle. This is beginning to look suspicious... Rarity knocked on Fluttershy's door. "Fluttershy? Are you in here, dear? There is this red liquid on your door handle." "..." "Fluttershy? Are you alright, darling?" "Huh..." "I'm coming in, dear." Rarity said. She immediately regretted her decision. Fluttershy was lying on her couch, a trail of blood coming out of her mouth, and stab wounds all over her body. There was a trail of blood coming from her bedroom. "Oh my... Fluttershy!" Rarity said as she galloped over to Fluttershy and shook her. Fluttershy's eyes jolted open. "Rarity... please t-take me to the hospital." ============ Pinkie walked down the dimly-lit path. She had been trotting all night without a rest. Her hooves ached and there were bags under her eyes. It was easy to say that Pinkie was very tired. I need to find a place to stay. I feel like I'm about to pass out... Pinkie began to look around for something to stay in. Anything. Whilst looking, she saw a road sign. Welcome to Las Pegasus! Only twenty hoof-steps away from your destination! I need to rest... I don't think I'll be able to get to where ever Cheese Sandwich is. She continued to trot on wards. If she could just make it to Cheese's place, she'd be able to rest there. Pinkie took out the last packet of muffins and opened it. She took out one of the muffins and tossed it into her mouth. Hopefully some sugar will keep me awake. Thankfully, the muffin gave her a little bit of an energy boost. She trotted towards the city. As she entered the city, she saw many buildings of different shapes and sizes. "Woah..." Pinkie said as her gaze shifted from building to building. She continued to walk down the path, passing by many different ponies. "Amazing, isn't it?" A stranger pony said beside her. Pinkie looked back at him. The pony was a unicorn with a light-blue coat. "Huh? Oh yes." Pinkie replied back. The unicorn said as he walked ahead of her "Wait, can I ask you a question?" Pinkie asked. "Sure." The unicorn said. "Do you know where Trotting Street is?" "You need to go up about two blocks from here and take a left. That should take you there." The unicorn said as he looked back at her. "Great. Thanks!" Pinkie said. "No problem." The unicorn said. Pinkie passed the unicorn and began to follow the unicorn's directions. ============ Fluttershy woke up on the back of somepony big. As she began to stir, she heard somepony talking. "Do hurry, Big Macintosh! I'm going to hurry and get the rest of the mares! We'll meet you at the hospital!" "Yes, ma'am." Fluttershy heard somepony gallop away from her. "Uhhhh..." Fluttershy managed to open one of her eyes. Her vision was blocked up by a huge, red object. "B-Big Mac...?" "Hello, miss Fluttershy. I'm takin' ya to the hospital." Big Macintosh said in his usual stoic manner. "Okay..." Fluttershy said. Immediately after, she fell into unconsciousness, unable to stay awake any longer. ============ Pinkie tiredly walked down Trotting Street. Celestia's sun had risen and was high in the sky. I can't wait to lie down. I've been trotting all day and night. Pinkie looked at the houses that lined the street. They all were pretty generic except for one. One of the houses was colored yellow. Party streamers lined across the doorway and there was even a small banner that looked like it had been torn down. "I think I know which one is Cheese's." Pinkie said as she looked at the postal number on the mailbox of the house. It read, "1375" "Yep. That's definitely his house." Pinkie said as she trotted towards the door. She noted that there were some cups crushed in front of the door. Pinkie knocked on the door. "Huh?! Oh, coming!" Pinkie heard stumbling from the other side of the door. She waited there, waiting for somepony to open the door. Please hurry up Cheese... I'm about to pass out from exhaustion. After a few moments, somepony granted her request. "Oh, hey Pinkie! Come in!" Cheese said as he motioned her to come inside of his house. He had a small party-hat on his head that said, "Congratulations!" "Thanks again, Cheese." Pinkie said as she entered and sat down on the couch. It was cluttered cans and cups. "So, how's things been?" Cheese asked as he sat down on the couch beside her. "Good." Pinkie said, untruthfully and enthusiastically. Cheese gave her a suspicious look, but soon after shrugged it off. "Well good. I'm sure you must be tired. The guest bedroom is upstairs." "Yes... thank you. I'll tell you about what happened later." Pinkie said as she tiredly got up from the couch and trotted towards the stairs. "No problem. If I'm not here when you wake up, I'm probably helping somepony with their party." "Okay. Well, I'm gonna go to bed before I pass out." Pinkie said before she trotted upstairs. "All right. Well, goodnig- morning." Cheese said. Pinkie didn't respond, too tired to care. She sluggishly trotted upstairs and looked for the guest bedroom. The upstairs was lined with different pictures of Equestria that Cheese had been to, it was painted green, and had another hall that diverged towards the bathroom. There was two doors at the end of the room. She trotted up to them and opened the one to the right, seeing a neatly made bed. She stepped into the room and closed the door before collapsing onto the bed. Thank you Cheese... The bed was warm and extremely comfortable. Pinkie was surprised she didn't fall asleep immediately. Unfortunately, her thoughts kept her awake. How could I be such a terrible pony... I should've stopped Pinkamena. I should've done something more! I could've stopped her! Pinkie hit her hoof against the bed in frustration. The frustration would soon desolve into sadness. "Why... I'm such a terrible pony. I feel so... so dirty." Pinkie said quietly. She looked down at her hooves, seeing some blood stains faded blood stains on the bottom of her hooves that refused to come out. Her blood is on my hooves... Pinkie let out a few silent tears as she closed her eyes. Those thoughts filled her mind for the few minutes she would be awake. But one thought was more predominant than all of them. "You're a monster as well. I'm you, and you are me unfortunately. And you are stuck with that." ============ Author's Note I apologize for the lateness of this chapter. It may not be as well written as the others. The main reason being I haven't had a chance to proof read it due to the site being down all day. Hope you enjoy it.
X: RecoveryAuthor's Note Sorry for the lateness of this chapter. I injured my forearm whilst riding on an ATV. I won't go into too much detail, but I can tell you that I jammed it and couldn't write for a day. Regardless, I hope you enjoy it. X: Recovery Fluttershy awoke inside a white room, with a blue rectangular stripe circling in the middle. There were all sorts of devices strapped to her body. Bandages were wrapped around most of her body. She had a needle sticking into her hoof connected to a fluid-bag. Her wings were kept in a small cast-like device, keeping her from moving them anymore. "Hello? We need to see our friend Fluttershy!" "I'm sorry ma'am. You'll need to wait until its visiting hours." "What?! Come on! You've gotta let us in! We're her friends!" "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but you'll need to wait awhile." "Please, miss. She's seriously injured and we must her!" "I'm sorry ma'am, but its protocol." "Please miss. We have ta see her." "Ma'am, I'm not going to explain it again." "Please let us in. I'm sure you could make an exception for us." "Princess Twilight!? Oh, I-I'm sorry! She's in the room over there." "Its alright. Thank you." Fluttershy heard hoofsteps approaching her hospital bedroom. What will they think when they see me? She thought, her insecurities taking over. Fluttershy covered her face with her mane before they came into the room. "Fluttershy? Are you okay?! Who did this to you?!" Rainbow Dash rushed over to her bed and grabbed her. "U-um... I'm all right I guess..." Fluttershy said softly as her face became flushed as she tried not to wince. "I swear I'll make who ever did this regret it!" Rainbow Dash said as she let go of her. "I-its fine." Fluttershy said, still in a soft voice. She couldn't speak very loudly due to the stab wound in her chest. "No, its not!" "Rainbow Dash, calm down. This is not the time to be thinking about that." Twilight said as she and the rest of the girls entered the room. "Well what else am I supposed to do? Wait here and watch my friend suffer?!" Rainbow Dash said defensively. Twilight trotted up to her. "No... but we need to make sure she's okay." She whispered into her ear. "I agree Twilight." Rarity said as she went to the side of the bed opposite to Rainbow Dash. "Ah can see where you both are comin' from. We need to make sure we find who did it ta her, but we also need ta take care of her as well." Applejack said quietly, as if Fluttershy couldn't hear her. After that, there was nothing but silence. They all just sat there, letting the tension in the room rise. I'm not liking this... I hope they'll make up and forgive each other. Twilight sighed. "I'm sorry... I'm just really stressed out right now. First the letter from Pinkie and then this..." Twilight said. Fluttershy burrowed deeper into her mane. "Um... dear. I don't intend to intrude, but what letter are you mentioning?" Rarity said. Twilight stiffened up for a moment, realizing that she had let it slip. "I'll tell you all about it later." "All right..." Rarity said giving Twilight a suspicious stare before breaking it off and looking at Fluttershy. "So, Fluttershy, are you all right dear? Do we need to fetch anything for you?" "N-no... I'm fine." "What happened?" Applejack said. Fluttershy groaned. "I... I really don't wanna talk about it right now." Fluttershy said, tears slowly leaking into her eyes. "All right, sugarcube. Just know we're here if ya need anything." Applejack said. "Thank you." Fluttershy said. After that, the uncomfortable tension returned to the room and reclaimed it. I can feel them staring at me. Fluttershy tried not to move too much. Her body was riddled with aches and pain, either from the doctors or from Pinkie. "So, Fluttershy, how do ya feel?" Applejack said with a concerned look on her face. "I-I'm doing all right." Fluttershy said. She didn't want to worry her friends. "Sugarcube, we ain't gonna hurt ya. You can tell us what you're feelin'." Applejack said, compassion filling her voice. "Okay, well... I've been better." "Hopefully y'all get better soon." I hope so... I'm gonna need to check on the animals soon. Silence retook the room again. "You want to talk?" Twilight asked in a friendly voice. Fluttershy knew that it was all with good-intent, but Fluttershy still felt very upset just thinking about it. "I..." Fluttershy stopped, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry, Twilight. I r-really don't wanna e-even think about it." Fluttershy said, letting a few tears out into her mane. "Oh, I'm sorry Fluttershy." Twilight said. The silence returned once again. You're gonna have to face it sooner or later... "I-I'll talk about it..." "Alright sugarcube. We're here for ya..." Applejack said, leaning towards her. Fluttershy unwillingly removed her face from her mane and looked at the girls. Each one of them had similar responses. Applejack and Twilight eyes widened in shock. Rarity gasped but soon after covered her mouth, realizing