Now Diane faces the biggest challenge ever: Re-uniting her 'real' family.
Diane has met with Pinkie Pie and is now her friend. But now she is going to meet with her 'real' family back at the rock farm. This is not going to be easy....
Why did I decide to do this...? I now sit on the bench inside the Manehatten train station, at 7:02 am, waiting for Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie to arrive and take me to the rock farm. I am so nervous that I was shaking....
"So Diane, are you excited to see them? Your family, I mean?" Miss Jubilee was sitting next to me as we waited. She had bought my ticket for the trip. I even packed up my toothbrush, my mane and tail brush, and my blanket and pillow from my room in a suitcase.
I sighed, "I don't know.... I don't know what they'll do when they see me."
"You do know that they want to see you, right? Pinkie and Maud should have told them about you by now." Miss Jubilee was calm. I wish I could calm down, but I couldn't stop shaking.
"I know.... I just wish I had more time to prepare myself, but you decided to rush me into this two days ago." I was pretty annoyed about everypony rushing me into things...again.
"You told me you wanted to see them...! If I just let you take your time, then you would put it off and try to avoid it...!"
"I would not...!" We continued to argue for a few minutes until we then heard the sound of the train's whistle. The train had finally arrived, and both Pinkie and Maud were probably riding it right now. I then grabbed my suitcase and made my way to the train dock. The train had finally arrived, the whistle gave another toot, and the passengers began walking off the train. We didn't see Pinkie or Maud step off; maybe hey didn't take this train....
"HEY, DIANE...! OVER HERE!" We then turned to our left and saw Pinkie waving at us from her passenger window.
"Well, there they are. You better get on before the train leaves." Miss Jubilee gave me my ticket and I took it.
"I'll be sure to come back soon. Tell everypony back home I'll be back." I hugged Miss Jubilee before I boarded the train.
"Don't worry. We'll be waiting for you. Take care~!" We finished our hug and I then got on the train after a wave goodbye. I made my way to where Pinkie was on the train after giving my ticket to the conductor. I then found Maud standing at the entrance of their room.
"I'm glad you're here, Diane. I hope we didn't keep you waiting." I then see Pinkie poke her head out of the room.
"DIANE...!" She then hugged me tight like always.
"Hello...Pinkie...!" She was smothering me again. We then went into their little room and sat down after Pinkie released me.
"ALL ABOARD...! ALL ABOARD...!" The conductor has made the call and the ponies then cleared the train dock. I then saw Miss Jubilee waving goodbye and I waved back. The train's whistle then made it's toot and the train left the station. I was now on my way back to the rock farm with Pinkie and Maud.
"This is going to be so much fun...! Mom and Dad will love to see you! Limestone and Marble too!" Pinkie was very excited about my visit. I wish I was that excited. But the anticipation was killing me....
"We made a bed for you so you would feel right at home. You'll be sleeping with us sisters."
"Thank you...." We just left Manehatten and I am already homesick. We then passed the Crystal Empire, then Rainbow Falls, and then Apploosa on the way. After nearly 4 hours of riding the train, we finally arrived at the rock farm. There was a train station on the outskirts of the rock farm, so we had to walk over there. We got off the train and I could easily recognize the cloudy area. There were rocks and boulders everywhere with a few trees.
"C'mon...! Everypony is waiting for you! I'll go tell them now!" Pinkie then rushed off, leaving me with Maud.
"I'll walk with you. There is still plenty of time today." We both left the train station and began walking. The place looks so...unchanged. As I looked at the area around me, I felt more and more nostalgic with every sight. I looked to my right and saw a large hill and I knew it was the old mine Pinkie worked in. She her sisters would dig, load, and move crystals and other minerals onto carts almost every day. And on their days off they would play with their echoes and make rock dolls. I then looked to my left and saw the old dirt road that Pinkie and her sisters used to play on. They would play tag, hop scotch, and even make mud pies when it's raining. It was strange to me that even though Pinkie and her family was full of sad faces, they were still able to have happy times. Actually, now that I look back, when did they start smiling...? As we made our way passed the crevice, I then saw Holder's Boulder. It was a large boulder founded by our ancestor and it was thought to help with match-making. It was how Mom and Dad met.
"There is our home." Maud pointed passed Holder's Boulder and we saw the old house Pinkie used to live in before moving to Ponyville. We then saw Pinkie, her sisters, and her parents standing at the front waiting for us. Suddenly, I stopped and froze like a statue. I was so nervous that my body just stopped moving.
"OVER HERE...!" Pinkie called out to us, her parents and sisters then saw us. My heart began racing and my body trembled. I then felt Maud pushing me forward to the house.
"It's alright, Diane. They won't bite." Maud...WHY???!!! I'M NOT READY FOR THIS YET!!! PRINCESS LUNA, SAVE ME!!! We finally got to the front of the house and they now see me even closer.
"Mom, Dad, Limestone, Marble, this is Diane...! Say hi!" Pinkie got next to me and they all looked at me. This is too much...! I'm so scared...! Limestone was gray like Maud but it was a lighter shade, her mane and tail were shorter, and her Cutie Mark was a lime next to a rock. She walked up to me and glared at me. I can remember how harsh she was about working as Pinkie grew up.
"So you're Diane Cherry pie, huh?" She sounded pretty rough like always. I gave a little nod. My voice wouldn't make a sound. Limestone continued to glare at me until she her cheeks then turned bright red. And then without warning, she embraced me.
"W-Welcome home, little sis...." Wait...what? I then see Marble walk up to me. I remember that was always rather quiet and reserved.
"....hi...." She sounded as quiet as I remembered. Her mane and tail were the longest, her coat was the lightest color of gray, and her Cutie Mark were three purple pebbles.
"Um...hello...." I think my voice was being squeezed my something. I could barely breathe.
"Don't worry, Diane is just nervous. She's been scared about coming here. I'll take her suitcase into our room." Maud then walked into the house carrying my suitcase. I then see Cloudy Quartz, my mother, and Igneous Pie, my father, walk up to me. Cloudy Quartz's coat, mane, and tail were similar to Marble's, she wore her mane in bun, she wore glasses, and her Cutie Mark were three rocks. Igneous Pie had a brown coat, he wore a hat and tie, his mane and tail were gray, and his Cutie Mark was a pickaxe. They both looked at me and I couldn't come up with anything to say to them. I couldn't even introduce myself to them.
"Welcome, Diane. I am aware that you have been living with Miss Cherry Jubilee for a long time now. She is a good friend of ours." So they do know her. Mother sounded happy to see me even though we just met.
"When we heard that you were coming, we never thought you would look so much like Pinkie. I thought I was seeing double." Igneous gave a slight chuckle.
"Can we keep her?" Limestone was still hugging me. Marble then nodded, agreeing with Limestone as she started hugging me as well.
"She isn't a pet, silly...! She's our family too!" Pinkie is still so positive.
"Um...you don't mind...?" I finally spoke.
Mother chuckled, "Why in Equestria would we mind? You're just adorable." She then joined Limestone and Marble in hugging me. I'm getting a lot of hugs lately....
"Come inside, Diane. We have just finished preparing lunch. I hope you like Three Stone Stew." At Father's insistence, we then began walking inside the house and then into the kitchen. I was able to catch a glimpse of the living room Pinkie and the family used to spend time together. Mother would read us stories about knights defeating the bad guys and saving Equestria before we went to bed. I could smell the familiar scent of the stew Mother and Father cooked when Pinkie was young. It smelled earthy, but rich. We then sat down at the dinner table and awaited for Maud to return. Limestone was passing out everypony's plates and Marble was helping Mother with the stew. Father and Pinkie were setting up the spoons and forks. I just sat in my seat.
"Um...do any of you need any help?" I know I'm supposed to be their guest, but I should at least help them somehow.
"It's fine...! You must be tired from our trip! Let us treat you!" Limestone sounded nervous and her cheeks were still bright red.
"Most of the preparation had been done by the time you arrived. You have no need to trouble yourself." Father and Pinkie had finished setting up the forks and spoons, Limestone got each of us our own bowls, and Mother and Marble has just finished preparing the stew.
"Maud...! It's lunch time!"
