Cracked Horn and Ribbons: The story of Evening Dream

by guard1ans

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Luna, Mrs. Cake, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rarity, Mr. Cake, Slice of Life
Length: 7793

This is the story of a little pony from Ponyville Trying to be more outgoing and facing her fears after a accident left her horn cracked and unable to do many things other unicorns could do.

Evening Dream is a reclusive pony after an accident left her horn cracked and scarred. Known by most as Ribbon for her signature Ribbon she uses to cover up her scars on her left leg and horn. She writes and does her best to live her life until her friend and surrogate mother, Mrs. Cake, suggests she needs to be more outgoing and suggests a therapist. This is her story trying to overcome her fears and trying her best to get over the accident in this Slice of Life.

Willing to Collab

Published 2015-10-20 19:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2017-09-07 02:44:06 UTC

Chapter one first Diary Entry

My little pony Friendship is Magic

A cracked horn and ribbons: the story of Evening Dream.

Hello. My name is Evening Dream, or as everyone calls me in Ponyville when I visit, Ribbon. I live on the far edge of Ponyville in a tiny two story house of wood and stone. I have a balcony that could see the mountains and The edge of the Everfree forest, till the Princess' Castle sprung up out of nowhere.

I'm not complaining, though it was kind of rude. I've never met this new princess. I rarely go out except to refill on my typewriter ribbons or food, and the occasional Red velvet or Everfree forest cupcake and a shake. I do like to at least have some pony interaction at least.

Now I believe you are wondering, "Why is a unicorn using a typewriter?" The answer is simple. I was in a accident when I was very small. What happened is something I prefer not to say as it still gives me flashbacks just writing it on paper. During this accident my horn was struck against a rock and cracked it. I was knocked unconscious and was in the hospital for at least a week. My horn and body never really recovered. I used to hide the cracks in my horn with bandages and a hat whenever possible, but they simply raised too many questions. I didn't want ponies to keep asking me. It was too embarrassing, so I started to go out less and less. Now I hide the scars from the accident and the cracks with ribbon and what limited spells I can use, I make them look nice. I change them every day and each day I try to have a different color, even when I'm not going out.`

I am a writer. At least, I try to be. I write as much as I can and long as I can before I have to go and stretch my legs or eat. My head is always in the clouds, figuratively of course that...well I've become socially inept. Doesn't help the fact that the town fillies and colts call me a ghost. I can't help it that I have a white coat and pale yellow hair. I always thought about dyeing my mane to have some highlights, but I'm just too shy to ask the spa ponies to give me a hoof. Thanks to my horn, I can barely lift a small bottle of chocolate sauce for my triple chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and red velvet cake bits. Doing something that complicated as dyeing my hair would be just out of my league. I'm not weak or anything...I'm just not very good at magic.....I think I also need to watch my calories...just looking at my description of my favorite saturday treat made me gain a pound. I need to jot that down.

Kay now I'm back and jotted that down and I just realized I need to get some more ice cream. I going to get some low fat next time I'm in town. I like Ponyville. It's a nice place. The ponies are nice, especially the cakes. Mrs. Cake always saves me a red velvet cupcake and I actually enjoy talking to her....Not that I don't think that talking to other ponies is bad it's just...awkward. I've never actually told her my name...kinda embarrassing I know, so she calls me Ribbon for the ribbon on my left leg and the one wrapping my horn. I don't mind it. I've been called worse. Sometimes when business is slow she'll sit down with me over tea and we just talk. I can blab a lot about any subject and she'll poke and prod and tell me I need to get out more. We've haven't talked to much since she had her kids, but she still tries to make time for me. I didn't think I was that special for her to do so. I still blush just thinking about it. Maybe I should be more outgoing and make new friends...but I just want to do this one step at a time. Especially since my birthday is coming up. I don't want the Cake's apprentice to hear about it. She's kinda scary.

Okay so now I fed my cat. He's a handsome Tom I found in front of my doorstep as a kitten. He one of those that always looks like he's ready to go to a party with his black and white fur tuxedo. I named him Knight after a pony hero I read in a book I got from the Golden Oaks library until the new librarian showed up and the tree got destroyed....I still have the book. I had always been meaning to give the book back but...I just never bucked up the courage to do it. What if it was a unicorn? They would ask so many questions about spells. They would ask to look at my horn. They would...ask about the ribbon. I don't want anyone to ask about the accident again. I don't want to even think about it. It hurts too much!.....Sorry I got excited. It's just....I don't want to describe it. I wonder If I should return the book. Maybe the new princess has the librarian working for them. It would make sense if the princess was really nice like Luna. Luna's moon is something I look at every night. I write by her light. Sometime I even go to her festival and celebrate her. People don't know me if I'm in costume. I feel safer that way, especially last year when I went as one of the Power Ponies. That was a lot of fun. I made my costume and everything! Maybe this year I'll go as Luna. I bet I can. I'm going to write that down as goal as well as goal to get out on my birthday and brave my fear of train traveling by going to Canterlot! Maybe even write Princess Luna a letter? Would she get such a letter? I don't know but I'm going to try. Mrs. Cake is going to be so proud of me that I'm trying to be more outgoing. That's it! I've made my decision that I'm going to brave it! My therapist was right...making goals was easier than I thought....Just....No Pinkie Pie. She's really loud and scary.

