Full Friendship's Magic #2 (A Pie's white lie)

Chapters

Modesty Chapter 8: Brief history
Modesty Chapter 8.5: Anxious Pie
Modesty Chapter 9.5: The slip up
Modesty Chapter 10: The Cheated Promise
Modesty Chapter 11: The offered change
Modesty Chapter 11.5: The New Pizza Pie
Modesty Chapter 12: Voice of change
Modesty Chapter 7: Cake before the social
Modesty Chapter 9: The awkward gathering

Modesty Chapter 8: Brief history

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

The day of the social gathering.

The citizens of Ponyville were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for the much-anticipated social gathering. Everypony had something special to contribute, from cakes to pies, each carefully made for the night’s festivities. Even the royal sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, along with Princess Cadence, had promised to bring their own unique dishes for the occasion. It seemed that no pony in Equestria was sitting this one out.

At Twilight Sparkle's crystal tree castle, the Princess of Friendship was hard at work, preparing the grand ballroom for the evening's guests. Starlight Glimmer, her trusted friend and student, was right by her side, helping set up.

“Thanks for helping out with the tables, Starlight. I really needed it, especially since Spike is busy working on the guest list.” Twilight said, smiling gratefully as she hovered a few decorations into place with her magic.

“It’s no problem, Twilight," Starlight replied with a shrug. "I figure I owe you for letting me go off on Trixie’s magic tour while I was still supposed to be doing my friendship counseling duties.”

Twilight waved it off. “It’s nothing, really. I hope Trixie wasn’t being too pushy, though, with you being her assistant and all. I’ve seen her shows especially her big performances—it must’ve been. . . well, difficult at times.”

Starlight chuckled lightly. “Oh no, it wasn’t that bad, Twilight. Sure, some of her stunts were. . . questionable, but it’s not too hard to pull them off. . . I mean . . .”

A few weeks ago.

“I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, will now attempt to lean my head over the jaws of a deadly Ursa Minor, supported by only a single steel pole!” Trixie declared boldly, her voice echoing through the stage.

The audience gasped in awe, their eyes wide with anticipation. Backstage, Trixie shot Starlight Glimmer a quick wink, signaling it was time. Starlight subtly cast her magic, strengthening the steel pole Trixie would be relying on.

With a dramatic flair, Trixie took a deep breath, steadying herself. Slowly and carefully, she placed her head between the Ursa Minor's enormous jaws. The audience held its breath, watching as Trixie stood motionless for what felt like an eternity two long minutes passed. Then, with a swift motion, she pulled her head out just as the steel pole snapped in half behind her.

The crowd erupted into applause, cheering wildly for the two mares. Trixie and Starlight took a bow, basking in the audience's admiration.

“The crowd loved it! They're already excited for our next magic tour.” Starlight recounted with a smile.

Twilight, grinning at her friend, replied, “Seems like you’re really enjoying your time with Trixie.”

“Oh, absolutely, Twilight. But sometimes I just want to hang out with you and the girls too. I wish we could plan a picnic with Trixie someday.” Starlight mused, a wistful tone in her voice.

“Well. . . we can’t say when, but I’m sure we can make it happen soon,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “Now, could you give me a hoof with these tablecloths?”

“Sure, Twilight.” Starlight agreed, and with a wave of their horns, they used their magic to spread fifteen tablecloths across the long banquet tables, setting everything perfectly in place.

As they worked, Starlight brought up something she’d been curious about. “Hey, Twilight, I heard Pinkie Pie’s cousin just moved to Ponyville.”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, just this week. We were all surprised to hear she had a cousin from Mitaly.”

“Mitaly?” Starlight's brow furrowed. “Isn't that where the Alicorns’ capital used to be?”

“Indeed it is,” Twilight confirmed, raising an eyebrow. “You know about Mitaly’s history?”

“Of course,” Starlight replied, intrigued. “It’s one of the ancient lands, rich in history. There were so many important events like the Great Golden War and the death of Princess Awee.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh, those events are fascinating! So much mystery surrounds them. Historians studying the ruins there say the Great Golden War began when the Golden Army launched a campaign called the Great Chain. They built massive borders around each mainland, forcing Equestria's species to live separately. Princess Awee, the first princess of Equestria, opposed the Archon’s vision of order. War broke out, and all the species were dragged into the conflict.”

Starlight blinked, surprised by the depth of the tale. “Wait, what’s an Archon, Twilight?”

Twilight looked a bit taken aback. “You don’t know?”

“Well, I do now,” Starlight replied, laughing lightly. “But how’s it different from a princess?”

“I thought you knew Mitaly's history, Starlight.” Twilight teased.

“I know some things like the Golden Army and the first princess but I didn’t know about the Archon.” Starlight admitted.

Twilight nodded, launching into a mini-lecture. “An Archon was a powerful and, frankly, dangerous leader. Their authority extended over all the military forces of Equestria’s different species. Any decision they made, the race leaders had to obey. They wielded more control over military affairs than any princess ever could.”

“Wow,” Starlight said, shaking her head. “That’s intense. I can’t imagine living under that kind of rule back then.”

Twilight continued, “Here’s the thing an Archon only led the military forces. They had no idea how to run an economy or manage the day-to-day lives of Equestria's citizens. So life was difficult during that era. After the Golden War, the race leaders agreed to disband the Archonship and formed their own governments. That’s how the big division happened ponies, griffons, changelings, and all the others split up and went their separate ways.”

“Here I thought Queen Chrysalis had the highest authoritarian power, next to the Dragonlord.” Starlight said thoughtfully.

“Well, those titles were inspired by the Archon,” Twilight explained. “The only difference is that their authority only applies to their own kind.”

“Seems like a downfall,” Starlight mused. “Everyone used to live in harmony, and now, because of that one event, the species are split apart. It feels like nobody trusts anyone except their own kind.”

“I know what you mean, Starlight,” Twilight agreed. “Trust is something we all have to work on, but we’re slowly making friends with other species. I mean, Spike became friends with the Dragonlord. . .”

“Only because he’s a dragon himself. It’s natural for Spike to befriend his own kind.” Starlight pointed out.

Twilight hesitated. “Well. . . what about Thorax?”

Starlight rolled her eyes, glancing at the map on the table. “Yeah, we were lucky to have him on our side when we saved you and everypony from Queen Chrysalis. And sure, we’ve made peace with some changelings, but what about those who still follow her? What if Chrysalis comes back to get revenge on Thorax and the changelings who betrayed her? No matter how you look at it, his peace with ponies started by betraying his nature.”

Twilight sighed. “That’s true, but things change over time. Just like you did. And besides, Chrysalis is already encased in stone. It’s hard to imagine her breaking free she’s not Discord, after all.”

“But still,” Starlight persisted, stomping her hoof. “What if things change again, but not for the better? What if they go back to the way they were? Soon, you’ll be in charge of all of Equestria, and your friends will go their separate ways like you never left Canterlot. Just like I never left that village. . .”

Twilight placed a comforting hoof on Starlight’s shoulder. “If you’re talking about yourself, then that’s all behind you now. Me, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and even Trixie we’re all your friends. We won’t forget that, it’s a fact.”

Starlight sighed deeply. “You’re right, Twilight. I’m sorry for overreacting. I guess all these feelings are still bottled up inside me after everything that happened with those three villains. . .”

Twilight smiled gently. “It’s alright, Starlight. I know you didn’t mean what you said. Even if I’m running Equestria one day, I’ll still come visit my friends and the school. I’m a princess, not an Archon.”

They shared a laugh and hugged.

“You’d better not act like one, at least.” Starlight teased.

“I promise I won’t.” Twilight assured her.

“That’s a relief,” Starlight said with a smile. “But back to the topic why would the Archon launch that campaign, when all the species were living together in peace?”

“No one knows, Starlight,” Twilight replied, her voice becoming more serious. “It’s one of Equestria’s greatest mysteries.”

“Hmmm… I see,” Starlight muttered. “Hey, maybe Pinkie Pie’s cousin knows! After all, she lives in Mitaly.”

Twilight chuckled. “I doubt their education system has advanced enough to solve a mystery like that, Starlight. I mean, even the princesses don’t know the answer.”

“Well, we won’t know until we ask her ourselves. . .” Starlight said with a grin.

“I suppose, but. . .- Twilight hesitated.

“But what, Twilight?”

“Maybe now’s not the right time to ask her about it.”

“And why’s that?” Starlight asked, tilting her head.

“Well, Pizza Pie is still a little self-conscious about meeting new ponies. Especially about how she looks right now.” Twilight said cautiously.

“Oh, really? Well, what does Pinkie’s cousin look like, then?” Starlight asked curiously.

“Uh, let’s just say. . . imitation is a form of flattery. I’ll leave it at that.” Twilight replied, looking slightly amused.

“Huh? I don’t get it. What do you mean by that? Is she trying to look like somepony?” Starlight pressed.

Twilight laughed lightly. “Take it easy, Starlight, you’ll meet her soon enough. For now, we still need to finish preparing the castle for tonight’s gathering. Shall we?”

“Alright. . .” Starlight said, shrugging off her curiosity and returning to her tasks.

Later that night, at Sugarcube Corner, just hours away from the big social gathering, Pizza Pie was in her cousin’s room, rummaging through her trunk for something to wear.

“No, no, no!” Pizza Pie muttered, digging through her drawer, desperately searching for something suitable to wear. She held up a couple of outfits and stood in front of the mirror, frowning. “Ah hah!” She grabbed an outfit, then shook her head. “Nope, too simple.”

Outside the door, Pinkie Pie heard her cousin’s frustrated murmurs. She knocked gently. “Cousin...?”

“Too flashy,” Pizza Pie muttered, still sorting through clothes.

Pinkie Pie tilted her head, knocking again. “Cousin Pizza, are you okay in there?”

“Too formal,” Pizza groaned, tossing another outfit aside.

With a huff, Pinkie pouted and knocked a third time, louder this time. “Cousin! Are you—Ooff!” Pinkie yelped as the door swung open unexpectedly, causing her to tumble inside. “I’m okay...” she mumbled, lying on the floor.

“Oh, sorry about that, cousin,” Pizza Pie said, startled.

“Don’t worry about me!” Pinkie quickly hopped to her hooves, as bouncy as ever. “So, are you done yet? It’s almost time for the gathering!”

“In a minute, Pinkie,” Pizza Pie replied, still rummaging through her pile of clothes. “Why don’t you wait for me downstairs? I’ll be ready in just a minute… Ugh, what to wear, what to wear?”

“Oh, I can help!” Pinkie Pie declared, leaping onto the bed and diving into the clothes pile. “Weeeeee!!” she squealed as clothes flew everywhere, turning the room into a whirlwind of fabric.

“Cousin! What are you doing!?” Pizza Pie yelped, using her magic to gather the scattered clothes and pile them back neatly. “Can’t you see I’m in the middle of a crisis here?”

“Crisis? Gee, you’re starting to sound like Rarity,” Pinkie said, popping up from beneath the clothes, shaking a scarf off her head. “Anyway, don’t get so worked up about it.”

“I’m not getting worked up,” Pizza Pie grumbled. “I just want to find something nice to wear. I don’t want to stand out too much, especially not at my first social gathering.”

“Oh, cousin, this isn’t Mitaly where ponies judge you on how you dress. This is Ponyville! Nopony’s going to mind. Well, except for Rarity—she’s always super conscious of how she looks.”

Pizza Pie looked at her cousin and smiled. “You’re right, Pinkie... I guess I’m just a little nervous.”

“There you go!” Pinkie said cheerfully, patting her cousin on the back. “You don’t have to be nervous. Everything will be fine—and fun!”

“If you say so,” Pizza Pie sighed, feeling her anxiety ease a little. “I’ll take your word for it. Thanks, Pinkie. You always know what to say when I’m stressed about these things.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, cousin! Besides, you’re new to Ponyville. I’ll make sure you make a great first impression on everypony. Just trust me!”

". . . ."

As Pizza Pie sorted through the last few outfits, her thoughts wandered back to her last conversation with Discord. A mare with no cutie mark? What kind of pony never gets their cutie mark? I hope she’s found her true talent. . . The memory gnawed at her, feeding her doubts about attending the gathering. But seeing Pinkie’s bright, reassuring smile brought her back to the present. She shook off her anxiety, determined to hope for the best.

~ To be continued

Author's Note

Mitaly has its fair share of history much like Equestria. All of it takes place longer than history books can even record any events.

Modesty Chapter 8.5: Anxious Pie

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The Following Night.

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All the ponies were heading to Twilight’s tree castle, carrying cakes for the evening’s event. Twilight and Starlight stood at the entrance, greeting each guest as Spike guided them to the main hall. Each guest placed their cakes on a long table, ready for the cake exchange later on.

“Look at all the ponies, Twilight,” Starlight said, amazed. “I think we emptied the whole village.”

“I know, Starlight! It’s incredible. Usually, a social gathering only brings a few ponies, but now almost everypony is here. Even Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, my brother, Flurry Heart. . . and Discord.” Twilight added with a chuckle.

“It’s quite a surprise you invited Discord.” Starlight remarked.

“Well, he is one of our friends, despite his. . . unpredictable nature.”

The two unicorns glanced over at Discord, who was entertaining the royal sisters. He pulled a rattle from behind Celestia’s ear and handed it to Flurry Heart, who responded with a hearty burp. The princesses and Discord all chuckled, though he now smelled faintly of baby food.

“He’s fitting in just fine,” Twilight observed, smiling. “Best to let him be.”

“Speaking of fitting in, where’s Pinkie and her cousin? I haven’t seen them yet.”

“Me neither, Starlight. They’re probably running late. After all, they did make most of the cakes.” Twilight gestured to the growing number of cakes on the table.

“That’s alot of cakes.” Starlight said, raising an eyebrow.

“I know. It’s for the cake exchange. Everypony brings a cake made from their own recipe and exchanges it with somepony else. I came up with the idea!” Twilight said proudly.

“Oh?” Starlight raised a skeptical brow. “Was it really your idea? Or did Pinkie suggest it?”

Twilight hesitated before admitting, “Well, she did suggest it. . . but I approved it!”

Starlight chuckled. “I should’ve known. But aren’t most of these cakes from Sugarcube Corner? How does that count as their own baking?”

“I told Pinkie that if anypony requested a cake, they had to provide their own ingredients and recipes for the Cakes to follow.”

“Ahh, clever,” Starlight said, watching more ponies pass by with their creations. “Looks like almost everypony requested help.”

“Well, not everypony is a natural baker like Pinkie or the Cakes.” Twilight noted.

Just then, Starlight’s ears perked up at the sound of a familiar voice calling out. “Speaking of Pinkie, here she comes now.”

“Hey Twilight! Hey Starlight!” Pinkie Pie bounded toward them, with her cousin, Pizza Pie, close behind. Pizza wore a plain red scarf, and both looked a little out of breath.

“Sorry we’re late, girls!” Pinkie huffed. “We lost track of time and had to rush here.”

“Glad you two made it,” Twilight said. “What kept you?”

“Ask my cousin!” Pinkie grinned, gesturing at Pizza. “She couldn’t decide what to wear from her trunk of clothes. So, I told her to just wear a scarf. It’s simple, but she’ll still stand out without too much attention.”

Pizza Pie scratched her head in embarrassment. “Yeah. . . she’s right. Sorry if we kept you waiting.”

“No worries, Pizza Pie,” Twilight said warmly. “I understand. This is your first social gathering, right?”

“Yes, it is,” Pizza Pie replied shyly. “We don’t have events like this in Mitaly, except for old traditions.”

“Oh, do tell! I’d love to learn about the traditions in-”

Starlight quickly tapped Twilight on the shoulder. “Uh, Twilight? Now’s probably not the best time for a history lesson.”

Twilight blinked, then chuckled awkwardly. “Oh, right. Ahem... Anyway, Pizza Pie, you don’t have to worry. Just relax and be yourself.”

Pizza Pie smiled softly. “Thank you, Twilight. I’ll try.”

Starlight stepped forward with a welcoming smile. “It’s my first social gathering too. I’m Starlight Glimmer, nice to meet you.” She extended her hoof.

“Pizza Pie,” the newcomer replied, shaking Starlight’s hoof. “Nice to meet you too.”

“I didn’t know Pinkie had a cousin all the way from Mitaly,” Starlight said, curious.

“Mitaly’s pretty far, but it’s not too different from here,” Pizza Pie replied. “Though I do get homesick sometimes. But with my cousin around, it’s much easier.”

“I get it,” Starlight said with a knowing nod. “Living far from home can make you feel like you’re in a completely different world.”

Pizza Pie tilted her head. “You’re not from here either?”

“I used to live in a small village. I. . . left after doing some things I’m not proud of.”

“Me too,” Pizza Pie admitted. “I spent a long time doing things I didn’t like. If it weren’t for Pinkie, I wouldn’t have realized that. I’m really grateful for her.”

