The end-of-school bell rang through the halls of Canterlot High, but Pinkie Pie barely noticed. She lingered by her locker, refreshing her phone again and again. No notifications. No messages. And most disappointingly, no invitation from Wallflower Blush.

It appears that Wallflower Blush is having a birthday party for all the students of Canterlot High, but Pinkie wasn’t invited

Pinkie's bouncy curls drooped as she sighed. Maybe Wallflower just forgot... But the nagging voice in her head said otherwise. How could I, Pinkie Pie—the queen of parties—not get invited?

By the time she made her way home, the weight of disappointment had pressed down on her until—poof!—she shrank down to a tiny, teardrop-covered version of herself with the glow of her dragon badge in her pocket. Sitting glumly on the ground, she sniffled quietly as students walked by, oblivious to her mini-meltdown.

Fluttershy's gentle voice broke through the gloom. "Pinkie? Is that... you?" Fluttershy knelt down and scooped up the tiny party planner in her hands. "Oh, Pinkie, what happened?"

Pinkie sniffled, wiping her tiny face. "Wallflower's having a birthday party, and she didn't invite me! Me! Can you believe it?"

Before Fluttershy could comfort her, Diamond Tiara strutted over, grinning mischievously. "Wait, Pinkie Pie didn't get invited to a party? Isn't that, like, your thing? Wow, that's rough."

Sunset Shimmer's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, shooting Diamond a glare so sharp it could cut through stone. "Not cool, Diamond," Sunset warned.

Diamond blinked innocently. "What? I was just saying..."

Fluttershy cradled Pinkie closer. "It's okay, Pinkie. You're always welcome at my parties."

Pinkie sniffled, still looking glum. "Thanks, Fluttershy, but this really stings."

Sci-Twi adjusted her glasses, a determined gleam in her eyes. "I think we need reinforcements. Time to call Vinyl and Cheese Sandwich."

Within minutes, Vinyl Scratch, Cheese Sandwich, Party Favor and Sugar Belle rolled up with colorful presents, balloons and a towering cake. They showered Pinkie with confetti and upbeat tunes, but her party spirit remained deflated.

Cheese scratched his head. "This is worse than the time my rubber chicken lost its squeak."

"I've got an idea," Sunset declared, her eyes lighting up. "Dragon Land. A little adventure might be just what Pinkie needs."

Pinkie's ears perked up. "Dragon Land? Really?"

"Yup," Sunset confirmed with a grin. "Just you, me, Fluttershy, Diamond, Vinyl, Cheese, Sugar and Party Favor. Sci-Twi, Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity will hold down the fort here."

Pinkie stood up, shimmering as she grew back to her full size. "Ooooh! That sounds amazing! Let's go!"

As the group made their way toward their next wild adventure, Sci-Twi called after them, "Have fun! And remember—no shrinking down this time, Pinkie!"

Pinkie giggled, her usual cheer returning. "No promises!"

With that, she, Sunset, Diamond, Fluttershy, Vinyl and the party gang head over to Pinkie’s room, put their dragon badges on and they hold Pinkie’s dragon scale. “I wish, I wish, with all my heart, to fly with Dragons, in a land apart!” The group recited in unison as the dragons on Pinkie’s walls flew off, swirled around them all, and off they went!

In Dragon Land, Cassie, Zak and Wheezie were standing in the park when Pinkie and the gang have rematerialized into the place.

“Pinkie, Fluttershy, Diamond Tiara, Sunset, Vinyl Scratch, Cheese Sandwich and his party gang!” Wheezie greeted.

“You're just in time.” Zak replied.

“For what?” Fluttershy asked.

“We’re going on a nature hunt.” Cassie explained.

“Just as soon as Quetzal brings us pictures of the special things we need to find.” Wheezie said.

“Great. We all love nature hunts.” Fluttershy exclaimed as the others nodded, except Pinkie who was still sad.

“Me too. I'll bet there's bushes full of yummy, juicy dragonberries all along the way.” Ord said as he appeared before he saw Pinkie feeling very depressed. “What’s wrong, little buddy? he asked Pinkie.

“Wallflower is having a birthday party and Pinkie wasn’t invited.” Fluttershy explained.

“It’s true…” Sunset said.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Pinkie.” Cassie said, feeling remorseful. “But I'm sure there's a good explanation. Maybe your invitation got lost in the mail.” she explained.

“...or maybe it's a really small party and Wallflower could only invite a few friends.” Ord continued.

“Yeah, well… whatever.” Pinkie said, still depressed.

“Let’s just not talk about it. We don’t want to make it worse for Pinkie.” Diamond said.

“Yeah.” Cheese said.

