//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: Party of One (S1:E25) // Story: My Little Pony: Nine Elements Book 1 // by BlueBioWolf //------------------------------// My Little Pony: Nine Elements Written by Brandon Nell, Blake Hawkins, and Rachel Ravens Chapter 25: Party of One Two days after Twilight told Spike how she felt about him, Pinkie was planning a party for Gummy’s birthday the next day. “This is going to be such a great time,” Pinkie said to herself. “The tasty cake, the sweet punch, the games, and all the decorations.” Gummy simply stared blankly. “You’re going to love this party, Gummy. I have a feeling that all of my best friends will be there for you.” The next morning, Twilight woke up and saw Spike’s bed empty. “Spike?” Twilight gasped. “Spike, where are you?!” “I’m making breakfast, mom,” Spike said from downstairs. “Oh,” Twilight said before breathing a sigh of relief. “Sorry for overreacting.” She looked in the mirror and brushed her mane before coming downstairs. “That’s okay,” Spike said. “I guess you still felt worried after those arguments we had before. But, I’m doing a lot better since then and I have you to thank for that.” “Is Owlowiscious helping?” Twilight asked. “Not after getting feathers in the pancake batter yesterday,” Spike said. “Ah, I see,” she said. She remembered that very well. “Besides that, how’s this new system working out?” After the day she spent bonding with her little dragon, Twilight set up a system where Spike and Owlowiscious would work together during times when they were both awake.* “It’s working out pretty well actually,” Spike said. “Now that Owlowiscious and I had a chance to make amends, when we do work together, we have great times together. I actually learned quite a lot about him and he learned a lot about me.” “What have you learned from him?” Twilight asked. “How good at charades he is,” Spike said. “I’ve also been teaching him to write Ponish like you taught me because none of us can read owlscratch.” “Ah, that’s wonderful,” Twilight smiled. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. “Were you expecting somepony?” Twilight asked as she went to answer the door. “No,” Spike said. “Sounds like you weren’t expecting anypony, either. Go see who it is, please, and if I need to make more breakfast for them, let me know.” “Way ahead of you,” Twilight said. So, Twilight answered the door to see the pink Earth mare she called a friend. Twilight smiled at her. “Oh, hi, Pinkie.” “Where’s Spike?” Pinkie asked. “This is for you and him.” “He’s in the kitchen,” Twilight said. “He’s making breakfast for himself and myself. Would you like something?” “No thanks,” Pinkie said. “I had a few muffins on the way here.” “Alright,” Twilight said. She then turned her attention to the direction of the kitchen. “Spike, can you come to the front door, please? Pinkie has a message for the both of us.” “Okay,” Spike said. “The breakfast needs time to cool down, anyway.” He then walked to the door. “Hey, Pinkie. What’s up?” Pinkie began to sing an invitation. “This is your singing telegram I hope it finds you well You’re invited to a party ‘Cause we think you’re really swell~” Pinkie sang another verse at Rarity’s. “Gummy’s turning one year old So help us celebrate The cake will be delicious The festivities’ first rate~!” She sang another verse at Sweet Apple Acres. “There will be games and dancing Bob for apples, cut a rug And when the party’s over We’ll gather ‘round for a group hug~” She sang another verse at Rainbow’s cloudominium, supported by a hot-air balloon and slightly exhausted. “No need to bring a gift Being there will be enough Birthdays mean having fun with friends, Not getting lots of stuff…” “Pinkie, are you—” Rainbow started asking before instantly being cut off by a scene change. Pinkie was singing the final verse to Fluttershy, even more exhausted and barely able to stand. “It won’t be the same without you So, we hope that you say yes So, please, oh please, R.S.V.P. And come and be our guest…” By the time Pinkie finished the song and gave the last invitation to Fluttershy, she was completely worn out. She only had enough strength to walk home with Gummy on her back. “Next time,” Pinkie said hoarsely. “I think I’ll just give out written invitations.” With that, she collapsed onto the ground to catch her breath and rest her legs. Later, Pinkie’s friends and Caramel made it to Gummy’s party. Lively music was playing on a phonograph. Applejack and Caramel were bobbing for apples in a basin. They each managed to grab the same apple with their muzzles, leaving the two to blush. Meanwhile, Spike was sampling the punch alongside Rarity. “Mmm, this is some great punch, Pinkie,” Spike said after his sip. “Indeed it is,” Rarity said. “Is this the same punch you used for your ‘Spring has Sprung party?’” “Nope,” Pinkie smiled. “It’s a new recipe. It’s Gummy’s favorite.” Spike looked at the bowl. “Uh, Pinkie?” he said. “I think Gummy might be enjoying it a little too much.” “Why do you say that?” Pinkie asked. Pinkie and Rarity looked to see that Gummy was in the punch bowl. “Gummy, you little party animal~! I know you want to have a great birthday, but, other ponies and Spike want to enjoy the punch, too.