//------------------------------// // Episode 4: The Gift of the Pies // Story: The Pony Guard (Season 6) // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Episode 4: The Gift of the Pies Pinkie Pie was extremely excited today, even more than usual. And why one would ask. Because today is the day she gets to start spending the weekend with one of her sisters. The sister in question, the shy and quiet Marble Pie. The two made plans to spend the first day in Ponyville since her little sister has never really explored the comforts of Pinkie’s new hometown. And has desired to visit there again ever since her first visit on Hearth’s Warming and Christmas. In fact, they’re planning on going out on on a picnic with Fluttershy and her critter friends. Since the pony herself why still a shy pony herself. She has been able help her feel more comfortable around her company to the point she can open up to her about herself as much as the Pie Family... ...That is of course once they meet up in Manehattan since both sisters forgot to do important shopping and what better place to it other than the bustling city that would have they need. And along for the ride is a friend of hers, Fuli. The cheetah herself is looking positive for her friend while personally trying to tolerate and endure her when she over-excited. Over-excited to the point she never stopped talking ever since they left the Ponyville train station. She usually means well but sometimes she can be a little too much at times. "We're going to Manehattan, we're going to Manehattan, we're going to Manehattan...!" Pinkie chimed in a singsong tone. “Yes, we are, Pinkie.” Fuli said with a supporting smile. “Hopefully things have improved since we were last there.” “Oh, yeah. How many ponies gave you, Rarity, and Applejack a hard time until you helped restore their kindness by helping Coco revive the play she worked so hard on. Yeah, that can sure lead a real tail stepper.” She giggled unaware that she really is sitting a hoof on her friend’s tail. “Yes it can be.” Fuli said with a slightly irritated expression as she removed her tail from where Pinkie had her back hoof sitting on. “Very much so.” “Oops. Sorry.” “It’s okay.” Fuli quickly assured there are no hard feelings while making sure her tailbone is okay. “It happens.” She then smiled. “But I do appreciate the invite to come with you to meet your sister, Marble. I’ve heard she is quite like Fluttershy.” “She sure is. One of the most sweetest, innocent, and friendliest ponies of the family. Even when she is being all quiet and shy. I don’t know why, but I’m guessing she had trouble speaking her mind when she was a filly.” “From the general grayness around her back home or a bad encounter with one mean pony?” “Good question. She never really talks about it nor wants to.” “Oh, okay.” Fuli nodding upon seeing that’s touching upon a sensitive subject before moving it along. “And you’re sure your sister won’t mind the extra company?” She then asked feeling a little unsure about this. “Not that I don’t want to but considering you two are related by being ponies and I’m not since I am a cheetah.” “Of course not.” Pinkie happily insisted otherwise. “She knows you’re expected company not to mention one of the Guard’s most trustworthy members who will always have our backs when we need it. Plus, she too could use some of your help growing out of her shell some more like you have for Fluttershy.” "Fair enough." Fuli replied, accepting of that reason. “Is that why you asked me to come with you all the way to Manehattan or is it because I was the only one available to spend time with you? You know since Rarity is out expanding her business, Rainbow Dash and Ono are out practicing with the Wonderbolts, Kion is out hunting with his family, Bunga and Beshte are out spending the day being best buds with Timon and Pumbaa, Spike and Twilight being busy giving Starlight friendship lessons, Applejack being busy on the farm, and Fluttershy making sure the critters don’t freak out while out preparing to spend the day with us when we get back from our trip in Manehattan.” “Well a little of both. But more on the fact that you are the perfect friend for my baby sister. Not to mention of how everyone else sees each other family. Like how Twilight sees Spike as a son, how she sees Kion as a brother, and how she sees the lion family as her family as much as the other alicorns. And how Bunga sees Beshte along with Timon and Pumbaa family, and how our family sees Applejack’s family as family.” That got some chuckles from Fuli herself as she is really seeing the truth in her words. “That’s true. They all do see each other as family. Can’t imagine their lives with