//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Loneliness Reborn // by Alexander-Crossover //------------------------------// Chapter 4 All the panic and long distance flying from the previous day had worn Rainbow Dash out so much that she slept in much later than she usually did. Normally Pinkie Pie would have stayed in bed with Dash but she had a lot of things to do today, especially after everypony had seen or heard about her breakdown yesterday. Pinkie carefully extricated herself from Rainbow’s embrace, which caused the Pegasus to curl up into a ball under the covers, and headed for her bathroom humming to herself until she shut the bathroom door behind her at which point she began singing. “My name is Pinkie Pie, And I am here to say, I’m gonna make you smile And I will brighten up your day!” Pinkie began to run the shower, normally she preferred baths but the party pony was in a musical mood and the shower was a much better venue for singing than the bath. “It doesn’t matter now, If you are sad or blue, ’Cuz cheering up my friends Is just what Pinkie’s here to do!” The water was finally warm enough and Pinkie stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash over her as she continued to sing while washing herself. Downstairs, Pound Cake listened to the muffled singing coming from upstairs; though he had outgrown the ability to fly on instinct that Pegasus foals possessed he was able to hop up on the counter with some assistance from his buzzing wings and listened intently. “Pound Cake, you shouldn’t stand on the counter!” Mr. Carrot Cake gave his son a stern look. “I know dad but listen,” Pound Cake pointed at the ceiling. Carrot listened for a moment then his looks shifted to one of concern: “Oh dear.” Pound Cake buzzed his wings to slowly dismount the counter and gave his father a puzzled look: “What’s wrong? It sounds like Pinkie’s happy again.” “I know but, it’s hard to explain son,” Carrot Cake answered, “Pinkie might have gone crazy from grief so we’ll have to be careful.” “Pinkie’s not crazy!” Pound Cake argued back. Normally Carrot would have scolded his son for this but this was a delicate situation. Cup Cake entered the kitchen with their daughter Pumpkin in tow; a quick exchange of looks between the husband and wife was all that was needed and they knew that they had just had the same conversation with their child. Cup Cake nervously bit her lip as they waited for Pinkie to come downstairs. Pinkie’s happy walk down the stairs was unsurprisingly accompanied by her singing: “'Cuz I love to see you beam, beam, beam! Yes I do! Tell me what more can I say to make you see That I do! It makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam! Yes, it always makes my day! “Come on everypony, smile, smile smile! Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine! All I really need's a smile, smile, smile! From these happy friends of mine!” Pinkie stopped singing when she reached the bottom of the stairs, but smiled at the Cakes while ignoring the concerned looks on Cup and Carrot’s faces: “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and you two Pumpkin and Pound!” Pinkie’s voice had regained its cheerful bubbliness. “Umm Pinkie, is everything alright?” Carrot Cake’s concern was evident. “Yes indeedee,” Pinkie answered, bouncing past the assembled Cake family. “Are you sure, dearie, you were awfully sad last night,” Cup voiced her concern. “I know I was, but Dashie came back last night and look!” Pinkie wiggled her right ear, showing off the engagement band attached to it: “She accepted my marriage proposal! I’m so happy I could scream AAAAAAAAHHHH!” Pinkie did indeed scream, forcing the Cakes to cover their ears: “But no time for screaming I have to see my friends, seeya!” Pinkie bounced out the door, leaving the stunned Cakes behind her. “Alright you two, off to school now,” Cup Cake carefully edged her children towards the door. “But mom!” they both whined. “No buts young foals, just go off to school and you can see Pinkie later,” Carrot added, helping his wife push them out the door just as the convoy of classmates led by Cheerilee passed by, a service the teacher offered to young school foals with busy parents who couldn’t always be available to walk their foals to school. Once the twins were out the door, Mr. and Mrs. Cake shared worried looks: “I hate to say it, dear, but Pinkie might have lost it,” Carrot Cake said. “I hate to think about that poor girl, dreaming that Dash came back and pretending that they’re engaged now,” Cup Cake sighed, “I just hope she doesn’t cause any trouble in town today.” “Well, we might as well go and make sure her room is clean, just in case,” Carrot said, moving to head up the stairs. Cup nodded and followed her husband. Pinkie’s room was reassuringly clean, except for her bed which was bundled up around a large lump in the middle. Cup Cake ticked a bit disapprovingly as she moved make the bed, but as she pulled the covers back she gasped: “Carrot, come here,” she called in a loud whisper, eschewing one of her husband’s pet named. Curious, Carrot