Flightby TheUnknownPersonChaptersII: LandingIII: BruisedIV: RestV: ReturnVI: RoyaltyVII: FleeIX: TrailingX: FragmentsXI: SacrificeXII: CanterlotXIII: CatchXIV: ReleaseXV: TrustI: EvictedVIII: NightmaresII: LandingMarble Pie laid in Pinkie's bed, wrapped in her blankets. Her body was enveloped with warmth, in contrast to her condition a couple of hours ago. Gummy- Pinkie's pet alligator, had laid down at her hind-hooves, chewing on her right hind-hoof softy, almost trying to lull the upset pony to sleep. Thank goodness Pinkie let me stay here. I-I thought she wouldn't want to be around us anymore after everything that's happened. Marble sighed, relieved. Even if things were spiraling downwards, at least Pinkie had some place she could crash, right? Unfortunately for Marble, her anxiety seemed to disagree. What if Maud or father come looking for me here? The questioned popping in her head, her right fore-hoof dully throbbing with her rising heartbeat. Pinkie'll could get pulled into, hurt. I-I can't let that happen- not after taking me in without question. I won't let that happen. She groaned as she forced herself to sit up, her right fore-hoof throbbing with every movement. Her hind-hooves refused to move from the comfort of the bed. She used whatever energy she could muster to get up, but her fatigued body refused. Gummy climbed onto her lap, rubbing against her stomach. "No-" Marble weakly pushed him away, forcing her hind-hooves down onto the floor. "You sleep." She lifted Gummy up off of her, resting him in the mound of blankets. I just need to get outside- away from Ponyville. Her hooves swayed as she struggled to keep her balance. She trotted to the door slowly, taking each step with caution. So dizzy! Knock Knock Knock The door in front of Marble pushed open. Pinkie stood in the doorway. "Marble?" She questioned. "I thought you'd be asleep by now. What're you doing out of bed?" "I have to go." Marble took a step forward, only to lose her balance. Pinkie caught her shoulders and head before she hit the ground, sitting her back up on her own hooves. "You're in no condition to go anywhere. Not with your hoof, and especially when you can barely trot." "Wh-what do you mean?" Pinkie turned Marble around gently, leading her back towards the bed. "You haven't slept in two days and you're exhausted- I can tell. I'm sorry, but I can't let you go out there when you can barely trot." "They'll come!" "Who? Father and Maud?" "Mhmm." Marble glanced back to her. "I-I can't let you get pulled into it too. What if you get h-hurt?" "Hey-" Pinkie scrunched her face up, stiffening her lips. "That's my job to worry about you, not the other way around." She said in a stern tone, before bursting into laughter with a large smile. Marble halfheartedly giggled. It did little to lessen her worries. "Now, go ahead and get in bed and I'll take care of that. Nothing to worry about." Marble finally relented, nodding. She climbed into Pinkie's bed, gently pulling the blanket out from under Gummy. Pinkie gently wrapped the blanket, a warm smile across her face. "Goodnight Marble. I'll make you a plate for breakfast tomorrow morning." She turned away from Marble, beginning to trot out of the room. Gummy jumped down from the bed, following Pinkie. "Wait-" Pinkie turned back to her, concerned. A blush spread across Marble's face. "Yes?" "H... how're you going to stop them?" Marble questioned. Pinkie's just one mare. What could she do against the two of them? "Oh, well, let's see..." Pinkie turned, rubbing her chin as she trotted to Marble. "I could use my party cannon- nah." She had a small grin to match Marble's. "Maybe the confetti traps? No- not that either." Her smile grew. "Ah- I've got it!" Pinkie turned back to Marble, a large smile. "I'll ride Gummy out there! Of course! He'll scare them off!" Pinkie said with confidence. Marble giggled. "He's too small." "Gummy? Nah. He's a scary alligator." She leaned down to Gummy, rubbing her nose against his with a smile. Gummy licked her chin, pulling a giggle out of Pinkie as she stood. "He loves to chew on ponies. I'm sure he could drive them off!" "Mhmm." Marble nodded with a small grin. Pinkie smiled, relieved that her sister felt better. "Goodnight Marble. I'll set you out a plate for breakfast tomorrow morning." Pinkie quietly trotted out of the room, smiling as she pulled the door shut, making sure to be quiet. Marble rolled onto her back, laying her head to the right and resting her chin gently against her right shoulder. She grinned, peaceful. "Goodnight Pinkie." Marble whispered. Thanks for being there for me. ================= Pinkie Pie picked at her plate of peas and carrots over rice quietly, something the Cakes weren't accustomed to. She only took a few small bites here or there. The only ponies who were making some sort of noise were Pound and Pumpkin Pie, babbling happily as Carrot and Cup Cake finished eating their soft peas, Carrot feeding Pumpkin while Cake fed Pound in her lap. He picked up a small napkin at his side and wiped off the green, gooey residue of the peas that had accumulated around Pumpkin's mouth. Cup Cake lifted a small bottle to Pound's mouth, a fifth of the way full after the night's dinner. He pushed it away, yawning and stretching his fore-hooves. "C'mon, you're up first. You've got to go get ready for bed." Carrot picked up Pumpkin. Pumpkin whined in disagreement. "Aww- don't be that way. You need your sleep." He cooed as he trotted towards the staircase up to the loft. Carrot began to trot up towards the staircase. Once he was out of Cup's sight, he leaned down to her. "Okay, maybe a bit more playtime." Carrot whispered into her ear with a chuckle as he carried her up the staircase. Pumpkin clapped her fore-hooves together, pleased with her father's change of heart. Pinkie picked at her plate again, this time biting into a carrot. She took half of it into her mouth before returning the fork onto the plate. I've never seen her like this before. Even when Applejack knocked the Holder's- "Pinkie?" "Huh-" Pinkie glanced up from the rice. Cup was staring at her, her lips twisted into a frown. She had a concerned look in her eyes. "-yes Mrs. Cake?" "Are you all right, dearie? You've barely spoken at all tonight." "Oh- I'm sorry. Just this whole thing with my sis has me worried." "Why? Is she all right?" Cup asked. Pound yawned over them, stretching out his wings before he resting his head against her lap. "Yes, she's fine, but-- my family's-- it's personal." Pinkie huffed with a small giggle. "She got into some trouble there and ended up dislocating her shoulder. But she'll be fine. Just needs to rest here for a while until she's on her hooves again." "Oh dearie... I'm so sorry. She can stay here as long as she needs." Mrs. Cake extended her left fore-hoof to Pinkie, resting it atop her right fore-hoof. Pinkie nodded with a smile. "Thank you. I really appreciate this." "It's no problem. You'd do the same if something happened to Pumpkin. Is there anything I can do to help?" "No, thank you. I can handle everything else- you've done enough already." "You're welcome. She's a good mare from what we've heard." Cup carefully lifted Pound, gently resting his head on her right fore-hoof and lifting his body with her left. She cradled him in her fore-hooves as she looked back up to Pinkie. "She is. But she's really shy, so if she doesn't talk to you, she's not trying to be rude." "I understand. Thank you-" Tap Tap Tap Pinkie and Cup looked over to glass window, seeing somepony standing outside in the darkness. Their face wasn't visible, nor their body. Cup looked to her, with a confused gaze. "Strange for somepony to be coming at this time of night." "I'll go check who it is." Pinkie stood, pushing back her chair. Cup nodded as she stood and trotted towards the stairs, making sure to trot slowly while holding Pound. Pinkie stood up and trotted out into the front counter, and out towards the entrance. She pushed the door open and stepped outside. "Hello?" Pinkie called out, tracing the street for somepony. Nopony was in sight. "Anypony there?" Pinkie asked as she stepped outside the light of the shop, closing the door behind her. She trotted down the street, looking for anypony. "Hello-" Somepony jumped out from the alleyway to her right, grabbing her and pulling her in. They pushed her against the wall. "What the hay, Pinkie?" The pony released her. Pinkie opened her eyes, seeing that the pony who had grabbed her was Pinkamena. She wore a brown cloak and hood that covered most of her upper body and face. Her wings stuck out at her sides. She pulled down the hood. Her mane was cut short, combed to the right, and was slightly spiked at the end, similar to Limestone Pie's. "Pinkamena! You scared the hay outta me!" Pinkie whisper-yelled at her. Pinkamena shot an angry glare at her. "We were supposed to meet earlier. Sat up over here all bucking afternoon and you haven't breathed a word for me to come down. You can't just ditch me on something you asked me to do. That's not what we agreed to." She tapped her fore-hooves against the ground, awaiting an explanation. "Look-- I'm sorry. I've been really busy today. Some stuff with Marble happened and--" "Wait- with Marble? What happened?" Pinkie covered her mouth. I had to say it... horseapples. She's not going to be happy. "Pinkie, what happened?" Pinkamena gently pulling Pinkie's left fore-hoof away from her mouth. Pinkie sighed, dreading telling her about the topic. "Marble found out what happened to you." "What?" Pinkamena looked at her, then glanced down at the ground. Pinkie nodded. "She doesn't know the full thing, but she knows that something happened." Pinkamena looked back at her in disbelief and almost horror. "Oh no... I-I hoped we wouldn't have to go through it again." Pinkamena's face paled. "Please tell me she doesn't know the whole thing." "She doesn't know anything specific, but she knows something happened." "Thank Celestia..." She released a relieved sigh. "Did anything else happen? Is she okay? Can I see her?" "She's fine, trust me. I'm letting her sleep right now, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow. And..." Pinkie's voice lowered, trailing away from the subject of her shoulder. "Please, Pinkie. I need to know." "Dad tr... he tried... um..." Pinkie knew that Marble was a sensitive spot for Pinkamena. She won't be happy. We've worked so hard to try to get her to move on and accept it. This could break her-- all our work to keep her calm and happy. "Please?" "You won't like it." Pinkie warned. "Give me some credit, Pinkie. I'm not all that bad anymore." Pinkamena said. Pinkie nodded. "You're right- sorry." She took a deep breath. "They tried to hurt her. Dad and Maud." Pinkamena's ears fell flat atop her head as her mouth widening in horror. She turned away from Pinkie, tears stinging her eyes. "I-I'm so sorry Pinkamena. I know she and Limestone mean a lot to you-- to us." "Please tell me Limestone is with you..." Pinkamena's voice waned in strength, trembling with fear and anxiety. "Oh--" Pinkie glanced downwards. She's still at the farm! She glanced back up to her, shaking her head. "Horsefeathers..." Pinkamena huffed. "I'm sorry. I'll go check up on her tomorrow. Hay-- I'll even bring her here if I have to." "No, you have to work tomorrow. Applejack and Fluttershy will need you at her cottage the next day too for the Winter Cleanup. I'll go do it." "Pinkamena..." Pinkie stared at her. She's learned a lot in the past year and a half. I still don't trust her going there. She might go ballistic if Limestone gets hurt. "I promise I'll only go in to check on Limestone. If she's in trouble, I'll get her out of there, and only that. Those things don't deserve my scorn." Hidden under Pinkamena's voice was an undertone of anger. Pinkie stared at her, deciphering her words to see if she truthful. After a few moments, she nodded. "Okay. Just get in there and get out. You and I both know you shouldn't be in there for too long." Pinkamena nodded with a smile. "Thank you. I've got to go now. Keep my cool, y'know?" Pinkie nodded. "Goodnight." "'Night" Pinkamena waved back to her as she trotted out of the alleyway, unfolding her wings and flapping, ascending into the air. Pinkie watched her until her coat and brown cloak blended into the night. She turned back onto the street and trotting into the shop, cutting off the lights inside as she went through. ================= III: BruisedMarble sat at the edge of the bed. Her hind-hooves hung down to the floor, resting in front of an empty, bright pink sleeping bag. Is that Pinkie's? She questioned. Why didn't she just sleep with me? I-I could've moved over. Marble wiped her messy mane to her right side. She yawned before sliding off the bed, catching herself on her three uninjured hooves. My hoof! Her right fore-hoof throbbed with every moment. She gave her hoof a moment to calm before she trotted passed the sleeping bag, towards the door. I'll have to work with this. Mother's going to kill me if I don't get out there soon. Marble pushed the door open. She was now in a foreign building, with blue walls, and three other doors in the hall. Right... Pinkie's home. She sighed, the events of the past two days returning to her quickly. The morning sunlight beamed through the window at the end of the hallway, nearly blinding her as she stepped out into the hall. She glanced around the right side of the hall, seeing the staircase at the end of the hall. There- Marble turned and trotted down the hall, before she looked down at the stairs. I can get down this. I've bothered Pinkie enough with my hoof. She wrapped her left fore-hoof around the left railing, using it as a support as she made her way down the winding staircase. Mr. Cake sat at the middle of the kitchen counter, leaning over a freshly baked cake as he squeezed a white, plastic bag, with some white frosting coming a tube at the bottom of the bag. The aroma of freshly baked muffins and other sweets filled the shop as Marble stepped down onto the solid floor. Maybe Pinkie's just at the front of the store? Marble straightened her mane as best she could with her immobile right shoulder and trotted towards the kitchen. Mr. Cake sat the bag to the side and straightened his neck, smiling at his work. The formerly blank cake in front of him was now had a layer of white frosting over the top of it. He looked up, seeing Marble staring at him. "Oh- I'm sorry Marble. Pinkie's out right now, but she sat a plate out for you from breakfast." Marble nodded. "T-thank you." "You're welcome, sweetie. It's right over there--" He pointed to the kitchen table to his left, to a small, paper plate with a white napkin folded over it. "Just come find me or Cup if you need anything." Marble blushed before nodding. She trotted to the kitchen table and leaned down, using her teeth to lift the plate. She took a moment to balance to plate in her teeth before slowing trotting out of the kitchen, being careful not to drop the plate or spill any of it's contents. Just back up the stairs now... Marble wrapped her left fore-hoof around the rail as she shuffled up the winding staircase, going slowly. She eventually reached the second floor, before hastily trotting to Pinkie's room, shutting the door behind her. Her mouth watered as she lifted the napkin, revealing the eggs with diced fruits to the side. She quickly took a bite from some of the fruit, tasting some apples, bananas, and a few blueberries. I forgot I hadn't ate since I left. Thank Celestia Pinkie made this for me. Marble took another bite. I'll have to look for her after I finish this. She inhaled another bite of fruit, nearly starving. ================= Pinkie Pie huffed as she galloped through town square. Her saddlebags were filled to the brim with brown bags, filled with eggs, milk, sugar, flour, and icing for the Sugarcube Corner. She waved Lyra and Bon Bon as she passed by them, trotting in the direction opposite to them. Good thing Mr. and Mrs. Cake sent me out when they did. Now we have plenty of supplies for baking! She nodded with a smile, mentally patting herself on the back. I've got some time before the shop opens. I could stop by Rarity's place and see if she could do anything to help with Marble's hoof. At least the pain. Pinkie slowed her pace, trotting passed the Sugarcube Corner and towards Rarity's shop and residence, the Carousel Boutique. She knocked on the front door. The door opened a few moments later. "Ah, good morning Pinkie." Rarity said with a smile. "Come in, come in! My morning tea just started to boil." She stood to the side of the doorway, allowing Pinkie to step through. Rarity shut the door behind Pinkie, trotting into her kitchen. The kitchen had a wooden counter with a marble top built into the wall, with four cabinets above her, with another four at her fore-hooves. The white tiled floor below had black lines leading from each side of the room, circling and curving in the middle to form a small flower. "Would you care for some tea? Perhaps something to eat? I still have left-overs from breakfast." Rarity's horn brightened with her light blue, magical aura. The overhead cabinet opened, pulling out two plates, one for Pinkie, and the other for Rarity. "No thanks, Rarity. I just wanted to stop by and ask you if you could do something for me." "Of course, darling. Ask away." Rarity sat the plates atop each other, out of their way. "Did Applejack tell you about what happened yesterday? With my sis, Marble?" "Yes, darling. So unfortunate. Please, if you need any help with her, just ask." Rarity asked, Pinkie nodded. "Well, about that..." Pinkie giggled. "You read my mind. I was going to ask you if you could help her with some of the pain she's been having. She dislocated her right fore-hoof getting here. We already took her to the hospital and put it in a sling, but they didn't give us anything for pain. So, since you and Fluttershy's been seeing Lotus Blossom and Aloe every week, I thought you maybe help her?" "Why, of course I can darling. I'll do what I can. It's the least I can do for her." "Thank you." She said with a smile. "I'll bring her over here this afternoon, after we get off of work." "That's fine darling. I'm available when you are." "Good. Thanks again. I hate to rush, but I'm going to be late for work." Pinkie turned, trotting towards the front door. "Don't let me delay you. Have a good day!" Rarity trotted out from behind the counter, opening the door for Pinkie. Pinkie nodded. "Ta-ta!" She called, waving before shutting the door to her shop. Pinkie trotted up the street, and turned in to the Sugarcube Corner." ================= Marble sighed as she sat the freshly cleaned plate to her side, her hunger thoroughly sated. She scooted off the bed. Gummy sat at the door, plopped down in front of the doorway. She trotted to the doorway, stepping over Gummy and opening the door to the hall outside. As she stepped out, she and somepony bumped snouts, causing her to step back and hitting her right fore-hoof against the door frame, a seething wave of pain through her hoof. "Oh-- I'm sorry dear. Are you all right?" Mrs. Cake stood in front of her, rubbing her snout for a moment before planting her left fore-hoof back onto the ground. Marble nodded, biting her tongue to keep her pain hidden. "Okay. I just came up here to check in on you and take your plate from breakfast." Marble stepped out of the doorway, making sure to step over Gummy. Mrs. Cake stepped in and leaned down, holding Marble's plate in her teeth. "Pinkie'll be back soon. She had to get us some baking supplies." Mrs. Cake noted, her words slightly muffled by the plate. She trotted passed Marble, stepping out. "Do you need anything before I go back down to the shop?" Marble shook her head. "All right. Just let me or Carrot know, dear." Mrs. Cake turned and used her left hind-hoof to shut the door. ================= Okay... Pinkamena inhaled a deep breath as she approached the Pie Rock Farm. Keep your cool, Pinkamena. I don't even have to see them. Just go to Limestone and get out. Pinkamena pulled down the hooded cloak. She ran her hooves over her mane, curling her mane to look like Pinkie's. Can't wait until I get back to Cloudsdale. Nopony recognizes me up there, thank goodness. Don't have to act like another pony to go out up there. Pinkamena sighed. Thank you Princess Celestia... She glanced back to her wings with a smile, affirming that the cloak covered them. The cloak ran from the back of her neck to her hind-hooves. Wings covered-- check. Messy mane, puffed up like Pinkie's, check. All right. Everything's ready. Pinkamena stepped across the road, towards the Pie Rock Farm. LImestone Pie was knelt down in the fields, searching for rocks, while Maud Pie was on the sifter, pulling it a few yards away from Limestone. She trotted up to Limestone, stopping in front of her. Limestone glanced up, noticing her older sister standing over her. "Hey Pinkie." She stood. "How's Marble?" "Huh-- how did you know she was with me?" "Father said she hurt herself late last night, and got you to come over to take her to the hospital in Ponyville. Is she all right?" That liar! Pinkamena balled her hooves, crushing the dirt beneath her, before releasing. Not worth it... not worth it... "She's fine. I took her to the hospital. She'll need to stay with me for a while." "Ugh... we've got enough work around her as is. She had to hurt herself this when we're overloaded, and now of all times?!" "Limestone!" Pinkamena scolded. Limestone stared at her, shooting her daggers. Pinkamena glanced away, sighing. "It's not like she wanted to get hurt." "I know..." She sighed, frustrated. "Just-- horseapples, we've got a lot of work. And you can't come because you're looking after her." "Yeah. Sorry." Pinkamena glanced up, seeing Maud coming closer. Horseapples. Gotta wrap this up. "Has anything strange been going on around here?" "No, nothing, aside from when Marble hurt herself. Why?" "Never mind. Just wanted to make sure everything was okay." Maud came ever closer, only a few feet away from them. "Sorry to rush, but I've got some work back at the Sugarcube Corner." Pinkamena turned, taking a step away from her. "It's fine. Tell Marble to hurry the hay up and get better." "Will do. Stay safe." She trotted away, passed the gate and down the path. ================= Pinkie Pie stepped into the Sugarcube Corner, stepping passed the line of ponies extending from the front desk. Mr. Cake spreading yellow frosting over a vanilla cake whilst she trotted into the kitchen. Mrs. Cake met her as Pinkie trotted into the kitchen. She and Pinkie swiftly unloaded her saddlebags, filled with bags of sugar and flour, with two cartons of eggs. "Okay, here's everything we'll need for the next few days. Where do you need me, Mrs. Cake?" Pinkie turned to face her employer. She shook her head. "We can tie things over down here. You can go up to the loft and spend sometime with Marble or foalsit Pumpkin and Pound." "Are you sure? It's pretty busy out there." "Of course dearie. Carrot and I can tie it over." "Okay. Thanks Mrs. Cake!" Pinkie turned. She trotted up the stairs into her loft and trotted down the hall, pushing her bedroom door open. Marble was sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her right fore-hoof. Gummy was under her, sleeping on Pinkie's pink sleeping bag. "Hey Marble." Marble glanced up to her, grinning when she saw her, before turning back to her right fore-hoof. "How's your hoof doing? Feeling any better?" "Mmhm. Better." "Good. We'll go to Rarity's shop later this afternoon, after the bakery closes. I'll have to go to foalsit in a few minutes." Pinkie trotted up to her, sitting down beside her. Marble nodded in acknowledgement. "Did you get the plate I sat out for you?" Marble nodded. "Thank you." "You're welcome. Figured you'd be hungry." She glanced up to Pinkie, smiling. "D... did you sleep there?" Marble pointed to the sleeping bag below them. She nodded. "I thought you'd need to bed more than I did. Besides, Gummy and I played games while you were asleep." Pinkie tried in a futile attempt to keep her sister from feeling guilty. Marble's ears fell to her head. "You didn't have to." "It's all right. It felt fine." Pinkie glanced to the door. "Sorry, but I need to go stay with the twins for now. I'll see you later, after work." She stood, trotting to the door and pushing it open, taking a step out into the hall. "Wait--" Pinkie turned back to Marble. Her face was a deep shade of red. "U-um..." Marble averted her gaze back to the floor. "I-I was wondering if y-you could st-stay in here with me f-for a while. Y-you can bring th-the twins i-in her if you w-want." Pinkie grinned. "Of course, Marble." ================= IV: RestThe twins snored, laying on Pinkie's pillow. Marble sighed quietly, relieved that the hyperactive pair were finally asleep. Pinkie giggled, using her right fore-hoof to muffle the sound. "You get used to them after a while. They tire themselves out eventually. Might even come to love them." Pinkie glanced back at them, with a loving glance, before returning back to Marble. "It won't be too long until Mr. and Mrs. Cake's off. It's almost closing time." She whispered. Marble nodded, standing up. She bit the side of her mouth, her right shoulder burning. I can't stand it anymore! Marble held her right shoulder, leaning against the bed. Pinkie stood, concerned. She swiftly trotted up to her, gently helping her to her hooves. "Are you all right?" "My shoulder--" Marble chewed the side of her mouth, keeping herself from making any noise. "It's all right. I know it hurts, just hold out a little bit longer and we'll be at Rarity's soon." She said, slowly helping Marble sit down. "Do-- do you need anything?" Marble shook her head, suppressing a groan. Just a little longer. Hold out a little longer-- horseapples, it hurts. The door gently opened. Mr. and Mrs. Cake stepped in, their coats stained with cake batter and flour. They took careful steps, making sure not to wake up the twins. Mr. Cake lifted Pumpkin gently off the pillow, as Mrs. Cake did the same with Pound. "Thank you." She whispered as they exited. Pinkie sighed. "We can go now. The shop's closed." Pinkie stood, helping Marble to her hooves. They trotted out of the room, turning and trotting towards the stairs. Pinkie held Marble as she helped her down the winding staircase and out into the front of the shop? "Pinkie?" Twilight Sparkle was sat at a table beside the entrance, a cup of tea sat in front of her with her right fore-hoof on a book. Marble wiped her mane to her right side, covering her red face. "Everything all right?" "Hey, Twi'." Pinkie turned to Marble. "Go ahead and step outside. I'll be outside in a minute." Marble nodded, stepping past Twilight and outside of the shop, standing beside the door. Pinkie trotted to Twilight's table, sitting across from her. "Is everything good at your family farm, Pinkie? Isn't that your sister?" "Yes... and no." Pinkie glanced to Marble, making sure she wasn't looking at them. She cupped her right-forehoof beside her mouth. "She knows what happened." "What-- oh. Wait, how does she know?" "Mom dropped a picture of me before my wings were removed and Marble managed to see it. At least, I think that's what happened. She won't tell me what she saw, but I don't think she knows the details, thank goodness." "Horseapples... just when things started to feel normal again." Twilight sighed. "Why's her hoof in a sling? Something else happen." Pinkie sighed, dreading the subject. "Once dad knew she'd seen it, he grabbed her by her right fore-hoof and dragged her out the house and towards the barn-- I don't have to tell you what would've happened if she didn't break away. She had to physically pull her hoof out of place to get away, and even then, dad or Maud will probably be here soon to look for her." Pinkie said. "Worst nightmare come to life. Only thing worse than finding out what happened to me and Pinkamena was seeing it almost happen to Marble." "Thank Celestia she got away. Where is Pinkamena, by the way? How much does she know about this?" "I told her everything. She went in to check and make sure Limestone was okay--" "You sent her there?!" Twilight whisper-yelled. "I trust her enough now to know she won't hurt anypony unless she has to. She'll be back by this afternoon." "Pinkie, I get that you two have been through a lot over the past year, but I'm not sure she's ready yet to be seeing your mom and dad." "She's made a lot of progress. You'd be surprised how well she takes things now." "Still, those are the ponies that took her wings-- traumatized her to the point where the only way she could cope with it was to hurt every and anypony who stood in her path." "It's just going to be a one-time thing. I just couldn't go check for myself and she offered." "Fine. Just please, be more careful next time. I'd hate to see her get hurt again, honestly." "That makes two of us," Pinkie said. She slid back, standing. "I've got to go. Taking Marble to Rarity's to see if she can help with the pain anyways." "All right. I'll let Princess Celestia and Princess Luna know the current situation." Twilight turned back to her book. "Keep me updated." Pinkie stepped pass the table, pushing the door open. "Thank you. Will do." She stepped outside. Marble was surrounded by Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle-- the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Scootaloo's scooter was behind them, with her helmet and pads hanging on the handlebar. "What's that thing around your hoof?" "Does it hurt? It looks like it does." "Are y'all good? Haven't been to y'all's part'a Equestria in awhile." Marble simply replied with a timid grin. Pinkie stepped to her side. "Sorry, but we've got to go." Pinkie motioned for her sister to step ahead. They followed behind. "We haven't seen you here before." Scootaloo followed closely on her scooter, curious. Sweetie and Apple Bloom trotted behind her. "Mmhm." She mumbled with a timid smile. "Where're you going, Pinkie?" "To Rarity's shop." "Why?" Sweetie replied. Pinkie glanced back to her. "Long story. Rarity will tell you when you get back home. I'd love to have more fun with you three, but I really need to get my sis there. I'll have three cupcakes with your names on it tomorrow morning." "Okay!" The trio said in unison, diverging into the town square. Rarity's shop was only a few feet away. "Wh-who were the other two?" "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Sweetie's Rarity's little sister, and Scoots'... she's sorta Rainbow Dash's sister." Marble nodded in acknowledgment as they turned towards Rarity's shop. Pinkie stepped forwards, knocking on the door three times. "Rarity's nice. She's super generous and friendly. You'll like her." The door opened, with Rarity standing on the other side. "Ah, hello Pinkie." Rarity nodded with a smile. "I assume this is Marble Pie?" Marble nodded, taking a step back behind her older sister, as a blush spread from her cheeks and ears. "Don't worry darling. Soon enough you'll be feeling as great as new." "Oh-- seems I've misplaced my manners- come in, please. Make yourselves comfortable." Rarity stepped to the side, allowing Pinkie and Marble to step through. Marble paused, allowing Pinkie to take the lead. She followed closely behind Pinkie into the living room, taking a seat at the corner. Rarity went into the kitchen for a moment, before returning, her horn glowing with her light blue aura. Three filled teacups and a half-full teapot floated at her side, enveloped by her magical aura. She sat them in the middle of the coffee table in the middle of the room. "Where are you hurting at, darling? Any place in particular?" Marble pointed to her shoulder. Rarity nodded she stood, trotting over to her. "I've heard all that you've experienced. I couldn't even imagine that happening to myself or my Sweetie Belle. It must not be easy." She nodded, although in acknowledgment. "Would you mind if I touched your hoof? I won't squeeze or prod it if it's causing you any pain, and I promise I'll try to relieve some of the pain you're in." Marble hesitantly nodded. Rarity gently unhooked the strap, resting it gently on to her couch. Marble's hoof throbbed with every movement. She rested her right fore-hoof onto her shoulder. She flinched but relaxed after Rarity's gentle touch. "Hm... oh. Ah. I see." Rarity stood. "Excuse me for a moment, if you will." She trotted into a kitchen. After a few minutes, she returned with a small bucket of water, with a couple of wet rags. "Something warm to relax the muscles will help." Rarity sat beside Marble. She ringed out the towel in the bucket before placing it around her shoulder. Marble winced at the contact, however, she relaxed once the pain was dulled. Marble let out a quiet sigh. "Better?" "Mmhm." "Good. I'll just place this one around your hoof..." Rarity's horn glowed with her magical aura. The rag tied around her lower right-forehoof gently. "Humorous story how I learned how to do this, actually. Someponies from our local spa offered to teach me. Would you like to hear it?" Rarity asked, looking to Marble. Marble nodded. "Excellent." ================= Always wanted to see them perform. Pinkamena watched on as the Wonderbolts finished their stunt, floating down to the clouds below them and taking a bow. Spitfire seems cool, but I could never live up to their expectations. She stood, trotting off the cloud above them and floating down. I still can't believe nopony knows me up here. Pinkamena smiled, passing by other Cloudsdale residents. Almost feels like a new start. Nopony recognizes me, I can just tell them a fake name if I want to be friends with them, and I haven't hurt a single pony since Pinkie's been helping me. She turned, trotting towards a small house. Pinkamena entered her home. There was a cloud bookshelf, filled to the brim with Daring Do and other adventure books, behind a cloud couch. There was a lone picture of Pinkamena, Marble, and Limestone hanging on the wall to the left, glancing over it as she entered. There was a fully-stocked kitchen to her right, with a refrigerator, an oven, and cabinets full of food. Her bedroom was to the left. Well, it did until he had to bring everything back up... She sighed. I swear, if they so much as lay another hoof on Marble or Limestone, I'll- Pinkamena growled, before taking a deep breath. She sighed, steadying her anger. Not worth the anger... not worth it... Pinkamena relaxed. She stood, trotting over to the bookshelf. "Good thing Twi' let me have all these books once she was finished with them." Pinkamena picked out a Daring Do book and trotted back over to the couch. ================= "Thank you." Marble stood, her hoof and shoulder free of any pain. Rarity stood, showing them out. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, darling." She trotted beside Pinkie and Marble, opening the door for them. "Come back anytime you're in pain and I'll take care of it." Marble nodded with a smile. "Thanks, Rarity. I'll see you tomorrow." Pinkie stepped outside into the fleeing sunlight. Rarity nodded. "Ta-ta, darlings! Come back anytime!" Rarity said, stepping out the door and waving to Marble and Pinkie as they left. Marble grinned, lightly waving to her right fore-hoof. "She was nice." "Didn't disappoint you, did I?" "Mmnmm" They trotted down the street. "Let's go through the town square. It'll be nice for you to see the town if you're going to be here for a while." Pinkie turned to the left, into the town square. "Let's see... ah, the Farmer's Market is down there, and Applejack's farm isn't far from it," She pointed to a large group of stands and building to the left. "The mayor's office is that way," Pinkie pointed to the right, towards a large, pale building. "And finally, the Sugarcube Corner is that--" She abruptly stopped. Marble glanced up to her. "Where?" "Er... Marble, wait here for a few minutes. Try to blend in with the crowds." "What? Wh-why?" "There's somepony I need to meet with. I'll only be a few minutes. Just wait outside the Farmer's Market and I'll come get you, okay?" Pinkie looked to her younger sister. Marble nodded, trotting to the left, towards the market. What's wrong? Is she meeting somepony important? Pinkie diverged out of town square, trotting up to the shop. I knew it wouldn't be long before they came for her, but I thought I'd have more time. Maud Pie was standing outside her shop, staring inside. ================= V: ReturnMarble Pie bounced her hooves as she sat on the ground, behind a large stand at the entrance of the Farmer's Market. The sun had begun to set. Where's Pinkie? Pinkie had been gone for a long while- too long. Marble had begun to worry. It's been almost a half hour. Is she all right? Unable to wait any longer, Marble stood. She should've been finished talking by now. Marble trotted through the town square. The previously crowded area thinned out with the setting sun. She trotted forwards, towards the Sugarcube Corner. "I'm telling you-- I haven't seen her." Marble slowed as she turned the corner. Pinkie was to the right of the empty street, standing in front of the Sugarcube-- Maud! She immediately ducked back behind the wall, her heart pounding. Marble held her breath, trying to keep herself as quiet as possible. Keep calm- Pinkie would handle it. Surely! "She had to have come through here. This is the only place she would've gone. I just want to talk to her." "Marble doesn't even know where I work, she's never been here." The pair became silent. "I'm still going to take a look in your shop." "No. My landlords won't approve of it- you could get me thrown out!" "Only one way to find out." The ding of the bell inside the door rung as the door opened. It quickly shut, making another, violent ring. "No." Pinkie said in a stern tone. They became silent again. "Fine. I'll look through town then." Hoofsteps echoed as Maud trotted away from Pinkie, towards Marble. I-I have to hide someplace. Marble put her fore-hooves against the ground, pushing upwards. The strength in her hooves had been sapped from her. Move! Her hooves refused to budge, straining as she pressured her trembling hooves up, wobbling under her body weight. "Marble?" Marble glanced upwards. Maud stood over her. She stumbled back, whatever strength she had managed to muster up fleeing quickly as she crawled away. No! "Marble, stop-" Maud grabbed Marble's left fore-hoof, only for Marble to jerk away. "Pl-please don't take me--" "I'm not going to hurt you, all right? I just want to talk." Maud knelt down to her, gently cupping her left fore-hoof. "Wha... what?" "I won't let them get to you too." Maud's eyes darted towards Marble's sling, before turning back up to her. "I see your hoof has been treated." Marble nodded, sitting up and setting her back against the wall, pulling her hind-hooves up to her chest and crossing her hooves over them. "I'm guessing Pinkie was responsible for that?" "Mmhm." Marble nodded. "Good, good." Maud sat down beside Marble. "I've managed to distract father from you for the past few days, but he's getting impatient..." She pulled back the shoulder of her frock, revealing a purple bruise- almost unnoticeable with the color of her coat. "Father did..." Marble trailed away. Maud nodded. How could he... why? "Limestone-" Marble realized- what if he had hurt Limestone?! She couldn't sit back and let it happen! Marble tried to stand, only for Maud to keep her sat down. "Don't worry, he hasn't laid a hoof on her. I've kept her away from this whole thing." Marble sighed. "What happened?" "Nothing over the past few days. Father has been--" "I-I mean, to Pinkie." Maud glanced away, sighing. She looked nervous- a rare occurrence. A bead of sweat rolled down her right temple as she took a deep breath "We were poor farmers back then. Barely made any profit from the farm- rocks weren't in demand." Maud looked up to Marble. She watched on, staring at Maud. "When Pinkie was born a pegasus, mother and father were surprised. Only your great grandmother was a pegasus out of the whole Pie family tree." Maud said, looking up to Marble. She sighed. "I'm getting off topic... once Pinkie was old enough to fly, she would skip her farm work and only fly around all day, making a mess of the barn while she was at it. And we couldn't afford that back then. I couldn't keep picking up her slack- it was too much to do for me." Her voice remained flat, despite the beads of sweat rolling down her temples. "Father proposed the idea that we... we cut off her wings. I wanted to say no, but I had no say in the matter. His mind was made up, and he told me no matter what, to make sure her wings are cut off." Maud glanced back momentarily, looking passed the corner and back to Pinkie. She turned back to Marble. "They drugged her dinner, took her to the barn, and prepared to... do it. Then, at the final moment, father hesitated. Mother refused to do it too, so I-" Maud abruptly stopped, looking away as she closed her eyes taking a few shaken breaths. Marble was taken aback- she had never seen her sister so anxious and nervous, not in her whole life. "It-it's okay," She put her gently touched Maud's right fore-hoof. "you don't have to tell." Maud glanced up, nodding. "After everything was done, I had to leave for college the next week, so I-I had no idea what it was like for her in the weeks after." Maud stood, extending her right fore-hoof to Marble. Marble took hold of her hoof, pulling herself up. "I have to leave if I'll make it back to the farm by tonight." Marble nodded. Maud began to trot away. "Why are you helping me?" She slowed to a stop, before glancing back to her. "Let's just say I'm trying to keep our family from making the same mistake twice. And repaying an old debt." Maud looked back at the Sugarcube Corner before she turned forwards, trotting away as the last sliver of the shimmering sun dipped under the surface, as the moon began to rise. Marble trotted slowly after her, stopping as she passed the corner. Pinkie looked at Maud, then to Marble, before rushing to her. "Are you okay?!" Pinkie brought Marble's head to eye level. "Did she do anything to you?!" "No... no." Marble glanced back up into Maud, in the distance. "She just spoke to me." She was confused. Why wouldn't she just take her away? "What?" Pinkie seemed as confused as Marble. She turned back, before taking Marble's right fore-hoof. "Come on, let's get inside before she comes back." Pinkie rushed into the shop, closing the door behind her. Marble barely kept up with Pinkie as she stepped into the kitchen. She slowed, stopping. "I think we're good now..." A relieved sigh slipped through Pinkie's lips. "Sorry for rushing you like that. I just- after everything that's happened, I didn't want her near you." "I know." Marble mumbled. Pinkie yawned. "I think I'll close the shop and head off to bed. Goodnight Marble." Pinkie turned, beginning to trot away. Marble took a step towards her but stopped suddenly. Does she even know about it? Marble question. What if she just finds out about it from me and I hurt her? Pinkie trotted out of the kitchen. She has a right to know... but from me? Marble took another step closer to her. She had little time left to make her decision- every passing second, she was getting farther and farther away. "P-Pinkie?" She needs to know. Pinkie turned back to Marble. "Hm?" "Er... M-Maud told me what happened." "What do you mean?" She asked with a smile. Marble's eyes darted to the ground, towards her fore-hooves. "W... when you were a filly." The color drained from Pinkie's coat and mane, becoming a darker shade of pink as shock took over her face. Her jaw dropped slightly, as her eyes widened. She sighed, her mane deflating and falling to the right side of her face. "Oh no..." Pinkie sat at the kitchen table. Marble timidly stepped towards her. "Was that what you saw in the portrait?" She glanced up to Marble. She nodded, taking another step closer. Pinkie sighed, resting her head on the table. "I wish you wouldn't have found out this way Marble. I'm so sorry." Her voice was muffled and quiet. Marble sat down beside her, rubbing her back. "It-it's okay. I'm sorry you had to go through that." "I barely remember it. Only got full recollection of it a year ago. B-before..." Pinkie turned away, sadness overpowering her usually upbeat and energetic mood. "I regret ever learning about it. Maybe- maybe we all would be together if it weren't for my snooping around." "No-" Marble stood, suddenly filled with courage. She confidently trotted to Pinkie's right side, kneeling down to look in her eyes. "You had a right to know. They were wrong for keeping it from you for so long. Please don't be sad because of their mistake." Pinkie, with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, sat up. "Thank you." She wiped her eyes. "You have to stop taking my job, y'know." Pinkie giggled. She brushed her mane up as the color returned to her. Marble nodded with a smile. "Come here, we can close up shop together, before dinner. If you want, of course." Pinkie stood, trotting into the kitchen. Marble trotted in behind her. ================= A Few Hours Later Dear Twilight Sparkle, Although I am glad to see Pinkamena's improvements, please, do not allow her near her parents yet. As for Marble, please send her to Canterlot as soon as possible. I'd like to see her as soon as you possibly can get her here. I have much to discuss with her. -Princess Luna Pinkie sighed, hanging her head. Twilight Sparkle rolled the letter up. "I'm sorry Pinkie. I wish I could tell her that she needs more time, but it's an offer she can't refuse." "No, I get it. Just-- this soon?" "Princess Luna isn't going to push her, trust me. She'll just speak, I'll stay with her just in case, all right?" Pinkie remained silent for a moment. She turned, looking up to Marble she slowly trotted up the staircase. "You're sure Princess Luna won't do anything to upset her?" "Positive." Pinkie turned back to Twilight. "All right. You two can leave tomorrow." "That's fine. I'll let the princesses know." "And I'll let her know." Pinkie huffed. She isn't going to like this. ================= VI: RoyaltyPinkie Pie released Marble, kissing her on the forehead as she did. Her face was bathed in the golden red sunlight, nighttime approaching rapidly. "You're going to be just fine. Don't worry, Twilight's one of my best friends. You're