it.” She returned with a grin. Pinkie got a few good chuckles from Fuli's comment. "Exactly! And that is exactly why you are the perfect sibling to bond with Marble. No one better than you to help her come out of her shell than you." “Aw, I’m flattered.” Fuli returned feeling playfully touched with a paw to her chest. The train pulled into the station in Manehattan shortly afterwards, and Pinkie and Fuli departed without fanfare. Once there they were awe-stricken again by Manehattan’s beauty, they wasted no time in looking around the train station since their expected company is meeting them there. “Wow! Like always, this city's simply...amazing! It's just... everything, ever!" Fuli dreamily sighed, at the very sight around them. Pinkie's attention, immediately locked on the pony she was looking for, a certain gray earth pony mare shyly making her way around the train station and down the steps. "And it's about to get everything ever-er! Because guess who I see!" She happily exclaimed, then bounced down the steps after her as she chanted. "M-A-R-B-L-E! Put 'em together and what does that spell?!" "It spells Marble." Marble Pie replied gently. “Wow!” Fuli remarked feeling delightfully surprised to hear those words from her. “So that’s what you sound like.” “Mmm-hmm.” In her own excitement, Pinkie fired off her party cannon, and cheered loudly "Marble, Marble, Marble! Yay!" And little did Pinkie know, she was right she was in for a great day, but not about how it will all turn out. After breaking free from the embrace Pinkie placed her and Marble in, Fuli commented as she approached and introduced herself. "So you Pie sisters sure have some sweet traditions huh? That’s sweet! Every year, you set aside a special day or in your case weekend to spend with each of your sisters, Pinkie?" Pinkie nodded. "Yep. I do separate trips with each one, and we make it super fun by picking out a different location every year! We see the sights of the chosen city all day and then we swap gifts at sunset!" "It’s a yearly and family tradition we share with the rest of our siblings too." Marble explained. "In fact, we chose to come here since it's close to where Maud's studying for her rocktorate where she’ll soon graduate from." “Nice. And does this special day of yours have a name or something?" Fuli asked. "Mm-hmm. PSSD!" Marble answered with a nod. In a hushed voice, Fuli asked the sisters. "Okay, so what's the secret?" "Huh?" Pinkie asked in confusion. "You just said 'psst'. Which from my understanding means it’s a secret that we have to whisper to each other?" Fuli asked in confusion. Pinkie laughed, and explained. "No, silly! Not psst, PSSD! P-S-S-S-D! That means, Pie Sisters Surprise Swap Day!" "Oh. Right. That." Fuli realized, with an embarrassed grin for the wrong assumption. "Guess I'll just leave you two to your PSSSD then. And you both know where to find me at sundown." "Fuli.” Marble spoke up before Fuli could take off with her back already turned. “Where are you going?" “Um. Exploring Manehattan and find a gift myself for my cheetah friends back home since their birthday's are coming up.” She darted her eyes around wondering why she is looking on at her expectantly to stick around with them. “Aren’t you going to stick around with me?” Marble asked. “Since you’re Pinkie’s special and invited guest and all.” "Only if it’s okay with you.” Fuli returned as if she wasn’t expecting that offer. "Of course it is, since you are friends of the family and any friend of the family is family." Marble assured and explained, as she looked around at the nearby stores to see if they have what she is looking. That gave Pinkie the opportunity to pull Fuli aside for a quick word. "Can I ask you a quick question?" She asked in a whisper. "Oh, of course.” Fuli responded ready to do whatever her friend needs. “Like what?" Clinging to Fuli’s front right hoof, Pinkie shouted out. "Will you please help me?!" "Uh, sure. But only if you let go of my hoof and stand up..." Fuli answered being as polite and firm as she can be with her. Pinkie did so, and then she whispered to Fuli. "This is top secret, you can't tell Marble anything about this. Got it?!" "Whatever you say.” Fuli calmly answered feeling very sure of it. Content with Fuli's answer, Pinkie explained. "Every year, no matter how hard I try, my other two sisters always gets the better gift for her. So this year I really want to get something extra special for Marble, something that'll be just as good as the other PSSSD gifts. Aside from a special rock pouch for my sister Maud along with an assortment of supplies for Limestone’s garden to flourish with, I have found the perfect gift for Marble. Something that’ll blow her