When Ponies Cry

Come, let us forget that future.

I followed Pinkie to everywhere she went, learning the layout of this new town, and searching for a way back to Hinamizawa. But then I heard someone. "HEYYY!" They yelled. I turned to them and received a surprise. It was Keiichi Maebara! Or so I thought... My hopes were quickly dashed as a cyan pony broke through the image of Keiichi...

You see, it was Keiichi Maebara who, in the last Hinamizawa, showed me that fate could definitely be changed... I thought, maybe, Keiichi would be here as well...

"Hey Dashie, what's up?" Pinkie greeted.

"Oh nothing much, just flying around, practicing some awesome new tricks." She turned to me. "Out and about already, huh? Didn't think you had in you, egghead!"

Not sure how to respond, I replied, "Well, you know me, it's hard to keep me down because I'm-" Shoot! What did Pinkie call me earlier? I have to say something! Umm... Here goes nothing... "Cupcake-Head Sparkle Horse!" Immediately, I knew that was wrong. I could imagine Hanyuu was hitting her forehead with her palm, or I guess in this world, her hoof.

"BWAHAHAHA!" The cyan pony got a hold of herself. "Ok, so not quite recovered yet. So, what are you two doing today?"

Pinkie replied, "Rainbow Dash! It's not nice to laugh at Rika like that!" Then she whispered, thinking I couldn't hear. "Twilight wants to be called Rika Furude today. I know, it's a really weird name but just play along for now. I think it's due to that accident she had."

There it is again! Apparently, I had an accident before I awoke in this world. I looked to Hanyuu with a questioning expression, but the look she sent back told me she didn't know either. Pinkie spoke again. "And, since Twi- I mean Rika- is awake, I'm throwing her a party! Can you hand out invitations to all our friends?"

"Sure," Rainbow Dash replied, "I deliver them faster than you can say 'Wonderbolts'! I'll also tell them you want to be called Rika today." She winked.

She readied to take flight, but I figured I should get at least one question answered out of this. "Wait," I said, "how did I have my accident?"

Both ponies grew silent, just like Rena would if you were to talk about Oyashiro's Curse. Then, Rainbow spoke up, "Princess Luna needed your help with something.... odd. She knew you were good with magic, so she asked you to come. She also didn't want you to feel alone, so she invited Pinkie Pie and myself. Y'know sometimes I think Luna is jealous that Celestia chose you to advance your studies. Anyway, that's beside the point. What happened was, you stood on the cliff to study the stars for her, then you slipped and fell about... Oh, fifteen feet maybe? Yep. You were pretty messed up."

Slipped...or shoved? This piece of evidence is interesting. I must be on the watch for this 'Luna' character. By the way these two acted before telling me, it seems they are hiding something. Something bad. I now have three suspects. I guess I'll find out more at the party tonight.

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Okay, I must admit, this party is pretty good. In all my years in Hinamizawa, I have never experienced something quite this great. Now, to gather some information. I walked up to two ponies, whom I've been told are named Applejack and Fluttershy. Fluttershy was speaking, "Do you remember that time at the Gala, when I went loopy trying to catch those cute little animals?"

Applejack replied, in an accent unfamiliar to me, "Remembur it? How could I furget? Ya nearly destroyed tha' Ballroom! I had to take charge and round up them furry critters!"

I smiled at hearing that. Fluttershy reminded me much of Shion Sonozaki. Kind-hearted most of the time, but when her mental stability breaks, bad things WILL happen. And Applejack, she reminds me of Shion's twin sister Mion, a true leader. I began to walk around the party, listening in to the conversations trying to find any information about this 'Luna'. I came to Rainbow Dash fuming at the one called Rarity. Heh... Just like Keiichi and Satoko... I miss them... all of them...

"Why so glum? This party's supposed to cheer you up!" Pinkie said from behind.

"No, no, this party's great! I'm having a great time! Ni-pah!~" Then, I sighed. "I guess I can't hide anything from you, huh? Well, then I guess you should know the whole truth. Like I said when we met this morning my name truly is Rika Furude.  This... is actually not my world. I am not the one you have come to know as Twilight Sparkle, as I think you have seen by my actions as of late.

"I come from a place called Hinamizawa. I am killed every year after the summer festival, which is called the Watanagashi in my world. I wish to go back there, to beat Fate and stop my death to create a perfect life for my friends and I."

"Like that Rena pony you spoke of!" Pinkie interjected.

"Yes. I believe my way home is through the one called 'Luna'..."

Pinkie was shocked, I could tell just by looking, "Umm... Wow... That is REALLY far-fetched, and that's coming from me! But... I believe you. This is not something that can be imagined overnight. Trust me, I've tried. I believe Princess Luna will be attending the Summer Sun Celebration. We may be able to do stuff about your problem there. But for now, enjoy the party! From what I can tell, you've been through a lot!"

It felt good to tell someone... Just like that time in the last Hinamizawa... My friends trusted me... Maybe... Maybe I can trust this group of ponies...

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash walked up to me. "It's a party! You're supposed to have fun!"

I had to smile as I responded, "You're right. Ni-pah!~" This time, I meant it. Knowing I could at least trust Pinkie, it helps out a lot. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a party to enjoy.