I'm not small, I'm fun-sized!
The train gave a sharp whistle as it pulled out of the simple, single platform station. Once it left, the single mare the train deposited looked around, glancing at her new surroundings. Ponyville was… smaller than she thought. One would think that a town that housed the Princess of Friendship would at least have paved roads…
She winced as she stepped out into the sunlight. It was much brighter here than in the big city, no tall skyscrapers to block the sun. It was a good metaphor, a shining light on her new life.
“Yep, I totally got this,” she nodded and ran a hoof through her spiky purple mane. “No sweat, piece of cake!”
“Ohh, cake?” the mare’s vision was filled with pink and blue, causing her to shriek and fall back as the bright pink mare that invaded her personal bubble giggled and snorted. “Haha, you’re funny,” she said and held out a hoof. “Hi! My name’s Pinkie Pie and I love meeting new ponies!”
“Ah… hi?” the unicorn said, trying to get her bearings. Who was this crazy (And really fudgin’ cute) mare anyway? Pinkie Pie? “My name’s… ah, Pickett Midnight.” This town was to be a new start, so it was time to use her proper name and not her lifelong alias. Though… a part of her was a little sad about it.
“Aww, you’re so tiny and cute,” Pinkie giggled as she helped her up. Pickett huffed to herself. Yeah, she was short. Yeah, she got mistaken as a filly a lot. And she hated it when ponies kept pointing that fact out. Do you have any idea how hard it was to get a date when ponies thought you were late for school!?
Oh wait, the pink pony was still talking.
“—And so in short, as my new pocket-sized pal, Imma call you Pockets!”
Wait what?
“How… did you know my nickname?” Pockets blinked, slowly tilting her head.
“Ooh, I still have to welcome you,” Pinkie said, ignoring the question as she pulled some kind of wagon out of nowhere and started to sing.
🎜~Welcome welcome welcome
A fine welcome to you
Welcome welcome welcome
I say how do you do?
Welcome welcome welcome
I say hip hip hurray
Welcome welcome welcome
To Ponyville today~🎝
She slid forward on her knees as confetti fired out of the canons on the back and an oven dinged, spitting out a two-tier chocolate frosted cake. H-How did she know her favourite flavour of cake?
“Oh yay! I got it right this time~” Pinkie clapped her hooves as she passed a generous slice of cake to Pockets, before opening her maw like a snake and downing the rest of the cake in a single bite. Pockets chose not to question it as she nibbled her cake. Ooh, it was really good! She quickly scarfed down the rest, humming happily and rubbing her now-happy tummy.
“So, what brings you all the way to Ponyville?” Pinkie asked. “Ooh! Are you here to visit friends or family? Or maybe you’re wanting to visit TwiTwi’s Castle! You should tooootally check out the Map Room. Or maybe…”
Oh right, Princess Twilight lived here huh. She probably owned all sorts of shiny, expensive—
No! She wasn’t that mare anymore! Somepony very important had put a lot on the line to make sure she could have this second chance and she wasn’t gonna screw it up!
“You sure you’re okay?” Pinkie Pie was looking her in the eye. “Oh, maybe you’re tired after your long trip. I know!” And like that, the pink pone grabbed Pockets and carried her off. “Come on!”
“I...Wha...hey just wait a min—”
Pockets shank down into the chair she sat in, trying to make herself as small as possible. She had no idea how she ended up here and no idea how to get out of it. One second, Pinkie had kidnapped her, the next, she found herself inside the Castle of Friendship, also known as the home of one Princess Twilight Sparkle, her hero and a pony she wished she could be.
And while she hadn’t actually seen the alicorn yet, just being here was overwhelming.
Wait a minute.
This was Twilight Sparkle’s castle. The princess of Friendship and her freaking idol. She’d been so flustered by Pinkie Pie’s greeting that… she…
Pocket’s eyes widened as she looked at the thrones. Six thrones (plus a smaller one). And each adorned the Cutie Marks of the ponies that sat in them.
“A trio of diamonds for Rarity.”
“A trio of butterflies for Fluttershy.”
“A trio of apples for Applejack.”
“A cloud and lightning bolt for Rainbow Dash.”
“A star surround by five smaller one for Princess Twilight.”
Pockets listed each onto herself as she got to the last one, but as she opened her mouth…
“Three balloons for Pinkie Pie!” the bearer of said mark popped up out of nowhere. “Wowee Pockets. You know all of us huh?” She smiled brightly as Pocket’s jaw dropped. She’d been so flustered earlier than her brain hadn’t made the connection that this was the Pinkie Pie. The Element of Laughter and Premier Party Pony of Ponyville.
‘Doooon’t screw this up. Dooooooon’t screw this up and look like an idi—’
“Oh… my… Celestia…” Pockets gasped and her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. “Y-You’re Pinkie Pie!?”
“I am?” Pinkie gasped and looked at herself. “Ohmygosh Pockets. You’re totally right! I am Pinkie Pie!” She smiled widely and pat Pockets on the head. “Thank goodness. I hoped I was. Imagine if I was somepony else? Huh, I wonder who I’d be?”
Pockets laughed at the silly pony, she couldn’t believe it. She was meeting one of her real life heroes. These mares were even cooler than the Power Ponies. Well, it was a close second, the Power Ponies were pretty cool.
“—And that was how I saved Ponyville from the Flufflebugs!” Pinkie said, standing on her hind legs and pointing at the sky. Awww, Pockets totally missed an awesome story, thanks stupid brain.
‘…The number you are trying to reach is disconnected.’
“So, um… why are we here?” Pockets asked as she looked around the throne room. “I mean, it’s totally awesome that I get to be in the place my heroes go out and save the world from… It’s like, you’re totally awesome super secret headquarters or something.”
