Full Friendship's Magic #2 (A Pie's white lie)

by Reykatan

Scroll of Modesty Chapter 8: A Pie's Nervous Breakdown

“The citizens of Ponyville are preparing for the social gathering. Everypony has their cakes and other foods to contribute for tonight. Even the two Royal sisters and Princess Cadence have something to offer for the occasion. At the tree castle, the Princess of Friendship is preparing the ballroom for her visitors with Starlight Glimmer's assistance.”

Thanks for helping out setting the tables Starlight, I sure could use it since Spike is working on the guest list.

It’s no problem Twilight, I should at least owe you for letting me go on Trixie’s magic tour during friendship counseling duties.

It's nothing really, I hope Trixie wasn’t being too pushy on you, being her assistant and all. Especially when it comes to her performances, it must be difficult.

Oh no, it's not that difficult Twilight. Sure her stunts were questionable, but it's not that hard to pull off . . . I mean . . .

I, The Great and Power Full Trixie will now attempt to lean my head over the jaws of a deadly Ursa Minor, with only the support of single a steel pole.

“Audience gasps as Trixie turns to Starlight on the backstage and winks her the signal. Starlight used her magic to harden the steel pole. Trixie took a deep breath and slowly place her head between the Ursa minors’ jaws. She stays still for two minutes then she quickly pulls out. Starlight releases her magic. As she did, the steel pipe breaks in half. The audience applauded the two mares for their amazing performance and bows at the stage.”

The crowd loved it and they were looking forward to our next magic tour.

Seems to me you’re having a great time with Trixie Starlight.

Oh, absolutely Twilight. But sometimes I just want to hang out with you and the girls too. Huh, I sure wish we could arrange a picnic with Trixie someday.

Well . . . we can’t tell when, but soon I guess. Would you mind giving me a hoof on one of these sheets?

Oh, sure Twilight. “They both use their magic to spread fifteen table sheets and set them in place.”

Say Twilight, I heard that Pinkie pie’s cousin just moved here in Ponyville.

Yes, just this week. We were surprised ourselves, knowing Pinkie pie would have a cousin in Mitaly.

Mitaly? Isn’t that place used to be the Alicorns’ capital city?

Indeed it is, you know about it as well?

Of course, it’s one of the Ancient lands of the region. There are so many historical events happening in Mitaly. Like the Great Golden War and the death of Princess Awee.

Oh, those were fascinating events! So much mystery behind all of it. Historians who study the ruin there say the war started when the Golden Army formed a campaign called the Great Chain. They built enormous borderlines on each mainland, forcing the species in Equestria to separate themselves from each other. It said the first princess of Equestria, Princess Awee was against the Archon’s ideal of order. Then a full-on war was declared, and all the species partake in the horrid event.

Wait, wait. What’s an Archon Twilight?

You don't know about it?

Well just now. How's it different from a princess?

Oh, I thought you knew about Milaty’s history Starlight?

I only knew some facts about the Golden Army and the first Princess but I didn't know about an Archon. . .

Well, an Archon is a very important yet dangerous leader. Whatever he/she decides all of Equestria’s race leaders will have to obey it. It has a higher authority on making big changes than a princess.

Wow, that’s one heck of a ruler, I can’t imagine how life was Equestria eras back.

Here's the thing Starlight, an Archon only leads all the military forces of various species in Equestria. It doesn't know anything about leading an economy, so life in Equestria back then was pretty rough. After the Golden War, the race leaders decided to disband the Archonship and started their own governments. And that’s how the big division happened. All the Ponies, Griffins, Changelings, and others went their separate ways.

Here I thought Queen Chrysalis had the higher authoritarian power, next to the Dragonlord.

Well, those titles were inspired by the Archon. The only difference is that authority only applies to their kind.

Seems like a downfall . . . Everyone in this world used to live in harmony. Because of that one event, the whole species splits apart and nobody seems to trust each other but their kind.

I know what you mean Starlight, trust is something worth gaining. But we’re slowly making friends with other species. I mean Spike made friends with the Dragonlord. . .

Only because he’s a dragon himself. It’s natural for Spike to make friends of his kind.

Well . . . how about Thorax?

“Starlight rolls her eyes away from Twilight and looks at the table map.” Yeah, we’re lucky to have him at our side when we save you and everypony from Queen Chrysalis. And sure we manage to befriend some of the changelings but, what about those who still follow her? What if she comes back to get back at Thorax and the changelings who betrayed her? No matter how you look at it, to me, Throrax's peace with the ponies started from betraying his nature.

It's true but in time things change just like you. Plus she's already in stone, from that it's hard to think she would break free. She's not Discord you know.

But still, if that happens? “She stomps her hoof on the ground” What if in time things change again, not for good but back to what they used to be? Soon you'll be in charge of Equestria and all of your friends go their separate ways, like you never left Canterlot. . . just like I never left that village . . .