"I'm right here, Pinkie. You don't have to shout. Boulder is now taking his nap." Maud walked into the kitchen just as Pinkie called out to her. They all then sat down at the dinner table after Mother poured the stew into each of our bowls. The stew was golden with carrots, potatoes, and three small stones inside the broth. It smelled lovely. We each had a piece of bread to go with our stew. They all looked at me, waiting for me to take the first bite. I took my spoon and ate one of the stones and ate it whole. It was crunchy, but it softened quickly as I chewed.
"It's good." With that said, they all smiled and began eating. At least it's no longer awkward.
"So Diane, what do you do in Manehatten? We don't usually visit the city that much." I thought Pinkie and Maud told them about me. I guess they didn't tell them everything.
'Well, I work at a bakery with a pony named Tough Love. She's really nice and she taught me how to bake....a little." They all looked impressed.
"I would love to try out your baking. What do you make?" Mother sounded very interested.
"I can make muffins and cupcakes and...that's it. I haven't really learned how to make cakes yet."
"I wanna try...!" Of course Pinkie would want to try my baking. We continued talking about myself. It lasted for a few minutes.
"So...um...how do you all feel about this? About me...?" I had to know. They all stopped eating when I asked and looked away for a minute.
Father cleared his throat, "To be honestly, we're all quite shocked by all this. When Pinkie and Maud told us about you, we did not believe them. But Princess Luna herself convinced us otherwise. And now that you are here, we're unsure of what to do...." I'm not surprised really. If this was all reversed, I would feel the same way.
"What I myself didn't expect was that I had another daughter without even knowing all this time. Even if you were born through magic." Mother must have been the most shocked....
"I don't really know how 'Magic' works, but I don't care. You're still technically our family. That's all that matters." I am glad Limestone accepts me, though I'm still doubtful....
"....you seem...nice...." Marble was quiet, but I could hear her just fine.
"I was actually surprised to see Diane myself in Manehatten. I'm just glad we have the chance to get to know each other more." Maud always seems to know what to say. They all agreed with Maud. I felt a little relieved that they all want to get to know me more despite how different I was to them.
"We're going to have lots of fun...! We should have a party!" Pinkie sure loves her parties....
"Pinkie, save the party for next time. Diane just got here."
"Okay Limestone...." Pinkie was disappointed. Honestly, I'm rather tired from all that has been happening lately....
"Right now, we want you to feel welcome here. This is your home if you ever need it." Father's words brought me relief.
I smiled, "Thank you...all of you." I'm so glad they all accept me. We then continued to eat our stew before it became cold. I look forward to the rest of my visit.
After dinner, we then went into the living room and we talked about all kinds of stuff. My parents and sisters told me about the unique stone they found in the mine last week called 'Blastite'. They said it was supposed to be a combination of Pyrite, Coal, and even Oil merged together by magic over centuries. But they couldn't harvest it because it was very flammable. And that there was lots of it. So they left the mine alone. I told them all about what I had been through over the year. I told them about my job at the bakery/café, I told them about Miss Jubilee's family, and about all of the fun times I had in Manehatten. Though...now that I am here, I feel homesick. I've lived in the city for so long, I guess I prefer the city life more. They were all impressed with the pony I became.
"So what about all of you? What have you all been doing?" I've gotten tired of talking about myself. I wanted to get to know them for a change in topic.
"Well, we're mostly doing work on the rock farm and mine. But on our off-days we do other things. I help Dad build things like fences and carts. I'm always keeping myself busy." Limestone did always prefer to work a lot.
"I...do...crochets...." Marble was quiet most of the time.
"I would love to see your knitting, Marble." Marble then hid her face as she blushed.
"I do some traveling to other places to study on different kinds of stones. I bring Boulder with me wherever I go." I never knew Maud moved around that much to be honest.
"I've been everywhere...! I traveled to the Crystal Empire to see Princess Cadence's baby, I helped play a game of Buck Ball with Fluttershy, I had Heath's Warming Day here while Applejack and her family visited, and I went to the Gryphon Kingdom with Rainbow Dash!" I figured Pinkie did lots of stuff with her friends. I'm not surprised.... We then heard the sound of the living room clock toll it's bell and it was 9:50 pm. Were we talking for that long...?
"Alight girls, I believe now is the time to go get some sleep. We must be awake early to finish up gathering those gems in the mine." They all agreed with Igneous and they began making their way to bed.
"Can I help...?" I figured I should help them while I am visiting.
"No, you don't have to, Diane. You are our guest. We'll manage." Maud and the sisters left for their room.
"But...I want to help."
"Don't worry, dear. You can help me around the house. I do need some help with organizing my quilts." I nodded when Mom asked for my help.
"Off to bed with all of you then." We all left for the upstairs room when Dad said the word, and I was sleepy. Us five brushed out teeth and then entered the bedroom. We stepped through the doorway and memories began flooding back to me. All the fun and games Pinkie and her sisters played in the room with....five beds?
"Here is your bed, Diane. I placed your pillow and blanket for you. Boulder will keep you safe." Maud pointed at the fifth bed and Boulder was sitting on a small desk on the left side. My pillow and blanket were set up nice and neatly.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask us." Limestone then gave me a hug. Marble and Maud joined in.
"Good night...!" Pinkie then hugged all of us. I'm getting too many hugs.... We then went to bed after bidding good night. For almost an hour, I looked around the bedroom with mixed feelings. I felt nostalgic yet unfamiliar with everything as I laid in bed. The memories of fun times that weren't even mine filled my head. I guess I'm just jealous of Pinkie for that. I'm sure it will pass in the morning. Right now, I am too sleepy to think about it. I then drifted off into peaceful sleep. The new morning came and I woke up to the smell of pancakes being made. They had a different kind of smell; very different to Miss Jubilee's. I also noticed that Pinkie and her sisters were not in bed. They might be working at the rock farm right now. I fixed up my mane and tail, brushed my teeth, and made my way downstairs. I see Mom and Dad making pancakes in the kitchen and I walked in.
"Ah...good morning, Diane. I hope you slept well. And you're just in time to enjoy some pancakes." Dad placed newly made pancakes on a platter after Mom finished flipping them.
"Where are Pinkie and the others?" I then took my seat at the kitchen table.
"They are at the rock farm right now. Perhaps you can help me around the house today." Mom then finished flipping another pancake and Dad placed it on the platter with the others. They then sat down and were ready to eat.
"Shouldn't we wait for Pinkie and her sisters?" I figured Pinkie would be here by now with the smell of freshly made pancakes in the air.
"Don't worry, they had already eaten earlier this morning before leaving. I will be joining them soon enough." Dad then got us plates and forks for us. We then ate some pancakes and Dad left after breakfast. Mom and I began doing a few things like dusting the house, cleaning the dishes used during breakfast, and even sewing a blanket Mom was working on. After a little while, we then saw Dad and the girls walking inside all sweaty and dirty.
"Phew...! What a day!" Pinkie's mane and tail were covered in dirt. Now Mom and I have to clean the floor again....
"Dear, where is Maud...?" Mom and I noticed that Maud wasn't with them.
"She said that she would like to explore the mines a little longer. She also said she might have found a large clump of clay we could use." I should have guessed it was for that reason.
Mom gave a sigh, "That silly mare.... Diane, would you be a dear and take a few of the leftover pancakes in a basket to her? She could use something to eat right now."
"Uh...I can do that! I know what mine Maud is looking through and-" I then stopped her as I made my way into the kitchen.
"It's fine, Limestone. I think I can manage myself." I have noticed that Limestone has been spoiling me and I don't really appreciate it. I can take care of myself if I have to. I then gathered up three pancakes into a cloth, then into a basket, and then made m way out the door.
"Maud is in the pit down tunnel number three! Good luck...!" I followed Pinkie's directions and made my way into the dark tunnel. The rails were old, but in good condition, there were a few shovels and picks, and I passed a mine cart along the way.
"Maud...?! Are you here?!" I called out to Maud, hoping to get an answer. I heard the sound of my echo travel through the tunnel. I found it...pretty funny. I couldn't help but giggle.
"What are you doing here?" I jumped up and gave a scream when Maud just happened to be standing right next to me. I then bumped into the left side of the tunnel and suddenly the sounds of falling stones erupted. Suddenly, the only source of light from the tunnel's exit was blocked off by many stones. It then became incredibly dark and I thought it was the end. I thought I was crushed by many stones, but my heart was still beating. My breath was fast and I was frozen with fear.