“Weeeell, I thought you could have used a rest,” Pinkie said as she sat on her throne. “You looked preeeetty beat after that train ride. And I needed to come and see TwiTwi about something,” she explained. “Two cupcakes in one bite.”
“Huh…” Pockets said as she looked at the massive table. “Wait, Princess Twilight is here!?” Part of her was super pumped to meet the princess, while the other part freaked out like she never freaked out before.
“I don’t think so, well, I couldn’t find her anyway,” Pinkie said and scratched her chin. “I wonder where she went. I couldn’t find Dashie earlier either.” She shrugged and smiled. “Oh well. You wanna hang out with me then?”
Wait, she could? Pockets smiled and nodded widely. This was gonna be the totally best day ever!
Hanging with Pinkie Pie was just as an amazing experience as she’d thought. Not only had the smile not left her muzzle the entire time, she got a personal tour of the entire town. From what was where, to the best places to eat and have fun. And Pinkie’s energy was endless, she was bouncing as much now as she was from when they started.
“Heehee, you’re so much fun Pockey!” the pink mare bubbled happily. Her blue eyes sparkling brightly as she pronked next to the unicorn. “I’ve had a blast hanging with you.”
“Yeah, same here,” Pockets smiled, blushing slightly at the praise. Not many ponies thought she was ‘fun’ to hang with. She was usually just the annoy—
A loud chiming noise made her squeal and jump, before glancing at at clocktower, the chiming signalling that it was five o’clock.
“Pinkie…” Pockets suddenly recalled something. “What time does Town Hall close?”
“Five o’clock, why?” Pinkie replied as she hummed. She suddenly paused as she saw Pockets baning her head against a tree. “Um, oohhh! Are we playing the woodpecker game?”
“Ahhhh! I’m such an idiot!” Pockets yelled. “I was supposed to go to Town Hall to organise a place to live! Ahhhh!” Her friend had made the necessary arrangements, so all Pockets had to do was sing some papers and pick up a key. But now it was too late.
“…Guess I’m sleepin’ on the streets tonight,” Pockets sighed. Huh, she hadn’t done that in a while. Well, back to basics then. She went to walk, only…
“Huh?” She looked down to see why she wasn’t moving. A tendril of pink hair was wrapped around her tail, Pinkie’s mane tugging on it. “Um… Pinkie?”
“Nu-uh!” Pinkie said, looking quite serious. “No way is a buddy of mine sleeping on the street. Let’s go.”
“Go?” Pockets blinked in surprise as the mare lifted her with her somehow prehensile mane and put her on her back. “Go where?”
“Well, my place duh,’ Pinkie snorted as she started to trot. “Oooh, we’ll totally have a sleepover.”
Pockets blinked. She… hadn’t really had those before. Well, she had, but not a lot of ‘sleeping’ persay, was involved. “Huh, my first sleepover,” she said and Pinkie’s step faltered. Whhhyyyyyy did Pockets suddenly fear for her life?
“Your. First. Sleepover!?” Pinkie exclaimed. “WE HAVE WORK TO DO!”
“Oh butts…” Pockets mumbled as she grabbed Pinkie’s mane as the hyper mare rocketed off.
For the second time today, Pockets found herself in Princess Twilight’s castle, sitting against a far wall as she watched Pinkie zip around at ludicrous speeds, a white and gorgeous unicorn mare watching her. A unicorn that Pockets recognised.
“Pinkie, darling,” Rarity said as she watched the mare zip around, little more than a blur as she got everything ready for a slumber party to end all slumber parties. Or so she had stated earlier. “A few questions, if you’d be so kind?”
“Can’t,” came the voice as she zipped past, Rarity trying to keep her mane down from the drag Pinkie created. “Busy,” And now her tail. “Ask Pockey!”
Rarity sighed, running a hoof through her coiffed mane. She turned and looked at the new pony in the room. She’d been sitting to the side, her eyes wide and sparkling. Rarity knew a starstruck look when she saw it, but who was this filly? She walked closer, lightly clearing her throat to garner attention. “Excuse me, sorry to bother you but—”
“Ohmyfreakinggosh!” the filly squeaked. “You’re Rarity Belle. Owner of the Carousel line fashion stores and the Element of Generosity!”
Rarity blinked, a little caught off guard by the sudden introduction of… well, herself. “W-Well, indeed I am darling,’ she tittered and smiled politely. “But, I am afraid I do not know you quite so intimately. Perhaps you could assist me there?”
“She means introductions!” Pinkie called out as she placed a plethora of party snacks and drinks on a table.
“Yeah, I got that!” the filly said and giggled. “My name is Pickett Midnight, but most ponies just call me Pockets.” She raised Rarity’s hoof and placed a gentle kiss on it.
“Well,” Rarity giggled, flushing a little pink shade. “Aren’t you a well-mannered filly. How on earth does Pinkie know you though? You, look a tad too old for her to be foalsitting.”
Pockets sighed and hung her head. “I’m a grown mare dangit…” she sighed. Upon seeing Rarity’s confused look, she sighed again. “I’m twenty two years old.”
“O-Oh…” Rarity flushed again, this time from embarrassment. “My deepest apologies Miss Midnight.” But Pockets just shook her head and shrugged.
“It’s cool, I get it all the time, you aren’t the first to mistake me for a kid.” Pockets sighed and looked up. “But yeah, I… kinda forgot to go to Town Hall on time, so I was just gonna sleep in the park or something but—”
“In the park!?” Rarity exclaimed and snorted. “Goodness, a young mare should not be reduced to doing such a thing.” She looked her over and hummed. “Your colouration is quite lovely. A wonderful coal coat and that mane is gorgeous.” She ran her magic over Pocket’s mane, fixing the natural curls in it. “Such a lovely shade of purple. And those blue eyes of yours. It’s like you fell out of the night sky itself.”