in good hooves." She said with a smile. Marble Pie nodded, sighing. She turned to Twilight. Twilight nodded with a smile. "I'm ready whenever you are." Marble had her mane combed as neatly as possible, her coat was freshly cleaned, even the bottom of her hooves. She was ready, no matter how much she hated to leave the safety of Pinkie's shop, even for just a night. "Mmhm." Marble nodded. Twilight turned, pushing the door open as they exited. "Sorry, we're going to have to trot out of town. The carriage drivers couldn't land in the middle of town like this. Too crowded." "Carriage?" Marble questioned quietly. Twilight nodded. "Yeah. Fastest way to get to Canterlot, aside from teleportation, but I figured you'd prefer the carriage." "Mmhm." Marble sighed, relieved. Thank goodness... "Pinkie has told me a lot about you, Marble. It's nice to finally meet you." Twilight glanced back to Marble. Marble nodded with a quiet, "Mmhm." "I hope you're adjusting to Ponyville. I know it's not exactly what you're used to, but it's a nice place." "Mmhm." Marble turned back, the safety of the Sugarcube Corner growing farther and farther with each passing second and step. She looked back to Twilight as they exited the town. Her heart skipped a beat- I-I'm going to be alone with a princess?! No- the actual Princess of the Night! The Guardian of the Night! What if I make a fool of myself in front of the co-ruler of Equestria?! She took some shaken breaths, turning towards the ground. "Everything all right, Marble?" Twilight's warm, calm voice brought Marble back to reality. She brought her head up, her breath slowing. She nodded, with a quiet "Mmhm." "Okay. You just spaced out a for a moment there. Wanted to make sure you were all right." Marble nodded, turning to her right, looking over Apple Acres. Applejack and Big Macintosh were still busy, bucking apples out of the trees. Loads were still left from the day's workload. Just like our farm. Except fewer apples and more rocks. She turned back to Twilight as they approached the dark purple carriage, painted black at the supporting boards of the carriage. Two pegasi in the front were bolstering black armor, painted purple at the edges. Their coats were black. They sat at each side of the door to the carriage. The one to the right opened the door as Twilight stepped in. Marble slowed to a stop as she approached the open door. I'm really about to do this, aren't I? "Miss?" Marble nodded, stepping up into the carriage. She sat down opposite in between the two dark blue pillows, opposite to Twilight. The door shut. A thud echoed throughout the carriage as it began to move. Marble held the cushions tightly. "Don't worry, it'll get a little less bumpy soon." Twilight's her horn brightening as a rose telekinetic cloud opened her right saddlebag. She pulled out a small book, releasing it as the light dulled, and the cloud dissipated. Marble relaxed, although she kept a cushion close to her side. "Um... Twilight?" "Yes?" She looked up to Marble, with a smile. "Y... you're going to be with m-me when we go to talk to Pr-Princess Luna, right?" "Of course, if you're comfortable with that." "Please." "All right. Whatever you'd like." Twilight said, turning back to the book. "Try to get some sleep while you can. You'll need it. It's going to be a long night." Marble nodded. She turned towards the opening in the door, looking outside to the setting sun as she held the cushion close. Marble closed her eyes as she tried to get some rest. ================= An Hour Later Marble's head bobbed as the carriage abruptly hit a bump, waking her from her sleep. She wiped her eyes with her fore-hooves as she looked upwards, back to the outside. The moon had risen, and two guards in black armor had seemingly multiplied by a few dozen. Another bump occurred as she looked back out the window, a large, wooden drawbridge behind them. It had begun to rise as she turned back to Twilight. "Oh, you're up. We're here." Twilight glanced up to Marble, the same book still in her hooves. Her horn lightened with the same rose cloud, swiftly picking up the book and plucking it into her left saddlebag. The carriage slowed to a stop in front of Canterlot Castle. Marble's heart raced. "I-I'm really about to meet Princess Luna?" "Yeah. Don't worry, she's changed. Helped Pinkie quite a lot after everything that happened." Twilight pushed the door to their right open and stepped out. Marble, slowly yet surely, followed behind her timidly. The night guard to the left stepped down, trotting away as the guard to the right stepped to Twilight's side, bowing. "Princess Twilight, Marble Pie," The remaining night guard bowed at their presence. "Princess Luna awaits you." "Okay. Thank you." Twilight stepped passed the guard. Marble stuck close to her as they passed by the night guards, each staring at her. As if she was an oddity, something to be worried about. Am I acting weird? Do-do I have something in my coat or mane? Why are they all staring at me? Marble's breathing heightened, worries filling her head. What if something was wrong with her appearance? If she had something in her teeth? What if she made a fool of herself in front of the princess? She could never let herself live it down! Keep calm, Marble... keep calm... Marble took a deep breath, trying to control her breaths and defuse her worries. Pinkie made sure I was clean before I left... everything is fine... they're just doing their job. She released a final deep breath before they came upon a large double door. There was a large insignia of a crescent moon at the middle. Her panic returned. I'm right outside her room! "Are you ready?" Twilight turned to her. "Um... I-I'm not s-sure if I can d-do this." "Don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way, and you can stop if you get uncomfortable. Just let us know and we'll give you a few moments." Marble remained still and silent for a moment, before inhaling deeply. She exhaled, before looking back at Twilight. She nodded, with a "Mmhm." "Okay, good. I'll lead the way." Twilight turned back to the door, pushing it open. They entered the room, illuminated by the moonlight, shining through a large window to the right, big enough to fit the full moon's light into the entire room. Princess Luna was sat at her throne, looking over the moon with her horn covered with a blue cloud of magic. She turned to Twilight and Marble as they entered. "Good evening, Twilight, Marble Pie." Marble stopped in her tracks, bowing almost immediately as Princess Luna spoke. "Good evening, princess. Marble says she's ready to speak." Twilight stepped passed her. She slowed to a stop as she noticed Marble's absence. "Come here, Marble. I'd just like to speak." Marble's head rose, looking up to Princess Luna. She had a kind smile on her shadowed face. Marble took a few timid steps towards her before Luna's horn glowed with the same cloud. A small teapot and two teacups stacked on top of each other on a plate lifted from the side of her throne. "Would you care for something to drink?" The cloud wrapped around the teacup on top, pulling it up and setting it to the side. She poured the tea into it, before the cloud lifted the cup to her lips, sipping from the cup before setting it back down. Marble shook her head. "Okay. Just ask if you'd like a cup." She sat it down at the right side of her chair, atop a small napkin. Marble stopped as she was standing a foot away from the first step into Luna's throne. She bowed calmly. "It-it's an honor to meet you, your highness." "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Marble." Princess Luna said with a grin. "I'm glad you're here safe and sound. After what Twilight sent me, I was afraid you were in too bad of shape to come." Marble nodded, turning back up to her. "Would you mind if I asked you a few questions about what happened? Only if you're comfortable." "Mmhm." She nodded once more, even if she wasn't totally comfortable with speaking about it with somepony she just met. "All right..." Princess Luna sighed. "What was the day like leading up to what happened?" Marble remained silent for a moment. She willed herself to say something, but her lips refused to move, and her voice was near silent. "It's all right. This conversation doesn't leave this room." Princess Luna glanced to Twilight. She nodded. "I've had my night guard sent out on patrol, or waiting outside the throne room instead of inside here. Nopony else will hear this, besides Twilight and I." Marble glanced up to Luna, before biting her lip and nodding. "It was so strange... father w-was out in the fields all day, mother was working the books, and M-Maud didn't even leave her room." Princess Luna nodded. Marble took a shaken breath as she continued. "Wh-when I went to bed that night, something felt off about it. There something wasn't right, b-but I didn't know what. I thought it might have been something with Maud, s-so I went to go to her room. The door was cracked, and they were all crowded around a-a picture. When they got ready to go to bed, mother dropped the picture and b-broke the frame. Th-the picture w-was..." She took another shaken breath, tears stinging her eyes. "I-it was a picture of Pinkie, as a pegasus filly." "I'm so sorry you had to find out that way." Marble nodded. "Maud f-found me outside of the room, and she got father... th-they tried to... to..." Marble turned away, biting her lip as she tried to fight the tears flooding her eyes. "Just let me know and we'll stop." Luna noted calmly. Marble nodded. "A-after I got away from them, I-I couldn't get too much momentum b-because I could only trot on three hooves." Marble gently poked out the tip of her right fore-hoof. Princess Luna nodded. "I hit my hind-hooves t-trying to jump over the fence around the farm, and I landed on my back. Th-the wind got knocked out of me, I-I was so disoriented- couldn't even trot. I-I tried to crawl away, but Maud grabbed my hind-hooves." "What did she do?" "She... she let me go." Marble said with a small smile. Princess Luna leaned forward as her eyebrows arched, confused. "What? She let you leave when she had you by your hooves?" "Mmhm." "Strange..." Princess Luna sat back, taking another sip from her cup. "Okay, continue if you wish." Marble nodded. "After I-I thought it was safe, I left- galloped until I couldn't anymore. I trotted all the way to Applejack's farm before I p-passed out. P-Pinkie and her found, and took me to Ponyville." "How did you feel after you woke up?" "I tried to fight them while th-they were carrying me, but I-I was too tired. I felt confused, exhausted, scared, but when Pinkie told me I was okay, I felt... safe." "Understandable. She's one of the few family members you have that you can still trust." Princess Luna said as she lifted her teacup, taking another sip. "Is your hoof feeling better? There's still some strength in it, right?" "Mmhm." "Good. Has anything happened since?" "Maud came to Ponyville yesterday." "What did she do? Was everything all right?" "Mmhm." A faint smile spread across her face. "She was nice. Didn't try to hurt me, we just... talked." "Really? She didn't threaten you or anything?" "No, she just checked in on me." "Maybe I misjudged her..." Princess Luna quietly noted. "How do you feel now?" "Confused, afraid of what'll happen next... guilty." Marble's heart dropped as the last word slipped through her lips. Princess Luna stood. "Guilty? What reason would you have to be guilty for?" "I-I feel..." A tear rolled down Marble's right cheek. "I feel l-like Limestone's i-in danger, a-and I left her... I-I left her!" Another fell. Then another. Eventually, there was a constant stream of them. Twilight took a step towards her. "I ran away without a single thought to her! Wh-what kind of pony leaves her own sister in the h-hooves of somepony like that?!" "Marble-" "You were in danger, you did what you needed to survive." "No!" Tears poured down Marble's cheeks as she turned towards the tiled floor beneath her. "I-I could've gone back- through a window, something! Instead, I left her! Like a c-coward!" "Marble, you weren't cowardice when you left her. You had no choice, there was no way to get back to the house without getting yourself hurt or worse. Don't be ashamed." "Pinkie's been s-sleeping on the floor because of me! Father's hurting Maud- probably Limestone too! Why sh-shouldn't I be?!" Princess Luna, try as she might, couldn't help her. Another sob escaped Marble's quivering lips as she brought a hoof to cover her face, a blush spreading across her face. I'm bawling like a foal i-in front of a princess of Equestria. The blush spread like wildfire, even going to her ears as he embarrassment deepened. "Marble..." Twilight gently rested her right fore-hoof on her right shoulder. "You can't blame yourself for the actions of another pony." Marble's words were choked, incoherent. She tried to form a cohesive sentence, but her bawling refused to allow her a single moment to regain her dignity. Princess Luna stood. She stepped down the throne, her mane flowing as she stopped in front of Marble. "I-I'm sorry-" Princess Luna wrapped her long fore-hooves around Marble's shoulders, being especially cautious around her right side, and pulled her into a hug. The Alicorn nearly doubled her in size. "I know what it's like to have an immense guilt on your shoulders. It hurts, the knowledge of what happened, what you did, the near instant regret after it happens, only getting worse as you think of the endless possibilities- the 'what-if's of what would've happened if you'd have just done the right thing at the right time." Princess Luna knelt down, a few tears of her own in her eyes. "But I promise, this will pass, as long as you let that guilt go. Speak with Pinkie, Twilight- somepony, but don't bottle that guilt up for so long. Because it'll hurt you in the end, and you'll never forgive yourself." She gently pulled Marble's hoof away, revealing a small, contorted smile. Princess Luna smiled in return, quickly blinking to dismiss the tears forming in her own eyes. "Thank you." Marble said, her voice a mere whisper. Princess Luna nodded, trotting back up to her throne. "Now, one more question and you're free for the rest of the night." Marble nodded, awaiting Princess Luna's question. "How has Pinkie been affected by this?" "She's been... worried, sad, maybe scared. She rushed me into t-the shop when Maud came. After I told her I knew that I knew what happened, she became sad. Her color drained and her mane fell to her side." Princess Luna glance to Twilight. She nodded, almost as if she knew what she meant. "Thank you for your time, Marble. I have a room in the castle for you to sleep in if you want, or you can Twilight can head back. You'll make it back by morning, although the carriages aren't really made for ponies to sleep in." Princess Luna drank the last bit of her tea, sitting the cup to the side. "Would you mind if I slept here?" "Of course not. Twilight-" She glanced to Twilight. "Right, got it. I'll show you to the room." Twilight turned, trotting to the exit. Marble trotted with her, although she kept facing towards Princess Luna. "It was a pleasure to meet you. Marble. I'll look forward to meeting again." "Mmhm. Me too." She trotted out into the hall with Twilight. They passed by a large courtyard in the middle of the building, a throne with a large desk sat at the middle, in front of five rows of wooden pews. "What's that?" "Celestia's day court, or Luna's night court depending on whether it's day or night. There's not many big cases that gets in, just usually tax disputes, bills or laws, other things like that." Twilight trotted passed the court, back into another hallway. She turned, passing by a window to the right as the reached a dead end, with a door at the end of the hall. There was another two on the wall to the left. "There's your room." She pointed to the door at the end of the hall. "Mine is the first one to the left." Marble nodded, stepping towards the door. "Good night." Twilight stepped passed her, entering her bedroom. Author's Note Sorry for it being a day late. I... er... sorta forgot to put it up VII: Flee"Thanks again for coming, Marble. Princess Luna and I really appreciate it." "Mmhm." Marble stepped down from the carriage, as they began to trot towards Ponyville. "I'll let you know if she tells me anything. She'll probably meet you via your dreams next time." "M-mine?" "Mmhm. Don't worry, she'll only come when you need her." "Oh." Twilight Sparkle trotted passed Marble. She slowed to a stop as they began to turn into town. "Er... Marble, maybe we should go get a bite to eat first? I think Pinkie's a little busy right now." "What's wrong?" "Oh- I need to go handle this. Sorry, stay here." Twilight trotted forward, persisting without another word. Marble steadfastly followed her but she curbed her pace when she passed to the front of the shop. Igneous Rock was standing outside her shop, with Maud. Mr. Cake was set in place in front of the door beside Pinkie, delaying the pair from entering the shop. Twilight quickly trotted up to them. Marble swiftly swung back behind the corner. I knew this would happen... why didn't I leave when I had the chance? Marble questioned, thumping herself on the forehead. I have to get out of here. Away from Ponyville. They have to stop before it get's too worse. She stood and began to gallop back towards the fleeing carriage. What about Pinkie? Marble paused. What would Pinkie think? That she had run away because of Luna? Or Twilight? What if Igneous or Maud came back and hurt her? Too many concerns for her to advance. I'd be doing her a favor by going. It would be a load off of her shoulders. Marble slowly continued. But then she'd be so worried... She stopped. What do I do...? ================= "You need to leave sir. We haven't seen her." Pinkie's throat had locked up, inhibiting her ability to speak in front of the two ponies she had considered family. A lump had formed in the back of her throat, and bile slid down her throat. She had begun to regret having an extra cupcake for desert the previous night, with a terrible feeling billowing up from the bottom of her stomach. "She has to be around here- I know it." "She hasn't been around here, sir. Please, leave. It's almost our opening time." "No- not leaving until I find my her." Igneous kept his hooves planted, steadfastly determined to find Marble. "Please, sir-" "Do you have a daughter?" "Pardon?" Mr. Cake's eyebrows furrowed, confused. "Do you have a daughter?" "Yes, but what does-" "Wouldn't you want to find her if she was missing?" "Of course, but-" "Then tell me where she is. I know she's been through here, so tell me." Igneous turned to Pinkie. "I'm disappointed that you won't tell Pinkie." I bet your are... Pinkie was in pure disgust- how could somepony try to attack their own daughter? Then harass her and push her employers about where she is? "Sir, I have no idea where she is." "You know-!" "Is there a problem here?" Pinkie beamed as Twilight trotted towards them. She quickly stepped passed Maud and Igneous. "Hey, Twi'!" Pinkie swiftly hugged her. "Nothing's wrong. Dad was just wondering if we knew where Marble was- my little sister." She turned herself and Twilight back towards them. "Have you seen her?" "Uh... what does she look like?" Twilight went along with Pinkie, although she didn't feel comfortable lying, but understood why she had to. "Light gray coat, dark gray mane, violet eyes, her cutie mark is of three rocks. Have you seen her?" "No, not that I've seen recently." "Oh- all right. We'll be on the lookout, right?" Twilight nodded. Igneous stared them down, deciphering their words as if it were a riddle. "Come Maud, let's leave." Igneous turned, allowing Maud to step first. "Pinkamena Diane Pie, if I find out you're lying to me, I'm going to--" "You're not going to do a thing, sir." Mr. Cake stepped forwards, in front of Igneous. "With all due respect, Pinkie's a grown mare. She can make her own choices, and she'll take the consequences with grace, as she has proven before. If you threaten one of my employees again, I'll have to forcedly remove you from the shop. Is this clear, sir?" Igneous stared down Mr. Cake with an angry glare. He brought his hoof up, tipping his hat lower. "Fine. We'll finish later, Pinkie." He turned back to Maud, trotting away. Mr. Cake exhaled with relief. "Thanks, Mr. Cake." "You're welcome. Your father was scaring me for a moment. Was afraid I might actually have to get in a fight with him. Would've been bad publicity." He half-heartedly chuckled. "I'll try to talk with him later. With some friends, in case he tries something like that again." "All right, but please be careful. There's something that's not right with that stallion..." Mr. Cake trailed away from the sentence, lowering his voice at the end. "I'm going to start opening up the shop. Come help me when you can." He turned back, stepping into the shop. "Thank Celestia... that was too close." Pinkie huffed, slumping over. She suddenly rose, turning back to Twilight. "Thanks, Twi'." Pinkie traced over the area, darting from pony to pony. "Marble's with you, right?" "Yeah. She should be back here." Twilight turned back to the side of the shop. She curved to the left, with the corner. Pinkie swiftly followed behind her. Marble was sat in the middle of the wall, her knees up to her chest. Pinkie exhaled, relieved to see her safe and sound. "How'd everything go?" She questioned, trotting up to Marble. Marble shrugged her shoulders, lifting her right fore-hoof. "That good, huh?" Pinkie giggled. "Mmhm." "You want some breakfast? Mrs. Cake cooked some pancakes." Marble nodded, breathing another soft "Mmhm." through her lips. She stood, following behind Pinkie. "You're welcome to join too, Twi'." "No thanks. Spike probably has some cooked. Have a nice day you two." Twilight curved back towards the town square, to the library. "All right. See ya later!" Pinkie stepped towards the shop with Marble. Marble waved to Twilight before turning her vision back to the ground. My last day in Ponyville... She sighed. I have to settle things with Pinkie before I leave. Like Princess Luna said, I shouldn't bottle it up. "Pinkie?" "Yes?" Pinkie turned back to Marble as she entered the shop. "C-can I talk to you later? After you get off work?" "Of course. Just let me know when you want." ================= Just four words... four small words... Marble's hooves bounced in anticipation and anxiety. She inhaled before speaking, steadying her shot nerves. "I need to leave." Marble quietly said, covering her mouth with a whimper. Horseapples! Just say it like a normal pony! Creaaa- "I need to leave." She spoke calmly, and clearly. With a sigh of relief, she relaxed her shoulders and fore-hooves, resting her head against her chest. "What?" Marble's eyes jolted open, glancing to the open door. Pinkie's eyebrows arched in confusion. Marble's heartbeat heightened as she realized her mistake. "Um..." She glanced downwards. Pinkie quietly shut the door, trotting up to her and sitting beside her. "Why? We've got everything worked out here." "I-I don't want you to get dragged into it too." Marble looked upwards, to Pinkie's face. "What f-father said to you..." "Don't worry about him. He can't touch me, not in public." "But he could when you're not at work. We got lucky- what if he had come when we were out the other day, and not Maud? It's scaring me so much." "I promise you he won't." Pinkie pulled her closer. Marble turned away. "Ev-even then, you've been sleeping on the floor because of me." "I-I don't mind, trust me." Marble exhaled deeply. Just get it over with and leave before you have a chance to regret it. "I'm sorry Pinkie, I-I love you, but I need to go." She stood, only for Pinkie to hug her. "Wait- please Marble, what if you get hurt out there again?" "I'll take care of it." Marble took a weak step forward. Pinkie sniffled. "No Marble- please!" "I need to leave, Pinkie!" She broke away from her. "I've been doing nothing but moping around and feeling bad for myself since I got here! I left Limestone like a coward, ran to you without giving a single thought to you or her, and I took your bed! Let me do this!" Marble turned to Pinkie. Her hair had deflated, and the color had been sapped from her body. Tears were quickly forming in her eyes. I hurt her? Marble looked away. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get angry. I'll leave." She took a step towards the door. before Pinkie grabbed her right fore-hoof. "Pinkie--" Pinkie slipped a knotty bag into her fore-hoof. Marble looked down to it, shaking it slightly. The jingling of bits escaped the bag. "It's all I've made today. Should be enough to find a decent place to stay for a few nights." Pinkie's voice shook. As if every word pained her to say. "Pinkie, I can't-" "Take it. If not for yourself, then for me." A single tear slipped down Pinkie's cheek. Marble halfheartedly accepted. "I'm sorry Pinkie. I'm so sorry." "I understand." She sat back on the bed. "It's just- after everything that's happened, after everything we've lost, I'm terrified of losing my baby sister." Marble looked at her, smiling. "I just need to get away from here so father and Maud stop coming. It'll lead them away." "I-I get it. Please, be careful. I can't help you out there." Marble swiftly moved up to Pinkie, wrapping her fore-hooves around her. "You too. I love you." Pinkie returned the hug. "I love you too. More than you'd ever imagine." Her voice was low, saddened. "Well..." Marble released her, taking a single step back. "I... um... have to go if I want to find someplace to stay for the night." Pinkie nodded. Marble returned it as she quickly trotted down the staircase, being cautious with her right fore-hoof. She glimpsed over the Mr. and Mrs. Cake, hunched over the kitchen sink as they washed the day's dishes. Pumpkin and Pound were in their playpen, making a mess of the toys and coloring books they had(per usual). She took a single breath, stopping at the front door. I have to do this. For Pinkie. Marble pushed the door open as she stepped outside into the warm Ponyville atmosphere. I just need to get them off Pinkie. Then I come back, right? Marble pondered. Surely they couldn't follow her for that long, right? ================= Pinkamena panted deeply as she fluttered onto a small cloud. She rested atop of it, sticking her head atop the fluffy mound. Her wings maneuvered around her fore-hooves, wiping the sweat off as she relaxed them to her side, beginning to calm from the rigorous flight session. So exhausted... She huffed. Maybe that was a little too strenuous. Pinkamena yawned, using her wing to cover her mouth. Guess I should start heading back to the house. Her weary hooves drove her up. She stretched her wings, jumping off the cloud and beginning to glide upwards. Should be-! Pinkamena nearly lost her balance. She crashed back to the cloud behind her as she noticed Marble trotting beneath her. She climbed to the side of the cloud, looking down. What is she doing? Why is she leaving town? Pinkamena stood. I have to follow her. She took a running jump off the cloud, opening her wings as she glided behind her. A golden glow washed over the pair as they exited Ponyville, the nearby sun beginning to set. ================= IX: Trailing"You let her go?!" "I couldn't stop her, she was determined to go. I tried to convince her, but she wouldn't give up." Twilight Sparkle groaned, rubbing her forehead. "All right.. okay..." She mumbled, rotating back to the opposite side of the doorway. "Maybe- maybe if we can get Luna's night guards out here by dusk, they'll find her hopefully this afternoon. Then we can get her to Canterlot for her own protection. Yeah... this is perfectly a-okay." Twilight tried to affirm with a wavering, weak form of certainty. "I'm sorry Twi'. I-I would've stopped her if I had known Princess Luna needed her for more." Pinkie stuttered. Her mane was still deflated from the previous night's events. Twilight paced back and forwards in front of Pinkie's bedroom. "Please tell me she has something that she can use out there. Bits, a weapon- anything." "My pay from that day. Enough to get a decent place to stay for a few nights." "Oh thank goodness." Twilight sighed with relief. "All right, this is good." She reaffirmed to herself, trying to keep some form of control. "It'll be another day before the Night Guard can come... horseapples, horseapples..." "I-I can try to get Pinkamena to follow her." "Yeah, yeah!" Twilight brightened. "When can she be here?" "I dunno... we usually meet up a couple times a week, but she hasn't stopped by since Marble got here." Pinkie glanced downwards. "Now that you've said something, I haven't seen her since I sent her to..." Her ears fell to her head in fear, her eyes widened as she came upon a horrid realization. "Oh. horseapples..." "What?" "I-I haven't seen her since I sent she went to my parents'." Twilight's eyes widened. She froze in place. "Oh, horseapples!" "I'll get over there as soon as I can!" Taking a lock of her deflated hair and pushing it up atop her head and her saddlebags into her teeth, Pinkie rushed passed Twilight, towards the stairs down to the ground level. "I'll smooth things over with Mr. and Mrs. Cake, let them know everything. Just- get over there!" called Twilight as Pinkie rushed down the stairs as quickly as she could. Pinkie nodded back as she slipped through the kitchen and out to the front desk. She nearly hopped the desk to get to the exit. Pinkamena, please tell me you didn't. Pinkie pleaded silently. Surely she wouldn't have. Not after all this time we've spent. No, she refused that Pinkamena would just turn her back to her like that. Not after what she's done to get her there. She wouldn't betray her trust after all this time, surely! It wouldn't be the first time... Pinkie galloped away from the bakery, towards the train station. ================= "C'mon... just... stay right--" A jagged gasp escaped Pinkamena's lips. She opened her wings and prepared to come crashing to the ground. Thump-sn She breathed a sigh of relief. "Close." Pinkamena glided down, galloping behind the nearest tree as she landed. Great one, Dia. Every animal a square yard away probably heard that let alone Marble. Pinkamena tried to remain as still as the wood itself, only taking a minute to duck down behind the bushes. A gray figure passed beside the treeline. Pinkamena quietly breathed a sigh of relief. All right. Too close, keep with her. She sternly ordered as she slipped through the brush quietly. Taking a leap, she opened her wings, flapping gently as she rose back into the leaves of the tree branches. Pinkamena held her fore-hooves in front of mouth as she tried to keep any leaves and bugs away. The smell trimmed grass sneaked its way up to her. She slowed as she noticed she had begun to run out of cover to hide in. Ugh, horsefeathers... I hate this place... Pinkamena hovered down slowly. The brownish-green grass stuck out at her near immediately, and the arid climate set off alarms in her head, realizing near immediately where she was. "Las Pegasus," Marble stated as if she heard Pinkamena. She walked ahead, down the street as she shied to the far end corner, away from any pony or pegasi flying overhead. "Horseapples." Pinkamena cursed quietly. Now how am I gonna follow her without her seeing me... She questioned, sighing as she sat down. I could put on my cloak, but I'd stick out like a sore hoof out here. Marble turned, entering the city, and growing ever farther away from Pinkamena. "Oh, screw it-" Pinkamena quickly pulled her cloak up, previously hanging around her waist. She ran after Marble, throwing caution to the wind. ================= "C'mon... c'mon!" Pinkie cursed silently as the train painfully slowed to a stop. Thank Celestia I had that enough bits to get here so quickly. Couldn't have made it with the time it takes to trot here. She stood as soon as her footing was stable, rushing towards the nearest exit. As soon as she stepped to the wooden platform built atop the somewhat stable gravel, she ran down onto the ground, nearly slipping as she turned towards her family farm. Pinkamena, please... you didn't... She huffed as if Pinkamena could still her. Pinkie jumped the wooden fence as she rushed through her family's seasonal crops and sifting areas. Thankfully, she noticed Limestone and Maud out of the corner of her eye as she passed. She screeched to a stop, kicking up dust and gravel as she slid onto her flank. Limestone peeked out at her from behind the barn door, curious as to what had made such a ruckus. "Aw- c'mon Pinkie, I just sifted there." Limestone groaned as she stepped out. Pinkie coughed as she stood, dust forming inside her mouth and snout. "Sorry." Her voice was hidden under gasp for air. She turned back to Limestone as the dust began to settle. "I just need to check- check in. Make sure everything was o-okay here." "Yeah, fine. Are you feeling all right?" Limestone took a step towards her. Pinkie nodded. "Had to rush to make the train." She giggled, although almost fully forced and hidden under a breath. "So, nothing strange?" "No, not really. Dad's still angry because of your argument with him." "Argument?" Pinkie questioned. Limestone sighed, rubbing the bridge of her snout. "All that sugar goes to your head, you know. You cursed him for something- 'how dare you'- something, something. Maud shooed me off before I could hear any of the juicy bits. What was it about?" Oh, come on Pinkamena! Pinkie scolded silently. "Honestly, I couldn't tell you. Even I have my bad days." Pinkie laughed disingenuously. Limestone tilted her head as she stared at Pinkie, suspicious. Pinkie smiled. "All right... just keep it to yourself next time. This whole thing with Marble has him on edge. Now he's lashing out at us, the old coot." "Limestone," A flat. monotoned voice harshly scolded. Limestone turned back to the barn doors. Maud stepped out. Her face had been smeared with dirt, and her hooves were covered in mud. "You shouldn't talk about father like that." She scraped mud off each hoof as she glanced back up. "Hey, Pinkie." She waved her freshly cleaned right fore-hoof. Pinkie waved back with a smile "He's been acting like it, not gonna lie. Just gonna call it how I see it." Limestone turned back to Pinkie. "How's Marble been, by the way? Is her hoof getting any better?" "Yeah, yeah..." Pinkie turned towards the gravel ground beneath her. "She's been doing well. Her hoof should be better soon." "Good. About time." Limestone moaned with annoyance, but her small grin spoke volumes about what she actually felt. "Just tell her that Limestone said to hurry the hay up already." "I will." Pinkie glanced down, almost certain she wouldn't be able to keep her word, not for a while at least. "Just needed to check in." She began to step passed Limestone. Limestone nodded as she began to trot back towards the barn. Maud turned back towards the barn, taking a step in. "Oh- almost forgot," Limestone turned back to Pinkie. "Father said that we should go get you tomorrow and talk, but why don't we go ahead and do it now?" Pinkie's ears fell to her head as she slowed to a stop. "Er... I can't, not today." "What? Come on, it won't be that long. It's not gonna be that long, so just go ahead and see them." "Please, Limestone--" "Pinkie, father said it wasn't a request," Maud interjected. Pinkie swallowed, before nodding. Oh no... what did I just get myself into? She turned back towards the house with a loose form of courage. "Finish up in there Limestone. I'll take Pinkie to him." Maud stepped out and trotted up to Pinkie, standing beside her. "All right, but you're resifting over that area Pinkie messed up." "Fine." Maud stepped forward. Pinkie reluctantly followed behind her. She looked up to Maud, concerned, almost frightened. "I'll step in if things get too heated. Father won't hurt me, not in front of mother." "Okay." Pinkie said under a shaken breath. Maud walked ahead of Pinkie. She opened the door and stepped to the side, allowing Pinkie to step through first. ================= "-Thank you. Your room's right there." The stallion behind the desk pointed to a white door at the end of the hall to the right. "Mmhm." Marble turned, trotting towards her room. She passed by three other doors, which she assumed were already occupied by other guests at the small motel. Trotting by the black walls. she stopped at her door, pushing it open. She stepped inside, the room possessing an almost exact design as the lobby. Only a few framed pictures of the sea and Canterlot and the bed, with white sheets laid over the freshly cleaned mattress, differentiated the room from the lobby. A small wooden chair was sat the far right corner of the room, and there was a thin nightstand to the right of the bed. This is nice, but... Marble noted, sitting on the edge of the bed. It was soft, fairly comfortable for the run-down room. Something's not right... She felt like something was wrong. Something was... off. Maybe- maybe this wasn't the right choice. Marble glanced downwards. No, I just need to stay here. Pinkie'll be safe. There's nothing to be worried about, She told herself. just stay here. For Pinkie's sake. Marble rested her back on the bed, huffing as she did. Hopefully it's not a bad omen to this... ================= X: FragmentsPinkie sat down beside Maud. She had a small bowl of rock soup, taking a small sip. Cloudy Quartz and Igneous Rock were sat at the other end of the kitchen table, each with their own glass of water. A strong tension coated the room. "It... it's been a while." Pinkie said in a weak attempt to dissolve the some of the tension. Igneous and Cloudy nodded. "It's nice to see you Pinkie, but I think we all know we're not here to just small talk." Igneous sighed. "No need to hide it anymore. You can tell us where Marble is now." "I-I can't." Pinkie glanced downwards to the wooden table below. "You have to Pinkie. You can't just keep her away from us." "Don't make me keep her away." Pinkie bared her teeth. How couldn't they understand? "All I want is for this family to get together again. But you- you force my hooves every time and push us back another two steps. I'm tired of fighting with you two!" "We never do that. You're the one who nearly killed us all last year!" Igneous exclaimed as he stood. "Oh yeah, keep on using it to justify your own wrongs! I've admitted to it was wrong! When'll you do the same?!" Pinkie angrily slammed her hooves against the table as she stood. "Pinkamena Diane--" Cloudy brought a single hoof to Igneous chest. He looked down to her with a sigh before sitting down. "Pinkie, you know why I can't. Our family name would be ruined, the farm would go out of business- nopony can know. That includes Marble." "But can't you just speak to her, for Celestia' sake? How could you know she wouldn't actually go to anypony with it?" "That's a risk I can't take. This is the only way to ensure our family's past remains buried. So, I'll ask again," Igneous leaned into the table, resting his fore-hooves atop the wooden table. "where is Marble?" "You expect me to breath a word of where she is after what you just said?" She asked. Her mane had begun to deflate from the stress of the situation. Igneous groaned, rubbing the bridge of his snout. "Where is she? I need to insure she doesn't tell anypony." "And how exactly are you gonna insure that? Hm?" She questioned. Igneous stared her down, his blood beginning to boil. "I could show you if you'd like." He said with an undertone of anger in his voice. "You already have, remember?" "Don't bring that into this- I just need a location, a single subject and you'll be free to go." Igneous asked. Pinkie shook her head. "You are not going to do to her what you did to me, I'll guarantee you that." "We'll see about that..." He said under his breath as he took a sip from his cup. Maud followed suit, taking a drink from her rock soup. "I'm sorry, this has gotten too bad. Please, Pinkie- all we'd need is a simple word, just one or two and we'll be set. You can lead us there if you want." Cloudy offered. Pinkie shook her head. "No." Igneous lowly growled. "You have no right to do this!" "You have no right to chase her! She's a grown mare! You had no right to chop off my bucking wings, but even after all this time, not once have I used it against you- not once!" Pinkie stood, kicking back her chair. Igneous stood. "You know we had no choice!" He trotted up to her, raising his hoof to her. Maud quickly rushed up, stepping in front of them. "Father, Pinkie-" She looked to each of them. "Sit back down." "No- I'm done here. You'll have to find her yourself." Pinkie turned away, trotting towards the exit. "Pinkamena Diane Pie, get back here this instance!" Igneous barked. Pinkie continued. "Pinkie, get back her right now, or-" Maud sharply gasped. "Or I'll be forced to hurt her." Pinkie stopped near instantly, glancing back to him. Igneous had Maud held up by her mane, and Cloudy was holding a small, sharp knife in her teeth. ================= Pinkamena glanced to the entrance of the small motel, confirming Marble was inside. A long yawn ripped through her as she slipped back behind the side of the building. She shook her head, trying to shake away the gripping exhaustion that had overtaken the poor pegasus' body. Come on... you've been through worse nights than this. Pinkamena thumped herself in her head as she tried to wake herself up, wiping her eyes. She sat down against the exterior wall. Flying for hours on end had taken its toll on the tired pegasus. Maybe just a few... moments of shuteye couldn't hurt. Just need to make sure I don't fall asleep. She shut her eyes, pulling the hood of her cloak down. ================= "Father?" Maud glanced up to him, then to Cloudy. Pinkie stared at them, her jaw hanging in horror. "You wouldn't! Not after everything she's done for you!" "I don't want to, but don't force our hooves." Igneous warned as Cloudy took a step closer to Maud. "No- wait!" Pinkie through her fore-hoof up. Cloudy stopped and stared at her. "Don't you see what you're doing?!" "I'm doing what I have to." "No- you're tearing apart this family because you want to know where Marble is! Our family's shattered into pieces as is, it's holding by a thread! You do this and it'll be over. I'll take Limestone and you'll never see her or Marble again!" Pinkie exclaimed, stomping her fore-hooves. Cloudy looked up to Igneous. "Are we sure..." She trailed away from the end of the sentence. Igneous nodded. "Please darling, we don't want to hurt her, don't make us." Cloudy took a step closer to Maud, placing the knife on her neck. "Wait!" Pinkie stepped forward. "You win..." "Pinkie--" "Go on, tell us." Igneous interrupted Maud. Pinkie whimpered. "She... she left. Left Ponyville, went passed the Apples. That's all I know, now please don't hurt her." "You just let her leave like that?!" Igneous growled angrily, before inhaling. "Fine" He exhaled while he released Maud. She stepped away from him, staring at him with anger. "Pinkie's right, you two are trying to tear us apart." "Maud, you know--" "I know she's right. You'll be lucky if you see us again after you two leave." Maud turned. "Come Pinkie, let's go." Maud took Pinkie by her right fore-hoof, leading her outside the house. "Maud, please!" Cloudy called. The pair ignored her as they trotted outside, towards the barn. "I'll sleep out here, in the cart if I have to." "You're staying here?" "I'm not letting this place go out of business, and I know those two can't do it all by themselves. I've worked too hard to let it all go to waste." Maud said. She turned into the barn, where Limestone had been digging for rocks. "Don't worry, I'll keep a shovel by me. They won't hurt me or Limestone." Limestone glanced up to them as they entered, noticing Pinkie's mane had deflated. "What happened?" "I'll tell you later. Just-- finish that up and I'll go grab us something to eat." Maud released Pinkie as she trotted over to the cart, staring into the empty container as she took a deep breath. "Pinkie?" "She..." Pinkie sighed. "I can't explain everything now, I have to get back to Ponyville. Maud will have to explain everything." She turned back towards the barn's entrance, galloping back outside. Limestone stood, going after her. "Wait- gimme a--" "Limestone, stop. I'll explain." Pinkie didn't have time to respond, running as quickly as she could away from the farm. I need to get back to Ponyville and warn Twilight! ================= A jagged breath escaped Marble's twisted lips as she galloped full steam ahead. She turned, sliding off unstable rocks and mud as she ran inside her family's barn. "Come on!" Panic began to set in as she frantically looked around the barn, finding that any of the usual windows or alternative exits had been grown over with hanging vines and wood. She rushed up to the entrance, slamming the double doors shut and resting against the crack in the middle of the doors. Marble slid down, tears coming to her eyes as ponies began banging against the barn doors. She wiped her eyes as she crossed her hooves over her chest, awaiting her fate. They're coming to get me... I-I can't fight them all... "Yet you must, dear Marble Pie." Marble looked up, nearly blinded by moonlight from overhead. She brought her fore-hooves up as she tried to keep her vision somewhat uninhibited. The light faded out, replaced by a long, slender fore-hoof, extended towards Marble, as blue as the night sky. "There's no need to be afraid. It's just me." Marble allowed her hooves to fall. Princess Luna was standing in front of her with a small smile. "Well, come on. Stand." Another bang against the door caused it to crack open. Marble pushed back against it, forcing it shut. "I can't!" "Why not? There's nothing to be afraid of out there." "There is! M-mother, father, Maud-- everypony's out there! They're going t-to hurt me!" "And you're going to just let them hurt you like that? Their own family?" "What am I supposed to do?! Help!" Marble dug her hind hooves into the gravel as she forced the door shut, the banging becoming more forceful and more frequent. She pushed up against the door with all her weight. "You're supposed to defend yourself. My sister told me that you ran away, but you can't be forced out of your home without some resistance." "They're family!" The door cracked