“Speaking of, here comes Quetzal.” Sunset said.

Hola, niños. Quetzal appeared as he saw the others. “Pinkie, I overheard your discussion regarding Wallflower’s birthday party and…” he said as he tried to continue.

“You know why I wasn't invited?” Pinkie asked Quetzal.

“Of course, he doesn’t know why Pinkie. He’s a dragon. How would he know about you and everything in our world?” Diamond said, facepalming herself and sighing.

“She’s right. I don’t, but I do understand that you feel hurt. Nobody likes being left out.” Quetzal said.

“You can say that again.” Pinkie muttered sadly.

…and the important thing to remember is that feeling sad doesn't last forever. Meanwhile, try to find things to do to make you happy again. Like a nature hunt.” Quetzal said.

“Besides, remember the Big Funky Cloud incident? Even when Ord said that he was going to be sad forever and ever, Rainbow Dash almost snapped and yelled at Ord at what he said, but, you know what happened.” Fluttershy replied.

“I have three items for you to locate on your adventure, niños. The first one is a Bow Blossom and it can be found in the Field of Flowers. Second, if you look very carefully in the Field of Rocks, you may find a Rainbow Rock.” Quetzal said as he grabbed some photos each explaining what he said.

“I don't see a rainbow.” Fluttershy said.

“Same here…” Sunset said.

“How can it make a rainbow?” Vinyl asks.

“It does look fake indeed!” Diamond complained.

“Es verdad. It’s true.” he explained. “But when sunlight hits the Rainbow Rock just right…” Quetzal explained as he grabbed another picture here and showed the true reason of the Rainbow Rock, which amazes everyone. “...it opens up and the colors of the rainbow appear.” Quetzal continued.

“I take back what I said” Diamond and Vinyl exclaimed in unison.

“You said there was a third thing we should try to find.” Cassie asks.

“Uh, yes, but first I have to find it myself. Now where did I…” Quetzal said as he pulled out another picture. “Ah, here. The third item is a Hopping Bean. Who can guess where to find it?” he asks.

“Ooh, ooh. I know, I know. Pick me, pick me.” Ord begged as he knew where it was.

“Ord?” Quetzal asks.

“In the Field of… ...uh, Beans?” Ord replied.

“That's correct.” Quetzal said. “Cassie, will you be in charge of carrying the pictures?” He asked as he gave Cassie the pictures.

“Of course, Quetzal.” Cassie replied.

“Well, what're we waiting for? Dragonberries-- Uh, I mean, nature hunt, here we come. Ord cheered happily. “It’s gonna be fun, huh, Pinkie?” he asks.

“I hope so.” Pinkie sighed sadly.

“Pinkie, forget the party. Let’s just focus on the Nature Hunt.” Sunset said.

“Yeah.” Cheese said.

“Alright…” Pinkie said glumly.

“All right, niños. Good luck. Remember, Pinkie, just give it time.” Quetzal said as Pinkie nodded and everyone (sans Fluttershy, who could just pony-up and fly alongside them) gets on their dragon friends' backs and fly off.

A few moments later and the rest of the others have arrived at the meadow to find the Bow Blossom.

“You have to admit, Pinkie. This sure beats sitting at home, staring out the window. Doesn’t it?” Fluttershy asks.

“I guess. Okay.” Pinkie replied reluctantly, trying to fight it.

“Pinkie, forget the party… just remember, we’re here for the hunt,” Sunset reminded

“The first thing we have to find is the Bow Blossom.” Cassie explains as the wind blew.

Ord tried to look for a Bow Blossom. He searched far and near, trying to find it until he saw a bow-like plant that resembles the Bow Blossom, until he realized that it was actually the Bow Blossom itself. “I see one, I see one.” Ord said as he grabbed the bow.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew and the Bow Blossom flew out of Ord’s hand.

“Whoa!” Diamond cried out.

“We can catch it.” Wheezie said as the others flew and tried to grab the Bow Blossom. Cassie, Wheezie and Zak tried to grab it, but to no avail. Ord tried to grab the Bow Blossom, but the wind was too strong as it was about to land on Pinkie!

“It's coming in for a landing, Pinkie.” Ord said.

When Pinkie saw it, she grabbed the Bow Blossom as everyone cheered in victory. Unfortunately, the cheer didn’t last long as Pinkie felt sad again as the bow reminded her of the party after heaving a long sigh.

“What's the matter, Pinkie? Wasn't it fun catching the Bow Blossom?” Ord asks.

“Why the long face?” Party asks.

“Yeah, but now that I look at it, the Bow Blossom reminds me of the bows on presents and presents remind me of Wallflower’s birthday party. That reminds me I wasn't invited.” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie… forget the party…” Diamond asks calmly.