“I…” Pockets blushed as the incredibly beautiful unicorn barraged her with compliments.
‘They’re just saying that. They’re only being nice…’
‘Shut up! You don’t know that, she could totally mean it!’
‘Please, when has ‘anypony’ meant it?’
‘…Middy meant it…’
‘Yeah, that’s why she sent us here…”
“Miss Midnight?” Rarity snapped her out of her inner turmoil. “Are you alright dear? I fear we lost you for a moment there.”
“H-Huh, oh… Yeah,” She wiped her eyes when she felt them sting lightly. “Sorry, I guess I’m a little tired after my long train ride.” yeah, just play it cool. You totally weren’t about to cry in front of your heroes.
“Well, not to worry, I doubt anypony can sleep when Pinkie gets going,” Rarity giggled as another pony entered, the doors swinging open with a loud bang. An orange earth pony entered, carrying two, heavy-looking cases on her back.
“Pinkie Pie?” the mare hollered. “Where do y’all want this here cider?”
“Ohh, on the table please,” Pinkie’s voice came from… well, somewhere. “Thanks a bunch AJ~”
“Well, when ya said it was a’mergency…” the mare said as she put the crates on the floor and started unpacking the crates. “So, whut’s up anyway?”
“Yoohoo~” Rarity called. “Applejack darling, come over here for a moment.”
“Uh, Rare’s, Ahm’a lil busy…” Applejack started until an azure aura lifted all the bottles onto the table, neatly placing them together. “Nevermind,” the earth pony sighed as she trotted over. “Whut kin ah do fer ya?”
“Miss Midnight,” Rarity smiled. “Allow me to introduce Applejack—”
“Element of Honesty and owner of Sweet Apple Acres, AKA, the place that produces the bestest apples in aaaaaaaalllllll of Equestria!” Pockets gasped, Applejack raising an eyebrow at the intro.
“She does that… apparently,” Rarity tittered.
“Well, shucks,” Applejack tugged the brim of her Stetson down. “Thanks fer the praise there. But, ah’m afraid ah don’t know you Miss… Midnight was it?”
“Pickett Midnight,” the mare nodded. “But you can call me Pockets. And no, I’m not a filly either.”
“Wasn’t gonna assume,” Applejack nodded and held out a hoof, Pocket’s shaking it enthusiastically. “Well, it’s a mighty fine pleasure ta meetcha. You a friend’o Rarity’s?”
“Well, while we have been acquainted just now,” Rarity smiled. “She’s here with Pinkie Pie… if you can keep her still for more than a second.”
“Yeaaahh, not likely,” Applejack deadpanned as she ignored the pink mare for now. “So, whut’s goin’ on anyhow? All ah was told was to come to Twilight’s place and bring some cider if ah could.” She took off her hat and wiped her forehead, carrying those crates worked up a sweat. “Ah mean, ah didn’t have anythin’ going on. Granny and Grampy are out playin’ bingo an’ AB’s got a Crusader Slumber Party. Mac and Sugar are home watchin’ ‘em.”
“Pinkie’s arranged an impromptu slumber party of our own,” Rarity said. “Well, I suppose it’s not a bad thing. We haven’t had one in quite some time. At least not since Starlight came to live here…”
Pinkie came to a screeching halt in the air and gasped loudly. “OH. MY. CUPCAKES!” she shrieked. “Starry’s first slumber party with the girls too!?”
Aaaaaand she was zipping out the door, to parts unknown.
“…Ah reckon ya mighta jus’ doomed as all Rares,” AJ deadpanned once again. “Well, Pinkie aside. It sounds like a good idea. And, again, it’s real nice ta meetcha Pockets.”
“Yeah, you too,” the unicorn smiled.
‘Nice my hoof. She’s the Element of Honesty! If she knew you were a thi—’
‘Which is why we’re keeping that a secret. This is a fresh start remember’
‘Yeah… keep telling yourself that.’
“She also does this,” Rarity murmured to Applejack as they watched Pockets stare off into space. “I must wonder what’s going through her mind.”
“Well, she certainly knows a lot about us,” Applejack said, before the doors slammed open again, Rarity turning to glare at the offender.
“I swear, were you ponies born in a barn!?” she scolded the pegasus mare that flew in. However, Rainbow just shrugged, one eye moving to look at the cider on the table.
“Eh, life’s too short to worry about things like hinges,” she shrugged as she landed, Fluttershy landing next to her.
“I’m sorry,” the shy mare said softly. “I’m sure she didn’t mean it, Rainbow is awfully fast.”
“You bet I am,’ Rainbow puffed out her chest. “I mean, come on. I’m—”
“Rainbow Dash!” Pockets stared up at her with wide-eyed awe. “Element of Loyalty. Youngest and only pony in recent history to do a Sonic Rainboom and the youngest and most promising Wonderbolt! You are literally awesome itself ponified!”
Rainbow blinked as Rarity and Applejack facepalmed. “Hey… I like you kid, you know what’s up.” She ruffled Pocket’s mane. “So, who are you?”
“I’m Pockets,” the small mare beamed. “Ahhh, meeting you is so awesome!”
“Well, naturally,” the prismatic mare beamed. “Also, sorry I’m late. Me and Twi were out… uh…” She blushed and flicked her wings. “Nevermind. So. Slumber party huh?”
“Now, how did y’all know an’ ah didn’t?” Applejack asked.
“Pinkie,” Fluttershy and Rainbow said in unison.
“We bumped into her on the way here,” Fluttershy explained, moving a strand of her mane out of the way. “She mentioned a slumber party, and that we ‘had had had’ to come.”
