Peachy

Chapters

Waking Up
Visitors
Cider
Party of Two
Little Talks
Breakfast and Magic
Nightmare

Waking Up

I felt a grin on my face as I looked down at the pony I drew. I was so satisfied with his pastel colors and little smile on his face. Though, as I thought something was missing I picked up my brown marker and filled in some markings into his coat. What would his name be? Peachy. I made several other sketches filling up the page, his story and scenarios filling my head as I went along. Everything was just flowing, even the idea for his cutiemark I made up on the spot. I had basically his color scheme memorized when I was done and put my sketchbook aside as I felt my eyes burning for sleep. I let a yawn escape but I didn’t want to sleep yet. Maybe I could think about his story when I went to bed?

I did exactly that, and eventually fell asleep, thinking about his life in Equestria.

I threw my eyes open at a sharp thud that came from the other end of the room. A yawn escaped me, but the room was dark. I attempted to sit up, and found myself swaddled in the blankets that constricted my movements. Getting out of them was a hassle and I fought with them, eventually throwing them off but fell face first onto the carpet. But my bedroom was tile? As my eyes adjusted to the room, I noticed two glowing green eyes, at first they frightened me but my conscience soon reminded me of my cat Jinx and I relaxed. “What did you do this-“ I cut myself off at the sound of my voice. It was deeper, more masculine. I put a hand to my-that didn’t feel like a hand? I had no fingers. I struggled to see in the dark as anxiety was creeping up on me. A meow that didn’t sound like Jinx made my panic grow much more and I found myself fumbling for a light, any light.

A brilliant light shone from above my forehead the next second dousing the room in a blue light and then a reflection-my-no a pony’s reflection in the mirror by the bed made me scream, the luminescence cutting out. I curled up in a ball as the image lingered. This is a dream right? Surely it can’t be real, right?

I heard hooves running and my breath hitched as the door swung open revealing more light from the hallway. “Peachy? Are you okay?”

I turned, craning my neck to look at who was talking and I swallowed. Seeing her made me do a double take. A mare stood there with a multicolored blue and two toned purple mane as fluffy as Pinkie Pie’s, and her coat looked reminiscent of black berry juice shining in the light. Her yellow eyes sent me breathless as they chased away the darkness of the room. I know who this is. “Water…” My throat was dry and I attempted to clear it. “Water Rush? What time is it?”

“Hah...you’re probably just disoriented like everyone else. The sun didn’t come up today. No pony knows why. I’ll fix you breakfast.” She giggled.

I slowly stood up, eyeing the feline as I stumbled out of the room. I was struggling to walk, tripping over hoof after hoof. Eventually, I fell down, but got back up feeling dizzy in my own right. I never drew Peachy with a pet cat last night. In fact, all the drawings I drew, were kind of fuzzy in recollection now.

“I hope Ash wasn’t too much of a pain last night. I didn’t notice I closed him in your room until I was in bed.” She spoke. Oh, so the cat was Water’s pet? I never delved too deep into her character. “What do you want? Eggs? Toast? Pancakes?” Her voice was bubbly, on the high side. Not at all how I imagined her to sound. “Peachy?” She grumbled. I was relieved when I could stop the walking trial and sit down at the table.

“Toast with some jam is fine.” I’ll play along for now. If this is a dream, I hope I wake up soon. Though, if this was real, how did I get into this predicament? Is this a reward...scratch reward, more like punishment for sketching Peachy over and over again? Filling a whole page and a half of doodles of him? I wanted to ask questions but I didn’t know how without giving out that something was amiss.

“How did you sleep?” I could only stare as her horn lit up, throwing the slices of bread in the toaster. Then she didn’t even look as she levitated the teapot on the stove. What was her talent again? Something with water? The grogginess of the morning was getting to me and being in a pony body.

“Good.” I nodded. I examined myself. I was a fuzzy pony, all the character traits I had drawn Peachy with, I had. Down to the brown body markings. Wisps of his pink curly fluffy mane fell into my left eye and I reached up slowly with a hoof feeling his horn. This dream was almost too real.

“Oh! I forgot I’m out of jam.” Water’s voice brought me out of my stupor. “Could you run into town and get some?” What was the relationship here? “I’ll give you the bits.”

“I’m still very tired.” I smiled, putting two hoofs over each other. “Butter will do.”

Her lips frowned and she levitated over a butter tray. “I’m outta butter too after that cake we stayed up to make.” She pouted. “Please, it’ll only take two-“

“Why don’t you go?” I pointed a hoof at her.

“I’m afraid of walking through town in the dark.” She sighed. “Please?”

I inhaled, swiping the bits but they all fell onto the floor because I had forgotten one thing. Hooves. “Uhh…”

“Saddlebag?” She looked confused. Her magic levitated over a purple saddlebag and she held it there for quite some time until she put it down in front of me. “Peachy?”

I was blanking. “Right, right.” I muttered, and attempted levitation. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. After a few failed attempts and Water staring at me confused as Hell, I eventually figured it out and the bits secured inside the bag. “I’ll be off…”

Walking through town, I felt like a fish out of water. The only thing I really knew about Peachy was he was a party pony and his special talent was throwing parties rain or shine. His cutiemark was a storm cloud with a party hat on it, which was in vibrant pastel colors right there on his flanks. I let out a deep exhale, coming to a stop in front of a general store.

Where in Equestria even is this, because it certainly wasn’t Ponyville or Canterlot? I walked in, grabbing a basket and almost couldn’t stand my hooves slipping on the laminated tile of the store. It was harder for me to walk, but other ponies seemed to do just fine.

I walked up and down the aisles, looking at the prices and finding a few items I wanted but had to hold off because of the limited amount of bits Water had lent me. “Jam...butter…” I reminded myself as I took in the flavors of coffee in front of me. Maybe she already had coffee though.

I got the items I needed and after paying left the store. “Is that…” My voice trailed off as I blinked a couple times seeing another pony that was oddly familiar. I could go up and talk to her, but maybe it would be best to just go back to Water. Hah, go back…

I laughed to myself about my little joke and then getting used to walking, trotted back to her house. “I’m back!”

“Oh goodie! I was getting worried.” She beamed and then took the small amount of groceries from me putting them on the counter. “Oh good, you got more butter.”

I walked over as she prepared the toast and sat down. I thought for a minute. “So...what are the plans for the day?” I asked when she placed the plate of toast in front of me.

“Well, I need to go to work but you should continue planning the party.”

I blinked, almost choking on the toast I took a bite out of. He was planning a party? I mean, of course he was a party pony but I was no party pony. I hated parties. In fact, I only made Peachy as a comfort character. I hyperventilated. “What?”

“The party for Marcysia? Her cafe's grand opening?” She looked annoyed that I supposedly forgot. “What we made that cake for?”

“When is it again?”

“It’s all in your logbook, Peach. Remember?” If she was going to work, won’t she have to leave into the dark? Where she was afraid to walk before?

“Right, right. So you’re leaving?”

“No. I’ll be by my radio.” She muttered, rolling her eyes. “Though, it should be a clear day. I’m not feeling any tsunamis on the coastline today. If you’re feeling unwell, you should visit Doctor Ozheart.” She said, then gave me a kiss on the cheek. Are they...are they a couple? I was stunned for a minute and she seemed to blush as she walked away.

I shook my head, shaking away any lingering thoughts. She was cute and adorable. “So we’re most likely on a coastline town of Equestria…” I mumbled, taking another bite of my toast. “Or a small island…” I added. “Why am I here?” I asked aloud, but I almost knew I wouldn’t get any answer.

A meow came from beside my chair and I looked down seeing Ash from earlier looking up at me with a glare. His piercing green eyes stood out from his fluffy black fur. He reminded of Jinx if he was covered in charcoal. “Are...you hungry?” I asked and got a meow as a reply.

I walked over to the counter grabbing a new can of cat food and then I was soon reassured this wasn’t a dream as claws clawed into my coat, Ash climbing up my legs to stand on my back, pawing at the can as I levitated out the tuna onto a plate. “Wait-wait!” I said, holding it away from him and put both him and the plate on the floor. “Cats…” I grumbled, hearing him purring loudly eating his food.

I rubbed at a couple spots where it hurt the most from the claws and then walked back to the room I woke up in. A big binder book sat on the far dresser along with other belongings. I could only imagine the binder was Peachy’s logbook. Walking closer and opening it up, I was assaulted by confetti. “Classy…”

I paged through, coming to his latest parties and skimmed the details of the one he was recently planning. Do I take over? Or tell Marcysia to postpone? I could act like I got sick or-

My thoughts were cut short when I heard the doorbell go. I walked over, opening it and saw Marcysia there holding what looked to be paint swatches in her hooves. Her pale yellow fur, heterochromatic blue and pink eyes, even her pink mane with the lighter streaks through it was in the classic bun. She was the pony I saw earlier on, but I had to blink again. “Uh-uh...Marcysia-“

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” She said, as she let herself in. “I wanted to drop by and drop off the color scheme for the banner you requested.” She smiled. “How’s everything coming along?”

“Everything...is peachy.” I smiled. “Peachy keen.” I had no idea what I was doing or saying. “The cake was made last night...and now I have a color scheme.” I said, levitating the swatches from the earth pony’s hooves. I eyed them, do I even have the supplies to make a banner?

“You only say everything is peachy when it’s not.” He does? “If something is wrong-“

“Nothing is wrong…” I waved a hoof. “Nothing to worry your pretty little head about. I’ll take care of the party and you can continue...prepping for the opening.”

“Okay.” She didn’t seem that reassured, but walked out anyway.

Somehow, I have to plan a party for a cafe’s grand opening. I walked down the hallway, hearing the radio talk but I let it go. I needed an out, needed to tell someone. I didn’t think it would be safe for the town if I pulled Water away from her radio. “Who...to tell…” I mumbled. “Who wouldn’t think I’m crazy…” I went to the bedroom, getting the logbook again. These were all ponies Peachy knew. “Creamy Mix?” I said the name, almost finding the whole thing absurd at this point.

Creamy Mix was another pony character of mine. A stallion who works in a bakery making delicious strawberry cream. I only recently developed the headcanon that Marcysia and him could be cousins due to the similar streaks in their hair. “I’m crazy…” I mouthed, going through Peachy’s logbook. Almost every pony in here is a name I recognized.

