Finders Keepers

Back in the streets of Ponyville, Twilight trudges onward still coated in a mess of paint and glitter. She catches the eye of every pony she passes by as they gawk and chuckle; but she keeps her eyes fixed forward in an attempt to block them out. “Paint, Twilight, you were beaten by paint and glitter,” she mutters to herself. “All that studying and hard work really paid off didn’t it? You had him cornered, and he still beat you. Was he a unicorn? Did he have any spells? No. Well, was he a pegasus? Did he just fly away? Oh, no. He just shot paint, glitter, and a Pinkie at me and he won! Can you believe that?! Well, that’s just ridiculous—that’s what I said! Now, not only will Princess Celestia be furious I lost the artifact; but now, she’ll feel like a failure once she finds out what happened. Think about it: The Princess’ pupil, defeated by arts and crafts. . . That’ll make headlines.”

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash calls with Applejack following closely behind. They meet up with Twilight, and the urgent looks on their faces shift to baffled expressions upon getting a better look at her. “Woah, what happened to you?”

“I’m really not in the mood to talk about it. What’s the matter with you two?”

“It’s Fluttershy! Have you seen her anywhere?”

“No, I haven’t. Why? What’s wrong?”

“We have to find her! That crook—!”

“Everypony, look!” A citizen calls, pointing to the sky. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Twilight look up to see a golden carriage being flown by two armored pegasi; and sitting in the lavish, velvet cushioning is the Princess herself. The carriage lands, and one of the royal guards steps out from his harness to open up the door to the carriage. Princess Celestia steps out, and stretches out her angelic, pure-white wings. The sunlight bounces off her golden crown, necklace and shoes; giving her a heavenly glow.

“Oh, that’s bad.”

“Well, it’s definitely not good, Rainbow!” says Applejack.

“Not to worry, everypony!” Rarity gleefully calls as she skips towards the group carrying tall, plastic cups filled to the brim with ice cream with her magic. “I got some nice, cold treats for all of us!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash look to Rarity in disapproval. “Well, don’t be shy, there’s plenty for—” Rarity pauses upon noticing the Princess. “Ah . . . maybe this isn’t the best time.”

“Are you kidding?!” Pinkie Pie asks as she pops up from behind Rarity, startling her. “This is perfect timing!” She grabs one of the ice cream cups and immediately sucks up the chilly sweet through the straw.

“Pinkie! Where in the world did you come from?”

“Well, if you took a Mommy Pie and a Daddy Pie, and they loved each other very much—”

“Too far back, darling.”

“Good afternoon, everypony,” Princess Celestia greets. “And how are we on this fine day?”

Rarity chuckles nervously as Pinkie sneakily takes another cup of ice cream after quickly finishing the first. “W-We’re all just peachy! Thank you for asking!”

“Yeah,” says Rainbow Dash. “Everything’s totally cool.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re all doing well,” says Princess Celestia. “I’m just here to see what Twilight has discovered regarding our project. I’m a bit eager to know how much progress has been made.”

“Actually, Princess Celestia. . .” Twilight sorrowfully begins. “I haven’t made any progress.”

“Is that so?”

“I was going to run some tests on the rucksack earlier this morning, but I took my eyes off of it for too long. I let it get stolen, and now it could be anywhere. I did everything I could to get it back, but it just wasn’t enough. If I had just kept better track of it, instead of leaving it out carelessly, this would never have happened.”

“I see.”

“I deserve whatever punishment you have in store for me. Go on, just say it.”

“Twilight, I have no reason to punish you.”

“W-What do you mean?”

“Well, if my eyes serve me correctly, the rucksack is just over there.”

“What?” Twilight and the others turn to see Fluttershy and Knick Knack approaching them from down the road. “Fluttershy?!”

“And look!” Pinkie shouts. “It’s the clown from the party!”

“Hello, everyone,” says Fluttershy as they both come near the group.

“Good afternoon, Fluttershy,” says Princess Celestia. “And who is this you’ve brought with you?”

“Everypony, this is Knick Knack, and he has something he wants to say to you all.”

“Yeah, I bet,” Rainbow Dash scoffs.

“I agree,” Applejack adds. “He’s got a lot of explainin’ to do if ya ask me.” Fluttershy looks to Knick Knack, and he gives her a nod. Stepping forward, the group of mares wait and listen.

“I know I’ve caused nothing but trouble for all of you, but it’s not what I intended,” Knick Knack begins. “I swear I didn’t come here to cause havoc or hurt anypony, and I didn’t mean to steal this bag. When I found it, I didn’t know whose it was, but I took it because I thought it would be useful since I’ve been walking aimlessly for days ever since I ran away from my town.”