that it was rude. Rainbow Dash's face filled with compassion, but that compassion would soon evolve into vexation. ======== So Pinkie, how does it feel? Shut up. I hate you. You killed Fluttershy! It was just a small price to pay for- Small price?! A small price! She was one of my best friends! But think about it for a moment. Would you rather me kill one of your weak, pathetic friends, or go on a murderous rampage and kill every pony that I see? Neither! And Fluttershy was not pathetic. Sure, she may not have been strong, but she was better than anything you are! Unfortunately, that is a choice that you made for me. I couldn't handle it anymore and I just broke out. Good thing I was able to hold off on it and plan it before I actually snapped. And its a good thing you had a friend as weak as Fluttershy. You are a sick pony! If I'm a sick pony, then you're one as well. Remember, you did as much as I did. N-no I didn't! You took control of my body! There's a key-word there; my. Your body is as much mine as it is yours. The blood is on our hooves, no matter how much you try to delude yourself. No... it wasn't me! It was you! Keep deluding youself. You'll soon learn to love it. How can I love hurting another pony?! I bet you'd love to get your hooves on Maud. Just stop talking! I never want to hear you ever again! Being evasive, are we? Answer. I.. I wouldn't... But think about how badly she treated you. Think about how much pain and grief she has caused you. Why would you dream about cutting her up if you didn't want to hurt her? Its blatantly obvious. I... I-I... "I" what? You want to hurt her. I know your thoughts. I-I don't! Quit lying you big jerk! You're the one who is lying. I am the one who treads on your thoughts. Just let me out of this dream! Oh dear... you've got to sleep a little longer. Too bad... Buck you, you jerk! ======== "The p-pony stabbed into my wings and I passed o-out..." Fluttershy said as she wiped the tears away from her eyes. Everypony in the room stared at her. Some were shocked, one was angry, but they all shared one same emotion. Compassion. "I woke up on Big Macintosh's back. A-and then I was here." Fluttershy finished as she sobbed into the hospital bed-sheets. She covered her mouth and tried to stop her quickened breathing, but the task was too great for her. Especially in her weakened state. "Wow... that's..." Twilight said. Even she was having trouble taking in the information. It all felt so surreal. She simply trotted to her bedside and rested her right fore-hoof on her left fore-hoof. "I'm so sorry dear..." Rarity said as she trotted to her bedside. "I-its-" Fluttershy could barely speak. Mainly because she was sobbing too hard. She felt betrayed by her dear friend. A traumatic experience can do a lot to a pony. Especially one like Fluttershy. "I'm sorry dear... I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling." Rarity said. Applejack trotted to the side of the bed opposite to Rarity. "No. She couldn't have done it." Twilight muttered, trying to connect the elongated dots. "This isn't the time, Twilight..." Twilight quickly muttered afterwords, trotting towards the bed. "I'm really sorry, Flutters'. Do you want us to do something to help you?" "N-no..." Fluttershy said through her sobbing. "Ah'm mighty sorry. Ah could get ya some apples from the farm while you're here." Applejack offered. "I-I don't know." Fluttershy said. Thump Fluttershy jumped as the sound bounced around the room. "N-no!" Fluttershy called out as she put her hooves in front of her face, trying to protect herself. Everypony looked towards the origin of the sound and saw Rainbow Dash, with one of her fore-hooves against the wall. "Who would do this?! When I find out..." Rainbow Dash said, anger filling her voice. "Rainbow Dash..." Twilight said. Rainbow Dash looked down at the floor before sighing. "I'm sorry... I'm just- why would anypony do this?." Rainbow Dash said whilst trotting towards the group. "Fluttershy, do you know who hurt you?" Twilight asked, turning back to her. Fluttershy froze. I... I don't know what to do. "I... I... uh." I don't know! What I should do?! "I-I..." Fluttershy muttered once again, tears gathering in her eyes. "It's all right. You don't have to tell us now. Just know that we'll be ready when you are." Twilight said, dropping the subject. "Thank you..." Fluttershy said, letting the anxiety drop. The room became silent once again, the only sounds were the beeping from the heart monitor. Rarity leaned towards Twilight's ear and whispered something to her. "Um... Fluttershy, me and the mares'll will be back in a moment." Twilight asked as she and Rarity grabbed Rainbow Dash and Applejack. "Wait, what?" Rainbow Dash said, confused. "Uh... ok." Applejack said. They all went out into the hall and began to talk. "I need to tell you all about something I found this morning..." ========= I don't wanna hurt Maud... I don't wanna hurt anypony. Pinkie, will you be quiet? I don't wanna hurt Maud... Shut up... I don't wanna hurt anypony. Shut up! ... You've been muttering that for the last hour. It's true, you know... What is? I don't wanna hurt anypony. You're lying. No I'm not. Oh trust me, you are. You'd just love to teach Maud a lesson. No I wouldn't. Yes, you would. You'd love to teach your entire family a lesson for being so selfish, wouldn't you? ... Well, what's your answer? Yes... What was that? I said yes... I still can't hear you... Yes! Okay, yes! I'd like to teach them all a lesson! Are you happy now?! Very. Just remember, don't push it onto me or I'll do it for you. =============== Pinkie opened her eyes from an uneasy sleep. She slowly arose from the bed. "I'd like to teach them a lesson... but not in that way." Pinkie told herself. After a moment, she shook her head. "...yes I would. I'd love to give them a taste of their own medicine. But I'm not. I'm sinking to her level." Pinkie told herself as she prepared for the day. ====================
XI: GreetingsAuthor's Note Hello. Hope you enjoy it. That is all(once again) XI: Greetings Pinkie exited the guest bedroom and walked out into the unfamiliar hallway. She didn't pay too much attention when she trotted through it the last time. Mainly because she was so tired. I'm glad Cheese Sandwich let me stay here until everything in Ponyville blows over... I'm so sorry Fluttershy. Pinkie shook off those thoughts and walked downstairs. It was cleaner than the last time she was in there. There was no sign of Cheese. Guess he's out. Pinkie trotted towards kitchen and began to look around for something to eat. She hadn't eaten since she got to Las Pegasus. Let's see... Pinkie opened up the refrigerator and was greeted by all sorts of things. It was filled with sugar, eggs, flour, chocolate chips, berries, butter, vanilla extract, and all sorts of other things. I guess I could make some pancakes. Pinkie grabbed the sugar, flour, eggs, and some of the butter and then shut the refrigerator door. She then took out a mixing bowl, a whisk, some measuring cups, and a bag baking soda from a bow on top of the fridge. Then she sat the bowl out on the counter and began to pour in the correct amount of ingredients. ================= Fluttershy sat in her hospital bed quietly, waiting for something, anything to happen. The girls still stood outside in the hall, talking about something. She waited for them to return. They had been out there for awhile. "Pinkie's gone?! Why?!" That caught Fluttershy's attention. "She didn't really explain it. It says that she thought it'd be best if she left for awhile. I think that she just wants to decompress." "I don't know why... if something was wrong, she would've told us." "What's up with the weird look on your face?" "Oh, nothing. Just thinking..." "Ah think she's just scared and wants ta try and figure out why she had those dreams." Pinkie's gone? Where?! Is she gonna attack me again?! Fluttershy began to panic. Her thoughts filled with the possibilities of what Pinkie could do to her. She began to hyperventilate, causing the heart-monitor to beep faster. Beep Beep Beep Calm down, Fluttershy... she won't attack you while there's people around. Not in daylight... Fluttershy tried in vain to try and calm herself. She continued to hyperventilate. "Do y'all hear a beepin' noise?" "Now that you mention it, yes. I do hear something similar to that." "It sounds like it's coming from Fluttershy room." Fluttershy heard a set of hoofsteps trot down the hallway and tried to calm herself. But she was unable to. "Fluttershy? Calm down, dear! No one's going to injure you." Rarity said. Fluttershy continued to hyperventilate. "Fluttershy, you're gonna pass out if you don't calm down! We're here for you! We aren't going to let anypony hurt you!" Twilight said, making sure that her voice wasn't in a scolding tone, but in one of compassion. It calmed Fluttershy a little bit, but she was still slightly hyperventilating. "Fluttershy, we ain't gonna let another pony hurt ya. Not now." Applejack said. Fluttershy's breath slowed. "Flutters', you know that I- we aren't gonna let anypony hurt you." Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy finally became calm and stopped hyperventilating. "T-thank you. And sorry." "Its all right, sugarcube. What friends're for." "Thank you. Really." Fluttershy said. Everypony nodded to her. "I-I'm gonna get some rest." Fluttershy said as she turned her head away from her friends. "All right Fluttershy. One of us will be here when you wake up. Just let us know if you need us. Have a good rest." Twilight said as she motion the group to leave the room. After a few moments, there was nothing but the beeping of the heart-monitor in the room. I hope they keep to there word... I don't think I'll be able to handle something like this again. =============== Pinkie Pie took a bite out of her pancakes, the sweet taste doing nothing for her sorrows and regrets. Stupid Pinkamena... I wish that this was all just a dream... Pinkie took the last bite of the pancake and swallowed it. She then proceeded to go over to the kitchen sink and clean off the dish. After finishing, Pinkie trotted around Cheese's house, taking in the surrounding. After all, if she was going to be living here for awhile, she'd need to get to know her surroundings. The walls were painted yellow and the floor was a dark-brown carpet. It didn't look bad... I've got to give it to Cheese Sandwich, he has some good tastes in designs. Guess that'll be his back up job. Pinkie poked fun at the subject for a moment before dropping it and letting it slide into the back of her mind. She trotted upstairs and repeated the process. The walls upstairs were dark-green and the floor was identical to the one downstairs. Pinkie went through the rooms. There were four upstairs. The first one closest to the staircase was the guest bedroom, the second one next to the first and it was a bathroom, the third was opposite to the first and it was a half-full closet, and the fourth was opposite to the second. Pinkie went to open the door, but heard something shuffling from the inside. Snnnhuhhh... Is that Cheese? I sure hope so... cause if not, this is about to get ugly... Pinkie gently trotted up to the door and softly grabbed the door handle. Then she pushed the door open, trying not to make it creak. She saw Cheese Sandwich, laying in the middle of his bed, wrapped up in bed