I laid down, feeling dread wash over me. “I don’t know…” I admitted. Then in a last ditch effort, I closed my eyes pointing to a random name. I opened them, having to move my hoof and swallowed. “Strawberry Mint?” I ran my hooves down my face, looking at the details in the logbook. Apparently, Peachy threw a party for her so she could gain confidence with her new manestyle. That was two months ago. Were they friends though?

I stood up, taking down the address and then walked out. This wasn’t getting any party planning done, but the sun wasn’t up anyways. Actually, why isn’t the sun up? I stopped to ponder it over looking up at all the stars. “Mmrgh…” Celestia raises the sun, Luna raises the moon, so why isn’t Celestia raising it? Unless-

I never did set an era for Peachy to live in either. I grumbled to myself about that for a minute and then continued on. “Who’s ruling Equestria?” I asked, no one in particular.

“Maybe Princess Twilight is exhausted.” A soft voice said to my right. “I’ll give her a day’s rest.” I looked seeing another mare I didn’t recognize. She had a red coat, a long dark blue mane that fell almost dragging on the ground and a light blue pillow for a cutiemark that matched her eyes. A candle sat atop of her head, unlit like a weird hat.

If Peachy is a party pony, does that mean he knows everyone in this small town? “Maybe…” I laughed. I continued walking and then soon found myself in front of a mint shaped cottage. Should I even bother her? I rose my hoof to-no it wasn’t mine it was Peachy’s. I was only occupying him for the time being. Then, a thought came to mind. If I was Peachy, what about back home? Was he me? I knocked twice and once more for good measure. Though, a thought came to mind. Strawberry was only an Earthpony...what could she do? I needed to find an alicorn or unicorn.

I began to walk away looking back seeing no one coming to the door. “Maybe she wasn’t even home.”

I would wake up. That still seemed plausible right? I passed by the pillow mare again, looking at her skeptically. Who was she? She made eye contact with me as I trotted by, and we shared a glance until I was on the path back to Water’s home again. Maybe she was just a random mare.

I decided the best thing to do was to test Peachy’s special talent and get started on making the party banner using the supplies I found in his room. Yay…

Could I even find a way to get back? I let myself meditate on the possibilities as I cut out pieces of cardstock and other paper based on the colors Marcysia gave me. I spent time gluing, cutting and making sure everything was well put together even double checking when I strung it all together.

“Peachy! Do you want some lunch?”

I walked out seeing Water cutting up some sandwiches. “Okay.” I looked outside, and the sun was now beyond the horizon like it was raised but it was setting instead. I checked the clock, it was around 3PM so it was still wrong. I smiled as a sandwich was placed in front of me. A small flower poked out along with some hay and lettuce. Right, pony diets. I picked it up, biting some off, my right eye squinting as the bland taste overwhelmed me but I kept chewing. “So, Water...what exactly is this…?” I asked.

“A hay sandwich.” She blinked.

I face hoofed. “No, like us.”

“Us?”

“Our...relationship?” Was it really my place to pry? “You kissed me this morning.”

“Because last night you admitted you had feelings for me. Were you that sugar high?” She laughed. “We were icing the cake and you kept staring.”

“Oh.” I chirped. Come to think of it, I never did give Peachy a love interest but I thought about it. Their color schemes didn’t even match except for the purple in their manes. “I…”

“Is somepony feeling flustered?” She gasped, annoyingly feigning surprise. I could only watch as she slowly walked up to me putting her face in front of mine. She was so close, I could feel the heat of her. I was turning red. She was teasing me and her yellow eyes went half lidded as she brushed her cheeks against my face. Butterflies… “I had feelings for you too…” She whispered.

No wonder Peachy liked her. “Water…” I squirmed in the seat feeling uncomfortable but kissed her the next second.

She broke the kiss, looking me in the eyes. “Whenever you say my name you make it sound like you’re dying of thirst.” She laughed. “Are you thirsty?” Even though her voice was playful before, her tone turned seductive.

I think there is a double meaning to that. How did this happen? “Rain check!” Then, I darted out of the house. “Oh…” I just realized what I did but I wasn’t going to follow through with it. “Uhh...um…” I darted my eyes around looking for an objective. “Sweet Tooth?” My voice came out in a mix of surprise and disgust. Not sure why that was.

“Hi Peachy!” She yelled, and I tightly closed my eyes as I cringed feeling the ponies around us staring. I opened one eye stepping back as somehow she ended up being right in front of me pushing her face up against mine. Her soft blue eyes had taken up my whole vision but my mind still reeled from her character traits. Chocolate brown fur with white creeping up it in some places, her soft fluffy mane that was a mixture of silver and blue. The candy in her mane, “How are youuu? You seem different.” She chirped. She had a slight accent that sounded british.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“What do you mean? I’m visiting my friends for the week. I’m staying with Cocoa and Creamy.”

I rose my eyebrow looking at her untamed mane for a bit before settling back on her blue eyes. “Right…”

“There’s enough room for the two of us in this old town.” She said, turning her voice to a southern twinge. Darn, I was hoping she would mention what this town was called. “Oh! Do you need something? I know you were asking yesterday about pick up sweets.” She smiled. “Something about exploring food options for Marcy’s cafe opening.”

“I don’t remember.” I shook my head. “I’m sure Marcysia has that covered.” I muttered.

“Wow, you turn around fast. Creamy kept insisting that Marcy had it covered, but you kept badgering.” She paused, tapping her hoof on her chin. “Something does seem weird about you. Your...whole essence is wrong.”

“Well, it was nice talking to you.” I started walking away, but soon a long piece of candy rope wrapped around my barrel. “Hey!” I looked back and Sweet Tooth had it by her mouth and started pulling me against my will along the ground.

“Come with me!” She bounced, dragging me like the candy rope was a lasso.

I pawed at the ground in an attempt to get out but it was useless. I could eat the candy rope but something told me not to. This whole thing seemed ridiculous. “Sweet Tooth let me go!” I cried, but she had already pulled me through the front door of the house.

She put me on the couch, ripping the candy rope with her teeth and then ate the rest. “Now, Peachy…” She squinted her eyes, licking the rest of the sugar off her lips. Will I be telling her? She seemed the most unreliable. Of all my characters, she was the most chaotic. “Tell me the truth.”

“What truth?” I deadpanned. Then, I took a moment to look around the house. What I could see anyways. Small living room, with some treat magazines laying around and a quaint kitchen that needed a deep clean. Someone made candy and didn’t clean up. The mare in front of me still stared in interrogation. “There’s nothing to-“ I stopped talking when her head pressed up against mine, eyes looking into mine.

“They say the eyes are the windows to the souuul.” Oh dear Celestia. “Tell me or I have some spicy candy in the drawer.”

“Spicy?” I asked. “Look little pony-“

“Little?”

“I don’t have anything to tell you. I am just trying to get Marcysia’s grand opening party done.” I said, waving my hoof in the air. “Can I go now?”

“No! You’re not telling me something.” She stomped her hoof.

Sweet Tooth...another comfort character of mine. I got her made as a custom candy pony. I stared at the chocolate chip clips in her hair and the half eaten lollipop sticking to her mane. “Would you even believe me?” I sighed.

“What?” For all I know this could just be the Equestria in my head. Maybe I’m in a coma. Maybe when I tell someone, everything will crumble and I will wake up.

“I am not Peachy.” I admitted.

“Changeling!” She screamed. I found myself facehoofing.

“The changelings were reformed you sugar brain!” I spit. “I’m not a-“ I was thrown for a loop when a piece of candy was shoved into my mouth hotter than a chili pepper. “Ack!” I cringed, collapsing on the couch. I had a strong spice tolerance but Peachy? He must be used to sugar. “I’m not a changeling but I’m not Peachy either!”

“Mmm...then a…” She thought to herself. “I don’t get it.”

“I somehow ended up as Peachy.” I explained. “Possessing him.”

She plopped down to a sitting position looking like I had just deflated her balloon animal. “So, you’re not Peachy?”

“No.”

“Where is he then?”

“I don’t know.” I was telling the truth but she didn’t see it as that I guess. “I wish I could tell you more but I don’t know how I got here or what happened. I just woke up here.”

“Does Water Rush know? If you’re not Peachy, how do you know my name? How do you know anypony’s name? Who are you really?” Her questions were flooding my headspace.

“Water doesn’t know. I might have known you before, but you were just…” I trailed off, silencing myself. If anyone would have an existential crisis, I was talking to her.

“Just what?”

The door opened, and I sighed a relief as Creamy Mix walked in. He was wearing headphones, bobbing his head to some loud music playing in his ears. I rose my eyebrow watching the pegasus dance his way to the kitchen and pick up a spatula. Then, he left as swiftly as he came in. Well, that wasn’t very helpful. I was hoping I could dash out while Sweet Tooth was distracted but all the while she was still staring at me.

“Peachy…” She grumbled, then gasped. “What do I call you?” She asked. “If you’re not him.”

How advanced are teleportation spells? I wish I could do it. Charge up my horn and get out of here. “Call me Peachy.” I chuckled. “I don’t want anyone else finding out.”

“That you’re a changeling?”

“I am not a changeling.” I repeated. “Think of me as another soul, possessing your friend.”

“Get out of Peachy you ghost!” She cried, socking a hoof right at my jaw. The pain radiated and I cried out.

“Ow! Sweet Tooth!” I whined, and then darted for the door before she could do anymore damage.

I got out and closed the door before she could chase after me. This is still Peachy’s body. My jaw was sore now. I could feel a bit of a loose tooth as well. So much for returning his body in the same condition. I better get the rest of the party supplies. Something tells me Peachy’s special theme in his parties were the party hats.

Visitors

I slowly stepped into the house, poking my head in before I walked in. Water was nowhere to be seen in the house. I didn’t need any awkward moments because of what I did earlier. I stepped through, jumping when I saw Ash the cat sitting on the table looking right at me. “What?” I asked. I started walking towards the hallway until there were hard knocks on the door. “What else…” I mumbled, and then went to the door again. I opened it, seeing no one at first until I was pelted by a furball. “Wah!” I coughed, looking at it with curiosity. “Wait a minute…”

I looked down, it was a wet ball of brown fur with two long ears sticking out of its head. Some kind of creature. The eyes were beady and I couldn’t see anything else about the little guy. Then it hit me. “Peachy’s...pet rabbit?” I mumbled, and then I was pelted by little punches again. He was mad at him for something. Too bad I didn’t know what. I picked him up by magic and carried him to the bedroom. I walked in, putting the poor thing down on the bed. “Let me find you a towel…” I muttered.

