[A/N: In word I was using strikeout. I was not aware that Fimfiction did not support strikeout, so any words in italics represent what was written and then crossed out.]
[Pre-read by Warden over at Ponychan.]
Heya Pinkie!
It’s your sis, Inky! How is Ponyville? I’ve heard nice things about the place. I bet you're making tons of friends with those parties of yours. There are a lot of ponies out there that appreciate parties. I hope you're still spreading the joy, although I’d like to know how you’re supporting yourself out there. I need a bit of help you see.
When you went off after that fight with dad; I didn’t think that I’d ever want to talk to you again. You know how angry we were; how abandoned we felt. None of us took it well. Dad was intolerable after you left. He blamed himself; his drinking became worse. He didn’t sleep well and I know he’s still a good pony. Mom tried her best to hold us together, but she could feel us drifting apart. Blinky and I blamed it on you. We blamed the breakdown of our family all on you.
But I’m sorry we felt that way. I really am sorry, big sis. I finally realised why you did it; there was nothing for us there. I left the farm. I tried to convince Blinky to leave too, but she doesn’t see it that way. I’m going to see if there’s any call for my talent in Canterlot. I still have grandpa’s double bass; it’s the only thing I took with me other than what I’ve saved up over the years. Well, and this quill and parchment, but that was just to write a letter. If my cutie mark’s any indication, then music is what I’m best at.
I wish I could come visit you. Maybe one day I’ll come see you. I’ll come see you once I’ve settled in. It’d be good to catch up.
Inky
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Hey Pinkie,
It’s Inky again. I know it’s only been a day, and you probably haven’t even gotten my other letter yet, but what a day it has been. I found myself in the capital of Equestria; I’m barely through the main gate and some guard notices my double bass. Apparently, the Canterlot Symphonic Orchestra has been looking for more strings players for a special strings heavy piece by Haydn. So I show up and play my heart out. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make a name for myself right out of the stable. I’ll get a reply back tomorrow. I can’t wait.
You remember Granny Pie’s friends, the Trefoils? They’ve let me stay with them on the condition that I help out with the clinic when I can. It’s as good arrangement as any in this town, and I’d rather keep my bits for emergencies. All in all, everything has worked out perfectly. None of the big dangers of the outside world that dad used to rant about. I guess you were right about him being full of hot air too. Thank you Pinkie, if you hadn’t left yourself I don’t think I’d have ever had the courage to do so.
If you’re ever in Canterlot swing by; I’ll do the same if I ever show up in Ponyville.
Inky
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Heya Inky!
It’s so good to hear from you! When you guys went completely silent; it drove me crazy! You’re the best! Pinkie hugs next time I see you! I’ll definitely take you up on that offer if I’m ever in Canterlot. That place is in desperate need of a Pinkie Pie Party! Ooh! Ooh! I’ll bring streamers, and cake, and balloons! And we could both do the Pony Polka all night long!
The Trefoils are very nice ponies; I remember one time I cut myself while helping Granny bake, and they rushed me all the way to their clinic to fix me up. I’m sure all the pony patients appreciate the help in whatever form you can give it too, so that’s another bonus.
I’m happy excited joyful glad that you’ve forgiven me. For what it’s worth, I never held anything against you girls. It was dad I disagreed with at every turn. Dad was the bane of my Dad was complex, and I never understood him. I know, at the heart of it, he did his best to keep us safe, but that was no way to live. I’m extremely happy that you finally got why I left. I hope one day Blinky will see it too.
I’ve settled into Ponvyille extremely well too. Fresh off the train I ran into a pair of ponies that live in a genuine, bona fide, gingerbread house! Mr and Mrs Cake offered me lodging in return for a little help at the bakery. Sure enough, my treats are well known around here. It seems I got a little bit more than just Granny Pie’s condition rebellious spirit; I also got her cooking skills! It took a long time, but I’ve finally managed to throw a party for everypony in Ponyville! I also got this really cool pet; he’s a toothless alligator named Gummy. He’s so cute, and has such a sweet tooth. You should see him dance; he’s the life of the party! Working at a bakery gives me access to all kinds of party food, and I make all the confetti myself. Things couldn’t have worked out better over here.