Chapter Two My first autograph

I'm hoping that writing this down with help me stay calm. I haven't been on rails since the accident. Mrs. Cake packed me a hole punch of sweets and a really nice note and of all things, a shopping list. She asked me to pick up a few things while I'm in Canterlot from her sister Black Forest as well as some supplies she can't get in Ponyville. She arranged me to stay there in a bedroom above the family bakery while I'm there. It was so sweet of her. I don't know how many times I thanked her. She just gave me a hug and told me to watch for any bad ponies. Canterlot is a lot bigger and busier than home. It's alright though. I was born there. The royal city is where I grew up.

Ma moved her after her and my dad met at Celestia's school for gifted unicorns. My Dad was a born suburbanite and my mom, was from a family of jewel miners. I think Mr. Cake mentions my grandpa sometimes and I think he has a plaque or something in town hall. He was one of the founders before he passed away. Rumor was that he and The Apple family matriarch, Granny Smith, had a fling 'fore he met my Granny. I have no clue. I've....I'm kinda embarrassed to find out.

Anyway, She gave me a picture of the bakery and of her sister. She was a beautiful charcoal with red cherry hair. I'll stick out like a sore thumb next to her. Mr. Cake gave me a goodbye hug at the trainstation and told me that he'll get someone to look after Knight and the house while I was gone.

Oh! someone just sat across from me. Best I be polite and try to make friends.

Or not. I think its one of the princess' friends. I just have to pre-

Evening Dream's quill stopped short as Rarity cleared her throat.

"I know you."

"N-No you don't!" The pale pony said from behind her scroll writing. Her horn started to hurt.

"Yes I do. You stop by my boutique a few times for hair ribbons. I never forget a face or...."

The other unicorn tried to poke her head around the parchment.

"Cloth as it were. What is your name again?"

Evening rolled up the floating piece of paper just as her magic wore out and it fell to the floor and unfurled under the seat. Her quill floated to the floor as she touched her horn gingerly.

"Oh my are you alright?"

"Y-es!Yes! Just...Just a headache. My name is Evening Dream."

Rarity's eye sparkled.

"Evening Dream? As in the same Evening Dream that writes those lovely poems and heartwarming stories in the Equestrian Mare?"

Oh right...She forgot about her job for a second there.

"Yes, Ma'am." Evening answered and The unicorn shoved a copy of the said magazine in her face.

"You must simply sign my copy. I love your work!"

Evening blushed harder and tried to levitate her quill back up. It raised its head a few time before tapping back to the floor. Dream sighed and picked it up and signing it with her mouth in the best handwriting she could manage.She gave her first autograph a passing glance. Not bad. She didn't give herself enough credit. All those hours of practicing her hoof writing paid off. She sat the quill down next to her and rarity took a look and squealed with delight.

"How simply marvelous, I'm going to hang this on my wall!"

Oh dear sweet Celestia don't let it be in the boutique. Don't let it be in the boutique.

"Your welcome Rarity." Evening said as the other unicorn put it in her bag.

"So where are you headed to?"

"Canterlot."

Rarity's eyes sparkled brightly.

"Really? I'm going there to pick up a few fabrics. What are you going for?"

"To celebrate my birth-"

"Really!"

She pulled Dream into a hug.

"You simply must let me help you celebrate your birthday. You must know hundreds of ponies in Canterlot. Your birthday has to be a gala!"

"I'm going there to visit my parents' grave." Dream told Rarity flatly.

The unicorn's face fell.

"Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry. At least let me help you celebrate."

"Miss Rarity, I don't know hundreds of ponies. I barely talk to the magazine editor. I....I haven't had a birthday party since....Since the accident."

Rarity put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Well you know me, Evening Dream. I'm good at pulling strings too. Just tell me where you'll be staying and I'll set everything up."

"You don't have to Miss Rarity."

"Nonsense. We're friends and friends help celebrate."

Friends. She had never heard that in a long time.

Rarity gives a helping hoof.

"Miss Rarity, you don't have to."

"Nonsense, Darling. I won't hear another word against it."

Evening Dream sighed and floated her bag onto a trolley cart as Rarity flirted and batted her eyelashes at a few stallions to help her with her mountain of luggage. Some of them were train staff, others were travelers.

"And it's just Rarity, Evening Dream. No need for formalities with friends right?"

"Y-Yes of course, Rarity."

The shy unicorn got pulled into a hug.

