Chapters “HEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHTHEYTWILIGHT!” Pinkie burst through the locked door of the Library, bounding past a newly awoken Spike to get Twilight's attention.
Twilight opened her eyes slowly, taking a few moments to locate her surroundings, where she was and who was infront of her.
A pair of blue eyes stared her straight in the face, a smile below them. “Goood morning sleepyhead!!”
“Pinkie Pie? What are you doing in the library so early?” Twilight rolled away from Pinkie, allowing herself to climb out of bed.
“I just heard some excellent news!” Pinkie burst out, jumping around the top floor of the library like a lunatic.
“What is it?” Twilight levitated a brush over to her using her horn, brushing her hair as she watched in the mirror.
“There's somepony new coming to Ponyville! And it's my job to greet them and welcome them and play with them and become super duper best friends with them! Oh my gosh this is gonna be so fun! I can't wait to show them sugar cube corner, oh and!-”
Pinkie's rant was mumbled when Twilight put her hoof in Pinkie's mouth to silence her. After a few seconds of incoherent “mm”s and “nn”s Pinkie finally gave up on speaking and closed her trap.
“I'll come with you then, I'll see if they like books.” Twilight nudged Pinkie, and together they walked outside the library. “So where are they going to be?”
“Just over there!” Pinkie pointed with one hoof over the hill. The sun sparkled, blocking out the figure. Twilight squinted, not sure what to expect.
Hell, she was ready for pretty much anything short of a Goddess to be over that hill. But not this. Twilight sighed as her ears fell down.
“See?!” Pinkie asked excitedly. She pulled Twilight over to the new pony.
In front of the two was a brown earth pony, with black hooves and a black mane. Pinkie was beaming, waiting for it to say something.
So she waited
And waited a little longer.
“Time for plan B!” Pinkie disappeared, leaving the two ponies for just a second while she brought back a familiar wagon.
The brown pony watched with glazed over eyes as the welcome wagon's display played out in front of it.
“To ponyville today!!! Wait for it...” Confetti blasted out of the oven on the wagon, leaving the pony very confused. It bent it's head down, chewing idly at some grass.
“Pinkie I can't believe you pulled me out here so I could meet a horse.. I'll have to go tell Princess Celestia about this.”
Pinkie Pie frowned. “You really think it's a horse? B-But I was so excited to meet a new pony.. can't I just try to make friends with her? Pleeeeeeeeeeease?”
Twilight sighed, her ears flattening and her neck craning lower towards the ground. “You remember why we don't have these guys around any more. Princess Celestia gave the secrets of the old world to just the bearers of the elements of harmony, so we have to get rid of this thing before people get curious about it. It's the way it has to be.”
“The old world sounded fun!” Pinkie commented, inspecting the passages of the horse's ear.
“You remember what she told us, right? When the Goddess Alicorns came down from the other world and annihilated the human race so we could thrive, we were meant to make sure all of the horses were gone so just we were here. It's her royal decree.” Twilight turned to make her way to the Library. Pinkie pulled the horse along with the two.
“Why don't we ask Princess Celestia nicely if we can keep it?”
“Because, as of 2012 both humans and horses were banished to the sun. That's also why we threw out all their technology. I don't think you understand Pinkie, the humans were flawed and unclean.”
“Unclean, unwanted? That's what she said right? Unclean, unwanted, unnecessary..” Pinkie felt her hair deflate a little.
“Exactly. The humans were a sick species, that's why they all burned.”
“And the horses have to go too? Why's that..?” Pinkie and Twilight pulled into the library.
“Well don't tell the Princess I told you this,” Twilight brought over a pen and parchment. “But she doesn't trust them personally. Besides, you've seen how much of an ancient race they are, can't even speak. There's no hope for them.”
“But we're meant to tolerate everyone aren't we?” Pinkie asked as Twilight gave the parchment to Spike to send away to the Princess.
“I thought that died out along with that stupid sub culture the humans made.”
“But the bronies were really nice to us..” Pinkie left the horse inside as she began to back out the door.
“They had insulted our queen using their horrible 'internet' thing. That's why we got rid of them first. Not to mention how they had demeaned you.”