"Maud...are...are you alright?" I was so scared after everything that happened. I assumed that something bad happened to Maud after the rocks came falling down.
"I'm still standing next to you." Maud was right beside me in the darkness and I grabbed hold of her in terror and in relief. It had become cold almost immediately and I treated Maud as my only source of warmth.
"It's alright, Diane. We'll be fine." Maud then held onto me. I was trembling violently.
"What do we do...?! Is there a way out?!" I searched frantically for a way out, but it was too dark to see anything.
"Calm down. There is a way out. Just stick close to me." Maud then stood on her hooves and I joined her. We began to walk down into the tunnel. I hope Maud knows where she is going....
"Diane, what are you doing here? You should know that it isn't safe here." I held onto Maud as we walked.
"I'm sorry, but Mom wanted me to give you some pancakes she made. But I think I dropped them...." I was so scared I almost forgot about the pancakes.
"I see. It's alright. I don't like sweets all that much. We're almost there." I then looked forward and saw a faint light as we walked. We then found another tunnel and it was leading back to the outside. I rushed outside without waiting and was really relieved. Maud was second to leave it.
"Thank the Princesses that we got out...! I was so scared!" I then hugged Maud out of relief.
"You reminded me of how Pinkie would hold onto me when she got scared. You two really are alike." Maud gave a smile and even a slight chuckle. We then left the pit and made our way back home. But we then saw Mom, Dad, Pinkie, Limestone, and Marble rushing towards us.
"Maud...! Diane...! Are you two alright?!" They all gathered around us to check if we were safe.
"We heard the sound of rocks falling coming from the mine...! Are you hurt anywhere?!" Dad checked us both for any injuries.
"No, we're alright...! Maud was able to get us out." The attention was a little uncomfortable. But was still appreciated.
"I'm...glad...." Marble then hugs Maud out of relief.
"I told you I should have gone instead." Limestone sighed out of relief.
"What happened in there?! Did a monster show up?! Did the rocks plug up the tunnel?!"
"Um...no. Nothing like that happened, Pinkie." Though...she was half right.
"The tunnel was full of clay and solidified mud, but there were also bits of stone holding it all together. Anything hitting the walls made the support collapse. I suggest we don't go in there anymore unless we want to risk any chance of injury. Or worse." They all agreed with Maud and we all left the pit. Mom and Dad will need to make an order for some new mining supplies before going back to work. So Pinkie and the girls were happy to be off work for a little while. Except for Limestone.... She just gave a bothered sigh. She must really prefer working over playing.
"Um...Maud? Thanks for helping me." I began walking next to Maud as she slowly followed everypony.
"Of course. You're my sister too." We then made our way back home. I'm glad Maud is there to look after Pinkie and I.
After the incident at the mine, my sisters and I bathed and washed up. We were all quite dirty. There wasn't going to be any work until new supplies and tools replace the ones that were buried. After I finished bathing, I see Limestone lying on her bed making deep groans. I sat down on my bed and began brushing my mane and tail.
"Limestone, are you alright...?"
"Oh, hey Diane.... We're going to be out of work until we get replacement tools. We have to make an order and wait for them to arrive. I'll die of boredom...!" Limestone was very upset. This might actually be better for us.
"Well, maybe you and I could do something. Just the two of us. Would you like to go somewhere...?" Limestone's face then turned bright-red.
"Uh...um...well...maybe...!" She began looking back and forth. She seemed very nervous for some reason.
"Hi...! What are you guys doing?!" Pinkie, Maud, and Marble then walked inside the room. They all must have just finished.
"Mom told us to tell you that dinner will be done later. What are you talking about?" Maud then began brushing Marble's mane and tail.
"Limestone and I are planning to go somewhere tomorrow." Pinkie then suddenly sat next to me.
"Really?! Then maybe we can go to Canterlot! Or Ponyville! Or Apploosa! Or maybe-!" I then noticed Limestone making a sour face at all the suggestion. I then stopped Pinkie from talking.
"Actually, I was thinking of just Limestone and myself tomorrow. I want to get to know all of you and I think I should spend time with each of you one by one." Limestone then sat next to me.
"That's right...! I was thinking of Apploosa! I haven't visited in a while and it might be fun!" Limestone then got really excited.
"Aww...ok. You two have fun then!" Pinkie, Maud, and Marble all agreed. My plans for tomorrow with Limestone were set. We even got permission from Mom and Dad during dinner. Afterwards, we all went to bed and the night went by without any disturbance. I then woke up late again, I brushed my mane and tail that became poof-y during the night, I then went down stairs and the smell of melted butter and freshly made coffee filled my nose. I see Limestone talking with Dad at the dinner table and Mom making toast. I sat down to join them.
"Good morning, Diane. I hope you slept well." Dad then took a sip of his coffee.
"Yes, I did. Um...where are Pinkie, Maud, and Marble?" I expected Pinkie to be partying up a storm right now.
"Pinkie said she had to return to Ponyville because of a letter she got from one of her friends this morning. I think the letter she got said something about a pony named Starlight or something. So she might be gone for a little while. Maud and Marble left for Canterlot to make an order for replacement tools and supplies. They shouldn't be gone for too long." Mom then joined us at the table with a stack of freshly made toast with a plate of butter. We then made our own plates and poured our own cups of coffee.
"I believe you two are going to Apploosa today? Be careful on your way there." Dad then began reading the newspaper. Limestone and I nodded, we finished our toast and coffee, and then made our to the train station. We got on when the train arrived and then made our way to Apploosa. It was going to be a long ride since the train had to make many stops on the way to Apploosa.So we just watched the passing landscape. I wonder how Cherry Jam is doing. Maybe she wouldn't mind a visit from us. I then noticed Limestone had a serious, tense expression on her face. She must still be bothered from not working until they get replacement tools. I had to speak up.
"So Limestone, what do you do when you're out of work? Do you do anything fun?"
"Fun...? Well, not really. I can't really think of anything like that. I've always just work and work. It's really all I can do." Limestone sounded like she was...sad about that.
"Well, maybe you can have fun as you work. Like how you and our sisters made those rock dolls as fillies. Maybe you can be a sculptor." Limestone then looked at me in confusion.
"How do you know about the rock dolls we made as fillies? Did Pinkie tell you?"
"Um...well...I actually share some of Pinkie's memories because of the Mirror Pool. You know, magic stuff...." That was the best explanation I had. I'm still unsure how that pool really works....
"Oh right, that magic pool you told me about. Well, I thought about being a sculptor. It looks fun and it could keep me busy making all the statues. But there's a lot of work to be done at home right now. So I might have to put that on hold...." I guess Limestone prefers work over fun. Maybe this will good for her. We continued to talk as the train made it's way to Apploosa. I noticed that she's a very calm pony when she's not working. She must run a tight ship when she is working. After nearly three hours of train riding, we finally arrived at Apploosa. The town was as festive as I remembered. The buffalo and the ponies were enjoying their day like always.
"It certainly has been a while since I last visited. I wonder how Jam is doing?"
"Wait...you know Cherry Jam?" I never knew Limestone was friends with her.
"Yeah. I usually visit her whenever I have free time. I have other friends I visit too." Hearing that from her, I'm glad Limestone has more than just work to her life. We then left for Cherry Jam's house to pay her a visit. We then arrived and knocked on her door. There was no answer for a number of minutes.
"Is she not home...?"
"Maybe she's out in town right now. Let's go look for he-" Before Limestone could finish her sentence, the door was answered by Cherry Jam.
"I'm so sorry for not answering sooner...! I was working on some pies and I-" She stopped herself when she noticed us.
"Diane...? Limey? What are you two doing here?" Cherry Jam seemed both surprised and confused to see us together.
"Hey Jam. Long time no see. We came to visit you."
"Wait...Limey?" I chuckled at how funny that sounded.
Limestone cleared her throat, "Yeah, that's a funny nickname she gives me. Anyway, how have you been, Jam?" I saw a slight blush on her gray cheeks.
"Oh, I've been fine. But...what are you-" Before Cherry Jam could finish her question, we all noticed smoke coming from the inside of the house.
"OH NO, MY PIE...!" Cherry Jam ran back inside to go get the burning pie and we ran in with her. We weren't able to save it. The crust was almost burnt black and the inside was no different. Cherry Jam was heartbroken. We all sat down in the living room to mourn the loss of the pie.
"So...how do you two know each other? Did I miss something?"