“Yeah, well we had nothing else to do,” Rainbow shrugged and looked at Pockets, who was now sneaking glances at Fluttershy. “Oh, do you know Flutters as well?”
“Mhm,” she nodded and smiled. “That’s Fluttershy. She’s the Element of Kindness and she also designed and runs the Ponyville Animal Sanctuary. Not to mention her brief stint as a super pretty and super popular model some years back.”
“O-Oh my…” Fluttershy hid behind a wing. “I… had no idea I was so famous…”
“Ah reckon Pockets here might know ‘bout all of us,” Applejack said with a chuckle. “Not too sure why though…”
“Well…” Pockets was now the center of attention for four of the six Element Bearers. “I… I mean, you saved the world a bunch and… you know, there was that book Princess Twilight released a while back…”
Their expressions soured over that.
“The less said ‘bout that particular fiasco the better,” Applejack sighed and shook her head. “But, ah get the feelin’ it’s a tad more than that.”
Pockets sighed, there was no hiding from the Element of Honesty huh. “Well… it’s cause… you guys are my heroes,” she mumbled. “You’re so amazingly brave and awesome. You saved Equestria a whole bunch, even though nopony asked you to, or even if you could save the world. You just… did it. Time and time again. You’re just the most amazing group of friends and…” She took a breath and smiled. “You prove that anything is possible you know.”
‘Yeah, doesn’t mean we can do that. Let’s face it, fate just screws some ponies over and we’re it’s favourite punching bag…’
Pockets wanted to retort to that stupid voice, if it wasn’t for the four mares hugging her that was. She blinked slowly, not quite understanding what was going on here. Sure, she was used to random hugs… but usually she was the one delivering them.
“Um… wat?” the mare blinked.
“Oh darling, that was just about the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,’ Rarity said as they pulled back. “Goodness me, my makeup is going to run at this rate.”
Then they heard a crash as they all turned out see Pinkie standing in the doorway, her eyes wide and mouth agape, a tray of biscuits on the crystal floor.
“I missed hug time!?!?” she exclaimed as her mane slowly deflated.
“Aww, c’mere!” Pockets spread her arms and winced when Pinkie barrelled into her, hugging the stuffing out of her. “Uhh...Pinks...air!” Pockets tried to tap out.
“Hehe, ya brought that one on yerself,” Applejack chuckled. “So, while ah’m all up fer a party, we’re usin’ Twi’s castle and she ain’t around…”
“I was with her earlier, when we went out for coffee,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “I don’t know where she went after though.”
“Going out for coffee?” Rarity echoed as her eyes twinkled. “Ooh, my dear Rainbow Dash. Is there something you wish to tell us? Perhaps… a certain pegasus likes a certain alicorn hm~?”
“Huh?” Pockets looked up from behind Pinkie’s pile of poofy pony perm and blinked. “Huh? Are Rainbow and Princess Twilight dating?”
“WHAT!?” Rainbow yelled, coughing as her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. “N-No! She wanted to go to this new cafe-slash-bookstore is all.” She folded her forelegs and looked away. “For crying out loud. I don’t even like mares like that.”
“Hehe, simmer down pony girl,” Applejack chuckled and shook her head. “You know Rare’s is only teasin’ ya. Now, ah reckon she shouldn’t be too far—”
The door opened, surrounded by a light raspberry hue. And in walked a pony pair. A unicorn mare with a pinkish purple coat and a darker purple mane and tail. Beside her was a mare Pockets knew very well, but she couldn’t find the words to speak as Twilight Sparkle walked into the room.
“Huh? Maybe I’ll tag along next time,” Starlight said as she turned her head to the center of the room. “Um… I think we missed something.”
Pinkie finally released Pockets and turned around. “Hi Twi. Hi Star. We’re having a slumber party here okay? It’s gonna be Star’s first too!”
“Uh… kinda?” Starlight said awkwardly. “I stayed with Trixie a few times and we had a kind of slumber party. Does that count?”
Pinkie paused. She thought long and hard. She took out a calculator and crunched the numbers. “Well… the math doesn’t lie. Two ponies a slumber party makes. So yeah… darn.”
“I want to question that math… but I know better,” Twilight sighed and shook her head. “So, a sleepover huh? Might I ask what sparked this one. I mean, I don’t mind or course…”
“Because Pockey and Starlight haven’t had one before,” Pinkie said as she finally released Pockets from her embrace. “So we’re gonna change that.”
“Well I mean,” Pockets said with a slight chuckle. “I’ve slept over ponies houses before… not a lot of actual sleeping got done though~”
“Huh? What did you stay up doing then?” Twilight said, tilting her head slightly.
Rarity and Rainbow were the first to get it, blushing slightly as Fluttershy and Applejack caught on, the later blushing harder as the farm mare shook her head.
“What?” Twilight asked, her voice raising slightly.
“Never change Twilight, never change,” Pinkie said, patting her head. “Okay, so let’s start our ‘Totally Innocent and not for sexy times Sleepover’.”
“Woo!” Pockets cheered happily. Her self doubts slipping to the back of her mind.
Okay, Pockets had to pinch herself with magic. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Here she was, in Princess Twilight’s castle. Having a sleepover with the Elements of Harmony!
Oh, and Starlight Glimmer too apparently, whoever she was.
“So, how’s the Princessin’ goin’?” Applejack asked as the mares sat on a huge pile of pillows after Star and Twi had cleared the center of the room out.
Then Pinkie had somehow found ever pillow in the castle. And some extra in case of ‘Pillow Emergencies.’ And one feathery pile later, they had a fluffy mountain to play with.
