I am Sugar Spoon. I was born and raised in Neigh York, but moved to Ponyville.

I used to love the big city. There were the crowds of ponies bustling about, the clothes were always fashionable, and the sight-seeing was amazing. It was all astonishing, but boring, especially to me, being a filly that has seen the same thing for 13 years.

Dad lives in Canterlot. He moved me here so that his trips to visit my cousin, Silver Spoon and me wouldn’t take so long, especially if we lived in the same place. He said I could choose between living with Silvie and having my own apartment.

So, currently I am living alone. How exciting.

“Umm, Silver Spoon, why are we in a bakery?”

“We are getting an After- Birthday cake for Diamond Tiara! How many times do I have to tell you?”

“Well, once would be nice…”

Silver Spoon shook her head and turned around, handing five or six bits to a young mare with strikingly wild pink hair and a pink coat with a wicked smile on her face. “Thanks a bunch! Have a nice day!”

“Thanks Pinkie Pie, see you soon.”

Now that I think of it, the only reason she attacks me with insults and snarky comments is because I am a blank flank. I am still wondering how I could still be a blank flank at thirteen when Silver Spoon has her cutie mark at seven. But, funnily enough, I am not jealous of any pony, and I’m not trying to find my cutie mark in a hurry.

Besides, who would want a spoon for a cutie mark? And what is it supposed to mean in the first place?

Silver Spoon pushed the door open. Of course, she didn’t hold it open for me, so it smacked me right in the horn, and nearly chipped it. It also nearly squished the cake. I didn’t say anything. If I did, Silvie would just ignore me or blame me for a lack of an attention span.

We walked through town until we came to the school yard, where a pony with a Tiara cutie mark stood waiting. It was a school day, but my first day only started Wednesday. “Hello Silver Spoon. Hey….” She was about to ask for my name, but then saw my picture-less rump. She snickered and called out “……Blank Flank...” She and Silver Spoon continued to giggle, while I just stood there , unimpressed. This had to be the one, the only, Diamond Tiara. Some pony; please roll out the red carpet. She stopped and frowned. “Why aren’t you saying anything? And aren’t you a bit old to be a blank flank?” I was silent. She shook her head and turned it towards Silver Spoon. “You’re cousin is weird, I think something is wrong with her.”

“I know, she’s not the brightest filly, you know, not right in the head at all."

"Something must have happened at birth!” They laughed and then walked away, ready for school. I turned around and walked to my apartment, not quite ready to interact with the locals.

I woke up to the sight of the moon peeking through the window. “Buck, I must’ve slept the whole afternoon. Now I won’t be able to get to sleep tonight.” I said to myself. I got up and stretched my legs, and walked over to a mirror. The sight of my Auburn mane, usually straight at the top and curled to the side, was scruffy and reminded me that it needs to be washed.

I must admit it was one of my best features, my mane. It always gave off this glow and shine that just spoke ‘gorgeous’. My coat is more practical, a furry creamy brown. Sure it wasn’t the prettiest thing, but I’ll just have to live with it, I guess, and at least I don’t look like Silvie. And of course, don’t forget my blank flank.

My hooves are a dark brown with white spots. But because my coat covers them, no pony would ever know. And besides, I don’t like my hooves.

My tail matches my mane, except that it is completely curly. And personally, I think my plot is really well shaped, if you know what I mean.

And of course, the last thing I look at, my face. It has this obscure dark spot on my nose, although in the top corner of my left eye,  there are three little dots, which I like. Speaking of eyes, mine are a very... peculiar. They are purple around the edges and cyan closer to the pupil. I find it ugly, but everyone calls them pretty. I hate them. And then, to top it all off, there are my big, blue glasses, like the ones Silver Spoon has, the only feature of mine similar to hers.

I looked away from the mirror and decided that if I can’t sleep then I might as well go and hit the town. I had a hot shower, and put on my saddle bag, which was black, lined with blue and white. I packed in some bits, a scarf and my keys, and then headed off.

Funnily enough, the first shop that I went in was Sugar cube corner, the same shop I went in earlier today. I went inside, and looked around. I couldn’t take a look before because Silvie was in a rush.

The room was mainly made of wood, but it was decorated with so many colorful balloons and streamers and party hats that you could barely notice. Maybe it was some pony’s birthday? “Welcome to Sugar cube Corner, how may I help you?” I jumped at the voice and turned around quick as a flash. This time, instead of the other vivid pony, it was a colt with orange hair and a yellow coat. “Would you like to buy anything?”

“Umm, I am still deciding, Mr.… um…”

“Cake, Mr. Carrot Cake. You’re Silver Spoons cousin, right?”

