“Come on, Reggie, quit being such a pansy!” Sprout teased her inanimate companion
Sprout and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were making their way through central Ponyville in the hopes of finding something that Sprout found interesting. They had covered Sprouts blank flank with a plus sized Cutie Mark Crusader cape, to avoid anypony staring at her, or claiming that she’s some kind of defected pony at the worst. That wasn’t the only thing the fillies hooked her up with. Her once tangled and ratty hair was now combed neatly. None of the fillies wanted to risk actually cutting off any of the ponys hair, so instead Sweetie Belle decided to just curl it in neat inward spirals just to keep her hair at level with where her forehooves started. Sprout had tied a rope around the base of her tail which pulled a little red wagon that carried Reggie. They had made their way from the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse to the central Ponyville market place. The place was bustling with ponies that were set out to buy something from one of the various market vendors that circled the center.
Reggie remained silent.
“Umm, what’s it’s- uhh, his problem?” Scootaloo asked, still uncomfortable and weirded out with referring to this plant as if it was actually aware.
“Oh, he’s just not used to being around so many ponies.” She said, still looking at the plant. She then looked around her shrinkingly and laughed awkwardly, “and, well, neither am I.”
“Don’t you worry,” Apple Bloom chimed. “This town is filled with the nicest ponies you’ve ever met.” Who knows, maybe the only ponies she’s really met. Apple Bloom had the feeling that this pony was sheltered even before she was trapped. There was something about the way she interacted with ponies, or lack thereof.
Sweetie Belle slowed her trot to end up walking next to Sprout. “So, what are you interested in exactly?” She asked. “You know, before the whole unfortunate incident and whatnot.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t call it totally unfortunate. I got to meet this crazy character didn’t I?” She winked at Reggie. He didn’t respond.
“And vice versa.” Scootaloo spoke to herself with a roll of her eyes.
“Come on. There has to be something.” Sweetie Belle continued. It would be good to establish a good area of opportunity for getting Sprout her cutie mark.
“Well, in the orphanage I enjoyed lots of things,” Sprout scratched her chin with her hoof in, trying to recollect some foggy memories. “Hmm, let’s see. I enjoyed looking out the window, Pacing around the halls, umm, staring at the lone crack in the wall! That was good fun!”
The three fillies shared yet another concerned look as Sprout listed off several more mundane activities she considered fun. It dawned on them that this pony had no real interest, nothing to aspire to. Getting her a cutie mark might be harder than they anticipated.
Sprout continued on. “What else. OH! Sometimes when new kids came to the orphanage, I would stare at them constantly from afar. It was great! And also-”
“LOOK OUT BELOW!” A familiar cyan Pegasus voice called from above.
It was natural for Rainbow Dash to perform her stunts in congested locations, showing off to the folks. Every so often, her stunts didn’t go exactly as planned. This was one of those particular occasions. Everyone in range of her voice immediately darted out of the area and behind the surrounding shops. They were used to her shenanigans and acted accordingly.
Everyone except for Sprout.
She stopped making her list and looked around her. She was only given a brief second to process the information in her mind that she should also clear out of the area. But it was too late. Rainbow Dash hit her at a downward angle at vigorous speed. Fortunately, the rope tied to her tail slipped right off, leave Reggie unscathed by the incident. The crash sent them both tumbling across the marketplace in a cloud of dust.
When the shroud settled, Sprout was sprawled on her back with a shocked and very puzzled look on her face while Rainbow Dash was collapsed over top of her across her stomach. The Pegasus heaved herself off of Sprout and shook her self too her senses from head to rear hoof.
“Ugh! I swear I almost had it that time!” She pouted and then shot a nasty look at Sprout. “Y’know, when most ponies hear someone call to look out, that’s general what they do. And everyone did, except for you!” She scolded. “What’s your excuse, huh?”