"And first on our list is to get you some style!"

"Um...What do you mean?"

"You need a mane cut!"

"NO! I'M NOT LETTING ANYONE TOUCH MY RIBBON!" Evening Dream shouted at her.

"Darling I didn't say-"

"I'M NOT LETTING ANYONE SEE MY HORN!"

She ran from the station, leaving her bag behind.

It felt like hours before she stopped running. Tears streamed from her eyes as she sat down on the cold tiled sidewalk. It wasn't very nice of her to run out on Rarity but....something just sparked.

She turned to the dark shop window behind her and started to magically take off her horn ribbon that ran up one of her horn's spirals. She gingerly folded the ribbon and sat it down next to her as she looked at the cracks. The tip of her horn was missing and the thin fissures ran down the length of it, like a crumbling statue. Unicorn horns usually are very resistant to damage but...after being flung from that train car....Her legs shook as she stared at her disfigurement. Why couldn't she be normal? Why couldn't she just have-

"Oh my Celestia there you are! I-" Rarity said, galloping up. She stop short at what she saw.

"Oh....Oh you poor thing! What happened to your horn?"

"DON'T LOOK AT IT!" Evening shouted, choking on her own tears

"DON'T LOOK AT ITS HIDEOUS-"

"Darling, it's far from hideous."

Rarity sat next to her and pull her her into a one leg hug.

"I don't think it's hideous at all, Darling. You look just fine the way you are. Here. Something to help that." Rarity told her as she lifted the purple ribbon she was wearing and rustled around in her saddle bag for some needle and thread. She pulled out some beads and some shiny gems and went to work her kind of magic. Evening star watched in amazement as the purple haired unicorn stitched and strung, bejeweled and buttoned her old ribbon.

"There you go. Try it on."

Evening dried her tears and nodded as she took the newly designed ribbon, now with beaded tassles and gems scattered throughout it and tied it around her horns base.

"And the finishing touch." Rarity announced as she levitated and pinned a bright and shining crescent moon right in the middle of the bow.

"There you go! Time to celebrate what you are, not who society thinks you should be."

The fashion pony pulled out a mirror and Evening examined the bow.

"Its...Its beautiful. I've....I really don't deserve this."

"Oh nonsense. Fashion is about showing who you are. I know that there a big strong pony inside just like in your stories. We just got to let her out for the world to see."

"Thank you Rarity. Thank you."

Chapter Six The Mane Situation

"No! Heaven forbid!" Rarity cried at my mane as she floated cans of hairspray,curling iron, and a hairbrush around Evening's head. She flattened her ears to dull the shriek from the unicorn.

"Your mane is impossible."

"My hair is used to being flat, Rarity." Evening quietly replied as the fashion pony tried to tame the writer's now afro like hair.

"You must simply take care of your hair more often. This dryness is just begging for split ends. No wonder it acted like this."

Evening Dream sighed as rarity looked through her seemingly endless bag of hair care products while her cat Opal snoozed on Evening's bed. Evening floated up a quill and scroll and continued to pen her latest short story.

"Ah Ha! found it. This olive oil spritz will tame that mane." She declared as she brought up a squirt bottle.

"Am I going to smell like a salad?" Evening asked.

"No but a small bath of this and your hair will be full of life. It helps me when I over do it with the hairdryer. I recommended this to Twilight before her coronation and you should've seen her hair, it was like star light. Is that your latest story?"

Evening keep her comment of "I doubt that." and merely answered,

"Yes. Sacred Melody is starting to get his memory back and the other guys are worried he'll quit the guard."

"Oh my, such drama." Rarity chimed as she spritzed and combed out the tangled mane.

"Is he going to hook up with Crystal Wand?"

Evening grinned.

"You want me to spoil it for you Rarity? For shame."

The unicorn giggled.

"Of course not but its been burning in my mind after your last story Heart's Warming Attack. Had me glued the page."

"Means I'm doing my craft right. Making these guys real to the rest of the world."

Rarity smiled as she started to rinse out the oil.

"We have a lot in common you and I. Now, lets see here."

She raised her scissors with her magic and starts to snip.

After three minutes she dropped the bottle of color and the comb and looked tiredly at her new creation. Evening opened one eye.

"Oh my Luna...what did you do to my hair?"

Her yellow locks were going down in soft waves, streaked with lilac and lavender. Her new bow gleaming on top of her head like a crown. Evening's jaw dropped to the floor.

"How did you manage all this?"

"My dear, I can do anything with a pair of scissors and some imagination." Rarity said coyly, giving her a wink in the mirror.

"I am a personal stylist to the princesses after all."

"I look like a completely different pony." Evening said in awe. She gingerly touched her mane with both hooves.

"I feel like I need to pinch myself to wake up from this dream."

"This isn't a dream darling....though I've been in the dream world before. Strange business, anyway this is real and you, Evening Dream, are one of my greatest masterpieces and you still have more to come."

