A bear.
Pearl couldn't believe she'd gotten close enough to pet one, but Fluttershy's bear friend Harry was like a big, cuddly teddy bear, a far cry from the warnings about the beasts she'd always heard back home. Pearl had spent the day with Fluttershy at her beautiful animal sanctuary, and the pegasus' way with animals amazed her. She returned to the Castle of Friendship in the evening with, again, no updates on her situation from Twilight and Starlight.
That night, Pearl retired to her room after Twilight trotted off to bed. Pearl tossed and turned in her sheets, her mind racing too fast to welcome sleep. With a sigh, she threw off her blankets and headed for the library. Maybe she'd take Twilight up on her offer to look through her books after all.
***
A biting hunger woke Twilight up from her sleep. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. Checking the clock on her nightstand, she realized it was three in the morning. Twilight lay back down and threw her blanket over her head, but her stomach still cried out for food.
Groaning in resignation, Twilight climbed out of bed for a quick snack, perhaps a muffin or something to quiet her hunger.
The flickering orange of candlelight from the library stopped Twilight in mid-step on her way to the kitchen. Probably Spike on one of his late-night comic binges. She’d reprimand him in the morning when she had more energy.
Twilight started back for the kitchen, but voices from within the library froze her in place once again.
“Here we go. How about this one? It looks like your cutie mark,” that, from Starlight’s voice.
“No, that’s not it, either,” came Pearl’s voice. “The shape’s similar, but the patterns are different. Let’s keep looking.”
Starlight yawned. “It’s really late, Pearl. We can keep searching tomorrow.”
“You can go to bed if you want. I’m gonna stay up a little bit longer and check a couple more books.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’m used to not getting much sleep.”
“Well then I suppose I could stay up a little more and help you look.”
“Thanks, Starlight. I really appreciate that.”
Twilight put her hoof to her mouth, her eyes warming with fresh tears. Starlight, I’m so proud of you. Hunger and more now satisfied, she crept back to her room and soon sleep welcomed her.
***
The next evening, Pearl returned to the Castle of Friendship feeling like a new pony and wearing the dress Rarity had made her; a shimmering silk beige gown with subtle pleats in the skirt to accent the oyster theme. It amazed Pearl how a relaxing day at the spa could rejuvenate one's mind and spirit. With only one day left, Pearl felt ready to tackle the challenges ahead with her new friends.
"Welcome back, Pearl," Twilight said when she saw Pearl enter. "I see Rarity has made a top quality dress, as usual."
"You can say that again!" Spike said, his jaw frozen. "You look amazing!"
Pearl felt her cheeks warm as she fidgeted with her hoof at the compliment. "Thanks, Spike."
"Only one day left. You're with Rainbow Dash tomorrow, and then we'll be off to find your parents," Twilight reminded her.
"Good. I need to get this all past me. Any luck finding a match for my cutie mark?"
Twilight hissed, her face twisting into an apology. "Not yet. It must be really obscure. But don't worry, we'll do whatever it takes."
Despite the news, Pearl smiled and bowed her head. "I'm very grateful."
Soon, the darkness of night came over Ponyville and everypony retired for the night...