sheets. His mane was in a tangled mess and he still had on that party hat that he had when Pinkie first came to the house. Apparently, it was just him snoring. Snnn... huuuhhh It sounds so weird... and funny! Pinkie covered her mouth and bit her tongue, trying not to giggle. Unfortunately, that solution wouldn't work for long. She quietly tip-hoofed back, pulling the door and shutting it once she got outside of his bedroom. After that, Pinkie burst into a giggle-fit. It took her mind off of her current situation. That was... so funny... Pinkie trotted back downstairs, her ribs aching. She sat down on the couch and began to think over her current state. I'm won't let Pinkamena influence me anymore. I just need to ignore her and do the right thing. You can try. Just know, you can't escape me. I'll just find another way. Pinkie grumbled as Pinkamena interjected into her thoughts. Do you mind? Kind of. It's fun messing with you Will you just leave me with my thoughts? No. I'm not going for a long, long while. Well guess what? I'm not gonna listen to you, so you can just go away. Don't say I didn't warn you... Pinkie felt her body stiffen as Pinkamena tried to take control, taking her off guard. No! Stop! If you don't want to listen to me, then I'll make you listen! Pinkie returned the force that Pinkamena was using. She felt like one half of her body was being torn away from the other. Stop! It hurts! I will when you stop trying to ignore me. Pinkie grabbed the cushion from the couch and held it tightly, trying to focus on anything beside Pinkamena or the painful feeling. Wait, stop! Pinkie felt Pinkamena slightly stop for a moment. What? Are you to submit? I.. I... Pinkie felt tears roll down her face. She grabbed her hair with the other hoof and squeezed it tightly. I'll... I won't- "Pinkie? You down here?!" Pinkie stopped for a moment. She felt Pinkamena stop her attack and go into the back of her mind. "Cheese? Oh, yeah." Pinkie said, thankful that Pinkamena had stopped her assault, but she was also frightened. I can't let Pinkamena hurt him... Pinkie ignored her comment as Cheese Sandwich trotted towards the couch. I think he noticed that I was crying... "Pinkie, everything a-okay?" Cheese asked as he sat down beside her. "Um... its nothing. I just h-had a bad dream." "That sucks." "Yeah..." "All right... well, I'm gonna fix breakfast. You want any?" Cheese said as he got up from the couch and trotted towards the kitchen. "No thanks. I already fix something to eat." Pinkie said, keeping her face pointed away from Cheese. "Oh, okay. Well, I'll be in here!" Cheese Sandwich said in his usual tone. I need to make sure Pinkamena doesn't hurt him. I refuse to let her to hurt another one of my friends. =============== "No, Pinkie!" "Oh, but why, Fluttershy? Its so fun to toy with you. You're so weak. So pathetic." Fluttershy felt cold steel drag against her left fore-hoof. "Pinkie, p-please! We're friends!" Fluttershy begged. This seemed to upset Pinkie, since she felt the knife drag against her skin more aggressively. "Oh my- how many times do I have to tell you before you get it through that thick skull of your's?! We. Are. Not. Friends!" Pinkie said. Fluttershy felt the knife leave her skin. She then felt the knife stab into her bandaged wound. She wailed in pain. "Ah!" Fluttershy called out as an old wound was opened and a new one was created. "Aw... did that hurt?" Pinkie asked in a mocking tone. Fluttershy whimpered. "W-what do I need to do?! How do I need to c-change to make you stop this!?" "You see, there's nothing you can do! Because at the end of the day, you'll still be the same-old scared pony that you've always been!" Pinkie called out. This hurt Fluttershy immensely. "I have never cared about you! You're too useless to be cared about!" Pinkie said as she continued her verbal assault. Fluttershy cried as the words hit her eardrums. "I-I'm not useless..." Fluttershy muttered through her tears. "Oh really? What happened when the changelings invaded? You hid in the crowds, refusing to fight!" Pinkie said, giving an example. "Um..." "Admit it, you're useless." Pinkie said as she brought the knife to Fluttershy's neck. "Uh... I-I'm..." Fluttershy stuttered once more. I... am I really useless? "I... I'm not." "What was that?" "I'm n-not useless." Fluttershy said, standing her ground with what little courage she would have for the moment. "Too bad... I was actually gonna let you go if you agreed." Pinkie said as she circled the blade at Fluttershy's chest. Fluttershy saw Pinkie lift up the knife and- ================== Fluttershy eyes jolted open. She was still in her hospital bedroom. Thankfully, no one was standing over her. Not Pinkie, not anyone. She looked around the room. In the corner of room was Rainbow Dash, sitting in a chair. I'm glad that they kept their word for now. Fluttershy turned her head back towards the wall and wiped the tears away from her eyes. Please Luna, let me have a good dream... ===================
XII: Apologies and ControlAuthor's Note Hello. Now I'm caught up and back on schedule. Hope you enjoy this chapter. XII: Apologies and Control Pinkie sat at the couch, letting her nerves calm. She let go of the cushion and rested her head on both of her hooves. I can't handle this anymore! Pinkie let a few tears leave her eyes as she contemplated her options. I don't think I can to stay here. Pinkamena's getting worse, and I can't control her anymore. She could hurt anyone of my friends if I give her the chance... she could hurt Maud and my family... Even though Pinkie didn't trust her family anymore, she still thought they still didn't deserve that. "What am I gonna do?" Pinkie quietly asked herself. She felt like she was a danger to everypony she has ever met. Maybe I should just become a loner. Just travel Equestria by myself... Pinkie pondered that option for a moment, but then she dropped. No! I can't just stay by myself! Maybe Zecora could help me... yeah... that's a possibility. Zecora has a potion for everything! Her spirits were slightly lifted by the option, but she continued to think of more options. Maybe I should just try harder to control her. No... that wouldn't work. Like she said, she'd just find another way. Pinkie continued to think, but found that Zecora would be the best bet. She sighed as she got up from the couch and looked at the clock. It was midday. Dang, I need to hurry and prepare to go to Zecora's. Pinkie half galloped upstairs. Looks like I'll be heading back to Ponyville for the day. Pinkie entered the guest bedroom and grabbed her saddlebag. She rushed down the staircase and out of the house. ==================== Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes. Her rest was (thankfully)more peaceful than the last. She had a dream about her being out of the hospital and her taking care of the animals. Unfortunately, it was nothing more than a dream and she wouldn't be able to see her animals for awhile. She knew she'd worry about them, but she also knew that her friends would take care of them if she asked. The room was quiet. Almost peaceful. Unfortunately, that quietness would be broken. "Okay... heart-rate normal. Blood-pressure normal." Fluttershy looked over at the noise and saw Dr. Horse, standing over at her heart monitor, writing numbers on a piece of paper attached to a clipboard. He looked over at her. "Oh, hello Fluttershy." Dr. Horse said as he put his pen into one of his coat pockets. "Um... h-hello doctor." "So, how do you feel?" "Fine, I guess." "What about your wings or your left hind-hoof?" "My wings are ok, b-but my hind-hoof still hurts." "Well, I'm sure I could do something about that." Dr. Horse said as he trotted closer to her and pointed his horn towards her. A small beam of magic hit Fluttershy as a healing warmth washed over her body. There was little to no pain in her body now. "T-thank you." Fluttershy said, relieved. She relaxed. "Anytime. Well, do you need anything else?" "Um... actually, y-yes. I want to know, h-how long will I'll be in here?" Please don't let it be too long... "Well, you'll need be in here for three to four days at the least. After that, you'll be able to discharge. And after that, you'll have to return for physical therapy." I wish that I could get out of here quicker... I miss the animals so much. "Ok... well, w-will I be alright after this? C-could you give me the full diagnosis?" "Well, your attacker thankfully missed any vital muscles or veins when they stabbed into your wings, so you'll be able to fly again. Your hooves won't be one hundred percent until you come back for physical therapy and even after that, they'll still need to heal. The attacker once again missed vital organs when they stabbed into your stomach, but the attacker punctured your lung when they stabbed your chest. We stitched you up and you'll have to come back to get them removed." Please Celestia, don't let her attack me again... Fluttershy thought. I-I won't survive next time. "Thank you." "Anytime. Well, I have to get to other patents. If you need anything, there's a button on the side of your bed to get a nurse's attention. " Dr. Horse said as he walked towards the door. "Alright... thank you." Fluttershy said as Dr. Horse left the room. She took the moment to look over the room once more. Rainbow Dash was still in the chair, but she was asleep with her hooves kicked up against the chair beside her. Her mane was messier than usual. "Thank you, Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy quietly said. ================= "Hey, Cheesie. I forgot something back in Ponyville. I'm gonna head back and grab it and then come back." Pinkie said, shutting the door behind her. "All right, Pinkie. I'm not gonna be here when you get back, so I'll leave the door unlocked for you. Have a good trip!" "Thanks!" Pinkie said as she exited his house into the humid Las Pegasus air. She continued to trot down the path that she had traveled on not 24 hours ago. Pinkie began to feel anxious I can't be noticed. I just hope that the news hasn't gotten out to the press yet... She opened her saddlebag and looked inside, seeing she had a white, small towel in her saddlebag. I got this from the Sugarcube Corner. This'll do. Pinkie closed her saddlebag and continued to walk away from Las Pegasus and traveled towards Ponyville. However, before she got too far away, an idea popped into Pinkie's mind. She wanted to honor Fluttershy's memory with something. I know that it won't be much, but its the least I can do to say sorry... Pinkie continued to walk down the long path to Ponyville, hopeful her idea would work. ================= Fluttershy sat in her hospital room, bored out of her mind. The day so far had gone by agonizingly slow. The only thing keeping the room from being completely quiet was Rainbow Dash's snoring and the beeping of the heart-beat monitor. I wish Angel was here. Fluttershy missed her animals immensely. She hadn't seen them in two to three days and she was very worried about them. "Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy quietly called out. "Huh?! What?! Oh- sorry Fluttershy. What do you need?" "Would you go check on my animals and f-feed them please?" "Of course. I have to check on Tank anyway. I'll get one of the others to stay with you while I go and check on them." Rainbow Dash said as she got up from the chair. "Okay... thank you." Fluttershy