"You really are the element of generosity aren't you?"

"That I am darling. That I am."

The truth is hard to take

"So, is my hair going to defy gravity when it rains?"

"It shouldn't if you get up your hair treatments." Rarity answered.

"Oh, okay. I'm tore between wanting to see it happen and wanting to keep this mane the way it is."

"Why would be torn? Don't you like it?" The fashion unicorn asked.

"I do, but I have a habit of tossing and turning in bed and usually my hair looks like I got hit by lightning. That is if I do even get to bed. I'm usually up till dawn writing."

Evening Dream crossed the last t and dotted the last i and set her quill down. Rarity let her borrow on of her hats she brought with her to hide her horn. She still wasn't comfortable with stares at the cracks. Opal yawned and snoozed on a pillow as Rarity drank her tea. They were in front of a good Canterlot Cafe before Rarity dragged Evening along to find some fabric for her birthday gown. Evening finally gave up on trying to convince her and merely was along for the ride.

"There all done. My latest work. I call it Memory Reborn."

She slipped out a yellow envelope with her cutie mark on the front, slipped in the papers, and gave the seal a good lick.

"Yummy, kiwi. I'm so glad I got this special from the Quill and Sofa. I must shake the hoof of the pony who invented flavored glue seals."

Rarity raised and eyebrow as she addressed the envelope to the magazine and levitated a stamp onto it.

"There we go, already for editing and publishing. You know what, Rarity?"

"Yes darling?"

"For all of this stuff, though I'm an unwilling participant, I see you get this issue first thing. Sapphire Shores is going to be on the cover ya know?"

"Oh! Thank you darling. I know Sapphire, I've made some of her costumes though Sweetie Bell....Never mind. Thank you so much."

"Sweetie Bell? She a friend?"

"My little sister. She can both be a terror and a blessing, her and the rest of the cutie mark crusaders." She explained as she lifted the cup back up.

"Oh....Oh I see...I always wanted a sibling. I take care of Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake sometimes when Pinkie Pie is....um....doing stuff..."

"Oh? Do you know Pinkie?"

"No....No not really, we've never met....and I kinda want to keep it that way."

Rarity raised and eyebrow.

"I've seen the random musical numbers and her parties from afar. She just seems...a little too...hyper active. She kinda scares me."

Rarity looked at her with surprise.

"Pinkie Pie....scares you?"

"All the bouncing around and general...Pinkness....I'm not that type of pony. I'm not that big into...surprises."

"Ah....does that have to do with...the reason your horn is the way it is?"

Evening nodded.

"Surprises and me don't mix anymore. Randomness doesn't either. I don't think Pinkie Pie and me would get along."

"Well...I do know someone who you would get along with, Fluttershy."

"You mean the one that take cares of the animals? We're neighbors. I live a trot away from her cottage. I've seen her with her rabbit outside sometimes but we never talk. I heard pinkie, you, and her are friends with the princess that lives in that crystal tree castle? That true?"

"Hm? Oh you mean Twilight? Yes we're friends. Why? Do you want to meet her? I can invite her to the party?"

Evening blushed.

"Oh no don't do that. I just wanted to know what the library in the castle looks like. After the Golden Oak got destroyed, I've been needing to read to get my inspiration flowing again. The Quill and Sofa doesn't have a big book selection and I need some reference guides."

Rarity thought for a moment.

"Well....I'll what I can do, darling. Twilight was the librarian at Golden Oaks before-"

"What?! She was the librarian?"

"Yes, didn't you know?"

Evening hung her head and blushed even more.

"I kinda stopped going after I heard about a new librarian...I never returned that book I borrowed."

"You still have a book from the Golden Oaks?"

"Yeah. I heard all of them got destroyed so I don't know what to do with it."

Then Rarity got an idea.

"Tell you what. If you return that book I'm sure Twilight will let you use her library. She misses the Golden Oaks so much and I think having the only surviving book will make her very happy."

"It-It would?"

"Oh yes. She told me she read every book in that place three times over. She loves books."

"Wow...I could make a princess happy....I wonder if I could make the other princesses happy...I wonder if I could make Luna happy." Evening muttered under her breath.

"Come! We must make you perfect for your party. We're going to have it in the royal gardens after all."

"WHAT?! The Royal gardens! I don't think I'm ready for having a party at that grand of a scale! What if-"

"THE ROYAL GARDENS?!"

Evening clamped her hooves over her mouth as the entire street stopped to look at her and Rarity. She eyes were as big as plates. In seconds a whole crowd rushed them, clamoring.

"A party at the Royal gardens? For who?"

"You simply must invite me!"

"The princesses are going to be there right?"

"Enough! Make way for the birthday girl and her personal stylist!" Rarity announced and she stood up.