mind out with. A special dress, that’ll help her feel happy during winter nights! And the best part is there's a store here in Manehattan that has what I need!" "That’s great! So I’m guessing you want me to help you get her gifts without spoiling the surprise?" Fuli asked as she figured it out from there. "Yep, and I need you to spend time with my sister, and get to know while you’re at it!" Pinkie instructed. "That way you can keep her busy while I take care of my shopping all together." “I can at least try to keep her busy to the best of my ability, but I can’t promise that can to extend to for the rest of the day into the night. In order to pull this off, you’re going to need to ensure Marble doesn't suspect a thing when you're halfway across town, shopping?" "Got it covered," Pinkie said with a wink. "I've planned a sightseeing path that leads right by the store. Marble will never know. Not to mention you’ll get to find what you’re looking for your friends. It's perfect plan!" She shouted, a bit too loudly to the point the noise echoed everywhere, with a handful of eyes looking on in their direction. “Right, absolutely!” Fuli agreed while forcing herself to smile and wave to assure everyone nearby staring that there is nothing to worry about while scooting the pink pony away from the public gathering she had accidentally created. “Y-Yes, yes, yes. But let's not get too excited until you actually have the things you need." Pinkie nodded, and then as she rejoined Marble she vowed. "Mark my words, Marble! I'm giving you the greatest PSSSD present in the history of ever!” Fuli followed Pinkie and Marble, as they made their way through the heart of Manehattan, all the while taking in the sights. As luck would have it, the shops along the way had what both Pinkie and Fuli needed, along with Marble. And sticking towards tradition neither sister were the wiser to what each other were doing. During the tour they managed to explore the tallest skyscrapers along with town statue in the bay nearby carrying the dress Pinkie had in mind for Marble, wasn't the only shop that resided in the center of town. Many of the shops were lined up along a beautifully together. Their first stop happened to be the Manehattan Statue of Liberty where many visitors get to see the whole scope of the city from up high. During which Fuli took the time to guide Marble in how to see their the telescope. “So if you just move it around a little, you can see parts of Manehattan from here…” She tilted the device towards the city. “...or there.” She adjusts the device towards the bay. “...or anywhere.” She adjusts to towards the sight of the various skyscrapers in another part of town. “Wow.” “So in short, you can pretty much see everything from here. And I have to admit it’s quite a view from up here." “You sure can.” “So, do you like it so far?” “Actually...yes. It’s very nice.” Marble admitted. “Thank you, Fuli.” Another stop, happened to be the Manehattan ice rink which happened to be cold enough to the point the traveling trio needed winter outfits (a helmet and knee pads for Marble’s given her own timidness tendencies). But fortunately for them, it didn’t bother any of them in the slightest. Marble in contrast to the other two ponies had trouble of balancing herself on the ice and was unable to move away from the edges of the rink. That is until, Fuli came by to offer her assistance. “Here, Marble…” She offered her tail. “...let me help you.” Although a little hesitant, Marble moved to gently grasp her tail allowing herself to be pulled into the center of the rink. “Okay…” She then slowed her pace down to a comfortable slow walk pace after Marble let go of her tail. “...now what we’re going to do is start slow before we work our up to a faster pace.” She skated around the rink going straight from one side of the rink to the far side and back doing just that. “Want to give it a try?” “Mmm-hmm.” “Okay…just do what I do and showed you. Start off slow and once you’re feeling comfortable you can start picking up the pace.” Marble did as she was instructed by starting off slow before picking it up as she went along while Fuli followed alongside her. Upon seeing Fuli nod at her seeing that she is feeling comfortable so far she moved to pick up the speed, allowing her body to skate freely like a butterfly. “There you go!” Marble moved to giggle as she skated around as fast as she can go while moving around like she is having the time of her life right now. Seeing this had her sister cheer her on. “Woohoo! Go Marble!” Although of course, it came to a temporary halt when during her own excitement she nearly went out and over the rink before being having her hoof grabbed by