“And why would you do a thing like that?” Rarity asks.

“Because it seemed like nopony wanted anything to do with me. Since I was little I had trouble making any friends, and it only got worse as I grew up. It seemed like no matter what I did or how hard I tried, nopony would give me a chance because they thought I was weird, obnoxious, a nuisance or just a flat-out annoyance.” The expressions on the mares’ faces start to turn from scornful to a more sympathetic tone as Knick Knack goes on. “I just couldn’t take it anymore, and I thought it was hopeless to even try. So I left to try and find someplace I could just be alone, and not have to worry about trying to make friends. When I found this bag, I thought I had finally been given my chance. I thought that if I could give anypony anything they wanted, or helped them in ways I never could before, then they’d maybe want to become friends. I guess it didn’t really work out the way I hoped, and instead I made all of you dislike me even more.”

“Why, I never would’ve thought. . .” says Applejack as she rubs the back of her head.

“Indeed,” Rarity adds. “I just feel terrible about this whole thing.”

“If you girls had just given Knick Knack here a chance, instead of making quick judgements, then maybe all of this could’ve been avoided,” says Fluttershy.

“Then, why did you have a go at my brother?” Applejack asks.

“He saw you lying on the ground, and he thought I was trying to cause trouble,” says Knick Knack. “I didn’t mean to hurt him or anything; I was just afraid, and I tried to think of a way to get out of the situation. I should’ve tried to explain myself better instead of making a joke of it, that’s when it got real bad. I’m sorry for what I did, and please, tell your brother I’m sorry too.”

“Will do, partner. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have accused you of anything until I was sure.”

“Rarity? Pinkie Pie? I’m sorry I made a mess in your homes, I just didn’t know what else to do. I shouldn’t have tried to fight back. I relied on this bag so much that I just couldn’t give it up. I feel so stupid thinking it would’ve helped.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all, darling!” says Rarity. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“Yeah!” says Pinkie. “Besides, you made our party even more awesome than awesome can be!”

Knick Knack chuckles. “Thanks.” He then looks to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash?”

“Oh, no,” she says.

“I’m sorry I coated you in chocolate.”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s fine—just don’t mention ‘anything’ about you-know-what!”

“Will do. . . And there’s one more thing I’d like to say.” Knick Knack retrieves the backpack from Fluttershy, and approaches Twilight. “It was wrong of me to take this bag without making sure it didn’t belong to anypony, and after you told me how important it was to you, I should’ve given it back right then and there; but I was just too stubborn.” He sets the bag down before Twilight’s hooves. “I’m so sorry for everything. . . I must’ve been a real headache, huh?”

Twilight smiles. “Just a little. Only a little.” Knick Knack raises an eyebrow, and Twilight chuckles as she rolls her eyes. “Okay, a big headache.” They both laugh, and Twilight levitates the backpack up off the ground with her magic. “I’m sorry too, I should’ve just tried talking it out with you like we are now. Just like when we spoke earlier. I didn’t react so aggressively until I saw you had my bag. Before that, I felt like I was talking to somepony completely different, not some cold-hearted thief.”

“Well, it sounds to me that all of you had something valuable to learn today,” says Princess Celestia. “And I’m happy to see that all of you were able to settle this all on your own. Knick Knack, thank you for returning this bag to us.”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” says Knick Knack. “But I feel Fluttershy deserves all of the credit. She showed me what it’s like to actually make a friend, and it doesn’t take material things for that to happen.”

“Absolutely. Now, what are your future plans, Knick Knack?”

“Uh. . . Well, I guess I could just go back home; or maybe make my way to the next town.”

“Are you crazy?!” Pinkie Pie shouts.

“Why in the name of Equestria would you want to do that?” Rarity asks.

“I don’t know. I . . . I figure it might just be for the best.”

“An’ why in tarnation would ya think that?” Applejack asks.

“After all the trouble I’ve caused, and the mess I’ve made, I just wouldn’t feel comfortable staying here. I know all of you forgive me for it, and I’m grateful for that; but I really should go. Fluttershy showed me that it’s possible for me to make friendships, and I’m ready to carry on with that in mind. Wherever I end up, I’ll always have that knowledge with me.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Twilight asks. “This can be your home too, you know?”

“She’s got a point,” Rainbow Dash reassures.

“We can find you a cottage, and you won’t have to worry about travelling or food. Not only that, but you’ve already got a friend in all of us.”