How was Blinky? How was Mum? I miss them both still, but it’s good to be able to talk to you again. Have you got any plans while you’re in Canterlot? I still have a few friends there from when I lived with Granny Pie. If you need any help don’t hesitate to message me. Better yet, just go and see Quicksilver with the Lunar Guard; he’ll help you out if you drop my name.
Your Big Sis, Pinkie Pie
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Pinkie,
I’m so glad you got my letters! When I wrote that second one, I felt silly because you might have never received either of them. I just needed somepony to share the joy with, somepony who understands; that somepony is you. You’ve always been there to support me, and I thank you for that. You’re still doing it now. I went to see Quicksilver and he told me to tell you he said hi. He told me that if I ever got in trouble, he’ll be there for me.I hope that one day I can pay you back fully, but I can at least make a start now.
I got the part. I’ll be playing in the Canterlot Symphonic Orchestra next week. Prince Blueblood himself will be attending. This is make it or break it time. I’d love for you to be there; I’ve been given a ticket for one of my friends and, well, it wouldn’t be the same without you. I really do hope you can make it. It’s running on the fifteenth Lunar, in four days time on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration. If you come visit me at the clinic beforehoof, then I’ll give you the ticket before I leave to get ready.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Inky
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Inky!
That would be fantastic! I’d love to come! I’ll be on the first train to Canterlot on the fifteenth, as soon as the sun has risen and everypony else has gone to bed. This is great news! I’ve wanted to see you again for so long. I’ll throw us an after party. This is going to be so much fun! Oh, I’ll bring Gummy and I’ll bring my party cannon too. This’ll be the best day ever! Of all time!
I can’t wait,
Pinkie
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Inks
I am so, so, so sorry! I wanted nothing more than to be at your concert, but I couldn’t. I’m sure you’ve heard about what happened in Ponyville: the Nightmare Moon fiasco. We defeated Nightmare Moon, the Mare in the Moon, Queen Meanie! Me and my friends put an end to her evil schemes! I’m the Element of Laughter! I don’t know how it happened, but it did. Some kind of special necklace appeared, and it was so beautiful, but then Celestia nabbed it along with my friends’ ones, and took them all back to Canterlot Castle!
But lots of good stuff happened too! Did I mention my new friends! There’s Twilight Sparkle: she’s Celestia’s most prized student, and a total bookworm but she can be fun. She became the Element of Magic. Then there’s Applejack: she’s a member of the Apple family, and helps run Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville. She’s the Element of Honesty. There’s also Rarity: owner of Carousel Boutique, and very posh and prim, but she’s very nice underneath. She’s the Element of Generosity. And of course there’s Rainbow Dash! She’s this super-cool speedster pegasus who loves to have fun. She’s the Element of Loyalty.
Oh! And I almost forgot Fluttershy: she’s a friendly pegasus that lives on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest, and takes care of animals. She’s the Element of Kindness. I’d call them all my super best most friendliest ponies in the entire world!
I can still come up and party if you want.
Your Sis, Pinks
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Pinkie,
I understand that you had problems. Don’t worry about missing the concert, because most ponies did. Even Blueblood didn’t make an appearance, due to the riots. We still played though, to a mixed audience of connoisseurs and ponies who just didn’t want to stay outside. It wasn’t a total disaster. The Trefoils had to kick me out to house more patients; the riots took their toll on everypony. Canterlot is starting up repair efforts.
Fortunately, I still got paid for my performance, well paid. I made enough to put myself in the Canterlot Musical Academy for a semester, so I’m afraid you can’t visit. The academy has a strict no visitors policy. I’ll keep writing though. It was nice to hear about your adventure; congratulations on being an Element of Harmony. I’ll be in touch again later.