approached the bed then just stared, mouth open: “Well would you look at that.” Rainbow Dash was still snoozing away and unconsciously pulled the covers that Cup Cake had removed back over her head, but not before the Cakes caught a glimpse of the silver engagement band around the Pegasus’ right ear. “Looks like Pinkie’s just fine then,” Cup Cake sighed in relief as she and her husband carefully backed out of the room. “That’s good, I wasn’t looking forwards to telling the twins that their best friend might be going to a ‘special home’ for a while,” Carrot agreed, “Now that that crisis is over, let’s get the bakery open sugar plum,” Carrot gave his wife a quick kiss before moving to the kitchen. Cup Cake just giggled before moving to join her husband. ----------------------------------------------------------------- “And Perpexpling Pony Plagues goes in the illnesses and cures section,” Twilight carefully used her magic to replace the last book: “And re-shelving is done! A lot sooner than normal.” “That happens when you stay up all night to get it done,” Spike stretched and yawned from his place on the stairs: “I couldn’t sleep with all the noise down here. Why were you up all night Twilight?” “I’ll tell you, just let me get some coffee,” Twilight replied as she headed for the kitchen, “You know how Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash have been together for the last five years.” “How could I forget?” Spike asked sarcastically. “Well Pinkie somehow got Rainbow Dash pregnant and when Rainbow found out she panicked and ran away,” Twilight opted for a condensed version of the story as she grabbed a mug of coffee with her magic and took a deep drink to hopefully get the caffeine flowing faster through her system. “Wait, how did Pinkie get Rainbow Dash pregnant?” Spike was understandably confused. Twilight slowed her drinking, hoping she could delay this long enough for a distraction. Thankfully a knock at the door provided a convenient way for her to get out of this: “I’ll get it!” she shouted a bit loudly, teleporting past Spike who had taken up position in the kitchen doorway. Twilight was shocked to find a happy and smiling Pinkie Pie humming a song until she saw Twilight: “Hi Twilight, wow you look tired.” “That’s because I couldn’t sleep at all last night,” Twilight said rather deadpan. “Oh why not? I love to sleep especially when Dashie’s in bed with me.” “Well I was worried about you because Rainbow Dash ran away and… wait pardon?” Pinkie’s statement had taken Twilight completely off guard. Before Twilight could ask anything Pinkie sniffed her and recoiled slightly: “Umm Twilight, I think you should get washed up and meet me at Sugarcube Corner, I have some really exciting news for everypony! Oh and could you pick up Fluttershy for me too, I gotta go now see ya!” Before Twilight could comment or retort Pinkie had taken off, bouncing along merrily and leaving Twilight to just sigh and head up to her bathroom to take care of the morning routine she’d skipped because she hadn’t slept. Spike, on the other hand, just trudged back up to bed; if Twilight was going to be busy then he was going to catch up on the sleep he’d missed. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The knock at the door of Carousel Boutique jolted Rarity out of the “zone” she was in while working at her design table. The white unicorn didn’t even bother to remove her work glasses as she headed for the door and pulled it open with her magic while reciting her standard greeting: “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is: chique, unique and Pinkie Pie!” “Why is my name in your greeting, it sounds kinda funny I mean what does something being Pinkie Pie even mean? Are you making a lot of pink dresses?” Pinkie seemed oblivious to the surprise in Rarity’s voice as she stepped into the dress shop. “Pinkie Pie, you seem happy today,” Rarity commented, looking at the party pony a bit apprehensively. “Oh I really am!” Pinkie replied, bouncing in place a bit, “Is Applejack here? I want everypony to come to Sugarcube Corner, I have some really really big news to share.” “Yes, Applejack is here,” Rarity nodded, “I’ll go rouse her.” Rarity turned and headed upstairs as Pinkie left. “I don’t want to close the shop today but if Pinkie needs us then we should be there for her,” Rarity mused as she opened the door to her room so she could rouse Applejack. ----------------------------------------------------------------- While all of this had transpired, Rainbow Dash had finally woken up and somehow managed to extricate herself from the cocoon of sheets she had formed around herself in her sleep. Rainbow Dash yawned and flicked her ear in an attempt to dislodge the excess weight that had somehow attached to her ear the previous night. Normally Dash would have just flown outside and through a cloud to clean off in the morning but she felt like being lazy so instead she filled the bathroom sink and dunked her head under the water. Rainbow pulled her head out after about half a minute and shook it to get rid of the