After rubbing him down with a towel, he puffed up more and I couldn’t help but laugh at how fluffy he was. “Haha.” I reached out a hoof to pet him, but it was swatted away by a nubby paw. “Alright then.” I should probably get him something to eat.

When I came back with some carrots and lettuce for him, he was fast asleep on the bed. I left the bowl of food in front of him. He’ll eat it sooner or later. I sat in front of the bed, watching the little fluffy bunny sleep.

Slowly, I turned around to the mirror, letting myself stand in front of it again watching Peachy’s reflection stare back at me. I moved my head slowly watching him do the same. It was still so weird. I lifted a hoof, he did the same. I moved closer, taking in his eye color briefly and it was the same vibrant copper brown only this time with oranges and deeper browns mixing into it. I lit up his horn levitating over a brush watching the cyan aura of his magic wrap around the brush. Then, I moved it through his curls, letting myself laugh when I pulled them straight and they stayed like that for a time until they regained their bounce.

Then, a voice in my head reminded me about the party I was supposed to be planning. I immediately lost concentration on the brush, dropping it to the floor and put a hoof to my forehead. “Right!” I spun, nearly tripping and then looked at my makeshift workstation on the floor. I walked over, sitting down and grabbed a pen writing down a few things until I saw a sliver of paper in the binder where Marcysia’s party was noted.

I levitated it out of the pocket and it seemed Peachy had already written down a to-do list. The only thing he got crossed off was the cake, venue-no wonder, it was a cafe, and the supplies which were sitting in front of me in a gigantic mess pile. I wonder if he was more organized than I was. The list seemed to be similar to lists he made in the past. I got to check off the banner and food. Marcysia will have all the goodies covered and there will be cake for those who don’t want to buy a treat, so we’re good on that. But what else was there to do besides the banner and invites? The list was comparable to a Birthday party style list with a few of the items crossed out like he was just too lazy to make up a new sheet. Balloons? Would Marcysia even want balloons in her cafe? And why did I think about party hats when it’s just a grand opening party?

Actually, even invites sounded a bit over the top since Marcysia should be handling the notice and promotion about the grand opening, so what else do I have to do?

I walked out of the room, seeing Water Rush sitting at the kitchen table. She must have heard my hoofsteps and looked at me quizzically before turning her attention back to whatever was in her cup. Moving closer, I noticed she was levitating the water out of it, keeping it in the form of three balls. She looked sad or bored.

“Are...you okay?”

She nodded, but I rose an eyebrow at her unchanging expression. I stepped closer, raising a hoof higher at her cheeks. “What?”

“Uh...nothing.” Then, I dropped it. “So...my…” I trailed off, unsure how to word it. What was his rabbit’s name? I let out a sigh. I am so tired from trying to be him from the party preparations to this.

“You have been acting really weird since this morning.” She mumbled. “I mean, I thought you...wanted a relationship. But maybe you were just…” She trailed off, her ears dropping. It hurt me to see her like this.

“I’m just…” I needed a better explanation. I learned from Sweet Tooth that she thought I was a changeling, so if I told Water the same thing, would she even believe me? “I can’t explain it...but-“

“You’re not you.” She interrupted and I was stunned. “Peach, it’s obvious. Or, whatever…”

“What?” I blinked.

“Baha~” Her giggle… “What? Peachy hates toast. Or, you do. You only like it with butter and sugar on a good day!” She laughed again. That was a quick mood change.

“How...long have I-“ If she knew that, how long has Peachy been here?

“And the fact that you didn’t know about the party?” She acted like she knew all this already. “Aand...you acted like a foal who didn’t know any magic.” She pointed out with a hoof. “Good on you for picking up levitation that quickly though. I was impressed.” She squeed.

“Uhh…” I couldn’t talk. “Thanks? How long have you known?” I asked.

“Since.” She shrugged.

“Wait, wait, I can see on your face you’re just assuming.” I poked a hoof at her. “I could have just been delirious from the sun not rising.” I huffed.

“But you weren’t.” She muttered. “Also, I had to face my fears of the dark and go out to check something...and Sweet Tooth told me some things…” What? “After she filled me in, I started connecting the dots.”

“Wha-but, but…” I couldn’t talk. There were so many things on my mind. Did she really just go from sad to giggles, to this?

“So, possession…” She seemed to be deep in thought. “You know, Pillow Talk...that red unicorn that came to town, she’s new. Arrived just last night according to Sunny.” She spoke.

“Sunny?”

“Sunny Days? She’s an earth pony who lives on the beach. She collects sea glass and makes stunning mosaics.” She took a sip of her tea while I mulled it over. Then, my eyes widened. “She also has a sister but she’s more into the night life.”

I coughed, another one of my characters. Where am I? “Water Rush, where are we in Equestria?”

“Why?” She looked confused. “What gets me is...if you aren’t Peachy...and you aren’t pulling a prank on me, then how did you know my name?”

“Because...it’s complicated.” I muttered, lowering my head. “And if I tell you, it’s going to make our earlier interaction all the more awkward.”

“Try me.”

“I can’t.” I replied. “I don’t know how you would-“

“Let me rephrase that. Tell me.”

“No.” I shook my head, stepping backwards. This was getting a little too confrontational for me. “It would mess with your head.” I said, stomping my hoof. “Actually, maybe it would mess with my head because I have never admitted it out loud.” I sped through my words, before she could interrupt me. “I’m not Peachy, this is true. But...there’s still a lot of things...I don’t understand about you or...where I am.”

“Is that it?” She took another sip of her tea, looking unbothered by what I was saying.

“All I know is that we are coastal...with a beach nearby. And you…” I looked into her eyes, “You...aren’t what I expected.”

“Oh! Let me guess! You’re Cider Drip! Peachy’s sister.” She smiled, beaming. “That would explain not knowing how to do magic since she’s a pegasus.”

I blinked, having to sit to rub either side of my head to keep a headache from surfacing. “No.” So even that part of Peachy’s life was true. “I’m not her.”

“Oh…” She seemed to be thinking a bit more but I gave her a gentle nudge to stop.

“I’m not a pony from Equestria.”

“Oh. Can I return to Sweet’s changeling theory?”

“No. It’s wrong.” At this point, I was really considering telling her. “I’m not from Equestria at all.” I said, keeping eye contact with her. She didn’t move and had her eyes now locked on her mug instead of me. She went back to levitating what little of her drink she had left into a ball of water again. Was that a comfort thing? “You and multiple others from this town including Peachy are just stories…” I explained and her waterball dropped with a hard splat on the tablewood. “Water?” She still didn’t look at me. Little bits of her mane were turning into split ends the more she sat frozen. “Speak to me.” I frowned.

“So, we weren’t real?” She finally spoke, but she was choked.

“You were real to me.” I offered, giving her a soft smile that she had yet to see. “I don’t really have any friends...so...well, apart from online, so…” I forgot I didn’t tell her every detail. “I made up stories.” I whispered. “Peachy...I was drawing him, and thinking about him a lot, trying to get his story straight and then poof. I woke up as him in Equestria.” I explained. “But...he’s not on his family’s farm…”

“He told me he wanted new adventures. That’s why he left the farm. He wanted to try his hoof at being an actual party pony instead of throwing the same ones in his hometown.” That made sense. “I think it’s been...about a year? He keeps saying he should get going but whenever I expect his room to be empty, it never is.”

“A year?”

“I suspect it’s because he became attached.” She put a hoof to her chin. “Though, if you’re not him, then where is he?”

“I don’t know. I’m hoping this is a big dream I’m going to wake up from…” Was I really still holding onto that?

“You’re not dreaming.” She deadpanned. I looked up to see her horn light up in its yellow glow again but it wasn’t to float some water. I winced in pain as I felt a hard pinch come to my side.

“Ow!” I cried out and then her mouth twisted up into a smirk. “Okay, okay, I’m not dreaming.” I said quickly. “Though, I did think about where Peachy is…I just hope he’s not in my place.”

“Why?”

“Peachy and I are complete opposites. I hate parties-”

She interrupted me with a gasp. “What?!”

“I…have social anxiety.” I admitted, rubbing my leg with a hoof. “I don’t like large crowds or too noisy of places. Have you heard of the element bearer Fluttershy? Well, think of her.” I paused, when I was met with a confused face. “What’s so confusing?” Pillow Talk-if that was her name, mentioned Princess Twilight, so how is mentioning one of her friends any different?

“I don’t keep up with the times.” She waved. Is she serious? “I just…don’t read about that stuff. Plus, we haven’t had a good printing press in this town in centuries. Not to mention that news travels…slow across the ocean.”

“Where are we?” I asked again. “I swear Water if you don’t answer my question-”

“Relax.” She rolled her eyes. “We’re on a small group of islands just South of Luna Bay. Geez.” She ran her hoof along the tip of her mug. “What were you going to do? Put salt in my tea and claim it was sugar?” She giggled.

“Worse than that. I don’t play foal games. I could have filled your shampoo with ketchup.” I squinted.

“That’s a foal game.” She laughed. “And for not a pony, you talk like one. You even know the politics with you knowing who Fluttershy is.” She pointed out.

“I don’t know how to reply to that.” I blinked. Then, I was soon distracted by a brown fluffball bouncing through the room. He must have woken up. “Oh!” I levitated the little furball in my magic and brought them over setting them on the table. “Do you know who this is?” I asked, trying again to pet them, but I was still met with violence and this time nipping.

“That’s Peachy’s rabbit Confetti.” She smiled. “He showed me pictures of him as a little one but he told me he left him at the farm in Vanhoover. How did he…?”

“I have no idea.” I shrugged. “He just turned up at the door today.”

“The only way out here is through ferry or air balloon travel. Unless you’re a pegasus.” She reached out a hoof, and then he let her pet him, but he still wouldn’t let me lay a hoof on him. “Maybe Cider is in town!” She sounded hopeful, but my hope turned to dread.

“Hahhh….let’s hope not.” I put on a nervous smile. I didn’t know anything about Peachy’s sister. “I don’t want to meet her.” I muttered. “Just throw a blanket on me, and call me Mysterio.” I didn’t even know rabbits could look confused, but the way the little furball’s head was tilted with his one ear hanging down said it all. Can he even understand what I was saying?

“Okay, Mysterio…” Water’s voice sounded sarcastic. Next like the universe wanted to punish me, a couple knocks sounded at the door. “Oooh! Maybe that’s her.”

