//------------------------------// // XXI - Migration of Thought // Story: A New Kind Of Party // by Wolfie 03 //------------------------------// Start of September, 1005 A.D. The air smelled like brimstone. Skies were clear of the clouds they had earlier, and most of the creatures were only just starting to return after the horde of dragons passed by. The nearby small town citizens began to reemerge as well. From the trench came a small, purple dragon, ripping his apron off as he grumbled to himself. The mares watched bemused for a second before the more responsible farm mare nudged the blue pegasus with her elbow. Dash rolled her eyes and floated up from the trench, hooves around her muzzle to help her shout. “SPIKE! HEY SPIKE, WAIT A SECOND!” She kept flying over, half smirk on her face. “Look, I didn’t mean to rag on you so much, you just aren’t like those other dragons. It’s not a bad thing.” The mare shrugged dismissively. The lad crossed his arms as he waited for the mare to drift over. Hearing the half-apology, he turned and huffed, staying silent. The rest of the crew trailed up as well, taking off their camouflage as they walked. Pinkie reached out, scuffing his spines. “Don’t you worry Spike! I’m sure when you get to a… stable?... growth time, you won’t have to worry about ponies calling you cute.” The pale-pink earth pony continued to grin, watching only the lad, though her ears continued to twitch in the lavender mare’s direction. “They’ll be calling you handsome and dashing!” Twilight knocked the pink hoof off the dragon and slung her own hoof around his shoulders. “Spike, we should be heading back. We have a lot to log into the scientific journals.” The earth mare flinched back, stepping back away from the two. The rest of the group noticed the silent treatment, and hung back as well. The drake nodded, submissive. Twilight didn’t speak to the baker and instead teleported several scrolls into mid-air with quills already writing on them. Pinkie backed away further, ears flat as she glanced to the left, away from the mare who had captured and broken her heart. Desperate to break the building silent tension, the fashionista fawned, tilting her whole body towards her marefriend as she lifted a hoof to her forehead. “I simply can’t understand why we had to get so close to them! I fear I may never get the smell of brimstone from my mane!” Rarity half-whined as she pressed against the orange fur. “Not that a little brimstone is unpleasant now and again.” She amended with a smile to the young drake who looked up at the tones and complaint. “Spike, ya ok?” Applejack asked, though her gaze went to the two mares who were the most out of character. Her marefriend saw where her focus truly was and glanced between the two situations. “I’ll… I’ll be ok.” The lad rubbed at his eyes. “Not… not much sleep… Or rest… Or happiness…” A single pink ear twitched at the last muttered word. Twilight seemed to not hear the dragon’s words and kept her muzzle buried in the scrolls she furiously wrote on. The three mares exchanged bewildered stares. The pink earth pony timidly looked to her ex. The lavender mare ignored the searching gaze and looked over her notes to the purple drake. “Spike, I’m going to head back. Please be along shortly, I’m going to need every tome we have about dragons and compare our findings with theirs.” With that, the purple unicorn trotted off, face  back firmly into her notes. The farmer waited until the librarian was decently far away before putting a hoof onto the youth’s shoulder. She turned him about and looked directly into his gaze. “Spike, don’t ya try an’ hide how bad it’s gettin’. Is everythin’ alright?” Applejack’s words brought everypony’s attention back to the purple lad. Pinkie was among the first to zip forward, shoving her face up close. This afternoon her mane had been mildly frizzy, though the cold shoulder treatment didn’t help her colors keep their rosier shine and had become a lackluster gray. “What’s wrong?! What’s happened? Can… Can I help?” The pale-pink earth pony hunched against the ground, crawling forward with flat ears. Spike met the depressed blue orbs sheepishly. “She… Well, Twilight hasn’t really been sleeping, and we’ve kind of been busy doing a whole bunch of research… It’s… It’s not…” “Spike, don’t ya go saying it ain’t that bad.” The apple farmer flatly commanded. “Last time Ah was there, Twilight tried pickin’ a fight with me about a whole bunch of hogwash.” The dragon fell silent, withdrawing back. Rainbow Dash shoved her way into view as Pinkie shrank back. “Hang on! What fight?! Why is something wrong?” The prismatic pegasus looked between the leaving unicorn and the distressed earth pony left behind. “What’s wrong?!” The fashion mare and farmer exchanged another look. The pale-gray unicorn flushed, uncertain. “It’s… It’s not really our place to say darling…” Rarity looked to the party mare sympathetically. Pinkie sighed and straightened up. “Twilight and I broke up… General Raisin, Mr. Turnip, Madam le Flour and the others had some bad suggestions and Twilight got upset at it…” Rainbow stiffened, ears and fur standing upright uncomfortably.  “Yeeeaaahhh… Don’t listen to them…” The pegasus shuddered, memories flashing in her mind. The party mare flung out a disparate hoof, waving it back and forth. “No no, I’m not! I’m talking to Doctor RightAid and he says it’s not very good at all.” She hunched her back half lower, trying to plead her case. “I’m trying to get better! Honest! I just… She… Well, Twilight doesn’t want to talk to me, so I didn’t know it was getting so bad…” As Rarity went to console the distraught mare, Spike gave her a few timid pats on the shoulder before heading on to the town. Applejack stayed in place, watching the lad carefully, while Dash scuffed up her mane growling in frustration. “This isn’t right!” Rainbow looked up to the now teary party pony. “Pony feathers. Pinks, you go back and uh, bake something. I’m going to knock some sense into that bookworm.” The pegasus brushed the fur on her forelimbs up to her shoulders, warming the muscles underneath. The farmer jerked about to watch the flier who zoomed off. Suddenly full of motion, she rushed to her marefriend, poking the light-gray side. “Sugar, Ah don’t think we want tah let Rainbow talk with Twilight on her own.” “You’re absolutely right darlin’; I’ll go and make sure things stay, erhm, ‘civil’.” The fashionista stood up and gave the orange cheek a quick peck before trotting off. The two earth mares left behind stared wide eyed as the trim pony walked away. “Did… Rarity… go to stop drama?” Pinkie Pie questioned softly, flicking an ear to the pony beside her. She swiped at her cheek, clearing some of the light water she found there. “Err…” Applejack scratched the top of her head. “Ah… think she did. Uh, why don’t we go ahead an’ get to Sugarcube Corner.” Together, they slowly made their way back, giving plenty time for the other mares and dragon to get back first. -NKP- The pale-gray unicorn trotted quickly to catch up to the pegasus. Finding that she couldn’t, she instead focused on pulling the blue mare closer to herself instead with a simple halt spell. Rainbow Dash kept trying to fly forward, growling with frustration. Rarity continued forward until she came up even with the brash mare. “Darling, you simply must think things through.” The fashion designer tutted once she was close enough. “Why don’t we give Twilight a little time to herself and see tomorrow if she’s doing any better?” The pegasus looked towards her tail and noticed the light blue holding on to it. Slumping in place, she sighed, letting her hooves almost touch the ground. “Uuugh, fine. I’m coming back first thing in the morning and we are straightening this dumb thing out!” Dash scowled towards the tree library as she waited to be released from the magical hold. “Good. I shall meet you here. See you in the morning dear!” Rarity cheerfully waved goodbye as she released her magic. The blue mare was left hanging mid-air, mouth open in surprise at the rapid decision change. Scratching her multi-hued mane, she shook her head and floated upwards to her house for the day. The fashion mare trotted happily by her marefriend as she was coming back from the local bakery and magically pulled the mare along, smile and eyes tight. The farmer didn’t put up a fuss and merely followed with a half smile. That was until the unicorn spoke. “I believe we may need to talk again about what exactly has happened.” “Oh… uh, ok…” “We’re going to follow him, right?” Rarity kept her false grin in place. Together with Rainbow and Twilight, the three waved farewell to the dragon who carried the essentials in his bag. “Of course!” Twilight whispered back. Seconds later, she dashed inside, pulling over a large bag and filling it with papers, scrolls and travel supplies. “I can’t just let him go on his own! It’s dangerous! What if he doesn’t come back?!” “Yes… I suppose so darling…” The pale-gray unicorn turned and watched the frazzled librarian for a moment, thoughtful. “Perhaps… You would simply miss him too much to let somedragon take him away from you.” Rainbow drifted into the air, uncaring about the large sack of supplies. She had switched her gaze between the two unicorns, slowly growing more interested in the conversation and picking up where the fashion designer was heading with her comments. “Yeah. I bet you would do some pretty CRAZY things to keep him with you.” Dash crossed her forehooves, single brow raised confidentially. “Something that might actually annoy him to the point where he wants to do something just as stupid and leave forever.” At the speedster’s words, the studious unicorn froze in place, fur stiff. She looked to her friends with wide eyes. “You’re right! I have to make sure that whatever he chooses, it’s because he wants to and not being forced one way or another! And that it’s a safe location for him, he’s still a baby dragon after all.” The other mares deadpanned at the exclamation. “Seriously?” “You think he is still a ‘baby dragon’ darling…? If you’re sure…” The unicorn poked the floating pegasus. “We will go with you, but you should talk with Pinkie Pie first.” The librarian paused, parts of her mane frizzing upwards. “Why?” Her tone was bland and short as she avoided looking to the others. “Because you are about to leave town and she is bound to be worried. Because Spike is her