said as her nerves began to relax. Rainbow Dash exited the room. ============ Pinkie walked down the same empty trail once again. She passed by the rest-stop that she had seen the first time. I probably shouldn't stop. I'm already half-way back to Ponyville in half the time it took me to get to Las Pegasus. Pinkie continued the path, more determined than ever. I hope this all isn't for nothing. ============= An Hour Later Pinkie walked into Ponyville with the white towel cloaking most of her body. She made sure that if anything, her cutie mark was covered. That would be the easiest way to identify her. She walked towards a small rose-bush and picked a flower from it. It was simple, but hopefully it would honor Fluttershy. I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I'm so sorry. Pinkie walked towards the path towards Fluttershy's Cottage, rose in hoof. ================== Fluttershy leaned against the pillow, half asleep. She never thought she'd be this bored. I hope somepony gets here soon... I'm starting to get worried. Fluttershy looked around the room, and began to focus on the window. Suddenly, some birds landed in front of it. They were blue jay birds. Fluttershy looked at them intently. Maybe I could... could maneuver myself over to it. Fluttershy moved her hind-hooves off the bed and stood herself up. The cast-like device on her wings wasn't attached to the bed, so she could move around the bed. It wasn't easy, but she really wanted to get over to the blue jay. Okay... please... Fluttershy slowly put her hind-hooves down onto the ground. The muscles in her hooves were very stiff. At first, they didn't hurt, but when she tried to move them, her muscles painfully tightened and her hoof went back to its prior spot. "Ah!" Fluttershy quietly called out as she waited for her muscles to relax. She tried once more, and was met with similar results. Maybe I should just climb back into bed... Fluttershy didn't relent and continued to try and get rid of the tightness in her muscles. After a few minutes, she tried again. Her muscles were still slightly tight, but they didn't hurt as much. Fluttershy braved through the pain and slowly trotted towards the window. "Hello, little ones." Fluttershy said as she sat her fore-hooves in front of the windows. The birds looked at her with intrigue and they became slightly defensive. "Its alright, little ones. I'm not gonna hurt you." Fluttershy said softly. The birds continued to look at her from behind the window. I wish I could pet them... too bad that the window is locked. I wonder when Rainbow Dash's gonna be back. Hopefully she or somepony shows up here soon. "At least I have you two to keep me company..." Fluttershy said as she smiled at the birds. ===================== Pinkie trotted towards the front door to Fluttershy's house. She had kept her eyes looking towards the ground as she walked up to the door. It is gonna be hard... Pinkie let out a sigh as she opened the door and and walked inside. A flood of bad memories entered her mind as she looked around the room. She looked down at the blood trail that lead towards the couch. "Wait... what?" Pinkie said as she looked at the unfamiliar trail. Did I leave this when I left? She followed the trail. It lead into Fluttershy's room. Pinkie entered the room and was greeted with a familiar sound. Grrrrrr... The cub was in the center of the bed, lying in a dried pool of blood. "Wait, I'm not gonna hurt you!" Pinkie said as she looked at the empty bed. "Where is she?! I thought she was..." Pinkie words trailed off as she began to think. Is she alive?! "Fluttershy!?" Pinkie called out to the house. "Fluttershy, I'm not gonna hurt you!" Pinkie continued as she exited the bedroom and began to searched through the house. She continued to search for what seemed like forever. Suddenly, Pinkie felt something grabbing her left hind-hoof and tugging at her coat. When Pinkie looked back, she was greeted by an angry Angel Bunny. "Angel? Where's Fluttershy!?" Pinkie asked, panicked. Angel angrily punched her hoof. "Please Angel... I'm sorry." Pinkie said as she went to grab Angel. Angel's courage faltered and he hopped away, scared. She angrily stomped her hoof and grunted. "Who's here?!" Pinkie slightly jumped and accidentally dropped the rose. She quietly dashed into the kitchen and out the back door. Oh no...! Pinkie galloped past the house and went towards the path back to Ponyville. I can't let her see me! She pulled the towel over her face as she ran away. After Fluttershy's house was out of sight, Pinkie finally calmed down and stopped galloping. Oh no... that was too close. Is Fluttershy alive? I don't even know, but I hope so... Pinkie's heart slightly leaped with joy. The possible of Fluttershy being alive was something that hadn't crossed her mind. Okay... now I just need to get to Zecora's. =============== Fluttershy quietly talked through the glass to the animals. She had been there for at least 15 minutes. I'm glad that I have these two to talk to... Fluttershy put her hoof against the glass, looking outside at the birds and the trees. It was so peaceful. Well, it was until a multicolored beam flew into the hospital and entered her room. "Fluttershy, you're never gonna believe what I saw!" =============== Pinkie walked through the wooded path to Zecora's hut. Let's hope Zecora has something. Pinkie walked up the steps and knocked on the door. "It is open!" "Hey, Zecora. I needed to ask you for something..." Pinkie said, entering the door. She didn't want to be there for too long in case Pinkamena got control again. "Alright... let me guess. You need a potion, yes?" "Actually, yeah. You see, I need a potion that can help me get rid of Pinkamena. Not literally, but just to get her away from me for like two days. If it works, I'll come back and get another one." "I wouldn't try it, Pinkie. It may be to your dismay." "Please, Zecora. I need this..." Pinkie said in a pleading voice. Zecora sighed. "Alright. I may have potion, but it'll make you have confused motions." "All right... well, go ahead and mix it up please." Pinkie said as she waited for Zecora to mix the potion up. AFter a few moments, Zecora handed her a potion. "Here you go." Zecora said. Pinkie took the potion and drank it. A flash of light filled her vision. Once her vision returned, her muscles quickly stiffened and relaxed before returning to normal. Did it work? "It worked, yes?" "Yes.... I don't feel Pinkamena anymore. Thank you, Zecora." Wait, what?! Pinkamena exited the hut without another word. No! No, no, no! Oh yes... thank you Pinkie. Now, lets go get your family, shall we? It'll help you. No! Don't! ================
XIII: ArrivalPinkamena walked down the gravely path towards the Pie Rock Farm. She was certain of what she was about to do, and Pinkie didn't like it. Pinkamena, stop! No pony deserves what I got! Not even your attackers? Excuse me, but do you have the memory of that stupid alligator that you call a pet?! You told me yourself that you'd love to get your hooves on them. I'm simply doing what you can't. You're welcome. I... you don't know... I feel like I'm going insane. Please... I don't care what I said, no pony deserves this. I know, trust me I know. This is going to help you and me both. Please Pinkamena, I'm begging you... I can't do this anymore. I hear Fluttershy screaming when I think about it.... I hear myself screaming when I think about it. This'll help us. Just trust me. No! Buck no! You aren't hurting my family! Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it? Watch me? There's nothing you can do! So you can just sit there and whine and plead all you want, but I am doing this! Pinkamena angry stomped towards the farm. Pinkie stilled tried to persuade her, but Pinkamena just ignored her. Nothing would stop her at this point. I've got to do something... Unfortunately for you, my dear, there is nothing you can do. You specifically asked Zecora to give you a potion that would make me go away for two days. Fortunately for me, it backfired and I'm going to be in control for the next two days, and there's not a bucking thing you can do about it. No! T-there's gotta be something I can do! You're starting to annoy me... Come on, Pinkie, there's gotta be something you can do... Pinkie, you're being irrational now. There's nothing you can do. You're just going to need to accept it. Who knows, you might enjoy it with me... Enjoy it?! You're a sick pony! Pinkamena ignored that comment as she approached the house. Pinkamena, please. Just turn around... It'll help us. Trust me. How can I trust a pony who possibly killed my friend and is still a danger to everypony?! You'll learn to... Pinkamena walked up to the front door and opened it. "Hello? Who is it?" "Its me, mom!" Pinkamena called out. Cloudy came out from a hallway and trotted up to her. "Hello Pinkie, darling." "Hello, mom." Pinkamena said. A few moments of awkward silence passed by. Just need to act like her until they fall asleep. Don't you dare hurt them! "So... how have things been in Ponyville?" "Super-duper-great!" Pinkamena said, acting like Pinkie. "Well, good..." "So, where's everypony?" "Well, Maud is in Ponyville, trading in our usual shipment of rocks, Marble and Limestone are outside with your father. He's showing them how to search through the fields for rocks better." Cloudy said simply. She seemed a bit nervous nervous talking around Pinkamena. "Well, good. I have to ask you a question..." Pinkamena said, pretending to be nervous about it. Hook... "Okay. Ask." Line... "Some stuff happened in Ponyville and I need to stay here for awhile. Do you mind if I stay here for awhile?" "Of course, dear. Anything for a daughter of mine." ... and sinker. "Really?! Thanks!" Pinkamena said as she reluctantly gave her a hug. She tried to ignore it, but she was filled with disdain and disgust from simply touching her. I hate to even touch her... Then leave! Nah. This solution'll be funner. I'm excited to get back at her for all the things she did to m- us. Pinkamena released Cloudy. She stepped back a few steps. "Well, do you or dad need any help? I wanna make it up to you and him for letting me stay here." Pinkamena said, trying her best to make it sound like she was sincere. "I don't need any right now, but your father might need some. And you don't have to make it up to us dear." "Okay. I'm going to go check if dad need's any help." Pinkamena said as she trotted towards the door. "All right, darling." Cloudy said as Pinkamena exited and walked towards the fields. Too easy... this isn't going to be difficult if everyone in this family is as gullible as her. If you lay so much as hoof on them and I promise you... I Pinkie Promise you, I'll find a way to get back at you. I'm quivering in my fictitious boots. ============== "I tried to chase after them, but Angel wouldn't let me. I just wish I did..." Rainbow Dash said, finishing the story. Who was in my cottage?! Was it Pinkie?! "Um.. d-did you get a look at the pony?" "No... they had some towel covering their head. But they did leave a rose." Rainbow Dash said as she pulled it out and handed it to Fluttershy. Why would they leave a rose? Fluttershy inspected it for a moment before setting it aside. "Well... thank you for telling me. Are Angel and the other animals all right?" "Yeah. Angel seemed like he was spooked, though." Rainbow Dash said as he