**” At the realization of what she was drinking, Rarity spat out the punch in her mouth. Because she wasn’t watching her aim, she ended up spraying Spike and Pinkie. “Oh dear! Terribly sorry about that.” “It’s okay, Rarity,” Spike said, drying himself off with a towel close to the refreshments table. “Pinkie, I suggest you dispose of that contaminated batch.” “Okay,” Pinkie said. “Thankfully I have another batch available in case we ran out.” She then took the bowl after Spike and Rarity emptied their cups back into it. “Thank you, Pinkie,” Rarity said gratefully. She then turned her attention to Spike. “And thank you for pointing that out, Spike.” “It’s no trouble, Rarity,” Spike said. After returning with a fresh batch of punch, Pinkie saw Rainbow bobbing for apples alone. “Hey, Dashie,” Pinkie said. “Be sure to keep a muzzle out for surprises.” “Besides apples?” Rainbow asked. “What kind of surprises would be in that tub anyway?” “I can’t tell you what they are,” Pinkie said with a giggle. “That’s why they’re called surprises. By the way, weren’t Applejack and Caramel there with you?” “They were,” Rainbow said. “But, they both grabbed the same apple and decided to go dance together.” “Aww,” Pinkie cooed happily. “Those two are such a perfect couple.” “Yeah,” Rainbow smirked. She then went back to her apple bobbing. When she resurfaced, she had a tennis ball tethered to a spring in her mouth. “You got a surprise!” Pinkie squealed happily. Suddenly, a different song started. “Ooh! This is my jam!” She then began dancing with Twilight and Fluttershy. “Oh, Pinkie,” Twilight smiled. “I’m having so much fun! A blast, even. I used to avoid big parties.” “But, now that you’re on a quest to explore the value of friendship,” Pinkie said. “You can celebrate with us!” “My brother gave me a book on dancing for my birthday,” Twilight said. “I can’t imagine why.” “I guess he thought you were going to need it,” Pinkie said as Twilight danced rather clumsily. Pinkie was in too much of a good mood to comment on Twilight’s awkward dancing. “Pinkie,” Fluttershy said happily. “You always throw the best parties.” “They’re always the best because my best friends are always there!” Pinkie said. “And we’re certainly glad to have fun spending time with each other,” Twilight smiled. “Gummy wants to dance!” Pinkie said. “Clear the dance floor, everypony!” She bumped Fluttershy out of the way. “Whoa!” Fluttershy yelped. Luckily, she landed on a large pile of inflated balloons. “I’m okay.” Gummy just shambled onto the floor. He swished his little tail back and forth. The six mares, Caramel, and Spike danced around him. “Go, Gummy~!” Pinkie cheered. “It’s your birthday. Go, Gummy! It’s your birthday!” When the party was over, night had fallen. Spike and the ponies who didn’t live at Sugarcube Corner were about to head home. “Hoo-wee!” Applejack sighed. “Ah’m mighty beat. Ah haven’t partied down that hard since… well, since the last party Pinkie threw.” “When was that again?” Caramel asked. “Back when we were celebratin’ Spike’s birthday, even when we were a mite late,” Applejack explained. “Spike’s birthday happened?” Caramel asked. “Ya might remember the events better after ya get some sleep.” Applejack said patiently. A yawn escaped her mouth. Twilight had a sleeping Spike on her back. “It’s nice to see you get a chance to have fun, Spike,” Twilight said softly. She gently gave him a motherly kiss on his forehead. Spike smiled in his sleep. “See ya later, birthday alligator,” Rainbow said to Gummy. Then, to Pinkie, she said, “Thanks for the invite.” “We should do this again soon,” Twilight said. “That’ll be fun,” Pinkie smiled. “See you later. Thanks for coming, everypony.” She then realized what she said and added, “You, too, Spike. We really need to start using a different blanket term so Spike doesn’t feel left out.” Twilight gave a patient smile and said softly, “I’ll make sure to let him know that you said goodbye and thank you. He needs his rest now. He partied hard today.” The next morning, Twilight woke up to see Spike still asleep. “I think I’ll make breakfast for us today,” she said quietly to herself. She was just about to head downstairs when she heard a knock at the door. “Hmm? Who could that be?” She answered the door to see Pinkie at her doorstep again. “It’s soon~!” Pinkie said happily, holding a basketful of lilac purple envelopes. “Huh?” Twilight asked in confusion. “You said yourself,” Pinkie explained. “That we should have another party real soon and now, it’s soon.” She gives Twilight two invitations. “When I said soon, I didn’t mean the very next day,” Twilight said. “Aww,” Pinkie said. “Does that mean you and Spike aren’t coming to Gummy’s after birthday party?” “Well, when does it start?” Twilight asked. “Three o-clock this afternoon,” Pinkie explained. “This afternoon?” Twilight asked. “As in today after 12 pm?” “That’s right,” Pinkie smiled. “What else could I have meant by this afternoon?” “I’m afraid I have to decline,” Twilight said. “I’m a little partied out for a while.***” “Oh, that’s okay,” Pinkie said. “Take it easy today. Though, Spike is welcome to come if he’s up for it.” “Could you excuse me for a bit?” Twilight asked. “Sure,” Pinkie said. “I’ll be right here.” Twilight went up to her and Spike’s room just as the little drake was waking up. “Morning, Twi,” Spike said with a yawn. He started to gently rub his right eye to get the sleepies out. “What’s up?” “Pinkie’s throwing another party this afternoon,” Twilight said. “What?!” Spike said. “She had to pick today to throw another party?!” “Just remember the plan and keep her distracted,” Twilight said. “I’ll give you an emerald to make it worth your while.” She quickly fed Spike an emerald before he could protest. “Dragon keep pink pony busy,” Spike said rather submissively. “Thank you, Spike.” Twilight whispered. “I know I wouldn’t do this ordinarily, but, for today, I