open, barely being held back "And they're trying to hurt you." Princess Luna trotted to her right side. "That hasn't stopped Pinkie before." Marble relaxed, and the banging did as well. She stared up to Princess Luna, confused. "Is that why Pinkie hurt them?" "Perhaps." Princess Luna rubbed her chin, before turning back to Marble. "But for now, let's see if you can follow her example." She took Marble by her fore-hoof, pulling her away from the door. The doors hardly pushed open, Igneous, Maud, and Cloudy standing at the other side. Each trotted in synchronization towards her, as if they were the same pony. Marble backed away quickly, only to be blocked by Princess Luna. "You're going to have to be able to face them if you want them to stop coming after you." "But--" Marble pushed back away from her, but Luna stood tall as if she were a wall, refusing to budge. "Please!" "I know you can do this Marble." Princess Luna said with a warm voice. Marble paused for a moment. trying to find some steadiness in the world currently speeding around her. "No! I... I can't..." "You have to. I believe you can." Princess Luna lowered her head to Marble's a with a kind smile. "You can stand without fear in front of them, I know you can." Marble held her breath, trying to regain control. She inhaled through her nose, before releasing a deep breath. Marble stood steadily, on firm hooves. She slowly rose, standing tall in front of the trio. "I... I can do this." She exhaled. And, as if they had heard her, they stopped. Marble looked up, staring at them before they vanished. "See? Well done." Princess Luna lowered her head down to Marble's with a smile. Marble giggled, almost giddy. She finally felt safe, almost happy, for the first time since she had fled her home. "Thank you." "You're very welcome, my little pony. The day guard will arrive to pick you up soon. We must speak in person." Marble nodded. Princess Luna straightened her neck. She began to trot backward, away from Marble. Marble turned towards her. "Sleep well, my friend. We'll meet again soon." She phased out of the barn, leaving Marble to dream. ================= XI: SacrificeAuthor's Note Finally back after hiatus that was way too long! Sorry, things were busy. But now we're going full steam ahead. XI: Sacrifice Pinkie rushed out of the train, galloping towards Ponyville. She galloped through the bustling town square and weaved her way through the town, finding her way back to the Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie burst through the door, looking around the room for Twilight. She was talking with Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "Pinkie? Was everything--" Pinkie quickly grabbed Twilight by her hoof. "No time to explain! Gotta go Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" She rushed Twilight out of the shop, pulling her into the alleyway beside the shop. "What--" "I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia. Now!" "Slow down! What happened?" "Mom and dad-- they made me tell them where Marble was going! We can't wait- we need somepony to get to her now!" "We don't even know where she went! Where am I supposed to tell them to go?!" "Horseapples..." Pinkie turned. "She was going towards Sweet Apple Acres last time I saw her..." "So she might be in Las Pegasus?" "Maybe. Go ahead and send them there. Quickly!" She pled, worried for her sister's well-being. ================= Pinkamena jolted awake, rocks crunching in front of her. "You have to be kidding me." She looked up. Igneous and Cloudy- her parents were standing in front of her with Igneous pulling a wooden cart behind them. Oh no... She clumsily rushed to her hooves. The cape was still over her head and mane thankfully. "How did you get here?" Cloudy questioned. "We left before you!" "That-that doesn't matter. What are you doing here?" "We're taking Marble back. You can't keep her from us." "I can sure as Celestia try." Pinkamena stepped in front of them, disdain brimming in her. Don't hurt them, don't hurt them, don't hurt them... She repeated again and again and again. They had worked too hard for her to break her promise. "Please, Pinkie. You know this isn't right." "It's better than letting her be with two sociopaths." She spat. Igneous matched her anger. "Don't do something you'd regret." He warned. "I'd say the same for you two." She retorted, her sisterly instincts kicking in. Her heart bubbled with pure rage. I've gotta calm down... keep your cool... Pinkamena took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Don't make me do this. Please." She warned, backing up. "We won't have to if you let us have our way with her. Now move." He pushed her to the side. Cloudy and Igneous stepped in front of her. They had begun to open the door by the time Pinkamena got back to her hooves. She galloped past them, shoving Igneous away from the door and slamming it shut. "Stop. Please." "I'm tired of this-" He pried her away from the door, forcing it open. Pinkamena got her right wing and half her cloak into it before she pushed back, slamming her wing in the door. She bit down on her bottom lip as she held it shut. I've gotta buy Marble some time! Pinkamena rustled her brain, thinking of anything to say or do to find some time for Marble, at least until someone could get these two off of her. Suddenly, she found something. "C'mon old man. I'm sure you're just dying to hit me." Pinkamena taunted. "See if you have the guts to hit me." "Pinkie-" "'Pinkie, move out of my way before I hit you'? Was that what you were about to say?" "Of course not-" He said, but with the low growl his voice had tried(and failed) to hide, it was evident he was lying. "Just let me through." Pinkamena grabbed him by the coat of his chest, pulling him closer, almost to the point where they were in each other's face. "Make me." Igneous finally snapped, slapping her. Her mane fell in front of her face. Igneous stepped back, but Pinkamena had an iron grip on him. "Pinkie, let go," Cloudy warned. "Please." "Make me-" Igneous slapped her another time, then slugged her on her jaw. A cut had formed on her cheek and her lips. She looked back up to him with a chuckle. "You're going to regret it if you don't let me through." Pinkamena giggled. "Is that all you've got? Guess I was right when I said you didn't--" Igneous punched her in the ribs with one hoof, twisting into her kidney, then hit her under her chin. Pinkamena staggered for a moment but regained her balance. Igneous growled. "Why won't you just do what I ask?!" He punched her in the snout, then kicked her in the stomach, grinding into her ribs. Pinkamena gasped, falling to her knees. She looked up at him with blurry vision. Blood trickled down her lip. She couldn't tell whether it was from her snout or her lip. I... she still needs some time... Pinkamena looked around. There was a small crowd beginning to form, and she could see the blur of a carriage coming up in the distance. Just a little longer. She grabbed onto the doorknob, using it to stand. "Stay down." He spat in a hushed tone. Pinkamena forced her way up onto shaky hooves. "Don't... tell me... what to do." She breathed. "Bring it." Pinkamena said. Igneous growled, not even trying to hide his anger at this point. He headbutted her, aiming for her snout. Pinkamena backed into the door before Igneous slugged her on her chin. He kicked her in the chest. Her hooves collapsed, but she managed to catch herself on the doorknob. Igneous stomped on her left hind hoof. She gasped sharply before he kneed her in the chest. The assault paused as a carriage slowed to a stop. Pinkamena looked upwards, seeing that Celestia's officers had finally arrived. She pulled herself up, barely hanging on to consciousness as the two officers approached. Igneous looked back to them, then to her, furious. "I... win..." Pinkamena laughed breathily. Igneous and Cloudy quickly made their leave as the officers came towards them. As she watched them ran away, with one of the officers quickly following behind them. The other approached her as the crowd had suddenly begun to dispell. "Are you all right?" The pegasus officer asked. Pinkamena looked up to him. She's safe... With the knowledge that her baby sister was out of her parents' hooves(for the moment), she fell forward, losing consciousness. Her wing strained from the increased pressure between its owner and the door. A loud pop sounded through the wing as it slipped out of the door, following Pinkamena as she fell into the officer's hooves. ================= Pinkie paced back and forwards in the middle of Twilight's room. She had made a rut in her carpet from her nervous pacing, whilst Twilight had a steaming mug of coffee sitting beside her, and a large book. "You just gotta keep your cool, Pinkie. It's all just a waiting game now." Twilight noted before she took a sip from her mug. She flipped through another page in her book. "I know, sorry. Can't help it. Feels like I'm running a marathon." Pinkie giggled, trying to quell her own nervousness. "It should be here any time now. It's been a few hours, you know." "I know. Trust me." She chuckled. Puff A letter appeared over Twilight's head with a ball of smoke. It fell, landing on her book. Her horn quickly brightened with her raspberry magic aura, lifting and unraveling the letter. Pinke quickly rushed up to her, tripping up the last step up to her desk. "What does it say?!" Twilight remained quiet. Pinkie rushed up to her hooves, looking over her shoulder and reading it with her. Dear Twilight Sparkle, I received your letter(thankfully) quickly and sent my finest officers to Las Pegasus. And I'm relieved to tell you that they have successfully recovered Pinkie's baby sister. She's in my doctors' care, although she wasn't hurt in their attempt. Her parents may have escaped, but both Luna and I are working to get either her night guard or my day guard to keep posted at their home and in Las Pegasus for the next few weeks. Pinkie sighed. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She giggled. "Thank Celestia... literally." Pinkie laughed. However, Twilight kept silent. "Pinkie..." She said, her voice serious and somber. "read the rest." Twilight finished, her magic holding the letter up to Pinkie. She pushed her book to the side as he opened a desk door to her right. Her horn brightened with her magic as it lifted both a piece of paper and a quill with a bottle of ink and quickly began drafting another letter. For the same reason, however, I am also saddened to say that Pinkamena was badly injured protecting her. From the reports my officers took, she had a wing trapped in the door and taunted them, keeping them busy long enough for my officers to save Marble. Some say she did it purposely while others say it was accidental, but they all agreed that she never threw a single punch or kick at them. Pinkie's throat had dried up while reading it. "How fast can we get to Canterlot?" She asked, leaning over Twilight's shoulder as she looked her in the eyes. "Already ahead of you," Twilight said, quickly finishing a few lines in her letter before placing her quill down. She rolled the paper up before quickly stepping down and trotting out of her room. "Spike!" She called as she trotted towards the staircase. Pinkie fastly followed behind her. Spike ran up the staircase up to her. "Yeah? Do you need something?" "Send this to Princess Celestia. Some bad stuff happened in Canterlot and Pinkie and I have got to go." "Can I come?" "Yeah, but hurry. We need to catch a carriage." Twilight said in a rushed manner, running down the stairs and out the door. Pinkie picked up Spike, placing him on her back, before galloping after Twilight. ================= XII: CanterlotAuthor's Note One week ago... "But now we're going full steam ahead." Hehe, sorry! This was a longer chapter than usual. XII: Canterlot "Psst!" Pinkamena quietly sighed, ignoring her counterpart. It had only been two months into her Pinkie-enforced parole and she had already grown tired of her. She sat atop a cloud, using her hooves as a support as she tried to relax. "Pinkamena!" She growled lowly, before turning onto her stomach as she gave her wings a single flap, gusting her and the cloud downwards. Low enough for her to see Pinkie clearly. "Hey!" Pinkie waved as she saw Pinkamena coming into the distance. Pinkamena unenthusiastically waved to her. "Are you ready to talk?" "Sure..." Pinkamena, yet again, was already bored by the conversation. "Okay. Let me just..." She removed three balloons from her saddlebags, somehow already inflated, and tied the strings around her midsection. Pinkamena sighed as Pinkie slowly rose up to Pinkamena's height. "Okay, ready." "I could just carry you with me, you know. You don't have to use balloons every time. It'd be a lot safer" "I know, but where's the fun in that." Pinkie giggled. "All right, pull me up so we can talk." She extended her right forehoof to Pinkamena. Pinkamena took her hoof, pulling her along as she floated upwards, slowly going above the bakery. "How's it been adjusting?" "Okay, I guess." Pinkamena stared at the passing rooftops above as they slowly drifted with each other, following the small breeze in the wind. "Made any friends yet?" "Just a stallion. I really haven't had time for friends. I've barely built my house." "I would've figured clouds would've made easier building material." Pinkie laughed. Pinkamena disingenuously chuckled with her. "What's he like?" "What do you mean?" "Your stallionfriend, silly! Gimme the juicy details." Pinkie rested her head on her forehooves. Pinkamena scoffed. "Give me a break..." She whispered silently. "It's not like that. You sound like Rarity when you try to get gossip." "Oh, really?" Pinkie's ears perked up. "Well, perhaps I shall begin imitating her as well." She did her best impression of Rarity, speaking in a dignified, proper tone. The tone diminished with Pinkie's roaring laughter. Pinkamena cracked a small smile but didn't care to laugh with her. "There you go..." She agreed quietly. Pinkie floated a slight way higher, staring at Pinkamena in the eyes. "Are you all right? You're kinda seeming distant today." "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" "I dunno, but something's up..." Pinkie squinted as she tried to spot any changes in Pinkamena. Her mane was still parted to the left side of her head, her coat and wings were normal, no bruises or cuts on her hooves... yet, something was different. ================= Pinkie stared at Pinkamena as she laid in the hospital bed, motionless. Her head had been wrapped with bandages along with the cuts to her face, her right wing was in a large, stainless steel brace, her ribs had been wrapped in bandages, and her hooves had small bandages over her cuts. An IV was inserted into her right forehoof, feeding her body her medicines and keeping her hydrated while she was temporarily unable to do it herself. A small oxygen mask had been strapped over her face, with a tube feeding into a large tank of oxygen. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia stood at her bedside. both looking down at her with remorse. Twilight and Spike awaited her outside, at the princesses' request. "I am so sorry." Luna whispered, before turning to Pinkie. "She'll be in her for a few months. Your parents..." A low growl was hidden in Luna's voice, before she straightened herself, taking a breath as she calmed herself. "Your parents will not get away with this one. We have definitive proof this time." Pinkie nodded, relieved that Marble wouldn't be at risk anymore, but it also was bittersweet that the cost was so high. "I'll have her put in our local hospital under another name. We can get Marble--" "No." Princess Celestia looked up at her, confused. "She's had to hide from Marble this entire time. I can take one for the team this time. After what she just suffered through, she deserves time with her sister." "Are you sure, Pinkie?" Princess Luna questioned. "You cannot see her until Pinkamena's healed, you know that, right?" Pinkie nodded, fully aware of what she was about to do. The princesses nodded. "I'll cast an invisibility spell on her wings and fix her mane. Pinkie, I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave while she visits her. We can't risk her seeing you both." Princess Celestia ordered as she turned towards Pinkamena, her horn brightening with her magic. Pinkie nodded. "Just please, take good care of them both." "I'll vouch for it." Princess Luna said with a smile. Pinkie nodded as she gently stepped back outside of the door. ================= Marble Pie sat beside Princess Celestia's throne. She stared at the polished, porcelain floor, awaiting the princesses' return. Her conscious had plagued her with doubts and regrets. I knew I shouldn't have left. I didn't even last a day... She silently scolded herself for being so foolish. How could she have been so dull to think she could last a day by herself? No- that wasn't true. I-I can't have known that they'd come, right? Marble tried to tell herself, and she knew she was right, but parts of her were still conflicted. The large door to the throne room opened with a creak. Princess Luna stepped through. She smiled lightly as she trotted over to Marble, although it was clear something was wrong with the way she was quickly trotting to her. "Hello, Marble. It's good to see you again, although not under the circumstances..." Princess Luna knelt as she approached Marble. "Mmhm." Marble nodded. Princess Luna glanced back to the door, ensuring that it was closed, before turning back to Marble with a sigh. "I don't want to hide this from you anymore..." She took Marble's right forehoof, cupping it in her own. "When Celestia's day guard arrived, your parents were standing in front of the door to your inn. They were hitting somepony." A lump had quickly formed in Marble's throat as a sense of dread suddenly washed over her. "At first, they thought it might've been the innkeeper because she refused to let him in, but once they got closer..." Princess Luna swallowed nervously. "It was Pinkie." Marble's world came to a screeching halt. Pinkie was hurt. Because of her, too? "W... What?" "I'm so sorry. She'll be in the hospital for a few months." Princess Luna stood back up. "I can bring her up to her if you want." She nodded, standing with Princess Luna as she tried to piece together what had just happened and what she had done. "All right. Follow me." ================= "You're sure you're all right, Pinkamena?" "Yeah. It's just..." She huffed through her nose. "I wanna go stay someplace else besides Ponyville. But since I've gotten my wings back, I've had a ball and chain around my hooves, grounding me here." Pinkamena spoke loudly, finally releasing her discretions. "Well, you did do a lot of stuff when you were in control... most of it not good..." Pinkie reminded quietly. Pinkamena looked up to her. "You don't think I know that? I'll have to carry that with me the rest of my life. Just-- please, let me get a chance to actually spread my wings." She pled. Pinkie looked down as they passed over Town Square, approaching Sweet Apple Acres, contemplating what would be an appropriate response. "I... I'm sorry, but I can't. Princess Celestia will lock you up if she knows you're out of my supervision. This is for your own good." "My own good?!" Pinkamena stood, thoroughly infuriated. "What the buck was the point of giving me back my wings if you're just going to limit where I can and can't go?!" She growled in a low voice. "So you can fly again. I just need some time to make sure you're trustworthy. For Celestia." Pinkamena scoffed. She was genuinely hurt. "You don't trust me?! After everything we talked about?!" "I didn't say that--" "No, you did! You know what?! Buck you!" Pinkamena yelled, her anger overpowering her. Pinkie looked up at her in shock. She hadn't seen her so angry in such a long time. "Fine! I wish I had never thought about you!" Pinkamena trotted to the side of the cloud furthest away from Pinkie, sitting down as she waited for the visit to be over. "Pinkamena, c'mon. You know I didn't mean it like that." She turned her snout up away from Pinkie. "Pinka--" Pop--Sssss Pinkie suddenly gasped. Pinkamena glanced back, noticing that one of the balloons had quickly begun to deflate. ================= Marble followed behind Princess Luna, slipping through a crowd of different dignitaries and officers that had crowded in the courtyard. "We're almost there." "Mmhm." Marble acknowledged. "She was asleep when I left, so she might not be awake when we get there." Marble, once again, only nodded. She only took moments to follow Princess Luna, most of her thought into retracing her steps, trying to see where she had gone wrong at. I-I-I fell asleep at the Apples'... maybe they noticed me from there and followed me? No-- they'd have just taken me there... m-maybe I was j-just careless and didn't notice? Marble tried to think of where she had gone wrong- what trace she had left of herself for her parents to follow. But nothing was obvious. She had been relatively careful on what tracks she left. It just wasn't adding up... "We're here." Princess Luna had turned to Marble, standing in front of a white door. Princess Celestia was standing at the other side with a small, yet somber grin. Her magic aura surrounded the doorknob, twisting it and pushing the door open for Marble. Marble took a deep breath before stepping in, preparing herself for what she was about to see. Although, no amount of breathing nor thinking could've prepared her for the sight of her own sister laying in a hospital bed, bandaged from hoof to head in parts. A tremble went through her hooves as her throat suddenly dried. "We... we'll give you some time." Princess Celestia said before she and Princess Luna allowed Marble some privacy. Marble slowly trotted towards her. "P... Pinkie?" She asked as she put her left forehoof on the bed railing. Pinkie didn't answer her call. A tear came to her eye, only just then realizing how severe the situation was. "I'm so... so sorry..." Marble moved her forehoof to Pinkie's right forehoof, squeezing it. "I-I shouldn't have come to you... this wouldn't have happened." She silently berated herself. Her sister was hurt, and it was (in her mind)all her fault. ================= Pinkamena watched in horror as Pinkie suddenly sank below the surface of the cloud. She quickly returned to the previous side of the cloud. "Pinkie! Gimme your hoof!" Pinkie reached up for Pinkamena's hoof. Pinkamena flapped her wings, desperately trying to lower the cloud low enough to where she could grab her. Pop Another balloon popped as Pinkie fell closer towards Sweet Apple Acres, the final balloon not even close to supporting her. Pinkamena stood, taking a sprinting dive off the cloud as she tried to follow behind her. Horsefeathers! She cursed as she nose dived quickly towards Pinkie, both of them quickly heading towards tree branches. "Hold on!" Pinkamena called as she hastily caught up with Pinkie as they ever so quickly approached the branches. She swept Pinkie up, pulling her into her chest as she flipped onto her back, awaiting the imminent crash. The tree branches cracked and broke under the velocity of the two, but only Pinkamena took the pain of the impact. They slowed to a stop, coming to rest at the bottom branches. Pinkamena grunted as she leaned up. "Celestia... are you all right?" Pinkie groaned. "Yeah. Horseapples... thank you." Pinkie looked up to Pinkamena as she sat up, grabbing onto a tree branch overhead. "Yeah, yeah... just-- you're gonna have to take care of me... horsefeathers, that hurt." Pinkamena remained still for a moment, trying to ensure that all of her was still there. Her hooves and wings were still intact, so she was fine. "Trust me, I owe you." Pinkie dropped down, landing under the apple tree with a thud. "You need some help?" "Nah. Just gimme a minute." Pinkamena groaned, leaning up as she felt her fresh set of bruises throb with her movement. "You're lucky I care about you, otherwise..." She slipped her hind hooves down, allowing them to hang limp as she dropped down. "Aww, you do care!" Pinkie giggled before helping Pinkamena trot away. "I do, it's just-- Celestia, this is frustrating." She brushed her mane out of her eyes with her wing as she followed behind Pinkie. "I know, I know. But trust me, we're going to be just fine. I can go with you some places, y'know." Pinkie put a forehoof over her shoulder gently, pulling her a slight bit closer. "I just can't right now, but trust me, once I get some time off, we'll visit someplace else. Where'd you like to go, anyways?" "Really?" Pinkamena turned to her, suddenly excited. Pinkie nodded with a smile. "Thanks!" She suddenly pulled Pinkie closer, wrapping her in a hug. "Can we go to Las Pegasus first?" "I thought you hated it there." "I want to see if it's any better in the skies." "Fair enough." Pinkie chuckled as they trotted away from the apple trees. ================= Pinkamena quietly groaned, her head, stomach, and other throbbing bits and pieces of her body began to wake up. She heard a gasp as she felt a previously unknown pressure around her right forehoof suddenly disappear. "Pinkie?" Pinkamena opened her right eye, the other swollen shut. Marble was at her bedside. A smile suddenly came across her face as she hugged her. "Thank Celestia you're okay!" Marble was ecstatic to see that Pinkamena had awoken. Pinkamena resisted to urge to tell her off for leaving-- forgot it, in fact. She forced her left forehoof up to return the embrace. It had been too long since she last saw Marble. I thought Pinkie wouldn't have shown her this... Pinkamena was regretful that Marble had to see her in such a state. But I'm glad she did. She had missed her sister. However, before they could continue, the reunion was crushed by a saddened gasp for air. "I'm so-- so sorry!" "Why?" Pinkamena asked. She hadn't done anything wrong. "Th-they must have followed me! I'm s-so sorry you got hurt!" "Hey, hey--" Pinkamena pushed Marble up. Tears pooled in Marble's eyes, with one rolling down her right cheek. She had a dark blush across her cheeks. "Don't cry. What I did, I did on my own. You didn't make me go, okay? I chose to." Pinkamena wiped Marble's tears away. "Okay?" "Mmhm." Marble nodded. Pinkamena smiled, before pulling her back into the hug. ================= XIII: CatchAuthor's Note Sorry for the short chapter(and the late update), but it's almost at the finish line. XIII: Catch Marble stayed at Pinkie's bedside, refusing to listen to the nurses and doctors telling her to eat or rest. To Tartarus with them all, her sister needed her, she wasn't about to let such mild, pesky things such as her hunger and her tired hooves keep her from being there for her family. Two weeks had passed since the attack, and her parents still hadn't been caught. But, at this point, she couldn't care less if she ever saw them again. Every moment since then, when she wasn't sleeping, she was with Pinkie or Princess Luna, either helping her with her food or giving statements for evidence. She was so glad that it was almost at an end, that she would be able to return back to her home safely, without having to worry about anypony harming her. As for her parents... Marble didn't hate them. She surely had some resentment, especially all that she witnessed them hide from her, and especially after they hurt Pinkie so badly. Of course, she would never hate her the ponies that had first brought her into this world, but she surely didn't want to be around them without somepony else to protect her. "Are... you okay?" Marble snapped back to the present. She blinked away her deep thoughts before she glanced to Pinkie. "You kinda blanked out for a minute there." Pinkie chuckled. "Mmhm." "Okay, just making sure." She scooted up, trying to find a comfortable position for the pillow to support her. Pinkie was in better condition than she was last week, although her stomach and forehooves were still wrapped in bandages, along with the whole top of her head, covering her mane, but there were small openings for her ears to slip through. She could move now, without Marble's help. Pinkie suddenly jerked forward with a grunt, followed by a groan. Her back muscles were shuddering, tight. Marble jumped forward to help Pinkie but stopped once Pinkie lifted her head with a forced smile. Forced, but not fake. "I-I'm fine, just that I hit a bad spot." She paused for a moment, before slowly leaning up with a relieved breathe. "There we go." Pinkie sat back up. "You don't have to stay beside me this whole time, you know. You can go get something to eat or sit down." Marble nodded. "You told me before." "I know, just reminding you." Pinkie smiled. Before Marble had a chance to return it, there was a knock at the door. "Marble, could you come out here, please? I need to tell you something." Princess Luna slid her head through the door the crack in the door. Marble turned to Pinkie, point her snout towards to do to see if it was okay with her. She nodded with a closed-lipped smile. "Mmhm." Marble replied quickly, feeling more comfortable leaving knowing Pinkie was okay with it. She took a step towards the door and trotting away from her bedside. Pushing the door open as she met with it, she stepped outside into the hall. Princess Luna had stood outside, waiting on her with a toothy smile. "Hello, Marble. How're you?" She asked. Marble shrugged her shoulders with the nod of her head. "Good." She replied. "That's good, but I can make it better." Princess Luna smiled, clearly happy about something. "I've got great news for you." "Mmhm?" "We've finally caught your parents." Princess Luna announced. Marble tilted her head slightly sideways, a small frown on her face as she looked up to her. "Wh-What do you mean?" "A group of my night guards found them trying to sneak out of Las Pegasus. They caught them quickly, they're on their way back for holding." A panic suddenly rose in Marble's chest. Where would they be taking them? Is it safe where they're going? Could they escape whatever they'd put them in? If they could, would they be able to find her and Pinkie? What would they do if they did? Where would they go then? How would she fend them off before help would hopefully come? Too many worries overwhelmed her. "Hey, hey, don't worry." A calm hoof touched Marble shoulder. Her head jerked up, realizing she was still with Princess Luna. "I can see you're scared, but don't worry. I'll personally handle this. It'll go to my court, and they'll be in my dungeons for the time being. I can even ask Celestia to put a couple of her day guard and rotate out with my night guard" Marble took a deep, slow breath. Her fears weren't dispelled just yet, but they certainly were lessened tremendously. "Y-Yes, please. Thank you." She said. Princess Luna nodded. "I'll let you know if I need anything else from you, but I think we have enough for me to pursue this in my court." Princess Luna said confidently as she turned, beginning to trot away. Marble turned back, walking back into the room with Pinkie. ================= Pinkie's right forehoof tapped furiously against the clean, white tile floor as she waited for Princess Luna to return. She had made visits to Canterlot since it had happened. Of course, she couldn't miss her work, but she always kept tabs on what was happening, how Pinkamean's recovery was coming, how Marble was, where her parents could be- just general worrying. Come on, come on, come on-- Pinkie's ears perked at the sound of tapping horseshoes. She stepped into the hall, meeting Princess Luna halfway down the hall. "How is Marble? Is Pinkamena okay? When will we-" "Pinkie, Pinkie, one question at a time." Princess Luna smiled. Pinkie took a deep breath before speaking. "Is Marble okay?" "Yes, she should be out of her sling in a week's time. She's eating and sleeping somewhat regularly. She has seemed a lot happier this week." "Thank goodness." she was relieved that Marble had finally stopped feeling guilty(at least to her knowledge). "What about Pinkamena? How's she doing?" "Better, she can move without help now, and she's able to drink and eat with minimal help. Although, her right wing and back are still having muscles spasms, and she's still bedridden, she's doing much better than what my physicians expected." "How long until she's fully healed up?" Princess Luna frowned slightly. "From what my doctors tell me, it's... uncertain when exactly she'll be out. One says a few weeks, another says a few months... just a waiting game at this point." "Thank you for being honest." Pinkie said, sighing as she glanced down. "When'll mom and dad have their case heard?" "A week. I'd like to keep this as quiet as possible, for your sake and for the rest of your family's sake. I need for the buzz to die down before I'll continue. It'll take place at dusk since there's very little traffic here around that time." "Should I bring anything or anypony to say something in my favor? I-I can get Twilight, Applejack- any of my friends would vouch for me." "Twilight's already given me a written statement, all you need to do is let Pinkamena and Marble handle it. They're enough for it." "Oh... okay." Pinkie looked back up to Princess Luna. "Thank you, by the way. For everything." she smiled. Princess Luna nodded. "You're welcome. I'm just glad that nopony else is going to be hurt." Pinkie nodded. "Well, I-I gotta go. Mr. and Mrs. Cake need me to babysit today." She turned, trotting away. "Farewell, Pinkie. I'll notify you if anything changes." Pinkie turned back her with a smile, trotting backwards. "Bye!" She said before turning back around. Thank Luna this is all over... ================= XIV: ReleaseMarble slowly trotted towards her little home. She moved at a snail's pace, though thankfully not because of her hoof. Neatly wrapped in a bandage, she could finally walk at whatever pace she wanted with minimal pain! She tried to take in every detail she could. The crunch of the gravel beneath her hooves, the bleak, bare fields around her, the slight smooth breeze in the spring air, the goose bumps forming on the backs of her hooves. Polyps had formed on the back of her tonsils, her quiet restlessness driving her insane. I know Limestone's gonna be... she shook her head, bumping nose first into a fuzzy, cotton surface. She stepped back and looked up, her eyes meeting Maud's. "Hello Marble," Maud said in her usual tone. "How was the train ride?" Marble stepped back up to her, wrapping her hooves around her. Maud returned the hug nearly immediately. "Welcome home, sister," Maud said with a warm voice, yet she still kept her flat tone. "How was Pinkie?" "Okay." Marble released her, returning back to her prior position. "S-She's still in the hospital, but she's up, walking and cracking jokes, l-like usual." "That's good. Hopefully, she'll be back at her bakery in no time." "Mmhm." Marble agreed. "Is Limestone still...?" Maud nodded. "She was livid when I told her what happened. I still don't think she's entirely okay," she said somberly. "I cannot blame her, in all honesty." "H-How bad is it?" "She screamed at me for going along with and then ran out of the barn." Maud shuffled back towards her home's open door. "When I went to go check on her, she had kicked the back door in and tears were streaming down her face." "Oh..." "Yes. She still works in the fields, this hasn't slowed her down in that way, but once she's finished, she just goes back to her room." Maud finished as they entered. "I've assured that she hasn't destroyed anything of yours, but mother and father's room is a wreck. She still refuses to speak to me." Maud's voice quivered only for a moment. Marble glanced towards her, the pit in her stomach only deepening with her worry. I hope she's okay. "I-I think I understand..." "Good." Maud turned, strolling passed the living room. The familiar smell of rock soup filled the air around her. "I've prepared lunch. Limestone's still out in the fields, but we can go ahead and eat before I start my work." "Mmhm." Marble entered the kitchen, a small, dented metal pot steaming on the white stove. A large wooden spoon sat on the marble counter beside it, the back and bowl covered with the slightly green liquid of the soup. "It's the best I could do at the moment. Maybe we could go to Ponyville and pick some pots up once Pinkie is out of the hospital?" Maud proposed as she stepped up to counter, biting the spoon and side-stepping in front of the oven, tilting her head slightly and stirring the soup. The rocks on the inside hit the inside of the pot as she mixed the soup, making small dings. "It's nothing to worry about right now. You can go ahead and eat if you'd like, or you can help Limestone finish up everything and we can eat together." Marble nodded. "I'll go help her." "Alright, just make sure you don't strain yourself," Maud said. Marble nodded before she exited the kitchen, heading back outside. She walked back down the gravel road, near immediately seeing Limestone in the field nearest to the barn. Most of the field had already been messily plowed, but there was still one more row left. She slowed, giving her hoof a break as she neared Limestone. "You shouldn't do that by yourself." Marble warned. Limestone paused, turning back to her, the ropes holding the sifter wrapped around her torso and shoulders. Her eyes widened and a small quiver ran through her lips. She quickly turned away, trudging back towards the end of the field. "About time you got back." Her voice was monotoned, keeping her face from Marble's sight. "Y'know it was hard. Waking up in the morning and you're missing. Father's angry, mother's upset, and I didn't have a clue where Maud was. I didn't have a clue where the hay you were until Pinkie came by." Marble remained silent, slowly following behind her. "And then she tells me you've dislocated your forehoof? Nopony told me!" She grunted, beginning to move slightly quicker. "Seems like nobody tells me anything important, no! 'Let's leave Limestone in the dark, she's too young to hear this,' 'Oh no Limestone, you can't hear this! You can't know anything about what father did,' 'Don't be so angry! I just let you live in the same house of a psychopath for weeks on end!'" "I-I didn't mean-" "And then Maud has the audacity- the bucking gall to try and apologize for them!" She stomped forward, huffing through her snout. "It's too far gone for 'sorry!' No, not after what they did! After what she did!" "Limest-" "She told me everything!" Limestone turned back to her. "Everything, Marble! What Pinkie was and what happened!" She bared her teeth, almost grinding them out of frustration. "Did you know?!" Marble looked downward, her lips tightly sealed. "Oh, you have to be kidding..." She slowed to a stop, her eyes darting back to the field. Limestone had missed the end of it by a few feet. "Looks like I'll have to re-sift this spot. Great..." She sighed. Her fury had disappeared. The rage and anger once apparent in her voice were nowhere to be seen. Only replaced by defeat. "I'll get it," Marble took a few steps forward. "I have to relearn this thing anyways." "You sure? Your hoof..." She cast a glance to the wrapping around her hoof. "I can do it. Really. I'm just... venting." "Mmhm." "Alright..." Limestone reached down to her chest, untying the rope and pushing it off her shoulders. It came to rest softly against the gravel. "Let's see if you still have it." Marble quickly stepped forward. She stepped through the two small holes of the rope, pulling it up onto her hooves, moving them up slowly, one at a time. Left, then right, right? She pulled the rope onto her left shoulder before moving onto her right. A jolt of pain stopped her, but only for a moment. "Marble, don't be stubborn. You're gonna hurt yourself again." "I'm fine." She continued, hoisting it back onto her left. She looked down, her hooves moving to tie the rope around her chest. "See?" "Hmph." Limestone mumbled. "You're still slow, but I guess you can handle this. Alright, go on then." She sat down. "Just turn and make another row." With a nod, Marble began to pull the sifter forward. She shuffled to her right slightly, hauling it towards the end of the row- only a five or ten mere paces. Her right forehoof quivered slightly with each step. "You lost some muscle while healing up." "Mmhm." She grunted. "Is your hoof alright? Seemed like it was pretty bad from what Maud and Pinkie told me." "Mmhm." "How is Pinkie, while we're talking about her?" "She's getting better every day. I was afraid for a while there... t-that we might lose her too." She continued forward, nearing the end of the row. "She's sacrificed a lot for me... if she... passed away because of what mother and father did..." Marble stopped, both in her speech and on her hooves. She didn't want to even think of the possibility of Pinkie being gone. "She would've been fine, Marble. It's Pinkie we're talking about." She trotted up to her, undoing her straps for her. "Though... I won't pretend that I wasn't a little worried. Just a little." Marble stepped out of the ropes, standing beside her sister. "This is good enough. We can take a break." Limestone noted, reaching down and throwing the ropes onto the top of the machine. "So, let me guess; Maud sent you out here?" Her ears fell flatly to her head. "Mhmm." "I thought so," She nodded. "So, what does she want?" "She just wants us to have l-lunch with her." Marble admitted. She couldn't just lie to her, especially not after the rant she had just heard. "At the table. Like o-old times." "No." Limestone retorted near immediately. "Not now, not tomorrow, not ever." She stomped up to her, touching snouts with her sister. "It's a miracle that she's not rotting away in prison with mother and father right now. She deserves to be in there, after what she did to Pinkie." Her hooves were shaking in anger. Marble took a step back, trying not to visibly cower in fear. "You don't u-understand-" "I understand that she deformed Pinkie! She mutilated her, for Celestia's sake! How aren't you as mad as I am?! How can you even speak to her?!" Her voice was filled with conviction, booming and echoing loudly throughout the empty field. Marble lowered her head, whimpering slightly. "It-It's not that s-simple..." Limestone's jaw dropped, exasperated and stunned. "You... You're defending her?" Her voice was quiet, controlled. "No!" Marble raised back up. "I'm just saying- it-it's not as simple as you make it out to be." The sisters stood there, waiting for what seemed to be an eternity for the other to speak. Finally, Limestone released a quiet sigh, lowering her shoulders and facing away from her. "Go..." Her voice strained and weak from her screaming. "Just... let me be." She said, almost pitifully. "Limestone," She took a step towards her, extending her right forehoof, only for her to shuffle away and turn back towards her. "Stop!" She scolded loudly. "I can't be angry at you too. So please, just let me have my break in peace." Marble stared at her for a moment, almost unable to believe her sister was acting in such a way. "I'll come back later..." She turned away, heading back towards her home as quickly as her hooves could carry her. ===================== Maud and Marble sat at the kitchen table, only taking small sips every so often. Four bowls had been set out at each side of the table, for each member of what remained of the Pie family, with the exception of their parents. Two bowls had sat, steam rising off the surface. The soup was tangy, in contrast to her mother's savory taste to the soup. Unusually so. It wasn't bad- far from it; just different, especially for Maud. She usually follows mother's recipe to the letter. "I assume Limestone didn't want to join us." "Mhmm." Maud glanced downwards, staring into her soup. "Hopefully she'll be better once we go to visit Pinkie." "Mmhm." She agreed, sipping her soup. "Soon, with some luck. Though it seems it hasn't been with us recently." "Mmhm..." Marble sunk slowly into her chair, the awkward air over the room making her uncomfortable. I wish Pinkie was here... she could make this better. "Boulder is satisfied, at least." She glanced downwards, looking inside the pocket of her frock. "He was cold earlier, so I let him sit beside the stew while it was still warm." "Mm." Marble acknowledged. A few more moments of silence passed before Maud scooted her chair back from the table. "I'll go set Limestone's outside." She stood, stepping to the left side of the table and pinching the top side of the bowl between her teeth. She turned back, stepping away from the table and walking into the living room. The door creaked open, before slowly shutting again without a problem. Maud returned, sitting back down. "How did you two get work done?" Marble asked. She blushed, realizing that her wording of the sentence was rather poor. "I mean, you two don't even talk, how did you split up all the work?" "We stayed on opposite sides of the farm." Maud scooted forward. "I took the quarries and the far fields, she took the barn-work and fields near the house." "Oh..." "Yes. It was more work for me, but whatever keeps her happy." She took another sip from her soup. "She's sleeping in the barn now." "What?" She questioned, almost stunned. "Why?" "She took her mattress out the day after I told her and put it in the barn." Maud paused for a moment. "Am I really that bad, Marble? Have I become that cold?" "No, no." She leaned forward. "You're not cold, not at all." Marble claimed passionately. She's done everything she could to help me, she's at least trying to make things right. "You don't have to sugar-coat it, dear sister. I know what I did was evil." She admitted. "I've reminded myself of that for the last thirteen years." Maud stood up again. "I'm sorry, dear sister, but I think I'll head back to the quarries early. I've lost my appetite. Thank you for eating with me." She left the kitchen without another word, the door creaking open and softly shutting, leaving her sister alone. I really wish Pinkie was here... ===================== Author's Note Yeah, I figured I'd save the lengthy explanation for after you've finished reading. I'm so sorry I've waited so long to update. To be totally honest, I wanted to have another chapter out by March and the story complete by at least May. Yet, whenever I'd go to sit down to write it, my mind would go