Pinkie Pie beamed. “Yup! And you did the right thing by opening up!”

“Thanks,” Pizza Pie said, smiling gratefully at her cousin. Then she turned to Starlight. “So, why did you move to Ponyville?”

“Oh, well. . .” Starlight hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck. “It’s a long story. And it definitely doesn’t involve me enslaving a village by taking their cutie marks, or getting revenge on Twilight by messing with the timeline and ruining her future, or anything like that. . .” Starlight trailed off with an awkward grin.

Pizza Pie stared blankly for a moment. “Uh. . . I. . . I’m not sure how to relate to that. . .”

The tension was cut by Spike, who approached with a clipboard. “Sorry to interrupt, Twilight, but the guests are waiting.”

“Spike! Perfect timing!” Twilight said quickly, eager to change the subject. “Everything ready for the gathering?”

“Yep,” Spike replied, though he looked a bit confused by Twilight’s urgency. “We’re just waiting on you.”

“Ah, great!” Twilight said, grabbing Starlight with her magic. “We’ll continue this chat later. The event’s about to start!”

As Twilight hurriedly dragged Starlight into the castle, Starlight waved back at Pizza Pie. “It was nice meeting you! Enjoy the night!”

“Likewise,” Pizza Pie said, waving back awkwardly. “I’ll try. . .”

"Uh, Pinkie, is she one of those ponies you said used to be bad?" Pizza Pie asked, glancing warily at Starlight.

"Yup! But don't worry. Starlight’s super good now! She even works with me and my friends at Twilight's school as the Friendship Counselor." Pinkie replied cheerfully.

"You guys work in a school? Since when?" Pizza Pie asked, surprised.

"Oh! Didn't I tell you? How could I forget?! Well, it all started when we didn’t have enough time to trot across Equestria spreading friendship! So Twilight said, ‘Why not make a School of Friendship?’ And everypony was like, ‘What?!’ Then I said, ‘Yeah!’ And the EEA said, ‘Nuh-uh!’ Then Princess Celestia showed up and said, ‘Yes-uh!’ And then I said, ‘Oatmea-’”

Pizza Pie, her head spinning from the rapid-fire explanation, quickly wrapped her scarf around Pinkie’s mouth. “Okay, okay, save that story for another time, cousin.”

“Mmmffhhh!! Mmmffhh . . .” Pinkie Pie mumbled through the scarf before pulling it off herself. “Alright, alright. Just remind me! Oh, look! We're here!”

The Pie cousins entered the grand ballroom, where ponies and creatures mingled in groups. The air buzzed with laughter and the scent of cakes wafted from the tables. Spike stood on stage, adjusting the microphone. With a quick nod, he signaled Twilight, who took a deep breath and approached the mic.

“Ahem. . . Good evening, friends, princesses, ponies, and all creatures,” Twilight began, her voice warm and welcoming. “Welcome to the 107th Ponyville Social Gathering.” The crowd erupted into applause, and Twilight smiled. “Tonight, we gather not as separate beings, but as friends. Over the years, we’ve faced many trials and challenges, and each time, we’ve grown stronger together. I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey and for helping keep our bonds strong. Friendship isn’t just something we talk about it’s something we live. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”

As Twilight’s speech continued, Pizza Pie scanned the room. She noticed Pinkie’s friends gathered in one corner, chatting happily. Starlight and Trixie stood by the pillars, and the royal sisters stood at the back, quietly observing the event. Further along, her eyes landed on Discord, who was standing next to Fluttershy. Noticing her gaze, Discord gave her a sly smirk and waved. Startled, Pizza Pie quickly looked away, her heart pounding.

From across the room, Princess Luna also noticed Discord’s gesture. Her eyes followed his line of sight, where she saw what looked like two Pinkie Pies standing side by side. Confused, Luna squinted, realizing that the second pony had a different mane color. Baffled, she tried to get a closer look, but before she could, her sister tapped her shoulder.

“Sister, is everything alright? Who are you looking at?” Celestia asked, her tone gentle.

“Oh, it’s nothing, sister. I thought I saw somepony I knew.” Luna replied, her gaze still fixed on the Pie cousins.

“Somepony? How wonderful! You must introduce me to them later.” Celestia said with a smile.

Luna hesitated, glancing back toward Pizza Pie. “O-of course, sister. . . friends of mine . . .,” she murmured, still trying to make sense of what she saw. (Strange. . . . who is that pony?)"

Twilight’s speech came to a heartfelt conclusion. “We should all be grateful that friendship is forever within us, guiding us in everything we do.”

The crowd broke into enthusiastic applause, many cheering and stamping their hooves in approval. Twilight’s parents beamed with pride, and the princesses nodded in quiet admiration. Even Pizza Pie found herself clapping, genuinely impressed by Twilight’s warmth and sincerity.

“That was a great speech, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie yelled from the crowd, jumping up and down and waving her hooves.

“C-cousin, calm down,” Pizza Pie said, pulling on Pinkie’s tail nervously. “Everypony’s watching. . .”

“What’s the big deal? Ponies are used to me jumping around and screaming at the top of my lungs on a daily basi.” Pinkie replied, unconcerned.

“Well, I’m not,” Pizza Pie muttered, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. “I’d rather get noticed when I introduce myself, not by having everypony stare because you’re making a scene.”

Pinkie stared at her cousin for a moment, then shrugged. “Aw, where’s the fun in that? I want to show my best cousin ever to every creature in Equestria!”

“What?! No!” Pizza Pie exclaimed, her eyes wide. “I-I mean. . . how about we start with everypony here at the gathering for now?”

Pinkie narrowed her eyes suspiciously, leaning in close. “Hmm. . . you’ve been acting weird lately, and not the funny kind of weird.”

“I’m fine! Really, I’m just nervous because this is my first social gathering with you, that’s all.” Pizza Pie stammered, feeling her anxiety spike under Pinkie’s scrutiny.

Pinkie Pie stared deeper into her cousin’s eyes, as if trying to read her mind. Pizza Pie stood still, sweat starting to form on her brow as she tried to mask her discomfort. After a long pause, Pinkie finally stepped back and rubbed her chin.

“Okie dokie then. We’ll take it slow. Just until you’re comfortable opening up.” Pinkie said, giving her cousin a reassuring smile.

Pizza Pie sighed in relief. “Thanks, cousin. I knew you’d understa-”

“But first!” Pinkie interrupted, her eyes gleaming. “We’ll start at the cake exchange! Oh look, it’s already starting!” She grabbed Pizza Pie’s hoof and pulled her toward the dessert table. “C’mon, cousin! The party’s starting, and we’re gonna miss out! Hurry!”

“Pinkie, slow down! You’re walking too fast!” Pizza Pie protested, her heart racing as they weaved through the crowd.

As they got closer to the table, Pizza Pie’s anxiety spiked. She saw ponies laughing and chatting, enjoying themselves while sampling the variety of cakes. Everypony seemed so at ease, so comfortable, and it made her feel even more out of place. She avoided eye contact, her nerves making her stomach twist.

"Alright, we made it! And there are still so many cakes to try!" Pinkie exclaimed, eagerly piling slices onto her plate. She turned to Pizza Pie, who was still standing frozen in place. “What are you waiting for? Grab a slice and let’s make some friends!”

“I-I . . . uh . . .” Pizza Pie stammered, staring at the sea of unfamiliar faces. Her hooves felt glued to the floor.

“C’mon, cousin! The night’s still young!” Pinkie encouraged, her energy boundless.

Pizza Pie looked down, her chest tightening. "(I can’t. . .)"

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✶✶✶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

~ End of chapter 8

Author's Note

Pizza pie it's hard to make friends if anxiety kicks in. The fear of being judged is what comes to mind, especially her appearance.

Modesty Chapter 9.5: The slip up

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Meanwhile, the Pie cousins continued their cake-eating contest, oblivious to the weighty conversation happening nearby.

"Mmm! Mmmm!!! These cakes are so good!" Pizza Pie exclaimed, savoring every bite. "I’ve never tasted Mrs. Cake’s baking before they were ready!"

"I know, right?" Pinkie said, her face half-covered in icing from the cake she was devouring. "Mrs. Cake’s baking is one-of-a-kind! I mean, I can't bake a cake like she can."

Pizza Pie wiped a bit of icing from her own mouth and gave Pinkie a supportive smile. "Well, your baking is special too, cousin. It’s, uh. . . what do you call it? Your own one-of-a-kind style."

Pinkie’s face lit up. "AH! You're right! Thanks, cousin! Those are the exact words I love hearing from you."

Pizza Pie blinked, a little confused but happy to see her cousin so delighted. "Really? What words?"

"All the nice words that come from you, silly! You may not know it yet, but I have a Pinkie Sense for when you say nice things about me!" Pinkie said, tapping her nose as if it was a great secret.

Pizza Pie giggled and wiped some icing from Pinkie’s cheek. "Pinkie Sense? Like how you knew I was going to burst through the door when you visited?"

"Yes! Exactly! But wait. . . how did you know?" Pinkie’s eyes widened in playful suspicion.

"Oh," Pizza Pie chuckled, continuing to wipe her silly cousin’s face. "I have my own Pinkie Sense too, you know."

"Wow, really?" Pinkie gasped, leaning in with curiosity.

"Just kidding! Cousin Lime told me about it."

"Ohhh, good one, cousin. You had me there!" Pinkie laughed, playfully bumping Pizza Pie with her hoof. "Oh! We haven’t tasted this cake yet!"

Pinkie zipped over to a large cake sitting next to them. She sliced two generous pieces, handing one to Pizza. They exchanged smiles and took a bite at the same time.

"Hmm Mmmm. . . this one’s so chocolaty! I love it!" Pinkie said, savoring the rich flavor.

Pizza Pie grinned, licking some frosting off her lips. "Oh yeah? You love chocolate, don’t you, cousin?"

"Definitely!" Pinkie nodded vigorously. "It’s one of my favorite sweets. Back in Mitaly, though, Papa wouldn’t let me eat too much of it. So, whenever he wasn’t around, I’d sneak out to the candy shop down the street and buy myself a few bars of chocolate. I’d only eat them late at night, though."

Pizza Pie’s face softened as she recalled her sneaky childhood antics.

"Didn’t you get in trouble for sneaking chocolate?" Pinkie asked, looking genuinely curious.

"I only started doing that after you went back home. . ." Pizza Pie admitted, her voice trailing off.

Pinkie Pie tilted her head, her usual cheer dimming for a moment. "Oh. . . Well, you don’t have to sneak chocolates anymore! I’ve got tons of chocolate stashed right under my-" But before Pinkie could finish, her stomach let out a loud growl. She winced, clutching her belly. "Oww . . ."

Pizza Pie’s eyes widened in concern. "A-Are you alright, cousin?"

"I-I’m fine," Pinkie tried to assure her, though her stomach clearly disagreed as it growled even louder. "But my tummy isn’t. Owww. . . I-I’d better head to the little mare’s room. . ."

Pizza Pie stood up, ready to follow. "Maybe I should go with you, just to be sure-"

"No, don’t worry about me!" Pinkie interrupted, forcing a smile through the pain. "You should be having fun tonight and eating cake!"

"But cousin. . ." Pizza Pie began, but Pinkie shook her head.

"Besides, I get tummy aches all the time. But-" Pinkie grimaced as the pain intensified. "Not like this one. I-I’ll be right back, cousin. . . Owww. . . aw aw aw aw. . . Make way, make way! This is a tummy emergency! Clear the path!"

Without another word, Pinkie dashed through the crowd, disappearing into the restroom, leaving Pizza Pie alone by the dessert table. Pizza sighed and glanced around, suddenly aware of how many unfamiliar faces surrounded her. The cheerful atmosphere of the party didn’t help ease the growing tension she felt in Pinkie’s absence.

As she tried to keep calm, she noticed a group of ponies approaching her. They exchanged curious glances, nodding to each other as they drew closer. Pizza Pie’s heart raced, her nervousness returning in full force.

"Hello, are you new here?" A friendly voice asked.

"Huh?!" Pizza Pie jumped slightly, spinning around to find two smiling ponies behind her. She quickly regained her composure. "Oh! Uh. . . yes, I am."

"Really? Nopony told us there was a new pony in Ponyville!" one of them said, clearly surprised.

"I-I've been here almost a week, honestly." Pizza Pie replied, feeling a little flustered.

"A whole week? We must’ve missed you! Welcome to Ponyville! My name’s Bon Bon, and this is Lyra." Bon Bon gestured to the mint-green pony standing beside her, who gave a cheerful wave. "It’s nice to meet you!"

Pizza Pie hesitated, nervously recalling the way she practiced her introduction. "(Okay, Pizza Pie, just like we practiced . . .)" She took a breath. "It’s nice to meet you both. I’m Pizzania-uh, I mean Pizza Pie. I’m-"

"Pizza Pie?" Lyra interrupted, her eyes widening with excitement. "You don’t happen to be related to Pinkie Pie, do you?"

"Yes, I am! I-I'm her cousin, from Mitaly." Pizza Pie replied, smiling despite her nerves.

"Mitaly? Are you serious? Pinkie never mentioned that! That’s amazing!" Lyra exclaimed, turning to Bon Bon in excitement. "Did you hear that? She’s Pinkie’s cousin from Mitaly!"

Bon Bon nodded, rolling her eyes playfully. "Yes, Lyra, I heard her the first time." She turned back to Pizza with an apologetic smile. "You’ll have to excuse her. She gets a bit jumpy after too much sugar." Bon Bon turned back to the table and grabbed another slice of cake. "I told you to take it easy with the chocolate ones!"

Pizza Pie chuckled. "I know somepony else who’s always jumpy too."

Bon Bon laughed along with her. "I bet I know who you’re talking about. So, Mitaly, huh? That’s pretty far from here. What made you decide to move to Ponyville?"

Pizza Pie paused, her mind racing to craft a response. "Well, it’s kind of a long story. You see, I made a promise to Pinkie that we’d live together-" She hesitated, feeling more confident now. "(So far, so good. No one suspects anything. If I keep this up, maybe I can make some friends, so cousin Pinkie won’t worry about me too much.)"

Before she could continue, Lyra raised her hoof excitedly. "Excuse me, I have a question!"

"Of course, what is it?" Pizza Pie replied, trying to stay composed.

"Is Mitaly a great place to stay? I heard stories that it used to be the Alicorns' capital back in ancient times!" Lyra asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

Bon Bon groaned. "It’s not a story, Lyra. It’s a historical fact. Even the Princess of Friendship knows about it."

Pizza Pie nodded. "Y-Yes, it is. There are some old ruins in the capital that you can visit, so-"

Lyra leaned in closer, her excitement barely contained. "Which part? Do you have any recommendations?"

Pizza Pie blinked, feeling overwhelmed. "W-Well, there are a few, but-"

"What are the ponies like there? What was your job? Is there a Sugarcube Corner in Mitaly?" Lyra continued, firing off questions in rapid succession.

"C-Can you ask one at a time, please?" Pizza Pie stammered, her nerves starting to get the better of her.

Bon Bon sighed, stepping in. "Uh, Lyra, you’re making her nervous-"

But Lyra was too excited to stop. "Hey, everypony! We’ve got a pony from Mitaly here who just moved to Ponyville!" she called out.

The crowd’s attention quickly turned toward Pizza Pie, and soon more ponies began gathering around her. Pizza Pie did her best to stay calm, but she felt a wave of anxiety rising inside her. She tried to answer their questions politely, but the growing crowd made it harder to focus.

Meanwhile, across the room, Princess Luna noticed the commotion at the table. Her eyes narrowed as she recognized the nervous mare surrounded by ponies. She turned to Discord, who was casually waving at Fluttershy.

"Discord?" Luna asked, keeping her voice low.

"Yes, dear Princess Luna?" Discord replied, not looking away from Fluttershy as he took a bite of his sandwich.

"Isn’t that the pony you waved at during Twilight Sparkle’s speech?" Luna asked, gesturing toward Pizza Pie.

Discord glanced in the direction Luna was pointing. "Oh, her? Mmm. . . yes, that’s Pinkie Pie’s copycat cousin. . . what’s her name again. . . ah, yes! Pizza Pie."

Luna frowned. "Pizza Pie? Wait. . . what do you mean by 'copycat'?"

"Can’t you tell by looking at her?" Discord smirked, snapping his claws. In an instant, his mane morphed into Pinkie Pie’s signature curls. "It’s easy to mimic Pinkie’s look even I can do it."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "How can you say that’s bizarre? Just because one has the same mane doesn’t mean-"

"Well, how do you explain her cutie mark then?" Discord interjected. "It’s eerily similar to Pinkie’s but with alternate colors. You don’t see that often let alone with family members."

Luna’s expression softened. "Discord, you can’t judge somepony’s destiny based on their cutie mark's appearance."

