Story of Diane Pie: Re-Unityby Middle GroundChaptersChapter 2 - Fun Day!Chapter 3 - Royal InviteChapter 4 - NegativeChapter 5 - ReflectionChapter 6 - FriendshipChapter 1 - Service with a SmileChapter 2 - Fun Day!Tuesday and today is the last day of school for the little ponies of Manehatten Elementary. And the last day is a day where everypony gathers in Manehatten Park to enjoy a day of fun. I just happen to be attending it with Day and Charm. Miss Jubilee was busy with her family business, Bitter Sweet had an appointment to attend to with one of his patients, and Tough Love is now working at her bakery/café. There were many parents spending time with their fillies and young colts on this day of fun. There were many activities like tug of war, pie eating contests, tag, Buckball, track, and even jump rope. While Charm was having fun with the other young colts, I sat underneath the shady trees with Day as she played with her bunny doll. Day never was one for running around too much. Most of the parents joined us. "It sure is a nice day, isn't it?" The sun was shining, the ponies were all having fun, and there was a gentle summer breeze blowing against our manes. It was nice. "It is. I love days like this." We didn't want to play any of the games. I prefer to just enjoy my day quietly. "Hey Diane...! Come on! Play on the bouncy castle with me!" Charm pointed at a bouncy castle some little ponies were playing at. "No thanks, Charm...! You go and have fun! We'll wait right here!" I don't want to get all sweaty. If I can help it.... "Alright...!" Charm then gleefully ran off to the bouncy castle and he began enjoying it with the other little ponies. Day and I just spent our time watching every pony enjoying themselves. But then I noticed a certain figure on my right walking near the park: It was Maud Pie. I did not expect her to show up in Manehatten again. She must come here often for some reason. I wasn't too sure what to do with Maud so close. Does she want to meet with me? Or is it for some reason that does not involve me. She then noticed me and then started walking towards me. I froze as she made her way towards me and I kept trying to figure out what she wanted. "Hey there...! What's your name?!" I then noticed Charm flying towards Maud and got in her way. I can't seem to keep up with Charm at all. "Hello. My name is Maud Pie. Nice to meet you." She seemed calm about talking to Charm despite his sudden entrance. "You're...hot. Wanna be my mare friend?" Charm is still hitting on mares?! And on the pony who is technically my sister?! What is going on?! Maud's expression remained unchanged despite this sudden pick up. "Sorry, but you're not my type." And just like that, she shot Charm down...hard. "Ok...then." I think Charm broke. I'm glad he was rejected because he was too young for Maud. She then walked passed him and then walked up to me. What do I do?! "It's been a while, Diane. Have you been well?" I wish Charm was more persistent! I didn't know what to say to her and my mouth wouldn't even open! "Oh, hi...! My name is Good Day! Are you friends with Diane?" Day then walked up to Maud. I hope Day can distract her longer than Charm did! I wasn't mentally prepared to meet with Pinkie or Maud yet! "...yes, I am. We've met each other a few times." Maud looked at me with her stern look. What does she want with me?! "Oh, so you two know each other? Cool...! Diane is our big sis! She's awesome!" Charm got his cool back and then joined us. Maud's expression then widened a bit. Was...was she surprised just now? I faintly remember Maud changing her expressions a few times during childhood, but this is the first time I've seen it up close. "I see. You seem to be having fun. What's going on?" Maud then looked at all the festivities. "It's our school's summer fun day! After today, summer vacation will start! It's awesome...!" Charm is still really excited. Maud's expression remained unchanged as always. She then turned to us again. "I must go now. I'm a little busy today. I hope you all have fun today. Bye." Maud Pie then left us to do whatever she was doing before she stopped to talk to us. I could now feel my heart beating again...! "That mare was so cool.... I wonder if she's single?" I can't believe Charm is still trying pick up mares...and after he was rejected. "I'm hungry...! I wanna eat something!" It was nearly lunch time and I was starting to get hungry too. "Alright, let's go eat. Miss Jubilee gave me some money for lunch." I stood up after regaining my composure. "YAAY!!!" Day and Charm were both happy to eat. We made our way to one of the food stands and enjoyed a good hot carrot. A few hours have passed and it was finally time to go home. Charm was really tired and sweaty after all the fun he had. Day carried her bunny doll on her back and I escorted them back home. I noticed it was 3:32 pm before we left for home. "Hey Diane, who was that Maud Pie anyway? She said she was your friend, right? What's she like?" I really wished Charm didn't ask that question. I then swallowed and quickly gathered my thoughts to answer him. "Um...she's....interesting. She likes rocks and she knows a lot about...rocks." I only speak the truth and Charm only gave me a blank expression. "Is that all...?" "Yes Charm, that is all." I'm not sure what Charm was expecting from a pony who runs a rock farm. "Hmm, I bet she likes rock music." Ugh...this is giving me a headache! We then finally arrive back home and hopefully there won't be any more questions about Maud Pie. We entered the building to see Miss Jubilee reading one of Tough Love's novels. "Welcome back, you three~! I hope you all had fun today." She then closed the book to talk with us. "Yeah, it was so much fun. I'm gonna go shower now." Charm then walked upstairs to do so. "We met with one of Diane's friends today. I think her name was Maud Pie...?" Day...why? Now we have to talk more about the one pony I don't want to talk about. Though, Miss Jubilee then looked away for a moment, like she was thinking. "I see. Did she say anything? Was she nice?" "No, she didn't say anything. She just said a few things and then left. She was nice though." Thankfully, Day didn't have much to say to Miss Jubilee. I was relieved. I still need to over come my uneasiness about meeting with Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie. Maud Pie did say she would accept me as one of her sisters, but I just don't know how to approach her. "Well, that's good to know. Diane, come and help me in the kitchen. I'm about to get dinner ready for Love and Bitter when they get back~!" Miss Jubilee then walked into the kitchen and I followed. We then started getting dinner ready. Miss Jubilee then whispered into my right ear, "Diane, I hate to rush you, but I think you should meet with Pinkie Pie eventually. It might do you some good...." I then gave a tense sigh from being told that. "I know, Miss Jubilee. I know...." I need to do this...somehow. Chapter 3 - Royal InviteToday is an...unusual day for me. I woke up to find a letter from Princess Luna in the mail box and it was a call to meet with her face to face. My name is Maud Pie and I like rocks. I run a rock farm, and I travel Equestria a lot to gather knowledge about all kinds of stones. Good thing I have my pet rock, Boulder, with me or else I might get lonely. Rock farms are usually known for finding valuable minerals and are delivered to geologists to study or to construction workers who need building material. My family gets paid for our findings and it's a busy job. On my way to Canterlot from home, I've met with all kinds of rocks. Each of them are unique in their own way; some of them are rough while others are smooth, some are large while others are small. Eventually, I arrive at Canterlot and then make my way to the castle. But then I stopped at the sight of a jewelry store and the shiny stones presented at the front window. A few of them were diamonds, and others were emeralds and amethysts. I then listened to Boulder whisper into my right ear. "I agree, Boulder, they are all so arrogant." I then placed Boulder back in my pocket and went back to making my way to the castle to meet with Princess Luna. The letter instructed me to present it to the Royal Guard so I could be granted entry into the castle. I hope I'm not too late or too early. The letter never really gave me an exact time to arrive. It also said that Princess Luna wanted to speak to me about something I might know. I have no idea what she meant, but it must be important. I then walk up to the gate leading to the castle and then saw two Royal Guard Pegasi standing in front of the doors. "Halt...! If you have business here, please present proof and we will let you pass!" I then presented my letter from Princess Luna to them and they both examined it. "Forgive us, Miss Maud Pie. We were told my her majesty that you would arrive. Please, follow me." The single Royal Guard then opened the gate and I followed him inside. We walked through the castle halls and the stain-glass windows were all quite beautiful. The glass was actually made with many bright colored jewels and all fashioned into beautiful images. We then made our way into what I assume was a garden full of plants and small animals like birds and rabbits. "Please miss, wait right here. I will let her majesty know you have arrived." The Royal Guard presented a table with tow plates and two chairs and I took my seat. He then left to go and get Princess Luna. I looked around and the garden was quite nice. Though, I think a few more stones would be nice. I took Boulder out, placed him on the table, and he then whispered to me again. "I'm curious too. It must be important for the Princess to call me here personally." I didn't wait for long as I then see a blue pony fly from above: It was Princess Luna. She was like Pinkie Pie described her. Her coat was a nightly blue, her mane sparkled like the stars, and her Cutie Mark was the Moon itself. "Welcome, Miss Maud Pie. I am so glad you have arrived." She gives me a warm smile and then took her seat at the single table. "It is an honor to meet you, Princess. Boulder says hello." I lower my head to greet and respect her. "Um...Boulder?" She looked confused. Many ponies are like that. "This is my pet rock, Boulder." I then pointed at Boulder who I have set on the table. "Oh...um...a pleasure to meet you both then." She then magically carried a couple of red grapes from a nearby grapevine and placed them on the plates. "Please, help yourselves. The grapes are fresh and good for you." She began eating the freshly picked grapes. I ate a couple of them and they had a tangy, sour-sweet taste. "They're good grapes." Boulder agreed as we ate. After we finished our grapes, Princess Luna had some maids prepare some tea for us to enjoy. "So Miss Maud Pie, you're probably wondering why I have called you here inside the castle. Am I right?" She then poured some tea into both our cups as she asked her question. "Yes, Princess. I hope it isn't anything bad." I have been a little cautious about this meeting. "Oh no, it isn't...! I just merely wished to ask