The Duality of Souls

Earlier that night

As Fluttershy and Rarity made their way though the corridors of the castle, while neither of them voiced it, both of them were disturbed by what they heard earlier. There was mention of some sort of show, a "My Little Pony" as they recalled and apparently people watched it. There was no denying that once Relyks woke up he had already known their names and began to use them without prompting.

While it was indeed bothering them both, it was Fluttershy whom everything seemed to affect the most. As they entered the gardens Rarity had noticed that her friend was troubled. "Is everything alright dear? You seem to be a little shaken, if nothing else." With concern in her eyes she decided to put her own issues and thoughts on hold to help her friend.

"Oh, I am just thinking about what happened earlier. He seemed to be so mad, so angry. While it may have scared me that he may try to hurt somepony, there must be a reason for it. His heart must truly be hurting to just act like that." Rarity could only smile, reminded why Fluttershy was the bearer of Kindness. Even when she is scared and afraid, she is still thinking about the well being of others.

The gardens, just like the castle, was a sight to behold. Just as the castle was, the gardens were well kept and constantly maintained. Flowers bloomed along the paths, all arranged by size, color, and type. It was here that the two mares liked to walk when they were in Canterlot, and they were troubled. The flora (and fauna for Fluttershy) was relaxing for them.

"The way he and his friends treated each one another as well, what kind of world do they come from where that is normal? Where you claim to be friends with someone and then make fun of them. It's just so sad."

Rarity, knowing that Fluttershy was hurting inside, pulled her into a hug. "Well darling, I can only guess as to what type of world those... men, come from. It is sweet of you though, that you care about others, even others you don't know. It really makes me proud to be able to call you my friend."

With the reassuring words from Rarity, she smiled and returned the embrace. The two continued to walk, eventually reaching the statue garden. All sorts of statues stood here, some being ponies of old, paragons of what they stood for, and others were of Equestria's greatest enemies. It was when they approached one such statue that their conversation took on a different tone.

"I have to say, the events with this creature we experienced were truly dreadful. Opal still acts up once in a while and has ever since."

"Oh I completely understand. All of my animal friends were so scared with everything that happened. Angel Bunny was really upset after Discord was sealed away again. He didn't appreciate what happened."

"Yes, well I think it would be a good idea to let Twilight know that this... brute... is still here. At least that way she will have some piece of mind."

"But wouldn't the princess have already checked to make sure he was still here?"

"Oh I am certain that they have, however you know Twilight. She may be brilliant at times, but sometimes she lets things get out of control, thinking things are happening that really aren't." With a pause she looked at Fluttershy. "Is something wrong?"

Eyes downcast, fluttershy spoke quietly. "I feel bad for the way we treated her just a few days ago. Ever since Twilight was worried about her friendship reports, and caused the problems with her Smarty Pants doll, we have all thought that same way, that sometimes her paranoia gets the better of her. Then comes a day where she says somepony is acting strange, tries to convince us, and none of us believe her. I remember her face clearly when she confronted the false Cadance. She looked destroyed when all of us, including Princess Celestia and her own brother walked out on her."

Being reminded of the slight they made with their friend helped Rarity to understand why Fluttershy was quietly going along with anything Twilight said all day. "I understand what you mean dear, I also feel that we should do something for her. Something to help say that we are sorry. Maybe we can have a girls night or something, what do you think?"

The two continued to make plans, to make things up to their friend as they walked. Had they not been so distracted, their hearts low due to the discussion, they may have noticed the slight glow to Discords statue. They may have noticed that cracks and chips that were in the base of the statue were closing, almost like time was being rewound.

~**~

Despite what others may say, Pinkie was methodical in what she did and did think things through. She was also highly perceptive and able to read the situation well. While others may have thought she was random, that wasn't always the case. At least not in her mind.

The bubblegum pink mare was walking through the halls of the castle. Normally chipper and excited, she would be bouncing. Today though left her feeling conflicted. She met new ponies, or in this case people, and was super duper excited to meet them! However things don't always go to plan, especially when the new ponies in town are mean, rude, and angry. She decided to try and make things better the only way she knew how, by throwing a party. With a game plan in motion she made her way to the kitchens to cook up some cakes. Quietly singing the whole time to try and cheer others up and keep her own spirits up.