"Maybe not," Discord said with a shrug. "But judging by her actions, her cutie mark seems more like a. . . decoration, don’t you think? A way to compensate for her insecurity about finding her own destiny. Or perhaps, it’s just a sign that she’s been wasting her time mimicking somepony else."

Luna’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You seem rather sure of yourself. Have you met her before?"

"You don’t trust me? Look closely and you’ll see for yourself." Discord replied, his tone light but sharp.

Both Luna and Discord turned their attention back to Pizza Pie. The crowd around her had grown larger, and it was clear she was becoming more uncomfortable. Though she tried to maintain a friendly demeanor, her eyes darted around nervously as the ponies bombarded her with questions.

Then, just as Pizza Pie managed to answer one question, she suddenly felt something an eerie whisper behind her ear.

“(How long are you gonna play pretend with these ponies?)”

"Huh?! What? Who said that? I don’t know what you’re-"

“Don’t play dumb. They know you’re lying to their faces. Everypony suspects it.”

“I wasn’t lying. I’m being myself-”

“(You’re even lying to yourself. What if someone figures it out? Figures us out?)”

“Ughh! W-What?”

The ponies around her began to fade into dark silhouettes, their voices becoming muffled and echoing loudly in her head. The ballroom stretched, growing wider, and the ceiling rose impossibly high, making the space feel distorted and hollow. Sweat slid down Pizza Pie’s forehead, dripping onto her drink. She stared at the surface, watching as her reflection changed. Her old mane, her hidden eyes it was her past self staring back.

She blinked rapidly, the image still there.

“(What would our new friends think? What would Cousin think?)”

“You’re not real. You’re not me.”

“(You used to be me. Before we cheated a Pinkie Promise.)”

“That’s not true. . . that’s not true!” Pizza clamped her hooves over her ears, squeezing her eyes shut.

But the voice only grew louder, cutting through her attempts to block it out. It echoed inside her skull, unrelenting. When she opened her eyes again, the ballroom was gone. Instead, she was back in her old rehearsal room, the world drained of color. Everything was cold, grey, and familiar.

Across the room, a group of fillies whispered and giggled to themselves, their mocking eyes darting toward her. And there, at the far end of the room, was her younger self, huddled alone in silence.

"Hey, isn’t that Pizzaniac Peach Pie?"

“That’s her alright. The mare from Cheesy Round Caters.”

“Hey, you ever notice how she always wears that long robe? Always covering her flank.”

“I know, right? What’s with that?”

“Think she’s hiding something?”

“Must be a really bad birthmark or something.”

“Or maybe. . . she doesn’t have a cutie mark?”

“What?! No way. Really?”

“We haven’t seen her cutie mark once since she started here.”

“Well, how else can you explain the robe?”

“If that’s true. . . I’d die of embarrassment if I were her!”

Their laughter echoed, bouncing around the room, digging deep into Pizza Pie’s mind. Without realizing it, she looked down and found herself wearing that same robe, the one she used to hide under. She was that filly again, vulnerable, scared, and alone. Standing behind the fillies, she could see her current self eyes obscured by her mane, a twisted smile on her face.

"(We could’ve proved them wrong,)" the voice whispered.

“Shut up. . .” she muttered.

'(But instead. . .)"

“Shut up!”

"(We lied our way to get here.)"

“I said. . . SHUT UP!”

Her scream shattered the illusion, yanking her back to reality. Pizza Pie was back in the ballroom, frozen in place. The room was silent, eyes were on her. She stared at the spilled drink on the floor, her reflection showing only her current self. She looked up slowly and saw Bon Bon, Lyra, and the others staring at her, confusion and concern etched into their faces.

“No. . . Don’t look.”

“Don’t look at what?” Bon Bon asked softly, leaning down to pick up the cup Pizza had dropped. “You just spilled your drink, and then you-”

“Stay back!” Pizza Pie’s voice cracked as she slapped the cup out of Bon Bon’s hoof. Her breath quickened, her chest tightening as her vision blurred.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Lyra stepped closer, protective of Bon Bon. “Why’d you do that?”

“I-I. . ” Pizza stammered, backing away in panic. “I didn’t-”

“Lyra, I’m fine,” Bon Bon said gently, waving her away. She then turned to Pizza Pie, her tone softening. “Pizza, are you okay? You don’t look good.”

“Don’t. . . look good?” Pizza Pie repeated, mishearing her. She glanced around wildly, seeing the crowd whispering and staring, their words muddled in her ears. “I-I gotta go.”

“Hey, wait!”

But Pizza Pie was already running, weaving through the crowd without looking back. Her mind was racing, heart pounding. "(Why is this happening?)" she thought. "(Everything was going so well. It all started when I bumped into him again! Is he messing with my head? Make it stop!)"

“Pizza Pie, look out!”

“Huh?!”

She opened her eyes just in time to see Fluttershy ahead, waving her hooves frantically. “Whoa, WHOAAAA!”

Pizza Pie tried to stop, but her hooves slipped. She crashed into the punch table with a loud thud, sending cups and punch flying everywhere. The entire ballroom fell silent as everypony turned toward the commotion. Twilight and the others rushed over to help, concern on their faces as they saw the aftermath a soaked punch table, and Pizza Pie and Fluttershy, both drenched in the sticky liquid.

“Are you okay, Pizza Pie?” Bon Bon and Lyra hurried over, pulling her up.

“I-I'm fine. . .” Pizza Pie got to her hooves, but her attention quickly shifted to Fluttershy, who lay upside-down among a pile of cups. “Oh no! Fluttershy, I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine, really,” Fluttershy said softly as she struggled to stand. “It’s just punch. How about you? Are you-"

“What? What is it?” Pizza Pie asked, heart sinking at Fluttershy’s expression.

“P-Pizza. . . y-your. . . cutie mark.”

“My. . . what?” She followed Fluttershy’s gaze to her flank and her heart dropped. The balloon-shaped cutie mark was smearing, slowly washing away with the punch. “No- No-”

Across the room, Pinkie Pie emerged from the bathroom, cheerfully shaking her mane dry. “Phew! I thought I’d never get out of there! Huh?” She noticed the crowd forming around the punch table. “Oh! What’s going on over there? Did somepony start a conga line without me? Ooh, I wanna conga bomb!” She began bouncing through the crowd, squeezing her way to the front. “Pardon me, excuse me! Whoops, my bad! Now, what’s everypony-"

“P-Pinkie?!”

Pizza Pie froze as her cousin appeared before her. Pinkie’s smile faltered as she saw the mess of spilled punch and the drenched mares, but what caught her attention was something else entirely. Pizza Pie’s mane was soaked, revealing streaks of her tomato-colored hair underneath. But worse, much worse, her cutie mark had almost completely faded, the illusion broken.

Pinkie’s eyes widened in shock.

Pizza Pie locked eyes with her cousin, knowing she was caught. Her mind raced, desperate for an explanation.

“C-Cousin, this. . .”

“. . .”

“This isn’t what it looks like.”

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~ End of chapter 9

Modesty Chapter 10: The Cheated Promise

“Oh dear. . .” Fluttershy spotted Pinkie Pie in the crowd and immediately flew over to her. “P-Pinkie Pie, it’s not what you think. This was just an accident-”

But Pinkie Pie, her eyes locked on her cousin, gently moved Fluttershy aside. Her attention was fully on Pizza Pie now, her disbelief clear as she stepped forward. Pizza's washed-off cutie mark revealed the harsh truth. Pinkie’s heart sank, her once proud cousin now reduced to a vivid illusion. The smile she forced couldn’t hide the hurt building up inside her. She struggled to hold back her tears. “I-I can’t believe this. . .”

“C-Cousin, please, I can explain-” Pizza Pie stammered, her voice trembling.

“You lied?. . .” Pinkie’s voice cracked slightly.

“Cousin, I wanted to tell you, I was going to-”

“But you never lie. . . I-I didn’t think you could.” Pinkie shook her head, her eyes wide in disbelief.

“This isn’t a lie, it’s more like-”

“A what? A surprise? A surprise knowing that my only cousin came all the way here, looking exactly like me? Same mane, same cutie mark? Fooling my friends, fooling me into thinking we’re alike!?”

“P-Please. . . just hear me ou-”

“I’m surprised, alright,” Pinkie cut her off, her voice hardening. “Surprised you couldn’t find a cutie mark of your own. So instead, you wasted all this time just to- just to cheat on our promise?”

“I-" Pizza Pie's voice faltered.

“We talked about this when we were fillies. . .” Pinkie’s eyes glossed with unshed tears. “I told you to do what makes you happy. But instead, you couldn’t. You couldn’t bear the fact that you hadn’t found a cutie mark you were happy with, so you just p-painted one on? And you thought I wouldn’t mind?”

“C-Cousin. . .”

“Heh, sounds familiar?” Pinkie’s word sharpens, her tone biting.

“. . .”

“This is how you sounded when you told me you didn’t have time for fun. . . And now, I get it. Happiness isn’t fun for you because you don’t have time for it. But you do have time to lie to me, to all of my friends and to yourself. . .”

“ . . . . ”

“You’re terrible. . .” Pinkie Pie turned her back on Pizza, her voice cold as ice, and began to walk away.

Pizza Pie felt her heart shatter, every painful word slicing through her. “P-Pinkie, I- W-Wait, please!” She rushed forward, grabbing her cousin’s shoulder, her desperation clear. “Cousin, I… I’m so sorry-”

But Pinkie slapped Pizza Pie’s hoof away. “Just stop. . . You’ve embarrassed me enough.”

The final blow landed. Pizza Pie’s attempt at redeeming herself had failed, and the weight of Pinkie’s words crushed her spirit. The crowd had witnessed everything, their sibling bond torn apart in front of their eyes. Realizing she had nothing left but shame, Pizza Pie stormed out of the ballroom, tears streaming down her face. She ran out of the castle, disappearing into the night, away from everyone.

Their friends, who had been watching in stunned silence, were left shocked by the Pie cousins’ confrontation. Twilight and the others immediately went to Pinkie, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

“Pinkie Pie, are you okay?” Twilight asked softly, her voice full of concern.

“I’m fine, Twilight.” Pinkie muttered, not meeting her friend’s eyes.

“No, you’re not, Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash landed beside her, her tone firm but caring. “What happened?”

“Nothing. . . just an accident.”

“It wasn’t just an accident, Pinkie.” Rainbow insisted.

“Yeah, Pinkie,” added Applejack, “every creature here saw what happened with your cousin’s cutie mark-”

“A fake! Yeah, they all saw that,” Pinkie snapped, cutting her off. “What do you want? A cookie?!”

“Pinkie, darling,” Rarity chimed in, “it’s more than that. Your cousin is hurt-”

“But it’s true!” Pinkie interrupted again. “Her cutie mark is a fake, and that makes her a fake too, a fraud even.”

“P-Pinkie, calm down,” Fluttershy said softly, trying to soothe her friend. “You don’t know the whole story. There might be a reason behind it. Maybe you should consider talking to her. . .”

“No! She lied to me, Fluttershy!” Pinkie’s voice cracked, her frustration bubbling over. “She lied to all of us! And it’s not just some little white lie. It’s a lie that lasts a lifetime!”

The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of Pinkie’s words sinking in.

“Funny,” Pinkie said, her voice quieter now, almost to herself. “I used to dream about the day we’d reunite, and we’d spread happiness together, just like when we were fillies. . . But now that she’s here, it’s the opposite.”

“Pinkie Pie, you don’t mean that,” Twilight said gently, stepping closer. “I know this was a shock for all of us, finding out your cousin had kept this secret. But you can’t stay mad at her. There’s got to be an explanation for all this. If you give her a chance, I’m sure she’ll open up to us.”

“Yeah, Twilight’s right,” Rainbow Dash chimed in. “What do you say we find her and patch things up together?”

“No.”

“No? What do you mean ‘no’? She’s your cousin!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, bewildered.

“Sugarcube, being stubborn ain’t gonna fix this.” Applejack added gently.

“I said NO! I don’t want to see her. . . not looking like that.”

“But… she could be anywhere by now, Pinkie,” Fluttershy whispered. “What if she packs her things and leaves Ponyville?”

“Then that’s her call,” Pinkie said coldly.

“. . . .”

“I’m sorry, girls. . . but I’m going home. I lost my party mood.”

Without another word, Pinkie Pie walked past her friends and exited the ballroom. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity stood there, helpless, watching their friend leave. Spike, sensing the tension in the room, tried to redirect the guests' attention and resume the party, but the air was heavy with the weight of what had just transpired.

“What kind of reaction was that?! Doesn’t she care about Pizza Pie?” Rainbow Dash whispered harshly.

“That incident earlier with Pizza Pie was too personal it’s a lot for her to take in,” Twilight said, her voice softer. “Let’s just give her some space to think. . .”

“Indeed,” Rarity agreed, brushing Fluttershy’s mane to calm her. “That kind of drama can take a toll on anypony.”

“So. . . uh, what now, Twilight? Should we go after Pizza Pie?” Applejack asked, looking to Twilight for direction.

“We should,” Twilight nodded. “She’s not familiar with Ponyville yet, and she could get lost. C’mon, girls.”

“Wait!” Starlight Glimmer suddenly teleported in front of them, stopping Twilight and the others. “You’re leaving? What about the guests?”

“You and Spike stay here and keep the party going. We’ll be right back with Pizza Pie,” Twilight instructed, already moving toward the exit.

“Well. . . okay, Twilight. Just hurry back before Trixie decides to start one of her 'unplanned' performances again,” Starlight said with a small sigh.

“As long as she entertains every creature, that’s fine. Let’s go, girls.” Twilight and the others trotted out of the ballroom, leaving Starlight behind.

As Starlight watched them leave, she noticed Spike busy cleaning up the punch table. The guests gradually returned to the festivities as if nothing had happened. Starlight moved to help Spike but suddenly felt an odd sensation, as if someone was watching her. She scanned the crowd but saw nothing unusual until a hoof landed on her shoulder.

“Starlight,” Trixie grinned, dragging along her heavy magic trunk. “I saw Princess Twilight and her friends leave the castle. . .”

“Trixie! Don’t sneak up on me like that!” Starlight yelped, startled.

“What are you talking about? You were just standing here. Anyway, I think this is my perfect chance to perform at the gathering!” Trixie’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Gee- I don’t know, Trixie. Maybe we should just enjoy the evening-”

“And miss the opportunity to dazzle every creature with my spectacular talents? Not a chance!” Trixie leaned in close and whispered with a wink, “Besides, I heard Twilight say yes.”

Starlight groaned. “Ugh! Fine. Just don’t do anything too wild that I’ll have to bail you out of.”

“I, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE, MADE NO SUCH PROMISE! For the sake of the audience, they deserve nothing but the best of Trixie’s magic!” Trixie declared dramatically.

Starlight sighed, resigned. “Well, so much for toning it down. Let’s just get this over with. . .”

“That’s the spirit!” Trixie grinned, following Starlight toward the stage, still struggling with her magic trunk. “Uh. . . a little help?”

Rolling her eyes, Starlight used her magic to levitate Trixie’s trunk. “Let’s go. . .”

As the two friends headed toward the stage, a shadowy figure in the crowd observed them quietly. From the other side of the ballroom, Discord had been watching everything unfold, a look of mild surprise on his face. Standing beside him, Princess Luna shared his confusion.

“Well, I’d say I didn’t see it coming, but it was quite predictable even for me,” Discord remarked with a shrug. “Don’t you think so, Your Highness?”

“What did you do?!” Luna demanded, her voice sharp with suspicion.

“Me? Oh, Princess Luna, don’t be absurd. I didn’t do anything,” Discord replied, feigning innocence.

“Don’t lie to me. How could that pony’s cutie mark just. . . melt away like that?” Luna pressed.

“Didn’t you hear what Pinkie Pie said to her cousin? She painted that cutie mark on. She even dyed her mane to look the same.” Discord explained nonchalantly.

“Painted? Ridiculous! How can a mare of her age not have her cutie mark?” Luna shook her head, incredulous.

“That’s a good question. . .” Discord’s expression darkened for a moment. "(I was right. . .)" he thought to himself. "(She was that uptight mare from Mitaly. . . I never thought I’d see her again. Small world, indeed.)"

“Discord?” Luna’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Discord? Discord!”

“Oh, forgive me. What is it, Your Highness?” Discord said, snapping back to attention.

“What were you thinking just now?” Luna narrowed her eyes at him.

“Oh, nothing. Just pondering how embarrassing that whole scene was. . . especially for poor Pinkie Pie.” Discord said with a sly grin.

“I agree, but still, it’s unusual for a mare of Pizza Pie’s age not to have her cutie mark. It’s. . . it’s unheard of!” Luna’s voice trembled slightly, as if the idea unsettled her.

“Agreed,” Discord nodded thoughtfully. “It does make you wonder. . . How does one live without a cutie mark?”

“I can’t imagine,” Luna mused. “But perhaps. . . some ponies take longer to find their destiny.”