"Oh...well, Limestone is actually my older sister. In fact, the Pie Family is technically my real family."
"What..?! No way...!" Cherry Jam was shocked to hear this.
"Yep. I don't really get it, but Diane was basically created by magic. But even so, she's still part of our family." Limestone sounded proud of that fact.
"Wh-what...?" Cherry Jam was very confused.
"Let's forget about all that. We wanted to see you. How have you been lately?" I would rather not explain everything all over again.
"Um...well, I was just making a pie like I always do, but...." Cherry Jam then became sad at the sight of the burnt pie.
"What have you been doing besides making pies? Find a nice guy yet?"
"Wait...have you been looking for a colt friend, Jam?" I guess she would feel lonely in this big house all by herself.
"No, I haven't.... Every time I meet a nice colt, he would already have a mare friend already. And I have been so busy with all the events that have been happening here in town. Like that Buck Ball game a month ago. After that, it has been pretty quiet lately...." Cherry Jam gave a deep sigh. I guess single colts are hard to come by in a small town.
"What about you two...? Do you two have a special somepony?" Cherry Jam then made a mischievous grin on her face.
"No, I don't think about that stuff."
"Colt friends only get in the way of work." From our replies, Cherry Jam gave an annoyed groan.
"You two are no fun...!" I think she was attempting to tease us. Limestone and I laughed. We continued our conversation from there. We told Cherry Jam about how we have been up to this point. Cherry Jam was impressed with how I was doing in Manehatten and with how many new minerals Limestone discovered. After a number of hours, we knew it was time for us to head back home.
"It was great to have you two visit me. Please, don't be strangers." Cherry Jam served us some leftover pie that wasn't burnt.
"Sure. We'll visit again soon." Limestone and I then left the house. It was starting to get late, so we had to leave right now.
"Take care of yourself, Cherry Jam." We began leaving for the train station.
"You too...! And get a colt friend already...!" We both left feeling bothered by what she said. We waited for the train to arrive and thankfully it arrived just as we arrived. We got on, took our seats, and we made our way back home. The sun was nearly set and night was nearly upon us. I was very tired, but Limestone looked completely unfazed.
"Hey Diane, I got a question for you...."
"What is it...?" I lifted my tired eyes to answer Limestone's question.
"What....what does Pinkie think about me?" Limestone seemed troubled.
"What do you mean...? Why ask me?"
"Well...you're sorta Pinkie, right? Or...um...well...." I think I know what she meant by that. Since I 'came from inside Pinkie', Limestone probably thinks I know what Pinkie thinks.
"Well, I can't tell you what she thinks exactly, but she really respects you, Limestone. She thinks you're really cool too." When I said that, Limestone blushed bright red.
"Oh...uh...alright then." She then looked away. Was she embarrassed?
"Limestone, what's wrong...? What brought this up?" Limestone then made a rather troubled expression on her face and gave a sigh.
"It's just that...well...I think I might be too harsh on our sisters sometimes. I always think about work and I hate things going out of order. I think I might be treating them badly...." I never knew Limestone felt that way. What if Pinkie heard her say this? What would she think? What would she think...? I then decided to sit next to her and lay my head against her left shoulder. I noticed her face then grew bright red again.
"Limestone, Pinkie thinks the world about you and our family. She thinks you're more grumpy than mean. And now that I got to know you a little more, I agree with her. And if I'm to be honest, I'm actually really jealous of her to have such reliable sisters." Limestone fell silent. She raised her right hoof up to her face and rubbed her eyes. She must be feeling much relief after hearing all that I have said.
"Thanks, Diane.... I feel...a lot better now." I'm glad to have made her happy. We continued to wait for our stop that led back home. We then arrived at the stop leading back to the rock farm. We then walked back and we arrived back home with Pinkie waiting for us at the front.
"Ah...Diane and Limestone! You're home! You had us worried!" She ran towards us. Maud, Marble, Mom, and Dad then left the house to greet us.
"What have you two been doing all this time?!" Mom and Dad rushed over to us out of worry.
"Sorry we're late. The time got away from us."
"We just went to Apploosa to meet with a friend. We didn't mean to be so late."
"I'm glad you two are alright." Maud then hugged me. She must have been the most worried.
"...welcome back..." Marble then hugged Limestone.
"Uh....it's ok. We're alright." Limestone blushed again and tried to hide it.
Dad gave a relieved, "Well, as long as you two came back safe, that is fine. Come inside. You two must be famished." We all went inside after all that happened today.
"Hey Diane, let's do this again sometime." Limestone had a strong proud smile on her face. I nodded as we went inside. We both knew we had a good home and a loving family to go to.
After yesterday, Limestone and I were both very tired. So we were the first ones to go to bed after dinner. I slept so well that night. I woke up to another beautiful morning and to the smell of freshly made grits and buttered toast. I see everypony sitting at the table enjoying their breakfast.
"Good morning...! I hope you slept well!" Pinkie is still so energetic, I've gotten used to it at this point. I sat at the table to join them.
"I did. So why are all of you up so early? I mean, you're all on vacation, aren't you?"
"Actually, we have to go and clean up the mess in the mine before anything else bad happens. Hopefully we can salvage some of the lost supplies." Limestone sounded a bit excited.
"I wanna help you all. It was kind of my fault that the mine collapsed...." I should have been more careful that day.
"It isn't anypony's fault. What happened was an accident. The foundation that held up the tunnel was unstable anyway." Maud was trying to make me feel better, but I still feel guilty.
"You leave the heavy work to us. Maybe Mom and Dad would like some help around the house or something." Limestone looked at Mom and Dad to confirm it.
"Actually, we do want you to accompany Marble to Canterlot. We need her to deliver a message to the Princesses today. Maybe you can pay a visit to Princess Luna." Mom then pointed at a lone letter lying on the counter.
"Sure...! I'm sure Princess Luna wouldn't mind a visit. You wouldn't mind if I tag along, do you, Marble?" Marble nodded silently. She seemed troubled about something.
"Alright then...! Time to work! Let's go...!" Pinkie then rushed off after eating.
"Pinkie, hold it...!" Limestone then quickly finished and ran after Pinkie.
"Be careful you two." Maud then followed them to the mine.
"Don't take too long. We will need all the help we can get when you two get back." Dad then followed them. Marble and I took the letter and then made our way to the train station. As we walked, Marble remained silent. I wasn't sure what to say to her. It was getting...a little awkward.
We arrived at the train station and waited for the train to arrive. It was still quiet and awkward between us and for the life of me, I didn't know what to say to her. Eventually, the train arrived and we both got on. And it was still quiet and awkward between us.
I took a deep breath, "So...Marble, how have you been lately?" I might start with an easy question. She nervously looked away and I think she squeaked an answer out.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Marble squeaked out another answer I could not hear. It was becoming even more awkward between us. I kept my composure.
"Do you...have any hobbies? Like drawing or knitting?" I know her Cutie Mark are supposed to be three little pebbles, but maybe she does other things. Marble then looked at me with a...somewhat surprised expression on her face.
"...um...I...um...like...making...dolls...." That was the clearest answer she gave me.
"Really...? You like making dolls? Though, I don't see any dolls in your room or anything like that."
"...I...can make...rock dolls...but...I want....to make....knitted dolls...." Marble then looked away.
"Knitted dolls? That sounds nice. I didn't know you knit. I would love to see you do it."
"...I...can't knit...." Marble looked depressed.
"I can knit. I learned it from Miss Jubilee. I can teach you if you want." Marble then looked at me all surprised again.
"Really...? You will...?" Marble looked a bit excited.
"Of course. I would love to teach you. Maybe you can have Mom teach you too."
"Well...um...I wanted...to ask her...but....dolls aren't....good for....the rock farm...." I guess she has a point. The rock farm is a family business. She probably has very little time for her to knit.
"I'm sure you can do it. I bet they will all look cute when you make them." I then noticed Marble's cheeks turn a slight pink. It was so cute.... Eventually, we arrived at Canterlot and it was as big and fancy as ever. We made our way to the castle and stopped at the front gate. The train then left as soon as the new passengers got on. The train would return at 2pm this afternoon. So we had time to enjoy our trip.
"We are sorry, but the Princesses are very busy with an important meeting and will not be taking any visitors today. Any and all messages will be delivered by us when their meeting is done." The guards were as attentive as ever. So the Princesses are really busy with something...? I wonder what it is.