. . . . “Twilight puts her hoof onto Starlight's shoulders.” If you’re referring to yourself then it’s all behind you now. Me, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie pie, and even Trixie are your friends. We won't just forget it, it's a fact by now.

Sigh . . . . You're right, I'm sorry for overreacting. I guess this feeling still pilled up in me after that standstill we all had against those three. . .

That's alright Starlight, I know you don't mean what you said. Even if I run Equestria I'll still come visit my friends and the school. I'm still a Princess, not an Archon. "The two ponies laugh and hug it out."

You better not act like one at least.

I promise I won't Starlight.

That's reassuring. So back to the topic, why did the Archon make that kind of campaign, when all the species were living together just fine?

No one knows Starlight, It’s one of Equestria's’ biggest mysteries

Hmmm . . .I see . . . . Hey, maybe Pinkie pie’s cousin knows it, after all, she lives in Mitaly.

I doubt their education system is enough to advance in solving mysteries that big Starlight. I mean not even the princesses have any knowledge about it.

Well, we won’t know until we ask her ourselves. . .

I suppose but. . .

But what Twilight?

Maybe it's not the right time to ask her such things.

And why is that?

Well right now, Pizza pie is still a little self-conscious about meeting new ponies. Especially how she looks right now.

Oh really? Well, what does Pinkie's cousin look like then?

Uh, Let's just say Imitation is a form of flattery. I'll leave it to that.

Huh? I don't get it. What do you mean by that? Is she trying to look like somepony?

Take it easy Starlight, you'll meet her soon enough. But right now, we still need to prepare this castle for tonight. Let's get to it, shall we?

Alright . . . .

“Starlight looks curiously at Twilight. Not getting a clue what she meant, but she shrugs it off and resumes back to their work. Later that night at Sugarcube Corners, just hours away from the big social gathering, Pizza pie is at her cousin’s room looking through her truck for something to wear.”

No, No, No! “She digs through her drawer, hoping to find something suitable to wear, but is having trouble on deciding which.” Ah hah! "She goes stand at the mirror next to her." Nope, too simple.

“Outside, Pinkie hears her cousin through the door and Knocks.” Huh. . . . . Cousin. . .

Too flashy.

Hmmm . . . . “She knocks on the door a second.” Cousin Pizza are you ok?

Too formal.

Hmmp! “Pinkie pouts and knocks a third time.” Cousin! are you Ooff- "Without knowing, Pizza pie opens the door, and then Pinkie falls on the floor." I'm ok . . .

Oh, sorry about that cousin.

Don't worry about me. "Pinkie hops back to her hooves." So, are you done yet? It’s almost time for the gathering.

In a minute Pinkie, I'm still picking. "Pizza digs into her pile of clothes." Why don't you wait for me downstairs? . . . What to wear? What to wear?

Alright, let me get in there too! "Pinkie climbs to the edge of the bed and dives onto the pile." Weeeeee!!

Cousin! What are you doing!? Can't you see I'm in the middle of a crisis here?

Crisis? Gee, you're starting to sound like Rarity. “She pops out from the pile and shakes off the clothes on her head.” Anyway, don't get you're so worked up about it.

No, I'm not. I'm just looking for something to wear. I don’t want to stand out that much, especially not at my first social gathering.

Oh, cousin, this isn’t Mitaly where ponies judge you on how you dress. This is Ponyville, nobody would mind. Well, except for Rarity she’s always very conscious of how she dresses.

. . . . “Pizza looks at Pinkie with a smile on her face.” You’re right Pinkie . . . . I guess I’m a little nervous about all this.

There you go. "Pinkie pats her cousin's back." You don’t have to, everything will be fine and fun.

If you say so, I'll take your word for it. Thank you Pinkie, you sure know what to say to me when it comes to these things.

Oh, it’s nothing cousin. Besides you’re new to Ponyville, so I’ll make sure you’ll have a first good impression with everypony. Just trust me.

. . . .

A mare with no cutie mark? What kind of pony who never got their cutie mark yet? I hope she found her true talent.

"Recalling their last conversation with Discord, Pizza pie has doubts about attending the social gathering but seeing her cousins’ smile she can’t change her mind. She shakes off her anxiety and hopes for the best."

"All the ponies are heading to the Tree castle, carrying with them their cakes for the event tonight. Twilight and Starlight are at the entrance, greeting each of the guests as Spike guides them to the main hall. All their offered goods are placed down on a long table for the cake exchange later on.”

Look at all the ponies Twilight, I think we emptied the whole village.

I know Starlight it’s incredible. Knowingly a social gathering, only takes a few ponies but now almost everyone is here. Including Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, My brother, My niece Flurry Heart even Discord.