“Hmm. . . Could be. . .” Discord said with a knowing glint in his eye. “Or. . .”

“Or what? Speak.”

“Or she has other plans in mind.” Discord said, his voice low, his tone cryptic.

“Plans? What plans? What are you hiding, Discord?” Luna’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“Oh, fine. . . I suppose there’s no reason to keep it a secret anymore,” Discord sighed dramatically. “Very well. . .”

“Tell me everything, Discord. What do you know?”

Discord exhaled deeply before speaking. “I only met her once… during my little ‘magic raid’ with that traitorous Tirek. We reached Mitaly, rounding up all the ponies hiding there. Tirek drained every bit of magic from them. No pony was spared. . . except for one.”

Three years ago.

"Oh, Tirek . . ."

"What?! What is it?! Can’t you see I’m still feeding on some leftover magic here?" Tirek snarled, eyes glowing with power.

"Yes, yes, I know," Discord replied, floating lazily beside him. "But we simply must head to Canterlot. The Royal Princesses are waiting for their little 'payback.'"

Tirek growled, still consuming magic from the air around him. "Grrr! Wait until I’m done eating! Then, we’ll move on."

Discord rolled his eyes. "There’s no pony left here to steal magic from."

Tirek paused, his sharp grin widening as he sensed something. "No. . . there’s still one more."

Behind a towering statue of Alicorns, a mare with a swirly mane, hidden under a cloak, overheard their conversation. Fear gripped her as she carefully backed away, hoping to escape unnoticed. But just as she turned to flee, the statue was ripped from its foundation, hurled into the air by Tirek’s magic, exposing her.

The mare gasped and sprinted down the street. Her heart raced as she ducked behind a wall, desperate to catch her breath. She peered around the corner, thinking she had escaped. But before she could react, Tirek and Discord materialized before her, blocking her path. Tirek’s magic seized her, lifting her effortlessly into the air. She struggled, but Tirek’s grip was unbreakable.

"What is your name, mare?" Tirek demanded, his voice dripping with malice.

"P-Pizzaniac Peach Pie," she stammered. "Please, don’t hurt me!"

"A Pie pony?" Discord mused, his eyes narrowing. "Ask her if she’s related to Pinkie Pie."

Tirek scoffed. "Who is this ‘Pinkie Pie’? One of your little friends, Discord?"

"Well," Discord floated closer, inspecting the mare. "I wouldn’t exactly call them friends, but. . . temporary acquaintances."

Pizzaniac’s eyes widened in shock. "Wait-you know my cousin? Cousin Pinkie is your friend?"

"Your cousin?" Discord blinked in mock surprise. "Pinkie Pie has a cousin in Mitaly? What a small world! Though, I’ll admit, this isn’t exactly the best first impression for a family reunion."

Tirek, unimpressed, cut in. "Enough with the pleasantries, Discord." He sneered down at the mare. "You say you’re a Pie, but no cousin of yours will stop what’s coming. The Royal Sisters of Equestria are powerless to stand against me!"

Pizzaniac shook her head. "Y-You won’t get away with this! The Princesses will-"

"Silence!" Tirek boomed, raising his hand toward her. "Once I devour all the magic in Equestria, not even your precious Princesses will stand in my way!"

He began to drain her magic, expecting the familiar rush of power but nothing came. Confusion clouded his features as he tried again, but still, nothing. He glared at the mare, frustration boiling over.

"What is this?!" Tirek growled, trying once more. "Why can’t I feel her magic?"

Discord, smirking, floated closer, lifting the edge of the mare’s cloak with a flick of his claw. "Oh, I see the problem." He chuckled darkly. "Tirek, you wouldn’t believe this, but this mare doesn’t have a cutie mark."

Tirek’s eyes widened, and with a snarl, he tore the cloak off completely. There, on Pizzaniac’s flank, was nothing but a blank space.

"You’re right!" Tirek sneered. "A grown mare with no cutie mark. Pathetic!"

He dropped her, letting her crumple to the ground. Laughter rumbled from deep in his chest as he raised his massive hoof, preparing to stomp down on her. "You’re not worth my time, but I’ll end you here, just for wasting it."

Pizzaniac was frozen with terror, unable to move as Tirek’s shadow loomed over her. She closed her eyes, bracing for the end. But just as Tirek's hoof was about to come down, Discord stepped between them.

"Hold on, Tirek."

Tirek lowered his hoof slightly, glaring at Discord. "Now what?!"

"As much as I’d love to see you squash this 'tasteless' pony," Discord said with a smirk, "we have bigger fish to fry. If we don’t head to Canterlot soon, the Princesses might slip away, and we don’t have time for that."

Tirek considered this, his frustration simmering. "You’re right. Come, Discord. We’ve wasted enough time here."

With one last glare at Pizzaniac, Tirek turned and stormed off. Discord lingered for a moment, glancing back at the trembling mare. His expression softened, if only for a moment.

"Consider this my mercy to you." he said, his tone oddly gentle.

Pizzaniac said nothing, her body still shaking as she fought back tears. Discord crouched down, tilting his head. "Who would’ve thought I’d meet a mare who still hasn’t found her cutie mark? I don’t know what’s taken you so long, but... whatever you’re doing, it’s not worth wasting your life on it."

The words cut deep, and Pizzaniac felt the sting of shame welling up inside her.

Discord, sensing her despair, sighed and conjured a tissue, wiping away her tears. "Oh, don’t cry, dearie. You’ll find your mark someday. Just make sure he," He pointed over his shoulder at the retreating Tirek "isn’t around to take it. Besides, you wouldn’t want your cousin to know about this, now would we?"

Pizzaniac’s voice trembled. "Y-You wouldn’t. . ."

"Of course not. It’ll be our little secret." Discord winked before turning to follow Tirek. "Oh, and you're welcome, by the way. Ta-ta!"

Pizzaniac watched as the two monsters left her village in ruins. Her tears fell freely now, knowing she had been spared not out of kindness, but pity. Around her, the village lay in silence, her fellow ponies drained of their magic.

"And that was the last time I saw her," Discord finished, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, I didn’t expect to ever meet her again. But now, seeing her here looking like Pinkie Pie, cutie mark and all it all makes sense. She’s been living a lie. She’s given up on finding her own destiny and decided to take on her cousin’s instead."

Princess Luna’s eyes narrowed. "And you’ve kept this from everypony all this time?"

Discord waved a paw dismissively. "Why should I have told them? It’s not exactly my finest moment. Besides, getting involved in this kind of drama is beneath me."

Luna sighed. "Perhaps you’re right. It wasn’t your place to interfere."

"Wait, I am?" Discord blinked in surprise.

"Yes," Luna said, rising to her hooves. "But a lie like hers cannot be hidden forever. Nor can mine."

"And where are you going?" Discord called after her, already reaching for another slice of cake.

Luna glanced back over her shoulder. "I have to find her."

Discord shrugged. "Good luck with that. I’m not getting involved. I’d only make it worse."

Luna gave him a final nod before slipping out of the ballroom. Discord turned back to his plate, muttering to himself.

"No point in me getting tangled up in more pony problems. . ."

Just as he was about to take a bite, a familiar voice cut through the air.

“Discord, is everything alright?”

“Wha? Oh, Celestia. I didn’t see you there. Yes, everything’s fine. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

Celestia gave him a curious look. “Hmm. . . I heard from some ponies that there was an accident in the ballroom. Care to tell me what happened?”

“Oh, somepony just slipped at the punch table. Nothing major. I suspect the cross-eyed one did it.” Discord and Celestia glanced over at Derpy, who was happily devouring a pile of muffins on the other side of the room.

“I see. . . So where is my sister?”

“Princess Luna? Oh, she’s around here somewhere. She must be with another group of ponies.”

“Oh, you mean her new friends? Splendid. It’s nice that she’s making friends. I should go meet them-”

“Tell you what, Celestia. Why don’t you enjoy the party, and I’ll go find Luna and her new pony friends for you.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to trouble you. . .”

“Trouble? It’ll be an honor for me to help. Now, have a fun night.”

“Well, thank you, Discord.”

As Princess Celestia walked away to mingle with the other guests, Discord sighed and set down Luna’s slice of cake on the table. His expression darkened as he leaned against the window, gazing up at the full moon. His playful mask slipping, he muttered under his breath.

"(You never think about the consequences you’ve caused. . . If you hadn’t been so selfish, all those terrible things wouldn’t have happened.)"

“I. . . I suppose I should feel bad for what I’ve done. . .”

~ End of chapter 10

Author's Note

Pizza pie's promise is not what it seems, Pinkie pie finds out the truth of their similarities. What was once a warming promise between cousins, became a cold and heartbreaking disappointment. Blinded by her admiration of her Pink relative, she didn't focus on improving herself. This existential crisis led one Pie made her lose the trust of her only happiness.

Discord met the black flank mare at Mitaly during his cutie mark raid with Tirek. Spare by humility, Pizza pies past encounter with Discord haunts her. At the point it triggered her anxiety and fear of him.

Modesty Chapter 11: The offered change

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“Pizza Pie! Where are you? Pizza Pie!”

Twilight and the others looked around Ponyville, searching every corner of the village, but Pizza Pie was nowhere to be found. Almost an hour had passed, and they all gathered at the old tree library.

“Ugh! This is pointless! We can’t find her anywhere!” Rainbow Dash groaned in frustration.

“Easy, Rainbow. She couldn’t have gone far.” Twilight reassured her.

“Twilight’s right, Rainbow,” Applejack added, standing up and stretching her hooves. “She’s probably just hiding somewhere. I’ll go check Sweet Apple Acres.”

“I-I’ll try checking my house. Maybe she went to pick up some colors or something. . .” Fluttershy mumbled softly.

“Alright, Fluttershy. I’ll head back to the castle to check on Starlight and Spike at the gathering,” Twilight said. “Rarity, why don’t you try Sugarcube Corner? Pizza Pie might’ve gone home.”

“I’m on it dear.” Rarity responded, already on her way.

“And Rainbow Dash,” Twilight added, “you should stay at the train station, just in case. Maybe she’ll head there.”

Rainbow Dash sighed but agreed. “Alright, fine. But if she’s as stubborn as Pinkie Pie, I’m dragging her back myself.”

Twilight frowned. “Delicately, Rainbow. Don’t make things harder than they need to be.”

“I was just joking, Twilight. Sheesh, lighten up!” Rainbow replied with a roll of her eyes.

“Alright, we’ll meet back at the castle in an hour.” Twilight instructed.

“Got it!” the others replied in unison as they split up and resumed their search.

As the ponies split up and resumed their search, Princess Luna watched them from above, having overheard their earlier conversation. She decided to search for the mare on her own. Luna’s intuition led her to the Everfree Forest, knowing the village search had come up empty. As she soared above the treetops, she quickly spotted the mare by the river, washing her mane while the dye stained the flowing water.

“I’m so stupid! What was I thinking? Coming here, looking like this! A painted cutie mark, matching mane. . . Of course, everypony would find out!” Pizza Pie muttered angrily to herself.

Princess Luna quietly descended, hiding behind a nearby bush, intrigued by the mare’s lament.

“Maud was right . . . I can’t be someone I look up to,” she whispered, staring at her reflection in the river. “All that time, that promise. . . And I’ve made it all into a joke.” She angrily splashed the water with her hoof, distorting her reflection. “I’ve made my cousin hate me. I humiliated her in front of everypony. . . because I broke our Pinkie promise.”

A long, heavy silence followed. Then she whispered, her voice trembling, “There’s no reason to stay anymore. . .”

“Quitting so soon, little pony?” a calm but powerful voice echoed from the bushes.

“Huh?! Who’s there?” Pizza Pie gasped, startled.

Luna emerged from the shadows, stepping gracefully toward the mare, her ethereal mane flowing behind her like the night sky itself. “Forgive me for eavesdropping, but it seems you are in distress.”

“Y-Your Highness!” Pizza Pie, immediately bowed, pressing her head to the ground. “It’s an honor to be in your presence.”

“Please, stand,” Luna said, gently lifting Pizza Pie’s chin. “There is no need for formalities. But it seems you’ve been carrying a secret.”

Pizza Pie hesitated, but eventually nodded. “Yes. . .I’ve been walking around with a fake cutie mark, and I haven’t told Pinkie. I wanted to, but. . . I’m too ashamed.”

“Is that why you avoided Discord the entire night? Afraid he might reveal your secret to her?” Luna asked, with an understanding yet probing tone.

Pizza Pie looked up in surprise. “Y-Yes. . . But wait, how did you know-”

“He told me,” Luna said calmly. “And about your encounter with Tirek as well.”

“Oh. . .” Pizza Pie hung her head. “Did he also tell you I was spared out of pity because I didn’t have a cutie mark back then?”

“Yes,” Luna nodded, “but that’s not why I’m here. I’m more interested in why you haven’t found your cutie mark yet.”

“I. . . I don’t know,” Pizza Pie sighed. “I’m good at a few things, but not enough to earn my mark.”

“Are those things you’re good at things you enjoy?” Luna asked thoughtfully.

Pizza Pie shook her head. “No. I’ve done modeling to help with Papa’s restaurant, and I’ve learned to bake, but. . . none of it feels right.”

“Hmm. . .” Luna tapped her chin, pondering the situation. “It seems to me you’re not particularly invested in the path your father laid out for you.”

“No, it’s not that. I love my papa! But. . . it just doesn’t make me happy.”

“Ah, happiness,” Luna mused. “Is that why you changed your appearance, to look like your cousin?”

Pizza Pie hesitated before answering. “Yes. . . It was a promise we made years ago, to be just like Pinkie.”

“A promise?” Luna raised an eyebrow, curious. “To be like her?”

Pizza Pie nodded, her voice soft and nostalgic. “When I met Pinkie, she had this smile. . . a smile that brightened anyone's world. To me, it's like seeing myself from her.”

Luna remained silent, letting Pizza Pie continue.

“She told me that happiness is up to me, and I decide to be just like her. I try searching for my cutie mark again. But years passed, and I still didn’t find it. That’s when I thought. . . if I can't find it at home, maybe I can find it somewhere else.”

Luna's expression softened. “And you thought that mimicking Pinkie Pie would bring you happiness and, perhaps, your cutie mark?”

Pizza Pie’s voice grew more desperate. “It’s the only thing I could think of! Even if I never get a cutie mark, at least I could fulfill that promise.”

“By choosing happiness over destiny?” Luna asked, her gaze sharpening. “That’s not how cutie marks work, young one.”

“I couldn't care less about my destiny!” Pizza Pie cried, her frustration boiling over. “I just want to feel happy again.”

“Hmm. . . I understand how you feel.”

“R-Really? I knew you'd understand-”

“But you were naïve.”

“W-What?” Pizza Pie’s hope faltered, her voice quivering.

“A pony’s destiny is tied to their purpose,” Luna continued, her voice firm but gentle. “It’s what makes you who you are. To imitate somepony else's identity, just to fill an emotional void, is not the way.”

Pizza Pie shook her head in confusion, her frustration bubbling up. “But I don’t understand. . . If my destiny can’t make me happy even trying to be like my cousin then what is it?! Tell me! I’ve spent all this time searching, and I feel like going nowhere with it.!”

“That,” Luna said softly, “is something only you can discover.”

Pizza Pie’s eyes filled with desperation. “Please. . . just tell me what to do. I can’t stand not knowing anything anymore . .”

Luna hesitated, watching the sorrow in Pizza Pie’s eyes. She couldn’t ignore the mare’s pain. Finally, an idea came to her, though it carried great risk.

“There may be a way,” Luna said cautiously, “but it is dangerous and unconventional.”

Pizza Pie’s eyes lit up with hope. “Anything! Please, tell me!”

“Well, the method may defy my role as the Princess of the Night,” Luna warned, her tone serious. “And it is extremely dangerous.”

“What method? Whatever it is, I’ll take it.” Pizza Pie responded without hesitation, desperation evident in her voice.

Luna narrowed her eyes slightly. “Then listen closely. It requires me to use a magic that, in essence, does not exist.”

“Nonexistent magic? Is that even possible?”

“It is,” Luna nodded gravely. “I used it once on myself. At a time when I was desperate for a greater purpose. When everypony neglected and failed to appreciate my gift of moonlight, and my jealousy of my sister, Celestia, grew out of control. I never imagined my desire for recognition would lead me to become something I am deeply ashamed of Nightmare Moon.”

Pizza Pie's eyes widened. “Wait, you . . you were the Mare in the Moon? Nightmare Moon?”

“It seems that tale reached your homeland of Mitaly.” Luna said, her voice laced with a somber recollection.

“We had books about it in our libraries, but I didn’t think it was real.”

“Oh, it is very real,” Luna confirmed, her gaze distant. “And just as it was real for me, this method could get you your cutie mark but it would change you completely. And, like all things, it requires sacrifice.”

“sacrifice?” Pizza Pie asked cautiously. “Like what?”