blank. I couldn't think of a single damned thing that would continue the story in a way that would both satisfy me as both a writer and a reader. So, I stopped. I figured, "Writer's block has to pass some time." and went onto another story I was working on. And, we're here now. I signed onto the site a few weeks ago and went to manage my stories. My eyes wondered for a moment before they land on "Flight". My jaw dropped, realizing, "Oh shit. IT'S ALMOST 2018 AND I STILL HAVEN'T FINISHED THIS STORY!" I managed to whip up a new chapter. I'll really want to finish this up, honestly. I want to see the conclusion of this story as much as you do. XV: TrustMarble sat at the dinner table. She glanced down at her bowl of rock soup. It had already gone cold, sitting there for what felt like hours. The moonlight cast a shadow across the room. She should've retired to her bedroom long ago, but she hadn't. Or, she couldn't, rather. I can't just leave her out there. She glanced towards the front door, thinking of Limestone. Maybe she would come in if I talked to her? I mean, she's gonna have to talk to Maud eventually, whether she wants to or not. Marble scooted back, sliding off the chair and turning towards the front door. She walked out the front door, heading towards the barn. The air was calm, quiet. Almost stagnant, if not for the cool breeze that drifted by her every few moments, sending shivers down her legs. The barn was dark and quiet, aside from one flickering light at the very edge of the door. "Limestone?" She whispered, walking up to the barn entrance. "A-Are you here?" Marble slowly stepped forwards, the barn door creaking open. Her sister's bed sat at the center of the room, resting on the inside of a large wagon. A brown blanket draped over the side, tangled in the wheelbarrow, with a shovel crudely tied into it. Limestone laid down beside the wagon, on the hard, uncomfortable gravel floor. She can't be sleeping that way... A particularly loud crunch in the gravel beneath caused Limestone to stir. She grunted, stumbling up to her hooves and kicking up dirt. "Get out!" She pulled the shovel out from its make-shift sheath, holding it up. Her movements were sloppy and tired. She hobbled towards her slowly. "Limestone?" "Leave!" Limestone continued to move towards her, speeding up as she neared her. She kicked the candle in her rushed movements, colliding with the barn door. "Limestone! It's Marble!" She cocked back the shovel, swinging it down as soon as she was close enough. Marble stumbled to the side, her right leg colliding with the barn door. Sparks flew as the metal collided with the gravely ground. Her sister huffed quietly, standing there with the shovel stuck in the ground below. She rested on the ground beside her, her leg throbbing from the sudden movement and the collision. A few silent moments passed, only Limestone's huffing filling the air. Marble sat still, staring at her sister. Neither of them had moved from their spots. What's wrong with her? "... Marble...?" She exhaled, finally seeming to realize what had happened. Limestone turned to look at her. Her face contorted into some sort of mixture of sadness and horror, her lips quivering why her eyes widened. "Marble! I'm so sorry!" She dropped the shovel, turning to her sister. "I-I didn't get you, did I?!" "N-No, I'm alright," Marble reached for the side of the barn. Limestone grabbed her hoof, helping her stand up, "Sorry... it-it was dark and I-I couldn't see your face so-" She turned back, retrieving the shovel and the candle. "I... I-I thought you were Maud." "Oh..." Her head lowered. She wouldn't really... it-it can't be that bad. She walked beside her sister, back up to the wagon. Right? "And I... er... haven't been sleeping that much lately. Mainly try to sneak in when Maud isn't around the house and sleep on the couch for an hour or two." Limestone admitted. "Sleeping on the ground's nearly impossible with the gravel and all. And I need the wagon free for work, so I can't keep my bed up there." "Mmhm." "And I only have the one candle. I took it when Ma-" She paused, taking a breath. "When Cloudy and Igneous left. I haven't been back in their damned room since." "Mmhm..." Marble nodded. Limestone reached what could barely be considered her bed. She slipped the shovel back into its sheathe, placing the candle down on the end of the wagon. "So, any reason why you're out here?" "Well..." She scooted slightly to the side, sitting down on the edge of the wagon. "We need to talk about Maud." Her sister visibly shrunk at the topic. A small groan escaped her, sitting down beside her bed. "What's there to talk about?" She grumbled, sitting down on the edge of her bed. "You two need to talk-" "Like Tartarus, we do..." She turned down to her. Marble wasn't about to back down. This needed to happen. "Look, as much as you hate it, you have to speak to live here. You both can't keep this up." "Hmph." Her sister grunted quietly, managing to stand the candle up in a small mound of gravel. "Limestone, I know you can't be comfortable sleeping out here." She scooted down off the wagon. "You're sleeping on gravel..." "Better than having a knife in my back." Marble paused, taking a quick breath. She knelt, trying to look her sister in the eye. Limestone turned away, staring at the candle. "You know she didn't want to do it, right?" "Doesn't matter. She still did it." "Because of Mom and Dad." "What? She couldn't have stopped them? Or convinced them otherwise? Could she have done anything to protect her baby sister?!" She sat up. "Oh, woe is me! I cut off my sister's wings, but it wasn't my fault! My parents made me!" Limestone turned up to her. Her eyes were glassy. "Fuck her! I hope she dies!" Marble stared up at her. Her brow twitched, eyelids twitching for a moment before she turned away, her head pointing downwards. "You don't mean that." Limestone kept staring at the ground. "You're angry at Mom and Dad-" "They are not my parents." She growled. A small, quiet whimper escaped her sister, her anger replaced with sadness. "I... I don't even know who they are anymore. Every time I see a picture in that house, I don't even know what to feel." A small, shaken breath escaped her. "I used to love them, so much. But, since I found out... I-I can't help but think, 'how could they?'" Limestone's hind legs pulled up to her chest. "How could someone do that to their daughter? Force a mare to cut her own sister's wings off? Then try to do it to another?" She rested her head on her legs, pointed away from Marble. "They- They're monsters, there's no debate about that. I shouldn't even care about them anymore, but it still hurts to think about it. And Maud's a walking, breathing reminder of that. Every day I have to work with her, I have to think about them, and what happened to Pinkie." Marble stared at her sister, moving forwards and placing a hoof on her shoulder. "I know Maud didn't want to, and I know she regrets it. I get that- I-I just... It's hard to be in that house." Marble took a breath. "Will you start talking to her again?" "I don't know, honestly. I can't just forget what she did." "I know..." She sighed. "Just think about it, okay?" "I will." "Thank you." She scooted up off of her bed, standing up in front of her. "I'll see you in the morning." "Night." Limestone laid back down, gravel crunching under her bed as her weight shifted. Marble slipped between the open barn doors, pushing them closed before she walked back towards her home. The door creaked open. Light poured out into the darkness. Her older sister stood in the doorway, waiting for her. "How's Limestone?" "Alright." She said, standing in front of her. "Well... managing." "Hm. I suppose that's something we both have in common." Maud nodded, stepping to the side and letting her in. She shut the door behind them. "It's late. You should get some sleep." "Mmhm." Maud turned, following her into the kitchen, then into the small corridor of rooms. She stepped to the side, allowing Maud to get in front of her. "Goodnight, Maud." "Goodnight." She turned towards her bed, freshly made in preparation for her return. A small grin formed across her lips. I never thought I'd be so happy to see this old bed. Marble walked over to her bed, sitting down. The frame creaked as she shifted up onto the bed, pulling the covers back and slipping under. She glanced over to her sister's empty bed. I hope she feels better soon. Marble looked up at the ceiling. For her sake as much as Maud's. ================= Pinkie yawned quietly at Pinkamena's bedside. A pile of books sat at the edge of the bed, precariously balancing on the edge, with more sitting on the floor beside the bed. Each seemed larger than the last, though her counterpart had managed to read over them all in little over three days. She sat up in the bed, her nose buried in another tome, one of which had a cloaked figure on its cover, with the title written in a rather odd manner. Pinkie couldn't quite make it out, but it seemed like a rather long, rather intriguing tale. "Jeeez... how many are you gonna go through? Twi's gonna run out of books before too long." "I need something to do in this bed." She mumbled, not taking her eyes off the page. "Besides, she offered them to me while I'm here." "Mmhm." She wiped her eyes. The sun had set a bit ago, only leaving the moonlight to illuminate the room. "At least you're keeping yourself busy while you're in here." "Yep." She responded plainly. Pinkie yawned again, sitting up. She raised her forelegs over her head, feeling her joints popping as she stretched. "So, how're you feeling?" "Fine." "Good." "Mmhm." "Anything you need to talk about?" "No." "You're sure?" "Mmhm." Pinkamena flipped through another page. "Because, if what happened to you happened to me... I'd wanna talk about it." "Hm." "Soooo... if you need to talk, I'm here. You can talk to me about anything, you know that, right?" "I know." "Okay..." Pinkie huffed, resting her head back down against the bed. Maybe she's just really into reading... can't exactly walk on clouds to see her house. Not without Twilight, at least. Still, Pinkie persisted in her line of questioning. "Why don't you tell me what happened one more time?" Pinkamena glanced towards Pinkie, then back down to her book. "We've been over it half a dozen times, there's nothing much left to tell." "I know, but-" "Did you know that the main character in this story actually ends up losing control of his hoof for a period of time?" Pinkamena glanced up to her. "No...?" "It's really an interesting read." She turned back down to the page. "I'd really like to keep going if you don't mind being quiet for a bit." Pinkie turned up to her counterpart, her eyes glazed over her wing stuck in the same cast it had been for weeks. "Look, your wing is gonna be fine." Pinkamena kept her head firmly planted in front of the book. "You don't know that." "Yes, I do. You're going to be alright." A small, suppressed breath of air escaped her friend. "It'll work out in the end-" "You wanna know something else I learned from reading?" She finally turned up from the page, a sharp tone of anger riding along with her voice. "Happy endings don't exist. Not for someone like me." She said, her eyes glossy. "They finally get everything they could have dreamed of, the life they always wanted, and what happens? Chaos." Pinkie stared as she closed the book and sat it to the side. "They fight and struggle, work themselves to the bone to accomplish their goals. And most of the time, they do achieve their goals. They get to be happy and live in peace." She turned down to the book. "But for some of them, their's don't exist. They're damaged goods, and, no matter how much they might want to bury their past, or how hard they try, they don't get a happily ever after. They'll keep fighting and struggling to get it, but it'll never come." Pinkie's eyes locked onto hers, her mane slowly deflating. "They- I tried to live to be a better person. I tried, and tried, and tried. For years, I worked to better myself and be as good as I could, and for a brief moment, I thought I had reached that perfect moment. My 'Happily Ever After.'" She paused momentarily, taking a quiet, stuttering breath. Pinkamena turned up to her with a pained smile. "I got my wings back. Everything I had ever wanted. It felt like I was in heaven. But, like always, I was mistaken. And this is what I got for thinking that it was." She turned towards her casted wing. "Who knows how long it'll be before its out, and even then, I'll have to learn to reuse it all over again." "It'll be a lot of work, but you'll get through this." "That's not the point. Even if I get to fly again, it'll still be another mark left by my past." She said, her hooves crossed over her chest. "The happiest moment of my life was getting my wings back. The worst was when I lost them. But this..." She turned down towards her chest. "Having my ability to fly taken away from me again... it- it ranks up there, I won't lie." Pinkie stared, a hoof over her mouth. She could see the pain in her eyes, the aching in her heart. "And now, I can't help but think... 'What's the point?'" Pinkamena turned up to her. "Why even bother anymore? There's no point in caring anymore, Pinkie. There's no point in trying to care." She turned away, towards her window. "Getting my wings back, my own body... all that happiness... it's all just one big sham... and I'm just the fool who fell for it." Her voice was monotoned. There wasn't any anger or hurt, no sadness or pain- not even hatred or viciousness, just... Blank. Emotionless. Numb. Pinkie sat in silence, tears in her eyes. She knew Pinkamena would be hurt by the injury to her wing, but she wouldn't have dreamed it'd be like this. "I... I'm here if you need me, you know that, right?" She said, trying to conceal the shakiness in her voice. "I will never let you get hurt like that again, okay? Mom and Dad won't be able to hurt you anymore." "If it's not them, it'll be someone else. Or myself." She responded plainly, turning away. "Please, cut off the light. I want to sleep." Without a second thought, Pinkie did as she was told, before she returned to her seat and Pinkamena's bedside, gently rubbing her hoof. For the first time in a long while, she didn't know what to say. She didn't know what she could do to make this better, if anything. I: EvictedMarble Pie sat on the edge of Pinkie Pie's bed, rain dripping from her snout. The bright pink sheets below her had dampened and became darker from her wet coat. She had a warm, white towel wrapped around her. Her right fore-hoof was in a white sling, throbbing with every heartbeat. Pinkie Pie was sitting at her left side, with her hooves wrapped around her, gently rocking her. The sun shined through the cracked window, and the distant chatter of ponies in the lower level of the Sugarcube Corner echoed filling the quiet space. "Do you feel any better?" Pinkie shattered the silence in the room, causing Marble's eyes to jolt up at her. She nodded hesitantly, even though she didn't feel completely safe or better. I-I haven't seen her since... since she... She glanced away from her. I-I have no choice but to come here. I've got no bits and I had no idea where Applejack was. Pinkie stood, trotting to her and kneeling down. "I know you're still tired, but I need to know everything that happened, step by step if you're comfortable." Marble shook her head. "Why not?" Marble shook her head once more, with more force. She couldn't- it was too much. "Marble-" Pinkie reached for her. Marble jerked away, causing Pinkie to stop. "I'm not going to hurt you, okay?" She gently rested her fore-hoof on Marble left shoulder. Marble relaxed at her touch, feeling her genuine concern and care. "I need to know what happened so I'll know what I need to do. I Pinkie Promise I won't get angry with you, no matter what happens." She said with a smile. Marble nodded. Uncertainty wavered over her- could she trust Pinkie? After everything that happened? "Mhmm." She mumbled, her voice trembling. =================== Marble Pie laid in her bed, her warm sheets covering her. Limestone Pie, her sister, had already gone to sleep in her bed at the other side of the room, sleeping soundly. Her mane was a tangled mess from the day's workload. The room was enveloped in pitch darkness, the only light inside the room being a small, wax candle on a table at the corner of the room. She had all she needed to rest: comfort, warmth- there was only one thing missing. Peace. A single moment of peace would do the trick and put her to sleep. However, there was a feeling gnawing at her that refused to be put to rest. Like a pack of timberwolves fervorously chasing after her, refusing to allow her a moment of rest. Why was Maud acting so strangely... she barely did anything today. Marble pondered. It's not like her to just sit in her room. She's usually the first one working and the last to bed. Maybe I could go see if she is all right? It's not too late. She pulled the thick sheets off of her body, setting it gently to the side as she scooted off the bed. Her hooves were thinner and longer. She had become evenly proportioned- a fully grown pony. Marble trotted to the corner of the room and picked up the candle carefully, making sure not to spill any of the melted wax. She turned to her door and pushed it opened, trotting through. The house was completely quiet, void of any sound except for the crickets chirping outside. Her candle was the only source of light in the dark hallway. She trotted down the hall, passing by portraits of her family in earlier years. Some even without her, Limestone, or Pinkie. Marble turned to the left, about to knock on Maud's door, before it opened on its own. Maud was sitting on the edge of her bed, holding a small picture frame in her hoof. Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz were sitting beside her, one at each of her shoulders. They stared at the frame with her, their hooves wrapped over her shoulders. Igneous' hat was at the edge of her bed, and Cloudy's mane was undone, hanging to the sides of her face. Her glasses were hanging from her neck, fogged. "I can't believe it's been so long..." "Hard to imagine that she's almost twenty-one now." Maud just kept staring at the picture frame, curious of who's picture they were staring at. Who're they talking about? Marble leaned in closer. Pinkie? "I-I still can't forgive m-myself for what we did. We s-stole her childhood from her." Cloudy's voice trembled. She wiped her eyes with a small napkin. "We mustn't allow it to get to us, darling. What's done is done." Igneous said, rubbing Cloudy's back. Cloudy took in a deep breath. "I-I suppose you're right. Let me look at her one more time before--" She went to grab the frame, only to knock it out of Maud's hooves. The frame fell to the ground, landing on its top right corner. Glass shattered across the room, spreading around the room and out into the hall. The frame slid under the door, slowing to a stop at her hooves. The picture was still inside the frame, covered with glass. What? Marble wiped the glass away from the picture and picked it up. She glanced over the picture, seeing-- =================== Marble Pie paused, turning away. She couldn't bear to tell Pinkie about what she had seen. I can barely believe it myself... "What did you see?" Marble shook her head. She wouldn't allow a single word to slip through her lips. "I need to know what you saw, Marble." Pinkie held Marble's left fore-hoof. Marble shook her head again with more force. She turned her head towards the ground, awaiting Pinkie's disapproval. However, no such thing came. Pinkie wrapped her in a hug, being careful around her right fore-hoof, to Marble's surprise. What? She isn't angry? "It's all right. I understand. Just let me know what you saw whenever you're ready." Marble nodded, releasing a relieved sigh. Maybe she's not like she was. It has been a long time. =================== Marble stared at a picture of her older sister, Pinkie Pie, as a foal, atop a boulder. A pegasus foal. She was standing up, her wings opened as if she were about to take flight. Her mouth opened in shock. W-what the... what the hay?! Her right fore-hoof shook. She threw the photograph down, quickly turning back to her room and trotting away. Maybe they'll just think I-I was passing by?! Yeah! The door in behind of her slung open. Marble glanced to the door behind her. Maud Pie was standing behind her, over the picture. She glanced at the picture behind Marble's hooves, then back up to her. Marble's hooves trembled as her oldest sister stared at her, emotionless. "Wh-what?" She tried to shake the fear in her voice, but it was too mighty to be contained. "Father, Mother-" Maud turned back, poking her head into the room. "We may have a problem." Igneous trotted out of the room, and up to Marble immediately. "What did you see?" He quietly asked. Marble could sense his scorn, even though he had only said a few words. "Uh... I w-was..." Marble struggled to find the words, the event shaking her to her core. "y-you see... um..." He leaned closer towards her, their snouts touching. Even with barely any contact, Marble could sense his fury through his movements. He slammed his right fore-hoof against the wall beside her, causing her already weakened hooves to tremble with fear. She released the candle, holding her fore-hooves close to her chest. The flame went out as she released the candle, landing to their left. "What. Did. You. See?!" Igneous said slowly, his voice full of scorn. Marble's trembling hooves pointed to the broken picture frame, and then to Maud as she picked up the picture. Igneous glanced to the picture, then back to Marble as he sighed, frustrated. "What h-happened?" "We..." Igneous leaned down, picking up the picture. He stared at it. "We did what we had to for this family to survive. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, Marble." Igneous took a step towards her, causing Marble to take a step back. "We wanted to tell you and Limestone one day-- honestly." Marble backed against the wooden wall behind her, her heart racing. She traced over the room, desperate to find something to help her if she needed to defend herself. Nothing. "And I'm sorry to say that we'll do it again, even if it kills me." Igneous trotted up to her quickly, grabbing her by left fore-hoof and pulled towards the doorway. Marble grabbed his hoof, trying to pull him away. Her trembling hooves weren't strong enough to tear away Igneous' iron grip. "Come with me, Maud. Your mother doesn't need to see this again." Maud nodded, following behind her. She lifted Marble's hind-hooves, making sure she couldn't break away. Marble kicked, clawed, screamed-- anything to help her escape them. "F-father, please! I-I'll never t-tell anypony what I saw! I pr-promise!" Marble's voice trembled. Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Igneous and Maud carried her into the rain, towards the large, red barn in silence. She struggled against them, trying to break free of their grip. I have to break away! "I'm sorry. We can't let anypony know what happened." Igneous stopped. "Open the doors and get the tools." Maud released Marble's hind-hooves, trotting passed her and Igneous. She pushed the barn doors open and stepped inside. Marble pushed away from him, tugging her right fore-hoof with all her might. Igneous slowed. "Ugh--" He pulled her back to him, nearly knocking her into the muddied ground. "Don't make this any harder than it has to be. I hope you'll understand it one day. All I do, I do for this family, whether I like it or not." Igneous began to trot inside the barn. Marble pulled away from him away from him again. Igneous stopped, holding onto her. Poppp A deafening pop sounded through her hoof as she broke away from Igneous. She stumbled and fell to the ground, collapsing under her body weight, failing to catch herself. Her right shoulder burned as her entire right fore-hoof throbbed with pain. "What--" Igneous looked down at her. Her hoof was twisted at a sickening angle to the side. Marble stumbled to her three uninjured hooves and galloped away, towards dirt road away from the farm. =================== "He did what?!" Marble nodded, glancing away from Pinkie. Her vision became blurry as she fought off her fear. "I am so, so sorry Marble. I shouldn't have let them near you." Pinkie hugged her tightly, making sure to be careful around her right fore-hoof. Marble held her sister's right fore-hoof. "Don't worry. I know a few ponies who can help with the pain. We can go tomorrow if you want." "Mmhm." "Good. Now, tell me the rest. At your own pace, of course." =================== Marble galloped away from her family farm, keeping her right fore-hoof up off the ground. She couldn't put any weight on it, let alone gallop on it. I have to find someplace to hide. They're going to hurt me! She jumped as she reached the wooden fence lining the farm. Her hind-hooves caught the top board, flipping her onto her back. She landed with a thud, coughed and wheezed. She immediately leaned up, desperate to catch her breath. "Horseapples!" Marble cursed under her breath. "Not now..." She forced herself up, crawling away from the farm. I've gotta get away... to the embankment... Her mane clung to the left side of her face, mud mixing in with her soaked mane and coat. She fought exhaustion as she crawled closer to the embankment. Marble crawled down the road, desperate to reach the embankment. She collapsed as she reached the embankment, out of breath and exhausted. Her right fore-hoof was in the embankment- so close to freedom. Only a little more. Come on... She pushed herself up, trying to force herself down the embankment. Almost-! Her left hind-hoof was pulled out from under her, sending her face and snout into mud and dirt. She coughed up mud and wiped the dirt away from her eyes. She looked downwards, seeing Maud was holding her hoof, slowly dragging her away from safety. "Just-- stop struggling. I promise you I'll make it as painless as possible." A hint of sadness took Maud's usual stoic tone. "No! Please Maud! I-I promise I-I'll never come b-back! Y-you won't ha-have to worry about me telling anypony!" Marble kicked against Maud's hoof weakly. Her hind-hoof wasn't budging, and her strength was quickly fleeing her. "I can't." "Please, Maud." Marble pleaded with her oldest sister. Maud stopped, glancing back at her. "P-please..." Tears slipped down Marble's face as she wept, exhausted. "I-I'm too young to... to..." She bawled. Bawled in front of her older sister as if she were a filly. A blush spread across her face, thoroughly embarrassed. Maud stared at her, then glanced back up to the farm. She sighed, kneeling down to eye level with her and pulling her closer. Marble feebly fought her hooves. "No- please!" Desperation filled her voice. She had to get away- it couldn't end, not like this- to the hooves of her own family. "Calm down- I'm not going to hurt you." Marble slowed to a stop, her burst of energy quickly fleeing as exhaustion took her over. "W... what?" Her voice was frail and quiet. Maud wiped the mud away from her fore-hooves and chest, moving up to her mane as she pulled clumps of hardened mud out of her mane. "I'm so sorry you'll have to go through this Marble. I wish there was a different way to do this. A better way" Maud traced up to her forehead, planting a kiss on her forehead. She wiped Marble tears away before she stood. "Slide down the embankment and stay there until the lights in the house goes out. I'll tell father that you're gone and I couldn't find you. Sneak off after that before father comes try to find you himself." "Wh-what?" "You heard me correctly. Get down there and wait until the lights go out in the house. Then get out." Maud's voice took on her usual stoic tone as Marble crawled into the embankment with her left fore-hoof, rolling down and resting against the wall. "I'm sorry it had to come to this. I love you." Marble looked upwards to her to respond, but Maud had already turned back and headed towards the farm. Thank you... =================== Marble glanced up at Pinkie. Pinkie's lips were quivering, and her mane had fallen to her side. Marble stared at her, concerned. "Oh-" Pinkie forced a laugh, brushing her darkened mane up onto the top of her head. Although, the matter clearly wasn't one to laugh about. "Don't mind me. Just something that happened a long time ago." "What?" "It's complicated. You wouldn't want to know." Marble nodded. "What happened after that?" "I did what Maud said, b-but I didn't know where else I could go besides here. Then you and Applejack f-found me passed out on the side of the road." "All right... all right." Pinkie stood up, picking up a small, pink blanket at the end of her bed and covering Marble's shoulders and back with it. "Go ahead and get some rest. I'll wake you up when it's dinner." Marble nodded, as she pulled her hind-hooves onto the bed. "Sweet dreams, Marble." Pinkie said. She flipped off the light switch as she trotted out of the room, darkening the room. "Mmhm..." =================== Pinkie Pie trotted out of the Sugarcube Corner. She trotted through town square, and into the Farmer's Market I need to head to Sweet Apple Acres to let Applejack know how Marble's doing. She needed my help anyways. Pinkie trotted through the Farmer's Market. She trotted down the nearly empty path. Only a few earth ponies were left in the market, closing their shops. "Howdy!" Pinkie jolted at the touch of her shoulder. She glanced back, seeing Applejack trotting with her, at her right side. "Oh-- gosh darnit. Sorry Pinkie. Didn't mean ta scare ya like that." Applejack trotted beside Pinkie, out of the farmer's market and towards Sweet Apple Acres. "Just closin' up the stand for the afternoon." "It wasn't your fault. Just been an exciting day, y'know?" "Mhm. Sure has been." Applejack nodded. She glanced around the road, reaffirming that the road was empty. She turned back to Pinkie, her lips contorted into a small frown with a pondering gaze. "Sugarcube, are y'all alright?" Applejack stared at Pinkie. "Is your sister all right?" "I don't know. You know how reserved she is-- I could barely get her to tell me what happened. After we finished she just sat there, staring at the floor as if she was guilty." "What did she say?" Applejack asked. Pinkie turned away for a moment, sighing. "S... she knows that something happened to me." "What? She knows?" "She doesn't know what exactly happened, but she knows something did happen." "Dear Celestia..." Applejack wiped her right fore-hoof over her face. "You sure y'all still wanna help? I can get Apple Bloom or Big Mac ta help instead." "No, no-- I can help. Marble's probably asleep by now anyways. I don't mind." "All right, if y'all say so. Rarity's probably here by now. C'mon" Applejack said, quickening her pace. Pinkie followed and kept pace with her. Hopefully Marble gets some sleep before I get back. She sure needs it... =================== VIII: Nightmares"What are you doing?! Stop that--" Ringing filled Marble's ears as she barely began to regain consciousness. A distant wail overpowered her, sending her retreating back to the cold, hard floor. She opened her eyes, only to be met with darkness. An object- a cloth was wrapped around her eyes, blocking her vision. What... what's going on? Where am I? "Father, mother, stop it! Now!" "Stay back Limestone! This is between us and her!" A loud thud drove the ringing away. Somepony's hoof touched her chest. "Marble!" called Limestone, her voice distraught and frantic. "Help me! You have to!" The cloth fell away from her eyes, down to her chest before floating back to the ground, revealing a dark, disorganized and disgruntled room at the back of her family's barn. Rocks had seemingly been slung around, and only a single lit candle atop a wooden stool would provide the only light, sat at the far right corner of the room. The bottom of Marble's hooves was sunk in the rocks beneath her. No matter how hard she tried to pull them out, her hooves were immobilized. Limestone was laying in front of her, bloodied and battered. Her snout was bleeding and her right eye was black. Her mane was dirty and a near-terrified look in her eyes suggested that this wasn't a mere joke. "Mother and father-- they've gone crazy! They took Maud and Pinkie, you have to help me save them!" Limestone! Marble pushed herself forwards, only for her hooves to remain planted in the ground. Her mouth was clamped shut. All she could do was watch in horror as a figure slowly trotted out of the shadows. "Please, Marble! You have to help!" Igneous Rock stepped out, his face masked by the shadows filling the opposite half of the room. The only thing Marble could see was the blank gaze as he grabbed Limestone her hind-hooves and pulling her away. She turned up him, taking a fistful of dirt and slinging it at his face. No- move! Marble's body refused to listen to her mind as she watched on in terror. "Why?!" Limestone turned onto her stomach, staring at Marble with a petrified stare before being pulled behind the shadows. Marble couldn't even blink, failing to comprehend what just happened. A single tear ran down her cheek as a shaken breath escaped her. "Limestone..." She whispered, suddenly able to move her jaw. "I'm so sorry..." Another bloodcurdling scream entered the room, except this time Maud was standing in front of her. A disappointed look on her face. Her hooves had been coated in dried blood, and her face had been splattered with sweat and tears. Marble's mouth had once again clamped shut, unable to call out for her sister. "Why? You stood there while she begged you- pleaded with you to help." Maud questioned. "I-I thought there was still hope for our family, I thought you'd be the pony to show them that- that there's a different way to do this. That we could just stop hurting our own flesh and blood." I-I couldn't move... Marble tried to break her usually welcomed silence- her will to just hide away, to hope that somehow, things would be okay if she just found a place to hide. But what was once had been a blessing to her was now a curse. "Maybe- just maybe, if you had helped, she could've gotten away with you to Pinkie, maybe even to the Apples. Instead, she's gone now. And you made me do it." Her voice had an undertone of conviction. "Don't expect me to take pity on you next time." She turned trotting back into the shadows. Was I... I really responsible for that? Marble questioned. Her fears and conscience had just been confirmed. I-I left her... I am responsible... She choked out. Her throat locked up, almost unable to breathe. Yet another terrified scream had been flung into the room. The all too familiar pink pony landed in the gravel in front of her. Her back had been cut and bruised, lashes across her ribs and chest, and small cuts on her hooves. "Why? I thought I could trust you..." Pinkie questioned. Her mane had deflated and fallen to her side, a darker shade of pink to match with her coat. She turned up to Marble. Marble sharply gasped, seeing her broken snout oozing blood. No- please! Not Pinkie too! She pushed against her hooves. Trying to find the strength and courage to fight for Pinkie- for all of them, but alas, she couldn't move an inch. "Why would you go back to them? Why would you tell them that I had lied about you?" Tears streamed down Pinkie face as she questioned Marble, a streak of tears of her own dripping down her chin and onto her chest. I-I wouldn't! I didn't, I promise! "I loved you, more than I could ever tell you, I protected you at the risk of losing my job, but..." Pinkie took a shaken breath. "Was it all for nothing?" She questioned, staring at her. Marble tried to shake her head, but even that basic function she couldn't do. It wasn't! I love you too! "I-if you loved me, why would you do this to me?" Pinkie retorted as if she almost knew what Marble was thinking. "To Limestone? Don't you feel guilty?" Marble quietly sobbed, nodding gently. She wept as the same figure began to trot towards Pinkie. No! Marble pushed her hooves forward, trying to get at least one step closer. One step and she could push Pinkie out of the way, but not a single iota in her hoof moved. Igneous grabbed Pinkie by her mane, hauling her back to the shadows. Pinkie's screamed echoed throughout the room, before being snuffed out by a thud. Then a second. And a third. Eventually, there were too many to count. Marble had to sit there, painfully wincing at every hit, as if she felt every single hit colliding with her head and chest. I-I can't-- I can't take this anymore! She sobbed. I'm so sorry! "Sorry..." Marble muttered. "I'm so sorry..." Igneous suddenly appeared in front of Marble, holding her shoulder. Her heart pumped faster than a speeding train. Her head trembled as she turned towards Igneous, a wild look in his eye. Bloodlust. "You're next." ================= "Marble..." A deep voice called to her, holding her shoulders. Marble, suddenly able to move, fought against the figure. Pushed up against it with all her might. "Stop! Pl-please don't hurt me!" The stallion grabbed her fore-hooves, holding them together as he gently pushed them back to her chest. "I'm not gonna hurt'cha." Marble recognized the voice near-immediately. She opened her eyes, misty with tears. Big Macintosh was standing above her, his orange mane hanging downwards towards her as he held her hooves gently. "Are ya alright?" He questioned, confused. Marble quickly traced over her surroundings: white picket fence, grass, dirt, and apple trees. She was at Sweet Apple Acres. It-it was a dream? Marble questioned, holding her chest. She quickly blinked away her tears. "M... mmhm." Marble backed away quickly. "I-I ended up here?" "Eeyup. Found you passed out. You were cryin' and shufflin' around real strangely, so I-I thought I'd wake you up." Macintosh released her. "Sorry 'bout grabbin' your hooves 'n' all, y'all was just fightin' so hard." "S-sorry." Marble shied away from the considerably larger stallion. "Everythin' alright over there, Mac?" Applejack was trotting towards them from the other side of the fence. Macintosh turned to her. "Eeyup!" He called back. Macintosh pointed to her, motioning for Applejack to come, before turning to Marble "It-it was nice to see you again." Marble said with a timid smile. Macintosh nodded in return with a pink blush. "Marble Pie?" Applejack questioned. She leaned on the picket fence with her fore-hooves. "What're you doin' here? Thought Pinkie was watchin' ya." "Er..." Marble looked downwards. "I-I had to leave Pinkie's." "Now, why'd you do that?" Applejack inquired. Marble looked downwards, before shaking her head. "Ah- I see. No worries." Applejack nodded. "Would you like somethin' to eat? Granny Smith whipped up some apple fritters this mornin'. Nice 'n' fresh, with genuine Sweet Apple Acre apples." She offered with a smile. "I-I guess I can stay for a few minutes." Applejack nodded. "Alrighty. Big Mac, lead her back to the house, would'ya kindly?" Macintosh nodded, turning back towards the entrance. "I'll meet y'all there." Applejack put her fore-hooves back onto the ground, trotting towards the entrance. The pair of quiet ponies became near silent "So..." Macintosh breathed with a deep chuckle, trying to dispell the awkward silence. "You're lookin' better since the last time I saw ya." "Thank you." Marble nodded, speaking quietly. Macintosh nodded as they trotted into Apple Acres. "How've you been since you got to Ponyville?" "Good. H-has apple season been good for you?" Macintosh nodded. "Eeyup. Your rocks?" "Mmhm. So far." She nodded. Macintosh smiled. Marble grinned back, but she couldn't focus too much on him. What the hay was that nightmare? She questioned, glancing downwards. It was so... so scary. I-It was like my worst nightmares in one bundle. A chill went down her spine, recalling the tirades her family had gone on, especially Maud's. "Maybe- just maybe, if you had helped, she could've gotten away with you to Pinkie, maybe even to the Apples. Instead, she's gone now. And you made me do it." No- remember what Princess Luna said. Let it go... She released a deep breath as they turned into the barn, stepping passed the opening in the farm with Macintosh. Applejack stepped up to her. "Howdy, didn't expect to see you here so soon." She chortled. Marble nodded. Applejack turned to Macintosh. "Thank ya, Mac." Macintosh nodded. "Bye Marble." He trotted away, towards the large barn in the distance. Applejack trotted back towards the house, motioning for Marble to walk with her. "So, how did you end up back here?" Applejack questioned. "Thought you were with Pinkie." "I-I had to get away from Ponyville." "Why? I thought y'all'd have everythin' work out by now." Marble looked away. "Eh, we'll talk about it later. C'mon, let's go getcha somethin' to eat." Applejack stepped up onto the porch, extending her right fore-hoof to Marble. Marble took it, taking a step up onto the porch. "Alrighty, up ya go." She pulled Marble up onto the porch. Granny Smith was sat in her white wooden rocking chair, snoring as a slight breeze pushed the chair back and forwards. "Don't mind her. She needs her rest." Applejack chuckled as she pushed the screen door open, allowing Marble to step through before she gently shut it behind them. The walls of the interior were painted apple green, and the floor was simply made up of wooden boards. "Let's go on and getcha some food. You gotta be hungry." Applejack stepped through the living room, passing by a single, bright red sofa and wooden table in the middle of the room, and trotting passed the staircase to the second story of the house as she trotted into the kitchen. Apple Bloom was standing on top of a wooden stool, leaning over a sink filled with soapy water. Her hooves were dunked under the water, circling around as she lifted a small dishrag and a dirty plate out. She scrubbed the plate down. "Oh, howdy again Marble." She said. Marble waved her right fore-hoof with a smile as Applejack lead her towards the circular, wooden table. There were six chairs crowded around the small space, all except for two pushed out. "You go ahead and get settled in and I'll go getcha an apple fritter." Marble nodded. She sat at the bottom of the table. Her hind-hooves bounced in anxiety as she awaited Applejack's return. I have to get out of here after we finish this. Marble noted to herself. "Are you feeling alright? You look like somethin's bothering you." Apple Bloom asked, glancing back to Marble for a moment. "Mmhm." Marble answered quickly. She did not want to think about that dream. Applejack returned after a moment, a plate in her teeth, with an apple fritter placed atop of it. She sat it in front of Marble. "Enjoy." Applejack sat at the top of the table. Marble took a small bite out of it the sweet tang kicking her. "So, what brought you? Pinkie takin' you outta town or somethin'?" "I'm leaving." Marble swallowed. "I can't stay in P-Ponyville anymore." "Why not? Y'all've got everythin' you'd need here. Friends, family, a home..." Applejack inquired. Marble looked downwards to her plate. Applejack shot up to Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom, can you go check if Macintosh needs any help? I'll finish that up for ya." "You're sure?" Apple Bloom turned back to Applejack, wiping her hooves off on the counter. Applejack nodded. "Now go on, we've gotta talk about some stuff." Apple Bloom hastily walked out of the room, leaving Marble and Applejack. "Now, what did y'all need to say?" Marble exhaled before she looked back up to Applejack. "I-I had a bad dream..." She blushed, knowing how childish it sounded. "Alright. What was it about, if y'all don't mind me askin'?" Marble squeezed her hooves, taking a deep breath. "I-I couldn't move, couldn't speak, but all I could do was watch." "Watch what?" She exhaled. "I had to w-watch Limestone and Pinkie get hurt. He-he grabbed Limestone and dragged her away while she screamed. She begged and pleaded with me to help and I... I couldn't do anything." "I'm so sorry." Applejack held Marble's right fore-hoof with a warm smile. "Then Maud came in. She scolded me f-for not helping, said that she wouldn't let me go next time she came to the shop." Applejack nodded. "Go on." "Then P-Pinkie got thrown in. She asked if I-I really loved her, and wondered if-if what trust we had surmounted was even real. I-I couldn't tell her that I loved her before she got dragged away. Then that- that thumping was too much to handle, hitting against flesh and bone--" Marble stopped, biting her lip. Applejack squeezed her hoof before sighing. "Darlin'... you know Pinkie wouldn't be like that. She's sweet, not bitter. And I may not have known y'all for long, but I'm sure that Limestone wouldn't hold running away against you if she knew what was goin' on. Just- don't stop what you're doing if you think this is the right decision." "I won't, I-I promise. I need Pinkie, Maud, and Limestone safe." Marble finished, wiping her misted eyes as she took another bite of the apple fritter. It felt like some of the weight and guilt had been momentarily lifted off her shoulders, suddenly feeling brave and courageous. "Thank you Applejack, I feel better about it. I need to go ahead and go." Marble stood. "Alright." Applejack shook Marble's hoof before she stood. "Take care of yourself darlin'. You've always got a home here if y'all ever need a place stay." "Thanks, AJ. Bye." Marble quickly trotted through the living room and out the door, passing the living room and stepping outside. She galloped away from the farm, out of the picket fenced area and down the road away from Ponyville. As she passed under the last apple tree of Sweet Apple Acres, the branches shook suddenly. She stopped in place, looking up to it. A few birds flew out of it, an apple in the largest's beak. Silly! Marble chuckled, returning to her brisk galloping. "Keep with her..." =================
