A Cluttered Mess

For the past few days I’ve been stuck with eating dead rats and anything else I can find. I thought that with the whole crystal eating thing itches food problem would sort itself out but I quickly realized that gemstones aren’t easy to get. I could go search for some but I am certainly not going back into that forest now that I know a whole bunch of monsters live there.

As I was wandering around the edge of town I stumbled across a fully stocked bird feeder near a cottage and quickly emptied it into a nearby sack and ran before anybird noticed me. Spooks gonna love this.

Finally getting back to my base of operations I poured some seeds out and called Spook over, “Spooky I got something for you!”

“Caw!” Flying over to the pile Spook started pecking the seeds. Oh what the hay, I haven’t eaten in a while, bird seeds are far from the best things I’ve eaten but they’re still pretty tasty.

Looking around you could tell that the base of operations was just a large box that I had made several drawings on. There was also a small dining table made of cardboard that I had carved with my own talons, unfortunately it didn’t get much use. Spook had brought in a few trinkets and other shiny items most of which were stored in a small wooden chest I found in the garbage along with a small sketchbook. Not sure why anybird would throw those away but I’m not complaining.

Finishing our meal Spook hopped on my back and I grabbed my notebook before heading out looking for something to do. I passed by building shaped like one of those merry-go-rounds fittingly named The Carousel Boutique. I found myself pressing my face against the window looking at all the beautiful dresses and various other clothes. That dress is so cute! and that big black bow really ties it together. I was never one for fashion but that bow looked so adorable I would’ve gone in right here and now to buy it if I had any bits.

I shake my head and move on, can’t spend all day looking at bows despite how cute they are. Walking through town it was obvious that while the ponies are no longer running in fear they were still avoiding me, clearing a path and avoiding eye contact whenever I came through. Why does everybird hate me?

My destination was a large tree in the middle of town that I usually spend most of the day at. I found out it was a library but I doubt they would let me in much less borrow any books. Apparently a baby dragon lives here, wonder why I’ve never seen them? they’re probably avoiding me like everybird else. laying down I pull out my sketchbook and begin drawing.

I always liked drawing it helped keep my mind occupied and let me jot down even my strangest ideas. This time I was drawing that strange looking demon I met. something about him just intrigued me in a way no other creature could, the way he looked, the way he acted like he didn’t have a care in the world. It was scary and inspiring at the same time. Why can’t I remember his name, was that part of the deal or did I really just forget? Drawing a few more strange creatures that I could remember like a hive of electric bees I close my eyes and take in a deep breath.

Catching a strong scent of something sweet I shoot my eyes open and begin scanning the area. I saw that it was the pink pony from the party bouncing down the road with almost a dozen boxes balancing on her back, I thought I recognized that scent. with a strong hunger overwhelming me began following Pinkie.

Hmm to many ponies on the road, looking around I found a dumpster I could climb on to reach a nearby rooftop, that works.

Waking up from his nap Spook looked around confused, “coo?”

“I found our next meal,” I say with a grin.

Clambering onto the roof I spot the large stack of boxes carried by Pinkie and quickly scurry after them along the rooftop. Up ahead I spot a large cupcake house and see Pinkie hop right on in. “So that is her home! More sweets for me, then!” I said giggling to myself at the thought of so many baked goods. Hopping down into the alleyway I peek through a window and much to my delight I see an entire kitchen filled with sweets, what a delightful day to be me. Shaking my rump excitedly at my new find I turn to Spook “we wait for the ponies. To leave.”

“Caw!”

Tapping my claws against the ground I let out a sigh, Ughh, what’s taking so long it’s been 3 hours. I had drawn a two headed dragon with three large tails in my sketchbook but afterwards I quickly ran out of ideas and motivation in less than an hour. Spook had taken up napping on my haunches, it looked comfy and I was rather tempted to join him.

Hearing the sound of a door opening I look around the corner and see the owners Ms, and Mr. Cake leaving with a rather large cake in tow. “Wake up Spook,” I say shaking him out of his rest.

“Coo?”

“Watch this. -” taking my talons out I carve a circle into the window with one flick of my wrist. Pushing the glass out I reach in open the window, “- magic!”

Crawling through I was greeted by the sweet scent of chocolate and cotton candy. Grabbing a handful of candy and cupcakes I thought, well it wouldn’t hurt, I could eat a few. licking the frosting off the cupcake it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever eaten. “Hehehe, blueberry,” I say to myself. Giddy with excitement I wiggle my flank and pounce on the table followed shortly by more laughter as I ate every last blueberry cupcake. Not wanting to be left out Spook flew up on the counter and started consuming treats as well.