you some questions!" Princess Luna panicked a little bit. Perhaps I was cautious for nothing. "What would you like to know?" I was willing to answer whatever she wished to ask me. "Well...it's about a pony you...might know." She then turned away for a moment. Who is this pony is she talking about exactly? "Does the name 'Diane' mean anything to you?" My eyes widened when she asked that question. "You know Diane...? How?" I never expected Diane to know Princess Luna. "Well...I met her by chance in her dreams. I have been helping her ever since and we became friends. She's doing fine and you don't need to worry about her. Its just..." I was relieved to know Diane is doing alright, but there must be something Princess Luna wants to know. "Miss Maud Pie, just who or what is Diane? From what I have gathered in my research of the Mirror Pool, she is not a 'normal' pony. So I want to know who she is exactly and you might be able to help me. After all, she is technically your sister." The Mirror Pool...? What is that? Is that how Diane came to be? This...is just too confusing. Chapter 4 - NegativePrincess Luna told me everything about the Mirror Pool, what happened in Ponyville, and how Diane came to be. Honestly, I am baffled by this. Even Boulder was amazed by such a magic. I don't have too much interest in magic, but this is something I did not expect to happen. Pinkie Pie was always something special to us, her family. But Diane is...something else. "I have told you all that I know about how Diane came to be. I believe you should return the favor and tell me what you, Maud Pie, know of her." I finished my cup of tea and cleared my throat to answer her question. I had to get my thoughts straight since it has been a very long time. "I'm not sure if I can answer all of your questions. To be honest, I don't really know Diane all that much myself. Or even who she is exactly. But I will tell you how I know her." Princess Luna nodded, and she was ready to listen. "It happened when I was very little. For a long time, my sisters and I spent most of our younger years working at the rock farm with our parents. Our parents were hard workers and they strongly kept to their traditions. While we were always busy, we still had our fun days like Hearths Warming Day, Hearts and Hooves Day, and we were very happy. Limestone, who is the same age as Pinkie Pie, is a very hard worker. She's also rough around the edges, but she is protective when she needs to be and can be a great leader. Marble, the youngest one, is very quiet. She's very shy, but she has a way with words at times. I am the oldest one of the four. As I work at the rock farm, I further my knowledge on the many kinds of stones. We were all happy despite most of our days being dark. Well, except for Pinkie Pie. She was very different from us, since she had a pink coat. But despite that, we all loved her very much. We all knew she was something special. But no matter how much we loved her, she never smiled. She always had a sad look on her face and there was always a dark cloud over her head. Ironically, our home was always under dark clouds.... But one day, while we were all working at the rock farm, something happened. A great explosion went off in the sky and a rainbow blew away the dark clouds. We were all really scared of what we saw and thought it was witch craft. But what happened after that was a miracle. Pinkie Pie had changed into something that brought joy and smiles to our family. Her mane and tail was all poofy and her sad face changed into the goofiest smile I have ever seen. She could make any boring day into a party and we would hear cheerful laughter every day. We're not sure what happened, but we were grateful it happened." Princess Luna had then poured me another cup of tea and I took a sip. I was only halfway through my story. "So Pinkie Pie wasn't always the happy pony Twilight Sparkle befriended. And this explosion in the sky and the rainbow that followed...it must have been the Sonic Rainboom. Only certain Pegasi could actually accomplish such a feat should they fly at great speeds. It must have had an affect on your sister somehow. I'm not sure how though...." So it was a Pegasus who brought the change upon my sister. I'm not sure who it was, but I will always be thankful to that Pegasus. "You told me that you knew who Diane was. What did you mean exactly...? Did you meet her somehow?" I tried recalling the meeting I had with Diane. But it was a very long time since then and it was very brief. But I could still remember it clearly. "A year went by after the 'Sonic Rainboom' happened, and nothing else really changed. But one night while we were sleeping, I woke up needing a glass of water. I was very thirsty when I woke up. After I got a glass of water, I then saw Pinkie Pie walking outside and to the nearby river. We use the river grow crops like radishes and other vegetable. I followed her and saw her looking at the river. She was...different at the time. Her mane and tail weren't poofy and her coat was dark. When I approached her, she noticed me and I stopped in my tracks at her stare. I felt so...empty. I felt so...broken. So...negative. I've never felt like that in my life. I remember that feeling too well. I knew she was a completely different pony and I asked who she was. She just told me this...." "My name...is Diane. But does it matter, sister? I'm not the one you want anyway...." Princess Luna was shocked to hear such words. Even Boulder was uneasy. "After she spoke those words, she passed out. I gathered her up and took her back inside the house. She slept the entire night and she went back to her happy self in the morning. I'm not sure what happened, but I knew I would meet her again....someday. That is all I can tell you." I was finished with my story. It became silent between the three of us. Princess Luna had a thoughtful expression on her face. Perhaps she is trying to figure out what happened. "Maud Pie, I might have a theory of how you met Diane when you were younger. The Sonic Rainboom is an explosion of energy that is created by a Pegasus breaking the sound barrier. When a Pegasus does this, an explosion occurs and a rainbow is usually formed. In doing so, this explosion builds up the magic and spreads it for miles. I am not sure of it's effects, but I believe it was the Sonic Rainboom that gave Diane her sentience. The Mirror Pool merely released her from Pinkie Pie when she first stepped into it. If I am to be honest, Diane is most likely the very negative feeling your sister had before the Sonic Rainboom occurred. That should explain the feeling you had when you met her for the first time." This...does explain a few things. Magic is something I am not interested in, but I knew it could do some amazing things. This is truly an amazing thing. "Since you have met with her again, what do you feel now? Because this negative feeling you speak of is not what I have felt." "You're right, Princess. That feeling I have felt did not happen at all. It was almost like she was a different pony entirely." I am not surprised that she would understand 'feelings' like I do. "Maud Pie, I believe there is something we must do regarding Pinkie Pie and Diane Pie. They are the same yet different at the same time. Two sides of the same bit. Positive and Negative. You know of what I speak of, do you?" Boulder and I both agreed, but we were very uneasy. "Yes, I do. You want them to meet face to face. But why?" I needed to know what could happen should they meet. And I knew Princess Luna had the answer. She remained silent for a moment; this wasn't good. "I'm afraid....they must return to being whole....once again." When she spoke those words, Boulder and I knew that both Pinkie and Diane's days were numbered. Chapter 5 - ReflectionI woke up early to a new day and I wash my face to wake up. I was given the day off from the bakery/café for all the hard work. It's funny because I should be sleeping in bed right now. I guess old habits don't take a day off. I walk downstairs to see Miss Jubilee making pancakes and Bitter Sweet at the table eating a plate full. "Good morning, Diane~! I hope you're in the mood for some sweet pancakes~!" The smell of freshly baked pancakes never gets old. I was excited to have some, but I was then beaten by Day and Charm rushing to the table. "PANCAKES! PANCAKES! PANCAKES!" Day and Charm didn't waste any time at all.... I then took the only free seat at the table. "You two didn't wash your faces.... Go do that or no pancakes." Miss Jubilee always was one for washing up. "AWW!" Day and Charm were both sad and they both went back upstairs to wash their faces. They're so childish. "So Diane, do you have any plans for your day off? I saw Tough Love leaving early this morning." Bitter Sweet was drinking some coffee as he ate his pancakes. "Not really.... I don't really have many things to do when I'm not working. I guess I'll just spend the day at home." Maybe I should get a hobby or something.... "Now that doesn't sound like fun~! In fact, I have received an invitation to Canterlot from Princess Luna! She wants to purchase a bag of my family's famous cherries~! And she said I could have a friend tag along~! You would like to join me, right Diane~?" Now that she mentioned it, I would like to meet with Luna again. "I would like that. It's better than doing nothing." I then filled my plate with the freshly made pancakes and covered it with syrup. "Then it's settled~! Later today, we're going to Canterlot~!" Miss Jubilee was excited to go. I am also looking forward to the visit. "PANCAKES!!!" Day and Charm then arrived after washing their faces and they were both ready for the pancakes. This family is always full of excitement. After breakfast, Miss Jubilee and I prepared for our visit to Canterlot. She packed up a bag full of cherries onto a cart she rented and she even called up some strong ponies to pull it. It was 12:12 pm and we were ready to go. The day was clear and no clouds in sight. "Alright boys, let's go~! Bitter dear, look after Day and Charm while we're away~!" Bitter, Day, and Charm were there to see us off. "Will do. Be careful on your way there." "We'll be waiting...!" "Tell us how it goes!" They each gave us a fond farewell before we left. "Alright then, let's go~!" Miss Jubilee made the call and the ponies began pulling the cart with their combined strength. We waved goodbye to Bitter, Charm, and Day and they waved back. We were making our way to Canterlot with great speed and the day was still so beautiful. I couldn't wait to see Luna again. I hope she's doing alright. We then arrived into the kingdom and it was still as majestic as ever. We then parked the cart on the outside of the city, gathered the bag of cherries, and we were ready to visit Princess Luna. "Thanks for the pulling, boys~! You can go and enjoy yourselves. I'll see you in a few hours." The four ponies that pulled the cart then left to do so and we then left to meet with Princess Luna. We made our way to the gate of the castle and the two guards stopped us. "Halt! Please state your business for visiting the castle!" They