“Diamond’s right… Just forget it… we’re here to focus on our mission.” Sunset said.

“Okay… I won’t remember anything about the party.” Pinkie promises.

“Great.” Party Favor said.

“Now that’s the Pinkie I know.” Sugar said as Vinyl nods her head.

“Well, come on, everyone. We have two more things to try and find.” Cassie said. “Next up.”

“A Rainbow Rock!” everyone chants.

“Beat you to the rock field, Zaky.” Wheezie exclaims.

“Not if I get there first.” Zak laughed as the others went to the rock quarry.

“I won.” Wheezie cheered.

“No way.” Zak complained “What do you say, Fluttershy? Who got here first?”

“Gee, it looked neck and neck to me.” Fluttershy giggled. “Besides, you’re a 2-headed dragon. So I guess it’s a draw.”

“Wow! I’ve never seen so many rocks.” exclaimed Ord in amazement as he looks the rocks

“Me, neither.” Sunset replied.

“I’m beginning to get party vibes!” Cheese exclaimed.

“I’ll bet nobody at Wallflower’s party has ever seen a Rainbow Rock, Pinkie.” Cassie said.

“...and neither will we. It’s not even sunny outside and you can't even tell which one's a Rainbow Rock unless the sun shines on it.” Pinkie complained.

“There can't be that many rocks shaped like diamonds. We just need to look extra hard.” Fluttershy said.

“Looks like it’s time for mining in this rock quarry, everyone.” Sunset instructs.

Moments later, the others were looking for the Rainbow Rock, but to no avail. For Pinkie, she is still not having a great time because she is still thinking about the party.

Sunset said coming to Dragon Land would make me feel better, but it isn't. I usually like
nature hunts, but I still feel pretty sad. I still wish I was at Wallflower’s party.” Pinkie said, still looking sad.

“Pinkie, I understand how you're feeling. I've felt the exact same way myself.” Cassie said.

“How could you? You've got a zillion brothers and sisters. You probably go to birthday parties every day.” Pinkie said.

“Lucky you!” Sugar cheered.

“I mean, I know what it feels like to be left out and to feel sad. One day after school, I wanted to play dragonball, but nobody picked me to be on their team. At first, I felt really, really terrible.” Cassie explained as she remembered something.

“But then they changed their minds and said they made a big mistake by not inviting-- I-I mean, picking you, and they were really, really sorry?” Pinkie answered happily.

“Uh, no. I never got to play.” Cassie said, sadly.

“Oh, I am so sorry to hear that.” Diamond sighed, feeling sorry.

“Oh. That story isn't really making me feel any better, Cassie.” Pinkie said sadly as her hair became flat.

“The thing is: even though I felt really, really bad at first, some of my sisters and I went to Singing Springs and sang happy songs instead. After that, I felt much, much better.” Cassie explains.

“Singing would just remind me that my school friends are probably singing "Happy Birthday" to Wallflower right now. Everything reminds me of the party. There's nothing that’ll make me feel better ever again.” Pinkie said sadly.

“Pinkie, remember what Quetzal said? It’s okay to feel sad. Eventually, you’ll get over it.” Sugar explains just as the sky is clearing up and the sun's coming out.

“Look, the sun's coming back out.” Cheese cheered.

“Now we ought to be able to find a Rainbow Rock in no time. …and maybe a Dragonberry Bush too.” Ord cheered before he noticed that Pinkie was still standing there. “Come on, Pinkie. Don't you want to look?”

“Nope, because I already found one. You were sitting on it, Ord.” Pinkie cheered.

“A dragonberry bush?” Ord asks as Fluttershy chuckled.

“No. A rainbow rock.” Vinyl corrects as everyone looks at the rock in astonishment. They were all impressed with the appearance of the rock and the shining effects while a streak of rainbow was lighting right out of the rock.

“Well, I’ll be. I have never seen a rainbow up close before!” Diamond exclaimed.

“Boy, you said it!” Cheese agrees as Pinkie hands the rock to Cassie.

“Come on, there’s one more item to find.” Cassie reminds as everyone heads to the field to look for the green hopping bean.

“This should be easy. There are beans everywhere.” Diamond said, confidently.

“That’s true, but Hopping Beans aren't like any other beans.” Ord explains.

“They’re not?” Sunsets asks.

“Nope. They're really big and they don't grow out of the ground.” Ord continues just as Party Favor spots the bean hopping out.

“Hey, there goes a bean right now.” Party exclaims as he goes after the bean.

“Uh, another thing about Hopping Beans. They move very quickly.” Zak explains just as Party dives down, but the bean dodges the tackle and Party falls belly down.