friend too.” Rarity stomped over to stand in front of the lavender mare, gaze firm. “Because right now, you are being just as possessive as she was, just as worried and as likely to make some blunder that harms your relationship with Spike.” The blue pegasus watched shocked as the two unicorns had a bit of a stare down while testing the other’s willpower. It wasn’t long before the lavender pony crumbled first, breaking the contact. She flicked her ears back and nodded. “Alright… I’ll talk to her before we go.” “Wonderful darling! Come along Rainbow Dash, I believe I have the perfect plan for our following little ol’ Spikey-wikey.” The fashion mare turned about and trotted outside, pulling the rainbow tail. “Huh? What do you mean?” Dash looked bewildered to the tailor. Glancing up to the direction they started to head to, the tomcolt-ish mare thrashed midair. “Wait, no! No no noooo….!” The light-gray unicorn rolled her eyes with a huff. “Oh what a drama queen…” -NKP- A pink hoof shoved several kinds of cupcakes into the checkered sack on a stick. “You never know when you need that extra sugar! It helps me get to where I need to fast…” The young baker wilted, though she didn’t slow her actions. “Well… I used to. Now there isn’t much I need to rush for in life…” Spike playfully shooed away the helping hooves. Together, they sat in the back kitchen of Sugarcube Corner, out of sight from the owners who still remembered the last time the dragon had visited vividly. “I wish Twilight would consider talking to you… She isn’t doing much better either…” The lad looked sheepishly to the door before taking in the rest of the room. “Are… Is everything ok for you…?” The earth pony nodded slowly. “Yes… Like I said, I’ve been talking to a doctor, and I haven’t talked to my imaginary friends since… well… For a while.” Pinkie flushed as she rubbed her right hoof. “Anyways, I know I went too far. And I won’t do it again, so I’m definitely not going to try and stop you from finding you!” The mare perked up and gave the lad a soft hug, keeping her limbs loose and non-restrictive. The dragon buried his head into the pink chest for a second, tightening the embrace. He pulled away with a cough, grabbing his stick and heading for the door. “I… I better get going then. Don’t want to lose track of where the migration has gone.” Spike paused, claw on the doorframe. “If I… don’t come back… Keep trying to talk with Twilight? She misses you too, she just won’t admit it.” Pinkie smiled tearfully and pulled out a handkerchief to wave gallantly to the leaving drake. She turned to the counter, using the newly summoned cloth to wipe the trace amounts of flour on the surface. Far in the distance, echoing in her ear, was a call that held a tint of prench in its tones. The earth pony rapidly shook her head, dislodging the voice and blopping back into a seat with hooves crossed. “Gotta try and do what RightAid said… Voice the thoughts out loud.” The young baker snuck a peek around the room to be sure she was alone. Ears flat, she muttered to herself, “I don’t know if she would ever want to talk with me… She may never want to talk with me ever again… And I can’t make her…” Half a minute later the back door opened once more. Pinkie sat up, sniffing back her tears as she focused on the new visitor. “H-hi…! If you want some really scrumptious snacks…” She trailed off when her gaze took in the special shade of lavender. “O-oh… H-hi Twilight…” The mare scrunched down with ears flat once more. “H-how are you doing…?” The librarian stood just inside the entrance. Her body was stiff as her heart constricted at the dejected and dim mare cowering in front of her. A purple ear twitched. The silence stretched out until the unicorn coughed a few times. “I… I’m going to follow Spike to make sure he doesn’t get hurt on his quest.” Twilight declared, keeping her voice neutral. Spotting the fear that spread in blue orbs, the lavender mare loosened some of the tension from her body carefully. “The others suggested I tell you. I imagine they are doing the same for the rest of our group.” The party mare inched forward, keeping low to the ground. She stopped moving when purple eyes flicked to the motion. “O-others…? Who’s going with you?” She straightened when the unicorn’s gaze grew guarded at the question, reaching out with a hoof only to jerk it back once more. “I’m-! I’m not trying to say they might take you away or do something to you, I know they’re our friends! I… I was just curious… about… who… was… going………..” Twilight leaned back, various thoughts warring in her mind and on her face. “Rarity and Rainbow Dash. We’re leaving now, otherwise we might lose sight of Spike. I think Rarity had a plan for us to blend in with the crowd.” “Ok…” Pinkie scuffed a hoof on the ground. “Would… Would you guys like a snack?” The earth pony waved to the racks where the final product rested before going out to the store front. “You may need a lot of energy to walk all that way.” She tried for a smile as she spoke; something that grew stronger when Twilight appeared more thoughtful in a positive way. “That… I suppose it’s a good idea. Sugars would help with short bursts of energy and provide a quick solution to