“I think it was nice of them!” Pinkie Pie insisted, pushing herself forward so she wasn't completely out of the door.
“Look, Pinkie, we can find another element of laughter if you mess up.” Twilight hissed in her ear. “Celestia has ears everywhere, you'd be careful to keep your trap shut.”
Pinkie gulped, her face growing pale. “I-I won't end up like R-Rainbow or Rarity will I?” She stammered.
“If she hears you speaking like that, I'm sure it will be much, much worse..”
“But I don't want to end up like that! She doesn't talk to anyone any more..not after... not after she lost her wings...”
“Yes, it's no way for a person to live.” Twilight looked away for a moment, her breath catching.
“An-and Rarity... she didn't live like that.. not for long anyway..”
“Exactly, so don't go around asking for trouble Pinkie. Remember what happened when Trixie questioned her just once?”
“How could it be worse than what she did to Lyra?” Pinkie gasped.
“I don't think even she would be that harsh. Now get out of here Pinkie Pie, before Celestia knows about you trying to befriend the horse. I'm sure I can keep your head on your shoulders if you leave now.”
Pinkie turned and galloped away, allowing Twilight to shut the door behind her. She leant on it, sighing. “Now I have to go hide all my history books before the Princess comes..”
Chapter 2
A flap of wings from outside were all it took to get Twilight's attention. She ran outside to greet the Princess, her mentor and ruler.
The white Alicorn descended, her carriage being pulled by her two white guard pegasi. It skidded smoothly to a halt on the road. Twilight bowed her head. The Princess, paying little to no attention to anything else at the time, stepped off her carriage and smiled to greet her student.
“My dearest student Twilight, I heard you wanted to show me something?” The Princess spoke warmly, following Twilight inside the library after she had risen from her bow.
“Quite right Princess... we have a slight problem.”
The Princess, now inside the library raised an eyebrow as Twilight shut the door behind the two. The unicorn extended her hoof to the middle of the room.
The horse from earlier that day stood in the middle of the room, swishing it's tail idly as it chewed up one of Twilight's more expensive magic books.
The Princess's face twisted into a look of disgust. “That is a problem.” She noted coldly, her face screwing up.
“What are you going to do with it, Princess?” Twilight asked, a leg's length away from the Goddess.
“And why is that any of your concern Twilight Sparkle?” She snapped coldly, causing Twilight to jump back even further.
“I-I'm sorry Princess... I won't ask again.” he whimpered, pushing herself up against the bookcase.
“Good. I'll be taking this thing back to the Castle with me. Meanwhile make sure Pinkie Pie doesn't get me into any more trouble. I hate having to come all the way here for something so meaningless.” The Princess pulled the horse out of the room with her magic, slamming the door shut behind her. Twilight gave a sigh of relief and slumped down, book from above her falling off the shelf and slamming her in the head.
“I'm so glad... now I have to tidy this place up.” She rose, ignoring the throbbing pain running through her head (books to the horn hurt, you know!) and scanning the room. Books, clothes, scrolls and pens were scattered everywhere. Twilight dipped her head down, ears folding across her head. “God dammit.”
“Hello there sleepyhead!” Pinkie called out from behind Twilight. The unicorn spun around to see blue eyes staring her in the face.
“Pinkie I have no time for this. How did you get in here with no noise, anyway?”
“I dunno, I kinda just walked out of sugarcube corner and next thing I know, I'm here, isn't that the strangest thing? I suppose it's just because the fanfic writer is lazy and couldn't think of a good way to get me here so-”
“Pinkie Pie, are you still going on about those “people” in your head?” Twilight asked, patience wearing thin.
“They aren't in my head, Twilight! They're real! Lyra agrees with me!” Pinkie insisted, following the unicorn around as she put books away.
“Have you been to see the Doctor lately? Taking your pills?”
“The pills make my head hurt Twilight, and I can't see as much when I take them.” Pinkie's ears flattened. “I don't like them at all. Lyra doesn't either!”