Inky
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Inky,
Thanks for understanding. If you want to hear more about my adventures, well, I’ve got a barrel load for you. The other day my good friend Twilight received two invites to the Grand Galloping Gala. Naturally two tickets between six friends did not work out well. We ended up fighting over who could guilt her into giving them up, because we weren’t being very good friends. But then Celestia sent over seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, and everything sorted itself out, so I’m going to the Grand Galloping Gala! I’m hoping you get invited too.
Then Applejack got really tired, because she couldn’t pick all those apples that she grows. Normally, her brother would help, but he hurt himself so Applejack had to do it all by herself, and they have a lot of apple trees! There's so many that one time I got lost in them, and it took me all day to find my way out! When she was tired she made some baked bads, and they made everypony sick; they were the worst things I ever tasted! I had to wash my mouth out with cranberry juice just to get the taste out; then I had to wash that taste out with sarsaparilla! To top it all off, she went and caused a stampede of … wait for it… bunnies!
Business is booming! Some of the guards from Canterlot loved our pastries, and now they're ordering huge orders of the crumbly stuff! Me and Mr Cake and Mrs Cake are trying our best to meet these colossal orders! But there's just so many of them and they're so delicious! Don't tell the Cakes, but sometimes I can't help but snatch up a few. I sent one with the letter! I made it extra-super-specially! Was it good? Was it? Was it?
Things are crazy here! I hope that you’re enjoying yourself in the academy. I have a friend who went to the Canterlot Academy for Gifted Unicorns on the other side of the castle, and she said that it was a great school. Write me when you can,
Pinkie
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Heya Inks,
You would not believe the week I’m having. I saw a griffon! This big old meaniepants named Gilda tried to split me and Dashie up. I’d just started getting along with Dashie after we pranked the whole town. Then Gilda started picking on me! She broke my flying machine and she scared my friend! Nopony would believe that Gilda was a big ol’ meanie. Twilight thought I was just jealous. So I decided to throw Gilda a party, to improve her attitude. Then Dashie decides to make it a prankfest and Gilda completely blew her lid! She finally showed her true colours in front of Dashie who sent her flying.
Then this showmare named Trixie shows up in town. “The Great and Powerful Trixie” she called herself. Great and Powerful my flank! She started picking on my friends, she turned Rarity’s mane green! But then Twilight showed that upstart who’s boss. Trixie claimed to have banished an Ursa Major and then these two schoolfoals, Snips and Snails, believed her and lured an ursa to town! Trixie tried her best, and did nothing but make things worse. Then Twilight was there and her horn was so purple it hurt to look at. I was all “Twilight!” but she looks more confident than I’ve ever seen her as she casts this awesome spell. The ursa was just an ursa minor! And Twilight rocked it back to sleep and sent it home. Trixie galloped away, not even coming back for her things.
But Trixie's ursa broke the ceiling on Sugar Cube Corner and my room got all flooded! I lost your old letters! I don't suppose you could rewrite them? All of that money we made on those guard orders is being used to fix up this old bakery. We got a letter from somepony named Joe that really scared Mr. Cake. I didn't get to read it but we're not taking orders from Canterlot Guards any more. Mr Cake was all shaky and starey, it was really quite scary, it could have been quite hairy, but we made it through with nary a problem.
So how are things on your end? Hope you’re not burning yourself out. Remember to party hard every once in a while!
Pinks
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Dear Pinkie,
It ends up I had a lot to learn. They said I was musically talented, yet I didn’t carry myself with the grace of a classical musician. I’ve been having etiquette lessons and now I know how to introduce myself to eighteen different types of official, what “fun”. But it’ll all pay off in the end, I hope.