have to make an exception.” Spike headed downstairs and met with Pinkie. “Hey, my little drake,” Pinkie said. “I bet Twilight told you about Gummy’s after-birthday party. Do you want to come?” “Sure,” Spike said. “As long as there’s some gems or rock candy.” “Great!” Pinkie squeaked happily. “I better go invite the others and then we’ll party it up.” She and Spike made it to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was carrying a basket full of apples on her back. “What brings y’all here?” Applejack asked. “Spike and I are here to give you and Caramel invitations for Gummy’s after birthday party this afternoon,” Pinkie smiled happily. “This afternoon?” Applejack asked. “As in taday after high noon?” “Yeah,” Pinkie said. “Funny, Twilight said something along those lines, too.” Applejack looked around nervously. With her being the Element of Honesty, she had a hard time with the idea of lying and making up excuses. She then looked at the apples after Spike subtly pointed to them outside Pinkie’s field of vision. “Uh, Pinkie,” Applejack said. “Ah’d love ta come, but, ah got apples ta pick today.” She subtly gagged before continuing to awkwardly state that she’s picking apples. “‘Cause that’s what we do ‘round here n’ all. With apples. We, uh, pick ‘em.” Spike quietly facepalmed while Applejack looked nervous. Pinkie took in Applejack’s words. After a pause, she smiled. “Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie said. “If Caramel’s not busy, he can come party with Spike and me.” “I’ll give Caramel his invite,” Spike said. “You go ahead and I’ll catch up outside Sweet Apple Acres.” “Okie dokie, Spike,” Pinkie said. “I’m going to head over to Rarity’s next to see if she’s up to coming.” Once Pinkie was out of earshot, Spike faced Applejack. “What was that?!” Spike asked. “You had a highly believable excuse and you could barely manage it?!” “Ah’m sorry, Spike,” Applejack said. “Ah know we’re doin’ somethin’ nice fer her, but, it still didn’t feel right fer me ta lie.” “You’re literally carrying freshly picked apples right now!” Spike pointed out. Applejack sighed and put her head down feeling ashamed. “It’s not like you were completely lying. Apple picking is your job, after all.” “Ah know,” Applejack said. “But, if ah told her ah was partied out n’ then we met up later, she might get the idea that ah lied ta her.” “And that’s preferable to ruining the surprise?” Spike asked. “Well, ah still didn’t tell her the whole truth,” Applejack said. “True,” Spike said. “But, I won’t be trusting you with any secrets in the future if you struggle to make believable excuses.” “Fair ‘nuff,” Applejack sighed in defeat. At that moment, Caramel came up. “What’s going on?” the stallion asked. “Pinkie’s trying to throw another party this afternoon,” Spike explained. “This afternoon?!” Caramel exclaimed. “She picked this afternoon to throw another party?!” “Ah know!” Applejack said. “It throws a monkey wrench inta our plans!” “I need your help keeping her distracted, Caramel,” Spike said. “Okay,” Caramel said. “But, what if I accidentally forget that we’re supposed to keep this secret?” “If you come close to letting it slip,” Spike said. “I’ll use my elbow to nudge you in the barrel. Deal?” “Deal,” Caramel nodded. “I’m going with Spike now, AJ. I’ll see you later.” And he gave her a loving kiss on the cheek. “Good thing we had Ash pick up the cake,” Spike said. “If you or the other ponies she’s going to invite showed up at Sugarcube Corner after saying they couldn’t come to her party, she’d get really suspicious.****” “True that,” Applejack said. “See y’all later n’ be careful.” Spike and Caramel regrouped with Pinkie. She was just outside of Carousel Boutique about to give an invitation to Rarity. “Hi, Caramel,” Pinkie greeted happily. “Looks like you’re joining Spike and me in celebrating Gummy’s after birthday party.” At that moment, Rarity was taking out her trash when the unexpected sight of Pinkie made her jump, causing her to accidentally spill the trash on Spike.***** “Oh dear!” Rarity gasped. “I really should be more careful doing things with others close by me.” Spike sniffed himself and cringed. “I better go take a bath,” he said. “You’re welcome to use my bathtub,” Rarity offered. She then focused her attention on Pinkie and Caramel as Spike went inside. “Hello, you two. How may I help you?” “I’m throwing Gummy an after birthday party this afternoon,” Pinkie said. “Oh, dear,” Rarity said. “I’m afraid that after that delightful soiree you held yesterday, I’m not quite up to partying today.” “That’s about the same thing Twilight said,” Pinkie noted. “Is it?” Rarity asked. “Well, that is quite a coincidence.” She then headed inside. “Oh, well,” Pinkie shrugged. “I wonder if Rainbow and Fluttershy are still up to partying.” Inside, Rarity helped Spike wash up. “Thanks, Rarity,” Spike said. “The sooner you’re cleaned up, the sooner you can get back to distracting Pinkie,” Rarity said. “Right,” Spike said. He made sure to get as clean as he possibly could. Afterwards, he regrouped with Pinkie and Caramel. “Welcome back, Spike,” Pinkie smiled. She sniffed. “You smell great.” Later, the trio met Rainbow and Fluttershy at the same time. “Hey, guys,” Rainbow said. “What’s up, besides us?” “I’m throwing an after birthday party this afternoon,” Pinkie said. “Ah, I see,” Fluttershy said. “I would like to go, but, I’m a little partied out.” “Same here,” Rainbow said. “Well, okay, then,” Pinkie said. She did feel a bit disappointed since now it would be just her, Spike, and Caramel. “I guess I’ll see you