"Come on every pony smile, smile, smile. Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine. All I really need's a smile, smile, smile. From these happy friends of mine!"

Making her way to the rooms where the humans were staying, with snacks and cakes aplenty, she found that most of them were together. This put a small damper on her plan but she would try and do what she could right now. Knocking on the door to the room she was greeted by the sight of Richard. "What do you want pinkie?"

*Gasp* "You know my name? Thats super duperrific! You must be psychic or something. I brought snacks, I thought you might enjoy them. Normally I would throw a party for everypony, well not that your a pony, I just said everypony because that is what everypony says, but I was told it would be a bad idea to do that right now. So instead here I am, with cake and snacks just looking to say hi!"

Inside a voice could be heard. "Who the hell is making all that noise out there!?" "Don't worry about it Peter, just shut up and stay quiet. Look, I didn't know your name, I was calling you pinkie because you are pink."

"Oh that's okay, I still brought snacks for everyone!"

"Oh for the love of god just let the girl in already!" Disgruntled the man caved. "Alright, fine she is your problem then!" Turning around Richard walked away leaving the door open. Pinkie made her way inside and saw that most of the humans in the room seemed to be avoiding each other, while one was already asleep. The air in the room gave the impression that they were not talking to one another and were instead just laying about, trying to ignore the situation they were in.

"Like I told Richie here," Getting a small "I will show you Richie if I ever hear you call me that again" from the man. "I brought snacks and cake for all of you! Now I know it's not much but I hope that I we can all be friends."

"Well thanks, I guess." Was the only reply she received.

"Now I know it is late and I have your other friend to find, so I will say goodnight to all of you. Goodnight!" With a wave she made her way out, never hearing the insulting muttering from Richard as she left.

She continued to walk the halls, asking a guard if they knew where Relyks was. Each of the humans was assigned a guard to keep an eye on them. This made locating the man much easier than it would have been normally. She quickly found him as he was leaving the library, a look of annoyance seemingly stuck on his face. Knowing that type of look and remembering the mood he was in earlier, Pinkie decided to instead follow him and wait for him to begin to relax.

She had followed him for the better part of half an hour before he found his way to the castle grounds. She saw him stop in front of a tree where he sat and leaned against it, the cool night air seeming to help calm his nerves. She gave him a couple more minutes before she quietly approached, nodding to the guard as she walked by him. She sat next to him, not moving or saying anything and instead decided to wait for him to make the first move.

"Hello Pinkie, how can I help you?" His voice calm and quiet, showing that the mare made the correct choice in waiting.

"I wanted to come say hi, and to give you this. You were asleep on the ground for most of the day, and angry for the rest. I thought you might like a snack." Lifting a cupcake to him she handed it over. Slowly he took it, observing the mare and trying to understand her.

"I appreciate the offer, though I apologize for I am not good company tonight. but still I thank you." Holding the small pastry in his hand he took a bite. It was indeed delicious, though a little to sweet for his personal taste, he ate it.

"While you may not be the best company tonight, you are the one who looks like he needs someone to just talk to." As she sat her voice took a more serious tone than most have ever heard come from her. "I remember Nightmare Moon well, after all it was the same night that I became friends with Twilight. At the time I remember calling her "Black Snooty" though that was me mostly being passive aggressive to her, to tell her that she was being mean. I can only assume what you are going through. If you ever want somepony to talk to, I am always here."

Not expecting the tone coming from the mare beside him, her first few words still sung in his head. This little pony, one whom people all over called random within the fandom, was speaking to him, trying to help comfort him by just being nearby. He remembered the episode where her friends found her file cabinet with details on every residence, from their birthdays, to their likes and dislikes. It was that same episode that let him know that she always did things with purpose.

"Thank you Pinkamena, you don't know how much it means to me that you are willing to just sit here and keep me company." While she couldn't see it since she wasn't looking, his hands began to shake.

"I am happy to help in any way that I can, be it for a joke, for a party, or even for a shoulder to cry on."

His chest started to tremble along with his hands, with him unable to stop it. The day proving to be too much for him to bear any longer. After a few minutes of just silence he only asked a simple question. "Pinkie, would it be alright if I gave you a hug?"

Without answering she pulled him into an embrace. With that final action the dam broke.

That night, in the arms of one whom he hoped to call a friend one day, he fell asleep crying.