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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.

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

~ 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.