around.” Back in her loft above Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie felt a bit suspicious. “Normally, my friends would be up to partying it up with me. But, today, they’re all partied out. Did the party I threw yesterday tire them out that much?” “Considering they partied even after the sun went down,” Spike said. “Yeah. Not everypony has as much energy as you do.” “Maybe it wasn’t the right time to plan Gummy’s after birthday party,” Pinkie said. “Hopefully, the four of us can still have fun together.” “Well, how about a game of I Spy?” Spike suggested. This brightened Pinkie’s spirits a bit. “That sounds fun,” Pinkie smiled. “Since it was your idea, you can go first.” “Okay,” Spike said. “I spy with my little eye… something beginning with… W.” Pinkie looked around her room, looking for anything that could start with a W. “Wall?” she guessed. “Close, but, no,” Spike said. She looked around more. “Window?” Pinkie guessed again. “Correct!” Spike said. “Hey, what’s Ash coming to Sugarcube Corner for?” Pinkie asked. “It’s not time for him to deliver his mom’s milk today.” Spike then realized his mistake and quickly started to think of an excuse. “Oh, he decided to do the delivery early this week,” he said. “Huh,” Pinkie said. “I would have thought Mrs. Cake would have told me about that.” “Uh, he told us before me and Spike left Sweet Apple Acres,” Caramel said. “We walked past him on the way to the gate.” “Oh, okay,” Pinkie said. “You think she bought it?” Spike whispered to Caramel. “There’s only one way to find out,” Caramel whispered back. “Wait a minute,” Pinkie said. “Where’s the milk cart?” “Uh, please excuse me, I need to use the bathroom,” Spike said before he rushed downstairs before Pinkie had a chance to respond. Downstairs, Ash had walked up to Mrs. Cake. He was to pick up a cake from her. Suddenly, Spike entered, wearing an annoyed face. “You didn’t bring the milk cart?!” he loudly whispered. “But, I had,” Ash whispered. “I put it on before I got here. Unless the coupling slipped off again on the way here.” “Pinkie asked where it was,” Spike whispered. “Why would she ask that if she didn’t see it? How would you even not notice it coming off before you got here? You pull that cart every week.******” “It’s okay, dear,” Mrs. Cake whispered. “If she comes down, I’ll explain the situation. I’ll just tell her that Ash needed to park the cart in a different spot since he’s delivering the milk on a different day than usual.” Suddenly, Caramel came downstairs. “Where’s the bathroom again?” he asked. “What are you doing downstairs?!” Spike whispered. “You’re supposed to keep Pinkie distracted!” “You saying you needed to use the bathroom reminded me that I should go, too,” Caramel explained. Spike facepalmed. “Of all the times for you to remember something…” While the arguing was going on, Mrs. Cake gave Ash a pink box and Ash snuck his way out of the bakery. Unknown to either of them, Pinkie had secretly listened through the floorboards. “Wait, so if Ash wasn’t here to deliver his mom’s milk, what was he here for?” She opened the window and climbed out after Ash left. A few minutes later, Caramel and Spike returned to the loft. Spike was rubbing his temples. “I said I was sorry, Spike,” Caramel said with an embarrassed blush. “I’m just wondering what else could go wrong,” Spike said. “Pinkie’s not in here!” Caramel said. “Of course she’s not,” Spike said, deadpan. Caramel gasped. “You don’t think she snuck out to follow Ash, do you?” “We won’t figure it out if we just stand here like idiots,” Spike said. So, the two boys hastened out of the bakery to catch up to Pinkie, wherever that may be. Meanwhile, Pinkie was following Ash to Carousel Boutique, disguised as a bale of hay with a jacket and gag nose glasses. Carousel Boutique? What could he be doing here? She thought to herself. Ash rang the doorbell and Rarity came out. “You’re just in time,” Rarity whispered happily. “I hope it wasn’t too much trouble for you.” “Well, apparently, I arrived at Sugarcube Corner without the milk cart,” Ash whispered back. “How do you not notice the absence of weight you pull on a weekly basis?” Rarity quietly asked incredulously. “I don’t bucking know! If everypony’s going to criticize me about this,” Ash said grumpily. “I may as well not waste my time helping you guys.” He then tossed the cake to Rarity and fumed off. “Oh, dear,” Rarity said to herself. “I’ll have to comfort him after this.” She looked around and discreetly picked up the cake box with her tail. She then snuck over to her next location, unaware of Pinkie following her. Rarity’s in on this, too? Pinkie thought to herself. What is going on here? She then saw Rarity meet with Fluttershy. “How’s everything coming together?” Rarity asked the yellow pegasus mare. “They’re coming along well,” Fluttershy said. “Good thing Caramel and Spike are keeping Pinkie distracted.” Wait, that’s why they were with me? Pinkie thought to herself. And keep me distracted from what exactly? Rarity gave Fluttershy the package and trotted off. “I just can’t believe she picked today of all days to throw another party.” “I know,” Fluttershy said. “Not that I wouldn’t have wanted to go, but, what we have planned is going to be very exciting. If we keep her from finding out.” Unknown to the two, Pinkie had heard them. I can’t believe it, Pinkie thought. I thought they liked my parties. After Rarity left, Fluttershy picked up the package and trotted off. She bumped into the disguised Pinkie. Fluttershy didn’t recognize her and instantly panicked and flew