"Invitations will be sent out soon, I promise, but we have appointments to attend to to make this party happen. Come Evening Dream." Rarity ushered Evening through the crowd, red faced and head down. She was completely and utterly mortified.

"Now all of Canterlot will be there. I don't know if I can handle that many ponies, Rarity."

"You'll be fine darling. You'll be an elite, like yours truly."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"What do you mean?"

Evening sat down onto the street, staring at the pavement.

"My mom and dad died on their way from a party....they died after our train car derailed. Their social obligations left me with out parents and left me with a damaged horn."

The past

"Daddy! Daddy! Look what I've learned!" The young filly cried as her father looked up from his magazine.

The little white unicorn activated her horn and directed her magic to her stuffed cat next to her. Her cheeks puffed up as the lavender light formed around the toy. The cat then sat up and jumped down to the floor of the train. Her father watched as the toy then began to tap dance. His neutral look then turned to one of mirth and he laughed.

"That is good Dream! That is really good!"

The toy cat flopped lifeless onto the ground as she ended her spell.

"Really, Daddy?"

The light blue Stallion nodded. Pen Name then took out a pencil with his magic and started to mark the magazine.

"That's spelled wrong....That needs an indent....Wow how did that get past the editor?...." He began to mutter to himself as his wife, a slightly taller than average Gray and white Unicorn came back from the refreshment cart, levitating several drinks and a clear bag of sweets.

"Did you show him your trick honey?" Evening Elegance asked her baby girl.

"Yep! Daddy said Its really good!"

The mother gave the child a loving nuzzle and passed a yellow and white can to her husband.

"Lemonade for you, ginger Ale for my sweet pea,and Iced tea for me. I got some sweets you can have in your lunch tomorrow for school."

"Yay!"

"I swear you spoil our child, Elegance."

"Somepony has to." She winked at her husband.

"Maybe one of these days we can have more."

Pen Name looked up from his work.

"I'll.....think about it."

The filly's eyes brightened.

"I could have a baby brother or a baby sister?"

"Yes, but your father and I have to mutually agree to expand our family and no dear, doing the puppy face to your father won't make him agree faster."

Pen name sighed in relief. He got that enough from his wife. He didn't need two puppy faces to deal with. He might crack.

The stallion sipped his lemonade and continued with his work.

"OH! I almost forgot. Dream honey."

The filly looked up from her toy at her father.

"That young writer's competition is coming up? It cost a 5 bits to enter, do you have enough saved up?"

The unicorn looked down and thought.

"Yeah I think so. Do you think the princess will see it?"

"Well I hear she'll get to congratulate the winner." Evening Elegance said.

The train lurched.

"What was that?"

"What in the name of Tarturus?"

Then everything went dark.

When Evening awoke, everything was bright.

"So she....she is the only survivor?"

"So far, your highness." The doctor said, bowing before Celestia.

"Your royal guard are still looking through the wreckage...Princess. Something terrible happened to this child. Her horn...we suspect that when she was ejected she hit her horn on some kind of rock. Its like nothing we have seen before..."

Evening looked at her self and saw the bandages and looked around the hospital room.

"Mommy? Daddy?"

"Hello my child."

She saw the golden crown and shining white coat of the Princess. Levitating in front of her was her toy cat. It looked like it took a beating. There were fresh stitches and the left eye was replaced with a fresh button. Celestia floated the toy to the little filly who hugged it.

"My dear little pony. There is something I need to tell you."

"Now my darlhing. No need to be sad. Your mum and dad are in a better place now." Her earth pony grandpa said, patting her on the head. Evening looked at the two graves and tried her best not to cry.

"Granny Smith is expecting us for dinner. I know your granny ain't here either but....She'll do her best to fill in. She got a grand kid just your age."

"...Grandpa....I miss them."

"I know darlhing. I know. I miss them too. But your momma wouldn't like to see you sad."

"She...she wouldn't?"

"No she wouldn't. It would make her sad. Now how about a pony back ride to the Apple Farm? I know how much you like to do that."

Evening Dream sniffed.

"Okay Grandpa."

"That's my angel."

Author's Note

I was so close to crying when I made this chapter. I hope this moves you guys.

The friendship force

Rarity sat down across from Evening, her face contorted in shock.

"Please Rarity, can we call the whole thing off? I never celebrate anything...and I never want to again." Evening whispered.

"Mrs. Cake will be happy that I've made friends and I've socialized on this trip...but she doesn't know all the details about what happened...I'm scared of parties...they killed my mom and dad."

Tears streamed down the two unicorns faces. Neither of them noticing that Rarity's cutiemark shined and lights resembling the three diamond shaped crystals floated off the mark.

In Ponyville, the palace knew. The Palace of Friendship knew that something needed to be done. That this injustice needed to be corrected. That Evening Dream needed the magic of friendship in order to finally heal.

Moments later, Princess Twilight rushed into the meeting room and sat in her friendship council chair. Another moment and Fluttershy and AppleJack wandered in as well.