"...ok...." Marble then gave the letter to the guard on the left side of the gate so he could deliver it to the Princesses. We then left the gate and decided to rest at one of the cafés in Canterlot and enjoyed some cupcakes and tea. Marble remained silent for some time after that. As much as I want to talk to her I'm not sure what to say.
"...Daine....what do...you like to do...?" I was surprised to see Marble speak up first. I might be getting through to her. I started telling her all about my life in Manehatten. I told her about my job as a waitress in Tough Love's bakery/café and Marble was impressed. I then noticed she had a rather sad expression on her face.
"What's wrong, Marble...? Did I offend you?"
"Oh, no...! It's...just that...you're so brave.... I...have always...been so scared.... I could...never do what...you did...." Marble must have some self-esteem issues.
"I was scared too when I first came to be. I was always afraid of being seen as a fake or as a monster. Though, what do you have to be afraid of? You have a loving family, and I'm sure you have some friends who care about you too." Marble wasn't always so timid if I remember correctly. She was always cheerful like Pinkie. So why is she so scared of everything? Marble turned away when I asked her that question. I knew it had to have been something serious.
"...it...it was right....after Pinkie left home...to live in Ponyville.... I was...working in the...mines with everypony.... We were....hauling minerals out of....the mines and....while I was digging....the tunnel became weaker and....it collapsed.... Limestone saved me but....her right-rear hoof got broken....and she couldn't work for a few months.... It was all my fault...." So that's what happened. Accidents on the Rock Farm must be common. Pinkie probably didn't know how much of an affect this event had on Marble.
"Limestone...probably hates me...for being stupid...." Marble must be afraid of being hated. Or maybe she's afraid of failing somepony again. Either way, this event had a on her.
"Marble, I know that's not true. Limestone would never hate you or any of our sisters."
"How would you know...?" Marble sounded skeptic. Limestone seems like the one who hides her feelings.
"Trust me, I know. She's just...hard-headed like that." That was my attempt at a joke. Marble then started giggling. She must be feeling better now.
"Yes, she is. Thank you, Diane." We finished our visit at the café, paid our bill, and left to explore Canterlot more. It would take some time for the train to return. We looked all over the kingdom. The many stores either had really fancy dresses or jewelry and I don't really have any interest in all that. Marble, on the other hoof, was captivated by all of it. Now that I think about it, her bed is very tidy compared to Limestone's, Maud's, and Pinkie's. We then passed a shop where three wedding dresses displayed at front window and Marble's eyes sparkled at how beautifully made they all were. There was a pure white one on the far left, a pitch black dress on the far right, and a plain gray one in the middle. They were all very pretty.
"You know, Diane, I hope that someday I'll find a nice stallion. He'll accept me no matter what." I blushed. But then I realized that Marble spoke clearly and without any pauses. Maybe she's starting to become more open...?
Marble then blushed bright red, "Aagh...! I'm...sorry....for talking....so much...!" Or not.... She then hid her face in embarrassment. If Mother heard that, I'm sure she'd be happy. We continued looking all over Canterlot until we noticed that it was now 1:34 pm. Marble and I made our back to the train station and waited until the train arrived. When it finally arrived, we got on and it left Canterlot for home. We both shared some small talk and eventually we made it back home at around 3:55 pm. We made our way back home and met up with Maud on our way back. She was covered in dirt and mud. She and Limestone must be really busy.
"You're both back. How did your visit in Canterlot go?" Maud was pulling some large boulders in a cart. I knew she was strong, but...wow.
"It was...fun. Is Mom and...Dad home...?"
"Yes, they are. I'm going to remove these boulders. I'll talk to you later." Maud then left to get back to work. Marble and I then left for the house. We went inside and saw Mom sewing another blanket.
"Oh, welcome back. I hope you two had fun. Ugh...darn this yarn." She seemed to be struggling with her sewing.
"Yes...we had fun. We...delivered the letter. Do you...need help...?" Marble walked over to Mom to look at the blanket.
"Diane, would you help me with dinner for a bit? Perhaps show me your baking?" Dad called me from the kitchen. I left Marble with Mom to do so. Dad and I both began getting dinner ready for everypony. I even began baking some bread rolls for us. Miss Jubilee taught me how. Dad tried one of them and he was very impressed. Though, they were a little well-done.... Later that day, we began setting up the dinner table and dinner was all ready. We were having a big salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and the bread rolls I made. We were then stopped by Mom and Marble.
"Now hold on, you two. Before you start setting up the table...." Mom placed a large blanket over the table and it was very pretty with it's combination of greens and yellows. It had a had many little diamonds positioned to look like a larger diamond. It went by green, then yellow, and so on.
"Well...that's very nice." Dad was right. It was very nice.
"Wait...is that the blanket from earlier?"
"That's right, Diane. Marble got it done very quickly. I've been struggling with it for a month now. And she did it so well too." Mom was very happy. Marble was blushing really red from the praise.
"We're back." Maud and Limestone came back home after what looked like a long day's work. They were both covered in dirt and mud.
"Huh...? Hey, is that the blanket you were working on, Mom?" Limestone took a good look at it.
"Yes it is, and Marble helped me with it. She's quite good at it. She even fixed some small holes in the knitting I did before." Mom hugged Marble out of joy.
"She always did have an eye for the little things. I'm going to go wash up." Maud left us and Limestone followed. Maybe...maybe that's what Marble is good at. Spotting the little details? I don't know. After Maud and Limestone came back all washed up, we all set up the dinner table and sat down for dinner. We all enjoyed it and it was beginning to get late. We all began getting ready for bed afterwards. Before I got in bed, Marble walked up to me.
She made a small smile, "Daine....thank you. I think...I'll be fine."
I chuckled, "I know you will. Good night." We all then went to bed and awaited for another day.
It's yet another morning and this time I woke up early. I had straightened my mane and tail, made my way to the and see Dad making coffee. Mom was making breakfast.
"Oh, good morning. I hope we didn't wake you." Dad then poured himself a cup and added creamer.
"No, I just woke up. I was going to make us some coffee, but it looks like you beat me to it." I sat down with them. It was 6: 22 am. It was still very early. We then saw Limestone and Maud walk into the room.
Limestone yawned, "Good morning...." She sat down with me.
"Good morning." Maud then poured herself some coffee.
"So...what are your plans fo-" Suddenly, the sound of the door slammed open.
"GOOD MORNING!!!" We all saw Pinkie Pie burst into the house carrying her pet alligator, Gummy, on her back and a basket of cupcakes in her left hoof. Dad spat his coffee in shock, and Mom sent one of the pancakes flying at Limestone's head. Limestone screamed from the heat and I quickly removed it. Maud was completely unfazed and she sat down with her coffee.
"I came to visit...! And I brought Gummy with me!" She came into the kitchen with her cupcakes and had a big smile on her face.
Dad re-composed himself, "Pinkie, please let us know before you make such a loud visit. We're not as young as we used to be."
"You nearly gave me a heart attack...." Mom took a number of deep breaths from the shock.
"I got burned...!" Limestone's face was red. I'm not sure if it was from anger or from the hot pancake.
"Sorry, but I wanted to spend more time with everypony! How are you all?! Where is Marble?1 Is she still sleeping?!" Sigh...Pinkie sure is excited. Even this early in the morning. As an apology for the outburst, she finished making breakfast for us and even included the cupcakes she brought. She told us about a lot of things that happened. Her friend named Starlight Glimmer defeated the Queen of the Changelings, Chrysalis. I don't really know anything about Changelings, except they eat...love? I'm not sure how they do that. Still, this Starlight Glimmer must be amazing. Marble then joined us and Pinkie hugged her tight like always. I'm surprised that she's not squeezing me this time. We finished our breakfast and Pinkie cleaned up.
"Oh yeah, Diane...! You want to go and have fun today?! You and me can go and visit some places! Just us two!" She got up to my face suddenly.
"Um...uh...."
"Alright then, let's go!" She then grabbed onto me and we then left the house in no time at all.
"Pinkie...WAIT A MINUTE!!!" Limestone was trying to catch Pinkie as she carried me out of the house, but she couldn't keep up at all.
"Wait...wait what?! Hey...!" I was too slow to say anything. Somehow, in no time at all, we were in Canterlot. For the life of me, I can never keep up with this other side of me...!
