Foreigners with Foreign Languageby SmashologyChaptersBad luck will fall on you and the ones you love!No family to row in a lake......Nor friends to share a cakeBut sometimes the cycle never repeats itself in quite the same wayBad luck will fall on you and the ones you love!Author's Note My God, this is one of the hardest stories I've ever written. Before you start reading let me let you know a couple of details: The majority of crossover stories are only in 2 genres: comedy and adventure. There are exceptions but that seems to be the rule. This is an experiment of trying something different. Also I hope this can inspire others to write about these creatures and their universe. I hope you enjoy it. Now if you excuse me it's time for me to go to hell. Bad luck will fall on you and the ones you love! Another festival was arriving to Equestria, another time to create new friendships, the name of the festival: Ethnicfest, which was done to celebrate all those species different from ponies all around the world for a week. There were griffons, yaks, donkeys, diamond dogs, buffalos, breezies and even a few dragons. As always the princesses were in charge of the organization, including Twilight Sparkle herself. The rest of the Mane 6 were no exception: Applejack and Pinkie Pie prepared the food, Fluttershy took a tour for all of them across the town, Rainbow Dash entertained them with acrobatic stunts and Rarity opened a small souvenir shop so they could buy some clothes. This was done for 3 days in a row, on the 4th something happened, something that will change the things for the Mane 6 forever. It all started when the girls took a break from their respective businesses and decided to explore the festival itself, each one carrying a saddlebag with bits just in case. “Ah Ethnicfest, the festival where all species different from ponies worked to be like us,” said Rainbow Dash. “You can even hear all of them saying ‘hello’ to each other,” said Fluttershy agreeing with her friend. “I’m going to buy some exotic food for you all,” said Pinkie Pie happily and then departed jumping from the rest. “Wait for me.” “Look, it’s a fortune teller,” advised Applejack pointing the local. It was a small tent, covered in red and blue stripes and at the entrance a sign that said ‘Fortune teller, after hours use automated teller.’ The 5 ponies entered the tent and discovered an animal they had never seen before, not even Fluttershy: a mix between a sheep and a camel, with large legs and a large neck sitting in front of a table with a crystal ball on it. The animal had yellow wool and purple eyes and was wearing a purple scarf and turban with a blue feather. “Good mornin’.” “Welcome to my house. I intuit you have millions of questions,” it said. The tone of the voice revealed it was a female. “First of all, are you from security?” “No,” responded Twilight. “Thank Celestia. Do you know how hard it was to get a spot on this festival? Even the princesses don’t recognize my species.” “Excuse us,” said Fluttershy. “But who and what are you?” “My name is Paprika and I’m an alpaca, I come from the southern lands,” she said. “I make my living doing prophecies as a gypsy. Mind if you want one?” “Come on; don’t tell me you believe in this,” Twilight questioned her friends. “Don’t be so rude darling. It’s just for fun,” answered Rarity. “You know?” asked Paprika while she was fondling her chin. “You kind of remind me of some friends I had a long time ago. You even have the same personalities.” “That’s cute,” replied Fluttershy. “How did they look like?” “I cannot tell you,” she answered. “It’s confidential.” “Oh we understand,” Rarity said. “But there are occasions when you remember them, right?” “Oh yeah. In fact when we fought or felt alone, we always sang the Best Friends song!” Paprika smiled from ear to ear, the ponies looked confused to each other. She gasped. “You don’t know the Best Friends song?!” They moved their heads from side to side denying it. “You should. It reinforces friendship bonds and makes them stronger than ever. Here, let me teach you.” Meanwhile Pinkie Pie was outside finishing her orders and returning to the spot. “They’ll love these griffon scones,” Pinkie Pie suddenly noticed her friends weren’t in the same spot. “Girls?” she then heard voices singing coming from an unexpected place: a red-and-blue striped tent. TS: “There’s nothing in the world that could tear us apart. ♪” RD: “You my friend. ♪” RT: “There’s nothing in the universe that could come. ♪” AJ: “In between us. ♪” FS: “If you’re in a rush I will pick you up. ♪” PK: “And bring you back to who you are. ♪” “Now be ready for the best part” said the alpaca. PK: “Anything that you need. ♪” M5: “I’m here for you. ♪” PK: “Whatever I need to be. ♪” M5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PK: “Unconditional, even if I am not cool. ♪” M5: “I’m there where you need me. ♪” PK: “Need a shoulder to cry on. ♪” M5: “It’s here for you. ♪” PK: “Need a friend to rely on. ♪” M5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PK: “Unconditional, I know you know you’re my buddy. ♪” M5: “And you’re my best best friend. ♪” Everypony laughed of excitement. “Oh Paprika you’re so cool,” said Rainbow Dash. “I have an idea,” Rarity proposed. “Why don’t you hang out with us in your spare time?” Paprika smiled happily. “That would be so funny!” “Well now that we’re friends,” said Rarity. “It’s only fair if we help you with your business.” “You mean it?!” The ponies took a few bits out from their saddlebags and gave them to the alpaca, she began to look into her crystal ball. “I sense all of you lived in misery.” “That’s ridiculous,” said Applejack. “How could that be possible?” Suddenly Pinkie Pie entered with a lot of griffon scones. “What’s going on here?” she asked. The rest of the Mane 6 turned around. “Pinkie...” Twilight said nervous. “Well you see–” But Pinkie Pie got distracted with Paprika’s appearance, her pupils expanded and dropped all the desserts. “Oh, it’s a fortune teller!” she approached the table really excited. “Tell me the future.” “I sense I don’t have to accept a check,” said Paprika annoyed and unamused. “She’s good.” “Sorry to leave you Paprika but we need to go back to our duties,” said Twilight. When Twilight tried to drag Pinkie with the rest of them she held to the tablecloth so firm that when the princess finally pull her out she slipped off with the griffon scones Pinkie dropped to the floor, causing some candles to touch the fabric of the tent and ended burning the entire place. All exit and the guards and firefighters came to the scene minutes later. While the Mane 6 comforted each other the fire was extinguished, all of them could only see a sad alpaca viewing her business bedraggled. Pinkie Pie approached her slowly. “Paprika–” “You ruined me!” said Paprika furious as she turned around. “How could I not prevent this?” She looked down to the only things she could save: a pair of tarot cards that said ‘The flaming pink pony’, which showed a pony who looked like Pinkie Pie in flames and ‘The ruined alpaca’, which showed an alpaca who looked like Paprika covered in ashes. “Hey that’s me!” said Pinkie Pie excited when she looked at the first card and noticed the drawing, she did the same with the second one. “And that’s you!” “You’re a stupid, stupid pony!” she shouted to all of Equestria and pointed to the pink pony. “I cursed you. Bad luck will fall on you and the ones you love!” “But I love everypony. Even the ones that don’t love me I love them.” “Well... then the ones you love THE MOST!” “No!” Paprika laughed maliciously and disappeared in a smoke ball. The pink pony showed a scared face to her friends. “I’m cursed. I’M CURSED!” “Pinkie, don’t tell us you believe in those fallacies,” asked Rarity serious. “Only Twilight doesn’t believe in them, but the rest of you do.” “Darling it’s just a game to scare little foals.” The rest of the Mane 6 approached Pinkie to support her. “Just ‘cause a new friend of ours says ya’re cursed doesn’t mean it’s true.” “You befriend her without me?!” Pinkie was starting to have cramps. “I’m not important to you anymore?” “No...” Twilight sighed. “We’ll talk about this later, now we have to go back to work.” “I’m going to stay with her a little,” replied Fluttershy. “Just to be sure.” Fluttershy kept her promised and stayed with Pinkie the rest of the day. When night fell all of them reunited in the entrance of the Friendship Castle to organize them for the next day. “Ok,” Twilight started the list. “So for tomorrow Rarity will sell hats and saddlebags, Applejack will prepare apple fritter, Rainbow Dash is going to take them to the highest cliff for some gliding and–” “Twilight we have a problem,” Rainbow Dash interrupted her and pointed to Pinkie who was lying on the floor in the fettle position. “That evil gypsy said that horrible things will happen to the ones I love the most, what would happen if those I love include you?” “Ok sugarcube, ya’re overreactin’. First of all she’s not ‘evil’ and second–” “But it’s true.” “You said you could calm her down Fluttershy,” replied Rainbow Dash. “I did.” “How many times do I have to repeat it?” Twilight desperately levitated Pinkie with her magic. “Curses don’t exist! Stop it, stop it already! Stop being afraid of things that obviously don’t exist!” The rest of the girls grabbed Pinkie and put her down so Twilight could calm down. “Maybe all she needs is a sleep,” said Rarity. “Why don’t you go to your house and sleep well? Tomorrow will be another day.” “Maybe you’re right,” said Pinkie. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Good night Pinkie Pie!” they all said it at unison. She went to her home and rested on her bed. The next morning she was awaken to bake the next round of cupcakes for the day, the door opened and two customers entered Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie got out of the kitchen with a tray full of cupcakes to welcome them. “Good morning, my first customer of the day. What can I bring to you?” “Pinkie, we need your help.” But these customers were unrecognizable to her. How did they knew her name? “Who are you?” she asked scared. “Um... Pinkie Pie... we’re Fluttershy and Rarity,” the unicorn answered. The pink pony dropped the tray and the cupcakes touched the ground in slow motion. Rarity now had light brown fur covering her legs and her tail had disappeared while Fluttershy had shorter legs and lost all her fur. She was on the unicorn’s back and she could barely open her eyes. “What happened to both of you?” she asked. “We don’t know darling,” Rarity responded. “I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and appeared like this. Then a bird came to my window and its tweet probably was about Fluttershy so I ran to her cottage to saw if the same happened to her. When I arrived she was lying on the floor with Angel trying so hard to move her. I brought her here so you could tell us.” “Now I can’t walk correctly,” said Fluttershy gasping. “My body is too heavy for my new legs to lift it.” “I had to carry her here to see you.” “Don’t you think it’s a superstition or a coincidence?” asked Pinkie. “Don’t be naïve Pinkie Pie,” Rarity answered. “She can hardly breathe; we have to find the others!” The 3 mares exit the store to found the remaining ponies outside of the store, all changed in one form or another. “Oh no,” Pinkie said worried. “You too?” “What’s happening?” Twilight asked worried. “My coat is black. Now everypony thinks I’m Sombra’s daughter.” “A pair of horns grew on my head,” said Applejack taking her hat off to reveal them. “Also, is it me or are all of ya gettin’ taller?” “My coat is green and I lost my entire mane and tail,” added Rainbow Dash. “On top of that I can’t eat anything.” “What do you mean?” asked Pinkie. “I mean literally anything,” the cyan pony kneeled down to Pinkie Pie. “Apples, flowers, hay. I tried everything, even the grass.” “You were right,” Rarity said. “It’s Paprika’s curse, and we were punished because YOU destroyed her business.” “Well if Twilight hadn’t dragged me so hard there the tent wouldn’t have burned and everything would be fine.” “Or maybe if Applejack didn’t spot the tent in the first place.” “Ah was just tryin’ to spend time with ya.” “Please girls we don’t have to blame each other,” said Fluttershy as hard as her lunges could. “We have to find a solution to–” Suddenly everypony fell to the ground; a pain surrounded their bodies and their screams of agony covered the air. Physical changes were occurring to each one: Rarity’s legs extended, Fluttershy, who had fallen off her friend’s back, saw how wool was replacing her disappeared fur, Applejack’s tail went from being of keratin to bone, Twilight’s horn enlarged and curved and Rainbow Dash’s teeth fell out of her mouth to be replaced with new sharp ones. The only thing Pinkie could do was watch them suffer. “This is worse than I thought. I have to visit my sisters right now, in the meantime take shelter on Twilight’s home, I Pinkie promise I’ll save you.” She retired from the scene and took the first train to her home in the rock farm. While they were suffering all obeyed the orders from Pinkie and went to the castle, being chased by the rest of Ponyville the only option they had to save their lives was blocking the entrance to the castle. When the main door was closed all noticed something strange was happening to Rainbow Dash. She asked them: “Why all of you suddenly smell better?” No family to row in a lake...At the rock farm Pinkie told her sisters about the problem hoping they’ll help her. All of them were sitting down in the living room of their house. “We can’t help you Pinkie,” said Maud. “Why not?” “Because it’s not our specialty and it’s your problem,” answered Limestone. “Now if you excuse me I had to go back to work, those rocks won’t crush by themselves.” Marble then spoke quietly doubting. “Well, there’s something that can help you but I’m not sure if it’ll work.” “Tell me Marble. Anything could be crucial to save my friends.” “...The only thing in Equestria that can break an alpaca gypsy’s curse is to find the rarest creature in the world.” “How do you know that?” asked Limestone surprised not only because of her youngest sister was speaking normal but because of her knowledge. “There are things you don’t know from her,” responded Maud like she had already knew it. Marble went to their parents’ old bookshelf, she took a dusty book and opened it, revealing its content to her sisters. “The legend says that the creature will appear after dark magic is used. When it meets the user and knows the reason why it’s there it will help him/her. When its duty is complete a light will blind the user and everything will be back to normal. But sometimes the cycle never repeats itself in quite the same way.” After thinking about it Pinkie could only think of one creature. “Do you think Discord can help me?” “Probably but you have to call him first,” answered Maud. “What do you think Marble? Discord can help me to save my friends?” “Mmhm.” But Limestone had her doubts. “I want proof of what you’re saying, we know you like being in your imaginative world.” “You... you don’t believe me either?” Pinkie looked at the eyes of Maud and Marble. “Is that true?” her sisters didn’t respond. “Why don’t you answer me?” Her sisters remained silent because they were looking at Pinkie’s tail which suddenly started to shake. Her Pinkie sense had activated. “Oh no.” From nowhere Holder’s Boulder fell from the sky and went across the house, destroying it. Before it landed Limestone pushed both Pinkie and Maud, saving their lives. Unfortunately Pinkie’s head hit the wall so hard that a crack was heard, when she recovered from the pain she discovered that both Marble and Limestone were crushed by the giant rock, the youngest of the Pies died, by being crushed to death. Pinkie desperately tried to pull Limestone out to save her but it was worthless, the only thing she could do was accepting her fate. “I’m sorry Pinkie, please forgive me for not believing in you,” Limestone looked at the corpse of her younger sister and with her remaining breath said: “At least she reached the paradise first, I know she couldn’t bear to watch me die first,” Limestone closed her eyes. “Marble, Limestone!” said Pinkie crying. “They’re dead and it’s all my fault. Maud I need to–” She turned around to discover a rock dressed as her older sister. “When did this happen?” When Pinkie exited her destroyed house she headed to Ponyville, since she knew that only Twilight could call Discord with her magic. It was foggy outside, more than normal. She tried to catch the first train but she soon founded that the locomotive crashed into the train station, probably because of the fog. Trying to find survivors she sneaked away in it, only to find a pair of bodies. “Mom? Dad?” Pinkie’s mane deflated. She kneeled down in front of them. Carrying them on her back and digging a pair of holes with her own hooves she excavated graves for them and put them there, covered them with dirt and used tree bark to mark the place of their graves. She kneeled down once more. “Maud, Limestone and Marble, received them like in a party...” she sobbed. “A never-ending party.” ...Nor friends to share a cakeAfter staying with them a little she had no choice but to return to Ponyville on foot, it took her an entire day to get back but she finally arrived to the town. But something was wrong: Ponyville looked more like a ghost town. Casually she spotted Lyra and Bon Bon on the field and try to approach them. “Hey!” Both Lyra and Bon Bon got surprised when they noticed one of the Mane 6. “Where’s everypony?” “Taking shelter at their homes,” said Lyra. “Why?” “Because the castle is cursed, now foreign creatures we never seen before live inside it. I guess something happened to the princess and her friends,” said Bon Bon. “They have to come out of there someday, we’re preparing for the attack in the meantime.” Those words concerned Pinkie and as the ponies left her behind she headed to the Friendship Castle at afternoon. She opened the doors. “Hello?” no answer was given. Chill surrounded her body. “Is somepony here?” A levitation spell grabbed her, closed the doors and attracts her to the creatures that were inside. Pinkie