away. “Something screwy’s going on around here,” Pinkie said to herself. “I better look into this.” “Hey, Pinkie,” Rainbow absentmindedly said while walking past her. She felt her mane and tail spike up in a flurry as she realized who she was talking to. “Uh oh!” She zipped away at top speed. “Get back here!” Pinkie shouted as she gave chase. “Why did I have to say hi to her at this time?!” Rainbow cursed to herself. “Why weren’t Spike and Caramel distracting her?!” “I know you guys had them to distract me!” Pinkie called. “What are you trying to keep me distracted from?!” Rainbow put on a boost of speed as she made a beeline for Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie charged hard following after her. She was fast for an earth pony, but, Rainbow had a sizeable headstart. “Applejack!” Rainbow called. “We have a problem!” “Hurry!” Applejack called. Rainbow flew into the barn with Applejack following after. The farm mare quickly shut the door before Pinkie could get in. “Thanks, AJ,” Rainbow panted. Outside the barn, Pinkie aggressively knocked on the door as if she were a woodpecker. “Open up!” she shouted. “I know you’re in there!” Voices inside were heard whispering. “Why aren’t Spike and Caramel distracting her?” Fluttershy whispered. “She must have suspected something was up,” Twilight ventured to guess, her voice also in a whisper. “But, how?” Rainbow whispered. “We had Ash pick up the box at Sugarcube Corner.” “Apparently, Ash arrived without the milk cart,” Rarity whispered. “Ah saw him leave with the milk cart,” Applejack whispered. “Didn’t have time ta secure it properly. Musta come loose ‘fore he got there.” “Okay, how the buck does he not notice he’s not pulling something he pulls every week?!” Rainbow whispered. “That hardly matters at this point,” Twilight whispered. “This is complicated enough already.” “Well, what can we do?” Fluttershy whispered. “We can’t leave Pinkie too deep in the dark about this.” Pinkie knocked impatiently again. “Is anypony going to tell me what’s going on or not?!” “Let me handle this,” Rainbow whispered. “Applejack can barely tell a believable lie.” So, she opened the top half of the barn door. “Oh, hey, Pinkie. Sorry for taking off so suddenly like that.” “What are you working on and why are Spike and Caramel supposed to be distracting me right now?!” Pinkie demanded. “That’s a secret,” Rainbow said plainly. “It’s on a need-to-know basis and you don’t need to know.*******” Pinkie was quiet for a while. She wanted to ask further, but, it would have gone against her personal moral code. She knew the importance of keeping secrets and even enforced it upon her friends. “You win this round,” she said before walking off. “Phew,” Rainbow sighed. The other mares also sighed in relief. “For a moment, I thought you were going to kick her flank,” Twilight said. “What?!” Rainbow said. “Just because I’m the first one of us to get physical, I do all those crazy stunts, and I’m always ready for a—” She then stopped as she was hearing those aloud. “Okay, I can see why you’d think that.” “Well,” Rarity said. “Now that we’re all here, why don’t we get everything set up? We’ve got no time to lose.” Meanwhile, Pinkie was making her way back to Sugarcube Corner. “Secrets and lies!” Pinkie grumbled to herself. “It’s all just secrets and lies with them! Well, I’m going to find out the truth about this one way or another! Caramel wouldn’t remember, so, that leaves Spike. I have ways of making him talk.” Spike and Caramel finally caught up with her. “There you are, Pinkie!” Caramel said. “Oh, we were so worried about you.” “Save it, Caramel!” Pinkie exclaimed harshly. She then took a deep breath and with a calmer voice, she said, “Say, Spike. You must be getting hungry now, huh?” “After looking for you all over Ponyville,” Spike admitted. “‘Hungry’s’ a pretty good word.” “I can understand that,” Pinkie said. “How about as a way to apologize for my running off so suddenly, I can treat you to some gems from my own stash.” Spike was soon in Pinkie’s room, presented with a bowl of various gems. “Whoa~” Spike said in an impressed tone. “Your sisters from the rock farm must have sent these to you, huh?” “How else do you think I can afford all those party supplies when apprenticeships don’t pay with money?********” Pinkie said. “Anyway, I’m willing to part with enough that will satisfy your hungry tummy… if you tell me what I need to know.” “That’s a little vague, Pinkie,” Spike said. Pinkie cleared her throat and then said, “I learned that you and Caramel were tasked with keeping me distracted. Well, what were you two keeping me distracted from?” Spike was baffled before he came to a realization. “You were stalking Ash?!” Pinkie’s sneaky expression changed to one of realization. “Uh, I wouldn’t say stalking him. I would say more like following him to see what was going on without him knowing.” She listened to what she just said. “That’s… basically what stalking is, isn’t it?” “Well, yeah!” Spike said. “So, he and the others are keeping a secret. Yeah, Caramel and I are in on it. So what? Aren’t you the one always saying that it’s important to keep secrets?” “Uh, well,” Pinkie said. “A-after what you had told me about me thinking I have a lack of trust in my friends, I was starting to lighten up on the idea a little bit. I just wanted to know what was going on and why the others don’t want me to know about this.” “By stalking them?” Spike challenged. “Friends don’t stalk their friends.” Pinkie took in what Spike said. She knew that he was right. It was then that the unthinkable had