"Now what's going on?" The earthpony asked.

"I was in the middle of apple bucking."

"The map!" Twilight said proudly.

"Oh?" Fluttershy asked curious.

Both pony's were almost bowled over as a streak of Rainbow flew in. Rainbow dash stopped and settled into her council chair.

"So whats up? I was practicing when my cutie mark started to glow."

"Yours too?" Pinkie pie squealed in excitement as she hopped in.

"Wait a minute, where's Rarity?"

"She's in Canterlot." Twilight replied simply.

The princess scanned the map as everyone took their seats. The circle of magic that usually showed who was needed where had all five of their cutie marks plus rarity as it floated above the mountain city of Canterlot.

"Well, I don't know if its a good thing that the map wants us all to go. Remember the last time that happened? We got our marks stolen from us." Apple Jack pointed out.

"Its Canterlot though, not some town on the edge of Equestria. I doubt its anything malicious. The princesses would've sent for us if it was."

There was a loud burp and a flash of green flames before Spike trotted in holding a scroll.

"Message!" He announced.

Twilight nodded and took the paper using her magic.

"Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,

If you are not aware there will be a birthday party in the royal gardens. You may not recall her as she dropped out early from my academy but the party is for a unicorn named Evening Dream. She is a very shy pony and she is having doubts about having said party. I ask as a personal favor that you and all of your friends attend. Rarity is doing her best to help with the arrangements, but she could use your help. Do come as soon as possible.

Princess Celestia."

"Evening Dream?" AppleJack asked.

"I know her...well kinda. Granny knew her Grandpa. Isn't she one of your neighbors Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy looked confused.

"I don't know any Evening Dream. My neighbor is a unicorn though. I never asked her name."

"Does she where a bow around her horn and her right forleg?"

"...Yes she does." The pegasus answered.

"That's Evening. She used to wear bandages instead of ribbons. Her horn's cracked after an accident. Her grandpa used to bring her around a lot because she lost her parents too." The farm pony explained.

Pinkie Pie gasped.

"How is there a pony in Ponyville I don't know about!"

"Because she's not social Pinkie, she's more of a mouse than Fluttershy here and that is saying something. And don't take this the wrong way, but I think she tried to avoid you as much as possible."

The party pony put her hooves to her mouth as her mane started to deflate.

"Well." The princess announced.

"I won't deny this invitation by the princess. We can go to the party and we can find and fix the friendship problem while we are there. Pack your bags girls because we're going to Canterlot."

"Come on dear...Lets get you home." Rarity sniffed, trying to stop the flow of tears.

She pulled out a handkerchief to dry her eyes and and handed it to Evening.

"It'll be okay."

Evening sniffed and took the kerchief.

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry for getting upset...Grandpa always said I had my daddy's temper...But it feels good telling somepony about it."

Rarity patted her shoulder with a hoof.

"If you want me to cancel the party I will."

"...I don't know anymore...my brain is too fuddled with grief to think."

She dried her tears.

"Manehatten silk...mascara is going to stain it." The unicorn observed.

"My momma used to use dish soap and a little water to get stuff like it out of her handkerchiefs when after a night of opera."

"Really?"

Evening nodded weakly.

"...Can we sit down before I finally...."

She looked down at the street. She continued dryly,

"Right already sitting down."

Evening cleared her throat.

"I don't like parties but...If you want to throw me a birthday party at Canterlot castle...I...I accept...I need to face my fear like I did the train..."

Rarity gave her a small smile and hugged her.

"I promise that it will be the best party you've ever had. One that would make your parents proud."

Evening hugged her back. It had been ages since she had last hugged somepony. If felt good to do it again.

The Friendship Gang

Author's Note

Been awhile hasn't it? Well haven't had any inspiration, plus I've been dabbling in other fandoms. If you like Big Hero 6 or How to Train your dragon come to my AO3 account here: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Guard1ans/works

If you want to see my DA, click here: https://guard1ans.deviantart.com/

When a train car accordions, it basically collapses in on itself or into another car. It's very bloody, especially when humans are aboard.

The Friendship Gang

"Twilight, remember the last time you tried to solve a friendship problem with a book?" Dash asked as the princess of friendship skimmed the volume in front of her.

"I am choosing to ignore that." Twilight huffed.

"Preparing is the best thing to do in case of a problem, any problem."

"Twi, hate to break this to ya....but I don't think a book will help with Evening Dream." Applejack pointed out.

"As for a friendship problem...you um...."

The unicorn lowered her book and looked at her friend.

"Yeah, I'm not going to finish that."

"I can't believe there is a pony in ponyville that I've never actually met!" Pinkie shouted.

"How is that possible!?"

"Like how I told ya, I'm pretty sure she avoids you. No offense but you can be pretty intense."