“All in all, not too bad,” Twilight said with a nod. “After that Storm King debacle, well… we’ve been trying to decide on what to do with all the refugees that were left behind.”
“And Fizzlepop?” Pinkie asked excitedly. Wait, who was Fizzlepop?
“Well, about that,” Twilight said. “You’ll see. It’s going to be a surprise.”
“Awwww,” Pinkie flopped back into the pillows. “Well, that sounds like fun anyway.”
“Speaking of fun,” Rainbow piped up. “Can we actually, you know, do something fun?”
That got a few murmurs from the others as Pinkie sat up.
“Truth or dare!” she declared with a raised hoof. “And our new friend Pockets get’s the first turn!”
“I…” that caught the smolcorn off guard. She played that once with her, which led to some fun times afterwards~ “I don’t know…”
“Eh, we’ll go easy on you… for now,” Rainbow chuckled as Pinkie cleared a space, chugged a bottle of cider and set it down before belching loudly.
“Really Pinkie?” Rarity rolled her eyes. “At least show some kind of decorum…”
“Huh, but this is a slumber party, not a renovation party,” Pinkie said as she looked around. “Hmm, I wonder what goes well with crystal…?”
Twilight just giggled as she looked at Pockets. “So, do you know how to play?” she asked her, making the smaller mare wave a hoof and snort.
“What? Yeah, totes,” she said and gave the bottle a flick with a hoof, causing it to spin until it landed on Rarity.
“Well now, first up it seems,” she tittered, brushing her coiffed mane out of her eyes. “Alright darling, I shall pick Truth.”
Pockets rubbed her chin, hmm, what to ask…
“Do you prefer stallions or mares romantically?”
‘What the BUCK are you thinking!?’
‘I-I wasn’t…’
‘Clearly.’
‘Isn’t that your job?’
‘...’
‘Well?’
‘Well I wanna know…’
‘....yeah, me too.’
The question got a round of gasps and giggles from the others as rarity’s cheeks flushed crimson. “W-Well, you certainly don’t pull your punches do you?” she said and took a sip of her drink. “Well, if we’re speaking so candidly. I’d say stallions…”
“Ah, righto—”
“But,” Rarity continued to everyone’s surprise. “I’d not discount a mare I suppose. To me, it’s what matters on the inside. One pure of heart and intentions is what truly makes one shine.”
“Awww,” the others sighed, though Pockets put on a slightly off kilter smile, though none of them seemed to notice, too busy teasing Rarity. She used the brief respite to contain herself.
‘Yeah, bet they’d love to know that you’d pick this palace clean if you so felt like it…’
‘S-Shut up…’
‘I’m not wrong and you know it. After all, you’re just talking to yourself…’
She looked up as she realised that others had taken their turn, and Rainbow has spun the bottle, the neck pointing at Pockets.
“Truth!” she blurted out, before facehooving. Stupid stupid stupid, what were you even thinking!
“Truth huh?” Rainbow said and nodded. “Well, how about an easy one. How’d you get your Cutie Mark?”
The others took note of it, a masquerade mask and a heart.
“Oh that?” she said with a light chuckle. “Easy enough I guess, just really good at acting and stuff. Yeah. Found my talent when I was at the orphanage…” She wasn’t about to tell them that it was because she robbed a corrupt noble that planned to buy the orphanage and demolish it to make way for a shopping mall. She’d taken money he himself had stolen and made the anonymous donation that allowed the matron to buy the orphanage herself to keep it open and running indefinitely.
Her mark was one of a thief, a good one. In all her years, she’d never once been caught… okay that was a lie. She’d been caught once and the pony that had, well she owed her her life…
And that was Pinkie hugging her again. And why was Applejack frowning?
“Okay, my turn,” Pockets moved along, spinning the bottle with her magic. It spun around before landing on Princess Twilight. The alicorn blinked before looking at Pockets. “Hm, well, how about I pick… Truth.”
“Booooring,” Pockets giggled and shrugged. “Mkay, let’s see… what to ask a pretty pony princess,” the comment making the alicorn blush a little. “How about…”
‘Am I a bother here?’
She frowned slight at the persistent voice, at least until she saw slightly wide-eyed stares. It dawned on her and she put a hoof to her face. “I said that out loud didn’t I?”
“Why would you think you’re a bother?” Twilight said, moving so she was sitting down next to her. “You’ve been nothing but pleasant since you’ve been here. Perhaps a bit of a fanfilly, but you seem nice.”
“Yeah, I think you’re cute and adorable too,” Pinkie giggled as she pet Pocket’s spiky mane. “But seriously, why would you say that?”
“Mebbe cause she lied about her Cutie Mark story?” Applejack suggested, causing the unicorn to flinch.
“Applejack!” Rarity chided her. “That’s rather rude don’t you think? Especially since you don’t even know her.”
“Still doesn’t change the fact ah knew she wasn’t telling the truth,” AJ said, looking at Pockets. “Ah wouldn’t mind knowin’ why she thought she had to lie to us.”
“Applejack!”
During the exchange between the farmer and the fashionista, Pockets had moved back a little, slowly scooting away to try and avoid further confrontation. She was so stupid, why would she lie with the Element of flipping Honesty sitting right there?
“Yo, what’s wrong?” Rainbow Dash suddenly spoke up in her loud, brash tone. Pockets flinched. No… they were on to her. She was gonna be yelled at by her heroes… She, she couldn’t bear to hear that.
And before she knew it, her hooves were scrabbling across the crystal floor, already making a break for the door. She heard wingbeats behind her, and rainbow shouting her name. No, she was gonna get…
Oh duh. Magic.
With a flash of light, her world inverted momentarily as the warm palace room was replaced by the cool night air and soft grass of the local park. She paused to catch her breath, even Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be able to follow her that quickly.