were both very serious and I can respect that. "I was called here by Princess Luna to deliver this bag of cherries. My name is Cherry Jubilee." She presented the bag of cherries to the guards and they inspected it. "Ah yes, she has informed us of your arrival. And is she a friend of yours?" They were referring to me. "Yes, she is. Princess Luna did say I could bring a friend with me." I'm glad she did otherwise I would be sent off to wait for Miss Jubilee's return. "Alright then, you may enter. I will escort you to her chambers." The guards then opened the gate and we then followed the one guard into the castle. We walked through the halls and then we saw Princess Luna waiting at the front of her room. "Ah...you're here! And you have brought the cherries I have ordered! Good!" She seemed a little excited to see us. I guess she was expecting Miss Jubilee only. I also think she was hiding the fact she knew me personally to avoid showing favoritism. "Yes, you're highness. I am so glad you wish to try my family's cherries. I can promise your enjoyment." Miss Jubilee then presented the bag to Princess Luna. "Thank you. Guard, you may leave. I wish to spend some time with them." The guard then bowed his head and left us. "Please, come inside. Let us talk to pass the time." We then followed Princess Luna into her chambers and we then saw two ponies I did NOT expect to see: Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie. "What in the-?!" Just before I could say anything, Pinkie Pie then grabbed onto me and held me tight. "I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE ALRIGHT, DIANE! I WAS SO WORRIED! When I found out you were gone and then I met you again, and lots of other stuff happened and...and...!" I was being swung about in her embrace and my world started spinning. "Forgive me, Diane, but I have planned for this to happen. Though, I did not expect this to happen so...abruptly." I was too dizzy to focus my attention. I was then freed from Pinkie's embrace and we all sat down. I have never felt so awkward in my brief life. "Sorry to say this, Diane, but I was also in on this plan. Princess Luna came to me in my dreams and we made this plan for you to meet with your 'real' family. So was Tough Love. This meeting is why she gave you the day off." I can't believe they all set me up like this. "I told Pinkie about you, Diane. I told her that you have been safe all this time. Apparently, she knew about you all this time." Maud sat on my right while Pinkie sat on my left. This...is too uncomfortable. "When Maud told me about you and your family, I was super happy for you! You must be super-duper happy! What are they like?! Are they nice like Cherry Jubilee?! Do you really work in a bakery?! Is it like Sugar Cube Corner?!" I don't know which one of her questions to answer first.... "Pinkie Pie, I think we should stop with the questions and get to the point of this meeting." I'm glad Princess Luna is the one to end this madness because I'm not sure how long I can take this.... "As you may know, Pinkie Pie and Diane Pie are two of the same pony. Yet they are both very different. And that is why I had them meet face to face. So here is my question: What will you two do?" They then looked at Pinkie Pie and myself and were expecting an answer. We both looked at each other and it was like looking at a mirror. "Well, I want to be friends with her! We could have all kinds of fun together! Twilight and everypony would love to mee-" That was where I stopped her. "Pinkie Pie, I do not want that." My words shocked her and the others. "But why...? Did I do something wrong?" She gave me a sad look, but I was not changing my decision. "Your friends could never accept a pony like me. If they could, then all those other Pinkie's would still be around, right?" That fear still lingered. I wasn't there to see it for myself, but I know what they did. I will not let that happen to me. Pinkie Pie was the most shocked for what I said. But I will not take it back. "Diane, I am aware of what happened and I understand your fear. The fear of being removed completely. After all, it happened to me once before...." "No, you don't, Princess Luna. You were banished to the Moon and you returned. Should I be removed, I can't return at all. Those other Pinkie's may not have been 'real', but I am and I am not going to disappear. Not after becoming my own pony." It then fell silent after all I have said. Whatever they had in mind, it could never work. "Diane, I'm sorry.... I just...wanted to make my friends...happy. But I only caused them trouble.... And now I'm causing trouble for...somepony else." Pinkie's mane then became deflated and her coat became dark. She looked almost like me. "Diane, I know what I did was....terrible. And I felt many sad feelings. I felt unreal.... I felt empty.... And I felt...broken. Maybe those other Pinkie Pie's could have been happy like you, but...." "But what, Pinkie? Because you're the 'Real' Pinkie Pie, they shouldn't exist? Am I not real to you? Do I not have the right to exist? And what about you Maud? Can I even be called your sister at all?" Feelings of anger and fear began filling my mind as this entire conversation continued. I noticed Maud and Luna both had tense expressions on their faces. Perhaps they knew this conversation was going nowhere too.... "Diane, you need to calm down. I know you're afraid and you don't trust them, but they want to help you. They all called you here to accept you. Maybe...if you gave them a chance, I'm sure you can work things out. Just...give them one chance. That's all you have to do...." Miss Jubilee expects me to actually do this? And with the one pony I want nothing to do with? "Diane, as your friend, I ask that you try to open yourself to other ponies. I do not want you to be lonely like I am. You can bring much happiness to yourself and others if you just...reach out to others. That, I can assure you." Princess Luna...do you feel lonesome? Do you really? With all this weighing heavily on my shoulders, I grinded my teeth and took a deep breath. I then faced Pinkie Pie and her eyes was streaming tears. I gave a deep sigh, "Pinkie....I will give you a cha-MPH!" Pinkie's mane then became poofy, her coat became light-pink again, and she grabbed me in her embrace again. "THANK YOU, DIANE! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" I was being swung about in her embrace...again. "I'm so happy. So is Boulder." Maud gave a little smile. She must be overjoyed. "I'm so happy for you, Diane~! You're finally opening up to other ponies~!" Miss Jubilee then joined Pinkie in her embrace. I'm getting smothered.... "I will aide you as much as I can. But this is something only you must do, Diane. Just try your best." I then freed myself from the embrace, "I'll try.... I'll try." Miss Jubilee and I then left the castle and were about to take our leave. "I hope we can talk soon, Diane! We'll get to have lots and lots of fun together!" Pinkie is about as excited as Miss Jubilee. I just hope there won't be any more of her embraces. "I'll join you as well. I'll be sure to bring some rock candy for us to enjoy." Maud is also going to spend time with us? This is too much.... "Until then, take care of yourselves. Farewell." We then began to leave as Princess Luna saw us out. "Bye! Until next time!" Pinkie and Maud both waved goodbye as we left. "See you later!" Miss Jubilee and I both waved goodbye as we left. Just what have I gotten myself into...? Chapter 6 - FriendshipSome days have gone by since my meeting with Pinkie Pie at Canterlot and nothing else really happened after that. I went back to working at the bakery/café like always, I looked after Day and Charm like always, and I spent time with everypony like always. Until today, on a Saturday where I had no work, and Miss Jubilee just happen to have called Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie to come and spend the entire day with me. It's just one thing after another...! I am not ready for this yet! I haven't mentally prepared myself for this and I'm being forced into this without delay! And right now I am sitting in the living room waiting for the two ponies I'm afraid of meeting the most! And I don't know how to even speak to them...! "Hey Diane, what is this Pinkie Pie like...? Is she nice?" "Is she single?" Charm is such a child.... I never did tell Day and Charm about Pinkie Pie, so I'm not surprised they would be curious. I was reluctant, but I guess they should know about her. "Well...Pinkie Pie is very nice. She makes other ponies happy and she knows how to make parties. And she has many friends too." It certainly says a lot about her opposite. "She sounds cool...! I'd like to meet her!" Day and Charm were excited to meet with her. I wish I could share that feeling with them.... "I know you're nervous about meeting with your 'sisters' again and spending time with them, but I'm sure you can work things out by the end of the day." Miss Jubilee is making this sound too easy. Especially since it was she and Princess Luna who set this whole thing up in the first place. "Diane, you need to calm down. You'll do fine. I've heard a lot about Pinkie Pie and found out she's one of the nicest ponies in Equestria. Just be yourself and have fun." Easy for you to say, Tough Love. My situation isn't really considered 'normal' to some.... We then heard a knocking at the front door. It must have been Pinkie and Maud. "I'll go get it~! You all wait here~!" Miss Jubilee left to do so and my heart started racing. I don't know what I should say! I'm not sure I can say anything in front of them...! What do I do?! "Here they are~! And guess who found them~!" Miss Jubilee came back with Pinkie and Maud and accompanying them was Bitter Sweet. He seemed...confused about something. He gave Pinkie and I a confused looked. "Huh....this is awkward." You have no idea, Bitter Sweet.... "Ooh...! You have a nice place, Miss Jubilee! Hi!" Pinkie Pie examined our home and waved to greet herself. "Hi." Maud was as solid as ever. "Hello!" Day and Charm then walked up to them in curiosity. "I love your mane...! It's so fluffy! And it smells like cotton candy!" Day was right. I could also smell the scent of cotton candy. "I just bathed this morning. It's my shampoo that gives my mane and tail the sweet smell." Wait...they have cotton candy-smelling shampoo? "Dude, you are cute! Wanna go out on a date sometime?!" Charm, you're technically asking ME out on a date...again. "No thanks!" Pinkie Pie didn't waste any time.... Charm then got shot down again. He never seems to learn. You want to rest here for a bit? You have plenty of time to talk." Tough Love had a spot for Pinkie and Maud ready for them to rest on. "Okie Dokie Lokie!" Pinkie Pie bounced over to the couch to rest her four hooves. Maud joined her. Maybe a little conversation can calm me down. We all sat down and talked amongst ourselves. Pinkie did most of the talking and everypony had fun. It seems like no pony can go without having fun with her around. Maud mostly kept to herself. After a little while, Miss Jubilee then walked over to me. "Hey