“I told you to stop speaking to that insatiable madpony!” Twilight shouted angrily. “Don't talk about her near me again. In fact, why are you even in here right now?”
“I-I thought I could help out..”
Twilight turned around, venting her rage at the earth pony in front of her. “Pinkamena Diane Pie! I'm unsure if you know just how much trouble you've caused me today. The Princess is all out of sorts, that friend of yours chewed up my dark magic book and I have the worst headache in all of Equestria! If you want to help, get. Out!” Twilight pointed her hoof at the door, panting heavily with her face flustered.
“Twilight... why don't you ever smile when we're alone any more?” Pinkie asked, hair deflating.
“I thought I told you to get out.” She replied dryly.
Pinkie Pie blinked back tears, nodding as she turned around. “I-I'll see you around Twilight.” As she pulled herself out the door, the entrance was slammed shut behind her. Once she was outside, Pinkie dipped her head low to the ground, holding her breath and trying not to cry.
(PINKIE PIE'S POV)
Twilight used to be such a nice pony.. what happened to everypony? I tried so hard to make them all smile after what happened. I know Celestia gets angry sometimes, I think it really gets to her. Sometimes I can hear Twilight crying from outside the Library. Other times I can see scars and cuts on her.
She isn't the only one, though. Rainbow.. I feel so sorry for her. He had always loved her wings, her pride and joy.. but now.. she can't use them any more can she? Not since Celestia broke them.. Pegasus wings are so fragile, she tore them up beyond recognition. That's why she never talks to anypony, that's why she wears bandages around her middle.
I look up to the sky, the stinging in my eyes is back, I keep feeling like this all the time. The lump in my throat too.. I don't want to cry. I told myself not to cry!
From inside the Library I hear more books falling. Twilight is yelling at Spike again. Spike never says anything back. Just lets her yell. I think it's really nice of Spike. He doesn't know what else to do except let Twilight vent to him. I remember when he told me about Twilight getting into a fight with Celestia once. It left a scar on her leg, not that she has ever let anyone but Spike see it.
Inside the Library I hear Twilight again. She isn't yelling any more, her voice sounds to coarse to do so. Soft sobs while she's talking to Spike.
The stinging is back, the lump in my throat is bigger. My hooves are shaking? I try to stand up, getting on my hooves wearily. The bottom of my eyes begin to cloud up, my lip trembles. I thought I was stronger than this.
The first tear drop rolls down my cheek, it's warm. Luckily no one is around in the street to see me in such a mess.
I begin to walk, aiming for sugar cube corner. My steps are slow right now, I feel another tear roll down my cheek.
I'm sorry Twilight. I couldn't cheer you up. My special talent is useless. I didn't make anyone smile today. I just made things worse.
I'm so useless. I'm so useless!
I run forward, still heading towards sugar cube corner, the tears flowing freely now. If I can't help myself laugh how can I help anypony else?!
I let out a soft yelp, failing as I try to keep quiet. I can see sugar cube corner now. Mrs Cake is at the counter. I ignore her as I run in the door and past her.
“P-Pinkie Pie? Are you okay?” She asks, making me stop for a moment before I continue on.
I shake my head, my flushed face and wet eyes in plain view of Mrs Cake. “No, I'm not okay at all!” I turn away from her and run up the stairs, not caring about what anypony sees or hears from now on.
I'm such an idiot. How could I think that it was okay to invite a horse into town? Now I've upset Twilight... I made my friend cry! I'm such an idiot!
Wails escape my mouth as I run inside my room, slamming the door locked behind me. I tuck myself into the bed in the corner of the room, letting my emotions run into the blanket.
Just because I'm The element of laughter, doesn't mean I can't cry too.
How long have I been in bed? Ten minutes? An hour? Who cares. I don't feel like doing anything right now. A knock from downstairs, that's odd.
(Narrators POV)
“Oh of course! She's right upstairs.” Mrs Cake calls from downstairs, concern lacing her voice. Small footsteps grow closer to the room, each one cautiously placed.
“Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy nervously called out from behind the door.
Pinkie didn't shift or bother to call out.