“W-What happened!?” Twilight exclaimed. Everything had been going fine. The sleepover was practically textbook. Then all of a sudden, Pockets freaked, ran and then teleported? It took a gifted unicorn to teleport, especially under stress.
What had even happened? She turned to Applejack and frowned. “What do you mean she was lying?” she said, her tone slightly harsher than she might have meant.
“Jus’ whut ah said, she wasn’t truthful ‘bout her story,” AJ said.
“So you had to call her out on it?” Rainbow said, giving her wings a flick. “Maybe the real story is too embarrassing, or maybe she can’t remember it? Ever think of that apple brain?”
“Well… it doesn’t mean she had ta lie to us.”
“Oh yeah, cause she totally wasn’t nervous about being in a room full of her idols,” Starlight snarked. “Come on. Imagine if the Princesses invited you all for…” she paused, realising who she was talking to and sighed. “Forget it, I don’t have a decent analogy.”
“Well, we won’t get this sorted since she bailed on us,” Rainbow said and looked at Twilight and Starlight. “Can you eggheads track her magic or something?”
“Well, yes,” Twilight said with a nod. “A magical signature tracer spell will still take a bit.”
“Um…” Fluttershy raised a hoof. “S-Sorry to be a bother but… where’s Pinkie Pie?”
Everyone paused and looked around. She was right, the pink earth pony was also gone.
“Ooh, the poor dear must be terribly upset,” Rarity piped up. “She’d looked forward to this party and—”
“Argh, alright! Ah get it, ah dun bucked up,” Applejack sighed, pulling her hat over her face as she stood up. “Ah’ll try n’ find ‘em, yes, both of ‘em.”
“I’ll help,” Rainbow said. “Rarity, Flutters. You two help as well, while Star and Twi search for Pockets with their magic.”
“Works for us,” Twilight agreed. “Good luck.”
Pockets walked slowly through the park, staring down at the grass.
Yeah, she’d nibbled some too. Shut up, she got hungry when stressed. Even after that, she couldn’t go back to the castle. She’d have to…
Dammit! She kicked a stone and sighed. She’d have to break in and steal her stuff back. She wasn’t like that anymore, and yet that was her go-to thought?
This was all she’d be… a thief that nopony could ever trust. She should just get her stuff and leave town… maybe even leave Equestria. She knew of a town to the south, a have for thugs, thieves and people like her. She’d prolly fit right in…
*Boop*
She squealed in surprise and fell back, holding her nose as she looked up to see a pink hoof in the air in front of her. Following the leg it was attached to, she saw that it’s owner was a familiar pink pony with blue eyes.
“P-Pinkie?” Pockets blinked. “W-What are you doing here?”
“You ran away,” Pinkie said. Her poofy mane looking a little limp. Her eyes were downcast and… aww, now Pockets felt like she just punted a puppy into a live volcano in front of a pile of starving orphans.
“Oh… um, well…” Pockets wasn’t sure how to respond to that. She just kinda… froze up. “It’s ah…”
“Was, my party not good enough?” Pinkie asked. “Or, did we upset you? We didn’t mean too…” With each word, her gaze drifted down more and more.
“Oh! Oh nonono!” Pockets rushed over to her, hugging the mare softly. “It’s not that. I promise. You’re party was amazing, the best I ever had really.” Pockets sighed and released the hug. “It’s just… Applejack’s right. I’m a liar. I… I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be allowed in Equestria at all—Urk!”
Pinkie’s powerful hug practically choked the mare. “No!” she almost yelled. “Never ever say that! You absolutely, positively do belong here! So… so don’t you ever say that.” Her body was shaking as Pockets felt her shoulder getting wet. Oh great, you just made the happiest pony in Equestria cry. Ten outta fucking ten moron.
Pinkie pulled back and wiped her eyes. “I’ll talk with Applejack. But… please don’t leave okay?” She tightened the hug a little as she sniffled.
“Awgeeze…” Pockets sighed and pat her back. “You make a good argument Ponk.” She puleld her bag from the hug and nodded. “Okay, I won’t leave, I promise.”
“P-Pinkie… Promise?” the mare asked softly.
What’s that? Oh, the thing she read about in the Friendship Journal. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my ey-OW!”
“Pfft, TwiTwi does that too,” Pinkie giggled, some colour returning to her. “So… um, can I ask something?”
“Sure,” Pockets said, rubbing her now sore eye.
“Why did you run away?”
Ah buck.
“W-Well…” Pockets stammered, her seech faltering. “It’s um…”
“Pinkie?” a scratchy voice called, making Pockets squeak and hide behind the mare’s poofy tail. Rainbow landed and wiped her brow. “What are you doing out… oh, you found her?”
“Yahuh,” Pinkie nodded and pulled Pockets out of hiding. “However, she is in the Pinkie Pie Protection Program. If you’re mean to her… I… I won’t throw you a party!”
Seriously? Her threats could use a little…
“Ohwow… i’ve never seen you so serious,” rainbow said, taking an uneasy step back. “Looks Pinks, no need to get drastic okay? I wasn’t gonna yell at her.”
What? That worked!?
“Oh…” Pinkie blinked and smiled. “Okay!”
“But, everypony’s out looking for you two,” Dash said. “We should head back to the castle and let them know your safe.”
“Why?” Pockets murmured. “It’s not like anypony care—”
“NO!” Pinkie yelled, startling her and Rainbow. “What did we just talk about Pockey!”
“Oh… right, sorry,” Pockets murmured.
“Dang…” Rainbow whispered and shook her head. “Okay, let’s get back before I imitate Fluttershy’s fainting goats.” With a beat of her wings, she took to the air. “Hey Pockets. You ever flown before?”