It’s quite a surprise you invited Discord.

Well, he is one of our friends despite his . . . unpredictable attitude.

“They both looked at Discord talking to the royal sisters. He pulls a rattle out of Celestia’s ear and gives it to Flurry Heart, then Flurry burps at Discord. Both the Princess chuckled so did Discord who smelled of baby food.”

He’s fitting himself right in, so it’s best to left him.

Speaking of fitting in, where’s Pinkie and her cousin? I haven’t seen them yet.

Neither do I Starlight, but I think they’re running late. After all, they did make most of these cakes. “They notice everyone brought a cake for the occasion and place them on a large table along with the rest.”

That’s a whole lot of cakes.

I know. It’s for the cake exchange. Where everypony brings a cake made by their recipes and exchanges them with other ponies at the gathering. I came up with it.

Oh? "Starlight raises her eyebrow." Was it really you Twilight? or Pinkie suggest it?

Well, she did but I was the one who approved it.

I see . . . I should've known. But most of these cakes are made from Sugar Cube Corners, how is it count as their own baking?

Ah, about that. I told Pinkie if anypony requests to bake them one, they need to bring their ingredients and their written recipes for the Cakes to follow.

"Starlight looks at everyone that passes them, carrying cakes of any kind in the castle." Seems like almost everyone made a request.

Well, not all ponies in here knows how to bake like the Cakes and Pinkie pie.

"Starlight hears someone calling. She turns her head outside the castle doors." Speaking of Pinkie, here she comes now.

Hey Twilight! Hey Starlight!

“Twilight and Starlight sees Pinkie pie running, and behind her is Pizza pie wearing a plain red scarf. They both reached the castle entrance, exhausted from running.”

Sorry we’re late girls. We got lost track in time and rushed in here.

Thank goodness you two made it. What's taking you both so long?

Ask cousin Pizza here. She can't decide what to wear out of a truck full of her clothes. So I told her to wear a scarf instead, at least it’s pretty simple for her to get noticed but less attention.

"Pizza scratches her head in embarrassment." Yeah, she’s right. . . I’m sorry if you had to wait for us.

No, it’s no problem Pizza pie, I understand. This is your very first social gathering right?

Yes, it is. . . We don't have this kind of event in Mitaly aside from old traditions.

Do tell! I would love to know more about the occasions celebrated in-

"Starlight goes behind Twilight and taps on her shoulders." Uh . . . Twilight. Now's not the time for a history lesson.

Oh, right. "Twilight grins at Starlight." Ehem . . . . Anywho, you don’t have to worry about anything, just relax and be yourself.

Ok . . . I will Twilight, thank you.

It's my first social gathering too. "Starlight walks up to Pizza pie." Hi my name is Starlight Glimmer. ”She offers Pizza her hoof.” Nice to meet you.

Pizza pie. “She grabs Starlight's hoof and they shake hooves.” It’s nice to meet you too Starlight.

I didn't know till now, that Pinkie would have a cousin somewhere out of the region like Mitaly.

Well, Mitaly is a pretty far place but there's nothing special there, aside from its history. I mean still having a little homesick but with my cousin around that's no longer the case.

I know what that feels like. Living so far away from Equestria, makes you feel like you're from another world or something.

I-I guess it's sort of like that. So you’re not from here either?

I live in a nameless village, I left because I did some things that I’m not proud of.

Me too. I spend my life, doing the things I don’t like. And If it weren't for Pinkie, I wouldn't have seen it. So I'm grateful for her.

Yup! And you did the right thing of opening up!

Yes, so thanks for that. “She smiles at Pinkie pie and Pinkie smiles back.” So what about you Starlight why did you move to Ponyville?

Oh About that. . . It's a long story really. It definitely doesn't involve me enslaving a village from their cutie mark and getting revenge on Twilight by messing with the timeline, ruining her future and her friends, or anything like that . . .

. . . . . . Oh uh . . . . I- uh . . . don't know how to relate to that but uh . . .

“Starlight smiles awkwardly at the Pies cousin while looking at her weirdly. Spike walked into the conversation carrying with him the guest list.”

Sorry for interrupting Twilight but uh, the guests are wai-.

Spike! perfect timing! Have everything ready for me, we'll be there for a second.

"Confused, Spike turns and heads back to the ballroom." Ok then Twilight. . . .

Ahah! I guess will continue this little chat of yours later Starlight. The social gathering is about to start. Let's head in now. "Twilight used her magic to drag Starlight inside."

Uh . . . It's nice to meet you again Pizza pie. E-Enjoy the night.

Likewise. . . "She waves at Starlight as she is dragged by Twilight." I'll try. . .

"Starlight waves at the Pie cousins. She cuts off Twilight's magic and walks in with her. The Pie cousins follows them from behind."

Pinkie, is she one of those Ponies you said used to be bad?