excess water before opening her eyes. Once the Pegasus’ vision cleared she was able to identify the engagement band attached to her ear and just like that all the memories of the previous day came rushing back to her. Rainbow Dash placed her forelegs on the sides of the sink: “No regrets Dash,” she spoke aloud to herself, “the Wonderbolts can wait a few years for me and my kid.” Rainbow sighed and decided that she’d rather take a shower than try to fly through a cloud, especially after all the high-speed long-distance flying she’d done yesterday. Rainbow wasn’t used to showering with this method, baths were fun especially when Pinkie was around and flying through a thick cloud was fast and relaxing. Stepping into the warmed up shower felt like walking out into an unusually warm rainstorm. It was hardly a problem, after all Dash was still a weather Pegasus and she was used to weather that was much harsher than the warm shower water currently cascading over her body but it was the warmth that felt just a little weird when rain was usually cold. These thoughts eventually ceased as Rainbow Dash exited the shower and dried herself off. Once she was relatively dry Rainbow Dash took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. The gold engagement band on her ear was a nice addition and Rainbow normally avoided jewelry like the plague, except on special occasions. Rainbow managed to lift herself up onto her hind legs, using the sink for support, and for the first time got a good look at her baby bump. She ran a hoof over her slightly swollen middle: “Eight more months,” she spoke quietly, “just how big am I gonna get?” Rainbow Dash dropped back to the floor of the bathroom and turned to leave, it was time to face the Cakes and hope they wouldn’t be mad at her, they loved Pinkie as though she was their eldest daughter. Once they knew that Pinkie was alright Cup Cake and Carrot Cake had gone back to their usual routine in the bakery. Hoofsteps on the stairs caught their attention and they both turned to see Rainbow Dash trotting down the stairs; neither of them missed the somewhat guilty look on the Pegasus’ face and with a quick glance at each other they silently agreed that there was no need to admonish Dash for her less than admirable actions the previous day. “Well good morning Rainbow Dash, did you get enough sleep last night dearie?” Cup Cake asked, her cheerful voice eliminating any worries that Rainbow Dash had about the couple’s reaction. “Better than I expected, I guess flying to Cloudsdale and back at high speed will do that,” Rainbow answered, “is Pinkie Pie back yet?” “Not quite yet,” Carrot Cake answered. The earth pony placed a tray of pastry in the oven before turning to join his wife. “Rainbow Dash, thanks for coming back.” “Well yeah it was-“ “Don’t say it was nothing, dearie,” Cup Cake gave Rainbow and soft nuzzle, “I can’t say I’ve ever been in your situation but it must have taken a lot of courage not to take the easy way out.” Rainbow Dash sighed and decided that putting up a tough front would serve no purpose for the moment: “I almost did it,” she admitted, “When the nurse called for the procedure I almost went but instead I decided to just leave instead of going through with it. I couldn’t do that to Pinkie, not after everything she’s done for me.” “Well you did do the right thing,” Carrot Cake reassured Rainbow Dash, “Now if you’ll excuse us, Mrs. Cake and I have to go back to baking.” Cup Cake nodded in response as they turned back to their bakery’s kitchen. Rainbow Dash smiled as she sat back on her haunches, the Cakes were supportive so that was one hurtle out of the way. “Of course I still have to deal with our friends,” Rainbow Dash sighed, “I should wait until Pinkie Pie gets back. For now I’m hungry,” Rainbow trotted into the kitchen, hoping that there would be something to eat. ----------------------------------------------------------------- “Now girls please please PLEASE don’t get mad at Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie had her friends outside the door t Sugarcube Corner, “It was very hard for her to come back after last night and I don’t want her being scared off.” Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle all exchanged concerned looks and nods before Twilight answered for the group: “Alright Pinkie, we promise not to get mad at Rainbow Dash and scare her off.” Pinkie missed the tone of concern in Twilights voice, not to mention the way her friends had been looking at her nervously since they gathered. Undeterred, Pinkie opened the door to the bakery and trotted inside followed by her friends. Inside they found Rainbow Dash seated at a table with a few empty plates, which had probably been covered in muffins judging by the blueberry muffin that was disappearing into the Pegasus’ mouth. “I’m home Dashie!” Pinkie pounced on Rainbow Dash knocking her and the chair she was seated on to the ground as Pinkie assaulted Dash’s face with affection. “Well Ah’ll be,” Applejack whistled, “Rainbow Dash really did come back!” Rainbow Dash managed to push Pinkie’s