“Mhm, one of my friends used to, she was crazy fast though,” Pockets said. “Darn crazy ba—”
“Fast?” Rainbow sorted and grabbed the unicorn. Oh nooooo… “I’ll show you fast!”
“Wai—”
“...I can taste colours…” Pockets groaned as she lay on the cool crystal floor. “Please stop the planet from spinning. I wanna get off…”
“Drama queen,” Rainbow rolled her eyes as she dusted off her wings. “I wasn’t even going that fast.”
“You okay?” Pinkie asked, rubbing Pocket’s back gently.
“Yeah,” she groaned. “It was fun, but she’s almost as crazy as Middy.”
“Middy?” Pinkie blinked.
“A good friend,” Pockets said as she slowly stood up. She gave the pink mare a smile, one that faded when the others arrived, most pointedly Applejack.
“Now,” Twilight raised a hoof. “Before anyone says anything, let’s go back to the living room. We’ll have something to eat and drink, calm down, Then talk.”
The others agreed, Pockets following, but sticking close to Pinkie as the party mare nuzzled her. Rainbow tilted her head slightly as she watched that. Pinkie was being weird… well, weirder.
And true to Twilight’s word. They enjoyed some snacks that Spike and Starlight had made, as well as a round of punch. Then, came the moment that Pockets was dreading.
“So… might I ask why you ran away?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “If we did anything to offend you in some way…”
“No, no it’s not like that,” Pockets said with a shake of her head. “It’s… It’s just…”
“Ah didn’t mean to accuse y’all like that,” Applejack said, lowering her hat. “Ah really am sorry. It’s jus’... ah can’t help it sometimes when…”
“When somepony is lying,” Pockets said with a nod. “Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t had tried that in front of Honesty itself huh?”
“Look,” Twilight said. “We had no intention to make you uncomfortable. If you don’t want to tell us, it’s fine. We’ll still be happy to be your friends, right girls?” her words followed by a round of accompanying nods and various confirming words.
“No…” Pockets shook her head. “It’s not right. I…” She took a deep breath. “I’m scared. I’m scared that when you find out. You’ll hate me… I… I couldn’t take that. You guys are my heroes. Even more that the Power Ponies.”
“The Power Ponies are pretty great,” Spike nodded, sharing a fist/hoof bump with Pockets.
“Pockets, we promise we won’t think any less of you,” Twilight said. “So… if you feel comfortable to tell us…”
The unicorn nodded. They, well they would probably let her leave if she asked. But she still had nowhere to go. Well, aside back to Canterlot to tell Middy she failed.
“I, well I was sent here,” she said. “My friend, she’s been looking after me for a while. We’re super good friends. Best friends really. But, she thinks that as long as I’m under her wing, I can’t grow as a pony. Also, I think she was making a short joke. She’s a butt sometimes.” Pockets ended with a little giggle. She cleared her throat and continued after that. “I uh… well, I used to be a thief. Ever since I was a filly.”
“Goodness me,” Rarity gasped. Pockets winced, here it comes…
“What kind of life would leave a small filly to do such a thing,” the unicorn said, sitting next to her. “Well, I can assure you that as long as you stay here, we will do all we can to help you.”
Another round of agreeable words and nods.
“W-What?” Pockets squeaked. I mean, sure, she was the Element of Generosity. But even generosity had its limits. She was a total stranger to them. Why would they help her so readily?
“Well, perhaps if ya told us,” Applejack chuckled.
“Oh right…” Pockets said with a nod. “Well, the story I told you wasn’t… totally untrue. I am a pretty good actor, helps me get into places to… er…”
“Please, just tell us however you like,” Twilight smiled. Pockets nodded and with a breath, continued.
“There was this total scumbag, he wanted to buy the orphanage that I was at, demolish it and turn the place into a mall,” she said, getting a round of gasps. “So, I decided to do something about it. I broke into his big, fancy mansion, disguised as one of the servant fillies. I found out that we was running some shady stuff on the side. So… made my decision easier.” She smirked and rubbed her hooves together. “I took all his dirty money. He couldn’t go to the cops, cause they’d look into how he got it all. I made dozens of anonymous donations to the orphanage after that. Over a couple of months, different amounts. And eventually… the matron had enough to but the place herself and keep it open.”
There was a pause as the seven other mares took that in. She did all that? As a filly?
“That’s how I got my Cutie Mark,” she said. “After that well… I left the orphanage. I couldn’t stay. No matter the reason, I did something wrong. Nopony would want a filly who’s special talent was stealing. Though, that’s ironically how I met my family.”
“How so?” Starlight asked with a raised eyebrow. Rainbow was also curious, moreso that Pinkie hadn’t left the small unicorn’s side.
“Well, if you haven’t noticed… I’m kind a small,” she chuckled. “That, helps me in that field. Getting into small spaces, lowering pony’s guards cause they think I’m a filly. I eventually stole from the wrong pony. Pickpocketed him but he caught me. Ran like a bolt from the blue, but he was good. Cornered me, wanted his bits back… so…”
They leaned forwards in anticipation.
“I bucked him right in the nuts!” Pockets cackled maliciously, the mares wincing in sympathy. “Buuut, turns out the guy was a big deal in the criminal underworld. Didn’t take him long to track me down.”
“Ohmigosh!” Pinkie gasped. “Were you okay? Did he hurt you? Did you die!? Please tell me lil filly Pockey didn’t die!”
Pockets raised an eyebrow, but giggled and shook her head. “Naaah, he actually recruited me. He pretty much became my dad after that. Despite his appearance, he’s a total softie. But he has the worst taste in music. Like… it’s bad… real bad.”
“So, how did y’all get from there—” Applejack asked. “—To here?” she pointed around the castle.