“Stop doing that!” I stated. “I don’t want to meet her.” I hissed.

“Pssh…okay…” She got down from her chair, walked to the door and all the while stuck her tongue out at me. Was she trying to be cute or annoying? Then, she opened the door. “Cider!” She beamed.

“Oh f…feathers.” I caught myself. “Of all the ponies...” I mumbled, backing away to go grab a blanket.

Cider

I had the blanket on, but it didn’t do much. As soon as I walked out with it on, Cider started bursting out in laughter in full Rainbow Dash fashion. Falling back and just giggling. Even when I tried to get her to stop, it took her a minute. And apparently Peachy was her “baby brother.” She coddled me for a minute knowing full well I wasn’t sick. It was kind of endearing. I didn’t even get the chance to introduce myself as Mysterio.

Now, we were sitting across from each other at the kitchen table. Somehow, we got locked in a hard gaze with each other. Cider was giving me a know-it-all stare, while her hooves played with the sleeves of her lucky periwinkle hoodie. As I continued to look at her, I got lost in her emerald green eyes, the various spots and dribbles of a darker mocha brown on her cider-hued coat. I sniffled, almost sneezing, and then I blinked. As soon as I did, she rang out a scream of, “Winner! Me!” I huffed. Oh, so it was a staring contest. Even her blonde mane was tied back in a tight ponytail and her tail in a braid. “What do you have to say?” She quizzed. Or it was like she was quizzing me. Am I overthinking this? Maybe, but I don’t know the first thing about acting like Peachy. If Water suspected something was up, then his sister will sooner.

“No fair, I had to sneeze.” I cut in, smiling wide. In the midst of our staring contest, Water had taken Confetti to get some more vegetables. The sun was high over the mountains and still no sign of it being risen magically. It wasn’t doing the jumpy thing. Maybe I’m only in a simulation of sorts. “I would have won that fair and square if the sneeze hadn’t happened.” I declared, putting a hoof to my chest.

“You sneeze all the time during staring contests, you just can’t do it.” She laughed, pointing a hoof at me. “Somehow you always forget that tiny little detail.” It sounds like she was born with a high ego. “I always win!” She smiled. “Hey, can I get some juice?” She asked, looking around.

I got up from my chair and then walked over to the fridge, opening it up with a hoof. While I was over there, she was still talking. “So, the fly over here was windy! Did you know you’re right below the snowy mountains? It gets real cold if you fly too North on the way over. My wings almost froze! I’ll tell you, the ferry is the way to go.” I nodded, as I poured her drink. “I mean, you could have went anywhere in Equestria but you chose these islands! If you ask me, I would have chose Canterlot or even maybe Manehatten!” Was she trying to start an argument? “Why did you choose these islands?”

I chose to levitate the cup over as I walked and set it down in front of her. For some reason, I had a pit of annoyance in my stomach, but I couldn’t figure out why. “Uhh…they were close to home?” I offered, but she didn’t seem convinced. I didn’t know! “I wanted to start small. Why choose to go to the big cities, when I don’t even know-”

“Shhh…” Before I knew it she fluttered off of her chair, and then hugged me close, squeezing my head towards hers. “It’s okay, baby bro! Big sis is here now.” She cooed. What the Hell is happening? Maybe this is why he left? “Oh! I never told you why I decided to visit!” She smirked.

I broke the hug, backing away from her for a minute. “Yeahhh….” I said, dusting off a perfumy smell. It smelled peach-fragrancy. “I’ve been here a year, why did you choose to-”

“I wanted to make sure you were okay!” I was interrupted again. “You never respond to my letters.” She whined. I had to laugh, but covered my mouth with a hoof as I did, so Peachy was that kind of brother. “And I wanted to see where you were living! These islands…are quite quaint.”

“Quaint?” I repeated.

“Quaint.” She repeated, holding up a hoof. The way her expression was, made me want to picture her with an elegant monocle and a top hat. “Though, I guess it’s better than the farm?”

I held my breath. What do I reply? Was she looking for me to bash the family farm, or say something the complete opposite? “Here’s your juice.” I stated, pushing it towards her. She looked at it for one second, and then back at me. “It’s going to get…warm.”

She harrumphed, but took the glass in her hoof, taking a big swig of it and put it down. “Well, I heard there were a couple of shops here in town.” She said. “Do you want to give me a tour?”

“Honestly, no.” I deadpanned. “I’m tired from…today and…”

“Come on! Surely you can at least show me around some of the town, or I will walk around claiming to be your big sister, and I brought…baby pictures.” Was that a threat? I was highly considering seeing these baby pictures myself. How often do you get to see your characters as a baby that you didn’t draw? “So, what do you say?”

Would it be that bad, if she introduced herself to everyone in that way? Er, everypony in that way? I tried to picture it along with the consequences. “I’ll show you around…” I mumbled. “Though, just out of curiosity, did you get the baby photos from the family album?” I was just guessing they had a photo album.

“Yeah.” She blinked. “And off of the photo wall.” Before I knew it, she was ripping a photoframe from her saddle bag beside her and shoving it in my face. “Look how cute you are!” She squeed, and then held it to her own eyes, tearing up over it. “I remember when you were this small…” Something tells me, she does this all the time.

“But…I’m not that small anymore?” I offered, taking the frame from her and setting it on the table.

“Pfft, yes you are.” She rubbed her hoof through my mane and I rolled my eyes feeling that same pit of annoyance. Maybe Peachy is still here, but I pushed him to the back? God, that would be frightening. “No matter how big you get, you’re still a baby to me.” She had paternal, motherly issues. This was Applejack-Applebloom problem stuff. Overprotective big sister trope. I have to get out of this house. I need a break from this girl and I just met her.

“Welcome to my world.” A voice came from my head. Oh, was that him? Why does this world hate me? My anxiety went up. I was going to have a heart attack. My heart started beating wildly, my eyes went small, as I put a hoof to my chest. “Calm down.” I was trying to. I was gonna pass out. Why is the floor moving?

“Peachy?” I heard Cider’s voice.

I felt the world slip out from under my hooves and I was out like a light.

Party of Two

I opened my eyes to a bright light. I was back as me, Two feet, human glory! I was about to jump for joy until I flinched seeing the pony in front of me. Peachy stood, with a blank expression, just staring point blank at me. It was kind of unsettling. Before us, a party venue was appearing with balloons, cake, and even a party hat popped into existence on Peachy’s mane. For a minute, he looked up at it, but then his eyes slowly moved back down to me. Then, his expression changed, and he did a solid bounce accompanied by a “boing” afterwards lowering himself into a sit.

“Welcome to the party!” He beamed. This was like some nightmare… I stepped back. Am I finally going to get the answers I deserve?

“Peachy, what am I doing here?” I glared. I felt weird despite being back to human. I ran my hands through my hair, glad to actually feel my fingers.

“We’re jumping into that right away?” He glared, rolling his eyes. “You’re the one who passed out in front of Cider. Now, I’m gonna be babied for the rest of my life!” He huffed.

“Wait, wait, wait…you were watching the whole time?”

“I was sitting back, enjoying the show. But no, not the whole time.” He shook his head. “I was asleep through most of it. I was exhausted!" He threw his hoof up in a dramatic fashion. "I can’t believe the spell worked!” He smiled.

“Spell?”

“I kept having these itches…” He paced around a bit. “Somepony was thinking about me, they were making me so crazy I couldn’t even focus on the party!” Did his one eye bug out then? “I know how much it means to Marcy to open her cafe, but me going crazy wasn’t doing her any favors. The itches, I just needed to find out what was causing them…” He grumbled. “Until…I did the spell Pillow Talk gave me.” He laughed. “She called herself an enchantress of mass proportions, a witch without a horn. A traveling…” He tapped a hoof to his chin. “I don’t know. Either way, she was a weird one. I have done magic all my life and I never had to pay for anything.” He waved a hoof. “I knew though…as soon as I cast that spell…it was dark magic…but I went to sleep and thought it was nothing but foalplay.”

“You…” I didn’t have the words. “Peachy, am I stuck here?”

“I…don’t know…” He trailed off. “I’m just wondering who’s gonna take the wheel when Cider wakes us up.” He thought to himself.

“That’s all you’re wondering about?” He was making me frustrated. I facepalmed. “Peachy! Two souls are occupying this body.”

“Yes, yes.” He muttered, nodding.

“I don’t belong in Equestria.” I exclaimed.

“Obviously.” He replied, itching his hoof.

“How...why…” I felt angry. I felt like a Mother yelling at their son for doing something stupid. “How can you be so calm about this?” His current attitude was somewhat aggravating.

“The spell had a timer.” He explained, standing up and walking over to the cake. “It was like...uhh until the sun rises on the third day or something like that. The world will be shrouded in darkness until come that day. And then there will be a price to pay.” He hissed, narrowing his eyes and then burst out laughing. “Whatever that means.” I watched as he picked up some frosting on his hoof, and licked it off. “Mm! Buttercream...you want some?”

“No! Do you know the sun hasn’t risen all day! There’s your darkness. It’s been off the cahoots! And Twilight...she’s probably trying to rid your weird enchantment on the thing!” I ranted. “Wait, I don’t say...cahoots.” I muttered, thinking to myself.

“I do.” He blinked.

“Well, whatever! You know what...once we wake up, I am going to go to Canterlot to the archives and...and…”

“Canterlot is like a three day journey. Unless you’re an alicorn.” He rolled his eyes. “Time will run out as soon as you get there.”

“Then...I’ll have to settle for the library in town.”

“No library.” He shook his head, swallowing more icing. “Unless you take the ferry back to Vanhoover.”

“I hate you.” I glared. “I just need one book on soul travel.” I mumbled.

“I have a book on lucid dreaming!” He smiled. “Though, I doubt that’s what you want to hear. What’s your name?”

“My name isn’t important young one.” I spoke, waving a hand.

“Unfair.” He shot. “Why were you constantly thinking of me?”

“If you were awake when I explained it to Water Rush, you would know. I don’t like explaining it.” I admitted.

“How’s the party planning going?” All of these questions…

“Fine.” I said. “Everything is peachy, Peachy.”

“Don’t do that…” He grumbled. I swear, I saw his eye twitch when I said that. “I am sharing a body with a soul I don’t know, who looks like a weird shaven monkey…” He trailed off.

“Hey!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “That’s human to you and-“ I cut myself off as he walked back over, getting real close to me. “What?”