When her tangent was over she saw that Sprout was breathing very heavily while she stuttered uncontrollably and she had fear clearly present in her eyes. She scanned the crowd that now surrounded the two ponies, looking for her fellow crusaders. Not seeing them there only increased her panic. They made their way through the crowd and eventually burst through and rushed to Sprouts aid.
“Are you okay?!” Sweetie Belle asked in alarm grabbing the Reggies cart. Sprout babbled incoherently through her hyperventilation.
Apple Bloom trotted up to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow! Settle down will ya. This pony ain’t used to this place yet. Cut her some slack and quit making a scene.” She asserted much to the surprise of Rainbow Dash.
“Um, yeah, okay, I, uhh, I’m sorry.” Rainbow Dash stuttered. “Even though she ruined my super awesome trick.” Rainbow huffed to herself quietly. Clearly not quietly enough due to the scornful look Apple Bloom gave her. “Uhh, yeah, sorry.” She blushed.
The three fillies were now tending to the mare in shock. Her eyes were dilated unusually, and she was shaking slightly.
“Easy now, big girl.” Scootaloo tried calming her while stroking her mane, which was now slightly nestled up from the crash.
Sprout was sitting upright now. She began to compose herself, taking deeper, more relaxed breathes. “I’m fine.” She choked out. “I’m just not used to associating with these ponies yet. Was that a normal interaction for you people? Did I do good.”
“Well, it definitely wasn’t normal.” Scootaloo said, earning more looks from Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. She corrected herself. “Well, try to get rid of the whole hyperventilation thing. Same with the shaking and… Ya know what, how about you just don’t do anything you did here, alright.”
Sprout gave a blushing nod. Sweetie reattached her friend and they carried on into the town.
There were many starting grounds for obtaining ones cutie mark, as the fillies were all too familiar with, but Sprout was something different. It was unanimous that before delving into cutie mark related endeavors Sprout must first learn basic pony to pony interactions.
And what better way to channel this than to visit Ponyvilles most interactive resident.
The Crusaders trotted their way up to the entrance of the local bakery, and halted before the steps. Sugarcube Corner was usually bustling with ponies eager to supply themselves with some of their delicious treats, but the Cakes were off on some sort of important delivery, which means they left Pinkie Pie in charge. It’s not that she was a bad pastry chef, quite the opposite actually, but she was still getting used to having such a demanding responsibility of not only making all of the goods, but also taking care of the Cakes two little foals. So out of consideration for her, the residents kept away from the store unless it was absolutely necessary. In other words, only if it was worth the risk of burning the only bakery in town to the ground. It wasn’t a highly possible risk, but it was still present.
“Alright here’s the game plan,” Apple Bloom formed a huddle, “Sprout’ll head in there and strike up a conversation with Pinkie Pie while we observe from the window. Any questions?”
Sprout peered through the window. The flowers that hung there gave off a nice scent when she was near. “Which one is she?” She asked.
The three fillies popped their heads up to the window to see a lone Pinkie Pie sitting at the register, fiddling with her mane, she glanced over to the window and adopted a wide grin and started waving vigorously.
“The pink one.” Sweetie Belle stated obviously.
“What if she doesn’t like me? What if she’s like that Rainbow one and tackles me and she takes Reggie and bakes him into-”
Sprouts panic was silenced by Apple Bloom shoving her hoof into Sprouts mouth. When she was done trying to speak, Apple Bloom removed her hoof. She smacked her lips in grimace at the taste of hoof and dirt.
“There’s nothing to worry about. Pinkie Pie is the friendliest mare in town. Everypony’s her friend” Apple Bloom stated.
Sprout calmed herself, inhaling deeply through her snout and exhaling through her mouth. She unleashed Reggie from her tail, giving the rope to Sweetie Belle so he wouldn’t run away. Sweetie just rolled her eyes and took the rope in her mouth. She thought she saw one of the flowers petals curl as Sprout left it, but she ignored it. Sprout marched her way to into the store and gave a final glance back as she entered.
“Remember! Don’t do anything you did last time.” Scootaloo gave a final word of advice as Sprout nodded and entered the store.