"Okie dokie lokie! Let's go look at the sights!" We looked at the kingdom and all of the stores and shops weren't open yet.
"Um...is everypony still sleeping?"
"Pinkie...it's still 7 am! Businesses usually open around 8 am! We have an hour before anything happens!" She runs a business. So she should know this....
"Oh...! You're right!" UGH...! This pony...is IMPOSSIBLE! I began scratching my head trying to figure her out. She visits with a loud announcement, she drags me across Equestria against my will, and now I'm in Rainbow Falls. ...wait...WHAT?!
"We're here...!" We were standing at the center of the colorful town.
"You...! How...?! When...?!"
"I got us here while you were scratching your head. Do you need to brush it? I brought my lucky brush with me. She gave me her mane/tail brush...from out of her mane. What is going on??? I think my head is spinning....
"Let's go have fun...! You need to see this!" She then pulls me away from the town square and took me to a tall hill that overlooked the landscape. Honestly, I give up. I just can't wrap my mind around Pinkie Pie. She's moving so fast that I don't think any pony could keep up with her.
"So...what are looking at?" I looked down at the landscape and I didn't see anything sticking out. There were some trees and rivers, and that's really it.
"Look...! The sun is rising!" I looked at the sun and saw many colors shining in the light. It was beautiful.
"The rainbows that flow from the falls shines brightly when the sun rises. It's really pretty...!" It really is pretty. Almost like the colors were all dancing.
"Oh...look! The Pegasi...!" Pinkie pointed at the sky and many Pegasi began flying amongst the colors that illuminated the sky. The shadows they all casted made it look like we were inside a kaleidoscope. It was...amazing.
"I read that the Pegasi who live here gather the colors the rainbows make in the light and send it to the Cloudsdale Weather Factory so they can make rainbows in the sky. The rainbows in the falls are mostly water, and the colors fade after a few minutes. That's so cool...!" That...is pretty cool. I always wondered how the rainbows mix with the rivers without any weird affects.
"C'mon...! Let's go...!" Pinkie then grabbed hold of me and began rushing off again.
"Pinkie...wai-" I was too slow...again, and now we're this big place full of games. It was flashy, and there were ponies having all kinds of fun.
"Welcome to Las Pegasus! Let's have some fun, Diane!" I then get dragged into all these games. We played all kinds of games: Dancing games, disk games, whack-a-mole games, crane games, and even they even had karaoke. I was so tired that I NEEDED a break. We both sat down to enjoy some lunch because now it's 1pm. And despite everything we did, Pinkie is still full of energy. How is that even possible...? I ate my carrot dog, hoping Pinkie would slow down a little bit so I can catch up to her.
"Oh yeah, I heard the FlimFlam Brothers are running this place and everypony are having even more fun now! This place is lots of fun!" I'm glad she's having fun. I' like to have fun too if my hooves weren't hurting so much.... She then finished her carrot dog and got bounced next to me. Oh no.... Not again...!
"Let's go...!" She happily grabbed me and we were suddenly in Apploosa. How....does she do that?! All the ponies and buffalos were enjoying their days like always and we began touring the town. I have been here enough times to know this place in and out. We enjoyed watching a few buffalo races, we had a cider, and we even went to the saloon. Pinkie wanted to dance with the dancing mares, but every pony and buffalo in the saloon insisted she sit this song and dance out. When I asked them why, they withheld their tongues. Either way, we did enjoy ourselves. Afterwards, we sat down and took a break. Thank Princess Luna, because I am really tired. As I enjoyed a piece of apple pie, I then noticed a sad expression on Pinkie's face. I've only seen Pinkie with a sad face only a few times, and that means something must be very wrong.
"Pinkie, is something troubling you...?" I know it's obvious, but Pinkie is pretty easy to read. She didn't answer me at first. She then gave a deep sigh.
"Diane, am I bothering you?" She seriously asked me that question dragging me all over Equestria? As annoyed as I was, I decided to withheld ~my~ tongue.
"Why would you think that Pinkie?"
"Well...um...I have been thinking lately about some things. Like, if I'm being annoying to other ponies. I have noticed that I don't really think about the stuff I do and I might be doing something bad. I never seem to notice until later and...well...maybe I'm doing something wrong." This surprised me to know that even Pinkie has doubts about herself. I can't believe I have been thinking about how 'perfect' she is when she has thoughts like these. Honestly, I felt bad about that. Maybe I can help her.
"Pinkie, do you want to talk about it...?" Pinkie nodded and she has began telling me about these moments she gets. She told me about the time she made her friend, Fluttershy, cry over her singing voice. Or the time she was trying to make a grumpy donkey named Cranky happy. Or the time she sang and danced in Apploosa and it started a war between the ponies and buffalo. It all makes sense now.... She tells me everything worked out in the end, but even after all of that, there are other times where she's still the cause of the problem. She then stopped talking and gave a deep sigh. She was looking kind of pale to me.
"Pinkie, are you alright...?" She was starting to worry me. I think her light-pink coat was going dark a little.
"I'm sorry for talking so much.... I never know when to just....stop." I then noticed her puffy mane and tail both began deflating. This was definitely not good. I began to panic, trying to come up with something good to say about her.
"No...! You should never stop being you! You should keep doing what you do! You make ponies happy all the time! They all like your parties, and they like hearing you sing, and they-!" I was beginning to run out of things to say to cheer her up, but I then noticed her perking up a little. I was still trying to think about what to tell her to make her feel better, but I got nothing left. But then something came to me and...this was surprising to even myself.
"Pinkie, you might not have realized, but if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't even be here right now. I wouldn't have met Miss Jubilee and her family, I wouldn't have made friends with Princess Luna, I wouldn't even be spending time with your family at all. I wouldn't even exist. I guess...I should thank you." After all that said, Pinkie suddenly perked up and started hugging me tightly.
"Thank you, Diane...! I feel so much better now!" I felt like I was getting squeezed by an anaconda....
"I hope we can be the best of friends and sisters...! Let's go!" Suddenly, we found ourselves back in Canterlot and this time everything was open. At this point, I just went with it. We toured the kingdom and it was as active as always. We had fun looking through some of the clothing stores and jewelry stores. We even visited Rarity's Boutique and the dresses were very pretty. Rarity must be very talented to make such nice dresses. And Miss Sassy Saddles was very nice. We didn't buy any dresses, but we had fun playing dress up. Even Miss Saddles had fun. Afterwards, I noticed that it was starting to get late. It was 6:42 pm already and I was really tired. Pinkie still had energy to spare, even after everything that happened today.
"Today was so much fun...! We should do this more often!" I began to tremble in fear at the thought.
"Uh...Pinkie, I think that's enough for today. Maybe we should head home now. We don't want to worry our family." We did just run out at random.
"Oh, ok...! Let's go home!" She then grabbed me again and in no time at all....again, we were back home at the front porch. I've gotten used to this by now. At least it saved us some time. We then opened the door and both Limestone and Maud dove at us.
"Pinkie! Diane! Are you two alright?!" Limestone began examining us for anything bad.
"Don't ever do that again." Maud held us both tight. I seem to get enough of these hugs....
"Yes, we're fine. We were just on a field trip." I began trying to pry Maud off me. We then see Mom, Dad, and Marble walk outside.
"Pinkie, you had us worried...! Running off without warning!" Mom then held onto Pinkie out of relief.
"Sorry...! I wanted to spend some time with Diane so much, I got a little too excited." That is the biggest understatement I've ever heard of.
"Please let us know before you visit so suddenly. Our hearts can't take another da like this...." Dad seemed very relieved to see us home safe and sound.
"Did you...have fun?" Marble also seemed relieved.
"Yep...! It was lots of fun!" I nodded in agreement, though it was incredibly random....
"Let's go inside. Mom has dinner ready." We all followed Maud inside the house and began enjoying dinner. At the end of the day, I got to know Pinkie little more.
It has been a pretty busy week for me and I've grown pretty tired. Spending time with all my sisters this week has been quite an experience. Especially Pinkie Pie.... I'm still exhausted from yesterday. I woke up early like always and my body is aching all over. After I fixed my mane and tail, I walk downstairs to see Mom and Dad making breakfast.
"Good morning...." I quickly took my seat at the kitchen table to avoid standing on my aching hooves any longer. The smell of toast and grits was heavenly.