Diane, I think it's time for you to go and enjoy your day with those two~!" I knew she would get things started quickly. "Yeah! Let's go!" Pinkie was ready for our day of three. Maud nodded as they got off the couch and headed to the staircase out. "Can we come?!" Day and Charm really wanted to come with us as they held onto Pinkie and Maud. "No, this is their day to get to know each other. We're going to just stay here." Day and Charm then slipped off Pinkie and Maud when Tough Love refused to let them join us. I would actually prefer it. It would have made this less awkward.... I then reluctantly joined Pinkie and Maud for our day of three. "You three be careful, alright?" Bitter Sweet was still giving us that confused look. He must be seeing double right now. "No worries!" "We'll be fine." I nodded as Pinkie and Maud answered. We then left the building to start our day of three. We went all over Manehatten. We went to the skating rink, the Buckball stadium, the Mare Liberty statue, the Manehatten Museum, and now we're resting at Manehatten Park. Despite me feeling awkward about spending time with myself, I actually had lots of fun. Maud was there to give me that extra push to move me along. Pinkie was there to bring some joy no matter where we went. It was just Maud and myself waiting underneath a shady tree while Pinkie left to get us ice cream cones. I was feeling much more calm as we waited. "Diane, there is something I need to tell you. It involves you and Pinkie." I guess Maud doesn't waste any time either. "What is it...?" I was then feeling uneasy. This must be serious. "After our meeting in Canterlot, Princess Luna spoke to me in my head. She said things didn't go quite like she thought it would." "What do you mean...?" I was confused. What was Princess Luna planning...? "She told me that when you and Pinkie split up, you two became half a pony. She theorized that you two making physical contact could have brought you two back together again. We had to be sure somehow. But when Pinkie hugged you at the start, we both realized that wasn't the case. Honestly, we were both very relieved that didn't happen...." Maud gave a little smile. "Wait, then what are you saying?" I was still very confused. "What I am saying is that you and Pinkie are your own ponies despite being half. Or maybe you two were whole the entire time. Princess Luna and I are not sure. But what we do know is that you and Pinkie Pie are both real. And now I have four sisters." She then hugged me. She must have been very happy. I suddenly felt relieved when she told me all this. "I HAVE ANOTHER SISTER?!?!" Pinkie Pie came back and dropped our ice cream cones in her shock. "NO...! MY ICE CREAM!" And now she is losing her mind over our ice cream melting on the ground. Maud only chuckled despite how awkward this was. "OOH! I'M SO HAPPY TO HAVE ANOTHER SISTER!" Pinkie then hugged me again. This time without the swinging. Maud then joined in on the hugging. "Um...yay?" I really don't know how to respond to all this happening all at once. We then left the park and those two kept referring to me as their sister over and over again. I never thought this would go so well. I don't know why, but I kept having this negative feeling about them despite all these nice things. Maybe it's just how I am. Being Pinkie Pie's 'negative side', I think that's just in my nature. But...you know what? I don't care. I want to believe in their words. Up to this point, I have worked hard to become my own pony. And right now, I might be able to become something even more than what I am now. Maybe Pinkie and Maud could help me somehow.... After a few hours of touring Manehatten, it was time for them to leave. We made our way to the train station at 5:23 pm, and we waited for the 5:30 pm to arrive. Honestly speaking, I was actually sad to have them leave. "I had lots of fun today! We should really hang out more often! I know, I'll send you letters! We can be pen-pals!" Pinkie Pie never seems to lose her good mood. I guess she's rubbing off on me. "Sure. I'd...I'd like that." I'm not sure how I feel about becoming friends with myself. I guess I just...like myself. "Be careful, Diane. I'm sure Limestone, Marble, and our parents would love to meet you." Maud then brought up something I need to know. "You didn't tell them about me, did you?!" I was nervous about just Pinkie and Maud knowing about me! I nearly got a heart attack with the thought of the rest of the family knowing about me...! "No, we haven't. We promised Princess Luna to keep your identity a secret from our family until you were ready." Oh, thank Luna! I was so scared. "I think they would love to have you as our family! *GASP!* THAT MEANS MISS JUBILEE AND HER FAMILY ARE A PART OF OUR FAMILY TOO!" I...don't think that's how families work, Pinkie. The train leaving Manehatten finally arrived with it's horn tooting. We saw ponies getting off the train and ponies getting on the train. Pinkie and Maud quickly got on the train and then showed their faces out of their room's windows. "Let's hang out some more next time! We'll have lots of fun!" Pinkie and Maud began waving good bye. I waved back. The train's horn then gave a loud toot as it was getting ready to leave Manehatten. "ALL ABOARD! ALL ABOARD!" The conductor made his call and the ponies kept their distance from the track. "Bye...!" I called out to them and the train then left, taking Pinkie and Maud with it. As I watched the train leave over the horizon, I couldn't help but want to see them again. In fact, I will see them again. I'm sure of it. Chapter 1 - Service with a SmileI have finally told Miss Jubilee and the others about not being a real pony, and I have never been happier to have been accepted by them despite that. I have everything I could ever ask for. Friends, family, a home, and a job. What more could a pony ask for? Well...lots, but I'll take it one step at a time. For now, I just want to live a happy life. Except....there is still something I need to do before I can truly live without worry: Meeting with Pinkie Pie face to face. I keep asking myself what will happen should we meet? How will she react? What will her friends think? Could they accept me? Would they accept me? Our first meeting was...strange and I can't really explain how it happened. These questions keep filling my mind and right now it's getting me down. "Diane...! Wake up! We got customers today!" I then snapped out of my daze with the sight of impatient customers looking at me. "SORRY...!" I then quickly took their orders, served them, and collected the payment before things got out of hoof. I kept this going until my lunch break and laid my head on the break room table. "Geez Diane, what is going on with you? You've been acting weird ever since that incident with that monster. Is something wrong?" I then saw Tough Love walk inside the break room. I looked away for a moment, reluctant to tell her anything. "You know you can trust us, Diane. Whatever it is, we can help you." I wish she would stop making this difficult to keep to myself. I then sighed, "It's...about Pinkie Pie. The pony I told you about." "Yeah...? That pony you 'came from'? What about her?" Tough Love then sat down at the table to listen. "Well...she's a very different kind of pony. She's sweet, energetic, always happy, and she makes ponies happy no matter how bad their day is. She's just...just...." I didn't know how to describe any more than what I have already stated. "Wow.... She's your exact opposite, Miss Worrisome." Tough Love wasn't wrong, unfortunately.... And that only made me feel even more down about myself. "But we wouldn't want any part of you to change at all. You worry because you care about us, right? You work hard, you treat us with respect, and you've become your own pony. Honestly, that is amazing. Charm probably thinks you're the coolest pony he's ever seen." I wouldn't be surprised if that's what he thought of me. Still, I feel a little better about myself. But I still feel like I should do something about us; Pinkie Pie and I. "Well, you do what you think is best, Diane. I'm gonna go back to work. Don't take too long thinking about stuff." Tough Love then left the break room and left me alone. Honestly, I'm not too sure what to think about all this. But I'm sure I have to meet with Pinkie Pie eventually. I then heard the sound of dishes shattering and I rushed out of the break room to see High Demand standing at the door and Tough Love standing next to a pile of shards that used to be dishes. "High Demand...?! What are you doing here?!" Tough Love probably still has unpleasant feelings towards High Demand for everything he put her through. High Demand then too his seat, giving off a calm demeanor. "Calm down, Tough. I'm here as a pony on vacation and as a customer. Some service would be nice." He sounded as snarky as ever. Tough Love gave him a sour look and began cleaning up the mess. "I don't like that look you're giving me, Tough. Is that any way you treat your customers?" This wasn't looking good, so I then rushed to meet with him myself, giving him a gentle smile. "Welcome to Sweet Hearts, sir...! Would you like to order?!" I had to take his attention away from Tough Love and somehow relieve the tension that filled the bakery/café. "Hmm...yeah. I would like to order a plate of peanut butter cookies and a dark coffee. That will be all." High Demand seemed a little bit surprised by my sudden action. At least I got his attention. I took his order, began preparing his coffee, and had a plate of freshly baked peanut butter cookies ready for High Demand. After his coffee was done, I then served his order and he seemed satisfied. "Would you like some sugar with your coffee? Or creamer...?" The customer is always right. "Some cream would do. No sugar." High Demand then began eating his cookies while I left to get the creamer. I poured some into his coffee as he requested. "So....how is everything? What have you been doing?" I thought I'd ask him. He has been gone for a number of months since he left for Canterlot. "Mm...working. Being a contractor in Canterlot is quite the demand and it is satisfying. Other than that, I'm doing just fine." He then started drinking his coffee. He doesn't seem to be the talkative-type. I then left him to do so and joined Tough Love in cleaning the shattered dishes. "Diane, how can you serve that guy?! You know he's bad news...!" Tough Love whispered as she cleaned up the mess. "Love, you need to let the past go...! You own this bakery now!" I tried to calm Tough Love down before anything bad happens. "Hey, I'm done." High Demand snuck up on us and we then dropped the shattered remains of the dishes. We then noticed him placing the payment for the cookies and coffee on the counter alongside the plate and cup he used. "I'll be sure to pay a visit again soon. It has good service. Later." High Demand then left the bakery/café and it became quiet again. At least he paid for his order.... "Um...good job, Diane." Tough Love seemed the most surprised. After all that, we then cleaned the mess for sure this time and continued our work day like always. Maybe Tough Love and High Demand might learn to forget the past...someday.