The three dashed to the window and watched as Sprout made her way towards the counter. She didn’t appear nervous which was a good sign.
“Why hello th-“ Pinkie began, but then let out a large gasp. The fillies thought this would frighten Sprout but she still made her way towards Pinkie. The door to the shop closed and everything was muffled “You’re new here, aren’t ya! I know you because I know everypony! Absolutely everypony! I’m pretty much everyponys best friend! Not to toot my own horn or anything, if I even had one, it’s just the way it is. Do unicorns horns make sounds when you squeeze them? If I had one I’m sure it would! I’m Pinkie Pie!” She never even took a breath as she greeted Sprout wildly.
Sprout had made it to the counter and Pinkie continued on. “So where are ya from, huh? You a big city pony, looking for some small town delights as you wander across the lands searching for the most memorable sweets you could ever taste. Well look no further! I can whip up whatever it is your taste buds desire! Just say the word!” Pinkie Pie finished with a big smile.
From the outside everything appeared to be going smoothly.
“Well she isn’t huddled in the corner, so that’s a bonus.” Scootaloo said, genuinely pleased.
“She might be real pony material after all.” Apple Bloom smiled.
“Umm, girls?” Sweetie Belle still watched through the window and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo joined her.
Sprout was standing at the counter, expressionless, as Pinkie still smiled her wide smile. They remained like this for several seconds, neither moving nor talking. They simply blinked as they just stand there as statues.
The fillies entered the shop and trotted their way up to Sprout. When they got to her she looked down, gave them a small smile and then looked back up at Pinkie Pie, expressionless. The girls looked at each other, this time with intense confusion.
“Umm, Sprout?” Apple Bloom asked, confusion present in her voice.
Sprout looked down at her and smiled. “Yes?” She replied simply.
“Why aren’t you saying anything to Pinkie Pie?” She asked. Pinkie still stood there with an unaltered grin.
Now it was Sprout who looked confused. “You told me not to do anything I did at the market place with the Rainbow one. I said a lot of words when she crashed into me. Incoherent, but words none the less.” She said matter-of-factly. “I also did quite a bit of moving around, so I figured I would do none of that. Just like you said!”
The three fillies looked shocked and dumbfounded at Sprout, unable to even form a sentence. Scootaloo slapped her face with her hoof hard in disappointment.
“That’s not exactly what we meant.” Apple Bloom said, slightly annoyed but also feeling sorry for Sprout. She just didn’t know any better.
Sprout ears dropped and she looked at the floor and sat hard, disappointed in herself.
“Aww, don’t worry Sprout,” Sweetie Belle patted the mare on the back. “Once you get the hang of it, it’ll be easy as pie.”
“THAT’S THE WORD!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she darted into the kitchen, startling everyone who had forgotten she was there. There was a lot of banging and clattering coming from the swinging doorway. Suddenly, a fresh baked pie flew out of the kitchen, flying straight into Sprouts face. The pony opened her eyes, confused. She looked at her crust and berry covered nose and gave it a good lick, grinning at the wonderful taste.
The fillies were running out of ideas. Maybe this mare was just unsavable. Maybe they could get her a cutie mark that didn’t involve interaction of any kind.
Or maybe they just weren’t going to the right ponies. Pinkie Pie is to open for a concealed mare like Sprout. Rainbow Dash is too brash. They need someone who is more on Sprouts level. Somepony who she could actually tolerate, and vice versa.
They needed a pony who was just as awkward as Sprout.
They made their way to Fluttershys cottage, Sprout enjoying what was left of the pie that was still intact. She generously offered a bite to the fillies, but they declined. More for her.
Sprout couldn’t help but notice how beautiful the scenery was around this area. This pony clearly knew how to take care of her pad. The plants that surrounded seemed to greet them as they walked by.
“This is great!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Fluttershy’s not good with ponies. You certainly aren’t good with ponies. You two are destined to be the best of friends!”