face away from her own in order to get a word in edgeways: “Whoa, what do you mean AJ?” “Oh everyone thought I’ve gone insane and imagined you coming back Dashie,” Pinkie’s rather nonplussed reaction took the other four mares by surprise. “You knew, I mean did someone tell you?” Fluttershy asked, shrinking back lest Pinkie’s reaction be one of anger. “Oh no Fluttershy,” Pinkie turned to her friends, her smile not dissipating, “I’m just good at reading ponies. I mean duh, how do you think I know how and where to plan surprise parties all the time?” “I guess that makes sense,” Twilight nodded while Rainbow Dash took the moment to stand up now that Pinkie wasn’t pinning her to the ground. Rarity had remained silent all the while, seemingly the only one who had noticed the silver and gold ear bands attached respectively to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash’s ears. “Rainbow Dash have you accepted Pinkie’s marriage proposal?” Rarity asked hopefully. “Yes indeedee,” Pinkie nodded vigorously. “I accepted her proposal when I got back last night,” Rainbow sighed her expression taking a downturn as she continued in a quieter voice, “I should have accepted right when she asked me, instead I ran away.” “Oh don’t feel sad,” Fluttershy walked over to Rainbow and nuzzled her comfortingly, “What’s important is that you came back.” “Fluttershy is right darling,” Rarity nodded, “Ooh you simply must let us help you plan your wedding!” “That’s why I invited you over!” Pinkie interjected, “I want my best friends to help Dashie and me with our wedding.” “We’d be mighty happy ta help ya sugarcube,” Applejack smiled and gave a tip of her Stetson hat. “Perfect, Applejack maybe you can work with Mr. and Mrs. Cake to make all the food,” Pinkie suggested. “Can do!” Applejack trotted off to the kitchen, not being one to delay any preperations. “Girls you simply must let me create your wedding attire!” Rarity’s enthusiasm was palpable, her eyes wide and shining as she practically pleaded for the priviledge. “Of course Rarity, there’s no pony else we’d accept for that,” Pinkie reassured her. “Oh I must get started right away then,” Rarity turned and cantered towards the door, “Rainbow Dash I can guarantee that you’re absolutely going to love your wedding gown!” “Yeah, wait what?” Rainbow Dash started as the word “gown” sunk in, “Rarity-“ but the fashionista was already out the door and speeding towards her boutique to start her latest project. “Umm, what can I do?” Fluttershy asked meekly. Rainbow Dash was still stunned by Rarity’s declaration so Pinkie answered Fluttershy’s inquiry: “You can get your animal friends to perform the music, oh and you can help me decorate too.” “Oh I can definitely do that,” Fluttershy nodded and smiled sweetly, “I’ll put together the sweetest animal chorus for you.” “What can I do, Pinkie? It sounds like everything’s been taken care of already,” Twilight Sparkle sounded disappointed but Pinkie moved to quickly quash her concerns. “I want you to be my wedding planner Twilight.” “What? But I thought you were going to be planning your wedding, I mean you plan parties all the time and I thought-“ “Oh Twilight birthday and surprise parties are easy to plan but a wedding party no,” Pinkie shook her head rapidly, “I mean duh, a wedding takes forever to plan and even I can’t do all of that that alone so I need your super-duper planning skills to put everything together.” “Now that I can help with,” Twilight was certainly happy with this offer, “I just need to go brush up on wedding procedures, excuse me,” and with a flash of purple light Twilight had teleported away, presumably back home. Rainbow Dash was still stunned by Rarity’s proclamation when Applejack and the Cakes exited the kitchen into the foyer. “Pinkie Pie is it true, are you and Rainbow Dash getting married?” Carrot Cake asked hopefully. “Oh yes siree!” Pinkie hugged Rainbow Dash close to her, “Dashie and I are getting married right?” Pinkie directed her question at the Pegasus in her arms. Rainbow Dash shook her head to finally break out of the stupor that Rarity’s parting statement had left her in before answering: “That’s right, we’re getting’ hitched!” “Well that’s just great dearies, I’m so happy for you,” Cup Cake stepped forwards and gave both Pinkie and Rainbow a huge hug. Pinkie smiled and sighed contentedly when an idea hit her: “Ooh ooh ooh! Can we get Pumpkin and Pound to be the flower girl and ring bearer?” she asked the Cakes hopefully. “I don’t see why not Pinkie,” Carrot answered, “I’ll give them the good news when they get home from school.” “Okie dokie lokie! Com’on Dashie we need to start planning with Twilight,” Before anypony could protest Pinkie had swept up her fiancé and Twilight and dragged them out the door. “Well now it’s good she’s so excited, if ya’ll will excuse me Ah need ta get back home,” Applejack gave a tip of her hat and headed out the door. “I should get home too, excuse me,” Fluttershy quietly slipped out the door, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Cake to get back to their day job.