II: LandingMarble Pie laid in Pinkie's bed, wrapped in her blankets. Her body was enveloped with warmth, in contrast to her condition a couple of hours ago. Gummy- Pinkie's pet alligator, had laid down at her hind-hooves, chewing on her right hind-hoof softy, almost trying to lull the upset pony to sleep. Thank goodness Pinkie let me stay here. I-I thought she wouldn't want to be around us anymore after everything that's happened. Marble sighed, relieved. Even if things were spiraling downwards, at least Pinkie had some place she could crash, right? Unfortunately for Marble, her anxiety seemed to disagree. What if Maud or father come looking for me here? The questioned popping in her head, her right fore-hoof dully throbbing with her rising heartbeat. Pinkie'll could get pulled into, hurt. I-I can't let that happen- not after taking me in without question. I won't let that happen. She groaned as she forced herself to sit up, her right fore-hoof throbbing with every movement. Her hind-hooves refused to move from the comfort of the bed. She used whatever energy she could muster to get up, but her fatigued body refused. Gummy climbed onto her lap, rubbing against her stomach. "No-" Marble weakly pushed him away, forcing her hind-hooves down onto the floor. "You sleep." She lifted Gummy up off of her, resting him in the mound of blankets. I just need to get outside- away from Ponyville. Her hooves swayed as she struggled to keep her balance. She trotted to the door slowly, taking each step with caution. So dizzy! Knock Knock Knock The door in front of Marble pushed open. Pinkie stood in the doorway. "Marble?" She questioned. "I thought you'd be asleep by now. What're you doing out of bed?" "I have to go." Marble took a step forward, only to lose her balance. Pinkie caught her shoulders and head before she hit the ground, sitting her back up on her own hooves. "You're in no condition to go anywhere. Not with your hoof, and especially when you can barely trot." "Wh-what do you mean?" Pinkie turned Marble around gently, leading her back towards the bed. "You haven't slept in two days and you're exhausted- I can tell. I'm sorry, but I can't let you go out there when you can barely trot." "They'll come!" "Who? Father and Maud?" "Mhmm." Marble glanced back to her. "I-I can't let you get pulled into it too. What if you get h-hurt?" "Hey-" Pinkie scrunched her face up, stiffening her lips. "That's my job to worry about you, not the other way around." She said in a stern tone, before bursting into laughter with a large smile. Marble halfheartedly giggled. It did little to lessen her worries. "Now, go ahead and get in bed and I'll take care of that. Nothing to worry about." Marble finally relented, nodding. She climbed into Pinkie's bed, gently pulling the blanket out from under Gummy. Pinkie gently wrapped the blanket, a warm smile across her face. "Goodnight Marble. I'll make you a plate for breakfast tomorrow morning." She turned away from Marble, beginning to trot out of the room. Gummy jumped down from the bed, following Pinkie. "Wait-" Pinkie turned back to her, concerned. A blush spread across Marble's face. "Yes?" "H... how're you going to stop them?" Marble questioned. Pinkie's just one mare. What could she do against the two of them? "Oh, well, let's see..." Pinkie turned, rubbing her chin as she trotted to Marble. "I could use my party cannon- nah." She had a small grin to match Marble's. "Maybe the confetti traps? No- not that either." Her smile grew. "Ah- I've got it!" Pinkie turned back to Marble, a large smile. "I'll ride Gummy out there! Of course! He'll scare them off!" Pinkie said with confidence. Marble giggled. "He's too small." "Gummy? Nah. He's a scary alligator." She leaned down to Gummy, rubbing her nose against his with a smile. Gummy licked her chin, pulling a giggle out of Pinkie as she stood. "He loves to chew on ponies. I'm sure he could drive them off!" "Mhmm." Marble nodded with a small grin. Pinkie smiled, relieved that her sister felt better. "Goodnight Marble. I'll set you out a plate for breakfast tomorrow morning." Pinkie quietly trotted out of the room, smiling as she pulled the door shut, making sure to be quiet. Marble rolled onto her back, laying her head to the right and resting her chin gently against her right shoulder. She grinned, peaceful. "Goodnight Pinkie." Marble whispered. Thanks for being there for me. ================= Pinkie Pie picked at her plate of peas and carrots over rice quietly, something the Cakes weren't accustomed to. She only took a few small bites here or there. The only ponies who were making some sort of noise were Pound and Pumpkin Pie, babbling happily as Carrot and Cup Cake finished eating their soft peas, Carrot feeding Pumpkin while Cake fed Pound in her lap. He picked up a small napkin at his side and wiped off the green, gooey residue of the peas that had accumulated around Pumpkin's mouth. Cup Cake lifted a small bottle to Pound's mouth, a fifth of the way full after the night's dinner. He pushed it away, yawning and stretching his fore-hooves. "C'mon, you're up first. You've got to go get ready for bed." Carrot picked up Pumpkin. Pumpkin whined in disagreement. "Aww- don't be that way. You need your sleep." He cooed as he trotted towards the staircase up to the loft. Carrot began to trot up towards the staircase. Once he was out of Cup's sight, he leaned down to her. "Okay, maybe a bit more playtime." Carrot whispered into her ear with a chuckle as he carried her up the staircase. Pumpkin clapped her fore-hooves together, pleased with her father's change of heart. Pinkie picked at her plate again, this time biting into a carrot. She took half of it into her mouth before returning the fork onto the plate. I've never seen her like this before. Even when Applejack knocked the Holder's- "Pinkie?" "Huh-" Pinkie glanced up from the rice. Cup was staring at her, her lips twisted into a frown. She had a concerned look in her eyes. "-yes Mrs. Cake?" "Are you all right, dearie? You've barely spoken at all tonight." "Oh- I'm sorry. Just this whole thing with my sis has me worried." "Why? Is she all right?" Cup asked. Pound yawned over them, stretching out his wings before he resting his head against her lap. "Yes, she's fine, but-- my family's-- it's personal." Pinkie huffed with a small giggle. "She got into some trouble there and ended up dislocating her shoulder. But she'll be fine. Just needs to rest here for a while until she's on her hooves again." "Oh dearie... I'm so sorry. She can stay here as long as she needs." Mrs. Cake extended her left fore-hoof to Pinkie, resting it atop her right fore-hoof. Pinkie nodded with a smile. "Thank you. I really appreciate this." "It's no problem. You'd do the same if something happened to Pumpkin. Is there anything I can do to help?" "No, thank you. I can handle everything else- you've done enough already." "You're welcome. She's a good mare from what we've heard." Cup carefully lifted Pound, gently resting his head on her right fore-hoof and lifting his body with her left. She cradled him in her fore-hooves as she looked back up to Pinkie. "She is. But she's really shy, so if she doesn't talk to you, she's not trying to be rude." "I understand. Thank you-" Tap Tap Tap Pinkie and Cup looked over to glass window, seeing somepony standing outside in the darkness. Their face wasn't visible, nor their body. Cup looked to her, with a confused gaze. "Strange for somepony to be coming at this time of night." "I'll go check who it is." Pinkie stood, pushing back her chair. Cup nodded as she stood and trotted towards the stairs, making sure to trot slowly while holding Pound. Pinkie stood up and trotted out into the front counter, and out towards the entrance. She pushed the door open and stepped outside. "Hello?" Pinkie called out, tracing the street for somepony. Nopony was in sight. "Anypony there?" Pinkie asked as she stepped outside the light of the shop, closing the door behind her. She trotted down the street, looking for anypony. "Hello-" Somepony jumped out from the alleyway to her right, grabbing her and pulling her in. They pushed her against the wall. "What the hay, Pinkie?" The pony released her. Pinkie opened her eyes, seeing that the pony who had grabbed her was Pinkamena. She wore a brown cloak and hood that covered most of her upper body and face. Her wings stuck out at her sides. She pulled down the hood. Her mane was cut short, combed to the right, and was slightly spiked at the end, similar to Limestone Pie's. "Pinkamena! You scared the hay outta me!" Pinkie whisper-yelled at her. Pinkamena shot an angry glare at her. "We were supposed to meet earlier. Sat up over here all bucking afternoon and you haven't breathed a word for me to come down. You can't just ditch me on something you asked me to do. That's not what we agreed to." She tapped her fore-hooves against the ground, awaiting an explanation. "Look-- I'm sorry. I've been really busy today. Some stuff with Marble happened and--" "Wait- with Marble? What happened?" Pinkie covered her mouth. I had to say it... horseapples. She's not going to be happy. "Pinkie, what happened?" Pinkamena gently pulling Pinkie's left fore-hoof away from her mouth. Pinkie sighed, dreading telling her about the topic. "Marble found out what happened to you." "What?" Pinkamena looked at her, then glanced down at the ground. Pinkie nodded. "She doesn't know the full thing, but she knows that something happened." Pinkamena looked back at her in disbelief and almost horror. "Oh no... I-I hoped we wouldn't have to go through it again." Pinkamena's face paled. "Please tell me she doesn't know the whole thing." "She doesn't know anything specific, but she knows something happened." "Thank Celestia..." She released a relieved sigh. "Did anything else happen? Is she okay? Can I see her?" "She's fine, trust me. I'm letting her sleep right now, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow. And..." Pinkie's voice lowered, trailing away from the subject of her shoulder. "Please, Pinkie. I need to know." "Dad tr... he tried... um..." Pinkie knew that Marble was a sensitive spot for Pinkamena. She won't be happy. We've worked so hard to try to get her to move on and accept it. This could break her-- all our work to keep her calm and happy. "Please?" "You won't like it." Pinkie warned. "Give me some credit, Pinkie. I'm not all that bad anymore." Pinkamena said. Pinkie nodded. "You're right- sorry." She took a deep breath. "They tried to hurt her. Dad and Maud." Pinkamena's ears fell flat atop her head as her mouth widening in horror. She turned away from Pinkie, tears stinging her eyes. "I-I'm so sorry Pinkamena. I know she and Limestone mean a lot to you-- to us." "Please tell me Limestone is with you..." Pinkamena's voice waned in strength, trembling with fear and anxiety. "Oh--" Pinkie glanced downwards. She's still at the farm! She glanced back up to her, shaking her head. "Horsefeathers..." Pinkamena huffed. "I'm sorry. I'll go check up on her tomorrow. Hay-- I'll even bring her here if I have to." "No, you have to work tomorrow. Applejack and Fluttershy will need you at her cottage the next day too for the Winter Cleanup. I'll go do it." "Pinkamena..." Pinkie stared at her. She's learned a lot in the past year and a half. I still don't trust her going there. She might go ballistic if Limestone gets hurt. "I promise I'll only go in to check on Limestone. If she's in trouble, I'll get her out of there, and only that. Those things don't deserve my scorn." Hidden under Pinkamena's voice was an undertone of anger. Pinkie stared at her, deciphering her words to see if she truthful. After a few moments, she nodded. "Okay. Just get in there and get out. You and I both know you shouldn't be in there for too long." Pinkamena nodded with a smile. "Thank you. I've got to go now. Keep my cool, y'know?" Pinkie nodded. "Goodnight." "'Night" Pinkamena waved back to her as she trotted out of the alleyway, unfolding her wings and flapping, ascending into the air. Pinkie watched her until her coat and brown cloak blended into the night. She turned back onto the street and trotting into the shop, cutting off the lights inside as she went through. =================
III: BruisedMarble sat at the edge of the bed. Her hind-hooves hung down to the floor, resting in front of an empty, bright pink sleeping bag. Is that Pinkie's? She questioned. Why didn't she just sleep with me? I-I could've moved over. Marble wiped her messy mane to her right side. She yawned before sliding off the bed, catching herself on her three uninjured hooves. My hoof! Her right fore-hoof throbbed with every moment. She gave her hoof a moment to calm before she trotted passed the sleeping bag, towards the door. I'll have to work with this. Mother's going to kill me if I don't get out there soon. Marble pushed the door open. She was now in a foreign building, with blue walls, and three other doors in the hall. Right... Pinkie's home. She sighed, the events of the past two days returning to her quickly. The morning sunlight beamed through the window at the end of the hallway, nearly blinding her as she stepped out into the hall. She glanced around the right side of the hall, seeing the staircase at the end of the hall. There- Marble turned and trotted down the hall, before she looked down at the stairs. I can get down this. I've bothered Pinkie enough with my hoof. She wrapped her left fore-hoof around the left railing, using it as a support as she made her way down the winding staircase. Mr. Cake sat at the middle of the kitchen counter, leaning over a freshly baked cake as he squeezed a white, plastic bag, with some white frosting coming a tube at the bottom of the bag. The aroma of freshly baked muffins and other sweets filled the shop as Marble stepped down onto the solid floor. Maybe Pinkie's just at the front of the store? Marble straightened her mane as best she could with her immobile right shoulder and trotted towards the kitchen. Mr. Cake sat the bag to the side and straightened his neck, smiling at his work. The formerly blank cake in front of him was now had a layer of white frosting over the top of it. He looked up, seeing Marble staring at him. "Oh- I'm sorry Marble. Pinkie's out right now, but she sat a plate out for you from breakfast." Marble nodded. "T-thank you." "You're welcome, sweetie. It's right over there--" He pointed to the kitchen table to his left, to a small, paper plate with a white napkin folded over it. "Just come find me or Cup if you need anything." Marble blushed before nodding. She trotted to the kitchen table and leaned down, using her teeth to lift the plate. She took a moment to balance to plate in her teeth before slowing trotting out of the kitchen, being careful not to drop the plate or spill any of it's contents. Just back up the stairs now... Marble wrapped her left fore-hoof around the rail as she shuffled up the winding staircase, going slowly. She eventually reached the second floor, before hastily trotting to Pinkie's room, shutting the door behind her. Her mouth watered as she lifted the napkin, revealing the eggs with diced fruits to the side. She quickly took a bite from some of the fruit, tasting some apples, bananas, and a few blueberries. I forgot I hadn't ate since I left. Thank Celestia Pinkie made this for me. Marble took another bite. I'll have to look for her after I finish this. She inhaled another bite of fruit, nearly starving. ================= Pinkie Pie huffed as she galloped through town square. Her saddlebags were filled to the brim with brown bags, filled with eggs, milk, sugar, flour, and icing for the Sugarcube Corner. She waved Lyra and Bon Bon as she passed by them, trotting in the direction opposite to them. Good thing Mr. and Mrs. Cake sent me out when they did. Now we have plenty of supplies for baking! She nodded with a smile, mentally patting herself on the back. I've got some time before the shop opens. I could stop by Rarity's place and see if she could do anything to help with Marble's hoof. At least the pain. Pinkie slowed her pace, trotting passed the Sugarcube Corner and towards Rarity's shop and residence, the Carousel Boutique. She knocked on the front door. The door opened a few moments later. "Ah, good morning Pinkie." Rarity said with a smile. "Come in, come in! My morning tea just started to boil." She stood to the side of the doorway, allowing Pinkie to step through. Rarity shut the door behind Pinkie, trotting into her kitchen. The kitchen had a wooden counter with a marble top built into the wall, with four cabinets above her, with another four at her fore-hooves. The white tiled floor below had black lines leading from each side of the room, circling and curving in the middle to form a small flower. "Would you care for some tea? Perhaps something to eat? I still have left-overs from breakfast." Rarity's horn brightened with her light blue, magical aura. The overhead cabinet opened, pulling out two plates, one for Pinkie, and the other for Rarity. "No thanks, Rarity. I just wanted to stop by and ask you if you could do something for me." "Of course, darling. Ask away." Rarity sat the plates atop each other, out of their way. "Did Applejack tell you about what happened yesterday? With my sis, Marble?" "Yes, darling. So unfortunate. Please, if you need any help with her, just ask." Rarity asked, Pinkie nodded. "Well, about that..." Pinkie giggled. "You read my mind. I was going to ask you if you could help her with some of the pain she's been having. She dislocated her right fore-hoof getting here. We already took her to the hospital and put it in a sling, but they didn't give us anything for pain. So, since you and Fluttershy's been seeing Lotus Blossom and Aloe every week, I thought you maybe help her?" "Why, of course I can darling. I'll do what I can. It's the least I can do for her." "Thank you." She said with a smile. "I'll bring her over here this afternoon, after we get off of work." "That's fine darling. I'm available when you are." "Good. Thanks again. I hate to rush, but I'm going to be late for work." Pinkie turned, trotting towards the front door. "Don't let me delay you. Have a good day!" Rarity trotted out from behind the counter, opening the door for Pinkie. Pinkie nodded. "Ta-ta!" She called, waving before shutting the door to her shop. Pinkie trotted up the street, and turned in to the Sugarcube Corner." ================= Marble sighed as she sat the freshly cleaned plate to her side, her hunger thoroughly sated. She scooted off the bed. Gummy sat at the door, plopped down in front of the doorway. She trotted to the doorway, stepping over Gummy and opening the door to the hall outside. As she stepped out, she and somepony bumped snouts, causing her to step back and hitting her right fore-hoof against the door frame, a seething wave of pain through her hoof. "Oh-- I'm sorry dear. Are you all right?" Mrs. Cake stood in front of her, rubbing her snout for a moment before planting her left fore-hoof back onto the ground. Marble nodded, biting her tongue to keep her pain hidden. "Okay. I just came up here to check in on you and take your plate from breakfast." Marble stepped out of the doorway, making sure to step over Gummy. Mrs. Cake stepped in and leaned down, holding Marble's plate in her teeth. "Pinkie'll be back soon. She had to get us some baking supplies." Mrs. Cake noted, her words slightly muffled by the plate. She trotted passed Marble, stepping out. "Do you need anything before I go back down to the shop?" Marble shook her head. "All right. Just let me or Carrot know, dear." Mrs. Cake turned and used her left hind-hoof to shut the door. ================= Okay... Pinkamena inhaled a deep breath as she approached the Pie Rock Farm. Keep your cool, Pinkamena. I don't even have to see them. Just go to Limestone and get out. Pinkamena pulled down the hooded cloak. She ran her hooves over her mane, curling her mane to look like Pinkie's. Can't wait until I get back to Cloudsdale. Nopony recognizes me up there, thank goodness. Don't have to act like another pony to go out up there. Pinkamena sighed. Thank you Princess Celestia... She glanced back to her wings with a smile, affirming that the cloak covered them. The cloak ran from the back of her neck to her hind-hooves. Wings covered-- check. Messy mane, puffed up like Pinkie's, check. All right. Everything's ready. Pinkamena stepped across the road, towards the Pie Rock Farm. LImestone Pie was knelt down in the fields, searching for rocks, while Maud Pie was on the sifter, pulling it a few yards away from Limestone. She trotted up to Limestone, stopping in front of her. Limestone glanced up, noticing her older sister standing over her. "Hey Pinkie." She stood. "How's Marble?" "Huh-- how did you know she was with me?" "Father said she hurt herself late last night, and got you to come over to take her to the hospital in Ponyville. Is she all right?" That liar! Pinkamena balled her hooves, crushing the dirt beneath her, before releasing. Not worth it... not worth it... "She's fine. I took her to the hospital. She'll need to stay with me for a while." "Ugh... we've got enough work around her as is. She had to hurt herself this when we're overloaded, and now of all times?!" "Limestone!" Pinkamena scolded. Limestone stared at her, shooting her daggers. Pinkamena glanced away, sighing. "It's not like she wanted to get hurt." "I know..." She sighed, frustrated. "Just-- horseapples, we've got a lot of work. And you can't come because you're looking after her." "Yeah. Sorry." Pinkamena glanced up, seeing Maud coming closer. Horseapples. Gotta wrap this up. "Has anything strange been going on around here?" "No, nothing, aside from when Marble hurt herself. Why?" "Never mind. Just wanted to make sure everything was okay." Maud came ever closer, only a few feet away from them. "Sorry to rush, but I've got some work back at the Sugarcube Corner." Pinkamena turned, taking a step away from her. "It's fine. Tell Marble to hurry the hay up and get better." "Will do. Stay safe." She trotted away, passed the gate and down the path. ================= Pinkie Pie stepped into the Sugarcube Corner, stepping passed the line of ponies extending from the front desk. Mr. Cake spreading yellow frosting over a vanilla cake whilst she trotted into the kitchen. Mrs. Cake met her as Pinkie trotted into the kitchen. She and Pinkie swiftly unloaded her saddlebags, filled with bags of sugar and flour, with two cartons of eggs. "Okay, here's everything we'll need for the next few days. Where do you need me, Mrs. Cake?" Pinkie turned to face her employer. She shook her head. "We can tie things over down here. You can go up to the loft and spend sometime with Marble or foalsit Pumpkin and Pound." "Are you sure? It's pretty busy out there." "Of course dearie. Carrot and I can tie it over." "Okay. Thanks Mrs. Cake!" Pinkie turned. She trotted up the stairs into her loft and trotted down the hall, pushing her bedroom door open. Marble was sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her right fore-hoof. Gummy was under her, sleeping on Pinkie's pink sleeping bag. "Hey Marble." Marble glanced up to her, grinning when she saw her, before turning back to her right fore-hoof. "How's your hoof doing? Feeling any better?" "Mmhm. Better." "Good. We'll go to Rarity's shop later this afternoon, after the bakery closes. I'll have to go to foalsit in a few minutes." Pinkie trotted up to her, sitting down beside her. Marble nodded in acknowledgement. "Did you get the plate I sat out for you?" Marble nodded. "Thank you." "You're welcome. Figured you'd be hungry." She glanced up to Pinkie, smiling. "D... did you sleep there?" Marble pointed to the sleeping bag below them. She nodded. "I thought you'd need to bed more than I did. Besides, Gummy and I played games while you were asleep." Pinkie tried in a futile attempt to keep her sister from feeling guilty. Marble's ears fell to her head. "You didn't have to." "It's all right. It felt fine." Pinkie glanced to the door. "Sorry, but I need to go stay with the twins for now. I'll see you later, after work." She stood, trotting to the door and pushing it open, taking a step out into the hall. "Wait--" Pinkie turned back to Marble. Her face was a deep shade of red. "U-um..." Marble averted her gaze back to the floor. "I-I was wondering if y-you could st-stay in here with me f-for a while. Y-you can bring th-the twins i-in her if you w-want." Pinkie grinned. "Of course, Marble." =================
IV: RestThe twins snored, laying on Pinkie's pillow. Marble sighed quietly, relieved that the hyperactive pair were finally asleep. Pinkie giggled, using her right fore-hoof to muffle the sound. "You get used to them after a while. They tire themselves out eventually. Might even come to love them." Pinkie glanced back at them, with a loving glance, before returning back to Marble. "It won't be too long until Mr. and Mrs. Cake's off. It's almost closing time." She whispered. Marble nodded, standing up. She bit the side of her mouth, her right shoulder burning. I can't stand it anymore! Marble held her right shoulder, leaning against the bed. Pinkie stood, concerned. She swiftly trotted up to her, gently helping her to her hooves. "Are you all right?" "My shoulder--" Marble chewed the side of her mouth, keeping herself from making any noise. "It's all right. I know it hurts, just hold out a little bit longer and we'll be at Rarity's soon." She said, slowly helping Marble sit down. "Do-- do you need anything?" Marble shook her head, suppressing a groan. Just a little longer. Hold out a little longer-- horseapples, it hurts. The door gently opened. Mr. and Mrs. Cake stepped in, their coats stained with cake batter and flour. They took careful steps, making sure not to wake up the twins. Mr. Cake lifted Pumpkin gently off the pillow, as Mrs. Cake did the same with Pound. "Thank you." She whispered as they exited. Pinkie sighed. "We can go now. The shop's closed." Pinkie stood, helping Marble to her hooves. They trotted out of the room, turning and trotting towards the stairs. Pinkie held Marble as she helped her down the winding staircase and out into the front of the shop? "Pinkie?" Twilight Sparkle was sat at a table beside the entrance, a cup of tea sat in front of her with her right fore-hoof on a book. Marble wiped her mane to her right side, covering her red face. "Everything all right?" "Hey, Twi'." Pinkie turned to Marble. "Go ahead and step outside. I'll be outside in a minute." Marble nodded, stepping past Twilight and outside of the shop, standing beside the door. Pinkie trotted to Twilight's table, sitting across from her. "Is everything good at your family farm, Pinkie? Isn't that your sister?" "Yes... and no." Pinkie glanced to Marble, making sure she wasn't looking at them. She cupped her right-forehoof beside her mouth. "She knows what happened." "What-- oh. Wait, how does she know?" "Mom dropped a picture of me before my wings were removed and Marble managed to see it. At least, I think that's what happened. She won't tell me what she saw, but I don't think she knows the details, thank goodness." "Horseapples... just when things started to feel normal again." Twilight sighed. "Why's her hoof in a sling? Something else happen." Pinkie sighed, dreading the subject. "Once dad knew she'd seen it, he grabbed her by her right fore-hoof and dragged her out the house and towards the barn-- I don't have to tell you what would've happened if she didn't break away. She had to physically pull her hoof out of place to get away, and even then, dad or Maud will probably be here soon to look for her." Pinkie said. "Worst nightmare come to life. Only thing worse than finding out what happened to me and Pinkamena was seeing it almost happen to Marble." "Thank Celestia she got away. Where is Pinkamena, by the way? How much does she know about this?" "I told her everything. She went in to check and make sure Limestone was okay--" "You sent her there?!" Twilight whisper-yelled. "I trust her enough now to know she won't hurt anypony unless she has to. She'll be back by this afternoon." "Pinkie, I get that you two have been through a lot over the past year, but I'm not sure she's ready yet to be seeing your mom and dad." "She's made a lot of progress. You'd be surprised how well she takes things now." "Still, those are the ponies that took her wings-- traumatized her to the point where the only way she could cope with it was to hurt every and anypony who stood in her path." "It's just going to be a one-time thing. I just couldn't go check for myself and she offered." "Fine. Just please, be more careful next time. I'd hate to see her get hurt again, honestly." "That makes two of us," Pinkie said. She slid back, standing. "I've got to go. Taking Marble to Rarity's to see if she can help with the pain anyways." "All right. I'll let Princess Celestia and Princess Luna know the current situation." Twilight turned back to her book. "Keep me updated." Pinkie stepped pass the table, pushing the door open. "Thank you. Will do." She stepped outside. Marble was surrounded by Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle-- the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Scootaloo's scooter was behind them, with her helmet and pads hanging on the handlebar. "What's that thing around your hoof?" "Does it hurt? It looks like it does." "Are y'all good? Haven't been to y'all's part'a Equestria in awhile." Marble simply replied with a timid grin. Pinkie stepped to her side. "Sorry, but we've got to go." Pinkie motioned for her sister to step ahead. They followed behind. "We haven't seen you here before." Scootaloo followed closely on her scooter, curious. Sweetie and Apple Bloom trotted behind her. "Mmhm." She mumbled with a timid smile. "Where're you going, Pinkie?" "To Rarity's shop." "Why?" Sweetie replied. Pinkie glanced back to her. "Long story. Rarity will tell you when you get back home. I'd love to have more fun with you three, but I really need to get my sis there. I'll have three cupcakes with your names on it tomorrow morning." "Okay!" The trio said in unison, diverging into the town square. Rarity's shop was only a few feet away. "Wh-who were the other two?" "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Sweetie's Rarity's little sister, and Scoots'... she's sorta Rainbow Dash's sister." Marble nodded in acknowledgment as they turned towards Rarity's shop. Pinkie stepped forwards, knocking on the door three times. "Rarity's nice. She's super generous and friendly. You'll like her." The door opened, with Rarity standing on the other side. "Ah, hello Pinkie." Rarity nodded with a smile. "I assume this is Marble Pie?" Marble nodded, taking a step back behind her older sister, as a blush spread from her cheeks and ears. "Don't worry darling. Soon enough you'll be feeling as great as new." "Oh-- seems I've misplaced my manners- come in, please. Make yourselves comfortable." Rarity stepped to the side, allowing Pinkie and Marble to step through. Marble paused, allowing Pinkie to take the lead. She followed closely behind Pinkie into the living room, taking a seat at the corner. Rarity went into the kitchen for a moment, before returning, her horn glowing with her light blue aura. Three filled teacups and a half-full teapot floated at her side, enveloped by her magical aura. She sat them in the middle of the coffee table in the middle of the room. "Where are you hurting at, darling? Any place in particular?" Marble pointed to her shoulder. Rarity nodded she stood, trotting over to her. "I've heard all that you've experienced. I couldn't even imagine that happening to myself or my Sweetie Belle. It must not be easy." She nodded, although in acknowledgment. "Would you mind if I touched your hoof? I won't squeeze or prod it if it's causing you any pain, and I promise I'll try to relieve some of the pain you're in." Marble hesitantly nodded. Rarity gently unhooked the strap, resting it gently on to her couch. Marble's hoof throbbed with every movement. She rested her right fore-hoof onto her shoulder. She flinched but relaxed after Rarity's gentle touch. "Hm... oh. Ah. I see." Rarity stood. "Excuse me for a moment, if you will." She trotted into a kitchen. After a few minutes, she returned with a small bucket of water, with a couple of wet rags. "Something warm to relax the muscles will help." Rarity sat beside Marble. She ringed out the towel in the bucket before placing it around her shoulder. Marble winced at the contact, however, she relaxed once the pain was dulled. Marble let out a quiet sigh. "Better?" "Mmhm." "Good. I'll just place this one around your hoof..." Rarity's horn glowed with her magical aura. The rag tied around her lower right-forehoof gently. "Humorous story how I learned how to do this, actually. Someponies from our local spa offered to teach me. Would you like to hear it?" Rarity asked, looking to Marble. Marble nodded. "Excellent." ================= Always wanted to see them perform. Pinkamena watched on as the Wonderbolts finished their stunt, floating down to the clouds below them and taking a bow. Spitfire seems cool, but I could never live up to their expectations. She stood, trotting off the cloud above them and floating down. I still can't believe nopony knows me up here. Pinkamena smiled, passing by other Cloudsdale residents. Almost feels like a new start. Nopony recognizes me, I can just tell them a fake name if I want to be friends with them, and I haven't hurt a single pony since Pinkie's been helping me. She turned, trotting towards a small house. Pinkamena entered her home. There was a cloud bookshelf, filled to the brim with Daring Do and other adventure books, behind a cloud couch. There was a lone picture of Pinkamena, Marble, and Limestone hanging on the wall to the left, glancing over it as she entered. There was a fully-stocked kitchen to her right, with a refrigerator, an oven, and cabinets full of food. Her bedroom was to the left. Well, it did until he had to bring everything back up... She sighed. I swear, if they so much as lay another hoof on Marble or Limestone, I'll- Pinkamena growled, before taking a deep breath. She sighed, steadying her anger. Not worth the anger... not worth it... Pinkamena relaxed. She stood, trotting over to the bookshelf. "Good thing Twi' let me have all these books once she was finished with them." Pinkamena picked out a Daring Do book and trotted back over to the couch. ================= "Thank you." Marble stood, her hoof and shoulder free of any pain. Rarity stood, showing them out. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, darling." She trotted beside Pinkie and Marble, opening the door for them. "Come back anytime you're in pain and I'll take care of it." Marble nodded with a smile. "Thanks, Rarity. I'll see you tomorrow." Pinkie stepped outside into the fleeing sunlight. Rarity nodded. "Ta-ta, darlings! Come back anytime!" Rarity said, stepping out the door and waving to Marble and Pinkie as they left. Marble grinned, lightly waving to her right fore-hoof. "She was nice." "Didn't disappoint you, did I?" "Mmnmm" They trotted down the street. "Let's go through the town square. It'll be nice for you to see the town if you're going to be here for a while." Pinkie turned to the left, into the town square. "Let's see... ah, the Farmer's Market is down there, and Applejack's farm isn't far from it," She pointed to a large group of stands and building to the left. "The mayor's office is that way," Pinkie pointed to the right, towards a large, pale building. "And finally, the Sugarcube Corner is that--" She abruptly stopped. Marble glanced up to her. "Where?" "Er... Marble, wait here for a few minutes. Try to blend in with the crowds." "What? Wh-why?" "There's somepony I need to meet with. I'll only be a few minutes. Just wait outside the Farmer's Market and I'll come get you, okay?" Pinkie looked to her younger sister. Marble nodded, trotting to the left, towards the market. What's wrong? Is she meeting somepony important? Pinkie diverged out of town square, trotting up to the shop. I knew it wouldn't be long before they came for her, but I thought I'd have more time. Maud Pie was standing outside her shop, staring inside. =================
V: ReturnMarble Pie bounced her hooves as she sat on the ground, behind a large stand at the entrance of the Farmer's Market. The sun had begun to set. Where's Pinkie? Pinkie had been gone for a long while- too long. Marble had begun to worry. It's been almost a half hour. Is she all right? Unable to wait any longer, Marble stood. She should've been finished talking by now. Marble trotted through the town square. The previously crowded area thinned out with the setting sun. She trotted forwards, towards the Sugarcube Corner. "I'm telling you-- I haven't seen her." Marble slowed as she turned the corner. Pinkie was to the right of the empty street, standing in front of the Sugarcube-- Maud! She immediately ducked back behind the wall, her heart pounding. Marble held her breath, trying to keep herself as quiet as possible. Keep calm- Pinkie would handle it. Surely! "She had to have come through here. This is the only place she would've gone. I just want to talk to her." "Marble doesn't even know where I work, she's never been here." The pair became silent. "I'm still going to take a look in your shop." "No. My landlords won't approve of it- you could get me thrown out!" "Only one way to find out." The ding of the bell inside the door rung as the door opened. It quickly shut, making another, violent ring. "No." Pinkie said in a stern tone. They became silent again. "Fine. I'll look through town then." Hoofsteps echoed as Maud trotted away from Pinkie, towards Marble. I-I have to hide someplace. Marble put her fore-hooves against the ground, pushing upwards. The strength in her hooves had been sapped from her. Move! Her hooves refused to budge, straining as she pressured her trembling hooves up, wobbling under her body weight. "Marble?" Marble glanced upwards. Maud stood over her. She stumbled back, whatever strength she had managed to muster up fleeing quickly as she crawled away. No! "Marble, stop-" Maud grabbed Marble's left fore-hoof, only for Marble to jerk away. "Pl-please don't take me--" "I'm not going to hurt you, all right? I just want to talk." Maud knelt down to her, gently cupping her left fore-hoof. "Wha... what?" "I won't let them get to you too." Maud's eyes darted towards Marble's sling, before turning back up to her. "I see your hoof has been treated." Marble nodded, sitting up and setting her back against the wall, pulling her hind-hooves up to her chest and crossing her hooves over them. "I'm guessing Pinkie was responsible for that?" "Mmhm." Marble nodded. "Good, good." Maud sat down beside Marble. "I've managed to distract father from you for the past few days, but he's getting impatient..." She pulled back the shoulder of her frock, revealing a purple bruise- almost unnoticeable with the color of her coat. "Father did..." Marble trailed away. Maud nodded. How could he... why? "Limestone-" Marble realized- what if he had hurt Limestone?! She couldn't sit back and let it happen! Marble tried to stand, only for Maud to keep her sat down. "Don't worry, he hasn't laid a hoof on her. I've kept her away from this whole thing." Marble sighed. "What happened?" "Nothing over the past few days. Father has been--" "I-I mean, to Pinkie." Maud glanced away, sighing. She looked nervous- a rare occurrence. A bead of sweat rolled down her right temple as she took a deep breath "We were poor farmers back then. Barely made any profit from the farm- rocks weren't in demand." Maud looked up to Marble. She watched on, staring at Maud. "When Pinkie was born a pegasus, mother and father were surprised. Only your great grandmother was a pegasus out of the whole Pie family tree." Maud said, looking up to Marble. She sighed. "I'm getting off topic... once Pinkie was old enough to fly, she would skip her farm work and only fly around all day, making a mess of the barn while she was at it. And we couldn't afford that back then. I couldn't keep picking up her slack- it was too much to do for me." Her voice remained flat, despite the beads of sweat rolling down her temples. "Father proposed the idea that we... we cut off her wings. I wanted to say no, but I had no say in the matter. His mind was made up, and he told me no matter what, to make sure her wings are cut off." Maud glanced back momentarily, looking passed the corner and back to Pinkie. She turned back to Marble. "They drugged her dinner, took her to the barn, and prepared to... do it. Then, at the final moment, father hesitated. Mother refused to do it too, so I-" Maud abruptly stopped, looking away as she closed her eyes taking a few shaken breaths. Marble was taken aback- she had never seen her sister so anxious and nervous, not in her whole life. "It-it's okay," She put her gently touched Maud's right fore-hoof. "you don't have to tell." Maud glanced up, nodding. "After everything was done, I had to leave for college the next week, so I-I had no idea what it was like for her in the weeks after." Maud stood, extending her right fore-hoof to Marble. Marble took hold of her hoof, pulling herself up. "I have to leave if I'll make it back to the farm by tonight." Marble nodded. Maud began to trot away. "Why are you helping me?" She slowed to a stop, before glancing back to her. "Let's just say I'm trying to keep our family from making the same mistake twice. And repaying an old debt." Maud looked back at the Sugarcube Corner before she turned forwards, trotting away as the last sliver of the shimmering sun dipped under the surface, as the moon began to rise. Marble trotted slowly after her, stopping as she passed the corner. Pinkie looked at Maud, then to Marble, before rushing to her. "Are you okay?!" Pinkie brought Marble's head to eye level. "Did she do anything to you?!" "No... no." Marble glanced back up into Maud, in the distance. "She just spoke to me." She was confused. Why wouldn't she just take her away? "What?" Pinkie seemed as confused as Marble. She turned back, before taking Marble's right fore-hoof. "Come on, let's get inside before she comes back." Pinkie rushed into the shop, closing the door behind her. Marble barely kept up with Pinkie as she stepped into the kitchen. She slowed, stopping. "I think we're good now..." A relieved sigh slipped through Pinkie's lips. "Sorry for rushing you like that. I just- after everything that's happened, I didn't want her near you." "I know." Marble mumbled. Pinkie yawned. "I think I'll close the shop and head off to bed. Goodnight Marble." Pinkie turned, beginning to trot away. Marble took a step towards her but stopped suddenly. Does she even know about it? Marble question. What if she just finds out about it from me and I hurt her? Pinkie trotted out of the kitchen. She has a right to know... but from me? Marble took another step closer to her. She had little time left to make her decision- every passing second, she was getting farther and farther away. "P-Pinkie?" She needs to know. Pinkie turned back to Marble. "Hm?" "Er... M-Maud told me what happened." "What do you mean?" She asked with a smile. Marble's eyes darted to the ground, towards her fore-hooves. "W... when you were a filly." The color drained from Pinkie's coat and mane, becoming a darker shade of pink as shock took over her face. Her jaw dropped slightly, as her eyes widened. She sighed, her mane deflating and falling to the right side of her face. "Oh no..." Pinkie sat at the kitchen table. Marble timidly stepped towards her. "Was that what you saw in the portrait?" She glanced up to Marble. She nodded, taking another step closer. Pinkie sighed, resting her head on the table. "I wish you wouldn't have found out this way Marble. I'm so sorry." Her voice was muffled and quiet. Marble sat down beside her, rubbing her back. "It-it's okay. I'm sorry you had to go through that." "I barely remember it. Only got full recollection of it a year ago. B-before..." Pinkie turned away, sadness overpowering her usually upbeat and energetic mood. "I regret ever learning about it. Maybe- maybe we all would be together if it weren't for my snooping around." "No-" Marble stood, suddenly filled with courage. She confidently trotted to Pinkie's right side, kneeling down to look in her eyes. "You had a right to know. They were wrong for keeping it from you for so long. Please don't be sad because of their mistake." Pinkie, with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, sat up. "Thank you." She wiped her eyes. "You have to stop taking my job, y'know." Pinkie giggled. She brushed her mane up as the color returned to her. Marble nodded with a smile. "Come here, we can close up shop together, before dinner. If you want, of course." Pinkie stood, trotting into the kitchen. Marble trotted in behind her. ================= A Few Hours Later Dear Twilight Sparkle, Although I am glad to see Pinkamena's improvements, please, do not allow her near her parents yet. As for Marble, please send her to Canterlot as soon as possible. I'd like to see her as soon as you possibly can get her here. I have much to discuss with her. -Princess Luna Pinkie sighed, hanging her head. Twilight Sparkle rolled the letter up. "I'm sorry Pinkie. I wish I could tell her that she needs more time, but it's an offer she can't refuse." "No, I get it. Just-- this soon?" "Princess Luna isn't going to push her, trust me. She'll just speak, I'll stay with her just in case, all right?" Pinkie remained silent for a moment. She turned, looking up to Marble she slowly trotted up the staircase. "You're sure Princess Luna won't do anything to upset her?" "Positive." Pinkie turned back to Twilight. "All right. You two can leave tomorrow." "That's fine. I'll let the princesses know." "And I'll let her know." Pinkie huffed. She isn't going to like this. =================