Pie tried to free herself from them but it was worthless. In front of her were a cow, a reindeer and a classical unicorn and all of them looked menacing. They were so worried about themselves to notice her flatten mane. “AH, monsters!” shouted the pink pony. “What did you do to my friends?!” “It’s us Pinkie, don’t be scared!” exclaimed Applejack. The unicorn put her down and Pinkie Pie observed them carefully. They weren’t the same ponies she had become friends with long ago. “This got worse since you left,” said Twilight. “I lost my wings and now I have Sombra’s coat and horn, Chrysalis’s head, Trixie’s mane and Nightmare Moon’s body. I can’t exit the castle because everypony thinks I’m evil.” “Now Ah’m the smallest of all and Ah constantly moo without warnin’,” Applejack mooed, instantly covering her mouth over afterwards. “Sorry.” “I have these antlers in my head instead of my horn and a puff of fur on my chest, it’s so dreadful.” But Pinkie realized that some of her friends were missing. “...Where are Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?” “Fluttershy is cryin’ in the corner and Rainbow Dash is chained in the basement,” said Applejack. Pinkie Pie turned around to see her timid friend transformed into a sheep, she got close to her and stroked her wool to comfort her. “How is she?” “Physically she’s ok, mentally is frail,” explained Twilight. “She suffered from the transformation more than us; her legs aren’t yet adapted to her weight but her organs reduced its size so at least she doesn’t have breathing problems anymore. I’d like to say the same for Dash.” “Why? What happened to her?” “How could I say this properly darling?” asked Rarity and after a quick thought she answered. “We lost her.” “What do you mean you lost her?” “It’s better if ya see her for yourself,” answered Applejack. They took Pinkie to the door leading to the basement. “But first take this.” Rarity used her new long legs to give her the required item. “A bucket full of fish heads?” she asked. “Why do I need them?” “You’ll thank us later.” The three ungulates pushed Pinkie down to the stairs and closed the door. She was afraid and alone in the dark with meat. “Rainbow Dash, are you here?” She looked to the blackness where the sound came from. “Rainbow... Dash... they used to call me like that. Now I guess I have another name. Pinkie Pie, is that you?” “I’m back,” the pink pony started to become nervous, a pair of orange reptilian eyes shined and glared at her. “What happened to you? I’m very confused.” “I’m just hungry,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m starving to death and our called ‘friends’ rejected me because of that. Please Pinkie you’re not like them, set me free.” Pinkie Pie could saw in the dark thanks to the shine of the eyes. But sometimes there are things better to remain unknown because the shine revealed the pulverized bones of a dragon. “You ate Spike?” “Yeah. He went downstairs trying to find a spell to cure them. Why did he have to be so... tasty?” “Don’t hurt me.” “I’m not going to hurt you–” “You’re scaring me Dashie.” “You didn’t let me finish my sentence. I said I’m not going to hurt you... I’m just going to bash your brains.” A big roar screeched the entire room and flames emerged from Dash’s back where her mane, wings and tail were previously, they lighted the entire room and revealed a longma with sharp teeth. Pinkie ran away afraid of her and headed to the door, the chains that limited the reptile’s movement saved her, a little tear dropped from the longma’s eye, like if it was saying ‘forgive me Pinkie.’ She exit the room as she briefly saw her friend lunging the bucket and devouring the fish heads. “Why didn’t you tell me about that before?!” “You wouldn’t believe us!” responded Rarity. “She tried to eat us several times only for the past hours” added Applejack. “It was the only way we could save ourselves, she doesn’t even know her own name anymore for peach’s sake! And the worst part is that the same will happen to us sooner or later,” Applejack briefly transformed into the creature she was. “Why Ah think mah father’s name is Texas?” Rarity smacked Applejack’s head so she could came back to normal. “Don’t worry girls. I know how to fix this. We only have to call Discord.” “For what?” Twilight asked doubting. “Marble said to me that the rarest creature in the world can help us,” she answered. “That was before her, Limestone and Maud... and Mom... and Dad...” Pinkie remembered what happened at the rock farm and burst into tears. “Don’t cry sugarcube,” said Applejack hugging her to console her. “We’ll fix this.” Both Rarity and Applejack nodded Twilight, she tried to use her new magic to cast Discord and unlike the last time this was much faster, probably because she didn’t notice she was using dark magic. Discord was taking a shower one more time and when he noticed something was wrong in his bathroom he realized the situation. “Oh, for the love of–!” He got out of the bathtub with a towel. “Twilight Sparkle, how many times do I have to tell you that you need to send me a message before–?” But Discord was astonished when he saw the ponies in their new bodies. He couldn’t resist to burst into laughter. “Ha ha ha!” the ponies were unamused. “What happened to you all? You look... well... interesting.” “Shut up Discord,” said Twilight pissed off. “It’s not funny.” “And I thought I was the most extravagant in all of Equestria.” “We’re conscious ‘bout this, but now we need yer help to break this curse,” Applejack mooed once more and, like before, she covered her mouth. “Sorry again.” “None of you wanted me to be with you before and now you want my help so you can be like you were? That’s not how you treat a friend.” “So you’re not going to help us?!” questioned Rarity. “Just give me one, ONE reason to help you.” “Fluttershy is also cursed; she’s now a lamb, can’t even walk and it’s cryin’ in that corner.” The next day Ethnicfest was entering in its final phase, the celebrated immigrants were beginning to pack their things to return to their homelands. Paprika was no exception: she was putting her remaining things in a saddlebag she bought, including some saved tarot cards, her crystal ball, her clothes and a framed picture. Pinkie Pie entered to the ruins of the tent. “YOU.” “Oh, here’s the cursed one,” said Paprika mocking. “How’s the curse I cursed you with, cursed-y?” “I’m here to say I’m sorry,” said Pinkie. “You took away my family and turned my friends into monsters. What else do you want from me?” “Nothing but your sanity.” Paprika took the nearest thing she had available and threw it to Pinkie Pie, unfortunately for her the pony not only dodged the throw but also caught the object. “What do we have here?” “No, you can’t see that. It’s my most beloved possession.” Paprika ran to her trying to recover her item, only to receive a punch in the face. The object that was thrown was the picture, Pinkie Pie noticed something: the picture displayed Paprika with her friends, who happened to be the same animals her own friends had become. Also it was signed with the next quote that Pinkie read: “Don’t cry until the end, always keep smiling and remember that we’ll always be with you. Arizona, Velvet, Oleander, Pom and Tianuo.” “It’s Tianhuo, you dumbass!” the alpaca shouted with tears in her eyes as she stood up. “I’ve not seen them in years, I don’t know where they are and I feel so lonely without them. I had the hope that in this festival I would find them and we’ll be part of a friendship again,” Paprika vented herself. “Then your friends entered and a little light in my heart appeared, we were having so much fun together. But you... you had to come to destroy the rest of my home and my happiness with your occurrences. Why don’t you just let me believe?!” “Now it’s my turn,” Pinkie Pie said. “So I have this little vengeance ala Pinkie!” Discord entered through the door, giving an intimidating glare to the alpaca. “Listen you can do anything to the other ones, I don’t care but no one, I repeat, NO ONE messes with Fluttershy!” Discord rushed toward Paprika and brought her down. Pinkie watched them closely to observe how the draconequus destroyed the alpaca but what began with a fight ended in Discord and Paprika kissing each other. “Ew, that’s gross.” The rest of the tent exploded and balls of light came out from nowhere, covering her, vanishing her and blinding her. But sometimes the cycle never repeats itself in quite the same wayThe blindness disappeared and Pinkie could appreciate the roof of a house. It was made of rock, she suddenly recognized she was on her bed in the rock farm, with her sister Limestone sobbing at the foot of it. “Where am I?” she asked tired, like she was awakened from a deep sleep. Limestone looked up and when she realized her little sister was awake she smiled surprised and happy. “She woke up. She woke up!” Maud and Marble quickly entered the bedroom, once they noticed her sister was awake Marble ran to her, jumped on the bed and gave her a huge hug. Maud walked calmly into the bedroom carrying a letter with her, something said she was as excited as them. “We were so