“Yes, I am. I’m Sugar spoon.” I smiled nervously as he looked me up and down.

“I thought you would look something more like her.” He chortled happily and I laughed along uncertainly. “We aren’t really close cousins, so I guess that’s why.”  He smiled warmly.

“Well, it’s always good to meet a new face. Welcome to Ponyville, Sugar Spoon. Feel free to browse our wide collection of confection.”

“Thanks.”

I turned and inspected some chocolate orange cupcakes when all the sudden, a pony with a purple mane and white coat rushed in. “Oh dear, this simply CAN’T be happening! Of all the things, this is the WORST.POSSIBLE. THING!” she ran to the counter, where Mr. Cake stood, and asked frantically “Did you get my order? PLEASE say you got my order!”

“Yes, I did, Rarity, calm down. Its right here” He handed her a box, neatly tied up with lint, and on the top it read ‘Sugar cube Corner’.

“Oh, I simply can’t thank you enough! I thought I was doomed. I thought I had forgotten to order it.”

“It isn’t a problem Rarity, I am glad I could help. And good luck with the party!” Rarity thanked him and turned around to leave, but when she saw me she stopped in her tracks. I froze, silently staring at her.

“Oh, hello there dearie, are you new here?”I swallowed hard.

“Yes, I am. I came here yesterday. Haven’t looked around much so I decided I’d explore a bit.” She stood there, smiling and chattering on about fashion and stupid girly things. I started scuffling a bit, and asked, “Were you going somewhere” She snapped out of it, and said “I apologize. I have to go now too. Goodbye, um…”

“Sugar Spoon”

“Oh, right, Sugar Spoon. See you again” She quickly ran out the door. That was strange. Oh well, I guess Ponyville is a strange place, so it must be normal to be strange. How contradictory.

In the end, I bought a Spider-silk cupcake. It was only 2 bits, so I was satisfied with my buy.

I decided to roam a bit longer. I passed by a library, and went through the town square. I bought myself a Hot Chocolate and shivered at the winter air. I got out my scarf, made of fish net and fleecy wool. It was blue and purple, and looked great on me in my opinion. I sat on a bench and looked up at the breathtaking night sky. Because of the time of the year, the sky at night was absolutely stunning. Night is my favorite time of day, and winter my favorite season, so it was the most perfect sight of all. I curled up and watched the steam coming from my breath. I closed my eyes, and rested my head on my front legs.

I opened my eyes, shuddering at the cold. “Where… am I?” I stretched out my neck and saw soft snowflakes over my mane. “I must have fallen asleep.” I looked at my now frozen hot chocolate and sighed. Such a waste. I gazed around and saw I had a blanket over me. I noticed a pony sitting next to me.

He was about my age, and was a unicorn, pure white coat and white hair with what appeared to be blue eyes. He looked at me and smiled shyly, then turned and walked away. As he went, I saw that there was no image on his side.

“H...hello?” I blurted out. He stopped, and turned.

“Hello.” His voice was quiet and nervous. I stood up, blanket hanging over me and my saddle bags. “Did... did you put this blanket over me?” He nodded and smiled. “I don’t think we have met before. I am Sugar Spoon.” He shied away.

“I‘m Labyrinth…”

“Well, thanks for the blanket. I see you are a fellow blank flank” I pushed out my flank and wiggled it, which made me and him laugh. “Yeah, I guess so” He gave me a sad look, and I laughed. “Well, I like being a blank flank.”

“Same here”

“Well, Labyrinth, it was nice to meet you, but I should go home. Would you like to come and have a cup of tea? Just to return the favor”

“That would be great, thanks.”

“So, that’s two sugars and milk?”

“Yup.”

“Same I take.” The kettle whistled. I poured the steaming water into the dark brown mugs and stirred them. I headed for the table and set one down next to him and one by my seat. “So, you’re new in Ponyville, are you?”

“Yeah, I came here yesterday.”

“So, how come you haven’t come to school yet?”

“I have to start tomorrow because I wouldn’t have survived a Monday morning. Although, I still don’t know what I need to take for school.” I looked at him expectantly.

He went blank for a few seconds, but soon realisation filled him, and he stuttered “Oh, umm... just bring a pencil and a book. The school supplies the students with the textbooks.”

“Oh, thanks for the tip.”

The room was quiet for a while, until it started raining.

“I thought the weather team scheduled the rain showers for tomorrow.

“Well, you can’t ever tell what they are going actually do.”

“Yeah.” It started getting awkward, and soon we were shuffling around our hooves. “So, you living alone?”