"Wait....Oh! Now I remember!" Twilight said, snapping her book shut and putting in the stack beside her.

The princess flagged down the train cart and asked if they had a copy of Equestrian Mare. The attendant nodded and levitated it to her. She paid for the magazine and flicked through the pages.

"Ah ha! here she is. Is one of her older stories: Melody Awakes by Evening Dream."

She showed them the story:

"Whoa whoa whoa, ain't nobody gonna hurt ya." Knight said calmly as the unicorn levitated the sword, ready to strike any of them if they dared to get close. The Boss backed away slowly, trying to get to the intercom to call security. Before his hoof even reached for it, a spectral knife jammed itself into the device, sending sparks around. Crackshot immediately unholstered his crossbow and got ready to fire.

"Bro, no!" Numbers shouted.

"Put the weapon down." Knight ordered to his subordinate.

"He just tried to-" The pegasus shot back.

"If I was in his position, I would probably do the exact same thing. Means he's gotten combat training. Just let me handle this."

The dark haired earth pony then pulled out his own crossbow and tossed it away.

"I'm unarmed. I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to help."

"Where....where am I?" The unicorn asked.

"I pick it up whenever I get the chance. Her stories are usually about this team of stallions that work for a super secret government agency. I hate to pick favorites but my favorite is Numbers. He's a really smart Pegasus who's good at all kinds of gadgets." Twilight gushed.

"They are filled with such emotion and daring, I'm wondering why she doesn't publish a book...ohhhh I wonder if I could get an autograph."

"I bet she would love to, Twilight." Fluttershy replied.

"Maybe you could get her a really pretty stationery set for her present."

The princess beamed at the idea given to her.

"What do you think AppleJack, would she like that?"

"I really don't know Twi. Like I said, I don't know her all that well. I haven't visited with her in moons, not after her grandpa's funeral. Though I think she makes rounds about town and I wave. Though I remember when we were little she would get a lot of questions about her horn. Never did say what happened and neither did you grandpa. Guess it was just too hard for both of them. All that attention to it must've blown back. I think granny told me once that she would never to be magic like she used to ever again."

Twilight gasped.

"What happened?"

"Like I said, I don't know. Something about it being cracked to the core."

"That's terrible. I couldn't imagine..."

The princess touched her own horn gingerly with a hoof.

"We are now arriving in Canterlot, Fillies and Gentlecolts. Please be careful leaving the train and do not push or shove on your way out. Repeat: we are arriving in Canterlot." The conductor announced over the P.A..

The princess looked out the window as the train pulled into the station. Rarity waved at them exuberantly, dressed in lovely gown and sporting a cloche hat with fabric roses. Behind her was another mare in similar attire though instead of a hat, she wore a ribbon around her horn made with a gradient silk with beads and a pin of a sunset in the center of the bow.

"Darhlings! You won't believe who I met!" Rarity sang as the rest of the friendship council got off the train.

"Now don't be shy. They won't bite."

The unicorn shyly inched forward.

"Everyone, our resident birthday girl, Evening Dream."

"Hello...Your highness."

Evening bowed before the princess of friendship.

"Hiya Evening, remember me?"

She got up and nodded to Applejack.

"I...um..know you all. Rainbow Dash, you deal with the clouds, Pinkie Pie is the resident party planner, Fluttershy is my neighbor, and your highness, I see your castle every day...Rarity said you used to um, be the librarian in town. I have a....I have an overdue book."

She tried to make a smile, though it looked a little too forced.

"I can't believe all this time and I've never met you!" Pinkie shouted, rushing over into the middle of things. Evening immediately drew back. Rarity swatted the party pony with a newspaper.

"Pinkie, control yourself. She is not good with surprises."

"How?! Surprises are the best things about parties!"

The earth pony got up into the shy unicorn's face and squeezed her cheeks with her hooves.

"How do you function?!"

"Please stop yelling!" Evening cried as she activated her horn. The weak spell pulled the pony by the tail away from her as she retreated to a nearby column to hide behind. She held her horn and whimpered, rubbing it gingerly.

"Aw it's okay, Pinkie is just being Pinkie. She startles me sometimes too." Fluttershy soothed, going over.

"I'm sorry for not getting the courage to say hi to my neighbor, though I do see you sometimes playing with a really adorable cat in your backyard. What's his name?"

She helped Evening up.

"Um...Knight. I found him when he was a kitten and he's been my best friend ever since."

Fluttershy giggled and the both talked while the others cornered the pink party pony.

"Pinkie, she can not take shouting or interjections into her privacy." The white unicorn warned.

"She is prone to panic attacks and she will run away if she can. You are going to need to be subtle."

"Subtle? Pinkie Pie?"

Dash snorted.

"That means you too, Rainbow. She is a gentle spirit still dealing with some severe trauma. Do you remember that train accident a few years back?"

"You mean the one where that car accordioned?" Twilight asked.