trotted to the corner of the room and sat down in one of the chairs. "Poor thing... I feel so bad..." Fluttershy said in a worried tone. "Its all right, Fluttershy. You'll be outta here in no time!" Rainbow Dash said, trying to cheer her up. "I hope so..." Fluttershy said as she picked up the rose and began to inspect it again. I wonder who left it... ============= "Now pull!" Pinkamena tugged against the ropes. They were tied against a huge, plow-like device especially made to pick up rocks and sift out dirt. She pulled it for a few feet. "Okay, you can stop now. I think they get it." Igneous said. Pinkamena did as she was told. "Whew. Its been awhile since I've done that!" Pinkamena said, trying to be as enthusiastic as Pinkie usually was. "Certainly has, dear." Igneous said as he walked over to Marble and Limestone Pie. "Okay, so that'll be what you'll have to do next week. So you may want to practice." Igneous said to Marble and Limestone. They both nodded. They began to trot over to her, Limestone leading in front of Marble. Great. I'm glad they're coming over here. They're only two ponies in my family I actually love or trust. I... I can relate. But that doesn't mean you have to hurt the others. Yes, it does. I'm not letting them hurt another pony. They aren't going to hurt another pony! How do you know that they wouldn't hurt Marble or Limestone if they already haven't?! Because they haven't done anything wrong. Correction; they haven't done anything wrong yet. It'll only be a matter of time until they get up into that age where they start to disobey them and don't do their chores. They'll do it again. They wouldn't do it again! They could barely do it last time! Maud could. She didn't mind cutting off your wing. Before Pinkie could respond, Marble and Limestone stopped in front of her. Pinkamena wrapped them both into a large hug. "I'm so glad to see you two... it's been too long." Marble nodded. "It has. How have you been?" "Good. The Sugarcube Corner is as popular as ever. You two could come some day, when you're older." "Mmhm..." "We've found some more cool rocks." "Great. How have things been at home." "Quiet. No thanks to Marble." Limestone glanced back at Marble. Marble's face flushed as she nodded in acknowledgement. "Yeah, but it's been the usual. Nothing special." "That's good. Are you two still good?" "Of course. Sure, Marble might not talk a lot, but nothing bad has happened." "That's great." "Hey, do you want to my rock collection? I've been collecting for months now" "Sure!" Pinkamena said. Limestone nodded, trotting towards the house. Marble and Pinkamena followed behind. I just need to wait until night fall... =============== Fluttershy stared at the window, looking at Celestia's slowly descending sun. For some reason, she felt uneasy. Like something bad was about to happen. Please Celestia, don't let Pinkie hurt me again. Celestia would grant that request, but at a price. =================
XIV: Night-Fall[Part I](18+)Author's Note Hello. I split Night-Fall into two parts because A: I had to make the three day deadline I set up for myself and B: To get the atmosphere going... So, I apologize if I disappointed, but I hope you enjoy it. XIV: Night-FallPart I Pinkamena sat down at couch in the center of the living room. The day had gone by slowly, causing Pinkamena to get more and more excited for the night. Her patience had become thinner and thinner over the day, I'm becoming impatient. Pinkamena, just leave... please. I'm begging you. I'll let you have control for as long as I live if you just leave and don't hurt my family! No. They didn't willingly do it! You need to just accept it! I can't, okay?! Do you honestly think I was like this before- Pinkamena stopped herself. What were you about to say? Nothing... Pinkamena dodged her question. She looked out the window in front of her, seeing Luna's moon rise slowly into the sky. Pinkamena, tell me. At least give me a hint of why you want to do this. No. Pinkamena felt sadness for the first time in a long time. Usually when someone would bring up the topic of their wings being cut off, she'd either get angry and avoid it or just ignore it. I need to do this. They took something away from me. Something I can't get back. They need to know what I felt! Those monsters took my wings away! Don't you mean our wings? No, you waste of thought! My wings! Do you honestly think I was always like this?! I used to be like you! Then, they took away my wings! So you have to take it out on Fluttershy!? I needed to get rid of some of the rage before I lost control... I want to hurt them. And badly. And you couldn't take it out on something else!? I tried to. I was the one who killed the animals and I left them in the storage area at that establishment you worked at. It never satisfied me. You were going to let me take the fall for that?! What do you think? Click The lights in the hallway turned off as hoofsteps were heard stepping away from the living room. The time is coming near... prepare, Pinkie. You thought what I did to Fluttershy was bad? You wait. Pinkamena, I know you're hurt, and I can't change that. But please-- please don't hurt my family... Don't worry about it. You'll enjoy seeing it. I won't... please, I'm begging. I don't want to see my family hurt. Yes, you do. If I want to, then you'll definitely want to. I don't! You'll enjoy it once you see it. Pinkamena let the minutes pass by as she waited for the family to fall asleep. She didn't want to be caught. Her hind-hoof began to slightly bounce in place from excitement. Come on... Pinkamena looked over at the dark hallway. No noises could be heard from inside the house. I think its safe. Please, somepony wake up... It's not gonna happen. Pinkamena quietly sat up on the couch and got up from it. She quietly entered the kitchen. Let's see... where do those parents of ours keep a blasted knife... I'm not telling you anything. Pinkamena opened a drawer that contained cooking and eating utensils. She looked around for a moment before grabbing a small, sharp bladed knife. Wouldn't have needed you to. Pinkamena, please, I'll do anything you want me to, just don't hurt them. There's nothing you could ever do to make me change my mind. Pinkamena slowly shut the drawer, making sure that it wouldn't creek or make any other noises. She quietly trotted out of the kitchen and went towards the dimly-lit hallway. Who should we go after first? I don't know about you, but I'm feeling like we should get Maud. No! Pinkie's efforts were all in futile. PInkamena quietly entered the room. Maud was asleep. She had a large bed in the middle of her room and there was a wooden table beside the bed. The walls were desolate of any decorations or portraits. The only exception was for a small shelf at the middle of the room, above her bed, holding her pet rock, Boulder. She cares more about that bucking rock than she does about me... Pinkamena squeezed the knife in her right fore-hoof. She trotted into the room quietly. Don't! Pinkamena felt her whole body slightly stiffen. You're not going to take control. Not for another day. She pushed pass Pinkie's efforts and began to trot over to Pinkamena's bedside and aimed the knife at her body. Pinkamena lifted up the knife and prepared to strike. "Sister, what are you doing?" Yes! Oh, horseapples! "Um... I-I..." Pinkamena tried to think of an excuse. She stumbled over her words for a moment more before she punched Maud in the face hardly. She didn't make another sound. That was too close. No! Don't worry, Pinkie. Your sister's all right for now. I've got to make sure she doesn't try that again. Pinkamena grabbed the cloth and pulled it off of Maud's bed. She began to rip the cloth into five individual pieces, four of them being large and all of the same size. Pinkamena began to tie Maud's hooves down to the bed, tying them in a not against the wooden frame of her bed. Pinkamena, just stop right now. I don't like where this is going... Pinkie, for the last time, its not going to happen. Pinkamena finished tying down Maud. She picked up the knotted piece of cloth and tied it around her face, covering her mouth, and making sure that the knotted piece was inside her mouth. Now its time for mother and father. Please Pinkamena, don't hu- You ask me that one more time and I'll burn them alive after I'm finished slicing them up. ... That shut you up pretty quickly. Good to see you have some semblance of intelligence. Pinkamena quietly shut the door on her way out of Maud's room. She quietly trotted towards her parent's room and entered. Crrreeeeeeeek Pinkamena froze. She waited for her parents to get up out of bed and catch her, but they never did. Bucking door... Pinkamena tip hoofed over to the corner of the room. Her parents always kept a blanket in the corner of the room. She picked it up and quietly took it outside. Pinkamena took it into the living room and began to rip it in a pattern similar to the one she had done with Maud's cloth. After all the cloths had been ripped apart, there were ten long pieces of cloth, and two pieces that had been knotted. Pinkamena entered the hallway and was about to reenter her parents room. Thump Something or somepony had moved in Marble and Limestone's room. Oh no... Pinkamena looked over at the door, hoping that no pony would come out. I need to find something to block the door. Please come out... Pinkamena looked over at the dining room. She got an idea and trotted over to one of the wooden chairs. This should work. Pinkamena picked up the chair and went over to Marble and Limestone's bedroom door. She propped up under the door handle, making sure the door wouldn't open easily. Pinkamena.. Yes, Pinkie? I'm scared... so very scared. Pinkie's voice was trembling in fear. I know... but this will help us. Pinkamena trotted pasted by the chair as she went into her parent's room. She proceeded to tie there hooves down to the bed like she did with Maud and Fluttershy, making sure not to wake them. After that, she tied the knotted pieces around there mouths, making sure that the knotted pieces were in there mouths as she did with Maud. Pinkamena let out a quiet sigh as she finished. Okay... since I'm in a good mood, I'll let you chose Pinkie. Who should I attack first? Nopony... I'm afraid that's not a choice. Now, choose one. ============== Pinkie was clawing at the mental barriers, keeping her from taking control of her body. She had been at it for hours and hadn't even made a dent in it. "I don't know!" Pinkie called out. But you must choose. Which of these people do you hate the most? "None of them!" Pinkie called out once more. We both know that that's a lie. Now, choose! Pinkie stopped clawing at the barrier and sat down. She was torn; she wanted to get back at her family, but not in this way. Nothing could change the situation she was in right now. And she hadn't been this scared since she had seen her family cutting off her wings, and she had no idea what to do. "Please Pinkamena... don't make me chose..." Pinkie said as she let the tears roll down her cheeks. Choose. Now! Pinkie's mind was racing. Pinkamena was honestly going to make her choose who to hurt between her family. She was in tears, almost sobbing, Come on, Pinkie... I'm beginning to lose my patience. Pinkie had to chose. There's no way she could get out of this situation. She couldn't bear to chose any of them. Suddenly, she