Chapter 2 - Fun Day!Tuesday and today is the last day of school for the little ponies of Manehatten Elementary. And the last day is a day where everypony gathers in Manehatten Park to enjoy a day of fun. I just happen to be attending it with Day and Charm. Miss Jubilee was busy with her family business, Bitter Sweet had an appointment to attend to with one of his patients, and Tough Love is now working at her bakery/café. There were many parents spending time with their fillies and young colts on this day of fun. There were many activities like tug of war, pie eating contests, tag, Buckball, track, and even jump rope. While Charm was having fun with the other young colts, I sat underneath the shady trees with Day as she played with her bunny doll. Day never was one for running around too much. Most of the parents joined us. "It sure is a nice day, isn't it?" The sun was shining, the ponies were all having fun, and there was a gentle summer breeze blowing against our manes. It was nice. "It is. I love days like this." We didn't want to play any of the games. I prefer to just enjoy my day quietly. "Hey Diane...! Come on! Play on the bouncy castle with me!" Charm pointed at a bouncy castle some little ponies were playing at. "No thanks, Charm...! You go and have fun! We'll wait right here!" I don't want to get all sweaty. If I can help it.... "Alright...!" Charm then gleefully ran off to the bouncy castle and he began enjoying it with the other little ponies. Day and I just spent our time watching every pony enjoying themselves. But then I noticed a certain figure on my right walking near the park: It was Maud Pie. I did not expect her to show up in Manehatten again. She must come here often for some reason. I wasn't too sure what to do with Maud so close. Does she want to meet with me? Or is it for some reason that does not involve me. She then noticed me and then started walking towards me. I froze as she made her way towards me and I kept trying to figure out what she wanted. "Hey there...! What's your name?!" I then noticed Charm flying towards Maud and got in her way. I can't seem to keep up with Charm at all. "Hello. My name is Maud Pie. Nice to meet you." She seemed calm about talking to Charm despite his sudden entrance. "You're...hot. Wanna be my mare friend?" Charm is still hitting on mares?! And on the pony who is technically my sister?! What is going on?! Maud's expression remained unchanged despite this sudden pick up. "Sorry, but you're not my type." And just like that, she shot Charm down...hard. "Ok...then." I think Charm broke. I'm glad he was rejected because he was too young for Maud. She then walked passed him and then walked up to me. What do I do?! "It's been a while, Diane. Have you been well?" I wish Charm was more persistent! I didn't know what to say to her and my mouth wouldn't even open! "Oh, hi...! My name is Good Day! Are you friends with Diane?" Day then walked up to Maud. I hope Day can distract her longer than Charm did! I wasn't mentally prepared to meet with Pinkie or Maud yet! "...yes, I am. We've met each other a few times." Maud looked at me with her stern look. What does she want with me?! "Oh, so you two know each other? Cool...! Diane is our big sis! She's awesome!" Charm got his cool back and then joined us. Maud's expression then widened a bit. Was...was she surprised just now? I faintly remember Maud changing her expressions a few times during childhood, but this is the first time I've seen it up close. "I see. You seem to be having fun. What's going on?" Maud then looked at all the festivities. "It's our school's summer fun day! After today, summer vacation will start! It's awesome...!" Charm is still really excited. Maud's expression remained unchanged as always. She then turned to us again. "I must go now. I'm a little busy today. I hope you all have fun today. Bye." Maud Pie then left us to do whatever she was doing before she stopped to talk to us. I could now feel my heart beating again...! "That mare was so cool.... I wonder if she's single?" I can't believe Charm is still trying pick up mares...and after he was rejected. "I'm hungry...! I wanna eat something!" It was nearly lunch time and I was starting to get hungry too. "Alright, let's go eat. Miss Jubilee gave me some money for lunch." I stood up after regaining my composure. "YAAY!!!" Day and Charm were both happy to eat. We made our way to one of the food stands and enjoyed a good hot carrot. A few hours have passed and it was finally time to go home. Charm was really tired and sweaty after all the fun he had. Day carried her bunny doll on her back and I escorted them back home. I noticed it was 3:32 pm before we left for home. "Hey Diane, who was that Maud Pie anyway? She said she was your friend, right? What's she like?" I really wished Charm didn't ask that question. I then swallowed and quickly gathered my thoughts to answer him. "Um...she's....interesting. She likes rocks and she knows a lot about...rocks." I only speak the truth and Charm only gave me a blank expression. "Is that all...?" "Yes Charm, that is all." I'm not sure what Charm was expecting from a pony who runs a rock farm. "Hmm, I bet she likes rock music." Ugh...this is giving me a headache! We then finally arrive back home and hopefully there won't be any more questions about Maud Pie. We entered the building to see Miss Jubilee reading one of Tough Love's novels. "Welcome back, you three~! I hope you all had fun today." She then closed the book to talk with us. "Yeah, it was so much fun. I'm gonna go shower now." Charm then walked upstairs to do so. "We met with one of Diane's friends today. I think her name was Maud Pie...?" Day...why? Now we have to talk more about the one pony I don't want to talk about. Though, Miss Jubilee then looked away for a moment, like she was thinking. "I see. Did she say anything? Was she nice?" "No, she didn't say anything. She just said a few things and then left. She was nice though." Thankfully, Day didn't have much to say to Miss Jubilee. I was relieved. I still need to over come my uneasiness about meeting with Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie. Maud Pie did say she would accept me as one of her sisters, but I just don't know how to approach her. "Well, that's good to know. Diane, come and help me in the kitchen. I'm about to get dinner ready for Love and Bitter when they get back~!" Miss Jubilee then walked into the kitchen and I followed. We then started getting dinner ready. Miss Jubilee then whispered into my right ear, "Diane, I hate to rush you, but I think you should meet with Pinkie Pie eventually. It might do you some good...." I then gave a tense sigh from being told that. "I know, Miss Jubilee. I know...." I need to do this...somehow.
Chapter 3 - Royal InviteToday is an...unusual day for me. I woke up to find a letter from Princess Luna in the mail box and it was a call to meet with her face to face. My name is Maud Pie and I like rocks. I run a rock farm, and I travel Equestria a lot to gather knowledge about all kinds of stones. Good thing I have my pet rock, Boulder, with me or else I might get lonely. Rock farms are usually known for finding valuable minerals and are delivered to geologists to study or to construction workers who need building material. My family gets paid for our findings and it's a busy job. On my way to Canterlot from home, I've met with all kinds of rocks. Each of them are unique in their own way; some of them are rough while others are smooth, some are large while others are small. Eventually, I arrive at Canterlot and then make my way to the castle. But then I stopped at the sight of a jewelry store and the shiny stones presented at the front window. A few of them were diamonds, and others were emeralds and amethysts. I then listened to Boulder whisper into my right ear. "I agree, Boulder, they are all so arrogant." I then placed Boulder back in my pocket and went back to making my way to the castle to meet with Princess Luna. The letter instructed me to present it to the Royal Guard so I could be granted entry into the castle. I hope I'm not too late or too early. The letter never really gave me an exact time to arrive. It also said that Princess Luna wanted to speak to me about something I might know. I have no idea what she meant, but it must be important. I then walk up to the gate leading to the castle and then saw two Royal Guard Pegasi standing in front of the doors. "Halt...! If you have business here, please present proof and we will let you pass!" I then presented my letter from Princess Luna to them and they both examined it. "Forgive us, Miss Maud Pie. We were told my her majesty that you would arrive. Please, follow me." The single Royal Guard then opened the gate and I followed him inside. We walked through the castle halls and the stain-glass windows were all quite beautiful. The glass was actually made with many bright colored jewels and all fashioned into beautiful images. We then made our way into what I assume was a garden full of plants and small animals like birds and rabbits. "Please miss, wait right here. I will let her majesty know you have arrived." The Royal Guard presented a table with tow plates and two chairs and I took my seat. He then left to go and get Princess Luna. I looked around and the garden was quite nice. Though, I think a few more stones would be nice. I took Boulder out, placed him on the table, and he then whispered to me again. "I'm curious too. It must be important for the Princess to call me here personally." I didn't wait for long as I then see a blue pony fly from above: It was Princess Luna. She was like Pinkie Pie described her. Her coat was a nightly blue, her mane sparkled like the stars, and her Cutie Mark was the Moon itself. "Welcome, Miss Maud Pie. I am so glad you have arrived." She gives me a warm smile and then took her seat at the single table. "It is an honor to meet you, Princess. Boulder says hello." I lower my head to greet and respect her. "Um...Boulder?" She looked confused. Many ponies are like that. "This is my pet rock, Boulder." I then pointed at Boulder who I have set on the table. "Oh...um...a pleasure to meet you both then." She then magically carried a couple of red grapes from a nearby grapevine and placed them on the plates. "Please, help yourselves. The grapes are fresh and good for you." She began eating the freshly picked grapes. I ate a couple of them and they had a tangy, sour-sweet taste. "They're good grapes." Boulder agreed as we ate. After we finished our grapes, Princess Luna had some maids prepare some tea for us to enjoy. "So Miss Maud Pie, you're probably wondering why I have called you here inside the castle. Am I right?" She then poured some tea into both our cups as she asked her question. "Yes, Princess. I hope it isn't anything bad." I have been a little cautious about this meeting. "Oh no, it isn't...! I just merely wished to ask you some questions!" Princess Luna panicked a little bit. Perhaps I was cautious for nothing. "What would you like to know?" I was willing to answer whatever she wished to ask me. "Well...it's about a pony you...might know." She then turned away for a moment. Who is this pony is she talking about exactly? "Does the name 'Diane' mean anything to you?" My eyes widened when she asked that question. "You know Diane...? How?" I never expected Diane to know Princess Luna. "Well...I met her by chance in her dreams. I have been helping her ever since and we became friends. She's doing fine and you don't need to worry about her. Its just..." I was relieved to know Diane is doing alright, but there must be something Princess Luna wants to know. "Miss Maud Pie, just who or what is Diane? From what I have gathered in my research of the Mirror Pool, she is not a 'normal' pony. So I want to know who she is exactly and you might be able to help me. After all, she is technically your sister." The Mirror Pool...? What is that? Is that how Diane came to be? This...is just too confusing.