hunger.” The unicorn squinted. “Hopefully we aren’t gone long… Anyways, sure Pinkie Pie, we’ll take some snacks to go please.” Pinkie’s coloring returned, though her mane kept it’s half frizz and half flat appearance. She leaped over to the shelving and filled a basket with what she knew her friends would enjoy. Peeking over her shoulder, the party pony tried to gently pose her next question. “Would… Would you tell me when you guys get back?” “For what? A ‘so happy you’ve returned’ party?” Twilight half-joked, feeling a tiny part of her core lighten at the normally usual behavior. This tiny fragment splintered into tiny pieces at how the other mare lost some of her coloring once more and focused on the brown basket she had filled. “Oh… uh, no… I don’t really… I haven’t done very much party planning lately…” The earth mare set the container in front of the studious mare, refusing to make eye contact. “I just… hoped you would let me know you got back safely.” Twilight nodded slowly, making sure her ex saw it before levitating the basket onto her back. “Alright… We’ll talk when I get back… Maybe… about more than the fact that we got back safely.” She looked to the snacks, calculating how many bits she had to use. “So how much will this come to?” “You don’t ever have to worry about that Twilight. It’s on the house.” Pinkie smiled sadly. Her expression quickly shifted to one of bewilderment. “Well, not on the house house but you don’t have to worry about paying for it. Not that the house is paying for it but that you don’t have to worry, not that I’m trying to say you have to always rely on just me but that this time I was trying to do something nice and just let you have the cupcakes and it’s not that I didn’t make them specially for you though if you wanted some I would make them but you might not want them and you don’t have to take them even though you do deserve nice things but I’m not trying to force you to do anything or-” Resisting the urge to lean in with a kiss, Twilight put a hoof on the pink nose, grabbing the mare’s attention immediately. “It’s ok Pinkie Pie. I understand. These cupcakes, which are not specially made with anything aside from the usual care, which is fine, are free because… because they are.” The unicorn smiled at the timid nod her summary received. “Alright. Goodbye.” With the short farewell stated, the librarian exited the bakery. The mare left behind watched, still as a statue, afraid to breath or move. It was only after the purple strands of her tail were gone that the earth pony allowed herself to slump to the ground, hooves outreached for the mare of her heart. “Bye…” The whisper didn’t reach anyone’s ears aside from the mare who said it, but she didn’t mind. For a moment, it was almost like they were friends again. And if we’re friends, then that means I can at least be near and help her! I… I have to keep trying! I can do it! -NKP- The pink earth mare cut a little deeper into her circle rut she had created in her bedroom. The window next to her bed showed the lateness of the hour with the sky being entirely dark and clear of clouds. She looked to her clock and found it showed the same time as before, quarter past ten. A knock at the door startled the earth pony from her pacing. An orange stallion poked his head inside sheepishly. “H-hey Pinkie Pie. Don’t mean to disturb you, but you have some late night visitors. They were really hoping to talk to you, is that ok?” Pinkie nodded, shifting out of the rut she was making in the floor and turning to face the doorway head on. Mr. Cake moved back out of the way to allow Applejack and Fluttershy to enter. They seemed almost just as anxious as the earth pony as they trotted in slowly. “Hey Pinkie Pie. We figured ya’d be just as worried as we are about the others.” Applejack sat next to the party pony, trying for a simple smile. “Seems like we were right.” “I hope you don’t mind…” Fluttershy also entered, hunching close to the ground. “It… it helps to talk about the worry with friends…” She also smiled from behind her pink mane. The young baker waved goodbye to the stallion briefly before focusing on her friends. She leaned into each gratefully for a second. “Thanks you guys… I guess the others you care about are gone for a dangerous mission too…” The canary pegasus ducked her head, red covering her muzzle. The farmer scratched her head with a chuckle. “Eeyup...I know Rarity can be tough when she sets her mind to it…” Applejack scuffed the ground. “Just… seems like facin’ a whole flock of dragons is a bit different than campin’ or doin’ farm chores…” The others nodded in understanding. They all sat within hoovesreach, necks arched to the ground. “... Rainbow Dash is-is with them… Except that… She is kind of sort of maybe possibly… a little… uhm… reckless…” The pegasus whispered, peeking to the others who looked back sympathetically. “Yeah… Ah know Dash can protect herself and the others, but dragons are a might different than the normal things we’ve come across.” The farmer shook her head. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Rarity got all distracted by the colors while Twilight started takin’ notes.” Pinkie began to nod with more energy than she had shown. “Yes! Yes, yes exactly!” She pushed her bangs up away from her face as her eyes shrank to pinpricks. “And she wouldn’t watch where she’s going or what’s she’s doing!” “Yes… And… And Rainbow might not realize and go on her own to fight the dragons…!” “While Rarity would be stuck tryin’ to get the right accessory and get herself hurt…” The three mares all flung their heads back. Then, in sync with one another, they hung their heads with eyes shut closed. The timid pegasus couldn’t hold back her anxious tears, laying down with her head resting on her hooves. Pinkie Pie shuddered as she fought against her instinct and wanting to give her ex space. The farmer sighed heavily, allowing herself one more moment of fear before shaking out her shoulders and head. “Alright.” Applejack made sure she had the others attentions before continuing. “Ah think that’s enough of the pity party we had goin’. Yeah, our friends alone might be in trouble…” As the orange mare spoke, the two other distressed mares sat up further and further. “... But together, they can do just about anythin’ they go settin’ their minds to! And it’s to help a friend. Ain’t nothing gonna stop them from that.” Fluttershy giggled tearfully, feeling her cheeks burn lightly. Pinkie smiled hopefully, gratefulness shining in her gaze. The apple seller slung a hoof around both of their shoulders and pulled them close. “Now we just gotta keep our spirits up an’ be ready for when they DO get back…” The blonde gave in to one more second of worry, peeking to the pink earth mare on her left. “... Did they say roughly when they were gettin’ back…?” “No… But we could keep having sleepovers here until they do!” Pinkie Pie offered, trying to cheer up the despondent faces she found. “Oh, uhm, if it’s not too much trouble…” The butter-yellow mare ducked her head anxiously but perked up at the joyous and almost hyper agreement. “Of course! I offered it, I don’t mind it at all! So long as we don’t go crazy and wake Mr. and Mrs. Cake, it should be perfectly A-O-KAY!” The pink pony smiled wide and jumped over to her closet, pulling out extra blankets and pillows. Together, the three friends kept each other’s spirits up and hopeful. But with each passing day, their sleepover grew more and more somber. By the end of the fourth day of their friends’ separate adventure, the three mares all laid next to one another in a half-pony pile. Pinkie usually ended up in the middle of the three of them, though she didn’t mind as she felt like she always was receiving a giant hug from two of her bestest best friends. Unfortunately for the young baker, her nightmares grew worse as the librarian remained on her trip. Luckily Applejack and Fluttershy were able to reassure her that nothing was wrong; nothing that they knew of at least. They didn’t want to press the depressed earth pony for answers and merely focused on trying to keep everypony’s mind off the situation at hoof. This particular night was rather difficult. The winds were strong as they had pushed two different storm systems across the land. She stared out the window from between the two others. Feeling the frown tug on her cheeks, she hid her muzzle under pale gray-pink limbs. “Pinkie… Ya ok?” Applejack murmured from the pink mare’s left side. She leaned into the pink fur to help show support. “Do ya want to talk about it…?” Two yellow ears tilted forward to catch every word, though the pegasus stayed hidden behind her mane. “I… We… You know we broke up right…?” Pinkie waited for two nods before continuing, talking through her hooves. “We… I was worried that somepony would take Twilight away from me. So much that I started fights in Canterlot. And… And Twilight said that she didn’t think we should keep dating.” The others froze at the confession. They shared a bewildered glances over the flatten pink mane. “You… You started fights…?” Fluttershy popped up, her confusion helping her to speak up. “That… That doesn’t seem like something you would do normally… Was  there really a chance of somepony taking Twilight away? I… uhm… thought you guys were really… happy together…” Pinkie Pie threw her hooves forward, wiggling them as she stared straight ahead. “I don’t knooooow!” She half cried. Seconds later, she replaced her hooves back into their previous position. “And while I’ve tried to not hover or get all nervous about Twilight, it’s too late because she doesn’t want to talk or even be friends!” The earth pony turned around to lay on her back, moving her hooves to hold her barrel to prevent it from shaking to pieces. “She… Before she left, she said that we could talk but she hasn’t been back yet! So I’ll never know what she might have decided!” The other mares cooed in empathy and enveloped the distressed pony in a tight hug. Fluttershy had the benefit of wings to add to the embrace. “It’ll be ok. You’ll see.” The animal caretaker nuzzled the pink mare, voice soft and soothing. “Sometimes you need to wait a long time for anything to happen.” “Eeyup. Sounds about right. Ya just gotta keep movin’ forward, keep yer head up and stay positive.” Applejack mentioned from the other side. “Ya can’t let yer fears get to ya. Ah know ya can do it.” The friends stayed in that