“Ah, we’re getting there,” Pockets said. “A lil over a year ago. I again… picked the pocket of the wrong pony. I thought she was some snooty noble on vacation… Buuut.”
“Was she a criminal too!?” Pinkie gasped. “Oh, was she a secret agent. Or a spy!?”
“Pfft, no way,” Pockets grinned. “She’s waaay cooler than that. She’s the coolest pony I know… Sorry Rainbow.”
“Meh, I’ll be the judge of her coolness,” Rainbow snorted.
“She’s a total badass. She chased me down like a demon from Tartarus. Holy crap I was so scared. I had no chance, To this day, she’s only the second pony to ever catch me. And mares, I was in love! She was so beautiful and amazing and…” She smiled. “But it wasn’t to be. We had a thing for a bit after that. But she had somepony else that deserves her more. Still had some amazing threesomes. Like for reals. The things she could do with her tongue was— Hmmmfph!”
“A-And that’s quite enough of that!” Twilight zipped her mouth with magic, blushing profusely. Rainbow looked keen to learn more, and rarity to an extent. Fluttershy was hiding under her wings and Pinkie blushed too. Okay, blushing Ponka had no right being so cute.
Eventually, Twilight released her and Pockets laughed. “Alright alright, I’ll leave out anymore sordid details to preserve the innocence of you fillies.” She sipped her drink and sighed. “But yeah, she saved me I guess. Showed me there was another way to live. But, she wanted me to find my own way and sent me here. I still don’t really know why.”
“Well I’m glad she did,” Pinkie giggled and nuzzled Pockets again. “Oh hey, can I ask you something Pockey?”
“Huh? Oh, sure Ponk,” she turned to her and smiled. “Anything.”
“Wanna go out on a date later?”
You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed, as everypony just stared at the pink mare. Yes, she was random. But that was… way out of nowhere.
“Uh… well I mean…” Pockets blushed. Was she for real? Pinkie Pie was… amazingly cute. Those crystal blue eyes, that soft pink coat and infectious giggle. Plus she was so nice and thicc~
“Aw… I suppose I shoulda waited a bit huh?” Pinkie sighed. “Sorry. I just thought you were pretty cute and thought, ‘hey why not?’ right?” She smiled, though it seemed a it forced.
“Well, it kinda came outta nowhere,” Pockets said, rubbing the back of her head. “And I mean, we haven’t even known each other for a day…”
“Well, isn’t that the point of dating? To get to know one another?” Twilight asked as she stood up. “Hang on, I think I have a book around here somewhere on it…”
“And she wonders why she’s single,” Starlight rolled her eyes.
“Like you’re any better,” Spike quipped.
“…touché.”
“So, can I ask why?” Pockets asked the pink pony. “Why me? You have a room full of cute mares.”
“Well, they’re my friends,” Pinkie said. “And well… I think you’re fun. You’re cute and… well…” she blushed cutely and looked away. “I guess I’m just being silly huh.”
“Okay.”
“Yeah, sorry I—” Pinkie paused, her eyes widening as she slowly turned to Pockets. “W-What, did to say?”
“I said okay,” Pockets smiled. “We can go out on a date whenever you like. I’d have to be stupid to turn you down. I mean, your gorgeous! You’re so bright and happy and well, yeah!” She giggled as Pinkie’s eyes widened more.
And then she started to vibrate.
“Um… what?” Pockets blinked as she suddenly found Applejack pulling her back.
“Whoa nelly… you uh, should move back here,” she said as everypony gave the pink mare a wide berth as she started to vibrate more and more.
‘Well that’d be useful later~’
‘Lewd me! Where’d ya go ya butt! I had to deal with Negative Me for ages!’
‘I was… occupied~’
‘....Really shoulda seen that one coming.’
‘Play your cards right and you’ll see the pink one c—’
“This is. The best. Night. EVER!” Pinkie cheered as fireworks exploded from… somewhere. Apparently somepony had been raiding Trixie’s stash. Pinkie launched herself across the room and planted her lips on Pocket’s own, stunning the smolcorn into total silence.
Well for a moment anyway. When Twilight returned, she found everyone laughing and giggling. She scratched her head and shrugged. “Well, as long as they’re happy.”
Some months later…
Pinkie giggled as she lay on the grass, staring up at the clouds as she and her marefriend watched Rainbow practice some tricks. Pockets poked her rib with a hoof, getting more giggles from her before they shared a nuzzle and a chaste kiss.
Some distance away, a pony landed next to Twilight and smiled. “Seems she’s doing well then?”
“Mhm, a few hiccups every now and then. But nopony’s perfect,” the alicorn said and turned to the armoured mare. “I’m actually thinking of offering her a job.”
“Oh?”
“She has a wealth of experiences, and with my school… she’d be a great asset.”
“I know some other great assets~”
“Ah!” Twilight smacked the hoof away from her flank. “Honestly.”
“Hehe~ Seriously though, that sounds great. I appreciate you looking out for her Princess.”
“Well, I owe you a great deal as well.” Twilight smiled at the winged mare. “Would you like to stay for a while? She’d like to see you I bet. Even now, she talks about you a lot.”
“Hmm,” she gave the princess a fanged smile. “Sure. Why not.”
Pockets sighed as she lay on Pinkie’s belly, rubbing her hoof with her own. She couldn’t be any happier right now. Because no matter what hardships life would throw at her in the future, she was blessed with ones that loved her no matter what.
And that alone, was worth it.
Author's Note
Gah, I still get nervous writing other people's characters. Still, I really hope you enjoy this buddy. Pockets is an absolute gem and Pinkie is always fun to write.
You're one of my best bud's mate. And I hope you will be for a good long while still. Love ya!