worried about you,” Limestone looked more happy than she ever would. “I’m so sorry, could you forgive me?” “This is exciting,” said Maud. “Isn’t it great Marble?” “Mmhm.” “What happened? I was just in Ethnicfest with my friends and–” “Pinkie,” Maud interrupted her. “We have been taking care of you for the last six months,” the pink pony remained silent. “It happened when your tail started to shake, at first we thought it was your Pinkie sense but in the end you collapsed because of the spasm caused by stress and the impact of the situation you were living. We took you to bed and checked on you at least twice a day. Your friends came when they got the news, we gave them mom and dad’s book and they left. They gave you ‘get well soon’ presents as well.” Maud pointed to her right and when Pinkie Pie turned her head left she saw all the gifts and presents of all shapes and sizes. Limestone took one box of chocolates from the pile. “All of these... are from them? For me?” “Yes,” responded Limestone as she observed the sender from the card, then proceeding to eat the content. “Alongside ~~Cheese Sandwich~~ somepony who really cares about you.” “...And mom and dad?” “They’re coming back from the market right now,” added Limestone. “The important thing is you’re safe and sound.” “I need to see them,” Pinkie Pie tried to move but after months of stillness her muscles were so weak that they couldn’t lift her up and the only thing she felt was pain. “AH!” “Don’t move,” Limestone said placing her in bed again. “You have to rest.” “We’re invited to a wedding next week,” said Maud with the letter on her hooves. “We are not going anyway since you are so delicate right now.” “No, let’s go,” said Pinkie smiling. “I’ve always said the best cure for sadness is a party.” The rest of the Pie sisters looked at each other. “If that makes you happy,” said Limestone. “Do you agree Marble?” asked Maud. “Mmhm.” “So who are the lucky ones?” Maud gave her the letter and when she read it her mind exploded. “Is this some kind of cruel joke?” It turned out that not only Paprika indeed existed, had cursed her and turned her friends into monsters but she and Discord got married after dating each other for those 6 months. Everypony in Ponyville got invited but strangely enough Pinkie remained literally tied to a wheelchair, apart from the crowd and sad for the rest of the party trying to solve the puzzle of what had really happened. Her sisters assisted her during the whole event until evening and even helped her baking the cake she wanted to give to the lovebirds but in an unguarded moment she requested to being alone for a minute or two and at the same time let them having fun. They did, Pinkie Pie put her head down. The night was sparkling, shortly after five creatures got out of the crowd and headed to her. They were: a cow, a reindeer, a classical unicorn, a sheep and a longma. Pinkie Pie looked up at them. “I don’t know why or how,” said the unicorn. “But I have the feeling of knowing you before.” “Are you sure Oleander?” asked the reindeer. “You told me you’d revised ze list and none of us have ever seen a horse this tiny before. No offense.” “None taken,” answered Pinkie Pie. “I’m sure Velvet, I’m always sure.” “Are you ok?” asked the sheep looking at her. “Like you would care anyway.” “Ve care, any friend of Paprika is ours.” “What’s so great about that evil alpaca gypsy?” The ungulates look to each other. “Ok, now we know ya definitely have a problem,” said the cow. “Mind to tell us?” “Would you believe me?” “...I guess so,” said the longma. “Tianhuo!” the sheep reproached her. “We’ll do. Arizona’s right, you need to express your feelings to everyone even if the rest consider them unimportant.” “Thanks Pom. Now go on.” Taking a deep breath Pinkie Pie began to explain. “What if I told you all of you were my friends before?” She paused. “You were ponies like me and we had saved the world multiple times. We were in a festival and you befriend her but because I accidentally destroyed her home she cursed me because of that and the curse was all of you transforming into her old friends so she was able to be with you once more and the only reason I’m guessing I’m here at her wedding is for her to tell me ‘in your face, now your friends are mine and you’ll be alone forever.’” None of the ungulates believe her, they turned around and headed to the party. “I told you she was crazy,” said the longma. Pinkie Pie then began to speak as she watched them walking away from her, although her sobbing made her difficult to understand she knew what she was singing. PP: “Nopony better say nothing bad about you my friend. ♪” In the end she burst into tears, not noticing the ungulates came back one by one when they recognized what she was singing. P: “There’s no kind of gossip you can spread around. ♪” A: “That’ll change mah opinion. ♪” Her eyes and throat got cleaner, letting her to sing better. V: “They can make it up. ♪” T: “They can talk like trash. ♪” O: “You know who I am and I know who you are. ♪” She smiled briefly and her eyes and throat got cleaner, letting her to sing better. PP: “Anything that you need. ♪” F5: “I’m here for you. ♪” PP: “Whatever I need to be. ♪” F5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PP: “Unconditional, even when we are not cool. ♪” F5: “I’m there when you need me. ♪” PP: “If you need a laugh. ♪” F5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PP: “If you need some advice. ♪” F5: “I’m here for you. ♪” PP: “Unconditional, I know you know you’re my buddy. ♪” F5: “And you’re my best best friend. ♪” Pinkie struggled to break her bonds from the wheelchair, moving the best she could and when she finally freed from her diving bell she fell to the ground, screaming in pain. Maud, Limestone and Marble heard her from afar and ran to her as fast as they could. They tried to help her sister to stand up but she rejected them, then they thought the ungulates had hurt her but she stopped them; with her remaining strength Pinkie Pie crawled to the ungulates and hugged the unicorn’s leg. “I love you girls. Please don’t forget me, I Pinkie promised that I’d save you.” Paprika looked from afar the scene and she was touched. She, accompanied by Discord approached them slowly. When they arrived the ungulates turned around and saw her. “You can’t stay with me anymore because I know you don’t exist,” they raised their eyebrows. “I wish you could be here with all your perfections and imperfections... but no... You’re just a shade. You’re just a shade of my real friends, you’re the best that I could do but now I realize that as long as you are with me I’m hurting someone... somepony else. We had our time together but I have to let you go.” Paprika closed her eyes and suddenly balls of light came out of nowhere and covered the friends elevating them to the sky, the Pie sisters and Discord watched carefully. When the effect finished the balls of light came to the ground and dissipated, the ponies were freed and all had been returned to normal. All of them looked confused. “What happened?” asked Twilight as she and the others stood up slowly. “My plan worked,” Discord explained the situation. “You see, when you summoned me I knew that the one I should help was Paprika here. So I waited all these months to her became conscious about her actions. Now if you excuse me I want a slice of the Pie sisters’ rock cake.” Discord departed. Paprika spoke to the Mane 6. “I’m sorry for what I did, I just wanted to see them again,” Paprika put her head down. “You can go home now, I beg your pardon.” Paprika turned around and walked away from them. Instantly Pinkie reminded what her sister Marble said, ‘But sometimes the cycle never repeats itself in quite the same way.’ She commanded her sisters to take her to the alpaca, they placed her in the wheelchair and move her. She touched her shoulder and Paprika stopped and turned around to her, Pinkie Pie requested her sisters to leave them alone. They proceeded. “Look, we both did mistakes in the past but you can always redeemed yourself. Those friends of yours don’t deserve to be your friends, they’re not even at your wedding, so why not start a new cycle in your life by making new ones?” Paprika smiled at her. “Let’s start from the beginning” Pinkie held her hoof with hers. “I’m Pinkie Pie.” “...I’m Paprika Paca, nice to meet you.” Author's Note Herding facts: -The original title was "Herds and the City", it was originally a pure comedy and a one-shot. -The rest of the Fightin' 6 were included at the last minute, originally the Mane 6's personalities were inside their bodies near the end and accepting their new fate. -Maud was the only Pie sister appearing in the plot. After watching "Heartbreakers" both Limestone and Marble were added. On a similar note Discord had a major role in the plot but it was moderately cut to avoid excess of characters. -The original concept of the story involved the blog Miss Pie's Monsters, where Pinkie Pie helps the rest of the Mane 6 (transformed into monsters) to coexist with the rest of Ponyville. After watching tons of fanart of Them's Fightin' Herds I rewritte the entire script, curiosly the next image from Miss Pie's Monsters was the mind-bending of that idea, even providing Paprika's outfit for the story.