Chapter 4 - NegativePrincess Luna told me everything about the Mirror Pool, what happened in Ponyville, and how Diane came to be. Honestly, I am baffled by this. Even Boulder was amazed by such a magic. I don't have too much interest in magic, but this is something I did not expect to happen. Pinkie Pie was always something special to us, her family. But Diane is...something else. "I have told you all that I know about how Diane came to be. I believe you should return the favor and tell me what you, Maud Pie, know of her." I finished my cup of tea and cleared my throat to answer her question. I had to get my thoughts straight since it has been a very long time. "I'm not sure if I can answer all of your questions. To be honest, I don't really know Diane all that much myself. Or even who she is exactly. But I will tell you how I know her." Princess Luna nodded, and she was ready to listen. "It happened when I was very little. For a long time, my sisters and I spent most of our younger years working at the rock farm with our parents. Our parents were hard workers and they strongly kept to their traditions. While we were always busy, we still had our fun days like Hearths Warming Day, Hearts and Hooves Day, and we were very happy. Limestone, who is the same age as Pinkie Pie, is a very hard worker. She's also rough around the edges, but she is protective when she needs to be and can be a great leader. Marble, the youngest one, is very quiet. She's very shy, but she has a way with words at times. I am the oldest one of the four. As I work at the rock farm, I further my knowledge on the many kinds of stones. We were all happy despite most of our days being dark. Well, except for Pinkie Pie. She was very different from us, since she had a pink coat. But despite that, we all loved her very much. We all knew she was something special. But no matter how much we loved her, she never smiled. She always had a sad look on her face and there was always a dark cloud over her head. Ironically, our home was always under dark clouds.... But one day, while we were all working at the rock farm, something happened. A great explosion went off in the sky and a rainbow blew away the dark clouds. We were all really scared of what we saw and thought it was witch craft. But what happened after that was a miracle. Pinkie Pie had changed into something that brought joy and smiles to our family. Her mane and tail was all poofy and her sad face changed into the goofiest smile I have ever seen. She could make any boring day into a party and we would hear cheerful laughter every day. We're not sure what happened, but we were grateful it happened." Princess Luna had then poured me another cup of tea and I took a sip. I was only halfway through my story. "So Pinkie Pie wasn't always the happy pony Twilight Sparkle befriended. And this explosion in the sky and the rainbow that followed...it must have been the Sonic Rainboom. Only certain Pegasi could actually accomplish such a feat should they fly at great speeds. It must have had an affect on your sister somehow. I'm not sure how though...." So it was a Pegasus who brought the change upon my sister. I'm not sure who it was, but I will always be thankful to that Pegasus. "You told me that you knew who Diane was. What did you mean exactly...? Did you meet her somehow?" I tried recalling the meeting I had with Diane. But it was a very long time since then and it was very brief. But I could still remember it clearly. "A year went by after the 'Sonic Rainboom' happened, and nothing else really changed. But one night while we were sleeping, I woke up needing a glass of water. I was very thirsty when I woke up. After I got a glass of water, I then saw Pinkie Pie walking outside and to the nearby river. We use the river grow crops like radishes and other vegetable. I followed her and saw her looking at the river. She was...different at the time. Her mane and tail weren't poofy and her coat was dark. When I approached her, she noticed me and I stopped in my tracks at her stare. I felt so...empty. I felt so...broken. So...negative. I've never felt like that in my life. I remember that feeling too well. I knew she was a completely different pony and I asked who she was. She just told me this...." "My name...is Diane. But does it matter, sister? I'm not the one you want anyway...." Princess Luna was shocked to hear such words. Even Boulder was uneasy. "After she spoke those words, she passed out. I gathered her up and took her back inside the house. She slept the entire night and she went back to her happy self in the morning. I'm not sure what happened, but I knew I would meet her again....someday. That is all I can tell you." I was finished with my story. It became silent between the three of us. Princess Luna had a thoughtful expression on her face. Perhaps she is trying to figure out what happened. "Maud Pie, I might have a theory of how you met Diane when you were younger. The Sonic Rainboom is an explosion of energy that is created by a Pegasus breaking the sound barrier. When a Pegasus does this, an explosion occurs and a rainbow is usually formed. In doing so, this explosion builds up the magic and spreads it for miles. I am not sure of it's effects, but I believe it was the Sonic Rainboom that gave Diane her sentience. The Mirror Pool merely released her from Pinkie Pie when she first stepped into it. If I am to be honest, Diane is most likely the very negative feeling your sister had before the Sonic Rainboom occurred. That should explain the feeling you had when you met her for the first time." This...does explain a few things. Magic is something I am not interested in, but I knew it could do some amazing things. This is truly an amazing thing. "Since you have met with her again, what do you feel now? Because this negative feeling you speak of is not what I have felt." "You're right, Princess. That feeling I have felt did not happen at all. It was almost like she was a different pony entirely." I am not surprised that she would understand 'feelings' like I do. "Maud Pie, I believe there is something we must do regarding Pinkie Pie and Diane Pie. They are the same yet different at the same time. Two sides of the same bit. Positive and Negative. You know of what I speak of, do you?" Boulder and I both agreed, but we were very uneasy. "Yes, I do. You want them to meet face to face. But why?" I needed to know what could happen should they meet. And I knew Princess Luna had the answer. She remained silent for a moment; this wasn't good. "I'm afraid....they must return to being whole....once again." When she spoke those words, Boulder and I knew that both Pinkie and Diane's days were numbered.
Chapter 5 - ReflectionI woke up early to a new day and I wash my face to wake up. I was given the day off from the bakery/café for all the hard work. It's funny because I should be sleeping in bed right now. I guess old habits don't take a day off. I walk downstairs to see Miss Jubilee making pancakes and Bitter Sweet at the table eating a plate full. "Good morning, Diane~! I hope you're in the mood for some sweet pancakes~!" The smell of freshly baked pancakes never gets old. I was excited to have some, but I was then beaten by Day and Charm rushing to the table. "PANCAKES! PANCAKES! PANCAKES!" Day and Charm didn't waste any time at all.... I then took the only free seat at the table. "You two didn't wash your faces.... Go do that or no pancakes." Miss Jubilee always was one for washing up. "AWW!" Day and Charm were both sad and they both went back upstairs to wash their faces. They're so childish. "So Diane, do you have any plans for your day off? I saw Tough Love leaving early this morning." Bitter Sweet was drinking some coffee as he ate his pancakes. "Not really.... I don't really have many things to do when I'm not working. I guess I'll just spend the day at home." Maybe I should get a hobby or something.... "Now that doesn't sound like fun~! In fact, I have received an invitation to Canterlot from Princess Luna! She wants to purchase a bag of my family's famous cherries~! And she said I could have a friend tag along~! You would like to join me, right Diane~?" Now that she mentioned it, I would like to meet with Luna again. "I would like that. It's better than doing nothing." I then filled my plate with the freshly made pancakes and covered it with syrup. "Then it's settled~! Later today, we're going to Canterlot~!" Miss Jubilee was excited to go. I am also looking forward to the visit. "PANCAKES!!!" Day and Charm then arrived after washing their faces and they were both ready for the pancakes. This family is always full of excitement. After breakfast, Miss Jubilee and I prepared for our visit to Canterlot. She packed up a bag full of cherries onto a cart she rented and she even called up some strong ponies to pull it. It was 12:12 pm and we were ready to go. The day was clear and no clouds in sight. "Alright boys, let's go~! Bitter dear, look after Day and Charm while we're away~!" Bitter, Day, and Charm were there to see us off. "Will do. Be careful on your way there." "We'll be waiting...!" "Tell us how it goes!" They each gave us a fond farewell before we left. "Alright then, let's go~!" Miss Jubilee made the call and the ponies began pulling the cart with their combined strength. We waved goodbye to Bitter, Charm, and Day and they waved back. We were making our way to Canterlot with great speed and the day was still so beautiful. I couldn't wait to see Luna again. I hope she's doing alright. We then arrived into the kingdom and it was still as majestic as ever. We then parked the cart on the outside of the city, gathered the bag of cherries, and we were ready to visit Princess Luna. "Thanks for the pulling, boys~! You can go and enjoy yourselves. I'll see you in a few hours." The four ponies that pulled the cart then left to do so and we then left to meet with Princess Luna. We made our way to the gate of the castle and the two guards stopped us. "Halt! Please state your business for visiting the castle!" They were both very serious and I can respect that. "I was called here by Princess Luna to deliver