VI: RoyaltyPinkie Pie released Marble, kissing her on the forehead as she did. Her face was bathed in the golden red sunlight, nighttime approaching rapidly. "You're going to be just fine. Don't worry, Twilight's one of my best friends. You're in good hooves." She said with a smile. Marble Pie nodded, sighing. She turned to Twilight. Twilight nodded with a smile. "I'm ready whenever you are." Marble had her mane combed as neatly as possible, her coat was freshly cleaned, even the bottom of her hooves. She was ready, no matter how much she hated to leave the safety of Pinkie's shop, even for just a night. "Mmhm." Marble nodded. Twilight turned, pushing the door open as they exited. "Sorry, we're going to have to trot out of town. The carriage drivers couldn't land in the middle of town like this. Too crowded." "Carriage?" Marble questioned quietly. Twilight nodded. "Yeah. Fastest way to get to Canterlot, aside from teleportation, but I figured you'd prefer the carriage." "Mmhm." Marble sighed, relieved. Thank goodness... "Pinkie has told me a lot about you, Marble. It's nice to finally meet you." Twilight glanced back to Marble. Marble nodded with a quiet, "Mmhm." "I hope you're adjusting to Ponyville. I know it's not exactly what you're used to, but it's a nice place." "Mmhm." Marble turned back, the safety of the Sugarcube Corner growing farther and farther with each passing second and step. She looked back to Twilight as they exited the town. Her heart skipped a beat- I-I'm going to be alone with a princess?! No- the actual Princess of the Night! The Guardian of the Night! What if I make a fool of myself in front of the co-ruler of Equestria?! She took some shaken breaths, turning towards the ground. "Everything all right, Marble?" Twilight's warm, calm voice brought Marble back to reality. She brought her head up, her breath slowing. She nodded, with a quiet "Mmhm." "Okay. You just spaced out a for a moment there. Wanted to make sure you were all right." Marble nodded, turning to her right, looking over Apple Acres. Applejack and Big Macintosh were still busy, bucking apples out of the trees. Loads were still left from the day's workload. Just like our farm. Except fewer apples and more rocks. She turned back to Twilight as they approached the dark purple carriage, painted black at the supporting boards of the carriage. Two pegasi in the front were bolstering black armor, painted purple at the edges. Their coats were black. They sat at each side of the door to the carriage. The one to the right opened the door as Twilight stepped in. Marble slowed to a stop as she approached the open door. I'm really about to do this, aren't I? "Miss?" Marble nodded, stepping up into the carriage. She sat down opposite in between the two dark blue pillows, opposite to Twilight. The door shut. A thud echoed throughout the carriage as it began to move. Marble held the cushions tightly. "Don't worry, it'll get a little less bumpy soon." Twilight's her horn brightening as a rose telekinetic cloud opened her right saddlebag. She pulled out a small book, releasing it as the light dulled, and the cloud dissipated. Marble relaxed, although she kept a cushion close to her side. "Um... Twilight?" "Yes?" She looked up to Marble, with a smile. "Y... you're going to be with m-me when we go to talk to Pr-Princess Luna, right?" "Of course, if you're comfortable with that." "Please." "All right. Whatever you'd like." Twilight said, turning back to the book. "Try to get some sleep while you can. You'll need it. It's going to be a long night." Marble nodded. She turned towards the opening in the door, looking outside to the setting sun as she held the cushion close. Marble closed her eyes as she tried to get some rest. ================= An Hour Later Marble's head bobbed as the carriage abruptly hit a bump, waking her from her sleep. She wiped her eyes with her fore-hooves as she looked upwards, back to the outside. The moon had risen, and two guards in black armor had seemingly multiplied by a few dozen. Another bump occurred as she looked back out the window, a large, wooden drawbridge behind them. It had begun to rise as she turned back to Twilight. "Oh, you're up. We're here." Twilight glanced up to Marble, the same book still in her hooves. Her horn lightened with the same rose cloud, swiftly picking up the book and plucking it into her left saddlebag. The carriage slowed to a stop in front of Canterlot Castle. Marble's heart raced. "I-I'm really about to meet Princess Luna?" "Yeah. Don't worry, she's changed. Helped Pinkie quite a lot after everything that happened." Twilight pushed the door to their right open and stepped out. Marble, slowly yet surely, followed behind her timidly. The night guard to the left stepped down, trotting away as the guard to the right stepped to Twilight's side, bowing. "Princess Twilight, Marble Pie," The remaining night guard bowed at their presence. "Princess Luna awaits you." "Okay. Thank you." Twilight stepped passed the guard. Marble stuck close to her as they passed by the night guards, each staring at her. As if she was an oddity, something to be worried about. Am I acting weird? Do-do I have something in my coat or mane? Why are they all staring at me? Marble's breathing heightened, worries filling her head. What if something was wrong with her appearance? If she had something in her teeth? What if she made a fool of herself in front of the princess? She could never let herself live it down! Keep calm, Marble... keep calm... Marble took a deep breath, trying to control her breaths and defuse her worries. Pinkie made sure I was clean before I left... everything is fine... they're just doing their job. She released a final deep breath before they came upon a large double door. There was a large insignia of a crescent moon at the middle. Her panic returned. I'm right outside her room! "Are you ready?" Twilight turned to her. "Um... I-I'm not s-sure if I can d-do this." "Don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way, and you can stop if you get uncomfortable. Just let us know and we'll give you a few moments." Marble remained still and silent for a moment, before inhaling deeply. She exhaled, before looking back at Twilight. She nodded, with a "Mmhm." "Okay, good. I'll lead the way." Twilight turned back to the door, pushing it open. They entered the room, illuminated by the moonlight, shining through a large window to the right, big enough to fit the full moon's light into the entire room. Princess Luna was sat at her throne, looking over the moon with her horn covered with a blue cloud of magic. She turned to Twilight and Marble as they entered. "Good evening, Twilight, Marble Pie." Marble stopped in her tracks, bowing almost immediately as Princess Luna spoke. "Good evening, princess. Marble says she's ready to speak." Twilight stepped passed her. She slowed to a stop as she noticed Marble's absence. "Come here, Marble. I'd just like to speak." Marble's head rose, looking up to Princess Luna. She had a kind smile on her shadowed face. Marble took a few timid steps towards her before Luna's horn glowed with the same cloud. A small teapot and two teacups stacked on top of each other on a plate lifted from the side of her throne. "Would you care for something to drink?" The cloud wrapped around the teacup on top, pulling it up and setting it to the side. She poured the tea into it, before the cloud lifted the cup to her lips, sipping from the cup before setting it back down. Marble shook her head. "Okay. Just ask if you'd like a cup." She sat it down at the right side of her chair, atop a small napkin. Marble stopped as she was standing a foot away from the first step into Luna's throne. She bowed calmly. "It-it's an honor to meet you, your highness." "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Marble." Princess Luna said with a grin. "I'm glad you're here safe and sound. After what Twilight sent me, I was afraid you were in too bad of shape to come." Marble nodded, turning back up to her. "Would you mind if I asked you a few questions about what happened? Only if you're comfortable." "Mmhm." She nodded once more, even if she wasn't totally comfortable with speaking about it with somepony she just met. "All right..." Princess Luna sighed. "What was the day like leading up to what happened?" Marble remained silent for a moment. She willed herself to say something, but her lips refused to move, and her voice was near silent. "It's all right. This conversation doesn't leave this room." Princess Luna glanced to Twilight. She nodded. "I've had my night guard sent out on patrol, or waiting outside the throne room instead of inside here. Nopony else will hear this, besides Twilight and I." Marble glanced up to Luna, before biting her lip and nodding. "It was so strange... father w-was out in the fields all day, mother was working the books, and M-Maud didn't even leave her room." Princess Luna nodded. Marble took a shaken breath as she continued. "Wh-when I went to bed that night, something felt off about it. There something wasn't right, b-but I didn't know what. I thought it might have been something with Maud, s-so I went to go to her room. The door was cracked, and they were all crowded around a-a picture. When they got ready to go to bed, mother dropped the picture and b-broke the frame. Th-the picture w-was..." She took another shaken breath, tears stinging her eyes. "I-it was a picture of Pinkie, as a pegasus filly." "I'm so sorry you had to find out that way." Marble nodded. "Maud f-found me outside of the room, and she got father... th-they tried to... to..." Marble turned away, biting her lip as she tried to fight the tears flooding her eyes. "Just let me know and we'll stop." Luna noted calmly. Marble nodded. "A-after I got away from them, I-I couldn't get too much momentum b-because I could only trot on three hooves." Marble gently poked out the tip of her right fore-hoof. Princess Luna nodded. "I hit my hind-hooves t-trying to jump over the fence around the farm, and I landed on my back. Th-the wind got knocked out of me, I-I was so disoriented- couldn't even trot. I-I tried to crawl away, but Maud grabbed my hind-hooves." "What did she do?" "She... she let me go." Marble said with a small smile. Princess Luna leaned forward as her eyebrows arched, confused. "What? She let you leave when she had you by your hooves?" "Mmhm." "Strange..." Princess Luna sat back, taking another sip from her cup. "Okay, continue if you wish." Marble nodded. "After I-I thought it was safe, I left- galloped until I couldn't anymore. I trotted all the way to Applejack's farm before I p-passed out. P-Pinkie and her found, and took me to Ponyville." "How did you feel after you woke up?" "I tried to fight them while th-they were carrying me, but I-I was too tired. I felt confused, exhausted, scared, but when Pinkie told me I was okay, I felt... safe." "Understandable. She's one of the few family members you have that you can still trust." Princess Luna said as she lifted her teacup, taking another sip. "Is your hoof feeling better? There's still some strength in it, right?" "Mmhm." "Good. Has anything happened since?" "Maud came to Ponyville yesterday." "What did she do? Was everything all right?" "Mmhm." A faint smile spread across her face. "She was nice. Didn't try to hurt me, we just... talked." "Really? She didn't threaten you or anything?" "No, she just checked in on me." "Maybe I misjudged her..." Princess Luna quietly noted. "How do you feel now?" "Confused, afraid of what'll happen next... guilty." Marble's heart dropped as the last word slipped through her lips. Princess Luna stood. "Guilty? What reason would you have to be guilty for?" "I-I feel..." A tear rolled down Marble's right cheek. "I feel l-like Limestone's i-in danger, a-and I left her... I-I left her!" Another fell. Then another. Eventually, there was a constant stream of them. Twilight took a step towards her. "I ran away without a single thought to her! Wh-what kind of pony leaves her own sister in the h-hooves of somepony like that?!" "Marble-" "You were in danger, you did what you needed to survive." "No!" Tears poured down Marble's cheeks as she turned towards the tiled floor beneath her. "I-I could've gone back- through a window, something! Instead, I left her! Like a c-coward!" "Marble, you weren't cowardice when you left her. You had no choice, there was no way to get back to the house without getting yourself hurt or worse. Don't be ashamed." "Pinkie's been s-sleeping on the floor because of me! Father's hurting Maud- probably Limestone too! Why sh-shouldn't I be?!" Princess Luna, try as she might, couldn't help her. Another sob escaped Marble's quivering lips as she brought a hoof to cover her face, a blush spreading across her face. I'm bawling like a foal i-in front of a princess of Equestria. The blush spread like wildfire, even going to her ears as he embarrassment deepened. "Marble..." Twilight gently rested her right fore-hoof on her right shoulder. "You can't blame yourself for the actions of another pony." Marble's words were choked, incoherent. She tried to form a cohesive sentence, but her bawling refused to allow her a single moment to regain her dignity. Princess Luna stood. She stepped down the throne, her mane flowing as she stopped in front of Marble. "I-I'm sorry-" Princess Luna wrapped her long fore-hooves around Marble's shoulders, being especially cautious around her right side, and pulled her into a hug. The Alicorn nearly doubled her in size. "I know what it's like to have an immense guilt on your shoulders. It hurts, the knowledge of what happened, what you did, the near instant regret after it happens, only getting worse as you think of the endless possibilities- the 'what-if's of what would've happened if you'd have just done the right thing at the right time." Princess Luna knelt down, a few tears of her own in her eyes. "But I promise, this will pass, as long as you let that guilt go. Speak with Pinkie, Twilight- somepony, but don't bottle that guilt up for so long. Because it'll hurt you in the end, and you'll never forgive yourself." She gently pulled Marble's hoof away, revealing a small, contorted smile. Princess Luna smiled in return, quickly blinking to dismiss the tears forming in her own eyes. "Thank you." Marble said, her voice a mere whisper. Princess Luna nodded, trotting back up to her throne. "Now, one more question and you're free for the rest of the night." Marble nodded, awaiting Princess Luna's question. "How has Pinkie been affected by this?" "She's been... worried, sad, maybe scared. She rushed me into t-the shop when Maud came. After I told her I knew that I knew what happened, she became sad. Her color drained and her mane fell to her side." Princess Luna glance to Twilight. She nodded, almost as if she knew what she meant. "Thank you for your time, Marble. I have a room in the castle for you to sleep in if you want, or you can Twilight can head back. You'll make it back by morning, although the carriages aren't really made for ponies to sleep in." Princess Luna drank the last bit of her tea, sitting the cup to the side. "Would you mind if I slept here?" "Of course not. Twilight-" She glanced to Twilight. "Right, got it. I'll show you to the room." Twilight turned, trotting to the exit. Marble trotted with her, although she kept facing towards Princess Luna. "It was a pleasure to meet you. Marble. I'll look forward to meeting again." "Mmhm. Me too." She trotted out into the hall with Twilight. They passed by a large courtyard in the middle of the building, a throne with a large desk sat at the middle, in front of five rows of wooden pews. "What's that?" "Celestia's day court, or Luna's night court depending on whether it's day or night. There's not many big cases that gets in, just usually tax disputes, bills or laws, other things like that." Twilight trotted passed the court, back into another hallway. She turned, passing by a window to the right as the reached a dead end, with a door at the end of the hall. There was another two on the wall to the left. "There's your room." She pointed to the door at the end of the hall. "Mine is the first one to the left." Marble nodded, stepping towards the door. "Good night." Twilight stepped passed her, entering her bedroom. Author's Note Sorry for it being a day late. I... er... sorta forgot to put it up
VII: Flee"Thanks again for coming, Marble. Princess Luna and I really appreciate it." "Mmhm." Marble stepped down from the carriage, as they began to trot towards Ponyville. "I'll let you know if she tells me anything. She'll probably meet you via your dreams next time." "M-mine?" "Mmhm. Don't worry, she'll only come when you need her." "Oh." Twilight Sparkle trotted passed Marble. She slowed to a stop as they began to turn into town. "Er... Marble, maybe we should go get a bite to eat first? I think Pinkie's a little busy right now." "What's wrong?" "Oh- I need to go handle this. Sorry, stay here." Twilight trotted forward, persisting without another word. Marble steadfastly followed her but she curbed her pace when she passed to the front of the shop. Igneous Rock was standing outside her shop, with Maud. Mr. Cake was set in place in front of the door beside Pinkie, delaying the pair from entering the shop. Twilight quickly trotted up to them. Marble swiftly swung back behind the corner. I knew this would happen... why didn't I leave when I had the chance? Marble questioned, thumping herself on the forehead. I have to get out of here. Away from Ponyville. They have to stop before it get's too worse. She stood and began to gallop back towards the fleeing carriage. What about Pinkie? Marble paused. What would Pinkie think? That she had run away because of Luna? Or Twilight? What if Igneous or Maud came back and hurt her? Too many concerns for her to advance. I'd be doing her a favor by going. It would be a load off of her shoulders. Marble slowly continued. But then she'd be so worried... She stopped. What do I do...? ================= "You need to leave sir. We haven't seen her." Pinkie's throat had locked up, inhibiting her ability to speak in front of the two ponies she had considered family. A lump had formed in the back of her throat, and bile slid down her throat. She had begun to regret having an extra cupcake for desert the previous night, with a terrible feeling billowing up from the bottom of her stomach. "She has to be around here- I know it." "She hasn't been around here, sir. Please, leave. It's almost our opening time." "No- not leaving until I find my her." Igneous kept his hooves planted, steadfastly determined to find Marble. "Please, sir-" "Do you have a daughter?" "Pardon?" Mr. Cake's eyebrows furrowed, confused. "Do you have a daughter?" "Yes, but what does-" "Wouldn't you want to find her if she was missing?" "Of course, but-" "Then tell me where she is. I know she's been through here, so tell me." Igneous turned to Pinkie. "I'm disappointed that you won't tell Pinkie." I bet your are... Pinkie was in pure disgust- how could somepony try to attack their own daughter? Then harass her and push her employers about where she is? "Sir, I have no idea where she is." "You know-!" "Is there a problem here?" Pinkie beamed as Twilight trotted towards them. She quickly stepped passed Maud and Igneous. "Hey, Twi'!" Pinkie swiftly hugged her. "Nothing's wrong. Dad was just wondering if we knew where Marble was- my little sister." She turned herself and Twilight back towards them. "Have you seen her?" "Uh... what does she look like?" Twilight went along with Pinkie, although she didn't feel comfortable lying, but understood why she had to. "Light gray coat, dark gray mane, violet eyes, her cutie mark is of three rocks. Have you seen her?" "No, not that I've seen recently." "Oh- all right. We'll be on the lookout, right?" Twilight nodded. Igneous stared them down, deciphering their words as if it were a riddle. "Come Maud, let's leave." Igneous turned, allowing Maud to step first. "Pinkamena Diane Pie, if I find out you're lying to me, I'm going to--" "You're not going to do a thing, sir." Mr. Cake stepped forwards, in front of Igneous. "With all due respect, Pinkie's a grown mare. She can make her own choices, and she'll take the consequences with grace, as she has proven before. If you threaten one of my employees again, I'll have to forcedly remove you from the shop. Is this clear, sir?" Igneous stared down Mr. Cake with an angry glare. He brought his hoof up, tipping his hat lower. "Fine. We'll finish later, Pinkie." He turned back to Maud, trotting away. Mr. Cake exhaled with relief. "Thanks, Mr. Cake." "You're welcome. Your father was scaring me for a moment. Was afraid I might actually have to get in a fight with him. Would've been bad publicity." He half-heartedly chuckled. "I'll try to talk with him later. With some friends, in case he tries something like that again." "All right, but please be careful. There's something that's not right with that stallion..." Mr. Cake trailed away from the sentence, lowering his voice at the end. "I'm going to start opening up the shop. Come help me when you can." He turned back, stepping into the shop. "Thank Celestia... that was too close." Pinkie huffed, slumping over. She suddenly rose, turning back to Twilight. "Thanks, Twi'." Pinkie traced over the area, darting from pony to pony. "Marble's with you, right?" "Yeah. She should be back here." Twilight turned back to the side of the shop. She curved to the left, with the corner. Pinkie swiftly followed behind her. Marble was sat in the middle of the wall, her knees up to her chest. Pinkie exhaled, relieved to see her safe and sound. "How'd everything go?" She questioned, trotting up to Marble. Marble shrugged her shoulders, lifting her right fore-hoof. "That good, huh?" Pinkie giggled. "Mmhm." "You want some breakfast? Mrs. Cake cooked some pancakes." Marble nodded, breathing another soft "Mmhm." through her lips. She stood, following behind Pinkie. "You're welcome to join too, Twi'." "No thanks. Spike probably has some cooked. Have a nice day you two." Twilight curved back towards the town square, to the library. "All right. See ya later!" Pinkie stepped towards the shop with Marble. Marble waved to Twilight before turning her vision back to the ground. My last day in Ponyville... She sighed. I have to settle things with Pinkie before I leave. Like Princess Luna said, I shouldn't bottle it up. "Pinkie?" "Yes?" Pinkie turned back to Marble as she entered the shop. "C-can I talk to you later? After you get off work?" "Of course. Just let me know when you want." ================= Just four words... four small words... Marble's hooves bounced in anticipation and anxiety. She inhaled before speaking, steadying her shot nerves. "I need to leave." Marble quietly said, covering her mouth with a whimper. Horseapples! Just say it like a normal pony! Creaaa- "I need to leave." She spoke calmly, and clearly. With a sigh of relief, she relaxed her shoulders and fore-hooves, resting her head against her chest. "What?" Marble's eyes jolted open, glancing to the open door. Pinkie's eyebrows arched in confusion. Marble's heartbeat heightened as she realized her mistake. "Um..." She glanced downwards. Pinkie quietly shut the door, trotting up to her and sitting beside her. "Why? We've got everything worked out here." "I-I don't want you to get dragged into it too." Marble looked upwards, to Pinkie's face. "What f-father said to you..." "Don't worry about him. He can't touch me, not in public." "But he could when you're not at work. We got lucky- what if he had come when we were out the other day, and not Maud? It's scaring me so much." "I promise you he won't." Pinkie pulled her closer. Marble turned away. "Ev-even then, you've been sleeping on the floor because of me." "I-I don't mind, trust me." Marble exhaled deeply. Just get it over with and leave before you have a chance to regret it. "I'm sorry Pinkie, I-I love you, but I need to go." She stood, only for Pinkie to hug her. "Wait- please Marble, what if you get hurt out there again?" "I'll take care of it." Marble took a weak step forward. Pinkie sniffled. "No Marble- please!" "I need to leave, Pinkie!" She broke away from her. "I've been doing nothing but moping around and feeling bad for myself since I got here! I left Limestone like a coward, ran to you without giving a single thought to you or her, and I took your bed! Let me do this!" Marble turned to Pinkie. Her hair had deflated, and the color had been sapped from her body. Tears were quickly forming in her eyes. I hurt her? Marble looked away. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get angry. I'll leave." She took a step towards the door. before Pinkie grabbed her right fore-hoof. "Pinkie--" Pinkie slipped a knotty bag into her fore-hoof. Marble looked down to it, shaking it slightly. The jingling of bits escaped the bag. "It's all I've made today. Should be enough to find a decent place to stay for a few nights." Pinkie's voice shook. As if every word pained her to say. "Pinkie, I can't-" "Take it. If not for yourself, then for me." A single tear slipped down Pinkie's cheek. Marble halfheartedly accepted. "I'm sorry Pinkie. I'm so sorry." "I understand." She sat back on the bed. "It's just- after everything that's happened, after everything we've lost, I'm terrified of losing my baby sister." Marble looked at her, smiling. "I just need to get away from here so father and Maud stop coming. It'll lead them away." "I-I get it. Please, be careful. I can't help you out there." Marble swiftly moved up to Pinkie, wrapping her fore-hooves around her. "You too. I love you." Pinkie returned the hug. "I love you too. More than you'd ever imagine." Her voice was low, saddened. "Well..." Marble released her, taking a single step back. "I... um... have to go if I want to find someplace to stay for the night." Pinkie nodded. Marble returned it as she quickly trotted down the staircase, being cautious with her right fore-hoof. She glimpsed over the Mr. and Mrs. Cake, hunched over the kitchen sink as they washed the day's dishes. Pumpkin and Pound were in their playpen, making a mess of the toys and coloring books they had(per usual). She took a single breath, stopping at the front door. I have to do this. For Pinkie. Marble pushed the door open as she stepped outside into the warm Ponyville atmosphere. I just need to get them off Pinkie. Then I come back, right? Marble pondered. Surely they couldn't follow her for that long, right? ================= Pinkamena panted deeply as she fluttered onto a small cloud. She rested atop of it, sticking her head atop the fluffy mound. Her wings maneuvered around her fore-hooves, wiping the sweat off as she relaxed them to her side, beginning to calm from the rigorous flight session. So exhausted... She huffed. Maybe that was a little too strenuous. Pinkamena yawned, using her wing to cover her mouth. Guess I should start heading back to the house. Her weary hooves drove her up. She stretched her wings, jumping off the cloud and beginning to glide upwards. Should be-! Pinkamena nearly lost her balance. She crashed back to the cloud behind her as she noticed Marble trotting beneath her. She climbed to the side of the cloud, looking down. What is she doing? Why is she leaving town? Pinkamena stood. I have to follow her. She took a running jump off the cloud, opening her wings as she glided behind her. A golden glow washed over the pair as they exited Ponyville, the nearby sun beginning to set. =================
IX: Trailing"You let her go?!" "I couldn't stop her, she was determined to go. I tried to convince her, but she wouldn't give up." Twilight Sparkle groaned, rubbing her forehead. "All right.. okay..." She mumbled, rotating back to the opposite side of the doorway. "Maybe- maybe if we can get Luna's night guards out here by dusk, they'll find her hopefully this afternoon. Then we can get her to Canterlot for her own protection. Yeah... this is perfectly a-okay." Twilight tried to affirm with a wavering, weak form of certainty. "I'm sorry Twi'. I-I would've stopped her if I had known Princess Luna needed her for more." Pinkie stuttered. Her mane was still deflated from the previous night's events. Twilight paced back and forwards in front of Pinkie's bedroom. "Please tell me she has something that she can use out there. Bits, a weapon- anything." "My pay from that day. Enough to get a decent place to stay for a few nights." "Oh thank goodness." Twilight sighed with relief. "All right, this is good." She reaffirmed to herself, trying to keep some form of control. "It'll be another day before the Night Guard can come... horseapples, horseapples..." "I-I can try to get Pinkamena to follow her." "Yeah, yeah!" Twilight brightened. "When can she be here?" "I dunno... we usually meet up a couple times a week, but she hasn't stopped by since Marble got here." Pinkie glanced downwards. "Now that you've said something, I haven't seen her since I sent her to..." Her ears fell to her head in fear, her eyes widened as she came upon a horrid realization. "Oh. horseapples..." "What?" "I-I haven't seen her since I sent she went to my parents'." Twilight's eyes widened. She froze in place. "Oh, horseapples!" "I'll get over there as soon as I can!" Taking a lock of her deflated hair and pushing it up atop her head and her saddlebags into her teeth, Pinkie rushed passed Twilight, towards the stairs down to the ground level. "I'll smooth things over with Mr. and Mrs. Cake, let them know everything. Just- get over there!" called Twilight as Pinkie rushed down the stairs as quickly as she could. Pinkie nodded back as she slipped through the kitchen and out to the front desk. She nearly hopped the desk to get to the exit. Pinkamena, please tell me you didn't. Pinkie pleaded silently. Surely she wouldn't have. Not after all this time we've spent. No, she refused that Pinkamena would just turn her back to her like that. Not after what she's done to get her there. She wouldn't betray her trust after all this time, surely! It wouldn't be the first time... Pinkie galloped away from the bakery, towards the train station. ================= "C'mon... just... stay right--" A jagged gasp escaped Pinkamena's lips. She opened her wings and prepared to come crashing to the ground. Thump-sn She breathed a sigh of relief. "Close." Pinkamena glided down, galloping behind the nearest tree as she landed. Great one, Dia. Every animal a square yard away probably heard that let alone Marble. Pinkamena tried to remain as still as the wood itself, only taking a minute to duck down behind the bushes. A gray figure passed beside the treeline. Pinkamena quietly breathed a sigh of relief. All right. Too close, keep with her. She sternly ordered as she slipped through the brush quietly. Taking a leap, she opened her wings, flapping gently as she rose back into the leaves of the tree branches. Pinkamena held her fore-hooves in front of mouth as she tried to keep any leaves and bugs away. The smell trimmed grass sneaked its way up to her. She slowed as she noticed she had begun to run out of cover to hide in. Ugh, horsefeathers... I hate this place... Pinkamena hovered down slowly. The brownish-green grass stuck out at her near immediately, and the arid climate set off alarms in her head, realizing near immediately where she was. "Las Pegasus," Marble stated as if she heard Pinkamena. She walked ahead, down the street as she shied to the far end corner, away from any pony or pegasi flying overhead. "Horseapples." Pinkamena cursed quietly. Now how am I gonna follow her without her seeing me... She questioned, sighing as she sat down. I could put on my cloak, but I'd stick out like a sore hoof out here. Marble turned, entering the city, and growing ever farther away from Pinkamena. "Oh, screw it-" Pinkamena quickly pulled her cloak up, previously hanging around her waist. She ran after Marble, throwing caution to the wind. ================= "C'mon... c'mon!" Pinkie cursed silently as the train painfully slowed to a stop. Thank Celestia I had that enough bits to get here so quickly. Couldn't have made it with the time it takes to trot here. She stood as soon as her footing was stable, rushing towards the nearest exit. As soon as she stepped to the wooden platform built atop the somewhat stable gravel, she ran down onto the ground, nearly slipping as she turned towards her family farm. Pinkamena, please... you didn't... She huffed as if Pinkamena could still her. Pinkie jumped the wooden fence as she rushed through her family's seasonal crops and sifting areas. Thankfully, she noticed Limestone and Maud out of the corner of her eye as she passed. She screeched to a stop, kicking up dust and gravel as she slid onto her flank. Limestone peeked out at her from behind the barn door, curious as to what had made such a ruckus. "Aw- c'mon Pinkie, I just sifted there." Limestone groaned as she stepped out. Pinkie coughed as she stood, dust forming inside her mouth and snout. "Sorry." Her voice was hidden under gasp for air. She turned back to Limestone as the dust began to settle. "I just need to check- check in. Make sure everything was o-okay here." "Yeah, fine. Are you feeling all right?" Limestone took a step towards her. Pinkie nodded. "Had to rush to make the train." She giggled, although almost fully forced and hidden under a breath. "So, nothing strange?" "No, not really. Dad's still angry because of your argument with him." "Argument?" Pinkie questioned. Limestone sighed, rubbing the bridge of her snout. "All that sugar goes to your head, you know. You cursed him for something- 'how dare you'- something, something. Maud shooed me off before I could hear any of the juicy bits. What was it about?" Oh, come on Pinkamena! Pinkie scolded silently. "Honestly, I couldn't tell you. Even I have my bad days." Pinkie laughed disingenuously. Limestone tilted her head as she stared at Pinkie, suspicious. Pinkie smiled. "All right... just keep it to yourself next time. This whole thing with Marble has him on edge. Now he's lashing out at us, the old coot." "Limestone," A flat. monotoned voice harshly scolded. Limestone turned back to the barn doors. Maud stepped out. Her face had been smeared with dirt, and her hooves were covered in mud. "You shouldn't talk about father like that." She scraped mud off each hoof as she glanced back up. "Hey, Pinkie." She waved her freshly cleaned right fore-hoof. Pinkie waved back with a smile "He's been acting like it, not gonna lie. Just gonna call it how I see it." Limestone turned back to Pinkie. "How's Marble been, by the way? Is her hoof getting any better?" "Yeah, yeah..." Pinkie turned towards the gravel ground beneath her. "She's been doing well. Her hoof should be better soon." "Good. About time." Limestone moaned with annoyance, but her small grin spoke volumes about what she actually felt. "Just tell her that Limestone said to hurry the hay up already." "I will." Pinkie glanced down, almost certain she wouldn't be able to keep her word, not for a while at least. "Just needed to check in." She began to step passed Limestone. Limestone nodded as she began to trot back towards the barn. Maud turned back towards the barn, taking a step in. "Oh- almost forgot," Limestone turned back to Pinkie. "Father said that we should go get you tomorrow and talk, but why don't we go ahead and do it now?" Pinkie's ears fell to her head as she slowed to a stop. "Er... I can't, not today." "What? Come on, it won't be that long. It's not gonna be that long, so just go ahead and see them." "Please, Limestone--" "Pinkie, father said it wasn't a request," Maud interjected. Pinkie swallowed, before nodding. Oh no... what did I just get myself into? She turned back towards the house with a loose form of courage. "Finish up in there Limestone. I'll take Pinkie to him." Maud stepped out and trotted up to Pinkie, standing beside her. "All right, but you're resifting over that area Pinkie messed up." "Fine." Maud stepped forward. Pinkie reluctantly followed behind her. She looked up to Maud, concerned, almost frightened. "I'll step in if things get too heated. Father won't hurt me, not in front of mother." "Okay." Pinkie said under a shaken breath. Maud walked ahead of Pinkie. She opened the door and stepped to the side, allowing Pinkie to step through first. ================= "-Thank you. Your room's right there." The stallion behind the desk pointed to a white door at the end of the hall to the right. "Mmhm." Marble turned, trotting towards her room. She passed by three other doors, which she assumed were already occupied by other guests at the small motel. Trotting by the black walls. she stopped at her door, pushing it open. She stepped inside, the room possessing an almost exact design as the lobby. Only a few framed pictures of the sea and Canterlot and the bed, with white sheets laid over the freshly cleaned mattress, differentiated the room from the lobby. A small wooden chair was sat the far right corner of the room, and there was a thin nightstand to the right of the bed. This is nice, but... Marble noted, sitting on the edge of the bed. It was soft, fairly comfortable for the run-down room. Something's not right... She felt like something was wrong. Something was... off. Maybe- maybe this wasn't the right choice. Marble glanced downwards. No, I just need to stay here. Pinkie'll be safe. There's nothing to be worried about, She told herself. just stay here. For Pinkie's sake. Marble rested her back on the bed, huffing as she did. Hopefully it's not a bad omen to this... =================
X: FragmentsPinkie sat down beside Maud. She had a small bowl of rock soup, taking a small sip. Cloudy Quartz and Igneous Rock were sat at the other end of the kitchen table, each with their own glass of water. A strong tension coated the room. "It... it's been a while." Pinkie said in a weak attempt to dissolve the some of the tension. Igneous and Cloudy nodded. "It's nice to see you Pinkie, but I think we all know we're not here to just small talk." Igneous sighed. "No need to hide it anymore. You can tell us where Marble is now." "I-I can't." Pinkie glanced downwards to the wooden table below. "You have to Pinkie. You can't just keep her away from us." "Don't make me keep her away." Pinkie bared her teeth. How couldn't they understand? "All I want is for this family to get together again. But you- you force my hooves every time and push us back another two steps. I'm tired of fighting with you two!" "We never do that. You're the one who nearly killed us all last year!" Igneous exclaimed as he stood. "Oh yeah, keep on using it to justify your own wrongs! I've admitted to it was wrong! When'll you do the same?!" Pinkie angrily slammed her hooves against the table as she stood. "Pinkamena Diane--" Cloudy brought a single hoof to Igneous chest. He looked down to her with a sigh before sitting down. "Pinkie, you know why I can't. Our family name would be ruined, the farm would go out of business- nopony can know. That includes Marble." "But can't you just speak to her, for Celestia' sake? How could you know she wouldn't actually go to anypony with it?" "That's a risk I can't take. This is the only way to ensure our family's past remains buried. So, I'll ask again," Igneous leaned into the table, resting his fore-hooves atop the wooden table. "where is Marble?" "You expect me to breath a word of where she is after what you just said?" She asked. Her mane had begun to deflate from the stress of the situation. Igneous groaned, rubbing the bridge of his snout. "Where is she? I need to insure she doesn't tell anypony." "And how exactly are you gonna insure that? Hm?" She questioned. Igneous stared her down, his blood beginning to boil. "I could show you if you'd like." He said with an undertone of anger in his voice. "You already have, remember?" "Don't bring that into this- I just need a location, a single subject and you'll be free to go." Igneous asked. Pinkie shook her head. "You are not going to do to her what you did to me, I'll guarantee you that." "We'll see about that..." He said under his breath as he took a sip from his cup. Maud followed suit, taking a drink from her rock soup. "I'm sorry, this has gotten too bad. Please, Pinkie- all we'd need is a simple word, just one or two and we'll be set. You can lead us there if you want." Cloudy offered. Pinkie shook her head. "No." Igneous lowly growled. "You have no right to do this!" "You have no right to chase her! She's a grown mare! You had no right to chop off my bucking wings, but even after all this time, not once have I used it against you- not once!" Pinkie stood, kicking back her chair. Igneous stood. "You know we had no choice!" He trotted up to her, raising his hoof to her. Maud quickly rushed up, stepping in front of them. "Father, Pinkie-" She looked to each of them. "Sit back down." "No- I'm done here. You'll have to find her yourself." Pinkie turned away, trotting towards the exit. "Pinkamena Diane Pie, get back here this instance!" Igneous barked. Pinkie continued. "Pinkie, get back her right now, or-" Maud sharply gasped. "Or I'll be forced to hurt her." Pinkie stopped near instantly, glancing back to him. Igneous had Maud held up by her mane, and Cloudy was holding a small, sharp knife in her teeth. ================= Pinkamena glanced to the entrance of the small motel, confirming Marble was inside. A long yawn ripped through her as she slipped back behind the side of the building. She shook her head, trying to shake away the gripping exhaustion that had overtaken the poor pegasus' body. Come on... you've been through worse nights than this. Pinkamena thumped herself in her head as she tried to wake herself up, wiping her eyes. She sat down against the exterior wall. Flying for hours on end had taken its toll on the tired pegasus. Maybe just a few... moments of shuteye couldn't hurt. Just need to make sure I don't fall asleep. She shut her eyes, pulling the hood of her cloak down. ================= "Father?" Maud glanced up to him, then to Cloudy. Pinkie stared at them, her jaw hanging in horror. "You wouldn't! Not after everything she's done for you!" "I don't want to, but don't force our hooves." Igneous warned as Cloudy took a step closer to Maud. "No- wait!" Pinkie through her fore-hoof up. Cloudy stopped and stared at her. "Don't you see what you're doing?!" "I'm doing what I have to." "No- you're tearing apart this family because you want to know where Marble is! Our family's shattered into pieces as is, it's holding by a thread! You do this and it'll be over. I'll take Limestone and you'll never see her or Marble again!" Pinkie exclaimed, stomping her fore-hooves. Cloudy looked up to Igneous. "Are we sure..." She trailed away from the end of the sentence. Igneous nodded. "Please darling, we don't want to hurt her, don't make us." Cloudy took a step closer to Maud, placing the knife on her neck. "Wait!" Pinkie stepped forward. "You win..." "Pinkie--" "Go on, tell us." Igneous interrupted Maud. Pinkie whimpered. "She... she left. Left Ponyville, went passed the Apples. That's all I know, now please don't hurt her." "You just let her leave like that?!" Igneous growled angrily, before inhaling. "Fine" He exhaled while he released Maud. She stepped away from him, staring at him with anger. "Pinkie's right, you two are trying to tear us apart." "Maud, you know--" "I know she's right. You'll be lucky if you see us again after you two leave." Maud turned. "Come Pinkie, let's go." Maud took Pinkie by her right fore-hoof, leading her outside the house. "Maud, please!" Cloudy called. The pair ignored her as they trotted outside, towards the barn. "I'll sleep out here, in the cart if I have to." "You're staying here?" "I'm not letting this place go out of business, and I know those two can't do it all by themselves. I've worked too hard to let it all go to waste." Maud said. She turned into the barn, where Limestone had been digging for rocks. "Don't worry, I'll keep a shovel by me. They won't hurt me or Limestone." Limestone glanced up to them as they entered, noticing Pinkie's mane had deflated. "What happened?" "I'll tell you later. Just-- finish that up and I'll go grab us something to eat." Maud released Pinkie as she trotted over to the cart, staring into the empty container as she took a deep breath. "Pinkie?" "She..." Pinkie sighed. "I can't explain everything now, I have to get back to Ponyville. Maud will have to explain everything." She turned back towards the barn's entrance, galloping back outside. Limestone stood, going after her. "Wait- gimme a--" "Limestone, stop. I'll explain." Pinkie didn't have time to respond, running as quickly as she could away from the farm. I need to get back to Ponyville and warn Twilight! ================= A jagged breath escaped Marble's twisted lips as she galloped full steam ahead. She turned, sliding off unstable rocks and mud as she ran inside her family's barn. "Come on!" Panic began to set in as she frantically looked around the barn, finding that any of the usual windows or alternative exits had been grown over with hanging vines and wood. She rushed up to the entrance, slamming the double doors shut and resting against the crack in the middle of the doors. Marble slid down, tears coming to her eyes as ponies began banging against the barn doors. She wiped her eyes as she crossed her hooves over her chest, awaiting her fate. They're coming to get me... I-I can't fight them all... "Yet you must, dear Marble Pie." Marble looked up, nearly blinded by moonlight from overhead. She brought her fore-hooves up as she tried to keep her vision somewhat uninhibited. The light faded out, replaced by a long, slender fore-hoof, extended towards Marble, as blue as the night sky. "There's no need to be afraid. It's just me." Marble allowed her hooves to fall. Princess Luna was standing in front of her with a small smile. "Well, come on. Stand." Another bang against the door caused it to crack open. Marble pushed back against it, forcing it shut. "I can't!" "Why not? There's nothing to be afraid of out there." "There is! M-mother, father, Maud-- everypony's out there! They're going t-to hurt me!" "And you're going to just let them hurt you like that? Their own family?" "What am I supposed to do?! Help!" Marble dug her hind hooves into the gravel as she forced the door shut, the banging becoming more forceful and more frequent. She pushed up against the door with all her weight. "You're supposed to defend yourself. My sister told me that you ran away, but you can't be forced out of your home without some resistance." "They're family!" The door cracked open, barely being held back "And they're trying to hurt you." Princess Luna trotted to her right side. "That hasn't stopped Pinkie before." Marble relaxed, and the banging did as well. She stared up to Princess Luna, confused. "Is that why Pinkie hurt them?" "Perhaps." Princess Luna rubbed her chin, before turning back to Marble. "But for now, let's see if you can follow her example." She took Marble by her fore-hoof, pulling her away from the door. The doors hardly pushed open, Igneous, Maud, and Cloudy standing at the other side. Each trotted in synchronization towards her, as if they were the same pony. Marble backed away quickly, only to be blocked by Princess Luna. "You're going to have to be able to face them if you want them to stop coming after you." "But--" Marble pushed back away from her, but Luna stood tall as if she were a wall, refusing to budge. "Please!" "I know you can do this Marble." Princess Luna said with a warm voice. Marble paused for a moment. trying to find some steadiness in the world currently speeding around her. "No! I... I can't..." "You have to. I believe you can." Princess Luna lowered her head to Marble's a with a kind smile. "You can stand without fear in front of them, I know you can." Marble held her breath, trying to regain control. She inhaled through her nose, before releasing a deep breath. Marble stood steadily, on firm hooves. She slowly rose, standing tall in front of the trio. "I... I can do this." She exhaled. And, as if they had heard her, they stopped. Marble looked up, staring at them before they vanished. "See? Well done." Princess Luna lowered her head down to Marble's with a smile. Marble giggled, almost giddy. She finally felt safe, almost happy, for the first time since she had fled her home. "Thank you." "You're very welcome, my little pony. The day guard will arrive to pick you up soon. We must speak in person." Marble nodded. Princess Luna straightened her neck. She began to trot backward, away from Marble. Marble turned towards her. "Sleep well, my friend. We'll meet again soon." She phased out of the barn, leaving Marble to dream. =================
