Pinks 'n Pedro

“I… still can’t believe this is happening,” said Rainbow blankly as she and the rest of the gang sat at the table in the Castle of Friendship as Pinkie bounced around happily with a letter in her mouth.

“Well, it is,” said Pinkie in lively spirits.

“Why anypony would accept the very idea is one of ponykind’s greatest mysteries…” Rainbow Dash now had her hooves resting on her temples.

“Now, don’t worry, Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight. “There’s no real evidence they actually accepted Pinkie’s idea. That letter could be totally fake.”

“Oh, please, stop it, you two!” said Fluttershy, seeming a bit annoyed, which made the other mares (and the dragon) in the room (turn to look at her). “I’ve had enough of hearing this! You ponies are constantly putting Pinkie down and rejecting her ideas! Is that what friendship is about? Well?”

Twilight and Rainbow looked down at the floor glumly. “No it isn’t…” replied Dash.

Fluttershy smiled at them before turning to Pinkie Pie. “Now then, Pinkie Pie… are you sure you’re up to the task?” she asked. “It’s not just that the idea sounds a bit…” How could she put this… “...outside convention… but running a show sounds like it’d be hard work.”

“Don’t you worry any!” said Pinkie. “I’ve had this planned for ages now! Even before I met Twilight. But don’t worry, Twily! I started planning to get you a guest role as soon as I did.”

“If this defies the laws of nature and succeeds, I don’t want to be part of something so preposterous,” deadpanned said unicorn, before Fluttershy frowned at her.

“I do commend you on growing pineapples yourself, though,” Rarity told Pinkie. “I know they usually take upward of and including two years!”

Pinkie beamed. “Aw, shucks, Rarity. This is why I’ll be giving all you ponies-” She glanced at Spike, who was asleep. “-and dragon - a very special shout out!”

Spike woke up. “Huh, what? Rarity? Shout out? Jewels?” he said groggily.

“Uh… not exactly the jewel part,” Pinkie remedied him. “It can be if you want!”

“A shout out on her talk show, the dear means,” Rarity told him.

“Oh, yeah. That,” replied Spike. “I stopped listening when she mentioned a pineapple co-host.”

“I know, right? Because you were so astounded at the idea!” said Pinkie.

“Uh… sure. Astounded.” Spike got up. “I’m gonna go get a snack.” He walked off.

“Well, I’d better get home. I hope y’all have-” Pinkie got an apple thrown at her head. She paused, then started again. “I hope you all have a good night’s sleep! Nighty-night!”

Pinkie’s friends watched her depart before they began their conversation.

“You know what you said about friendship lessons this morning, Twilight?” asked Fluttershy. “I think it’ll be one for just you, Rainbow Dash, and Spike. And besides, didn’t we already learn this one?”

“That was different!” protested Rainbow.

“How so?”

Rainbow stuttered. “I-it just is!”

“Y’know what?” AJ added. “Fluttershy is right. S’our duty as friends who’re…” She glanced at Rainbow Dash. “...loyal…” She glanced at Rarity. “...generous...” She glanced at Twilight. “...magic… ah guess......to support Pinks. Who knows? Could turn outta be somethin’ big.”

“I know that, AJ,” responded Twilight. “But you can’t just switch your feelings on and off at will. And my feelings towards a talk show starring a pineapple is… well…”

“Look, I know how you feel about things you don’t understand, Twilight,” said Rainbow. “The Pinkie Sense… curses… magical errors… telemarketers speaking in a really thick accent…”

“Can we not offer creative minds a chance?” asked Rarity. “Why, remember the time I had a burst of creativity when all six of us urgently needed dresses for the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Oh, we remember it alright,” agreed Dash. “And it failed epically in the first degree.”

Rarity stopped and ruminated on that for a moment. “Oh, um… yes. Sure.”

But Dash wasn’t done yet. “It was an utter trainwreck.”

“Point has been taken, dear…”

“Which had been carrying many tankers of oil before the crash.”

“I UNDERSTAND!” Rarity burst out. “Not a good comparison, I know. But the point is, Pinkie must have a chance. We, as well as other residents of Ponyville, often underestimate her and what she is capable of.”

“You know what, Rares?” said Twilight. “Somehow, I’m starting to think you’re right. Girls, we have to prove our worth as friends by remaining supportive of Pinkie.”

Rainbow raised her hoof. “I resign from this friendship mission.”

“Request denied.” Twilight pointed at Rainbow’s cutie mark, which was glowing.

Rainbow noticed this, and sighed. “Curse glowing butts.”

They heard a clattering, and then Spike came running by with his tail on fire. “AHHHHHH! WHY DID I EVER TRY TO USE THE OVEN IN HERE?!” he cried as he ran frantically.

“You know, Rainbow?” commented Twilight. “I think there might actually be some truth to that phrase.”

“I’ll get the fire extinguisher,” put in Fluttershy.