Fuli’s own tail. “Whoa! Wha…” Upon seeing Fuli’s smirk while keeping her hold on her she blushed and giggled slightly in embarrassment upon realizing her mistake. “...Oops.” “It’s okay.” Fuli moved to pull her back into the rink. “And all criticism aside, that was pretty impressive for a first timer, Marble.” “Really?” “Yeah, you’re a natural.” “Thanks.” The two moved to continue skating while Pinkie skated and watched as Fuli continues to mentor Marble on her skating. Then finally, the group made another stop for lunch at the nearby Canterlot Cook. During which Fuli moved the menu to obscure herself and Pinkie so the former could have a private chat with the latter while discussing lunch options. “Hey, Pinkie! Did a get a look at the menu? I hear there are some good meat and vegetation options available?” “Why, no I have not!” Pinkie happily and eagerly replying before moving right beside her so they could continue in private. "How’s it coming along, Pinkie?” Fuli asked in a whisper. "I got just about everything. All but one present. But the good news is that said store that has it is just a block away!” Whispering back, Fuli nodded knowing what to do from there. "Great, so go on ahead and get that gift while I keep your sister Marble busy. Oh, and make sure to get your lunch to go.” “Great, thanks!” “No problem! Though when we get back we should also thank Rarity for the money she gave us for the trip alone. Otherwise we would need to get jobs here in order to work it off.” “No kidding! Well, see ya! Gotta go! Gotta go! Gotta go!” “Pinkie?” Marble asked confused upon seeing her sister rush off like that. “She’s fine.” Fuli quickly assured. “She just had too much soda along the way. I mean you know what they say. When you gotta go, you gotta go.” “Mmm-hmm.” “So Marble…” Fuli moved to change the subject. “...how is life on the farm? Is it um...relaxing?” “Actually...yes.” Marble answered feeling pleased and comfortable about opening to. “I mean yes it’s gray at times. And yes, my sister Limestone can be well you know a hard head and stickler for rules and all, but she means well and keeps the farm in great working condition.” “Amazing.” “Mmm-hmm. And underneath that gray exterior is hidden color aside from my sister Pinkie.” “Oh? And what would that be?” “The fun and games you get to have on the rock farm when not busy doing chores.” “Really? Do tell.” “Sure thing, Fuli…” Marble returned as the two girls smiled enjoying each other’s company. Once she was sure that Marble was completely unaware of her true whereabouts, Pinkie wasted no time in rushing straight to the store that had what she was looking for. She was recalling to herself what the present she had in mind looked like. "Look at that hand-stitched ten-thousand-thread-count velvet-lined rock pouch! Maud will love it! I need it! " But when Pinkie reached said shop, she come across something she never expected to see at now of all times. The store door was locked, and the display window that had housed exactly what she was looking, was now empty! "Oh, no. Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no-no! This can't be happening!" Pinkie exclaimed in horror, as she tried in vain to turn the locked door knob. "Hello, Mr. Pouch Store Owner, or Miss. Pouch Store Owner, whoever you!" Pinkie called out, while pounding frantically on the door. "I'd like to hear all about your sudden vacation in Canterlot with your grandniece while buying a pouch for my sister please!I have the money to pay for it!" Just then, a police mare with an orange mane and a light peach streak on both her mane and tail, a light blue-gray coat, a golden badge cutie mark, a blue police hat and suit, eyes hidden behind a pair of black sunglasses, and carrying a pair of hoofcuffs, showed up. "Miss, the store's clearly closed for the day." The officer informed Pinkie. "I'm sorry, but you’re just going to have to wait and come back tomorrow when the store opens up again." Pinkie fell into a state of despair. "But it can't be. It just can't be!" She protested, even though she knew it was true. "If I can't get that pouch for Maud, then not only am I not getting my big sister the greatest present in the history of PSSSD, but now I have no PSSSD present for my sister at all! What am I supposed to do about that?!" "I'm sorry, ma'am," The officer apologized. "My only suggestion is another place that’s open at this hour. Carry on and have a good rest of your day." She then trotted off in the opposite direction leaving the distraught mare at a loss of what to do now. "And that’s life on the farm for you.” Marble said, having finished explaining the perks and joys of her home. Fuli looked on amazed upon seeing the Pie Family