XI: SacrificeAuthor's Note Finally back after hiatus that was way too long! Sorry, things were busy. But now we're going full steam ahead. XI: Sacrifice Pinkie rushed out of the train, galloping towards Ponyville. She galloped through the bustling town square and weaved her way through the town, finding her way back to the Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie burst through the door, looking around the room for Twilight. She was talking with Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "Pinkie? Was everything--" Pinkie quickly grabbed Twilight by her hoof. "No time to explain! Gotta go Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" She rushed Twilight out of the shop, pulling her into the alleyway beside the shop. "What--" "I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia. Now!" "Slow down! What happened?" "Mom and dad-- they made me tell them where Marble was going! We can't wait- we need somepony to get to her now!" "We don't even know where she went! Where am I supposed to tell them to go?!" "Horseapples..." Pinkie turned. "She was going towards Sweet Apple Acres last time I saw her..." "So she might be in Las Pegasus?" "Maybe. Go ahead and send them there. Quickly!" She pled, worried for her sister's well-being. ================= Pinkamena jolted awake, rocks crunching in front of her. "You have to be kidding me." She looked up. Igneous and Cloudy- her parents were standing in front of her with Igneous pulling a wooden cart behind them. Oh no... She clumsily rushed to her hooves. The cape was still over her head and mane thankfully. "How did you get here?" Cloudy questioned. "We left before you!" "That-that doesn't matter. What are you doing here?" "We're taking Marble back. You can't keep her from us." "I can sure as Celestia try." Pinkamena stepped in front of them, disdain brimming in her. Don't hurt them, don't hurt them, don't hurt them... She repeated again and again and again. They had worked too hard for her to break her promise. "Please, Pinkie. You know this isn't right." "It's better than letting her be with two sociopaths." She spat. Igneous matched her anger. "Don't do something you'd regret." He warned. "I'd say the same for you two." She retorted, her sisterly instincts kicking in. Her heart bubbled with pure rage. I've gotta calm down... keep your cool... Pinkamena took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Don't make me do this. Please." She warned, backing up. "We won't have to if you let us have our way with her. Now move." He pushed her to the side. Cloudy and Igneous stepped in front of her. They had begun to open the door by the time Pinkamena got back to her hooves. She galloped past them, shoving Igneous away from the door and slamming it shut. "Stop. Please." "I'm tired of this-" He pried her away from the door, forcing it open. Pinkamena got her right wing and half her cloak into it before she pushed back, slamming her wing in the door. She bit down on her bottom lip as she held it shut. I've gotta buy Marble some time! Pinkamena rustled her brain, thinking of anything to say or do to find some time for Marble, at least until someone could get these two off of her. Suddenly, she found something. "C'mon old man. I'm sure you're just dying to hit me." Pinkamena taunted. "See if you have the guts to hit me." "Pinkie-" "'Pinkie, move out of my way before I hit you'? Was that what you were about to say?" "Of course not-" He said, but with the low growl his voice had tried(and failed) to hide, it was evident he was lying. "Just let me through." Pinkamena grabbed him by the coat of his chest, pulling him closer, almost to the point where they were in each other's face. "Make me." Igneous finally snapped, slapping her. Her mane fell in front of her face. Igneous stepped back, but Pinkamena had an iron grip on him. "Pinkie, let go," Cloudy warned. "Please." "Make me-" Igneous slapped her another time, then slugged her on her jaw. A cut had formed on her cheek and her lips. She looked back up to him with a chuckle. "You're going to regret it if you don't let me through." Pinkamena giggled. "Is that all you've got? Guess I was right when I said you didn't--" Igneous punched her in the ribs with one hoof, twisting into her kidney, then hit her under her chin. Pinkamena staggered for a moment but regained her balance. Igneous growled. "Why won't you just do what I ask?!" He punched her in the snout, then kicked her in the stomach, grinding into her ribs. Pinkamena gasped, falling to her knees. She looked up at him with blurry vision. Blood trickled down her lip. She couldn't tell whether it was from her snout or her lip. I... she still needs some time... Pinkamena looked around. There was a small crowd beginning to form, and she could see the blur of a carriage coming up in the distance. Just a little longer. She grabbed onto the doorknob, using it to stand. "Stay down." He spat in a hushed tone. Pinkamena forced her way up onto shaky hooves. "Don't... tell me... what to do." She breathed. "Bring it." Pinkamena said. Igneous growled, not even trying to hide his anger at this point. He headbutted her, aiming for her snout. Pinkamena backed into the door before Igneous slugged her on her chin. He kicked her in the chest. Her hooves collapsed, but she managed to catch herself on the doorknob. Igneous stomped on her left hind hoof. She gasped sharply before he kneed her in the chest. The assault paused as a carriage slowed to a stop. Pinkamena looked upwards, seeing that Celestia's officers had finally arrived. She pulled herself up, barely hanging on to consciousness as the two officers approached. Igneous looked back to them, then to her, furious. "I... win..." Pinkamena laughed breathily. Igneous and Cloudy quickly made their leave as the officers came towards them. As she watched them ran away, with one of the officers quickly following behind them. The other approached her as the crowd had suddenly begun to dispell. "Are you all right?" The pegasus officer asked. Pinkamena looked up to him. She's safe... With the knowledge that her baby sister was out of her parents' hooves(for the moment), she fell forward, losing consciousness. Her wing strained from the increased pressure between its owner and the door. A loud pop sounded through the wing as it slipped out of the door, following Pinkamena as she fell into the officer's hooves. ================= Pinkie paced back and forwards in the middle of Twilight's room. She had made a rut in her carpet from her nervous pacing, whilst Twilight had a steaming mug of coffee sitting beside her, and a large book. "You just gotta keep your cool, Pinkie. It's all just a waiting game now." Twilight noted before she took a sip from her mug. She flipped through another page in her book. "I know, sorry. Can't help it. Feels like I'm running a marathon." Pinkie giggled, trying to quell her own nervousness. "It should be here any time now. It's been a few hours, you know." "I know. Trust me." She chuckled. Puff A letter appeared over Twilight's head with a ball of smoke. It fell, landing on her book. Her horn quickly brightened with her raspberry magic aura, lifting and unraveling the letter. Pinke quickly rushed up to her, tripping up the last step up to her desk. "What does it say?!" Twilight remained quiet. Pinkie rushed up to her hooves, looking over her shoulder and reading it with her. Dear Twilight Sparkle, I received your letter(thankfully) quickly and sent my finest officers to Las Pegasus. And I'm relieved to tell you that they have successfully recovered Pinkie's baby sister. She's in my doctors' care, although she wasn't hurt in their attempt. Her parents may have escaped, but both Luna and I are working to get either her night guard or my day guard to keep posted at their home and in Las Pegasus for the next few weeks. Pinkie sighed. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She giggled. "Thank Celestia... literally." Pinkie laughed. However, Twilight kept silent. "Pinkie..." She said, her voice serious and somber. "read the rest." Twilight finished, her magic holding the letter up to Pinkie. She pushed her book to the side as he opened a desk door to her right. Her horn brightened with her magic as it lifted both a piece of paper and a quill with a bottle of ink and quickly began drafting another letter. For the same reason, however, I am also saddened to say that Pinkamena was badly injured protecting her. From the reports my officers took, she had a wing trapped in the door and taunted them, keeping them busy long enough for my officers to save Marble. Some say she did it purposely while others say it was accidental, but they all agreed that she never threw a single punch or kick at them. Pinkie's throat had dried up while reading it. "How fast can we get to Canterlot?" She asked, leaning over Twilight's shoulder as she looked her in the eyes. "Already ahead of you," Twilight said, quickly finishing a few lines in her letter before placing her quill down. She rolled the paper up before quickly stepping down and trotting out of her room. "Spike!" She called as she trotted towards the staircase. Pinkie fastly followed behind her. Spike ran up the staircase up to her. "Yeah? Do you need something?" "Send this to Princess Celestia. Some bad stuff happened in Canterlot and Pinkie and I have got to go." "Can I come?" "Yeah, but hurry. We need to catch a carriage." Twilight said in a rushed manner, running down the stairs and out the door. Pinkie picked up Spike, placing him on her back, before galloping after Twilight. =================
XII: CanterlotAuthor's Note One week ago... "But now we're going full steam ahead." Hehe, sorry! This was a longer chapter than usual. XII: Canterlot "Psst!" Pinkamena quietly sighed, ignoring her counterpart. It had only been two months into her Pinkie-enforced parole and she had already grown tired of her. She sat atop a cloud, using her hooves as a support as she tried to relax. "Pinkamena!" She growled lowly, before turning onto her stomach as she gave her wings a single flap, gusting her and the cloud downwards. Low enough for her to see Pinkie clearly. "Hey!" Pinkie waved as she saw Pinkamena coming into the distance. Pinkamena unenthusiastically waved to her. "Are you ready to talk?" "Sure..." Pinkamena, yet again, was already bored by the conversation. "Okay. Let me just..." She removed three balloons from her saddlebags, somehow already inflated, and tied the strings around her midsection. Pinkamena sighed as Pinkie slowly rose up to Pinkamena's height. "Okay, ready." "I could just carry you with me, you know. You don't have to use balloons every time. It'd be a lot safer" "I know, but where's the fun in that." Pinkie giggled. "All right, pull me up so we can talk." She extended her right forehoof to Pinkamena. Pinkamena took her hoof, pulling her along as she floated upwards, slowly going above the bakery. "How's it been adjusting?" "Okay, I guess." Pinkamena stared at the passing rooftops above as they slowly drifted with each other, following the small breeze in the wind. "Made any friends yet?" "Just a stallion. I really haven't had time for friends. I've barely built my house." "I would've figured clouds would've made easier building material." Pinkie laughed. Pinkamena disingenuously chuckled with her. "What's he like?" "What do you mean?" "Your stallionfriend, silly! Gimme the juicy details." Pinkie rested her head on her forehooves. Pinkamena scoffed. "Give me a break..." She whispered silently. "It's not like that. You sound like Rarity when you try to get gossip." "Oh, really?" Pinkie's ears perked up. "Well, perhaps I shall begin imitating her as well." She did her best impression of Rarity, speaking in a dignified, proper tone. The tone diminished with Pinkie's roaring laughter. Pinkamena cracked a small smile but didn't care to laugh with her. "There you go..." She agreed quietly. Pinkie floated a slight way higher, staring at Pinkamena in the eyes. "Are you all right? You're kinda seeming distant today." "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" "I dunno, but something's up..." Pinkie squinted as she tried to spot any changes in Pinkamena. Her mane was still parted to the left side of her head, her coat and wings were normal, no bruises or cuts on her hooves... yet, something was different. ================= Pinkie stared at Pinkamena as she laid in the hospital bed, motionless. Her head had been wrapped with bandages along with the cuts to her face, her right wing was in a large, stainless steel brace, her ribs had been wrapped in bandages, and her hooves had small bandages over her cuts. An IV was inserted into her right forehoof, feeding her body her medicines and keeping her hydrated while she was temporarily unable to do it herself. A small oxygen mask had been strapped over her face, with a tube feeding into a large tank of oxygen. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia stood at her bedside. both looking down at her with remorse. Twilight and Spike awaited her outside, at the princesses' request. "I am so sorry." Luna whispered, before turning to Pinkie. "She'll be in her for a few months. Your parents..." A low growl was hidden in Luna's voice, before she straightened herself, taking a breath as she calmed herself. "Your parents will not get away with this one. We have definitive proof this time." Pinkie nodded, relieved that Marble wouldn't be at risk anymore, but it also was bittersweet that the cost was so high. "I'll have her put in our local hospital under another name. We can get Marble--" "No." Princess Celestia looked up at her, confused. "She's had to hide from Marble this entire time. I can take one for the team this time. After what she just suffered through, she deserves time with her sister." "Are you sure, Pinkie?" Princess Luna questioned. "You cannot see her until Pinkamena's healed, you know that, right?" Pinkie nodded, fully aware of what she was about to do. The princesses nodded. "I'll cast an invisibility spell on her wings and fix her mane. Pinkie, I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave while she visits her. We can't risk her seeing you both." Princess Celestia ordered as she turned towards Pinkamena, her horn brightening with her magic. Pinkie nodded. "Just please, take good care of them both." "I'll vouch for it." Princess Luna said with a smile. Pinkie nodded as she gently stepped back outside of the door. ================= Marble Pie sat beside Princess Celestia's throne. She stared at the polished, porcelain floor, awaiting the princesses' return. Her conscious had plagued her with doubts and regrets. I knew I shouldn't have left. I didn't even last a day... She silently scolded herself for being so foolish. How could she have been so dull to think she could last a day by herself? No- that wasn't true. I-I can't have known that they'd come, right? Marble tried to tell herself, and she knew she was right, but parts of her were still conflicted. The large door to the throne room opened with a creak. Princess Luna stepped through. She smiled lightly as she trotted over to Marble, although it was clear something was wrong with the way she was quickly trotting to her. "Hello, Marble. It's good to see you again, although not under the circumstances..." Princess Luna knelt as she approached Marble. "Mmhm." Marble nodded. Princess Luna glanced back to the door, ensuring that it was closed, before turning back to Marble with a sigh. "I don't want to hide this from you anymore..." She took Marble's right forehoof, cupping it in her own. "When Celestia's day guard arrived, your parents were standing in front of the door to your inn. They were hitting somepony." A lump had quickly formed in Marble's throat as a sense of dread suddenly washed over her. "At first, they thought it might've been the innkeeper because she refused to let him in, but once they got closer..." Princess Luna swallowed nervously. "It was Pinkie." Marble's world came to a screeching halt. Pinkie was hurt. Because of her, too? "W... What?" "I'm so sorry. She'll be in the hospital for a few months." Princess Luna stood back up. "I can bring her up to her if you want." She nodded, standing with Princess Luna as she tried to piece together what had just happened and what she had done. "All right. Follow me." ================= "You're sure you're all right, Pinkamena?" "Yeah. It's just..." She huffed through her nose. "I wanna go stay someplace else besides Ponyville. But since I've gotten my wings back, I've had a ball and chain around my hooves, grounding me here." Pinkamena spoke loudly, finally releasing her discretions. "Well, you did do a lot of stuff when you were in control... most of it not good..." Pinkie reminded quietly. Pinkamena looked up to her. "You don't think I know that? I'll have to carry that with me the rest of my life. Just-- please, let me get a chance to actually spread my wings." She pled. Pinkie looked down as they passed over Town Square, approaching Sweet Apple Acres, contemplating what would be an appropriate response. "I... I'm sorry, but I can't. Princess Celestia will lock you up if she knows you're out of my supervision. This is for your own good." "My own good?!" Pinkamena stood, thoroughly infuriated. "What the buck was the point of giving me back my wings if you're just going to limit where I can and can't go?!" She growled in a low voice. "So you can fly again. I just need some time to make sure you're trustworthy. For Celestia." Pinkamena scoffed. She was genuinely hurt. "You don't trust me?! After everything we talked about?!" "I didn't say that--" "No, you did! You know what?! Buck you!" Pinkamena yelled, her anger overpowering her. Pinkie looked up at her in shock. She hadn't seen her so angry in such a long time. "Fine! I wish I had never thought about you!" Pinkamena trotted to the side of the cloud furthest away from Pinkie, sitting down as she waited for the visit to be over. "Pinkamena, c'mon. You know I didn't mean it like that." She turned her snout up away from Pinkie. "Pinka--" Pop--Sssss Pinkie suddenly gasped. Pinkamena glanced back, noticing that one of the balloons had quickly begun to deflate. ================= Marble followed behind Princess Luna, slipping through a crowd of different dignitaries and officers that had crowded in the courtyard. "We're almost there." "Mmhm." Marble acknowledged. "She was asleep when I left, so she might not be awake when we get there." Marble, once again, only nodded. She only took moments to follow Princess Luna, most of her thought into retracing her steps, trying to see where she had gone wrong at. I-I-I fell asleep at the Apples'... maybe they noticed me from there and followed me? No-- they'd have just taken me there... m-maybe I was j-just careless and didn't notice? Marble tried to think of where she had gone wrong- what trace she had left of herself for her parents to follow. But nothing was obvious. She had been relatively careful on what tracks she left. It just wasn't adding up... "We're here." Princess Luna had turned to Marble, standing in front of a white door. Princess Celestia was standing at the other side with a small, yet somber grin. Her magic aura surrounded the doorknob, twisting it and pushing the door open for Marble. Marble took a deep breath before stepping in, preparing herself for what she was about to see. Although, no amount of breathing nor thinking could've prepared her for the sight of her own sister laying in a hospital bed, bandaged from hoof to head in parts. A tremble went through her hooves as her throat suddenly dried. "We... we'll give you some time." Princess Celestia said before she and Princess Luna allowed Marble some privacy. Marble slowly trotted towards her. "P... Pinkie?" She asked as she put her left forehoof on the bed railing. Pinkie didn't answer her call. A tear came to her eye, only just then realizing how severe the situation was. "I'm so... so sorry..." Marble moved her forehoof to Pinkie's right forehoof, squeezing it. "I-I shouldn't have come to you... this wouldn't have happened." She silently berated herself. Her sister was hurt, and it was (in her mind)all her fault. ================= Pinkamena watched in horror as Pinkie suddenly sank below the surface of the cloud. She quickly returned to the previous side of the cloud. "Pinkie! Gimme your hoof!" Pinkie reached up for Pinkamena's hoof. Pinkamena flapped her wings, desperately trying to lower the cloud low enough to where she could grab her. Pop Another balloon popped as Pinkie fell closer towards Sweet Apple Acres, the final balloon not even close to supporting her. Pinkamena stood, taking a sprinting dive off the cloud as she tried to follow behind her. Horsefeathers! She cursed as she nose dived quickly towards Pinkie, both of them quickly heading towards tree branches. "Hold on!" Pinkamena called as she hastily caught up with Pinkie as they ever so quickly approached the branches. She swept Pinkie up, pulling her into her chest as she flipped onto her back, awaiting the imminent crash. The tree branches cracked and broke under the velocity of the two, but only Pinkamena took the pain of the impact. They slowed to a stop, coming to rest at the bottom branches. Pinkamena grunted as she leaned up. "Celestia... are you all right?" Pinkie groaned. "Yeah. Horseapples... thank you." Pinkie looked up to Pinkamena as she sat up, grabbing onto a tree branch overhead. "Yeah, yeah... just-- you're gonna have to take care of me... horsefeathers, that hurt." Pinkamena remained still for a moment, trying to ensure that all of her was still there. Her hooves and wings were still intact, so she was fine. "Trust me, I owe you." Pinkie dropped down, landing under the apple tree with a thud. "You need some help?" "Nah. Just gimme a minute." Pinkamena groaned, leaning up as she felt her fresh set of bruises throb with her movement. "You're lucky I care about you, otherwise..." She slipped her hind hooves down, allowing them to hang limp as she dropped down. "Aww, you do care!" Pinkie giggled before helping Pinkamena trot away. "I do, it's just-- Celestia, this is frustrating." She brushed her mane out of her eyes with her wing as she followed behind Pinkie. "I know, I know. But trust me, we're going to be just fine. I can go with you some places, y'know." Pinkie put a forehoof over her shoulder gently, pulling her a slight bit closer. "I just can't right now, but trust me, once I get some time off, we'll visit someplace else. Where'd you like to go, anyways?" "Really?" Pinkamena turned to her, suddenly excited. Pinkie nodded with a smile. "Thanks!" She suddenly pulled Pinkie closer, wrapping her in a hug. "Can we go to Las Pegasus first?" "I thought you hated it there." "I want to see if it's any better in the skies." "Fair enough." Pinkie chuckled as they trotted away from the apple trees. ================= Pinkamena quietly groaned, her head, stomach, and other throbbing bits and pieces of her body began to wake up. She heard a gasp as she felt a previously unknown pressure around her right forehoof suddenly disappear. "Pinkie?" Pinkamena opened her right eye, the other swollen shut. Marble was at her bedside. A smile suddenly came across her face as she hugged her. "Thank Celestia you're okay!" Marble was ecstatic to see that Pinkamena had awoken. Pinkamena resisted to urge to tell her off for leaving-- forgot it, in fact. She forced her left forehoof up to return the embrace. It had been too long since she last saw Marble. I thought Pinkie wouldn't have shown her this... Pinkamena was regretful that Marble had to see her in such a state. But I'm glad she did. She had missed her sister. However, before they could continue, the reunion was crushed by a saddened gasp for air. "I'm so-- so sorry!" "Why?" Pinkamena asked. She hadn't done anything wrong. "Th-they must have followed me! I'm s-so sorry you got hurt!" "Hey, hey--" Pinkamena pushed Marble up. Tears pooled in Marble's eyes, with one rolling down her right cheek. She had a dark blush across her cheeks. "Don't cry. What I did, I did on my own. You didn't make me go, okay? I chose to." Pinkamena wiped Marble's tears away. "Okay?" "Mmhm." Marble nodded. Pinkamena smiled, before pulling her back into the hug. =================
XIII: CatchAuthor's Note Sorry for the short chapter(and the late update), but it's almost at the finish line. XIII: Catch Marble stayed at Pinkie's bedside, refusing to listen to the nurses and doctors telling her to eat or rest. To Tartarus with them all, her sister needed her, she wasn't about to let such mild, pesky things such as her hunger and her tired hooves keep her from being there for her family. Two weeks had passed since the attack, and her parents still hadn't been caught. But, at this point, she couldn't care less if she ever saw them again. Every moment since then, when she wasn't sleeping, she was with Pinkie or Princess Luna, either helping her with her food or giving statements for evidence. She was so glad that it was almost at an end, that she would be able to return back to her home safely, without having to worry about anypony harming her. As for her parents... Marble didn't hate them. She surely had some resentment, especially all that she witnessed them hide from her, and especially after they hurt Pinkie so badly. Of course, she would never hate her the ponies that had first brought her into this world, but she surely didn't want to be around them without somepony else to protect her. "Are... you okay?" Marble snapped back to the present. She blinked away her deep thoughts before she glanced to Pinkie. "You kinda blanked out for a minute there." Pinkie chuckled. "Mmhm." "Okay, just making sure." She scooted up, trying to find a comfortable position for the pillow to support her. Pinkie was in better condition than she was last week, although her stomach and forehooves were still wrapped in bandages, along with the whole top of her head, covering her mane, but there were small openings for her ears to slip through. She could move now, without Marble's help. Pinkie suddenly jerked forward with a grunt, followed by a groan. Her back muscles were shuddering, tight. Marble jumped forward to help Pinkie but stopped once Pinkie lifted her head with a forced smile. Forced, but not fake. "I-I'm fine, just that I hit a bad spot." She paused for a moment, before slowly leaning up with a relieved breathe. "There we go." Pinkie sat back up. "You don't have to stay beside me this whole time, you know. You can go get something to eat or sit down." Marble nodded. "You told me before." "I know, just reminding you." Pinkie smiled. Before Marble had a chance to return it, there was a knock at the door. "Marble, could you come out here, please? I need to tell you something." Princess Luna slid her head through the door the crack in the door. Marble turned to Pinkie, point her snout towards to do to see if it was okay with her. She nodded with a closed-lipped smile. "Mmhm." Marble replied quickly, feeling more comfortable leaving knowing Pinkie was okay with it. She took a step towards the door and trotting away from her bedside. Pushing the door open as she met with it, she stepped outside into the hall. Princess Luna had stood outside, waiting on her with a toothy smile. "Hello, Marble. How're you?" She asked. Marble shrugged her shoulders with the nod of her head. "Good." She replied. "That's good, but I can make it better." Princess Luna smiled, clearly happy about something. "I've got great news for you." "Mmhm?" "We've finally caught your parents." Princess Luna announced. Marble tilted her head slightly sideways, a small frown on her face as she looked up to her. "Wh-What do you mean?" "A group of my night guards found them trying to sneak out of Las Pegasus. They caught them quickly, they're on their way back for holding." A panic suddenly rose in Marble's chest. Where would they be taking them? Is it safe where they're going? Could they escape whatever they'd put them in? If they could, would they be able to find her and Pinkie? What would they do if they did? Where would they go then? How would she fend them off before help would hopefully come? Too many worries overwhelmed her. "Hey, hey, don't worry." A calm hoof touched Marble shoulder. Her head jerked up, realizing she was still with Princess Luna. "I can see you're scared, but don't worry. I'll personally handle this. It'll go to my court, and they'll be in my dungeons for the time being. I can even ask Celestia to put a couple of her day guard and rotate out with my night guard" Marble took a deep, slow breath. Her fears weren't dispelled just yet, but they certainly were lessened tremendously. "Y-Yes, please. Thank you." She said. Princess Luna nodded. "I'll let you know if I need anything else from you, but I think we have enough for me to pursue this in my court." Princess Luna said confidently as she turned, beginning to trot away. Marble turned back, walking back into the room with Pinkie. ================= Pinkie's right forehoof tapped furiously against the clean, white tile floor as she waited for Princess Luna to return. She had made visits to Canterlot since it had happened. Of course, she couldn't miss her work, but she always kept tabs on what was happening, how Pinkamean's recovery was coming, how Marble was, where her parents could be- just general worrying. Come on, come on, come on-- Pinkie's ears perked at the sound of tapping horseshoes. She stepped into the hall, meeting Princess Luna halfway down the hall. "How is Marble? Is Pinkamena okay? When will we-" "Pinkie, Pinkie, one question at a time." Princess Luna smiled. Pinkie took a deep breath before speaking. "Is Marble okay?" "Yes, she should be out of her sling in a week's time. She's eating and sleeping somewhat regularly. She has seemed a lot happier this week." "Thank goodness." she was relieved that Marble had finally stopped feeling guilty(at least to her knowledge). "What about Pinkamena? How's she doing?" "Better, she can move without help now, and she's able to drink and eat with minimal help. Although, her right wing and back are still having muscles spasms, and she's still bedridden, she's doing much better than what my physicians expected." "How long until she's fully healed up?" Princess Luna frowned slightly. "From what my doctors tell me, it's... uncertain when exactly she'll be out. One says a few weeks, another says a few months... just a waiting game at this point." "Thank you for being honest." Pinkie said, sighing as she glanced down. "When'll mom and dad have their case heard?" "A week. I'd like to keep this as quiet as possible, for your sake and for the rest of your family's sake. I need for the buzz to die down before I'll continue. It'll take place at dusk since there's very little traffic here around that time." "Should I bring anything or anypony to say something in my favor? I-I can get Twilight, Applejack- any of my friends would vouch for me." "Twilight's already given me a written statement, all you need to do is let Pinkamena and Marble handle it. They're enough for it." "Oh... okay." Pinkie looked back up to Princess Luna. "Thank you, by the way. For everything." she smiled. Princess Luna nodded. "You're welcome. I'm just glad that nopony else is going to be hurt." Pinkie nodded. "Well, I-I gotta go. Mr. and Mrs. Cake need me to babysit today." She turned, trotting away. "Farewell, Pinkie. I'll notify you if anything changes." Pinkie turned back her with a smile, trotting backwards. "Bye!" She said before turning back around. Thank Luna this is all over... =================
XIV: ReleaseMarble slowly trotted towards her little home. She moved at a snail's pace, though thankfully not because of her hoof. Neatly wrapped in a bandage, she could finally walk at whatever pace she wanted with minimal pain! She tried to take in every detail she could. The crunch of the gravel beneath her hooves, the bleak, bare fields around her, the slight smooth breeze in the spring air, the goose bumps forming on the backs of her hooves. Polyps had formed on the back of her tonsils, her quiet restlessness driving her insane. I know Limestone's gonna be... she shook her head, bumping nose first into a fuzzy, cotton surface. She stepped back and looked up, her eyes meeting Maud's. "Hello Marble," Maud said in her usual tone. "How was the train ride?" Marble stepped back up to her, wrapping her hooves around her. Maud returned the hug nearly immediately. "Welcome home, sister," Maud said with a warm voice, yet she still kept her flat tone. "How was Pinkie?" "Okay." Marble released her, returning back to her prior position. "S-She's still in the hospital, but she's up, walking and cracking jokes, l-like usual." "That's good. Hopefully, she'll be back at her bakery in no time." "Mmhm." Marble agreed. "Is Limestone still...?" Maud nodded. "She was livid when I told her what happened. I still don't think she's entirely okay," she said somberly. "I cannot blame her, in all honesty." "H-How bad is it?" "She screamed at me for going along with and then ran out of the barn." Maud shuffled back towards her home's open door. "When I went to go check on her, she had kicked the back door in and tears were streaming down her face." "Oh..." "Yes. She still works in the fields, this hasn't slowed her down in that way, but once she's finished, she just goes back to her room." Maud finished as they entered. "I've assured that she hasn't destroyed anything of yours, but mother and father's room is a wreck. She still refuses to speak to me." Maud's voice quivered only for a moment. Marble glanced towards her, the pit in her stomach only deepening with her worry. I hope she's okay. "I-I think I understand..." "Good." Maud turned, strolling passed the living room. The familiar smell of rock soup filled the air around her. "I've prepared lunch. Limestone's still out in the fields, but we can go ahead and eat before I start my work." "Mmhm." Marble entered the kitchen, a small, dented metal pot steaming on the white stove. A large wooden spoon sat on the marble counter beside it, the back and bowl covered with the slightly green liquid of the soup. "It's the best I could do at the moment. Maybe we could go to Ponyville and pick some pots up once Pinkie is out of the hospital?" Maud proposed as she stepped up to counter, biting the spoon and side-stepping in front of the oven, tilting her head slightly and stirring the soup. The rocks on the inside hit the inside of the pot as she mixed the soup, making small dings. "It's nothing to worry about right now. You can go ahead and eat if you'd like, or you can help Limestone finish up everything and we can eat together." Marble nodded. "I'll go help her." "Alright, just make sure you don't strain yourself," Maud said. Marble nodded before she exited the kitchen, heading back outside. She walked back down the gravel road, near immediately seeing Limestone in the field nearest to the barn. Most of the field had already been messily plowed, but there was still one more row left. She slowed, giving her hoof a break as she neared Limestone. "You shouldn't do that by yourself." Marble warned. Limestone paused, turning back to her, the ropes holding the sifter wrapped around her torso and shoulders. Her eyes widened and a small quiver ran through her lips. She quickly turned away, trudging back towards the end of the field. "About time you got back." Her voice was monotoned, keeping her face from Marble's sight. "Y'know it was hard. Waking up in the morning and you're missing. Father's angry, mother's upset, and I didn't have a clue where Maud was. I didn't have a clue where the hay you were until Pinkie came by." Marble remained silent, slowly following behind her. "And then she tells me you've dislocated your forehoof? Nopony told me!" She grunted, beginning to move slightly quicker. "Seems like nobody tells me anything important, no! 'Let's leave Limestone in the dark, she's too young to hear this,' 'Oh no Limestone, you can't hear this! You can't know anything about what father did,' 'Don't be so angry! I just let you live in the same house of a psychopath for weeks on end!'" "I-I didn't mean-" "And then Maud has the audacity- the bucking gall to try and apologize for them!" She stomped forward, huffing through her snout. "It's too far gone for 'sorry!' No, not after what they did! After what she did!" "Limest-" "She told me everything!" Limestone turned back to her. "Everything, Marble! What Pinkie was and what happened!" She bared her teeth, almost grinding them out of frustration. "Did you know?!" Marble looked downward, her lips tightly sealed. "Oh, you have to be kidding..." She slowed to a stop, her eyes darting back to the field. Limestone had missed the end of it by a few feet. "Looks like I'll have to re-sift this spot. Great..." She sighed. Her fury had disappeared. The rage and anger once apparent in her voice were nowhere to be seen. Only replaced by defeat. "I'll get it," Marble took a few steps forward. "I have to relearn this thing anyways." "You sure? Your hoof..." She cast a glance to the wrapping around her hoof. "I can do it. Really. I'm just... venting." "Mmhm." "Alright..." Limestone reached down to her chest, untying the rope and pushing it off her shoulders. It came to rest softly against the gravel. "Let's see if you still have it." Marble quickly stepped forward. She stepped through the two small holes of the rope, pulling it up onto her hooves, moving them up slowly, one at a time. Left, then right, right? She pulled the rope onto her left shoulder before moving onto her right. A jolt of pain stopped her, but only for a moment. "Marble, don't be stubborn. You're gonna hurt yourself again." "I'm fine." She continued, hoisting it back onto her left. She looked down, her hooves moving to tie the rope around her chest. "See?" "Hmph." Limestone mumbled. "You're still slow, but I guess you can handle this. Alright, go on then." She sat down. "Just turn and make another row." With a nod, Marble began to pull the sifter forward. She shuffled to her right slightly, hauling it towards the end of the row- only a five or ten mere paces. Her right forehoof quivered slightly with each step. "You lost some muscle while healing up." "Mmhm." She grunted. "Is your hoof alright? Seemed like it was pretty bad from what Maud and Pinkie told me." "Mmhm." "How is Pinkie, while we're talking about her?" "She's getting better every day. I was afraid for a while there... t-that we might lose her too." She continued forward, nearing the end of the row. "She's sacrificed a lot for me... if she... passed away because of what mother and father did..." Marble stopped, both in her speech and on her hooves. She didn't want to even think of the possibility of Pinkie being gone. "She would've been fine, Marble. It's Pinkie we're talking about." She trotted up to her, undoing her straps for her. "Though... I won't pretend that I wasn't a little worried. Just a little." Marble stepped out of the ropes, standing beside her sister. "This is good enough. We can take a break." Limestone noted, reaching down and throwing the ropes onto the top of the machine. "So, let me guess; Maud sent you out here?" Her ears fell flatly to her head. "Mhmm." "I thought so," She nodded. "So, what does she want?" "She just wants us to have l-lunch with her." Marble admitted. She couldn't just lie to her, especially not after the rant she had just heard. "At the table. Like o-old times." "No." Limestone retorted near immediately. "Not now, not tomorrow, not ever." She stomped up to her, touching snouts with her sister. "It's a miracle that she's not rotting away in prison with mother and father right now. She deserves to be in there, after what she did to Pinkie." Her hooves were shaking in anger. Marble took a step back, trying not to visibly cower in fear. "You don't u-understand-" "I understand that she deformed Pinkie! She mutilated her, for Celestia's sake! How aren't you as mad as I am?! How can you even speak to her?!" Her voice was filled with conviction, booming and echoing loudly throughout the empty field. Marble lowered her head, whimpering slightly. "It-It's not that s-simple..." Limestone's jaw dropped, exasperated and stunned. "You... You're defending her?" Her voice was quiet, controlled. "No!" Marble raised back up. "I'm just saying- it-it's not as simple as you make it out to be." The sisters stood there, waiting for what seemed to be an eternity for the other to speak. Finally, Limestone released a quiet sigh, lowering her shoulders and facing away from her. "Go..." Her voice strained and weak from her screaming. "Just... let me be." She said, almost pitifully. "Limestone," She took a step towards her, extending her right forehoof, only for her to shuffle away and turn back towards her. "Stop!" She scolded loudly. "I can't be angry at you too. So please, just let me have my break in peace." Marble stared at her for a moment, almost unable to believe her sister was acting in such a way. "I'll come back later..." She turned away, heading back towards her home as quickly as her hooves could carry her. ===================== Maud and Marble sat at the kitchen table, only taking small sips every so often. Four bowls had been set out at each side of the table, for each member of what remained of the Pie family, with the exception of their parents. Two bowls had sat, steam rising off the surface. The soup was tangy, in contrast to her mother's savory taste to the soup. Unusually so. It wasn't bad- far from it; just different, especially for Maud. She usually follows mother's recipe to the letter. "I assume Limestone didn't want to join us." "Mhmm." Maud glanced downwards, staring into her soup. "Hopefully she'll be better once we go to visit Pinkie." "Mmhm." She agreed, sipping her soup. "Soon, with some luck. Though it seems it hasn't been with us recently." "Mmhm..." Marble sunk slowly into her chair, the awkward air over the room making her uncomfortable. I wish Pinkie was here... she could make this better. "Boulder is satisfied, at least." She glanced downwards, looking inside the pocket of her frock. "He was cold earlier, so I let him sit beside the stew while it was still warm." "Mm." Marble acknowledged. A few more moments of silence passed before Maud scooted her chair back from the table. "I'll go set Limestone's outside." She stood, stepping to the left side of the table and pinching the top side of the bowl between her teeth. She turned back, stepping away from the table and walking into the living room. The door creaked open, before slowly shutting again without a problem. Maud returned, sitting back down. "How did you two get work done?" Marble asked. She blushed, realizing that her wording of the sentence was rather poor. "I mean, you two don't even talk, how did you split up all the work?" "We stayed on opposite sides of the farm." Maud scooted forward. "I took the quarries and the far fields, she took the barn-work and fields near the house." "Oh..." "Yes. It was more work for me, but whatever keeps her happy." She took another sip from her soup. "She's sleeping in the barn now." "What?" She questioned, almost stunned. "Why?" "She took her mattress out the day after I told her and put it in the barn." Maud paused for a moment. "Am I really that bad, Marble? Have I become that cold?" "No, no." She leaned forward. "You're not cold, not at all." Marble claimed passionately. She's done everything she could to help me, she's at least trying to make things right. "You don't have to sugar-coat it, dear sister. I know what I did was evil." She admitted. "I've reminded myself of that for the last thirteen years." Maud stood up again. "I'm sorry, dear sister, but I think I'll head back to the quarries early. I've lost my appetite. Thank you for eating with me." She left the kitchen without another word, the door creaking open and softly shutting, leaving her sister alone. I really wish Pinkie was here... ===================== Author's Note Yeah, I figured I'd save the lengthy explanation for after you've finished reading. I'm so sorry I've waited so long to update. To be totally honest, I wanted to have another chapter out by March and the story complete by at least May. Yet, whenever I'd go to sit down to write it, my mind would go blank. I couldn't think of a single damned thing that would continue the story in a way that would both satisfy me as both a writer and a reader. So, I stopped. I figured, "Writer's block has to pass some time." and went onto another story I was working on. And, we're here now. I signed onto the site a few weeks ago and went to manage my stories. My eyes wondered for a moment before they land on "Flight". My jaw dropped, realizing, "Oh shit. IT'S ALMOST 2018 AND I STILL HAVEN'T FINISHED THIS STORY!" I managed to whip up a new chapter. I'll really want to finish this up, honestly. I want to see the conclusion of this story as much as you do.