"That one. She was on that train along with her parents. She told me that herself. We need to be delicate."

Then the princess had an epiphany

"That's why the map sent us!" She squealed.

"We're here to give her friendship!"

Black Forest and EverFree forest cake

"Now there you are!" A pony shouted over the crowd as a black and cherry red haired earth pony galloped to the two unicorns when they got back to the station.

"I almost thought the train was late when I didn't see you on the platform."

She wore a clean chef's apron and hat and from what Evening could see, her cutie mark was a slice of delicious looking chocolate cake with cherries.

"Sorry about that Miss Cake...I had a bit of a-"

"Miss cake?" Rarity asked as she looked at the earth pony.

"That's right. The name is Black Forest Cake. I'm Cup's little sis. Your rarity right?"

"Yes that correct."

"I heard about you from Celestia herself. She orders our signature EverFree forest cake every month on the dot. You helped save all of Equestria."

Rarity flipped her hair and struck a pose.

"It was really nothing."

"How about I treat you to some good old home baking. That train food had to be just awful. Only the least I can do."

Evening hung her head and grabbed her bag with her teeth. She was used to this. Being a third wheel.

"Now from what I hear from Cup is that you are to be treated like one of the family. So I'm guessing your now my unofficial niece."

Evening stopped and blushed.She set the bag down.

"Miss Cake I-"

"No more Miss. Its Black Forest, Evening Dream. If Cup thinks of you as family, I'll consider you apart of it too."

"Thank you Black Forest...I don't feel like I deserve it though."

"Ah shoot, don't be such a negative noodle. Your my niece after all. Let old Aunt Forest take care of you and your friend on your birthday."

"Yes, ma'am."

"This cake is simply divine!" Rarity exclaimed as she finished her slice of the dark rich chocolate cake with vanilla icing and cherries.

"Recipe has been in the family for generations. We cakes every generation add something to it, making it better and better. Cup turned them into cup cakes while I keep it in original form."

Evening looked down at her slice of cake and took another bite. She really didn't have anything like that in her family. Black Forest sat down on at their table with a slice of cake as well.

"So Evening, you wanna talk it?"

She looked up.

"Your not the only one that lost family in the accident....My little bro was on that train too. Took a lot of courage to get on another one didn't it?"

"Yeah...Only way to get to Canterlot unless you can fly or are in good with the princesses."

"If you need me to leave-"

"Nah its alright Miss Rarity. You probably don't even know what we're talking about." Black forest reassured her.

"Well...No its alright. I just thought it best if we change the subject."

"Yeah best we do. Evening what do you want to do for your birthday? I got the cake covered."

"Leave the rest to me Black Forest. I know how to pull a few strings."

"I knew I liked something about you Miss Rarity."

"I have no say in this do I?" Evening asked to the table at large.

"Nope!" The two ponies replied.

Author's Note

I pictured Black Forest kinda like a soft southern belle. She has a light accent.

Showing Evening the place

"Miss Forest I'm really not comfortable with this idea of a...party." Evening said as Black Forest led her up the back staircase to the baker's spare room.

"A birthday is an event worth celebrating."

"But its....Its just I don't know you that well and-"

"And I'm giving you an opportunity to mutually get to know each other better. You wanted to be more outgoing right? Strangers are just the friends you haven't met yet."

"Friends I haven't met yet?"

"Yes. Everyone can be friends if you try. Here's your room for the weekend. Its all clean and fresh sheets and everything."

Evening took a look past the door. It wasn't anything fancy like marble or a four poster bed. It was like what she had back in Ponyville. Wood panel floor, plain walls, and a nice bed. A nice, fluffy bed.

"Looks Great Miss Forest, but I'm still worried about this party."

"Leave everything to me and rarity."

"but you don't know what I like."

"Well do you?"

"Um...not really."

"Well. How about..." Black forest looked at the clock.

"In an hour, I'll have my employees run the place and we'll find Rarity and get you into some shops."

"Shops?"

"Yes dear shops. You know the places where you buy stuff. I know my sister told me you were a shut in, but you gotta at least know what shops do."

"I Do! I just...don't go very often."

"Good. By the elements of harmony, maybe with that unicorns connections, the princesses might come to the party."

"What?! The-The princesses! You mean like Luna?"

Black forest grinned.

"Yes, like Luna. I ain't promising anything but...I bet if your good..."

She gave the unicorn a playful nudge.

"Its nothing like that!" Evening dream shouted.

"I just....really would like to meet her and thank her for...the good dreams...their the reason for my career."

"That explains the cutiemark."

Evenings dream's mark was that of a crescent moon and in the foreground a open book.

"Yeah. I've been wanting to write a letter to her...but I've-"

"Never had the courage?"

"Yeah. The princess is so busy but....Its one of my goals on this trip."

"Well I'll see what I can do."

The earth pony winked and shut the door behind her.