“What is your name? Explain yourself.”

“Or what?”

“I’ll start singing.” That was a threat?

“Heh. Pony songs, okay.”

He looked angry that I agreed to his threat, but opened his mouth taking in a big inhale. “Peachy and party hats, you scream what’s that? It’s cake! It’s cake! Oh my what a mistake! I made a mistake!” He stopped his little song as he did a spell making confetti pop into the air with fireworks. “Peachy and party hats…”

I would admit, the song was catchy but as he went on, it just gave me a headache. The same verse, over and over with little change. He bounced around singing the same tune and I knew it would become an earworm.

“Ohhhhh when you can’t turn your frown into a smile just rememberrr Peachy’s got the party style for you and you and you! Peachy and party hats why don’t you take a look at that! And that! Confetti, fireworks, balloons! The cake is ready!” I don’t know where he was pulling this stuff from but before I knew it he was throwing a cake in my face.

Before he could sing another verse I quickly grabbed him and pushed him down onto his side. “Okay!” I yelled. “You can stop singing.”

“Finally! Now tell me.” He beamed.

“Where to begin…” I groaned, running my hands down my face.

After telling Peachy everything, his tail was twitching and he looked like he was about to explode. His ear twitched, his eye was twitching now. What have I done? Did I break him? How many of my characters do I have to make have an existential crisis? He opened his mouth and I could tell he was trying to say something but couldn’t. “I…”

I gave him a soft smile, sitting in front of him. “Are you okay?”

His mouth closed again, and he looked down at the floor away from me. Sometimes I wish I could hear what he was thinking about. “You...created me?” He finally spoke. “But that can’t be because I exist here.” He muttered.

“I don’t understand the logistics myself.” I replied.

“I was a drawing?” He asked. “On paper?”

“I always liked the idea of pocket universes…” I thought, perhaps that idea was true? “I never thought you would summon me to one though for thinking of you.”

“This makes absolutely no sense.” He stated, softly.

“I agree.” I laughed. “Though, if I had the chance...I’d explore more here or stay…” I whispered. “Wait, did I just say that?”

“How? You’re not your own separate entity. Well, you are but you’re in me.”

“Thanks for the reminder. I totally forgot.” I rolled my eyes. Suddenly, I felt nauseous and light headed. “Ugh…what…”

“This feels like those bad cake leftovers I ate once from the fridge…” Peachy groaned and I heard him heave. “I think...I think I’m gonna-“

“Peachy?” My voice was high and winded, and I reached my hand out as he faded from my vision.

I felt wet. Having a coat and being wet isn’t ideal. I was cold. I blearily opened my eyes, that same nausea from before making a bad taste in my mouth. Standing over me, Water wore a look of concern. “What happened? Cider said she couldn’t even get you up to the smell of icing or a birthday cake scented candle!”

“I…” I looked behind her as I stood up and Cider looked distressed. “I…” I couldn’t say anything to her with Cider in the room. I leaned into her ear and then whispered, “I talked to Peachy.” I whispered.

“What?!” I threw a hoof to her mouth as soon as she yelled. Cider was looking to and from Water and I. I made eye contact.

I felt groggy, like I needed coffee. The headache that was surfacing wasn’t doing me any favors either. “Cider Drip,” I stepped around Water Rush to see her more clearly and stumbled. Right, pony legs. “I want to talk to Water alone please.” I announced. “There’s a bakery not far from here, can you go pick up some donuts with strawberry cream?”

“Sure…” She seemed skeptical and stepped away with slow hooves. Then, she was out the door.

I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Was Peachy still there? Was he still watching or did our little last moment together put him to sleep again? He sounded sicker than I was.

“You talked to Peachy? That’s great news! That means he’s still here.”

“Yeah...you know how the sky is dark?”

“Mmhmm.”

“He did that and I’m here because of him.” I grumbled. Going from my voice to his voice wasn’t pleasant either. “I actually fainted from the shock of hearing him comment.” I admitted.

“He turned...what?” She was fumbling with her words. “What?”

“He had an itch and performed a spell of dark magic.” I explained.

“Yep, that sounds like him.” She made it seem like he did this before. “Well, can you perform it again? Maybe there is a counter-spell?”

I shook my head. “He didn’t tell me how he casted it. Just what it entailed.” Does she even own a coffee maker? I wasn’t seeing one. “And I think...from the silence, he’s not watching anymore.” I was kind of disappointed. I wish he was still there, but it seemed like the last few moments in the headspace did a number on the both of us.

“What are you looking for?” I looked back at her and her head was tilted in confusion.

“Do you have a coffee maker? A french press?”

“Mm-mm…” She shook her head. No… “I had to throw it out when Peachy was getting an obsession. He would drink five cups a day.”

“And that’s a problem, how?”

She glared at me. “He would bounce off the walls!”

“But you don’t mess with a coffee drinker.” I pointed a hoof at her. “Now...now how will I get rid of my headache? Or wake up?”

She walked over, picking up a little container and levitated out two pills. “Here, for your headache.” Then, she pushed over a canister labeled instant. “Have some instant coffee. I’ll brew some water.”

I didn’t like that idea, but I took the pills while she put the pot on the stove. I guess instant coffee was better than nothing and if Cider comes back with the donuts, you can’t have donuts without some form of coffee.

Cider...what was taking her so long? The bakery I saw wasn’t far from here. “I wonder what’s taking Cider so long…”

As if on cue, Cider walked through the door but she had a pony in tow. “Hey guys! I hope you don’t mind but I made a new friend! Meet Pillow Talk.” She said, smiling at the red earth pony entering behind her.

I, knowing full well who Pillow Talk is now, I could only look at her wearily. “Welcome!” I smiled.

She smiled back and Cider set the donuts down on the table. “And...the bakery had free samples.” She laughed. “Pillow walked me around a little and we chatted. I hope it’s fine I invited her over.”

“No...it’s fine!” Water Rush smiled.

The kettle started screaming, and I was kind of screaming in my head. Out of all the ponies in town, she had to meet...the one who put me in this situation. Once I had my instant coffee doused in sugar and cream I drank down a couple sips.

“The more the merrier.” I choked out, raising my mug. “Does anyone else want coffee?” I asked, feeling awfully twitchy.

Little Talks

Water Rush’s laugh, I’ll never get used to it. I was itching for a pen and paper though. I want to draw something. Also, a quick talk with Marcysia before we all sat down told me we only had one more day until the opening. She wanted balloons and confetti. She also mentioned, "You're little finish!" So, somehow I got to figure out Peachy’s little spell he showed me. How hard can that be, right?

I wasn't even paying attention to the conversation. “And then, Peachy fell down the old well, and Dad had to pull him out by a rope!” Cider finished with a laugh. He did what now? “I’ll never forget the day…” She trailed off.

I drank down more of my coffee, to keep from replying. Though, I rubbed my head, having a weird recollection of that memory. “Haha…” I laughed. I picked up another donut biting into it slowly as Cider opened up her mouth again.

“Oh! I remember this one time he had levitated himself high into a tree, but he exhausted his magic, so he couldn't get down! He was stuck up there for hours before I found him!” She burst out laughing. I let out a snort of annoyance and then took another bite out of my donut. “Oh! Peachy, remember the balloons!”

“Uhh...what balloons?” I asked, but I saw Water looking eagerly towards Cider to continue her tale. Across from me, Pillow’s expression was the same, never ending soft smile. It was unsettling, especially the way her eyes were always looking at me.

“You remember, you’re just avoiding it.” She smirked. “Anyways, one day, Peachy wanted to experience flight!” Her words turned to underwater noise as my mind brought me back to one of the doodles I drew of Peachy. Him, floating in the air by a group of balloons looking frightened. A dialogue bubble next to him with words of fright and exclaiming he discovered his fear of heights. “He was so scared! I had to fly up and catch him with a big puff of cloud!” She exclaimed. “Seriously, it was like you became paralyzed. Haha!”

“It’s not that funny…” I mumbled, finishing off the donut. “Uhh...Pillow, was it? Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?” I inquired, giving her a warm smile. Though, despite the attention being on her, she still didn’t change her expression.

“Bitterness and crimes will get you nowhere in life.” Her voice was soft, quiet. “Did my recipe work out well for you?”

I inhaled, trying to keep my smile genuine. Was that why her eyes haven’t left me this evening? “Y-yeah…” I stuttered.

“Great…” Finally a change in expression, but it was just her closing her eyes as she smiled.

Cider seemed confused though. “Recipe?”

“It was a recipe for moon pies!” I lied as Pillow Talk opened her mouth, almost pulling a piece of paper out of her mane. “Though...um...is there another recipe you could give me?” I asked, slowly.

“Like what?” Her laugh was like a bow playing a trill on a violin.

“Sun cakes?” I was hoping she got the message and her smile finally broke.

“I told you, there is no reversal.” She whispered in hush tones. “You simply have to wait.”

I cast my gaze downward towards the rest of the donuts. No one else spoke until I heard Cider cough into her hoof.

“Okay…I’m not stupid to know you two are speaking in code. Peachy, what did you do?”

“I gave him a spell.” Pillow Talk’s words came out so fast that I didn’t even have the time to catch her. “Is the sun up in Vanhoover?”

“It’s awfully cloudy there, but I did notice it getting eerie over the bay.”

I hurriedly went to the kitchen, grabbing the rest of the water from the pot, pouring it into the mug I held in my magic. The last thing I need is Cider finding out. Suddenly as I was about to throw the instant coffee in, it missed the cup somehow and it was on the floor. “Wha-”

Water Rush stood there, narrowing her eyes at me, holding my cup away from me in her own magic. How did I not notice that she took it? “You can’t have another cup. You’re jumpy already.”

“Jumpy?” I deadpanned. I didn’t feel jumpy. “I am not jumpy.” I shook my head, but noticed an involuntary repetitive hoof tap on the floor. “I am not.” I repeated, looking her in the eyes, but her constant stare of disapproval led me to look away again.

“If you need something to calm down, drink some chamomile tea.” She stated, pushing a teabag across the table. “It’s what I would drink.” Then, she walked back to the other group of ponies after putting my mug back down on the counter.

It wasn’t long until after drinking my tea that Cider and Pillow Talk decided to leave. “You’re leaving?” I asked.

“Pillow Talk offered her place for me to stay while I’m in town. I mean, I don’t want to impede on your space.” She stepped forward, hugging me tightly. “It was nice seeing you. Let’s get breakfast in the morning?”