“It could be anything,” Luna said softly, a shadow crossing her face. “It could mean losing a part of yourself, as I lost part of mine long ago.”

". . . ."

“So think this through, Pizza Pie,” Luna said, her voice steady but solemn. “Once you decide, there is no turning back. I’m offering this for your sake so you may claim your cutie mark and fulfill your lost destiny. What is your response?”

"(Sacrifice a part of me?)" Pizza Pie stared down at the river, watching her reflection ripple in the water. Memories flooded back years of trying, failing, and holding onto their Pinkie promise.

"(I-I can’t believe this... You lied?)"

"(Who would’ve thought I’d meet a mare who still hasn’t found her cutie mark.)"

"(I used it once on myself. At a time when I was desperate for a greater purpose.)"

"(You don’t want your cousin to know about this now, do you?)"

"(This magic could get you your cutie mark, but it will change you completely.)"

"(You couldn’t bear the truth—that you couldn’t find your own cutie mark, so you just painted one!)"

"(But like all things, it requires sacrifice.)"

"(You can trust me on our promise, cousin.)"

"(I’ll look forward to it.)"

“Our Pinkie promise. . .” Pizza Pie whispered softly, a spark flashing in her eyes. She looked up at Luna, determination gleaming in her expression.

“. . . Let’s do it.”

Back at the Tree Castle, the ponies sat on the entrance stairs, exhausted after an hour of searching.

“Oh, I'm beat. My hooves are all sore from all this walking,” Rarity groaned, checking her hooves before leaning on Applejack. “This requires a whole day at the spa with a full-on pedicure.”

“You can worry about your hooves later, Rarity. Pizza Pie is still missing,” Applejack reminded her.

“I got you girls some refreshments,” Twilight said as she and Spike came out of the castle entrance with drinks and snacks. “Any luck finding her?”

“Nothin', Twilight. She ain't at Sweet Apple Acres or anywhere near the orchard.” Applejack replied.

“Um . . . She didn’t pick up her pet at my cottage either. Colours is still with Angel Bunny.” Fluttershy added softly.

“I’ve been waiting at the station forever,” Rainbow Dash chimed in, hovering above them. “I tried looking all over Ponyville from the sky, but no sign of her anywhere.”

“Why, thank you, Spike,” Rarity said as she grabbed a drink with her magic. “A lady such as myself mustn’t get dehydrated.”

“Wow, if this wasn’t so serious, Pizza Pie could probably win a game of hide-and-seek.” Spike remarked with a chuckle.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Rainbow said, snagging a drink from Spike. “For a mare who hides her blank flank, she sure knows how to stay hidden.”

“I don’t get it either,” Applejack said with a shake of her head. “How can somepony still not have their cutie mark?”

“I don’t know, Applejack. This is all new to me too,” Twilight admitted. “It’s strange. . .”

“Um . . . Do you think she didn’t want to find her cutie mark, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked hesitantly.

“Seriously, Fluttershy?” Rainbow cut in. “No pony is that lazy! Who wouldn’t want to know what their awesome talent is?”

“Rainbow’s right,” Rarity agreed, raising her glass. “A Mitalian pony like dear Pizzaniac wouldn't simply neglect that. If she were avoiding it, she wouldn’t have become a successful spokesmare. Which raises a question Twilight, why didn’t she gain a cutie mark from her modeling career?”

“Yeah,” Applejack added. “She should’ve gotten it then. And from the looks of things, Pizza Pie’s hidin' more secrets than Granny Smith hides her cider recipes.”

“I know what you mean,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “She’s quite the mystery to us, and the only one who knows her best is Pinkie. Even Pinkie didn’t know about her cousin’s secret.”

They all fell silent, pondering.

“Welp, I don’t know about y'all, but you’re not gonna find any answers by sittin' here. Let’s get inside.” Spike urged.

“We can’t, not while Pizza Pie is still out there somewhere.” Applejack replied.

“I know, but at least rest up for a bit,” Spike insisted. “After that, I’ll join the search too.”

“He's right girls,” Twilight said. “We still have the gathering going on. We’ll resume the search once it's over.”

The ponies nodded in agreement and headed back inside the castle. As they walked toward the ballroom, Discord greeted them at the entrance, waving enthusiastically.

“So, did you girls find your missing pony?” he asked.

“Not now, Discord,” Applejack said, brushing him off. “We don’t have time for your sarcasm.”

“Yeah, we’re beat,” Rainbow added. “It’d be nice if we didn’t hear from you until the party's over.”

“Wow, harsh. I’ll take that as a ‘no’ then.” Discord said, feigning hurt.

“Oh, don’t mind them, Discord,” Fluttershy explained gently. “We’re all just tired of looking for Pinkie’s cousin.”

“Ah yes, Fluttershy, I understand. Still, it was quite the scene, wasn’t it?” Discord remarked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“We’re pretty surprised ourselves,” Twilight replied. “I don’t suppose you had anything to do with it?”

“Wha-? Me?!” Discord stammered, looking away nervously. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just as surprised as you!”

“Are you sure?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because Pinkie told us how Pizza Pie acted strange after meeting you at the bakery.”

Discord shifted awkwardly. “Oh, that. Well, you know me new ponies tend to be a bit. . . startled when they meet the spirit of chaos for the first time. I mean, Pizza Pie certainly was.”

“Hmm. . .” Twilight gave him a long, suspicious look. “Well, alright. I guess you have a point.”

“Oh good. So, I’m guessing you’re planning to help the mare with her little blank-flank issue?” Discord asked, attempting to change the subject.

Fluttershy tugged on Twilight’s wing gently. “U-Um . . . Twilight, I have a suggestion. Why don’t we help her get her cutie mark?”

“Great idea, Fluttershy!” Discord exclaimed, pulling her in next to him and pinning a medal on her. “We could ask the Cutie Mark Crusaders for help. They’ve dealt with cutie mark problems before.”

“Yeah, maybe Apple Bloom could come up with somethin’ for Pizza Pie,” Applejack agreed. “Good thinkin', Fluttershy.”

“Oh, it’s nothing really. . .” Fluttershy said shyly. “They’ve shared stories with me about how they’ve helped fillies find their cutie marks.”

“Sweetie Belle too,” Rarity added. “In that case, we just need to find Pizza Pie.”

Twilight nodded. “Once we’re all well-rested, we’ll start searching for her again.” She turned to Discord. “And as for you, since Fluttershy’s vouching for you again, make sure she’s not wrong.”

“Oh, come on! Not this again. Don’t worry, Twilight I swear I had nothing to do with-"

Suddenly, a loud sound cut him off. Everypony turned as a bright orange glow illuminated the night sky from a distance. The guests outside the castle were stunned, watching the luminous colors fade as quickly as they appeared.

“What in Equestria was that?” Applejack exclaimed.

“Looked like an aurora.” Rainbow suggested.

“At this region? That's impossible.” Twilight said, eyes wide.

“Indeed,” Discord muttered, puzzled. "(I have a feeling this has something to do with Luna. But what is she planning?)"

“Discord?” Fluttershy gently tugged on his claw. “Is something wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry, Fluttershy,” he said, snapping out of his thoughts. “Just a bit. . . baffled.”

“What do you think it was?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. Everyone assumes it was an aurora.” Discord replied, still deep in thought.

“Whatever it was, it was close,” Twilight said firmly. “Come on, girls. I know you just got back, but we’d better check it out.” She glanced at Discord. “You’re coming with us, just in case it’s something unusual.”

Discord sighed dramatically. “Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. Lead the way, Your Highness.”

The ponies, with Discord in tow, hurried toward the mysterious light, ready to uncover its source.

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~ To be continued

Author's Note

After struggling to find her destiny, finally, a chance was given to her by an Alicorn her cousin helped reform. With the help of a mystery ritual, written in a glowing scroll. The once-look-alike mare had gotten her cutie mark. Along with an unexplained unicorn horn.

What magic lies behind her new form is anyone's guess.

Modesty Chapter 11.5: The New Pizza Pie

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The next day

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The ponies and the Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered at Sugarcube Corner, huddled together to discuss their plan regarding Pizza Pie’s missing cutie mark. They hoped that Pinkie Pie would cooperate, but the usually bubbly mare sat silently in the corner, her mane flat and colorless.

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, trying her best to sound optimistic. “The girls and I talked last night about how to solve both your problems, Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie responded with a dull, lifeless, “Uh-huh,” barely acknowledging her friend's words.

“We’ve agreed to let the Cutie Mark Crusaders help with Pizza Pie’s cutie mark problem,” Twilight continued, glancing nervously at the dejected mare.

“Uh-huh,” Pinkie muttered again, her eyes unfocused.

Twilight pressed on, determined to get through to her. “Based on their experience helping other ponies discover their destinies, I’m confident they’re perfect for the task. Once Pizza Pie has her cutie mark, the two of you can live up to your promise, just like it was meant to be. Doesn’t that sound great, Pinkie?”

“Uh-huh. . .” The same monotonous reply, Pinkie barely moving as she sat in the corner of the bakery.

Rainbow Dash, hovering above the group, groaned in frustration, unable to take it. “Uuuggghhh!!” She facehoofed, glaring down at Pinkie. “Hey, Pinkie! Didn't you hear what Twilight said?!”

“Rainbow, please,” Twilight interjected softly, tugging at Rainbow Dash’s foreleg. “We have to approach this gently.”

“She's not even listening!” Rainbow Dash threw her hooves in the air, exasperated. “Just look at her!”

Pinkie Pie sat in the corner, unresponsive, her once bouncy mane hanging straight and lifeless, her coat duller than usual. She barely reacted to anything around her. Mr. and Mrs. Cake entered the room, carrying trays of cookies and hot cocoa, their faces heavy with concern.

“Oh dear, what are we going to do with our Pinkie Pie?” Mrs. Cake sighed, setting the tray down on a nearby table. “Without her focus, we’re falling behind on our orders. She usually handles all the decorating, delivering, and helping with Pumpkin and Pound Cake.”

Pumpkin and Pound Cake, the Cake twins, tugged at Pinkie's tail, giggling as they tried to cheer her up. Pinkie managed a weak smile, patting their heads before sighing and turning back toward the wall.

Twilight gave them a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. We’ll get her back on her hooves.”

Sweetie Belle, who had been quietly watching from the side, tugged gently at Twilight’s wing. “Um, excuse me, Twilight? How are we supposed to help Pinkie Pie?”

Twilight knelt down to the filly. “Actually, Sweetie Belle, your task is to help her cousin, Pizza Pie, with her cutie mark.”

“Her cousin?” Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened. “I haven’t even met her yet. What’s she like?”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and gave Apple Bloom a playful nudge. “You don’t remember? Pizza Pie’s the mare who slipped and knocked over the punch table at the party.”

“Oh, so that’s what all the fuss was about?” Apple Bloom asked, her brow furrowing in realization.

“Girls,” Twilight warned, “let’s not talk about that right now, especially not in front of Pinkie.”

“Sorry. . .” the Crusaders mumbled in unison, their eyes flicking nervously to Pinkie Pie.

“So it’s true,” Apple Bloom said after a moment, her voice lowering to a whisper. “Pizza Pie doesn’t have a cutie mark?”

Twilight nodded. “Sadly, yes. But we don’t know why. Your job is to help her find it that’s the most important thing.”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders perked up, puffing out their chests in determination. “Don’t worry, Princess Twilight,” Apple Bloom declared confidently. “We’ll help her, or our names aren’t Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Twilight smiled, grateful for their enthusiasm. “Thank you, girls. You’re exactly what we need to solve this problem.”

“Yeah, yeah, problem solved,” Rainbow Dash interjected, still hovering impatiently. “But aren’t we forgetting somepony important? Somepony who’s, I don’t know. . . still missing?”

The room fell silent for a moment as the realization hit them all at once. “GASP! PIZZA PIE!” the ponies shouted in unison. They began scrambling, searching the bakery frantically, even though they knew she wasn’t there. Pinkie Pie, however, remained motionless in her corner, still staring at the floor.

Twilight rushed to her side, gently placing a hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder. “Pinkie, did Pizza Pie come home last night?”

Pinkie shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “No. . . she didn’t.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened as she zipped over to Pinkie, grabbing her other shoulder. “What do you mean she didn’t come home?!”

Pinkie, unblinking, replied in a small voice, “She’s not here.”

“You mean to say. . .” Twilght’s voice rose in alarm, “SHE’S STILL MISSING?!”

A wave of panic swept over the room as the other ponies and the Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped.

Twilight’s eyes widened in horror. “We were so distracted by that mysterious light last night. . . we forgot all about her!”

Outside Sugarcube Corner, Pizza Pie stood nervously at the door, overhearing the conversation. She bit her lip, too scared and ashamed to walk in and face her cousin or her friends.

Back inside, the panic only grew. “I can’t believe you’re not even worried about your cousin!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, her frustration boiling over. “This isn’t like you, Pinkie!”

“Rainbow Dash, stop it,” Twilight said sharply, stepping between her and Pinkie. “You’re not helping.”

“Indeed,” Rarity added, her voice firm but soft. “She’s been grieving since last night. Show a little more consideration.”

Rainbow Dash wasn’t having it. “Are you serious, Rarity? You want me to be more considerate?” She pointed a hoof accusingly at Pinkie Pie. “Fine. Let’s be honest then.”

“Rainbow Dash, what are you-” Twilight started, but Applejack gently placed a hoof on her shoulder, shaking her head.

“You best let her speak, Twilight,” Applejack said quietly. “This needs to be said.”

Rainbow Dash turned back to Pinkie, her eyes narrowing. “So what if Pizza Pie copied your mane and painted herself a fake cutie mark? She did all that to show how much you mean to her, and what did you do? You yelled at her in front of everypony and watched her storm out crying! Now we’ve been looking for her all night because you were too stubborn to listen!”

Pinkie Pie’s eyes filled with tears as Rainbow Dash’s words sank in. She looked up at her friends, her lip trembling, then back down at the floor, too ashamed to speak. Twilight gently pushed Rainbow Dash aside, giving Pinkie the space she needed to face what had just been said.

Pinkie Pie remained silent, her gaze downcast as her friends spoke to her.

“Rainbow's right, Pinkie," Twilight said softly. "Pizza Pie did lie, but she's still your cousin. And no matter what, that won’t change.”

“. . .”

Rarity stepped forward, her voice gentle. “And besides, darling, it took her great courage to leave her home to find happiness, and that happiness is you, Pinkie.”

“. . . .”

Applejack added, “Find it in your heart to forgive her Sugarcube.”

Pinkie’s ears slowly perked up as she wiped away her tears. A small smile crept onto her face, her color gradually returning. “Y-You’re right, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack. . . And I’m sorry, Rainbow, and everypony. I had you all worried. . . I never should’ve said those things to her. I’ve been a terrible cousin.”

“No, you’re not, darling,” Rarity reassured her, patting Pinkie’s shoulder. “In fact, Pizza Pie is lucky to have such a cheerful cousin like you.”

“Yep!” Rainbow Dash chimed in. “I was the first pony to feel your cousinly love, and now Pizza Pie gets to have it all to herself.”

Twilight smiled. “And wherever Pizza Pie is right now, I’m sure she feels the same way, Pinkie. You shouldn’t blame yourself or her. Family problems are just like friendship problems they can always be solved by understanding each other.”

Pinkie sniffed, her eyes still glistening with tears. “I guess I let my anger take over. . . I really want to make things right, but my cousin is still out there, sad and alone. . .”

She suddenly grabbed Twilight's face, pulling her close. “Ooohhh, Twilight! We have to find my cousin and fast!”

Twilight gently pushed Pinkie back with a chuckle. “Don’t worry, Pinkie. We’ll find her, even if it takes-”

Suddenly, the front door burst open, startling them all. A bright light poured in from outside, forcing them to squint. A silhouette slowly emerged and walked toward them. As the light cleared, they gasped it was Pizza Pie, standing before them. They all rushed toward her, relief washing over them. Pinkie, still feeling the weight of her guilt, hung back, staring at her cousin.

Twilight was the first to speak. “Oh, we’re so glad you’re back!”

“Thanks, Twilight.”

“Heavens, darling, don’t scare us like that!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Sorry, Rarity, I didn’t mean to-”

“We were so worried about you,” Fluttershy added, her voice soft. “We thought you got lost in the woods.”

Pizza Pie shook her head. “Not exactly lost, Fluttershy, but-”

Rainbow Dash interrupted, her frustration bubbling over. “Where the heck have you been?! Do you have any idea how long I waited at the train station?! We thought you ran away!”

“Run away? Why would I-”

“Rainbow!” Applejack scolded. “This ain’t the right way to approach her.”

“It’s okay, Applejack.” Pizza Pie said softly.

Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves and muttered, “Well, you should try dozing off on a station bench and see how you like it. . .”