I’ve made some friends here of my own: this blue mare named Beauty Brass who plays the Sousaphone and this brown colt named Frédéric Horseshoepin who is a piano whizz. The three of us have formed an ensemble. However this “wubstep” obsessed pony calling herself DJ Pon3 insists on crashing all of our rehearsals. It’s like she’s on a mission or something.
It sounds like you’re having a lot of fun Pinkie: griffons and ursas? I thought Ponyville was supposed to be safe, but apparently not.
I’m writing you to invite you to the first performance of our ensemble. It’s for an assignment and it would mean a lot to me if you could show up. It’s on the Day of Generosity, 17th Discordant, so in three days. Oh and that pastry was simply divine, if you bring a few with you I wouldn't complain.
Hope to see you here,
Yours sincerely, Isabelle
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Inkie,
I’m really, really sorry I couldn’t make it again! I was all packed and ready to go when Twilight came in and said we’ve got a super special secret mission for from Celestia herself! Because we were the Elements of Harmony, she asked us to send a sleeping dragon packing. You must have seen the thick smoke blanketing Equestria? That was the dragon snoring! We scaled to the top of Brittlepeak Mountain and had to convince it to leave. The brute was afraid of balloons, so insisted on popping all of mine when I tried to give him a surprise party, how rude! He saw through Rarity’s seduction and ignored Twilight’s reasoning. We were in a real pickle when Dashie decided to kick the dragon in the snout. Just when we thought he’d wail on us, Fluttershy came to the rescue. She was all staring and shouting and the dragon flew off with his tail between his legs. Then again, isn’t his tail always between his legs? Where else would he put it?
I really am sorry I couldn’t make it. Please don’t hate me for it. If you get any breaks then feel free to come down to Ponyville to visit me. If you give me a date, then I can come up and visit you,
Pinkie
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Dear Pinkamena Pie,
I know Celestia has put a lot of trust in you as Elements; I suppose so must I. I’m a little annoyed you had to stay in Ponyville again, but you can’t ignore a direct request from Celestia. I understand you had more important things to do. So no, I don’t resent you for it. Unfortunately, you can’t visit me. As I said before, the academy maintains a strict no visitors policy. I’ll see if I can get a day off, but I doubt it.
Our band passed with flying colours in the first examination, and we’ve found ourselves with a fourth band member: a purple earth pony named Harpo Parish Nadermane, but we all just call him Harpo. His harp is the perfect companion for my double bass, because it allows us to hit the high string notes as well as the low. The four of us have to compose and play our own original creation for the next assignment. This is going to be a little difficult, but we should manage, that is if DJ Pon3 stays out of it.
I have a problem. Dad tried to contact me, apparently he heard that Isabelle Pie was performing at the Canterlot Concert Hall. I almost ran out to him I kept my distance. I didn't think he would ever forg I'm not going to forgive him! He can't just come trotting back, and say "come home" and expect to me pack up my new life, and follow him as if nothing happened! I couldn't deal with him. I stayed focused on the performance and left before he could reach me. I can't handle this I can't have this happen again. I need to concentrate on my lessons. I think I'm going to have to change my name. According to my instructor the name is the first thing they’ll hear about us so it has to be as positive as possible, and fit in with the Canterlot upper crust. I’m thinking Octavia, like our great grandmamma; the one who sang. Thoughts?
Yours sincerely, Isabelle Pie
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Inky,
If you want to change your name, go ahead. Just don’t forget who you are; that’s what’s important. I can't believe Clyde Dad went after looking for you. Not once did he come looking for me. If you need someplace to hide, my door is always open. If you see him again, tell Quicksilver and he’ll take care of it. Remember Inky: I'm here for you.
Tell me when your next exam is, and I Pinkie Pie Promise I’ll be there. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Then we can finally party and have the best night ever with streamers and cake!