I nodded, and then she flew out the door, following the other mare. Once she was out of earshot, I turned to Water Rush. “What am I going to do?” I could finally freak out. “She’s going to learn of the secret! Also, if there’s no counter spell, how am I going to get back? What is the price? Peachy mentioned paying a price for the dark magic.” I ranted. “If there’s a price, what if it’s…” I didn’t even want to speak of my idea.

“Didn’t you just...drink chamomile tea?”

“It. Did. Nothing.” I chanted, stomping my hoof. “Not only that, I have to learn Peachy’s little confetti horn trick with the fireworks for Marcysia’s opening…” I whined. “I wish Peachy could just...go and take over while I think all this over.”

“Surely there has to be a way for you guys to...switch. I mean...I wouldn’t mind it.”

“Of course you wouldn’t. You’re probably eager to kiss him.” I spit, but then I realized what I said. “Uh...I mean…”

She was blushing, a red hue creeping onto her cheeks and ears. “You...wouldn’t be wrong.” She admitted, pawing at the floor. “I just...All night, I’ve been trying to work up the courage to ask him...where we were as friends after what transpired. Then, you asked me that question this morning...I thought you were him, but you weren’t. So...the conversation still needs to be held.” She looked up at me. “Did he say anything about me? When you were talking to him?”

“Honestly, our conversation kind of went sideways…” I lifted the cup of tea, only to find it empty and then sighed out of disappointment. “I was only focused on learning the truth why I was here in the first place, and Peachy...he was angry that I passed out at all…”

“Oh...I see…” It was her turn to sigh. “I understand.” The next moment we found ourselves bursting into yawns. “I’m tired…”

“Yeah, I think I’m ready to turn in…” I muttered, letting another yawn escape. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” She replied.

If it was time to go to bed, neither of us could be sure. It was like the sun had gone down again. The land shrouded in the same darkness that we woke up to. It kept going up at the most convenient of times. When Water had to leave the house for something. It was weird.

I picked up the analog clock off the floor, and then looked at the time. It was only 7:45 PM. “Is it close to night to sleep? Did we really have donuts for dinner?” I asked aloud. I was just about to walk over to the bed, to lay down, but I found the rabbit back on it, and sleeping again. “I completely forgot about you…” I said, stroking his back. “Confetti huh?” I whispered, he was so soft. “I’m...sorry I’m not him.” I slowly got on the bed, careful not to wake him. “I’ll…” I yawned again, “figure it out…” I closed my eyes and then let sleep overtake me.

Or I thought it would. I must have lain there for hours, but there was nothing but agony because I couldn’t enter the dreamspace. “Is this insomnia?” I asked the room.

I got out of the bed, exited the room and then went to Water Rush’s room where I heard the sounds of waves and tranquil music. I opened her door, and beside her bed was a small noise machine, a radio playing violin music and she had on a sleeping mask. No doubt she’s probably already asleep by now. It would be rude to wake her. I shut the door again, being careful not to make any noise until I heard a loud meow below me.

I jumped and looked down just in time to see Ash scampering off. I must have stepped on his tail… “Sorry!” I hissed and began walking back to my room again.

The night would be the perfect time to see if I could access the headspace we were in before but what would it take? Meditation? Lucid dreaming? What Peachy said earlier came back to me. He had a book on it somewhere.

My eyes landed on its location like I already knew where it was. It sat on a lone shelf on the wall, I went to grab it in magic, but as soon as I had it in the aura, I felt a sting reverberate through the horn and the book landed on the floor with a hard thump. “Ow!” I cried. I walked over, trying once again to levitate it, but it seemed like the book wasn’t having it. I decided to just carry it over to the bed by hoof, and read it.

I willed light forward with my horn, like I did when I first woke up here and saw it illuminate the room again and opened the book. As soon as it was open, my eyes were closing heavily. What is this sorcery?

“Did you like the book?” His voice rang out. I slowly gained the ability to see and Peachy was sitting in front of me, with an unbroken smile. “How about earlier huh? That was something. How about you pick the setting?” He offered, looking around. We were both laying in a black space. Slowly I was gaining my senses. I sat up, filling the space with the one image on my mind.

Green grass formed below us and then a blue sky above us. Behind him, I made a peach tree grow and then a table with a teapot and two cups. “This will do.” I muttered. “Why didn’t you warn me about the book?”

“Our conversation was kind of cut short and I hadn’t used that book since I was homesick.” He explained. Slowly, he poured himself some tea. “What flavor?”

“Peach.” I smiled. “Do you know why you’re based around peaches?”

“Because I was born on a peach farm that was in my family for generations.” He laughed, but he rolled his eyes, looking to the side. “Fine, why?”

“I like peaches. They’re my favorite fruit besides strawberries. My favorite drink to make is peach tea...and I love a good peach pie.” I poured myself some tea, looking at him softly. “I know I keep saying I want to go home, but...I’m glad I got to meet you.”

“Oh. I feel weird now…” He rubbed his hoof. “There’s a...a point where this gets mundane.” He took a sip of his tea, and I sipped mine gingerly.

“How do you do the confetti spell?”

“Haha! I couldn’t explain it if I wanted to.” He waved a hoof. “One day, it just happened. It was a sunny day, and I was throwing a party. Then, out of the blue, it started raining. I threw up my horn, put on a party hat and then with joy in my spirit, the happiest I’ve felt, I fired off the spell. Confetti was the only thing raining then, and the sun came out. I got my cutiemark that day…” He paused, taking another sip of his tea. “I can’t explain it better. I just have to be feeling really happy to do the spell. It comes from within me. It’s like magic.” He shrugged.

“Is there any way you can...just take over?” I fidgeted with my cup.

“Nope! I haven’t figured that out yet.” He put his teacup down, and reached for the teapot again. “Maybe it’ll happen come morning.”

Should I bring it up? Or, let him stew in it when he talks to Water Rush? “So...you and...Water Rush?” I blurted out. I couldn’t help myself. He spit tea all over, and I chuckled. “I never would have...paired you two up.” I admitted, sipping my tea again.

“I-wha-ho...her.” He sputtered, and pulled out a handkerchief out of nowhere, wiping down the table and himself. “What do you mean pair?”

“Ship? Pair...uh…” I trailed off, struggling to find more words. “Anyways...how did you guys...meet?”

“Well, I arrived in town, and she was part of the welcoming party. She caught my eye. I…” He trailed off, blushing. “Marcysia actually introduced us.” He stammered out. “We clicked. She laughed at my jokes, and then after staying a few days in the local hotel, it was severely run down by the way, so she offered her home to me.” I kept my eyes on him, it was a cute story I almost didn’t catch myself. I was smiling wide like an idiot. “Why do you ask?”

“She kissed me, well you.” I pointed to him. “Well, she thought it was you, but it was me…”

He kept his eyes on his teacup, his face becoming increasingly red in color. Peachy was turning into tomato. “She did?” His voice was hushed, and I just barely caught that.

“Yeah. Caught me by surprise.”

“I missed my first kiss?!” He blurted out. Why was he so mad?

“On the cheek!” I cut in.

“Oh...well, then...as long as it wasn’t…” He was still blushing though. He cleared his throat. “I would like to wake up now.”

“I wish we could trade places…” I whispered. “We only have a day until the grand opening…”

“How...do we switch places though?” He asked. “Will it to be?”

“Here’s to morning.” I smiled, raising my teacup. “-And...what it will bring.”

“What if I kill you?” He narrowed his eyes.

“Don’t even start…” I glared.

“I’m kidding!” He beamed, raising his teacup to mine. “Kidding…” There’s nothing like your pony, who you think of as your child, joking like that...

Breakfast and Magic

I was still on the floor the next morning, and it didn’t bring any surprises. The room was still dark. Besides the fact, due to how I was positioned on the floor, I noticed the small desk lamp next to the bed and switched it on with a hoof. Unfortunately, the morning didn’t bring what I was hoping for: a break. As I turned back towards the bed, there was Confetti now smugly staring at me. “What’s wrong with you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Then, a migraine surfaced as a plethora of memories crashed down on me.

The warm feeling of nostalgia, “I’m gonna name him Confetti!” Peachy’s young voice as a colt rang through my mind like it was my memory. I instinctively rubbed at my forehead, trying to rub the pain away. It worked…very little.

I blinked a couple times and when I actually settled my eyes back on the bed, Confetti wasn’t anywhere to be seen. “Confetti?” I asked a bit too loud and then heard raps against the door. I looked over, and he was standing there, looking rather impatient. He bounced up against it, as if trying to open it himself.

I rolled my eyes, and walked over, pulling the door open and bumped noses with the mare behind it. “Oh! Uh…Water…” I greeted. “Good morning.”

“You’re still not Peachy…” I don’t know how many times my heart will drop at that sentence. Or the way she says it. “Any news?”

“I’m starting to wonder…” I trailed off, keeping my thoughts to myself. What caused the spark to remember memories that weren’t mine? “Nevermind.” I waved a hoof, but she still looked at me skeptically. “News?” I tried to jog anything that came from the dream last night as I followed her down the hallway. Even though that was a lucid dream session last night, it was hard to remember. “Um, well...Peachy and I talked again. I found this book...and it made me lucid dream…” I explained, “I...can’t say I remember much though.”

“Is he still doing okay?”

“Surprisingly...he doesn’t seem bothered.” I stopped midstep. “Why doesn’t he seem bothered?” The question plagued me. Who wouldn’t go insane in their own head? For that matter, why is Peachy always so calm when we meet again? “I just don’t know…” My thoughts were still running, but with questions I didn’t want to ask out loud. What if Peachy wasn’t the reason I was put here? What if the spell was just an additional coincidence?

“Huh?” Water seemed really confused. Like she couldn’t keep up. “Well…” She drew out the word as if she was uncomfortable with the subject. “Look, I won’t be lying when I say this whole thing is strange but-“ Her sentence dropped when three raps came at the door and her ears flattened, obviously annoyed. “That’ll be Cider…” She lowly mumbled.

“No, what were you going to say?” I asked, shaking my head. “What are your thoughts?”

“Don’t worry about it.” She waved a hoof. “We’ll discuss more during dinner. I have to get to work anyways…” She muttered.

I sighed, letting the air trail slowly out of my nostrils. “Fine.” I passed by her, walking over to the door and opened it, revealing Cider smiling too wide to be sane. “Sis?” I asked her upon instinct.