in a new light. "Wow! That sure is quite something. Who knew that life on the rock farm can be fun and games when you look at thinks from a different perspective." “Well, the same can be said for someone who’s hardly stepped outside the rock farm. And I do have to admit, spending time with you and Fluttershy really helped me feel more comfortable of having someone to talk to, expect for my parents and sisters.” “Along with Big Mac?” Fuli asked knowing of the pony’s crush on the stallion who shared similar similarities with when they got together for Hearth’s Warming and Christmas. “Mmm-hmm.” Marble shyly replied with pink cheeks. “Though I do have to see if we’re really more than just friends.” “I’m sure time will tell if you two are meant to be together.” Fuli assured understanding of her shyness. “I guess it depends if you feel like it was all love at first sight and if not at least talk it out to avoid hard feelings.” “Maybe...maybe not.” Marble honestly replied, unsure herself. “I don’t suppose you ever had that before.” “Actually…” Fuli sighed solemnly as she explained. “...yes. It all happened when I was young and he left before I could really connect with him.” “Oh…” Marble spoke feeling bad for unknowingly bringing that up. “...I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch upon something personal.” “It’s okay.” Fuli shook her head. “And who knows, maybe someday I’ll find him again.” As proof, she presented a pink heart locket with said cheetah's face inside she keeps to herself. “Thanks to Sally and Sassy, I have this to remind me never to lose hope in case I start to feel that day may never come.” “That’s really a work of art there.” Marble complimented. “It is.” Just then she spotted Pinkie approaching her. “Pinkie Pie, you're back!" She exclaimed. "No doubt your hooves are sparkling clean by now." "Huh? Oh, right." Pinkie sighed, too depressed to even think straight right now. Correctly sensing that something’s wrong (especially seeing her deflated mane and tail), Fuli quickly barked out an order! "Waiter! One super-deluxe two-mile-high hot fudge sundae, stat!" Quick as a flash, the gigantic sundae was placed on the table. Then, Fuli quickly hid behind the sundae and frantically whispered to Pinkie. "What happened? Did you not get what you needed? If that’s true, how and why?" Pinkie shook her head, and then after inhaling she quickly and rapidly explained. "The store that had the rock pouch I needed was closed because the owner’s on a sudden vacation in Canterlot with his grandniece for a few moons! And so there's no way that I can get the perfect present for Maud, and now I don't have any present for her at all, so it'll be the worst Pie Sisters' Surprise Swap Day ever!" Pinkie proceeded to bury her head into the sundae, so as to bury her depressed sobbing. "Really? That’s unfortunate to hear." Fuli commented quietly. "Well, maybe I could help you find another gift for Marble? I mean it’s better than nothing, right?" "But I don't have any other gift to give her!" Pinkie sobbed from inside the sundae. "That rock pouch was the only thing I know that Maud would like and I know for a fact that nothing else got her attention the last time we went to Manehattan together. And there is less than twelve hours until sundown!" "You sure? Not even more help from our generous friend Rarity?” Fuli asked and then offered. “If I hurry and leave now I can get from here to Ponyville and be back by sundown.” "No, I can't ask of that from you, Fuli." Pinkie sadly declined, lifting her head out of the sundae. "You’d be exhausted and barely able to move like the time you when solo on patrol saving Pride Landers for the day. I mean if Rainbow Dash wasn’t constantly flying and practicing to become a Wonderbolt, she would have been the better to go friend for the job." "But, there has to be something we can do!” Fuli insisted not about to see her friend continue feeling sad and leave Manehattan empty hooved. “There has to be something else Maud likes.” "Maybe..." Pinkie sighed. "Maybe I just... need some time to think more about it and get my mind off of my ongoing sadness in my heart. Just keep Marble occupied for a little while longer." "Pinkie!" Fuli called after her as she paid no attention to her calls. Upon seeing her depressed could only have the cheetah herself look on feeling sympathy for her accompanied with a sigh of pity for the poor girl. And for a while Pinkie went on moping about the streets of Manehattan, feeling sorry for herself. She had in her mind the perfect gift, only problem is she can’t get it at the worst possible time and doesn’t know what else to get her older sister. "I just wish there was someway I can still