this bag of cherries. My name is Cherry Jubilee." She presented the bag of cherries to the guards and they inspected it. "Ah yes, she has informed us of your arrival. And is she a friend of yours?" They were referring to me. "Yes, she is. Princess Luna did say I could bring a friend with me." I'm glad she did otherwise I would be sent off to wait for Miss Jubilee's return. "Alright then, you may enter. I will escort you to her chambers." The guards then opened the gate and we then followed the one guard into the castle. We walked through the halls and then we saw Princess Luna waiting at the front of her room. "Ah...you're here! And you have brought the cherries I have ordered! Good!" She seemed a little excited to see us. I guess she was expecting Miss Jubilee only. I also think she was hiding the fact she knew me personally to avoid showing favoritism. "Yes, you're highness. I am so glad you wish to try my family's cherries. I can promise your enjoyment." Miss Jubilee then presented the bag to Princess Luna. "Thank you. Guard, you may leave. I wish to spend some time with them." The guard then bowed his head and left us. "Please, come inside. Let us talk to pass the time." We then followed Princess Luna into her chambers and we then saw two ponies I did NOT expect to see: Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie. "What in the-?!" Just before I could say anything, Pinkie Pie then grabbed onto me and held me tight. "I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE ALRIGHT, DIANE! I WAS SO WORRIED! When I found out you were gone and then I met you again, and lots of other stuff happened and...and...!" I was being swung about in her embrace and my world started spinning. "Forgive me, Diane, but I have planned for this to happen. Though, I did not expect this to happen so...abruptly." I was too dizzy to focus my attention. I was then freed from Pinkie's embrace and we all sat down. I have never felt so awkward in my brief life. "Sorry to say this, Diane, but I was also in on this plan. Princess Luna came to me in my dreams and we made this plan for you to meet with your 'real' family. So was Tough Love. This meeting is why she gave you the day off." I can't believe they all set me up like this. "I told Pinkie about you, Diane. I told her that you have been safe all this time. Apparently, she knew about you all this time." Maud sat on my right while Pinkie sat on my left. This...is too uncomfortable. "When Maud told me about you and your family, I was super happy for you! You must be super-duper happy! What are they like?! Are they nice like Cherry Jubilee?! Do you really work in a bakery?! Is it like Sugar Cube Corner?!" I don't know which one of her questions to answer first.... "Pinkie Pie, I think we should stop with the questions and get to the point of this meeting." I'm glad Princess Luna is the one to end this madness because I'm not sure how long I can take this.... "As you may know, Pinkie Pie and Diane Pie are two of the same pony. Yet they are both very different. And that is why I had them meet face to face. So here is my question: What will you two do?" They then looked at Pinkie Pie and myself and were expecting an answer. We both looked at each other and it was like looking at a mirror. "Well, I want to be friends with her! We could have all kinds of fun together! Twilight and everypony would love to mee-" That was where I stopped her. "Pinkie Pie, I do not want that." My words shocked her and the others. "But why...? Did I do something wrong?" She gave me a sad look, but I was not changing my decision. "Your friends could never accept a pony like me. If they could, then all those other Pinkie's would still be around, right?" That fear still lingered. I wasn't there to see it for myself, but I know what they did. I will not let that happen to me. Pinkie Pie was the most shocked for what I said. But I will not take it back. "Diane, I am aware of what happened and I understand your fear. The fear of being removed completely. After all, it happened to me once before...." "No, you don't, Princess Luna. You were banished to the Moon and you returned. Should I be removed, I can't return at all. Those other Pinkie's may not have been 'real', but I am and I am not going to disappear. Not after becoming my own pony." It then fell silent after all I have said. Whatever they had in mind, it could never work. "Diane, I'm sorry.... I just...wanted to make my friends...happy. But I only caused them trouble.... And now I'm causing trouble for...somepony else." Pinkie's mane then became deflated and her coat became dark. She looked almost like me. "Diane, I know what I did was....terrible. And I felt many sad feelings. I felt unreal.... I felt empty.... And I felt...broken. Maybe those other Pinkie Pie's could have been happy like you, but...." "But what, Pinkie? Because you're the 'Real' Pinkie Pie, they shouldn't exist? Am I not real to you? Do I not have the right to exist? And what about you Maud? Can I even be called your sister at all?" Feelings of anger and fear began filling my mind as this entire conversation continued. I noticed Maud and Luna both had tense expressions on their faces. Perhaps they knew this conversation was going nowhere too.... "Diane, you need to calm down. I know you're afraid and you don't trust them, but they want to help you. They all called you here to accept you. Maybe...if you gave them a chance, I'm sure you can work things out. Just...give them one chance. That's all you have to do...." Miss Jubilee expects me to actually do this? And with the one pony I want nothing to do with? "Diane, as your friend, I ask that you try to open yourself to other ponies. I do not want you to be lonely like I am. You can bring much happiness to yourself and others if you just...reach out to others. That, I can assure you." Princess Luna...do you feel lonesome? Do you really? With all this weighing heavily on my shoulders, I grinded my teeth and took a deep breath. I then faced Pinkie Pie and her eyes was streaming tears. I gave a deep sigh, "Pinkie....I will give you a cha-MPH!" Pinkie's mane then became poofy, her coat became light-pink again, and she grabbed me in her embrace again. "THANK YOU, DIANE! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" I was being swung about in her embrace...again. "I'm so happy. So is Boulder." Maud gave a little smile. She must be overjoyed. "I'm so happy for you, Diane~! You're finally opening up to other ponies~!" Miss Jubilee then joined Pinkie in her embrace. I'm getting smothered.... "I will aide you as much as I can. But this is something only you must do, Diane. Just try your best." I then freed myself from the embrace, "I'll try.... I'll try." Miss Jubilee and I then left the castle and were about to take our leave. "I hope we can talk soon, Diane! We'll get to have lots and lots of fun together!" Pinkie is about as excited as Miss Jubilee. I just hope there won't be any more of her embraces. "I'll join you as well. I'll be sure to bring some rock candy for us to enjoy." Maud is also going to spend time with us? This is too much.... "Until then, take care of yourselves. Farewell." We then began to leave as Princess Luna saw us out. "Bye! Until next time!" Pinkie and Maud both waved goodbye as we left. "See you later!" Miss Jubilee and I both waved goodbye as we left. Just what have I gotten myself into...?
Chapter 6 - FriendshipSome days have gone by since my meeting with Pinkie Pie at Canterlot and nothing else really happened after that. I went back to working at the bakery/café like always, I looked after Day and Charm like always, and I spent time with everypony like always. Until today, on a Saturday where I had no work, and Miss Jubilee just happen to have called Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie to come and spend the entire day with me. It's just one thing after another...! I am not ready for this yet! I haven't mentally prepared myself for this and I'm being forced into this without delay! And right now I am sitting in the living room waiting for the two ponies I'm afraid of meeting the most! And I don't know how to even speak to them...! "Hey Diane, what is this Pinkie Pie like...? Is she nice?" "Is she single?" Charm is such a child.... I never did tell Day and Charm about Pinkie Pie, so I'm not surprised they would be curious. I was reluctant, but I guess they should know about her. "Well...Pinkie Pie is very nice. She makes other ponies happy and she knows how to make parties. And she has many friends too." It certainly says a lot about her opposite. "She sounds cool...! I'd like to meet her!" Day and Charm were excited to meet with her. I wish I could share that feeling with them.... "I know you're nervous about meeting with your 'sisters' again and spending time with them, but I'm sure you can work things out by the end of the day." Miss Jubilee is making this sound too easy. Especially since it was she and Princess Luna who set this whole thing up in the first place. "Diane, you need to calm down. You'll do fine. I've heard a lot about Pinkie Pie and found out she's one of the nicest ponies in Equestria. Just be yourself and have fun." Easy for you to say, Tough Love. My situation isn't really considered 'normal' to some.... We then heard a knocking at the front door. It must have been Pinkie and Maud. "I'll go get it~! You all wait here~!" Miss Jubilee left to do so and my heart started racing. I don't know what I should say! I'm not sure I can say anything in front of them...! What do I do?! "Here they are~! And guess who found them~!" Miss Jubilee came back with Pinkie and Maud and accompanying them was Bitter Sweet. He seemed...confused about something. He gave Pinkie and I a confused looked. "Huh....this is awkward." You have no idea, Bitter Sweet.... "Ooh...! You have a nice place, Miss Jubilee! Hi!" Pinkie Pie examined our home and waved to greet herself. "Hi." Maud was as solid as ever. "Hello!" Day and Charm then walked up to them in curiosity. "I love your mane...! It's so fluffy! And it smells like cotton candy!" Day was right. I could also smell the scent of cotton candy. "I just bathed this morning. It's my shampoo that gives my mane and tail the sweet smell." Wait...they have cotton candy-smelling shampoo? "Dude, you are cute! Wanna go out on a date sometime?!" Charm, you're technically asking ME out on a date...again. "No thanks!" Pinkie Pie didn't waste any time.... Charm then got shot down again. He never seems to learn. You want to rest here for a bit? You have plenty of time to talk." Tough Love had a spot for Pinkie and Maud ready for them to rest on. "Okie Dokie Lokie!" Pinkie Pie bounced over to the couch to rest her four hooves. Maud joined her. Maybe a little conversation can calm me down. We all sat down and talked amongst ourselves. Pinkie did most of the talking and everypony had fun. It seems like no pony can go without having fun with her around. Maud mostly kept to herself. After a little while, Miss Jubilee then walked over to me. "Hey Diane, I think it's time for you to go and enjoy your day with those two~!" I knew she would