“You’re right about that,” Applejack adds.

“Definitely, you mustn’t leave now,” says Rarity.

“You were the best clown ever!” Pinkie shouts.

“Do you really want to leave?” Fluttershy asks.

Knick Knack smirks as he is overwhelmed by their support. “I really—truly—appreciate your offer. I’ve never felt anything like this in my whole life. I can’t explain it, but it just wouldn’t feel right. Thank you all, but I just can’t.”

“Oh, come on!” Pinkie shouts in disappointment.

“Pinkie Pie, I just realized I’ve still got this shirt you lent me for my clown outfit—”

“Keep it! Just keep it!” she says melodramatically as she covers her eyes with her hooves.

“Well, if you’re sure that’s what you want. . .” says Twilight as she reaches inside the backpack, and pulls out a near identical bag. “Then you might as well take this.” She uses her magic to give the bag to Knick Knack, and he puts it on himself. “My name is Twilight, by the way.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Twilight. My name’s Knick Knack, but you already knew that, huh? You know, it’s funny. I never thought I’d say goodbye by introducing myself.” He chuckles. “Oh! You know Spike, don’t you? He spoke about you when I first met him.”

“Yes, I do. I’m not too sure where he is though.”

“Well, when you see him, let him know I said thanks for trying to help. He’ll know what I mean.”

“I’ll make sure I tell him.”

“So, this is goodbye I guess. . . Hey, maybe I’ll come and visit someday.”

“Please do, and if you ever change your mind, you’re always welcome to stay.”

“Good luck, Knick Knack,” says Princess Celestia. “Do be careful out there.”

“Thanks, Your Highness; and all of you, thanks again.”

As Knick Knack heads down the road out of Ponyville, he takes one last glance back. Twilight and the rest wave him goodbye, filled with mixed feelings. They’re happy that all their problems were solved, and lessons were learned, but watching their new friend leave sets a bitter feeling in their hearts. Even Knick Knack can’t help but feel the urge to turn back, however, he presses on. Headstrong and fearless for whatever he might run into next. Disheartened, everypony except for Twilight and Princess Celestia all head back to their homes. Princess Celestia puts her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, sensing the sadness within her. “Don’t let this hang over your head for too long, Twilight.” says Princess Celestia. “It was his decision to make.”

“If I hadn’t acted the way I did. He would’ve stayed.”

“Don’t blame yourself. It will only make this worse for you. Try and view this from a different perspective, the both of you learned valuable lessons today. See it as a good thing. I’ll leave you be, go and spend some time with your friends. Save the experimenting with the rucksack for later, there’s no need to rush. Take care of yourselves.” Princess Celestia returns to her carriage, and is carried off into the sky towards the mountains. Twilight lowers her head, and lumbers back towards her home.

“Twilight! Wait!” Pinkie calls as she trots toward Twilight.

“What’s the matter, Pinkie?”

“Here,” Pinkie holds out a pink, paper heart. “It’s the heart he stuck on your head back at the party. It had your name and some other stuff written on it, I figured you’d want to see it.”

“Thanks, Pinkie.”

“Do you think we’ll see him again?”

“I don’t know. . . Maybe.”

“Okay. . . Well, I’ll see you later, Twilight. Good luck with the backpack.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Pinkie hops back in the direction she came, and Twilight examines the paper heart. Suddenly, she hears the sounds of somepony panting, trying to catch their breath. She takes her eyes off the heart to see Spike dragging himself along the dirt.

“Twilight!” He calls. “I’ve finally . . . found you!” He then collapses, falling face-first onto the ground. “I’m late, aren’t I?” Spike asks with his voice muffled from speaking into the dirt.

“Unfortunately, yes. Knick Knack already left town. He said thanks for all your help.”

“Oh . . . what a swell guy.”

Twilight giggles. “You must be exhausted. Let’s go home and rest for a while. I think you could really use it.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Spike rolls over on his back. Twilight sees her name written on the surface of the paper heart, and flips it over to reveal even more writing. She curiously reads through it, and her cheeks instantly turn rosy. “What’s that. . ? Twilight?”

“Hm? What did you say?”

“What’s that you got?”

“It’s umm . . . just a note from a friend.” Twilight hides the heart behind her back with her magic.

“Yeah, sure. Come on, let’s go. I need a nap after a day like this.”

“I’ll meet you there, I just need a moment to myself.”

“Alright.” Spike gets to his feet and wearily starts walking back home. “I hope that guy comes back.”

“Me too, Spike. . .”

The End.