As Rainbow and Applejack bickered, Twilight’s eyes narrowed as she noticed something different about Pizza Pie. Something was sticking out from her mane. Upon closer inspection, she gasped.

“P-Pizza Pie, what’s that on your forehead? Is that a-”

“Oh, this? I can explain-”

“What’s on her forehead?” Pinkie Pie pushed past her friends and got up close to Pizza Pie, examining her cousin with wide eyes.

“C-Cousin, wait-”

Pinkie Pie gently lifted her cousin’s mane and gasped. There, on Pizza Pie’s forehead, was a unicorn horn. The entire room fell silent as everypony stared in shock.

“Cousin,” Pinkie said slowly, her voice trembling with confusion. “Where did you get that?”

Pizza Pie swallowed nervously, sweat forming on her brow. “Uh. . . well. . . it’s kind of a long story. . .”

Pinkie’s gaze narrowed. “First a fake cutie mark, and now 'this'?”

“Pinkie, let me explain!”

“Explain what?”

“I-” Pizza Pie glanced at the others, but they avoided her gaze. She turned back to Pinkie, who was still glaring at her. “Pinkie. . . a lot happened last night, but first, I. . . I wanted to say I’m sorry. For lying to you all these years. I should’ve put more effort into proving that I’ve changed.”

“. . . .”

“I was given a chance, and now this is-”

Before she could finish, Pinkie grabbed her cousin and pulled her into a tight hug, tears streaming down her face. “I don’t care anymore. . . I’m just glad you didn’t leave me. After everything I said to you last night. . . I was so scared we would leave.”

Pizza Pie teared up and hugged her cousin back. “Cousin. . . I’d never leave you. Not after how far I’ve come for that Pinkie Promise.”

“And you’ve fulfilled it,” Pinkie whispered. “You being here is all the Pinkie Promise I needed.”

The bond between the Pie cousins was healed in that moment. Twilight and the others, though still curious about Pizza Pie’s new look, exchanged knowing glances. For now, they decided to set their questions aside and let the cousins have their moment.

“Well,” Scootaloo muttered, “so much for a cutie mark journey.”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom shot her glares, but soon smiled, glad the family reunion had ended in peace.

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~ End of chapter 11

Author's Note

What magic lies behind her new form is anyone's guess.

Modesty Chapter 12: Voice of change

A week had passed since the social gathering, and life in Ponyville had returned to its usual rhythm. The sun was shining, birds chirped merrily, and fillies played in the streets. It was another fine day in the peaceful town.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves echoed through the streets. Starlight Glimmer was rushing toward Twilight's castle, her mane blowing wildly in the breeze. She skidded to a halt at the entrance of the Tree Castle, where Twilight had called a meeting with her friends. Without hesitation, Starlight burst into the room, panting heavily.

"I heard. . . from Fluttershy. . . everything. . . Is it true that Pizza Pie just became a unicorn?!"

The group turned to Fluttershy, who shrank under their gaze, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She gave an awkward smile.

"Was it supposed to be a secret? I-I’m sorry. . ."

Twilight sighed, closing the door with her magic. "No, no, it’s okay, Fluttershy. If it’s only Starlight, it’s fine."

Rainbow Dash folded her hooves, giving Fluttershy a playful scowl. "We said we should keep it just between us six."

"I didn’t know, Rainbow," Fluttershy squeaked. "Starlight was asking where we were the day after the gathering, and I. . . I told her everything."

Rarity waved a hoof dismissively. "Well, darling, there’s no need to make a fuss. It wasn’t really a secret to begin with."

Applejack nodded in agreement, leaning back in her seat. "I reckon everypony’s bound to notice by now. It’s been a few days since it happened, after all."

A week ago

With Pinkie and Pizza Pie having reconciled, Twilight and the rest of their friends felt relieved, yet there was still a lingering confusion about Pizza Pie’s new form as a unicorn.

"So. . . you’re okay with me looking like this?" Pizza Pie asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, of course! You’re still you no matter what," Pinkie Pie answered, bouncing slightly in her usual cheerful way.

"Even with. . . this?" Pizza Pie pointed at the horn on her forehead. "This horn I got?"

Pinkie paused for a moment, inspecting Pizza Pie's horn closely. She narrowed her eyes, as though considering it carefully, then smiled wide. "Nah, I don't mind at all."

"W-what?!" Pizza Pie stammered, taken aback.

Their friends exchanged surprised glances. They were baffled by Pinkie’s nonchalant reaction.

"C-Cousin, don’t you find this. . . unusual?" Pizza Pie asked, clearly still processing her own transformation.

"Unusual? Pfft, nah! I knew you had that thing the whole time," Pinkie replied with a shrug, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

". . . ."

"ARE YOU FOR REAL, PINKIE?!" Rainbow Dash nearly shouted, but was quickly silenced when Applejack shoved a slice of pie into her mouth, muffling her protest.

"But, cousin, at least let me explain how-"

Before she could finish, Pinkie grabbed her hoof and gently smiled. "I don’t want to hear it. You don’t need to explain anything to me. Let’s just be happy again, like we used to."

Pizza Pie paused, glancing at their friends, who all gave her reassuring smiles, despite the confusion swirling in their minds. "Okay, let's do that. . ." she replied softly, a sense of peace settling over her.

"Good!" Pinkie let go of her cousin’s hoof. "Now that you’re back, I’m going to throw a Welcome Back Party for my new and improved cousin!"

"You don’t have to do that, you know. . ." Pizza Pie began to protest.

"Oh, don’t be silly, cousin! This is my way of making it up to you!" Pinkie declared, pulling her party cannon from her mane. With one mighty blast, she filled the room with confetti, streamers, and decorations, instantly transforming the bakery into a vibrant party scene. "Now, come on, everypony! Let’s celebrate my same-ol new cousin!"

The rest of the group exchanged amused glances, deciding to go along with it for the sake of the Pie cousins. Pinkie handed out slices of cake to each of them, her energy contagious.

As they gathered, Twilight observed Pizza Pie more closely. Something about her new cutie mark caught her attention a faint reddish glow flickered from it, almost as if it was alive. She rubbed her eyes, staring more intently, but the glow vanished before she could be certain.

Before Twilight could dwell on it, Pinkie suddenly popped up in front of her, blocking her view. "Something wrong, Twilight? Here’s your cake!" she said, offering a generous slice with a smile.

"Uh, nothing’s wrong," Twilight replied, taking the slice from her. "T-thanks, Pinkie."

Twilight took a bite of the cake, but her mind remained distracted, quietly turning over what she’d seen. For now, she chose not to say anything but the mystery of Pizza Pie’s new appearance still lingered in her thoughts.

“So none of you asked Pizza Pie how she got that unicorn horn?”

“No, dear,” Rarity said, flicking her mane back. “We felt it wasn't the right time, now that those two cousins have made up.”

“I agree with Rarity,” Twilight chimed in, her horn glowing as she levitated a stack of books onto the map table. “Plus, I'm doing some research on it.” She glanced at the titles before continuing, “The books I’ve found are close to the subject, but none of them mention anything about gaining a unicorn horn.”

“Yeah, even if we tried to ask Pizza Pie, she'd probably just dodge the question,” Rainbow Dash said, added with a shrug.

“So, Rainbow,” Applejack interjected, “you’re thinkin' she might be hidin' somethin’?”

“Uh, obviously, Applejack,” Rainbow retorted. “It’s something out of the ordinary, and we don’t expect her to just admit it.”

“And when you said Pinkie Pie is fine with it,” Starlight spoke up, “wouldn't that mean she knew about this?”

“I don’t think so, Starlight,” Fluttershy said quietly. “Pinkie Pie was devastated when we got to Sugarcube Corner.”

“That’s right, Fluttershy,” Twilight agreed, flipping through another book. “Pinkie might just be covering for her cousin.”

“But why would she do that?” Starlight asked.

“Maybe to keep Pizza Pie from getting judged,” Twilight replied thoughtfully, her hoof tapping her chin.

“Well, if that’s the case,” Rainbow Dash said, “we should just ask Discord already. He’s pretty odd himself, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s behind this.”

“We can’t, Rainbow!” Twilight exclaimed, slamming her book shut. “I’m trying not to jump to conclusions and blame Discord for things.”

“Seriously, Twilight?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Then who else is wicked enough to pull this off?”

“Same here,” Starlight agreed, rummaging through Twilight’s stack of books. “Discord’s the only one who could make sense of all this. These books aren't going to give us a clear answer. We can't just chalk this up to another one of those odd days in Equestria, can we?”

“To us, darling,” Rarity sighed, “they’re always odd days.”

“If it ain’t Discord who turned Pizza Pie into a unicorn, then who did?” Applejack asked.

“So far, I have no clue, Applejack,” Twilight admitted. “But we need to keep this between us. We can’t let our suspicions ruin Pinkie and Pizza Pie’s bond.”

“Yeah, great idea, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash muttered, rolling her eyes. “Keep it a secret from Pinkie Pie. She’d never suspect a thing. By the way, anypony remember the last time we tried keeping a secret from her? Anypony?”

“Yes, yes, we remember,” Rarity said dryly. “She went a little. . . overboard.”

“She talked to herself for days,” Rainbow continued, ignoring Rarity’s tone. “It was super weird.”

“Well, okay, no need to relive that,” Starlight said, glancing between them. “By the way, where are the cousins now?”

“Oh, I told Pinkie to take Pizza Pie for a stroll,” Twilight said, closing her book. “They’ll be here in a hour-”

“We're here!”

“Or not. . .” Twilight muttered.

Pinkie Pie and Pizza Pie bounced into the room, a large steaming box balanced on Pizza Pie’s back. “Lookie, lookie! Cousin made us all her homemade pizza!” Pinkie beamed, shoving aside the books on the table to make room for the box.

Excitement filled the air as Pinkie opened the box, revealing a freshly baked pizza. Its warm, cheesy aroma wafted through the room, instantly catching the attention of everypony present. Their mouths watered as they gazed at the melted cheese, golden crust, and perfectly arranged toppings.

“Guess what? She baked it using her new unicorn magic! You girls have to try it!” Pinkie added, practically bouncing in place.

Without hesitation, they each grabbed a slice. As they inhaled its delicious, cheesy scent, their mouths watered even more. One bite later, and their eyes widened in delight.

“It’s nothing special,” Pizza Pie said with a modest smile. “I just mixed up what I could find in the kitchen.”

“Hmmmm. . . My goodness, this is amazing!” Rarity exclaimed, savoring another bite. “The flavor is exquisite! Pizza, darling, I had no idea you could bake something this delicious!”

“Got that right, Rarity!” Applejack chimed in. “Whoo whee! It's mighty cheesy and chewy. You sure know how to mix up the flavors well, Sugarcube. Right, Rainbow?”

“Totally! This is the best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my whole life!” Rainbow Dash declared. “Well, technically, this is the second pizza I've had the first one was at my birthaversary but this one takes the cake!”

“It’s wonderful!” Fluttershy added, her voice soft but sincere. “The flavors are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. It’s like a whole new cheesy experience.”

“I agree with Fluttershy,” Twilight said, nodding as she took another bite. “This is practically the best pizza I’ve ever had. My compliments to the chef.”

“Thanks, Twilight, and thanks, everyone,” Pizza Pie replied, her cheeks flushing with pride. “I’m glad you all like it. If I had some ingredients from back home, I might’ve whipped up one of my papa’s special recipes those are even better.”

As the ponies continued to enjoy their pizza, Starlight Glimmer’s attention shifted to Pizza Pie’s new cutie mark. The unusual design, coupled with the recent mystery of her sudden transformation into a unicorn, piqued her curiosity. Putting down her plate, she walked over to Pizza Pie.

“Hey, Pizza Pie,” Starlight called.

“Yes, Starlight?” Pizza Pie responded cheerfully. “Want another slice? Let me get-”

“No, it’s okay,” Starlight interrupted, smiling. “They’re delicious, by the way.”

“Thanks, Starlight! Maybe next time, I can get some fresh ingredients sent from home and make some Mitalian dishes.”

“Oh, you should write a letter now, cousin!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing in place. “I can’t wait to taste them all!”

Pizza Pie chuckled and patted her cousin’s head affectionately. “Maybe some other time, Pinkie.”

As the Pie cousins shared a warm hug, Starlight hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “So, uh. . . Pizza Pie, do you mind if I ask where you got your unicorn horn?”

The room fell silent. Everypony froze mid-bite, almost choking as Starlight’s question lingered in the air. Behind the Pie cousins, the rest of the group waved frantically, signaling Starlight to retract the question.

“On second thought, never mind!” Starlight quickly backpedaled, offering an awkward smile. “You must be tired from all that baking.”

“Heh, yeah, that’s right,” Pizza Pie sighed, her relief evident. “It was a lot of work making this pizza. I think I should head back and rest.”

“Aww, but cousin!” Pinkie Pie pouted, pulling a long scroll from her mane. “I had plans for all of us this afternoon!” She unfurled the list, which rolled out of the room and into the hallway. “Let’s see. . . first, we’ll go to the park, then we’ll play some made-up games, watch the sunset together, and finish by making s'mores and shooting fireworks!”

“That sounds nice, Pinkie,” Pizza Pie said, her smile wavering. “But maybe some other time-”

“Αυτό το Ροζ με βαράει. (This Pink one bores me.)”

Suddenly, Pizza Pie’s hooves wobbled, and she stumbled, nearly losing her balance. Pinkie reacted quickly, catching her cousin just in time.

“(Huh? What was that?)” Pizza Pie muttered to herself. “(I feel weak all of a sudden. . .)”

“Cousin, are you okay?” Pinkie asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Yeah, I’m fine, Pinkie,” Pizza Pie replied, shaking her head as if to clear it. “Just a little dizzy. I must’ve lost my balance for a second.”

“Oh. . .” Pinkie Pie’s ears drooped as she helped her cousin stand. “We can save all the fun for another day. There’s some medicine from Mrs. Cake-”

“I’ll go ask her for it when I get home,” Pizza Pie reassured her with a weak smile.

“Maybe I should go with you,” Pinkie offered. “Just to make sure-”

“No, it’s okay, cousin,” Pizza Pie interrupted gently. “You stay here and have fun with everypony. I’ll be fine.”

“B-But. . . okay, cousin,” Pinkie Pie finally relented, her voice small. “you est up, okay?”

“I will, Pinkie, see you all later everypony.”

As Pizza Pie left the room, Pinkie Pie waved after her, her face clouded with worry. Her usual cheerful demeanor faltered, and her friends noticed. Applejack approached her, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder.

“You alright, Sugar Cube?” Applejack asked gently, placing a hoof on Pinkie Pie’s shoulder.

Pinkie Pie stepped away from her friend's touch and walked over to the castle map. “I know what you girls are thinking.”

Rainbow Dash flew up, landing on the map table in front of her. “Uh, how can we not? She’s a unicorn now. It’s not like a pimple that nopony would notice.”

“Darling, we’re not judging Pizza Pie,” Rarity added kindly. “As a unicorn myself, I find it rather marvelous. But we are curious about where she got it from. Don’t you want to know?”

Pinkie Pie looked down at the photograph she pulled from her mane. It was a picture of her, Pizza Pie, and the rest of their friends on her cousin’s first day in Ponyville. The smile on Pizza Pie’s face back then was so different from the forced one she wore now.

“I didn't ask her, and I don’t want to.” Pinkie said quietly.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, hovering above the table again. “Yeah, because you’re scared.”

Twilight used her magic to tug Rainbow Dash back down to her seat. Rainbow huffed, crossing her hooves.

“I’m not scared!” Pinkie snapped, her voice shaking. “I just. . . I just don’t want to bring it up, okay?”

“But Pinkie, how do we know where she got it is safe?” Starlight pressed gently.

“It’s safe to me, Starlight!” Pinkie turned, her eyes glistening. “As long as she’s still my cousin, that’s all that matters.”

The others looked at each other, guilt washing over them. They’d let their curiosity cloud their concern for Pinkie’s feelings. Slowly, they gathered around her, offering her quiet comfort.

“We understand how you feel, and we’re sorry.” Twilight said softly.

“Uh-huh,” Applejack nodded, placing a hoof back on Pinkie’s shoulder. “For now on, we won’t ask Pizza Pie anymore, promise.”

Rarity gave a supportive smile. “Indeed, darling. It’s up to her if she ever wishes to share.”

“And if she does, we’ll be here for her.” Fluttershy added with a soft nod.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “Yeah, yeah. As long as it all makes sense, I’m good.”

The group then turned to Starlight, waiting for her response.

Starlight smiled sheepishly. “Alright. I’m sorry for being so pushy earlier.”

Pinkie Pie’s expression softened. She walked over to Starlight and handed her the last slice of pizza. “Here, you can have this.”

Starlight blinked, then smiled warmly. “Thanks, Pinkie.”

With that, Rainbow Dash stretched and jumped out of her chair, flapping her wings lazily. “Welp, I’m off to take a nap. Good talk, everypony!” She zipped out the window, disappearing into the clouds.