Bad luck will fall on you and the ones you love!Author's Note My God, this is one of the hardest stories I've ever written. Before you start reading let me let you know a couple of details: The majority of crossover stories are only in 2 genres: comedy and adventure. There are exceptions but that seems to be the rule. This is an experiment of trying something different. Also I hope this can inspire others to write about these creatures and their universe. I hope you enjoy it. Now if you excuse me it's time for me to go to hell. Bad luck will fall on you and the ones you love! Another festival was arriving to Equestria, another time to create new friendships, the name of the festival: Ethnicfest, which was done to celebrate all those species different from ponies all around the world for a week. There were griffons, yaks, donkeys, diamond dogs, buffalos, breezies and even a few dragons. As always the princesses were in charge of the organization, including Twilight Sparkle herself. The rest of the Mane 6 were no exception: Applejack and Pinkie Pie prepared the food, Fluttershy took a tour for all of them across the town, Rainbow Dash entertained them with acrobatic stunts and Rarity opened a small souvenir shop so they could buy some clothes. This was done for 3 days in a row, on the 4th something happened, something that will change the things for the Mane 6 forever. It all started when the girls took a break from their respective businesses and decided to explore the festival itself, each one carrying a saddlebag with bits just in case. “Ah Ethnicfest, the festival where all species different from ponies worked to be like us,” said Rainbow Dash. “You can even hear all of them saying ‘hello’ to each other,” said Fluttershy agreeing with her friend. “I’m going to buy some exotic food for you all,” said Pinkie Pie happily and then departed jumping from the rest. “Wait for me.” “Look, it’s a fortune teller,” advised Applejack pointing the local. It was a small tent, covered in red and blue stripes and at the entrance a sign that said ‘Fortune teller, after hours use automated teller.’ The 5 ponies entered the tent and discovered an animal they had never seen before, not even Fluttershy: a mix between a sheep and a camel, with large legs and a large neck sitting in front of a table with a crystal ball on it. The animal had yellow wool and purple eyes and was wearing a purple scarf and turban with a blue feather. “Good mornin’.” “Welcome to my house. I intuit you have millions of questions,” it said. The tone of the voice revealed it was a female. “First of all, are you from security?” “No,” responded Twilight. “Thank Celestia. Do you know how hard it was to get a spot on this festival? Even the princesses don’t recognize my species.” “Excuse us,” said Fluttershy. “But who and what are you?” “My name is Paprika and I’m an alpaca, I come from the southern lands,” she said. “I make my living doing prophecies as a gypsy. Mind if you want one?” “Come on; don’t tell me you believe in this,” Twilight questioned her friends. “Don’t be so rude darling. It’s just for fun,” answered Rarity. “You know?” asked Paprika while she was fondling her chin. “You kind of remind me of some friends I had a long time ago. You even have the same personalities.” “That’s cute,” replied Fluttershy. “How did they look like?” “I cannot tell you,” she answered. “It’s confidential.” “Oh we understand,” Rarity said. “But there are occasions when you remember them, right?” “Oh yeah. In fact when we fought or felt alone, we always sang the Best Friends song!” Paprika smiled from ear to ear, the ponies looked confused to each other. She gasped. “You don’t know the Best Friends song?!” They moved their heads from side to side denying it. “You should. It reinforces friendship bonds and makes them stronger than ever. Here, let me teach you.” Meanwhile Pinkie Pie was outside finishing her orders and returning to the spot. “They’ll love these griffon scones,” Pinkie Pie suddenly noticed her friends weren’t in the same spot. “Girls?” she then heard voices singing coming from an unexpected place: a red-and-blue striped tent. TS: “There’s nothing in the world that could tear us apart. ♪” RD: “You my friend. ♪” RT: “There’s nothing in the universe that could come. ♪” AJ: “In between us. ♪” FS: “If you’re in a rush I will pick you up. ♪” PK: “And bring you back to who you are. ♪” “Now be ready for the best part” said the alpaca. PK: “Anything that you need. ♪” M5: “I’m here for you. ♪” PK: “Whatever I need to be. ♪” M5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PK: “Unconditional, even if I am not cool. ♪” M5: “I’m there where you need me. ♪” PK: “Need a shoulder to cry on. ♪” M5: “It’s here for you. ♪” PK: “Need a friend to rely on. ♪” M5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PK: “Unconditional, I know you know you’re my buddy. ♪” M5: “And you’re my best best friend. ♪” Everypony laughed of excitement. “Oh Paprika you’re so cool,” said Rainbow Dash. “I have an idea,” Rarity proposed. “Why don’t you hang out with us in your spare time?” Paprika smiled happily. “That would be so funny!” “Well now that we’re friends,” said Rarity. “It’s only fair if we help you with your business.” “You mean it?!” The ponies took a few bits out from their saddlebags and gave them to the alpaca, she began to look into her crystal ball. “I sense all of you lived in misery.” “That’s ridiculous,” said Applejack. “How could that be possible?” Suddenly Pinkie Pie entered with a lot of griffon scones. “What’s going on here?” she asked. The rest of the Mane 6 turned around. “Pinkie...” Twilight said nervous. “Well you see–” But Pinkie Pie got distracted with Paprika’s appearance, her pupils expanded and dropped all the desserts. “Oh, it’s a fortune teller!” she approached the table really excited. “Tell me the future.” “I sense I don’t have to accept a check,” said Paprika annoyed and unamused. “She’s good.” “Sorry to leave you Paprika but we need to go back to our duties,” said Twilight. When Twilight tried to drag Pinkie with the rest of them she held to the tablecloth so firm that when the princess finally pull her out she slipped off with the griffon scones Pinkie dropped to the floor, causing some candles to touch the fabric of the tent and ended burning the entire place. All exit and the guards and firefighters came to the scene minutes later. While the Mane 6 comforted each other the fire was extinguished, all of them could only see a sad alpaca viewing her business bedraggled. Pinkie Pie approached her slowly. “Paprika–” “You ruined me!” said Paprika furious as she turned around. “How could I not prevent this?” She looked down to the only things she could save: a pair of tarot cards that said ‘The flaming pink pony’, which showed a pony who looked like Pinkie Pie in flames and ‘The ruined alpaca’, which showed an alpaca who looked like Paprika covered in ashes. “Hey that’s me!” said Pinkie Pie excited when she looked at the first card and noticed the drawing, she did the same with the second one. “And that’s you!” “You’re a stupid, stupid pony!” she shouted to all of Equestria and pointed to the pink pony. “I cursed you. Bad luck will fall on you and the ones you love!” “But I love everypony. Even the ones that don’t love me I love them.” “Well... then the ones you love THE MOST!” “No!” Paprika laughed maliciously and disappeared in a smoke ball. The pink pony showed a scared face to her friends. “I’m cursed. I’M CURSED!” “Pinkie, don’t tell us you believe in those fallacies,” asked Rarity serious. “Only Twilight doesn’t believe in them, but the rest of you do.” “Darling it’s just a game to scare little foals.” The rest of the Mane 6 approached Pinkie to support her. “Just ‘cause a new friend of ours says ya’re cursed doesn’t mean it’s true.” “You befriend her without me?!” Pinkie was starting to have cramps. “I’m not important to you anymore?” “No...” Twilight sighed. “We’ll talk about this later, now we have to go back to work.” “I’m going to stay with her a little,” replied Fluttershy. “Just to be sure.” Fluttershy kept her promised and stayed with Pinkie the rest of the day. When night fell all of them reunited in the entrance of the Friendship Castle to organize them for the next day. “Ok,” Twilight started the list. “So for tomorrow Rarity will sell hats and saddlebags, Applejack will prepare apple fritter, Rainbow Dash is going to take them to the highest cliff for some gliding and–” “Twilight we have a problem,” Rainbow Dash interrupted her and pointed to Pinkie who was lying on the floor in the fettle position. “That evil gypsy said that horrible things will happen to the ones I love the most, what would happen if those I love include you?” “Ok sugarcube, ya’re overreactin’. First of all she’s not ‘evil’ and second–” “But it’s true.” “You said you could calm her down Fluttershy,” replied Rainbow Dash. “I did.” “How many times do I have to repeat it?” Twilight desperately levitated Pinkie with her magic. “Curses don’t exist! Stop it, stop it already! Stop being afraid of things that obviously don’t exist!” The rest of the girls grabbed Pinkie and put her down so Twilight could calm down. “Maybe all she needs is a sleep,” said Rarity. “Why don’t you go to your house and sleep well? Tomorrow will be another day.” “Maybe you’re right,” said Pinkie. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Good night Pinkie Pie!” they all said it at unison. She went to her home and rested on her bed. The next morning she was awaken to bake the next round of cupcakes for the day, the door opened and two customers entered Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie got out of the kitchen with a tray full of cupcakes to welcome them. “Good morning, my first customer of the day. What can I bring to you?” “Pinkie, we need your help.” But these customers were unrecognizable to her. How did they knew her name? “Who are you?” she asked scared. “Um... Pinkie Pie... we’re Fluttershy and Rarity,” the unicorn answered. The pink pony dropped the tray and the cupcakes touched the ground in slow motion. Rarity now had light brown fur covering her legs and her tail had disappeared while Fluttershy had shorter legs and lost all her fur. She was on the unicorn’s back and she could barely open her eyes. “What happened to both of you?” she asked. “We don’t know darling,” Rarity responded. “I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and appeared like this. Then a bird came to my window and its tweet probably was about Fluttershy so I ran to her cottage to saw if the same happened to her. When I arrived she was lying on the floor with Angel trying so hard to move her. I brought her here so you could tell us.” “Now I can’t walk correctly,” said Fluttershy gasping. “My body is too heavy for my new legs to lift it.” “I had to carry her here to see you.” “Don’t you think it’s a superstition or a coincidence?” asked Pinkie. “Don’t be naïve Pinkie Pie,” Rarity answered. “She can hardly breathe; we have to find the others!” The 3 mares exit the store to found the remaining ponies outside of the store, all changed in one form or another. “Oh no,” Pinkie said worried. “You too?” “What’s happening?” Twilight asked worried. “My coat is black. Now everypony thinks I’m Sombra’s daughter.” “A pair of horns grew on my head,” said Applejack taking her hat off to reveal them. “Also, is it me or are all of ya gettin’ taller?” “My coat is green and I lost my entire mane and tail,” added Rainbow Dash. “On top of that I can’t eat anything.” “What do you mean?” asked Pinkie. “I mean literally anything,” the cyan pony kneeled down to Pinkie Pie. “Apples, flowers, hay. I tried everything, even the grass.” “You were right,” Rarity said. “It’s Paprika’s curse, and we were punished because YOU destroyed her business.” “Well if Twilight hadn’t dragged me so hard there the tent wouldn’t have burned and everything would be fine.” “Or maybe if Applejack didn’t spot the tent in the first place.” “Ah was just tryin’ to spend time with ya.” “Please girls we don’t have to blame each other,” said Fluttershy as hard as her lunges could. “We have to find a solution to–” Suddenly everypony fell to the ground; a pain surrounded their bodies and their screams of agony covered the air. Physical changes were occurring to each one: Rarity’s legs extended, Fluttershy, who had fallen off her friend’s back, saw how wool was replacing her disappeared fur, Applejack’s tail went from being of keratin to bone, Twilight’s horn enlarged and curved and Rainbow Dash’s teeth fell out of her mouth to be replaced with new sharp ones. The only thing Pinkie could do was watch them suffer. “This is worse than I thought. I have to visit my sisters right now, in the meantime take shelter on Twilight’s home, I Pinkie promise I’ll save you.” She retired from the scene and took the first train to her home in the rock farm. While they were suffering all obeyed the orders from Pinkie and went to the castle, being chased by the rest of Ponyville the only option they had to save their lives was blocking the entrance to the castle. When the main door was closed all noticed something strange was happening to Rainbow Dash. She asked them: “Why all of you suddenly smell better?”
No family to row in a lake...At the rock farm Pinkie told her sisters about the problem hoping they’ll help her. All of them were sitting down in the living room of their house. “We can’t help you Pinkie,” said Maud. “Why not?” “Because it’s not our specialty and it’s your problem,” answered Limestone. “Now if you excuse me I had to go back to work, those rocks won’t crush by themselves.” Marble then spoke quietly doubting. “Well, there’s something that can help you but I’m not sure if it’ll work.” “Tell me Marble. Anything could be crucial to save my friends.” “...The only thing in Equestria that can break an alpaca gypsy’s curse is to find the rarest creature in the world.” “How do you know that?” asked Limestone surprised not only because of her youngest sister was speaking normal but because of her knowledge. “There are things you don’t know from her,” responded Maud like she had already knew it. Marble went to their parents’ old bookshelf, she took a dusty book and opened it, revealing its content to her sisters. “The legend says that the creature will appear after dark magic is used. When it meets the user and knows the reason why it’s there it will help him/her. When its duty is complete a light will blind the user and everything will be back to normal. But sometimes the cycle never repeats itself in quite the same way.” After thinking about it Pinkie could only think of one creature. “Do you think Discord can help me?” “Probably but you have to call him first,” answered Maud. “What do you think Marble? Discord can help me to save my friends?” “Mmhm.” But Limestone had her doubts. “I want proof of what you’re saying, we know you like being in your imaginative world.” “You... you don’t believe me either?” Pinkie looked at the eyes of Maud and Marble. “Is that true?” her sisters didn’t respond. “Why don’t you answer me?” Her sisters remained silent because they were looking at Pinkie’s tail which suddenly started to shake. Her Pinkie sense had activated. “Oh no.” From nowhere Holder’s Boulder fell from the sky and went across the house, destroying it. Before it landed Limestone pushed both Pinkie and Maud, saving their lives. Unfortunately Pinkie’s head hit the wall so hard that a crack was heard, when she recovered from the pain she discovered that both Marble and Limestone were crushed by the giant rock, the youngest of the Pies died, by being crushed to death. Pinkie desperately tried to pull Limestone out to save her but it was worthless, the only thing she could do was accepting her fate. “I’m sorry Pinkie, please forgive me for not believing in you,” Limestone looked at the corpse of her younger sister and with her remaining breath said: “At least she reached the paradise first, I know she couldn’t bear to watch me die first,” Limestone closed her eyes. “Marble, Limestone!” said Pinkie crying. “They’re dead and it’s all my fault. Maud I need to–” She turned around to discover a rock dressed as her older sister. “When did this happen?” When Pinkie exited her destroyed house she headed to Ponyville, since she knew that only Twilight could call Discord with her magic. It was foggy outside, more than normal. She tried to catch the first train but she soon founded that the locomotive crashed into the train station, probably because of the fog. Trying to find survivors she sneaked away in it, only to find a pair of bodies. “Mom? Dad?” Pinkie’s mane deflated. She kneeled down in front of them. Carrying them on her back and digging a pair of holes with her own hooves she excavated graves for them and put them there, covered them with dirt and used tree bark to mark the place of their graves. She kneeled down once more. “Maud, Limestone and Marble, received them like in a party...” she sobbed. “A never-ending party.”