get what I really need?" Pinkie thought to herself. Suddenly, Pinkie spotted something out of the corner of her eye that caught her attention and snapped her out of her funk! A hoof and double-stitched ten-thousand-thread-count velvet rock pouch, with a red drawstring, and ochre-flecked velvet lining with reinforced triple-crosshatched seams. Currently being carried around on the back of a light yellow coated, scrawny looking earth pony stallion. Said stallion had a small gray mane and tail and wore gold earrings, and had a gold tooth. Her heart racing with newfound excitement and hope, Pinkie rushed up to the stallion and said to him. "Excuse me, sir! I couldn't help but notice your nifty rock pouch! Is there any chance you'd be willing to part with it? I really need it. Like, really really really!" "So lemme get this straight." The stallion then asked. "You, uh, really really need this pouch, huh?" "Actually, I believe I said really really really." Pinkie corrected. "Uh-huh." The stallion replied. "Well, I hope you know, a rock pouch like this are really hard to come by these days, so I can't just give it away. But I might be able to part with it for the right price. Think you can afford it?" "Totally, name your price!" Pinkie said happily. "Price, eh? You want the pouch that badly, eh?" The stallion asked, putting a hoof to his chin. "So you'll sell it to me?! And I'll finally be able to give my sister the perfect Pie Sisters' Surprise Swap Day present? Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Pinkie happily shouted, firing off her party cannon in celebration. "So, how much for the pouch, sir?" But the stallion found himself more fascinated and invested by Pinkie's party cannon, and he was eyeing and examining it very closely. "Hmmm. That's one sweet party cannon you got there, miss," He commented, and then he said. "I'll tell you what. I'd be more than happy to give you this pouch, and all for the low, low price of...that cannon." Pinkie gasped, pulling her party cannon close. "M-My... party cannon...?" She remarked, her lips quivering in sadness. "I couldn’t. This is also a very, very, very special gift to me! From my sister, Maud!" "Sorry, that's my only offer, kid." The stallion said firmly. "If you really wanna give that sister of yours the perfect present, then you'll have to give up your party cannon. So, what do you say? The pouch for the cannon?" Pinkie eventually caught up to Fuli and Marble, who had long since left the restaurant and were now strolling along the streets. Fortunately, Pinkie had managed to hide the rock pouch inside her mane. It didn't really bother her, since she'd stuffed far heavier things in there without it slowing her down. Fuli was currently holding a camera with her magic, while Marble stood next to one of the trees in the open park. "Oh, you're back! Perfect timing!" Fuli said to Pinkie. "We were just beginning to worry about you. Though your sister sure is quite a pony worth spending time with." Then she turned her attention to Marble and instructed. "Just a little more to the left, Marble! Okay, now back a bit! Yeah, that's good! Hold that pose! I think we just found your new holiday card!" With Marble distracted, Fuli turned back to her friend and wondered in a whisper. "So, did you manage to find a gift for Marble after all? And if so, you better say yes." "Yes," Pinkie said in a flat tone. "I managed to get the rock pouch for Maud after all, and... that's really the only thing that matters." Fuli was delighted to hear that. "That’s great, Pinkie!" "Yup." Pinkie repeated still flatly, which clued the cheetah in that she got it with a catch to that particular deal she just made. "Yup. As in you got Maud a gift but there is apparently a hidden cost and additional truth to the matter that you’re not telling me?!” Fuli sternly inquired knowing full well that something is clearly wrong here. Especially when Pinkie's mane is not completely poofy like a healthy helium filled party balloon and she is being visibly depressed. "Yup." Pinkie flatly replied again. After giving herself time to think and analyze her pink friend like Kongwe would do in this kind of situation she then pressed this important question with a firm and inquiring look. “Pinkie, did you trade your party cannon just to get the gift you so much desired?” "Yep.” Pinkie flatly repeated. “What?!” Fuli gasped, a little too loudly which gained Marble’s attention as she came over to them. “Everything okay, Fuli?” Marble asked. “Because I have been waiting patiently just like you asked for the last minute waiting for my picture to be taken.” “Oh, yes…” Fuli replied. “...everything’s fine. Aside from the fact that was trying to find