Ponyville has had an action filled month. A doozy of a downpour kept everypony inside yesterday, so I made a colossal cupcake so big it filled the entire kitchen; then I ate it. It was so delicious; I wish I could make another one. Then we got cursed by an evil enchantress! Although, that just ended up that we got Poison Joke on us. My tongue swelled up like a balloon, and it was so thick I couldn’t talk properly! Me, not talking! It was the worst thing ever!
Remember the time parasprites swarmed the farm? Well they were in Ponyville. I saved everypony with my polka band. I wish you had been here; they would have followed your double bass to the ends of Equestria. Like mum and dad, the other ponies refused to believe me. Granny Pie told us all about them, remember? But nopony would believe her because she had a condition was old. Sometimes I wish that Granny But now they're all gone; we sent them back in the deep, dark, spooky forest.
Then we finished off by wrapping up the winter, on time for once. Twilight was all checklists and orders and everypony tried their hardest. Remember when Granny Pie taught us all to ice skate? She said I was a natural. I was on the ice skating team and I was all vroom across the ice, but Twilight was all smash and crash. It was so funny! We made a mobile snowman; I wish you could have seen it. I got you a present from Rarity's Boutique, so you know it'll please all those fancy ponies. Rarity insisted that you wouldn't like a bow-tie, but it was so cool! I know you'll love it! It's even pink, just like me!
Good luck, Pinkie
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Dear Pinkamena,
I made the change official; I'm now Octavia! If dad ever tries to find Inky again, well, he's going to be barking up a lot of wrong trees! I'm not the only pony with a hidden identity though. I finally had a long chat with DJ Pon3 and her real name's Vinyl Scratch. I may not agree with her, at all, but she's such fun to be around. I wouldn't dare admit it to her face though, she'd rub it in for centuries to come.
Studies are coming along well. I'm putting everything I've got into this. I've heard that the best student ensemble every year gets to play at the Grand Galloping Gala! I'd be able to see you there, and we could have some real fun! I hope we win that competition. The business boost would be a big boon too. A lot of potential clients at the Gala. The perfect place for my big break.
Its all thanks to you Pinkie. If you hadn't convinced me to leave home, then I'd still be stuck in that dingy farm with only rocks for company. I absolutely love that bow-tie! I don't think I'll ever wear anything else. Thank you Pinkie,
Octavia
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Octy,
You should have told me you were coming for a surprise visit! I was spending the day in Cloudsdale. I can't believe I missed you! If I’d just stayed home for ten minutes longer! I am so so so so so so so so soooo sorry! I made you some more pastries to show you how sorry I am! I said I was always available, but I wasn’t. Next time I promise I'll be in. I Pinkie Promise I’ll be in! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!
I’m sorry you missed such a great time. Twilight cast this awesome, new spell that let us all walk on clouds; how nifty is that! I got to taste a rainbow, and it was like every flavour at once; my tongue couldn’t handle it! Rarity got these fancy butterfly wings and entered the Young Flyer’s Competition with Dashie but then Rarity’s wings melted. Dashie had to save her and she was all zoom, swoop and then boom as she let out a sonic rainboom! It was awesome!
I am unbelieveably sorry you missed out! I really am!
Pinkie
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Pinkie!
I've got great news! I managed to wrangle a free day next Saturday and I'm coming up to visit! Maybe we can go on one of your adventures! I could be the Element of Music! I'm so excited! I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like it! I can't wait.
Inky Octy
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Dear Pinkamena,
I wrote you a letter. It must have gotten lost in the post. I was wondering why I didn't hear back from you. I suppose it wasn't a total waste. I met the Cakes, and they're nice ponies. I sampled a few of their pastries too, but they weren’t as good as yours. Ponyville was a nice place, but it's nowhere near as tumultuous as you describe it. I find it hard to believe that peaceful little town is constantly beset by evil.
Remember your Pinkie Promise? It is heartening to know that you’re so committed to seeing me perform. this time I’m currently preparing for my finals, and you’re welcome to sit in on our performance. It will be on the 10th Celestial. This is your last chance. I look forward to hearing from you.