got an idea. It wasn't the best idea, but its the only one she could think of. "Hurt Pebble." Pinkie asked. Who? "Pebble. That pet rock I had." Pinkie said, slightly calmed down. Are you serious?! "Yes..." Pinkie said. Are you kiddin- oh... I see what you're trying to do... You're trying to make me angry at you so I won't focus on them. It's not going to work. Choose. Pinkie hit her hoof against the barrier in frustration. "You're such a big jerk!" Pinkie said. Why, thank you. Choose who I shall hurt first. Pinkie put her hooves on her forehead. I'm gonna regret what I'm about to do... I just need to buy some time for them to wake up. "Take me." Pinkie said, her words filled with courage. Good choic- wait, what? "I said take me. Just stab yourself. It'd be best for Equestria..." I'm not that stupid! "Please... I don't want to see another pony hurt... even if that means I never see another one again." Pinkie said, sorrow filling her voice. You're starting to annoy me... that's not good for your family. "Good. I'm glad I'm annoying you. You deserve it." I deserve it!? Those two monsters took away my wings! "And that makes it okay to take it out on every animal and pony you see?!" No... but- "Exactly! They didn't deserve it!" You did as much as I did- wait a moment... Oh no... I think she knows. You've been stalling! You know what?! Forget it! I'll choose myself! And just for that, I'll make it extra painful for all of them! "No!" Pinkie called out as Pinkamena ended the internal conversation. =============== Pinkamena, thoroughly frustrated with Pinkie's stalling, trotted up beside Igneous and stared at him for a moment. "At least you were sympathetic..." Pinkamena quietly said, dismissing him as the first victim she would stab. She trotted over to the opposite side out the bed, and looked down at Cloudy. "I thought you'd protect me... both of you." Pinkamena quietly said as she sat one of her fore-hooves on the bed. "You didn't stop Maud.... and I'm scarred for life because of it. I'm going to make you all pay." Pinkamena said as she squeezed the sheets that covered the bed. "But you two aren't going to be the first. Maud's gonna get it much worse than you two." Pinkamena quietly said as she let go of the bed sheet and trotted out of the room, shutting the door on the way out. "You're gonna feel so much pain Maud. And Pinkie and I are going to enjoy it." Do you feel the excitement, Pinkie? The anticipation of getting back at someone who hurt you very badly? No... But why? I'm about to get revenge the person that scared us for life. How could you not be excited to get back at her? Pinkie didn't answer Pinkamena as she entered Maud's room. She shut the door and trotted towards the bed and looked at Maud. Please! I'm sorry for everything I've ever done to you! Just don't hurt her! No, Pinkie. I'm doing this, whether you like it or not. Pinkamena let out a short sigh before lifting up the knife and pointing in towards Maud's left fore-hoof. She put as much force as she could into the knife and stabbed Maud's hoof. A small grunt escaped Maud as her eyes slowly opened and met with Pinkamena's. She tried to ask her something, but her words were blocked by the knotted piece of cloth. "Aw.... did that hurt?" Pinkamena asked. Maud didn't react in any way. "I know what you did to me..." Pinkamena said, letting her now deflated hair hang in front of her face. Maud's eyes widened for a moment, but then they returned to normal. "Why?" Pinkamena asked. Maud didn't answer. "Why were you the one to cut off my first wing? Did you enjoy putting me through pain?" Pinkamena asked once more, her voice trembling from the painful memories. And just like last time, Maud didn't answer. Pinkamena stabbed her other fore-hoof, causing her body to jerk away from the knife in an effort to escape. She kept the knife inside her hoof. "Let me ask you again. Did you enjoy it? Blink once for yes, twice for no." Pinkamena said as she held the knife inside the wound. Maud still didn't answer. Pinkamena began to drag the knife down her hoof, tearing through her skin and scraping against her bone. Maud's eyes widened and her back arched. "It doesn't feel good, does it?" Pinkamena said. Maud couldn't answer. Pinkamena continued to drag the knife through her skin until she reached her chest. She pulled out the knife and held it above her left fore-hoof that she had stabbed previously. "Ah dimmnt ehoy at." Maud muffled through the gag. Pinkamena looked over at her. "What was that?" Pinkamena asked as she dragged the knife up and down her fore-hoof. "Ah dmmnt ejohy it." Maud said. It took a moment for Pinkamena to decipher the muffled sentence, but she finally understood what she said. "You're lying! Why did you stab me willingly then!?" Pinkamena said as she painfully pierced Maud's skin with the knife. Maud flinched and shook her head vigorously . "Nahh..." Maud said, muffled once again. Pinkamena began to repeat the process that she did with the other hoof, cause Maud to jerk against the cloths. Blood splattered the sheets as Pinkamena sliced through a muscle and began to leak out of the wound. She had probably cut through a small vein. "Oh... that can't be good." Pinkamena said mockingly. You monster! Aren't you enjoying this? She's getting back what she did to us so many years ago! No! I think you're lying. I-I'm not! Sure you aren't. As blood continued to leak out of the wound, Maud's eyes began to close. "Oh no you don't." Pinkamena said as she slapped Maud, causing them to jolt open. "I'm keeping you awake for as long as I can. Make you feel what I felt." "Ahm sorry, sistahhr." Maud said, her words muffled. "I am too. I'm sorry that you, mother, and father took away the only thing I've ever been good at." Pinkamena said as she aimed the knife above her stomach and stabbed it forcefully. Maud let out a loud grunt. "Shhhh..." Pinkamena said as she twisted the knife around in Maud's stomach, causing Maud to quietly wail in pain. She could feel her organs and bones grinding against the knife. I think I'm gonna be sick... Pinkamena began to drag the knife up her chest, going over one side of her ribs. Maud tried to jerk away from the knife, but was unable to. She stopped in the middle of her chest, causing the two lines from her fore-hooves to intersect. Maud's eyes slowly shut. "Hey. wake up!" Pinkamena said as she slapped Maud. Maud didn't respond. No... no! "Wake up!" Pinkamena said as she stabbed Pinkamena in her left hind-hoof. She still didn't respond. Maud! You evil monster! I am one. And you are too. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy that. N-no Pinkamena! I d-didn't enjoy it! Sure you didn't... Pinkamena let out a sigh of relief. She had killed the pony that had haunted her for years. ============= Pinkie sat against the barrier. She had been sobbed into her fore-hooves. "You're an evil monster!" If I'm one, you're one as well. The blood are on our hooves, Pinkie. No matter how much you try to deny it. Pinkamena didn't answer. On the ground in front of her, she had written out the same message multiple times. "I didn't enjoy it" Pinkie looked down at the messages she had wrote. She had been trying to delude herself. Pinkamena was breaking her. She had already been pushed to her limits with Fluttershy and seeing her own wings being cut off. And now Maud... "Pinkamena, please. I can't handle this anymore..." Well too bad, because I still have two more left.... Pinkie was afraid. Very afraid. She felt like her sanity was beginning to chip off and fail into an endless void, never to be seen again. And the worst part is that the night wasn't even over yet. ===============
XV: Night-Fall[Part II](18+)Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
XVI: EpilogueFluttershy woke up from a surprisingly blissful sleep. She turned her head to the corner of the room where Rainbow Dash usually sat, but she wasn't there. "Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy called out as she slowly leaned up from the bed. Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. She tried to listen outside to see if she was doing something or talking to somepony, but the hospital was unusually very busy. However, Fluttershy able to point out at least one voice in the busy hospital outside of her room. "Hello, madam. May I see my friend Fluttershy?" "Let's see... you'll have... at least a couple of hours with her before visiting hours are over. She's in the room over there." "Marvelous. Thank you." Fluttershy waited for a moment for Rarity to enter the room. "Hello, Fluttershy. How are you feeling, darling?" Rarity asked as she entered the room. "Better. I-I'm not hurting as bad as I was." Fluttershy said as she began to stroke her mane softly, straightening her messy mane out. "Wonderful. The Weather Patrol requested she come in and work for the time being, so she sent me over to stay with you until she gets finished up there." Rarity said as she sat in one of the chairs in the corner, crossing her hind-hooves as she sat. "Okay..." "Do you need or want me to grab anything for you?" "Um... if you don't mind, I'd like something to eat or drink." "I don't mind at all. I'll be back in a moment with some refreshments." Rarity said as she got up from the chair and went outside. The room actually became peaceful for a moment. "Dr. Horse, please report to the front desk." Fluttershy relaxed her head and rested her eyes. She began to wonder about why they needed Dr. Horse. Rarity reentered the room, holding a small, plastic plate with a few berries and an apple with a milk carton at the side. :"Here you go, dear." Rarity said that she sat the plate in front of Fluttershy. "Thank you." Fluttershy said as she picked up the apple and bit into it's core, the sweetness of apple giving moister to her previously dry throat. "We have three code blues coming in from the Pie Rock Farm." Fluttershy choked on a chunk of the apple as the message went over the intercom. She quickly opened up the milk carton and took a gulp out of it, washing down the pieces of the apple. "Everything fine, darling?" "Um... y-yes." Isn't that Pinkie's family farm? What happened there?! =============== Pinkamena sat down in a small embankment beside a small gravely path. The sun had risen and was almost overhead, and the shadows of the road above enveloping her in darkness. Strands of her mane stuck out of place, displaying her exhaustion. Well... are you happy?! ... You've hurt my entire family and mentally scarred one of my younger sisters. So, tell me, was it worth it? Pinkamena didn't know the answer to that question. Pinkamena just sat there, staring at the gravel. I... I don't know... What do you mean, "I don't know"? You went through all that trouble, injured my entire family, and you have no idea what you feel?! I just don't know, Pinkie... I thought I'd feel better. Hay, I thought I'd be rejoicing that the people who's haunted my memories for so long would know what I felt, but I don't even know what I'm feeling. Pinkamena picked up a small rock and inspected it. She began to continuously toss it up into her hoof. catching it each time. Do you realize what you've done to Marble? She's scarred! You've showed her something that she'll never forget! "Shut up..." You've done something to her that she'll remember forever! "Pinkie, shut up..." Pinkamena said, her patience wearing thin. You've done