“No kidding.” Sunset chuckled as everyone laughed.

“Hopping Bean, ahoy!” Wheezie exclaimed as the bean hops away.

“But you know what would be really fun? Let's all hop like the Hopping Bean and see if we can still catch it that way.” Sunset suggests

“Great idea.” Cassie said, beginning to hop.

“Love it!” Wheezie exclaimed as she, Zak and Ord hopped away with Vinyl, Fluttershy and the party gang following behind. But Diamond and Pinkie just stood at the field (Diamond found it childish and Pinkie was starting to think about Wallflower’s party again). Cheese sees that and goes back.

“Really? That’s too childish.” Diamond complained.

“Hey, lighten up. You want to catch the Hopping bean too, right?” Cheese asks.

“Oh, all right.” Diamond sighed, suddenly willing to hop after the bean as she followed Sunset and the gang. Pinkie wasn’t willing to hop along though as her hair deflated.

“Oh, you’re not thinking about Wallflower’s special day, huh?” Vinyl asks.

“Yeah. I am” Pinkie replies.

“Maybe some hopping will get your mind off it. Come on! We can’t catch the bean without you!” Vinyl cheered as she hopped away.

“Yeah. You’re right! I’m right behind you.” Pinkie exclaimed, her hair inflating back to normal as she hopped along with the group.

It took a while, but finally Sugar Belle sees the hopping bean. The bean was getting tired.

“Oh, I see it!” Sugar exclaimed.

“Look, it’s tiring itself out!” Fluttershy said as the bean collapsed and started snoring.

“Excellent work, Pinkie.” Sunset whispers.

“I gotta admit, that was fun.” Diamond whispers just as Zak and Wheezie put the bean in their pouch, like a cradle.

“Aw, he sure is adorable.” Fluttershy cooed.

“Hopping was extra fun.” Ord laughed.

“Yes, Sunset, great idea.” Cassie cheered.

“I was just thinking. Hopping reminds me of hopscotch, which we always play at birthday parties back home. You know what? Even though I was thinking about Wallflower’s party, I didn't feel as sad.” Pinkie explained, feeling better.

“That's probably because you just had so much fun, you didn't have room inside you for any sadness.” Cassie replied.

“That’s the Pinkie we know.” Cheese, Vinyl, Party and Sugar cheer in unison as the group head back to the School in the Sky.

“Muy bien, niños. You found all three items.” Quetzal cheered.

“Best of all, Pinkie isn’t so sad anymore.” Ord explains.

“Well, I wasn't until I came back here to the school. Because then I started thinking about how tomorrow at Canterlot High, Everybody’s gonna be talking about Wallflower’s birthday party.” Pinkie comments, admitting the truth.

“There is no magical cure for sadness, Pinkie. But I think you'll agree that feeling sad doesn't last forever. It starts to get less and less strong as time passes, and the more you allow yourself to have fun.” Quetzal explains.

“He’s right.” Diamond replied, stepping up and caring for the party girl.

“Well, I did have fun. Chasing the Bow Blossom, finding the Rainbow Rock and especially hopping after that Hopping Bean. That’s all the fun I can get for today, because I am feeling tired myself.” Pinkie exclaimed as everyone laughed.

“Come on, let’s go home.” Sunset commands as the humans gather around, hold hands and recite the magic phrase.

“I wish, I wish, to use this rhyme, to go back home, until next time.” they recited in unison as they went home after a long, emotional day. They all appear back in Pinkie’s room.

“Oh, boy. Am I tired!” Diamond exclaimed as she grabbed her dragon badge before she sparkled and disappeared. “Bye, everybody!” she exclaimed as she fully vanished back home.

“We have to go as well. I hope you have a great rest of the day and tomorrow, Pinkie. We have other things to take care of.” Cheese said as he joined hands with Vinyl, Sugar and Party Favor. They clasp their own badges and off they go to their own homes.

“See ya later.” Pinkie cheered as Sunset and Fluttershy called Rainbow, Sci-Twi, Applejack and Rarity in.

“So, how was your adventure today, darlings?” Rarity asks.

“Pinkie has been thinking about Wallflower’s special day. Now, she’s over it and she’ll be happy to see her tomorrow and she won’t get involved in the talk about the party.” Sunset explains as Pinkie throws confetti everywhere.

“She’s right. I feel as good as a party blower filled with sprinkles!” Pinkie cheered.

“That’s our Pinkie.” Sci-Twi and Applejack said in unison as everyone laughed.

The End

Author's Note

Artists:
Shacy's Pagelings = Cheese Sandwich
RJ-Streak = Party Favor
gmaplay = Sugar Belle