Twilight smiled as she closed her books. “Looks like we all need a break. This conference is over. Enjoy your day, everypony.” With Spike by her side, she exited the room.

One by one, the others left too, until Starlight was the only one still lingering. She remained confused, her mind stuck on Pizza Pie’s strange behavior earlier.

Meanwhile, outside the castle, Pizza Pie walked through the neighborhood, folding her mane over her new horn as she hurried past groups of ponies. She could feel their stares, hear their whispers, though she did her best to ignore them. She quickened her pace, her heart racing. She hated the attention, hated the way they talked about her. Up ahead, she spotted a quiet shortcut and ducked into it, escaping the prying eyes of the crowd.

“That. . . was close. . .” Pizza Pie muttered, leaning against the alley wall. She tapped her new horn furiously. “Ugh! This stupid thing! I could’ve just teleported home and avoided everypony, but it. . . won’t. . . work. . . when I need it!”

Frustration surged through her, and she slumped to the ground, her head hanging low. “Why am I even hiding this? Everypony’s going to find out sooner or later. . . and then they’ll start judging me again. What should I do? How can I tell them without getting Princess Luna in trouble?”

“Θα έπρεπε να είσαι υπέροχος."

The eerie whisper slithered into her ear. Pizza Pie jolted upright, her heart racing. She looked around the empty alley. “That voice again. . .” Her eyes darted back and forth, but the alley remained deserted. No one was there. “If this is some prank, it’s not funny!”

The voice grew louder, seeping into her mind: "Η αγαπημένη σου πριγκίπισσα δεν έχει ιδέα τι σου χάρισε. Ανησυχείς για τόσο μικρά πράγματα και όμως δεν συνειδητοποιείς ότι είσαι περισσότερο από ό,τι φαντάζεσαι."

The words echoed louder and louder, reverberating inside her skull. She clapped her hooves over her ears, but it did nothing to block the sound. The walls of the alley seemed to close in, warping her vision until everything felt like it was spiraling out of control.

Panicking, she bolted from the alley without looking back, her hooves pounding the cobblestone streets as she ran.

Across town, Starlight Glimmer strolled through the marketplace, lost in thought. “How does somepony just. . . turn into a unicorn overnight? And why didn’t anypony else ask the Pie cousins about it?”

Her stomach growled, drawing attention from nearby ponies. She grinned sheepishly and continued on her way. “Right after lunch, I’m getting to the bottom of this. Oh speak of the pie!”

Up ahead, she spotted Pizza Pie rushing through the crowd, her mane disheveled and eyes wide with panic.

“Pizza Pie?” Starlight called, waving to get her attention. “I thought you were at Sugarcube Corner-”

But Pizza Pie dashed past her without a second glance, causing the surrounding ponies to murmur curiously.

Starlight frowned, suspicion prickling the back of her mind. “Huh. . . something is definitely off about her.”

Back at Sugarcube Corner, Pizza Pie burst through the front door and raced up to her room. She slammed it shut behind her, locking it as she leaned against the wood, panting heavily. Her body trembled with exhaustion and fear, her heart still pounding from the run.

She scanned the room, half-expecting the voice to follow her here. “It’s getting worse by the day. . . I can’t take it anymore! Tomorrow, I’ll go to Princess Luna. Maybe she can fix this.”

Her mane brushed against her face, knocking loose bits of dirt and dust. “Ugh. . . I should clean myself up first.”

In the bathroom, she splashed her face with cold water, hoping to calm the racing thoughts in her head. Grabbing a towel with her magic, she dried off. She recalled Pinkie’s suggestion about medicine in the cabinet and opened it, staring at her reflection for a moment.

“At least I don’t look too much like cousin Pinkie Pie anymore,” she muttered. But when she shut the cabinet, her reflection didn’t look back at her.

Her breath caught in her throat. The figure in the mirror had its head lowered, mane covering its face. Slowly, it began to move on its own, lifting its head until its disfigured features stared directly into Pizza Pie’s eyes.

Terrified, Pizza Pie stumbled back. “Wh-What’s happening?”

“Για περισσότερα από χιλιάδες χρόνια, είμαι επιτέλους ελεύθερος! Δωρεάν να επεκταθώ, δωρεάν να γίνω ισχυρός! Εσύ μικρό μου πόνυ, θα είσαι το νέο μου σκάφος καθώς περπατώ ξανά σε αυτόν τον κόσμο!"

“No. . . No-”

Red magic flared from her horn and cutie mark, filling the room with a blinding light. She struggled to move, to escape, but her body was slowly being consumed by the dark force within her.

“C-Cousin. . . help. . .” she gasped, reaching weakly toward the door.

As the magic engulfed her completely, the room glowed bright orange, just like the night before. The light shone through the window, then slowly faded, leaving the house eerily quiet.

Pinkie Pie had just returned home, carrying bags full of baking ingredients. “Cousin? I know we just baked this morning, but I was super excited when you said we’d make your papa’s homemade pizza tonight!”

She entered the kitchen, spotting Mrs. Cake cleaning. “Mrs. Cake, have you seen cousin Pizza Pie?”

“Oh, she’s upstairs, dear,” Mrs. Cake replied. “She seemed to be in a bit of a hurry, though.”

“Probably just taking some medicine for her dizziness,” Pinkie said. “I’ll go check on her.”

Leaving her groceries behind, Pinkie bounced up the stairs. As she approached the hallway, she noticed a strange glow coming from the bathroom. Curious, she pushed the door open just as the glow faded away. There, on the bathroom floor, was Pizza Pie, slowly standing up.

“There you are, cousin!” Pinkie beamed, approaching her. “Did you take the medicine I told you about?”

Pizza Pie didn’t respond.

“Cousin?” Pinkie asked, her smile faltering slightly.

Still no response.

“Cousin?” Pinkie placed a hoof on Pizza Pie’s shoulder, gently turning her around. “Are you-”

Pizza Pie’s face slowly twisted into an eerie, unsettling smile. Her eyes widened, gleaming with an unnatural intensity. But as she looked at Pinkie Pie, her expression vanished, and her face returned normal.

“Never better.”

~ End of chapter 12

Author's Note

A chance to change always comes with a price. Whether it's small or big, it makes a difference. Pizza pies change was not for the better, but better for the worse.

So up comes the exchange of change.

Modesty Chapter 7: Cake before the social

I’m scared . . . why is he chasing us? How long do we have to hide here?

Everything's going to be alright, This matter is between me and him

What exactly did you do? Why won’t you tell me?

I apologize for dragging you into this mess. It’s difficult to explain everything.

I know you’re out here somewhere, I won’t think twice about killing you in this place.

W-where are you going?

I don’t have a choice, Luna.

I . . . I can’t let you do this!

This isn’t fair well but . . . until we meet again. . .

No wait! I still need to know what's in these! . . wait! I-

“STOP!!! GAHHH!!” Luna jolted awake from the nightmare, her heart racing. She breathed heavily, desperately trying to calm herself. Shaking off the remnants of fear, she got up and stumbled to the table, grabbing a glass of water. “Sigh. . . not that again. Why won’t it go away. . .”

“Sister?” A soft knock sounded at the door. “Sister? Is everything alright? I heard noises.”

Luna quickly flew to the door and opened it. “Oh, sister. I'm fine. It was nothing. Just the same old memory appearing during my dream walk.”

“Again? This is the seventh time this month. Tell me, are you having visions of another crisis within the lands?”

“No.”

“Is the Tantrapus trying to escape from your dreams again?”

“No.”

“Is it Discord, pulling one of his shenanigans?”

“No. There was no crisis, it wasn't the Tantrapus or Discord. . .” Luna paused, looking into Celestia's concerned eyes. “H-He had nothing to do with it. As I said before, it's just an old memory that keeps haunting me.”

“Is it about your banishment to the moon? If it is, you shouldn't dwell on it. It’s all in the past now.”

“That's not it either, sister. . .”

“Then what is it?” Celestia gently lifted Luna's chin, searching her sister's gaze. “You can tell me. What kind of memory is it that has kept you awake these past few days?”

“I've told you, sister, that it was nothing-” She pushed Celestia's hoof away and looked away, avoiding her sister’s probing eyes. “N-Nothing for you to be concerned about. You can leave now.”

“Oh, I see. . .” Celestia turned to exit her sister's room, but paused at the door. She glanced back at Luna, softening her expression with a reassuring smile. “I wouldn’t raise the sun for the next couple of hours. How about taking a break from dreamwalking for tonight?”

“Sigh. . . alright, sister. I'll do just that.” Luna smiled back as Celestia closed the door. She turned her gaze out the window, staring up at the vast night sky. “(If only I could tell you what happened that day, sister. . . but I couldn't build up the courage to do so. . .)”

Days later.

Another busy day in Sugar Cube Corner! With tons of new orders rolling in, the Cake family is busier than ever. All sorts of desserts are being requested, from muffins to pies, but mostly cakes, all prepared for Ponyville's next social gathering at Twilight’s castle. Everypony is invited and buzzing with excitement about the occasion.

Mr. Cake brought in a tray of muffins to the pie counter. “Here’s another batch of muffins, Pinkie Pie.”

“Oh, thanks, Mr. Cake! I’ll wrap them up in a jiffy!” The pink pony beamed, eagerly taking the muffins and wrapping them in a box. She glanced at both sides, but then slowly took one to snack on.

Without looking back, Mr. Cake could tell that Pinkie Pie's crummy hooves were reaching for one of the muffins. “And stop snacking on the orders, Pinkie.”

“Awww. . .” she replied, giggling. “Okie Dokie Lokie! I won’t-” But as soon as Mr. Cake turned his head, Pinkie quickly snatched a cupcake from the batch and stuffed it into her mouth.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Mrs. Cake was decorating the ordered bakes. With Pizza Pie’s help, they crafted unique designs for each order.

“Oh, these are wonderful, Pizza Pie,” Mrs. Cake exclaimed. “As I expect from the Pie family, such decorative skills, especially from another region.”

“Oh, really? Thank you, Mrs. Cake,” Pizza Pie blushed. “I guess this talent is in our blood.”

“I bet. Knowing Pinkie, she mentioned that you’re a spokesmare for your father’s restaurant in Mitaly. Surely, you have some spare time for decorating baked goods,” Mrs. Cake continued.

“That's true, but I started doing it after my cousin's visit. With a lot of practice at home and at the rock farm, I managed to get the hang of it. That also explains how I got the same cutie mark as Cousin Pinkie,” Pizza Pie replied, pride evident in her voice.

“Oh! I heard somepony say my name!” Pinkie Pie chimed as she walked in, pulling a wagon full of freshly packed bakes.

“Oh, cousin! I was just talking to Mrs. Cake about what we have in common,” Pizza Pie said, a smile on her face.

“Do we now? Well, we’re both good at baking, we both love fun stuff, and we look alike! That pretty much covers what we have in common!” Pinkie replied enthusiastically.

“Yup, it sure does, Pinkie,” Pizza Pie smiled back. “Despite how many years it's been, you’ve always been my inspiration to open up to new things.”

“Aww, really?” Pinkie hugged her cousin tightly with joy. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re finally here! Together, we can spread smiles and laughs all over Ponyville or even across Equestria!”

“That’s a long stretch, but I bet we can, cousin.”

The Pie cousins laughed, and just as everything seemed like any other day, they suddenly heard a bell ringing.

“What was that?”

“What was what?” Pinkie turned to Pizza Pie while munching the muffin she had snatched earlier.

“It sounds like a doorbell.”

“What? Really? Mrs. Cake, you didn’t tell me we had a doorbell!” Pinkie exclaimed, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“No, Pinkie, we don't—” Mrs. Cake said, but before she could finish, she gently hit Pinkie's hoof, causing her to drop the muffins. “But it does sound like it's coming from the front door.”

“Hmmm. . .”

The doorbell sound kept ringing. Curious, Pizza Pie approached the door to check. To her surprise, there was no doorbell on either side and no pony outside, except for a box that held one of their orders.

“Huh? That’s strange. . .” Pizza Pie picked up the box and brought it inside. “Cousin, did you leave this outside?”

“Uh, no. If I did, I would remember it,” Pinkie replied, shaking her head.

“Hmm. . . I guess someone must've forgotten to pick it up,” Pizza Pie mused.

“Or someone left this just for laughs!” Pinkie added, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Suddenly, an eerie voice replied, “Hmmm, laughs, you say?”

The box in front of them began to float, spinning around before ejecting a brown blob that landed on the floor. The blob wiggled, slowly taking shape until it towered over Pizza Pie, transforming into Discord.

Pizza Pie was startled and quickly stepped back, while her cousin remained unfazed, hopping over to greet him. “Oh, hi, Discord! I haven’t seen you around lately. What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing much, dear Pinkie. I just got back from my long vacation in the Bahamas. It was quite enjoyable, really, until I remembered something important. I was about to miss my first-ever Ponyville social gathering at Twilight’s castle,” Discord explained, nonchalantly.

“But it won’t start until next week! Today is Saturday,” Pinkie pointed out.

“Exactly! So, I thought I’d stop by to make an order for the occasion,” he replied with a sly grin.

“Well, that’s nice, Mr. Discord, but we’re already booked with so many orders,” Mrs. Cake said, glancing through the request list.

“Oh, nonsense,” he waved a claw dismissively. “I’m sure you can squeeze in one more by yours truly, Mrs. Cake.” He snapped his fingers, and the list magically expanded to fit his name.

“W-Well, I don't see why not. I mean, anything for you, Discord,” Mrs. Cake stammered, still taken aback.

“Wonderful! Now, I’ll have a chocolate fudge cake with vanilla filling and icing. Oh! Let’s not forget the shape. Hmm. . . let's see. . . Oh! I want it to be shaped like a pyramid with a top hat. Don’t ask,” Discord said, grinning mischievously.

“R-Right. . .” Mrs. Cake wrote down his order on the expanded list. “So, that’s one pyramid-shaped chocolate fudge cake with both filling and icing vanilla flavored and a top hat.” She took a second look at the list, then glanced back at him. “Uh... well, I’ll get started on it. Be right back.”

“Thank you ever so much, Mrs. Cake! Oh, do take your time. I just want this occasion to be worth remembering. And with the cake you bake, I’ll be the talk of the social!”

As Discord turned his attention to Pinkie Pie, he noticed the pony standing behind her. The Pizza pony avoided eye contact, hoping she hadn’t caught his attention. Discord looked puzzled at the mare behind Pinkie, then his expression shifted as a memory flickered in his mind. A smirk crossed his face as he approached the Pie cousins.

“Oh, Pinkie Pie,” Discord said slyly.

“Yes, Discord?” Pinkie replied, oblivious.

“I recall you once said there weren’t any more copies of yourself running around Ponyville,” he continued, amusement dancing in his mismatched eyes.

“Oh, Discord, that was ages ago! Besides, if there were more of me, my Pinkie Sense would’ve gone off,” she said, bouncing with confidence.

“Ah yes, your. . . whatever sense.” Discord waved his claw dismissively, but his grin widened. “Then what about that pony behind you?”

“Huh?” Pizza Pie froze, her eyes darting nervously between her cousin and the draconequus. “W-Who, me?”

“Who else am I talking to?” Discord flew up to her and playfully tapped her nose with his claw. “You, of course, with that mane looking suspiciously similar to hers.”

Pizza Pie’s ears twitched as she struggled to find an excuse. “Well, uh. . . it's actually. . .” She stammered, trying to think on her hooves.

Before she could respond, Pinkie jumped in between them, beaming. “Don’t be silly, Discord! She’s not a clone of me—she’s my cousin!”

“Cousin?” Discord raised a brow, intrigued.

“Yup!” Pinkie threw her foreleg around Pizza Pie, pulling her close. “This is Pizza Pie! She used to live in Mitaly, but now she lives with me!”

Discord’s eyes twinkled with curiosity. “Mitaly, you say?”

“Uh-huh! I visited her when I was just a little filly. Back then, she was suuuper uptight, like, no fun at all!”

“P-Pinkie, you don’t need to-” Pizza Pie tried to interrupt, clearly embarrassed.

“Oh, why not?” Pinkie giggled. “There’s nothing wrong with sharing childhood stories with friends!”

Pizza Pie glanced at Discord, who leaned in closer, clearly entertained by her discomfort. She gulped nervously, feeling the weight of his scrutiny.

“Go on,” Discord urged, grinning mischievously. “I’m interested in hearing more.”

“Well, if you say so!” Pinkie took a deep breath and continued her tale. “So, she said she didn’t ‘do’ fun because her papa wouldn’t let her. But me and my sisters threw her a party anyway! She got mad, I got sad, she ran away, then I found her, apologized, and we made up!”

“P-Pinkie. . .” Pizza Pie’s cheeks flushed as she tried to steer the conversation away.