“I-I saw you running today, I was worried.” From outside the Pegasus leant her head up against the door. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Thank you.” Pinkie whispered, barely audible.
Fluttershy gave a little smile, calling out softly. “Can I come in?”
Pinkie sniffled, lifting her head up. “Okay.” Came another short whisper.
Fluttershy slowly pushed open the door, her head peeking around the door knob. She was more cautious than ever, it was hardly noticeable, but there was definitely change. Her fear filled eyes were met with wet ones, the smile wiping off her face.
“Are you okay?”
Pinkie pie shook her head slowly, face to the ground.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Fluttershy gently stepped across the room, assuring herself there was no danger every step. It's how she always moved now.
Pinkie Pie shook her head again, adjusting on the bed. “Do you think...” Her head dipped even lower as she gave a short sniff. “Can you sit with me? Please?”
Fluttershy nodded, trotting over to the side of the bed. After taking a moment to scan it, she pulled herself up, placing one of her wings around Pinkie and nuzzling into her chest. “I can stay here all night.”
Pinkie Pie's lips curved upwards, ever so slightly, and there was just a hint of a sparkle in her eyes. It wasn't happiness, but he wasn't lonely any more.
Pinkie laughed, unconvincingly and quietly. It wasn't one of genuine happiness, rather something flat and bland to cover up what she was really feeling. “You know, I thought I would have stopped by now.”
“Stopped what?” Fluttershy asked, bending her head upwards.
“The element of laughter only has so many tears to give Fluttershy. I don't think I can cry any more if I wanted to. Isn't that strange?” Another fake laugh.
“You're so strong Pinkie, always giving. But that's enough for now, okay? You don't need to hide any more.”
Pinkie Pie bit her lip, hiding the way it was trembling. Her gaze drifted down from the ceiling, back to Fluttershy's eyes. They were warm, inviting... not a look you get from many ponies. And then, she glanced down. Fluttershy was smiling.
“Ohh Fluttershy...” Pinkie buried her head again, crying without any tears falling. The two stayed there. No words needed to be spoken; they both could read each other like a book right now. Words would only get in the way.
They stayed like that, long into the night and onto the next morning.
–
The two mares woke up in each other's hooves, having sat up all night and sleeping early morning. Fluttershy guessed it was around 10am, which meant she had to get back to her animals.
“Fluttershy...?” Pinkie asked drowsily, Fluttershy slipping out of bed.
“You get more sleep, I have some duties. Sleep well.” Fluttershy turned around, Pinkie grabbing her tail. Fluttershy squeaked and nearly jumped out of her skin. (More nervous than usual, remember?)
“Don't leave me alone!” Pinkie begged, her eyes not leaving Fluttershy. “I don't want to be by myself!” Her voice dropped down to a lower volume. “Please...”
Fluttershy frowned, a face of pity. “I'll be back in an hour. If not, come and meet me at my cottage, okay? I'll be as quick as I can, I promise.”
“You forgot your bow...” Pinkie held out a purple strip of silk ribbon.
“Rarity's bow... Thank you for picking it up for me.”
The earth pony tied it in Fluttershy's hair, to the side of her fringe.
“I don't know what I'd do if I lost it... I wear it everywhere to remind me of her, and to honour my old friend. But it's a little more than that.”
Pinkie knew this much, but still asked “What else is it for?”
“This piece of silk was on the last project she worked on for me. It was never finished though.”
This took Pinkie by surprise. Rarity hadn't told anyone about sewing projects for weeks before she died. “What was the dress for?”
“She told me that...” Fluttershy took a moment to breathe. “It was to celebrate our close friendship. Something that would never die.” Fluttershy dipped her head, her eyes stinging. “I have to go now. Angel will be really mad if I don't feed him soon.” Fluttershy turned around, waving as she left. “Try and get some sleep Pinkie.”
(Pinkie' POV)
Fluttershy's light steps are disappearing. Poor Fluttershy... I never knew that the bow meant so much to her, that it was so important. I have been pretty out of it lately.
I turn back around, laying down and pulling blankets over me.
I'll just forget everything and sleep for now.
Tried to make this chapter a little happier? Probably didn't work..