XV: TrustMarble sat at the dinner table. She glanced down at her bowl of rock soup. It had already gone cold, sitting there for what felt like hours. The moonlight cast a shadow across the room. She should've retired to her bedroom long ago, but she hadn't. Or, she couldn't, rather. I can't just leave her out there. She glanced towards the front door, thinking of Limestone. Maybe she would come in if I talked to her? I mean, she's gonna have to talk to Maud eventually, whether she wants to or not. Marble scooted back, sliding off the chair and turning towards the front door. She walked out the front door, heading towards the barn. The air was calm, quiet. Almost stagnant, if not for the cool breeze that drifted by her every few moments, sending shivers down her legs. The barn was dark and quiet, aside from one flickering light at the very edge of the door. "Limestone?" She whispered, walking up to the barn entrance. "A-Are you here?" Marble slowly stepped forwards, the barn door creaking open. Her sister's bed sat at the center of the room, resting on the inside of a large wagon. A brown blanket draped over the side, tangled in the wheelbarrow, with a shovel crudely tied into it. Limestone laid down beside the wagon, on the hard, uncomfortable gravel floor. She can't be sleeping that way... A particularly loud crunch in the gravel beneath caused Limestone to stir. She grunted, stumbling up to her hooves and kicking up dirt. "Get out!" She pulled the shovel out from its make-shift sheath, holding it up. Her movements were sloppy and tired. She hobbled towards her slowly. "Limestone?" "Leave!" Limestone continued to move towards her, speeding up as she neared her. She kicked the candle in her rushed movements, colliding with the barn door. "Limestone! It's Marble!" She cocked back the shovel, swinging it down as soon as she was close enough. Marble stumbled to the side, her right leg colliding with the barn door. Sparks flew as the metal collided with the gravely ground. Her sister huffed quietly, standing there with the shovel stuck in the ground below. She rested on the ground beside her, her leg throbbing from the sudden movement and the collision. A few silent moments passed, only Limestone's huffing filling the air. Marble sat still, staring at her sister. Neither of them had moved from their spots. What's wrong with her? "... Marble...?" She exhaled, finally seeming to realize what had happened. Limestone turned to look at her. Her face contorted into some sort of mixture of sadness and horror, her lips quivering why her eyes widened. "Marble! I'm so sorry!" She dropped the shovel, turning to her sister. "I-I didn't get you, did I?!" "N-No, I'm alright," Marble reached for the side of the barn. Limestone grabbed her hoof, helping her stand up, "Sorry... it-it was dark and I-I couldn't see your face so-" She turned back, retrieving the shovel and the candle. "I... I-I thought you were Maud." "Oh..." Her head lowered. She wouldn't really... it-it can't be that bad. She walked beside her sister, back up to the wagon. Right? "And I... er... haven't been sleeping that much lately. Mainly try to sneak in when Maud isn't around the house and sleep on the couch for an hour or two." Limestone admitted. "Sleeping on the ground's nearly impossible with the gravel and all. And I need the wagon free for work, so I can't keep my bed up there." "Mmhm." "And I only have the one candle. I took it when Ma-" She paused, taking a breath. "When Cloudy and Igneous left. I haven't been back in their damned room since." "Mmhm..." Marble nodded. Limestone reached what could barely be considered her bed. She slipped the shovel back into its sheathe, placing the candle down on the end of the wagon. "So, any reason why you're out here?" "Well..." She scooted slightly to the side, sitting down on the edge of the wagon. "We need to talk about Maud." Her sister visibly shrunk at the topic. A small groan escaped her, sitting down beside her bed. "What's there to talk about?" She grumbled, sitting down on the edge of her bed. "You two need to talk-" "Like Tartarus, we do..." She turned down to her. Marble wasn't about to back down. This needed to happen. "Look, as much as you hate it, you have to speak to live here. You both can't keep this up." "Hmph." Her sister grunted quietly, managing to stand the candle up in a small mound of gravel. "Limestone, I know you can't be comfortable sleeping out here." She scooted down off the wagon. "You're sleeping on gravel..." "Better than having a knife in my back." Marble paused, taking a quick breath. She knelt, trying to look her sister in the eye. Limestone turned away, staring at the candle. "You know she didn't want to do it, right?" "Doesn't matter. She still did it." "Because of Mom and Dad." "What? She couldn't have stopped them? Or convinced them otherwise? Could she have done anything to protect her baby sister?!" She sat up. "Oh, woe is me! I cut off my sister's wings, but it wasn't my fault! My parents made me!" Limestone turned up to her. Her eyes were glassy. "Fuck her! I hope she dies!" Marble stared up at her. Her brow twitched, eyelids twitching for a moment before she turned away, her head pointing downwards. "You don't mean that." Limestone kept staring at the ground. "You're angry at Mom and Dad-" "They are not my parents." She growled. A small, quiet whimper escaped her sister, her anger replaced with sadness. "I... I don't even know who they are anymore. Every time I see a picture in that house, I don't even know what to feel." A small, shaken breath escaped her. "I used to love them, so much. But, since I found out... I-I can't help but think, 'how could they?'" Limestone's hind legs pulled up to her chest. "How could someone do that to their daughter? Force a mare to cut her own sister's wings off? Then try to do it to another?" She rested her head on her legs, pointed away from Marble. "They- They're monsters, there's no debate about that. I shouldn't even care about them anymore, but it still hurts to think about it. And Maud's a walking, breathing reminder of that. Every day I have to work with her, I have to think about them, and what happened to Pinkie." Marble stared at her sister, moving forwards and placing a hoof on her shoulder. "I know Maud didn't want to, and I know she regrets it. I get that- I-I just... It's hard to be in that house." Marble took a breath. "Will you start talking to her again?" "I don't know, honestly. I can't just forget what she did." "I know..." She sighed. "Just think about it, okay?" "I will." "Thank you." She scooted up off of her bed, standing up in front of her. "I'll see you in the morning." "Night." Limestone laid back down, gravel crunching under her bed as her weight shifted. Marble slipped between the open barn doors, pushing them closed before she walked back towards her home. The door creaked open. Light poured out into the darkness. Her older sister stood in the doorway, waiting for her. "How's Limestone?" "Alright." She said, standing in front of her. "Well... managing." "Hm. I suppose that's something we both have in common." Maud nodded, stepping to the side and letting her in. She shut the door behind them. "It's late. You should get some sleep." "Mmhm." Maud turned, following her into the kitchen, then into the small corridor of rooms. She stepped to the side, allowing Maud to get in front of her. "Goodnight, Maud." "Goodnight." She turned towards her bed, freshly made in preparation for her return. A small grin formed across her lips. I never thought I'd be so happy to see this old bed. Marble walked over to her bed, sitting down. The frame creaked as she shifted up onto the bed, pulling the covers back and slipping under. She glanced over to her sister's empty bed. I hope she feels better soon. Marble looked up at the ceiling. For her sake as much as Maud's. ================= Pinkie yawned quietly at Pinkamena's bedside. A pile of books sat at the edge of the bed, precariously balancing on the edge, with more sitting on the floor beside the bed. Each seemed larger than the last, though her counterpart had managed to read over them all in little over three days. She sat up in the bed, her nose buried in another tome, one of which had a cloaked figure on its cover, with the title written in a rather odd manner. Pinkie couldn't quite make it out, but it seemed like a rather long, rather intriguing tale. "Jeeez... how many are you gonna go through? Twi's gonna run out of books before too long." "I need something to do in this bed." She mumbled, not taking her eyes off the page. "Besides, she offered them to me while I'm here." "Mmhm." She wiped her eyes. The sun had set a bit ago, only leaving the moonlight to illuminate the room. "At least you're keeping yourself busy while you're in here." "Yep." She responded plainly. Pinkie yawned again, sitting up. She raised her forelegs over her head, feeling her joints popping as she stretched. "So, how're you feeling?" "Fine." "Good." "Mmhm." "Anything you need to talk about?" "No." "You're sure?" "Mmhm." Pinkamena flipped through another page. "Because, if what happened to you happened to me... I'd wanna talk about it." "Hm." "Soooo... if you need to talk, I'm here. You can talk to me about anything, you know that, right?" "I know." "Okay..." Pinkie huffed, resting her head back down against the bed. Maybe she's just really into reading... can't exactly walk on clouds to see her house. Not without Twilight, at least. Still, Pinkie persisted in her line of questioning. "Why don't you tell me what happened one more time?" Pinkamena glanced towards Pinkie, then back down to her book. "We've been over it half a dozen times, there's nothing much left to tell." "I know, but-" "Did you know that the main character in this story actually ends up losing control of his hoof for a period of time?" Pinkamena glanced up to her. "No...?" "It's really an interesting read." She turned back down to the page. "I'd really like to keep going if you don't mind being quiet for a bit." Pinkie turned up to her counterpart, her eyes glazed over her wing stuck in the same cast it had been for weeks. "Look, your wing is gonna be fine." Pinkamena kept her head firmly planted in front of the book. "You don't know that." "Yes, I do. You're going to be alright." A small, suppressed breath of air escaped her friend. "It'll work out in the end-" "You wanna know something else I learned from reading?" She finally turned up from the page, a sharp tone of anger riding along with her voice. "Happy endings don't exist. Not for someone like me." She said, her eyes glossy. "They finally get everything they could have dreamed of, the life they always wanted, and what happens? Chaos." Pinkie stared as she closed the book and sat it to the side. "They fight and struggle, work themselves to the bone to accomplish their goals. And most of the time, they do achieve their goals. They get to be happy and live in peace." She turned down to the book. "But for some of them, their's don't exist. They're damaged goods, and, no matter how much they might want to bury their past, or how hard they try, they don't get a happily ever after. They'll keep fighting and struggling to get it, but it'll never come." Pinkie's eyes locked onto hers, her mane slowly deflating. "They- I tried to live to be a better person. I tried, and tried, and tried. For years, I worked to better myself and be as good as I could, and for a brief moment, I thought I had reached that perfect moment. My 'Happily Ever After.'" She paused momentarily, taking a quiet, stuttering breath. Pinkamena turned up to her with a pained smile. "I got my wings back. Everything I had ever wanted. It felt like I was in heaven. But, like always, I was mistaken. And this is what I got for thinking that it was." She turned towards her casted wing. "Who knows how long it'll be before its out, and even then, I'll have to learn to reuse it all over again." "It'll be a lot of work, but you'll get through this." "That's not the point. Even if I get to fly again, it'll still be another mark left by my past." She said, her hooves crossed over her chest. "The happiest moment of my life was getting my wings back. The worst was when I lost them. But this..." She turned down towards her chest. "Having my ability to fly taken away from me again... it- it ranks up there, I won't lie." Pinkie stared, a hoof over her mouth. She could see the pain in her eyes, the aching in her heart. "And now, I can't help but think... 'What's the point?'" Pinkamena turned up to her. "Why even bother anymore? There's no point in caring anymore, Pinkie. There's no point in trying to care." She turned away, towards her window. "Getting my wings back, my own body... all that happiness... it's all just one big sham... and I'm just the fool who fell for it." Her voice was monotoned. There wasn't any anger or hurt, no sadness or pain- not even hatred or viciousness, just... Blank. Emotionless. Numb. Pinkie sat in silence, tears in her eyes. She knew Pinkamena would be hurt by the injury to her wing, but she wouldn't have dreamed it'd be like this. "I... I'm here if you need me, you know that, right?" She said, trying to conceal the shakiness in her voice. "I will never let you get hurt like that again, okay? Mom and Dad won't be able to hurt you anymore." "If it's not them, it'll be someone else. Or myself." She responded plainly, turning away. "Please, cut off the light. I want to sleep." Without a second thought, Pinkie did as she was told, before she returned to her seat and Pinkamena's bedside, gently rubbing her hoof. For the first time in a long while, she didn't know what to say. She didn't know what she could do to make this better, if anything.
I: EvictedMarble Pie sat on the edge of Pinkie Pie's bed, rain dripping from her snout. The bright pink sheets below her had dampened and became darker from her wet coat. She had a warm, white towel wrapped around her. Her right fore-hoof was in a white sling, throbbing with every heartbeat. Pinkie Pie was sitting at her left side, with her hooves wrapped around her, gently rocking her. The sun shined through the cracked window, and the distant chatter of ponies in the lower level of the Sugarcube Corner echoed filling the quiet space. "Do you feel any better?" Pinkie shattered the silence in the room, causing Marble's eyes to jolt up at her. She nodded hesitantly, even though she didn't feel completely safe or better. I-I haven't seen her since... since she... She glanced away from her. I-I have no choice but to come here. I've got no bits and I had no idea where Applejack was. Pinkie stood, trotting to her and kneeling down. "I know you're still tired, but I need to know everything that happened, step by step if you're comfortable." Marble shook her head. "Why not?" Marble shook her head once more, with more force. She couldn't- it was too much. "Marble-" Pinkie reached for her. Marble jerked away, causing Pinkie to stop. "I'm not going to hurt you, okay?" She gently rested her fore-hoof on Marble left shoulder. Marble relaxed at her touch, feeling her genuine concern and care. "I need to know what happened so I'll know what I need to do. I Pinkie Promise I won't get angry with you, no matter what happens." She said with a smile. Marble nodded. Uncertainty wavered over her- could she trust Pinkie? After everything that happened? "Mhmm." She mumbled, her voice trembling. =================== Marble Pie laid in her bed, her warm sheets covering her. Limestone Pie, her sister, had already gone to sleep in her bed at the other side of the room, sleeping soundly. Her mane was a tangled mess from the day's workload. The room was enveloped in pitch darkness, the only light inside the room being a small, wax candle on a table at the corner of the room. She had all she needed to rest: comfort, warmth- there was only one thing missing. Peace. A single moment of peace would do the trick and put her to sleep. However, there was a feeling gnawing at her that refused to be put to rest. Like a pack of timberwolves fervorously chasing after her, refusing to allow her a moment of rest. Why was Maud acting so strangely... she barely did anything today. Marble pondered. It's not like her to just sit in her room. She's usually the first one working and the last to bed. Maybe I could go see if she is all right? It's not too late. She pulled the thick sheets off of her body, setting it gently to the side as she scooted off the bed. Her hooves were thinner and longer. She had become evenly proportioned- a fully grown pony. Marble trotted to the corner of the room and picked up the candle carefully, making sure not to spill any of the melted wax. She turned to her door and pushed it opened, trotting through. The house was completely quiet, void of any sound except for the crickets chirping outside. Her candle was the only source of light in the dark hallway. She trotted down the hall, passing by portraits of her family in earlier years. Some even without her, Limestone, or Pinkie. Marble turned to the left, about to knock on Maud's door, before it opened on its own. Maud was sitting on the edge of her bed, holding a small picture frame in her hoof. Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz were sitting beside her, one at each of her shoulders. They stared at the frame with her, their hooves wrapped over her shoulders. Igneous' hat was at the edge of her bed, and Cloudy's mane was undone, hanging to the sides of her face. Her glasses were hanging from her neck, fogged. "I can't believe it's been so long..." "Hard to imagine that she's almost twenty-one now." Maud just kept staring at the picture frame, curious of who's picture they were staring at. Who're they talking about? Marble leaned in closer. Pinkie? "I-I still can't forgive m-myself for what we did. We s-stole her childhood from her." Cloudy's voice trembled. She wiped her eyes with a small napkin. "We mustn't allow it to get to us, darling. What's done is done." Igneous said, rubbing Cloudy's back. Cloudy took in a deep breath. "I-I suppose you're right. Let me look at her one more time before--" She went to grab the frame, only to knock it out of Maud's hooves. The frame fell to the ground, landing on its top right corner. Glass shattered across the room, spreading around the room and out into the hall. The frame slid under the door, slowing to a stop at her hooves. The picture was still inside the frame, covered with glass. What? Marble wiped the glass away from the picture and picked it up. She glanced over the picture, seeing-- =================== Marble Pie paused, turning away. She couldn't bear to tell Pinkie about what she had seen. I can barely believe it myself... "What did you see?" Marble shook her head. She wouldn't allow a single word to slip through her lips. "I need to know what you saw, Marble." Pinkie held Marble's left fore-hoof. Marble shook her head again with more force. She turned her head towards the ground, awaiting Pinkie's disapproval. However, no such thing came. Pinkie wrapped her in a hug, being careful around her right fore-hoof, to Marble's surprise. What? She isn't angry? "It's all right. I understand. Just let me know what you saw whenever you're ready." Marble nodded, releasing a relieved sigh. Maybe she's not like she was. It has been a long time. =================== Marble stared at a picture of her older sister, Pinkie Pie, as a foal, atop a boulder. A pegasus foal. She was standing up, her wings opened as if she were about to take flight. Her mouth opened in shock. W-what the... what the hay?! Her right fore-hoof shook. She threw the photograph down, quickly turning back to her room and trotting away. Maybe they'll just think I-I was passing by?! Yeah! The door in behind of her slung open. Marble glanced to the door behind her. Maud Pie was standing behind her, over the picture. She glanced at the picture behind Marble's hooves, then back up to her. Marble's hooves trembled as her oldest sister stared at her, emotionless. "Wh-what?" She tried to shake the fear in her voice, but it was too mighty to be contained. "Father, Mother-" Maud turned back, poking her head into the room. "We may have a problem." Igneous trotted out of the room, and up to Marble immediately. "What did you see?" He quietly asked. Marble could sense his scorn, even though he had only said a few words. "Uh... I w-was..." Marble struggled to find the words, the event shaking her to her core. "y-you see... um..." He leaned closer towards her, their snouts touching. Even with barely any contact, Marble could sense his fury through his movements. He slammed his right fore-hoof against the wall beside her, causing her already weakened hooves to tremble with fear. She released the candle, holding her fore-hooves close to her chest. The flame went out as she released the candle, landing to their left. "What. Did. You. See?!" Igneous said slowly, his voice full of scorn. Marble's trembling hooves pointed to the broken picture frame, and then to Maud as she picked up the picture. Igneous glanced to the picture, then back to Marble as he sighed, frustrated. "What h-happened?" "We..." Igneous leaned down, picking up the picture. He stared at it. "We did what we had to for this family to survive. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, Marble." Igneous took a step towards her, causing Marble to take a step back. "We wanted to tell you and Limestone one day-- honestly." Marble backed against the wooden wall behind her, her heart racing. She traced over the room, desperate to find something to help her if she needed to defend herself. Nothing. "And I'm sorry to say that we'll do it again, even if it kills me." Igneous trotted up to her quickly, grabbing her by left fore-hoof and pulled towards the doorway. Marble grabbed his hoof, trying to pull him away. Her trembling hooves weren't strong enough to tear away Igneous' iron grip. "Come with me, Maud. Your mother doesn't need to see this again." Maud nodded, following behind her. She lifted Marble's hind-hooves, making sure she couldn't break away. Marble kicked, clawed, screamed-- anything to help her escape them. "F-father, please! I-I'll never t-tell anypony what I saw! I pr-promise!" Marble's voice trembled. Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Igneous and Maud carried her into the rain, towards the large, red barn in silence. She struggled against them, trying to break free of their grip. I have to break away! "I'm sorry. We can't let anypony know what happened." Igneous stopped. "Open the doors and get the tools." Maud released Marble's hind-hooves, trotting passed her and Igneous. She pushed the barn doors open and stepped inside. Marble pushed away from him, tugging her right fore-hoof with all her might. Igneous slowed. "Ugh--" He pulled her back to him, nearly knocking her into the muddied ground. "Don't make this any harder than it has to be. I hope you'll understand it one day. All I do, I do for this family, whether I like it or not." Igneous began to trot inside the barn. Marble pulled away from him away from him again. Igneous stopped, holding onto her. Poppp A deafening pop sounded through her hoof as she broke away from Igneous. She stumbled and fell to the ground, collapsing under her body weight, failing to catch herself. Her right shoulder burned as her entire right fore-hoof throbbed with pain. "What--" Igneous looked down at her. Her hoof was twisted at a sickening angle to the side. Marble stumbled to her three uninjured hooves and galloped away, towards dirt road away from the farm. =================== "He did what?!" Marble nodded, glancing away from Pinkie. Her vision became blurry as she fought off her fear. "I am so, so sorry Marble. I shouldn't have let them near you." Pinkie hugged her tightly, making sure to be careful around her right fore-hoof. Marble held her sister's right fore-hoof. "Don't worry. I know a few ponies who can help with the pain. We can go tomorrow if you want." "Mmhm." "Good. Now, tell me the rest. At your own pace, of course." =================== Marble galloped away from her family farm, keeping her right fore-hoof up off the ground. She couldn't put any weight on it, let alone gallop on it. I have to find someplace to hide. They're going to hurt me! She jumped as she reached the wooden fence lining the farm. Her hind-hooves caught the top board, flipping her onto her back. She landed with a thud, coughed and wheezed. She immediately leaned up, desperate to catch her breath. "Horseapples!" Marble cursed under her breath. "Not now..." She forced herself up, crawling away from the farm. I've gotta get away... to the embankment... Her mane clung to the left side of her face, mud mixing in with her soaked mane and coat. She fought exhaustion as she crawled closer to the embankment. Marble crawled down the road, desperate to reach the embankment. She collapsed as she reached the embankment, out of breath and exhausted. Her right fore-hoof was in the embankment- so close to freedom. Only a little more. Come on... She pushed herself up, trying to force herself down the embankment. Almost-! Her left hind-hoof was pulled out from under her, sending her face and snout into mud and dirt. She coughed up mud and wiped the dirt away from her eyes. She looked downwards, seeing Maud was holding her hoof, slowly dragging her away from safety. "Just-- stop struggling. I promise you I'll make it as painless as possible." A hint of sadness took Maud's usual stoic tone. "No! Please Maud! I-I promise I-I'll never come b-back! Y-you won't ha-have to worry about me telling anypony!" Marble kicked against Maud's hoof weakly. Her hind-hoof wasn't budging, and her strength was quickly fleeing her. "I can't." "Please, Maud." Marble pleaded with her oldest sister. Maud stopped, glancing back at her. "P-please..." Tears slipped down Marble's face as she wept, exhausted. "I-I'm too young to... to..." She bawled. Bawled in front of her older sister as if she were a filly. A blush spread across her face, thoroughly embarrassed. Maud stared at her, then glanced back up to the farm. She sighed, kneeling down to eye level with her and pulling her closer. Marble feebly fought her hooves. "No- please!" Desperation filled her voice. She had to get away- it couldn't end, not like this- to the hooves of her own family. "Calm down- I'm not going to hurt you." Marble slowed to a stop, her burst of energy quickly fleeing as exhaustion took her over. "W... what?" Her voice was frail and quiet. Maud wiped the mud away from her fore-hooves and chest, moving up to her mane as she pulled clumps of hardened mud out of her mane. "I'm so sorry you'll have to go through this Marble. I wish there was a different way to do this. A better way" Maud traced up to her forehead, planting a kiss on her forehead. She wiped Marble tears away before she stood. "Slide down the embankment and stay there until the lights in the house goes out. I'll tell father that you're gone and I couldn't find you. Sneak off after that before father comes try to find you himself." "Wh-what?" "You heard me correctly. Get down there and wait until the lights go out in the house. Then get out." Maud's voice took on her usual stoic tone as Marble crawled into the embankment with her left fore-hoof, rolling down and resting against the wall. "I'm sorry it had to come to this. I love you." Marble looked upwards to her to respond, but Maud had already turned back and headed towards the farm. Thank you... =================== Marble glanced up at Pinkie. Pinkie's lips were quivering, and her mane had fallen to her side. Marble stared at her, concerned. "Oh-" Pinkie forced a laugh, brushing her darkened mane up onto the top of her head. Although, the matter clearly wasn't one to laugh about. "Don't mind me. Just something that happened a long time ago." "What?" "It's complicated. You wouldn't want to know." Marble nodded. "What happened after that?" "I did what Maud said, b-but I didn't know where else I could go besides here. Then you and Applejack f-found me passed out on the side of the road." "All right... all right." Pinkie stood up, picking up a small, pink blanket at the end of her bed and covering Marble's shoulders and back with it. "Go ahead and get some rest. I'll wake you up when it's dinner." Marble nodded, as she pulled her hind-hooves onto the bed. "Sweet dreams, Marble." Pinkie said. She flipped off the light switch as she trotted out of the room, darkening the room. "Mmhm..." =================== Pinkie Pie trotted out of the Sugarcube Corner. She trotted through town square, and into the Farmer's Market I need to head to Sweet Apple Acres to let Applejack know how Marble's doing. She needed my help anyways. Pinkie trotted through the Farmer's Market. She trotted down the nearly empty path. Only a few earth ponies were left in the market, closing their shops. "Howdy!" Pinkie jolted at the touch of her shoulder. She glanced back, seeing Applejack trotting with her, at her right side. "Oh-- gosh darnit. Sorry Pinkie. Didn't mean ta scare ya like that." Applejack trotted beside Pinkie, out of the farmer's market and towards Sweet Apple Acres. "Just closin' up the stand for the afternoon." "It wasn't your fault. Just been an exciting day, y'know?" "Mhm. Sure has been." Applejack nodded. She glanced around the road, reaffirming that the road was empty. She turned back to Pinkie, her lips contorted into a small frown with a pondering gaze. "Sugarcube, are y'all alright?" Applejack stared at Pinkie. "Is your sister all right?" "I don't know. You know how reserved she is-- I could barely get her to tell me what happened. After we finished she just sat there, staring at the floor as if she was guilty." "What did she say?" Applejack asked. Pinkie turned away for a moment, sighing. "S... she knows that something happened to me." "What? She knows?" "She doesn't know what exactly happened, but she knows something did happen." "Dear Celestia..." Applejack wiped her right fore-hoof over her face. "You sure y'all still wanna help? I can get Apple Bloom or Big Mac ta help instead." "No, no-- I can help. Marble's probably asleep by now anyways. I don't mind." "All right, if y'all say so. Rarity's probably here by now. C'mon" Applejack said, quickening her pace. Pinkie followed and kept pace with her. Hopefully Marble gets some sleep before I get back. She sure needs it... ===================
VIII: Nightmares"What are you doing?! Stop that--" Ringing filled Marble's ears as she barely began to regain consciousness. A distant wail overpowered her, sending her retreating back to the cold, hard floor. She opened her eyes, only to be met with darkness. An object- a cloth was wrapped around her eyes, blocking her vision. What... what's going on? Where am I? "Father, mother, stop it! Now!" "Stay back Limestone! This is between us and her!" A loud thud drove the ringing away. Somepony's hoof touched her chest. "Marble!" called Limestone, her voice distraught and frantic. "Help me! You have to!" The cloth fell away from her eyes, down to her chest before floating back to the ground, revealing a dark, disorganized and disgruntled room at the back of her family's barn. Rocks had seemingly been slung around, and only a single lit candle atop a wooden stool would provide the only light, sat at the far right corner of the room. The bottom of Marble's hooves was sunk in the rocks beneath her. No matter how hard she tried to pull them out, her hooves were immobilized. Limestone was laying in front of her, bloodied and battered. Her snout was bleeding and her right eye was black. Her mane was dirty and a near-terrified look in her eyes suggested that this wasn't a mere joke. "Mother and father-- they've gone crazy! They took Maud and Pinkie, you have to help me save them!" Limestone! Marble pushed herself forwards, only for her hooves to remain planted in the ground. Her mouth was clamped shut. All she could do was watch in horror as a figure slowly trotted out of the shadows. "Please, Marble! You have to help!" Igneous Rock stepped out, his face masked by the shadows filling the opposite half of the room. The only thing Marble could see was the blank gaze as he grabbed Limestone her hind-hooves and pulling her away. She turned up him, taking a fistful of dirt and slinging it at his face. No- move! Marble's body refused to listen to her mind as she watched on in terror. "Why?!" Limestone turned onto her stomach, staring at Marble with a petrified stare before being pulled behind the shadows. Marble couldn't even blink, failing to comprehend what just happened. A single tear ran down her cheek as a shaken breath escaped her. "Limestone..." She whispered, suddenly able to move her jaw. "I'm so sorry..." Another bloodcurdling scream entered the room, except this time Maud was standing in front of her. A disappointed look on her face. Her hooves had been coated in dried blood, and her face had been splattered with sweat and tears. Marble's mouth had once again clamped shut, unable to call out for her sister. "Why? You stood there while she begged you- pleaded with you to help." Maud questioned. "I-I thought there was still hope for our family, I thought you'd be the pony to show them that- that there's a different way to do this. That we could just stop hurting our own flesh and blood." I-I couldn't move... Marble tried to break her usually welcomed silence- her will to just hide away, to hope that somehow, things would be okay if she just found a place to hide. But what was once had been a blessing to her was now a curse. "Maybe- just maybe, if you had helped, she could've gotten away with you to Pinkie, maybe even to the Apples. Instead, she's gone now. And you made me do it." Her voice had an undertone of conviction. "Don't expect me to take pity on you next time." She turned trotting back into the shadows. Was I... I really responsible for that? Marble questioned. Her fears and conscience had just been confirmed. I-I left her... I am responsible... She choked out. Her throat locked up, almost unable to breathe. Yet another terrified scream had been flung into the room. The all too familiar pink pony landed in the gravel in front of her. Her back had been cut and bruised, lashes across her ribs and chest, and small cuts on her hooves. "Why? I thought I could trust you..." Pinkie questioned. Her mane had deflated and fallen to her side, a darker shade of pink to match with her coat. She turned up to Marble. Marble sharply gasped, seeing her broken snout oozing blood. No- please! Not Pinkie too! She pushed against her hooves. Trying to find the strength and courage to fight for Pinkie- for all of them, but alas, she couldn't move an inch. "Why would you go back to them? Why would you tell them that I had lied about you?" Tears streamed down Pinkie face as she questioned Marble, a streak of tears of her own dripping down her chin and onto her chest. I-I wouldn't! I didn't, I promise! "I loved you, more than I could ever tell you, I protected you at the risk of losing my job, but..." Pinkie took a shaken breath. "Was it all for nothing?" She questioned, staring at her. Marble tried to shake her head, but even that basic function she couldn't do. It wasn't! I love you too! "I-if you loved me, why would you do this to me?" Pinkie retorted as if she almost knew what Marble was thinking. "To Limestone? Don't you feel guilty?" Marble quietly sobbed, nodding gently. She wept as the same figure began to trot towards Pinkie. No! Marble pushed her hooves forward, trying to get at least one step closer. One step and she could push Pinkie out of the way, but not a single iota in her hoof moved. Igneous grabbed Pinkie by her mane, hauling her back to the shadows. Pinkie's screamed echoed throughout the room, before being snuffed out by a thud. Then a second. And a third. Eventually, there were too many to count. Marble had to sit there, painfully wincing at every hit, as if she felt every single hit colliding with her head and chest. I-I can't-- I can't take this anymore! She sobbed. I'm so sorry! "Sorry..." Marble muttered. "I'm so sorry..." Igneous suddenly appeared in front of Marble, holding her shoulder. Her heart pumped faster than a speeding train. Her head trembled as she turned towards Igneous, a wild look in his eye. Bloodlust. "You're next." ================= "Marble..." A deep voice called to her, holding her shoulders. Marble, suddenly able to move, fought against the figure. Pushed up against it with all her might. "Stop! Pl-please don't hurt me!" The stallion grabbed her fore-hooves, holding them together as he gently pushed them back to her chest. "I'm not gonna hurt'cha." Marble recognized the voice near-immediately. She opened her eyes, misty with tears. Big Macintosh was standing above her, his orange mane hanging downwards towards her as he held her hooves gently. "Are ya alright?" He questioned, confused. Marble quickly traced over her surroundings: white picket fence, grass, dirt, and apple trees. She was at Sweet Apple Acres. It-it was a dream? Marble questioned, holding her chest. She quickly blinked away her tears. "M... mmhm." Marble backed away quickly. "I-I ended up here?" "Eeyup. Found you passed out. You were cryin' and shufflin' around real strangely, so I-I thought I'd wake you up." Macintosh released her. "Sorry 'bout grabbin' your hooves 'n' all, y'all was just fightin' so hard." "S-sorry." Marble shied away from the considerably larger stallion. "Everythin' alright over there, Mac?" Applejack was trotting towards them from the other side of the fence. Macintosh turned to her. "Eeyup!" He called back. Macintosh pointed to her, motioning for Applejack to come, before turning to Marble "It-it was nice to see you again." Marble said with a timid smile. Macintosh nodded in return with a pink blush. "Marble Pie?" Applejack questioned. She leaned on the picket fence with her fore-hooves. "What're you doin' here? Thought Pinkie was watchin' ya." "Er..." Marble looked downwards. "I-I had to leave Pinkie's." "Now, why'd you do that?" Applejack inquired. Marble looked downwards, before shaking her head. "Ah- I see. No worries." Applejack nodded. "Would you like somethin' to eat? Granny Smith whipped up some apple fritters this mornin'. Nice 'n' fresh, with genuine Sweet Apple Acre apples." She offered with a smile. "I-I guess I can stay for a few minutes." Applejack nodded. "Alrighty. Big Mac, lead her back to the house, would'ya kindly?" Macintosh nodded, turning back towards the entrance. "I'll meet y'all there." Applejack put her fore-hooves back onto the ground, trotting towards the entrance. The pair of quiet ponies became near silent "So..." Macintosh breathed with a deep chuckle, trying to dispell the awkward silence. "You're lookin' better since the last time I saw ya." "Thank you." Marble nodded, speaking quietly. Macintosh nodded as they trotted into Apple Acres. "How've you been since you got to Ponyville?" "Good. H-has apple season been good for you?" Macintosh nodded. "Eeyup. Your rocks?" "Mmhm. So far." She nodded. Macintosh smiled. Marble grinned back, but she couldn't focus too much on him. What the hay was that nightmare? She questioned, glancing downwards. It was so... so scary. I-It was like my worst nightmares in one bundle. A chill went down her spine, recalling the tirades her family had gone on, especially Maud's. "Maybe- just maybe, if you had helped, she could've gotten away with you to Pinkie, maybe even to the Apples. Instead, she's gone now. And you made me do it." No- remember what Princess Luna said. Let it go... She released a deep breath as they turned into the barn, stepping passed the opening in the farm with Macintosh. Applejack stepped up to her. "Howdy, didn't expect to see you here so soon." She chortled. Marble nodded. Applejack turned to Macintosh. "Thank ya, Mac." Macintosh nodded. "Bye Marble." He trotted away, towards the large barn in the distance. Applejack trotted back towards the house, motioning for Marble to walk with her. "So, how did you end up back here?" Applejack questioned. "Thought you were with Pinkie." "I-I had to get away from Ponyville." "Why? I thought y'all'd have everythin' work out by now." Marble looked away. "Eh, we'll talk about it later. C'mon, let's go getcha somethin' to eat." Applejack stepped up onto the porch, extending her right fore-hoof to Marble. Marble took it, taking a step up onto the porch. "Alrighty, up ya go." She pulled Marble up onto the porch. Granny Smith was sat in her white wooden rocking chair, snoring as a slight breeze pushed the chair back and forwards. "Don't mind her. She needs her rest." Applejack chuckled as she pushed the screen door open, allowing Marble to step through before she gently shut it behind them. The walls of the interior were painted apple green, and the floor was simply made up of wooden boards. "Let's go on and getcha some food. You gotta be hungry." Applejack stepped through the living room, passing by a single, bright red sofa and wooden table in the middle of the room, and trotting passed the staircase to the second story of the house as she trotted into the kitchen. Apple Bloom was standing on top of a wooden stool, leaning over a sink filled with soapy water. Her hooves were dunked under the water, circling around as she lifted a small dishrag and a dirty plate out. She scrubbed the plate down. "Oh, howdy again Marble." She said. Marble waved her right fore-hoof with a smile as Applejack lead her towards the circular, wooden table. There were six chairs crowded around the small space, all except for two pushed out. "You go ahead and get settled in and I'll go getcha an apple fritter." Marble nodded. She sat at the bottom of the table. Her hind-hooves bounced in anxiety as she awaited Applejack's return. I have to get out of here after we finish this. Marble noted to herself. "Are you feeling alright? You look like somethin's bothering you." Apple Bloom asked, glancing back to Marble for a moment. "Mmhm." Marble answered quickly. She did not want to think about that dream. Applejack returned after a moment, a plate in her teeth, with an apple fritter placed atop of it. She sat it in front of Marble. "Enjoy." Applejack sat at the top of the table. Marble took a small bite out of it the sweet tang kicking her. "So, what brought you? Pinkie takin' you outta town or somethin'?" "I'm leaving." Marble swallowed. "I can't stay in P-Ponyville anymore." "Why not? Y'all've got everythin' you'd need here. Friends, family, a home..." Applejack inquired. Marble looked downwards to her plate. Applejack shot up to Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom, can you go check if Macintosh needs any help? I'll finish that up for ya." "You're sure?" Apple Bloom turned back to Applejack, wiping her hooves off on the counter. Applejack nodded. "Now go on, we've gotta talk about some stuff." Apple Bloom hastily walked out of the room, leaving Marble and Applejack. "Now, what did y'all need to say?" Marble exhaled before she looked back up to Applejack. "I-I had a bad dream..." She blushed, knowing how childish it sounded. "Alright. What was it about, if y'all don't mind me askin'?" Marble squeezed her hooves, taking a deep breath. "I-I couldn't move, couldn't speak, but all I could do was watch." "Watch what?" She exhaled. "I had to w-watch Limestone and Pinkie get hurt. He-he grabbed Limestone and dragged her away while she screamed. She begged and pleaded with me to help and I... I couldn't do anything." "I'm so sorry." Applejack held Marble's right fore-hoof with a warm smile. "Then Maud came in. She scolded me f-for not helping, said that she wouldn't let me go next time she came to the shop." Applejack nodded. "Go on." "Then P-Pinkie got thrown in. She asked if I-I really loved her, and wondered if-if what trust we had surmounted was even real. I-I couldn't tell her that I loved her before she got dragged away. Then that- that thumping was too much to handle, hitting against flesh and bone--" Marble stopped, biting her lip. Applejack squeezed her hoof before sighing. "Darlin'... you know Pinkie wouldn't be like that. She's sweet, not bitter. And I may not have known y'all for long, but I'm sure that Limestone wouldn't hold running away against you if she knew what was goin' on. Just- don't stop what you're doing if you think this is the right decision." "I won't, I-I promise. I need Pinkie, Maud, and Limestone safe." Marble finished, wiping her misted eyes as she took another bite of the apple fritter. It felt like some of the weight and guilt had been momentarily lifted off her shoulders, suddenly feeling brave and courageous. "Thank you Applejack, I feel better about it. I need to go ahead and go." Marble stood. "Alright." Applejack shook Marble's hoof before she stood. "Take care of yourself darlin'. You've always got a home here if y'all ever need a place stay." "Thanks, AJ. Bye." Marble quickly trotted through the living room and out the door, passing the living room and stepping outside. She galloped away from the farm, out of the picket fenced area and down the road away from Ponyville. As she passed under the last apple tree of Sweet Apple Acres, the branches shook suddenly. She stopped in place, looking up to it. A few birds flew out of it, an apple in the largest's beak. Silly! Marble chuckled, returning to her brisk galloping. "Keep with her..." =================