“Ready for breakfast?” Her voice cracked and she seemed on edge. Either she didn’t get enough sleep, or she and Pillow Talk discussed some forbidden topics last night. Unless I’m reading her wrong.

“Ready when you-“

“I’m ready! Where should we eat?” She cut in. Sweat was beading on her face, and her eyes darted from me to around her. Then, she started prancing in place. Her hooves so featherlight that she started floating when her wings randomly flapped.

Her nerves were putting me on edge. “Is something wrong?” I asked, raising my eyebrow.

“What? No!”

While she lied through her teeth ranting, I was tapping my chin trying to think of where we could go. The bakery was probably open. I wasn’t in the mood for donuts, but I’m pretty sure they have other options. Though, I didn’t notice that she was still talking.

“I might have a crush! I also think Pillow Talk came onto me last night.” She said, eyes wide. “I can’t fathom having a marefriend!” She paused, looking at the ground. “Do I even…I mean, a mare who is a friend, sure, but I…I never suspected or even considered…I don’t even know my orientation.” She was sweating so much now. “I can’t-“

This was what she was freaking out about? Unless she's using it to panic instead of my problem? “Did anything else happen or was mentioned?” I asked.

“Mm-mm…” She shook her head. “I tried to ask her about the spell you cast, but she wouldn’t tell me any of the details.” I felt a wave of relief come over me. “I just…want to h-have…does the bakery have peach fritters? I’m craving them after last night.” I guess we were on the same wavelength about where to eat.

“I bet they have apple fritters.” I replied. “Are they comfort food for you?”

“Are they comfort food-“ She mocked. Do I really sound like that? “Don’t be coy, you know I love my fritters!” She jabbed a hoof into my chest and I backed away from her fury.

“Sorry.” I quickly replied. “Let’s go…” I said, beginning to walk.

“Hey,” She paused, “When are you going to come home?” I blinked, the question seemingly coming out of nowhere. “I mean, when it comes down to it…you belong on the…” I closed my eyes tightly as a reflex, as I walked on. “Farm.” She choked out.

I felt frozen. I couldn’t take another step and she faced me as some unknown anxiety surfaced. I swallowed, my throat gone cold. I couldn’t get a word out. What’s happening? Peachy?

“Y’know you’re a part of the Peach family line?” She continued. “Dad…wants you back on the farm.” All of a sudden, a flashback of arguing with him surfaced. There was a lot of yelling, and the argument never really had a conclusion because Peachy fired off an impulsive teleport spell. It left him burnt because he didn’t cast it correctly.

“Can…can we not do this?” I managed to say. “Let’s go to the bakery.” I smiled, I could feel my spirit dropping. The happiness I felt earlier, leaving. Then, I slowly began to see hair fall into my face feeling a different weight to my hair. I picked up a hoof, inspecting my coat that had turned a shade duller.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean…” Cider whispered, her eyes widening.

Ponies around us started to notice. I caught Marcysia out of the corner of my eye, and she put a hoof to her mouth. “What’s…wrong?” I asked, my voice soft.

“Your mane…” She gestured to her own, and I reached up a hoof but the floof of it wasn’t there. My hoof ran into my horn, but it didn’t hit mane. I moved it down, to feel some hair resting flat against my head. “It’s…was that because of what I said?”

I didn’t say anything because I felt unsure. This feeling, why did it come on? Suddenly a brown blur bounced into my peripheral and something sugary was shoved past my lips along with a hoof. I gagged, and blinked, surprisingly finding Sweet Tooth next to me, her hoof covered in chocolate icing.

“Chew!” I flinched, chewing the cake in my mouth. All it did was leave me slightly nauseated, but the sugar helped a smidge. “I don’t know what you said to him, but we don’t need Peachy depressed!” She huffed, directing her attention at Cider Drip. “He is planning Marcysia’s grand opening party!” Right, the grand opening… “It’s really important for her.”

“Heh…Sweet Tooth, it’s fine.” I said, swallowing the remaining cupcake. “I’ll get over this.”

“It is not fine! She clearly said something out of bounds that bothered you.” She whined. “Don’t keep it in.”

I didn’t want to vent. I knew what to vent about, but it just seemed wrong. All the while, Cider was looking at the ground. Why couldn’t we just go to breakfast? She must feel horrible. “Cider…” I stepped towards her, and she looked up. “Do you still want breakfast?”

“Sure…”

The walk to the bakery was quiet. I could still feel the straight, not poofy mane on my head. It draped over the other eye, restricting my vision a tad. Whenever I flick my head it would fall back into place frustrating me. After I ate the cupcake, the original color of my coat returned. I still feel weird nonetheless. The same weight in my chest was still there, like I suddenly got homesick. I looked over at Cider and she smiled at me for a second, before her face returned to that sorrowful expression. It was going so great. Why did she have to ruin it with that one question? The one question that puts me on edge. Wait, correction that puts Peachy on edge.

“I’m sorry…” She said again, once we entered through the bakery doors. “I just wanted to know. The farm isn’t home without you and ever since Mom died-”

I tuned her out, not wanting to hear her. Putting on my biggest smile I turned my attention to Creamy Mix behind the counter. “Hey Creamy!”

“Woah, Peachy…your mane is-”

“I need some coffee and…” I trailed off looking at the options before me. “And…” I couldn't think of what to eat. “Get me a big slice of that double dutch chocolate cherry cake.” I said pointing to it.

“We can only cut small pieces of that.” He grimaced. “It’s too much chocolate. Plus, it’s still morning.” He was growing increasingly nervous from my glare. “Aand Rushy told me not to give you any-”

“Look, I am having a bad day.” I said, ripping him towards me with my levitation. “I want a big piece of cake and some coffee stat. I’ll pay extra just get me the food.” Once I realized what I was doing, I let go of him and gently put him back on the floor. “Uh, sorry…” I whispered.

“Right right.” He shook his head, obviously coming out of shock. “What about for you?”

I turned towards Cider looking at her for a second. “I’ll just have a small piece of that coffee cake and some peach tea.” She said softly. I guess she was still feeling guilty.

“Okay, paying together or separate?”

“Separate. Together.” Our voices sounded in unison. I closed my eyes, keeping my head down. I wanted to pay for my food separately. I shook my head, and then shot her a glance.

“Separate…I guess.” She sputtered.

“Peachy…your total is 35, and Cider 14.” He was smiling but I could feel some awkward tension in the air.

We put our bits on the counter and once we got the food, sat down at one of the in-house tables. I immediately started on my cake which was the right amount of fudgy icing and made me melt at the flavor immediately. “Mmm…”

“How does that work?” I looked up to see Cider Drip staring almost in amazement at me. I was grinning ear to ear, just filling my mouth with the piece of cake. I licked my lips, darting my eyes around the room for the source.

“How dauf wud work?” I asked with a mouth full of cake. Then, I noticed the piece of mane that wasn’t in my eyes had sprung back up. The cake and coffee were soaring my spirits, I’ll admit.

“Your mane…is fluffy again.” She said, patting my head twice. The action alone annoyed me but I didn’t say anything. “Still, I haven’t seen your mane that straight since…since…” It was like she was having trouble recalling it. “Since you went through your band phase as a colt. Wearing eyeliner…and refusing to do your chores claiming you were gonna musically tour the world so chores were pointless.” She chuckled.

“Pfft.” I laughed too, taking another swig of my coffee as I had it in my magic. “Okay okay, no. I was going to audition as a backup dancer for Duchess Luminescence.” I pointed a hoof then blinked. Where did that come from? “Though, I missed the try outs.” I could only stare as the memory crossed my mind, putting me in a strange mindset. I needed to lucid dream and talk to Peachy, if he’s still there. I was in complete control here, yet I’m saying things I didn’t even know I knew.

“Peachy? Remember?” I hadn’t noticed she had been talking. “Were you listening?”

“Haha, hah. No.” I admitted. “I was thinking about…something else.”

She looked down at her empty plate and then picked up her tea. “Do you think you’ll ever-” She stopped her question when my mouth turned into a frown.

“Cider, please. We can have this discussion another time.” I replied, careful not to let my temper get the best of me. I finally finished off the cake feeling the sugar rush and caffeine jitters already. “All I am focused on right now is Marcysia’s cafe.” I smiled. Maybe a chocolate cake and coffee wasn’t the best choice. I still needed to find a place that sells balloons and figure out Peachy’s signature spell.

“Right. Hey when is the cafe opening?”

“Tomorrow.” I smiled. “Oh shoot.” I stood up, feeling panicked. “Tomorrow and I still gotta…” I didn't know what to do with the energy I was experiencing. It was like a growing energy inside me from burning through the sugar. I needed to expel it.

“Peachy? Are you…”

I could feel sparks and then my eyes went funny. I laughed, feeling sugary drunken happiness and bounced a couple times. Suddenly, I felt a huge electrical burst run through me and then I saw sparkles and confetti fell out from nowhere. I swayed, stumbling to the table until round two hit me.

“Never. Again…” I heard Creamy Mix from the counter, and just barely saw him ducking behind it.

Another sudden spark of energy and I felt like the world blacked out. I opened my eyes seeing stars and even more confetti was around me. I felt like I got hit by a train and I flopped to the ground feeling general burn out. The grass tickled my nose. Wait, grass? I stood up immediately noticing the scorched earth and the soft glowing light of the lamps on either side of what was going to be the cafe building. “I…teleported?” I was at a loss for words and so was the earth pony coming out of the cafe. Yes, I was internally thinking about the cafe but to teleport here?

“Peachy! What the hay was that? I just…you appeared in a flash of light!” She exclaimed. “I…never saw anything like that.”

“Hah…I atetoo muhsugar.” I sheepishly admitted, slurring my words together in an attempt to speak. “Tired…” Sugar crash maybe? I sat up, shakily but fell the next second. That spell must have really done me in. “Peachy…hand party hats…” I sang a bit before my eyes refused to stay open.

Nightmare

I awoke to a light fanning. My head was spinning. I was in Marcy’s cafe, and she looked worried. “Are you okay now? I just barely managed to bring you inside.” It was cute seeing her fumble for a teacup and she placed it in front of me.

“I’m sorry…” I used the silence between us to survey how the interior of the cafe looked. Wooden tables and pillowy cushions were being used for seating. I was currently laying sprawled out on a few. The treat display case was already starting to be filled with treats. I was somewhat disappointed I didn’t get to see Peachy, unless I had and I forgot about it. That would suck. “How long was I out?”