hug, feeling their bodies releasing the tension, when there was a flash of light that caused the mares to stiffen in surprise. Looking towards the ceiling, they barely caught sight of the white paper before it dropped down onto the pink muzzle. “What-?” “O-oh my-!” “IT’S FROM TWILIGHT!” Pinkie Pie shot up, grabbing the the scroll as she moved. She leaped from the middle of the hug and stood perfectly upright, opening the mail rapidly. “She says that they are back in Ponyville! Just outside city limits! And they’ll be back home shortly! AND that she is still planning on visiting me, she is just a little tired from an unplanned and uncoordinated teleportation…” Bright blue eyes looked up to the relieved others. When the guests noticed the fear in the party mare’s gaze, they also grew concerned, bracing themselves for bad news. “If… If she had to do an ‘uncoordinated’ teleport, then that means something happened and they had to get away quickly! Ooooooooooooo…!” The earth pony crouched low, both hooves going to cover her head. “But, uhm, Twilight didn’t say they were hurt, did she…?” Fluttershy questioned softly. She hunched in place worriedly. “Well, I mean, no…” “Exactly.” Applejack cut in, patting the pink back. “So worryin’ more than ya need to isn’t the way to show how much yer workin’ to be more relaxed.” The farmer tipped her hat back with a pleased smile. “If it’s alright... Ah’d like to go an’ check on Rarity. It was nice, helpin’ one another waitin’ for… everypony to return.” The orange earth pony flashed a smile to the pegasus who hid her blush behind her mane. The young baker nodded solemnly, leading the way to the door. “Sure thing, I understand. Thanks a whole bunch for staying.” Pinkie waved her friends off. She hopped excitedly back up the stairs, reaching for the letter with a worried grin. As she re-read it, there was a soft knock on the bedroom door. Mr. Cake smiled worriedly from the edge of the frame. “H-hey there Pinkie Pie, me and Cup Cake overheard some of what you were saying, and thought maybe we could talk?” Mrs. Cake entered a half step after her husband. They sat on either side of younger mare on the bed. Pinkie Pie half-grinned, glancing to each of the others, holding the paper tightly in her hooves. “So, we overheard you saying how Twilight was going to come over to talk.” Cup Cake put a hoof around the pink shoulders. “We just… wanted to talk with you first. In case.” “In case of what?” Pinkie blinked slowly, head tilting in curiosity. Carrot Cake leaned into view, his smile still uncertain. “Well, in case things don’t work out the way you’re hoping.” The married couple waited for some kind of reaction from the younger earth pony. When they got none, they continued. “Sometimes, even if we really hope things work out, they don’t.” Mrs. Cake half shrugged before leaning against the young mare. Pinkie Pie’s ears drooped along with her smile. She looked to them, mind whirling. “Have… have you guys ever broke up?” “Oh sweetie… Yes, we had indeed broken up.” Mrs. Cake smiled warmly to her husband before focusing on the party pony. “We met in high school.” Carrot Cake nuzzled the other with a smile. “But when we went to college, we separated because of the distance.” “We met other ponies and went our different ways, though we stayed friends.” Cup Cake blushed at the bewildered blue eyes looking up to her. “But you-you found each again right! You were meant to be together!” Pinkie reached out with her hooves, waving them in confusion. “How did you find one another again?” She stared with great big puppy dog eyes as she asked. “We met at an internship bakery, Granny Pie’s Sugary Snacks.” “My Granny’s?!” The pink earth pony sat up with a wide grin. The older ponies smiled back just as widely, nodding. “Yes, that’s how we first heard about you needing a place to learn to bake!” The stallion reached out to give a shaking hug to the younger mare. “And when we met there, we decided that we should get back together.” “And we’ve been together ever since.” Cup Cake gave the stallion another loving nuzzle. “Sooo…” Pinkie stretched out the word, switching her gaze between the older ponies. “So we were worried that you might not try to find other ponies to be with if it doesn’t work out with Twilight.” Carrot murmured as he caught the searching blue eyes. “When we weren’t dating, we dated other ponies… Have you thought about what if Twilight doesn’t want to date you again?” “Why do you think it has to be Twilight anyways dear?” Cup questioned, putting her right hoof on the pink limb. “Because I got the very special Pinkie Sense that said we were supposed to be together!” Pinkie Pie turned to face the older mare, gaze starting to fill with water. “I don’t understand… My Sense hadn’t steered me wrong before…” The couple shared a bewildered glance, communicating silently. The pale-blue mare took a breath and tried to argue the Pie logic. “Dear, we know you have a very special connection to the world and your ‘Sense’ helps explain and advise you… Your Granny was the same way.” Cup Cake softened her words with another grin. “But… You can’t force ponies to do anything they don’t want to. Even if you think-” “I know!” “-know that you are