“Yeah. My Step dad Lives in Canterlot, he gives me a budget of 3OO bits a week.” Labyrinth stared at me. “Three… HUNDRED …. Bits? Isn’t that… you know… too much?” I thought about it for a while, and said to him “In a way, yes. But he’s got a fancy job and a new, expensive girlfriend, so he doesn’t care.”

“You said, step dad? What happened to your real dad?” I was silent for a while, and then I said “When I was 1 my dad ran away from my mum. Mum got remarried when I was three. She died of a fever when I was 5, and now I am stuck with a fake dad. But he’s cool, and he doesn’t give me rules, besides don’t ask for more pocket money before the week has ended. So I never really knew my dad, and I don’t know what happened to him.”

Labyrinth was silent, and he looked guilty, so trying to make him feel better, I said “But, I don’t grip onto the past. I once heard someone say ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift, and that is why it is called the present.’” He smiled that time. I like his smile.

“Can I steal that?”

“Sure.”

I put on my scarf, my boots and my saddle bag with 25 bits, a notebook, a pencil, and my keys inside. I can buy my lunch on the way, I reasoned, in no position of making it myself. I checked my watch to see the time. 8: OO am. I have 3O minutes.

I started walking towards a shop which looked promising, when all of the sudden someone tapped me on my shoulder. I spun around and saw an eager Silver Spoon and slightly bored, or should I say unamused Diamond Tiara. “Hi Sugar. Can you buy me and Diamond Tiara lunch?”

“Your mum makes you lunch every day. Why should I, Spoony?” She hates that nickname, hence the use of it. She glared at me. “If you don’t I’ll…”

“You’ll what? Just because I'm your cousin, doesn't mean I have to bend down to your every command.” She stared at me, gob smacked that I actually fought back. “Whatever. See you round, Blank Flank.”

“See you round, Spoony.” She harrumphed, spun herself around and then strutted away. I laughed, and continued my way towards the shop.

“You’re Silver Spoon’s cousin?” a voice echoed behind me. I saw that it was Labyrinth.

“Cousin-in-law" I corrected him. ".. And yeah, but she is so bucking annoying though”

“I agree. She IS annoying.” He gave me a serious look, but then he started going hysterical, me following his lead. “I’m going to go buy my lunch, want to walk with me?” He nodded and said “Why not?”

“Awesome, because I have no idea what I should buy. Since you know this town better, you can tell me where to buy the best lunch.”

“Just go in this shop right here.” He pointed to the one I was going to go in. “They make the best Hay fries.”

“Well, let’s go in then.”

“Two hay fries to go, please. Extra crunchy”

“Alright class, let me introduce our newest student, Sugar Spoon. My name is Mrs. Split, Lickety-Split. Tell us a bit about yourself, Sugar.”

“Hi every pony. I come from Neigh York. My cousin, Silver Spoon, is in this school as well, but not in this class. My step dad lives in Canterlot, and I am 13 years old.” the classroom murmured, few snickered, but soon were hushed by the teacher.

“Thank you Miss Sugar. Now, everyone make sure to make her feel nice and welcome in class. Miss Sugar, you can take a seat.” There were quite a few empty seats, one in particular, close to the front, right next to a familiar white colt. While I was walking towards the desk, someone called out “BLANK FLANK!”

“Oh, not another!” Everyone started laughing. I didn’t give a buck, and they can all go kiss my plot.

“That is enough, students. That is not acceptable behaviour and you should all know better.” Everyone went quiet, guilty looks sitting on their faces. They were all forged. I loathed school already.

“Now everyone, get out your books. Today we are learning algebraic equations.”

I whizzed through the questions and was the first to be done. I went to put my paper on Mrs. Split’s table, and as I went, a young mare followed behind me, staring and smirking at me. She had a cutie mark, a pony’s hind legs were kicking up and out. When I turned around to go back to my desk, she wouldn’t let me get past. I tried to get past her, but she wouldn’t budge. “Excuse me, could you please move a little?”

“No way I'm listening to you, blank flank.” She sniggered.

“Look, I don’t want to cause any trouble, so could you please move.” She stepped closer, getting right in my face, staring down at me. “I want to cause trouble.” I coughed. Her perfume was overpowering and stung my eyes.

Stupid, ignorant little piece of shi…

“Is Kick Start giving you any trouble, Sugar Spoon?”

“No, Mrs. Split.” I was grateful she said something before I did. I walked towards my desk. Every ridiculed me throughout the day. Their attempts to break me failed.