“Wait, I’m not done yet!” Pinkie plugged her cousin’s mouth with a hoof. “After that, we had a sleepover, stayed up all night, and made our first Pinkie Promise! We promised we’d live together one day, and now here we are! And guess what? Now we even look alike and have the same cutie mark!”

“Look alike, huh?” Discord eyed Pizza Pie closely, as if sizing her up.

Pizza Pie forced a nervous smile, her anxiety growing under Discord's piercing gaze. “Th-That's right...” she mumbled, her voice wavering. “Nice to meet you, Discord. . .”

“Oh, please, call me Discord,” he replied smoothly, extending his claw toward her.

Pizza Pie hesitated but reluctantly shook his claw. “Uh, nice to meet you. . . Discord. . .”

“Likewise,” Discord replied, his voice dropping into a lower, more knowing tone. He leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing playfully. “But you see. . . I think we've met before.”

“Wh-What? No! No, we haven’t. . .” Pizza Pie stammered, her heart pounding. “Not that I remember...”

Discord chuckled softly. “Are you sure? Because I recall meeting a pony who looked quite a bit like you. Same color, though her mane was a bit different more swirly, like a scoop of ice cream. And she had quite the. . . uptight attitude, just as your cousin described.”

“Uh. . . T-That could be anypony!” Pizza Pie laughed awkwardly, quickly looking away. “Swirly manes are. . . common in Mitaly, you know.”

Pinkie gasped, her eyes wide with excitement. “No way! Does that mean you've been to Mitaly, Discord?”

“Indeed, Pinkie. Mitaly was a fascinating place. I visited during its early eras, back when it was the most populated region next to Equestria. Why, the last time I was there was with that traitorous Tirek—stealing cutie marks left and right. Except for one pony, of course. . .”

Pizza Pie’s eyes widened in panic. “O-One?” she asked, her voice trembling. “W-Who might that be?”

“An uptight mare,” Discord said, tapping his chin as if lost in thought. “Oh, and she didn’t have a cutie mark at the time.”

“A mare without a cutie mark?” Pinkie tilted her head, pondering the possibility. “That’s super weird! Cousin, do you know who Discord’s talking about?”

“Uh... I-I wouldn’t know. . .” Pizza Pie avoided their gazes, fidgeting nervously. “I-I was in Equestria when all that happened, so. . .”

“Aww, too bad!” Pinkie shrugged. “Well, I hope that pony found her cutie mark! Good thing you got yours with my sisters at the rock farm, huh, cousin?”

Pizza Pie’s forced smile wavered slightly. “Yeah. . . good thing. . .” she mumbled, her mind racing.

“Good for you,” Discord added, his eyes glinting with mischief. “And wherever that uptight pony is now, I hope she didn’t... cheat her way into getting a cutie mark.”

Pinkie blinked, her confusion evident. “Cheating? What do you mean?”

“Oh, nothing much,” Discord waved his paw nonchalantly. “Just wondering if she tried to be somepony she’s not for approval. But that’s unlikely.” He snapped his fingers with a grin.

The room fell into an awkward silence. Pinkie scratched her head, confused by the strange turn in the conversation. Pizza Pie remained quiet, her face pale as her worst fears seemed to be inching closer to reality.

At that moment, Mrs. Cake emerged from the kitchen with Discord’s order. “Here you go, Discord, one pyramid-shaped vanilla cake with chocolate fudge filling, and a top hat on top! Oddly enough, there was already a pyramid-shaped cake lying on the counter. I don’t remember baking it. Strange, huh?”

“Oh, Mrs. Cake, this is just perfect!” Discord exclaimed, shrinking the cake and tucking it into his Fluttershy-shaped pouch. “And not a moment too soon. Thank you!”

“You’re very welcome. Enjoy your afternoon, Discord!”

“I will!” Discord turned to the Pie cousins. “Well, as much as I’d love to stay and chat, I can’t be late for tea with Fluttershy. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Pizza Pie. Let’s talk more at the social gathering.” He extended his claw toward her once more.

“Y-Yeah. . .” Pizza Pie said, shaking his claw awkwardly.

“See you both at the gathering!” Discord snapped his fingers, summoning a pumpkin chariot pulled by mice, and with a wink, he was off.

“Bye, Discord! See you at the party!” Pinkie waved enthusiastically as Discord disappeared in the distance. She turned to her cousin. “Isn’t it exciting? This social gathering is gonna be the best one ever, cousin!”

Pizza Pie stared blankly ahead, her heart racing.

“Cousin?” Pinkie waved a hoof in front of her face. “You okay?”

Pizza Pie blinked, snapping out of her daze. “Oh! Sorry, Pinkie, I was just. . . thinking about something.”

“I said, you’re gonna make tons of new friends at the gathering! You’ll fit right in!” Pinkie said with a bright smile.

“Yeah. . . fit right in. . .” Pizza Pie muttered softly, forcing a smile.

But deep down, her anxiety only grew. Discord knew something he had to. As the social gathering loomed closer, her fear of being exposed became more and more real.

~ End of chapter 7

Author's Note

The longer you keep a secret the bigger the chance someone will find out. Both ponies were ashamed to open up such secrets from others. Fearing they might hurt the ones they care the most.

Modesty Chapter 9: The awkward gathering

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✶✶✶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Twilight stepped down from the stage after her speech, greeted by her friends waving enthusiastically from the side. She flew up to join them.

“You were amazing up there, Twilight.” Fluttershy said softly.

“Thank you, Fluttershy.” Twilight replied with a warm smile.

“Oh, indeed. Everypony was moved by your inspiring words of friendship.” Rarity chimed in, her tone full of admiration.

“Thanks, Rarity. I’m glad I could express that.”

“As always, you sure know how to keep an audience riled up.” Applejack added with a grin.

“Thank you, Applejack. I try my best.” Twilight said humbly.

"Yeah, unless you were trying to bore them to sleep-" Rainbow Dash teased, then got elbowed by Applejack. "I-I mean. . . great speech, Twilight! Really knocked it out of the park."

Twilight responded in a deadpan tone, "Thanks, Rainbow Dash. I could’ve added more, but-"

Before she could finish, Starlight Glimmer joined them, levitating drinks for each of her friends. “But if you did, you’d probably have put half the ponies to sleep.” Starlight said with a mischievous grin.

“See? Starlight gets it!” Rainbow Dash laughed.

“Very funny,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes. “I’d like to see you two make a speech about your friendship lessons.”

“All right, all right, we get it,” Rainbow Dash replied, raising her hooves in surrender. “Can’t you take a joke?”

Starlight chuckled as she handed Twilight her drink. “I’m just kidding, Twilight. Honestly, you did great. And look—everycreature here seems to be getting along just fine.”

Twilight nodded, her eyes scanning the room. “Yes, just like I said. With friendship in their hearts, harmony thrives.”

“I don’t know what you two are talkin’ about,” Applejack chimed in, “but everypony here’s havin’ a mighty fine time.”

“Uh, well, not everypony. . .” Fluttershy pointed toward the dessert table, where Pinkie Pie was enthusiastically pulling her cousin Pizza Pie’s hoof. Pizza Pie seemed flustered, and Twilight’s friends exchanged concerned glances.

“Pizza Pie,” Twilight called out gently as they approached. She placed a hoof on Pizza’s shoulder. “Is everything all right?”

Pizza Pie stepped back, startled, and turned to face Twilight and the others. “Oh, uh. . . yeah, Twilight. I’m fine. It’s nothing, really. Just. . . Pinkie being pushy, you know how excited she gets.” she said with an awkward laugh.

“They know that I was just introducing her to everycreature, so she can make some friends.” Pinkie added, her voice full of energy, “but cousin here’s been acting weird all day!”

“No, I haven’t!” Pizza Pie protested. “I just. . . I just can’t find the right words yet, that’s all.”

“Pinkie Pie, you shouldn’t push your cousin into making friends.” Twilight said gently.

“But I-”

“And Pizza Pie,” Twilight continued, “we’re already your friends. If there’s anything bothering you, you can share it with us.”

“Yeah, Twilight’s right, Pizza. You can totally tell us what’s up.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Yes, darling,” Rarity added. “There’s no need to be shy.”

Pizza Pie hesitated, feeling guilty for worrying them all. She let out a deep sigh. “It’s. . . it’s about the social gathering. Other than this being my first time attending something like this, I’m just. . . overwhelmed. I mean, I’ve never met dragons, griffins, changelings, yaks, or hippogriffs before. It’s all just a bit much.”

“Was that really what you were nervous about?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head. “You don't seem This nervous when you saw Discord earlier.”

“What?! That’s not true!” Pizza Pie said quickly, her voice rising. “Discord has nothing to do with this!”

“Ugh, of course, Discord,” Rainbow Dash muttered, rolling her eyes. “I should’ve known.”

“That guy’s always messing with everypony’s mind, just for his own amusement.” Applejack said, frowning.

“Oh dear, did he say something mean to you?” Fluttershy asked, her concern evident. “If he did, I’ll go talk to him and-”

“No, please don’t make this a big deal!” Pizza Pie interjected. “He didn’t say anything. I just. . . I just find him intimidating.”

There was a brief silence as the others exchanged puzzled looks.

Applejack stepped forward and gave Pizza Pie a comforting pat on the back. “Sugarcube, you don’t have to worry. We’ve all felt intimidated before.”

“Applejack’s right,” Fluttershy said gently. “It’s normal to feel that way, especially when you’re surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces, all looking at you, waiting for you to say something, their eyes just-” She stopped when she noticed Pizza Pie growing more tense by the second. “Uh, I-I mean, it’s not that bad. . .”

“Smooth, Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash whispered, giving Pizza Pie a reassuring grin. “Look, Pizza, don’t worry. Discord’s just messing with you, but overall, he’s. . . well, mostly cool.”

“I had the same problem, too,” Starlight said, stepping up beside Pizza Pie. “When I first came to Ponyville, I wasn’t sure about meeting other ponies either. I had Twilight’s guidance, but it still took time. Eventually, I made friends.”

Twilight smiled at her. “Starlight’s right. You don’t have to rush things. You’ve already made friends with us. When you’re ready to open up to others, it’ll happen naturally.”

Pizza Pie took a deep breath, her tense shoulders relaxing a bit. “Thanks, Twilight . . . and everypony. I’m sorry for worrying you all.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” Twilight reassured her. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Everypony faces friendship challenges, even me.”

“Yup! And when Twilight faces friendship problems, she either stresses out, panics, or stresses out and panics,” Pinkie Pie added with a giggle.

Twilight gave Pinkie a forced smile. “She doesn’t need to know that, Pinkie.”

“I do,” Starlight said with a smirk. “Whenever I ask her about it, she changes the subject.”

“In that case. . .” Rainbow Dash grinned, pulling Starlight aside. “Let me fill you in on all the details, Starlight. You’ve got some catching up to do!”

“Hey! Where are you two going?” Twilight called after them, exasperated.

Rainbow Dash waved her off. “Relax, Twilight! If I told her the story, you’d deny it, just like last time.”

Twilight huffed. “You shared that with your students during your class! You were supposed to teach them about loyalty, not my panic attacks!”

“Uh, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash called back. “It Was a lesson. It’s about not panicking during friendship problems!”

“That’s not a friendship lesson!” Twilight fumed. “And don’t use me as an example!”

Before Twilight could continue her rant, Sandbar and the other students from the Friendship School approached.

“Professor Twilight!” Sandbar said, bowing slightly. “We’re really enjoying the gathering. We just wanted to ask Professor Rainbow Dash to share some of your, uh, lessons with us. We didn’t take notes on it last time.”

Rainbow Dash quickly crossed her hooves in front of her, signaling Sandbar to stop. “Uh, yeah! Sure, why not! I’ll fill you in, but let’s talk over there where nopony can interrupt us.” she said, nudging the students and Starlight away from Twilight.

Twilight narrowed her eyes at Rainbow Dash but sighed in resignation. “Hmm . . . I’ll deal with her later,” she muttered. “In the meantime, I’ll be with the pillars, cooling my head. Enjoy the rest of the night, everypony.”

"You do that, darling. Applejack and I will watch over the fillies." Rarity said.

"And I’ll. . . be just here by the punch bowl. . ." Fluttershy added quietly.

The ponies went their separate ways, leaving the Pie cousins alone. Pinkie waved at her friends before turning to her cousin, putting a hoof over Pizza's back and giving it a reassuring pat.

"Cousin, I'm sorry if I was being pushy. Maybe I was a little over-excited about you making your own friends."

"Oh no, it's okay. Don’t worry about it so much." Pizza Pie replied.

"No, it was my fault. I didn’t notice how tense you were. But don't worry! Knowing you, you’ll make friends easily. After all, we’re Pies-and we even look alike!" Pinkie beamed.

"Yeah, alike. . ." Pizza smiled faintly. "Say, why don’t we help ourselves to some cake now?"

"Way ahead of you!" Pinkie immediately slid all the slices of cake from her plate into her mouth. "Bet you can’t guess which cake these came from."

"Oh, I will. I remember all the cakes we baked." Pizza nodded, following Pinkie. "Wanna race?"

"Alright, you’re on, cousin!" Pinkie cheered.

As the Pie cousins rushed to the dessert table, Discord, who had been watching from the sidelines, snapped a drink into his hand and took a sip. He glanced down at his glass just as Princess Luna approached. With a wave, Discord snapped another drink into existence and offered it to her.

"Martini, Your Highness?" he asked with a sly grin.

Luna looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then accepted the drink. "Thank you. . . It’s been a while since we had a proper conversation."

"Oh, hasn't it? Those were the days, am I right?" Discord said, his tone playful.

"Indeed. You weren’t the easiest to stop back then unpredictable, difficult, and always beyond reason."

"Well, when you have the power to bend reality, reason starts to feel overrated." Discord chuckled.

Luna’s expression darkened. "And that mindset is exactly why you were imprisoned in the first place. You never thought about the consequences for Equestria-only about your own amusement."

Discord waved a dismissive paw. "Oh, come now, Luna. That’s all in the past. You should let it go."

Her voice grew icy. "I can never move on, not after what you did to him."

Discord paused, visibly surprised by her tone. He turned to face her fully, guilt creeping into his expression. "You . . . you know?" he asked quietly.

“I-I saw it in a vision, Discord,” Luna whispered, her voice trembling, yet steady enough to convey the weight of her words.

"Vision?" Discord tilted his head, confusion and unease flickering in his mismatched eyes.

"Y-yes, a vision," Luna said, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that betrayed her vulnerability. "That moment haunts me every time I enter the dream realm. It’s the reason the Tantabus fell out of my control. I thought I had banished that nightmare, but I was wrong."

Discord said nothing, but his usual playful demeanor evaporated.

Luna continued, her voice trembling slightly. "I had to balance that nightmare with another just to keep it contained. But it wasn’t enough. . . and it broke free."

"You should’ve fixed it sooner-" Discord began, but Luna cut him off.

"It was your fault!" Luna’s voice rose, her frustration spilling over. "If you hadn’t been so selfish, if you hadn’t sought power, none of it would have happened your imprisonment, my transformation into Nightmare Moon, my banishment-"

A few ponies nearby glanced over, sensing the tension and quickly walking away, pretending they hadn’t heard anything.

Discord, at a loss for words, snapped a handkerchief into existence and handed it to Luna.

"So, what? Are you expecting an apology from me?"

Luna wiped her face, her voice quieter but still firm. "Yes. . . and no. I don’t even know if I could ever forgive you. . ."

"Don’t be so hard on yourself."

Discord snapped his fingers, and a copy of himself appeared next to him. "The old Discord is long gone." He conjured a leaf blower and blasted the clone into a cloud of leaves. "Your sister released me from my second imprisonment because she believed I could change."

"So, did you?" Luna asked, her gaze piercing.

"Well. . . there were some bumps along the way." Discord shrugged. "And maybe I foolishly betrayed everyone a couple of times, but you know what?"

"What?" Luna raised an eyebrow.

"Tia was right. I did change. But I didn’t do it alone I had help. My friends helped me. . . especially Fluttershy."

Discord waved over to Fluttershy by the punch table. She waved back but accidentally dropped the ladle on a pony’s hoof, quickly apologizing.

"I see. . . If your friends believe in you, then perhaps I should too." Luna said thoughtfully.

"What about me? I was the one who changed!" Discord pouted.

"You still have a long way to go before you regain my full trust."

"Well, I suppose that’s better than nothing. Cheers to that?" Discord raised his glass with a smirk.

Luna gave a slight smile and clinked her glass against his. The tension between them remained, but for now, they accepted their uneasy truce. Inside, Luna’s doubts about Discord lingered, while Discord was left to ponder the meaning of her vision.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✶✶✶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✶✶✶⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

~ To be continued

Author's Note

There's a saying a white lie never hunts anyone. But for this Pizza pony, her fear of knowing the truth. Would hurt her and more to her Pinki cousin if she found out. About her cheated promise.