It was a bright and sunny Thursday and it seemed like a normal day for Pearl. Every pony was either working or doing their own thing. Pearl was walking through the town after doing some hunting; she found about 12 different gems and it was not as many as she usually found, but it was better than nothing. As she was strolling along and was passing by SugarCube Corner when she was knocked down and hugged tightly by a bright pink pony; she knew right away that it was Pinkie Pie.
“Pinkie? What are you doing?” Pearl asked with a groan as she tried to escape from the pink pony’s grip.
“I saw you walking by and I thought of giving you a hug and you looked like you needed one!” Pinkie said quickly as she let go of Pearl and started jumping in excitement.
“Well warn me next time so I can expect it.” Pearl said as she stood up and shook off any dirt that clung to her fur, shaking the bag and making it rattle the jewels.
“Well it wouldn’t be a surprise if I warned you wouldn’t it? Anyway, I was gonna come over your house because since you told me you were a fan of desserts that are both sour and sweet, I made a lemon meringue cupcakes for you.” Pinkie said quickly as she jumped. Pearl smiled at the idea of eating lemon meringue cupcakes and knowing Pinkie, they’ll taste amazing.
“Lemon Meringue? That sounds amazing and interesting.” Pearl said as she walked inside with the still jumping party pony.
When they walked in, the shop was dark and it seemed like it would be closed. Pinkie walked behind the counter and into the kitchen area as Pearl used her magic to set down her bag onto the table. After a few minutes, Pinkie walks back out with a small box that was able to hold six cupcakes. When Pinkie sets down the box, the lights turn on and there was a chorus of voices shouting “Surprise!” There were many stallions, mares, colts, and fillies filling up the room, which included the rest of the mane 6. Pearl stood there in shock and didn’t know how to respond to all the different ponies that were present. All of a sudden, Pinkie popped up with two unknown ponies in each of her forelegs.
“Are you surprised Pearl? I made this party to welcome you to Ponyville and to maybe make new friends!” Pinkie said quickly as she hugged the two ponies, causing them to groan and try to escape.
One was a cream colored unicorn mare with a pinky white mane a tail, her cutie mark was a cup of strawberry parfait. The other was also a unicorn mare but was light blue with a brown main and tail with the ends dyed in a royal blue, her cutie mark was a music note and a paint brush. Pearl giggled at the three and looked very happy at the party that was planned out for her.
“Well thank you Pinkie. This party looks amazing, and I should try to make more friends.” Pearl said with a smile, making the two new mares smile and giggle.
“It’s so nice to meet you Pearl. I’m Cream and I work here as a volunteer since I’m still in school.” The cream colored mare said kindly; her voice seemed like it was on the verge of sounding southern but wasn’t there yet.
“And I’m Steady Beats. I’m an artist for both music and paintings; I live just outside of Ponyville so I don’t come around a lot.” The blue mare said kindly, her voice having a motherly and kind sound.
Pearl was happy to meet all sorts of new friends and enjoyed the sweets that were available; the cupcakes tasted amazing and she was now addicted to them. As she was meeting and talking to every pony, she was thinking of ideas for the “fun” that she’ll have with them; she was having a particular interest in Steady Beats since she seemed so kind and experienced in life, but she didn’t have time to think about that for now.

Author's Note

this was placed between when Pearl met the mane 6 and killing Trixie

Steady Beats and Cream are my personal OCs, but I have plans with Steady Beats when I get around to it