“And once you are, we can get a grown mares help to get a grown mares cutie mark! It’ll be perfect!” Sweetie Belle added with glee. Sprout blushed awkwardly. She didn’t mind there banter as much now that they were friends, but it was still embarrassing to be reminded that she didn’t have a cutie mark.
They walked up to the entrance of the cottage. Sprout was the only one who didn’t exude any amount of confidence. The fillies banged on the door wildly, until it creaked open slightly. A soft blue eye peered through the doorway. The door opened more and Fluttershy stood there with a relieved look that it wasn’t some stranger. Well, not completely.
“Why, hello girls. Is there something-”
Fluttershy was cut off by Sprout jumping right up into her face, barely a nose distance from each other, with a wild look in her eyes.
“Hey! I’m Sprout! I’m new and looking for tasty treats! Everypony's my friend! Will you be my friend?! BE MY FRIEND!” Sprout spat the words out of her mouth with such ferocity. That combined with the zany look in her eyes, the maniacal grin, and the warm pie stuck in her teeth, she looked terrifying.
It’s a wonder Fluttershy hesitated so long for letting out a frightened squeal. She slammed her hoof into Sprouts stomach. She then twirled her around, lifted the pony up above her head and tossed her all the way into the muddy creek before slamming her door. Multiple locks were heard being used as the fillies ran to help Sprout.
Sprout was sprawled on her stomach, flailing around in the water. “Help! I can’t swim! These hooves were not designed to keep me afloat! Oh, cruel fate!” She yelped as she thrashed about.
The fillies trotted up to the mare, the water only at mid hoof level, each sporting arched brows. Sprout stopped squirming and examined her surroundings. She rose up, blushing furiously and wearing an embarrassed little grin. The fillies just gave concerned looks at her. Her grin faded and she looked down, disappointed in herself once again.
“What was that all about?” Scootaloo asked. That was definitely not what any of them expected.
“I was just trying to be more like that Pink one.” Sprout said, ashamed of her actions. “You said everypony was her friend so I figured I’d just act like her.”
“You may have over done it just a bit.” Apple Bloom said, noticing her friends despair. “Maybe we can-“
“Forget it…” Sprout sighed, slouching.
Silently, the four made their way back to the clubhouse.
When they arrived back, nopony knew what to say to her. She just groaned as they entered the clubhouse.
“Why do I have to be such a perplexed pony.” Sprout complained. “These things are supposed to come easy for ponies. But nooo. I gotta have issues. I gotta be different!” Sprout finished her tirade by flopping onto the floor on her back, doing her best to push away the sadness that was creeping inside her.
But it didn’t go unnoticed. “Don’t be sad Sprout” Sweetie Belle attempted to cheer her up. “We can still get you your cutie mark. We have barely even scratched the surface of our crusading adventures!”
Sprout pouted. “So what? So I can be a lonely mare with a lonely talent with a lonely cutie mark of loneliness? Sounds like a dream!” She said sarcastically.
“Well you still got us.” Scootaloo chimed in.
“Face it. I’m hopeless.” Sprout whimpered. She rolled onto her stomach and put her face in her crossed forehooves. “You should have never found me. All was well before you showed up!” She said angrily now.
Sprout lifted her face from her hooves to find the fillies looking at the floor, sadness masking their faces.
Sprout sighed. “I’m sorry, girls.” She rose to her hooves and brought them in for a big hug. This brought a slight smile to their faces.
“I should go.” Sprout said sadly.
The girls looked up at her in shock. “What?!” They gasped in unison.
“Town isn’t for me… maybe towns in general aren’t for me… maybe anywhere with ponies aren’t for me, I don’t know.” She said. “But I think I should go, somewhere isolated, that’s where I belong. I’ll just take Reggie and…”
The fillies waited for her to continue but she didn’t. She just looked straight ahead, sweat starting to escape from her forehead. She looked to the left of her, then to the right, and then to every possible angle of the room. She rose to her hooves
“Girls…” She started quietly.
“Where’s Reggie?”