...Nor friends to share a cakeAfter staying with them a little she had no choice but to return to Ponyville on foot, it took her an entire day to get back but she finally arrived to the town. But something was wrong: Ponyville looked more like a ghost town. Casually she spotted Lyra and Bon Bon on the field and try to approach them. “Hey!” Both Lyra and Bon Bon got surprised when they noticed one of the Mane 6. “Where’s everypony?” “Taking shelter at their homes,” said Lyra. “Why?” “Because the castle is cursed, now foreign creatures we never seen before live inside it. I guess something happened to the princess and her friends,” said Bon Bon. “They have to come out of there someday, we’re preparing for the attack in the meantime.” Those words concerned Pinkie and as the ponies left her behind she headed to the Friendship Castle at afternoon. She opened the doors. “Hello?” no answer was given. Chill surrounded her body. “Is somepony here?” A levitation spell grabbed her, closed the doors and attracts her to the creatures that were inside. Pinkie Pie tried to free herself from them but it was worthless. In front of her were a cow, a reindeer and a classical unicorn and all of them looked menacing. They were so worried about themselves to notice her flatten mane. “AH, monsters!” shouted the pink pony. “What did you do to my friends?!” “It’s us Pinkie, don’t be scared!” exclaimed Applejack. The unicorn put her down and Pinkie Pie observed them carefully. They weren’t the same ponies she had become friends with long ago. “This got worse since you left,” said Twilight. “I lost my wings and now I have Sombra’s coat and horn, Chrysalis’s head, Trixie’s mane and Nightmare Moon’s body. I can’t exit the castle because everypony thinks I’m evil.” “Now Ah’m the smallest of all and Ah constantly moo without warnin’,” Applejack mooed, instantly covering her mouth over afterwards. “Sorry.” “I have these antlers in my head instead of my horn and a puff of fur on my chest, it’s so dreadful.” But Pinkie realized that some of her friends were missing. “...Where are Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?” “Fluttershy is cryin’ in the corner and Rainbow Dash is chained in the basement,” said Applejack. Pinkie Pie turned around to see her timid friend transformed into a sheep, she got close to her and stroked her wool to comfort her. “How is she?” “Physically she’s ok, mentally is frail,” explained Twilight. “She suffered from the transformation more than us; her legs aren’t yet adapted to her weight but her organs reduced its size so at least she doesn’t have breathing problems anymore. I’d like to say the same for Dash.” “Why? What happened to her?” “How could I say this properly darling?” asked Rarity and after a quick thought she answered. “We lost her.” “What do you mean you lost her?” “It’s better if ya see her for yourself,” answered Applejack. They took Pinkie to the door leading to the basement. “But first take this.” Rarity used her new long legs to give her the required item. “A bucket full of fish heads?” she asked. “Why do I need them?” “You’ll thank us later.” The three ungulates pushed Pinkie down to the stairs and closed the door. She was afraid and alone in the dark with meat. “Rainbow Dash, are you here?” She looked to the blackness where the sound came from. “Rainbow... Dash... they used to call me like that. Now I guess I have another name. Pinkie Pie, is that you?” “I’m back,” the pink pony started to become nervous, a pair of orange reptilian eyes shined and glared at her. “What happened to you? I’m very confused.” “I’m just hungry,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m starving to death and our called ‘friends’ rejected me because of that. Please Pinkie you’re not like them, set me free.” Pinkie Pie could saw in the dark thanks to the shine of the eyes. But sometimes there are things better to remain unknown because the shine revealed the pulverized bones of a dragon. “You ate Spike?” “Yeah. He went downstairs trying to find a spell to cure them. Why did he have to be so... tasty?” “Don’t hurt me.” “I’m not going to hurt you–” “You’re scaring me Dashie.” “You didn’t let me finish my sentence. I said I’m not going to hurt you... I’m just going to bash your brains.” A big roar screeched the entire room and flames emerged from Dash’s back where her mane, wings and tail were previously, they lighted the entire room and revealed a longma with sharp teeth. Pinkie ran away afraid of her and headed to the door, the chains that limited the reptile’s movement saved her, a little tear dropped from the longma’s eye, like if it was saying ‘forgive me Pinkie.’ She exit the room as she briefly saw her friend lunging the bucket and devouring the fish heads. “Why didn’t you tell me about that before?!” “You wouldn’t believe us!” responded Rarity. “She tried to eat us several times only for the past hours” added Applejack. “It was the only way we could save ourselves, she doesn’t even know her own name anymore for peach’s sake! And the worst part is that the same will happen to us sooner or later,” Applejack briefly transformed into the creature she was. “Why Ah think mah father’s name is Texas?” Rarity smacked Applejack’s head so she could came back to normal. “Don’t worry girls. I know how to fix this. We only have to call Discord.” “For what?” Twilight asked doubting. “Marble said to me that the rarest creature in the world can help us,” she answered. “That was before her, Limestone and Maud... and Mom... and Dad...” Pinkie remembered what happened at the rock farm and burst into tears. “Don’t cry sugarcube,” said Applejack hugging her to console her. “We’ll fix this.” Both Rarity and Applejack nodded Twilight, she tried to use her new magic to cast Discord and unlike the last time this was much faster, probably because she didn’t notice she was using dark magic. Discord was taking a shower one more time and when he noticed something was wrong in his bathroom he realized the situation. “Oh, for the love of–!” He got out of the bathtub with a towel. “Twilight Sparkle, how many times do I have to tell you that you need to send me a message before–?” But Discord was astonished when he saw the ponies in their new bodies. He couldn’t resist to burst into laughter. “Ha ha ha!” the ponies were unamused. “What happened to you all? You look... well... interesting.” “Shut up Discord,” said Twilight pissed off. “It’s not funny.” “And I thought I was the most extravagant in all of Equestria.” “We’re conscious ‘bout this, but now we need yer help to break this curse,” Applejack mooed once more and, like before, she covered her mouth. “Sorry again.” “None of you wanted me to be with you before and now you want my help so you can be like you were? That’s not how you treat a friend.” “So you’re not going to help us?!” questioned Rarity. “Just give me one, ONE reason to help you.” “Fluttershy is also cursed; she’s now a lamb, can’t even walk and it’s cryin’ in that corner.” The next day Ethnicfest was entering in its final phase, the celebrated immigrants were beginning to pack their things to return to their homelands. Paprika was no exception: she was putting her remaining things in a saddlebag she bought, including some saved tarot cards, her crystal ball, her clothes and a framed picture. Pinkie Pie entered to the ruins of the tent. “YOU.” “Oh, here’s the cursed one,” said Paprika mocking. “How’s the curse I cursed you with, cursed-y?” “I’m here to say I’m sorry,” said Pinkie. “You took away my family and turned my friends into monsters. What else do you want from me?” “Nothing but your sanity.” Paprika took the nearest thing she had available and threw it to Pinkie Pie, unfortunately for her the pony not only dodged the throw but also caught the object. “What do we have here?” “No, you can’t see that. It’s my most beloved possession.” Paprika ran to her trying to recover her item, only to receive a punch in the face. The object that was thrown was the picture, Pinkie Pie noticed something: the picture displayed Paprika with her friends, who happened to be the same animals her own friends had become. Also it was signed with the next quote that Pinkie read: “Don’t cry until the end, always keep smiling and remember that we’ll always be with you. Arizona, Velvet, Oleander, Pom and Tianuo.” “It’s Tianhuo, you dumbass!” the alpaca shouted with tears in her eyes as she stood up. “I’ve not seen them in years, I don’t know where they are and I feel so lonely without them. I had the hope that in this festival I would find them and we’ll be part of a friendship again,” Paprika vented herself. “Then your friends entered and a little light in my heart appeared, we were having so much fun together. But you... you had to come to destroy the rest of my home and my happiness with your occurrences. Why don’t you just let me believe?!” “Now it’s my turn,” Pinkie Pie said. “So I have this little vengeance ala Pinkie!” Discord entered through the door, giving an intimidating glare to the alpaca. “Listen you can do anything to the other ones, I don’t care but no one, I repeat, NO ONE messes with Fluttershy!” Discord rushed toward Paprika and brought her down. Pinkie watched them closely to observe how the draconequus destroyed the alpaca but what began with a fight ended in Discord and Paprika kissing each other. “Ew, that’s gross.” The rest of the tent exploded and balls of light came out from nowhere, covering her, vanishing her and blinding her.