supposed to be together, they have their own decisions to make.” Pinkie frowned towards the ground as she processed the advice. Barely feeling the older ponies on either side of her, she fought her heart and mind shouting otherwise, and ignored how the ends of her hooves lost sensation at what was potentially about to happen. “O-ok… So… If Twilight doesn’t want to be together, I have to… just accept it might not work…” The earth pony shuddered as more of her colors drained away. “R-right…” The stallion gulped nervously, gaze flickering between the other ponies. “Did… Did everyone in your family meet their special somepony with that uh… ‘special sense’?” Tearful blue eyes stared back as the pink-tinted gray head nodded slowly, mouth trembling. Cup Cake rubbed the distressed mare’s back. “You don’t know that for sure dear. Why don’t you mail your family and find out for sure?” The two-tone maned baker gently grinned and shook their apprentice. “I’m sure things will be ok.” Pinkie nodded, gaze down, as the other earth ponies stood up from the bed. “We’ll just, leave you in peace for when Twilight comes by…” Carrot Cake assured as he edged out of the room. “And if things don’t work out like you hope, we’re still here to talk if you need to.” Cup Cake followed soon after, head still inside. “Good luck dear.” “Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Cake..." Pinkie Pie slumped in place, front half drooping off the side of her bed. “I’ll write that letter…” Hooves moving languishly, the pony began to write the letter to her grandparents and parents. She felt a little silly questioning a special ability they’ve always had but wanted to take the ponies who gave her a job, place to live and cared for her seriously. Sealing it up in an envelope, she was just setting it aside when there was a knock on the upper floor door. Pinkie Pie rushed up off her bed only to slow down in moments. Trotting calmly, she opened the balcony door, revealing the purple unicorn on the otherside. The earth pony straightened up with a normal sized smile. “Hello Twilight! Thanks for coming!” The pale-gray-pink mare waved the other in. “Please, come right on in!” The lavender mare glanced around the room, taking in each object and decoration. “Thanks. We only just got back, sorry it’s so late at night.” “It’s ok!” Pinkie waved away the apology. “I’m glad to hear you and the others are alright. How did the trip go? Did Spike decide to stay…?” “No, he decided to come back to Ponyville.” Twilight tried to spot any stacks of letters or notes as she responded. She then waited for the torrential outpour of questions. When none came, the unicorn looked back with a brow raised. Sitting a few paces away was the earth pony, small smile in place as she waited. “Pinkie Pie…?” “Hm?” “Uh… Never mind.” The librarian shook her head. “So, I wanted to talk about… us.” The baker kept her smile, eyes closed tightly, though her ears betrayed her interest by tipping forward. “What would you like to talk about?” The unicorn shrugged with a sigh. She glanced out the window, barely taking in the night sky. “The others say you have been working on… being not overly possessive.” “You bet! I’ve gone to see doctors to help and I don’t listen to my imaginary friends anymore either.” Pinkie tried to keep her voice neutral as she spoke. Her heart beat raced as she forced her body to stay still. Even as every shift of the lavender pony caused her pale-gray pink fur to try and shift with it. “Really?” “Yup! Really.” The two stayed in place, looking at one another. One wore an uncomfortable smile as she tried to stay neutral while the other remained on guard. “That’s good to hear… If you really are trying, then maybe we can try being friends.” Twilight spoke carefully, watching for any changes in the earth pony’s behavior. Pinkie remained in place, even as her heart lightened at the potential. Everypony’s advice floated through her mind about accepting whatever happens. She nodded slowly. “I would like that. But only if that’s what you want.” “Yes, of course.” The lavender unicorn nodded at an even pace. “It would be odd to still be mad. And it isn’t very healthy to be mad for long periods of time… Even if it is reasonable…” The last sentence was muttered softly as the studious mare glanced to the right with narrowed eyes. She straightened up with a shake of her head. “Anyways, yes, let’s try to… ‘start over’ as friends.” The earth pony smiled wider and stuck out her hoof. “Great to meet you all over again! If you need anything, please let me know!” The limb trembled as it hung in the air, though neither mare noticed the motion. Twilight grinned back and followed the flow, opening her forehooves for a hug. The baker paused at the sight before moving timidly to accept the embrace. They closed their hooves around the other long enough to begin to feel the other’s warmth when Pinkie Pie carefully stepped back, keeping her hooves off the lavender barrel as she leaned away. The unicorn frowned for a second, her chest scrunching with loss of the touch. Shaking her head, she stared closely to the other mare, noticing that the wavering blue eyes wouldn’t meet hers. “Thanks for coming by and… and giving me