The band and I think we’ve finally established our style. We’ve written up our concerto and are ready to perform. Frédéric is a real maestro with a piano; his hooves dance across the keys like graceful waltzers. Harpo’s really come into his own with that harp of his and Beauty’s sousaphone completes the set. We’re as ready as we’ll ever be.
Vinyl Scratch is trying to go it solo, whereas almost everypony else is a member of a large group, yet she doesn’t feel at any disadvantage. She certainly is an odd character who I think I can now count as a friend. She wants to see if she can combine classical with modern in some ungodly symbiosis; frankly it sounds horrible, but she has a passion about her you don’t see anywhere else.
We’re thinking about keeping together afterwards. I hope you can actually make it.
Yours sincerely, Octavia
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Octy,
I know I Pinkie Pie promised, but something super specially serious came up. Rarity was kidnapped by Diamond Dogs! I’m sorry but we had to save her; I couldn’t leave my friend in their evil clutches! You have to understand right, right? She was kidnapped while out gem hunting. I couldn’t let those beasts enslave her. But, here’s the kicker, Rarity wasn’t actually in trouble. She’d manipulated the Diamond Dogs into working for her, and got loads of gems out of it. If I’d known that, then I wouldn’t have missed the train, again.
We can still meet for the Gala, right? I'll see you there next week. We can finally have that party.
I really am sorry,
Pinkie
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Pinkie,
I saw you at the gala and I know you saw me. I just wanted to inform you that you may have ruined our chances of ever getting another performance! Ever! Thank you for ruining the gala which we tried our best to get to play on. Thank you for driving away all of our potential clients. Thank you for ruining my shot. Don’t reply to this. Don’t ever look for me.
Inky
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Inky,
I am so sorry! I don't know how it happened; I just wanted us to have that party. The party I've been looking forward to all year. It was never about the Gala! I don't care about those stuffy ponies. I care about me and you. It's not too late. I can fix it. I'll make up for this. I swear it. I Pinkie Pie swear it! Just don't leave me out in the cold. I love you Inky. You're my sister and nothing will ever take that away.
Love, Pinkie
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Octy,
Some interesting things happened in Ponyville this week. Twilight didn’t believe in my Pinkie sense, so she followed me all across town. The silly goose thought I was making it all up. Then we got attacked by a Hydra! But we all managed to escape across a flimsy rock bridge that the Hydra couldn’t cross.
We got a strange customer from a faraway land. Something called a hippogriff. Apparently her dad was a griffon whilst her mum was a mare. Mrs Cake told me off for staring, but she was just so odd. I wish I had my camera so I could take a picture. She bought some cakes and then left town.
I sent you another pastry. I really do hope you can forgive me. Please reply, Inky. I’m still so sorry about how it turned out,
Pinkie.
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Octy,
Fluttershy became a fashion model for a few days. Photo Finish thought that she was adorable, and wanted to make her “shine across Equestria”. Rarity was jealous of Fluttershy, while Fluttershy was doing it for Rarity. Another lesson learned in friendship. But Twilight couldn’t keep a secret. I warned her that loose lips sink friendships but she told this potted plant a personal secret about her assistant, Spike.
Then we all went to Appleloosa with Applejack. The ponies there were fighting with a buffalo clan, and I put on a song and dance to try and fix it, but that made them all angrier. Then there was a big pie fight, and apple pies were everywhere. The big buffalo chief got hit with a pie, and then they cut a deal. Now they’re all friends. Friends like we should be.
Please reply Inkie, please,
Pinkie
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To Miss Pie,
Octavia has requested that I message you on her behalf. She is still most displeased with how you abandoned her in her moment of need. She does not want to speak to you again. You abandoned her, just like you did with your dad; there is no point denying it. Please stop sending letters. If you care about her that much, then please just leave her alone.
Yours faithfully, Frédéric Horseshoepin