But sometimes the cycle never repeats itself in quite the same wayThe blindness disappeared and Pinkie could appreciate the roof of a house. It was made of rock, she suddenly recognized she was on her bed in the rock farm, with her sister Limestone sobbing at the foot of it. “Where am I?” she asked tired, like she was awakened from a deep sleep. Limestone looked up and when she realized her little sister was awake she smiled surprised and happy. “She woke up. She woke up!” Maud and Marble quickly entered the bedroom, once they noticed her sister was awake Marble ran to her, jumped on the bed and gave her a huge hug. Maud walked calmly into the bedroom carrying a letter with her, something said she was as excited as them. “We were so worried about you,” Limestone looked more happy than she ever would. “I’m so sorry, could you forgive me?” “This is exciting,” said Maud. “Isn’t it great Marble?” “Mmhm.” “What happened? I was just in Ethnicfest with my friends and–” “Pinkie,” Maud interrupted her. “We have been taking care of you for the last six months,” the pink pony remained silent. “It happened when your tail started to shake, at first we thought it was your Pinkie sense but in the end you collapsed because of the spasm caused by stress and the impact of the situation you were living. We took you to bed and checked on you at least twice a day. Your friends came when they got the news, we gave them mom and dad’s book and they left. They gave you ‘get well soon’ presents as well.” Maud pointed to her right and when Pinkie Pie turned her head left she saw all the gifts and presents of all shapes and sizes. Limestone took one box of chocolates from the pile. “All of these... are from them? For me?” “Yes,” responded Limestone as she observed the sender from the card, then proceeding to eat the content. “Alongside ~~Cheese Sandwich~~ somepony who really cares about you.” “...And mom and dad?” “They’re coming back from the market right now,” added Limestone. “The important thing is you’re safe and sound.” “I need to see them,” Pinkie Pie tried to move but after months of stillness her muscles were so weak that they couldn’t lift her up and the only thing she felt was pain. “AH!” “Don’t move,” Limestone said placing her in bed again. “You have to rest.” “We’re invited to a wedding next week,” said Maud with the letter on her hooves. “We are not going anyway since you are so delicate right now.” “No, let’s go,” said Pinkie smiling. “I’ve always said the best cure for sadness is a party.” The rest of the Pie sisters looked at each other. “If that makes you happy,” said Limestone. “Do you agree Marble?” asked Maud. “Mmhm.” “So who are the lucky ones?” Maud gave her the letter and when she read it her mind exploded. “Is this some kind of cruel joke?” It turned out that not only Paprika indeed existed, had cursed her and turned her friends into monsters but she and Discord got married after dating each other for those 6 months. Everypony in Ponyville got invited but strangely enough Pinkie remained literally tied to a wheelchair, apart from the crowd and sad for the rest of the party trying to solve the puzzle of what had really happened. Her sisters assisted her during the whole event until evening and even helped her baking the cake she wanted to give to the lovebirds but in an unguarded moment she requested to being alone for a minute or two and at the same time let them having fun. They did, Pinkie Pie put her head down. The night was sparkling, shortly after five creatures got out of the crowd and headed to her. They were: a cow, a reindeer, a classical unicorn, a sheep and a longma. Pinkie Pie looked up at them. “I don’t know why or how,” said the unicorn. “But I have the feeling of knowing you before.” “Are you sure Oleander?” asked the reindeer. “You told me you’d revised ze list and none of us have ever seen a horse this tiny before. No offense.” “None taken,” answered Pinkie Pie. “I’m sure Velvet, I’m always sure.” “Are you ok?” asked the sheep looking at her. “Like you would care anyway.” “Ve care, any friend of Paprika is ours.” “What’s so great about that evil alpaca gypsy?” The ungulates look to each other. “Ok, now we know ya definitely have a problem,” said the cow. “Mind to tell us?” “Would you believe me?” “...I guess so,” said the longma. “Tianhuo!” the sheep reproached her. “We’ll do. Arizona’s right, you need to express your feelings to everyone even if the rest consider them unimportant.” “Thanks Pom. Now go on.” Taking a deep breath Pinkie Pie began to explain. “What if I told you all of you were my friends before?” She paused. “You were ponies like me and we had saved the world multiple times. We were in a festival and you befriend her but because I accidentally destroyed her home she cursed me because of that and the curse was all of you transforming into her old friends so she was able to be with you once more and the only reason I’m guessing I’m here at her wedding is for her to tell me ‘in your face, now your friends are mine and you’ll be alone forever.’” None of the ungulates believe her, they turned around and headed to the party. “I told you she was crazy,” said the longma. Pinkie Pie then began to speak as she watched them walking away from her, although her sobbing made her difficult to understand she knew what she was singing. PP: “Nopony better say nothing bad about you my friend. ♪” In the end she burst into tears, not noticing the ungulates came back one by one when they recognized what she was singing. P: “There’s no kind of gossip you can spread around. ♪” A: “That’ll change mah opinion. ♪” Her eyes and throat got cleaner, letting her to sing better. V: “They can make it up. ♪” T: “They can talk like trash. ♪” O: “You know who I am and I know who you are. ♪” She smiled briefly and her eyes and throat got cleaner, letting her to sing better. PP: “Anything that you need. ♪” F5: “I’m here for you. ♪” PP: “Whatever I need to be. ♪” F5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PP: “Unconditional, even when we are not cool. ♪” F5: “I’m there when you need me. ♪” PP: “If you need a laugh. ♪” F5: “I’m there for you. ♪” PP: “If you need some advice. ♪” F5: “I’m here for you. ♪” PP: “Unconditional, I know you know you’re my buddy. ♪” F5: “And you’re my best best friend. ♪” Pinkie struggled to break her bonds from the wheelchair, moving the best she could and when she finally freed from her diving bell she fell to the ground, screaming in pain. Maud, Limestone and Marble heard her from afar and ran to her as fast as they could. They tried to help her sister to stand up but she rejected them, then they thought the ungulates had hurt her but she stopped them; with her remaining strength Pinkie Pie crawled to the ungulates and hugged the unicorn’s leg. “I love you girls. Please don’t forget me, I Pinkie promised that I’d save you.” Paprika looked from afar the scene and she was touched. She, accompanied by Discord approached them slowly. When they arrived the ungulates turned around and saw her. “You can’t stay with me anymore because I know you don’t exist,” they raised their eyebrows. “I wish you could be here with all your perfections and imperfections... but no... You’re just a shade. You’re just a shade of my real friends, you’re the best that I could do but now I realize that as long as you are with me I’m hurting someone... somepony else. We had our time together but I have to let you go.” Paprika closed her eyes and suddenly balls of light came out of nowhere and covered the friends elevating them to the sky, the Pie sisters and Discord watched carefully. When the effect finished the balls of light came to the ground and dissipated, the ponies were freed and all had been returned to normal. All of them looked confused. “What happened?” asked Twilight as she and the others stood up slowly. “My plan worked,” Discord explained the situation. “You see, when you summoned me I knew that the one I should help was Paprika here. So I waited all these months to her became conscious about her actions. Now if you excuse me I want a slice of the Pie sisters’ rock cake.” Discord departed. Paprika spoke to the Mane 6. “I’m sorry for what I did, I just wanted to see them again,” Paprika put her head down. “You can go home now, I beg your pardon.” Paprika turned around and walked away from them. Instantly Pinkie reminded what her sister Marble said, ‘But sometimes the cycle never repeats itself in quite the same way.’ She commanded her sisters to take her to the alpaca, they placed her in the wheelchair and move her. She touched her shoulder and Paprika stopped and turned around to her, Pinkie Pie requested her sisters to leave them alone. They proceeded. “Look, we both did mistakes in the past but you can always redeemed yourself. Those friends of yours don’t deserve to be your friends, they’re not even at your wedding, so why not start a new cycle in your life by making new ones?” Paprika smiled at her. “Let’s start from the beginning” Pinkie held her hoof with hers. “I’m Pinkie Pie.” “...I’m Paprika Paca, nice to meet you.” Author's Note Herding facts: -The original title was "Herds and the City", it was originally a pure comedy and a one-shot. -The rest of the Fightin' 6 were included at the last minute, originally the Mane 6's personalities were inside their bodies near the end and accepting their new fate. -Maud was the only Pie sister appearing in the plot. After watching "Heartbreakers" both Limestone and Marble were added. On a similar note Discord had a major role in the plot but it was moderately cut to avoid excess of characters. -The original concept of the story involved the blog Miss Pie's Monsters, where Pinkie Pie helps the rest of the Mane 6 (transformed into monsters) to coexist with the rest of Ponyville. After watching tons of fanart of Them's Fightin' Herds I rewritte the entire script, curiosly the next image from Miss Pie's Monsters was the mind-bending of that idea, even providing Paprika's outfit for the story.