out what happened to her party cannon.” “Oh, that!” Marble acknowledged. “She really loves that! She got shortly after she gained her cutie mark and desire to throw parties all together.” She then noticed. “Speaking of which, where is it, Pinkie? You didn't lose it, did you?" "No. I traded it away." Pinkie flatly answered. "But I got what I wanted out of it." “You traded it away?!” Marble returned in a shocked and rare tone of anger that she rarely does to anyone. “Pinkie, that cannon was a special gift from your sister Maud, how could you just trade it away?!" Pinkie shook her head to try to make light of it. "I didn't get rid of it easily, I just...um...well...I..." She trailed off. “Fuli?” Marble angrily said in the cheetah’s direction expecting answers right now since her sister isn’t going to tell her. “What did Pinkie do with her cannon? And I want the truth! Because you and Pinkie have been talking behind my back like you are both hiding something from me all day and I'm really getting fed up with being locked of the loop like this.” "She traded it for Maud’s gift this year and for the record this is something I just figured out myself seconds ago.” Fuli explained while still standing her ground. “And believe me, I'm as surprised as you by this. And I didn’t have anything to do with that. Had I known I would have stopped her from doing so." "But why?!" Marble asked. "Fuli, no!” Pinkie pleaded of her not to tell her why. "I'm sorry, Pinkie. But keeping secrets can only go so far." Fuli apologized, as she continued to honestly explain to her sister the truth she really deserves to hear at this point. "But yes, she did it so she can give Maud the only gift she could think of to get for her! One that would be equally great as the one’s Maud always gives her every year.” “So, she gave up her party cannon?! And for a rock pouch?!" Marble exclaimed still shocked and outraged with this in light. Pinkie sighed, as she pulled the rock punch out of her mane and presented it to Marble. "Yep, for Maud’s PSSSD present." She said flatly. "Pinkie, you didn't have to do that!" Marble assertively stated. "Now I can’t give you the gift I was going to give you. One for your party cannon.” “And let me guess…” Fuli spoke figuring out already of what that means. “Special confetti." “Yes!” “It was wrong, I know. And I’m sorry I did what I did.” Pinkie apologized. "I just wanted to give the best PSSSD presents in the history of ever. You, Maud, and Limestone really deserve it and all." Now it was Marble's turn to sigh as she showed some sympathy for her sister. "I understand the good intentions you had behind it , Pinkie. But you really didn’t have to go that far just to show your appreciation. Whether it’s for me, Limestone, and even Maud. Just being able to spend quality time with you this weekend, is enough as a present anypony can get for anyone. Way more important and valuable than some dress, or special supplies and decorations, or even a special rock pouch, even if any of us wanted it." "I know that now," Pinkie realized, hanging her head. "Some PSSSD this turned out to be, huh?" "I'm really sorry, Marble," Fuli apologized. "I knew of what Pinkie really wanted to get you along with your other two sisters, but I never figured out until now that she would go as far as trading away her party cannon for Maud’s present. Even when she personally knows how much value and joy it brings her." "No, Fuli, you got nothing to be sorry about." Pinkie insisted. "Especially while I was out shopping and went as far as trading away my party cannon on my own free will. And you spent more time with my sister today than I did." "It’s okay, Pinkie!" Marble assured before looking on confidently. "You and Fuli both taught me that you should always feel free to come out of your shell and feel free to be more expressive and confident in myself! I think now’s a good time to put that to the test." She then raced on ahead back town towards where she and the other girls were last stationed before coming here. After a few seconds of running she stopped, and felt her very surroundings. She used her quiet surroundings to listen around herself. She then heard what no one else would hear, then sniffed it out like Fuli would do herself. Once she was sure she had pinpointed Pinkie’s party cannon’s current location she set out towards that direction. “This way!” "Where're you going, Marble?!" Pinkie asked as she called after her. "To get your cannon back. Come on." Marble seriously answered, motioning for Pinkie and Fuli to follow her. It wasn't long before Marble managed to track down the very pony who matched the description Pinkie had given. "That him?” Marble asked. Pinkie