"Good morning, Diane. Did you sleep well?" Mom just finished making a big bowl of freshly made grits with a rock at the center. All part of a Pie's balanced breakfast, I guess.
"I did, but my muscles still hurt from all the traveling I did yesterday...."
Dad chuckled, "Pinkie does move around a lot. Maybe some breakfast will help." Mom and Dad then placed plates and bowls on the table. They then brought a plate with toast and the bowl of grits both look really good. We got our plates and bowls ready and began eating. It was really warm and really good. We finished and then put the dishes away. Afterwards, it just occurred to me that it was very quiet in the house.
"Um...where is Pinkie and the others? Are they working today?"
"No, I gave them the day off. They have all been working hard lately. Also, Pinkie had to go back to Ponyville for something. She says it's for something special." Dad was as puzzled about this 'something special' as I was.
"As for Maud, Marble, and Limestone, they all went to Manehatten to enjoy the sights. It isn't often they visit the city." Mom began cleaning the dishes.
"Well, I'm not really planning on moving around today. Do you want to spend some time together...? Maybe get to know each other more...?" It was my plan to do so.
"That sounds good. Maybe you can help around the house a little bit." Dad then put on his hat and tie and made his way to the front door.
"I'm going to go and look through the farm and mine. Our supplies is supposed to arrive in a few more days. I'll be back later." Dad then left the house to do so. It was just Mom and I in the house now.
"Perhaps you can help me dust the house for a little bit." Mom got us both a feather duster and we began working on the house. As clean as the house looked, it was very dusty.
"Sorry for the dust, deary. It comes from all of the mining and rock farming we do here. I dust this old place every day." I can see why. We dusted this place from top to bottom. We then finished and decided to settle down in the living room.
"So Diane, would you mind telling me hat it's like in Manehatten? It has been a long time since I've been there." Mom was cleaning her glasses for any dust.
"Oh really...? How long was it?"
"Hmm....I think it was after I married your father and moved here. I think...20 years ago?"
"That long ago?! I don't think Maud was even born yet...!" Mom has been missing out....
Mom chuckled, "It has been a long time for me."
"How did you and Dad meet...?"
"Oh, that's an old story. I was visiting the city from Ponyville on a delivery. I was studying stones when I was your age. I was delivering a mineral report to my Geology professor in Manehatten University. After I did that, I met your father in my favorite restaurants called 'Sandwich House'. They made the best sandwiches around." She began licking her lips. Those must have been really good sandwiches.
She then sighed, "Sadly, they closed down.... Newer businesses were starting to open up and 'Sandwich House' was overwhelmed." There are a lot of businesses in the city.
"Um...Mom? Your story?"
She panicked, "Uh...oh, yes! My story...! I visited the restaurant for a meal and that's when I met your father. He was actually a young rock farmer making a mineral delivery to the university. And to my professor. He was indeed quite handsome. He had a strong look on his face and he was very strong carrying all those boulders on his back." She blushed at the memory of my Dad back then.
"Um...Mom? You're going off topic again." This is kind of awkward.
"Uh...yes! He was visiting the restaurant while he was on lunch. After he got his order and took his seat, our eyes met for only a second and that is when we first met. He seemed a little tense when he first met me. He could hardly get a word out of his mouth. It was so cute." She giggled. So even Dad had his nervous moments.
"We got to talking for a little bit and he was quite knowledgeable about stones. That is when he told me about his delivery. He needed directions to the university for his delivery and I took him there. He made his delivery and he had to head back to work. Before he left, he asked if we could meet again. His face was so red when he asked me...!" Dad must have been pretty shy around Mom.
"We spent time whenever we had free time. He was working a rock farm at 20 years old under his father's teachings. I was still studying at the university at the time. We became close over time. After I finally graduated, he came to me and asked if I could visit his rock farm. His father suddenly passed away from old age and left everything to Igneous. He was all alone, so I thought I should be there for him. And then we arrived at his rock farm. And that is when I saw Holder's Boulder. He told me that it was a family heirloom and it was used for match-making. I thought it was actually silly at first. But it was because of that large rock that he and I even met. Every member in his family has found their special somepony every generation. His family believed it was a magical object. Igneous' many fathers have all met their destined partners. And I was his." She blushed again. I always thought it was just a lucky charm. Maybe there's more to it. And it's thanks to that rock that...my sisters, Pinkie Pie, and myself even exist.
"He then looked at me and presented me with a cloudy quartz ring. And in only a few months later, we were married. Soon we had Maud, then Limestone, then Marble, and finally Pinkie. I have had such a happy life. And...now we have a fifth daughter." She looked at me with baffled look on her face. My case is rather...strange.
She cleared her throat and hugged me, "It doesn't matter...! You're our daughter and that's what matters!" Sigh...I never thought I would have two families. I can't wait to tell Miss Jubilee about all this. We continued talking about stuff until we then heard the sound of the clock chiming. It was 2: 30 pm.
"Oh my, time went by fast. Diane, I need you to do something for me. Wait right here." Mom then left the living room and went to the kitchen. A few minutes later, she came back with a basket of bread, a bottle of water, and a few pebbles.
"Please take this to your father. This is his lunch hour and he will be hungry by now."
"Alright." I took the basket and made my way out to the mine. This time I'm going to be much more careful. I made my way to the mines and see Dad moving a few boulders by himself. I think I know where Maud gets her incredible strength from.
"Dad...! It's lunch time!" I called out to him and he stopped working.
"Oh, why thank you, Diane. I was starting to get quite famished." He then wiped off the sweat and dirt off his brow with a towel on a nearby bench. We sat down on the bench and he began eating the lunch Mom prepared for him.
"Dad, do you know what the Holder's Boulder is? Mom told me it was used for match-making." He then gulped down the bottle of water and gave a relived sigh.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure what it is to be honest. I have only heard of stories from my father's father. His father's father once thought it was a dragon's egg when he first found it. It was seen as a lucky charm to the family. Maybe there is more to that stone. I'm not entirely sure." I guess it must be something special. Now that I think about it...doesn't the boulder have anything to do with Pinkie's...Pinkie-ness? Or is it just how Pinkie is? I have no idea.
"Well, the work day is nearly through. Would you like to help me a little bit? I promise to keep you safe."
"I won't make a mess this time." I began to help Dad work with some of the supplies he was able to save from the incident. Most of it was pretty broken. Dad taught me a lot about how the mines work. He showed me the different kinds of stones they mine like salt, iron, and even copper. I helped move some mine carts out of the tunnels and even separate some of the stones from one another. Afterwards, we then heard the sound of the train arriving at the station.
"Hmm, that must be the girls returning from the city. Go and greet them, would you? I still have much work to do." Dad went back to work in the mines. I then left the mines as asked and made my way to the train station. Before I arrived I saw Maud, Marble, and Limestone walking towards me.
"Oh, hey Diane. Sorry we were gone for the day. Dad gave us the day off. We got you all some cakes and stuff from a café." Limestone was carrying some baskets full of sweets.
"The owner was really nice too...." Marble was carrying baskets full of knitting ware.
"Diane, you have many minerals staining your hooves. Have you been at the mines?" Maud wasn't carrying any bags. I look at my hooves and they were quite dirty.
"Yes, I was helping Dad before I heard the train arrive. Did you all have fun in Manehatten?"
"Yeah, it was fun. It's not often any of us visit the big city. Maud was showing us around all the sights."
Marble giggled, "Limestone slipped while ice-skating." Limestone gave an annoyed grunt while she blushed.
"We tried to find Miss Cherry Jubilee, but we didn't know where she lived. So we decided to come back early. What all did you do today?" We all began making our way back as Maud talked.
"Well, I was getting to know Mom and Dad more." We continued until we got to the mines and Dad was still working hard. Maud and Limestone left us to go help him while Marble and I went home. We got home, put away some of the stuff they brought back with them in the kitchen, and I left to bathe. It felt good after some hard work. After I dried and fixed up my mane and tail, I went into the living room to see Marble getting started on her knitting already.
"You're so good at knitting, Marble." Mom was very impressed. Marble blushed a little as she continued knitting. Dad, Maud, and Limestone came back from the mines all covered in dirt.
"Well, I suppose that will do for today. Thank you for the help, girls." Dad then placed his hat on the living room table and made his way upstairs to bathe.