Uh yeah. But don't worry. Starlight is super good now and she even works with me and my friends at Twilight's school as the friendship counselor.

You guys work in a school? since when?

Oh! Didn't I tell you? How could I forget?! Well, it all started when we had no time to walk across Equestria to spread the magic of friendship and Twilight said Why not make a school of friendship? Everyone said what?! Then I said yeah! and EEA said nuh-uh and Princess Celestia showed up and said Yes-uh! and then I said Oatmea-

Ok, Ok. "Pizza pie covers Pinkie's mouth with her scarf." Save that story for another time cousin. . .

Mmmmffhhh!! MMmmffhh. . . "Pinkie takes off the scarf and gives it back." Alright Alright just remind me. Oh! where here.

“After walking through the hallway, the Pie cousin made it to t the ballroom where the rest of the visitors gathered. Ponies and other creatures were chatting with each other. Spike goes up to the stage and sets the microphone in place. He turns to Twilight and signals her. She takes a deep breath and walks up the stage, grabs the mic and gently taps it.”

Ehem . . . Good evening friends, princesses, ponies, and all creatures. Welcome to the 107th Ponyville social gathering. “Everyone applauded.” We are gathered here tonight to celebrate our years together not as fellow villagers, not as separate kinds, but as good friends. As your princess of Friendship let me be the first to say. Thank you all, for everything and keeping our bonds together strong. We have faced many trials in the past and learned something important from each of them. Even when I first came to Ponyville, when Princess Celestia sent me here I wasn’t sure of-

“As Twilight’s goes on with her speech, Pizza pie looks around the crowd. She sees Pinkies’ friends at the corner, Starlight and Trixie next to the pillars, and the Royal sisters at the back. As she looked further, she sees Discord right next to Fluttershy. Discord then noticed Pizza pie was looking at them. He smirks at her and waves. Pizza pie immediately looked away and faced back to Twilight. From afar, Princess Luna sees Discord, waving at somepony. Puzzled, she looks to where he's waving to. At first, she thought it was Pinkie pie. But as she looked closer, just next to Pinkie pie was another pony next to her. With a similar mane and a different color. Princess Luna is baffled, seeing two Pinkie pie's standing next together. Just as she wants to get a closer look, Princess Celestria taps her back.”

Sister, is everything alright? Who are you looking at?

Oh, it’s nothing sister. I thought I saw somepony I know.

Somepony? Oh, so you made friends? How wonderful. Introduce me to them later on.

O-of-course sister . . . friends of mine . . . “She looks back at the Pie cousins curiously.” Strange, just who is that pony?

After all, the tasks I faced. I consider myself lucky to have such great friends by my side. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I stand today, so as of now and many years to come we should all be grateful that Friendship is forever within us.

“Everyone applauds at Twilight’s heartwarming speech. Her parents and the Princesses were proud of her Even her friends cheered loudly. Pizza pie was impressed by Twilight’s charisma and kindness towards everyone in the room.”

That was a great speech Twilight! "Pinkie yells in the crowd, jumping and waving her hooves."

Cousin calm down. "Pizza pie pulls down her tail." Everypony's watching . .

What's the deal? Ponies got used to me jumping around and screaming at the top of my lungs on a daily basis.

Well, I'm not. And besides, I would like to get noticed when I introduce myself to others?

Aw, what's the fun in that? I want to show my best cousin ever to every creature in Equestria!

What?! No!

. . . .

I-I mean how about let's start with everyone here, at the gathering for now.

Hmmmmm . . . . "Pinkie gets close to Pizza pie's face and looks at her in suspicion." You've been acting weird lately, and not the funny kind of weird.

Ahhh . . . No I'm fine. Like I said I'm just nervous because this is my first social gathering with you that's all.

"Pinkie proceeds to stare into her cousin's eyes, and her reflection appears in them. Sweating, Pizza pie stood still and tried to hide her anxiousness from her. Pinkie then slowly steps back and rubs her chin."

Okie dokie then. Just until you're comfortable opening up.

Thanks, cousin I knew you'd understa-

So we'll start at the cake exchange and oh! it's already starting! "She grabs Pizza's hoof and pulls her in the crowd." Cousin, c'mon the party’s starting. We’re gonna miss out hurry!

Pinkie slow down you're walking too fast-

“As they got closer, Pizza pie's anxiety grew more. Passing through the crowd, she sees everyone around her, having fun and eating cake. She avoids eye contact until they reach the table.”

Alright made it, and there are still more cakes for us to try! "Pinkie rushes to the table, taking each slice of cake until it piles up on her plate. She turns to Pizza pie, whos just standing." What are you waiting for? Grab a slice and let's make some friends!

I-I . . . uh . . . .

C'mon cousin. The night is still young.

Uh . . . . . I can't . . .