Labyrinth and I decided to go into a pony club to get a few Appleton Cinnamon-Cider Twists. In Neigh York, you had to be at least 17 to get into a club, let alone drink cider. I always wanted to taste some, but I never got the chance.

We went to a secluded alleyway, wall-confetti splashing all up against the wall, often reading 'Wild Kyotes'. They are one of the most well-known and dangerous gangs in Equestria, and obviously had connections everywhere.

“Are you sure we are safe?” Labyrinth gave me a wicked look, cunning and yet safe and familiar

"Ha, so says the fearless Sugar Spoon." I glared at him, giving him the evils.

"Shutup"

As we entered the building, the tempo of the saxophone gripped my attention, making me sway as the beat came and went.

Music is a great thing. It amazes me how a simple song can change the mood of any pony. The simple way it can connect to emotions.

This certain symphony was played by a dark blue pony with a curly black main, cropped short, and he had a large saxophone imprinted on his flank. Each time he started a new piece, he would announce the name and creator with a husky, worn out voice, like the ones from New Foaleans.

“Your drinks” sang a honey sweet, slightly husky voice, with a faint southern accent.

A waitress, wearing a very revealing little ensemble, came up to us with a plate carrying two drinks containing a syrupy like liquid.

“Thanks Mischief. Hey, you weren’t at school today, were you working extra shifts?”

I looked at the young pony, possibly my age, yet who seemed to be already in her 2O’s.

“Nah, I just wagged today, you know, Algebra.” Labyrinth sniggered, and I ended up giggling a little as well. She smiled at me, and then looked at him with a playful expression. “Got yourself a Mare-friend, I see”

Both he and I blushed, and he muttered “She ISN’T my Mare-friend”

“Sorry ‘bout it” she winked at me, and I giggled again. He crossed his front legs furiously.

“Don’t worry, Labyrinth,” she started to walk away. “Your secret is safe with me.”

She laughed aloud and then went on to serve her next customers. A sour look had spread across his face.

“Sorry about her. She can get a little…”

“Don’t worry about it. And besides, it was just a joke.”

“True.”

We sat together, content in each others’ company.

I stared up at the white ceiling, while the moon shone through the window.

Luna is beautiful tonight.

I lay on my back listening to the heavy rainfall, and had my hind legs up in a bending position, my front legs outstretched beside my head. The only peace I had found sought throughout the day. Although I was peaceful, I could not sleep, my mind wouldn’t let me. So many questions I have always wanted answers to raced through my head, as usual. I wonder where my father is and what has happened to him. And I try to remember my algebra homework, which ended unsuccessfully.

Suddenly a new thought crossed my mind.

Labyrinth.

Even though he was on my mind, there wasn't anything particular I was thinking of.

It seemed slightly strange. “Oh well, I guess Ponyville is a strange place, so it must be normal to be strange.”

I attempted to relax, and closed my eyes, when an urgent knocking on the door struck the air. I scrambled towards the front door, and found a bedraggled pony dripping wet. His head was down.

“Can I stay here for the night, Sugar?”

“Labyrinth? Come in… Wait, why do you need to stay here for the night?”

He stopped. “My parents aren’t home again, and I don’t have any keys. Can I get something to eat please?”

His mane was in a wild tangle, his hooves shaking, and his eyes droopy, a much different scene than what he was yesterday at the bar.

Suddenly sympathy flooded me.

“Thank you.”

I put on the kettle, and with a bit of magic heated up two bowls of hay-fries, and carried them towards the lounge, where Labyrinth sat. Receiving the food with his telekinetic powers, he started eating away hungrily and shivered. I took a blanket and wrapped it around him, and huddled next to him so he could get warmer faster. He blushed, but appreciated the extra warmth.

He finished his cup of tea, and they soon both sat in silence. Labyrinth looked around the apartment a little, seeing the small, yet cozy pieces of furniture placed around the room. Pictures rested on the cabinets, beholding the faces that Sugar Spoon used to know. He faced her once more.

“So, where can I sleep tonight?”

“On the couch, I guess. There are a few blankets in the cupboard by the hallway over there” She pointed towards a narrow walkway at the end of the dining room. “And there are pillows to. I also have a heater for you, next to the couch.”

The heater poked out slightly from the side of the couch, and appeared to be a white oil heater.

“Where is your bathroom? I want to have a shower.”

“It’s the second door to the right in the hallway. There are towels inside.”

He thanked her and got up to leave, when Sugar spoon blurted out “And if you need anything, I will be in my bedroom, the room at the end.”

He thought of her, lying in her bed, half asleep, and suddenly shook away the thought, embarrassed at it.

"Thanks Sugar."

"Well, what are friends for?"