"W got a letter in the mail today. It is from Canterlot and it said we should be getting our replacement tools in a few days." Mom pointed to the letter that was placed near Dad's hat.
"Finally...." Limestone gave a deep sigh of relief. I guess taking it easy for so long has made Limestone stressed somehow.
"Diane, did Dad say anything about a black stone in the mines while you were helping him?"
"A black stone...? No, I don't think so. Why?" What Maud said was curious.
"We found it a week ago while digging and none of us know what it was. We think it's an entirely new mineral." I think I just saw a sparkle in Maud's eyes. She must be really excited. We then sat down and talked about what the girls did all day in Manehatten. Then Dad came from upstairs and he was cleaned up.
"I am done bathing now." Dad was drying himself off with a towel. He then sat down at the living room table.
"Alright, I'm going to get cleaned up."
"Me too." Limestone and Maud then left the room to bathe.
"Thank you for all your help today, Diane. The rest of the work was much easier when you came to help."
"You're welcome, Dad." I blushed from the compliment. It was starting to get late, so we then began getting dinner ready. The sweets the girls brought home was going to be for dessert after having Mom's Three-Stone Soup. We began eating when Maud and Limestone came down after bathing. I've been eating a lot of rocks lately and never even noticed.... We didn't see Pinkie Pie at all today. I guess she must be really busy with whatever she left to do. After dinner and dessert, it was time for bed and the girls had already gone to sleep. I was helping Mom and Dad clean and put away the dishes.
"I must thank you for being here, Diane." Mom had just finished drying off a plate.
"Umm...why?" I was slightly confused.
"For all that you have done for us. Limestone is smiling more, Marble is talking more, and Maud is more active nowadays. You've brought so much to us by just visiting."
"Indeed. Much like how Pinkie Pie showed us how to smile when she was a filly. You and her are so much alike." Mom and Dad then hugged me. I guess just being there can help some ponies. I'm glad I could do something for them. Then I remembered what was going to happen tomorrow....
"Tomorrow I'm going back to Manehatten to meet with Miss Jubilee and the others." Mom and Dad then looked at me in concern. I knew I couldn't hide me troubled feelings.
Mom then sighed, "It's alright, Diane. You don't have to worry about us once you leave."
"Yes. And should anything happen, you will always have a home here." Dad patted my head. Truly, I am thankful to have this family. I then bid them a good night and went to sleep. This was a short week, but I couldn't have been happier.
It is now the early morning of my last day with my family. I woke up early to pack up my bags, fixed up my mane and tail, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and then went downstairs to see everypony enjoying breakfast. Mom made some pancakes and Dad made some toast with butter and my sisters were sitting at the table with the plates and silverware ready to be used.
"Good morning...!" I said walking into the room with the sweet smell of pancakes filling my nose.
"Good morning." Maud was petting her pet rock, Boulder.
"Good morning, Diane...." Marble was still knitting whatever she started.
"Did you sleep well?" Limestone was looking through a book with pictures of rocks.
"I did. I've already packed up my stuff and I'm ready to go at any time." That way I can spend more time with them before I leave for Manehatten at 12:30 pm. It will be good to see Miss Jubilee and the others again. And I want to go back to working at the bakery/café again.
"That's good. It should give Pinkie enough time to-" Just before Mom could finish, the front door slammed open without warning.
"GOOD MORNING!!! I'M BACK!!!" It was Pinkie Pie and this time we were expecting her to arrive this morning. Speak her name and she'll appear.
"Good morning, Pinkie. Did you take care of whatever it is you were busy with?"
"Yes, Dad...! And I got it all set up at the barn! I know you'll all love it!" We all looked at Pinkie in confusion. After we ate breakfast we followed Pinkie to the barn and it was filled with balloons, streamers, cakes, and other party stuff.
"Ta-dah!!! A little party before Diane goes back to Manehatten! Do you like it?!" Pinkie then stood underneath a pink banner that said, 'Come Back Soon, Diane!'. This...feels familiar.
"This reminds of that party you made for us when you were young. A nice send off." We walked inside and music began playing from a stereo. Confetti then got shot out of a tiny cannon. Maud was right. This is exactly like the party Pinkie made when she first got her Cutie Mark. We began enjoying the party and it was great. The cupcakes Pinkie brought tasted great even though we just finished breakfast. As the others began enjoying the party, Pinkie and I sat near the entrance.
"Hey Diane...! Are you enjoying the party?" Pinkie was eating a plate full of cupcakes. That is a lot of sugar to eat.
"Yes, I am. Thank you." I then sat beside Pinkie with my cup of punch.
"I'm glad you like it! I didn't know whether to bring cherry frosting or chocolate frosting. So I brought a little of both!"
"I noticed. They all tasted great. You and Tough Love would get along well. She makes cakes and stuff too."
"That's right...! You work at a bakery! I'm so jealous!"
"Pinkie, you work at a bakery...."
"Oh, right." We continued to talk about stuff. It has been a crazy week. And I've seen so much. I can't wait to tell everypony in Manehatten about my week. We continued to enjoy the party until it was 11:32 am. It was nearly time for me to head back home. The party came to an end, I grabbed my packed bags, and we then got to the train station.
"It was great having you stay with us, Diane." Dad paid for my ticket back to Manehatten.
"Thank you for having me. I'll be sure to visit again soon."
"Don't be a stranger." Maud and the girls were all hugging me again.
"If you're ever in trouble, be sure to write. We'll come as soon as we can." Limestone was squeezing me.
"Take care of yourself, Diane...." Marble then began prying off Limestone. The passengers then finished leaving the train while new passengers began boarding it.
"C'mon Diane...! It's almost time to go!" Pinkie was going to join me on my trip back to the city.
"ALL ABOARD! ALL ABOARD!" With the conductor's call, the train made it's loud toot. I quickly got on the train with Pinkie and I waved everypony goodbye.
"Be safe...!" With Mom's farewell, they all waved goodbye. The train then began to depart for Manehatten. The train left the rock farm while Pinkie and I took our seats.
"So Dian, did you have fun? or did you have lots of fun?!"
"Yes, I did. It was the most fun I've ever had. Though, I wish you would let me know before you suddenly drag me somewhere...." Pinkie giggled. As the train made it's way to the city, I look out at the landscapes with a sad expression on my face being reflected in the glass.
"No, it's not that.... I feel like so much could have been avoided if I had just tried to talk to you instead of...running away. We could have been friends and I could have been with my family...so much sooner." Pinkie then hugged me.
"It's alright, Diane. If you hadn't, you could never have met with any of the ponies you know today. You've done so much by your self. And we became sisters and friends...! That's the best thing ever! I have another sister!"
"Pinkie, I'm you...."
"No, you're you! And you're one of my sisters too!" Pinkie is as positive as ever. She continues to hug me tightly.
I then sighed, "Alright Pinkie, you win." There is no arguing with Pinkie. Had it not been for her, Luna, and Miss Jubilee, I wouldn't be here and have two families right now. After a little riding, the train finally made it's way back to the city. We then got off the train to see Bitter Sweet waiting for us at the station.
"Doctor Sweet...! You're here to pick me up?!" I didn't expect him to do so.
"Glad to have you home, Diane. And this is...Pinkie Pie, yes?" Bitter walked up to us and levitated my bags onto his back.
"Nice to meet you...! Thank you for taking care of Diane! You seem to be a nice pony! Do you like punch or chocolate milk?!" Pinkie then left Bitter completely speech-less. Suddenly, the train began to sound it's departure.
"ALL ABOARD! ALL ABOARD!" I guess the trains are on double time.
"Oh no...! I have to go now?! Uh...Diane, you take care of yourself! If you need anything, just call me! Bye!" Pinkie then quickly got back on the train and the train then left. Pinkie waved goodbye as the train left the station. Bitter and I were both left speech-less.
Bitter than cleared his throat, "She is certainly...interesting, isn't she?"
I giggled, "Yes, she is." We then made our way out of the train station. The sight and sounds of the city felt welcoming.
"Everypony will be happy to see you back. Day and Charm have been crying their eyes out. It took both Miss Jubilee and Tough Love to pry them off my legs to pick you up." I can only imagine. I've missed them all too.
"I better be prepared for more hugs." We made our way back on the street our home was. I have done so much in my very little life. I want to do so much more in the near future. I have two families in this world and I know in my heart that I will never be separated from them. As of now, I have never been happier to be alive.