happened: the poofiness of Pinkie’s mane and tail deflated until it was as straight as it was before her first Sonic Rainboom encounter. “Oh…” Pinkie said dismally. “No wonder they don’t want me to know about what’s going on. They must have realized that I’m a terrible friend.” Her eyes grew big and sad-looking while her mouth was squiggly and also sad. Spike’s irritation at Pinkie faded upon seeing her in such a state. “Uh, Pinkie?” he asked. “Are you okay?” “You can take the gems,” she said in a soft, low voice. “I kind of would like to be alone right now.” “I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave you alone in this state,” Spike said. “Please, go!” Pinkie snapped. She then forcefully placed the bowl in his claws. “And take Caramel with you!” Spike headed downstairs with the bowl in his claws. Caramel was waiting for him. “What happened?” the stallion asked. “I told Pinkie that friends don’t stalk their friends,” Spike said. “Now, she thinks the others think she’s a terrible friend.” “What?” Caramel gasped. “Well, that’s not true. So, what are we going to do?” “I don’t know at this point,” Spike said. He then looked at the bowl of gems. “We may as well give these to Rarity.” “Sure,” Caramel said. The two males walked out of the bakery to meet up with the others at Sweet Apple Acres. Later, Pinkie was sitting alone in her bed. She stared up at the ceiling. “How could I have not realized?” Pinkie said to herself. “I would have liked to know what they were trying to do, but, I should have trusted them enough to let them tell me on their own.” She then turned over so that her face was directly in the pillow. Suddenly, she started to hear voices. “There’s no need to cry, Pinkie,” said one voice. Pinkie looked around for the owner of the voice. She saw a bucket of turnips. “Huh?” Pinkie quizzically said. “Who said that?” “Over here,” the voice said as the bucket moved. “You?” Pinkie asked as she wiped some excess tears from her eyes. “You’re a bucket of turnips. I always thought they couldn’t talk.” “We’re here for you,” the bucket said. “We?” Pinkie asked. She then saw a ball of lint, a pile of rocks, and a bag of flour. She looked over at them and then she asked herself, “Am I losing my mind or something? Is this what losing my mind is?” “Hey, at least you had one,” the rock pile said in a Manehattan-like voice. “My head’s full o’ rocks.” “Yes, indeed,” said the ball of lint with a posh upperclassman accent. “And while I’m most sophisticated, I’m not the most intellectual of us altogether.” “I would argue zat you fill zat requirement,” the flour sack said with a Prench accent. “Um, okay,” Pinkie said, deciding not to question the situation further. “Anyway, Mr. Turnip, was it? You said that there was no need to cry?” “Yes,” the bucket said. “We’ll be guests to your party.” “Y-you will?” Pinkie asked happily. “Oh, but, I’ll try not to ruin my friendships with you like I ruined my friendships with my pony and dragon friends.” She then set up the party with the objects. “Okay, this is just sad,” she lamented. “Hey, dat’s okay,” said the pile of rocks, appropriately named Rocky. “It’ll be like the games ya used ta play when youse was a filly.” “Didn’t those games have Granny Pie take me to therapy?” Pinkie said. “Perhaps,” the ball of lint, appropriately named Sir Lintalot, said. “But, for the moment, let’s enjoy new friendships and the celebration of our beloved friend, Gummy.” “I don’t know,” Pinkie said. “What if I get taken to therapy again? I don’t think I can handle any new prescriptions. The last one made me believe that we’re in a bizarrely written fanfiction series on the internet.*********” The objects were left in brief silence for a while, the only sound heard was the brief pounding of a timbale drum. After a moment, the sack of flour, named Madame La Flour, spoke up. “Vou might,” she said. “Vou might not. Let us not worry about zat now, zhough. We have a soiree to enjoy.” “Okay,” Pinkie said, unsure of herself until she heard a knock at her door. “Somepony’s at the door! REAL SOCIAL ACTIVITY!” She hastened to answer the door. It was Rainbow, who had flown up to the loft door with her wings. “Hey, Pinkie,” she said. “Oh, uh, hi,” Pinkie said, wiping her eye a bit. In spite of her personal qualms, she didn’t want Rainbow to see that she herself had been crying. “What’s going on?” Rainbow studied the earth pony, who was being uncharacteristically calm and a bit sad. “I could ask you the same question.” “Oh,” Pinkie said. “I was just having a little get-together with some new friends of mine. I figured I should at least try to move on and be a better friend than I was towards you and the others.” She then whispered to Rainbow, “I’m also starting to think I’m losing my mind.” “Uh, probably,” Rainbow said. She then cleared her throat. “Listen, I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I came over because we have something for you at Sweet Apple Acres.” “I don’t like where this is going,” Pinkie said. “Don’t worry,” Rainbow said reassuringly. “I’ll be here to take you there, so, why don’t you grab Gummy and we can head there?” “She’s not going anywhere because she’s scared of how badly she ruined things already,” Pinkie involuntarily made Mr. Turnip say. “Ruin things?” Rainbow asked, questioning Pinkie’s state of mind in her head. “You didn’t ruin things.” “You oughta be pissed at her fer stalkin’ youse,” Pinkie had Rocky say. “That’s what this is about?” Rainbow said. “Yes!” Pinkie had Sir Lintalot say. “Spike told her off about it earlier and now, Pinkie has come to