to her what mom, dad, and Maud did to you! "I said shut up!" Pinkamena said as she threw the pebble towards the embankment. It smashed into small pieces. Pinkie stopped talking. "Do you honestly think that I wanted to do that?! That I wanted to scar her?! I feel terrible, okay?! Is that what you wanted to hear?! Yes, I, Pinkamena Diane Pie, feel terrible for scarring her!" ... Are you happy now?! I mean, you just killed my older sister, scarred one of my younger ones, and injured my mom and dad... I was crying while you made me watch them. "I... I don't know anymore Pinkie." Pinkamena said as she ran her hooves through her hair. You killed my sister... "I know..." =============== Pinkie sat in the corner of her prison, silently crying. She had just saw her sister being brutally stabbed to death. "I'm sorry Maud..." Pinkie quietly said. Pinkie's will remained strong, although her sanity had been beaten and bruised. Pinkamena hadn't broken her just yet. They deserved it... "Are you serious right now?! Marble didn't deserve to see that! No pony deserved what I got!" Pinkie called out, her voice echoing. ... ================ Pinkamena didn't know how to respond. She just sat there, staring at the rocks. "We need to get these ponies to the hospital fast. They aren't gonna surv-" A stallion with a brown, short mane and a black coat said, pulling the cart. Pinkamena got as low to the ground as she could. She made sure she wasn't in sight from the road. "Shh!" The mare scolded her stallion counterpart. "It's all right, you two... they'll feel better once we get them to the hospital." A mare with a long, parted green mane and a yellow coat said. She was trotting beside the stallion, pulling the cart with him. The squeaking of the old cart's wheels were hidden behind her voice. "T-thank you..." A mare stood up on the back off the cart, her grey coat splattered with blood. Her mane covered the right side of her face, and had somehow managed to remain clean. Is that Marble?! "Hey, are they gonna be okay?" And Limestone... "I... I don't know what to tell you. All I can say is that they'll have a better chance if we get them to the hospital as soon as possible." The mare said. Her voice began to grow distant from Pinkamena. After a moment or two, she peeked over the embankment. She saw a mare and a stallion, pulling a wooden cart with Marble and Limestone on the back of it. They were blocking her view of the other passengers on the cart. Pinkamena presumed that it was Maud, Cloudy, and Igneous on the back. She ducked back under the embankment. Please let them make it to the hospital... It isn't looking very likely. I know... I just hope that they make it. After a few minutes, Pinkamena climbed back onto the main road and began to slowly trail behind the cart. What are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself caught? You know another way to Las Pegasus besides this one? ... That's what I thought. Pinkamena continued down the path, making sure that the cart and her had as much space as possible. She stayed close to the embankment in case she needed to get out of sight quickly and made sure to stay out of the sight of Marble and Limestone. Suddenly, Pinkamena felt her whole body become stiff. Not yet, Pinkie. Not just yet. You've already done enough... please. Could you just let me have control? You aren't getting control back until tomorrow unless I let you, and that's not gonna happen. "Sister, do you see th-that p-pony?" Pinkamena jumped back down to the embankment and ducked down. "Now that you mention it, I thought I saw somepony following us." Oh no. "Everything okay back there?" "Uhhhh... where are we?" ============== Marble looked back at the row of injured ponies, her father being the closest to her. "F-Father--" "Father! Are you okay? What happened?" Limestone interrupted Marble and nearing knocking her and Igneous' hate off the cat, leaning onto her father. Igneous groaned in pain, causing Marble and Limestone both to jerk away. "I-I've been better, my fillies. Please don't touch my chest." "S-sorry." Marble said as she backed away from her father. "It's fine... where are we?" Igneous said as he began to look around. His eyes widen as he saw his wife and his first daughter laying beside him, both of them being battered, bruised, and cut. "Cloudy... Maud..." Igneous said as he weakly reached one of his fore-hooves towards them both. He suddenly felt a bolt of pain shoot through his hoof and jerked it back to its prior position. "Father, don't over exert yourself. We found someponies that'd help us." "Okay. Lean in towards me, both of you. I have to tell you something." Igneous whispered. Marble did as she was told and leaned in towards his mouth. Limestone followed. "Are you sure we can trust these ponies?" "They were the only one's we could find so quickly. We wanted to find somepony else, but they were the only one's passing by." Limestone said. Igneous nodded. "It's all right, dear. But if anything happens that seems suspicious, I want you and Limestone to run away from them as fast as you can." . "Oh, you don't have to worry about that father. Trust me." Limestone twisted her neck, releasing some cracks from the joints. "F-Father, are y-you all gonna b-be all ri-right?" Marble managed to speak up. The whole situation had made her social anxiety worse. "I don't know dear... I wish I could say for certain, but I honestly don't know." Igneous said. Marble and Limestone both became slightly scared by this. It seemed to put a damper on their conversation. ============ Pinkamena followed behind in the embankment. At least dad's awake... Pinkamena ignored Pinkie and continued to follow behind them. ============= Fifteen Minutes Later Marble sat back down at the back of the cart beside Limestone. The ride had been quiet ever since they realized that their family may not make it through the day alive "Marble... can I ask you a question?" "Mmhm." "What do you think will happen?" Limestone asked. Marble sat there for a moment and thought about it. "I-I don't kn-know... I-I hope they'll be all right." Marble said honestly. "Oh... okay." Limestone said as she looked at the dirt on the ground below. "..." "..." Marble began to scratch her hind-hooves against the cart. It kept her mind off of the situation she was in. Unfortunately, some thoughts of what she saw Pinkie do slipped through the cracks. Why did she do it? She didn't seem angry earlier... Marble looked back at her family. She saw how much pain had been inflicted on them. I just hope they'll be better once we get to the hospital. "Okay everypony, we're almost at the intersection that leads into Ponyville, so we'll be there soon!" Marble looked at the pair of ponies pulling the cart. "Thank you... both of you." "It's all right, sweetheart. We'll get your parents and your sister to the hospital soon." ============== Pinkamena entered the intersection along with the cart. Just gotta let them pass by first... The cart did as it was predicted and passed by Pinkamena. She let a few moments pass by before she got back up on the path and looked at the road sign that she had seen the first time she had entered Las Pegasus. You'd better not even think about hurting Cheese Sandwich or another one of my friends. Don't worry, Pinkie... my blood-lust has been sated for now. Besides, I have no time to waste. Pinkamena began to walk down the long path back to Las Pegasus. She knew Cheese Sandwich would get suspicious if he didn't hear from Pinkie soon. ============ Fluttershy leaned back and felt the pillow hit the back of her head. Her thoughts were clear and her mind was calm. The room was quiet, aside from Rarity occasionally flipping through the pages of a fashion magazine. I'm so glad that the mares have been here for me through this whole thing... I might be ready to tell them that it was Pinkie. At least one o them. Fluttershy's mind began to fill with the memories of the night. They disturbed her. I still can't comprehend why Pinkie would do that to anypony... Fluttershy began to try and think of reasons why Pinkie would do such a horrendous act, but every time she never really could come up with a clear explanation. Suddenly, she heard something come over the intercom. "Three code blues coming via cart. E.T.A five minutes." Were those the same ones as earlier? The ones from the Pie Rock Farm? Fluttershy began to wonder if Pinkie had done something to her family. She did have that dream, but she'd never do something like that to her own family. She agreed with that statement for a moment until she realized something that contradicted it. She did it to me. ============= Marble looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. The large amount of different ponies they passed by overwhelmed her for a moment, staring at them. She stuck close to Limestone, allowing her shoo them away. "Okay, we should be at the hospital any minute now..." "Thank you... you have no idea how much my family appreciates it. Both of you." Igneous weakly said. A few moments later, they were met with different doctors and nurses putting them on to stretchers and levitating them into the hospital. ============= Fluttershy sat calmly in her room. Rarity had to go outside for a moment to see what was going on the hospital. It had just had a surge in activity in the past half-hour. "Hello again, madam. I have two questions I must ask you. When are the visiting hours over and what's causing that commotion over there?" "Well, you'll have a hour before visiting hours are over and I can't go into to much detail about what's going on over there. All I can say is that someone got stabbed." "Oh my... that's terrible!" "Quite. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to help the doctor.: "Okay, thank you! Ta-ta!" Rarity reentered the room and sat down at the corner. "So... i-is everything okay out there?" "Well... there's apparently someponies who's been stabbed. But don't worry, we're safe here." "Who was it?" Fluttershy asked once more. "I don't know. It may have been those ponies that the nurses were announcing earlier." Rarity said. Suddenly, lots of nurses and Dr. Horse pasted by. They were pushing three stretchers with three dull-colored ponies laying on it. The commotion died out as quickly as it had begun. "Well, that certainly doesn't sound well." "Yes... it didn't." ============== Marble and Limestone had been lead into a small room with a glass window that showed the front office. The room was filled with grey chairs, nearly empty. The room lacked any color, except the for the red letters stuck on the window that showed it was a waiting room. They took a seat in front of the door, sitting beside each other. "..." "Sister?" Limestone asked as she sat down in a small chair at the side of the room. "Mmhm?" Marble sat down beside her "Do you think they'll be all right?" "I-I think that they'll be better now that we're in the hospital." "Okay." Limestone said. She began to fiddle around with her hooves. For awhile, they just sat there, nervously thinking about their parents and their sister. Marble hadn't been this scared in her entire life. "I'm scared, Limestone..." Marble admitted, her voice trembling. "Don't worry, I kinda am too." Marble and Limestone sat quietly, both very fearful. "Marble... can I ask you a question?" "Mmhm." "What did you see when you went into mother and fathers' room?" Limestone