nodded. "Yep! That sure is the pony I got the pouch from!” "Wow!” Fuli remarked looking on very impressed. “How did you know where he’d be?” “Simple. My Marble Sense.” Marble replied. “Comes from being a usually quiet pony.” “And why you don’t like to talk much.” Fuli realized. “Amazing how it runs in the family.” “It sure does.” Marble returned with a wink before moving to approach the stallion with the rock pouch in tow. She then moved to present to the pony and firmly said. “Here, I'd like to exchange it for my sister's party cannon, if you please." But the stallion only scoffed at Marble, refusing to take it back. "Sorry, missy, all sales are final.." Marble still stood her ground, with a more firmer stance and tone as she pushed the rock pouch towards him. "I'd like to return this pouch for my sister's party cannon, please!" "Hey! Did you not hear what I just said? I got it out of a fair trade and I am not about to reverse it for your sake." "Oh really?" Fuli said as she bared her teeth and claws with a growl and mischievous grin. “Fuli?” Pinkie spoke in concern. “Don’t worry, Pinkie.” Fuli quickly assured before circling around the pony looking on like he is her prey. “Care to try again and answer our question, properly? Or do I have make dinner out of you because I am all in for trying the taste of pony.” The stallion was quickly intimidated and frightened into submission. "Okay, okay, okay! You win! Fine! Take it!" He shouted, as he took the pouch back and handed the party cannon to Marble. "Just keep your teeth and claws away from me you crazy cat!” With that he then ran off in fear. Once he was gone, Fuli calmed herself down and turned to Marble. "Sorry you had to see me like that, Marble," She apologized as she sheathed her claws. “But that really did need a little intimidation to get him to give it back." “That’s perfectly fine, Fuli.” Marble said not thinking any less of Fuli for it before turning to her sister with her party cannon in tow. “Here you go, big sister!” "Thanks, Marble," Pinkie smiled back, as she wrapped her hooves firmly around the party cannon hugging it like it is a very important part of her. "Even though this whole mess was my fault and I didn’t really get Maud anything for her.” "Pinkie, gift giving isn't a competition. It's an expression of love, and you always make sure to give your gifts with lots of love. That's why I'll always love them, and you, five-ever. That's even longer than for-ever." Marble explained, before they shared a passionate hug together. "So true." Pinkie agreed. "But you know, since it's not yet sundown. How about I take you and Fuli out somewhere. You know, as my way of saying thank you for everything you both did to get my party cannon back?” “Depends. What do you have in mind?” Fuli asked. “Something that both of you will like…” Said activity, turns out a nice relaxing outing on the bay, courtesy of a swan boat which they are all riding on with Fuli pedaling the boat on across the water. “You know…” Marble spoke up feeling very grateful of her current surroundings. “...even with all things considered, I think it’s safe to say this certainly is quite a PSSSD to remember. Thank you both.” “You’re welcome.” Fuli returned thinking nothing of it. "Yeah, I think this might be my favorite PSSSD ever! " Pinkie giggled in agreement. "Though I do hope we won’t catch too much darkness along the way since we do have a train to catch." "Not to worry, Pinkie.” Fuli assured. “Since this swan ride is right alongside the nearby ferry so we can just ride this out back to Ponyville.” “That I can live with.” Marble returned feeling very comfortable, relaxed, and confident that she has friends she can open up to and can count on as they ride off together in the sunset alongside the nearby ferry. “As along as I don’t have to be pedaling the whole way.” Fuli then brought up to which had the Pie sisters sharing a laugh together. “Of course.” “We would never impose of that on you, Fuli. Especially not on an honorary Pie family member.” “Good answer.” Fuli returned knowing that they fully acknowledge it even with all joking aside while smiling in return for the usually quiet mare for seeing her as part of the family while sharing some of her friendly quirks along the way. During which she mentally thought to herself. "Maybe next year, I'll invite the Pies over to spend time with both Sally and Sassy so we can combine it into one big special tradition we can share together. Maybe..." She said as she secretly looked inside her bag of presents for said friends including the Pies, including... ...the real rock pouch that she secretly swapped while circling the toothy con pony with her tail while his back was turned.