“A few minutes.” Oh, that explains it. “I could…postpone the opening if it helps. I don’t want to be putting stress on you or anything. You did tell me you never did this kind of event before.”

“But you’re already prepping the food and I don’t want to let you down. If it was scheduled for tomorrow, it should be tomorrow! You wouldn’t postpone a birthday party if it rained would you?”

“I would, but knowing you…you probably wouldn’t. I just saw you today and I wondered if-“

“No, no. My sister just brought up a touchy subject.” I waved a hoof, and gave her a smile hoping to diffuse her worries. “It’s nothing about you or the grand opening.”

“Okay…did you find the balloons?”

“Now that I am properly thinking about them, I probably have some.” I remembered Peachy’s party planning box.

“Oh that’s great!” She beamed. “So…you are feeling okay?”

“Yes.” I nodded and then rolled my eyes to look at the ceiling. “So, I better go and…find Cider.” I stood up, albeit I still felt a little weak but slowly my strength was returning. “I’ll leave you to prepare more.”

“Honestly, I’m just taking inventory now. Would you like anything else? I did give you some tea. It’s a healing blend.”

“Thank you…I noticed but I should catch up to Cider Drip and let her know that I didn’t burst into a million pieces.” I joked. “I’ll be around later to go over the last few details.”

“Okay.”

I walked through town looking for Cider. It wasn’t an easy task. I had already been by the bakery and got an earful from Creamy about how he told me it was too much for me to handle. “I warned you.” He said, and then made me clean up the confetti and the result of my magical output. How was I supposed to know I would react like that? In the end, Cider wasn’t there but Creamy Mix did tell me she left in a hurry.

I stopped in my tracks after leaving the bakery and a thought came to my mind. The same one that’s been plaguing me all this time. “Am I…losing…” I trailed my words as I caught Cider’s blue hoodie in the crowd of ponies. I began walking over to her, and noticed she was talking to Pillow again.

“Hey,” I began as I approached her. I wasn’t expecting it, but before I could say anything else, Pillow raised her hoof and she almost hit me until I dodged it. “Hey!” I cried, “What was that for?”

“You nearly scared your sister…” I almost didn’t catch what she said, because her voice was so quiet.

“So you were going to hit me?”

Cider spoke next, “Pill, it’s fine…” I felt an overwhelming bout of confusion. “What happened back there?”

“I don’t know what happened. It was like a weird sugar rush burst.”

“No, like where did you go?”

“I accidentally fired a random teleportation spell and…ended up outside the cafe…”

“Oh my Celestia…are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I nodded. “I just need to go home and rest for a little bit. Then, I can continue the party prep.”

“Okay, I’ll be here. Pillow Talk and I were just talking about having a meditation session.” There’s the confusion again, but I wasn’t about to ask.

“Sounds interesting.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Well, I’ll see ya?”

“See ya.”

It was weird, from that interaction I was expecting at least a hug. Maybe Cider isn’t telling me something about the farm, but what could it be? Either way, I wanted to just flop down and fall asleep. Tying off balloons won’t take long and I can swing by the cafe after dinner to drop everything off for tomorrow.

I exhaled walking over to the bed, and collapsed on it letting all the air out of my lungs. Unlike last night, I actually fell asleep.

“Peachy?” My voice rang out but it wasn’t my own like similar moments. In fact, it was almost like I was awake. I was still him in the head as well this time. “Hello?”

“Why did you leave the farm?” A voice came from the side of the darkness. “Why didn’t you stay?” My heart began beating erratically as I struggled to see his face but inwardly I knew this voice, somehow.

“I-I could come back.” I shook and lay down as his hoofsteps began to walk towards me. “I’ll come back to the farm I-“

“You belong on the farm. Not as a blasted party pony.” His hoof reached up like he was striking the heavens. “I control your destiny not a cutiemark-“

Suddenly his thunderous voice cut out and was replaced with wings flapping. “Controlling one's destiny is simply outrageous. Hello Peachy…same nightmare as before?” The darkness and stormclouds cleared revealing the smiling face of Princess Luna. “I thought we grew past this.” She gestured to the smoke that was once an angry stallion.

“Luna…” I was awestruck. “Have we…met before?”

“You have this nightmare constantly. You were in all sorts when I soothed you from it before.” She explained. “Though, you do not give off the same presence as usual.”

“That’s a long story…” I whispered. “I thought I understood everything, but now I don’t. I don’t even know how to explain it to you.” Where would I begin without confusing her? Before I would have done anything to tell one of the Princesses my issue but now I wasn’t very confident it was just Peachy’s fault.

“Do you want to tell me?”

“Yes, but now I don’t know how to explain it.” I muttered, and a look of confusion spread across her face.

“Over the past few days I have realized that a dark smog had spread across my bay.” She started, and it made me gulp down a nervous lump in my throat. “It blots out my sister’s sun.” She rubbed her chin, looking quite perplexed. “Though, to achieve such a feat somepony would have to cast a very advanced spell. A spell only a few gifted unicorns could master.”

I let a shaky breath escape and then coughed. “May I just say…that usually Peachy would be here with me.”

“Have you lost your mind, little pony? Surely you should know that you are the one called Peachy.”

“No, no I am somepony-someone else.” I grumbled correcting my slip-up. Ya see, Peachy cast a spell of dark magic, and at first I thought he brought me here to this realm but now I feel like this goes deeper than that.”

“Hmm…sounds like the colt is more powerful than I thought. However, I can not say for certain I truly believe you.” She spoke and then looked down. “If you truly are not who you say you are then where is he?”

“He is usually here with me and I look like myself from where I come from. Though, this time is different. And I’m sorry colt?”

She let out a hearty laugh, “Usually that offends him when I speak of him as a colt.” Then she was back to her serious composure. “If this is not a prank, then I can only assume, but I am not a master in these magics. I do think you should speak to Twilight Sparkle about the spell.”

Before I could say anything else, I fell into a vortex beneath my hooves. I tried to reach out a hoof for Luna to grab me but when I looked up she wasn’t there anymore. I screamed falling for what felt like minutes and then finally landed on a hard surface knocking the wind out of me. I gasped for air, and then saw a face in the darkness. “Spare me! I-“

“Relax~” It was like Peachy’s voice was soothing. “So…How are you?”

I sat up, the darkness clearing as I could only glare at him. As if to spite me, we were in a part of a Peach tree Orchard. “How am I?” I stood up, stepping toward him with anger. “I have been struggling with my identity throughout the day. I’ve been getting your memories.” I couldn’t even think straight. “And I just had a nightmare thinking it was my own…Luna showed up-“

“Princess Luna? You didn’t tell her anything did you?”

I rose an eyebrow, confused. “Peachy? Aren’t you a bit concerned that I look like you?”

“Well, considering you just came from the dreamscape-“

“That’s not the point.” I stomped and he backed away a bit. “I have been having your memories and…feeling your insecurities.” I pointed out. “I don’t understand how you’re always so calm here either.” I muttered.

“Well…I have a couple questions for you too.” He spit, turning his nose to the air. “How did you learn magic so quickly? Your first spell-luminescence was the same first spell I learned. Also, you did reciprocate the same feelings that I had for Rushy.” He was almost ranting, but he was ranting about things I didn’t even know he knew.

“How do you even know this?” I asked.

“Because it’s still me.” He growled and then before I could get a word in, he disappeared in a puff of smoke like he was never there in the first place.

“Peachy?” I asked. I spun around as the Peach Orchard scenery’s skies turned dark as night. The stars swirled in bright white patches. “Peachy?” I asked again. An eerie ghostly fog settled around me. I was highly wondering what led me to draw him in the first place? If there was some deeper meaning. “Come back…” I choked, “I’m kind of scared…” I whispered.

“Figure it out yourself.”

I awoke in a cold sweat, hyperventilating and shaking. That didn’t go the way I wanted. I was about to roll out of bed but noticed a soft, fuzzy ball cuddled up next to me. Confetti had slipped in underneath my foreleg, using it as a blanket as I slept. Why was he suddenly warming up to me? Maybe I had him all wrong and he was mad at Peachy, not because I wasn’t him.

I groaned and carefully stood up on the bed, leaning down into a downward dog stretch. I yawned, and then jumped off, moving over to the party box next to the dresser. I’ll think about the dream later, right now, I needed a break from my mentality. I slowly levitated out some balloons and with a heavy sigh began to blow them up. Looking at the time, I only lost about three hours from my power nap.

After about three balloons, I ended up taking some cardstock and doodling some drawings on it. I wish I had my markers though, it wasn’t the same as coloring it in and I hated pencil sketches. I picked up the cardstock and then trotted out of the bedroom to Water Rush who was seated at the table eating a sandwich.

“Hey Ruh-“ I cleared my throat, cringing at my slip-up. “Water…” I said, walking into the room.

“Hmm? Yes, Mysterio?” She laughed. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

“Riight…anyways, I drew something.” I announced sliding it across the table. “It’s a little harder coordinating my magic to draw but…I tried. I also tried to draw with my mouth, but that attempt didn’t turn out too good.”

“Hmm…this is nice.” That’s not the reaction I was hoping for. “So, I heard a rumor that you…had a sugar rush induced…magical…the term escapes me-“

“How fast do rumors travel around here?” I interrupted. “But yes, I might have lost control of myself…a little.”

“And I rest my case why coffee doesn’t belong in this house.” She stated, taking another bite of her sandwich. “I thought I made it very clear to Creamy Mix to not sell you any coffee…”

“I might have uh…scared him.” I admitted. “What are you eating?” I asked.

“A dandelion hay sandwich. Do you want one?”

“No…uh…are there any other options? Perhaps peanut butter and jelly?”

“Haha, of course. I’ll make it for you.” She got up as she stuck the last bite in her mouth and then made her way over to the kitchen. “So how did breakfast go with Cider?”

“I could complain…in fact, this whole day has just been a rollercoaster.” I muttered. “After the grand opening is over…I think I’m just gonna sleep for the whole week.”

She didn’t say anything, only staying quiet, but her eyes narrowed in confusion. I knew what she was thinking, and I should tell her my concerns. Although, it worried me. Would it ruin her perception or even worse, make her own spirits drop? I didn’t want to do that to her.

“So…what were you going to say this morning?” I asked.

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” The way she dismissed it, made me wary. I thought back to what she was going to say, and couldn’t help to think that maybe she was coming to the same conclusion I was. However, I won’t know until she admits it herself.