get things started quickly. "Yeah! Let's go!" Pinkie was ready for our day of three. Maud nodded as they got off the couch and headed to the staircase out. "Can we come?!" Day and Charm really wanted to come with us as they held onto Pinkie and Maud. "No, this is their day to get to know each other. We're going to just stay here." Day and Charm then slipped off Pinkie and Maud when Tough Love refused to let them join us. I would actually prefer it. It would have made this less awkward.... I then reluctantly joined Pinkie and Maud for our day of three. "You three be careful, alright?" Bitter Sweet was still giving us that confused look. He must be seeing double right now. "No worries!" "We'll be fine." I nodded as Pinkie and Maud answered. We then left the building to start our day of three. We went all over Manehatten. We went to the skating rink, the Buckball stadium, the Mare Liberty statue, the Manehatten Museum, and now we're resting at Manehatten Park. Despite me feeling awkward about spending time with myself, I actually had lots of fun. Maud was there to give me that extra push to move me along. Pinkie was there to bring some joy no matter where we went. It was just Maud and myself waiting underneath a shady tree while Pinkie left to get us ice cream cones. I was feeling much more calm as we waited. "Diane, there is something I need to tell you. It involves you and Pinkie." I guess Maud doesn't waste any time either. "What is it...?" I was then feeling uneasy. This must be serious. "After our meeting in Canterlot, Princess Luna spoke to me in my head. She said things didn't go quite like she thought it would." "What do you mean...?" I was confused. What was Princess Luna planning...? "She told me that when you and Pinkie split up, you two became half a pony. She theorized that you two making physical contact could have brought you two back together again. We had to be sure somehow. But when Pinkie hugged you at the start, we both realized that wasn't the case. Honestly, we were both very relieved that didn't happen...." Maud gave a little smile. "Wait, then what are you saying?" I was still very confused. "What I am saying is that you and Pinkie are your own ponies despite being half. Or maybe you two were whole the entire time. Princess Luna and I are not sure. But what we do know is that you and Pinkie Pie are both real. And now I have four sisters." She then hugged me. She must have been very happy. I suddenly felt relieved when she told me all this. "I HAVE ANOTHER SISTER?!?!" Pinkie Pie came back and dropped our ice cream cones in her shock. "NO...! MY ICE CREAM!" And now she is losing her mind over our ice cream melting on the ground. Maud only chuckled despite how awkward this was. "OOH! I'M SO HAPPY TO HAVE ANOTHER SISTER!" Pinkie then hugged me again. This time without the swinging. Maud then joined in on the hugging. "Um...yay?" I really don't know how to respond to all this happening all at once. We then left the park and those two kept referring to me as their sister over and over again. I never thought this would go so well. I don't know why, but I kept having this negative feeling about them despite all these nice things. Maybe it's just how I am. Being Pinkie Pie's 'negative side', I think that's just in my nature. But...you know what? I don't care. I want to believe in their words. Up to this point, I have worked hard to become my own pony. And right now, I might be able to become something even more than what I am now. Maybe Pinkie and Maud could help me somehow.... After a few hours of touring Manehatten, it was time for them to leave. We made our way to the train station at 5:23 pm, and we waited for the 5:30 pm to arrive. Honestly speaking, I was actually sad to have them leave. "I had lots of fun today! We should really hang out more often! I know, I'll send you letters! We can be pen-pals!" Pinkie Pie never seems to lose her good mood. I guess she's rubbing off on me. "Sure. I'd...I'd like that." I'm not sure how I feel about becoming friends with myself. I guess I just...like myself. "Be careful, Diane. I'm sure Limestone, Marble, and our parents would love to meet you." Maud then brought up something I need to know. "You didn't tell them about me, did you?!" I was nervous about just Pinkie and Maud knowing about me! I nearly got a heart attack with the thought of the rest of the family knowing about me...! "No, we haven't. We promised Princess Luna to keep your identity a secret from our family until you were ready." Oh, thank Luna! I was so scared. "I think they would love to have you as our family! *GASP!* THAT MEANS MISS JUBILEE AND HER FAMILY ARE A PART OF OUR FAMILY TOO!" I...don't think that's how families work, Pinkie. The train leaving Manehatten finally arrived with it's horn tooting. We saw ponies getting off the train and ponies getting on the train. Pinkie and Maud quickly got on the train and then showed their faces out of their room's windows. "Let's hang out some more next time! We'll have lots of fun!" Pinkie and Maud began waving good bye. I waved back. The train's horn then gave a loud toot as it was getting ready to leave Manehatten. "ALL ABOARD! ALL ABOARD!" The conductor made his call and the ponies kept their distance from the track. "Bye...!" I called out to them and the train then left, taking Pinkie and Maud with it. As I watched the train leave over the horizon, I couldn't help but want to see them again. In fact, I will see them again. I'm sure of it.
Chapter 1 - Service with a SmileI have finally told Miss Jubilee and the others about not being a real pony, and I have never been happier to have been accepted by them despite that. I have everything I could ever ask for. Friends, family, a home, and a job. What more could a pony ask for? Well...lots, but I'll take it one step at a time. For now, I just want to live a happy life. Except....there is still something I need to do before I can truly live without worry: Meeting with Pinkie Pie face to face. I keep asking myself what will happen should we meet? How will she react? What will her friends think? Could they accept me? Would they accept me? Our first meeting was...strange and I can't really explain how it happened. These questions keep filling my mind and right now it's getting me down. "Diane...! Wake up! We got customers today!" I then snapped out of my daze with the sight of impatient customers looking at me. "SORRY...!" I then quickly took their orders, served them, and collected the payment before things got out of hoof. I kept this going until my lunch break and laid my head on the break room table. "Geez Diane, what is going on with you? You've been acting weird ever since that incident with that monster. Is something wrong?" I then saw Tough Love walk inside the break room. I looked away for a moment, reluctant to tell her anything. "You know you can trust us, Diane. Whatever it is, we can help you." I wish she would stop making this difficult to keep to myself. I then sighed, "It's...about Pinkie Pie. The pony I told you about." "Yeah...? That pony you 'came from'? What about her?" Tough Love then sat down at the table to listen. "Well...she's a very different kind of pony. She's sweet, energetic, always happy, and she makes ponies happy no matter how bad their day is. She's just...just...." I didn't know how to describe any more than what I have already stated. "Wow.... She's your exact opposite, Miss Worrisome." Tough Love wasn't wrong, unfortunately.... And that only made me feel even more down about myself. "But we wouldn't want any part of you to change at all. You worry because you care about us, right? You work hard, you treat us with respect, and you've become your own pony. Honestly, that is amazing. Charm probably thinks you're the coolest pony he's ever seen." I wouldn't be surprised if that's what he thought of me. Still, I feel a little better about myself. But I still feel like I should do something about us; Pinkie Pie and I. "Well, you do what you think is best, Diane. I'm gonna go back to work. Don't take too long thinking about stuff." Tough Love then left the break room and left me alone. Honestly, I'm not too sure what to think about all this. But I'm sure I have to meet with Pinkie Pie eventually. I then heard the sound of dishes shattering and I rushed out of the break room to see High Demand standing at the door and Tough Love standing next to a pile of shards that used to be dishes. "High Demand...?! What are you doing here?!" Tough Love probably still has unpleasant feelings towards High Demand for everything he put her through. High Demand then too his seat, giving off a calm demeanor. "Calm down, Tough. I'm here as a pony on vacation and as a customer. Some service would be nice." He sounded as snarky as ever. Tough Love gave him a sour look and began cleaning up the mess. "I don't like that look you're giving me, Tough. Is that any way you treat your customers?" This wasn't looking good, so I then rushed to meet with him myself, giving him a gentle smile. "Welcome to Sweet Hearts, sir...! Would you like to order?!" I had to take his attention away from Tough Love and somehow relieve the tension that filled the bakery/café. "Hmm...yeah. I would like to order a plate of peanut butter cookies and a dark coffee. That will be all." High Demand seemed a little bit surprised by my sudden action. At least I got his attention. I took his order, began preparing his coffee, and had a plate of freshly baked peanut butter cookies ready for High Demand. After his coffee was done, I then served his order and he seemed satisfied. "Would you like some sugar with your coffee? Or creamer...?" The customer is always right. "Some cream would do. No sugar." High Demand then began eating his cookies while I left to get the creamer. I poured some into his coffee as he requested. "So....how is everything? What have you been doing?" I thought I'd ask him. He has been gone for a number of months since he left for Canterlot. "Mm...working. Being a contractor in Canterlot is quite the demand and it is satisfying. Other than that, I'm doing just fine." He then started drinking his coffee. He doesn't seem to be the talkative-type. I then left him to do so and joined Tough Love in cleaning the shattered dishes. "Diane, how can you serve that guy?! You know he's bad news...!" Tough Love whispered as she cleaned up the mess. "Love, you need to let the past go...! You own this bakery now!" I tried to calm Tough Love down before anything bad happens. "Hey, I'm done." High Demand snuck up on us and we then dropped the shattered remains of the dishes. We then noticed him placing the payment for the cookies and coffee on the counter alongside the plate and cup he used. "I'll be sure to pay a visit again soon. It has good service. Later." High Demand then left the bakery/café and it became quiet again. At least he paid for his order.... "Um...good job, Diane." Tough Love seemed the most surprised. After all that, we then cleaned the mess for sure this time and continued our work day like always. Maybe Tough Love and High Demand might learn to forget the past...someday.