another chance to be friends.” Pinkie rubbed her left hoof with a half grin. “You have to go home now probably huh? It’s been a long night and you, uh, said that you had to do a rapid teleportation right? Probably pretty tired.” The earth pony reached out and brought forth a phone book, opening it up to the taxi services in town. “Would you want to call for a ride? I’ve heard a lot of great things about all the companies around here.” The unicorn waved away the offer. “No no, it’s ok. I can still walk and it’s not that far. Good night Pinkie Pie.” The pink mare walked over to the balcony door, holding it open for the other with a small grin. “You too Twilight. Be…” She gulped quietly, limbs shaking minutely. “Be safe, ok?” The two mares shared another smile before the purple pony left, using the ramp ways to trot down. Once the unicorn was on her way, the mare left behind shut the door quietly. She leapt for her bed, slowing her descent enough that the mattress frame didn’t shake as she landed, and grabbed her pillow, holding it against her chest as she sobbed into it’s fluffy depths. She kept the sound low and used her tail and back hooves to shift the blanket to cover her. It doesn’t feel right! It isn’t right! And… And it might never be right again…! But I have to try… -NKP- Subject demonstrates minor restraint when it came to a physical contact moment. Releasing first and after 2.3 seconds*, Subject maintained constant twelve hooves distance from the Investigator. *(-13.7 seconds from previous ‘friend’ hugs as recorded before Subject and Investigator joined in a mutual physical partnership which resulted in longer and different types of embraces.) To restate for the purposes of this log, the investigation is to see if Subject Pinkamena “Pinkie” Diane Pie has indeed made any progress towards reformation. After every encounter the investigator, Twilight Sparkle, will record any and all findings with an unbiased view point. A.N.: I will find proof to show the others that Pinkie is just putting on another ‘act’ to try and get close to Spike and myself. I won’t let us get hurt by her again. Satisfied with the entry, Twilight shut the blue book and put it away on the laboratory shelf. Nodding to herself, the librarian walked back upstairs to her desk. She levitated the books resting there back into the air and reached for the stack of papers on the left side. There was a soft snore coming from upstairs. Ignoring how the dragon was asleep in his proper bed, the unicorn checked that the brawny owl was nearby and waiting for book requests. “Let’s get down to work Owlicious.” The pet hooted tiredly in response and resettled in place, already exhausted. The large white doors burst open, slamming into the pristine walls with little care for the intricate designs on the molding lining the top and bottom. The night guards, used to some of their princess’ moments, did a basic sweep of the room with their sharpened eye sight and found there wasn’t any danger. Though the lunar princess was a fearsome presence on her own. “Sister!” The white alicorn looked up from her paper slowly, expression weary. “Yes Luna…?” “This has NOT gotten any better for our friends Twilight Sparkle or Pinkie Pie!” The navy blue mare stomped her hoof as she stood in the middle of her sister’s room. “Now Pinkie Pie is having her own nightmares, though she is more adept at chasing the fears away after realizing them for what they are.” Celestia rubbed her forehead, eyes scrunched shut. “And Twilight is still having her own night terrors, correct…?” “Yes. When are we going to intervene?” Princess Luna scowled. “This cannot continue for the two of them.” “Spike’s latest letter was about the dragon migration.” The solar princess lifted the paper once more, scanning its contents. “I imagine that we will be getting a letter soon and we can deal with the situation accordingly. Though if this continues on for much longer, we might have to take more drastic, and direct, measures.” Luna scowled darkly. She fumed silently, watching her older sibling serenely read the multitudes of scrolls sent in. The princess of the night inched backwards quietly, brow clearing as an idea came to her mind. She smiled smugly, about to make her escape to the small town, when Celestia spoke up from where she sat on her cushion. “No Luna, you can’t just go down there and tell them to make up. That’s not how to fix broken relationships.” The solar alicorn sighed, looking up from her reading. “Ponies have to talk about their problems. And notice that there is a problem before it becomes an issue. Like we should have, eons ago.” The reminder made the younger alicorn pause with a light blush. She ducked her head as she absorbed the lesson, agreeing after a moment of silence. “I suppose you are correct in this instance Sister.” Luna nodded and trotted out to the throne room, putting on a performance of acceptance and regal behavior. She felt every minute of the night pass by as she focused on her other duties, shoring up the belief that her sister would indeed intervene when it was needed. “Or it’s back to my plan…” The mare grumbled to herself as she sorted out another double booking conflict for local businesses.