understand that she was a terrible friend towards you and the others!” “Huh,” Rainbow said. “So, that’s why he looked so down in the dumps when he and Caramel came to Sweet Apple Acres and Spike wouldn’t eat the gems.” “Oui, so-” Pinkie started saying as Madame La Flour before Pinkie began speaking as herself. “He didn’t eat the gems I gave him? Oh, no. Did I hurt his feelings, too?” “He asked us how he can eat when he feels lower than dirt,” Rainbow said. “Remember how he was when he ate a baked bad and realized it had worms in it afterwards?” “Oh, no,” Pinkie said. “I was feeling sad, but, I didn’t want him to be sad. I’ve got to go find him and tell him that everything’s okay. The last time he felt that bad, it took days to get him to eat at all.” So, Rainbow and Pinkie went over to Sweet Apple Acres together. Rainbow opened both halves of the barn door and she led Pinkie inside. “Surprise!” the other mares said. “Happy… uh…” Caramel started before forgetting what they were celebrating. “Never mind that now,” Pinkie said. “Where’s Spike?” “He’s sittin’ in a haystack in the corner,” Applejack said. “He’s feelin’ bad ‘bout somethin’.” “He’s down because of me,” Pinkie said as she went to the corner where Spike was. She saw his tail sticking out of a haystack. “Spike?” “I’m sorry for what I said, Pinkie,” Spike said. “I was just so frustrated with keeping this secret and you stalking your friends. I could tell that leaving you alone in that state was a bad idea, but, you told me to leave you alone.” “Oh, Spike, I’m sorry, too,” Pinkie said sadly. “You were actually right to offer to stay. After you left, I got so lonely that I started imagining random objects in my room talking to me. I wasn’t angry with you. I was so upset because I thought you and the others didn't want to be my friends anymore because of how I stalked them. You’re an amazing dragon, Spike, and you’re a better friend than I deserve. I hope that you’re okay and I hope you can forgive me for being so selfish.” “Pinkie,” Applejack said firmly. “I know,” Pinkie said. “I really messed things up this time.” “What ah was fixin’ ta say,” Applejack said. “Is that we’re used ta y’all spyin’ on us by now n’ we’re still friends despite that.” “Y-you are?” Pinkie asked. Spike poked his head from the haystack and asked that as well. “You are?” “We know that Pinkie doesn’t mean any real harm,” Fluttershy said. “She just doesn’t always think things through.” “Like the fact that today’s her 16th birthday,” Twilight said. “We all tried planning it out in advance,” Rarity said. “But, Gummy’s birthday yesterday distracted us from it. Learning that Pinkie was throwing another party this afternoon complicated things.” “And all the sneaky stuff we had to do to throw her off the scent,” Rainbow said. “Having you and Caramel keep her distracted, having Ash collect the cake from Sugarcube Corner, and coming up with an excuse to not attend Gummy’s after-birthday party to get everything ready for Pinkie’s surprise party.” “Hey,” Pinkie said. “Where is Ash, anyway? If he was in on this, shouldn’t he be here, too?” “Screw you!” Ash’s voice called from outside the barn. “Yeah,” Rainbow said sheepishly. “He heard one too many complaints about his milk cart link being undone.” “And to be fair,” Rarity said. “We should have been more sympathetic since he was doing something to help us.” “He really was bringing milk to Sugarcube Corner early?” Pinkie asked. “No,” Twilight said. “But, you might’ve gotten suspicious otherwise. It’s really just bad luck the milk cart wasn’t with him when he got to Sugarcube Corner.” “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Pinkie said. “Still, it was really nice of him to do this for you. And it was really nice for you all to do this for—” She suddenly gasped. “It’s my birthday?! Oh, my gosh! I was so excited about the idea of partying with Gummy and my friends again that I forgot about my own birthday!” Her mane and tail poofed up again. “O’ course, Pinkie,” Applejack said. “Since yer always throwin’ parties fer us, we felt it was time we threw ya a party ta show how much ya mean ta us.” “We wanted to make it special by having it be a surprise,” Rainbow said. “Believe me, setting up a surprise for you is hard to do. Every time we tried before, you ended up finding out and ruining the surprise.” “Well, you guys really surprised me this time,” Pinkie said. “You guys really are the best friends a pony could ever ask for. I mean that, every mare, stallion, drake, and calf here. I love each and every one of you guys. This experience let me take a good look at myself and I promise to stop stalking and try thinking things through better.” She then grabbed all of her friends and she gave them all a big group hug. It was a very tight hug. “Ooh,” said Spike. “I think you fixed a kink in my—” He was cut off by the sound of joint popping. “Nope, it’s back!” “Oops!” Pinkie gasped before letting go. “Sorry about that. Guess I need to work on the strength I use for my group hugs, too.” She then saw Spike leaning further backwards than he usually did. “Definitely need to work on that.” Spike adjusted his posturing. Since he started to feel better, his stomach growled loudly. “I believe these will suffice,” Rarity said as she levitated the bowl to him. “Thanks, Rarity,” Spike smiled, grabbing a large emerald from the bowl. “I’m glad things got better,” Pinkie said. “Now, I don’t have to go to therapy and get another prescription.” “Huh?” Twilight asked. “You’re on medication?” “Yeah,” Pinkie said. “I take it to keep my blood sugar levels under control and keep me from having a sugar rush every ten minutes.