After eating 2 dozen blueberry cupcakes I couldn’t move nor did I want to. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Did my stomach hurt like Tartarus? Also yes. Having eaten several small candies Spook wasn’t faring much better. My previously black tongue is now a light shade of blue and my belly is about three times larger. I feel like a queen! or would it be a king? I think I like the sound of queen better.

A piercing scream from nearby alerted me to the presence of a very distressed pony. Oh feathers I forgot about her! “hiya Pinkie.” I say nervously.

Being tied up in a chair wasn’t the most comforting feeling and being interrogated by an angry pony certainly didn’t help. Looking around I was sitting in a chair while being bound by rope. A single light was shining from above and Pinkie began circling around me with an angry scowl. Oh feathers.

“You mean mean bird why would ever do such a terrible thing? The cakes worked super duper extra hard on all those blueberry cupcakes you meanie!” Pinkie scolded.

Being scolded by is a terrible feeling especially when they actually have a good reason to do so. “I was hungry,” I said trembling slightly. I feel like crap.

Cocking an eyebrow she leaned forward her forehead bumping against mine and said, “oh really? Likely story, if that’s the case then why didn’t you ask your parents to get you one, hmmm?!” Slowly pulling away she awaited an answer.

I looked away not giving a response. Oh no oh no oh no! if she finds out she’ll send me back to Griffonstone! Get a grip Clutter you just gotta come up with a believable lie.

Pinkie narrowed her eyes, “well?” she said.

Part of me didn’t want to lie to her, a part of me was screaming that, ponies are supposed to be nice, Pinkie is nice! she wouldn’t do such a thing, she even threw you a party just for showing up to town! I don’t know why but I decided to tell her the truth.

Looking away slowly I say, “I’ve never, knew my parents.”

Pinkies hair deflated upon hearing this information, “what?! That is absolutely the most terriblest thing in forever, I mean who would leave a small filly all by herself. Wait! is that why you’ve been sleeping outside, I thought you were just really into camping?”

Still looking away I nod my head in response, so far so good, hopefully she doesn’t do anything drastic.

Pinkies hair suddenly popped back to normal and a large lightbulb appeared above Pinkies head illuminating the area, “I know! I'll just have to take care of you myself! At least until we find your parents,” She says bouncing in place with boundless energy.

“What?” Did she just say-, no she can’t possibly mean it like that right? Right?!

“I said I’ll be taking care of you silly, -“ squeezing me in a hug she giggled “- oh we’re going to have a whole load of fun together, it’ll be like having a sleepover every day and night!”

What did I just get myself into?

“Pinkie, can you, untie me?” I said gasping for air.

“Okie dokie! Oh and also don’t think I forgot that whole cupcake fiasco, that was still pretty mean so you’re gonna help me bake more cupcakes tomorrow! Doesn’t that sound fun?!”

“…Feathers.”

Finally noticing we weren’t in the kitchen anymore thanks to that large floating lightbulb I could see we were in some sort of cave filled with party supplies. It was chaotic and messy but everything seemed to have a place, kinda reminds me of that demon I met.

We exited the cave by going up a slide I reunited with Spook who was still in the kitchen, spotting me he promptly landed on my hair and began snuggling into it, I missed you to buddy. Bringing me to a bathroom Pinkie helped me get ready for bed which was something I didn’t know I needed to do. this involved using a small brush on my teeth and combing my mane, which actually felt really nice.

Closing my eyes I pushed my head further against the comb, “coo.”

“Annnd done,” Pinkie said proudly turning me around to view her work. My mane looked even fluffier than when I first received it. Looking into a mirror and not seeing my face in it still feels weird but it felt almost good in a way. Turning my head to get a better view of my face, I look kinda cute.

Afterwards Pinkie had pulled out 3 differently colored nightcaps from her mane one pink, one purple and one black. Placing one of each color on its corresponding head she said “nighty night!” It’s almost like she almost expected this sleepover thing to happen. Nah you’re just imagining things.

It felt wrong not to sleep under the sky not being able to see the night and its countless stars. I memorized nearly all of the constellations and had even made a few of my own out of boredom. But then again it’s was nice to have a non torn blanket again. I was the last one to fall asleep so after looking out the window one last time I lay down and cocoon myself in the soft blanket I could find and began to snooze.

“Good night, Pinkie.”