asked. Marble glanced away, unwilling to talk about it. She shook her head. "What happened? Tell me." Limestone asked. Before Marble could answer, the nurse who had taken them to the room entered and came up to them. "Hey you two... I have some news to tell you." The nurse said. From her tone, the news wasn't something to become happy about. "Okay." Marble and Limestone said simultaneously. "Your father is all right. He'll just need to get stitched up and get disinfected and he'll be good. As for your mother and sister..." The nurse trailed off, obviously dreading the upcoming conversation. "Tell us." "Your mother and sister needs to go to surgery. Look, I'm not trying to be harsh or be the bearer of bad news but... you may need to say goodbye to them." The nurse finished. It hurt her to say those words, especially to the two young mares. Marble's eyes welled with tears. Limestone shook her head. "No... no! I don't believe this!" Limestone kicked the chair in protest. "This can't be happening..." Limestone sighed, wiping her eyes. Disbelief washed over her. "Once again, I'm so sorry, but we need to see them now before they go into surgery." "O-okay. Show us to them. "Okay. Follow me please." The nurse said as she began to lead them outside of the room. Marble and Limestone followed behind. After a few moments, they reached a room with their mother and their eldest sister. "Hey you two..." Cloudy said, her voice soft from her weakened state. Her hooves, stomach, and head were wrapped in bloody bandages. Marble looked at her injured mother, her eyes filled with tears. "I... I'm gonna leave you two. Make sure not to hit any of the tubes or wires connected to her." The nurse said, her voice filled with sorrow and compassion. The nurse left the room, closing the door behind her. "How are you two?" "Um... I-I..." Marble stumbled over her words, struggling to keep tears from pouring from her eyes. "Its all right, dear. Come here." Cloudy said as she motioned for her to come closer. Marble immediately rushed up to her, wrapping her in a hug. Limestone stayed back, as she somehow managed to keep her composure. "M-mother... I'm afraid... I-I'm so afraid." Marble sobbed, tears flowing down her face. She could no longer contain herself. "I... I am as well... but, I want you to be brave. I know you have it in you, my sweet mare." Cloudy kissed her daughter's forehead before glancing up to Limestone. "It's all right, Limestone. You can come over here too." Limestone didn't wait a moment more. She rushed to her mother's right side, nearly collapsing at her side. Cloudy held her right fore-hoof as tears rolled down her snout and splashed onto the bed. "I-I'm so sorry mother. I should've done something." "Don't blame yourself, dear. There was nothing you could've done." "I can't believe this is happening..." "Don't worry, my dear. We'll be fine and back at the rock farm before you know it." Cloudy said. Limestone nodded. "I love you both, so much. But your time's almost up here, so I want you two to go speak with Maud before the nurse comes back in, okay?" Cloudy said. They nodded, and began to move over the Maud. Maud's condition was incredibly bad; there was a breathing tube that was stuck inside her mouth, her hooves had been bandaged extensively, her head had been wrapped in bandages, and her stomach and chest were wrapped in bandages. "Maud?" Marble asked, trying to grab her attention if she could hear her(somehow). "Maud, if you can hear us, we love you." Limestone said as her and Marble gave her a small hug. Marble swore she felt one of Maud's hind-hooves move. "Well... goodbye, Maud." Marble said as a few tears leaking from her eyes. After another moment savored, Marble and Limestone jumped off the bed and went over to the nurse. She had wiped her tears away and appeared to recompose herself. "C... could we see our father?" "Of course, sweetheart. Follow me." The nurse said as she walked out of the room. Marble and Limestone followed behind. After a moment of walking through the busy hospital halls, they arrived at their father's room. "Hello, you two." Igneous said as he sat in his bed. His missing ear and stomach was wrapped in bandages and his usual hat sat on the table beside him. "H-hello father." Marble said as she and Limestone entered the room. "So... how's your mother?" Igneous asked as he leaned up. Limestone trotted up to him. "She's... not too good, to be honest father." Limestone said, coming within proximity of her sister. Marble wiped her eyes. Igneous noticed her. "Come here." Igneous said as he slowly leaned down. Marble trotted up to him and wrapped him in a hug. "F-Father..." "Yes, child?" "Will m-mother be all right?" "I... I don't know child. All we can do is hope..." ================== Pinkamena entered Las Pegasus after a long day of trotting through a dusty road. Finally... Pinkamena looked around for the street Cheese Sandwich's house was on, but she couldn't find it. Do you know where Cheese's house is, Pinkie? I do, but I'm not telling unless you give me control. Pinkamena let out a groan of annoyance. Pinkie... just tell me. How do I know that you won't hurt him?! Because, I've been satisfied. I'm not going to kill anypony for now... Still not telling you. You hurt my entire family, whether it be directly or indirectly! Grrrr... no. You aren't going to get me angry. I just need to look for that street-sign. Pinkamena began to walk past dozens of ponies, looking for Trotting Street. After a few minutes of searching, there was no sign with that name. What do you want me to do... Seems like the roles have been reversed. I want you to apologize for hurting my family. "I'd never..." Pinkamena quietly said. Looks like you aren't getting the street name then... I'll apologize for hurting Marble and Limestone, but I'll never apologize for doing that to Maud and the rest! They deserved every ounce of pain they got! Well... I'll be fair... they did deserve some sort of punishment, but not something so horrific! The only way to teach them what they did wrong is to give them a taste of their own medicine. Say that Gummy or whatever that dumb alligator is called grew a tooth and began to bite you. Would you just sit by and let him do it, or would you give him a smack to teach him not to do it? Well... I wouldn't smack him... but I'd teach him not to do it. You're impossible to argue with... just give me the street name! I could say the same about you, and no. Pinkamena groaned and began to trot down the sidewalk, looking for some sort of road sign that told her where she was. Look, I'm sorry for hurting Marble and Limestone, okay? Fine... I'll give you one-fifth of the street name then. Tr... Jeez... thanks. That'll help me so much. I hope you're annoyed. I honestly do. You deserve this and more... Pinkamena began to look around for any street sign with, "Tr" in it. After a moment she finally found a street sign that contained the two letters. Trotting St. Finally... Pinkamena, just don't hurt him... I'm not, Pinkie. He hasn't done anything to deserve my scorn. Pinkamena trotted down the street and went towards Cheese Sandwich's house. She walked up to the door and knocked. No pony answered. She entered the house and began to look around. "Cheese? Ya here?" Pinkamena called out, pretending to be Pinkie. Once again, no pony answered. Guess he's out. Pinkamena shut the front door and trotted upstairs. Once she reached the top of the stairs, she trotted into the guest bedroom and laid down on the bed. Looks like you're gonna be stuck with me for awhile. I've already been stuck with you long enough... just let me have control. Please? Not happening. That potion won't wear off until tomorrow. ============== Marble woke up in a chair beside her father and her sister. They had apparently fell asleep. The ordeal had taken a lot out of them both. She stared up at her father's face and saw that his face was stained with tears. "What's wrong, father?" Marble asked in a soft voice. "Oh, sorry dear. Did I wake you?" "No, father. What's wrong?" Marble asked once more. "Well... the nurse just came in here and told me some news about your mother and your sister." Igneous said. Marble felt a lump form in her throat and she began to get a bad feeling. "W-what did she say?" "Well... your mother's surgery was successful. She just needs to rest for awhile. But your sister..." Igneous stopped and covered his mouth with his left fore-hoof. "... your sister is asleep." Igneous said. Marble looked up at her father, her vision clouded by tears. She felt tears pour down her face. "No, no! Not like that!" Igneous said, trying to make his daughter feel better. He quickly hugged her, trying to correct his mistake. "She's in a... a coma." "What's that?" Marble asked, feeling her sadness slightly dull. "She's not gonna wake up for awhile, but she's alive." Igneous said. Marble felt some of the weight lift off of her shoulders. "That's good, father." "Yes... it's not very good, but its better than her not being with us." ============ I wish I had control! I swear... if I could get my hooves on you... ... Can you even imagine how much you hurt Marble and Limestone?! No... Exactly! You've hurt my friends... my family... countless animals... I don't even know how to cope with this. I just wish that you'd just go away! I could say the same about you. I wish I would've thought of you... Likewise... wait. What are you talking about? I'm the one who's always been here. No, I'm the one who's always been here. I'm just the more serious and mature. Well, I am now. I wasn't back then. No, you haven't. Yes, I have. I just thought of you as an imaginary friend. You're messing with me... No, I am not. After what those monsters did to me, I couldn't handle reality without my wings. They made me forget that night for a long while, but they could never make me forget of when I had my wings. So, I came up with an imaginary friend. You. Stop lying! I've always been the one who's been here! You were my coping mechanism. Whenever I'd think of my wings, you'd appear. You'd always try to make do such stupid and silly things that I'd forget about how much pain I was in... then, you wanted more control. Stop! You became more predominate in my personality and my life. After you got your cutie mark, I pretty much pushed into the back of your mind. I tried to regain control, but you'd always best me in some way. After awhile, I went into a deep sleep, never to be seen again. Well, until you remembered that dream. You're lying! The funny thing is dear, I'm not. Shut up! I've always been here and I always will be! Or so you think. If I can regain control of you and keep control of you for a certain amount of time, lets say a few days to a week, you'll fall into a deep sleep like I did. Stop lying, you big jerk! Imagine that, being in total darkness for an unknown amount of time while having somepony you don't like control every aspect of your life. Scary, isn't it? Shut up! And unless you can put up a big fight, its going to happen to you. You're lying! You'll have to put up a big fight to conquer something like that. The real question is, are you up to that fight? Because I certainly am. ================ Author's Note There is the possibility of another sequel, but it isn't coming immediately after this story. There's another dark story I've been working on behind the scenes. I hope you enjoy this.