**********” “Huh,” Twilight said. “That would explain a lot.” “The problem is that it makes me think that we’re characters in a story written by a bearded guy and two girls over long distances,” Pinkie said. “Do I want to know?” Twilight asked. “Not really,” Pinkie said. “Alright, y’all!” Applejack called. “Enough o’ this gab!” She then turned on a nearby phonograph and lively music began to play. “Let’s party!” As the party was underway, Twilight began drafting another report. “Dear Princess Celestia, I’m writing to you from a most delightful party. I’m not only have a wonderful time with my friends, but, it also gave me an opportunity to learn a valuable lesson about friendship. Always expect the best from your friends and never assume the worst. Rest assured that a good friend always has your best interests at heart. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. P.S. I’ll try and save a slice of cake for you.” “Need me to send that?” Spike asked. “Sure,” Twilight said. “But, after that, we can fully enjoy the party.” Spike sent the scroll on its way. “We better save a slice of cake for the princess,” he said. “I added that as a postscript in the letter,” Twilight smiled. “Let’s cut a piece off now while there’s still some left.” “Good idea,” Spike smiled. “Cakes don’t tend to last long around Pinkie at a party.” Twilight giggled and made sure to get a generous slice of cake, complete with frosting rosette. “Wow,” Pinkie said. “Thanks, Twilight!” “This is for Princess Celestia,” Twilight said. “Ooh,” Pinkie said. “I bet she’d love that.” “Pinkie,” Rarity said. “Could I speak to you for a moment?” “Sure, Rarity,” Pinkie said, walking closer to her. “What’s up?” “Well, can we speak in private?” the fashionista asked. “Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie said, as Rarity led her to a more secluded location. Specifically, the hay loft. “Now, I recall you giving Spike the nickname of ‘Spikey-Wikey’ during the meteor shower,” Rarity said. “Oh, yeah,” Pinkie giggled. “It sounded cute when I thought of it. Do you like it?” “As a matter of fact, I do,” Rarity said. “I was wondering if I could borrow that term.” “Borrow?” Pinkie asked before saying with a smile. “Hee hee, if you liked it that much, you can keep it.” “Really?” Rarity said. “Sure,” Pinkie said. “You probably noticed how Spike feels about you.” “Of course,” Rarity said. “It’s flattering and the bonding time we have on gem hunts makes me find new depths to him that would allow me to reciprocate were it not for two things.” “Huh?” Pinkie asked. “What’s that?” “First, he’s underage,” Rarity said. “There’s also a possibility that as he grows older, he’ll get to know others who are closer to his age and might get closer to them.” “Oh,” Pinkie said. “That sounds possible.” “The other reason is because I plan on meeting my dream stallion at the gala,” Rarity said. “You’ll have to wait another week and see how this dream stallion actually is,” Pinkie said. “He could either be the best thing ever or he could be a nightmare of a stallion. But, no matter what happens, you and Spike should still be there for each other. Hey, maybe if your dream stallion doesn’t work out, you can take things steady with Spike.” “I suppose I could do that,” Rarity said. “I admit I’m rather fond of him, but, deep down, I feel as if I’m taking advantage of him. He says that he suffered a lot in Canterlot and while I feel pity for him, I feel a bit skeptical deep down.” “Well,” Pinkie said. “Have you done any of the things that Spike told us the Canterlot elitist ponies did?” “Of course not,” Rarity said. “I admit I was apprehensive about the idea of being around a dragon that would guzzle my gem supply in seconds, but, I felt saying that would be impolite. Hearing the things he’s usually called made me feel guilty for having such thoughts.” “What you thought of Spike before you got to know him shouldn’t matter,” Pinkie said. “What should matter is how you feel about him now and how your friendship can improve later on.” “Well, look at him,” Rarity said as she pointed to Spike, who was clearly enjoying the party. “He acts so happy at times, you wouldn’t know he has such a sad background.” “That’s because now that he’s here in Ponyville,” Pinkie said. “He has a chance to have a better future and others who will really care about him.” “Yes,” Rarity said. “But, with how happy he can act at times, a part of me suspects that he made up some of his backstory.” “He has no reason to lie about that,” Pinkie said. “I know,” Rarity said. “That’s why I don’t say anything to him about it. I feel guilty suspecting him of lying.” “Well,” Pinkie said. “What matters now is that we continue to treat Spike better. He needs us and we can’t let him down. Besides, with the gala being held in Canterlot, you can see firsthoof how the elitists treat him.” “Yes, yes,” Rarity said. “And once I do see the hardships he goes through, I’ll give those elitists a piece of my mind.” Rarity then took a deep breath. “Well, we can’t waste all of our party time whispering about up here like field mice. There’s still plenty of your birthday party to celebrate.” “So, let’s get back to the party!” Pinkie said. “Maybe we can also celebrate Gummy’s after-birthday party here, too.” “About that, Pinkie,” Rarity said. “Maybe try not to throw parties so often. If you do, they won’t be special anymore.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” Pinkie said. And with that, the two mares rejoined the party. End of chapter.